Dakota took a major leap forward this afternoon. She tried to chase a cat. While I don’t condone that behavior, and have consistently tried to break her of that habit, it is the first time in weeks, where she cared enough to even attempt it. Tomorrow, the vet.
Category: Hope
Dakota Update
4/26/09 – The vet never called yesterday. I’ll be going down tomorrow.
4/24/09 – Spoke with the vet this morning. There are some problems, and she may have to have a second surgery to remove the “dead” skin on Monday. She pulled out the drain on her back that they were using to flush the wound. They tried the collar, but it stressed her too much. Her red blood count is not recovering as it should, so they will be doing some tests to find out what that is. She is eating very well, walking better, and feeling better, over all, and everyone loves her, she is a sweet dog, they say. I just want her home!
4/23/09 – The vet just called, and Dakota continues to improve greatly. She is “brighter” today than yesterday, is wagging her tail more, and has a great appetite this morning, and is walking better. There is a “slight” chance she could come home for the weekend, but I called and said given the 3 other dogs, the rural, dirty, dusty nature of my place, Monday would be better for her. I would really like the tubes out before I bring her home, as much as I miss her. I don’t want an infection or relapse! I really want her home, and miss her terribly, but reality is Monday, I am hoping.
I went and saw my dog, Dakota, today. That was so very difficult. I did take my winter sweater, full of my smells. I am so grateful for the suggestion. I am sure it will help her. Hasn’t been washed in quite a while.
I expected her to be happier to see me, but she was so hurt and in so much pain, it pained me. She did wag her tail, some, and did give me kisses when I asked.
I got down on the floor with her (my ex said, “don’t do that, you are going to get blood all over you!” I said, “I don’t care.” But I was grateful he offered to go with me. It was so emotional.) She has a tube going in the top through which they put sterilized water to cleanse the inside of the wound, and, of course, a drain out of which is coming lots of blood, pus, and the water. She has an IV catheter on her leg, as she gets several IVs a day. Her belly looks like she is feeding a dozen puppies, her teats are so full and swollen. She has about 40 stitches, maybe more. She may need a second surgery to remove the dead and dying tissue. She won’t be coming home before Monday.
The good news is, no broken bones, no internal injuries, no gangrene, and no amputations. It will just take some time for her to heal. She is eating, goes out to pea, and walks around, albeit with quite a limp.
I will upload a couple of photos of my baby as soon as the internet allows. They don’t really show the injuries, as that is in the groin area, but they show the top, flushing tube, the shaving, and my sweetie. Thanks, to the ex for thinking to take these for me!!
What she went through to get home to me is beyond remarkable. We are so connected, and the psychic communication was incredibly strong.
*Poppies, field
*Poppies, field, originally uploaded by wind_dancer.
Chalk Fire burn area, taken on Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd.
Good news for the Big Sur State Park?
This press release issued this afternoon by the State Controller’s Office certainly makes it look like the money to finish the bridges in the State Park has been freed up.
SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang today announced new cash figures show the State is currently positioned to finish out the fiscal year without having to borrow an additional $1.5 billion from Wall Street.
In a letter to State Treasurer Bill Lockyer, Chiang noted that Lockyer’s ability to secure a $500 million note from Golden 1 Credit Union, the Legislature’s passage of a bill last week providing $1.57 billion in federal stimulus funds in April, and higher-than-projected funds available for internal borrowing will allow the State to meet all of its payment obligations through June 30, 2009.
“Averting the need for additional borrowing in a still-tight market is great news and will save Californians about $15.4 million in high interest rates,” Chiang said. “With sufficient cash on hand, we will be able to meet all of our obligations in full and on time, including tax refunds to California taxpayers and payments to private businesses and local programs that provide needed services to our most vulnerable residents.”
After enactment of the latest budget bill in late February, the Controller had projected the State would dip to a low of -$636 million in April. However, because of additional revenue erosion and increased expenditures in March, the low point in April fell to -$1.9 billion. But three factors changed those cash flow projections, which now show a low point on April 1, when the State will have $1.1 billion in the Treasury:
• A bill signed Friday to change Medi-Cal reporting requirements will provide about $1.57 billion in federal stimulus funds in April;
• Special funds used for internal borrowing grew by $1.35 billion, largely because they were not tapped when the State stopped funding infrastructure projects during the cash crisis, and;
• The Treasurer was able to secure a $500 million short-term loan from Golden 1.
*Indian Warrior
*Indian Warrior, originally uploaded by wind_dancer. (Pedicularis densiflorus)
A legend I heard years ago about these unusual flowers, was that whenever an Indian Warrior was killed in battle, his blood soaked the soil, and these flowers bloomed.
I don’t like the way the color turned out on these. The flowers are actually between red and maroon. I played with the white balance on my camera, and still couldn’t get them quite right. Notice the fern-like leaves on these flowers.
I found these in the burn area of the Chalk Fire today.
Chalk Fire Burn Area & Wildflowers
This afternoon, I took a trip through the Chalk Fire Burn Area, looking for wildflowers, and found many. I’ll be posting a few examples here, over the next few days. Parts of the forest are still incredibly devastated, and others are recovering nicely. One thing that was just astounding was the vibrant green of the hills where the fire-retardant was dropped. I had been told years ago that it was a fertilizer, but boy, I’ve never seen the effect as clearly as I did today. I have shots of some of these places, or I watched, as the planes dropped the retardant. The affect is not to be believed.
This is straight out of the camera, but it looks surreal! Wherever the retardant was dropped, is now an emerald field!
South Coast Ridge Rd., and the forest it traverses, is still closed to the public from Nacimiento Rd. to Willow Creek Rd. However, many wildflowers are viewable from Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd. I’d advise caution, however, as there are LOTS of tourists on that road, at least today, and most of them were apparently afraid of the edge, and preferred the wrong side of the road!
Watch for photos throughout the week. I will try to post one tonight as a teaser. 😉
And finally, a note about our rather “overzealous” new USFS “cop” — please send or call with any serious stories, if you are willing to back them up, but also remember, we may be VERY glad to have him here this fire season. Note this morning:
“03/29/09 09:14 Big Sur, Mile Marker 14 Plasket Ridge Rd. Report of illegal campfire, USFS responded with Law Enforcement, no fire.”
I have an orphan
Four or five days ago, my feral cat had kittens in my old, non-running Rover. I thought it was a good, safe place, but for whatever reason, Mama did not, and moved the kittens. All but one. When it had been alone for six hours, with no sign of mama, I rescued it. Mocha is living in a box with me, being bottle-fed. The one and only time I tried this before, I wasn’t successful, but I did not have the special milk nor bottles then. I do now. Maybe I will succeed this time. Maybe not. maintaining the 90 degree temperature required is impossible. All I can do is keep her covered up, and hope.
The Green of Spring
The Green of Spring, originally uploaded by wind_dancer.
These historic water tanks are owned by the State Park. They sit on the El Sur Ranch, the oldest continuously operating ranch on the coast. They are across from the Coast Guard Station and the Lighthouse.
Slight chance of rain Sunday. 20%. Will keep an eye on it.
Healing Hills
The BSMAAC agenda is out. Not much on it but two new items: 1. the NOAA weather station; 2. Grants re fire planning and fuel reduction. However, given the concerns about the opening of the State Park, I would venture a bet that this will be the major topic for discussion under “non-agenda” items. The meeting will take place next Friday, the 20th at the Conference Center at the Lodge at 10:00 am.
Wednesday, I took a trip to town and Big Sur Valley to meet with friends. On the way, I marveled at the healing that was taking place — the green, the hills turned golden with a sea of poppies. While there are invasive species taking hold, I did spot this in the burn area just south of Coast Gallery. (The invasive species is the one that looks like wild cucumber.)
Playing for change
This music video will make you cry with happiness. I wish I could figure out how to embed it, but the best I can do is provide a link. Playing for change seeks world peace through music. It is a new movement, with only a couple of songs, but start with this one, Obama’s inauguration theme song — or should be — you can find the others. Blessed be.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-TVg40ExM&eurl
If you wish to join the movement, go to: http://www.playingforchange.com
I urge you to check this out, if you like music … if you like peace … if you like feeling hopeful about the future of this planet.