First Winter Storm of 2008

"Bunny Ears"


Well the first winter storm of 2008 has arrived and just shy of Cooper being 8 months old. Needless to say he was a little leery. He woke up this morning to go outside and as soon as hit the carport he was made aware of the "disaster" that had struck his home place and his normal morning marking spot. After showing some signs of cowering and defeat he ventured off into the winter wonderland to make his morning donation and after a little investigating, he uncovered the earth that he is all to familiar with and realized that the "disaster area" was only a few inches deep and proceeded with his normal routine.

Later in the day, he ventured out yet again to determine the extent of the disaster and to determine how widespread the effects would be felt. It appeared that his second inspection revealed an unknown side effect from his first encounter, cold. He was so overwhelmed earlier with the sight of the catastrophe that had occurred while he was sleeping, he neglected to notice the effects of prolonged snow exposure, bunny ears! So in order to prepare for future disasters, his mother consulted with his aunt Jenny. Her response was immediate: " LL Bean him up." So for future explorations, Cooper will be prepared and equipped with the required protection to further avoid "bunny ears".

From Lisa: This gave me the first opportunity to try out my 300MM telephoto lens. These photos are from well over 50ft away at 3/4 zoom.

To Jeff: Its a Canon XTi 8MP Rebel Digital SLR with an additional Canon 300MM ISO Image Stabilization lens.....in case you are in the market for a birthday present for my sister.

January 17, 2008

Today is January 17, 2008, which will mark 1 year since Koda lost his battle with epilepsy. NC State University's Hospital is an amazing place and is ranked as one of the best in the country. Since the days we spent there, they have launched a study on Canine Epilepsy to possibly find a cure and better treatment than what was available to us. Every one there was extremely helpful, caring and in the following weeks we received phone calls, cards and letters from the various doctors and counselors. If ever there was a cause to donate to, this would be it. The following was sent to us a few weeks later along with a casting of Koda's footprint.

I've you don't want to cry don't read any further.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...

Oh Dear! And He's Still Growing.

To answer any questions: Yes, he is only 7 months and old and will continue to grow until he's about 2 years and yes he is bigger than his mom in height and weight.

Here is one of my favorite dog poems, author unknown.

When GOD made the earth and sky,the flowers and the trees,
He then made all the animals and the birds and bees.
And when His work was finished and not one was quite the same,
He said "I'll walk this earth of mine and give each one a name."

And so He traveled land and sea and everywhere he went,
A little creature followed Him until it's strength was spent.
When all were named upon the earth, sky and sea, the little creature said:
"Dear Lord, there's no name left for me!".
The Father smiled and softly said, "I've left you to the end,
I've turned my own name back to front and called you "DOG",
MY FRIEND.

Cooper's New Trick

In some homes, teaching a Great Dane to shake can be somewhat dangerous especially to his male owner and male visitors when you take into consideration how tall a great dane is and and how high the paw comes up when he tries to show you affection. Take this as an advanced warning when visiting our home, we cannot be held responsible for our dog's chosen greeting whether it be to shake your hand or continuing to greet his friends by taking them for a short ride around the house. When you compare the two, one is just as dangerous as the other!

My Number One Goal For 2008

By the end of 2008 I want to own (1) One Share of Berkshire Hathaway B Stock, just one share. The B Stock is much cheaper (about $4,000) right now. The Berkshire Hathaway A Stock is currently trading at $133,000 per share, it lost $1,800 today, which is why I am electing the B Stock......which only lost $112 today.

So at $400 per month for 12 months, by December I would own (1) Share of Berkshire Hathaway Corp Stock B.

There are many reasons for wanting this particular stock, mainly because Warren Buffet is one of my heroes, but mainly because Warren Buffet and Berkshire Hathaway will be around a long time and more than likely will eventually pay dividends on their stock, probably after WB passes away. So at 26 years old, by the time I'm 30, my (1) share of Stock B should be would about $7,000 or more according to a 5 year statement I found on MSN.

Why am I posting this rather than my normal Cooper Photos, I thought maybe some of my "Family" would find this interesting enough to want to kick in together and help me buy a share of Stock A currently trading at $133,000.......any takers.

Stocks & Mutual Funds are more of a set it and forget it, you know like the Showtime Rotisserie. Could you handle losing $100 a day for 7 straight days or better yet, losing $1,800 a day for 7 days......or more.....I know two people who will read this will probably say NO, but I lack faith in those two people's investment advice anyway, considering these two people told me I was nuts for wanting to buy Google at the IPO price of just over $100......which I was stupid enough to listen to them, that's another long story, but lets just say it cost me a fortune the day it hit $400 per share. And you know who you are!!!!!!!!!!!! And no I don't forget anything.

So, my first official GOAL for 2008 is to acquire my first of many shares of Berkshire Hathaway Stock B.

Its not your typical goals or resolutions people would list but currently I don't need to lose weight, I'm not ready to quit smoking, and I have a job I like. So the traditional goals/resolutions that people come up with do not apply to me, so I had to create my own.