My Random Flashes

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

2008-04-12T00:00:00.004-04:00

So the first one is an easy one: The Good. For two years now, each summer, we are frequented by some puppies. Last year it was little sisters who would run and play in our yard. Now its brothers or father/son. Today was a muddy day as you will see below. They are not strays, you can tell by the yellow one's belly he eats really well and a few days ago they came bearing collars. So I can't keep them.....but I do encourage often visits. And no, Cooper is not so accepting to them. They look at him like he's a some sort of weird creature....not a puppy. Here they are!

Now on to the bad! I absolutely hate goats. The look stupid, have no purpose other than to distroy stuff and the one encounter I had was not a pleasant one. My sister once housed a possessed goat that thought the racing stripes on my car was an invitation and was prepared to conquer the car, which thankfully he never did which involved my physical blocking of the hood, I really don't know what I would have done if he would have successfully charged me, probably grabbed it by the horns and rode it....although my sisters car was not so lucky. This thing was truly the spawn of Satan. This was taken last weekend on the trip to the greenhouse in Axton. These goats, not so threatening because they were fenced. I prefer them mounted on a wall, but as long as they aren't loose, I'm ok with it.
The Bad!

Now, onto the Ugly! Its a damn good picture, but cows are ugly no matter how small or large they are. They are fascinating creatures mainly because they are so ignorant but yet we humans rely on them for our livelyhood, but they scare the shit out of my sister. So Jenny, this photo is for you. The Ugly!

Misguided Anger

2008-03-10T23:29:00.003-04:00

Cooper Here: Again! Here's what new! So I did something, something bad and in return I got to take a ride to the VET! Boy, was that exciting. I used to be scared of that place but since I'm a big boy now (NOT!.....I'm only 9 months old) I was all mouth and of course tail! With my feet on the floor and my butt in the air I, Cooper, announced myself to everyone upon entering the office, whether they wanted to hear me or not. What led up to this? Well you know mom taught me how to shake right? She thought I was just being overbearing and needy when I sat down so majestic like and slowly raised one of my paws for the past week, boy was she wrong. I pulled something in my front leg. I limped for a few days and finally they figured out that I wasn't just being cute, imagine that, but I was actually injured. Doc said I pulled some tissue or muscle or something, nothings broke. And I was told to "take it easy" and "no jumping, pulling, or running wild".....can you believe that! So I get to take a "Treat" every day until I'm better. Apparently, those special "treats" are actually helping me and they ain't cheap either. Which brings me to this photo! I felt like a cat....mom & dad wouldn't let me jump around, throw my toys or nothing. They kept telling me "Be still" "Lay Down" and of course "No,No". Once I was feeling better, I hunted and hunted for something to tear up.....guess what I found. My rubber ducks! Mom bought these for my and my cousin, Libby, for Christmas. I got 10 and she got 10 baby ducks, cause well she's little. Here's the thing, I got so caught up in actually being allowed to play, I threw my ducks around and when that got old.....I ate them! Yep, ate my duck! I guess it was all of the built up frustration with the "sheltered life" I've had to endure during my recovery that I took it out on my ducks. Now..wonder if I'll have to go back to the VET because I ingested a rubber duck? GULP! Stay tuned for the pooper scooper report!

Update from Cooper

2008-02-26T19:59:00.008-05:00

Cooper Here: I thought I would take the time to update my blog since its been several days since my mom last posted. I stole her computer for a few minutes to surf for a while and give shout out to my aunt Jenny who has not updated her blog in well over a month. Hey Jenny! You know what I would really like, if my Aunt Jenny would post a video kind of like what I did below, but the video should be of Libby. That way my mom does not have to call and let me talk to my little cousin over the telephone. That way, anytime I wanted to hear Lib, all I would have to do is log on while no one is looking, kinda like now......ok, off topic, now for my update. Well in case you didn't notice, I'm still growing. I'm officially 9 months old right now. I'm over 100 lbs but nobody can pick me up to weigh me so I would say I already know that I am taller than my mom, seen here, and I would say I weigh more that she does too. I'm a "hugger", I really like to hug people! I've learned "easy up" so basically I start out really slow and try to stand up really slow and easy so I don't hurt anybody.

Here is me and my dad! Normally I try and steal his seat but here lately, so such luck. Its like they have eyes in the back of there head, they can hear me when I jump on the bed in the back room, when I counter surf and when I try ever so quietly to sneak in to dad's chair. When I hear "COOPER" I know I'm busted.

Ok, here is me and mom again.....this time in deep conversation! This is when she was talking at me, to me, whatever she was doing.....basically telling me that I was too big to try and sit in her lap. I just don't get it, I mean, they let me do it several months ago and kept telling how I was a good baby boy, last I checked, I was still a good baby boy, just a tiny bit bigger. I just don't understand what's changed or what I need to do.

Uh Oh! Gotta go for now, someone is coming! Later!

Cooper's First Video

2008-02-17T23:09:00.004-05:00

Here is my very first attempt at recording a video on my "little" digitial camera. I don't think the big one does it. ~LK~

Just a Big Ole Baby!

2008-02-02T21:50:00.001-05:00

The Million Dollar Question....Answered

2008-02-02T00:17:00.000-05:00

Its worth the whole 3 minutes to watch, I'm assuming this is why the number one comment that people say when the see Cooper is, "Have you got a saddle for that thing?" By the way, this is not Cooper but this video is featured on Lucy's Doghouse, you can reach her blog on the links to the right.

What do bad boys get?

2008-02-01T23:40:00.000-05:00

Cooper Here: You may be wondering what I'm wearing....well, let me tell ya! This is my crate cover, which was a king size sheet....notice I said was. Its suppose to be on my crate to create the "cave-like" feel.....but I was bored today to I pulled it inside my crate and tore it to shreds while everyone was gone. After a lengthly discussion between my mom and dad about punishment options, you guessed it, I must wear it. It seems that my mom thought that since I tore a big hole in it, the most suitable use would be to put it over my head and dress me up like a race horse, I even heard mention of putting a number on the side. She is taking those comments "Where's his saddle" a little too seriously. For future reference, brown is really not my color!

First Winter Storm of 2008

2008-01-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

"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

2008-01-17T12:09:00.001-05:00

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.

2008-01-13T01:46:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-13T01:34:00.000-05:00

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

2008-01-07T22:30:00.001-05:00

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.

Its tough to be me!

2007-12-30T15:20:00.001-05:00

Copper taking a nap after a mid-afternoon snack.

The Christmas Celebration

2007-12-26T00:22:00.000-05:00

And so it begins, the waterworks that is. The hormone replacement therapy does not seem to be doing its job, she still cries at the drop of a hat.

I am not an alcoholic, I am not an alcoholic, I am not an alcoholic!
Also in the background is the super, duper, Jimmy Buffet Margarittaville Frozen Concoction Maker. That would be why my sisters eyes look the way they do, despite what she may say.

Who gets this happy over winning one hand.....well look at his chips, its a damn shame it wasn't real money.

And then there were three.....awful serious looking aren't they.

Meet Jeff Cassell, my brother in law. Tournament Champion for 2007. If you want to know why he is so happy, he was last man, well sitting not standing, check out the last photo for the chips he won. The last hand was "All in, Best Hand Wins"

THE JACKPOT: Who would have thought he didn't really know how to play Texas Hold'em.

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-24T23:47:00.000-05:00

I'm Just too Damn Cute for my own good!
Have you ever heard Scooby Doo say "Roo Roo", this is what it looks like
Yes, He is sticking his tounge out at his mom!
Coopers christmas present!
Sending the walrus "Evil Thoughts". And just think, he doesn't even realize it "squeaks" yet.

I'm so ashamed

2007-12-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

" No I'm not sleep walking! My mom taped christmas bows to my collar and thought it would be cute to pose for a photo. Let me know when its over!"

Midnight Snack.

2007-12-17T00:18:00.000-05:00

So, most any mountaintop frequenter is familiar with the place near the Blue Ridge Parkway called The Poor Farmers Market. In a recent email, I received a photo of the famous sandwich, called the Hungry Hillbilly, which I had eaten many times over the years. The email was a link to a Blog that a blogger posted a photo of the sandwich and gave a little history. You can see the photo by checking out this link to the blog.

So, on Saturday, after days of anticipation and a little procrastination about visiting the grocery store, I was off to collect the famous sandwich ingredients. Over the past few days, myself, my husband and of course Cooper the Great Dane have all enjoyed the famous Hungry Hillbilly Sandwiches. Below is a photo of Cooper enjoying his.....and yes I did make the dog a sandwich complete with extra cheese just for him.

A very good friend of mine, ironically nicknamed "Hillbilly", introduced me to this sandwich many, many years ago. I'm not real clear on the relation but I thought I would include that tidbit of information in case anyone could shed some light on the subject. Now, every time I make my way on to the mountain, I stop in for a Hungry Hillbilly Sandwich, a piece of Sour Cream Pound Cake, a few Baked Apple Pies for the road and an ice cold Dr. Pepper. Here is a link to the Poor Farmers Market website. The are conveniently located in Meadows of Dan VA and its definitely worth a stop to browse the store which stocks some of the most unique items made by local craftsmen and some of the best food in VA.

Graduation Day

2007-12-12T21:12:00.000-05:00

Well, he did it! Cooper graduated from Intermediate School tonight! He still has a ways to go, but he will eventually get there. Being 6 months old, you really can't expect too much and considering he's been "in school" every week since he was 10 weeks old, he's really done good so far. We are going to wait until he is at least 12 months old before we tackled Advanced class. Cooper took his Puppy & Intermediate Classes at PetsMart in Danville, VA.

Ready for Christmas

2007-12-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

"She" thought this was funny

Cooper and his new toys!

2007-11-28T23:03:00.000-05:00

"I'll do anything for a cookie."

2007-11-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

Cooper Here: I went to school tonight, did poorly as usual, but I was rewarded with a bag of treats, A.K.A "Cookies". They are suppose to be good for me according to my people, they will help with my coat this winter. All I know is they are good and I would do anything for one, but it took two to get me to do this. This is me, in front of the only Christmas Tree I have ever seen. My people thought this was cute, so they decided to share. I've come a long way in 48 hours.....needless to say the tree and I have come to terms for the time being, or until my people run out of cookies.

Our First Christmas Tree & My Ornaments

2007-11-26T22:26:00.000-05:00

After 4 years of being married and almost 4 years of owning a house, we finally put up our first christmas tree. Today was our 4th anniversary and we spent it trying to keep Cooper from stealing the ornaments and putting up a pre-lit tree which is easier said than done, both assembly and keeping an eye on Sir Hoover. So far he is a little leary of the tree, but he has gotten a little used to it. We are hoping he will refrain from the "zoomies" because the tree will be most definately be in the path of destruction. To the left you can see Tigger, who happily sings "Santa Claus is Coming To Town", but Cooper finds Tigger to be threatning and therefore Tigger is considered dangerous and evil, but yet the 7ft tall lighted tree is non-threating in a way that he does not express his dissatisfaction with its presence and directs his dissatisfaction with Tigger by louding protesting and stalking him. He may not make it thru the night. Needless to say Copper's free roam at night and the privledge of sleeping on the couch, by himself, has been suspended until further notice.

These are the handmade christmas ornaments I made over the past few months. They are made by cutting christmas fabric into 1-2 inch squares and then pressing them into a 2 inch styrofoam ball, its looks quilted when done properly. Then you take a peice of narrow ribbon and place a straight pin into the ball to make the loop. They are very time consuming to make but when you choose the right kind of fabric, the look really unique. All of my aunts have the same type of ornaments on their trees.

Just to clarify, MOM, they are not doing what they look like they are doing, he is simply trying to bribe Cooper to lay down in front of the tree, which did not work.

2007-11-25T15:27:00.000-05:00

This is the last of the fall colors. Most all have fallen now. All of the trees in my yard are now naked with the exception of these two. This was taken while standing on my back porch testing my 300 mm telephoto lens, the trees are 200 ft away.

Sleepy Sunday

2007-11-25T15:22:00.000-05:00

"Can I please sleep in peace?"

Growing Up

2007-11-25T13:30:00.001-05:00

6 Months - 80lbs - 28 Inches at the withers, standing at 5ft 3in

8 Weeks - 15lbs, about 8 inches at the withers (First Night at Home)

Just think, he's still growing!

Keeping Warm

2007-11-25T13:18:00.001-05:00

Cooper has finally conquered his fear of the fireplace and figured out that if lays in front of it, it will keep his butt warm, being he has a very thin coat.

I Was Only Trying To Help

2007-10-18T23:28:00.001-04:00

Coopers has always been fascinated by the kitchen and the food preparation. He thought he'd help make potatoe cakes and that would be flour on his nose.

Welcome Home Mom

2007-10-18T23:23:00.000-04:00

A Great Dane Greeting

Operation Swamp Stomp

2007-10-18T23:16:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm Fred! I was stolen a few months ago from the big city and threw in a bucket with my pals, I was later dumped into a larger pond where the thieves apparently attempted to prepare us for dinner by boiling me and the other hostages due to the lack of adequate shade. We are few, but we are survivors. A reward is being offered for information leading to the apprehension of the individuals suspected of grand theft fish.

The Survivors

2007-10-18T23:13:00.001-04:00

Once bitten earlier this spring by deer, these Marigolds returned to their "picture perfect" status this fall.

Philpott Lake

2007-10-13T22:16:00.000-04:00

Philpott lake provides for 2,900+ acres of water (during normal levels) and 6,400 acres of land that is managed by the U S Army Corp. of Engineers. The majority of the water is located in Patrick County and the smallest majority in Henry County with the rest being in Franklin County. As far as land, a majority is located in Franklin County, followed by Patrick County and the smallest portion is located in Henry County. The lake, from beginning to end, is 15 miles long and has over 100 miles of shoreline. This was taken from my parents front porch, which is the only house located on Philpott with a view like this, and it is privately owned, but they will entertain offers:)

Double Trouble

2007-10-13T22:13:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or is Ruby sticking her tongue out and Goofy is smiling.

Second Chance Shot

2007-10-09T20:00:00.000-04:00

This photo was a "second attempt" at my first shot with the new camera. Compare the two and this one is much better.

Calm Before the Storm

2007-10-09T19:59:00.001-04:00

A Very Happy Boy

2007-10-09T19:48:00.000-04:00

Cooper, after a few "zoomies" around the backyard.

Sebastian

2007-10-09T19:17:00.000-04:00

AKA "Bolt Cutter With Feathers"

Cooper the Great Dane

2007-10-08T22:35:00.000-04:00

By Definition, a great dane is referred to as the "gentle giant", known for its regal appearance, dignity, strength and elegance. They are considered the "Apollo of Dogs." Now take a look at this picture of Cooper, my 4 month old Great Dane. Regal? Elegance? Maybe he will grow into those words much like he will grow into those ears. Right now he has a lot of "growing up" to do, and I mean growing up in two ways both physically and mentally.

Here is a list of a few "famous" great danes, some more commonly known than others.

Scooby Doo - Created by Iwao Takamoto, who based Scooby on sketches drawn by a fellow Hanna Barbera employee who also bred this dog.
Marmaduke - Newspaper comic written by Brad Anderson.
Butler - The fawn great dane that belonged to Cpt. James T. Kirk in Star Trek.
Einstein - In Disney's, Oliver & Company.
Ace - From Batman Beyond.
Mars & Jupiter - the two great danes from The Patriot.
Astro - From the Jetsons.
Brutus - From the Disney version of The Ugly Dachshund. (Brutus believed he was a dachshund)
Duke & Turk - 2 Great Danes from the 1960's " The Swiss Family Robinson"

The Great White Dog

2007-10-08T22:29:00.000-04:00

Pearl, the Great White Dog! Friendlier than she looks, although you really can't tell from this photo. She tends to want to hop around like a kangaroo, so photographing her takes a little effort.

First Shot

2007-10-08T22:20:00.000-04:00

New camera, very techy! Really don't have no idea on what all the buttons are for. This photo was my "first shot" at trying to take a really good, up close photo with the new camera. Turned out pretty good for a first time. Would have been better if I would have noticed the dead flower buds in the background :(