I feel awful

This is not how I wanted to ring in the new year--not at all. My chest cold has moved into my head, which is a little odd, as it usually goes the other way. I got up and took my medicine after a bad night of being up and down, so I'll probably just head back to bed after I drink something. On top of everything else, I was in bed last night when the kitten, who usually goes for succulents, decided to nibble on my bamboo. So he got summarily removed from the room and the door is closed right now. He loves the succulents, the juicy, thicker, probably sweeter leaves. He pulled a Hawthornia up like a bonbon out of its little pot, and I found it yesterday by accident and put it back down in the soil to see if it will root again, even though it's been a little nibbled on the outer leaves. I don't hold much hope for it, but still. The only plant in the house that is questionable as far as being toxic to cats is his favourite, the aloe, which doesn't appear to hurt him but can cause mild vomiting in cats. All the others are safe, and the toxic plants went to our pharmacy. He's denuded most of my red velvet Echevarria. I'm hoping it comes back. But it is frustrating. He was no doubt weaned a little early because he's a very orally fixated cat, and he loves to put fingers and just about everything else in his mouth. But for the most part, fortunately, he's leaving other plants alone, including the orchids. I have two of those blooming right now and then three others have put up flower spikes, so soon I'll have almost half (I have twelve, between what was at work and what was at home), one Oncidium and eleven Phalaenopsis species. The Hawthornia plants are each in two tiny pots in the same pot with a Phalaenopsis, and I'd been having trouble watering it in a corner, so I moved it out and that's when the kitten pounced upon. But he didn't hurt the orchid.

Here's what's blooming at the moment:



By the way, here are some links you might find interesting related to this post. The first is an article on types of orchids used as houseplants:

20 Types of Orchids to Use as Houseplants

The others I keep as a bookmark on my Chrome browser (both on the computer and the phone, in case I'm plant shopping and need to know if a plant is safe. It is the ASPCA's guide to Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List -- Cats. There is another one for Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List -- Dogs I also have. But they also have one for horses. It's very good, explaining the effect of each and including those that are good and bad for pets. For example, I loved my shamrocks, which are not true shamrocks and are actually Oxalis, and I had them in the library for years, and then at home at the apartment. But they can cause kidney damage in cats. So they can't be here, as there are two cats, an older one that doesn't really bother plants and the kitten, who is about 9 months old and is into everything. So off to the pharmacy they went. They're looking a little sad there, but they've had a good run. I need to tell them the window's too bright for them.

Alright, I'm going back to bed for a while. Here's hoping that medicine kicks in.

Something a little more light-hearted

On a similar note...

Viral Video Shows Horse Saying Goodbye to His Owner

One video of a horse owner saying goodbye to her pet has gone viral and is melting hearts.

Lisa Beech has been battling a form of cancer for most of her life, she has been an amazing fighter but Wednesday she was admitted into the hospital and may not make it out.

Her daughter Amanda and her friend helped Lisa's 22-year-old horse, Jake, get from Nicholasville to St. Joseph to see his friend.

So sad to hear this!

Danzig Moon Suffers Fatal Injury

Derby runner Danzig Moon suffers fatal breakdown

A collision at the Queen's Plate Trial at Woodbine caused the horse to fall and break a leg, and he was euthanised. So sad.

By the way

I didn't watch the 'Big Game' with all its hype, commercials, and half-time show, but I did see this a few days ago, and apparently the folks at Budweiser, given their success last time, decided you can't go wrong with puppies and Clydesdales. And you know what? They're right. Here's their 'Lost Dog' commercial from this year's Super Bowl:

It was a good run while it lasted

I took out time out of my day's activities, around 6:52, to watch the Belmont as California Chrome attempted to complete the Triple Crown. Sadly, that didn't happen; instead Tonalist won, leaving California Chrome in a tie for fourth.

We haven't had a Triple Crown winner since 1978. Carter was President. Grease was the big movie of the year, and disco was in full swing. The last horse who accomplished this was Affirmed; he is buried nearby my home on the Darley Stud horse farm, which I have visited. I was 11 years old when he won the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont, and firmly in my horsey-girly phase, as a friend calls it. I particularly loved the books of Marguerite Henry, such as Black Gold, King of the Wind, Misty of Chincoteague, Stormy, Misty's Foal, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, and Brighty of the Grand Canyon. I was particularly taken with the story of Black Gold, winner of the 1924 Kentucky Derby, who wnen he was seven ran a race where he broke down yet still finished the race on three legs, leading to his euthanisation and burial at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. Black Gold never raced in the Preakness or Belmont, instead winning several state derbies. But he had spirit, and I suppose it is the spirit of horses I admire so much, even though, despite living in 'The Horse Capital of the World', I don't really have much experience with them and in fact have to avoid them because I'm terribly allergic to them. :)

Anyway, I'm sorry that California Chrome's dreams were dashed. But at least it was a safe race and I hope he continues to excellent things.

This gets points for the most adorable commercial, ever, I think

It's also a nice integration of Passenger's 'Let Her Go', which I like so much I have the album on my phone. :) Budweiser obviously realises that you cannot go wrong with Labrador pups and Clydesdales when it comes to Super Bowl ads. :) Thanks to Jill for showing it to me earlier today.

Coolness

Although I don't think I'd want to be the guy running with the target. :)

It would be a nice Olympic sport, too.



Horseback Archery Enjoys Comeback in Hungary

I'm glad this had a happy ending

Arabian show horse rescued after swimming three miles into the ocean

William, a 7-year-old grey stallion, had been part of a photo shoot with other horses. Frightened, he bolted into the surf.

He started to swim. And swim. And swim until he was nearly three miles offshore, headed for oil rigs.

On land, a team of four from the Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol, Carpenteria-Summerland Fire Water Rescue, and California State Parks set out to find the horse, whose official name is Air of Temptation. His owner, Mindy Peters, told Huffington Post that he had never been swimming in his life.

I think he's had enough swimming for a lifetime. Poor thing. This caught my eye this morning when I was reading the news. This is one lucky horse. Granted, horses can swim, but not normally for such long distances. I wonder if he horse-paddled? [Sorry, couldn't resist.]

When I was a girl

I loved horse stories, especially the Marguerite Henry books (my favourite was Black Gold) and Anna Sewell's Black Beauty. I went through a horsey-girly phase where I read about them, drew them obsessively, etc., etc. Despite the fact that my horsey-girly phase dimmed long ago, I'm severely allergic to horses, and to be honest, I'm a little bit afraid of their sheer size when I encounter them for real, even so, horse stories such as this still move me:

Burma's True Love: How a girl lost — and found — the horse she cherished

It has all the plot twists of an excellent horse book or movie, and, thankfully, a happy ending. I had never heard of the practice of using mares to test stallions undergoing quarantine for contagious equine metritis, and the process and what it does to their bodies seems horrible. They were used up and thrown away to slaughter by people who did not really love them. I'm so glad that this horse and her companion were rescued, and that a girl and her horse were reunited.

Another mystery cracked with genetics

Cave Painters Were Realists, DNA Study Finds

Scientists have wondered for years how much imagination went into animal drawings etched in caves around Europe, for example with depictions of spotted horses experts didn't think actually existed. Now, after DNA analysis from the fossilized bones of prehistoric horses, they found a genetic mutation that gives rise to a spotted coat.

Spotted Horses in Cave Art Weren’t Just a Figment, DNA Shows

Roughly 25,000 years ago in what is now southwestern France, human beings walked deep into a cave and left their enduring marks. Using materials like sticks, charcoal and iron oxides, they painted images of animals on the cave walls and ceilings — lions and mammoths and spotted horses, walking and grazing and congregating in herds.

Sad what people do in the name of hate

Via Joe.My.God.:

Barn Fire Kills Eight Horses in Ohio. Anti-gay words were found spray-painted to the side of the barn. That anyone could kill innocent animals in the name of hate is not really surprising, I guess, but it is terribly sick and sad.

Seven adult horses and one foal died as a result of an arson fire at 874 West Richards Road in McConnelsville just after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday. Owner Brent Whitehouse said he woke to discover the barn engulfed in flames and immediately called 911, but it was too late. "I couldn't get the door open I could still hear the horses kicking and I tried as hard as I could to get them out and I just couldn't get them out in time," he said. Those who know Brent believe this was a hate crime, explicit words relating to his sexuality were spray painted in large white letters on the side of the barn before the fire was started. "They obviously don't know him very well, because he's a sweet-hearted person and how he lives his lifestyle is nobody's business but his own," said friend Bobbie Nelson.

Trust

A man. A horse. And a building of trust.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Awwww

6-pound horse may set world record: Foal measuring 14 inches tall may be tiniest ever born

Dr. Rachel Wagner, Einstein's co-owner, says the Guinness Book of Records lists the smallest newborn horse as weighing in at 9 pounds.

Breeders say that unlike the current record holder, Thumbelina, Einstein shows no signs of dwarfism. He's just a tiny horse.

I've seen Thumbelina--she's come to the hospital since she has the horse equivalent to dwarfism and that is a condition we treat. The picture at the story site shows a completely in proportion horse--but a very tiny one. Here's a video of Einstein:

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Oh, and guys at NBC, he's a miniature horse, not a pony--completely different.

I must confess that

I have never been to Keeneland, Lexington's thoroughbred racetrack, nor for that matter any horse race in Kentucky. I once went to Louisiana Downs in Shreveport with my father and grandmother when I was 19. I learnt I should never bet on horses; I bet on the long-shot and the favourite to show in a five horse race. Guess which horses didn't make it?

But it sounds like today's Blue Grass Stakes was well worth seeing, as we lead into the Derby.

40-to-1 shot wins shocker, earns trip to Derby: Stately Victor surges down stretch to capture Blue Grass Stakes

You must understand that horse racing is serious business in Kentucky, both literally and figuratively. And the Derby is the event of the year (akin to New Orleans' Mardi Gras, I suppose, but with mint juleps and hats). Even those who aren't fans catch the fever at Derby time. I usually try to tune in. I love grey horses, and tend to favour those, or black ones if there are no greys. They don't tend to win, of course--most horses are bays, so the odds are in their favour. But still...my favourite Derby winner was Black Gold, who won in 1924. His story was told in Marguerite Henry's book named for him. He was euthanised after breaking down four years after the Derby during a race at the New Orleans Fair Ground, and he is buried there. Despite his injury, he finished the race on three legs. A race, the Black Gold Stakes, is run at the Fair Grounds in his honour today.

Quote of the Day

'There is no religion without love, and people may talk as much as they like about their religion, but if it does not teach them to be good and kind to man and beast it is all a sham--all a sham, James, and it won't stand when things come to be turned inside out and put down for what they are.'--Anna Sewell, Black Beauty, 1st edition

I loved Black Beauty as a child, and although I devoured horse books during my horsey-girly phase (the most notable being those of Marguerite Henry [my favourite of hers being Black Gold]), it all began with Anna Sewell's remarkable book. It was my first glimpse into the cruetly of men towards animals, and of course it has a lesson to teach in terms of animal welfare that was quite blatantly meant by Sewell, who didn't really set out to write a children's book, but rather one for those working with horses.

I came across this quote again through the What Book Got You Hooked?, where Morgan Freeman brought up the quote (changed in later versions apparently to 'other animals as well as humans', which seems to be a little politically correct for me). But whatever the wording, the sentiment is dead on. All in all, Black Beauty came out as #9 in the voting. Kentucky was the #3 state in voting, which I was glad to see. Dr Seuss books were #1 and Hawaii was the state with the most votes, and they'll be receiving 50,000 new books for children in need, so that's great.

Wow

With 'Bird' in hand, Borel charges to win

Unlike many Kentuckians (and quite a few guests to our Commonwealth), I was not at Churchill Downs, or even watching the Kentucky Derby in simulcast at Keeneland, Lexington's historical track. I didn't go to a Derby party--I worked instead, but I was at a friend's house at Derby time and like no doubt millions of others, we switched the TV over to watch the most famous 2 minutes in sports.

What a run! I had gone with Dunkirk (because I like grey horses, although bays, being more prevalent, win more often), and my friend had picked him because he liked his particulars. But out of nowhere a 50-1 long shot came barreling through along the rail to win the 135th Derby--a horse bought for less than $10,000, with good breeding but not a great background in terms of races. But Mine That Bird also had an excellent jockey, Calvin Borel, whom at first I thought was French by his accent, then recognised the Louisiana accent I grew up around.

The article above is by former Lexington-Herald Leader writer Billy Reed. (The H-L only keeps their articles public for 7 days, so I found another source to link to.)

There will be no stud fee for Mind that Bird, or offspring for that matter, as he is a gelding, one of only two that have won the Derby in my lifetime.

What a run, though....I wonder how he will do (if they enter him, of course) in the Preakness and Belmont.

Didn't see the race? There is an official Kentucky Derby channel on YouTube, and they've posted a replay (and graciously allowed it to be embedded):

Yay!

I got my Amazon.com gift card today. $100 free to spend; not bad for doing nothing more than paying bills and shopping. I went ahead and ordered the digital voice recorder and a CD. I was going to get the recorder and Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in Latin, but I didn't have enough with the tax (just my luck, we have a distribution centre here in Lexington, so we're taxed up front--although maybe that means I'll get it faster). Also, the shipping was free. So I'm happy.

Anyway, just thought I'd update. Oh, and I'm glad Big Brown won the Preakness. I hope we have a Triple Crown winner this year. He looks like he very well could do it. The Belmont's a longer race that tends to break the streak, though.

Good night.

Holiday cheer

Today was:

1. Our company holiday potluck, where they provide the entree and sides, and we provide the desserts.
   
2. Santa's annual visit to the company, complete with draught horses
   
3. The party for our lunch bunch this evening

I always leave Santa to the kids and go pet the horses instead, even though I'm quite allergic. They're beautiful. I'm assuming they're Clydesdales--they have the same long hair on their legs like others I've seen. This one had an abcess and they'd duct taped his hoof around. Poor thing.

Sorry I haven't posted in a few days

My cable was turned off a little before payday. But now everything's square. So I'd like to catch up...

First, from Monday, there was the finale of 'Heroes'. I enjoyed it immensely; I'm glad we've gone through the introductory story arc now and I hope they can do some more character building over season two. I want to see where they go from here. Who is the man out there who is worse than the Boogeyman? Is there anyway for Peter or Nathan to have survived (everyone expects Peter will regenerate, but in the past, the brain had to be pretty much unobstructed. What about when it's atomised? Did Nathan go with Peter to the very end, or fly off once they were safely above the city? What exactly will happen with Sylar?) There were some questions answered, some posed. I'm really looking forward to the DVD collection, which among other things has the original pilot on it, apparently. It truly is a wonderful show, especially in how things intertwine in the best comic book fashion (I'm waiting for the 3D episode...didn't that wave hit several comic books back in the 80s or 90s? There are details that true comic afficianados probably catch that I don't, but even I know that Kirby Plaza was a reference to Jack Kirby, the famous comic book artist, for example. Anyway, I really have loved the show and all the extras that you can find at NBC.com/Heroes, including web comics, full past episodes, Heroes 360, etc.

Okay, on to the next subject...bunnies. What is it about bunnies lately? I've had three hop out in front of my car in the last couple of weeks. Fortunately I haven't hit one, but I'm beginning to think Mother Nature is trying to tell me something.

Speaking of animals, work continues to coax a mother humpback whale and her calf back downriver from Sacramento to San Francisco bay. They've tried recordings of whales to lure them, recordings of predators to spur them on, clanging noises, herding with boats--the next step is to try fire hoses, something that's never been attempted before. Meanwhile, they're trying to make an antibiotic delivery system to inject the whales, both of whom have apparently been injured by boats.

We were visited at work today by Thumbelina, the World's Smallest Horse. She's not even knee high. She's a miniature horse, but she's also a dwarf, so she's much smaller than most miniatures. She was adorable. She travels in an air-conditioned motor home around the country to raise money for children's charities.

The last night of bunny madness I was driving home after that close call and discovered a car overturned with lots of police lights going on of all places Beaver Creek, which is a residential street near my home. That same night I went to call a friend to let him know I was home safely and that was when I discovered that I had no cable, for I have Vonage, which requires an active cable connexion. So I tried my cell phone and then rememberd I didn't have any minutes (mine is prepaid--it's worked pretty well for seven years; I average about $10 a month). So, I went over to the laundry room, which usually has a phone hooked up when the pool has water in it for 911 (but you can usually make regular calls). Mind you, it's 2 am or so. I fall down the stairs and hit my elbow on the brick wall of the building, then discover they've rigged the phone for 911 calls only. Sigh. So I finally got in my car and went to a nearby gas station and bought minutes for my phone, then came back home and made the call. I know, I'm a danger to myself, although not usually to others. But, there was one time I didn't call and actually slept through getting a friend from work and the alert went off and D and her husband were dispatched to check on me. I had low blood sugar and didn't wake up until they got Cerys barking by tapping at the window. I didn't want a repeat. D has a two-year old and I don't think she'd appreciate it. :)

Speaking of D, she and I are going to go shopping Monday after I get home from visiting my mom and grandmother. I have a gift card for some clothes and she's going to take me out. We get together so seldom; I think the last time was last year when we went swimming at the pool with her son. And we don't get to eat lunch together that much. I miss that. Our schedules are so harried; you should have seen us with our calendars out trying to find a time to get together.

What else? Well, there's the health issues, like the fact that I just went on Avandia and now there's a lot of concern over cardiovascular health due to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine and now an FDA study that backs it up--and opens up questions for how it was approved with such data in place. Now I have to call Dr Nesbitt and see what he thinks. He might put me on Actos instead--it's in the same family and hasn't been associated with those problems--yet (although it has been associated with heart failure). Sigh. Sometimes I think my meds are kind of a crap shoot.

The other medical thing I wanted to blog about was this:

Anger Erupts Over Insurance Company's IQ Test for Weight-Loss Surgery

As the article pointed out, it's not like we require an IQ test to give someone chemotherapy, or refuse to give heart bypass surgery to those who may not know how to do aftercare because they're deemed too stupid. This is ridiculous. It's just another way for insurance companies to try to maintain their bottom line, but it's also discrimnatory.

I think that's all for now. My computer has downloaded some updates and keeps trying to restart, and it's getting very late. Sorry again about the delay. And as always, thanks for reading my ramblings. Good night.