So, I took Nonny the Evil into the vet today because as part of our homestudy, her shots have to be current. They aren't. And why? Because I almost never know where she is so how would I stinkin' know when to book an appointment. And I forgot to budget in the GNP of a small country.
So last night I called the vet who offered me "right now or tomorrow?" Unlike 2009 when I was given one option. After I responded with "right now would be great, but the only time I have a remote clue where she is is first thing in the morning." He said, "How about tomorrow at 8:45." That'll do. Because Nonny the Evil will probably either be crying to get out of the garage....or into it.
But 8:45 on a SATURDAY? For a last minute appointment? What am I going to have to pay for THAT? But I took it, yes I did. And what did it cost me?
$54.40.
It turns out my mother-in-law isn't insane for believing $100 would "more than pay" for her shots. As opposed to JoCo where people have pets instead of children and call children expensive.
Long story short(er): No more JoCo vet visits for me.
I think I'll take another kid, please.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query vet. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query vet. Sort by date Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Catch the Vision! (Part 4) Also entitled Wurllllld Vishin
I don't have photographic evidence for much of the next portion of my visit to the Wonchi project.
If I had it to do again, I would take lots of pictures. But I'm an In The Moment girl and like to absorb things with my eyes and not through a lens.
Besides, I'd been warned that Ethiopian people don't like their pictures taken and/or want to be paid when it happens. However, our guides were more than enthusiastic about stopping so we could take pictures, so why I didn't take many at the main Wonchi headquarters is beyond me.
In apology, I give you this boy who spotted the ferengi in the back of the Land Cruiser when we were driving in to see a school World Vision built. (Photo of THAT later.)
Doesn't he have a beautiful smile? If you ask him who gave him his sweater(a school uniform), he would probably tell you "Wurllld Vishin" as we heard time and time again.
So...
Less than five minutes from Alemnesh's house, we come upon the World Vision Wonchi headquarters. Remember how I told you that it was likely that Alemnesh was one of the first children in the area sponsored? I have reasons behind my belief. Like the fact that her family is so close to the headquarters. It only stands to reason that they would start with the kids nearest them and expand out. That, and we soon found out that World Vision Wonchi began in 2001, the same year we began sponsoring Alemnesh.
This sign just thrilled me. I can't explain it. How any envelopes have I gotten with this emblem on it? It was just surreal.
First stop: bathrooms. Mens to the left. Women's to the right. After the restaurant squatty potty fiasco, I expected another. I had incorrect expectations. Though the first room I glanced into was a hole in the ground (on later, further inspection, I discovered it was a shower and had to laugh at myself), the one I entered had a genuine, first class, flushing toilet. Did I get locked in the bathroom? Yes I did. When I got out, did they have soap? They did not. But they did have running water, I did scrub and, by now, I never left my bag or its contents (TP and hand wipes) behind.
Regardless, when our guide took us to the restaurant, he first directed us to sinks with SOAP. (I know. I am so American.)
So we headed to the "restaurant" which was a buffet of Ethiopian food (injera, chicken wot, salad, and :) shoestring french fries), that was less "restaurant" and more family style communal eating. We'd been forewarned of a presentation, so when they turned on the TV, I expected the presentation was happening during lunch. It was not. The workers gather together to eat and, it seems, watch the noon world news.
By my understanding, all the Wonchi staff lived and worked together. I saw people coming out of bunkers that appeared to be their private living space. I believe I used the only bathroom on the lot. They ate together for all meals. They live very modestly. Much more modestly than even the local subsidized housing or Women's shelter here in the 'Boro. Did they eat well? Yes. But the furnishings were basic. The linoleum was chipped. The tables were standard folding tables. The couch was well worn. The offices were simple. There was no unnecessary furniture. No unnecessary.....anything.
And on to the presentation. Which was power point and which he downloaded onto my camera chip, but which I don't know how to get off. So I'm glad I took this picture:
ADP: Area Development Project
Woreda: To my understanding it is kind of like a county. It is a region, space, larger than a community, smaller than a state. Wonchi is 400 sq km.
FY: founding year, in this case 2001
Supported by World Vision USA
Source of funds: first by sponsorship, second, and a much smaller percentage by private non-sponsorship grants.
Total RC: Total number of children in the project. In this case 5000. That is 5000 children who are covered by World Vision Wonchi. 5000 children who get to go to school. 5000 children whose families are trained in sustainable farming, sanitation, health education, vaccination, and much more.
Staffed by 40 people. And so accountable that they even count in the "office girl" (whom I met). I don't remember what the CDWs were. I would say that during lunch, we probably saw fewer than 20 people, so...that would probably account for the "regular workers" the "guards" and the "office girl." The CDW must be off site.
Don't let the "Land Cruiser" fool you. This was a very well used vehicle. I rode in it all day and it was brought into question more than once whether it might not get us home.
Wosson told us SO MUCH information in that presentation, I didn't retain even half of it (hopefully, my dad will be able to get the presentation off my camera chip if I ever get around to asking him). One thing that stood out, though, was how proud they were of training communities to not poop in public.
I know. But someone has to do the educating. Sometimes the status quo goes even if it doesn't make sense.
In fact, our family was now, after 10 years of sponsorship, a "model family." World Vision brought people from the nether reaches of Wonchi in to see the family's homestead. To see how to live in such a way that disease was not spread. First by digging latrines.
They have awards for communities--and these communities compete--for making their communities Outdoor Defecation Free Zones. When every home in the community has its own latrine (a hole with a fence) and the community has built approximately 10 latrines for the travelers that are walking through (and someone is ALWAYS walking through), they get a clock and a sign at the entrance of the community that indicates it is ODF. (Sadly, no photo. But I did see them. The signs AND the public latrines. I will never complain about a lake bathroom again.)
When Wonchi began in 2001 the area was 0% Christian. I think they said they are now 25% Christian. And my prior posts on this will indicate the truth of a faith growth.
They went from the children basically not being vaccinated to 100% vaccination rates.
Their live birth rate has gone up.
Their OB mortality has gone down.
The number of schools in the area has gone up.
The number of clinics in the area has gone up.
The number of vet clinics in the area has gone up.
And on, and on and on.
Seriously folks, my jaw was hanging open. I've gotta find that power point presentation.
Here we are at the headquarters. The only extravagance I could see was in landscaping. You can see a bit of it there under Brent's elbow. And it was far more basic than my landscaping. The trees smelled like Florida in the spring. I would have loved to have bottled that up and brought it home.
Wosson finished his presentation and, of course, encouraged us to send our friends to pick up the slack between the number of children actually sponsored and the number of children who are covered by World Vision Wonchi. (5000 covered. The power point said 4444 sponsored, but I'm pretty sure he told us the actual number was 4465.) I didn't make it clear earlier, but when you sponsor a child, they do get funds directly, but part of the monthly sponsorship is pooled to do community education, etc and ALL children in Wonchi who sign up to get a sponsor, get the benefit of school WHETHER OR NOT they actually HAVE a sponsor. After our tour of Wonchi, which I will tell you about in another post because it was more touristy and less lessony it was pretty clear that HAVING a sponsor benefited you more than not, but that they still covered all the children to a degree....well, I like it. I always wondered about the kid down the block that wasn't chosen, ya know?
Anyway, today I'll leave off with some photos of some of the stuff WV has built. In Ethiopia, if you build a school, Ethiopia will staff it. Same goes for a clinic. And vet clinics. So WVE builds them, govt staffs them and they are all well used.
Yes, I'm fascinated by the circular mud hut with the clean yard. It was probably in an ODF zone, too.
Here is a World Vision built vet clinic up near Wenchi Crater Lake. You can't see it in this photo, but the sign over the door has the WV symbol on it.
Here is a wide view of the many buildinged high school WV built so that the kids wouldn't have to live away from home in Wolisso to go to high school as they had to even just a couple years ago. It is the same school the boy with the lovely smile escorted us to see.
And, because I love them, more happy children running to see us from the circular mud hut.
We also saw clinics. I can't find a photo in my 2000 pictures, but I'm sure it's there.
And just in case you are thinking about being inspired to sponsor, I give you Antony:
He lives in Zambia and is 14 years old. You have the opportunity to be a light in his life. $35 a month. How easy it is to blow $35 a month. But $35 a month will CHANGE HIS LIFE. You could be a part of that. If you are interested, let me know either by commenting or emailing me and I'll give you the details. Let's put a smile on that face and the faces of the boys and girls in his community.
If I had it to do again, I would take lots of pictures. But I'm an In The Moment girl and like to absorb things with my eyes and not through a lens.
Besides, I'd been warned that Ethiopian people don't like their pictures taken and/or want to be paid when it happens. However, our guides were more than enthusiastic about stopping so we could take pictures, so why I didn't take many at the main Wonchi headquarters is beyond me.
In apology, I give you this boy who spotted the ferengi in the back of the Land Cruiser when we were driving in to see a school World Vision built. (Photo of THAT later.)
So...
Less than five minutes from Alemnesh's house, we come upon the World Vision Wonchi headquarters. Remember how I told you that it was likely that Alemnesh was one of the first children in the area sponsored? I have reasons behind my belief. Like the fact that her family is so close to the headquarters. It only stands to reason that they would start with the kids nearest them and expand out. That, and we soon found out that World Vision Wonchi began in 2001, the same year we began sponsoring Alemnesh.
First stop: bathrooms. Mens to the left. Women's to the right. After the restaurant squatty potty fiasco, I expected another. I had incorrect expectations. Though the first room I glanced into was a hole in the ground (on later, further inspection, I discovered it was a shower and had to laugh at myself), the one I entered had a genuine, first class, flushing toilet. Did I get locked in the bathroom? Yes I did. When I got out, did they have soap? They did not. But they did have running water, I did scrub and, by now, I never left my bag or its contents (TP and hand wipes) behind.
Regardless, when our guide took us to the restaurant, he first directed us to sinks with SOAP. (I know. I am so American.)
So we headed to the "restaurant" which was a buffet of Ethiopian food (injera, chicken wot, salad, and :) shoestring french fries), that was less "restaurant" and more family style communal eating. We'd been forewarned of a presentation, so when they turned on the TV, I expected the presentation was happening during lunch. It was not. The workers gather together to eat and, it seems, watch the noon world news.
By my understanding, all the Wonchi staff lived and worked together. I saw people coming out of bunkers that appeared to be their private living space. I believe I used the only bathroom on the lot. They ate together for all meals. They live very modestly. Much more modestly than even the local subsidized housing or Women's shelter here in the 'Boro. Did they eat well? Yes. But the furnishings were basic. The linoleum was chipped. The tables were standard folding tables. The couch was well worn. The offices were simple. There was no unnecessary furniture. No unnecessary.....anything.
And on to the presentation. Which was power point and which he downloaded onto my camera chip, but which I don't know how to get off. So I'm glad I took this picture:
ADP: Area Development Project
Woreda: To my understanding it is kind of like a county. It is a region, space, larger than a community, smaller than a state. Wonchi is 400 sq km.
FY: founding year, in this case 2001
Supported by World Vision USA
Source of funds: first by sponsorship, second, and a much smaller percentage by private non-sponsorship grants.
Total RC: Total number of children in the project. In this case 5000. That is 5000 children who are covered by World Vision Wonchi. 5000 children who get to go to school. 5000 children whose families are trained in sustainable farming, sanitation, health education, vaccination, and much more.
Staffed by 40 people. And so accountable that they even count in the "office girl" (whom I met). I don't remember what the CDWs were. I would say that during lunch, we probably saw fewer than 20 people, so...that would probably account for the "regular workers" the "guards" and the "office girl." The CDW must be off site.
Wosson told us SO MUCH information in that presentation, I didn't retain even half of it (hopefully, my dad will be able to get the presentation off my camera chip if I ever get around to asking him). One thing that stood out, though, was how proud they were of training communities to not poop in public.
I know. But someone has to do the educating. Sometimes the status quo goes even if it doesn't make sense.
In fact, our family was now, after 10 years of sponsorship, a "model family." World Vision brought people from the nether reaches of Wonchi in to see the family's homestead. To see how to live in such a way that disease was not spread. First by digging latrines.
They have awards for communities--and these communities compete--for making their communities Outdoor Defecation Free Zones. When every home in the community has its own latrine (a hole with a fence) and the community has built approximately 10 latrines for the travelers that are walking through (and someone is ALWAYS walking through), they get a clock and a sign at the entrance of the community that indicates it is ODF. (Sadly, no photo. But I did see them. The signs AND the public latrines. I will never complain about a lake bathroom again.)
When Wonchi began in 2001 the area was 0% Christian. I think they said they are now 25% Christian. And my prior posts on this will indicate the truth of a faith growth.
They went from the children basically not being vaccinated to 100% vaccination rates.
Their live birth rate has gone up.
Their OB mortality has gone down.
The number of schools in the area has gone up.
The number of clinics in the area has gone up.
The number of vet clinics in the area has gone up.
And on, and on and on.
Seriously folks, my jaw was hanging open. I've gotta find that power point presentation.
Here we are at the headquarters. The only extravagance I could see was in landscaping. You can see a bit of it there under Brent's elbow. And it was far more basic than my landscaping. The trees smelled like Florida in the spring. I would have loved to have bottled that up and brought it home.
Wosson finished his presentation and, of course, encouraged us to send our friends to pick up the slack between the number of children actually sponsored and the number of children who are covered by World Vision Wonchi. (5000 covered. The power point said 4444 sponsored, but I'm pretty sure he told us the actual number was 4465.) I didn't make it clear earlier, but when you sponsor a child, they do get funds directly, but part of the monthly sponsorship is pooled to do community education, etc and ALL children in Wonchi who sign up to get a sponsor, get the benefit of school WHETHER OR NOT they actually HAVE a sponsor. After our tour of Wonchi, which I will tell you about in another post because it was more touristy and less lessony it was pretty clear that HAVING a sponsor benefited you more than not, but that they still covered all the children to a degree....well, I like it. I always wondered about the kid down the block that wasn't chosen, ya know?
Anyway, today I'll leave off with some photos of some of the stuff WV has built. In Ethiopia, if you build a school, Ethiopia will staff it. Same goes for a clinic. And vet clinics. So WVE builds them, govt staffs them and they are all well used.
Here is a World Vision built vet clinic up near Wenchi Crater Lake. You can't see it in this photo, but the sign over the door has the WV symbol on it.
Different/closer view of the high school.
And just in case you are thinking about being inspired to sponsor, I give you Antony:
Monday, March 30, 2009
Things That Make Me Want To Swear Today
Warning, if you aren't in the mood for snarky, come back tomorrow. She's about to rant.
Husky Pants: Target put their Cherokee dress pants on sale this week for $10. I go to the store to buy pants for my child that needs a 6 waist and a ten length. That, my friends, is a 10 Slim. Since the Cherokee have adjustable waistbands, a 10 Reg would work, not well, but it would work. What do they have? HUSKY. Husky, Husky, H-flipping-usky. Not just in the 10s. Oh, no. Six all the way up to 18.
Yes, I know, America has gotten fat, and if I don't live in the fattest city in America, I'm sure I live in the top 10 because the papers are always telling me so, but for crying out loud, carry SOME-THING for the slim people to wear, ya know? We're talking about an eight year old boy here. Don't most eight year old boys still run and play?
Easter clothes: Call me crazy, but didn't people used to wear pastels for Easter? Isn't that part of the reason for wearing white shoes on Easter? WHY, I ask you, WHY can I not find something SPRINGY to wear for Easter for my family? Princess I can find. She is a seven year old little girl. They still make a few spring-y dresses (not many, but a few) for a seven year old little girl. But what about the mama? She wants to match me on Easter and I can find is freaking black and white or navy and white or green and brown (the closest thing I can find to an Easter color and Princess thinks green and brown is "not so much").
I'm not even asking for pastel. I'm not. But royal blue, red, black, they don't count. Not on my boys, not on me. The one ALMOST Eastery color I found was Aqua. Two XS and one XXL. My boys are medium. Wanna guess why they don't have any mediums? PROBABLY BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY REMOTELY EASTER COLOR THEY CARRY and I'm not the only freakish one to believe that.
That Darn Cat: Let me just lay it on the line here: the $90 the animal shelter wants for you to adopt a cat. BARGAIN. It's a STEAL! PAY UP! DON'T TAKE IN THE STRAY! YOU WILL PAY MORE FOR THAT BLAMIN' CAT THAN YOU PAY OUT FOR MEDICAL CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN. Not only that, the people at the clinic act like the stray cat is part of the family. They call you to let you know your cat made it through surgery. They take blood to make sure the cat will survive the anesthesia. (Yes, I was heartless and asked, "So what's the worst case scenerio here if we don't take that blood? She dies? Yes, let's skip that test.")
I spent the morning snipping at my kids because I had to get the cat to the stupid vet "between 7:30 and 8:30" no other option. Kids needing to get off to school, be darned. And my kids that can't remember to feed the cat once in a month, fed her this morning when she was supposed to have "no food after midnight." And I shrieked, SHRIEKED people, "NOOOOOOOOOOO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! YOU CAN'T FEED THE CAT!" Freaked out the cat. Freaked out the kids. I'm sure they all think she will die.
The one thing that ALMOST makes this cat worth surviving the stupid surgery is when we left the vet's office without the cat, poor little Charming was crying, "Nonny." Boo-hoo. Darn cat better survive.
Husky Pants: Target put their Cherokee dress pants on sale this week for $10. I go to the store to buy pants for my child that needs a 6 waist and a ten length. That, my friends, is a 10 Slim. Since the Cherokee have adjustable waistbands, a 10 Reg would work, not well, but it would work. What do they have? HUSKY. Husky, Husky, H-flipping-usky. Not just in the 10s. Oh, no. Six all the way up to 18.
Yes, I know, America has gotten fat, and if I don't live in the fattest city in America, I'm sure I live in the top 10 because the papers are always telling me so, but for crying out loud, carry SOME-THING for the slim people to wear, ya know? We're talking about an eight year old boy here. Don't most eight year old boys still run and play?
Easter clothes: Call me crazy, but didn't people used to wear pastels for Easter? Isn't that part of the reason for wearing white shoes on Easter? WHY, I ask you, WHY can I not find something SPRINGY to wear for Easter for my family? Princess I can find. She is a seven year old little girl. They still make a few spring-y dresses (not many, but a few) for a seven year old little girl. But what about the mama? She wants to match me on Easter and I can find is freaking black and white or navy and white or green and brown (the closest thing I can find to an Easter color and Princess thinks green and brown is "not so much").
I'm not even asking for pastel. I'm not. But royal blue, red, black, they don't count. Not on my boys, not on me. The one ALMOST Eastery color I found was Aqua. Two XS and one XXL. My boys are medium. Wanna guess why they don't have any mediums? PROBABLY BECAUSE THAT IS THE ONLY REMOTELY EASTER COLOR THEY CARRY and I'm not the only freakish one to believe that.
That Darn Cat: Let me just lay it on the line here: the $90 the animal shelter wants for you to adopt a cat. BARGAIN. It's a STEAL! PAY UP! DON'T TAKE IN THE STRAY! YOU WILL PAY MORE FOR THAT BLAMIN' CAT THAN YOU PAY OUT FOR MEDICAL CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN. Not only that, the people at the clinic act like the stray cat is part of the family. They call you to let you know your cat made it through surgery. They take blood to make sure the cat will survive the anesthesia. (Yes, I was heartless and asked, "So what's the worst case scenerio here if we don't take that blood? She dies? Yes, let's skip that test.")
I spent the morning snipping at my kids because I had to get the cat to the stupid vet "between 7:30 and 8:30" no other option. Kids needing to get off to school, be darned. And my kids that can't remember to feed the cat once in a month, fed her this morning when she was supposed to have "no food after midnight." And I shrieked, SHRIEKED people, "NOOOOOOOOOOO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! YOU CAN'T FEED THE CAT!" Freaked out the cat. Freaked out the kids. I'm sure they all think she will die.
The one thing that ALMOST makes this cat worth surviving the stupid surgery is when we left the vet's office without the cat, poor little Charming was crying, "Nonny." Boo-hoo. Darn cat better survive.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Remembering You by Tricia Goyer
I'm am privileged again to help spread the word about fellow adoptive mama Tricia Goyer's latest novel, Remembering You.About the book:
35-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request--fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own--to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.
As if juggling these two things isn't hard enough, Ava is soon surprised again ... twice. First, Ava and Grandpa Jack arrive in Europe, only to discover the tour is cancelled. Unwilling to let down her grandfather or her boss, Ava and Grandpa Jack head out on their own. Then, while they're on their way, the pair soon meet up with Paul, her grandpa's best friend, and his grandson Dennis. The same Dennis who just happens to be Ava's first love.
Before she knows it, Ava and Dennis are swept down memory lane as they visit the sites that are discussed in the history books. And even though Ava's videotaping old soldiers, she can see their youth, their hopes and fears, and their pride in their eyes. Soon Ava learns the trip isn't just for them ... it's for her too--especially for her heart.
Read an excerpt, watch a video and find out more here.
You know, this isn't a Tricia Goyer standard. Hmmm...well it might be. But it wasn't the twisty-turny several points of view heart pounding wild battlefield ride that I became accustomed to in my first introduction to her books. So, don't expect that. This is a present day visit to a vet's life through the eyes of his granddaughter. There's a bit of mystery to be revealed. A bit of romance. And a lot of growing respect for our WWII heroes and the stuff they endured and the baggage they carry because they chose to serve their country. It is a bittersweet novel that will occasionally make you want to knock the heroine over her head.
In other words, if you are looking for pulse pounding, stay-up-all-night reading material, this isn't your book, BUT if you like the idea of an aging WWII hero tribute with a splash of romance, this will be right up your alley. Happy endings never hurt. ;)
You know, this isn't a Tricia Goyer standard. Hmmm...well it might be. But it wasn't the twisty-turny several points of view heart pounding wild battlefield ride that I became accustomed to in my first introduction to her books. So, don't expect that. This is a present day visit to a vet's life through the eyes of his granddaughter. There's a bit of mystery to be revealed. A bit of romance. And a lot of growing respect for our WWII heroes and the stuff they endured and the baggage they carry because they chose to serve their country. It is a bittersweet novel that will occasionally make you want to knock the heroine over her head.
In other words, if you are looking for pulse pounding, stay-up-all-night reading material, this isn't your book, BUT if you like the idea of an aging WWII hero tribute with a splash of romance, this will be right up your alley. Happy endings never hurt. ;)
About Tricia:
Tricia Goyer is the author of thirty books including Songbird Under a German Moon, The Swiss Courier, and the mommy memoir, Blue Like Play Dough. She won Historical Novel of the Year in 2005 and 2006 from ACFW, and was honored with the Writer of the Year award from Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference in 2003. Tricia's book Life Interrupted was a finalist for the Gold Medallion in 2005. In addition to her novels, Tricia writes non-fiction books and magazine articles for publications like MomSense and Thriving Family. Tricia is a regular speaker at conventions and conferences, and has been a workshop presenter at the MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International Conventions. On Tricia's weekly radio show, Living Inspired, she shares stories of inspiration and encouragement. She and her family make their home in Little Rock, Arkansas where they are part of the ministry of FamilyLife.
For more about Tricia and her other books visitwww.triciagoyer.com
Tricia Goyer is celebrating the release of her novel, Remembering You, with a KINDLE Touch Giveaway for you ... and for the friend of your choice. Then on 11/29 she'll be wrapping up the release of Remembering You with a Book Chat Party!
During the first half of the party Tricia will be chatting, sharing a sneak peek of her next book, and giving away a ton of great stuff. Then she'll head over to her website for a Live Chat! Readers will be able to chat with Tricia via video or text.
Don't miss your chance to win a Kindle Touch for yourself ... and to "remember" a friend this holiday with a Kindle Touch for them!
Read what the reviewers are saying here.
One grand prize winner will receive:
- A Brand New Kindle Touch and a Kindle Touch for a Friend (winner's choice!)
- A copy of Remembering You by Tricia Goyer for each
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!
Blog tour schedule: go see what others are saying!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Blessings by Kim Vogel Sawyer
It's New Book Tuesday (on Wednesday night)!
This third book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's Sommerfeld Trilogy returns us to Sommerfeld, Kansas, a fictional community just outside of my old stomping grounds. (And why'dya have to make the bad guy from Hillsboro, Kim? (she'll say he's not really all that bad...just tall.))
This time we get to follow Trina, a bubbly, happy girl who has a special touch with animals. Trina would like to study to be a vet, but the dictates of her Old Order Mennonite fellowship say she shouldn't even finish high school, much less go to college. It looks like if Trina decides to follow her heart--and God given gifting--she might lose everything else important to her.
For a look into the non-Amish Mennonite lifestyle and beliefs, I highly recommend this series. They are not dependent, but you will get to revisit the main characters of Beginnings and Bygones. Even I found myself learning more about this lesser known branch of Mennonite. (Of course this is a fictional fellowship, so reading this book won't necessarily make you an expert on the Old Order.)
Side note: may you never have to hear Hubs and I explain the Mennonites (some people are nodding vigorously right now) "First you have the Amish: they don't drive and they wear white caps, then you have the Holdeman that wear black caps and drive, but don't allow chrome or radios on their cars, and there's the Old Order that wear white caps, but aren't Amish and sometimes drive and sometimes don't and then you have the Mennonite Brethren--that's what we were--which is more like a Southern Baptist and then you have the General conference Mennonite that is often more like the Methodist...." And though we both think we know what we are talking about, we probably have very little clue outside our very specific experiences, but we feel like experts when talking to people who hear Mennonite and apparently think Martian.
Anyhoo, yeah, I like Kim's books. Because of the setting and her very gentle way of writing and her way of writing in the romantic element that leaves much to the imagination, but is more realistic to marital love than a lot of writers.
Well done, Kim. What's next?
This third book in Kim Vogel Sawyer's Sommerfeld Trilogy returns us to Sommerfeld, Kansas, a fictional community just outside of my old stomping grounds. (And why'dya have to make the bad guy from Hillsboro, Kim? (she'll say he's not really all that bad...just tall.))
This time we get to follow Trina, a bubbly, happy girl who has a special touch with animals. Trina would like to study to be a vet, but the dictates of her Old Order Mennonite fellowship say she shouldn't even finish high school, much less go to college. It looks like if Trina decides to follow her heart--and God given gifting--she might lose everything else important to her.
For a look into the non-Amish Mennonite lifestyle and beliefs, I highly recommend this series. They are not dependent, but you will get to revisit the main characters of Beginnings and Bygones. Even I found myself learning more about this lesser known branch of Mennonite. (Of course this is a fictional fellowship, so reading this book won't necessarily make you an expert on the Old Order.)
Side note: may you never have to hear Hubs and I explain the Mennonites (some people are nodding vigorously right now) "First you have the Amish: they don't drive and they wear white caps, then you have the Holdeman that wear black caps and drive, but don't allow chrome or radios on their cars, and there's the Old Order that wear white caps, but aren't Amish and sometimes drive and sometimes don't and then you have the Mennonite Brethren--that's what we were--which is more like a Southern Baptist and then you have the General conference Mennonite that is often more like the Methodist...." And though we both think we know what we are talking about, we probably have very little clue outside our very specific experiences, but we feel like experts when talking to people who hear Mennonite and apparently think Martian.
Anyhoo, yeah, I like Kim's books. Because of the setting and her very gentle way of writing and her way of writing in the romantic element that leaves much to the imagination, but is more realistic to marital love than a lot of writers.
Well done, Kim. What's next?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Think I'm Exaggerating?
Eldest's visit to the doctor today including visit, strep test and medication for two, count 'em two, different infections: $138.98 (thank you Walgreens take care clinic)
Nonny's trip to the vet: $389. Including the very comforting call that she made it through her surgery "beautifully."
Sigh.
The fact that the mommy guilt runs high this afternoon because I was certain he was faking is a whole nuther post.
(Someone out there, not naming names, will think this is passive-aggressive hinting. It isn't. It is complaining. Pure and simple.)
Nonny's trip to the vet: $389. Including the very comforting call that she made it through her surgery "beautifully."
Sigh.
The fact that the mommy guilt runs high this afternoon because I was certain he was faking is a whole nuther post.
(Someone out there, not naming names, will think this is passive-aggressive hinting. It isn't. It is complaining. Pure and simple.)
Friday, February 26, 2010
In the Continuing Saga that is the cat and animals in general
Yesterday I went for two maintenance visits to doctors.
The first was to my dentist. An appointment that they wouldn't let me schedule for two weeks ago because six months would not be until yesterday. I think they assumed that I have insurance. They assumed wrong. You'd think they would see that in my chart. But that isn't the point. It rarely is. "IT" being my first rant. My point is this: I was in there for an hour while my teeth were scraped, polished, poked and examined by two different people. My final bill was $72 (after my pay day of service discount). They sent me home with two toothbrushes, a tube of toothpaste and a roll of floss. Complementary.
My second appointment was at the vet's office where Nonny the evil, who pees in my house and claws my new furniture, who doesn't want to go outside in snowmageddon so lives exclusively in my garage, had to have enough shots that I can allow her near my children. Length of visit: 8 minutes. Cost of visit: $114. They offered to sell me some expensive flea medicine that also counter-attacks something else--worms maybe? (I passed.)
There's just something twisted about that.
The first was to my dentist. An appointment that they wouldn't let me schedule for two weeks ago because six months would not be until yesterday. I think they assumed that I have insurance. They assumed wrong. You'd think they would see that in my chart. But that isn't the point. It rarely is. "IT" being my first rant. My point is this: I was in there for an hour while my teeth were scraped, polished, poked and examined by two different people. My final bill was $72 (after my pay day of service discount). They sent me home with two toothbrushes, a tube of toothpaste and a roll of floss. Complementary.
My second appointment was at the vet's office where Nonny the evil, who pees in my house and claws my new furniture, who doesn't want to go outside in snowmageddon so lives exclusively in my garage, had to have enough shots that I can allow her near my children. Length of visit: 8 minutes. Cost of visit: $114. They offered to sell me some expensive flea medicine that also counter-attacks something else--worms maybe? (I passed.)
There's just something twisted about that.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
It Comes Before the Fall
I'm so proud of myself today.
I submitted another story for consideration in the myriad of Chicken Soup books. That makes four in less than a week. And this one I got in just under the wire. Submission in no way means acceptance, but writing ANYTHING these days is a big deal for me. To write four stories, good or bad, is huge.
I actually feel sorry for my stupid cat. I think she was traumatized. The good news is the vet said they don't need to see her for another year. I'll be sure to budget her in with the GNP of a small country for 2010.
I'm having fun with my Strep-y kid. If I didn't actually have to teach him anything, I'd keep him home for school. However, once I try to bring out the books, I know his surly twin brother will show his face. I guess I'll keep sending him off to his teacher (to whom I had to confess that she knew him better than I since I thought he was faking).
Now, I'm off to do my study on Corinthians II. Only six days late. But I'll finish, yes I will.
I submitted another story for consideration in the myriad of Chicken Soup books. That makes four in less than a week. And this one I got in just under the wire. Submission in no way means acceptance, but writing ANYTHING these days is a big deal for me. To write four stories, good or bad, is huge.
I actually feel sorry for my stupid cat. I think she was traumatized. The good news is the vet said they don't need to see her for another year. I'll be sure to budget her in with the GNP of a small country for 2010.
I'm having fun with my Strep-y kid. If I didn't actually have to teach him anything, I'd keep him home for school. However, once I try to bring out the books, I know his surly twin brother will show his face. I guess I'll keep sending him off to his teacher (to whom I had to confess that she knew him better than I since I thought he was faking).
Now, I'm off to do my study on Corinthians II. Only six days late. But I'll finish, yes I will.
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