When PinF was a kid every once in a while he'd get into the Chevy Impala with his dad and we'd cruise on over to Lansdowne Ave. to the record store. And as fun as it was, I knew very little of music per se, other than what my parents would either be listening to at the time or what I would hear on WFIL AM 56. Still these were wondrous trips as I would follow my dad around as he thumbed through albums looking for the latest Neil Diamond or Johnny Cash release. Record stores when I was a child were full of "LP's", a concept completely strange and unknown to anyone under 18 nowadays. Yet it was the album covers themselves, and the art the was as facinating as the music. Albums were "big" with their artistic covers and such, unlike today's counterparts the CD. Of course it was much different than today in that there was no sampling of the music, even I can remember buying albums in high school and shortly there after prior to the CD age. You either knew what you were after, or you took a chance. There was no MTV, VH1 or the various of mediums that we now know to sample or "try" the music.
Sophia my daughter shows the same inherent love of music; she can name a Van Morrison or Bob Marley song, knows the words to Suzanne Vega's songs, adores Enya's music and will tell anyone that'll listen that her uncle Scott is a singer with his own reggae band. This to me is endearing and fascinating as she's so ahead of where I was when I was seven going on eight. And just like I would go to the record store with my dad, she loves doing the same with me. Truth be told PinF buys very little music in stores these days, preferring to utilize Limewire or I tunes, still the music store is a fond memory for PinF and the poignancy of such visits are never lost. Sophia being an only daughter receives far more perks in her little life than I ever dreamed as one of five boys. It's all relevant to what you can give and to what a child deserves, and today she deserved her CD.
Sophia completed two years of religious education this morning in anticipation of her 1st Holy Communion next Sunday and PinF couldn't be prouder. As I picked her up from her final class, one that saw her go on a three hour retreat with the 39 other communicants, I was filled with such a sense of pride for how she steadfastly attended mass and her classes. Her teacher commented to me on what a well behaved child she is, further adding to my already puffed chest, and I in turn thanked her for her role in Sophia's spiritual development. We left and she said to me "papi, do you think I could buy Disney Mania 4 today?"....... First question was what was DM4? Once told, I told her it would be my treat for her completing her classes today; so off we went to the record store.
Life always sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and as I watched my little girl go up to the in-store computer to locate her CD I was amazed at how my baby is slowly transforming into a young lady. Confidence and ability beyond her age were evident as she easily found the CD and then located its location in the rack. PinF has had many distractions and equal amounts of heartache the past two years, both of which have often blurred the everyday realities and changes before my eyes. She didn't say it, but I knew she was on top of the search so I kind of did what dads have to learn how to do with little girls, I let go of her little hand and kind of went about looking at albums for myself while keeping an eye on her. In that instant it all flashed back to Lansdowne Ave. record store. Here was my little person, her head barely visible over the stacks of CD's listening to her album on the courtesy player with big headphones as I did the same without her seeing me. I thought to myself how I was once that little person and my dad was me. And all at once I felt an incredible sadness and joy at the same time. Missing my dad, and rejoicing in my daughter.
We bought the CD went home, I of course had to sit through the songs of the many Disney network shows as she danced, sang, and reveled in the bliss that is being a seven year-old. Soon after this the day broke open with blue skies and sunshine, and we were back to doing what we do best, enjoying the beach. Last week she and I attended a sneak preview of the new movie Akeelah and the Bee about a little inner city girl whose love of words and scrabble provides her a vehicle out her urban blight and sorrow over losing the father who inspired her love of words. This movie struck a familiar chord with Sophie as she loves spelling and has maintained a perfect spelling test record this year too, so this movie really hit home. This also prompted Sophia to dust off her Scrabble and throw down the challenge. PinF loves Scrabble and can himself remember learning to play at an early age with his mother, something Sophia knew as she told me about my games with my mom. She acts as if she were there, absorbing every memory, anecdote, and recollection of each of her parent's childhood stories. I imagine this must be a result of being an only child in some way, since she has no siblings to go "down memory lane" with, instead she does it with me. Funny kid.
So off we went to the beach with our travel Scrabble, again with memories of my mom and me doing the same. She's good too. Anyone who knows Scrabble knows also the importance in placing the tiles on the right bonus squares as opposed to impressing anyone with words. The bigger and more obscure words will come, what you must learn first is the strategy-- something her game is beginning to reflect. I imagine what a postcard image we made--just the two of us sitting in the sand, enjoying eachother and playing a game of words, oblivious to everything and everyone. Again the poignancy of doing something with my daughter that I once did with my parent was an interesting feeling, as if I had a mirror raised to my past today. I know also that as I prepare her for her big day next Sunday she's one step further along. These are the "moments" in a child's memory-- 1st day of school, Holy Communion, 1st school field trip, these all constitute the mile posts of a child's life. As a parent we're better able to see the bigger picture and how each accomplishment no matter how small, provides the confidence and indeed the ladder that enables the next step up.
It's a bitter sweet journey to be sure, for in as much as you want and need for your child to continue taking the steps of life, you know in your "adult" mind that these memories that are being made are exactly the ones you'll want to relive in ten or twenty years. Sophia said something completely uncanny to me to tonight as we ate dinner, she said "papi, we'll never have this moment again". I asked her, "where did you hear that?" She said she just said it, that she hadn't heard it anywhere. Makes me think that she too is maybe savoring the sweet memorable moments, and is not just growing up in my eyes alone.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Lies, "Bad" News, and More Lies
NOTE: PinF hasn't had a politically motivated rant in awhile. I couldn't help myself.
Where else but in America can two adults engage in consenual sexual relations that would result in an impeachment of an American President?
Where else but in America can an over-zealous millionaire with a score to settle for his daddy engage in a totally false, immoral, and destructive war---once again against people of color, and consider his cause and mission to be just and holy?
Are these not the ironies and oxymorons of the times we live in? When PinF was a kid there was strong movement throughout the US to spray paint the words "Nixon now" underneath the word "stop" on STOP signs. This of course was considered for the times- blatant vandalism, not to mention un-American.
How ironic that in the 30 years since then we should come to find how un-just, ill-advised, and needlessly prolonged this travesty of American foreign policy was (VIETNAM), and yet we now enter another period of questionable policies and leadership. To add insult to injury, we eventually would come to find that as the highest elected official in the country Nixon was nothing more than a racist, common crook himself. He cloaked himself in both word and deed in falsehoods. Still there was fervent support for this man; even later in his shamed life as he was much sought out for advice on both political strategies and policies. His Secretary of State Kissinger was himself also later disgraced with allegations of his personal endorsement of Pinochet's junta against thousands of souls never to be heard from again.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Could there be a more appropriate adage for the times we now face? Anyone who dares dissent against the failed policies of Bush's destruction, war, and world domination are deemed "unAmerican". Complain about the dissolving state of afairs in Iraq and "you don't support the troops". Never mind that there is a growing chorus of retired Generals now coming out against Rumsfield and his (BUSH's) failed policies rooted in both intimidation and lies.
So now here we are half way into a regally failed administration where we've lowered taxes, increased spending by billions upon billions on a foolish and clearly unwise and unnecessary war--and I ask, FOR WHAT? There were no WMD's. Not to mention, while we've lowered all the government revenue we've been beseeched by the single largest terrorist calamity ever, along with hurricane after hurricane plaguing our atlantic and gulf coasts. Oh yeah, "Americans are safer now", I had almost forgotten. Now I see the village idiot on television harping about "price gouging" with regard to gasoline. Is this whole country asleep? Are we drunk on the false financial elixyr we've been fed? This policy, and indeed this administration is a house of cards, when it all falls is the question.
PinF is no Wharton economist though surely this senseless form of government fiscal irresponsibility and lies that propogate them must resonate even with some Republicans? You cannot conduct a $4 billion dollar a month war and continue to cut to taxes. It's as if Bush is the pied piper is leading us all into fiscal hell so long as interest rates are low, and my tax refund is large. I challenge anyone to name one significant domestic policy or lasting social achievement in 6 years? What ever happend to that all important mandate on "no child left behind"?
How can we as a nation not to mention as the leaders of the free world, human rights, and of the God given liberties we hold so dear have gone so astray? This entire cabinent is corrupt in one form or another. We have a Vice President who until becoming VP was the chairman of the board of the single biggest contractor to the war effort. Mind you, Halliburton doesn't compete with its bids. Coincidence?
PinF is ashamed of the bullying hipocrit his country has become. The Bush administration always complains the "news media" only reports the bad things that happen in Iraq. True. That's news George, I would counter that a robbery in Texas carries more newsworthiness than than a groundbreaking for a new daycare. To be fair, I would also suggest that the American people haven't been told the half of the atrocities, deaths, and mutilations of innocent Iraqi's...of whom there have been tens of thousands killed in the pursuit of your safer America. We have created more hatred and terrorists than we'll ever kill.
I have heard time and again from the talking heads of the right-- brain washed by the "reasons" for this war, how Clinton "blew it" and how he could have had Bin Laden but failed to act. This indeed has some merit. The big difference between Clinton and Bush's policies are indeed stark. We had peace, prosperity and no war with Clinton, we also had a balanced budget and an incredible economy. We must also acknowledge the world was a very dangerous place with terrorists operating freely. With Bush we have war, financial instability, record national debts, and a precarious economy pumped up by distracting tax breaks, primarily to the rich. We arguably have a much more dangerous world, the difference being that after all the billions spent and thousands of precious American lives lost and maimed--we still have all the terrorists operating freely. PinF was no fan of Clinton the man--though it would seem that Clinton the President offered this country much more than dread, fear, and war.
Bush could have had Bin Laden too...he instead allowed Rumsfeld to farm this mission out to the Pashtun and Afghani tribesmen instead of an all out assault by the professionally trained and brave soldiers. These are the very same brave and willing soldiers we now allow to be slaughtered by the faceless enemies of Iraq courtesy of IED's.
Clinton also was wiser in the sense that he did not allow himself to be baited into a bloody, no-win war either. When we lost the Army Rangers in Mogadishu we cut our losses and got the hell out of hell. It was clear to both he and his Secretary of Defense that nothing good could come out of escalating such an incident. Further proving that the better part of valor is discretion. Conversely, Bush appears to become more stupid with every bungled objective and battle. Instead of realizing the futility of his policies, he pours in even more money. all while continuing to expend the most precious of all our commodities as a nation ---our young soldiers live's.
All for what? To do daddy right? To remove an aleady isolated despot? What a joke. An incrediby sad one at that.
Now comes George to the rescue (again)...help us.
He piously preens on the news regarding price gouging in the gasoline supplies....well duh. You started a fricking war in the middle of the world's most economically rich and vulnerable spot all at once!! Oh and if this wasn't enough? Now we have death thirsty militants in charge of the Palestinian people, and to top off George's legacy...well he might just get to drop a tactical nuclear bomb. Now there's a presidential accomplishment.
How insanely ironic that the first deliberate nuke since Hiroshima should be used in an attempt to stop exactly what we'll be dropping on the heads of the Iranians. Well at least we're all safe here on the "home front". Now if we can only get "them" to stop reporting just the bad news.........
Where else but in America can two adults engage in consenual sexual relations that would result in an impeachment of an American President?
Where else but in America can an over-zealous millionaire with a score to settle for his daddy engage in a totally false, immoral, and destructive war---once again against people of color, and consider his cause and mission to be just and holy?
Are these not the ironies and oxymorons of the times we live in? When PinF was a kid there was strong movement throughout the US to spray paint the words "Nixon now" underneath the word "stop" on STOP signs. This of course was considered for the times- blatant vandalism, not to mention un-American.
How ironic that in the 30 years since then we should come to find how un-just, ill-advised, and needlessly prolonged this travesty of American foreign policy was (VIETNAM), and yet we now enter another period of questionable policies and leadership. To add insult to injury, we eventually would come to find that as the highest elected official in the country Nixon was nothing more than a racist, common crook himself. He cloaked himself in both word and deed in falsehoods. Still there was fervent support for this man; even later in his shamed life as he was much sought out for advice on both political strategies and policies. His Secretary of State Kissinger was himself also later disgraced with allegations of his personal endorsement of Pinochet's junta against thousands of souls never to be heard from again.
Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Could there be a more appropriate adage for the times we now face? Anyone who dares dissent against the failed policies of Bush's destruction, war, and world domination are deemed "unAmerican". Complain about the dissolving state of afairs in Iraq and "you don't support the troops". Never mind that there is a growing chorus of retired Generals now coming out against Rumsfield and his (BUSH's) failed policies rooted in both intimidation and lies.
So now here we are half way into a regally failed administration where we've lowered taxes, increased spending by billions upon billions on a foolish and clearly unwise and unnecessary war--and I ask, FOR WHAT? There were no WMD's. Not to mention, while we've lowered all the government revenue we've been beseeched by the single largest terrorist calamity ever, along with hurricane after hurricane plaguing our atlantic and gulf coasts. Oh yeah, "Americans are safer now", I had almost forgotten. Now I see the village idiot on television harping about "price gouging" with regard to gasoline. Is this whole country asleep? Are we drunk on the false financial elixyr we've been fed? This policy, and indeed this administration is a house of cards, when it all falls is the question.
PinF is no Wharton economist though surely this senseless form of government fiscal irresponsibility and lies that propogate them must resonate even with some Republicans? You cannot conduct a $4 billion dollar a month war and continue to cut to taxes. It's as if Bush is the pied piper is leading us all into fiscal hell so long as interest rates are low, and my tax refund is large. I challenge anyone to name one significant domestic policy or lasting social achievement in 6 years? What ever happend to that all important mandate on "no child left behind"?
How can we as a nation not to mention as the leaders of the free world, human rights, and of the God given liberties we hold so dear have gone so astray? This entire cabinent is corrupt in one form or another. We have a Vice President who until becoming VP was the chairman of the board of the single biggest contractor to the war effort. Mind you, Halliburton doesn't compete with its bids. Coincidence?
PinF is ashamed of the bullying hipocrit his country has become. The Bush administration always complains the "news media" only reports the bad things that happen in Iraq. True. That's news George, I would counter that a robbery in Texas carries more newsworthiness than than a groundbreaking for a new daycare. To be fair, I would also suggest that the American people haven't been told the half of the atrocities, deaths, and mutilations of innocent Iraqi's...of whom there have been tens of thousands killed in the pursuit of your safer America. We have created more hatred and terrorists than we'll ever kill.
I have heard time and again from the talking heads of the right-- brain washed by the "reasons" for this war, how Clinton "blew it" and how he could have had Bin Laden but failed to act. This indeed has some merit. The big difference between Clinton and Bush's policies are indeed stark. We had peace, prosperity and no war with Clinton, we also had a balanced budget and an incredible economy. We must also acknowledge the world was a very dangerous place with terrorists operating freely. With Bush we have war, financial instability, record national debts, and a precarious economy pumped up by distracting tax breaks, primarily to the rich. We arguably have a much more dangerous world, the difference being that after all the billions spent and thousands of precious American lives lost and maimed--we still have all the terrorists operating freely. PinF was no fan of Clinton the man--though it would seem that Clinton the President offered this country much more than dread, fear, and war.
Bush could have had Bin Laden too...he instead allowed Rumsfeld to farm this mission out to the Pashtun and Afghani tribesmen instead of an all out assault by the professionally trained and brave soldiers. These are the very same brave and willing soldiers we now allow to be slaughtered by the faceless enemies of Iraq courtesy of IED's.
Clinton also was wiser in the sense that he did not allow himself to be baited into a bloody, no-win war either. When we lost the Army Rangers in Mogadishu we cut our losses and got the hell out of hell. It was clear to both he and his Secretary of Defense that nothing good could come out of escalating such an incident. Further proving that the better part of valor is discretion. Conversely, Bush appears to become more stupid with every bungled objective and battle. Instead of realizing the futility of his policies, he pours in even more money. all while continuing to expend the most precious of all our commodities as a nation ---our young soldiers live's.
All for what? To do daddy right? To remove an aleady isolated despot? What a joke. An incrediby sad one at that.
Now comes George to the rescue (again)...help us.
He piously preens on the news regarding price gouging in the gasoline supplies....well duh. You started a fricking war in the middle of the world's most economically rich and vulnerable spot all at once!! Oh and if this wasn't enough? Now we have death thirsty militants in charge of the Palestinian people, and to top off George's legacy...well he might just get to drop a tactical nuclear bomb. Now there's a presidential accomplishment.
How insanely ironic that the first deliberate nuke since Hiroshima should be used in an attempt to stop exactly what we'll be dropping on the heads of the Iranians. Well at least we're all safe here on the "home front". Now if we can only get "them" to stop reporting just the bad news.........
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Millions of Blessings
Sophia and me blew through $65 million dollars last Saturday night. Happily I might add, with no regret and no hesitation what so ever! Our many friends and family should be happy to know that they too were included in our blowout spending spree. The Florida lottery has been making a lot of noise lately, due in large part to no one winning for several weeks now. Sophia reminds me of the jackpot every Thursday on the way down the turnpike to figure skating lessons where we have to ride by the lottery billboard proclaiming the jackpot amount for week. So it was with this mega figure in mind we both made our way to the lotto man and purchased our "winning" ticket. I promised my Haitain friend at least $100,000.oo upon winning, he in turned wished me well now that his fortune was tied into mine.
Anyone who's ever played a lottery knows the real fun is before the drawing, when your numbers have as good a chance of being the winning ticket as anyone's. And so it was as we made our way home from the beach last Saturday night that I asked her a few questions regarding what we would do with all our "loot"? Like the apple that has fallen not too far from the tree she responded "travel"-- good answer, I already liked where this was going. So I asked Sophie "if you could go anywhere you wanted RIGHT NOW, where would it be?".... She thought for a moment, and as I eagerly awaited my travel plans she blurted out CHINA!! She said that she wanted to see the Great Wall....that's cool. It wouldn't have been my first travel location, but cool all the same. I told her we would leave on Monday, and she said "but papi, what about school", I told her not to worry we would "buy-out" her teachers' contract and take Mrs. Dinger with us to "home school" her.
She began to like this game too and so I continued on. I asked her what it was she wanted to do for people who needed help. Again, she pondered-- a bit longer this time and recounted how she and her mother had encountered a homeless veteran panhandling on the median at a red light, and how her mother gave him some change. "Help the homeless" she said, this made me feel even better about this new found money we had coming. Of course the conversation eventually wound back to her missing ice skating lessons while away in China to which I responded we would just buy the rink, and have her school lessons moved there as well. She loved this idea. By now all sorts of crazy dreams, wishes, and desires were flowing freely back and forth. We decided upon a trip to Ireland as well, she said she wanted to take her Irish nana (my mom), so I was pleased we would be going to an english speaking country as well.
As evidenced by my lack of announcements we didn't win Saturday night, at least not the cash. When she asked if we lost the next morning, I told her no. I told Sophia we didn't win any money, but that didn't mean we lost. I told her in light of all we have lost recently, including my father and our cat--that we had actually won something far more important. We had each other, we had our health, and we had a glorious Easter Sunday to go to mass together. Added to this, we had a beautiful day in which to spend together at the beach playing in the sand and the ocean. Sophia immediately knew what it was I was saying, and she told me that family and health are more important than money. Now this kind of smarts you can't buy with any lottery. Amen; our blessings are worth far more than $65 million dollars, though it would certainly enhance them for sure.
So today I stop and get the paper on my way in to work and see that the lotto has again rolled over, now it's up to $82 million. Wow, looks like alot of readers of PinF will be seeing a direct hook if we win. Mind you, I have a 1 in 23 million shot to be exact. Comparatively, to put this in proper perspective PinF's chances of a shark attack are 1 in 11.5 million, becoming president?, well that's 1 in 10 million. Poker Pro already knows this one: drawing a royal flush in poker? 1 in 650,000. OK here's one a bit more likely: drawing a 4-leaf clover on first try? 1 in 10,000. Unfortunatley what I've learned from all of this is that PinF is more likely to be struck by lightning, 1 in 3,000--than win the lotto.
Still it all comes back to that wise statement. You gotta play to win. So play we will once again tonight. I need all of your wish lists by 10PM tonight, lets say you all have $50K to spend, you can either have a lump cash payout, or PinF and Sophia will make your dreams ($50K's worth) come true. If I win, please pardon us until weI get back from China and Ireland, then I'll be up toPhilly to hand out the checks. Wish us luck!
Anyone who's ever played a lottery knows the real fun is before the drawing, when your numbers have as good a chance of being the winning ticket as anyone's. And so it was as we made our way home from the beach last Saturday night that I asked her a few questions regarding what we would do with all our "loot"? Like the apple that has fallen not too far from the tree she responded "travel"-- good answer, I already liked where this was going. So I asked Sophie "if you could go anywhere you wanted RIGHT NOW, where would it be?".... She thought for a moment, and as I eagerly awaited my travel plans she blurted out CHINA!! She said that she wanted to see the Great Wall....that's cool. It wouldn't have been my first travel location, but cool all the same. I told her we would leave on Monday, and she said "but papi, what about school", I told her not to worry we would "buy-out" her teachers' contract and take Mrs. Dinger with us to "home school" her.
She began to like this game too and so I continued on. I asked her what it was she wanted to do for people who needed help. Again, she pondered-- a bit longer this time and recounted how she and her mother had encountered a homeless veteran panhandling on the median at a red light, and how her mother gave him some change. "Help the homeless" she said, this made me feel even better about this new found money we had coming. Of course the conversation eventually wound back to her missing ice skating lessons while away in China to which I responded we would just buy the rink, and have her school lessons moved there as well. She loved this idea. By now all sorts of crazy dreams, wishes, and desires were flowing freely back and forth. We decided upon a trip to Ireland as well, she said she wanted to take her Irish nana (my mom), so I was pleased we would be going to an english speaking country as well.
As evidenced by my lack of announcements we didn't win Saturday night, at least not the cash. When she asked if we lost the next morning, I told her no. I told Sophia we didn't win any money, but that didn't mean we lost. I told her in light of all we have lost recently, including my father and our cat--that we had actually won something far more important. We had each other, we had our health, and we had a glorious Easter Sunday to go to mass together. Added to this, we had a beautiful day in which to spend together at the beach playing in the sand and the ocean. Sophia immediately knew what it was I was saying, and she told me that family and health are more important than money. Now this kind of smarts you can't buy with any lottery. Amen; our blessings are worth far more than $65 million dollars, though it would certainly enhance them for sure.
So today I stop and get the paper on my way in to work and see that the lotto has again rolled over, now it's up to $82 million. Wow, looks like alot of readers of PinF will be seeing a direct hook if we win. Mind you, I have a 1 in 23 million shot to be exact. Comparatively, to put this in proper perspective PinF's chances of a shark attack are 1 in 11.5 million, becoming president?, well that's 1 in 10 million. Poker Pro already knows this one: drawing a royal flush in poker? 1 in 650,000. OK here's one a bit more likely: drawing a 4-leaf clover on first try? 1 in 10,000. Unfortunatley what I've learned from all of this is that PinF is more likely to be struck by lightning, 1 in 3,000--than win the lotto.
Still it all comes back to that wise statement. You gotta play to win. So play we will once again tonight. I need all of your wish lists by 10PM tonight, lets say you all have $50K to spend, you can either have a lump cash payout, or PinF and Sophia will make your dreams ($50K's worth) come true. If I win, please pardon us until weI get back from China and Ireland, then I'll be up toPhilly to hand out the checks. Wish us luck!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Our New Maine Man
UPDATE: Just recieved an email from my "breeder" informing me that my new kitten's father is 32 lbs. and "still growing", she said she felt obligated to let me know that this kitten is going to be "very" large. My response? "Bring him on".
After a week of profound loss and sorrow for our beloved friend and buddy Mr. Peabody, PinF is happy to report that a finalist has been chosen to assume the now vacant throne of Peabody the I.
This said, there can never be another Peabody but there sure as hell can be another Maine Coon. PinF finds this breed of cat to be one of the coolest, most laid back, inquisitive, friendly, and above all--loyal companions that any cat could be. Taking into account there is very little in the gene pool that separates a domestic cat from it's larger and obviously wilder cousin's in the wild--this is quite amazing.
Maine Coon's are almost human like in their insistance that they be "wherever you are". They have got neither the aloofness nor the sneakiness of their "other" domestic cousins. They are quite large (Peabody in his prime was 20lbs. of very relaxed muscle), so any element of surprise is immediately lost with their physical presence alone. Although due to their size I've also found them to be very confrontational if their space is violated, rarely if ever backing down to any animal. Peabody once lept atop a brown Labrador and put the lion's clamp on the back of it's neck as the 80lb male dog ran yelping with Peabody on his back. They are nothing-- if not the fiercest protectors of their domestic domains. PinF loves this attribute....couch potato-to feline super hero.
After an exhaustive, and often emotionally draining canvassing of the the state of Florida PinF has become more educated on Maine Coons than he had as Peabody the I's caretaker and confidant for 15 years. I've spoken to dozens of breeders and afficianados regarding the "application process" and their "screening" after which I've come to the conclusion you may very well be able to adopt a child easier than a Maine Coon kitten. Still, I had to play the game. PinF's initial contact was the heart-string tugging letter--quite by accident really as I was feeling down as the search began. Explaining Sophia's and my loss and then how we need to find a replacement. This approach was obviously a wise one, as we have "automatically" been placed at the top of no less than three waiting list's since we are "grieving" the passing of a Maine Coon, and not first time buyers. PinF has to admit, these Maine Coon people are mighty classy, and very accomodating, further proving that "membership does indeed has its privileges" .
After narrowing the list down from either readily available Coons that were either a little older than we wanted, or not the gender we wanted, or 450 miles away from us-- we were finally contacted by a breeder just south in Dade County. She informed me who upon learning of our plight, that she had one male who would indeed be "very, very, large" who was promised out already, but due to my "grieving" status I would trump this person's wait on the list of next adoption. Cool. PinF is considering applying his grieving status to other purchases....maybe his next motorcycle, or even his groceries...like "my bananas died, they just turned black"....
And so, without further adieu I have photo of the heir apparent to the now vacant throne of Peabody I, he is only 8 weeks old, as such he will not be released to ascend to his rightful role as Monarch for another 3-4 weeks. He has been informed of his duties--quite simple really. Get fat, chill out, guard the kingdom, make Sophia and myself happy. Simple no? So PinF is now in a holding pattern, his search completed, he sits atop the adoption list waiting (and saving $$$$) prepared to enter into yet another bond of responsibility to another living creature. Sure it would be easier to just worry about myself and Sophia, but it's obvious I got so much more from my cat than he ever got from us; that and the fact that Sophia deserves to have a pet now more than before. Besides, now that she can really enjoy one as a young child and not as a hair tugging toddler. Another real "plus" is that I can assign her "cat litter duty" so maybe this isn't so bad after all. His new name? Tenatively it's "PEABODY-TOO".
After a week of profound loss and sorrow for our beloved friend and buddy Mr. Peabody, PinF is happy to report that a finalist has been chosen to assume the now vacant throne of Peabody the I.This said, there can never be another Peabody but there sure as hell can be another Maine Coon. PinF finds this breed of cat to be one of the coolest, most laid back, inquisitive, friendly, and above all--loyal companions that any cat could be. Taking into account there is very little in the gene pool that separates a domestic cat from it's larger and obviously wilder cousin's in the wild--this is quite amazing.
Maine Coon's are almost human like in their insistance that they be "wherever you are". They have got neither the aloofness nor the sneakiness of their "other" domestic cousins. They are quite large (Peabody in his prime was 20lbs. of very relaxed muscle), so any element of surprise is immediately lost with their physical presence alone. Although due to their size I've also found them to be very confrontational if their space is violated, rarely if ever backing down to any animal. Peabody once lept atop a brown Labrador and put the lion's clamp on the back of it's neck as the 80lb male dog ran yelping with Peabody on his back. They are nothing-- if not the fiercest protectors of their domestic domains. PinF loves this attribute....couch potato-to feline super hero.
After an exhaustive, and often emotionally draining canvassing of the the state of Florida PinF has become more educated on Maine Coons than he had as Peabody the I's caretaker and confidant for 15 years. I've spoken to dozens of breeders and afficianados regarding the "application process" and their "screening" after which I've come to the conclusion you may very well be able to adopt a child easier than a Maine Coon kitten. Still, I had to play the game. PinF's initial contact was the heart-string tugging letter--quite by accident really as I was feeling down as the search began. Explaining Sophia's and my loss and then how we need to find a replacement. This approach was obviously a wise one, as we have "automatically" been placed at the top of no less than three waiting list's since we are "grieving" the passing of a Maine Coon, and not first time buyers. PinF has to admit, these Maine Coon people are mighty classy, and very accomodating, further proving that "membership does indeed has its privileges" .
After narrowing the list down from either readily available Coons that were either a little older than we wanted, or not the gender we wanted, or 450 miles away from us-- we were finally contacted by a breeder just south in Dade County. She informed me who upon learning of our plight, that she had one male who would indeed be "very, very, large" who was promised out already, but due to my "grieving" status I would trump this person's wait on the list of next adoption. Cool. PinF is considering applying his grieving status to other purchases....maybe his next motorcycle, or even his groceries...like "my bananas died, they just turned black"....
And so, without further adieu I have photo of the heir apparent to the now vacant throne of Peabody I, he is only 8 weeks old, as such he will not be released to ascend to his rightful role as Monarch for another 3-4 weeks. He has been informed of his duties--quite simple really. Get fat, chill out, guard the kingdom, make Sophia and myself happy. Simple no? So PinF is now in a holding pattern, his search completed, he sits atop the adoption list waiting (and saving $$$$) prepared to enter into yet another bond of responsibility to another living creature. Sure it would be easier to just worry about myself and Sophia, but it's obvious I got so much more from my cat than he ever got from us; that and the fact that Sophia deserves to have a pet now more than before. Besides, now that she can really enjoy one as a young child and not as a hair tugging toddler. Another real "plus" is that I can assign her "cat litter duty" so maybe this isn't so bad after all. His new name? Tenatively it's "PEABODY-TOO".
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Nine Lives Are Not Enough
PEABODYinFLORIDA 1992-2006
UPDATE: Had "the talk" with Sophia last night. Tough break for this little kid. First her pop-pop, now her beloved little buddy Mr. P. She wants to get a new Peabody and name it......you guessed it, Peabody. Of all the events you can shield your child from, death is not one of them. Death sucks.
PinF loves cats. Not dogs-- cats. I tolerate dogs, I like dogs, I also admire dog owners' dedication to their pets; because unlike the cat they require much more "involvement". Want to experiment with the idea of having a child? Get a dog. You have to walk them, keep them out of things, clean up their poop and basically raise them as steadfastly as a two year-old child. Cats? Well they are independent, clean, and come with a built in program of survival. Unlike the dog, the cat is a predator and hunter; more importantly the cat is not a pack animal, but rather a solitary animal--- one that relishes it's solitary life of sleeeping up to 18 hours a day while it's owner is away, then patrolling the night time hours as it's owner rests comfortably. Try as man may, you cannot remove the predatory tendancies of a cat, something that fascinates me. I guess that's why cats have nine lives...because they're so damn rested.
PinF's lifestyle dictates his pet be self sufficient, quiet, and clean. So give PinF a cat anyday. When travelling it's nice to know I can leave a clean littler box, several strategically placed bowls of water and food and know that my animal is good to go. Try this with a dog. Most likely your house will resemble pooptown with a few articles of furniture chewed for spite.
PinF has had a Maine Coon cat for 15 years, Mr. Peabody is his name. He was adopted by PinF and his brother Flash back in 1993 from a woman in Philadelphia who was on the verge of an emotional break down due to a divorce and her landlord's edict that she get rid of four of her five exotic cats she was co-habitating with in a 800 sq. ft. apartment. Flash and I were imediately taken with Mr. Peabody when we visited to look over the "goods". She had a collection of cats that spanned the feline genus; a siamese, a persian, a ragdoll, a tabby, and standing tall as all the others scattered--- was 20lb. Mr. Peabody. We knew immediately he was "the one". This shook his very unstable owner to the core, and as Flash went out to the car to fetch the much to small small cat carrier, Peabody's owner broke down in a fit of tears crying "..he's my favorite..." in my arms. It was not pretty, and a bit much more than I had bargained for. My mouth was uttering words I tried to take back like "you can visit him anytime you want"....Flash came back in and was wondering what the hell had happened in the five minutes he had stepped out.
Maine Coons are much more than just cats as anyone who has ever owned one will tell you. They are true companions. They are also an indigenous feline to North America, big, strong, and eternally playful. They are incredibly dextrous with their paws and will open doors and clutch things like a child would with a hand. They are very durable, and extremely loyal. Maine Coons were originally from Maine and were nototious for their skills at ridding farms of vermin, so they were endeared to generations of farmers. More than anything the MC is quite unlike many other breeds in that they are very people oriented, gregarious, and downright friendly cats. Choosing always to be in whatever room their owners occupy, almost to annoyance. If I'm in the shower he's stretched out on the bathroom rug, cooking?--he's on the floor in front of the stove. You get the picture.
Over the past 15 years Mr. Peabody has defended me from bats, squirrels, dogs, raccons, and mice. Most recently he has been called on to repel the reptilian invaders all around PinF's headquarters, killing no less than 500 lizards since moving to Florida 9 years ago. About seven years ago PinF was awoken at 4AM to the most un-Godly noises I had ever heard--clearly a fight was in progress, something Mr. Peabody never really got into much so I rushed downstairs in my underwear and threw on the outside lights to see what was going on. In my haste I gashed my big toe open; at the time I had a pool and and a one year-old so I had the child fence around the pool to prevent Sophia from access. In my still half asleep state I could make out a huge ball of snarling fur running, fighting, snapping, and splashing within the fence. I quickly went back in and grabbed a broom and came back to break up what I believed to be a "cat" fight.....as I came upon the the furious ball of fur I relaized that it was a racoon--not one but two! Peabody was on top of one with a throat hold, while its mate was on top of Peabody.
By this time I was fearful for my trusty mate's life, so I rushed the now snarling and backtracking racoons with the broom handle, swinging and prepared to kill the raccoon to protect Mr. Peabody. The first raccoon leapt 6 ft. over the fence, and just as the bottom raccoon stumbled trying to make the fence I swatted the snarling pest. He was clearly injured from his engagement as he scurried up the fence with a lame front paw and a now sore backside. Mr. Peabody had opened a family size can of whoop-ass on him, I was quite sure that these coons being the smart animals they are wouldn't be back through these parts again. By this time the adrenelan was pumping hard as I grabbed the soaking wet Mr. P in a towel and brought him inside for a post battle inspection. He was clearly freaked--shaking and soaked. As I was to find out later from the vet, the raccoon will often take the fight to the water in order to use his webbed feet in an attempt to drown his adversary. Poor Mr. P!. At first light I called work and hurried Mr. Peabody over to the Vet where he was seen immediately, fearing the worst-- my wife said her good-byes in advance. I was sure due to rabies and such that Mr. Peabody's valiant fight may have cost him his life. Much to my surprise after an intense head to tail inspection Mr. Peabody showed no skin breaks what so ever!! He was issued a rabies booster and awarded a unanimous decision over two wild animals! The Vet had explained that due to Mr. Peabody's size (almost 24 inches long, and 20lbs.) and his thick, long, waterproof coat of hair he was able to surprise, over power, and dominate not one--but two raccoons.
It was further discovered to be trash day, as such the coons were doing what coons do--trash picking. The hour of the night and the fact that the coons were traveling in a pair further suggested that they were not rabid but were healthy, curious, albeit very unlucky-- coons, that just happened to take a short cut through Mr. P's domain, violating his perimeter. Being the incredibly vigilant cat that he was--he engaged the "enemy". All of this with no front claws. He was afforded macho hero status in the Vet that day, and I as his owner could not have been prouder of what he had done. For to know cats, you must also know that as solitary animals they see their owners as their parents; as such he was protecting me and my perimeter. Conversely, dogs are pack animals, and have Alpha leaders, humans walking behind their dogs on a leash essentially are showing their place in the "pack" to their dog.
Mr. Peabody is old now. I noticed he had been losing weight since the hurricane something I had attributed to his getting lost for 6 days, possibly he had eaten something that had given him parasites? This combined with the fact of his old age. Still, after being away for three weeks for my father's death I returned and saw Mr. P. very differently. I rushed him over to the Vet where he was subjected to a battery of tests and lab work. The initial diagnosis was hyperthyroidism, a controllable condition, so my hopes were high as I left the Vet Friday night. I received a call yesterday that all the labs were normal, as such they would need to do an X-ray on Mr. P. So back we went, me and "Mr. Famous", as the staff had read his file and were aware of his bravery in battle. I no sooner arrived home and my phone rang. It was the Vet and she said she had "bad news", the X-ray had revealed a large mass on Mr. Peabody's liver. I was stunned. I could not say anything, the Vet could sense my shock and said nothing, allowing me time to absorb this. My options are clear, but due to his age, and the size of the mass, she advised I should probably put him down. Loss is becoming a recurring theme in PinF's life as of late. Yes he is "just a cat", and yes he's lived a long, faithful, and fun life. He's even gotten to live in a tropical climate, freeing him from the "housecat" chains he was raised under in Philadelphia. But he's my buddy.
The one true constant in my life despite all the up's and down's and incredible changes I've experienced--has always been P and me. He is my last connection to Philadelphia, and his passing represents much more than that of a pet, but of an era, one which saw me leave everything in Philadelphia except my buddy, Mr. P. The moves from Philadelphia and around Florida, the hurricanes, the divorce, all of it-- he's been there. This era ends Monday. I have the week-end to explain death once again to Sophia and to pamper Mr. Peabody, as she has been Mr. P's biggest admirer for ALL of her life. PinF has had many pets in his life--none like Mr. Peabody, he was a giant amongst his peers. His size was small compared to the joy he brought and the loyalty and love he so unselfishly showed us. PinF is trying to find the message in all the loss. It's in there, I know. For now I shall focus on indulging Mr. Peabody with all his desires--shrimp, salmon, raw hamburger. He's going out the way he's always longed to live--in gluttony.
UPDATE: Had "the talk" with Sophia last night. Tough break for this little kid. First her pop-pop, now her beloved little buddy Mr. P. She wants to get a new Peabody and name it......you guessed it, Peabody. Of all the events you can shield your child from, death is not one of them. Death sucks.
PinF loves cats. Not dogs-- cats. I tolerate dogs, I like dogs, I also admire dog owners' dedication to their pets; because unlike the cat they require much more "involvement". Want to experiment with the idea of having a child? Get a dog. You have to walk them, keep them out of things, clean up their poop and basically raise them as steadfastly as a two year-old child. Cats? Well they are independent, clean, and come with a built in program of survival. Unlike the dog, the cat is a predator and hunter; more importantly the cat is not a pack animal, but rather a solitary animal--- one that relishes it's solitary life of sleeeping up to 18 hours a day while it's owner is away, then patrolling the night time hours as it's owner rests comfortably. Try as man may, you cannot remove the predatory tendancies of a cat, something that fascinates me. I guess that's why cats have nine lives...because they're so damn rested.
PinF's lifestyle dictates his pet be self sufficient, quiet, and clean. So give PinF a cat anyday. When travelling it's nice to know I can leave a clean littler box, several strategically placed bowls of water and food and know that my animal is good to go. Try this with a dog. Most likely your house will resemble pooptown with a few articles of furniture chewed for spite.
PinF has had a Maine Coon cat for 15 years, Mr. Peabody is his name. He was adopted by PinF and his brother Flash back in 1993 from a woman in Philadelphia who was on the verge of an emotional break down due to a divorce and her landlord's edict that she get rid of four of her five exotic cats she was co-habitating with in a 800 sq. ft. apartment. Flash and I were imediately taken with Mr. Peabody when we visited to look over the "goods". She had a collection of cats that spanned the feline genus; a siamese, a persian, a ragdoll, a tabby, and standing tall as all the others scattered--- was 20lb. Mr. Peabody. We knew immediately he was "the one". This shook his very unstable owner to the core, and as Flash went out to the car to fetch the much to small small cat carrier, Peabody's owner broke down in a fit of tears crying "..he's my favorite..." in my arms. It was not pretty, and a bit much more than I had bargained for. My mouth was uttering words I tried to take back like "you can visit him anytime you want"....Flash came back in and was wondering what the hell had happened in the five minutes he had stepped out.
Maine Coons are much more than just cats as anyone who has ever owned one will tell you. They are true companions. They are also an indigenous feline to North America, big, strong, and eternally playful. They are incredibly dextrous with their paws and will open doors and clutch things like a child would with a hand. They are very durable, and extremely loyal. Maine Coons were originally from Maine and were nototious for their skills at ridding farms of vermin, so they were endeared to generations of farmers. More than anything the MC is quite unlike many other breeds in that they are very people oriented, gregarious, and downright friendly cats. Choosing always to be in whatever room their owners occupy, almost to annoyance. If I'm in the shower he's stretched out on the bathroom rug, cooking?--he's on the floor in front of the stove. You get the picture.
Over the past 15 years Mr. Peabody has defended me from bats, squirrels, dogs, raccons, and mice. Most recently he has been called on to repel the reptilian invaders all around PinF's headquarters, killing no less than 500 lizards since moving to Florida 9 years ago. About seven years ago PinF was awoken at 4AM to the most un-Godly noises I had ever heard--clearly a fight was in progress, something Mr. Peabody never really got into much so I rushed downstairs in my underwear and threw on the outside lights to see what was going on. In my haste I gashed my big toe open; at the time I had a pool and and a one year-old so I had the child fence around the pool to prevent Sophia from access. In my still half asleep state I could make out a huge ball of snarling fur running, fighting, snapping, and splashing within the fence. I quickly went back in and grabbed a broom and came back to break up what I believed to be a "cat" fight.....as I came upon the the furious ball of fur I relaized that it was a racoon--not one but two! Peabody was on top of one with a throat hold, while its mate was on top of Peabody.
By this time I was fearful for my trusty mate's life, so I rushed the now snarling and backtracking racoons with the broom handle, swinging and prepared to kill the raccoon to protect Mr. Peabody. The first raccoon leapt 6 ft. over the fence, and just as the bottom raccoon stumbled trying to make the fence I swatted the snarling pest. He was clearly injured from his engagement as he scurried up the fence with a lame front paw and a now sore backside. Mr. Peabody had opened a family size can of whoop-ass on him, I was quite sure that these coons being the smart animals they are wouldn't be back through these parts again. By this time the adrenelan was pumping hard as I grabbed the soaking wet Mr. P in a towel and brought him inside for a post battle inspection. He was clearly freaked--shaking and soaked. As I was to find out later from the vet, the raccoon will often take the fight to the water in order to use his webbed feet in an attempt to drown his adversary. Poor Mr. P!. At first light I called work and hurried Mr. Peabody over to the Vet where he was seen immediately, fearing the worst-- my wife said her good-byes in advance. I was sure due to rabies and such that Mr. Peabody's valiant fight may have cost him his life. Much to my surprise after an intense head to tail inspection Mr. Peabody showed no skin breaks what so ever!! He was issued a rabies booster and awarded a unanimous decision over two wild animals! The Vet had explained that due to Mr. Peabody's size (almost 24 inches long, and 20lbs.) and his thick, long, waterproof coat of hair he was able to surprise, over power, and dominate not one--but two raccoons.
It was further discovered to be trash day, as such the coons were doing what coons do--trash picking. The hour of the night and the fact that the coons were traveling in a pair further suggested that they were not rabid but were healthy, curious, albeit very unlucky-- coons, that just happened to take a short cut through Mr. P's domain, violating his perimeter. Being the incredibly vigilant cat that he was--he engaged the "enemy". All of this with no front claws. He was afforded macho hero status in the Vet that day, and I as his owner could not have been prouder of what he had done. For to know cats, you must also know that as solitary animals they see their owners as their parents; as such he was protecting me and my perimeter. Conversely, dogs are pack animals, and have Alpha leaders, humans walking behind their dogs on a leash essentially are showing their place in the "pack" to their dog.
Mr. Peabody is old now. I noticed he had been losing weight since the hurricane something I had attributed to his getting lost for 6 days, possibly he had eaten something that had given him parasites? This combined with the fact of his old age. Still, after being away for three weeks for my father's death I returned and saw Mr. P. very differently. I rushed him over to the Vet where he was subjected to a battery of tests and lab work. The initial diagnosis was hyperthyroidism, a controllable condition, so my hopes were high as I left the Vet Friday night. I received a call yesterday that all the labs were normal, as such they would need to do an X-ray on Mr. P. So back we went, me and "Mr. Famous", as the staff had read his file and were aware of his bravery in battle. I no sooner arrived home and my phone rang. It was the Vet and she said she had "bad news", the X-ray had revealed a large mass on Mr. Peabody's liver. I was stunned. I could not say anything, the Vet could sense my shock and said nothing, allowing me time to absorb this. My options are clear, but due to his age, and the size of the mass, she advised I should probably put him down. Loss is becoming a recurring theme in PinF's life as of late. Yes he is "just a cat", and yes he's lived a long, faithful, and fun life. He's even gotten to live in a tropical climate, freeing him from the "housecat" chains he was raised under in Philadelphia. But he's my buddy.
The one true constant in my life despite all the up's and down's and incredible changes I've experienced--has always been P and me. He is my last connection to Philadelphia, and his passing represents much more than that of a pet, but of an era, one which saw me leave everything in Philadelphia except my buddy, Mr. P. The moves from Philadelphia and around Florida, the hurricanes, the divorce, all of it-- he's been there. This era ends Monday. I have the week-end to explain death once again to Sophia and to pamper Mr. Peabody, as she has been Mr. P's biggest admirer for ALL of her life. PinF has had many pets in his life--none like Mr. Peabody, he was a giant amongst his peers. His size was small compared to the joy he brought and the loyalty and love he so unselfishly showed us. PinF is trying to find the message in all the loss. It's in there, I know. For now I shall focus on indulging Mr. Peabody with all his desires--shrimp, salmon, raw hamburger. He's going out the way he's always longed to live--in gluttony.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
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