Diary of a (Slow) Triathlete

Monday Bunday: Waiting

2011-05-09T14:32:00.000-05:00

The biped says she ordered me a an x-pen. She calls it my play-pen, and she says when it gets here I'll be able to watch movies in the living room with her and Dad. Supposedly it will be here tomorrow, but she said that last week, too.

So I'm stuck waiting...

Caught in the Act

2011-04-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

Look who I surprised this morning!

Happy Hoppy Easter, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Amelia Edition

2011-02-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

Guess who showed up in the mail a couple weeks ago? I couldn't post right away because I wanted to first get a frame that would enhance her natural beauty, but now, here she is...

...Amelia!

I apologize for the picture being a little crooked. It was hard to get an angle where there would be minimal glare. Amalia will be taking up residence in my office, where she will be enjoyed by many.

Amelia brought with her some friends (note the black bunny clips at the bottom)...

And of course, Diana at Qi Papers couldn't resist decorating the mailer so Amelia and her buddies would arrive in style...

Thank you, Diana! And thank you, Amelia, for being such a fine model!

Happy Bunday, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Hearts

2011-02-14T22:56:00.000-06:00

Cadbury: My human got a big surprise at work today - her husband ordered a barbershop quartet to serenade her. No one serenaded me, but that's okay, I guess.

Oh, Cadbury. It isn't like Dan and I love you less for not hiring our friend Rick and his friends to dress up in their tuxedos and sing to you. Have another blackberry and some dandelion greens.

Cadbury: Don't mind if I do. Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a wonderful, bunderful Valentine's Day!

Monday Bunday: Please?

2011-02-07T20:33:00.000-06:00

This is a small spotted rabbit begging for treats.

Last week, I got what looked at first like a treat but turned out to be a trick.

Yes, I got a paid day off from work due to the ice on Friday, but it also meant I couldn't do my Friday night errands, and the threat of overnight re-freeze meant no early morning long run. With other things scheduled for the weekend, the question of when to find a five-hour block of time for a 23 or 24 mile training run was problematic. It didn't help matters that my old hip injury has been giving me trouble again. I could've moved my last 20+ mile run to next weekend, but Dan and I are committed that entire weekend. The weekend after that is the weekend before Surfside - taper week.

So with reluctance, I switched to the half. I may not even do it at all. Dan and I have an opportunity that same weekend that we couldn't have anticipated when I signed up for Surfside, and we've been debating what to do about it ever since we found out.

There's still time, though. No decisions have been made. And in the meantime, this hip issue which I thought I had put behind me, is back. So frustrating.

Nothing is ever too bad when you've got a cute bunny to entertain you, though. Have a good week, everybun!

Monday Bunday: Bunny Butt

2011-01-31T14:40:00.000-06:00

Isn't Cadbury's tail cute? So perky!

My training for the Surfside Beach Marathon is going pretty well, but I'm starting to get annoyed at the weather. It seems my longer (20+ miles) training runs always fall on the cold weekends and my shorter runs on the warm weekends. I'm a cold weather wimp and I hate having to run in freezing or near-freezing temps, especially when I have to start in the dark. What helps, though, is Grabber Hand Warmers. It's pretty miserable when your hands get so cold that you can no longer open doors, and these really help with that.

Of course, if I had fur like Cadbury, I'd probably be toasty no matter what the weather.

Happy Monday!

Monday Bunday: Sigh

2011-01-24T14:30:00.000-06:00

I don't know why I never get to blog anymore. Was I doing it wrong? Sometimes I don't understand my human.

Apocalypse Soon?

2011-01-04T08:48:00.000-06:00

Hey, everyone! For those of you who followed my vacation blog in 2009, do you remember when I got this on a street corner in Santa Fe?

Well, check out this story. It's a real worldwide movement!

Apocalypse Soon

I hope everybun is ready!

Monday Bunday: Roadbunner Visit!

2011-01-03T00:05:00.000-06:00

Guess what, everyone? On Sunday I got to meet the Roadbunner! She was in the area to run a local marathon on New Year's Day, and on Sunday, Dan and I met her, her boyfriend, and a friend for breakfast, followed by a walk at Memorial Park. It was a lot of fun talking bunnies and marathons, and Mario even sent along a gift for Cadbury.

The Gift:

I have to open it myself?

What yummy-looking treats!

I think the biscuits are my favorite.

Thanks, Mario! You're a great pal.

Yes, Mario, thank you. And thank you Roadbunner, for your visit. I hope we can do it again sometime.

Have a great week, everybun!

Why I Love My UPS Driver

2010-12-17T17:54:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week, a strange thing happened. I was working in my office, minding my own business, when a co-worker brought me a UPS envelope. The "ship to" had only my name, and the return address was garbled. How it got to me was a mystery, but its origins were anything but. Inside were some important documents I had entrusted a co-worker to ship out but she had somehow mangled the matter. Since there isn't anything one can do about the past, I took her the envelope, told her to fix it and get it back out before the day was over, and I left it at that. She was sufficiently embarrassed that I doubt she'll make that error again.

Today when I had something that needed to go out, I decided I had better do it myself. Since we were out of labels and envelopes, I figured I'd get what I needed at the drop box, but there were none there. Next I went to the Copy Center, which is also a UPS pickup spot. There at the Copy Center was my UPS guy, Ross. He delivers to the university and to my house and while the kid at the counter started making my labels, Ross told me he had left a package on my front porch (yay!) and then he said, "I found a very strange package for you in the drop box a few days ago."

As it turns out, he was the one who got that mislabeled package back to me. He didn't know what to do with it, but he knew me by name because he delivers to my house and used to deliver to me in one of my previous campus jobs. He didn't know where I currently office, but he asked around and finally figured it out.

I was so grateful that I was on the point of asking Ross to marry me when the kid working on my labels informed me that if we were going to bill a campus department for my current package, it would be twice as much as just using an ordinary label. Unfortunately he had no labels, and Ross had none in his truck.

Ross had another solution, though. The college on whose behalf I was sending the package was across the street. "That's my next stop," he said. He gave me a room number and told me to ask for Lupita. "She has labels and supplies. I'll meet you over there."

So I found Lupita, got my labels, and was just sealing the envelope when Ross showed up. He took my package and I know it's in safe hands now.

The only issue remaining at this point is...what should I get Ross for Christmas?

Bunny, It's Cold Outside!

2010-12-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

With news of colder weather on its way, Cadbury headed out to his autumn garden to check on the last of his lettuce plantings.

There were a few red-leaf lettuce sprouts, but not much else, due to the biped's inconsistent watering scheme.

Nevertheless, Cadbury harvested what he could.

It's so hard to find good help.

Have a great week, everybun, and stay warm!

Monday Bunday: Funny Pose

2010-11-29T21:26:00.001-06:00

I wish I knew why Cadbury likes to pose this way. It doesn't look very comfortable.

Cadbury had a lovely Thanksgiving, although he probably would've liked more treats. On work days I let him out when I come home for lunch and he gets a treat such as a grape or banana chip as a reward for going back in his cage without a fuss. No sweet treats over the holiday for this little bunny!

I got plenty of treats, though. I made a pumpkin cheesecake the weekend before Thanksgiving, and then we bought a regular pie for Thursday, since the cheesecake didn't last long. (Ahem.) I ran sixteen miles on Saturday, though, and three on Sunday after a 45-minute spin. I can have the occasional treat. Also, my boot camp starts this week. I don't know what possessed me to sign up to be tortured three days a week at 5:30 am, but if I ever get such a crazy notion again, I hope someone slaps some sense into me before I get out my credit card. *sigh*

Have a great week, everyone!

Product Endorsement: Mario Badescu

2010-11-28T16:22:00.001-06:00

Friends, you know I'm not one to use my blog for shilling products, but today I'm too impressed to do otherwise. The product in question is Control Cream by Mario Badescu.

I've been dealing with Rosacea off and on since turning 40, and this is the first stuff I've found that eliminates the red, scaly patches. I rubbed some of this on my face Friday night, and here it is Sunday and I don't need Visene or green concealer anymore. Mario Badescu's Control Cream gave me my face back and I couldn't be more grateful.

If you know anyone suffering from Rosacea, please recommend this to them. If it doesn't work, I'll gladly buy their unused portion. I have that much faith in the product.

Abundance!

2010-11-26T18:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we gave thanks for abundance: abundance of food, abundance of opportunities, and most of all, abundance of friends.

Happy Thanksgiving, to those who celebrated, and good wishes for the holiday season!

Monday Bunday: Work in Progress

2010-11-23T01:00:00.000-06:00

We are each a work in progress...

...some more so than others.

Happy Late Monday Bunday!

Now I've Done It...

2010-11-21T15:40:00.001-06:00

Something I haven't done in a couple of years. I've registered for a marathon!

Surfside Beach Marathon, February 26, 2011.

Happy Training to Me!

Monday Bunday: Merbun Sighting!

2010-11-08T14:37:00.000-06:00

Look, everyone! It's a sighting of the rare, semi-mythical merbun!

Check out ~~those feet~~ that tail!

Have a magical week, friends!

Monday Bunday: Dharma Edition

2010-11-01T18:07:00.002-05:00

I got back last night after a fun, fulfilling and thought-provoking weekend at the Shambhala Mountain Center in Colorado. My purpose there was to attend a weekend writing/meditation workshop, which will hopefully get me writing again or if not, help me remain serene about it.

Although there wasn't a lot of free time in our very intense program, I was able to hike up to the Great Stupa a few times, which is a sort of Buddhist temple.

Near the Stupa on my last morning, I met this little guy:

He was obviously on his way to meditate and get serene, just like me.

I wish all of you a serene week as well!

Weekend Retreat

2010-10-29T08:00:00.007-05:00

Shh...don't tell Cadbury, but I'll be gone until Sunday evening.

Where will I be? Writing and getting serene in the mountains of northern Colorado, of course!

Authentic Inspiration: A Weekend for Writers

I plan to take lots of pictures, so watch this space!

Monday Bunday: 'Tocktoberfest Fail

2010-10-25T14:31:00.000-05:00

In spite of many efforts, I've been unable to get Cadbury to let me take a picture of his bunny butt. In the photo below, you see how he wedged himself in his wicker tent so that I can't get a bunny butt picture no matter what angle I take.

Silly rabbit. No 'Tocktoberfest for you!

Monday Bunday: In His Own Words...

2010-10-18T00:03:00.000-05:00

Cadbury: You know, every day I suit up, show up, and do the bunny things that are expected of me. I eat hay, I bink, I flop, and I act like a rabbit. I do this without any expectation of reward, since I know I'm a prisoner, with no rights. All I ask in return is that my ~~jailer~~ biped remember to post a picture of me each week on the interwebs, in the hope that someone might come and rescue me. But does she do this simple task faithfully? NO!

Bunnygirl: *SIGH* Okay, Cadbury. Here's your requisite Monday, Bunday post. But you're hardly abused. Grapes, carrots, salads...what more could you ask for?

Monday Bunday: Hiding Out

2010-10-04T20:17:00.001-05:00

The cat keeps staring at me through the screen, so I'm hiding in here. Can't a guy get any privacy?

Monday Bunday: Bunny Bowl

2010-09-27T21:17:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late Monday Bunday post this week, folks!

Last week, a friend gave me this lovely little bowl. It didn't photograph well from the side, but you get the idea.

Here's what the inside looks like.

What? It's empty?

Much better.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Bunnies Found In Other Places

2010-09-20T00:01:00.001-05:00

I found this cloth napkin at a thrift store. Isn't it cute?

Okay, it's not as cute as the real thing, but I'm amused nonetheless at the places bunnies turn up.

And speaking of bunnies turning up in new places, Audrey has enjoyed her summer on the East Coast, but she has a yen for travel and is looking for new a new host/hostess. I'm thinking DKM or Diana at Qi Papers, perhaps? Audrey hasn't been west in awhile.

Texas to Welcome U.Vic Bunnies

2010-09-16T14:46:00.000-05:00

Texas will soon be getting some very special new residents: The U.Vic Bunnies!

Rabbits that had been dumped on the University of Victoria (British Columbia) campus were breeding like...well, bunnies, and finally something had to be done. Culling was an unpopular idea, so arrangements have been made to neuter some of them and ship them to Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in Texas.

This is an expensive project, so if you have a few dollars to spare, why not make a donation? You can go to TRACS to donate to the great bunny migration, or go to Wild Rose Rescue Ranch to donate for the bunnies' long-term care. Links are below. Thanks!

TRACS for Texas-Bound Bunnies
Wild Rose Rescue Ranch

Monday Bunday: Apples and Awesomeness

2010-09-13T00:01:00.004-05:00

One small Rabbit of Awesomeness and his favorite treat: apple leaves and branches!

Sad News in the Bunny Blogosphere

2010-09-10T14:57:00.001-05:00

Today we learned the sad news that our bunny blog-pal Baxter at Houseful of Rabbits went to the Bridge.

Baxter was a gentle lap-bunny who helped educate young and old alike about the charms and quirks of house rabbits. He was also one of our bunny rock stars in last year's Bunny Benefit Bash.

Rock on at the Bridge, Baxter!

Tribute to Glenna Bunny

2010-09-01T21:57:00.005-05:00

Today we learned that a very special bunny went to the Bridge.

Glenna was found wandering outside a little over a year ago, her frostbitten ears full of necrotic tissue, her fur stained, and suffering from warbles - abscesses caused by maggots. Her ears sloughed off the first time she was bathed, but she was a little trooper. Taken in by Bright Eyes Sanctuary, she spent a year as their special honored guest and the poster bunny for why you don't abandon rabbits outdoors.

Unfortunately, Glenna had tooth troubles and jaw abscesses. Funds were raised multiple times for her care, and the love and support were always forthcoming. After each surgery, she bounced back fast, never losing her appetite for her special "porridge" and never losing her sweet nature.

Now, sadly, brave little Glenna-bun has gone to the bridge, after yet another abscess that put pressure on her eye. The way she went was so much like how I lost my Tidbit it was heartbreaking to read.

Binky free from pain, sweet girl. You've been an inspiration.

Monday Bunday: Layered Look

2010-08-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

I've been learning how to work in layers using my graphics tablet and Corel Painter.

In this instance, I took a photo of Cadbury and added a new layer where I colored over the fur using the digital watercolor tool. Then in another layer, I added a background, and in a third layer, I colored in his eye using the artist felt tip tool. When I was done, I went back to the original photo and deleted that layer.

The advantage of working in layers, besides being able to essentially trace your image, is that you can erase anything that isn't working. Colors don't get muddy when you stray outside the lines. Mistakes are more easily corrected.

It's also easier to be lazy. Paint over the bunny when you do the background! Who cares? You can always erase later.

In fact, the most enjoyable thing about using the graphics tablet is that one's mistakes aren't recorded for eternity in a sketch book or consigned to the landfill. A few clicks of the mouse, and it's gone forever. No waste.

So, lots of artistic fun is going on here at the House of Cadbury. I hope everyone else is having a fine time as well.

Monday Bunday: Sleepy

2010-08-23T00:01:00.004-05:00

To sleep, perchance to dream...

Last week, I had my sleep schedule thrown off by all the crazy stuff happening at work. This is a busy time of year, and between having to work late to load the new fiscal year merit raises, and trying to use up some of my excess vacation hours, I swear I hardly know what's day and what's night any more. Add in my new obsession for playing with my graphics tablet until the wee hours of the morning, and you have a recipe for exhaustion.

Luckily I have a sweet spotted bunny to show me the proper way to relax.

Thanks, Cadbury. I'll be taking some tips from you.

Have a restful week, everybun!

Lola the Cat

2010-08-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Many of you have asked how Lola is doing. She's settling in just fine. She and Cadbury still haven't really met, but they look at each other through the cage and through the fireplace screen. They don't seem particularly interested in each other, and that's fine.

Lola can be quite a handful. One of the reasons Dan picked her out was because we wanted a sedate, older cat who wouldn't be much trouble. We thought we were getting someone who would do a lot of this:

As it turns out, she's more like this:

Always playing, running about, stalking things (both real and imaginary), and getting into places she's got no business being. She chews puzzle pieces and knocked my nearly-complete puzzle onto the floor. She gets in cabinets. She climbs into weird places, gets stuck and needs rescue, and then she's off again like nothing happened. Nothing that we do escapes her notice, and she gets very jealous when one of us goes in a room and shuts her out.

She's a fun girl, though, and for all her activity and leaping about, she's pretty graceful and hasn't broken anything (yet). We're glad she's so happy and confident, but after so many years with an old cat, we're a little overwhelmed at times by all her energy. Day or night, she's never in one place long, not even here:

Oh well. Things will calm down as we continue to get to know each other.

Monday Bunday: Screen Test

2010-08-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

One of the dilemmas of bunny ownership is that you may want to close off areas of your house to your rabbit, but the most obvious choice of barrier - a baby gate - is unacceptable because rabbits can easily chew through plastic.

What I needed to keep Cadbury in his room was a fireplace grate, and this past weekend I found a perfect one at a garage sale. It's very heavy, and if positioned correctly it's very stable as well. A four pound rabbit sure isn't going to be able to knock it over, and it's unlikely our cat will, either.

After getting the screen positioned, I witnessed this scene:

Be nice, kids. No taunting.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Graphic!

2010-08-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, I became the proud owner of a Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet. What fun! I spent the weekend learning how to use it with the bundled software, which includes Corel Painter Essentials. This allows one to paint and sketch freehand:

Or take an existing photo:

Convert it into a sketch:

And then paint it using different colors and effects:

Don't tell Cadbury, okay? He might be upset to learn he's on his way to becoming the new Blue Bunny mascot.

Have a fun and creative week, friends!

Monday Bunday: Shedding

2010-08-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I guess it's just a sign of summer, but Cadbury is going through another shedding phase.

I find bunny fur in the strangest places, although the study is always the worst. When I moved the computer desk to hook up a new printer two weekends ago, I found enough fur to make a whole warren of new rabbits.

Cadbury is better than Tidbit was about letting me pull the loose tufts off him, but he's not crazy about when I get out the tape. What can I say, except that the tape works?

Cadbury: Weird biped. Tape isn't for bunnies!

Have a great week, everybun!

Monday Bunday: Just Peachy

2010-07-26T00:01:00.003-05:00

Things are just peachy here at the House of Cadbury!

Cadbury and Lola still haven't interacted, although sometimes Lola wanders up to the cage and looks at him. She seems to understand that the study is Bunny Territory and she rarely goes into that room. Of course, when Cadbury is out, the door is shut and the cat can't go in at all. I'm not sure when I'll let them get formally acquainted, but for now there seems to be no need.

This week, the nasal and sinus congestion I had last weekend settled into my lungs and I haven't been able to work out. It's been frustrating, but the last thing I wanted was to make things worse by pushing myself. I'm doing better now, though, so I think I'm ready to start carefully resuming my normal activities. The strange thing about all this has been that my energy level was never low and I never had a fever or other symptoms of a real illness - just coughing, sneezing, sinus pressure, and lots of thick, sticky mucus.

Yeah, I know. TMI.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Welcome!

2010-07-19T00:01:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday, everyone! This is Lola:

Cadbury: Au contraire. This is an outrage!

Yes, friends, little Cadbury has lost his status as "only critter". It's okay, though. We love him just as much and he's getting extra carrot tops and blueberries for being such a sport.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Store-Bought

2010-07-12T00:01:00.001-05:00

When we were in Santa Fe, I saw some charming little bunnies in a shop at La Fonda. I intended to go back and buy them, but the shop's hours weren't a good match for my tourist activities and I wasn't able to make the time until it was too late and they were closed.

So imagine my surprise to find the same bunnies here, while taking a little break to have some water and window shop during Saturday's run! After I finished my run and cleaned up a bit, I went straight over and got them.

Sorry these are a little blurry. The bunnies are very shiny and don't photograph well:

Aren't they cute? And what's cool is that they come apart and inside is a necklace with a tiny exact replica of those same bunnies!

Cadbury wants to make one thing very clear: Those are not real bunnies!

Okay, Cadbury. We get it.

Monday Bunday: Ready for Takeoff!

2010-07-05T00:01:00.002-05:00

I have no idea where Cadbury thinks he's zooming off to, but he's ready!

In other news, I've extended the giveaway at the Maelstrom site, so click on over and sign the guestbook. I've got nifty books and t-shirts to give away!

Book Giveaway Announcement!

2010-06-29T22:56:00.003-05:00

Hey, peeps! I've got a little giveaway going on right now over at my Maelstrom site! Pop on over and sign the guest book before 8 pm Saturday to get in the drawing for a copy of the novel, a copy of the short story book, or a t-shirt!

Monday Bunday: Love the Bun You're With

2010-06-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

Guess who went to the Pride Parade this weekend!

Cadbury wants to be sure no one misunderstands - he likes the does, and that's all there is to it. But he also understands just how hard it can be to find that special somebun to form a pair bond with, and who is he to quibble over some other bun's choice?

Have a great week, everyone, and remember to love the bun you're with!

Monday Bunday: Audrey Edition

2010-06-21T00:01:00.004-05:00

Well, friends, Audrey has returned to Elvis, Pink, and Peaches, where her hosts will take her to see the Washington DC sights and on a special trip to Cape Cod. We're very excited for her, but we miss her. Here are a few recent Audrey pictures that didn't make it onto the vacation blog:

Audrey gazing pensively out the window at our stone cottage in Chisos Basin, Big Bend:

Audrey checking out my uncle's rental property - a mobile home he's fixing up to resemble a train car:

Audrey working on a puzzle at the Hotel Limpia in Fort Davis:

Audrey trying to use an old-fashioned phone:

Audrey enjoying the patio at Hotel Limpia:

Audrey playing telephone operator at the museum in Tucumcari:

Audrey almost becoming dinner!

Audrey and her new pal getting caught up on a little girl talk:

And here we have Audrey getting a little sleep - something I sure didn't do enough of when I was on vacation!

Have a great week, everybun, and check for more Audrey this week at Eye of the Needle.

Monday Bunday: Home!

2010-06-14T00:01:00.003-05:00

Dan, Audrey and I got home late Friday afternoon and spent the weekend recuperating. Here we see Audrey and Cadbury catching up over a little snack, while she tells him of her adventures.

I hope all my friends have been having good adventures too. I've kept up with blog-reading, but my wi-fi access was often spotty and I used my limited service for updating the vacation blog. When time and service permitted, I read my blog feeds on my BlackBerry, but haven't figured out how to leave comments via the BlackBerry yet.

Anyway, we're home, and it's the start of a brand new week. I hope everyone has a good one! Audrey will soon be returning to Glenna, who has some exciting things planned for her, including a trip to Cape Cod. Lucky bunny!

Monday Bunday: Still on Vacation

2010-06-07T09:26:00.003-05:00

Read more about Audrey's adventures at my Vacation Blog.

Monday Bunday: Audrey on Vacation

2010-05-31T19:25:00.001-05:00

Check out Audrey's exciting adventures hiking!

Audrey on the Trail

On Vacation

2010-05-29T00:09:00.002-05:00

I'll be updating here every night I have internet access: Vacation Blog

Return comments may be a little light for the next two weeks, but I'll still be reading your blogs and thinking about all of you.

Look Who's Here!

2010-05-27T23:14:00.003-05:00

Audrey is back! And Cadbury was waiting to give her a great big kiss.

He'll have to get his snuggles in quick, because she's going on vacation with us. We're heading out bright and early Saturday morning. Cadbury will be staying home with his "Uncle" Wesley, who will be housesitting and giving lots of bunny treats.

In addition to bringing her knitted yellow scarf from her UK visit (which will come in handy in the chilly mountains of New Mexico and Colorado), Audrey brought this lovely cup:

I just might have to make some tea in it tonight.

Thanks, Glenna!

Monday Bunday: Vacation Plans

2010-05-24T00:01:00.004-05:00

Just one more week until vacation, peeps!

Cadbury: I can't believe my bipeds are going on vacation without me. They say Uncle Wesley from a few blocks over is going to stay here with me, and I like him and all, but...

Bunnygirl: Don't worry, Cadbury. We'll be back. "Uncle" Wesley has two bunnies and knows what you need. Besides, we're doing him a favor. He's been out of work for awhile and is having some problems with his wife. He can make a little money by watching our house, and by staying here instead of with his parents in the Woodlands, he'll be close to his children. Isn't that nice?

Cadbury: When you put it that way...when are you going, again?

Bunnygirl: Next Saturday. But don't you worry. "Uncle" Wesley will be right here in the house with you, looking after you the whole time we're away. And if you're extra good, he'll share our vacation postings with you.

Friends, if you don't have my vacation blog bookmarked, go ahead and do it now and beat the rush: Bunnygirl's Vacation Blog

Good News!

2010-05-19T12:34:00.003-05:00

It turns out there is a way to get around the comps issue, but it isn't the way everyone was telling me to do it. There is a particular real estate agent in our neighborhood who knows how to make these deals go through even when there haven't been sales of comparable nearby homes for the appraiser to use as a basis of value.

I don't know if I can still get the conventional loan in time, and I'm frustrated that I might lose out on my sweet 5% interest rate, but the home purchase will go forward, regardless. I've made inquiries to two lenders, and if neither can come through for me in the time remaining, I'll sign directly with the owner and refinance as soon as I have the money, enlisting the services of the savvy real estate agent on a contract basis. If no major expenses come up, I'll be ready to refinance by next year. If some big expense does come up, I can rent out my garage apartment (bye, workout studio!) and be ready to refinance in two years.

As an extra bonus of good news, we've secured a bunny-savvy house-sitter for while we're on vacation! Cadbury hasn't indicated whether or not he's disappointed that he won't be spending two weeks at the ~~vet~~ spa this year, but something tells me he's going to be much happier in his own home. As will Dan and I, once we've signed this deal.

Monday Bunday: Comparable

2010-05-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

As you can see, these two share many similarities but aren't really comparable.

Just so, it looks like my home purchase may come to nothing for a silly reason. University Oaks is a very small neighborhood and has few houses the size we're trying to buy. We've consulted two lenders and two appraisers now, and neither can secure underwriting for the loan amount I need because there have been no sales of truly comparable homes.

Oh, there have been sales similar in square footage within an appropriate radius, but they're in the slummy neighborhood nearby, where one is likely to get shot while watering the garden. Here, where there has never been a crime more serious than someone getting their lawnmower stolen because they forgot to close the garage door? No home sales. People move here and stay for decades. They pass their houses on to their children.

Since we can't get an appropriate appraisal, we can't underwriting. Sad, because they were happy to lend me the amount I needed at 5% interest until the appraisal came back so low. The seller has offered to finance, but he wants me to pay off the note in five years and I've been unable so far to get him to include a proviso in our contract that will protect me if I still can't get an appropriate appraisal due to lack of comparable sales.

So things are at an impasse right now. It's frustrating to think we may have to move again over such a dumb reason as underwriting regulations, but life is full of dumb rules. One simply tries to maintain serenity in the face of all the insanity.

Have a safe and sane week, everyone!

Book Release Announcement!

2010-05-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Great news, peeps! The e-version of my novel, Maelstrom, is now available at Fictionwise. It will soon also be available on Amazon and B&N, and you'll be able to order old-fashioned print versions, too.

But for now, if you like reading fiction on your Kindle, iPhone, BlackBerry, or whatever, here's the link: Maelstrom

Monday Bunday: Sharing

2010-05-10T00:01:00.001-05:00

This week's bunny advice: always share your toys.

Have a great week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Raccoons

2010-05-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

We have new wildlife around here - a raccoon, or possibly more than one, living in our studio. We're working on finding someone to humanely remove them to a safe place, and we're getting quite an education about the critters in the meantime.

With his little mask, Cadbury looks kind of like a raccoon, don't you think?

Cadbury: Maybe. But I'm better-looking.

Monday Bunday: At Home

2010-04-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

This is Cadbury's home:

Dan and I, on the other hand, have higher expectations. As some of you know, we're in the process of trying to buy the house we've been living in for nearly three years now. As much as we'd like to buy in the Montrose or the Heights, it's just not realistic. A little house like ours would cost half a million over there, and we're just state university employees, with salaries that reflect our lowly status.

But this house is just our size, and it has a studio that we use for exercise and music. I'd like to upgrade the lighting so I can paint back there, too, away from the hazards of bunny fur, which tends to stick to slow-drying oil paint. We like the community here, and we save a bundle of money and stress by not having to drive to our jobs. When the rail line goes in, we may find we don't have to drive at all any more.

Anyway, we're almost there on the home purchase. We've signed the contract, my loan is locked in at a laughably low rate, and now we just need the appraiser to agree that the seller's price is fair. He won't be able to factor in the intangibles, like being able to go home for lunch each day, and not having to buy a new car. Lenders don't put a dollar value on community, or on having lectures, performances, a library and a state-of-the art fitness center just a short walk away. They don't care that we spend our days surrounded by friends who are our co-workers and our neighbors. These things don't enter into the financial bottom line.

These things matter to us, though. So wish us luck, folks, that the appraiser agrees with us that we're getting not just a fair deal, but a bargain.

Monday Bunday: Best Foot Forward

2010-04-19T00:01:00.002-05:00

It's important to always put your best foot forward.

In keeping with that theme, today is the running of the 114th Boston Marathon! My friend Sarah will be running it today - she qualified as opposed to being a charity runner. Not to dis charity runners in the slightest, but qualifying for Boston is pretty darn special.

Go Sarah!

And may all the rest of you put your best foot forward this week!

Announcement!

2010-04-16T08:27:00.001-05:00

Hey, everyone, check out my contest-winning story at Every Day Fiction today! It's only 238 words, and long-time readers will be familiar with bad boy Vince, the main character.

There is also a blog interview where we talk about my writing at Flash Fiction Chronicles.

I've cross-posted this at my writing blog and at my main author site, which I'm going to be transitioning to over the next few months.

Monday Bunday: Cilantro

2010-04-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

It's springtime, and we're watching our plants grow!

Guard your herbs carefully. You never know who else might have their eye on them!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Easter Aftermath

2010-04-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

Resting after a very busy Easter. Delivering all those eggs is hard work!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Hoppy Easter

2010-04-04T12:57:00.006-05:00

It's show time!

Anybunny looking?

Now, where am I going to hide all these eggs?

Caught in the act!

Happy Easter, everyone!

New Office, New Mousepad

2010-03-30T00:12:00.004-05:00

As the result of recent space issues in my building, many of us have been given new offices. The one I was put into didn't have a desk with a keyboard tray, so for the first time since starting this particular job, I had need of a mousepad.

Luckily, I knew just where to go for what I needed: Potentially Crazy! And here is the result:

Do I now have the coolest desk ever, or what?

Now go on out there and buy your own. Alice has lots of great bunny products for you to choose from!

Monday Bunday: How Does Your Garden Grow?

2010-03-29T00:01:00.005-05:00

This weekend, Cadbury went to check on his garden.

He was a little concerned that the soil wasn't properly aerated, so he worked on that a little, loosening things up so his plants would grow.

Here he is posing with one of his chard plants, soon to be ready for bunny salads!

Yay for Farmer Cadbury!

Happy Monday, everyone!

Monday Bunday and Weekend Recap

2010-03-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

Rabbit. Top View.

It's been eventful weekend at the House of Cadbury. First, there was the memorial last Thursday for our neighbor's son. Then on Friday and Saturday we had to deal with further rodent problems. We did what we could on our own on Friday, which was our Spring Break day from the university. We had a professional come out on Saturday and we think the situation is now under control, thank goodness! On Saturday night, Dan and I went to a family party, which was fun once I got some food, but we were out quite a lot later than we expected.

In writing news, I've incorporated a lot of new edits into my web-pubbed/self-pubbed Steal Tomorrow site. And I also won a little contest over at Everyday Fiction's Flash Fiction Chronicles. They're making quite a fuss over me, asking for bio, photo and a guest post, and they're going to send me a book and maybe other stuff too, for all I know. I'm amused at all this because the story in question is only 238 words.

Anyway, it's all good, and now the weekend is over and it's time to head back to work.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Death and Community

2010-03-18T22:08:00.003-05:00

Last week, the son of a neighbor-friend committed suicide. This post isn't about that, as sad and frustrating as the event has been. Rather, this is a story about community.

Our friend lives a couple houses up the street from us and is a professor at the university. His son was a student and a member of a fraternity. From the moment our friend got the news, the university community came together to help. Fellow faculty members got him sedated and took him to the home of another professor in our neighborhood. Grad students offered to take over his classes and have stayed at his house in shifts so he wouldn't have to be alone. Those of us who live in the neighborhood have paid visits, taken him out for coffee, offered to walk the dogs, and made sure all the little details of life have been taken care of.

The memorial service was today at the university chapel, and the place was standing room only. Afterward, we attended a reception at a professor's home here in our neighborhood. There were a lot of faculty members I didn't know, since I primarily work with staff, but when they found out I worked for the university and lived in the neighborhood, their eyes lit up and I knew they saw me as a member of the club.

I mention all this because I don't think I've ever seen a real community in action before now, and I find it fascinating. I've sensed the community spirit since Dan and I first moved here, and we all banded together in mutual cleanup after Hurricane Ike, but this is different. This is the community coming together to care for one of its own in a way I never saw in the suburban churches and neighborhoods of my youth or the workplaces of my pre-university years. This is community as family and protector, community as provider and loving friend. This is a warm blanket on a cold winter night.

We humans lost something important when we left our tribes and villages for the cities. We have gained in myriad ways, and I'll always be a city girl, but our ancestors knew something that we've lost sight of: we need our community. We need each other.

Pixel: 1992 - 2010

2010-03-16T18:19:00.005-05:00

We had to say good-bye to my dear friend Pixel today.

He was eighteen years old and had been in decline for a couple of years due to chronic renal failure, which is always fatal.

I had him since he was a kitten. He used to climb my bedspread and sit on the edge of my bed, triumphant at his grand accomplishment. As an adult cat he was shy with strangers, but a lovebug with me and Dan. He was playful until almost the end, still willing to chase a catnip mouse as recently as two weeks ago. His final decline was rapid and painful to see.

He leaves a big hole in my life, but eighteen years together does that. It was a longer relationship than I've had with my husband!

Pix and Tidbit were great friends, as you can see here:

When we moved to this house two and a half years ago, Pixel cowered in his carrier, scared to come out, while Tid waited patiently at the carrier door for more than a day. Sometimes she'd poke her head in, sometimes she would thump at him, as if to say, "Hurry up!" Most of the time, she just laid there, waiting.

I like to think they're together again. No doubt she's been wondering what was taking him so long.

Monday Bunday: A Piece of Hay

2010-03-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

It cracks me up when bunnies do this - start at one end of a single strand of hay and slowly make it disappear. I don't know why it always gives me the giggles, but it does.

Have a happy Monday, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Time Passes

2010-03-08T00:01:00.002-06:00

Time passes, friends, and in recognition of this simple fact, Cadbury would like to draw your attention to a very fine calendar:

Yes, it's Alice's bunnies!

What great photos! Even if your day isn't going as planned, you can look at this calendar and smile.

But don't just take Cadbury's word for it. Go get your own, right here.

Have a fine week, everyone!

Bunny in Need: Pancakes

2010-03-05T01:02:00.006-06:00

It has recently come to our attention that there's a bunny out there who needs help. His name is Pancakes, and he's a cutie and a fighter.

Pancakes has an abscess that got out of control, and it looks like he may have some dental issues as well. His first owners didn't know what to do and gave him to someone who also didn't know what to do. Meanwhile, the abscess kept growing. Now Pancakes is in a loving home with people who are determined to do everything they can for him, but they've already nearly lost him once and need to keep raising money for vet bills and medicine.

Pancakes' long-term prognosis is excellent, and a lot of people have sent money to help with his care, but more may be needed. Please go read his story and donate if you can. Or go to bunspace, friend him, see his pics, and offer encouragement. Everyone needs a kind word now and then, and one of the things I find most hopeful about humanity is the way people will rally around strangers and animals in need.

Keep fighting, Pancakes!

Monday Bunday: Sunshine Bunny

2010-03-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Someone spent some time relaxing in the sunshine this weekend!

With a rainy Monday in the forecast, he knew he needed to soak up those rays while he could!

Have a bright sunshiney week, everyone!

Of Mice and Men...and Cats and Rabbits

2010-02-23T00:08:00.004-06:00

A few weeks ago we started noticing a bad smell whenever we used the oven. Although the oven and broiler appeared clean, I wiped them down. I flipped up the stovetop and scrubbed underneath all the burners. Nothing I did seemed to help. Finally Dan got in on the act and was able to pull the oven away from the wall.

A hole! We concluded that a mouse was getting into the house, but if it was in our oven, where was it?

Dan got out his tools and went about the unpleasant business of taking the oven apart. What he found was a little mouse nest in the insulation between the oven and the panel underneath the stove burners. Fortunately he found no actual damage, and no dead mice - only droppings and urine. But he also found a little stash of acorns.

So...is my cooking not good enough for a mouse, that it felt compelled to bring its own food? Or are toasted acorns a rodent delicacy? (They had cracked and cooked in the heat.)

Anyway, the hole is now repaired, the oven insulation pored through and interior surfaces scrubbed with baking soda, so I should be able to resume baking as usual. All of this, however, calls into question the usefulness of our cat.

Pixel is eighteen years old and has long considered himself "retired" from such bothersome duties as chasing vermin, but we suspect our rodent visitor may also have been eating his food. Poor old gato. In his youth he would slip outside and catch squirrels and now he can't even be bothered to defend his food bowl.

Interestingly, it was Cadbury who alerted us with a thump two nights ago that the mouse had chewed through Dan's first attempt at blocking the mouse hole. Now if only Cadbury could catch mice...

Monday Bunday: Having It All

2010-02-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

There are just some days when you want it all. It may not be a realistic aspiration, but it's important to dream big, especially when you're a small rabbit.

Have an ambitious week, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Post-Valentine Check-In

2010-02-15T00:01:00.001-06:00

It was another busy weekend here at the house of Cadbury. I wrote three new stories, one of which I sent off to a contest, the other two are here and here.

My Saturday long run was cold, but at least not windy. After three weeks of excellent garage sale luck, I struck out this time. That's not surprising, though. It's actually pretty unusual for me to find stuff I like that's small enough to carry home and also worth the trouble. But plotting my routes around garage sales has really helped renew my interest in these outings. I've been doing this for ten years now and I find myself struggling for new route ideas.

Cadbury has some cilantro, parsley, and lettuce sprouting in pots on the porch, and I'm anxiously checking my potato bed each day, hoping the rain didn't ruin them. I meant to plant chard this weekend but ran out of time, due to a late start on the Sunday shopping, then household chores and baking, and a long spin and weight session. Well, there's always next week.

Don't worry, Cadbury. You'll get your chard!

I'm not worried. I like hanging out under this chair, though. The world is a scary place and I feel safe here.

Happy Monday, everyone!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T14:01:00.007-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

What have we here?

Are you sure you didn't intend these for someone else?

Okay, then. Happy Valentine's to you, too!

May everything come up roses for you today, friends!

Fats: Hard to Say Goodbye

2010-02-09T00:01:00.001-06:00

Some of you may remember that last year Fats, one of the bunnies of Potentially Nervous was ill. With the excellent care of his bunny mom, Alice, he rallied for awhile and returned to upstate New York, where he played in the countryside that he loved.

He recently lost his fight, though. We'll miss his big personality and big fluffy self.

If you haven't already done so, this is a great time to hop on over to Potentially Nervous and see some pics and videos of Fats and Alice's other amazing bunnies. You can also go to Alice's store and get a bunny screen saver that includes fun pictures of Fats. It gives me lots of smiles, and who doesn't want that? Bunnies Bustin' Out All Over

Monday Bunday: Game Day Treat!

2010-02-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

Cadbury hopes everyone enjoyed yesterday's big game, whether Super Bowl or Puppy Bowl. Here he is demonstrating the correct way to enjoy a game day snack.

First, select something tasty but healthy.

Next, position it correctly for easy eating.

And finally...indulge!

Cadbury wasn't much interested in which puppies won yesterday's game, but he sure had eyes for those bunny cheerleaders!

For me, the day was all about baking, potato-planting and a good spin session. I'm not one for games or TV. It takes all kinds.

Have a great week!

Monday Bunday: Weatherbun

2010-02-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

After some very pleasant weather - sunshine, temps in the sixties and seventies - a front blew in on Friday and it's winter again here in Houston. I had a miserably cold run on Saturday, but it was worth it because I scored at a Galleria-area garage sale.

It looks like cooler temperatures are staying with us for a little while, as is the rain. Typical winter for us.

So in memory of the bright and sunny weekend before last, here are a couple of pictures of Cadbury getting out and enjoying some lovely weather:

Have a great week, everybun!

Monday Bunday: Mystery!

2010-01-25T00:01:00.005-06:00

What's behind Door One?

Cadbury isn't sure, but he's determined to find out!

Have a great week, and may all your questions find answers!

Update! Want a really fun bunny screen saver? Check out Alice's Potentially Crazy site and add a little happiness to your computer!

Monday Bunday: Bunnyloaf

2010-01-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

I don't know why somebunny looks so grumpy in this pic. Maybe he's a bit sullen because play time has been reduced due to his destructive decorating projects!

Monday Bunday: All You Need Is...

2010-01-11T00:01:00.002-06:00

Monday Bunday: Lap Rabbit

2010-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

Lately, Cadbury has become something of a lap rabbit.

I suspect it's because he thinks I have treats and that I'll share...

...or at the very least, I'll carelessly drop something onto myself that he can then scavenge.

Cadbury: It's not a crazy assumption, biped. You get kinda careless with the dried strawberries you put in your yogurt.

Maybe so, Cadbury, but you're still not forgiven for your latest cord-munching escapade. Cute won't cut it this time.

For everyone returning to work this week, I hope it's a good one, and that you're refreshed and ready to face the office again. Happy Monday, and don't forget to date your paperwork 2010!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T09:54:00.001-06:00

Cadbury wishes everyone a wonderful new year of treats, friendship and other good things. Go on, everyone - jump right in!

Monday Bunday: Got Milk?

2009-12-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

Cadbury: No, I don't understand it, either, bunny friends. It's a human thing.

Review: Bike-O-Vision

2009-12-27T09:00:00.003-06:00

One of my Christmas presents this year was a new spin video, Bike-O-Vision #4: California Coast. The video takes the viewer through Big Sur, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and other scenic places along the Pacific coast.

The entrancing scenery was enough to keep me happy and motivated throughout the 75-minute long video. My only complaint, and it's a quibble, is that there is no time counter at the bottom of the screen. Anyone who regularly uses Coach Troy's Spinervals or Chris Carmichael's Train Right series will find it a bit frustrating to not have that counter, not only to know when the video will be over, but for the purpose of doing time-based sprint drills.

Overall, though, this is a great addition to my cycling video library, and I'll be using it again. I'll just have to set up a clock by the TV next time.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:54:00.005-06:00

It's a time for festive giving.

I hope you and your loved ones got some wonderful gifts...

...and enjoyed a little feasting as well. But the best gift of all...

...is our friendship throughout the year.

Merry Christmas!

Cadbury: Yeah, Merry Christmas. Now will you please take this stupid bell off my head?

Rabbit: What's in a Name?

2009-12-22T12:15:00.003-06:00

I came across a great little blog post today about the origins of some of the different words for rabbit.

Enjoy!

Land of Rabbits

Monday Bunday: Dreaming

2009-12-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

Go away, biped. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas.

Well, keep dreaming, little bunny. This is Houston. I'll make sure it's a good one, regardless.

Random Memory

2009-12-15T21:36:00.011-06:00

This is the building my father worked at when he was a professor at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

He officed on the seventh floor, and sometimes he'd take me with him when he had to go there on weekends or after hours. I remember the elevators, and I remember a large open classroom or lab where they had guinea pigs. Oddly, I was never much taken with the guinea pigs, even though I've always been an animal person.

I don't remember my father's office, although he must've had one. I guess it wasn't interesting to this little kid.

I remember there being a small library that had children's books - a standard feature of education colleges. Sometimes we'd check out a few books for me to read. I don't remember there being a librarian, though. As a professor, my father was able to go in and sign out whatever he wanted.

My most striking memory of this building is the day we visited the fifth floor. There had been a fire, and I guess my father was curious to see the damage. I remember the hall as a long tunnel of dark wood paneling and identical office doors. I remember walls darkened with smoke and scorch marks, all permeated with a pungent, burnt-over smell. Mostly, though, I remember a creepy feeling of destruction and things not right. I was glad we didn't stay long.

All of this happened between 1970 and 1973. We left Muncie for Fresno, California, when I was six.

Monday Bunday: Hiding in Plain Sight

2009-12-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

As Cadbury demonstrates, sometimes the best things are right nearby, but just out of sight. Like the university's holiday break.*

This will be my last full week at the office before the new year. Next week is only three days long, and then we're off for two weeks!

Cadbury is very excited, since this means more out-of-cage time. Of course, that's all that really matters. Of course.

Have a good week, everyone!

* Not dissing Christmas here, but a Christmas break would cover Christmas only. This break covers Christmas, New Year's, and some other holidays I don't celebrate, so it is therefore a holiday break.

Monday Bunday: Rubbish!

2009-12-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

Cadbury: Mondays are a load of rubbish!

I'm with Cadbury on this one. The long Thanksgiving weekend spoiled me, and getting to leave work a little early on Friday to play with the bunny in the snow only reinforced my sense that we have a big holiday vacation coming up, and it's time to start taking relaxation a little more seriously.

Just two and a half weeks, folks!

Cadbury's Snow Day

2009-12-04T15:10:00.003-06:00

We rarely get snow in Houston, so Cadbury got a real treat today!

Stay warm, everyone!

Monday Bunday: Treats!

2009-11-30T00:01:00.005-06:00

Somebunny is still enjoying his treat bag from the Zooh Corner store!

May your week be full of special treats as well!

Cadbury's Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T14:55:00.009-06:00

Cadbury's Thanksgiving treats came all the way from Zooh Corner Rabbit Rescue in California, where they sell special rabbit goodies at their online store.

Here we see Cadbury seeking the best angle of attack on his Bunny Bag:

Working on it...

Knocking it over seems to be effective:

Cadbury: Will you quit watching me? I'm getting self-conscious here!

Cadbury also received these delicious Critter Cookies, a Zooh Corner specialty!

Cadbury did a victory lap with his cookie, then tried to find a place to eat it where Dan and I wouldn't pester him with our cameras.

Cadbury: Damn paparazzi. Is no place safe?

Okay, Cadbury. Enjoy your treats in peace.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving! (Gratitude Post)

2009-11-26T08:45:00.009-06:00

Today, I'm thankful for the animals that have been a part of my life over the years. Whether their time with me was short or long, they put a daily smile on my face.

I'm thankful for my husband of almost fourteen years. Love isn't hard to find, but it's a rare and special someone who you can live with happily, year after year.

I'm thankful to have a good job with benefits, where I'm not harassed or taken advantage of. I'm allowed opportunities to grow and learn new things. My efforts are recognized. I'm never belittled for not knowing something, and it's okay to not be perfect.

I'm thankful for the good luck that has enabled me to stay strong and healthy. Not everyone gets lucky genes or the good fortune to escape major illness or debilitating injury. I'm diligent in my workouts, but without luck on my side, none of this would be possible.

I'm thankful that my parents modeled healthy behaviors when I was growing up. Balanced, home-cooked meals. Limited snacks. I wasn't allowed to spend all day indoors; I had to get outside and be active! My father was an evening jogger and rarely missed a workout. I grew up never doubting I could incorporate healthy diet and exercise into an adult life.

I'm thankful for my maternal relatives in New England. I'm a fish out of water in my family of origin, but my family up north always understood me. Without them, I might've despaired altogether. Those summers on Cape Cod were pretty darn special, too. Just how special is something I had to grow up to fully appreciate.

Most of all, I'm thankful for my friends, including those of you I only know via the internet. You can end up in forced proximity with some pretty odd birds for no other reason than that they're blood kin, but you folks are my family of choice. We're part of each others' lives because we want to be, not because we have to be. In my book, that's pretty darn special.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Come back later for some ~~turkey and pie~~ Cadbury pics!

Monday Bunday: Full Recovery!

2009-11-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

Well, everyone, it looks like Cadbury has made a full recovery. Within twelve hours of his surgery he was jumping on the roof of his cage, and within two days he was redecorating the room, dragging his litterboxes about, flinging toys and litter, and scaring me half to death with all his running and jumping about.

You've still got stitches, buddy? Remember?

We got the biopsy results back and his lump was an ordinary fibroadenoma. Nothing to worry about. Now if only I could do something about the hyperactive behavior!

I have no idea what you're talking about, Mom. I'm a calm and relaxed little bunny. See?

Monday Bunday: Recovering Nicely

2009-11-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

I'm doing much better now, Mom. Can I please come out?

Cadbury's surgery on Friday went well and by Saturday morning he was scaring me half to death jumping on top of his cage. After the first night home, though, he didn't lick his incision, and he appears to have no interest in his stitches. Good boy!

He's been getting lots of special salads, bunny massages, and love, which no doubt accounts for his quick recovery. He has a couple more days on the Metacam, then in two weeks he goes back for a checkup and to have the stitches taken out. They should have the biopsy results by then, too.

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone. I don't like anyone cutting on my bunny, and I don't think Cadbury appreciates it, either!

Cadbury Update

2009-11-13T17:48:00.002-06:00

Cadbury is home and eating. I'm watching him closely to make sure he doesn't lick the wound too much. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be too crazy about an e-collar!

Thanks for the good wishes, everyone!

Cadbury: Best Wishes Requested

2009-11-12T22:29:00.002-06:00

Someone's off to the vet Friday morning to have his mystery lump removed and analyzed. Best wishes for quick healing, little guy!

Monday Bunday: Sleeping In

2009-11-09T00:01:00.002-06:00

Another Monday morning. I wonder what the bipeds are doing...

Monday Bunday: November

2009-11-02T00:01:00.000-06:00

It's a new month, and we're ready for action!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T13:29:00.000-05:00

Bunny Update: Lumpy

2009-10-29T21:35:00.005-05:00

Cadbury went for his annual checkup today and they found a small lump on his belly. It's hard, oval-shaped, and about the size of the tip of my little finger. The doc wasn't able to get a good cell sample with a needle biopsy, so we're going to have it removed in a couple of weeks. Since the lump has very clearly defined edges, it should be no problem to remove.

Poor little guy. At least he's easy to put in a carrier and well-behaved for the vet. Not all bunnies are.

Who says I'm lumpy? I'm not lumpy!

Monday Bunday: Tubular!

2009-10-26T00:01:00.004-05:00

Last week, it came to Cadbury's attention that other bunnies in the blogosphere were getting a special treat: hay in a tube. Cadbury wanted to know why he had never been invited to partake of this particular delicacy.

So...here's Cadbury with his hay-in-a-tube!

Have a great week, everybun!