Our newest addition

Announcing the newest addition to the McGinn family.... no, not a baby.... a tandem bike!

Mike has been on the prowl for a tandem bike for quite some time. I kept telling him NO because I didn't want to be forced into outdoor activity. I'm more of an indoors/air condition type girl. Anyway, I finally caved and let Mike buy a tandem bike. The weather was gorgeous tonight so we decided to take it for a spin.

The last time I rode a bike (a really classy Huffy from K-Mart), the chain fell off and I fell bit the dust. Here is how nervous I was before the ride:

So what if my main motivation for a bike ride was to to get a hot fudge sundae?

I made it home in one piece. Now all I need is a basket for Darrell...

School's out for life!

May 16, 2009. My sister, Brooke, graduates from the University of Iowa (with her doctorate in audiology!!!). Must work a full-time job for the first time in 26 years. No more Mommy/Daddy insurance. No more shopping trips funded by yours truly. Welcome to the real world, Brooke! Start counting the days 'til retirement.

Here is Brooke after she presented a case study for her final class:

Brooke Welch, AUD:

My family:
left to right: Billy (brother), Mom, Brooke (sister), Dad, ME!
We had a great time in Iowa City, celebrating Brooke's graduation. I am so proud of her determination, hard work, and commitment! Way to go girl! Now you can afford to buy me that Coach purse you promised...

Goodbye Libby

A few months ago, Brooke noticed a lump on her shoulder. It sprung up overnight. It continued to grow and become painful. She decided to have it removed last week. As her personal nurse, I was there.

A few weeks before the lump-removal, Brooke visited me in Des Moines. I refer to her lump as "Libby. Libby the lump." Since Brooke loves cookies from Great American Cookie Company, I surprised her with this. It says "Goodbye Libby."


Here is Libby on the day of the operation:

Brooke was embarrassed when I was taking pictures of her pre-op. I said, "Come on Brooke. It's for my blog!"

What remains of Libby:Thanks for being such a great patient Brooke! Expect your bill for my services in about two weeks. :)

Easter

What a weird Easter this has been. Mike and I stayed in Des Moines for the weekend. I was in Minneapolis on Thursday - Saturday with my sister (What was I doing there? You'll find out soon in a future blog). Our Easter Sunday started with church at 8:30, then we went to a breakfast buffet. We took a long nap and now Mike is outside landscaping our driveway. He is lining the driveway with brick and planting red tulips. He is becoming so handy. I am working tonight for a few hours... I wish I was with my family. I bet my Grandma D would still let me hunt for eggs even though I'm 26....

Vote for Darrell

www.desmoinesregister.com

click on "cutest canine" section

search for:becka

vote 5 times per day!

Cutest Canine

It's time again for the "Cutest Canine" contest for the Des Moines Register. Voting begins April 6 and goes until April 14. Last year a Jack Russell/beagle mix won... and this year another Jack Russell will win - Darrell! On April 6 I will tell you how to log on and vote. Here's the picture I entered into the contest:I think I could win for cutest husband too.

Vet

I took Darrell to the vet today for his yearly checkup and shots. I decided to try a different vet that is closer to our home. I went there because our friend's have gone to this vet for years and had great things to say about the place.

Likes: closer to home, friendly vet assistant, cheaper, vet assistant was great with Darrell, free nail trim, most thorough exam Darrell has ever received

Dislikes: rude receptionist (I'm positive I scheduled the appointment for 10:00, NOT 9:30), no-nonsense vet (I know he's a dog but come on, at least appease the dog mom and speak to my dog, a simple "good boy" would be nice), Sure the shots are the same every year but please tell me what you're shooting into my dog's neck next time, the heart worm pills are more expensive and not the chewy ones that Darrell likes - the receptionist tells me to put the pill in a piece of cheese. Duh, you don't think I've tried that. Don't you know that I'm working with the world's smartest dog who will just lick off the cheese and leave the pill?

The vet seemed concerned about Darrell's "peach arms." Darrell has a habit of licking his front legs. The vet said it's not a problem right now because his legs are not inflamed or red. He suggested that I think about putting a cone around Darrell's head "only for a few months" so he can't lick his legs. FEW MONTHS? That's a couple years in the dog world. Darrell would be pissed. He would be miserable. The vet said Darrell would probably go back to licking his legs once the cone was removed - so what's the point? How is a dog supposed to sleep under the covers with a cone around his head?
Then the vet goes on a five minute ramble (which I did appreciate) about different medications that I could give to Darrell to sedate him enough that he wouldn't lick himself. First of all, No. I am not doping my dog up on antidepressants for a licking problem that really isn't a problem. Second of all, just because he's drowsy doesn't mean he won't still lick... right? Then the vet quickly mentioned the long term side effect of these medications - liver problems. No way, I will take "peach arms" over liver failure any day. The conclusion was that as long as his legs don't become red or inflamed then he doesn't need meds or a cone.

I left the vet office with mixed emotions. I want our old vet back. The vet who sits on the floor and examines my dog. Who rubs his belly and gives him treats after his shots (even though Darrell spit out the treat last time and walked away - ha!). Maybe I'll give this new guy another chance... we'll see what Darrell thinks.