Update on Fusako

As the news from Japan continues to be bleak, I have been relieved to resume contact with my former student, Fusako.

The last time I had been in touch with Fusako, she was living and working in Tokyo. When I heard the tragic news, my thoughts were immediately for her safety.

Through the help of good friends, Susu and Sharon, and Facebook, I was able to "find" Fusako.

I am happy to report that she no longer lives in Tokyo, and has returned to her home on the beautiful, southern island of Kyushu.

Every time Fusako writes, she expresses her gratitude to everyone who is assisting Japan during this very difficult time.
I'm not sure she has a good sense of how much attention and coverage their disaster is getting around the world.

I have not seen Fusako since she came back to the United States to visit, in 1999. (Is that the correct date, Fusako?)

I was very pleased, and not the least surprised, to see she has grown into a beautiful, young lady.

Fusako

Pretty in Pink

Fusako and Fuzzy Friend

Down Under

Fusako's Dog, Rifu

What  a cutie. She's 11 years old.

I asked Fusako for information on donating directly to a local animal rescue organization. She sent me this link.

I recognized many years ago that Fusako was a very special young lady, and I would recognize that pretty smile anywhere!

Fusako and Me

Thanksgiving Play

1990

Please remember the people and animals of Japan in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you!

Yours Truly

Miyazaki, Kyushu

Japan

1990

Statesboro Blues in Talkeetna, Alaska

Turn up volume!!!

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Guess what? Guess what? Guess what?

We received our pawtographed copy of Jack's book!

This one is sure to become a bestseller!

Now that's a book cover!

We're going to read a chapter every night at bedtime, so we'll have Jack and TG dreams.

Turn off the lights, please, so I can start dreaming about Jack.

~~~~~~~~~

Please send positive thoughts, energy, and prayers for our little furiend, Cami, who lives in Savannah.

Cami had a seizure yesterday and scared her Mama to death.

This was the first time Cami has had a seizure and, hopefully, it will be her last.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy 4th Gotcha' Day to Me

(Hey Jack, do you recognize the flying duck?)

I'm a lucky pup and I know it!

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Where's Dad?

Hey Guys, I'm getting kinda worried.

When was the last time either of you saw Dad?

 Hmmmm, now that you mention it, I haven't seen him in a few days.

Is he up in the woods cutting firewood?

Maybe he went star-gazing in New Mexico again...without us.

Can you keep a secret?

Dad has been in sunny southern California visiting an old friend.

He should be home by midnight tonight, if his plane is on time.

Sas and Zack will be so surprised!

Prayers for Fusako

I need some help.

I have not been able to contact my former 2nd grade student, Fusako, who lives and works in Tokyo.

 Another former student and I have tried all day, unsuccessfully, to find her.

Does anyone know how to use FaceBook internationally?

I know nothing about FB, and would appreciate any suggestions.

Fusako and Me

Halloween Carnival~1990

Cleveland, GA

Fusako and Me

~2001

Please remember Fusako and the proud, strong people of Japan during this difficult time.

**Updated:

Several more people are looking for Fusako on FB for me..thank you and I'll keep you posted!

*************

Updated:

Fusako has been found and she is safe!

Thank you Susu and Sharon,

and thanks to all for your prayers and concern.

So many in Japan continue to need our prayers.

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Happy Birthday, Madi!

Hey Madi!

We've been working on your mom all day and it looks like there will at least be ice cream tonight!

Enjoy!

Our friend, Jack, is famous!

 

Jack, and his assistant JackDaddy, have written a book about a dog who doesn't die at the end.

 

(Remind me, sometime, to tell you about trying to read Where the Red Fern Grows to a class of 2nd graders. sniff, sniff)

 

To cheap to buy a copy?

No worries!

Visit Jack's blog to find out how you can win a  pawto-graphed copy.

A Poem by Buddy

Daffodils are blooming,

Periwinkle's blue...

Zack and Sas ride in the truck.

 

Why can't I ride, too?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Riding in the back of the truck is not in Bud's future, until he is fully recovered from torn ACL. He has resumed hopping happily at dinner time, which indicates he is feeling better.

BTW, Zack and Sas don't ride in the back of the truck on public roads, only on our property. It scares me to death to see trucks barreling down the highway with a dog in the back.

Happy Weekend!

RIP, Sweet Lady

I was deeply saddened to learn that one of my favorite Goldens, Lady, has crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

Lady and Buddy had a mutual admiration society  between them, all the way across country. They would have made a handsome couple.

Lady was a beautiful girl, who will be greatly missed by us all.

Please stop by and leave some kind words for Lady's family during this very difficult time.

Idita-Rider Janet

Each year, the Iditarod Trail Committee holds an auction-style fundraiser, offering race fans an opportunity to get up-close and personal to all the excitement of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race Ceremonial Start. The winning bidders, known as Idita-Riders, enjoy the first leg of the race, approximately 11 miles, through Anchorage, from one of the best vantage points in the race; right behind a team of Iditarod canine athletes!

This year will be my friend Janet's fifth Idita-Rider experience. Jan rode with Lance Mackey in 2007 and 2008, which, by the way, was the beginning of Lance's winning streak!

Lance Mackey

2009 Iditarod Restart



In 2009, Jan rode with Staff Sgt. Harry Alexie, who was representing the Alaska Army National Guard. 

Harry had spent several months training  with Lance at Mackey’s Comeback Kennel . Harry completed the race in 37th position, which is quite an accomplishment for a rookie!

Jan in Harry's sled,

2009 Iditarod Ceremonial Start

Walt (Jan's husband), Harry, and Jan

Campbell Airstrip

(end of the ride)

 Last year, Jan was Jamaican Newton Marshall's Idita-Rider. Marshall, whose sponsors include Jimmy Buffet, had also trained extensively with Lance Mackey.  Newton finished in 47th place.

Jan (waving the Jamaican flag) in Newton's sled

2010 Iditarod Ceremonial Start

Mush Mon!

Newton Marshall

2010 Iditarod Restart

Willow Lake

The 2011 Iditarod begins Saturday, March 5th, and Jan will be ready to ride! She continues her loyalty to Mackey's Comeback Kennels again this year, as she will be riding with Lance's step-son, Cain Carter.

Cain, who won the 2009 Jr. Iditarod, will be riding as a rookie in this year's Iditarod. 

Me, Jan, Cain, and Walt

2009 Musher's Banquet

 To all the musher's, riders, and especially the wonderful dogs:

Happy Trails!

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Wordless Wednesday

GBBC

We're participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count this weekend.

Sas and I are helping Rama identify and count the birdies.

There's a Black-capped Chickadee.

So cute and perky.

Oh, Look! I see 3 Goldfinches.

They love the thistle!

Wake me when you're finished, please.

Bedtime

Just in time for Valentine's Day,

 A Special Offer from DogDaze...

Get one kiss free!

~~~~~~~~~

Happy Anniversary to Madi's Mom and Dad!

Sending hearts your way on your special day!

Excuse me?

What did you say?



I have a piece of what, where?

I wish I knew what you were trying to tell me...

Calm down!

I certainly can't understand you when you're hollering like a maniac.

Oh, the straw in my mouth?

I was saving that for later!

All this rest is making me stir crazy,

which has nothing to do with stir fry! 

~~~~~~~~~~

My friend, Liz, and her husband are in visiting Fairbanks.

Here they are at the Fairbanks Daily News Miner office,

waving to all their friends via Arctic Cam.

Have fun!!!!

I Have A Secret...

Psssst...

Hey Sas, Don't tell Rama, but I'm feeling much better since I've been getting the prolotherapy treatments.

 That's great news, Bud, but why don't you want Rama to know you're feeling better?

Because I won't get all the extra TLC I've been enjoying...

Teeheehee!

~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm happy to report that Buddy does seem to be feeling better, which means it is more difficult to keep him quiet and resting.

He will receive his fifth and final prolotherapy treatment today, and then 6 more weeks of rest.

Hopefully, he'll be ready to go by pontoon weather.

I want to apologize for being MIA in Blogland. One of my New Year's resolutions was to spend less time on the computer. I had a little blogging addiction I needed to get under control.

Hubby was threatening a Blogger Intervention!