Earth Day

 Journalist Rocky the Squirrel here –

Keeping his paws on the nuts of the world –

April 22nd is EARTH DAY.  Every year, more than 1 billion people in 175 countries will participate in various Earth Day events on this date.  It is the largest civic observance in the world.  The purpose is to raise awareness about important environmental issues.

The first Earth Day took place in 1970.  After witnessing the affects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized a grassroots environmental teach in on college campuses across the country.  Many people believe that this first Earth Day celebration marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

Celebrate today – plant a tree, help clean up a beach or park and/or participate in an event near you.  Help to keep this world a better place for everyone!

And a little blast from the past you might remember that deals with Earth Day – Captain Planet and the Planeteers.  Do you remember this show?  It was an American animated environmental program created by Ted Turner, Robert Larkin III and Barbara Pyle.  It came out on September 15, 1990.

The basis of the program was set with Gaia – the spirit of the planet.  She is awakened by drilling which is above her resting chamber.  To control the damage, she sends out five magic rings to youths around the world who will become the Planeteers.

Kwame is from Africa and has the power of Earth with his ring.

Wheeler is from North America and has the power of Fire with his ring.

Linka is from the Soviet Union and has the power of Wind with her ring.

Gi is from Asia and has the power of Water with her ring.

Ma-Ti is from South America and has the power of Heart and telepathy with his ring.

All five can use their rings special powers to call the super hero – Captain Planet for help.

I think today would be the perfect day to check out this old classic of helping the environment!

 

We Need You Please – Can You Make A Small Donation?

As some of you know, my sister Tina Marie Mote will be running in the 2018 Chicago Marathon.  She is doing this to raise money for a worthy cause – the Arthritis Foundation.  Recently Tina posted about this and I want to share with you a story straight from her.  If you can spare a donation – even if it is a couple of dollars – everything will be greatly appreciated 🙂 

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“This is going to be a long post and describes the main reason I am running the Chicago Marathon in October to raise money and awareness for the Arthritis Foundation. Donations are welcome of any size to help the Arthritis; donations can be made anonymously, if you prefer, and they are made directly to the Arthritis Foundation through the link provided in this posting.

Donate Here Please – Thank You!

Next week, a close friend of mine, who I will refer to as J, who is only in her early 30s and has rheumatoid arthritis (along with lupus and fibromyalgia), is undergoing another Rituxin treatment, which is a chemotherapy treatment that—fingers crossed—may alleviate the autoimmune response this disease has on one’s body. For those not familiar with RA, I’ve enclosed the following information:

“Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. The immune system contains a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to “seek and destroy” invaders of the body, particularly infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies and immune cells in their blood that target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation. While inflammation of the tissue around the joints and inflammatory arthritis are characteristic features of rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can also cause inflammation and injury in other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is a classic rheumatic disease.”

Obtained from: https://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm

The reason J is undergoing a chemo treatment for RA is because all other medicines (biologics/DMARDS) for RA no longer appear to be working for her. As the description of RA above states, it may not only affect the joints of the body but also other bodily organs. Because of RA, J’s lungs have been attacked and she is symptomatic of COPD though she has never smoked. RA has also damaged her heart and lungs . In addition, because RA is an autoimmune disease, her body thinks the immune system needs to attack the joints. The way the medicine works to alleviate this response is to slow the immune system. Doing so lessens her resilience to bacteria and viruses and what may be a common cold to us could become to her a prolonged illness. The flu would be devastating for her. Because of lower immunity, she’s had sepsis twice (November 2016 and November 2017)! Thank God the hospital both times immediately followed sepsis protocol at the first sign that sepsis was a possibility and didn’t wait for further evidence!

So next week she has another Rituxin treatment (info found on the links below), which has become her only option. However, the side effects are potentially devastating and potentially fatal because it severely compromises the immune system PLUS not to mention it’s a chemo treatment that has its own nasty side effects. I wish beyond all wishes I could be down in Texas with her this week but there is no way I can juggle my commitments and be with her, too.

I cannot stand to see anyone have to endure this, particularly someone who is a beautiful and life-giving soul as J is! Because I cannot help her directly and heal her, I want to do my small part to contribute to the Arthritis Foundation, who finds research for cures to terrible ailments such as RA.

Me completing a marathon pales in comparison what J has to endure on a daily basis and because the disease isn’t visible to others, sometimes those around her don’t realize just how hard it is for her. I’ve learned so much these last few years from her and have been inspired time and time again. She is the most optimistic and determined and brave and courageous individual I know and I want her to be around for many years to come!!!”

Rituxin treatment links:
https://www.webmd.com/…/20060428/rituxan-treats-rheumatoid-…

https://www.rituxanforra.com

 

Happy National Cereal Day

Journalist Rocky the Squirrel here –

keeping his paws on the nuts of the world –

March 7 is NATIONAL CEREAL DAY.. you know breakfast cereal. Did you know that cereal is the most convenient form of breakfast? It’s quick and easy. Get a bowl, pour cereal, top with milk and enjoy! And, there’s so many different kinds of cereal out there! You can add fruit to it. You can top it with nuts or raisins. You can top it with granola. You can even add honey, maple syrup or crushed fruit. However you eat it, it can be a delicious way to start your day or end your day.

Now, I know this is going to be hard to believe but hang with me for just a minute.  That pig – you know the one they call Bacon on this blog.  This is a picture of his piggy chow in his breakfast bowl that he gets every morning.  Do you know what the little oinker has on top of his piggy chow?  Anyone – anyone at all?  Cheerios!  Can you believe that?!  Even Bacon will be enjoying this day like all others with a topping of Cheerios on his piggy chow.  He doesn’t care what kind, he likes them all!  Regular, chocolate, banana nut, multi-grain, dulce de leche, peanut butter – all of them!

I mean think about it.  Cheerios are not just for the heart conscious adults – it’s for the little man too.  He has to watch his heart and health so he can be here for a very long time as well.  Bacon and his mom eat their Cheerios together every morning… of course his mother doesn’t have piggy chow added to hers which is good to know.

So on this National Cereal Day, enjoy a nice bowl of cereal – perhaps even Cheerios and think about the little pig.

 

Dear Bacon

Dear Bacon – I need some help.  I experience a lot of road rage when I’m driving these days.  Any suggestions?  Signed Mad Cat

Dear Mad Cat – First of all let’s just start with, what the heck are you thinking?  Step away from the back of the wheel.  That might be the problem in itself.  You should not be driving my furry little animal.  Leave that crazy behavior to the humans.

Step away!

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Dear Bacon – Just to show you, you’re not the only little four legged animal to be surfing the net.  I’m forever doing it myself while the missus sits on the couch behind me watching television.  Man, we can learn a lot from that internet, can’t we?  Signed Dog in Charge

Dear Dog in Charge – You got that right my friend.  The internet is huge.  Some of the things I find are unreal!  I’m glad to see you computer savvy.  I may have to get you to write an article for my blog!

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Dear Bacon – The humans – they are so funny… well they think they are.  The master put this watermelon on my head and then called me a melon head.  I don’t get it.  Do you?  Signed Melon Head

Dear Melon Head – I don’t get the saying but I do get the watermelon.  I love me some watermelon.  They can put it on my little head but it won’t stay there that long.  I will eat that watermelon rind in about 3 minutes flat!

Yum – Yum!

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Dear Bacon – As you know, when we find that comfy spot – we go for it.  This is how the master found me.  But I was good.   Really, I was.  Signed Contortionist Pooch

❤

Dear Contortionist Pooch – WOW – that is quite the pretzel sleep look you got going there.  I’m all about getting into that one position that makes the Sandman come but that takes the top spot.  I don’t really have that kind of flexibility with you know my pot belly and everything.

You actually might have a career in the circus with the way that you can bend.  It kind of makes me hurt just looking at that position.

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Dear Bacon – You know how they say people wear their hearts on their sleeves?  Well, I wear mine on my hind quarters.  What do you think?  Signed Love

Dear Love – I have to admit I snorted and giggled.  That was funny my friend.  That is quite the birthmark you have there.  I think it’s kind of cute.  I like it my friend!  Wear it with pride.

 

Dear Bacon

Dear Bacon,
Little dude, you are a hoot.  I read your blog all of the time.  I mean, up here in the cold – what else is there to do?  All of my buddies come over at least once a week so we can read your page together.  You are so funny little man.  You should go on the road.  What do you think?  We’ll buy tickets!  Signed Sealed and Funny

Dear Signed Sealed and Funny,

Thanks my friend.  I appreciate those kind words.  Everyone here at the Hotel Thompson has a tendency not to take life too serious – just go with it and have some fun.  It makes life so much more interesting!  I’ll let you know about any future road dates. 🙂

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Dear Bacon,
You really should overcome your anti-nature fears.  It’s great out outside!  Look at this great picture that my older brother took of me on the beach.  You gotta come here and put your hooves in the sand.  Once you do, you’ll never go back!   I’ll save a beach chair for you – come on down!  Signed Chillin Tiny

Dear Chillin Tiny,

I will keep that in mind my friend.  You do look so very comfortable and that picture really pulls at some heart strings.  I’ve seen pictures from mom of the beach as well.  They make me almost want to rethink my anti-nature policies.  I am working on it.  When I make that leap of faith, I’ll be sure to let you know.  Don’t be surprised if you get a call from me somewhere in the near future my friend!  Thanks for the invite.

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Dear Bacon,
Oh little man – purr – come on down to the desert and play with me.  I’m just like one of your purr things there at the Hotel Thompson.  I can help you get over your outdoor phobias.  Trust me, I can.  Growl – Signed Playful

Dear Playful,

For some reason, I just don’t get the same love and desire of you wanting to help me like my friend Chillin Tiny. As you said, you are like the purr things here.  With that in mind, I’m thinking your parting words of ‘trust me’ would be like something Hemi would say here before he swats me on my piggy fanny.  But, I appreciate the invite.  I think I’ll stay in the south and continue to be a member of the Hotel Thompson.  Take care of yourself my friend.  Be sure to use sunscreen.

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Dear Bacon,
I bet you had to look twice at this picture, didn’t you or did you?  This thing called Photoshop is amazing.  I could even Photoshop you in my pouch.  Wouldn’t that be fun?  I could take you everywhere!  Signed Hop n’ Fun

Dear Hop n’ Fun,

PLOL (Pig Laughing Out Loud).  That does look like so much fun!  Perhaps I do need to come see you in real life so we can have so much fun down under!

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Dear Bacon,

Since all of the Harry Potter movies are done and over with, I have a lot of time on my wings these days.  Most days now, you can find me skateboarding along the boardwalk.  Watch out Tony Hawk – I’m coming for you with some of my tricks.  Signed Hedwig

Dear Hedwig,

I was just wondering what you were up to these days.  I just watched a couple of the Harry Potter movies last weekend.  You’re looking good.  They must be right about the camera adding 10 pounds plus because you look a lot smaller in this picture!  Be safe my friend.

 

 

 

Earth Day

 Journalist Rocky the Squirrel here –

Keeping his paws on the nuts of the world –

.

April 22nd is EARTH DAY.  Every year, more than 1 billion people in 175 countries will participate in various Earth Day events on this date.  It is the largest civic observance in the world.  The purpose is to raise awareness about important environmental issues.

The first Earth Day took place in 1970.  After witnessing the affects of an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California, US Senator Gaylord Nelson organized a grassroots environmental teach in on college campuses across the country.  Many people believe that this first Earth Day celebration marked the beginning of the modern environmental movement.

Celebrate today – plant a tree, help clean up a beach or park and/or participate in an event near you.  Help to keep this world a better place for everyone!

And a little blast from the past you might remember that deals with Earth Day – Captain Planet and the Planeteers.  Do you remember this show?  It was an American animated environmental program created by Ted Turner, Robert Larkin III and Barbara Pyle.  It came out on September 15, 1990.

The basis of the program was set with Gaia – the spirit of the planet.  She is awakened by drilling which is above her resting chamber.  To control the damage, she sends out five magic rings to youths around the world who will become the Planeteers.

Kwame is from Africa and has the power of Earth with his ring.

Wheeler is from North America and has the power of Fire with his ring.

Linka is from the Soviet Union and has the power of Wind with her ring.

Gi is from Asia and has the power of Water with her ring.

Ma-Ti is from South America and has the power of Heart and telepathy with his ring.

All five can use their rings special powers to call the super hero – Captain Planet for help.

I think today would be the perfect day to check out this old classic of helping the environment!

 

Happy National Cereal Day –

Journalist Rocky the Squirrel here –

Keeping his paws on the nuts of the world –

.

.

March 7th is NATIONAL CEREAL DAY.. you know breakfast cereal. Did you know that cereal is the most convenient form of breakfast? It’s quick and easy. Get a bowl, pour cereal, top with milk and enjoy! And, there’s so many different kinds of cereal out there! You can add fruit to it. You can top it with nuts or raisins. You can top it with granola. You can even add honey, maple syrup or crushed fruit. However you eat it, it can be a delicious way to start your day or end your day.

Now, I know this is going to be hard to believe but hang with me for just a minute.  That pig – you know the one they call Bacon on this blog.  This is a picture of his piggy chow in his breakfast bowl that he gets every morning.  Do you know what the little oinker has on top of his piggy chow?  Anyone – anyone at all?  Cheerios!  Can you believe that?!  Even Bacon will be enjoying this day like all others with a topping of Cheerios on his piggy chow.  He doesn’t care what kind, he likes them all!  Regular, chocolate, banana nut, multi-grain, dulce de leche, peanut butter – all of them!

.

I mean think about it.  Cheerios are not just for the heart conscious adults – it’s for the little man too.  He has to watch his heart and health so he can be here for a very long time as well.  Bacon and his mom eat their Cheerios together every morning… of course his mother doesn’t have piggy chow added to hers which is good to know.

So on this National Cereal Day, enjoy a nice bowl of cereal – perhaps even Cheerios and think about the little pig.

OH – And don’t you just LOVE Bacon’s dads special spoon for his cereal eating habits?

 

Silent Sunday

 

Our Hearts are Broken

Our hearts are so broken here at the Hotel Thompson this morning.  We woke up to hear about the passing of our beloved brother Easy.  Please friends, join us in lighting a candle and sending massive hogs and snout kisses to Easy’s parents during this time.  Our hearts go out to them ❤

 

Travels in the South

Hello friends – welcome to another edition of Travels in the South.  This week mom/dad went back for what they know.  They went to a local steakhouse that offers an appetizer called “Wild, Wild Shrimp”.  Better yet, mom had a coupon for this appetizer so that makes it even better, right?

These shrimp are lightly battered and friend.  They are served with different kinds of spicy peppers with a blue cheese dip dressing.  If you are like daddy, you pick the shrimp out and leave the peppers – snorts with piggy laughter.  But if you are mom, you jump feet first in and eat your way out.  Of course, this always goes well accompanied by a glass of Chardonnay, which mom had.