Wicked Weather

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Last night I listened to severe thunderstorms pound my bedroom skylight with rain.  The dangerous weather is continuing this morning.  The driving rain is like an assault on the roof and doors of the house.  Crying let me in ! 

The current temperature is 61° but it's expected to fall into the 30s by this afternoon.  Thankfully I do not have to go anywhere today.

With the area under a tornado watch, it is a bad day to be using a power wheelchair for mobility.  Hopefully the high winds and driving rain do not do any damage around the neighborhood. 

The last storm of this caliber damaged the roof and ended with costly repairs and replacement of an entire side.

Kovalev is Back Baby

Alex Kovalev was acquired from Ottawa on Thursday and last night he helped the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs in a shootout ( 6 to 5 ).

It's great to see him back in a penguin uniform although he's now wearing number 72 as opposed to his original 27.  I would like to tell Craig Adams to switch numbers, everybody in Pittsburgh knows Kovalev wears number 27 dammit !

Despite all the injuries and adversity the Penguins are staying competitive and will make the playoffs.  You have to love a team that goes onto the ice every night knowing they can win no matter who is in uniform and no matter who they play.  Let's Go Pens !

Good Suggestion

Last week when I asked for suggestions about a new book to read on my Kindle, Tracy and Scarlett suggested the author Brian Keene.

I normally do not read much science fiction but I do like the show The Walking Dead on AMC.  So I chose The Rising and I am very glad I did.

If you like zombies, check this book out, I think you will really enjoy the writings of this author.

This Weeks Retrieves

For those of you not familiar with what a service dog may actually do for an individual with a disability, I thought I would write about what Misty has retrieved for me this week.

Every service animal is different and trained specifically for his or her partner.  Misty received several months training to specifically address my needs, in addition to the two years she was in the training program.

Without her assistance I would have to ask someone for assistance or pay someone attendant care hours, to complete the following:

1. Picking up my fork from the floor and placing it on my tray ( all retrieves end up on my tray ).

2. Retrieving the remote control for the television 

3. Retrieving my reach flosser, yes I know from her mouth to mine..

4. Retrieving paper from my printer

5. Retrieving my baseball hat

6. Retrieving my scarf and winter hat

7. Opening my bedroom door

8. Closing my back door on my house

These are just a few of the ways Misty makes me more independent.  Plus the fact she does it all with a wag of her tail for a carrot or cheerio.  It's so good to have a working service dog back in the house.

Authors

Following up on yesterday's post ...

For years I did not read very much at all, now I really enjoy spending time reading.  I guess it's my way of experiencing adventures outside my home.

The last six months I have enjoyed the works of several authors including:

1. Stephen King

2. Leigh Brill

3. Marcus Luttrell

4. Clive Cussler

I also enjoy the books by Jimmy Buffett, his writing is a lot like his music. He takes the reader on a quest.  It's certainly easy reading and they make great beach books.

Hopefully I am able to return to Cape Cod this Summer, sit by the ocean with my little dog and read/eat my way along the coast. Lets start with a half dozen oysters and a cold corona !

I can't take much more winter weather....... come on July !

Puppy Cam

You know you want to donate to these great little puppies,  Click Here and help support an organization with a gift that changes lives!  Hopefully all of these adorable puppies will grow up to be service dogs and provide years of service to individuals with disabilities.  No amount is too small, every donation is important!

Stream videos at Ustream

What I Am Currently Reading

My Kindle currently has Deadly Sanctuary downloaded.  I am enjoying this book very much and would like to recommend it to you. 

I really like to read on my laptop, it's so much easier than using a paper book.  The free Kindle software is perfect for this quadriplegic.

What are you currently reading?  Any recommendations?

8.5 Inches of Snow

Are you kidding me....... 8.5 inches of snow fell last night.  It seems to me that February is the worst month for snowfall here in Pittsburgh.  I can't wait until winter is over.

As a wheelchair user, snow can really affect my mobility.  Until this snowfall melts, it looks like I am stuck inside.  I plan on using the time to work with Misty today on the basics.  She and I are really bonding and she is settling into my routine nicely.

Cheese and boneless skinless chicken breasts have been the power treats of choice this week.  I like to breakup what she is working for, I think it keeps it interesting for her.

12 years

Today is year 12 for me as a person with a spinal cord injury.  As anniversary's go I am doing all right.

Saturday Repairs

This morning I woke up and the house was cold, it seems the igniter on the furnace decided to pick the weekend to stop working.  Of course I did not come to this conclusion on my own.  It required the services of a professional.

A $63 part, $45 travel fee, plus labor and it is a $151.00 Saturday morning........ at least the house is warm again.  I am also thankful that the technician came out right away, it was relatively painless if you don't count opening the checkbook.

On to more exciting news.  Misty Morning passed her public access test with flying colors yesterday.  Kara and I took her to South Hills Village Mall where she completed the test.  There was not one aspect of the exam that she had difficulty with.  I'm very proud of how she acted in public.

As a reward for a job well done yesterday I gave her a shank bone.  I purchase these at Giant Eagle in the meat department. She thought that was the best reward ever.  She chewed on the bone for at least one and a half hours.  It was good to watch her enjoy her treat.

Misty is now laying beside my wheelchair in her service dog vest.  Normally she would not wear the vest at home.  But the vest is new and a little stiff, she acts like it bothers her so I am getting her more comfortable with it. I'm sure she will be fine with her vest after a few more washing. 

Josh Blue gets out-palsied

Too funny !

60 Degree Temperatures

Yesterday Pittsburgh had temperatures in the 60s and I certainly took advantage of the spring like weather.  Misty and I were able to get outside for a walk along with a trainer from SSD .

In addition to the walk, we were able to meet friends at McGrogans for hot sausage sandwiches and adult beverages, which I was unable to do the last several months because of the winter weather.

Today we will be going to a local mall to complete a public access test for Misty and I.  Every year we will be recertified with this public access test.  The test is not required by law, but SSD does require it for all their working teams. 

It may not be spring yet, but yesterday's little weather teaser let me know that warmer temperatures are on the way.  I guess that explains all the Jimmy Buffett music I was playing yesterday..... Enjoy your day, wish me luck on the public access test.

Last Mango In Paris - Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett - Southern Cross

Jimmy Buffett:"A Pirate Looks At Forty"

Moose and Squirrel are next

Yesterday Misty made quick work of two stuffed animals, a bunny rabbit and elephant.  First the bunny rabbit had his ears removed, then he was disemboweled.   After that she moved on to his leg's ....... it was pure carnage, with bunny parts all over the living room.  This all happened in a span of two minutes.

Next it was an elephant, I guess he just had it coming, only the elephant knows for sure what he did to incur the wrath.  The moose and squirrel have reportedly entered witness protection and have been moved to an undisclosed location somewhere in the United States.  Rumors have it, Utah.

When I purchase dog toys for her in the future, stuffed animals will not be placed into the shopping cart !  Fortunately they do make animal toys for dogs without stuffing. 

Her puppy raisers let me know how much she enjoys playing with empty water bottles.  So that maybe the toy of choice today.  What are some of your dog's favorite toys?

Starbucks Visit

Yesterday evening Misty and I went to Starbucks together for the first time.  Before going into the coffee shop, I gave her the opportunity to go potty then we went inside.  I did not bother with putting my own door hook onto the door, Beth held it for me.

Once inside while Beth was getting the coffee, my pencil that I use for my telephone immediately fell to the floor, under the table where I was waiting.  Misty looked at the pencil waiting for the cue to take it.  When I instructed her to, she picked it up and put it back on my tray where it belongs, receiving a nice piece of string cheese for her service.

People sitting next to me were quite impressed... I was very proud of her and how she responded to the situation.  The only thing we need to work on is her " down stay "she is so curious and always wanting to work that she gets up frequently.  I know the down stay will come with practice.

BBC News - Humans in Jeopardy! against IBM supercomputer Watson

BBC News - Humans in Jeopardy! against IBM supercomputer Watson

I am a huge fan of Jeopardy, most nights you can find me waiting for the show to begin like Rain Man ( five minutes till Jeopardy ). Last night was a fun showdown between Watson and two of the best players to ever play Jeopardy.

It's a three night tournament and so far Watson is tied for the lead with $5000. It will be interesting to see how it plays out this evening. Did you happen to watch? What are your thoughts?

Monday Morning Thoughts

Last night I discovered what a very deep and powerful voice Misty actually has.  It was about 8 PM and I was in the kitchen with her.  She must of heard something outside because she turned towards the door and let out a very ferocious bark.... Scared the crap right out of me!

Whatever was on the other side of that door probably thought twice about visiting my house.... lol

Today I plan on training with her on several types of retrieves and basic obedience.  For that I will be using Carrots and Cheerios which she loves and I am able to pick up independently. 

Followed by a round of tossing the tennis ball in the living room where she likes to play.  Then I am sure a stuffed animal will be shaken vigorously just for good measure.

For now she is laying on her bed beside my bookcase.  I keep looking over at her and can hardly believe she is actually here.  So many people contributed and sacrificed so that I could have her.  I'm really thankful to so many people today.

First Day Alone

Misty and I spent our first day alone together (six hours).  She did extremely well and I could not be more proud of her.

She was able to retrieve items that I needed such as: baseball hat, pencil and remote control easily and place them on my wheelchair desktop.

We also worked on the basics; heel, sit, stay, down and go around (she walks behind my wheelchair). She also worked on opening my bedroom door, going through doors while attached to my chair safely. 

Thanks to her puppy raisers Denise and Steve, I learned how fond Misty is of Cheerios.  This makes an excellent training treat! I also ordered some salmon oil which I hear she enjoys and is outstanding for producing a shiny coat. 

The first day alone with her was fantastic, she is a beautiful partner with a great work ethic.  As I create this blog, she is laying beside my wheelchair on my left side in a down stay. 

I'm so proud of her and the way she works for me. I hope to post some more videos of her working, especially around the house sometime this week.

 

Training on Friday

Look at the focus Misty has while training....  she is such a great worker.  One of the task I ask her to do is taking paper from my printer.  The cue is " Printer "  as you can see, she likes to complete this when ask.

It's not all work...

Best Day Yet

Today was the best day yet training Misty Morning!  We are really becoming a working Team  and today we were able to speak with Misty's puppy raisers, Denise and Steve!  Being able to speak with the people who raised Misty provided so much information, it really was so helpful.  And the best part is we made new friends!

a cold morning training



Denise and Steve, Misty's puppy raisers

Denise, Steve, Beth, myself and Misty

After a long day training, I love my bed

Team Training Day Three

Today Misty and I were working on opening heavy doors at the mall.  She did a fantastic job!  She has a strong work ethic and seems happiest when she is working on a task.

We also worked on the cues "under", in order for her to lay under benches or tables.  Misty and I also practiced getting on and off elevators safely.  We worked on several cues throughout the day to break up the many tasks that she can perform.

By the end of the day she and I are both very tired.  For more pictures and videos check out the great SSD Blog

Tomorrow is a new day, I better get my rest.

Service Dog Training, Day Two

Today was the second day training with SSD Misty Morning and it was great.  After training all day I do not have a lot of energy left in my tank, so I will just post pictures and a video for now.  I plan on writing about this week's experience on Saturday or Sunday.  Thanks for all the positive comments!

Team Training

Today was the first day of training with SSD Misty Morning. We had a fantastic training session, working on simple cues such as sit, down, stay, come, and leash. 

Here are a few pictures from today's training.  Isn't she just the most adorable Labrador retriever ever?

Super Bowl XLV - Multimedia

Super Bowl XLV - Multimedia its so funny hearing Texan's try to speak Pittsburghess. Go Steelers bring back # Seven!

Kid Rock - Cold and Empty [Official Video]

Penguins beat Buffalo

American idol star rocked the National Anthem

Staal wins the face off

Cooke fights for the team

Malkin gets hurt

I met the NHL timer in the elevator, nice guy

The game last night was very exciting, the Penguins battled back from a 2 to 0 score to win the game 3 to 2.  I had a fantastic time!

I tried the barbecued beef brisket from the Smokehouse Grill last night, it was outstanding.  I can't wait to get that sandwich again.

The next game is Sunday afternoon and then the Super Bowl!  Let's go Steelers!

Penguins beat Buffalo 3 to 2

Penguin's play Renegade

Dropkick Murphys - Memorial Day

bluegrass steeler fight song.mp4

Friday Sports and Thoughts

Tonight I will be going to the hockey game, the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Buffalo Sabres at 7 PM.  I am really looking forward to attending the game.  Malkin will be back on the ice, and I am expecting some spectacular offense from him.  I plan on wearing my winter classic number 71 jersey for his return.

As everyone knows, Sunday is the Super Bowl, so I will be glued to the television cheering for the Steelers Sunday evening.  The Pittsburgh Steelers are underdogs (2.5 points) but I really believe the Steelers will be victorious over the Green Bay Packers....... the cheese head fans probably feel differently.

Monday I will begin training with my new service dog Misty Morning.  I am both excited and sad.  I recently submitted the following to the Susquehanna service dogs newsletter, I think it captures my feelings pretty well.

I have had the privilege to be partnered with SSD Nala the last 11 years. As a person with a disability, quadriplegia, I require a great deal of assistance and Nala has certainly provided that and so much more over the years.

I am currently in the process of obtaining a new service dog partner from SSD. I will be receiving SSD Misty Morning this February, and retiring my current dog Nala, which will both be exciting and sad.

As Nala’s retirement gets closer, I think about everything she has done to improve my life. Sure she has opened doors, retrieved objects and gone to get help for me more times than I can count. But she has provided so much more, Independence, Friendship and Love.

With her help I became more confident after my injury. I was able to return to college and obtain my master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. I am able to spend hours by myself, knowing that if I need something she will provide it. I do not have to ask someone for assistance or wait for assistance.

Over the past decade she was never more than a few feet from my wheelchair. Nala was a constant presence, a constant friend and loyal companion. Not simply a dog, but a confidant, an always reliable companion, which all dogs will be compared to. I am so much better having had her in my life.

Nala will be enjoying her retirement, living with my friend Sally as SSD Misty makes her way into my life.  Truly great dogs never leave our hearts or minds.  Thank you Nala for all you have done to improve my life.

Brent Johnson vs Rick DiPietro Goalie Fight!

Brent Johnson not only had the shutout last night, but he took care of business !

The Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the New York Islanders 3 to 0 last night at home. It was a very exciting game to watch and it's great to see teammates stand up for each other. Way to go Johnson!

No Arms Gun Slinger

A friend of mine sent this to me this morning, thanks Paul. It's important that we all realize people with disabilities can still achieve their goals in the outdoors. How we do things may be different, but the enjoyment we receive is still the same!

Groundhog Day 2011

The good news is Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow today, predicting an early spring!  In his long and illustrious career of weather prediction, Phil has not seen his shadow about 15% of the time. Come on spring!

Last night my friend Mark came over and watched the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the New York Rangers, 4 to 3 in a shootout.  The Penguins really came through even though they were missing many star players.  Hopefully the winning continues, the playoffs are coming quicker than we think.

Fortunately Pittsburgh missed much of the ice and snow that was predicted.  Although the wind sounds like a freight train outside my door at this moment.  I really hope we avoid the deadly dangerous storms much of the country is receiving.

It's not too much longer until I start training with my new service dog Misty Morning.  Keep watching for reports and photographs of my new Susquehanna Service Dog.

Could Rottweilers Be Cancer Cure Key?