Thursday, May 16, 2013

Bunnies in the Backyard



My very good friend, P. Reginald Rabbit. He lives on the slope behind me on the other side of the fence. My Aunt Leslie told my mom to go to a feed store and get some Timothy Hay. We have to sprinkle it on our lawn for the bunnies. Bunnies and cats clean themselves by licking but cats can throw up hairballs and bunnies just get all plugged up. Aunt Leslie says that Timothy Hay will make the bunnies' little digestive systems get rid of all the hair. If they don't she says they'll die in a year, but a well taken care of bunny can live 10 or 12 years. Next stop - Dan's Feed and Seed at the end of Old Town. Or maybe that new Feed Store in Murrieta.

Mom is sort of scowling about all this. She says "Oh Boy! Just what I wanted - more bunnies, more poop and more rabbit hair in my back yard!". I just tell her to "chill" and that it's MY backyard, too.



Love,

Mary-Margaret

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Old Time Family Photos


Baba & Deida (pronounced like Djeda) 1952 (Nicholas Stephen Gulkevitch & Anastasia Rimski-Korsakoff Gulkevitch)


Mike, Nick, Grandma/Mom/Ruth and Michele with Dad/George in back 1952. Mom is 7 1/2 here. She thinks this was Easter time.


Nick, Michele & Mike 1953 - Here my mom is about 8 1/2 years old. This is about the same time that she found out the Russian word for brother sounded like "brat" and she totally understood why. Left-click the photo to get the full impact of her expression.



Nick, Michele & Mike early 1955 wearing their summer Keds. Remember the free turtles you got with each purchase? And the turtle races in Colvey's parking lot at the end of Summer? Her turtle disappeared toward the end of the year and she hunted everywhere for it. She was cleaning under her bed in early 1956 and found him. Just about the time she was going to drop him into the garbage he poked his head out at her. Nobody ever told her turtles hibernate.

Remembering your family way back when you were just puppies makes humans smile.

And here's Mom at 58 years old.

Everybody enjoy!

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Uncle Lt Michael Safonov about 1946



My Grandpa's brother is the tall dark handsome human in the bottom row on the far left. One of his associate lifeguards wrote this story about the Santa Monica lifeguards . My mom remembers that he could walk on hot cement and not feel anything at all. She thought that was way kewl. And he was a really good swimmer. He was a Lt Commander in the US Navy, and maybe even a Commander before he retired.

Do you like the picture, Grandpa??

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Mommy was a Teenager

Mom was hunting through photos today and found some she didn't know she had. First off here's one of her Senior picture proofs that was in a tiny envelope left to her by her grandmother Mila back in 1981.



Second is one of Mom and her friend, Alene Childs, who lived on Ingleside Place in Evanston, Illinois just up the street from her. They were sitting on Alene's front porch. Mom is 13 here and Alene is 14 or 15. My Grandpa was working at Argonne National Labs on a contract so my Mom, her three brothers and their mom moved to Evanston for about 4 months. Their house was about a half block from Lake Michigan at 621 Ingleside Place.



I love looking at old pictures of my family from way back before I was born. Don't you?

Love,

Your Grand Dogger....

Mary-Margaret

Grandpa's Theory of the Universe

My Grandpa is really smart.  He thought and thought and thought for a few years and then he starting doing stuff on paper with numbers and formulas and things.   It took him a long time to prove out his theory but he finally did it.   It's about photons and non-photons, which are way too small for me to put up a photo of, but they are flying around out there so watch out.

Anyway, my mom put his theory up on the web so that he could share his thoughts with everyone, not just scientists and those super intelligent humans.   I don't understand it but it's nice to know there's an explanation for this kind of stuff.

If you click on the photo of the Exploding Cassopaeia to the right, you'll see all about my Grandpa, his concept and his theory.   You could even download it if you're into that stuff for your lazy summer reading material.   If you click on "Grandpa's Stats" you get to see that people from all over the whole world read about his theory and are learning from it.

He has a lot in common with Stephen Hawking and they both have brilliant brains.   My Grandpa is 92 1/2 years old as of this month, and I want to tell you that I'm VERY proud of him.

Love and kisses....

Mary-Margaret O'Brien

Sunday, May 05, 2013

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone.  I just love holidays.  My personal stylist, Miss Marilyn, always makes sure I'm dressed properly.  Today I got a triple bow trimmed to show all the colors of the Mexican flag - Red, green and white.

When our clients came into the office I even danced a little Flamenco or Paso Doble when they left to show them I am a true celebrant of all national holidays, even those of other countries.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend.  I know that me and my mom did.  We relaxed, enjoyed some old movies and shampooed a particular area of our carpet that has a reappearing stain and it's NOT MY FAULT.  Really.  I swear on my birth father's pedigree.

Besos....Maria-Margarita

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Burrs and other sticky things

There's a lot going on outside my fence.  Critters are moving in and I'm making friends.  That's not Mom's favorite thing, though.  When I come back in the house I look like I have Chicken Pox with all the round stickers stuck ALL over my furry little body.  It takes her absolutely forever to pluck them out. 

This morning already she's late for work.   I told her to make sure to tell you that I love you, too.   She always tells me what you say but sometimes forgets to tell you what I say. 

You have lots of friends everywhere.  I even tell my friends on the back slope about you.   They don't have grandparents that they know about so they are very much in awe of me.  I told them I would share you with them.  They are squirrels, possums, kitties, bunnies, a couple of rats, some crows, a sparrow or two and...oh, I forget.  But they said to tell you they love you, too.

Kisses,

Mary-Margaret

Monday, April 15, 2013

GRANDPA'S STATS

Until things get all sorted out and Mom finds the password to your stat counter, you can still see it this way.

Click on the link in the upper right hand corner of this page where it says "Grandpa's Stats".  You should be able to see all the people all over the world who are looking at your paper just like you used to.

[Update]  Mom found the password.  No need to give it to her technologically advanced brothers anymore, though, since she let me put it on my blog as a direct link.

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Saturday, April 13, 2013

RPT

RPT means "Rancho Physical Therapy". Mom had an appointment there yesterday. We used to go there last year but quit until yesterday. Everyone remembered ME and my name. Only one person remembered Mom and he had forgotten her name. I am very useful in validating my Mom's existence, don't you think??

She got some "traction", think that's what it's called. But she was so out of whack they didn't do anything else to her and her whole back hurt this morning. I napped. She gasped for air a lot and they put a thing on her finger that measures pulse and oxygen levels.

When we got back to the car she started wheezing again. Her asthma is pretty bad. The doctor came out to the parking lot to talk to her (and probably to make sure she wasn't going to pass out on his property), and they kept on yakking while ignoring ME. I can only stand that for so long, so I started talking, too. The more I got ignored, the louder and chattier I got. Finally Mom barks at me, like "HOW RUDE, Mary-Margaret. Be quiet!". The doctor jumped back a little and I sat down fast. She gets scary when she gets aggravated.

I got picked up out of my car seat and I sat on my mom's lap. At least I was face to face with the doctor so we could communicate with each other. Mom was quiet this time and me and Dr. Holman finished up our conversation. He said "See you next week, Mary-Margaret!" and I'm pretty sure he said good-bye to Mom, but not certain.

She drove us home and we had hamburgers for dinner. Tonight I get left-overs and she'll probably have a chicken pie or something. Today is our day of rest. I will nap and she'll do bank statements.

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Tuesday, April 09, 2013

Dear Grandpa....

First off, let me say that me and Mom really love you. You're our family and there isn't anything we wouldn't do for you.

That being said, Mom's pretty upset about your conversation last night. When Grandma died, it was my mom and me that came to your house and helped you figure out your credit cards, your bills, your bank account and all the paper work. We cleaned, did laundry and took valuable time away from our own business responsibilities. We didn't ask you for anything. We did it because we care about you.

When you wanted to get your report out to the world, it was my Mom that acquired your web site (called a domain), designed your website Photon-Nonphoton Universe and put your information together so everyone could see your theory. You get a lot of pleasure from looking at your statistics, thanks to your daughter, Michele.

We drove you to the market, to the bank, and wherever you wanted to go and we never expected anything from you. We still don't.

Your apartment is in desperate need of cleaning. It's a health hazard to most living creatures except maybe cockroaches, and it's stinky poo to high heaven. But you don't even let anyone into your apartment any more. You could have help. Even if you just had someone clean your bathroom and wash your towels, it would make a difference. But you say you're happy in your stinkiness and you won't even consider having anyone help. And you act like it's a big joke.

Your driver's license is expired and Mike suggested that Mom try to help get you a California identification card, which is an absolute necessity if you want to cash checks, or have anything notarized, and sometimes if you want to use a credit card. An expired driver's license is not acceptable or legal. And you yelled at Mom. You pretty much accused her of wanting you to die. You really hurt her feelings. All she's ever tried to do was be kind to you and take care of you. I bet my Grandma wouldn't be very happy with how you are treating my mom.

You know me. I hate to get in the middle of human stuff and I will love you forever, and you can't say anything much that will hurt my feelings. On the other hand, my mom is a sensitive, loving, caring, giving person who truly appreciates her family, what's left of it. She would like nothing more than for you to take responsibility for your own business, for you to make and secure your own plans for your future, and for you to take care of your own personal hygiene.

Once you're gone, that's it. You don't get to make choices any more. Whatever happens, happens. Death comes without warning...without invitation. And your final expenses probably won't get paid because you haven't assigned a beneficiary to any of your bank accounts and you don't want to think about it. You have no signed will, so how does anyone know what you want? And who you trust to follow your wishes? Or who could legally do it? Five years ago, Mom spent days with you typing exactly what you told her you wanted and it's still there, on the buffet, unsigned. What was the point?

Good luck, Grandpa. I personally hope you outlive all of us.

Mary-Margaret

Tuesday, April 02, 2013

April 2013 - Yorkie Times

THE YORKIE TIMES

Be the first in your neighborhood to read this new issue. Happy April, everyone!!

Your very good friend.....

Mary-Margaret

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

A return visitor!

Candy the Morkie came to visit me again today. She just hopped into my back yard and walked right into the house, helped herself to water and then walked over to Mom. "Oh, HI, Candy!", Mom said. "Are you hungry?". So Candy had some supper, too. Then Mom gets out the comb and brush and.....OHHHHH...I am SOOOO jealous. Here's a picture of Candy from the last time she dropped in.

After a bit Mom got into the car with Candy and left ME home. She chauffered Candy home and stuck her back in her back yard. When Candy's dad called about her he was very thankful. Mom says Candy is welcome here any time. I guess that's almost as good as getting a sister, isn't it??

Later Mom got all snuggled in bed maybe about 7:30 or so the phone rang and it was Candy's dad saying that they had come by our house to bring my mom some treats for being so nice. I said "Hello" to them out the window when they were here but I guess Mom thought it was someone delivering more flyers to our front door because she just kept saying "Shush" to me. She absolutely refuses to get her doorbell fixed and even if she does hear someone at the door she usually doesn't answer it unless she's expecting someone. Anyhow, Mom said "thank you" but she'd already gone to bed and really Candy is welcome here any time and no need to for them to bring her anything. Awwww...ain't she sweet?

I don't suppose it even occurred to her that there might be someone else in our house that would appreciate treats?

Your friend...

Miss Mary-Margaret O'Brien

Saturday, March 09, 2013

Spring forward, Fall back!



This is why dogs don't wear watches. Too confewbulating.

Mary-Margaret

Monday, March 04, 2013

March 2013 YORKIE TIMES

It's HERE! Hot off the presses! Extra. Extra!! Read all about it.

The Yorkie Times

Mary-Margaret

Monday, February 11, 2013

Dear Grandpa....

It was so nice to see you last night.   We've really missed seeing our family.  It was a very good surprise to see Greg and Marshall, too.  And Peter, Janet and Mike AND especially YOUUUUUU!

I just wish we had more time together.   At least I got to give you schlurpy kisses on your hand and your face.  And I think I even got one on your mouth, too.   It's ok, Grandpa.  My mouth only goes on places that are clean, like kibble and steak and water.   I'm not allowed to lick places that other dogs lick.  Mom says it's rude.  Also, I can't reach those places because I'm a little bit chubby around the middle, but I wouldn't lick them anyway.  Really, I wouldn't.

I am all tuckered out from our visit.  I got to say "Hi" to Zooey the Cat.  He hissed at me, but he hissed politely, sort of like the possum did.  Enough so I know he's not in the mood to play but he wasn't mean about it.

I don't know exactly what Aunt Janet feeds Zooey.  It's sort of mushy, reddish brown and in a custard cup.   Whatever it is, it is YUMMY!   Mom kept saying "Get out of there, Mary-Margaret!".   Zooey licked some of my dinner that I left in the bowl for him so I figure we're even.

I love you, Grandpa.

Your faithful Grand Dogger...

Mary-Margaret

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Peaches and Me


Dear Grandpa - This is me and my new best friend, Peaches.  She's a Guinea Pig.  She's not really a pig and she probably doesn't know where Guinea is, but still...that's what they call her.

We like to hang out and nuzzle.  I get to kiss her sometimes if I'm really fast.  I even squiggle into her carrier and snuggle in her blankie, too.  I think you would really like my good friend, Peaches.

Love and kisses...

Mary-Margaret

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Jennifer's bionic leg

Did I mention that my very good friend and co-worker, Jennifer, coaches college softball?  No, she didn't get hurt doing that, but you gotta watch out for the invisible eebie-neebies in the parking lot - they'll get you every time.

Mom says she must have bumped into C3P0 (the robot?) at a Star Wars convention.  She's getting very good at hopping on one foot when she's not using her crutches.  Seriously, me and Mom feel really bad about her "owie" and we try to help her out when we can.

We are praying for her speedy reovery.

Love,

Mary-Margaret

Friday, January 18, 2013

My Hidey Hole


Dear Grandpa - Mom's at it with the camera again.   I hunt all over for a nice quiet place to have my "after breakfast before morning snack" nap and she still finds me.  Oh well.  It's ok.  Since it's YOU, Grandpa.   You're always welcome in my world.  I love you SOOOO much.

Kisses and schnoozles....

Mary-Margaret

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Peaches and Cream

Meet my new friend, Miss Peaches and Cream, or "Peaches" for short.  She's a full grown girl Guinea Pig and very nice.  We hit it off right away.  I know I have to be sort of quiet for her so I sit down and we talk in our own special way.

Keri says that Peaches can come back and play with me again on Friday.  Oh, I can't wait.  I just LOVE my new friend.  I think every pup should have their own Guinea Pig.

Love and kisses.



PS:  I have something really sad to tell you.   When I went to Miss Marilyn's last Friday I looked everywhere for my best friend, Madison.  Mom asked where she was and Miss Marilyn said that she had to go to the Rainbow Bridge and that Sophie, the Maltese, went too.  My heart is broken and I gave Miss Marilyn a lot of loving.  I know I helped comfort her.  I love her so much that it hurts my heart to see her cry.  Don't tell her but I cried a little bit, too.  God bless Madison and Sophie.  I miss them.
Mary-Margaret

Monday, January 14, 2013

A "Hissy" Encounter

I told mom I had to go out.  I just didn't tell  her everything, though.  I had a friend waiting for me in the back yard.  I raced out the door and started to play, but I got hissed at instead.  Huh? (I said)  That is NO way to talk to a friend, so I told it off.  "Arf arf arf", I said, over and over.  Mom comes out to see and starts yelling "NO NONONONONONO, Mary Margaret.  You come in.  NOW.  COME.  NOW."  Man, I thought she was going to faint or something she was so insistent.

"Fine", I said.  "Whatever!" and I walked back in the house.  As soon as I get inside, Mom grabs the camera, takes the picture and then slams the door.  Hello? It's not like I'm having him over for dinner or anything, but still she says "NO POSSUM".   I get it.  Really, I do.  No possum.   It wasn't all that friendly anyway, not like the gophers or feral cats or the rat that ate our plums, or anything.

Mom, on the other hand, after all that yelling, keeps thinking "What if the possum was hungry?  Or cold? Or it had babies to feed?  Now I KNOW I won't get any sleep tonight.  She's such a softie.

Love,
Mary-Margaret O'Brien
Lt. Chaplain - Yorkie Brigade Chapel"Yorkie prayers are Angel's wishes!"
"Pups for PPL"
"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue." Anonymous