[A/S] Ocala, Florida - Feb 7, 2001

[hhamp5246@xxxxxxx]

Hi Gang,

Brady, my neutered male Border Collie says, "There's something about Ciera".  
Ciera is my hostess's little female Border Collie who happens to be in heat.  
She's behaving like a little hussy and finds Brady very attractive.... so 
attractive that she is using all of her feminine wiles to try to seduce him.  
Brady looks confused, he does know there is something "special" about her, 
but he's not sure what.  Well, he wasn't sure until last night when we caught 
him giving it the old college try.   That's my boy (c:

We have enjoyed being here on this farm in Ocala.  Everyday the weather gets 
better.... today it was in the low eighties.  The rain last week has turned 
the winter rye grass bright green in all the fields behind the black board 
fences. Ocala has more horse farms than anywhere.... every breed is 
represented here.  Sadly some of the farms have been bought up by 
developers.... one sign that says, "Home of Champion Needles" hangs by one 
hook now swinging in the breeze.  A shopping center is "Coming Soon" 
according to another sign nearby.

I'm parked in the back yard, an enclosed fenced yard, perfect for the dogs to 
go out and play with Patty's 7 dogs.  I have a phone line so lots of computer 
time.

I've spent some of my time here shopping, I needed a toaster oven.  I got one 
in Knoxville, but it was too large so I finally found one I liked.  It had to 
be black or silver....no white appliances in my trailer or cabin. The one I 
got is a Krups...digital.

It's been so nice being here, but I leave in the morning for Christmas 
(Florida).  You see, Brady's hips are flaring up.... he was diagnosed with 
hip dysplasia when he was 2 years old, it has been controlled with Rimadyl 
until recently.  The other day I gave him some Prednisone to control the 
pain, and today it must have worn off.... so, Friday morning we have an 
appointment with a Surgical Vet Specialist.  He will probably have one of two 
surgeries, either a total hip replacement or a femoral head removal... where 
they cut off the hip ball that fits in the socket.  The consultation and 
xrays on Friday will tell the story.... I imagine he will have surgery next 
week.  I am sick about it, but can't let him suffer.  He's my heart.

So, I'll be settin' in the Christmas Airstream Park until the Sarasota Rally 
begins.....  he'll actually be at the vet's for 4-5 days according to the 
woman I spoke to today.
We've never been apart that long )c:  

On the way I'll stop at Walt's RV, he will be fixing the hail damage to the 
trailer sometime in March.  I'll be staying here while it's being 
repaired..... I hate to move out of it, but can't just not get it fixed.

So, I'm sad about leaving Ocala, but will be back in March... I have friends 
at the Christmas Park so I'll have some moral support while Brady is getting 
fixed up. 

I keep seeing the weather reports up North..... I love Florida (c:

Hunter