4th of July, New Hyde Park (Carol and Liam)

JULY 3RD- IN THUNDERSHIRT

It is done. I got through it fine. What was it? America's birthday, July 4th, a very celebrated holiday.  Its beginning, the reasons for its existence all are part of our culture. That period in history is my favorite.  When did we first celebrate and how?  Here is a link that tells you everything about the Holiday- www.usa.gov/Topics/Independence-Day.shtml
and then we have Wiki, more fun
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independence_Day_%28United_States%29

For me though, July 4th is not a holiday that is on top of my list. We are expected to make noise. I see the day as a lot of noise. Fireworks are beautiful, but the sounds remind me of war and violence.

First and worst, my health club is closed. I wanted so much to walk, row, lift and ride with my fellow gymsters on America's birthday while watching 8 TVs at once. I do this every day. Closed?  Really?  Not even open a half day? Liam and I will have to go for a very long walk.

COMING OUT? LET'S WALK

Pets get scared and run away. More pets are lost on July 4th than any other holiday. I think they are afraid of the music, booming sounds, multiple neighborhood parties and the garishness of the July 4th activities.   

I WON'T RUN AWAY

We don't have a barbecue- we fear gas outside.  Actually, I fear the thought of cooking more.  If there is no grill, then no cooking.  I do like to eat barbecue. Problem with no grill.

I battled back.  I had to reclaim July 4th as fun. Watched Wimbledon, then baseball, the Hot Dog eating contest.  I sprayed myself with bug off and  brought my stuff outside, listened to the parties going on, sniffed their smells. 

HOT DOG

Did a lot of posting on Social Networks as well as texting-love doing that.  Liam played with birds inside and outside.

LIAM'S SIBLINGS

Then came time for the Macy's fireworks. I have come to dread this NYC extravaganza as it has turned into a bad musical with out of work actors reading pieces of the Declaration of Independence.to the accompaniment of badly chosen patriotic songs. I live in fear of John Philip Sousa. His compositions were played at the end of lunch at my grammar school. The idea was to march us out like little soldiers. I am through with marching after eating.

But it was fine, more than fine, it was uplifting and fun. Regis was the host. What a great gig for him!  The music was perfect. Not too hokey and often beautiful, an eclectic selection that worked, except for "Yankee Doodle Dandy" which I cannot stand.  What do you expect?  I am one of the few who love the "Star Spangled Banner" and dread the day when the "America the Beautiful" folks finally get it taken away as our national anthem. And the venues were all over Manhattan.  The fireworks just stunning. Wow! 

LISTENING TO MACY'S FIREWORKS IN THUNDERSHIRT

A marvelous 4th of July. It is now coming back as a favorite holiday. I admit to wearing red, white and blue and sticking flags all over the yard front and back. Guess I am as hokey and garish as anyone.is.

One song I had to hear-this is 4th of July always...

4th of July, Asbury Park (Sandy)

Bruce Springsteen

Woof, Woof

Riding out the Storm

LIAM IN THUNDERSHIRT DURING STORM

Liam's thundershirt (mentioned before in previous stories) has been here for several weeks.  People have commented that its presence seems to be keeping away the storms. That changes on Friday June 22. We are hit with 3 separate storm systems, so three separate stories

Timeline

Friday June 22, 2012...some times approximate and some exact- to the best of my recollection

2PM
Storm #1

Becomes very dark, rain starts. I am leaving Twin Parks Health Club, running to car. I make it to my car, not too wet, the drops are very big but few and none are absorbed. Once in the car, I call Paul to tell him to shut the skylight in the upstairs bathroom.  I had opened it two days earlier in an attempt to move around some air. You might think that rain in a bathroom is not as worrisome as other places-I mean, aren't we supposed to be wet in there? However, I had done this once before and instead of pouring down vertically, the water traveled horizontally across the slanted ceiling (of course it would) before descending to the floor. The entire area around the skylight had to be repainted (by me, I caused it, marriage rule)  Paul says he will shut the skylight (no recriminations as to why it is open, whew!) and then adds that he has strapped Liam in his thundershirt. Wow, guess the open skylight took a back seat! By the time I arrive home, a 7 minute trip-a lot changes-  lightning, darkness, thunder and heavier rain. Liam makes two trips into his sanctuary- the back room with its table.

NEAR THE TABLE IN BACK ROOM

A nice roof for a little dog. Then he joins us on the couch to ride out the storm.  Liam between us-shaking and panting, opening and closing his mouth (I really am so proud of his white teeth)  The terror and frequency of symptoms are much lower with the thundershirt. Then it is over and Liam rests.

Okay! Yay thundershirt.

7PM
Storm #2

This was promised to arrive around dinnertime. We go to Crabtree's https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crabtrees-Restaurant/123761394359663 for dinner EVERY Friday. Will this system include thunder and lightning?  We decide to leave Liam shirtless. The idea of him strapped in for a few hours seems confining to both of us. We might be projecting our claustrophobia on Liam. Paul is imagining himself in a straightjacket..and me-I have not yet been able to step into the snuggie (a blanket with arms) Paul gifted me with for Valentine's Day. www.mysnuggiestore.com/
After briefly considering staying till the storm passes, we decide to go. We arrive and as we try to park, the storm becomes ferocious.  How is Liam?  We assume fine as this system has little noise. We arrive home a few hours later to an okay Liam. 


12AM-6AM   or some time between midnight and dawn
Storm #3

Early morning Saturday or middle of the night-is that the same?  It is dark with crackling lightning and booming thunder. We are in bed.  Liam is sitting between us shaking, panting. We did not dress him in his thundershirt for bedtime. I think the idea that we would not be awake to monitor him in his thundershirt (what if he strangled?) is a deterrent to using it at bedtime. Mistake. Loud multiple lightning strikes create repeated fake daylight.  Dark. Then thunder, then light- Liam in bad shape. No thundershirt. We keep thinking it is too late, almost over, all that. Bad parents. It ends.

Weekend-sunny- practice thundershirt session held. Another thundershirt effect-barking is diminished significantly.

Monday, June 25, 2012.  more storms as forecasted by
http://nycweatherguy.blogspot.com/

8:30 AM
Storm #1

Liam is dressed and ready.  He hears rumblings before I do.

Here we go.  More thunderstorms. We are ready - thundershirt on
Little bit of panting, breathing deeply, yawning for air, mouth open to do all these things All symptoms reduced.

5PM
Storm #2

next round late afternoon thundershirt back on. Much improvement. 

From now on, we will ride out the storms with the thundershirt. I might even get in my snuggie.
This song was often played during a storm back in the day
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riders_on_the_Storm

enjoy a good You Tube attempt They say it was performed live only once

July 4th fireworks next test for thundershirt. Seeing Liam's next pic-another song comes to mind "and don't it make my brown eyes blue?"

THERE IS MORE NOISE COMING? LIAM FEELING BLUE

Woof, Woof

Liam Lazing

LIAM OUT FOR SUMMER FUN

Summer officially began yesterday.  Liam has been in summer mode for a few weeks using every part of the yard for lazing about
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/laze
We both love sitting outside, together and apart When Liam goes off to sit in the grass I stay in my chair. For the outside "sits" I bring a bag with books, newspapers (yes, we still have them)

LIAM LIKES BEST SELLERS, BRAVO!

Carol's Kindle (per its Amazon name) camera, phone (a smart one) a pencil case stuffed with items from Staples- iPad usually stays inside-too delicate for the yard
We hope to have a session with no machine noise- see last week's blog story titled Noise-June 14, 2012  http://liamlicks.blogspot.com/  

Though there are many chairs, Liam prefers sitting next to me or opposite me.  He also has a lawn spot that affords him a view of the street and passersby. I think he feels the happy vibes of laughing Buddha behind him and assumes a similar position.

BUDDHA LIKE LIAM WITH KONG TOY

Then a move to a contemplative sit near Ruth's Rose Garden.  There are roses coming, they have just been under a canopy of overgrown bushes.  Now those are cut back and the garden is again visible.   

A latte in the yard always tastes better.

LATTE LICKINGS

LAZING WITH A STARBUX CUP FOR SNIFFING

Summer arrives with temps in the 90's.  The relaxing in the backyard quickly morphs into conservation of energy and migration to the shade. The pavers are cool.  Liam in shades of grey, next pic.

Update-for those asking, we have not had any thunderstorms since the arrival of the thundershirt -see blog story Thundershirt dated June 7, 2012.  We do not know if this doggie snuggly will calm Liam's terror of thunder.  He does sleep well next to it and makes a wolfy like den in his chair for nighttime rest.

AFTER SUMMER DAY OF OUTSIDE FUN

We expect storms Friday afternoon -check out this crazy forecast-see link
http://nycweatherguy.blogspot.com/
Thundershirt tryout maybe
Happy Summer all
while we are getting hotter
the days are getting shorter

Woof, Woof

Noise

WHAT IS THAT NOISE?

There is noise and then there is NOISE. 

noise

Birds tweet, chirp, screech- catbirds meow, mockingbirds imitate, cardinals trill, woodpeckers hammer. lively

Planes have a direct route over New Hyde Park in the late afternoon. A constant droning. As the child of two airline employees, I still feel the thrill of the sound of an approaching plane. Planes were our livelihood as well as our escape to other places.

IS THAT A PLANE?

 

PLANE OVER OUR BACKYARD

Several other communities are also affected by plane noise. Homeowners are so perturbed that formal complaints have been made at town meetings. Planes do produce intermittent thundering sounds obliterating all others.  I am not joining the groups to complain about planes flying overheard.  Yes, they do fly over every 4 minutes between 6 and 8PM.  I like that they do. Always wonder who is up there in them and where are they going.  Liam looks around and up at the biggest birds he has ever seen. A treat for a curious dog. Sweet.


Parties -talking, laughing, music, drinking, singing. I do not mind loud parties. I actually enjoy sitting in my backyard and being part of them-peripherally and secretly. Fun.

Block parties invade every space and have huge imported playgrounds replete with water slides and Ferris wheels. Volunteer firefighters unleash water from hydrants sending it roaring into the street. A gesture of community. Refreshing.

Landscaping, roofing, tree chopping, all are a free show and at the finish, there is a new look, more light, vibrant colors.  Beautification.

DO I HEAR A PARTY?

All of the above-good noise, welcome, even joyful- an expected part of life. A diverse symphony of unrelated sounds. Signs of hope. However, we have NOISE. bad. Read on. Cacophony.

NOISE

It is a neighbor drilling, a machine running so loud and so long that it is impossible to sit outside. I don't know what machines they have but several of my neighbors have machines that are relentless in producing noise. The machines need no rest. Are they operating on their own?  Or are relay teams of humans assigned to keep them going? There is incessant drilling and pounding from 9-6 on most Saturdays and Sundays. I am sure that it is not legal. I do not want to complain and be one of  "those types of neighbors"
These projects will be done and then NOISE will cease until the next project.  Nothing new is ever visible except maybe by Google Earth. At least on HGTV we are there in the yard with them and get to see the creations.
I grew up in an apartment; I did not understand that many homeowners just keep running machines in their yards-it is NEVER over.

SOLUTIONS

Take out hearing aids, put in earplugs, stay out all day and return at night, play very loud music, have TVs on in all rooms, shut all windows, turn on AC.. no, I do not have to do any of those things for I have my own NOISE and here is his picture

I CAN MAKE MORE NOISE THAN ANY MACHINE

I have Liam. He is a barker. Liam is my secret weapon.  Bark away little guy. BOL

LIAM READY FOR THE BARK-OFF-DOG VS MACHINE

Woof,  Woof

Thundershirt

LIAM IN HIS THUNDERSHIRT

I've heard about it and seen demos of it. Time to try it. 'Tis the season for thunderstorms, hail, fireworks. What is it? The Thundershirt. You wrap it around your dog to calm him/her during storms, July 4th festivities, extended loud noise, running household appliances and much more.. Here is a look and a lot more info.

 http://www.thundershirt.com/?gclid=CJXTu7PetbACFUFo4AodzlWa8g 

The idea is like a hug.  Being wrapped is calming to babies. The shirt wraps around the dog. Velcro is used for fastening.  The snugness lowers the heart rate. There is skepticism. Here is a video about it from an initially skeptical reporter who tried it on her dog. Warning-some readers might find it pretty cute.

Liam trembles and paces and races during storms, shaking so violently that his 34 pound vibrations give me the shakes as well.   Liam also has problems with the toaster popping, the dryer buzzing.
Just this week Cesar Millan talked about the thundershirt in his online blog- he is for it- if used properly
.http://www.cesarsway.com/dogtraining/thebasics/Do-Thundershirts-Work-for-Dogs

The Thundershirt acclimation procedure
We have to make Liam like the thundershirt and see it as a good thing. How to do that?  Put a treat on the shirt.
Check

Have Liam wrapped up in a peaceful session. No storm. No fireworks. No toaster. No

clothes being dried.
Check 

Leave it on and watch for Liam to sink into a coma like trance.
Check

We are ready.  Bring it!

LIAM LULLED INTO TRANCE

Woof, Woof

Matless Yoga

LIAM -NOTHING DISRUPTS MY ROUTINE OR MY FOCUS

A routine disrupted.  I arrive at yoga without the required items for class-my mat, blanket and pillow. I keep the pillow and blanket rolled inside the mat-looks like a big burrito.  A neat package that I take with me each week,  How in the world have I arrived without my equipment?  Just took a series of occurrences to derail my routine. As I tell the story I will highlight the deviations from routine in red.
Here we go
Paul's 60th birthday is Thursday, May 24. He is off Thursday and Friday in observance of this milestone (note red highlights-first deviation, after this you are on your own)  I do not say celebration because he does not feel celebratory about this particular birthday. He has been quoting my mother Ruthless "Sixty is old, nothing to be happy about"  Thanks Mom-and you thought he did not listen to you.  I do not remember this quote but I have no doubt it was said.

Thursday's yoga class is at 10:15 AM.  However, this week is registration for the next session. We must be early to be ensured of a spot-I have the necessary items-a check and completed form.  I plan to arrive before 10. 

They are repaving our street.  That means Paul's car will be behind mine in the driveway. Yes, we should change them. We do not.

I sleep in the den.  At least that is the place I try to sleep. I have sleep issues. I read.  I hope that at some point the herbs and drugs kick in and the restless leg thing calms. Tonight though my powerful reading lamp goes out.  Then the secondary lamp goes out.  What is this- a mini blackout in the den? Both lamps have unique bulbs and I have no replacements. They are guaranteed for life. Guess I have lived a long time. I take out my mini book lights clip one on each side of my book, I have a Kindle, iPad but the book I am reading is a real hard cover library book.

Paul stays up, he is off, no work, no worries about getting up. All lights on in living room, TV blasting...forget sleep...Liam on the couch...Paul nods off...I turn down the volume on the TV and turn off the lights.  Does not work. Paul wakes up and all are back on full blast.At some point, everyone sleeps. Paul first, then Liam then me.

Morning comes. It always does. 

With Paul off from work (I get up when he leaves) I have to be sure I get up in time. I do. The phone rings at 8:45 AM.  I miss getting to the landline, chase down my cell-caller is NRAD- about recent mammo, more tests needed, a probable procedure. I make the necessary appointment that will cause re arranging my schedule-must do that after Yoga.  Paul asks, "What's that call?" I explain.  We remember-Paul has to move his car.  I notice my phone in red-no charge. How? I usually charge it at night. -will use car charger for phone--trip only 4 minutes. Not much juice will be added.  What to wear- weather has been showery but decide no slicker needed-forecast agrees.  Have to go to lighting store, post office-have that ready, Have check ready. Hands full with packages, dead light bulbs for examples for store, long mental "to do list"  What? a heavy downpour occurs just as I open the door to leave.   I run to car-no time for jacket switch..  Not a thought of my yoga equipment.

TOO MUCH DISRUPTION

All these red highlighted happenings have a cumulative effect.

I arrive in the parking lot to see my classmates lugging their mats. Oh no!  I have nothing!  I briefly consider using my jacket as a mat.

A SHIRT MIGHT BE A GOOD SUBSTITUTE MAT

Good news. Our teacher has an extra mat.  After my matless story is told my yoga mates suggest I leave my mat in the car trunk-no taking it back and forth from the house to the car. Great, that's the solution!  No matter what disrupts my routine my equipment will always be there in my car. I like this idea a lot. Seems so obvious. I keep my Bed Bath Beyond coupons in the trunk and never enter the store without.  This will work.

As I walk to my car, another classmate catches up to me. She says, "I noticed you did not have your mat and that you borrowed one.  I do not have mine either." "Really? You too?"  I recommend she keep her mat in her car. I feel generous passing along the wonderful advice I have been given.  "Oh, but mine is in my car trunk" she says, "My car broke down this morning and was towed; I got a ride here, my mat is in the car trunk at the gas station."
I just shake my head. Sometimes you cannot win.
My mat, blanket, and pillow are now in the trunk. Hoping car stays healthy.  Namaste

LIAM ON HIS MAT CHILLIN'

Woof, Woof
Liam and I were experimenting with a new look for LiamLicks.  A new background, wider reading panel, color changes. Then I clicked "apply to blog" and had to keep going. A work in progress. Might be different next week. Stay with us. Comments are welcome as we play with layout and settings. I already miss my green.

Liam Rollin' in the Deep

LIAM ROLLIN' IN THE DEEP

The first Liam rollover of each year occurs on a sunny day. The grass has soaked up some warmth.  Birds are chirping and darting in and out of the trees. Squirrels teasing.  Liam likes that ambiance. The setting is always the back yard safely fenced and framed by foliage. I know when he is going to do the roll.  He stands still  for a few seconds turns to look at me and then goes for it.  I am camera ready whenever we go outside.  Liam seized his day last Thursday.  Have used the word "rollover"  in describing Liam's grassy play.  However, this year I became familiar with Adele and fell for her song "Rolling in the Deep"  As I watched Liam I thought that is what Liam was doing. Rolling in the Deep. And what does that title phrase mean in the song?  I researched and found a link with comments- one meaning hers I think-a slang phrase "roll deep"-someone has your back-you are never unprotected- if you ever get into trouble you will have the support of that someone with whom you "roll deep" see link for further info
 http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=21312   if you do check this link you will find some disagreement about the phrase's meaning and its origin.That's okay.  I'll go with the Adele version.
As I watched Liam I thought how wonderful to have that "roll deep" confidence.  Liam just being free and enjoying the moment knowing he is safe.  Even on his back, he does not have a worry. Adele's song (Click on video for a listen) is about an ex boyfriend and a relationship that ended unhappily. The phrase though describes a good feeling and it stuck with me as did the song.  Once it gets in your head it stays for a while
The song and the phrase. Additionally for me, the visual of Liam out back just doing his traditional rollover. Carefree bliss.....

FIRST ROLLOVER COMPLETED

Woof, Woof