This month started with an exciting trip to Japan. I realize that for many people, this might actually be exciting. For me... not so much. It was actually a nice break from the day to day churn at work (though there seemed to be as many, or more, fires to stomp out when I got back as there were before I left) but overall it was about the same as other trips. When left to fend for myself I was able to find McDonalds, Mr. Donut, and fresh fruits and veggies (yes, really some veggies too) at the grocery. When others tried to take me some place "nice"... I was able to find McDonalds afterwards so I didn't go hungry all night...
Unfortunately, while I was in Japan Bob decided that he had had enough and pretty much stopped eating and drinking. Caroline and Lucie took care of him and kept him going until I could get home and say good-bye, but then we had to take him to the vet and put him to sleep. I'm sure I handled it worse than Caroline or Lucie...
No we didn't get a dog yet.
Once I got back, it was time for Caroline and Lucie to go traveling, so they took a long weekend down in Austin. With the two of them out of the way, I could concentrate and just spend that much more time at work! What fun! I did go crazy on Saturday and clean out the garage instead of working. What can I say? I know how to have a good time.
Before they left for Texas though, I just had to point out that Truffle had a "tumor". Some quick research (i.e. Google) told Lucie that hamsters rarely get tumors, and that it was most likely a cyst. However, a quick (and relatively expensive) trip to the vet told us that it really was a tumor. Thus another trip to the vet after the trip to Texas for surgery...
 What says "Japan" more than "Denny's"? |
 OK - maybe the Japanese cherry blossoms... Dad was just a little late for full blooms, but it was still pretty |
 Dad rarely includes himself in the website... maybe he should keep it that way! |
 This was the view from his hotel in Omi-Hachiman |
 That's the Shinkansen - it is actually driving away, but the tail looks just like the head... |
 Dad playing with the camera from the 41st floor in Nagoya |
 His last night in Japan |
 Followed by his last morning before heading out for the long day when he gets home before he leaves |
 Mom took some good pictures of Bob for Dad while he was in Japan |
 He even sat still for some close ups |
 But Dad wanted to include one to lighten the mood, so here is "Bobble Head Bob" |
 I'm working on my horse skills... give me 5, Rainie! |
 But seriously... I'm working on my riding skills along with grooming (and Dad isn't really funny) |
 Reading to Harry |
 Hanging out with the Karls ladies |
 Relaxing in the sun with Gran, Mad Dog, Harry, and
Rosie |
 Our trip home was almost as long as Dad's! Look at the snow in Denver! |
 A new hamster home for Plushie and Truffle |
 Truffle after surgery - Dr. Lucie handling post-operative care! |