So what have I been doing while Debbie and Jennifer are island-hopping?  I’ve been getting worn out catching up on my “to do list”.  Let’s see… besides the routine mowing and picking veggies from the garden, I have spent hours watering the grass, plants, garden, St. Augustine plugs (every day!)  12 straight days of triple-digit heat. I washed the car, changed the oil on the truck, cut the vines out of the fence at the horse’s stalls, hauled off the old barn ‘fridge and pressure tank from the old well, bought and hung a new stall gate, changed the saddle valve on the water line for our ‘fridge, and engineered a new drain culvert for the driveway!  Not to mention nightly time with Holly, Sammie, and Flash.

Meanwhile, Deb and Jen have been having a blast in Hawaii, seeing the sights, visiting with ‘ohana, going snorkeling, of course – shopping! They went on the Mai Tai Catamaran, visited the Dole Plantation, attended a large Hawaiian luau, and even went to a Japanese Bon Dance with cousin Marilyn and her granddaughter Kaiya. This evening, they are taking an inter-island flight over to Hilo to visit with more family and see the sights on the Big Island.

Aloha!

Yesterday, after a bit of a traffic delay, Deb and Jen arrived at the Paradise Cove Luau, and met up with Kaiya, Marilyn, Stanley, and Auntie Sue. I can’t wait to see the pictures and hear their stories.   Earlier in the day, Deb and Jen went on the Mai Tai Catamaran for a sail (true sail – no engine) around Diamondhead from Waikiki.  This was one of my all-time favorite excursions. But back ‘in the day’, they let us lay on the netting at the front of the catamaran. It would go completely under water once we had passed the protected waters of Waikiki.  They no longer let you lay on the netting, but still it is a wonderful time with beautiful scenery and the rush of water splashing up from the waves.

Frank

For their first full day in paradise, Debbie and Jennifer met cousin Marilyn, Auntie Sue, and Marilyn’s granddaughter, Kaiya. They visited family grave sights, paying their respects, had lunch together, and then visited the Dole Plantation, enjoying a delicious and refreshing Dole Whip (like a pineapple smoothie!)

Today, they will be going on one of my all-time favorite excursions, the Mai Tai Catamaran that sails from Waikiki Beach around Diamondhead and back.  I know they’re having the time of their lives!

Frank

If you could take that idea, multiply it by a factor of 10, imagine it in paradise, you’re getting close to The Ultimate Girls’ Night Out for Debbie and Jennifer.  They left this morning on an All-Expenses Paid (already) 10 days and nights in Hawaii. This well-deserved summer vacation didn’t come without a price, however. They had to get up around 4 am to make it to the airport in time for departure!  Add to that the self-imposed challenge of trying to go without a checked bag, and the preparations were a bit trying.  The last night before they left, when the bags were packed, and they realized just how hard it is not to pack a checked bag for a major trip, they agreed to take one (1) checked bag between them. That alleviated all the stress, and they were able to add those few things they were about to reluctantly leave behind.

So all is well, they made it to the airport, and reported in from L.A. as they took their seats on the 757 that is taking them to Hawaii. Aloha nui loa, Debbie and Jen! Have the time of your life!

Frank

The Flash is bouncing around the yard like a young pup again! He is running almost as fast as before his injuries (blown ACLs in both back knees), and he is jumping on the bed, chasing toys and Sammie. It was nice while it lasted Sammie, but you are no longer the alpha dog in this family!  We are going to begin training again, this time for the Cirque Dog Soleil!

It seems the second ACL operation has been just as successful as the first. Although the Flasher is not yet jumping up on furniture, he has occasionally put his front feet up on my knees. He is also starting to play again with Sammie, chasing after toys – and running down the hill to bark at that which exists only in a doggie mind. He still loves to be right at our feet, and readily follows whomever is moving. He simply does not want to miss a thing. Gotta love that Flash Boy!

Dad

Flash went in yesterday for his fourth and final laser treatment.  Debbie took him to the veterinary office yesterday, and Flash had 4 female technicians around him, just admiring him and doling over him.  With this ACL repair operation, we were advised by the vet that it is “normal” for a dog to walk on 3 legs for about a week, then spend another week touching the ground with the affected leg, then finally – after about 2 weeks putting weight on it. It is expected the dog will be walking normally in about 6 weeks.  That is what we were told to expect.

Well, Flash has his own ideas about ACL recovery.  With his first operation, he was putting weight on the affected leg within 48 hours, and was walking normally within a week. With this second operation, he’s taking it a bit slower. He is gradually using the leg more each day, but still carries it high when he’s moving a bit quicker.  I guess that’s what I have noticed so far.  If he is just walking slowly, he will use the affected leg. If he wants to move more quickly, he will raise it up, and run 3-legged style.  Unless Sammie is barking at something… then its: “Forget the pain – I’m going all out to get there!” and he runs like he never had the operation.  He’s only done that once, as he got out of the house before we got the leash on him.  We are more careful now.

Frank

Today, Flash had his left ACL repaired (actually, more like replaced). He came through it just fine. Well, he’s still pretty groggy and doped up on doggie pain killers.  But the good Doctor Beene says he’ll be back to normal pretty soon.  We’ll go through a couple of weeks of carrying him outside to do his chores, keeping him in his kennel the rest of the time.  If his first operation and recovery is any indication, I expect him to be walking well by next weekend, running by the end of the month, and jumping by sometime in October.

Frank

Well, the Flash has recovered very well from the ACL surgery on his right leg. We’ve had to postpone his second surgery due to a bout with the doggie runs. I believe we’ve got that cleared up now, so he’ll be going back on Friday to have his left ACL repaired.  If his recent behavior is any indication, he’ll be jumping over the fence in a few months. Yes, he’s been so excited a couple of times he has actually jumped, and he’s beginning to jump up in our laps when we sit in  a chair.

Meanwhile, Sammie has come back to life since Flash has been laid up. She perceives that she is now the Alpha dog, running and playing while Flash just lays around and watches. If he recovers from his second surgery as well as he did for the first one, he will be running and jumping by Thanksgiving.

We’ll update soon after the surgery!

Frank

Flash had surgery 6/3/10 and came home the next day. Dr. Beene repaired the damage to the ligaments in Flash’s right knee.  He is doing great and is confined to his kennel in the house and he’s on a leash when he goes outside for pee & poo. He’s already beginning to put his foot down and  put weight on his leg.

Flash's knee after surgery

I’m hoping he will continue to heal up quick. Flash is such a good boy.

dk