Friday - already?

Well, my friends, it's Friday again. I wanted to give you an update yesterday, but the Internet service was down almost all day. I had planned on watching the Healthcare Reform debates yesterday and then sharing my insights with you, but the circus going on here was much more entertaining.



Imagine the raging battle of blame between the VoIP guys and the cable guys! Finally a technician from the cable company came over. He installed a new modem - still no Internet access, and finally it turns out there is some issue with the "node" which also explains why our neighbor had also lost her Internet access. But now peace reigns once again and VoIP and Internet connections are working!



I will have to get back to you on my opinions on the healthcare reform saga. I am heading to the vet for the weekend, so I might take some time while I am there to think this through, get some opinions from others and get back to you. But, I am not promising anything. I usually don't have too much free time when I am at the vet.



I am, what you might call, a frequent flyer at the vet. My frequent bouts of pancreatitis have often landed me in the vet hospital and I am not sure if my human tips the staff or if its merely my natural charm, but I get showered with attention. My near celebrity status means that I have a lot of visitors whenever I am at the vet. Fortunately, this time my visit is purely social - no medical issues, thankfully. My human is headed to Beantown for a fundraising event and some meetings and she knows that I need constant attention, and that is why I am taking a weekend trip.



So, now I am wondering about what to pack for the weekend. Argyle sweater- maybe too preppy; Moose sweater- very "rugged and woodsy" and a favorite with the ladies; Classic navy cable - very British and makes me look distinguished. So many choices! What I really need is a very cool smoking jacket! If any of you know where I can get one, please let the Clifford know.



'Til next week

Clifford George Jackson

Remembering

Wednesday, February 24, 2010.

Today was the funeral of my human's aunt, so it is a somber day and a day to reflect. I had never met her as she lived in South Africa, but I have listened to my human and her cousin (one of my favorite people) talking about her and I know I would have loved her too.

Its hard to lose someone you love. At times like this, it seems that sadness and loss are all around us, all our lives. Sometimes you feel too tired to carry on hoping. But it always seems that when you least expect it you find strength or strength finds you. It comes in all sorts of forms, a kind word, a smile, a hug, or a sense of calm and peace... Rescue comes just in time.

To all my friends and family who have gone, I am thinking of you and remembering our times together. And to my friends who are dealing with pain and sadness, I am thinking of you and hoping that you will be rescued too.

Rest in peace, my dear aunt. Say hello to Mikey and enjoy the ice cream.

Clifford George

In memory of my brother Mikey (Michael Frederick Jackson)

Deer hunting and other activities

Well, its Monday again. It was a good weekend, as are most weekends. As promised I did have some time with at least one lady!



J came by to visit me. I didn't realize that she had even arrived at first - I think she snuck in to surprise me, but of course all the humans insist that I didn't hear her - stuff and nonsense. I didn't want to seem too needy. Anyway, I got a great back rub from her. Practicing the "sad face" pays off every time.



I also had my human to myself most of the weekend. So, now there is plenty of food in the freezer for moi and I got lots of attention and lots of back rubs, and lots of walks. Quite the life I lead. The weather was warmer too, so some of the snow and ice have started melting.



The highlight of the weekend was Sunday afternoon. I went outside to stretch my legs and do you-know-what. I was standing on the top of the steps of the deck looking out at my woods and saw four deer feeding off the low branches. I stood perfectly still, locked them in my sights and waited, like the hunter I am. They were completely unaware of the imminent danger they were in - poor Bambi's - like the proverbial lambs to the slaughter - deer in the headlights.



I signalled to the human to document this on film (well, really on a chip - in case Hilton is reading this) so that you could all share in this. She managed to get several photos of them and then I decided to make my move. I leaped from the deck at full speed and charged! They took off, out of the ravine, through the creek bed and over to the other side. Once they were clearly out of danger they stopped and looked around. They bowed their heads to the great hunter and protector - Clifford George Jackson.



Oh! You thought I was going to take them down? No, no, that is not my style. I can live along side them and other creatures. As long as they show respect to me, I am okay with that. Live and let live - that's my motto, or at least one of them.



For the skeptics among you, the human will be posting the photos of the deer, just as soon as she can figure out how to do that. So, you will soon have the evidence!



So, after an exciting weekend, it is back to work. I have to catch up on my sleep and the human has a busy week. I heard some rumor that she is traveling at the end of the week, so I guess I will be shipped off to the vet - AGAIN! I will let you know more about that.



Happy Hunting to all

Clifford George Jackson