ex sailorette

Eve with the babies, Clyde is the daddy

2006-05-26T07:04:00.000-07:00

DSCF0016
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Aren't they cute. On a more serious note, wanted to relay some news. If you are a veteran and are having trouble getting your benefits, listen carefully because I've been there, it took me 18 years to get all my benefits and it wasn't until I decided to go to elected officials that I finally got from the VA what was due me. I first tried to go to my Senator Barack Obama but his office just took my info and said they would send a letter to the VA stating this was a case they were interested in then they told me they couldn't do anymore for me. Feeling desperate because my appeal had been in the Regional office for more than 2 years, I turned to my state representative Rich Myers who's office was very helpful, they in turn got me hooked up with Congressman LaHood who in less than 2 months got me my benefits. I am forever grateful to Mr. Myers and Mr. LaHood for their assistance and all the people in their office who helped with my case. You need to know, that if you are a veteran fighting for benefits and are denied the first time around, you must appeal, the VA almost always denies the first round in hopes that you won't appeal, you must appeal and you must stay on the VA about your case or it will get lost in the many mounds of paperwork they have piling up by the day. If your appeal seems to be lingering, ask for a decision review officer to hear your case and then go to your elected officials for help and, you should have a favorable outcome but, you have to stick to your guns and not let the VA walk all over you, they did that to me for too many years, good luck and if you need any help beyond what I've given you, just comment back and I will see what I can do. You all have a nice day and enjoy the pic of the babies.

all the babies, including the bipod, ha ha

2006-05-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

DSCF0007
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Now tell me, isn't Jill really cheesing for this photo, I think so. Just wanted to take a minute to say hey and post a new pic, hope you like it. From L to R is Jack, Jill, Muffy, my little boy and the baby Clyde. Clyde became a daddy on the 4th of April, his girl had 4 baby girls and they are addorable, will post a pic of the babies today for your viewing pleasure. Am doing well, my back has recovered though my knees are giving me trouble but thats just status quo. Will be going on vacation to Florida on June 1st, so, wish me a safe trip.

two tired babies

2006-05-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

two tired babies
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Hey Guys and Gals
I know it's been a long time but a lot has gone on. Have been haveing a lot of problems with my back, this most recent problem left me in bed for the first 2 days and before and after I have had to deal with a very serious problem. I took in a 15 year old boy in December who was being physically abused by his parents then I found out in April he was sexually abusing my 7 year old (I have had him for 3 years). I had to call DCFS and the police and nothing came of the first round because there was just allegations of kissing on the lips and hugging and the 15 year old was claiming blackouts. Approx. a month later I found out that it had gone further, had to question the 7 year old again and found out it had gone further and was much more serious. 2 weeks ago we went to the child advocacy center with a police investigator and the DCFS rep. and the 7 year old told all that went on. Had to get a restraining order against the 15 year old. Found out today the 15 year old confessed yesterday and was arrested for criminal sexual abuse and since he is on probation, looks like he will get some jail time for this one. Meanwhile I have to wait till the 31st. to go to the court and get the restraining order for 2 years, it is my hope that the 15 year old won't contest it. DCFS will be at my house tomorrow with a caseworker for me and the little one and they will pay for his counseling so, to say the least I am very stressed. The 7 year old seems to be handling everything very well but I think counseling will still do him some good. On a brighter note, Jack is doing much, much better, he can do 3 steps now and today he stood up on his hind legs and he hasn't done that in several months, looks like he may not need surgery, provided he doesn't have another fall or injury of some kind. Just got a new camera so am hoping to add more pictures soon. Thanks for the ear and if any of you out there have a kind heart and try to help a teen in trouble please be careful and get the full story before proceeding with whatever help you feel compelled to give, I didn't know at the time this boy had been sexually abused himself, had I known it would have made a big difference. Everybody take it easy and I'll try to be more diligent about my blogging. Bye for now ex-sailorette

such a sweet couple

2005-10-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

such a sweet couple
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Hi folks, I realize I haven't blogged in quite sometime so let me just let you know that jack is doing great but this blog is about me. I am a disabled veteran and have been fighting for some benefits I am entitiled to for the past 2 years. Those of you in the VA system know this is not an easy feat which explains the 2 years. If you are fighting the VA for benefits my advise to you is to get your local government into it. I contacted my Senator then a congressman who got me in contact with another congressman and things are finally starting to move right along. I was initially denied my benefits and the appeal is what is taking so long though it was a year before they addressed the initial claim. At any rate I just want you to know that there is help out there for the vets who are fighting on their own. Contact a service officer as well and sign over your Power of Attorney so they can fight for you too, believe it or not some do fight for you. My service officer is with the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs and works in Chicago in the Regional Office there which makes a big difference. I requested a hearing with the Decision Review Officer and if a decision is not made by Nov. 8th it is off to Chicago for me. For those of you who pray, your prays would be welcomed here because I'm not quite sure I can physically handle a trip to Chicago. You all have a great weekend and as I hear more I will keep you informed.

really tired jack

2005-09-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

really tired jack
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

I know I need some new and different pics but I really love my dogs so I feel compelled to share them with you as much as possible. A lot has changed since I last blogged anything so, here goes. Jack is doing great, he is moving both hind legs independent of each other vs. together. My brother and I just purchased our first motorhome, a 26ft coachman ambassador, fully loaded and ready for some camping and fishing trips eventhough the season for that is almost over but, it has heat so I think we'll be OK. The VA doctors in all the infinite wisdom have decided not to fix my back or my knees although I did learn I won't have to wait another 15 to 20 years for my knees. The other Doc said I have at the most 7 years left but he's betting on only 5, we'll just have to wait and see and in the meantime it is a pain I have to deal with, wish me luck. Those bloggers of you in the Monmouth area should come to the auction on Sunday's, they sure are fun and I've always enjoyed myself not to mention you can get a lot of really neat stuff. At any rate hope all is going well with everyone, keep me and jack in you thoughts and prayers if you do that sort of thing, it would be greatly appreciated. Have a great week.

050724063952

2005-09-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

050724063952
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Well, I did it, I went to the Prime Beef Festival Parade and to my surprise, it wasn't that bad, I really liked the camel, I personally thought it was a nice change. I found the school floats to be well done this year and with the exception that all the cow heads were about 10 times smaller then they should have been they were cute. The kids really enjoyed the parade when they weren't being mowed over by 4 boys sitting beside us going for the candy that was being thrown. I was surprised that there weren't near as many horses that have been bring up the rear for so many years before, there was less than 10 full size horses when in the past I would estimate 20 or more and the miniture horses were just too cute. The highlight of the parade for me was the Monmouth College Band since I graduated from Monmouth College and in all my years the College has never had a band in the parade, I loved it. I must say though that the Monmouth Roseville High School Titan's band needs a lot of work, they were truly disappointing, in my opinion the Jr. High was better then they were, go figure. All in all, the parade was nice, it was good to get out of the house and do something with the kids and I am looking forward to going to the fair tonight and hopefully the demolition derby on Sat. The highlight of the fair will be tomorrow though as the kids will scramble to catch a chicken for a dollar and a pig I think for 5 dollars. I do however feel sorry for the calf that they glue tags to for the kids to rip off for money, personally I always enjoyed the calf scramble, thinking or at least feeling it was less painful for the calf. I bet those of you who are reading this can't tell I'm from a small rural community ha ha. At any rate, barring any complications with physical ailments I plan on having a good time even though it will be from a wheelchair. You all have a good day and thanks for reading my blog.

I'm Back

2005-08-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

050724064102
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Hey folks, I'm back again, been real busy, my appt. with a neurosurgeon for myself is on the 1st of Sep at the VA I will learn then when and if they are going to do back surgery to get things rolling. If they do surgery, my friend Leucanthemum b has graciously agreed to stop her world for a day or 2 and be my
driver to and from the hosp for which I am eternally grateful. Have you ever noticed there at times is so much going on you feel like you can't catch your breath and other times there's nothing going on and your bored to death thank God for my dogs or I would go even more nuts than I already am. Jack is well, getting better by the day, has been off the prednisone for more than a week now and does not appear to be regressing at all though he is getting quite impatient with the crate rest. I still need to raise the money though for his back surgery though and if you can help it would be appreciated just go to paypal.com click on send money and type in fleet765. By the way, how many of us are glad school is back in session, I for one am elated, though I love these kids to death I need a break and I look forward to helping them with things like school work vs. finding something for them to do to curb the boredom. I feel like I spent most of the summer saying go play, what about your video games, go swimming, what do you want me to do. Some things I said so many times I needed to take a nap ha ha. I decided toward the end of the summer I was going to change my name that way when they called for me they wouldn't get me,mainly because I wasn't going to give them my new name ha ha. Well enough of that folks, hope your summer went well and I will keep you informed about whats happening with me and Jack. Thanks for listening to me and have a great day.

such a sweet couple

2005-08-19T16:34:00.000-07:00

such a sweet couple
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Well folks I'm back after a week of comp. troubles then a condition I had forgotten about until it hit me again just a few days ago. I have reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). I don't know too much about it except it always sets itself up in my food and is very painful so at the current moment I am sporting a moonboot and doing desenthasizing routines to help the condition to go in remission until then its just a bunch of pain and irritation. Jack is doing well, he is off the prednisone and still ambulatory though not as wobbly. Jill is getting along well without him there all the time seeings how hes still crated with 5 weeks to go and he is being quite good about that. He does have his moments when the barking seems non-stop but all in all he doesn't bark long and he is doing much better. Again, if you want to help with his surgery go to paypal.com click on send money and type in fleet765 anything you can give would be a great help, thanks folks and have a good day.

really tired jack

2005-08-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

really tired jack
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Hey folks, as you can see, Jack is doing well. He is on day 2 of his crate rest and doesn't seem to be bothered by it at all. I on the other hand miss cuddling with him through the day. I have a puppy named Clyde who thinks it's funny to go up to the cage and bark thus getting Jack to barking and a simple knock it off doesn't work especially where Clyde is concerned, he is 9 months old and very much a toddler. I swear, it is like a madhouse here sometimes. I get a break from him from time to time because my sister and her kids rescue me by coming and taking him for the day then, the house gets real quiet. It is amazing to think that some things that make you feel like your going nuts are the things you miss the most when they're gone. I'm off to the VA tomorrow in Iowa City which is 2 hours away and it is sure to be a long day. I have 3 appts. starting at 10 and not ending until about 3 so, wish me luck. Spoke with Leucanthemum b the other day and she is really having problems with her knees, I feel her pain, I know how difficult it is to take care of little furry ones when your in pain and she is a cat lover as we all know. She has one cat in particular (Peanut), from what I know that is demanding and if she doesn't get the love she needs when she perceives she needs it, she just takes it. Oh, the things we do for our beloved pets, I know my friend always trys to accomodate Peanut knowing what is coming if she doesn't. What I have learned from her is that cats and dogs aren't too different from each other, Jack and Jill at times feel the need to lick, lick my face my feet, you get the picture and Peanut grooms her head by licking until she is pretty much soaked and her head hurts. I have 2 questions for you to ponder, what person in their right mind doesn't like animals and just how boring would the world be without these amazing little creatures to amuse us. With these two things to think about, I'm going to sign off and would love to hear from you. Have a great day and I'll keep you updated.

jill gets in on the teddy action

2005-08-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

jill gets in on the teddy action
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

hey folks, I'm back. Got a question for you, does anyone know where Naploeon keeps his armies? I was told he keeps them in his sleevies ha ha. Would love to hear some jokes from you, I love to laugh and laughter helps the spirit. Jack is doing well, I have been able to secure $1,000.00 in grants but need more and am still asking for your help. I thought you might enjoy this photo, don't know if you can tell or not but Jill is definitely the leader of the 2 unless of course she goes for his toys, though he is more apt to play with her than the others. I was advised yesterday by an ortho rehab specialist at the University of Illinois in Champaign to crate rest Jack for 6 weeks, he can come out of the crate only to go to the bathroom. I will start this today, wish me luck, it is going to be hard on both of us. I'm sure there will be a lot of whining on both parts but it needs to be done to really rest his spine. If you can donate any money towards his surgery, please go to paypal.com, click on send money and type in fleet765, anything you can give will help. Thanks for reading my blog, have a nice day and I will blog some more in a couple of days unless I get a wild hair and just feel the need to blog sooner ha ha. Heres a couple more jokes for you, hope you like them. Who are the longest speakers? Prisoners, they can spend a lifetime on a single sentence. What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer yada yada. Bye Mary

two tired babies

2005-08-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

two tired babies
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Jack is really swaying these days, it seems his back condition is worsening though he still keeps trying to do those 2 back steps to come in from the heat. He and Jill still play though he doesn't play much, mostly he just lounges around and does as little moveing as possible. He gets a look in his eyes that says pick me up and for me that is becoming even harder because of my back. Currently I am still fighting with the VA on 2 claims they are saying could take them 2 years to decide though it is very clear I am qualified for both claims. I honestly think it is their desire that if they put me off long enough I will drop my claims and that would be less work for them and they won't have to come up off the money. My back also seems to be getting worse, I know all to well what pain on a daily basis means and when everything hurts it makes it almost unbareable. Like I've said before, I can't help myself at this point but I can help Jack that is with your help. Please if you can donate anything for his surgery go to paypal.com click onto send money and type in fleet765@yahoo.com and my account will be credited thanks for your support and any help you can give. Mary

jack and his teddy pillow

2005-08-07T18:54:00.000-07:00

jack and his teddy pillow
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

hey folks I'm back, hope the last couple of days have been good for you. I enjoyed the car show with fellow blogger leucanthemum b and though we enjoyed the show we both over did it a bit. I was fortunate enough to have my electric wheelchair though leucanthemum b had to rely on mo and joe and I think she did herself a little more harm then I did to myself though she got to see the weinermobile, yeah, and what a sight it was.
As far as Jack goes, this weekend has proven to be a bit more difficult for him, he is really wobbly and has opted against doing even one step. He still has a lot of puppy in him and has enjoyed playing with his toys of which he has a full basket. I would like to say the other loves of my life had toys but Jack always manages to get them away from them and they always end up in his basket.
I was hoping we would have more time to raise the money for his surgery but it looks like he isn't going to improve much more from where he is right now so if you can help with even just a small donation we would both appreciate it. I still have not been able to figure out how to put the link up to pay pal so, if you can give please go to paypal.com click on to send money and type in fleet765@yahoo.com and my account will be credited. Thanks for your help and support, have a great day and stay cool.

jack and his teddy

2005-08-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

jack and his teddy
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

I wanted to give you a new pic of my boy. This is his favorite teddy, he rarely shares but when he does he must play too. Jack is doing well, though he is gaining weight from the prednisone, he looks quite stocky and if it weren't for the sway in his hind end, he looks healthy. Hope you can help, if so the place you need to go to is paypal.com then to send money and type in fleet765@yahoo.com. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated by myself and Jack. Thanks for your support and have a nice day.
Mary

asking for your help

2005-08-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

050724064252
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

This is where I need your help, Jack needs spinal surgery so that he won't end up in a doggie wheelchair. Jack is 8 1/2 and has a lot of good years ahead of him. I live on a limited income and his surgery is going to be about $3,500.00 and this is where you come in. I have set up an account with paypay and any donation you can make towards Jack surgery will be greatly appreciated. I have been unable to figure out how to add a tip jar thus far so, if you want to help with a donation just go to paypal.com then to send money and type in fleet765@yahoo.com and paypay will credit my account with whatever you are able to give. As soon as I raise the money Jack and I are off to the University of Illinois where he will have his surgery and spend about 4 days in intensive care and my vet assured me that he should do fine with the surgery and most likely it will return some neurological function to his hind quarters. Jack is a really sweet dog and he and Jill are quite the pair, I don't think Jill would fare well at all if anything happened to Jack and visa versa. If you are unable to donate any money that is fine, keep reading my blogs and I will keep you updated on Jacks progress before and after his surgery. Thanks for your attention to this matter of the heart and I'll write more in 2 days. Mary

feeling better

2005-08-02T15:40:00.000-07:00

050724063952
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Well folks I'm back and the rest did do me good, I feel much better. Jack appears to be doing well also, he played hard with jill and his teddy bear yesterday and seemed to really enjoy himself. My back is still giving me fits but all in all it's much better today then the last time I blogged you all. My heart really goes out to Jack, it is hard to see such a "puppy like" lovable soul be in pain and struggle to walk so when he has good play days like yesterday it was truly refreshing. I myself will be seeing my Doctor at the VA on the 15th and my back, neck and knees will be the topic of discussion, Jack will be seeing his Doctor at the end of the week and his surgery will be the topic of that discussion. Keep us in your thoughts and have a great day, will update you more on Thursday.
Thanks, Mary

jacks progress

2005-07-31T14:02:00.000-07:00

050724063952
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

This blog will be short folks because I am experiencing some severe back problems today and sitting upright for long periods of time is becoming too difficult. Jack is doing well, more wobbly in the hind quarters as the day wears on but awakens anew. I guess the old saying "the rest will do you good" holds true for my boy. He is down to a half of a Prednisone daily for a week then it will be half a pill every other day. He's a real trooper, takes his pills without a fuss but then I do hide them in a little treat for him chuckle, chuckle. I think he feels more special then the other dogs since they don't get a treat every day but, that's ok, he is special. Keep your fingers crossed that "the rest does ME good" as I move onto my bed to recover from what ails me back. Have a good day and thanks for reading my blog. Mary

update on jack

2005-07-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

050724064102
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

Today is a good day for jack, he is still wobbly in the hind end but getting along well. His course of Prednisone will be coming to an end in a few short weeks and it is my hope that he doesn't deteriorate until I am able to raise the money for his surgery. When I figure out how to add a tip jar, I will ask those of you who can for some financial assistance for Jacks surgery. I need to raise approximately $3,500.00. Most people think this is excessive for an animal but for those animal lovers like myself this is just a drop in the bucket for a long time friend that still has a lot of years ahead of him. As I am sure most of you can tell by now Jack is my baby as is his mate Jill and I would do anything to help them have good quality of life. I am currently looking into a fund raiser and doing this blogging thing in hopes to raise the money I need when the times comes. Without the surgery Jack's spinal cord from the waist down will eventually turn to mush and he will be permenantly paralyzed and will need a doggie wheelchair (yes, doggie wheelchair's do exist) to get around. I will be blogging every 2-3 days in the beginning and go to 2 times a week in about a month, hope you hang in there with me and again any comments are welcome, Thanks again and have a great day Mary

More insight on Mary

2005-07-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

050724063952
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

I know I've been talking mostly about Jack so let me give you a little info. about myself. I an a disabled navy veteran. I need total knee replacement surgery on both knees but the VA says I have to wait 15 to 20 more years because I'm too young right now. As a result of my bad knees I also have a severe back condition for which I use a motorized wheelchair outside of my home and more recently in my home because my condition is worsening so I know what Jack is going through. As far as my back goes the VA tells me I'm young I need to learn to live with the pain. I am at the mercy of the VA because I can't get medical insurance. I may not be able to help myself at this time but it is my sincere hope that with this blog site I can help Jack. Thanks for your time and when I add a tip jar to my blog site I hope you can help me to help Jack. Mary

more on jack

2005-07-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

050724064252
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

This is jack and jill, they are both very sweet and lovable. Jill is healthy, Jack on the other hand has a spinal injury and has a great deal of difficulty controlling his hind legs. He is partialy paralyzed and though he has not changed neurologically he has good muscle memory and is getting along, he's a real trooper. Currently he is taking prednisone to help with the swelling so his spinal cord does not turn to mush and he doesn't become completely paralyzed, if this happens before i get him his surgery he will have to go into a wheelchair. I will update you as we go on his condition. All comments are welcome, i just ask that you not tell me to put him down. Thanks Mary

050719122830

2005-07-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

050719122830
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

As I promised more on Jack, here goes. Jack is my baby, I have had him since he was 6 weeks old and he is not 8 1\2 years old. He has a mate named Jill and they are very good together. Jack is a real lovey, he is gentle and very smart but needs help and that is why I'm trying this blog thing. If I'm doing something wrong please feel free to let me know how to fix it. Thanks for your time and I will blog more later on how you can help. Mary

050724063952

2005-07-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

050724063952
Originally uploaded by fleet765.

heres my first photo post, hope you enjoy it. The friend i'm trying to help is the little guy i'm holding, his name is jack and he is in need of spinal surgery. I am a disabled veteran and jack is a very special kind hearted friend i have had for 8 years, more to come so stay tuned.

Hello

2005-07-19T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'm new to this thing, so bear with me.

Anybody who has any suggestions as I go along, please, keep them clean.

Not to get into specifics, but I'm blogging in the hopes that I can help a friend.

Details will follow.