Spring Fever

My sister, Sara, is our guest blogger Today!  I think she should write more often, the imagery is wonderful.

Yesterday was one of those days where the world around me seemed to be waking up from its winter slumber. Early in the morning, as I walked to get the newspaper, with flashlight in hand, I startled a rabbit near the fence. Then I heard my beloved cardinals calling to each other. They are usually the first birds I hear in the morning during the spring. To hear them when it is still dark out foretells the coming of early morning light and longer days. My soul warms with thoughts of spring as I walk back down the drive.

When I return home from taking my boys to school the framing crew is at work on the home going up in front of my house. Though the construction only began within the last two weeks, it is something that I have dreaded for the eight years that we have lived here. But, as I clean up my kitchen, the muffled music playing outside mingled with the hum of saws and the rhythm of hammers, becomes a welcome sound. It is movement, motion, growth. It is spring. This thought dawns on me as I watch a bluebird flutter between the fence and our fire pit chairs on this sunlit February morning.

I am not sure that the bluebird actually winters somewhere warmer because I have seen them in this area during the winter for many years. They were frequent visitors to my home in January of 1999. My dad was at a rehabilitation hospital and my mom stayed with us for ease of travel. On several days we saw them perching on our neighbors roof and they came to roost when my dad came for a day. He sat on the chilly sun porch and watched them. They just seemed to be a glimmer of hope for all my family that was there that day. The little bluebirds, the resilient robin and the cedar wax wings brought us such peace and joy that year that seeing them always conveys that same sense of hope for me. That hope is like the coming of spring. New life, new growth and new chances.

So, my day continues with this spring fever. I need summerness! Not sure that that is a word but it describes my feeling. Food always helps express a mood or feeling. I am going to make summer. I start a beautiful orzo and pine nut salad, make fresh  and start the grill. The patio is warmed by the sun and the chicken for my pitas is a joy to grill. Dinner is all set for the evening.

By the time I get home with my boys, it is cloudy, cold and the wind has picked up and there is a bite in it. The boys have been saying for two days that they would have a snow day on Wednesday but for dinner we will still have summer, created from my spring fever.

The snow day is here. Though, my beloved cardinals were calling each other this morning, the blanket of winter has returned. Tonight, dumpling soup will be served. Food to express the mood. I want to be warm. Maybe that want to feel warm is still spring fever!

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Colorful Nylon Kennel Tags

Which pets are on a special diet, who’s having surgery in the morning, what medication is required? Keeping track of the special needs of your guests can be a challenge, especially when they can’t answer your questions.  Busy veterinary offices and boarding facilities have many pets in and out every day with several staff members caring for them.  While having a chart or file on each pet is necessary for recording their care, a quick reference on the cage can be helpful. 

The bright colors and durable nylon make our #421 cattle neck tags the perfect kennel tag.  The nylon tags measure 3-1/2″ x 2-1/4″ with a 1″ hole and are available in Red, Green, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Black and White.  The tags are available with 1-3/8″ numbers if you just need to identify each cage or run. 

We can engrave just about any information you may require.  Of course, the number of characters will determine the size of the type.  Some examples of kennel tags we’ve engraved are “Caution Aggressive”, “Under Vet Care”, “No Food or Water”.  We did have fun with one of our customers, they wanted a tag that said “Dislikes Men”, we sent an extra tag engraved with “Loves Men!”

To quickly clip the tags to the kennel, we recommend our Bolt Snap or Trigger Snaphooks.  Either hook is attached to the tag with an 1-1/8″ key ring.

The durability of the nylon makes these tags the perfect reusable marking system.  The 421 neck tag was originally developed for use on dairy cows. The tags withstand heat and cold, and do not chip or break when banged around and can be disinfected right along with the rest of the kennel.

Please contact us at [email protected] with your tagging requirements, we’ll be happy to work with you to get the best marking solution.

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Pet Dental Health

February is pet dental health month.  Just like people dogs and cats can develop plaque and tartar on their teeth that can lead to gum disease, loose teeth and in some cases heart disease.  OK, that’s enough to make me take notice and learn more about taking care of my pets’ teeth.

I’ve read several very informative articles, one at WebMD, and another at www.peteducation.com .  These articles explain how the plaque turns to tartar and the build up of tartar causes gum irritation that can lead to serious health problems. While inspecting your pet’s mouth, some signs that there maybe be problems are bad breath, more than the usual dog breath, discolored or loose teeth and bleeding or swollen gums.  Lose of appetite may also be caused by problems with the teeth or gums.

I thought I was doing enough to prevent dental problems for my dogs.  They always have crunchy kibbles for their meals.  I give them chew toys and they get treats, such as DentaStiks and Greenies, products that help remove plaque.  At their yearly check up, our veterinarian looks at their teeth and gums to be sure they are healthy.  One of my dogs has had a dental cleaning.  The animals are put under anesthesia and the tartar is scraped from their teeth in the same manner as the dentist does to human teeth.  After the teeth are tartar free they get a nice polish, for a sparkly white smile.

I have decided I’m going to learn how to brush the dogs teeth and make it part of our daily routine.  Patience and short, positive sessions seem to be the best advice.  I took the first step Today, I pulled their lips back and touched their canine teeth, great success and no wrestling required.  I need to get some doggie tooth paste, as human tooth paste is irritating to canine stomachs.  I’ll also need a dog tooth brush or finger tooth brush or I could try a piece of gauze wrapped around my finger.  I’m leaning toward the tooth brush, it seems much less messy to me.  I’ll try to get some action photos, I’m sure our first few sessions will be very entertaining!

As far as the cats’ teeth go, I’m leaving that to the professionals, there is no way I’m even going to try sticking my fingers in their mouths!

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Chowder Fest 2013

On Saturday, February 2nd, my daughter and I attend our first Chowder Fest, it was so much fun.  The City of Saratoga Springs has been hosting Chowder Fest for the past fifteen years.  Even with the cold temperatures and snow in the air, downtown Saratoga was teeming with people, all waiting to sample some chowder.

The local restaurants and pubs spend months perfecting their special chowders and make gallons to server to their many fans.  Of course, there is competition among the chefs and ballots are provided for the taste testers to vote on their favorite chowder. While many of the chowders were seafood based, some of the chefs made special vegetarian and vegan chowders.

Our favorite “chowders” were the desserts, we had a sundae with a chocolate theme and mini chocolate cupcakes with coconut chum frosting.  I really enjoy and admire the creativity of the local chefs.

We saw many dogs all dressed in their winter coats and sweaters walking up and down Broadway.  Some of the business had a special chowder for the dogs.  I was surprised to see how well behaved the dogs were  with so many people and other dogs present.  I guess they were all be bribed with the promise of chowder if they behaved! One little black lab puppy was barking up a storm, we thought he was cold and tired and wanted to go home!

Chowder Fest was a great outing.  I think everyone was happy to be out in the fresh air, enjoying some awesome food, listening to the music provided by several places and chatting with people.  I’m sure will be making plans to attend again next February!

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Cattle Tags on the Ski Slope

We were so excited to learn that our plastic cattle ear tags are being used to mark the gate positions on the slalom ski course at an area resort.

The ski team requires a reusable tag that is able to withstand cold, snowy weather as well as being durable enough to survive being run over by speeding skies.  Our 402 cattle ear tags have been working perfectly.  The tags are nailed into the snow for each training session to mark the position of the poles.  Often the poles are knocked down and need to be replaced in the same pattern.

After 10 years on the ski slope some of the tags are beginning to break down and need to be replaced.   We think the harsh environment of the ski slope is a great testament for the durability and longevity of our plastic tags.  We also like to hear about the unusual places our tags are employed!

402 Cattle Ear Tags are molded from urethane, measuring 2-3/8″ x 2-7/8″ ,and are available in green, red, blue, yellow, violet, black, orange, white and neon colors; pink, green and orange.  Our plastic ear tags can be ordered in numbered sets, the large numbers are hot stamped into the plastic, creating a permanent, highly visible number.

Our line of plastic ear tags are available in several sizes, one that’s sure to meet your tagging requirements, whether you’re tagging livestock ears or ski slopes!  Please check out our full line of products on our website www.ketchummfg.com.

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