Stanley Hotel

Room 217 is where Stephen King got his inspiration for his book The Shining just before it closed for the season in 1974. He returned to the hotel in 1995 for the filming of the mini-series version of the movie based on his book. I love both versions of the movie, but I’m partial to the mini-series because of the hotel itself.

Enter Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. The hotel’s ghost tours business seemed to explode with such notoriety. This month they had the Stanley Hotel Film Festival. It’s a little sad how the hotel seems to be losing some of it’s charm and class to pop culture. The Stanley Hotel has reached celebrity status, and it’s not necessarily an attractive quality.

• 3-year Rabies
• Bordetella
• DHP Parvo (DA2HPPv)
• Roundworm/Hookworm Dewormer

We left with a list of possible side effects to watch for:

• Lethargy/Depression/Sleepiness
• Decreased Appetite
• Limping/Soreness Over Vaccination Site
• Antisocial Behavior (cats and some dogs)
• Small Swelling at/over Vaccination Site

Below this list was a number to contact Vetco’s Customer Service department if any of these symptoms/behaviors should occur. I had to call that number.

Cosmo was great, as usual! He barely flinched when he received the shots and only protested a skosh over the nasal Bordetella vaccine. We even ran to the car afterward.

Once home, he went outside, finished his food, and played for a while. He started scratching his ear, which is normal. He continued scratching his ear … not so normal. It was a little pinker than the other ear, but he had just been scratching it. Then he started rubbing his face on the floor and on his paws, which is a normal behavior a couple times each day for about a minute. He stopped, shook his head, and started rubbing his face again. I picked him up and sat on the couch with him by the window where I could see his fuzzy face better. He also felt a little warmer than normal. I didn’t mess with taking the time to take a picture, but have you ever seen the movie Hitch with Will Smith?

I immediately called the number on the Vetco info sheet, and they got a report started then directed me to call a local vet for advice. I was told by customer service rep, Vincent, that if we should need to go in for treatment, they would reimburse those expenses. He also told me he would be calling back tomorrow for an update.

Our [overpriced] vet was already closed, so I called the next closest pet care place I knew of: Aurora Animal Hospital. The first question I was asked was, “How far away are you?” She didn’t waste any time and only asked for my last name, his name, and my phone number.

When we arrived, she took him from me and straight into the back where they gave him a shot of Benedryl and a steroid. The same girl came back out with an update about a minute later along with a form for me to fill out. Another girl came out with another update and to get the list of vaccines he just received about three minutes after that and reappeared a couple minutes later to return my list and give me another update. Then the doctor came out after another few minutes with a full explanation and said they wanted to keep an eye on him for a little while longer to be sure the swelling was going down. His temperature was a little over 103 (101-102 is normal for a dog). We were there for about 30 minutes.

Everyone at Aurora Animal Hospital was extremely friendly! They didn’t scold me for going elsewhere for vaccines at a lower cost. They also assured me that was not the reason for the reaction.

Even if a dog (or cat) has never had a bad reaction to vaccines in the past, that doesn’t mean they never will. Always, ALWAYS observe your pet after they receive vaccinations. Cosmo’s swelling didn’t start until nearly two hours after he received his.

Cosmo is resting peacefully now on the bare floor instead of his bed; in an odd place, too. He’s in the dining room in front of the china cabinet. He never lays there! Either he’s trying to avoid me, or the floor is cooler over there. I have to give him another dose of Benedryl (25mg tablet) before bed and again in the morning. It’s possible  that the swelling can return as the immune system continues to react. So continual monitoring is important. He can continue with the Benedryl every 8 hours for 2-3 days.

We now have to always mention that Cosmo has a history of vaccine reactions, and he will need to be premedicated before any vaccine as subsequent reactions become more severe! This is a lifelong condition.

Cosmo

]]> http://zachner.me/2013/05/11/adverse-reaction-to-pet-vaccine/feed/ 0 zachner Will Smith - Hitch - Allergic Reaction http://zachner.me/2013/05/09/spring-2013-in-colorado-unkind/ http://zachner.me/2013/05/09/spring-2013-in-colorado-unkind/#comments Thu, 09 May 2013 14:43:35 +0000 Sheila K http://zachner.me/?p=2095 ]]> When the early buds broke on my snow crabapple this year, I anticipated the flowers … flowers on this particular tree have always, without fail, year after year meant one more big snowfall. This year that big snowfall came earlier and confused all the trees. They thought it was fall. The tiny leaflets turned brown, dried up, and fell off the trees just as yet another wet, heavy snowfall came through. Now we wait for the second buds to come forward at a time when we’re usually seeing trees full of leaves. This might mean the crabapple tree in the backyard won’t produce fruit this year. I wouldn’t be mad about that!

What I am mad about is this…

These shrubs were fine until that last heavy snow. Not only did they not perk all the way back up, but they are turning brown. Not-so-evergreen anymore. Will they make a comeback, or will we have to remove them? They were only about 18 inches tall when we moved here just over 13 years ago. I believe they are Leyland Cypress trees, and I’m a little surprised that they were planted in the first place because they are more for zones 6-10 (we’re zone 5 here). They could be Emerald Green Thuja, though. Don’t know. Didn’t plant them. If they have to go, I want some fast-growing trees planted in their place. I picture three Aspens along that section of fence placed 5 feet apart. In the other corner of the yard, a Hybrid Poplar. My only worry about that one is the breakage tendencies in the heavy snow.

I not only want more privacy from the houses behind us that sit on higher ground and look down into our backyard, but I want more shade. Our house faces NNW (a bit more N than NW). So the two bedrooms upstairs on the west side of the house are always the hottest in the summer. We’re just out of luck there. The backyard, however, really bugs me because I like being outside. I just don’t like being on display! If anyone wins the lottery and wants to share so I can create an amazing outdoor living space, you know where to reach me!

]]> http://zachner.me/2013/05/09/spring-2013-in-colorado-unkind/feed/ 1 zachner Evergreens Succumb to Heavy Snow http://zachner.me/2013/05/08/lauren-season-1-silencing-women-in-military/ http://zachner.me/2013/05/08/lauren-season-1-silencing-women-in-military/#comments Wed, 08 May 2013 18:15:54 +0000 Sheila K http://zachner.me/?p=2092 ]]> Featuring Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) & Jennifer Beals (Flashdance)

This is a web series with short episodes. Season 1 is just 3 webisodes long. I am hooked! CAUTION: The subject matter is for mature audiences. It’s very powerful!

Lauren | Season 1 Feat. Troian Bellisario & Jennifer Beals – YouTube.

You see, two of the new comments had email domains from Germany but came from IP addresses in Ontario, Canada. One asked to do a link exchange because our blogs were “based around the same subject”. I checked their blog, and there was one post written in February about Legos. I could be wrong, but I’m just not seeing the similarity there. That one asked me to email if remotely interested. Not even the slightest bit, honey. I don’t know what you’re after, but I’m not giving. You obviously have no idea what I do all day at work!

What does a child want so urgently to do when told not to touch something? They want to touch it! When humans are told they can’t do something, they want desperately to do it. Tell them they can’t have, and they want! It seems a bit of mass hysteria is being formed here.

Requiring background checks for all gun sales, strengthening those checks, and passing a new, stronger ban on assault weapons … I believe these are good things. I’m not against handguns for self defense with concealed carry permits. Guns for hunting? Fine! Semi-automatic assault weapons? What on God’s green earth does any John Q Citizen need those for? I’m sorry. No, I’m not sorry for having an opinion. I don’t think there is any need to have such a weapon in any house. As many reasons as someone who does have (or want) one will try to spew out to make their point, I honestly believe it’s because they are being told they may not have the freedom to purchase one in the not-too-distant future. Period.

It’s interesting to me that the point was made that [killer's name left out on purpose] left the Bushmaster rifle in the car. What if he hadn’t? He still had the thought in his head of using it when he gathered weapons that day. Ponder the alternate outcome if he had taken that one in with him.

We will continue to have the right to bear arms. No one is going to abolish the second amendment! Calm down, people.

Once upon a time, a child was told he could eat all the cookies he wanted. The child later developed diabetes. Changes had to be made to his diet, and he could no longer have all the cookies he wanted. He especially couldn’t have the giant sized cookies loaded with super-sized chocolate chunks. He never wanted it more than at the very moment he was told he couldn’t have it! However, the change was necessary.

Change happens all the time, everywhere. Sometimes it’s necessary for things to change to continue to move forward. Change is often uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be considered bad.

I can’t believe all the whining I’m hearing about the proposed gun control measures. What astonishes me even more is to witness the contempt in the hearts of my Christian friends over the issue. I just don’t understand that. Shame.

Here ends my tirade on the issue. My 400th blog post certainly went out with a bang!

When we first moved here, I would see these and wonder if it was simply a pride thing or if the  urban sprawl issue was really irritating those who were born and raised here. Being transplants from another state, I couldn’t help but take it personally. It’s not like we left our jobs, family, and friends behind just to move to Colorado. An existing job brought us here. I live in the U.S.A. One nation, man! I truly do appreciate the Colorado natives sharing their beautiful state.

Feel free to shed light on this!

]]> http://zachner.me/2013/05/03/colorado-native-bumper-stickers/feed/ 0 zachner Colorado Native Bumper Sticker http://zachner.me/2013/05/02/senior-picture-controversy/ http://zachner.me/2013/05/02/senior-picture-controversy/#comments Thu, 02 May 2013 17:25:55 +0000 Sheila K http://zachner.me/?p=2072 ]]> One-Sided Spin on Rite of Passage

When I saw this Huffington Post story posted on Facebook this morning by Chris Parente, shared from the Colorado Everyday Show page, it struck a nerve … a BIG nerve. I have my topic for today’s blog post! Writing comes easily when it’s something you’re passionate about, and I am passionate about the value of photographs!

This sparked comments that were mostly bent in the same direction. Some said they took their own photos in their backyards. Some had friends, aunts, and even a high school photography student take their senior photos (note: no one shared copies of these photos). Someone said they’d rather go to Sears. I guess they didn’t hear that Sears closed their portrait studios. One person said that for $1200, you can buy an amazing DSLR [camera] and take your own photos. OK! Because that’s all it takes to make a great photo. Pffft! Here was my immediate comment when I saw this post:

But it’s OK to spend hundreds on an iPhone (probably more than twice with newer models constantly coming out), thousands on Apple computers, who knows how much on designer clothes and shoes? Future generations will consider photographs priceless treasures. Sure, snapshots will also be treasured, but splurging a LITTLE on professional portraits (be they senior photos, family portraits, or just because) not only gives you amazing quality but, if you find the right photographer, you also have a great time in the process! I can tell which senior photos in a yearbook were done by professionals and which were DIY. Buying a “fancy” DSLR camera is not all it takes to get fabulous photos. If you don’t learn and fully understand all that camera can do and just shoot in “P” mode, you’re not going to get photos that look any better than a pocket digital camera. True story! I think the price is overboard in this particular story. There are many photographers who do NOT charge that much (myself included). I believe everyone deserves great photos without breaking the bank. What I don’t understand are the professionals who make everyone look plastic. Now there’s a whole other story.

Then I tuned in and watched the segment on the show and came back to post this additional comment:

I just watched the segment and think you guys spun a pretty one-sided twist. But I guess that’s just how media works. What can ya do? Senior portraits, in many cases, are more for the parents than the teenager. So it’s not about spoiling a child in most cases. It’s one more thing to make senior year special. It doesn’t have to be that expensive. You read Maritza’s comment in favor of hiring a professional photographer but then added a comment about looking back on it and hating it hears from now. If it was done professionally, chances are pretty high you are not going to be embarrassed by the photos years from now. It’s the backyard snapshots done in harsh high noon sunlight that you’ll be embarrassed about.

The $1200 mentioned by the Huffington Post is apparently a national average. I can see that. There are very wealthy parts of the country that probably spend twice that on senior portraits, and there are areas who spend a fraction of that. The average amount spent on senior photos around us is probably closer to $300 or so.

Special photos for senior year is not a new concept. I went to a studio to have mine done nearly 30 years ago. I have no idea how much they cost, but I’m sure they were more than having the photographer hired by the school do them. It wasn’t a vanity issue then at all. That’s exactly the spin they were trying to put on it in this report. Vanity and being spoiled. There is a certain amount of vanity these days with all the social media networks. However, these photos are used in graduation announcements as well, and they represent a time in a teen’s life where they are transitioning from childhood to adulthood. Some are leaving the nest to go off to universities. Some are staying home to attend local universities, colleges, and trade/technical schools. Some are entering full-time jobs immediately. A few are getting married and moving out (or not moving out).

Senior portraits commemorate a rite of passage. That’s a priceless thing!

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Shameless plug time! I’d be remiss if I didn’t promote my own photography here. I offer senior portrait photography as well as family and individual portraits and smaller weddings. See my website and my photography blog!

Photo by Hugo Burnand in the Throne Room of Buckingham Palace

I’m still getting back into a blogorythm here. I have to hit 400 posts by Saturday, and I won’t have time to post tomorrow because I’m going straight from working five hours to helping shoot a wedding in Golden. This one is just a filler. There are too many things swimming around in my head right now to focus on anything that requires deep thought. I do like to dig into a topic and ramble about it, those posts take over an hour. I have some ideas, and some of them are sure to strike up some lively comment threads if they reach the right people! You’ll just have to wait, though. This chick needs sleep now!

The story is about a hate crime that took place in Laramie, Wyoming, which made national news. In 1998, Matthew Shepard was kidnapped, severely beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die because he was gay. He suffered for 18 hours in the cold dressed in only light clothing and no shoes before being found. He died six days later at the Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado.

After the theater shooting incident in our home town, this was quite an undertaking. The cast was chosen last April.

To help the actors understand the town, they traveled to Laramie and even to the very fence where Matthew was left to die. The costuming for the production was made up entirely of clothing purchased at a thrift store in Laramie.

I’m familiar with the beliefs of some of the kids, and to see them playing characters with complete opposite beliefs is a true testament to their acting abilities. I was moved to tears a few times.

It was a black box theater production with a traverse stage. There were four uniquely positioned cameras which alternately projected characters onto two large framed screens visible from both sides as they told there stories as interviewed. The staging and technical aspects were impressive!

Kudos, Harlequin Players, for another awesome drama production!

Photo from EHS Theater Facebook Page.

Harlequin Players production from 2012:  The Oedipus Cycle
More theater productions:  Theater