PenMarie

You're going at the right time, Amanda -- I think all of the MD and PA graduating seniors just left there in the last two weeks. My extended family usually goes to Ocean City for their vacation each year. I haven't been in probably 4 or 5 years. It's a lot easier to camp with our ferrets and our dog at the campground we belong to than try to get them into a condo at the beach. Have a great time, Amanda! We're supposed to have beautiful weather in southern PA and MD the next few days!!

now THAT sounds fun....and very adventurous!! I'd LOVE to do something like this and have often thought about it. If it was just me, no problem -- I'm outta here...unfortunately, not so in my case. How exciting for you both...Congratulations!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Yari For a DW it is normal to fly. When is your wedding? I just booked a flight from LAX to Philly for $240 roundtrip...I was shocked at how cheap it was. Deals are still out there. wow, Yari, that's a great price. Do you mind me asking where you found your flight?

Quote: Originally Posted by Be Photography LLC Christine...... I wish I had any other choice than comcast..... for TV, we have no choices unless we go to Dish! My family back home (near you) are all on verizon fios for tv and love it..... I'd much rather give verizon my money than comcast, but Verizon doesnt plan to have fios in my area for another year or 2! whew...glad they straightened out your phone bill for you...yikes! I work in Baltimore (well, actually Towson), and live about 30 minutes north of Baltimore in PA -- like you, the only option we have besides Dish is Comcast...I HATE paying them $55 a month for BASIC Cable -- up until Comcast took over our cable about 4 years ago we paid $22 for basic cable -- since Comcast took over it's more than doubled..Verizon DSL is not available in my small town either and neither is FIOS...I'm probably the only person I know who still has dial up at home (AOL), which I never use -- just been keeping it "just in case" I had to look something up on line. I'm so stubborn about giving Comcast any more of my money, that I REFUSE to get internet with them...so, this week I called and cancelled my AOL as well...don't use it, no use in paying $17 a month for it...I'd rather do w/out than give Comcast one more cent of my money --- if I had it my way, I'd cancel the cable, too...yeah, I'm pretty STUBBORN!

Interesting...this talks about being creative...ummmmm, I really have no creativity, but here's mine: July 1 You are a natural born leader, even if those leadership talents haven't been developed yet. You have the power and self confidence to succeed in life, and your power grows daily. Besides power, you also have a great deal of creativity that enables you to innovate instead of fail. You are a visionary, seeing the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. Your strength: Your supreme genius Your weakness: Your inappropriate sensitivity Your power color: Gold Your power symbol: Star Your power month: January

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA Seriously - which one are you I need to watch and put the name to the face. haha, Kate..I don't know where in the show it is...but it's when the film crew is at the actual show -- if it helps any, there was a tall young blonde guy stewarding for me that day (writing down my comments and scores). He was also judging, and I stewarded for him as well. I have brown hair (shoulder length or so), I think I had a red apron on (maybe blue?), and was about 20 pounds heavier than I am now, but I'm there...ha! I remember when I was judging at one point I didn't know they were filming me...I look up from my judging sheet and the ferret and there's this big crew camera in my face -- scared the crap out of me and I gasped...thank goodness that's NOT in the show...ha!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan YouTube - Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence We have one of these ferrets pictured in this thread Now I'm starting to understand why there is a never ending supply of funny ferret pictures on the interwebs Yes, Morgan -- you have Ting here on this thread...she's a little dark-eyed white girl. Her owner is Jessie -- the one who says in the clip that she loves making costumes...Ting was rescued from a pet store by Jessie -- Jessie used to shelter ferrets. When she got Ting she was very sick and frail, weighing a good bit less than a pound...she's now a very healthy, happy little girl. Trust me, these people don't dress their ferrets up every day -- it's mostly for a costume contests here and there held at some of the shows or when the shelters/rescues have fundraising days they may have a quick costume contest as well...they dress them for a few minutes, get judged, and then thank goodness they undress them...ha!

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA I want your autograph. I have had that special on my DVR for months - I watch it all the time. My co-worker even got me a shirt with the rainbow bridge poem on it. hehe, Kate...naaaaaaa, you don't want my autograph -- trust me, I'm no one special...but isn't that show AWESOME...well, besides some of the somewhat "stranger" people they always seem to include when they talk about ferrets..ha!...my favorite part of the show is when they show the ferrets playing, running, sliding down tubes, dancing (yes, "dancing"..ha!), and stealing stuff --- their personalities really are just like that portrayed in the show...of course, it was also very cool to be there during filming and to see a lot of my ferret friends in the show and to have one of my breeders featured -- I didn't tell any of my work friends about the show --- they came in and told ME, "hey, I saw you in the PBS show judging ferrets"..hehe...more important to me though, is the exposure of the domestic ferret in a positive light...they're just so truly misunderstood and really given a bad rap -- I never even had pets until we got our first ferret 6 years ago...volunteering w/the AFA, I've traveled to California and Oregon so far for ferret-related educational events, made some wonderful ferret friends, and enjoy sharing my life with 15 of the most wonderful little beings you could ever imagine...yeah, you could say these little guys have touched and changed my life forever...I don't know what I'd do without them. Morgan, the show ran in the spring of 2007, and it recently reran this spring. I know you can get a copy through PBS -- I have a copy (somewhere) on dvd, but I don't have tivo or dvr to put it on dvd for you or I would. I can always ask my friend if she still has it on her dvr and see if she can get me another copy sometime. If I get one, I'll let you know.

omg, this is just TOO FUNNY!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan Ha Ha! I'm learning so much about the world of ferrets. What happens in a ferret show? Are the judged like a dog show? Or do they compete like an agility competition? I'm picturing lots of tubes. Morgan, I'd say ferret shows are more like cat shows. The AFA (American Ferret Association) has developed a set standards to promote the breeding of healthy ferrets who conform to the structure of what the ferret was meant to be. The AFA sanctions ferret shows all across the United States and even played a key role in helping Japan establish a show system. Our judges travel to Japan a few times a year to judge ferrets for the JFA (Japanese Ferret Association). Ferrets at AFA shows shown in title classes are seen by 3 judges -- they're judged on their: head...skeletal frame...muscle tone...color/pattern...body proportion...health and maintenance...disposition...and the last score is a Judge's Impression score given for how well that particular ferret meets the breed standard. First through third placements are awared for the best average placement amongst all 3 judges. There is also, of course, a Best In Show. These ferrets go on to compete for Ferret of The Year for all ferrets competing in AFA shows across the U.S. We've been fortunate enough to have one of our companion (early alter -- pet store) kids win Companion Ferret of the Year two of the last four years -- and he's been up for the award 3 of the last 4 years. His name is Chevy. American Ferret Association: Ferret of the Year Winners We also have "specialty classes", which are held the same day. These are classes where the judge only judges the ferret on how well their particular color/pattern meets the standard. In these classes the ferret is judged only on their color/pattern color and the condition of their coat. The colors are: dark-eyed white...albino...champagne...chocolate...sable...b lack sable. The patterns are: black mitt/black roan mitt...mitt...roan...point...panda/mutt/ blaze. Some of the shows will have a few of the "fun contests" -- meaning TUBE races for you, Morgan. ...but, mostly it's some serious business and fierce competition in the show rings. I hope you all don't mind me boring you too much...

I love his work!..Congratulations on booking him for your big day!

LOVE that dress!

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA 1) Holy S$%T I missed you guys 2) I wrote this song for Nibblets YouTube - Ferrets: The Pursuit of Excellence | PBS I told you: keep it up, and you'll have hit on every ferret person I know -- whether just an acquaintance or a real ferret friend. I didn't watch this clip, but I assume it's Barb Carlson singing her ferret song from the PBS special. Barb runs a shelter in Pittsburgh, PA, and helps out a lot of ferrets. I'm actually in this PBS special, too -- this show was taped mainly at the Columbus, OH show in August 2006. I was judging at the show that day, so unforunately, I wound up being filmed some. One of my breeders and good friends was featured in this show, too -- Vickie McKimmey, one of the two top ferret breeders in the U.S. Good stuff, guys -- keep it coming!

how sad...and stressful for your sister, mom, and you...that lady needs a swift kick in the butt for putting you guys through that...sheeeeeeeeeeees Glad you found replacement dress that sounds beautiful....hope your sister has a wonderful prom!

Quote: Originally Posted by Mandy You absolutely need a BDW Club Ferret avatar in your siggy. hehe...I think I do, too, Mandy...I'm avatar illiterate/sig though, and have no clue how.

Don't get me wrong, Erin -- I've "heard" of some living to 10, but they're very very few and far between. I know a lot of ferret people and we all have had a LOT of ferrets (most ferret people I know have in the double digits and more), and I've known none that have lived to 10 yet....6 to 8 years old is definitely the average. I'm freaking 'cause I have six 6-year olds this year and six 5-year olds...and 3 youngsters (2 to 3 years old, respectively) -- and, yet, here my 3 year old is diagnosed with lymphoma, and I'm devasted all over again -- all my ferret friends say these little guys just live to break our hearts. A cute ferret saying, "a dog will steal your heart...a ferret steals your soul" (and your keys...your socks, etc., etc...hehe) -- but, stealing the soul part is soooo true..they're just like little people. I always say I have 15 two year old children running around my house on a daily basis. Yeah...unfortunately, the internet has a lot of incorrect information (and misconceptions) about these little guys, just like other subjects, as I'm sure we've all found out. Thanks for listening..

Quote: Originally Posted by ErinB Well Morgan, teh average life span of a ferret is 8-10 years. Some even live to 18! We have lots to cover! I only wish that were true -- unfortunately, 6 to 8 is probably more the norm, and many die before that from the various diseases that these little guys get. Case in point, I lost my first ferret this past October at 5 1/2 to lymphoma (he'd just been in for a checkup 1 1/2 weeks before his diagnosis and was perfectly fine...within 3 days of his diagnosis we had to help him along as he was getting ready to bleed out) -- and one of my 3 year olds was just diagnosed with lymphoma two weeks ago after surgery for what we were hoping was a benign mass on his spleen. Although my breeder just had one of her little girls pass at 9 -- she's been breeding for over 22 years, and that's the oldest she's ever had....show me an 18 year old ferret, and I'll do the ferret happy dance and so will all of my ferret friends.

Stewie is precious, Tammy!!...thank you for what you guys do for these sweet babies.

What a sweet and thoughtful thing to do...great family!!

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne So I'm wondering if any of you have come across this before?? I've read on the internet that this can be a symptom of some pretty big health issues (diabetes, kidney issues, etc.) but it seems like vets have varying opinions on it - some say it's normal and others say it's not. We are waiting to speak with our neighbor who is a vet after he gets home tonight to see what he thinks... I'm not sure this is what your puppy has, but you might want to look at these links --- it's for something called diabetes insipidus --- one of our ferrets was suspected of having this (my vet's never seen it in a ferret before, go figure). Pets-Get DI Too Diabetes Insipidus Whatever you do, I think I'd have your vet check him out before limiting his water -- hopefully, he doesn't have something like this, but if he does, just think how awful to feel this "thurst" and not have water to quench it. The reason for the urinalysis as others have suggested is to check for possible UTI's AND to make sure he's concentrating his urine. A symptom of diabetes insipidus is NOT being able to concentrate the urine. For your peace of mind I'd make sure this isn't a medical problem first before making any alterations. Hope your little guy is better soon!

I wonder if the restaurant who had to cancel can recommend another local restaurant that has the same type of food that you were looking for w/this restaurant?

for what it's worth: your MOH's husband sounds like a real ass...your MOH sounds like she is genuinely sorry she can't attend your wedding --- she sounds like she's been struggling over this for a long time in hopes of getting her husband to give in and "allow" her to go or agree for them to both go --- I say stick by your MOH as it sounds like she could need your support down the road.

oh, he's too cute!!...there were two in my vet's office on Saturday -- the one was full grown at 140 pounds...wow!

Wow..I LOVE that dress!! The color of this Maggie dress kind of reminds me of the color of the dress you tried on...even though the Maggie dress I think is supposed to be "Light Gold"? MaggieSottero.com - Charlene - Dress Detail

Quote: Originally Posted by jkny23 See I am an event planner so I know exactly how I want things to run; however being that I don't live there nor do I know any vendors down there, I am stuck trying to figure out my best option. I haven't looked into wedding coordinators yet but from what it seems like, the hotel contact I am working with has given me some great recommendations as far as music and flowers are concerned. I just don't want to have to pay double to have a wc and a hotel contact work on my wedding... I'm with you -- I would think if you're having your actual wedding ceremony and reception AT the Westin and the Westin has a wedding consultant, why pay for an outside consultant. If you're going to be paying them to use their facilities anyway, then I don't see how an outside wedding consultant would be necessary. It'd be different if you were having your wedding and reception off-site from the Westin -- in that case, I'd say maybe work with a local wedding consultant.