Mighty Mite-y!

On a veterinary-related topic, today at work I saw a little puppy for his first vet visit. He is a cute miniature schnauzer, and he had a dry patch of skin by his tail, very scaly. I decided to have a look under the microscope at the scaly-debris, in the hopes of finding a cause for the problem. Oh, did I ever find a cause:

Cheyletiella mites!

Close-up view of the head and mouthparts!

We don't often get such a great specimen, neither Angela or myself had actually gotten a positive diagnosis of Cheyletiellosis since vet school! These mites are surface mites (as evidenced by their long legs) which can be positively identified by their nice "waist" at the middle, and they also have a "fingerprint" appearance which doesn't show up in these photos but was very obvious under the microscope. This infestation can be quite itchy! Now that we got the diagnosis, its just a matter of a special shampoo and it should clear up nicely - all in a days work! Since it was such a rare occurrence, I had to take pics with my cell phone and post them here! Enjoy!!!! :)

PS -> If any of my readers remember the case of the Airdale terrier who had the uterine infection back a year or so ago, a bit of a sad update - she just passed away a couple of days ago at home, of old age (presumably). But we got an extra year and a half out of her, so I still feel quite accomplished at that!

Merry Christmas!!!

Ah yes, it's that time of year again - time for sharing, caring, giving...and RALPHIE! The annual tradition continues...BEST MOVIE EVER. This year, Ella is more coherent, so I can begin her education in all things Ralphie. Angela is not too pleased about this, however some things are too important to argue. Ralphie shall live on indefinitely. Amen.


So, we awoke at about 5am via our alarm...er, Ella crying. There was no getting her back to sleep, so I turned on Ralphie and let the present giving begin. I got a SWEET new GPS watch for running as well as some Dick's Sporting Goods gift cards, new weight lifting gloves, some hand wraps (for boxing), and some other assorted goodies! Angela got tickets to see Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, a new webcam (to chat with her folks back in the UK) which also has a microphone and should theoretically work well with our new computer operating system, Shrek the Third on DVD, some kitchen stuff and some giftcards to Target and Gap. Of course, this day belongs primarily to Ella now, who received a new Rose Petal Cottage (this HUGE house-thingy), and a zillion other toys. This year Ella is much more appreciative of her toys than last year, however she's not quite there as far as knowing what the hell her gifts actually are. For example, she got a Beauty and the Beast tea set, which she is continuously unpacking and re-packing. She got some dominoes with animals on them which she promptly put into her Rose Petal Oven. Luckily, the oven doesn't actually heat up or else we would have to call the Rose Petal Insurance company to put in a claim when the cottage burns to the ground. It looks like a splendid day out, so hopefully we will go for a little walk later. I will go to the gym despite slipping on the hardwood floor yesterday and landing on my left femur with all of my weight (yes, it friggin HURTS). We will then get cooking our Christmas dinner, which will include Ham, grilled veggies and steamed broccoli. Most of all, I will enjoy my time with my family, even if Ella is battling another ear infection and teething. And so, for your viewing pleasure, the photos/videos!

Ella in her most peaceful form.

Trying on Mommy's gloves!

Playing on her new bouncy toy thingy from Auntie Mel and Uncle Dan

Entering the cottage for the first time

I think she likes it...

MMMM. LOVE the smell of freshly baked dominoes!

Sharing some tea with daddy.


Kisses with daddy!


Cracking up at Daddy's pain.


Christmas Morning!

Flying With The Owls

Today was the annual "Fly With The Owls" race in Lynbrook, NY - it is 4 miles long. I was aiming for 32 minutes (an average of 8 minutes/mile), but ended up finishing in 32:25. Not too shabby considering it was like 32 degrees out. Next up - gonna try and hit up a 5k next Saturday if mom can watch Ella for me for an hour or 2!

Ella's New Class Pic

I wonder if any of these kids or their teacher could appear any more bored if they tried....

Running Ninja

This past Sunday, I was signed up to run a 4-mile race in Lynbrook. So I started suiting up...

...and posing like an idiot. Then I added all my layers, and became...

...the Running Ninja! I got all ready to go, hopped in the car and started driving to the race. I was sliding all over the road, but figured, if I dropped dead running, at least my body would be well preserved in the snow and ice. Just as I was skidding to a halt at a red light (OK, I slid through the light into the middle of the junction, but noone was around, so it didn't matter, right?), I got a text message from X-tina telling me it was postponed. WHEW. Off home I went to run my 4 miles in the gym instead. :) We'll see what Mother Nature throws at us next Sunday!

Next up, I was going through my closet and found my old Fat Suit, so I decided it was time for a new installment of Fat Suit Picture-Time! Here's the original picture which inspired me to lose some poundage:

And here I am in the suit today:

Pretty cool, eh? Here are some more random pictures:

While daddy sleeps, the reindeer play...

OK, now seriously, how cute is this kid?