Jeff and his Sherpa atop the Summit of Mount Everest, May 14, 2011

If you love inspiring stories, you will be thrilled with this one. Jeff Gottfurcht was the first person with rheumatoid arthritis to climb Mount Everest. Right now he is climbing Mount Aconcagua, the tallest mountain in South America, and his blog is documenting his progress every day. Jeff is the founder of a wish-granting charity for children with arthritis, and he climbs to bring awareness to his cause.

#11. Laughed really hard

1. Interviewed a fascinating biologist/children’s book author and illustrator.
2. Read and reviewed a stack of children’s books.
3. Volunteered to be an usher at a Danny Aiello Jazz Ensemble concert. (Awesome!)
4. Blogged for a mountain climber’s website.
5. Ate dinner outside on the patio (January) in perfect weather. I love Miami!
6. Cooked some tomato sauce from my own organic tomatoes.
7. Had a great brunch with an aunt and uncle.
8. Baked some Vanilla Bean Shortbread.
9. Washed, dried and brushed my giant dog.
10. Took a 2.3 mile walk with my husband and dog in the cool, breezy evening.

What did you do this weekend?

© 2012 by Debbie Glade, Smart Poodle Publishing. All rights reserved.

Click here for last week’s comic.

Darwin, AKA Dardie, Chocolate Standard Poodle XXL

Having a huge and adorable dog is really an attention-getter. Sometimes I enjoy being stopped and answering all the questions people have about Darwin when we walk together. But literally, for every block I walk, I get stopped a minimum of 4 times.

People slow down in their cars and yell stuff out the window at me.  One car’s driver was staring at Darwin and not paying attention to a large curb. She tore a big chunk out of her car and ended up dragging a side panel under the car. Another driver failed to stop at a busy intersection, because he was fixated on Darwin. He almost plowed into oncoming traffic. He stopped in time, but his car spun completely around. Many drivers also pull up behind us (off the road) suddenly and without warning, scaring the heck out of both of us (just to see the dog and ask questions). I know my pup is special and darling and big, but he is not the only standard poodle in this country.

Here’s a few comments I’ve received from strangers:

• “What kind of exotic breed is that?”  Me: “A poodle, actually one of the more common breeds.”
• “Now yours is a toy poodle, right? And there are two larger sizes of poodles, right?” Me: “You are kidding, right? This dog is 5 ft. 3 inches from the top of his head to his feet. You believe there are 2 larger sizes – perhaps a pony and a Clydesdale?”
• “What kind of mammal is that you have on that leash?” Me: “I sure hope it is a canine, or the more familiar word, dog. “
• “I have to ask, are you a FULL-sized person?” Me: “I have to answer that I am somewhat offended. But yes, I am a small, full-sized person and this is a large, full-sized dog.”
• “Aren’t you terrified of your own dog? He is humongous!” “Me: “Watch as I pry open the dog’s mouth and stick my head in there. Can you tell that I am not afraid?”
• “What the F is that? You’ve got some big SHI- there!” Me: “My dog is not impressed with your limited vocabulary.”
• “What a gorgeous animal!” Me: “Thank you. I work out a lot and watch what I eat, but how do you like my dog?”

Here’s a great way to start! Check out this adorable and entertaining book!

Read the review here on Good Reads with Ronna.

The water is very warm there, and that’s why they often gather in that spot. A mommy and her baby were loving each other up, and in the last 2 photos you can see manatees drinking water from a hose a man sprayed from his back yard. Read all about manatees here.

© 2012 by Debbie Glade, Smart Poodle Publishing. All rights reserved.

Click here for last week’s comic.

25 years ago, when we got engaged, my husband was smart enough to buy me an engagement/wedding ring set from Freddy’s Jewelery. They are located in the Seybold Building in downtown Miami. This is the most amazing building to buy jewelry in the US. It’s the second largest to buy fine jewelry in the country (10 floors and 280 jewelers), and the prices and selection just can’t be beat. Plus it’s located in downtown Miami, a great place to visit. People fly in from other states and countries just to buy jewelry here, because they know they are getting great deals. I will never understand why anyone would buy overpriced jewelry at a retail chain, when they can buy it from here – and no retail shop can beat the quality here.

Freddy’s sell the finest diamonds to the public at wholesale prices. What I love is that the members of this family-owned business are the friendliest people, and they can be trusted to sell you the highest quality jewels at extremely fair prices. They’ve been around for 40+ years, so you know they are the best at what they do. How many small businesses in your community have been around for 40 years?

We recently stopped into Freddy’s and reminisced with the staff (2 generations) about our experience choosing a ring all those years ago. One of the owners, Howard Steinlauf was there, and he was the one who helped us design the ring 25 years ago. We were thrilled to learn that our purchase has more than tripled in value since then. He offered to buy it back from us. No thanks. This diamond ring still shines for me (and so does the husband)!

I know many people are afraid to go into a jewelry store to get their diamonds appraised, because they don’t know if the owners are going to switch out their stones for lesser valued ones, or just give them a dishonest appraisal. This is not a concern at Freddy’s. I’ve sent countless people there over the years, and I’ve never heard a complaint. They’d never have been able to stay in business for as long as they have if it were not for their honesty, quality and superior personalized service.

Caution: If you do go, be prepared to be overwhelmed by the selection. I am not a big jewelry shopper in general, but my husband had to yank me out of the store because I was hypnotized by all those sparkling diamonds! (He made an obnoxious comment about how he “wished he had a chloroform-soaked rag” to get me out of there without making a scene.)

Thank you Freddy’s Jewelery for always being there. I’ve got a 25th wedding anniversary coming up in about a year and a half, and I’ll sure be hinting about coming in with my husband for a “productive” visit! Those diamond anniversary bands are calling – actually screaming out – my name.

Please tell them at Freddy’s, Debbie Glade sent you. No, I do not get a finder’s fee. I just love this business.

Freddy’s Jewelry

First Floor of the Seybold® Building:

36 NE 1st St #131
Miami, Fl 33132-2432
Phone: (305) 371-8261

email: sales@freddysjewelry.com
Website: http://www.freddysjewelry.com/

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 10:30-5:30pm
Saturday: 10:30-5:00pm
Sunday: – Closed