Sorry I haven't posted in a while! Halloween is long gone and we are now approaching Thanksgiving. Being on call for Halloween wasn't bad. My friend Liz and I did dinner and a movie here while handing out candy to the kids. We likely had over 100 trick-or-treaters, as I had to turn the lights out at 8:30pm (I really wanted to give out raisins just to continue to see the costumes, but Liz convinced me turning out lights was a better idea). A house down the street turned their garage into a haunted house, so tons of people were parking and treating in our neighborhood. The dogs didn't have costumes this year, but I did buy them shirts.
Phoebe got spayed about 3 weeks ago, then promptly tore her sutures bee-lining around the backyard. Funny how you realize how difficult it is to follow most of the recommendations you provide to your own clients!
A list of firsts: Since July I have experienced
many new tastes. I have had my first "Dutch Crunch" roll, my first persimmon (yuck!), and my first whole 
pomegranate. I've also eaten "Tri-tip," which I am convinced is just a fancy name for roast beef. This week I'll cook my first whole turkey (courtesy of River Oak).Last week, my brother visited me! We had a fantastic time. We spent an entire day in Yosemite doing a strenuous rock-laden path up to a beautiful waterfall. Thus begins our training for hiking the half-dome next summer?
The following day we visited the vineyards in Lodi, about 45 minutes from here. They all happened to be having an event that day, so we were able to hear some live music and taste some wine-related foods at each of the vineyards. I bought some great bottle of wines and really look forward to uncorking them. My favorites were Jessie's grove blanc and Lobo Loco port. We discovered that many of the vineyards had some crop still left on the vine. After questioning, we were told that many of the vineyards did not have enough funding to harvest the last of the grapes. What a waste.
One evening we also went to a brewery in Stockton and headed down the street for a Stockton Thunder game
On Sunday we went through the mystery house in San Jose before Steve left for LA (picture below).
As far as work goes, the large animal hospital has been slow. I therefore am getting a lot of time and experience with the pups and kitties, and I'm really having a great time with it. I almost had my first bowel resection surgery (removing a portion of intestine), but the kittie had a malignant cancer so we didn't continue the surgery. Next week I finally get a vet truck!! and will have my first weekend flying solo on call. Nervous, but excited.
More excited to head home after the holidays. Keep your eyes out for our holiday cards. If I don't have your address, please email it to me!
Happy Thanksgiving!
