Since we have been out here on the coast we have taken a few test sails with the new gear. We ran the watermaker, tasted the results and I am amazed at how fresh it tasted even before we dumped it into the brita filter. At 3 gallons in one hour I think that as long as we are offshore, far enough away from all the pollutants of "people and other", that we will do just fine. I have always been a little paranoid of the lack of fresh water...I am a fish! So this relieves alot of the anxiety associated with having 4 on board..plus pets.
Speaking of pets.....
Wow. You know there was a time recently when a friend of mine (Jada) announced that she was preggers again...and I felt a little, well weird for a lack of a better word.
Neil and I made the decision long ago that having a boy and a girl was a perfect compliment to our family. Having one of each and only one of each, would allow us to be able to spend more time, and well, just more, on them!
We had decided before this announcement, to go ahead and look for a "suiter" for Daisy as she is family...yes Tracy,(my sister),I finally understand why you did what you did for Chester long ago...and we want to have Daisy live on....clearly stated in previous blogs...blah blah blah.
I am leading up to the following for those of you who are reading this and thinking, "My goodness, whatever is she talking about?."
We almost lost Daisy early Tuesday morning.
We had gone for a sail. The sea was perfect for a close hull sail straight out. We went out about 15 miles to run the watermaker (you must run it at least once a week or pickle it, otherwise the membrane will be shot and that is a huge expense to replace). We were thinking of going out for 24 hours, turning around and heading back in to get a taste for the 4 hour shifts we will be doing when going long distances. This would allow for the kids, myself and Neil, to plot, follow, and deal with any issues before we head south for the long haul.
We decided instead, since the winds were so light, to turn and run downwind and test the new ginnaker. Oh my goodness! That sail is Awsome!! We jumped her up from a crawl of 2.3 knots under full sails and oversized genoa, to a substantial 5.3 knots! (4 on average). It made the expense of purchasing this sail seem more justified when you consider 60 miles a day in light wind verses 100+.
We got back in at dusk. Daisy's pups were wild with appetite. They seemed to be stimulated by the movement of the boat and were famished. A couple hours after sunset, she started to pant. Than shake. Than tremble. Than her legs stiffened. Than she was almost paralized. All within about a 10 minute period.
We got in the skiff and headed for shore. We drove as fast as I have driven over highway 92 for the emergency vet hospital.
After a couple of tests they said she was dangerously low in calcium. I knew this was an issue for small dogs and had been giving her extra calcium in her diet..long story short..with 2 pups she would have been fine. With 4 pups and one nicknamed "chunk", there was no way would have been able to keep up.
They kept her overnight. Gave her all kinds of shots, and drips, and we were able to take her home later that morning with one condition. She may NOT feed her pups, Period.
We will be feeding them with formula and bottles. She doesn't understand. It is so hard to tell her no, and than try to keep a close watch for them to feed. She is engorged..I know this will not last too much longer. We have to do 2-3 hour shifts to feed these little devils. They were very reluctant at first to accept the bottle. I was thankful that the first night we were having to shift things over that momma wasn't there.
Last night we had to take ace bandages and wrap her up so that the little ones wouldn't be able to latch on, but she will be able to snuggle with her pups. We have to literally "watch" her, 24/7 for the next week. By then she should be dry. Then 2 to 3 more weeks of bottle feeding.
I tell you what, the kids will not want to have kids anytime soon! It has taught us a lot on taking shifts. This time it is for puppys, not for navigation, but we can do it!
Life is certainly not boring, that's for sure! I am so thankful that she is ok. I am more thankful that we were not taking one of our kids, or Neil into the ER..or did we? (just kidding Katie..daughter of mine, she is not human...I know).
Here's to late night feedings and the constant wiping of things....to my friend Jada I say...good luck....and try to hire a Nanny!!(an ugly one of coarse!).
My internal clock is officially on the fritze...Neil is thankful.....haha...so am I!
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