Tracing Zuma

February 19, 2016

Kelly cracks me up.  Ever since I found out that Sandra Bullock and some other celebrities have homes here, Kelly launched into Super Sleuth mode.  

Kelly located Sandy's home and she's our neighbor!  Who knewwww?!  Doug says now to find John Mellencamp's getaway home on Tybee!  Miley Cyrus has a place here, too, but we don't care.

I have been struggling with this computer.  On the 9th I spent the day inside trying to write, but the computer kept acting up.  I called Google for support.  They wanted money.  We already paid for the Super Duper Protection Program, so NO.  They told me my computer has "malicious viruses".  It feels like a scam.

The constantly revolving cast of campers keeps life interesting.  An elderly couple parked near us last week and the man was very friendly.  As it turned out, he is a professional Santa Claus "and I take it very seriously", he added.  He lost his dear dog one Christmas Eve (oh, the irony) and his neighbor offered him a small, fuzzy bundle of puppy. He accepted the little furball and they quickly bonded.  His name?  St. Nick.  Nick for short.  "I wanted to call him Bubba but my daughter insisted on St. Nick", he told us.  Nick and Zuma met and liked each other (Zuma likes everyone, man or beast) until Nick tried to hump Zuma's head.  Having never experienced such sexual boldness, Zuma looked quizzically at me and I swear she rolled her eyes at me as she swiftly walked away from Nick.  She's just not that kinduv girl, Santa.  And Nick may want to rethink his Christmas list.

Shortly after midnight on Monday the 15th I woke up with baby aliens gurgling inside me.  Instinct told me that was not a good sign.  Food Poisoning.  Needless to say, the week was pretty much a total "write-off" with no stamina and no computer.  Plus it was rainy and windy a few days and Zuma doesn't like that kind of weather.  I've been too weak to do much of anything but am on the mend now, thankfully.  I know it was triggered by lobster bisque from a large chain grocery store.  I should have known better. Never again.

Doug arrived this afternoon and pulled the laptop together.  
In the meantime, I mustered up some courage (in my lucid moments) to contact the people I thought were Zuma's breeders. When I called I delicately questioned the date they had a litter in April, 2012 and it was Zumas birthdate (according the the veterinary vaccination records that came with her).  It was a challenge to ask her if they had traded an unnamed 8 week old puppy for a lawnmower but I inquired anyway.  She immediately burst into tears "That was my husband, I didn't want him to do that".  I knew then my hunch had been right.  I just didn't know where to begin.  For the rest of the conversation, as I explained that the totally neglected dog had been rescued by a kindly neighbor from the lawnmower people, she sobbed.  I struggled to avoid thinking about her husband getting a skillet across the head when he got home that night. 

The breeder thanked me profusely when I assured her Zuma is safe and well and much-loved.  She listed off the names of Zuma's parents and there is no worrisome medical history in the families she comes from.  Phew.  Interestingly enough, both her parents are now retired and her mother is a therapy dog.  I could tell this woman really loves her dogs. 
   
I felt horrible disclosing the torrid truth, but we both had to know the real story, about how a good Samaritan neighbor intervened when she saw the 5 1/2 month old puppy in a crate too small to stand up in or turn around and paid the owners $200.00 for her, threatening to call the authorities if they didn't comply.  About how the dog was standing in 6 inches of feces and urine and rarely let out, except for occasionally being tied with a 3' leash.  When I met her, I cried.  Her feet and skin were rotting.  Her coat was horrible and she was THIN.  About the fact the lawnmower dealers were feeding the puppy cat food.   And that her worm burden was so huge my veterinarian said she felt sorry for me when she looked at the egg count.  The puppy was severely overloaded with parasites, fleas, worms, yuk.  The poor puppy.

The Good Samaritan woman didn't need another dog, she lived in a townhouse with her husband, six children and a Newfoundland.   But she sure as heck wasn't leaving the dog there.  The people who had the puppy were moving and they took the money and left her with no emotion, I was told.

The Rescuer bathed the puppy and fed her properly and did her best to control a serious flea problem.  But with this Wild Child and all the other household occupants, she knew quickly that it was too much.  She made a poster and took a copy to several places hoping to find the puppy a loving home; she delivered one poster to the grooming salon where our daughter was working at the time. Emma immediately called me as I'd been looking for a rescue Dane for two years.  The rest is history!

I admit, I was a bit shaky having this flung at me with no lead-up, but I had done a lot of "homework" and I knew this would be the breed for me.  We've always had Shepherd mixes and one Lab so we are used to large breeds .... but Great Danes are a different dog altogether.

I wanted a dog I didn't have to bend over to pet, one who would go with me when I ride my horse on the farm.  A friend of mine had one, he was fabulous.  His name was Zazu and he was adored by all for his genuine, gentle personality.  Once I met him, I was hooked.

Emma and a mutual friend drove me to the grocery store that sunny September afternoon and we met the rescuer in the parking lot to meet the puppy.  I met her and then had to seriously think about this huge commitment.  But I couldn't put that sweet, struggling dog out of my mind.  

We went back again after five days.  I knew it was the ight thing, take this dog on and it would all work out.  Eventually.  She was WILD at the end of a leash with newfound freedom.  She was all legs.  She looked like a dog crossed with a giant spider.  I had to think about it very, very seriously.  This was a huge commitment. 

Emma and our friend took me to a local restaurant and we went over the pros and cons as they fed me two Bloody Marys and the next thing I knew Emma was driving us all home with a crazed Great Dane puppy bouncing around in the back seat. 

Emma was a Champ.  She took the puppy right to the grooming salon where she worked at the time (Yankee Groomer in Rockport, Maine, thank you, Liz) and bathed her.  She came home smelling much more fresh and full of herself.  She knew she was HOME.  She bonded immediately with Emma and I.  When Doug arrived home from work, she growled at him.  Protecting us, I guess?  She quickly warmed up to him.  She was just so desperate to find security and her low rumblings were a sign of her insecurity, I think.  

She was a sad sack of a dog.  Malnourished and over exuberant about any attention bestowed upon her.  She was pooping spaghetti from a roundworm overburden.  Emma had taken care of the flea population and we had put her on Heartworm/flea medications immediately.  Never again did she have a problem with parasites.

Now we had yet another orphan for the farm and our family.  It's difficult to choose a name you want to call.  But I knew exactly what her name would be.  I wanted it to start with Z, in honor of Zazu who inspired me to find a Dane.  I chose the name Zuma. 
It means peace in Hebrew.  I'm not religious in any way, shape or form and I'm not Jewish, but this darling dog needed a good karma name; my research showed me that Gwen Steffani named her sone Zuma.  If it's good enough for Gwen, it's good enough for us.

Frozen Charlotte and Frozen Charlie .... Part Two

February 7, continued ....

Doug and Zuma and I went into Savannah today and trekked around Forsythe Park and then browsed the shops on River Street. Suddenly I saw this poster:

It surprised me to see this poster as I have one of these porcelain dolls; I purchased her from a Maine diver/artist who unearthed her ghostly little self offshore a while ago and placed her in the middle of a framed, stained glass shrine of sorts.  She appealed to me at the time and I've often wondered why the artist/diver named her Frozen Charlotte.  So I wandered into the shop and asked the shop-keeper about the history of the minuscule maiden.  After a very informative visit, I purchased this:

I didn't want to take Zuma into her shop with all the antiques and breakable items, but she insisted and lavished cookies to Zuma who  thought she was at Grandma's house.  With Zuma's four foot tail swathe, this is not a safe place for an uber happy Great Dane. But the woman didn't even flinch (I did all the flinching).

This is the information the shop-keeper gave to me about Frozen Charlotte:

Firstly, she told me that the doll originated from a story about Charlotte, a young girl who was being courted by "Charlie"; she was on her way to a Ball one cold Wintry night and refused to wear a shawl or a blanket in the sleigh because she didn't want to wrinkle her beautiful gown.  Sadly, Charlotte froze along the way.  Soon thereafter, Charlie died of a broken heart.  This, apparently happened in Connecticut.  Iiii know.  I checked it out on Wiki, it's a fact, ya'll.

The note that accompanied the necklace reads:  

"This beautiful pendant was created from a broken antique Frozen Charlotte Doll that was dug in Historic Savannah, GA, among artifacts dating back to the 1850s.  Frozen Charlotte is a name used to describe a specific form of china doll made from ca. 1850 - ca. 1920.  The Frozen Charlotte Doll is made in the form of a standing, naked figure molded all in one piece.  The dolls may also be found described as pillar dolls or bathing babies.  The dolls ranged in size from under an inch to over 18 inches.  Smaller sizes were very popular for doll's houses.  Occasionally versions are seen with a glazed china front and an unglazed stoneware back.  This enabled the doll to float in a bath  .... The smallest dolls were often used in punches and teas at balls and parties, to cool drinks. Afterwards they were given as party favors.  Sometimes they were baked into Christmas puddings. Then, the Ballad of "Frozen Charlotte" would be recited".

I located the lyrics to the song on line:

Young Charlotte (Kenneth Peacock)

(Frozen Charlotte)

Now, Charlotte lived on the mountainside,
in a bleak and dreary spot,
There was no house for miles around,
except her father's cot;
And yet on many a wintry night
young swains were gathered there,
For her father kept a social board,
and she was very fair.

One New Year's Eve as the sun went down,
far looked her wishful eye,
Out from the frosty window pane
as merry sleighs went by;
In a village fifteen miles away,
was to be a ball that night,
And though the air was heavy and cold,
her heart was warm and light.

How brightly beamed her laughing eye,
as a well-known voice was heard,
And driving up to the cottage door,
her lover's sleigh appeared;
"O, daughter dear," her mother cried,
"This blanket 'round you fold,
It is a dreadful night tonight,
you'll catch your death of cold."

"O, nay! O, nay!" young Charlotte cried,
and she laughed like a gypsy queen,
"To ride in blankets muffled up,
I never would be seen;
My silken cloak is quite enough,
you know 'tis lined throughout,
Besides, I have my silken scarf
to twine my neck about."

Her bonnet and her gloves were on,
she stepped into the sleigh,
Rode swiftly down the mountainside
and o'er the hills away;
With muffled face and silent lips,
five miles at length were passed,
When Charles with few and shivering words,
the silence broke at last.

"Such a dreadful night I never saw,
the reins I scarce can hold."
Fair Charlotte shivering faintly said,
"I am exceeding cold."
He cracked his whip, he urged his steed
much faster than before,
And thus five other dreary miles
in silence were passed o'er.

Said Charles, "How fast the shivering ice
is gathering on my brow."
And Charlotte still more faintly said,
"I'm growing warmer now."
So on they rode through frosty air
and glittering cold starlight,
Until at last the village lamps
and the ballroom came in sight.

They reached the door and Charles sprang out,
he reached his hand for her,
She sat there like a monument
that has no power to stir;
He called her once, he called her twice,
she answered not a word,
He asked her for her hand again,
and still she never stirred.

He took her hand in his - O, God!
'Twas cold and hard as stone,
He tore the mantle from her face,
cold stars upon it shone;
Then quickly to the glowing hall,
her lifeless form he bore,
Fair Charlotte's eyes were closed in death,
her voice was heard no more.

And there he sat down by her side
while bitter tears did flow,
And cried, "My own, my charming bride,
you never more will know."
He twined his arms around her neck,
he kissed her marble brow,
His thoughts flew back to where she said,
"I'm growing warmer now."

He carried her back to the sleigh,
and with her he rode home,
And when he reached the cottage door,
O, how her parents mourned;
Her parents mourned for many a year,
and Charles wept in the gloom,
Till at last her lover died of grief,
and they both lie in one tomb.

####.... Said to be based on a true event recorded in an original poem by Maine humorist and editor Seba Smith [1792-1868] and set to music by William Lorenzo Carter. [Laws G17] Native American Balladry (G Malcolm Laws, 1950/1964) ....####

This variant was collected in 1958

Are you shedding a tear?  Yeh, me too.

Sometimes several tiny dolls are found at one dig site, it was a good party but these were trinkets and frequently discarded, though few remain.  The male versions are called Frozen Charlies.

I like to imagine my new little Charlotte experienced an exciting Plantation Ball and accidentally ended up being thrown away to be found a century later and come to me.   I really appreciate her. Although many may consider her story sad, I find it heartwarming to think that she and Charlie are remembered and immortalized forever.  

So, next time you're out in the cold, remember to bundle up, ya'll.  

When I think of the man in the tent, I will always remember him as Frozen Charlie.

I wear Charlotte everywhere now.  She really likes touring around.    
And it's warm here.  

Frozen Charlotte and Frozen Charlie.

February 7, 2016

Okay.  So now I've met and befriended the bloke in the tent.  
Iiii know.  Watch for the Forensic Files show about me being murdered.  Zuma likes him.  He's "on the road", a traveler.  He says he's moving on to KY or TN as he is down to his last ten bucks and can't afford to stay here ($30.00 a night for a tent site).  

I put together a bag of food for him - a "tuck box" we call it in England: buns, cheese, tea, fruit and a big bar of chocolate.  He's hit upon hard times and really is a good soul.  If Kelly and I disappear, I totally misjudged his character.  He was appreciative of the food and gave me a hug.  I feel good that I helped him. He is leaving today.

When I look at Zuma lounging in front of the heater these rainy nights and the feral cats hunkering under buildings, I think how fortunate they are and I feel badly that a human being has to suffer.

There are many transients in Savannah; at Forsythe Park we've seen a huge food kitchen set up on Saturday mornings and on Sunday mornings, coffee and donuts.  Doug and I were even invited in for snacks.  "Do we look homeless?" Doug asked me.  When I went to the car and checked out my hair-do, after battling the wind on our walk, I had to wonder.

  

The Big Road Race

February 6, 2016

A rather large Road Race is being held on Tybee this weekend. As the runners zoomed by, I quickly slipped my paws out of the bag of Cheese Puffs, feeling like a slug.  Then I took Zuma for a 7.5 mile walk to ease my guilt.  There are cones on the road, Police everywhere directing traffic.  Professional Event Services, Marquis tents are down by the Fort at the beach, dispensing water, numbers, etc.  I'd love to be a part of this and will make it a personal goal to run a 5k soon.  Even if I do it on my own without all the "hoopla". These people are all garbed out with the right shoes, the right shorts, the right shirts, etc.  I feel old!  But that's not to say I can't do it.  Someday.

I was amazed at how many people participated, I think it was for charity.  The RV Resort was closed for a few hours so they could zip by here and then sprint all over town.  It was great.  I could get into that.  Once I finish this bag of Cheese Puffs.

We drove into Savannah today and walked Zuma all around Forsythe Park and River Street.  She loves it.  

A crisp, sunny day, perfect for walking and not too many tourists although, as usual, Zuma attracted lots of attention and enjoyed being hugged by small children and admired by adults.  One couple we met had recently lost their Dane to Wobbler's Syndrome.  Because we are fretful "parents" we quizzed them about symptoms, not really knowing our dog's heritage.  They were more than helpful.  

They purchased their beloved pet 2 1/2 years ago IN MAINE!  This made me feel a tad frantic regarding our lack of knowledge about Zuma's health history as Wobblers is hereditary and there aren't that many Dane breeders in Maine.  Of the two breeders I suspect Zuma came from, they bought their dog from one of them.  I am trying not to panic. I vowed to make some calls and uncover Zuma's roots.

When I was at the Office, I saw a young guy (late 30s?) checking into the campground today with his guitar and backpack.  When the rain started up in the evening I felt terrible for him, he is the lone tent-dweller here.  It rained so hard in the night it felt like sleeping in a car wash.

The Tybee Cats

February 4th, 2016

We were forewarned that there are a multitude of feral cats dwelling on Tybee.  Several hang out at River's End and it makes me feel sad that they have no lap to snuggle into as they truly are wild.  When Doug and Kelly and I sit out at night around the campfire, we can tell by the motion detector light at the nearby dumpster that the cats are on the prowl for food.  

Zuma and Phoebe watch over there and know when the lights come on the cats are about.  Both dogs are on leashes of course.

Two mornings ago the dumpster was emptied and that night the two frequent visitors were scrounging for food.  Knowing there was nothing to be had, I went to the enclosed dumpster area to drop off some meals for the two frequent visiting felines.  WHOA! Surprise! A wild-eyed furry orange rocket shot out of the dumpster and smoked by me as if propelled by a cannon.  At about the same speed, I jumped backwards!  After my heart rate went down and I dropped off cat food, we all sat back to watch if the feral felines would have a meal on us.  They did.  The best part was seeing them emerge from the trash room and line up under the light, licking their paws and preening themselves happily.  If only we could coax them close and find them homes.  The staff and permanent residents here say they are too wild to catch and only a few have been tamed by people in the campground who live here year round.

A staff member informed me that the catchable cats are rounded up once a year, spayed, neutered and vaccinated, then released back here.  Cat.Rodeo.

Last night a very young ginger kitten (3 - 4 months?) emerged from the shrubbery and Kelly was able to entice it to her site with a can of tuna.  It was friendly and almost came nose to nose with Zuma who is fascinated by anything tiny.  Then the kitten gobbled up the small can of fish and perched near Kelly's for a while.  Perhaps this will be one we can "tame".  

Around dinner time last night Kelly stopped by and told us a tornado had touched down on the other side of Savannah and we were being issued tornado warnings on the news; we turned on the tv and listened to repeated announcements of "Tornado Warning In Our Area".  By 6:30 p.m. the tornado threat had calmed down and so had the tv; we had rain all last night and all day today.  Timely, I guess, as it was effective in getting both Doug and I back to work!

Foghorn and Forsythe Park

February 2, 2016

We went into Savannah yesterday and today to sort out the computer problem and I now have this lovely new computer!  Please bear with me, I am new to blogging and it's even more of a challenge without a machine to blog on.  I think it's all sorted out now, thanks to Doug and Office Max who just said, "Here's a new machine, we can't fix the other one".  



The nearby foghorn woke me up this morning and made me smile, it's dull musical throbbing reminded me of the sounds of Eastbourne, where I grew up. 


  
Great memories of a childhood by the sea.  

Zuma and Doug and I walked around Forsythe Park both yesterday and today; Zuma LOVES it there and we met lots of dogs and people.  Savannah is a very dog-friendly city and at every turn there are dogs, joggers, walkers, all soaking up the warm weather.  It was 78 degrees F yesterday and today a little less than that with a mild breeze.  Perfect walking weather.  We are up to 5 miles a day now, according to the pedometer Doug purchased for me.  This helps me stay on track.  It's a gorgeous trek around the famous park with the Spanish Moss dripping from the trees, camellias, roses and azaleas in bloom. Freshly planted pansies smiling at the sunshine.

When we arrived back "home", Kelly and I went to the Tybee Police Station to have her golf cart registered and then we went shopping at the local tourist haunts and picked up a few goodies!  

In the evenings Kelly, Doug and the dogs and I are enjoying a campfire at "our place".  Zuma and Phoebe are now the dearest of friends and like short walks together and flopping lazily on the rug by our door within sight of each other in the evenings.  Little Peanut the Yorkie in a nearby RV loves Zuma and is very confident; he has no fear of her and she adores him.

Everybody here gets along, helps each other, greets each other.  
Even the dogs have it all figured out.

Kelly and Tom and Phoebe

January 31st, 2016

Yesterday morning we woke up refreshed from our first night in Hula Girl.  It is unbelievably comfortable and cozy!  There's plenty of room for all three of us. We're working on organizing a very small space after living in a very large house.  Both Doug and I are able to work here .... and also able to work through the glitches that come with small spaces.

After digesting her breakfast, Zuma was prancing at the end of her leash, eager for a long walk so off we went to explore the area.When we came back, another RV had pulled into our rather secluded area of the Park.  Enter Kelly, Tom and Phoebe.

HOO-RAY!

We all immediately became friends.  After they got their RV in place, Kelly and Tom invited us out for lunch at Coco's Sunset Grille, a nearby restaurant on the Lazaretto River.  We had a blast! Kelly and Tom have been friends for decades and Kelly works for Tom.  They are a fun and friendly and love living life.

That day, the Islanders held their annual festive Mardi Gras celebration, complete with a parade and numerous activities around the town. We missed watching the parade but were content on the sunny, unpopulated deck at Coco's nursing a frothy, chilled summer cocktail and a delicious seafood lunch with Phoebe lounging at our feet.  She is a very sweet senior citizen lady dog, a Siberian Husky of great distinction who loves nothing more than hanging out with friends.

After a scrumptious lunch of shrimp served in a variety of ways, we headed back home to the RV Park as we all had much to do to set up our "homes on wheels".  As we were leaving Coco's, I jokingly convinced Tom to ask at the bar if he could score some beads for himself as he was so into Mardi Gras and the waiter said sure!

After lunch, Tom decided to hop in a taxi and join the festivities down by the pier.  There was a band and everyone was enjoying the revelry, dancing and singing.  People had booths selling gumbo and Mardi Gras accessories.  Tybee really put on a good time for everyone.  When he arrived home in the evening, Tom was excited to share with us that he'd even joined a Congo Line!  Good thing he was wearing his necklaces!

Meanwhile, Phoebe and Zuma are working on a friendship. Phoebe is 13 years old and has experienced some traumatic events with dogs dominating her so she is understandably nervous around other canines. Zuma is puzzled by Phoebe's defensive barks but slowly they are working things out.  Phoebe will relax once she realizes Zuma is no threat.

pic of Phoebe and Zuma


When Tom returned here from his frivolities at the Mardi Gras celebrations, he came home in one of the island taxis.  The "Breezy Taxi" is hot pink and the headlights sport a huge pair of plastic eyelashes.  Tom claims that Ron, the 40-something driver is "one of the last hippies".  Ron laughed at that comment as he dropped Tom off.  Ron has long blonde hair and jeans with the knees ripped / worn out of them and well, here he is:

pic of Ron 


He is just the coolest guy; he knows everybody's name and says if you want a trip anywhere on the island, all the cabs charge the same amount, $3.00 per person.  Tom also offers services such as walking your dog/taking care of it, picking up groceries, pizza, etc. and delivering it to your door.  I am getting into island living.  

River's End, Tybee Island, Georgia

January 31st, 2016

Doug returned from a few days in Maine on the 28th; he drove my car for 2 1/2 days to get here so we'll be more mobile now.  We decided to check out of The Crabby Pirate a few days early and relocate Hula Girl to the Island RV campground (River's End) and then we can get set up and decide our next move.  

As with any good journey, plans change if you want them to.  When we find somewhere we like, we stay, when we feel our location isn't the best for Zuma and ourselves, we move on. Our most important requirements are to have places to exercise Zuma and nice accommodations for all of us. 



We have been eager to move into Hula Girl so Doug drove her to River's End and we are settling in.  Our first impressions are excellent.  The RV Resort is clean, immaculately maintained and friendly.  The Staff is outstanding, the sites bright and also shaded by huge trees and whatever we need, the sky is the limit. The staff delivers ice, firewood, UPS packages (!) and cannot do enough to be helpful and courteous.  If you had told me a few months ago we would be doing this I never would have believed you, but it's just perfect and we're all getting plenty of warm weather and exercise.  Zuma has settled in quickly here and is very comfortable; we're finding new routes to take to keep it interesting for her.

In the evenings when we go for a walk, we often see 50 or more White Herons perched in the trees along the river/marsh.  They remind me of a gloriously decorated Christmas tree!

Dogs must be kept on a leash here and there are plenty of dogs; they are all sweet and well-mannered and Zuma is in Dog Heaven. We can walk for hours around the area, exploring the cool beach-y cottages and meeting lots of dog fans.  

Zuma has quickly became very popular, bless her heart.  Her even easy-going temperament has made her many friends and wherever we go, people greet her (call out to her) by name and often come to our RV in the morning when we're out having a coffee at the picnic table, just to visit her. It's not uncommon for people driving along the quiet island roads to stop us on our walks and get out of their cars to meet her.  People love it that she lays down for the little dogs, pretending to "get small" so as not to intimidate them.  The little dogs are delighted (though not fooled by her size) and their owners praise Zuma even more for her consideration.  She's going to get a big head with all these compliments.  She is the Jennifer Anniston of dogs here.  After her rough beginning in life, we are so happy for her to receive all this love and affection.