New Bin Cage for Chunkers the Hamster!

New Bin Cage Playground for Chunkers

Hi guys!

So, a few days ago I adopted a cute little hamster from our local Humane Society.  He came with a double decker cage, which is nice, but too small for a Syrian Hamster.  He didn't have much room at all, and I felt bad for him so went to the Home Depot and bought their biggest clear bin (100L size), and some wire mesh. 

Shopping for bin cage supplies at Home Depot

I asked the nice men at Home Depot, Rocco and Steve,  to cut a big rectangular shape in the bin's lid, and said I'd be happy to pay for the service.  They used a jigsaw to cut the rectangle, and did a great job, and were kind enough to do it for free!

The bin cost $16.00, and the wire mesh was $13.00.  I stopped at the dollar store on the way home and bought some zip ties for a dollar. Total cost of the bin cage play ground: $30.00.  It would have cost more than triple the price to get an aquarium or terrarium as big as the bin, plus it would have been a lot heavier to lift for cleaning.

I don't have pictures of the next steps, but once home, I cut out a rectangle of wire mesh to fit over the hole in the lid with some room to spare. I also cut an opening for the tunnel tube things through the mesh, so that I could connect the playpen bin with the cage, using tubes. 

  Then my Dad drilled holes around the rectangular opening and I secured the mesh onto the lid with zip ties.  There are loads of great Youtube videos that show how to do this.

 If the drill wasn't so big and heavy, I could have done it myself, but I am not strong enough to hold my Dad's big drill with one hand so he did it for me.  I have a a smaller rotary tool that I could have used but don't have a drill bit for it.  I forgot to buy one.

Before I attached the bin cage to the wire cage, I put the entire wire cage in the bin and opened one of the tunnel holes to allow Chunkers to explore yet still have a way to retreat back into his cage if he was scared.  I introduced him to his new wheel, which he loved.  It was a shame that he didn't have one, as hamsters really love them.

Chunkers' new wheel

Chunkers' new hamster house

 I also introduced him to a new hamster house, in the shape of a tree stump.

Chunkers' new puzzle playground

 I also bought him this puzzle playground.  I wondered why it was called a puzzle playground...well, it's because the puzzle is for us, not the hamsters. It came in a zillion pieces and was super hard to put together.  He loves it though; it's his favourite new thing, so totally worth it.

Chunkers loves his puzzle playground

Peekaboo hamster

I let him have 2 days to get used to the bin before I set it all up.  I needn't have bothered, as he's not shy at all, and is super curious.  So curious that he went down the connecting tunnel tube to the his new playground even before it was connected; I was just holding it in place, lol. 

Chunkers and the walnut, lol

 He explored everything, and had a grand old time. 

Bin Cage Playground

I added a huge 12" flying saucer wheel, which he loves, an edible hut, a carrot chew toy, a willow twig ball, and a wooden box.  I wedged the puzzle plaground into the box to give it more stability, and hid a hamster litter box inside the box. 

Chunkers in his new flying saucer spinner

Chunkers is a very happy hamster, and he totally investigated each and every item in his new playground.  

I Adopted a Hamster

Meet Chunkers, my new Syrian hamster.  He was up for adoption at our local humane society and I fell in love with the cute little guy.

Chunkers, adopted Oct. 26, 2017

Isn't he sweet?

I've only had him for a few hours and I already love him.

I miss having a dog so very much but am not able to get another dog where I live.  I saw this guy was available and decided to give him a home.

I am not sure if I'll keep the name Chunkers; it's cute, and it fits him as he's chubby, but I'm not sure how long he's had it.  He was brought in to the Humane Society on Oct. 18th, by a family who said they were moving.  What that has to do with giving up an animal, I'll never know.

He's very friendly and curious and I was told they think he's male, but aren't really sure. 

I have been watching loads of youtube videos about hamster care and plan to make him a big bin cage in the next week or so. I don't want to move him out of his familiar cage yet because hamsters can get sick if they're too stressed, and he just had some big changes, what with leaving his original family, spending a week at the humane society, and then moving here. 

He's watching me right now.  He's absolutely adorable.

8 Month Post Op RNY Surgiversary, Size 12 pants!!! OMG!!!

Today is my 8 month post op weight loss surgery anniversary, or surgiversary, as we weight loss patients like to say. 

I am thrilled, absolutely thrilled, with the progress I've made over the past 8 months.  I've lost 117 Lbs so far, and have gone from a very tight size 24 pants to a size 12!  ME!  I am now half the size that I was on January 11th, when I started my 3 week Optifiast liquid protein diet to ready myself for surgery on Feb. 1st, 2017. It's like a miracle. I mean, I know I've worked hard to get here, but it still seems like a miracle to me.

OK, so earlier today, I went to Sears because it is closing and today was their last day.  I was there on their first day back in the 70's when I was 10 years old so wanted to be there for the last day.  I knew most of the items had already been sold but wanted to go anyway, to get some photos.

Well, there were maybe 4 racks of ladies clothing left, 2 racks of mens, and none at all for children.  Most of the ladies wear that were left were plus sized, and I am not plus sized any more.

I was looking for size 14 pants because that is what I thought I needed.  I have one pair of size 14's that are a bit big, but they are the pull on type pants so I thought for sure I'd need at least a 14, possibly a 16, in jeans and dress pants.  But there were none left.  I found two pairs of pants in size 12 and decided to get them and shrink into them, maybe in the next two months or so, hopefully by Christmas.  That was my goal. One was a pair of navy dress pants with shape wear built in to flatten the tummy and lift the bum.  Regular $70.00, but now on for 95% off, so I grabbed them.  I also grabbed a pair of burgundy skinny jeans, also size 12, also regular $70.00 but on for 95% off .  Neither pair of pants were things I'd normally get; I basically just buy black, usually, but for 95% off I was willing to buy ANYTHING even remotely close to my size, lol.

So I bought them ($7.50 for both pairs of pants, including tax!), then went to Walmart and just for the heck of it, decided to try on the same pants I was already wearing in a  loose size 14,  in a size 12.  And they fit.  I immediately started jumping up and down, clapping my hands, yelling "woohoo!".

Seriously, size 12 seemed like a dream that I couldn't attain.  I was happy to be size 14.  I have never been less than a 14 since I was 24 years old, and I only hit size 14 twice between the ages of 24 and 40-something, and have been size 20 or bigger for years.  Size 12?  A nice dream, something nice to think about but I didn't think it would happen.  I hoped it would happen but didn't believe it.

So after I got home I tried on the sale pants from Sears, and even though the Walmart size 12's fit, I didn't expect the Sears size 12's to fit...but they do!  Not only do they fit, they fit nicely, not tight at all!  I didn't have to force the zipper up or anything.  I am a size 12.  Me.  Size 12. I'm feeling euphoric!

I hope this isn't a dream. I hope I am not sleeping right now, dreaming I'm size 12.

I need to update this blog in a major way. I've been crocheting, walking, bike riding, taking lots of photos...then I'm too tired to blog, lol.  I will try to do better in the future.  In the meantime, here are some cool photos of Sears on their last day.  Goodbye Sears, I'll miss you.  Thank you for the amazing size 12 pants for 95% off, lol.

First Bike Camping Trip!

Last Friday I went on my first bike camping trip.  It's been crazy busy and I was away at our family cottage for a few days shortly after, so haven't had time to get on here until now.

I had such a great time!  (There are loads of photos, and each can be clicked on to make them bigger.)

It wasn't a long trip, only about 20 km there, 20 back, but they were hilly kilometers and I was carrying about 50 Lbs of gear on my 30 Lb bike....very different feel from my normal bike rides; much more difficult.

Loaded bike

 Here's my bike, all loaded and propped against the house because it was so heavy my kickstand wouldn't support the weight.

Getting ready to head out for my first bike camping trip

 Here I am with my trusty steed, Corabelle, getting ready to head out.  My Mom is in the background, telling me I'm totally crazy, lol.

Me and my loaded bike

 I'd never ridden a loaded bike before, and it took some getting used to.  I can't imagine how much harder front racks and panniers must be for steering.  I'm ordering some in the winter so I'll be all set for next spring, lol.

Creek along the route

 About half of my ride was along a quiet country road called Base Line. There were lots of pretty creeks and a few narrow bridges.  The above photo is one of them.  I was going so slowly that I was passed by a farm tractor towing a trailer, lol.

The turn from Base Line to Airport Road

 The turn from Base Line to Airport Road is tricky because the fist thing I had to do once I turned was climb a hill.  I made it up every single hill on this trip, and there were lots of them.  Thankfully not too big, but last year I wouldn't have made it up a single one, never mind carrying so much stuff.

Airport Road

 My bike is a hybrid bike, a comfort bike crossed with a beach bike, and it's very comfortable.  I love the upright position and I love my bike,  but in all honesty a mountain bike would be easier for carrying stuff, and for giving me alternate hand positions.  My hands grew numb quickly from the single handle bars, and I had to keep shaking them out.

Arriving at the campground

 This shot is "before the collapse" taken just as I arrived at the campground.  I felt fine until I stopped, got off the bike, and immediately became so dizzy I could barely stand up.

I went in to register and almost collapsed. The couple who run the place brought me to a shady spot behind the building and let me sit in a lawn chair in the shade until I recovered.  They said I had a touch of heat stroke and needed to just sit still and drink water.  I'd been drinking G2 on the ride but I guess I didn't drink enough of it for such a hard ride on such a hot day.  I had a sunburn on my face, neck, shoulders, and even the part in my hair was beet red.

As I sat, relaxing, I could feel eyes on my.  I looked up to see the cutest little red squirrel peering over the roof, looking at me.  We sat staring at one another for quite some time.  It's probably just me, but the squirrel looked concerned, lol

My camp site

 When the world finally stopped spinning, I went to find my camp spot, which was not easy, lol.  I parked my bike and decided I'd better eat something.

Lunch!

 This snack sized tuna kit was perfect; a tiny can of tuna, 6 crackers, a napkin and spoon.  It was yummy and I felt even better after getting some protein and carbs in me.

Close up of lunch (yum!)

 After lunch I set up my tent.  I was still super hot so I decided to change into my bathing suit and ride over to the beach.

Going for a swim

 The water was lovely; warm, for once.  Lake Superior is usually frigid. I swam for about an hour and a half, but leisurely.  I did laps then let the waves carry me away for some distance, then swam back, over and over again.

Pointe Des Chenes beach

 It was really gorgeous out there.  I love the beach.

My tent and bike

 My camp site was  rocky but OK.  My tent was a tad too small for me and I am considering getting a bigger one. THis is fine if it stays dry but if it rains I'd be in trouble because when I lay down, my head and feet touch either end.

Sunset at the beach

 I went back to the beach to watch the sunset over the water.  It was spectacular.

Wood was too wet to start a fire

 I tried to start a fire, but the wood was too wet.

 I gave up on the fire and cooked supper on my little cat can alcohol stove.  It's just a Friskie's can with holes drilled along the upper edge to let the fire out the sides so that the fire won't go out when a pot or pan is placed upon it.  It worked perfectly to reheat my burger, which I cooked ahead and then froze.  It was mostly thawed by the time I cooked it.  I then melted the cheese when it was done. It was yummy.

Supper cooked on cat can alcohol stove

I had a great time and am looking forward to doing it again.  The only downfall of the trip was a group of noisy people set up next to me and let their kids scream until about 1 AM.  I was exhausted and every time I fell asleep, the kids would wake me up.  The park is supposed to be quiet after 10 PM and that family was really inconsiderate. The adults were super loud too.  Other than that, I had a great time.

32 km bike ride along the Hub Trail

Yesterday I did an almost 32 km bike ride, and it was difficult because half of it was extremely hilly, but I made it.

The hub trail, SSM

I lost the trail for a bit but found it again.  Most of this ride is on bike paths, but some spots are on road, on either bike paths on the road or wide paved shoulders.  Only a few blocks on the actual trail were on roads without paved shoulders, but those portions were in quiet neighbourhoods.  I have to ride through neighbourhood streets to get to the trail, and to get off the trail too.

Hill at entrance to trail

 The above photo was taken from the top of the first hill.  It's kind of hard to see the street way down at the bottom of the hill, with the tiny cars, but that is where I came from, and it was quite a steep hill. I made it to the top but it made my entire body shaky for over an hour after. I have no idea what caused that shaky feeling.

Fort Creek

 This is the main creek that this conservation area is named after: Fort Creek.  There are also loads of smaller creeks that feed into this one.

This is the first of many bridges I had to cross, some quite high.

 There are several bridges throughout this portion of the trail; some quite high up, with pretty views.

 I had to walk up this hill.  This photo was taken at the top, to show the pretty wildflowers and rock wall.  The rock wall was a great place to sit and rest.  It was super hot and humid out.

From the bridge

View from bridge

 The bridge views were very pretty.  It's hard to tell, but that is actually a wide and really tall trees, below.

 The sides of this bridge were about one inch taller than me, so about 5'5" tall.

 These trail signs are everywhere on the dedicated trail, but nowhere to be found on the streets, where they are really needed to mark the trail.  Notice the bear warning sign.  I was worried bears would smell my pepperoni and cheese supper, lol.  I had it wrapped securely in a thick cooler bag.

 Prouse Motors built this nice shelter/rest area for bike riders/walkers, just before Highway 17 West.  I stopped and enjoyed the shade.

 I made a pit stop for G2 and also bought some pork rinds, but didn't eat them.

 I took this photo of my bike near the new hospital as I couldn't believe I made it there, lol.

 The photo above shows the bike shop where I bought my bike.  They have a picnic/camping area for people to use.  I stopped to get a trail map, and met a couple who are cycling from the Sault to Southern Ontario!  OMG; what an amazing trip that would be, but scary.  The TransCanada highway would suck for bike riding.

 This is the intersection for Highway 17 East., leaving town.  I may do this section one day soon if I decide to do another bike camping trip after my first test trip to Pointe Des Chenes.  It will be a longer trip, 3 or 4 nights instead of 1, if I work up the courage to ride on the highway.

 A nice shady section of the trail.

 Topsail Island at Belleview Park.

 Sunset at Belleview Park.

 Darkness falls on the boardwalk, near the mall.  The trail is nicely lit up, and I have bike lights and reflectors so I was quite safe.

 This is the intersection near the underpass.

This last pic shows how dark it was when I got home. That's my house, with the bright light shining.

It was a great ride and I had lots of fun, despite the rough start with all of the hills.  I'm very surprised I was able to make it up so many of them.