New Roads to Travel

NEW BLOG ADDRESS

2007-12-29T19:46:00.000-08:00

http://web.mac.com/mperry79

I have converted to the cult of the Mac with my new computer and am now publishing my blog with iWeb

-M

Fade to black

2007-08-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

My computer screen has decided to stop working, the computer itself seems to be making the normal churning noises. So tomorrow I will take it somewhere to see what can be done, hopefully it's not the end for the poor old Dell.

-M

2007-08-21T21:43:00.000-07:00

If you're viewing, thanks for sticking with my lack of blogging.

Some posts have all their captions/descriptions there are more to be added to graduation week and the x-country trip, but I must go to bed, I have a early herd check in the a.m. and must leave the house by 6 am.

-M

Only in California

2007-08-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

Alicia, my classmate from vet school is practicing in Merced only 1 1/2 hours north of Visalia. During the first few weeks in California before our practice and on-call schedules heated up, we got together on the weekends to debrief about our weeks, co-workers, clientele, etc... In the past few weeks we've only been chatting on the phone, but this weekend Alicia & Verna will travel south to visit Visalia and go to Sequoia National Park =-)

For one of the early get togethers, we meet halfway between Merced & Visalia, in Fresno. Alicia chose the location, which was cultural, to say the least. We had some extremely authentic Mexican food - I must start working on my Spanish, I'm so inept in California without it.

After dinner, on the way back to the cars, this sign caught our eyes.

Alicia & Greg getting maximum exposure to the harmful substances contained within this parking garage in Fresno.

The Work Truck

2007-08-19T19:32:00.000-07:00

To those of you who received my new address postcard, this picture should look quite familiar. A few of my postcards were returned to sender, so I got to see what they looked like, and I was quite pleased with the way they turned out.

This is my work truck, a 2002 Ford F-250 extended cab, with a Bowie vet box, parked in front of my apartment. Since setting my sights on becoming a large animal veterinarian, I've look forward to the day when I would get the keys to my very own practice vehicle. I've been enjoying my truck thus far, it doesn't have a name yet, but it does have good radio reception and a CD player. The brakes are a little dicey, but that could be because I'm used to the cat-like reflexes of my new Honda. The truck is trustworthy thus far, getting me to and from calls and back home at night. The clinic owns the truck, pays the insurance and I fill it up with gas at the clinic - perks of the job.

Sometimes people passing me or being passed by me, look surprised to see a girl behind the wheel and when I'm singing loudly, dancing in my seat to the radio, I think they are further perplexed.

A place to call my own

2007-08-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

The apartment search from across the country was mildly difficult, but it the end, it worked out great! The wife, of the large animal associate who Greg & I had replaced at Lone Oak, helped me find housing in Visalia. She came across a management company that manages a bunch of apartments in a housing development and she looked at a few of the apartments and thought that 2603 was the best, so I took it, after only seeing a few pictures in an email that she sent me. She also went to the extent to visit other complexes in town and gave me the pros and cons of each.

In the end, my apartment is only 10 minutes from work when I drive the speed limit. I have my own garage and a parking spot next to my garage for my work truck. I have a little back lawn and a back patio. The former tenant was kind enough to grow full-sized and cherry tomatoes that were coming ripe just as I moved in. She also planted a variety of herbs, that have recently gone to flower, they were sort of lost on me, given the fact that I have yet to give into something called cooking(?)
The back patio. I envision a table with 2 chairs coming soon, I just haven't found a set I like yet.
The driveway with neighbors (Pam & Anna's) garage, then my garage next. The open space parallel to my garage is where I pull my truck in at night - it abuts my back lawn.
My own garage, it keeps the dust and dirt of the valley off my car.

Backyard views

2007-08-19T19:21:00.000-07:00

The herb garden that the previous tenant planted. This has become quite overgrown in the past 2 months and I'm thinking of pulling them out. I wanted to replace them with some hardy, but pretty plants - any suggestions before I brave the nurseries?
Tomato plants
The manicured back lawn - the front lawn looks about the same. When I was signing the lease, I was under the impression that I would be responsible for maintaining the lawn and landscaping, but fortunately the sprinklers are on automatic timers and the management company, has a crew that comes in weekly and takes care of the lawns - phew!

I'd imagine that have to maintain this lawn year-round, I'll take a picture again in February, and we'll have to see if it's changed at all. The Central San Joaquin Valley of California is unique in it's sustained consistency in weather, since June 16th, I've woken up each morning to blue skies with sun. It's like the movie Groundhog Day, but luckily I go to different herd checks each day, so I know that time is moving forward. I asked my bosses when it was going to rain and they laughed. I'm thinking about using my vacation days to visit Seattle =-)

Cherry tomatoes from the backyard, very sweet, very tasty - thank-you former tenant for your forethought, I appreciate it. And for those vet girls, you'll recognize Tina's salad spinner, thanks Tina!

Westward Ho!

2007-08-19T19:00:00.000-07:00

Pinckney Road Goodbyes

2007-08-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Houghton Gal Farewell

2007-08-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

One Last Dr. Guard BBQ

2007-08-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Dairy Bitches

2007-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Schoellkopf Stadium Graduation Ceremony

2007-08-19T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hooding Ceremony

2007-08-19T17:12:00.001-07:00

"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence."

Ladies Night Karaoke/Carrie’s Bachelorette Party

2007-08-19T17:00:00.001-07:00

It all started off as an innocent dinner invitation from Tina & Jess to Carrie & myself, it ended up being a full dinner and gifts for the bride-to-be. Carrie was very confused when Jess, Tina and I started walking purposefully to the back of the restaurant and all the other girls were waiting for her expectantly. The dinner was followed by yet more Senior Week festivities, Ladies Night Karaoke at The Haunt. We did a lot of singing/screaming and there are some pictures that I just can’t share with you.

Wine Tour

2007-08-19T16:52:00.001-07:00

The Senior Week festivities continued on Tuesday with a charter bus wine tour to selected vineyards along Seneca Lake. I won’t mention names, oh, yes I will, Tina seasoned wine connoisseur extraordinaire was unable to join us for the festivities, given her indulgences at the Staler Hotel bar the previous evening, and Marlo ended up getting a speeding ticket en route to the bus departure spot because she was LATE, some things never ever change.

Senior Week

2007-08-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

The final week of vet school prior to graduation at Cornell is Senior Week set aside for festivities that bring together the entire vet school class. The week was pretty much filled with one barbeque after another and we saw so much of our classmates, that there were times when you couldn’t wait for it to end. But on a more nostalgic note there were times to reflect on the four years and how far we really did all come in our learning and friendships. Our class started with 86 individuals and I believe that we graduated 81 veterinarians. It’s a number small enough that you know everyone and groups are formed, some may call them cliques, but I was fortunate to find a group of girls that made the experience much more than just academic.

The week started with the Honor Banquet where distinguished individuals from our class received awards based on primarily their academic achievements. I succeeded in spilling the mango sauce that was on my chicken on my dress within the first 5 bites of my dinner, some things never change. I did receive an award strangely not associated with my intended career path at all, the Pfizer Clinical Proficiency Award for Small Animal Dermatology – go figure? The award included a gift certificate to purchase veterinary textbooks, for which I’m excited. The event was held at the Staler Hotel located on Cornell’s campus, our table kept the wine flowing and we even moved the party downstairs to the hotel bar once the awards ceremony had concluded – a classy bunch.

Showering the Bride

2007-08-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

I couldn’t help but posting a few pictures from Carrie’s bridal shower. The shower was held in Syracuse and brought together a good mix of Carrie’s friends from vet school, high school and college. We had good eats, presents, games and an appearance by “flat Garth.” Carrie’s crafty mom constructed a life-size replica of Garth, so that while he was still deployed in Iraq, so that he could join in the festivities. “Flat Garth” provided much entertainment for Carrie & I at our Pinckney Road apartment, but the fun was brought to an end when the “real” Garth came home and disposed of “flat Garth” stating that he was creepy. After the shower I got to experience trying on dresses with my fellow bridesmaids, the offerings from David’s Bridal were hideous and we ended up with some amazing Anne Taylor options in the end (see above).

Another Houghton Wedding

2007-07-01T15:29:00.000-07:00

Just before Senior Week and Graduation festivities I was able to sneak away to Lancaster, Pennsylvania for the weekend to witness the union of my friends Steve & Nicole. It was a wonderful reunion of friends and their growing families. This was my 25th wedding attendance, I'm becoming a pro at this wedding thing. It was good to catch up with friends who have moved, married, travelled, had children, changed jobs, finished school, gone back to school, and some who have just stayed the same. Phil & Heidi - still newlyweds
Cathy Heidi, Amy & Hannah - Houghton Supermodels 3 Anna Maria & Abigail - the waifs turned mothers or vice versa.

A Horsechick gets Hitched

2007-07-01T15:01:00.000-07:00

Easter weekend, my good friend and fellow horsechick from Camp Brookwoods/Deer Run got married in Greenville, South Carolina. It was a whirlwind weekend, flying from Albany to Greenville. In the midst of the weekend I was also studying for my California boards exam, so I wasn't able to partake in all the festivities. I did attend the bridal luncheon, wedding ceremony and lovely reception, where I got to meet Melanie's Sweet Briar sisters.

Melanie & I travelled together to South Africa to attend our friend/horsechick friend Suzie's wedding. Unfortunately, Suzie was unable to attend Melanie's as I hear she expecting (congrats Suz, you were missed).
The pre-wedding bridal portrait - stunning (minus the reflection of the lights, camera, & window). This custom is something that is lost on girls/brides from the north.

The cake

And, cupcakes!

And, white chocolate wedding bells!

Just a small taste of the numerous bouquets of flowers at the reception.

Mark & Melanie cutting the cake.

The bride & I.

Easter in B'ville

2007-07-01T14:47:00.000-07:00

Upon returning from Melanie's wedding I was able to fit in Easter dinner with my family. Then it was back to school, back to Ithaca.

Matthew is bigger every time I see him, he's definitely a Perry.

Tatiana & I in our Easter best.

Ralph - contemplative and always concerned.

2007-07-01T14:45:00.001-07:00

Finally, all of the pictures from my cross-country trek this spring have been posted. =-)

See below.

Dubuque Visit #2

2007-07-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

On my trip home, I stopped in for visit #2 with the Collins Family. This time I got a drive-by tour of the city and a personal tour of the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. After seeing what lives in the depths of the mighty Mississippi, I've thought better of swimming in that river. Now that's a BIG fish!

Mark Twain, Calvin & I

Badlands, South Dakota

2007-07-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

On the way back east from Mount Rushmore I got off the Highway in South Dakota to do a quick drive through Badlands National Park. South Dakota was flat and extremely boring state, anyone who has had the great fortune of driving through this fine state is familiar with the hundreds of signs for Wall Drug. I gave into the peer pressure and stopped at Wall Drug, I was a bit disappointed to discover that it is primarily a retail tourist trap.

Only a warning sign, I actually didn't have the pleasure of seeing any.

More wildlife Another Wall Drug billboard...

2007-03-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I only have time to post pictures, there's lots of captions to go along with the images, so stay tuned.

Crazy Horse Monument

2007-03-15T21:20:00.001-07:00

Glass Beads

2007-03-15T21:14:00.000-07:00

Mt. Rushmore

2007-03-15T21:06:00.000-07:00

Colorado Sunset

2007-03-15T21:03:00.000-07:00

Grand Canyon

2007-03-15T20:56:00.000-07:00

Los Vegas International Speedway

2007-03-15T20:44:00.000-07:00

Drive to the Grand Canyon

2007-03-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Three Rivers, California

2007-03-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks

2007-03-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Big Trees

2007-03-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sequoia National Park - Foothills

2007-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

Land of Fruit & Nuts - Central Valley, California

2007-03-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Lone Oak

2007-03-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

Petaluma Area

2007-03-08T22:18:00.000-08:00

Dillon Beach, CA

2007-03-08T22:14:00.000-08:00

Bodega Bay, CA

2007-03-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

Dunham Family Visit - Oregon

2007-03-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

Harry & David Tour

2007-03-08T21:54:00.000-08:00

This one's for Marlo & the SDI "Estrogen Egg"

2007-03-08T21:49:00.000-08:00

It never gets old!

2007-03-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

She's Got Legs

2007-03-08T21:27:00.000-08:00

CA Happy Cows

2007-03-08T21:19:00.000-08:00

New Zealand Style Swing Parlor

2007-03-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

Almond Tree Blossoms

2007-03-08T20:55:00.000-08:00

Another Rainbow

2007-03-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

The beginning of last week Turlock had more rain, with it came a full rainbow - too big to fit all in one frame.

Yosemite National Park

2007-02-25T12:34:00.000-08:00

Driving to & into Yosemite

2007-02-25T12:27:00.000-08:00

We took the scenic route into Yosemite via highway 120 - there were some beautiful stretches of open land, scenic overlooks and beef cattle grazing.
More road to travel...
This picture and the next were taken at what is labeled in CA with a roadsign "vista point." At this pull off, there was a gentleman (who we mistook for a woman) resting, after biking up the hill. The scenery all around was gorgeous; the pictures do it little justice.
Yosemite views with Half Dome in the far distance.
Views overlooking Yosemite Valley.

Falls

2007-02-25T12:22:00.000-08:00

Self portrait - Greg & I with Yosemite Valley in the background. I'm squinty & Greg actually looks normal =-)
El Capitan, the picture doesn't do it justice - it looks much larger in real life.

Bridalveil Falls @ 620 feet. We thought it was more impressive from a distance, up close it was a delicate misting falls.
Rock views

Standing in front of Lower Yosemite Falls.

Sights

2007-02-25T12:16:00.000-08:00

Yosemite Falls, they say that it's the tallest waterfall in North America at 2,425 feet. This photo shows both Upper Yosemite Fall @ 1,430 feet and the Lower Yosemite Fall @ 675 feet.
Another view of Yosemite Falls
Yosemite Valley, the large rock to the left is El Capitan @ 7,042 feet.
Bridalveil Falls

Lots & lots of evergreens.

Big Trees

2007-02-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

The clouds rolled in along the tree tops at dusk. We arrived at Mariposa Grove (home of the giant redwood trees) at sunset. The road into the grove was closed so we hiked the 2 miles on foot (in sneakers), walking along a packed snow/ice/slush path. By the time we reached the grove, it was dark but the moon was bright and we still could appreciate how overwhelming the trees truly are.
I've never been accused of being "dainty," but I felt like an ant standing next to this giant sequoia. The trees stand around 200 feet tall and are around 30 feet across at the base. The majority of the giant sequoias are over 2,000 years old.

Log Cabin

2007-02-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Friday night we went out to the Log Cabin ,a local dive bar just minutes away from the clinic to enjoy some time away from the clinic building and take in the Turlock nightlife. The bar was small and filled with a handful of regulars; we entertained ourselves with conversation and a review of the collective experiences at Lander. Emilie & Petra flew out on the Saturday and Greg left for Visalia, CA Monday a.m.

Petra & Greg toasting the completion of their 2 week experience with Lander Vet Clinic. Petra was part of the Summer Dairy Institute program that I participated in this past summer. It was great to have a mini-reunion and catch-up with our Canadian SDI-mate.
Petra, Emilie & I - Emilie is a vet student from Purdue who spent a full month externing with Lander Vet Clinic; by the end she was practically an associate.
SDI reunion Greg, Petra & I

Rain..bow

2007-02-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday I got back to the clinic early in the afternoon and not too much was going on. So, I decided to take my car to the Honda dealership in Modesto to get its 5,000 mile service. My trip to the dealership was wasted, as I was informed that I must look at the oil lifetime gauge and stick to that as to when the car needs servicing. The gauge still reads 60% oil life, so I must wait until it gets down to 15%, hopefully that will happen before my trek eastward. On the way back to the clinic, I treated myself to some ice cream at Coldstone Creamery and then passed 2 rainbows driving back to Turlock on the freeway. It was the first time it had rained since arriving in CA.

2007-02-20T19:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I arrived at Lander Veterinary Clinic in Turlock, California. This was my destination in my trip across the country. Jess had come to Lander last January for an externship and raved about her experience. Once the majority of the “dairy bitches + Greg” worked out that we had A-B distributions off, a 9-week period of time, we planned for our own Lander experience. The clinic is a 14 doctor practice that does dairy production medicine almost exclusively. The practice is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley in central California. The San Joaquin Valley is the center of California's dairy industry, with California being the largest dairy state in the US. From Turlock the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park, San Francisco and the California coast are within easy driving distance. My classmate Alicia completed her rotation with Lander a week ago and has now trekked onto Phoenix, AZ for more job interviews. My roommate Carrie just finished her rotation and was flying back to NY as I was driving in, and Greg is still here at Lander for another week, after a trek across the US interviewing. Another added bonus is that Petra a Summer Dairy cohort from Ontario is also here for the week, so it’s a mini SDI reunion. On Sunday, Greg and I drove to the coast along Highway 1 – it was “beautiful!”

California - Highway 1 - Big Sur

2007-02-19T20:50:00.000-08:00

Coastline views
It was a winding trek along the coastline.
Pfeiffer beach

It was VERY windy, but sunny and about 60 degrees. The sands were blowing so hard they exfoilated our faces.

I think my outfit was too dark and I'm blending in with the rock - but here I am.
Greg & I - this is the 3rd ocean we've viewed together - "someday we'll laugh about this!"
I just can't help but take pictures of cows, even if they're beef cows.

Nevada views

2007-02-19T18:24:00.000-08:00

I made the drive from Logan to Turlock, California in 1 day, it took about 13 hours with bathroom, lunch and gas breaks. It was a long haul, but parts of Nevada were deserving of pictures snapped through the windshield. The route across Nevada to CA is a bit barren, but there were always signs of civilization. I passed through Reno during the daylight hours, so I didn’t get to see the neon lights. And, as I came across the Donner Pass into California the landscape changed immensely to evergreens and 3 feet of snow, as drove through the Sierra Nevada’s. (I didn’t get any pictures because the crazy Californian drivers were going 80 mph on winding icy roads – good thing I’m from NY =-)

The Great Salt ....

2007-02-19T18:22:00.000-08:00

I had previously been to Salt Lake City for an AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners) conference. During that visit, we made it out to the Great Salt Lake, but I had never seen what lay beyond – the answer was, lots-o-SALT.

Logan, Utah - Cach Valley

2007-02-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

I visited Logan, Utah for 2 days interviewing with Bridgerland-Cache Animal Hospital. The Cache Valley is gorgeous and I could definitely live surrounded by mountains. My time in Logan reminded me of how lucky I am, to have been exposed to influential, progressive faculty at Cornell, that have shaped the veterinarian that I want to become and the type of practice I am seeking for my first associate position.

The criteria that I have laid out for my perfect job include:

1. I desire to work in a multi-doctor large animal clinic, 4-5 doctors minimum. Not only will this provide multiple individuals to pose inquiries to, but it will also help with the on-call emergency schedule.

2. I want to practice in a progressive dairy area, with practitioners that use an evidence based approach for treatment protocols and decision making. I want to have colleagues that strive to remain current with the changing trends within production animal medicine and I want to work with clientele that strive to make money, not just milk.

3. I NEED to work with horses in some capacity. Not just backyard horses, but horses that are used for competing, whether this means 4-H horses, pony club, or hunter/jumpers. I also want get involved more with equine repro and work with broodmares.

4. I want a practice that can provide me mentorship without coddling me.

5. I want to be paid appropriately, as a new graduate, with a varied and broad exposure to the dairy and equine industry.

The practice didn’t fit these criteria, but I enjoyed getting to visit some dairies in the Logan area and take in the surrounding sites.

Forge on!

Wasatch Mountain Range, Logan, UT

I took a scenic drive along Highway 89, it winds through the Bear River Mountain range. I would have had more pictures, had it not been so winding, steep, and at dusk.
Views from the Highway heading west through Utah - bound for California.

Idaho

2007-02-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

I only drove through Idaho en route to Logan, Utah for yet another job interview. I found Idaho to be a bit on the unattractive side, flatter land that was brown. My judgment may have also been influenced by the grey, gloomy skies. Along the highway, I passed many potato fields, as well as hay fields. Greg (my classmate), who is also driving across the country in pursuit of a job, visited some practices in Idaho which were further to the west, he claims the surroundings were a bit more ascetically pleasing.
Huge square straw bales staked along the highway, a familiar site.
Lava rocks and scrubby brush - this was featured as a geologic site at one of the rest stops.

Montana - Big Sky

2007-02-19T18:01:00.000-08:00

Eastern Montana looks much like the majority of North Dakota and is quite desolate. The rule I developed is, if you can see beef cows in the distance, it means that people were once there. My friend Allison was stationed in Great Falls, MT for 5 years with the Air Force and I never got the opportunity to visit her when she lived in Montana. Ironically, now that she lives in Ohio I had the opportunity to drive through Montana and see some spectacular sites throughout the state. I spent the night in Butte, MT – pronounced bute, not butt. The highway takes you through some amazing twists and turns down the mountain side before dropping you into Butte, a mining town at the base of the mountain range.

On my way to Utah, the following day I had the opportunity to go to the Patagonia outlet in Dillion, MT. I realized after arriving in the small town that it was 50% off the lowest ticketed price sale and there was a line of about 100 people waiting outside the store. I joined in line and made it in the door before they started to restrict people, due to fire code restrictions. I threw some elbows and came out with some great deals. The down side to this experience was waiting in line to check out. A gentleman from Tokyo and 2 older women were in front of me in line. The man purchased $3,800 worth of the merchandise and the women each purchased around ~$1,300 each!

Another experience was being approach at the gas station, by what seemed like a harmless friendly couple originally from Denver. They were curious about a New Yorker all the way out in Montana, we made some idle chit chat and they asked about all the snow New York was getting, etc… In the end, they turned out to be Jehovah’s Witnesses who went back to their car to get me some propaganda. Lesson learned, never trust the overly friendly ones.

Highway views

Descending into Butte, MT.

Train
Beef cows in the distance.

North Dakota Badlands

2007-02-19T17:53:00.002-08:00

The western part of North Dakota was beautiful. The Teddy Roosevelt National Park is extremely rugged, the hills and rock formations stretch on for miles. Unfortunately the park was closed (given that it’s the off season), so, I only have pictures through the windshield. This method of picture taking is effective, with my little Cannon Elph and it helps me make even better time.

North Dakota

2007-02-19T17:53:00.001-08:00

Views of eastern North Dakota.

Salem Sue

2007-02-19T17:13:00.000-08:00

The fastest way from northern Minnesota to Utah was via North Dakota and Montana – so I made the trek. On the way through North Dakota, I saw a road sign advertising Salem Sue and was perplexed. As I drove along the highway I started to see Sue in the distance and just had to get off the highway. I figured that it was a sign – a girl in pursuit of large animal associate position, just happens upon the largest Holstein cow in the WORLD! When I got to the crest of the hill with Sue it was -14 F – Burr!

The new wheels giving a little perspective to Sue.

Looming Sue

Land of 10,000 Lakes -Minnesota

2007-02-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

At the beginning of last week, I spent 2 days in Freeport, MN interviewing for a position with the Freeport Veterinary Service. Before arriving in Minnesota I had seen the temperature predictions for the area -25 F!! But, when I arrived it was in the single digits and up into the teens during the day. While Freeport was small (population 350), the dairy industry is maintaining its hold in the area. Most farms were 125-150 cow tie stall barns, but the practice also had a few larger herds with freestall housing. The horse clients were few and mostly backyard horses.

I stayed at the Country Inn & Suites nearby in Albany, MN – and experienced the Hillcrest Family Restaurant, where I ordered mac & cheese and received out of the box generic mac & cheese, who would have thought??

The state truly has at least 10,000 lakes as the license plate states. Wherever there is a bend in the road – there’s a lake.

Collins Family Visit

2007-02-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

This past weekend I drove from Hudson, MI to Dubuque, Iowa to visit the Collins Family. Pastor Collins was our family pastor at Broadalblin Baptist during my Middle school and High school years. Matt & Carol have 5 boys to which I was the babysitter for 4 of them. They left Broadalbin in 1998. It was incredible how grown-up the boys have become, Kyle is already a senior in college, and it made me feel really old. The weekend allowed time to catch up and I also got to hear Matt preach at Hope Church.

2007-02-15T20:25:00.000-08:00

Collins Family Home
Calvin, Carol and Matt.

2007-02-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

After my interview at Granville, I headed to Ithaca before heading south on Superbowl Sunday to Reading, PA (A.K.A. Reading Railroad on the Monopoly Board Game). In Reading, I interviewed with Willowcreek Animal Hospital for 2 days. The interview went well and I stayed at the practice owner's home with her 2 English setters. The large animal practitioners were great and Dr. Meghan Hain let me perform 2 DA surgeries with minimal assistance - they both went well. The practice area is just north of Lancaster, PA which is known for its stable and historic dairy industry. The farms are small in size and there is fair number of Amish and Mennonite farms.

After my 2 days I started my trek west to my best friend Allison's new home in Beavercreek, Ohio. It was a treacherous drive with horrendous road conditions. On my journey across Western, PA and Ohio I only passed 5 snowplows - SHOCKING! I arrived at Allison's around 2:30 a.m. but was able to crash and sleep-in the following morning. In Ohio, I had a lazy day at Allison's and got to partake in her Wednesday night dinner party.

The following day, I departed at 3:00 a.m. for my trip north to Hudson, Michigan to interview with Dr. Greg Crosley at Countryside Veterinary Clinic. Only after arriving, I realized that I once heard Dr. Crosley speak at AABP about completing a DA surgery in only 20 minutes. I got to actually see this firsthand and it's true. I also realized that I had previously toured farms in Hudson, MI with Summer Dairy on our Midwest Farm Tour. In Michigan it was incredibly cold -in the single digits and negative digits, which is even colder when palpating cows for 6 hours in a 6 row freestall barn. Luckily, my toes survived.

2007-02-15T19:51:00.000-08:00

Dr. Lenora Sammons home, Bethel, PA.
Allison, Chester & I - Ohio
Countryside Veterinary Clinic, Somerset, MI.

The Job Search Begins

2007-02-14T19:31:00.000-08:00

After not receiving an equine internship for next year, I ventured out into the job hunt. I started my search by looking at job posting on the AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners) website. I narrowed my search to jobs that encouraged new graduates to apply, with opportunities to work with cows and horses exclusively. I contacted a number of clinics and started hearing back from a few clinics.

Given the current class and clinical rotations structure at Cornell, I have completed enough classroom credits to graduate in May without having to take classes during what is termed A-B Distributions, a 9-week period of time. I had an externship set-up with a clinic in California and decided that I should drive to California, taking time to interview with clinics along the way, and see the country. This is last time block before my "real life" begins.

My first interview was with Granville Veterinary Service in Granville, NY. The practice area is about 90 minutes from my parents’ farm, right on the Vermont/New York border. I enjoyed my time with the practice and my former equine vet Sarah - now works for the clinic, an added bonus. The clinic took an active interest in me - generously feeding and housing me (what is to become a common theme for my trip).

Between my first and second interviews - I jetted back to Broadalbin for a brief amount of time with the family - then onto Ithaca for much needed packing before my voyage westward.

Passing of the Boards!

2007-02-14T19:22:00.000-08:00

On Friday January 26th, I received a letter in the mail stating that I passed the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).

On the first page in bold print it read "Congratulations......" after that line, I stopped reading took a step back and smiled.

Help control the pet population...

2007-02-14T19:16:00.000-08:00

On January 27th, Perry Spay Camp #3 was held at my parents’ farm. Gill, Jess, Michelle & Matt came to Broadalbin to help in the effort. We started at 8:30 am, and were able to spay & neuter 24 cats before 4 pm – we’ve picked up some speed. Everything ran like a well oiled machine and we're thinking that we could take this show on the road!

And, for an update, all of our surgery patients are doing great.

2007-02-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

Jess, Matt, & Gill - hard at work!
Concentrating
Hmmm?

2007-02-14T19:02:00.000-08:00

My final rotation before A-B Distributions was Large Animal Internal Medicine. The rotation had its ups and downs; I was the student on many terminal cases and was teasingly called “doctor death.” But, many did survive and while I’m not the biggest fan of alpacas and llamas, I love taking pictures of them – how can’t you love that face.

Farewell - Little Car

2007-02-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

With my road-trip approaching, during late December I embarked on a new car search. My little car – a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire had served me well since being purchased in 2001, which only 1,600 miles on it. My car made many trips back and forth from Houghton, SUNY Albany, Union College, HVCC, FMCC, a trip to South Carolina, a trip to Quebec City and many others. Together, we slayed two deer, did a 360 into a snow bank and most recently, ran into a parked F350’s dually tire, causing what I termed a wrinkle in the right front quarter panel. I loved my zippy little car and it was difficult to look for another vehicle. In pursuit of new wheels, I become an avid reader of consumer reports online and became an extremely educated new car buyer. So, when it was all said and done, I purchased a 2007 Silver Honda CRV EX-L. It’s growing on me, but I do miss my little stick shift

2007-02-14T18:50:00.000-08:00

New Years Celebration

2007-02-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was delicious Emily, of cake baking fame, hosted Scott, Jess & I with a meal fit for kings. Unfortunately, Jess was late to the meal, given her psychotic small animal internal medicine clients – but we gathered, feasted and then shoved off for Becky’s party @ 27 Observatory Circle. The New Years party was fun, a time to gather with clinic-mates, residents & interns - a mixing of the ranks. We watched the ball drop, yawning as we commented on how tried we were and how old we all were feeling and then we left for our respective homes.

2007-02-14T18:38:00.000-08:00

The hostess - so domestic!
The table
The Marrieds!
Welcome 2007

2007-01-02T09:36:00.000-08:00

After much heckling, I've put some new posts on the blog.

What follows is a pictorial review of 2006.

Enjoy!

Clinical Rotations

2006-12-30T07:53:00.000-08:00

Jess, Carrie & I - team surgery. We love cows because you can do surgery with them standing up. Getting into the abdomen during the ruminant surgery week - Jess was an excellent assistant.

A horse colic surgery on my large animal emergency rotation - we were VERY busy.

The advantage of being tall - it comes in handy in many situations.

Trying to figure out how it all goes back together - closing a Cesarean section in a cow.

We even work on teeth - repairing fractured incisors in a horse, who unfortunately was kicked by another horse in the mouth.

Jess, Alicia & I - after a long day of palpating cow pregnancies.

Friends

2006-12-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

While enroute from the Philadelphia airport to an externship in NJ, I dropped in to visit my Houghton friend Holly who lives in Philly- it was a fast paced reunion. It was my first time meeting Ponce de Leon.

Mandy (longtime hometown friend) made her way back to Saratoga, NY from Ocala, FL - she travels back and forth, exercise-riding Thoroughbred race horses. We met for ice cream - halfway between Ithaca & Syracuse.

Houghton friend Heidi & I escaped Ithaca and headed south to Marywood University to attend our friend Aaron Harrison's master's art exhibition.

Heidi & I at Marywood University.

Aaron proud potter.

Aaron, Marzella & baby Ava.

Heidi & Phil attended some vet functions including, a student picnic that was filled with vet student dogs. Heidi & Phil couldn't resist cooing. Another milestone this year was Heidi & Phil's wedding, which I was sadly unable to attend because I was in the air between New Zealand & Los Angles.

Visiting Family

2006-12-30T07:46:00.000-08:00

My Grandmother Toni - 90 years young - I've been graced with longevity genes.

Aunt Blithe & Uncle Fred's - Basset Lilly.

Aunt Blithe & Uncle Fred w/their very tall niece.

Cousin Fred & Jen - with Jack & little Grace.

Distribution Class Trips

2006-12-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

During Distributions, I took a variety of classes, but very few pictures. One of my classes was "Pathogens of Animal Manure" - it actually was a very interesting class and we got to take field trips. Including a tour of the waste water treatment facility at the West Point US Military Academy.

The Cadet Chapel at West Point - It was a very gloomy day.

We also visited the wastewater treatment plant for the City of Syracuse. This trip included feasting at the acclaimed Dinosaur BBQ.

Jess' Wedding

2006-12-30T07:39:00.000-08:00

The marrieds - Jess & Scott w/ring bearer Paxson.

The Cornell contingent: Marlo, Steph, Laura, me, Carrie, Gillian, Vanessa, Greg, Alicia, Tina, Annie & Emily - all dressed up.

Carrie (my housemate) & Garth - now engaged! We're all looking forward to July 21, 2006.

Michelle, Emily & I - self portrait. Jess & Scott had a bonfire with family & friends the night before the wedding - much fun!

Michelle, Stephanie, Laura & I.

Time Home

2006-12-30T07:37:00.000-08:00

Matthew (my nephew) playing with his bulldozer - Matthew is enamored with construction equipment and tractors - it comes with farm life.

Robert (my brother) at Fonda Speedway - I was only able to get to the races, once this summer.

Matthew's 3rd birthday - smiles all around and a Buzz Lightyear cake.

Summer Dairy Institute '06

2006-12-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

This is the acclaimed Beta fraternity house, located on west campus. I lived here for the summer with the other SDI participants, we were a big happy family and learned to look past the squalor, lurking behind those doors.

The majority of the Summer Dairy crew at the Plantations.

The girls at the bunk, this was a familiar sight during our Midwest farm tour.

We learned how to keep the girls cool in the summer - sprinklers!

The girls riding the merry-go-round/rotary milking parlor at Fair Oaks Dairy in Indiana. We were also treated to some incredible grilled cheese sandwiches.

Calf hutches galore.

We even got to see robotic milkers in action.

Summer Dairy - Free Time

2006-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:00

Cerah, Dorothy, Marlo & I at Marlo's family farm now transformed to motocross track. It was a full weekend of racing & fun.

Marlo's brother going over one of many jumps at Miles Mountain Motocross

Marlo & I took Montpelier, Ohio by storm. And, in the end, the prodigal bunny has returned =-)

SDI Midwest farm tour - no matter if these girls are at an equine convention in Kentucky or in Kalamazoo, Michigan with the Pfizer drug corporation - we're all smiles.

Alicia, Marlo & Jess - we LOVE Pfizer products!

Jess, Vanessa, Cerah, Marlo & Alicia - dancing queens!

A few patients

2006-12-30T07:19:00.000-08:00

I've had lots of cows as my patients, but the calves are always the cutest and most photogenic.

On my Orthopedic Surgery rotation, I had lots of equine patients and did lots of leg wraps. Here I am with Jane going outside to get some sunshine - we both needed it.

Curiosity

Jersey calves ~ little fawns.

Before New Zealand, I completed the Quality Milk rotation. We got to take a field trip to visit various barn types and milking parlors. This was one of my favorite stops - look at these lounging ladies, so comfortable!

"Spike" my favorite Ophthalmology patient - the little guy had bi-lateral cataract surgery. He came to Cornell blind and left with a new outlook on life. The surgery is preformed in dogs, similarly to the way they are preformed in humans (similar to my surgery). And, dogs also get intraocular lens implants with the surgery.

New Zealand Bound

2006-12-30T07:17:00.000-08:00

Jess & I were able to spend a day and a half in LA on the way to and from New Zealand. Jess' sister-in-law Linnea was the best hostess and showed us ALL the sights.

Showing off the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Beach, California. It was my first time in the Pacific.

These girls are designed to walk & work in sensible shoes. Here is proof that we are good-sports. We were casted as extras in a nightclub scene for Jess' brother-in-law's music video shoot. We were provided heels & bags from Linnea's closet, we wore them reluctantly and soon realized that we are fortunate to be entering a profession where we will be wearing rubber boots & green coveralls - our feet were killing us!

New Zealand

2006-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

Even on the day of our arrival, we went straight to work. We were very pleased with the Waikato dairy region's scenery. Views from Dr. Jess' backyard - located at the base of Te Aroha mountain.

Pasture based dairying - breathtaking!

Dinner out to celebrate Jan & Dorine's anniversary - we coined ourselves their adopted daughters. Jan kept remarking, that we had such big white toothy smiles - it's true.

Dr. Amy King, Jess & I out in the big city of Hamilton - feasting on some delicious sushi.

This was taken by Jess, after we returned to our hostel early in the evening, following an amazing Thai dinner overlooking Lake Taupo w/a tasty bottle of Gewurztaminer. I adopted Jess' policy of early to bed, early to rise - we didn't even have the endurance to stay out late enough for the clubs to open - SO old! The mountain on the NZ Lonely Planet guide book is featured below.

Mt. Ngauruhoe in Tongariro National Park - Jess & I almost missed seeing this spectacular sight, due to some looming cloud cover - but the mountain showed it's peak, much to our surprise.

When I thought of New Zealand prior to my trip, all I imagined, were lush rolling green hills - it's true and they're amazing. When I think of New Zealand now, I also see lots of dairy cows and sheep!

Seeing the Pacific Ocean from the other side of the international date line.

Standing within Cathedral Cove which is located along the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island. This was our realized destination, on the last full day of our road trip. This site is used in many advertisements for New Zealand, including a recent Air New Zealand magazine add.

Feedlot Rotation ~ Okotoks, Alberta, Canada

2006-12-30T06:54:00.000-08:00

Western Feedlots - truly big business. The Canadian Rockies are in the distance - beautiful! (click on it to enlarge)

The 2007 Cornell Dairy Kids - otherwise known as, the dairy bitches + Greg.

Alberta Beef! This trip opened up a whole new world to the Cornell Dairy kids. We didn't know where to begin - we never found the milking parlor.

Greg & I were partnered up on one of the days because we were too "large" to ride in Ashley's vet truck. We got to perform some of the in-the-field surgeries, here Greg is suturing the fistula that we performed in this steer that was having problems with chronic bloat.

Jess & I pretended to study for our national board exam. While Alicia, Greg, & Marlo procrastinated by watching TV. We each brought our choice of drink and mixed in the room - a real classy bunch.

I celebrated my 27th birthday in Alberta. The vets at Feedlot Health Management Services bought me a cake and there was singing - actually 2 times, once at dinner and also, out at the cowboy bar on Friday night.

Greg, Alicia & Marlo - add Jess & I to the equation and that sums up the number that stayed in 1 hotel room (w/2 full sized beds & 1 cot) for 7 full days. We also fit ourselves each w/2 bags + 1 carry-on item into Jess' husband Scott's Subaru station wagon. When we looked at the weight limit on the door panel, we determined that we exceeded it, by hundreds of pounds. We survived the week and are still friends.

Thanksgiving & Christmas

2006-12-30T06:46:00.000-08:00

The dessert feast at Vanessa's Thanksgiving dinner - Carrie & I had two dinner invites this year. And, like true Americans, we overindulged.

The Thanksgiving dinner spread at Scott & Jess' house.

My nephew Matthew (only 3-years-old) sporting his new race suit.

My niece Tatiana showing off her Christmas dress & tree. I look forward to someday having my own tree (when I grow up =-).

The Perry children - look at those toothy smiles. It's a rare occasion to catch all three siblings in one frame.

The lilac bush even sported some colored lights this year.

Mom did a great job decorating the house again this year - this was the side porch. Julie, Allison & I at O'Connor's - it was a mini Broadablin-Perth High School - Class of 1997 reunion - the real 10-year reunion is fast approaching.

Upon returning to Ithaca - I had the pleasure of having dinner with Heidi & Phil in their spiffy new yurt. Heidi made these olive oil lamps as Christmas presents and she uses them to light the yurt.

2006-12-05T13:59:00.000-08:00

To answer the inquiries of the many, Boards went very well! =-) I had a relaxing ~ 1 hour drive to Vestal. I put together a special iPod "power boards mix" to get my body & spirits awake. The testing experience was good, after each section I took a break to walk away from the computer screen and collect my thoughts. I feel good about the majority of the questions, I was given many cow & horse questions, but then again there were quite a few poultry and pet bird questions. Results come back late January, early February. Until then, I forge ahead with my remaining clinical rotation. For the next two weeks I'm on small animal emergency & critical care, actually, I'm just waking up to go in for my 2nd overnight shift - 7pm - 7am. Last night went well, quite busy - we'll see what tonight holds.

Rites of passage

2006-11-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I will drive to Vestal, NY which is an hours drive south of Ithaca to take my veterinary board exam. All fourth year veterinary students in the US & Canada sit for this exam, better known as the NAVLE – North American Veterinary Licensing Examination. The test is 360 questions and the time allotted is 6 ½ hours. The test is administered at a Prometric testing center, so the exam is computer based, similar to the GRE (Graduate Records Examination) that I took prior to applying for vet school. I’m overwhelmed by the task that lies ahead, but I am hopeful, that the powers that be at Cornell University have designed a curriculum that will make me prepared for what lies ahead. The test is open for 4-week period and a handful of my closest friends have completed that exam unscathed, so I am hopeful. The exam covers all species – dogs, cats, pigs, sheep, llamas, alpacas, goats, cows, horses, chickens, hamsters, rats, mice, lizards, turtles, snakes, parrots, budgies, apes, etc.. (you get the picture). So, you can only imagine the facts and figures that are floating through my head. I know that I am capable, but I can hardly believe that this day has arrived and I look forward to its passing. Most importantly, I am “confident of this, that he who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” – Philippians 1:6

2006-11-29T21:04:00.000-08:00

I bought all of these review books with good intentions of spending hours reviewing and quizzing myself, I haven't been as diligent as I had projected myself to be. At least, I 'm not at a loss for review materials. My towering pile of reviewed materials, another pile 1/3 this size remains. Can you tell that I'm type that loves to cross things off the "to-do" list? =-)

Thanksgiving dinner #1 @Vanessa's

2006-11-25T14:32:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving with the McArts

2006-11-25T14:30:00.000-08:00