The Wild, Wild World of Jackson Harering

I'm Four Today

2011-06-01T20:26:00.012-05:00

Greetings everyone. I know it has been awhile since I updated you. I am finally living in my new house with both my parents. It has been a crazy year. So why not celebrate with a fantastic birthday bash?

That's right, I am FOUR years old today.

I am enjoying my new house so much that I nearly forgot my birthday was coming until Mom asked me what I wanted this year. I told her nothing special. I also specifically said NO HATS!

So what did I get? A HUGE cake, decorations, and a HAT! Imagine that my Mom didn't listen to either comment (I suppose this is what all bunny Moms do on birthdays).

Since my Mom went through the effort of decorating my new room and making me a cake, I wore the hat (for 10 seconds, maybe less). A bun's gotta do what a bun's gotta do to get to the good stuff: CAKE!

Here you can see my room decoration. Pretty cool, if I don't say so myself.

Here are a few photos of my custom-baked oat/carrot/banana/cilantro cake. YUMMY!

Okay Mom...I promise I will sit patiently for a few seconds...but honestly, I want my cake NOW!

It's cake time!

I can't get enough of this cake! And surprisingly, my Mom didn't care that I had my feet on the plate.

Did I mention that I REALLY like cake?

I think I have officially conquered another birthday, don't you?

Now if you will excuse me, I must get back to my cake. Bye for now...

My New Favorite Toy

2011-01-11T21:30:00.002-06:00

Mom bought me a "BunnyIQ" toy from my friends at BunSpace. I wasn't so sure I like the idea of having an "IQ" game. I'm the smartest rabbit on the block (well...I am the only rabbit on the block...but I digress).

I didn't really like the game at first but once I figured out that I get a treat every single time I play, I learned how to play it really fast! Check out the video Mom took of me with her phone.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-12T22:05:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone...it has been a long time since we've last spoken. Things are just as crazy as usual in my house. My mom is busy with her museum job and I only get to see my dad on the weekends (when he isn't traveling for his job). Thump!

This year I begged my mom not to take me to see the big red man with a beard (AKA Santa). She agreed, but she failed to mention that I would have to wear a few hats for this year's holiday photos. Ugh! You know how much I hate hats!

Here are a few of the photos mom managed to take while I worked my best to take these stupid reindeer and Santa hats off!

FINALLY...I escaped the Santa hat....

....and took off straight for my box.

Happy Holidays!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-06-06T18:31:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone...I know it has been a LONG time since I've updated you on my life. Trust me...life is a bit crazy in my house. I'll catch you up below. But first I must share a few photos from my third birthday.

Here I am playing with my hat (those of you who know me...know how I really feel about the hats Mom makes me wear!).

Here's my cake...complete with 3 carrot candles.

Thanks Mom!

Enough with the hat....I want to eat cake!

A few more close ups.

As for the craziness in my house. Here's a brief recap of what's happened since my last update.

My Mom is finishing her job with the State of Iowa and she is also working as the new Executive Director of the Muscatine History and Industry Center. She's working both jobs on a part-time basis...or that's what she attempts. She also just finished a pictorial book of Muscatine history. Hence why I haven't had much computer time. Plus, my dad got a new position and he has to work 2.5 hours away! Mom and Dad have bought a townhome in Ankeny, Iowa. That's where Dad is going to live during the week. He will come home to see me on the weekends. I'm not sure how this is really going to work and I can tell Mom and Dad are both a bit stressed.

Anyway, I hope to have more time to update you on my life once Mom starts full-time at the museum next month.

Until next time....

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-29T18:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween everyone! Tonight I tried on my costume for the big day (OK...Mom made me try on my costume). I normally don't like it when Mom puts a hat on my head, but today I was excited to get dressed up for Halloween. Can you guess who I am?

Still don't know? I am Jackson Harering Potter. Get it? Harering (Harry) Potter. Pretty neat, eh?

And with my special powers, if I nod my head candy corn suddenly appears! (OK...mom and dad somehow made the candy corn appear. Can't a bunny dream?).

Here are a few more photos of me in my costume.

In my last post, I told you that Mom was worried I wasn't feeling very well. I really feel fine but Mom took me to the vet anyway. I guess I have something called anemia. I also test positive for something Mom calls EC. I heard her talking to the vet's office today. I think she is going to make me take medicine. Yuck! But don't worry, I feel just fine.

Happy Halloween! Catch me if you can....

New Photos of Me

2009-10-05T21:59:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. I have had a very bad day. Mom made me go to the vet today. She thinks I am drinking too much water...and that means there is something wrong with me. I feel just fine, but Mom thinks there is something wrong.

Well I think I am fine, but I am mad at her for making me get a ton of tests today. But I can't stay mad too long. I did let Mom take photos of me tonight. Enjoy!

Bye for now!

I Must Be the Lucky Charm...Cards Win!

2009-09-26T22:32:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. I know it has been a long time since I've updated my blog. My Mom's new job is taking TONS more time than she thought. So I've been spending my days and nights figuring out ways to get on her nerves (I have suddenly found that Dad's speakers taste REALLY good!). Hehe..

Tonight Mom let me get on her computer to celebrate the Cardinals winning the NL Central Division. I knew wearing my Dad's Cards hat on opening day was going to give the Redbirds the extra push they needed.

I think I had better keep the cap close...there are still plenty of games before the World Series.

Paws crossed. Bye for now!

Special Visitors

2009-07-31T22:37:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you.

I had VERY special visitors at my house this week. My Grandma and Grandpa McHugh came to see me! I was SO excited when my Mom told me they were visiting. I don't get to see them very often.

I love hanging out with Grandpa McHugh because he will roll around with me on the floor. Here I am checking Grandpa out.

And don't tell anyone...but I even gave Grandpa a few licks to show him I was so happy to see him. Hehe...

Grandma McHugh looks really good. She lost her hair while fighting cancer last year but it is starting to grow back. Even better, Grandma is officially in remission. She can't play with me on the floor but I did let her hold me in the chair (for a few minutes...not that I don't love Grandma...I would just rather be on the floor).

Grandma and Grandpa are moving to a place called The Woodlands in Texas. My Mom drove Grandma and her car to Texas last week and then flew home. I'm super happy for Grandma and Grandpa and I am really glad I got to see them before they moved.

Until next time....

Pin Up Bunny?

2009-07-18T13:53:00.006-05:00

I have some exciting news to share. I am going to be featured in the 2010 (and first-ever) BunSpace calendar!

A few months ago, BunSpace (the social networking site for house rabbit owners) teamed up with the House Rabbit Society to sponsor a calendar photo contest. Mom paid a small fee to enter two photos of me...with the proceeds benefiting the House Rabbit Society. Hundreds of photos were submitted by bunny parents around the world and BunSpace members voted on their favorite photo.

I was stunned this morning to learn that this photo finished in 10th place of all of the photos submitted! (Mom titled it: Bundolf the Brown Nose Bundeer)

This means this photo will be part of the calendar. How cool is that?! My dad says if I keep this up I might have to get my own agent!

You know, I HATE wearing those stupid hats and costumes Mom brings home for me. But now that I am going to be famous, I forgive her for making me wear them.

That's all from me today. I am celebrating with hay, a few treats, and a long nap!
Bye for now....

Remembering Mr. Cronkite

2009-07-17T23:26:00.002-05:00

It has been a very sad night at my house. Legendary newsman Walter Cronkite died earlier this evening in New York. He was 92.

My mom had the honor of working with Mr. Cronkite on a few radio projects back in 2001. Here is a photo of Mom, her friend Keith, and producer Reese Erlich with Mr. Cronkite.

I didn't know Mr. Cronkite but in watching the news coverage tonight I am sure he was a friend to all rabbits.

May he rest in peace as he crosses the rainbow bridge.

She Caught Me!

2009-06-09T09:49:00.002-05:00

Yep...she caught me. I am not proud of it. But what can I do? Sometimes I need my beauty rest! Being an active rabbit is hard work!

This morning my Mom caught me at my most vulnerable moment....relaxing after a good run around the house. Mom LOVES it when I flop down on the floor. I just wish she wouldn't document it. But alas, she did. Here are the pictures to prove it.

Now...I need to get back to my nap. Bye for now!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2009-06-01T18:57:00.011-05:00

Hi everyone! Today is a big day in my life. I am officially TWO years old.

Last year I didn't really know what a birthday was. But I learn quickly so I was prepared this year. I started bugging Mom about my birthday over a week ago. At first she pretended not to notice. Finally she asked me what I wanted for my "big day" this year. I told her I wanted a cake just like last year (but with 2 candles...because I am TWO now). I also told her I wanted streamers but NO party hats. Well I almost got my wish.

During the night, the birthday fairy decorated my room with colorful streamers.

Then Mom and Dad brought me a bunny-shaped cake with TWO carrot candles and cilantro. I was so happy I couldn't wait to eat it!

But then Mom did make me put on a hat. Oh well...I decided I could wear the hat for a bit since Mom made me the cake I wanted.

I tackled the cilantro first.

Then I stuck my face right in the middle.

Finally I ditched the hat and attacked the "candles."

Here are some more photos from my big day.

Enough with the photos....can I please have more cake?!

Oh...one more thing...I told Mom that I didn't want a pile of gifts this year. Instead I told her I wanted to give the bunnies at the local humane society some hay and treats...because every bunny should have hay and treats....even if they don't have a home. So Mom is taking a bag of goodies to the Muscatine Humane Society this week.

Thanks Mom! This was the best birthday ever!

Now...I must get back to my cake.

Bye for now!

Just Hanging Around

2009-05-25T11:15:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope you are enjoying the long holiday weekend. I know I am.

I was just hanging around this morning after my carrot-enriched breakfast when Mom told me it was time to clean up my room. Clean up? There is nothing wrong with my room!

I pretended to ignore Mom and started taking a bath....

Mom thought this was amusing but she told me that's not what she meant. OK....OK! I immediately started "vacuuming" up the hay that had mysteriously escaped from my cage.

Whew! All of this cleaning makes me tired. It's time to take a nap!

Mom is still not amused. She says I am grounded until I do a better job of cleaning up my space. THUMP!

Bye for now....

My Newest Passion

2009-05-13T09:30:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone. I need to send a special shout out to my parents today. My Mom and Dad are celebrating their 14th wedding anniversary today. WOW! That's a LONG time to be married. Congratulations!

Now onto other important things: as many of you know, I LOVE to chew on boxes. Give me a box and I will start shredding it in no time. Don't believe me? Check out these photos Mom took of me this week.

Chewing boxes is SO much fun, I could do it all day. But I've found a new passion that makes me happy AND drives my Mom insane. I have finally figured out how to get under the chair in the den. Hehe.

I carefully check to see if Mom is looking. Then I tuck my head under the corner.

Then I run under the chair...

...before finally coming out the other side.

I could play with the chair all day, but for some reason Mom isn't too happy about my new abilities. She makes me go back to my "room" when she catches me under the chair.

But she doesn't stay mad for very long. She always give me head rubs...another one of my favorites. I like it best when she scratches my nose as I hold my head high in the air.

That's all for now....hope you are having a great week!

Special Delivery!

2009-05-08T11:36:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope all is well with you.

This morning I was just hanging around. It has been cloudy and rainy most of the week so I was feeling a bit blue.

But then Mom came rushing down the stairs to tell me I got a special package in the mail. Me? I hardly ever get anything in the mail. I was so excited.

I was even more excited when I found out it was a card from my BunSpace friends Cotufa, Bubbles, Muffin, Peanut, and Bunnito in Florida. How awesome is that?

My Mom is volunteering as a reading tutor at a local elementary school so she helped me read the card.

As soon as we were done with that, I showed it off to my BearBun and Dot (my new friend from the Easter Bunny).

Thanks Cotufa, Bubbles, Muffin, Peanut, and Bunnito! You are awesome friends and you made my day!

On an unrelated note, I am sad to tell you that I don't have any new friends on my front porch. The eggs in the nest by the front door haven't hatched. My Dad thinks something (like the front door opening and closing several times a day) scared away the momma bird. :(

Until next time..... JH.

New Housemates

2009-04-21T17:06:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you.

The calendar says spring has arrived in Muscatine. It is still pretty chilly outside but Mom says the signs of spring are everywhere including on my front porch. My Mom has two trees full of white lights by the front door. Dad calls them "decorations." But apparently a wren has decided one of the trees is a perfect spot for a nest. This week Mom spotted 4 eggs in the nest.

Mom says if all goes well, I will have four new friends with wings pretty soon. I'll keep you posted.

Bye for now!

Guest Blogger: Pacer from BunSpace

2009-04-12T11:54:00.015-05:00

Greetings! My name is Pacer and I am the traveling BunSpace rabbit. This week I am visiting my good friend Jackson Harering in Muscatine, Iowa.

As you can see from the previous post, Jackson Harering (or JH as I like to call him) and I had an awesome Easter. Thank you Easter Bunny!

JH wanted me to see his hometown so he sent me out and about with his parents Kristin and Eugene. JH kindly kept an eye on my Easter basket while I was away.

Muscatine is located in southeast Iowa along the Mississippi River. It didn't take me long to see the what the big attraction is in Muscatine. It's the river, of course!

Below you can see behind me a boat called the "Pearl Button" that was docked along the river.

Here you can see me with the Norbert F. Becky Bridge behind me. The bridge connects Muscatine to the State of Illinois.

And if you look really carefully past the bridge, you can see Lock and Dam 16. This is one of the many Lock and Dams along the Mississippi River that help big boats, including barges, move up and down the river. There were a few barges near the Lock and Dam when I visited the riverfront.

Muscatine has a really nice park along the river. One of the first things I saw (besides the river) was this HUGE statue.

The statue is called "Mississippi Harvest." It is made of bronze and Kristin told me it was made just for Muscatine based on a historic photograph. Kristin should know. She was one of the people who helped to push the idea forward and raise money for the statue.

Here I am by the name plate of the statue.

And just so you can get a feel for how BIG the statue is, here is a picture of me with the statue.

Can you even see me? I am just a small speck compared to the big bronze guy! In fact, the mussels (which look like clam shells but Kristin swears they are mussels) in the boat of the statue are bigger than I am!

The statue was named "Mississippi Harvest" because more than 100 years ago people in Muscatine started digging up the mussels in the river. Kristin says the shells were made into pearl buttons and Muscatine became known as the "Pearl Button Capital of the World." Pearl buttons are no longer made in Muscatine but you can still find pieces of pearly shells around town. We found these broken shell pieces on our walk along the riverfront.

Once I was finished examining the big statue, we walked to a place called the "Millennium Plaza."

The plaza has many plaques that tell important stories about Muscatine. I found this one most interesting. The famous author Mark Twain (real name Samuel Clemens) once lived and worked in Muscatine.

Clemens worked at the Muscatine Journal and later wrote about the sunsets in Muscatine in his book, Life on the Mississippi. "And I remember Muscatine—still more pleasantly—for its summer sunsets. I have never seen any, on either side of the ocean, that equaled them. "

Kristin says Muscatine is so proud of the Twain quote that a symbol of a sunset is one of the city's logos. You can see me here by the sunset logo in "Millennium Plaza."

Kristin and Eugene told me that many residents raised money to help build the plaza by buying special bricks that make up a portion of the floor of the plaza. Kristin and Eugene bought a special brick in memory of their first rabbit, appropriately named Buttons.

Not far from the plaza is a HUGE rock. The rock marks a spot called "Casey's Landing." Before Muscatine was known as a city it was known as Casey's Landing.

After my visit to the riverfront, Kristin took me to the Muscatine Art Center. Kristin is the president of the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center. Jackson Harering tells me his Mom spends lots of time at the Art Center.

JH's bunsitter, "Aunt Lynn", works at the Art Center and I got to meet her. She is VERY nice.

"Aunt Lynn" showed me the latest art work in the big museum gallery. It is called the Mosaic Project. It is really neat and colorful. Students in Muscatine painted or colored 6x6 canvases and then the art center staff put them together so it looks like one big painting. Very cool!

I hope you enjoyed the little tour of Muscatine as much as I did. I really have had a great time visiting with Jackson Harering and his parents. I will miss them but I have many more bunny houses to see. You can follow my progress on BunSpace.

Pacer

Hoppy Easter 2009!

2009-04-12T11:46:00.016-05:00

Happy Easter...or as I like to say Hoppy Bunny Day!

It has been a busy 24 hours here at my house. Just like last year, the most important bunny in the world, the Easter Bunny, asked me to assist him with his Easter duties. Of course, I hopped at the chance (hehe...hopped...get it?). And since Pacer is visiting me, I asked my famous BunSpace friend to help me.

We've spent the past several hours hiding colorful plastic eggs full of candy for the kids in my neighborhood. We would show you examples of our work but then we would have to show you our hiding spots. That wouldn't be any fun, would it? :)

Being the Easter Bunny's helpers really wore us out. So Pacer and I were planning on spending a quiet afternoon taking a nap. But when we got home, we found the Easter Bunny had left both of us baskets FULL of fun stuff. He told my Mom it was his way of thanking us for helping this year. I think we owe the Easter Bunny a big THANKS!

My basket was stuffed with timothy hay and a few hidden berry yogurt drops (my favorite). I also got a new stuffed bunny to play with, a fun food basket, a wooden chew toy to hang from my cage, a baseball chew toy (it is baseball season after all), a box of lofty treats, a box of raviolos, and special bunny keyring with yummy wooden carrots. The Easter Bunny left me a note to say the last two items were specially requested by my Grandma and Grandpa McHugh. Awesome!

I couldn't wait to check out my basket!

Pacer's basket included a new stuffed friend, a baseball chew toy like mine, and treats. Pacer was SO surprised that he got a basket that he wasn't sure what to do. Naturally, I stepped in and helped him inspect it.

Of course, we had to check out Pacer's basket from ALL sides.

Here are some more photos of me and Pacer checking out out Easter Baskets.

Once Pacer was settled and enjoying his basket, I quickly got to work introducing my new stuffed bunny to my bearbun.

Then I got busy playing with my new baseball and bunny keyring.

Then I swiped a treat from my basket and went into one of my favorite corners to savor it. By the time Mom took this picture all that was left was a pile of crumbs. :)

Finally I asked Mom to help me hang my new food basket and wooden chew toy in my cage. I think they really brighten up my space, don't you?

Hoppy Easter everyone from the McHugh-Johnston household (and Pacer too!).

Meet My Friend Pacer!

2009-04-10T22:38:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone! I have some VERY exciting news. I have a special visitor staying with me this week. His name is Pacer.

Pacer is the traveling BunSpace mascot. I am a proud member of BunSpace and I have been reading about his adventures. I can't believe he decided to stop and visit my house as he travels all across the United States! He gets to travel like my friend Flat Michael. How cool is that?

Here we are meeting for the first time.

Immediately, I gave Pacer a tour of my room. I started with the one place my Mom does NOT want me to be: on top of my cage. Hehe...Pacer and I are such rebels!

Here I am explaining the special technique required to jump on top of the cage without my Mom knowing. :)

My Mom did let us stay on top of my cage long enough to take a few photos but she quickly made us get down. Thump!

Next I introduced Pacer to my bearbun and I even let him play inside my FAVORITE box (for a few minutes).

Then I put Pacer through the paces of my "racetrack" tube. Get it? Paces...LOL! I raced into the tube and Pacer followed....

...Mom snapped this picture as Pacer was exiting the tube and I was getting ready to run back in the other side (see me in the back of the photo).

Once we were worn out from doing the "Bunny 500" I showed Pacer the finer points of shredding a box. I think he is a quick learner, don't you?

Whew! I am exhausted. I think Pacer and I will take a nap now. In the next few days, I am going to make sure Pacer gets to see my town, Muscatine ,before he heads to his next stop.

I'll keep you posted. Bye for now!

I'm Back!

2009-04-09T20:37:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone! It has been a LONG time since I updated my blog. I apologize...on behalf of my Mom. See...Mom is the person who helps me update my site and she's had a busy winter. But don't worry, I've been up to my usual antics.

Now that I FINALLY have some computer time, I thought I would share with you what I've been up to in the past few months.

I don't know about you, but I've spent FAR too much time watching the snow fall since my last update.

The snow does NOT make my Mom very happy. So I do my best to keep a smile on her face (well at least when she isn't out traveling somewhere). Here's my plan of attack.

First, I strike my "look how cool I am" pose for Mom.

Pretty good, don't you think? Second, I jump all over her (making sure to leave LOTS of fur on her clothes) before licking her face.

This technique never fails. Mom is ALWAYS happy when I do this.

Part of this winter my Mom spent her final months working at her job making radio programs. I know Mom is very sad she is no longer working and I am sad for her. But I think my Dad is kind of happy Mom is going to be home more often. See, I have developed a MAJOR craving for boxes. Give me a box and I will shred it to my liking in no time.

And if I'm not shredding my boxes, I am playing in them.

Check out the new hole I chewed through my favorite big box!

Isn't that awesome?! Dad tells me I am super talented at making a mess. And I really don't like to disappoint my Dad...so sometimes I throw my hay all over my room. Hehe...

I did have one very special day in January. Mom let me watch the inauguration of President Barak Obama. Don't tell anyone but my Mom cried when President Obama took the oath of office.

Well that's my winter update. I hope now that Mom is home more often that I will be back to blogging more. And I certainly will have to update you on the big festivities of this weekend (Easter...or as I like to say...BUNNY SUNDAY). Mom says I am going to have a special friend visit this weekend. I can't wait!

Bye for now!

The Man in the Big Red Suit...and more

2008-12-15T22:47:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone! I know it has been a long time since I posted last. I hope you didn't forget about me.

I haven't posted in awhile because of Mom. First, she was supposed to be in India but then some terrorists attacked the city she was supposed to be in. I am really glad she didn't go....but Mom has been trying to figure out how to get her radio and TV team back ever since Thanksgiving.

Then a week ago she fell on the ice and really hurt her tailbone...and smacked her head on the ground to add insult to injury. But don't worry too much. Mom still had the energy to take me to see Santa. Don't worry. I actually had fun. At least I know who Santa is this year. Last year I had no idea who the man in the red suit was!

Here are my 2008 Santa photos.

My Dad told me I was SO good for Santa that he is positive the jolly old man will bring me lots of very berry yogurt drops for Christmas. I sure hope so!

But I must tell you that I actually got my Christmas present early this year. About a month ago, Mom started "forgetting" to put me back in my cage when she went to bed at night. At first I thought she just forgot. But after a few days I figured out she was testing me. Well I must have passed the test because now I have full run of my room 24/7...except for when the housekeeper is here. How awesome is that?!

Happy Holidays!

Check Out the New Specs in My House

2008-11-12T20:43:00.003-06:00

My mom LOVES glasses. Don't believe me? Look at the past photos of Mom on my blog and you will see she wears several different pairs. I guess she decided she didn't have enough, so she bought TWO new frames a few weeks ago in New York.

My dad got a new pair of glasses too last month, but I don't have a photo of him with them. As you can imagine, I was starting to feel left out. Mom tried to tell me that having good eyes is a GOOD thing. But I was still upset that I didn't have my own glasses.

So tonight I was SO excited when Dad came home with a pair of 3-D glasses from work. I think they look sharp on me. What do you think?

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-30T22:04:00.005-05:00

So it is that time of year again...the time when silly humans dress up and parade around begging for treats.

I just don't get Halloween. I don't have to dress up to beg for treats. I beg for treats everyday and I get them. :)

So imagine my surprise when Mom told me I had to dress up for Halloween. UGH! Last year I had devil horns. Well Mom went all out this year. Tonight I got a FULL outfit. Can you guess what I am?

If you guessed "King of the House" you guessed correctly! I really didn't want to wear this outfit, but once I got some carrots and a berry yogurt drop, I totally forgot I was wearing it.

Man...Mom sure is sneaky! Look at the photos she took when I totally forgot about my outfit.

ENOUGH ALREADY....can I take this thing off now?

Happy Halloween Everybun!

A Crafting Tornado Has Hit My House!

2008-10-26T20:42:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. I am grumpy today. Can you tell?

I am grumpy because Mom and Dad had friends over today to help them with some "projects." These "projects" interrupted my nap time...and I am NOT happy about it!

Dad was making wine in the "brewery" he built in the basement workroom with his friend Bill. It's a "secret" recipe...so no photos allowed.

Dad didn't bother me much. But Mom drove me nuts! She and her friend Janet are busy getting ready for the Muscatine Art Center's annual Festival of Wreaths (and more) event next month. Mom is president of the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center. I guess her group raises money to pay for the Art Center's education coordinators. Festival...as Mom calls it...is the biggest fundraiser of the year. Well I think this is great. But does she have to interrupt my nap time???

Let me show you the state of the room on the other side of my gate.

And if you think this is bad...you should have seen it a week ago! Mom and Janet are responsible for decorating SEVEN table top or potted trees, TWO wreaths, THREE place settings with china, EIGHT table centerpieces, and ONE strand of garland.

Half of the work is done....the other half is partially done. Hence the mess in my house! Here are some of the projects they worked on today.

I don't know how Mom does it. She's been sick for the past four days with a sinus infection (I guess that means she can't breath very well...and she's talking funny). I just hope this Festival stuff ends soon so I can have my Sunday nap time back. Mom says Festival starts on November 9 and ends with a big gala...and auction for the stuff she and others are making....on November 15.

That's all for now....

Greetings Once Again!

2008-10-21T19:52:00.014-05:00

Hi everyone....it has been awhile since I've had an update. Well don't blame me. I would love to me on the computer every single day. You can blame my Mom. She is WAY too busy and always seems to have control of the laptop. Thump!!

As many of you know, Mom has been in South Africa, Turkey, Boston, and New York since August 29. I'm not sure she has been home for 10 straight days in the past four months!

Anyway when Mom IS home, she is working on our local art museum's annual Festival of Wreaths (Mom is president of the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center), her Kosovo project, and last...but not least....trying to finish the new room in our house.

Don't worry...Mom is spending plenty of time with me. I just wish she would spend more time feeding me and less time brushing my fur!

I would love to tell you in this post that the new room in our house is 100% finished....but it's N-O-T.

I spend every morning waiting patiently for the workmen to come to the house and finish the last little things that need to be done (door handles, paint, caulking, and floor repairs among other things). And every morning...no one comes. I don't mind...that means no one bothers my nap time. But I can tell you that Mom is really NOT happy. And if you know my Mom, you DO NOT want to see her unhappy.

Despite the work that still needs to be done, Mom has decided she is going to start decorating the room and getting it in order. Tonight she gave me a tour of the new space....and I decided to share my tour with you. Drum roll please....

Here are a few "generic" pictures of the room.

Here I am on Mom's "special" chair. She says this chair used to be in her grandmother's living room.

Mom also says the chair is going to be recovered in a butter colored corduroy. Here I am on the love seat. Mom says the love seat used to be on her grandmother's sun porch.

Mom says the love seat is going to be recovered with a sage green quilted fabric as soon as she gets on the upholsterer's "list."

Hey....is there another rabbit in the house? (Mom says there are actually two of these new rabbits...but I'm the cutest).

Here I am on what Dad has picked out as the "coffee" table.

Mom says it is an ottoman and this one is NOT the one we are getting. Mom has picked a different fabric so this one is going back to the store. Wonder if the store will notice my fur. Hehe....

Here I am on the new table. Man...those flowers look so good I could eat them. Wait...they are fake...yuck!

Here I am resting on something Mom calls a "dry sink." Dad says it is going to be his "bar" as soon as it gets painted green.

Mom says the sink was in the basement of the house her parents owned when she was born. Cool! BTW...did you see the new TV? Mom is SO excited she will get to watch football and baseball in the new room.

But the coolest part of the room, in my opinion, is the art above the doorway. Mom brought these tribal masks back from Africa. Aren't they cool!

Well that's the end of the tour. I think I will sit here and leave some extra fur for the furniture store.

I promise to do another tour when everything is done.

Bye for now....

Rabbit Love Appreciation Day

2008-08-25T20:54:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone! It has been a long time since I've updated you. Mom has been very busy working and with her community activities. Don't worry....Mom has spent plenty of time snuggling with me. She just hasn't had time to help me on the computer.

Today she had some time to help me. I have lots to say.

First....I want to send a special greeting to my friend Noisette Graceful Lily in Canada. She just had some absolutely beautiful baby bunnies. Congratulations! I am officially one of the "Godfathers." What an honor!

Second....I want to send wishes to my new friend Pretty Ellie in Tennessee. She is the newest sibling to my friends Peyton Eli and Piper Elite. Pretty is having the "big fix" tomorrow. Good luck....I'll be thinking of you.

Yesterday....if you didn't already know....was World Wide Rabbit Love and Appreciation Day. How cool is it that rabbits get their own special day?
Guess how I spent my day? Mom showed me her appreciation by spending over an hour brushing me. Some appreciation, huh?! I DO NOT LIKE being brushed. But since Mom was trying to show me her appreciation, I decided to sit still and let her do her thing.

I have LOTS of fur...and Mom brushed two HUGE handfuls from my coat. I will spare you the fluffy details. But I will show you the photos Mom took of me. Don't I look great?

I also wanted to share with you a photo of Mom and Dad. They got all dressed up this weekend to go to a wedding. The bride is my Dad's cousin Cheri. She was also my Mom's bridesmaid. Anyway...I think Mom and Dad look funny all dressed up (and Mom's hair looks really funny in the wind!).

That's all from my house for now. Mom has been acting strange. She's doing laundry (she normally hates this) and she's talking about her suitcase again. Ugh...I think she is going somewhere! I'll keep you posted.

Bye for now...

Mom is Back!

2008-08-03T17:27:00.009-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you. Have you been wondering where I've been? Well I've been right here at home, eating cilantro with my bearbun.

Mom got home from her trip to Kosovo a few days ago. She is still really tired. But I am SO happy she is home. Don't get me wrong, I love my Dad. But somehow, Mom knows my routine better.

I did let her know I was a bit upset that she left me. It took me a few minutes before I kissed her and I left her a few poops outside of my cage just to let her know I am still the boss. Hehe!

Mom was really busy on her trip. She was so busy that she hasn't even had time to help Flat Michael work on his blog. That's because Mom was writing articles for our local newspaper, taking TONS of photos, and maintaining the blog for her group. Somehow Mom didn't bring too many photos of herself back (somehow I think that was planned). She has told me SO many stories about her trip that it would take me months to tell them all to you. But here are some highlights.

Mom visited a place called "Slovene Village" several times.

As you can tell from the photos, it is not a very nice place to live. Mom says the village was built after the 1999 war for people who lost everything. Nine years later, some families still don't have a place to live. Mom says the people here need the most help....and if the local government has it's way, the camp will close soon. This means the families will have no place to live. I can tell that makes Mom very sad.

Here is Mom holding one of Slovene's newest residents.

And here's Mom helping a young Slovene resident color. Mom says this little boy didn't even know how to hold a crayon, so she had to help him color.

Here is Mom with her friend Burim. He was one of the people Mom interviewed for her radio program in 2002 (her first trip to Kosovo).

The most special part of the trip for Mom was getting to see Hadji, her "special little boy."

Mom first met Hadji in 2002 when he was living in Slovene Village. Mom thought he was so cute and took several photos of him. She saw him again in 2005 and gave his Mom a copy of one of her photos from her earlier trip. Her boss took a photo of Mom holding Hadji as he was holding the photo. This summer, they repeated the process.

Mom wrote a special story for the newspaper about Hadji. It is also on the trip blog. You can read it here: http://muscatinekosovoproject2008.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-little-boy-is-growing-up-fast.html

I was even sad after Mom read the story to me. Hadji sounds like he would be a cool playmate!

If you want to see LOTS of photos, videos, and Mom's stories from her trip, check out the trip blog at: www.muscatinekosovoproject2008.blogspot.com

Maybe someday I will get to meet him. Meanwhile, I am just glad Mom is home.

That's all for now.....

Oh No! Mom Has Her Suitcases Out Again

2008-07-12T08:04:00.004-05:00

I've been around here long enough to know that something is going on when Mom gets her suitcases out and starts packing them. Yes, Mom is leaving me AGAIN for another big trip. I really don't like it when Mom leaves and I always protest. But last night, Mom let me help her pack. And that's when she told me where she was going (and why).

Mom taking a vacation from work to go to a place called Kosovo (part of the Former Yugoslavia in Europe). She is going with 36 children and adults from our area as part of an exchange program between the Muscatine Children's and Youth Choirs and the Shropshire Music Foundation.

If you know my Mom....this doesn't sound like the ideal vacation place. But Mom assures me this is a great vacation for her. Well I wasn't convinced and I thumped at her. So she told me the whole story. Now I am happy she is going.

Mom says this all started after she and her boss did a radio program in 2002 about a woman named Liz Shropshire. Liz spent her life savings to start a music therapy program for children affected by the 1999 war in Kosovo. Mom's radio story won several national journalism awards and the directors of the Muscatine Children's and Youth Choirs decided to start and exchange program. The people in Muscatine raised enough money to bring 12 Kosovar youth to Muscatine in 2004 for two weeks. In 2005, Mom and 31 other youth and adults from our town spent two weeks in Kosovo (in the town where Liz has her program). They held eye and medical clinics, conducted art and craft classes and much more for youth affected by the war. The youth choirs also sang together all over Kosovo. In 2006, 12 more Kosovar youth came to Iowa for two weeks. Now it is Muscatine 's turn to go to Kosovo.

Once Mom explained this to me, I understood why this is an important trip. So I helped her pack one suitcase full of toys, pencils, and art supplies for the children she is going to see.

I am really going to miss Mom but I know she is going to be fine. She is bringing my friend Flat Michael with her and she is going to help maintain the trip blog. This way I will know what she is up to.

If you want to keep up with Mom during her trip, check out Flat Michael's blog (http://www.flatmichael.blogspot.com/) or the trip blog (http://www.muscatinekosovoproject2008.blogspot.com/).

Mom leaves early tomorrow morning and won't be back until the end of the month. I guess we had better get packing!! Mom...I think you missed a spot.

Bye for now....

The Great Outdoors

2008-07-11T19:27:00.006-05:00

As you know, I am a house rabbit. That means I live inside a wood box with widows, siding, and a roof that humans call a house.

So I was a bit leery this evening when Mom suggested we go "outside" to play in the yard. Outside? I normally only go outside when Mom takes me to the vet or to grandma's house...and then I am always in my green travel carrier.

Mom must have seen my disapproving look because she reminded me that the Easter Bunny gave me a harness this year so I could go outside. Well if the Easter Bunny thought it was a good idea, I decided I could at least try it.

I have NO idea how the Easter Bunny and Peter Rabbit can stand wearing a coat with buttons. The harness fits me like a jacket and I personally think it looks stupid. I certainly don't like it when Mom is putting it on me. But I reminded myself that Big Bunny thought it was a good idea. Hmm....sometimes I have to wonder about the sanity of the Easter Bunny.

Anyway....as soon as my harness was on, my Mom and Dad took me outside to the front yard.

WOW! It is SO different outside. I could hear birds, feel the wind and see the blue sky. The yard is green and soft, but it feels kinda funny under my feet. Mom says that's grass. It reminds me of hay, except it was a bit damp and I can't pick up the grass with teeth. Oh...and it sure doesn't taste like hay. There was also this hard, gray stuff Mom calls concrete. It is hard like the tile by my cage. It also doesn't taste good (yes, I tried to eat it).

Here are some photos Dad took of me and Mom in the yard.

I got to run around the yard....but I could only go as far as the leash on my harness would let me go. I suppose this makes sense. There were cars driving by on the street. I'm sure Mom was worried I might accidentally run in front of one.

I was having so much fun that Dad decided to take this short movie of me running around.

I guess I was outside for about 10 minutes or so. It was an interesting time, but I decided that I prefer being in the house. So I ran towards the front door and Mom brought me back inside. Whew! I survived the big outdoors!

Have a happy Friday!

Another trip to the V-E-T...UGH!

2008-07-09T10:33:00.005-05:00

I hope all is well with you. I've had another interesting day. Guess what? I had to go to the vet AGAIN.

This morning started out in the usual way. Mom came downstairs and gave me my medicine by sneaking it into a yogurt drop. Man...she is GOOD! Then she gave me my breakfast (carrot and kibbles). Usually Mom closes up my cage so she can go to work. I am fine with this because I nap during the day.

I should have known right away that something was up, because Mom left my cage door open. And if it is open, I normally nap next to my cage.

So there I was this morning, guarding my cage in my usual spot...minding my own business. All of a sudden, Mom came into my "room" with my travel cage and announced we were going to the vet's office. She said she was still worried about my snotty nose.

My nose is just fine. I keep trying to tell her that but she won't listen! So I immediately protested and tried to hide behind my boxes.

But as I said earlier, mom is GOOD. Before I knew it she had scooped me up and put me in my travel cage. What did I do to deserve this?

Soon Mom strapped me into the back of her SUV.

She always makes sure she can turn around and see me...so this is what I look like when I am strapped in the car.

I really don't like the car much. I would rather be just about anywhere but inside the green cage in the big box on wheels my Mom calls "Queenie."

Thank goodness it only takes about 5 minutes to get to the Muscatine Veterinary Hospital.

By now I have learned the routine. Mom puts my cage on the floor and opens the door. She "helps" me come out and puts me on this big black thing called a scale. Today it said I weigh 4.9 pounds. I guess that's pretty good because Mom smiled.

Soon Dr. Tasha came out and took me to a room with a funny metal table so she could begin my "exam."

I don't like the metal table. It is very slippery. Thankfully Mom remembered to bring a towel so I didn't have to slip and slide on the table.

I will spare you the ugly details about what happened next. Don't get me wrong, I like Dr. Tasha. She is very nice. But she still had to use funny looking things to look in my eyes, up my nose, and in my mouth. She also put something in my you-know-what to make sure I didn't have a fever. Let me just say that is the longest 9 seconds EVER! (and I didn't have a fever).

Just when I thought the worst was over, Dr. Longtin came in to look at my teeth. If there is one thing I DO NOT like, it is someone looking at my teeth. I had tolerated all of the poking and prodding but I decided enough was enough! I kicked and squirmed a little just to make sure Dr. Tasha, Dr. Longtin, and Mom knew who is really the boss. Thankfully Dr. Longtin says my teeth look good. Whew!

After my exam was over, Dr. Tasha spent a few moments telling me what an awesome bun I am. I know I am awesome...but I wasn't going to tell her to stop petting me. :)

Dr. Tasha says I need to take the icky medicine for another week. UGH! But she does think my nose is better (I told you Mom!). But if my nose is still running next week, she wants to run more tests. Great. I sure hope my nose stops running!

When I got home, I gave Mom my best disapproving look....

...and then immediately ran into my cage to hide.

Mom knew I was mad so she gave me a yogurt drop as a peace offering. I immediately accepted but then went back into my cage with my best disapproving look on my face. Mom then told me she had to go to work, so she told me she would leave me alone for awhile. I was happy about that. Plus, I was super happy when I realized I left her covered in a ton of my fur. She had to change her clothes before she could go to work! Hehe.

Mom got home from work very late tonight and I immediately gave her a lick on the face to tell her that I forgive her.

That's all the excitement I can handle for one day. I'm off to play. Bye for now.

Special Shout Out to My BunSpace Friends

2008-07-07T20:44:00.005-05:00

If you know me and my Mom, you know we LOVE BunSpace, the online network for house rabbits and their owners.

BunSpace is cool because it allows me to make online friends all over the world. And I've made lots of really awesome friends in the past few months. So I wanted to send a special shout out to some of my best friends:

Cotufa, Bubbles, Peanut, Bunnito, and Muffin in Florida

Milo Bubbles and Nilla in Virginia

Peyton Eli and Piper Elite in Tennessee

Rascal Bunny and Flower in Arizona

Bunnito in Ohio

Pucci in Michigan

Booperloo and Meepsers in New Jersey

(....there are SO many I am sure I've forgotten someone...please forgive me if you aren't on the list)

My friends are super nice and I do my the best to be nice to them. Last week, my friends Piper Elite and Peyton Eli had to go offline for awhile. They were worried the other buns would forget about them while they were away. I was really upset, so I asked the other buns to give extra carrots to my friends so they would know we all missed them (BunSpace allows you to "give" carrots to other rabbits...I have more than 2000 now). The other buns gave LOTS of carrots to Peyton and Piper. I was SO happy. And my friend Rascal Bunny was so impressed he nominated me to be one of the "Top Buns of the Week" in BunSpace's Cawwot Tops newsletter. Here's what Rascal Bunny said about me (BIG THANKS RASCAL!)

Jackson Harering (nominated by Rascal Bunny)
"Ooooh I gots to nominate a gweat bun who iz vewy cawing about da uddeh bunz. He always sez such nice tings about sum of da bunz on Bunspace. He iz vewy suppawtive of bunz who may need a kind word too. Since Sir Peyton an Piper Elite iz off da net fur awhile, he aks evwybun to giv dem ekstwa cawwots while dere offline. Oh, by da way, dis gweat bunz name iz -- Jackson Harering!!!"

I also need to send a special thanks to my friend Benjimen in Canberra, Australia for including me in this really cool photo of some BunSpace members (Benjimen is in the top row, far left).

Isn't that a great photo?

I have said it before and I will say it over and over again. I LOVE BunSpace!

Noise = Progress at My House

2008-07-07T20:21:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you had a good holiday weekend.

Mine was quiet...thankfully! That's because for two days last week AND all day today, workmen have been making tons of noise at my house. You might remember that Mom and Dad decided to build on to the house. Mom thought the project would be done by now, but all of the rain this year has slowed things down. That didn't bother me much....less workmen means less noise to bother me during my daily nap. They don't make ear plugs big enough for my ears so I have just learned to live with the noise. But I will really be glad when the work is finally done!

Tonight Mom and Dad let me check out the progress on the construction project. The noise last week and today was from the workmen putting down the new floor. Mom really likes the floor. She says it brings out my best "colors." Whatever that means.

Here are some more photos Dad took of me and the new room. Check out the back door!

And here are some photos Dad took of me with Mom.

Now that I've seen the space, I can't wait for the new room to be done!

I Can Walk!

2008-07-03T20:48:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope you are well.

I still have my "snotty" nose. You know what that means. I am still taking that icky stuff they call medicine. I HATE taking my medicine and I do my best to make it very difficult for Mom and Dad to give it to me.

Last night when Mom was trying to give me my medicine, she discovered one of my hidden talents. I can walk on two feet! Yes, you are reading correctly. I can walk on two feet. Well, OK...I can actually hop on two feet. Anyway, Mom captured me tonight on video while Dad was feeding me my medicine. Here's the cool movie Mom made.

I get so excited when Dad feeds me this way, that I totally forget he's also slipped that icky medicine in my treat. Darn it anyway! Oh well....at least Mom and Dad now know I am super talented.

Bye for now!

My Runny Nose!

2008-06-29T20:57:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are doing well.

I've have not had a very good week. I started sneezing on Tuesday. I tried to tell Mom that I just got a piece of hay stuck up my nose (it happens all of the time). But she wasn't so sure.

I did my best to hide from her. I didn't want her to see that there was this funny liquid dripping out of my nose. I used my tongue to lick it up real fast so Mom couldn't see it.

I kept trying not to sneeze, but sometimes I just couldn't stop. On Thursday I sneezed so many times (it seemed like a million) that a whole bunch of stuff came out of my nose. Mom called it snot. Whatever it was, it was yucky looking. As you can imagine, Mom was horrified. I had been caught! And I knew right then that I was going to have to go to see the V-E-T.

Sure enough, Mom loaded me into her car and took me to see Dr. Tasha the next day. I was NOT happy. Don't get me wrong, I like Dr. Tasha. I am just not a fan of being poked and having funny looking metal sticks stuck up my you-know-what! Plus, Mom had Dr. Tasha cut my nails. UGH! I actually acted pretty good, but I did squirm a few times just to make sure Mom knew I wasn't too happy about all of the "special" attention.

Dr. Tasha told Mom she was worried about my nose, so now I have to take those icky medicine pills for 14 days! I hate those pills. I hate them SO much that I do not make it easy for Mom and Dad to give them to me. They "think" they can sneak them into my food and treats. Do they really think I won't notice? Ha!

Here's Dad trying to feed me one of my pills....with carrots.

Man...he's good. It took some time, but somehow I managed to miss the pill in the carrot and I ate it anyway. Yuck, yuck, yuck! Dad smiled when I ate it.

Since I am "under the weather," Mom told me I wasn't allowed to leave the house for awhile. So today, Mom and Dad went to the Muscatine Art Center's annual ice cream social (Mom is President of the Friends of the Muscatine Art Center). I didn't really want to go anyway, so I wasn't too upset. But Dad brought back this photo of my Mom and my Aunt Lynn (she's not really my aunt...but my favorite sitter). Mom is on the left and Aunt Lynn is on the right.

Don't they look silly in those hats? Mom said the hats were one of the art projects for the kids that came to the social. I guess Mom felt bad that I didn't get to go to the ice cream social. She bought me a new colorful cube to play in. It's kind of cool. Thanks Mom!

Well that's the news that's fit to print from my house today. Bye for now!

It's Raining.....Cilantro?

2008-06-25T19:20:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope is well with you.

As you know, it has rained a TON here in Iowa this month. But something else very strange is happening at my house. Sometimes....late in the afternoon.....food falls into my room. That's right, FOOD FALLS INTO MY ROOM.

I have no idea where it comes from but I sure do like it!!

Tonight, it rained cilantro. Somehow Mom even caught it on tape and made this really cool movie. Check it out!

Bye for now!!!

Rain, Hail, Floods....Oh My!

2008-06-15T17:46:00.023-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are OK. I am doing fine...but I sure wish it would stop raining!

As many of you know, we're having what Mom calls "a historic" flood year here in Iowa. My town is on the Mississippi River, but my house is far from the river....so I am dry. In fact, my room is so comfortably, I don't have any problems falling asleep (I sleep with my eye half-open).

But yesterday (Saturday) the thunder and rain woke me from my afternoon nap. A few minutes later I heard these loud crashes and suddenly Dad came running down the stairs and told me and Mom that it was hailing. Hail?! Mom must have seen my face because she quickly told me hail is basically chunks of ice falling from the sky. Oh no! I decided to head back into my cage and bury my head in my hay bowl.

Mom and Dad went to the garage to watch the storm. Here is a movie Mom took of the hail.

WOW! That was some storm! Here are a few more photos from the storm.

The hail even shredded the leaves on Mom's hosta plants.

As you can see it rained REALLY hard. Well it has rained REALLY hard many times in the past few weeks. Yesterday the rain came so fast that some water got into Dad's office and got the carpet all well. I guess Mom and Dad will have to buy new carpet, but they told me there are many people with standing water in their houses.

Mom told me there has been so much rain here in Iowa that lots of rivers are flooded. I didn't know just how bad it was (since I don't go outside much), but Mom told me that thousands of people are flooded out of their homes. I feel bad for them...and I am worried about the rabbits here in Iowa. I sure hope all of my bunny friends are OK.

Mom says the Mississippi River in our town is flooded again and this time it is worse than it was earlier this year. Here are some photos she took today. Here you can see Mom's favorite sculpture. She is really worried about it.

Here you can see the sculpture and what is normally a parking lot and railroad crossing.

Mom sometimes parks by these signs...can you believe it?!!

This is Mississippi Drive. The river now covers parts of the road....giving new meaning to name of the street.

This is an old train depot on the riverfront now known as the Pearl City Station.

The biggest flood on record here in Muscatine happened in 1993. There is a plaque on the wall of the Pearl City Station that shows the high water mark from the 1993 flood.

Mom says the river is now supposed to get within half-a-foot of the record...and that's only if the rain stays away for the next few days.

Some buildings downtown are already taking on water. Here some people are trying to protect buildings.

I sure hope the water goes down soon. Mom says I should be thankful that I have a dry place to stay. I sure am glad about that! But just in case the rain gets worse, I am going to guard my cage.

Stay dry everyone! Bye for now....

Twitter!

2008-06-13T21:04:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone. Being the high-tech rabbit that I am, I finally got my Mom to help me sign up for twitter.

Don't know what twitter is? It allows me (or Mom and Dad) to update what I am doing from their phone! How cool is that? Best of all, you can see my twitter posts on my blog (just look in the section under my profile....on the right side of the page).

If you want to see my actual twitter page, you can go to: https://twitter.com/jacksonharering

Don't worry, I will still update my blog. But this allows me to update you when Mom and Dad don't have computer time for me.

Hope all is well....we're having a terrible flood here in Iowa, but my house is OK. Maybe Mom will be able to help me update you on the flood with new photos in a couple of days. Right now, however, I need to get back to twitter!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-06-01T17:48:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone! I sure hope you are having a great day. I sure am. That's because today is my FIRST BIRTHDAY! That means I am now officially one year old!

I didn't realize it was my birthday today until I woke up and found my cage and room decorated with colorful crepe paper. And as soon as I saw the paper, I heard my Mom say, "Happy Birthday Jackson Harering."

I really liked the colorful paper....it tastes SO good!

I guess my Mom and Dad have been preparing for my birthday for awhile now. First, I got this really cool water bottle as my present. Can you see the yellow duck floating in it?

Second, Mom and Dad made me this really cool cake in the shape of a bunny! The "cake" was a mixture of my pellet food and dried fruit on a plate of cilantro (Yum, Yum, Yum!). It also had a carrot "candle." Here's a photo Mom took of my cake right before she brought it to me.

Mom and Dad came downstairs with my cake and they were wearing these funny looking hats. I am not a huge fan of hats, but today I didn't care. My cake was SO cool that I didn't mind wearing a hat.

I was so excited about my cake that I wasn't sure what to eat first. I opted for the cilantro because I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cilantro!

Finally I moved on to the actual "cake."

Can you tell it was SUPER YUMMY??!!

Besides the water bottle, I got a new comb and a some chew stick treats. But more importantly, I got to spend time with my Mom. She just got home yesterday from her long trip to LA. Spending time with Mom is WAY better than any birthday gift!

At one point, Mom asked if I would share my carrot with her. I think you can tell by the look on my face that I was shocked she wanted some of my cake.

I thought about sharing...but then I realized it is my special day...so I quickly pulled the carrot out of my cake and ran off with it. (Sorry Mom).

I didn't want Dad to feel left out, so I thanked him for the great cake and gifts.

Thanks for the great birthday party Mom and Dad. And thanks to the rest of my family and friends....especially my BunSpace friends.....for sending me birthday greetings.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to lick the cake off my paws. :)

Bye for now.

The Scary Stair Adventure

2008-05-28T22:35:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone! I know it has been awhile since I've updated my blog.

My Mom and Dad have been traveling for their jobs, so I haven't had as much computer time. Don't worry.....I'm doing just fine. Special thanks to Aunt Lynn for taking care of me. :)

My Dad is now home from a place called Germany. He says people eat rabbits there. Yikes! I'm glad I stayed home with Aunt Lynn. While Dad was away, I decided I needed to tackle the scary stairs near my "play room." I LOVE to climb on things, so climbing the stairs can't be all that hard, right?

The stairs are made of laminate wood. They are REALLY slippery and my feet always seemed to move out of control when I would try to climb the stairs. I climb on my boxes every single day and I don't have this problem! I finally decided to ask Dad to help me. He gladly agreed to "watch my back."

I was really scared at first, but knowing Dad was right behind me made me feel better. Soon I was able to climb a few stairs all by myself!

Once I got used to the slippery stairs, I decided going up the stairs was a piece of cake. There is only one problem. I still have to go back DOWN the stairs. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't go down the stairs. I was too scared I would slip and fall. Dad to the rescue! He let me jump on his leg and then he helped guide me down the stairs. Thanks Dad!

It took a few minutes for me to make it back down the stairs with Dad's help. Whew! Once I was back on solid ground, I told Dad that the stairs are not as much fun as I thought they would be. I told him I would stick to my boxes for now.

I'm really glad Dad is home....but I really miss my Mom. She is still in a place called Los Angeles...or LA as she says on the phone....making her radio program. She called tonight to tell me she is delayed and now won't be home until this weekend. :(

I guess I will have to sit on the couch all by myself and wait for her.

That's all for now....bye.

Happy Day Mom!

2008-05-11T20:10:00.003-05:00

Dad woke me up this morning and told me it is something called "Mother's Day." I guess that's a day when people (and bunnies) are supposed to honor their mother.

Well, I think my Mom is super special and I thank her every single day she is home with kisses.

But Dad said I needed to be EXTRA special and nice to Mom today. Well that's not too hard. All I have to do is give her even more kisses...just like I am doing in this photo.

Mom gave me some extra treats for being so nice to her. She also said I should send a special greeting to my Grandma Johnston and my Grandma McHugh because they're super special moms too! If they were here, I would give them kisses too! But since they aren't here, I am sending this special shout out to them on my blog.

I also want Grandma McHugh to know that I am thinking of her (she's not been feeling well lately). I sure hope you get better soon.

That's all from here today. Happy Mother's Day!

Mom is Doing Better....Just in Time to Travel

2008-05-06T21:09:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. I wanted to give you an update on my Mom.

As many of you know, Mom hurt her neck last week. I tried to make her feel better, but my licks were not enough. She had to use a heating pad and take medicine that made her "loopy" (my word...not hers).

Yesterday she had this big test called an MRI. Today the doctor told her that they did not find a herniated disc...WHEW! Whatever that means....I'm glad Mom doesn't have it.

Mom's neck still hurts, but I think she is feeling better. Tonight she was able to get on the floor to play with me. I rewarded her with lots of licks on her forehead (my favorite place to lick her). She even took this picture all by herself. Pretty cool, eh?

I also showed off a bit by running really fast through my tube and jumping on all of the boxes she saves for me.

We also played hide-and-seek....but somehow Mom always found me. Darn!

Thanks to all of my friends...especially those on BunSpace...who have sent me messages about my Mom. I think our bunny magic is helping her feel better.

Tomorrow Mom leaves for a place called Austin, Texas. My Dad is gone this week too. But don't worry, my Aunt Lynn is coming over to visit. I am SO excited. She always brings extra treats.

That's all for now....bye!

Another Week in My House

2008-05-04T08:24:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope all is OK with you.

It has been another strange week in our house. First, we've had more of those bad storms. And as you know, I really don't like storms. But don't worry too much. I have developed a plan to best detect and then hide from the storms.

First, I sit next to my cage with one ear up.

Then, if I hear any of the rumbles of thunder I run as fast as I can into my cage. Next, I bury my head in my hay bucket.

I think this is a pretty good plan. I am in my sturdy cage (in the safest part of the house). Plus I get to eat hay all at the same time! Pretty smart, eh?

I'm happy to report the storms have not caused any more floods in my yard. Whew! But, the big river that runs through our town is REALLY flooded. My town is along the Mississippi River and Mom says the we're now having the 5th worst flood ever!

I wanted to go see the flood, but Mom told me it would be dangerous for bunnies. I suppose she is right. So she took these photos for me. Here is a sign in Muscatine's Riverview Park. Mom normally parks her car by this sign.

Here you can see people walking in the street by the park.

Do you see the statue behind the people in the photo above? Mom says when the river isn't flooded, people can walk right up to the statue and have their photo taken with it. Mom is really worried about the statue. She headed the committee that raised the money to have the statue built. It makes her sad to see it surrounded by water.

And as if the storms and Mississippi River flood weren't bad enough, Mom hurt her neck this week. Oh NO! The doctor doesn't know what's wrong with her so she has to have some big x-ray tomorrow. In the meantime, I am trying to make her feel better.

And when I'm not hiding from the storms or making Mom feel better, I am working on my begging technique. I know my treats are in this cabinet. If only I could reach them myself!

Finally...I want to send a special shout-out to my BunSpace friends, especially my best buddy Milo Bubbles. It was his birthday this week. Happy Birthday Milo!

Well that's all from my house this week. Until next time.....bye!

Wind, Rain, Floods and More!

2008-04-25T20:44:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope all is well with you because it was a wild day here at my house.

First, my Dad stayed home from work today. It is very strange to see Dad in the house during the work week. At first I wasn't so sure I was going to like having Dad home. I was worried he would disrupt my nap (like my Mom does when she is home). But now I'm really glad he was here today because we had VERY bad weather and I was scared!

I noticed the sky was starting to turn a funny color. Then it started to thunder and lighting. I was sure it was going to rain but I didn't see any rain drops. Soon I heard this noise I have never heard before. It was very loud and annoying and it sounded really scary. Suddenly Dad came rushing down the stairs and told me there was something called a tornado coming our way. Oh no! I guess a tornado is a really, really bad wind storm. Dad told me it can be so windy that the tornado could blow the roof off our house!

I started to get really worried. Dad must have seen the look on my face because he told me not to worry too much because my play room is actually the safest place in the entire house during a tornado. But just to be safe, I decided to stay in my cage (under my new, sturdy shelf).

Dad stayed with me for almost an hour. He also turned on the TV so we could learn more about where this tornado was headed. I heard the weatherman on TV say a tornado was spotted in our county. Dad later told me it didn't come close to our house. Whew! But it did rain...and I mean it rained REALLY hard. Here you can see that our neighbor's backyard turned into a lake because it rained so hard.

And here you can see a small river of water in our front yard.

It finally stopped raining and the storm went away by the time Mom got home from work (she had to walk down six flights of stairs to get to the basement of her office building during the storm). I was really glad to see her. I was also really glad that my bear-bunny friend was also OK!
Man...I sure hope next week isn't so exciting. A rabbit can only take so much excitement in one week. In the past 7 days we've had earthquakes, flash floods, and a tornado. Can you believe it?

Hope your day was uneventful. Until next time...

I Finally Busted Down the Big Gate!

2008-04-24T20:14:00.008-05:00

Hi everyone. I've had another very interesting day.

As most of you know, I have a 9x9 foot "room" that I get to play in every single day. To help me stay "safe' Mom and Dad have put up with wire gate to mark my "territory." For many months I have wanted to bust my way through the big gate. Well today, after months and months of chewing on the wire gate, I finally busted free!

I was shocked! Normally I will bite on the wire for hours (mainly to annoy Mom...not because I really want out). But today I didn't have to chew at all. I only needed to push it with my nose. Why didn't I think it this sooner?

I must admit I was a bit surprised at my own strength. So I immediately surveyed my work. Then I showed Mom my good work..and she just smiled (note from Mom...Jackson Harering had a little help but he doesn't know it).

Satisfied that I had achieved my goal, I hopped back into my "territory" and asked Mom to put the gate back in its proper place.

Now that I have conquered the gate, I will have to find something new to work my bunny magic on.

Until next time....

The Day the Earth Moved

2008-04-18T19:16:00.009-05:00

I have had one VERY strange day.

It started long before the sun came up.

I was in my cage relaxing and admiring my latest round of decorating (I decided the grass rug you see on my shelf in the photo below would look much better on the "main floor").

Suddenly, I felt this strange vibration and things in my cage started to move!

At first I was just plain mad because I don't like it when people rearrange my stuff. I figured Mom was playing a trick on me. But then I realized it was still dark outside and Mom and Dad were still sleeping. Hmm....maybe my friend the Easter Bunny was in the house.

The vibrations continued and I started to get scared. The movement didn't hurt (it actually felt kind of good) but my ceramic food dish was moving on its own! Then the vibrations stopped as quickly as they started. I sat in my cage and didn't move for a few seconds. Finally, I decided to check out my bowl. It wasn't damaged. Phew!

A few minutes later Mom came to check on me. I was going to give her a hard time for playing a trick on me but she looked a little scared herself. She told me she thought we had had something called an "earthquake."

Mom says she's never felt an earthquake before but she was sure that's what caused the strange rumbling and vibrations. My Dad told her that she was imaging things and then he told her she probably had fallen asleep with her BlackBerry (not sure what Dad meant by that but I guess anyone with a BlackBerry will figure it out). Mom insisted she felt something strange and I agreed with her.

Mom told me everything was going to be fine and I decided to take a nap. When the sun came up, Mom turned on the TV and learned there was an earthquake afterall!. I guess it was a pretty strong one because Mom says our house is more than 400 miles from the place where the earthquake happened. Dad was really surprised. He was also upset he didn't feel it.

I started to worry that there would be more earthquakes. Mom told me not to worry. I wasn't so sure I wanted to believe her, so I decided to stay close to my cage. It's a good thing I did. I felt another earthquake a few hours after Mom went to work. She told me it wasn't as strong, but she could feel it on the 6th floor of her office building and she saw strange waves on the Mississippi River (which she can see from her office).

I decided to be brave tonight and spend some more time outside of my cage. But I still felt the need to be surrounded by something sturdy!

I sure hope we don't have any more earthquakes. I don't like them.

Until next time....

Sunday Visitors

2008-04-13T18:21:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone! Today two people I have never seen before showed up at my house. My dad says they are my other grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Johnston. How cool is that? I have TWO sets of grandparents.

Here I am with Grandma Johnston.

And here I am with Grandpa Johnston.

Grandpa Johnston told me he used to have bunny rabbits when he was younger. I knew right away he was good with bunnies....I sat for a VERY long time with him on the couch today.

Thanks for coming to see me!

Mom is Back!

2008-04-11T22:33:00.009-05:00

I am SO excited. My Mom is home from her trip to Brazil....FINALLY!

Dad took really good care of me. And my Aunt Lynn stopped by for a few days when Dad had to go away for work too. I didn't mind. Aunt Lynn brings me cilantro...yummy!

I really don't like it when Mom is away, but I know she works so I can have all of the carrots and berry yogurt drops I could ever want. But being the opinionated bun that I am, I did have to give her a short moment of disapproval. :)

Mom was in Brazil to gather material for an upcoming radio program. Here are some photos of my Mom "in action" during her trip to Brazil.

Mom and her boss Keith in a manufacturing hangar at Embraer (third largest commercial plane manufacturer in the world). Doesn't she look funny in those safety glasses?!

Mom and my friend Flat Michael in a sugar cane field (in a rainstorm, nonetheless).

Mom, Flat Michael, and his friend Flat Gabby at a police substation in Sao Paulo.

Mom and her radio host friend David on a boat in the Port of Santos.

Mom taping the sound of soybeans being loaded into a truck near Brasilia (yes...my Mom is a bit strange....but she tells me the sound is REALLY important).

Mom and her television cameraman friend Steve taping their ride in a combine outside the capital, Brasilia.

Mom and her boss taking a break along the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro.

I am still trying to learn how to use my microphone...so I think I'll continue playing with my boxes and let Mom be the journalist in our house.

Bye for now!

Happy Opening Day!

2008-03-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

When I first moved into my new house last summer I noticed my Mom was always watching something on TV that involved 9 men on a green field using fat sticks to hit a white ball. Mom explained she was watching baseball and that the sticks are called baseball bats. I quickly figured out that Mom is a HUGE fan of the game.

That's why today is a very BIG day. It's opening day for the 2008 baseball season! Can you figure out our favorite team?

Yes, Mom is a Cardinals fan. And in honor of the big day, she let me borrow her hat.

I guess she has been a fan since she was a little girl. She says the goal every year is for the Cardinals to make it to something called the World Series. The Cardinals won the World Series in 2006 and my Mom was at the winning game. That's before I was born. But my former brother, McGwire, was alive then. I guess he was named after home run king Mark McGwire.

Mom says bunny McGwire gave the team lots of luck in 2006. I hope I can give the Cardinals luck this year. I have a real Cardinals baseball jersey (signed by former Cardinal Scott Rolen) above my cage.
Now all I need to do is figure out how to wear this hat!

GO CARDS!!!

Mom is Going Away for TWO Weeks!

2008-03-28T18:38:00.005-05:00

I should have known something was up when I saw Mom taking the colorful boxes she calls suitcases out of storage on Easter. Today she told me she is going away for two whole weeks! As you can see, I am not excited about this news.

This time she is working on a radio program in a place called Brazil. And she is taking my friend Flat Michael with her.

I was really mad when Mom said Flat Michael was going with her. Why can't I go to Brazil? I decided to show my disapproval by trying to dig in my tunnel to Brazil (I gave up after about 5 minutes).

Mom told me that it is very hot in Brazil and there are BIG snakes there that would eat me in one bite! I'm not afraid of snakes. But then Mom told me she has to take a long metal tube with wings like a bird (something she says is an airplane) to get to Brazil. She reminded me that I don't really like riding in the car, so I probably would not like an airplane trip. I hate is when she is right!

I am going to stay here and keep an eye on Dad and the house. Shh...don't tell Mom but sometimes Dad is more fun to play with. He doesn't fuss over me like Mom does.

Since Mom is going away, I probably won't get to update my blog as much as usual (Mom says I need to be "supervised" when I am on the computer). But I am going to be able to see what Mom and my friend Flat Michael are up to by checking Flat Michael's really cool blog: http://www.flatmichael.blogspot.com/

Have a good trip Mom! I'm going to miss you.

What Happened to My House??!!!

2008-03-26T20:11:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone. I have had a VERY strange day.

First, my Mom was running late for a meeting so Dad fed me my breakfast this morning. That normally only happens when Mom is out of town for her job. Second, Dad told me that I might hear some strange noises for the next few months. Strange noises? Why?

It didn't take long for me to figure it out. Take a look at how the backyard of my house looks!

That pile of dirt is MUCH taller than all of the snow we had this winter! It is there because Mom and Dad have decided to add a room onto the back of our house.

I was too scared to watch, but Dad tells me a funny looking machine with a big shovel on the front of it dug this big hole. He says some workers are coming soon to pour what he calls a "foundation." Here you can see Dad inspecting the giant hole.

I'm not sure what to expect but Dad did tell me that it might take 4 months to finish the room.

FOUR MONTHS! Man, it is a good thing that my room is downstairs...far away from where the new room is going. I think I am going to need to get some ear plugs! I wonder if they make ear plugs in my size?!

To make matters worse today, Pat came and cleaned up my room. Now I am going to have to mess my room up again. I'd better get started.....

They Like Me, They Really Like Me!

2008-03-23T21:44:00.003-05:00

I am SO excited. I just learned I have earned 200 carrots from my BunSpace friends! How cool is that?

For those of you new to the whole BunSpace thing, members of the site (all bunnies and their human parents) can "give" a carrot to their buddies. I give carrots to my best buddies almost every time I am on BunSpace. This weekend my buddies returned the favor and I have now earned 200 carrots.

I guess that means the folks on BunSpace really like me! Mom says I should quit stealing Sally Field's lines. What is she taking about? And who is Sally Field??

Extra carrots for everyone! Thanks BunSpace friends...you're the greatest!

Happy Bunny Day!

2008-03-23T00:32:00.001-05:00

Whew...I've had one BUSY night. As you probably know, today is Easter. Easter means different things to different people, but in my house Easter is all about candy, chocolate, decorated eggs, and rabbits (of course!).

Last week, the most important bunny in the world, the Easter Bunny, asked me to assist him with his Easter duties. I hopped at the chance. Get it...hopped? :) Anyway, I've spent the past several hours hiding colorful plastic eggs full of candy for the kids in my neighborhood.

I would show you an example of my hard work, but then I would have to show you my hiding spots. That wouldn't be any fun, would it? :)

Being the Easter Bunny's helper really wore me out and I was expecting to come home and sleep. But when I got home I found this HUGE basket full of fun things in my room.

Mom told me the Easter Bunny left it as a reward for helping him. Cool!

My Easter basket was full of great things including a "salad bowl", a stuffed carrot, a bear dressed in a bunny suit (very strange) and an entire bag of my favorite berry yogurt drops!

There was also something called a harness in the basket. Mom says if I wear it, I might be able to go outside and play when it gets warm. I'm not so sure I want to wear this harness thing but it isn't warm outside so I don't have to try the harness on right now. All I want to do is inspect my new stuff!

Mom helped me open some of my new toys. I really like the ear on my "bear bunny." (Isn't it funny that the bear wants to be a bunny?!).

Happy Easter Everyone!

Surprise Visitors!

2008-03-22T12:38:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone. I've had an extra exciting couple of days. My Grandma and Grandpa McHugh came to my house to see me (and my parents too).

I love my Grandparents. I even sat still long enough for Grandma to pet me.

Grandpa gave me lots of head rubs, but I didn't want to sit still for him. Instead, I ran around my room and showed off my best acrobatic skills.

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for coming to see me!

Check Out My New and Improved Crib

2008-03-19T21:03:00.003-05:00

Greetings and welcome to my crib! Here you can see my newest addition, a shelf.

Mom and Dad installed my shelf this weekend. I even got to help (OK...I didn't really help, but I did eat the hay that had fallen behind my cage while Dad was working). Mom thought I might like a shelf since I love to jump on top of my cage.

I am sure I will try to jump on top of my cage again, but the shelf is pretty cool. It gives me another place to play when Mom and Dad are at work. And if I rearrange my stuff on the "main floor" I can almost reach my hay. How cool is that?

My updated crib isn't as cool (or as big) as some of the places my friends on BunSpace have, but I think it is the best home a bunny could have. Now if you will excuse me, I need to get back to my new and improved crib.

Bye for now!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T19:17:00.004-05:00

Hi there. My Mom tells me that today is something called St. Patrick's Day. She says it is an important holiday to celebrate the patron Saint of Ireland. I have NO idea what that means...but I think that means he was really important.

Anyway, Mom says people celebrate St. Patrick's Day by wearing green, holding parades, lots of signs and posters with green shamrock leaves and a funny little person she calls a leprechaun. Mom is part Irish, so this is an extra special day for her.

I was worried that she was going to make me wear another stupid hat until she told me people sometimes eat and drink things that are colored green. Well I LOVE to eat things that are green. Mom must have known how I would react because as soon as she was done telling me all about St. Patrick's Day she gave me a bunch of cilantro to eat.

I've never met St. Patrick but we can celebrate him every single day if it means I get cilantro!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Horray for Dad!

2008-03-15T08:53:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone. Dad came home from work with some wonderful news this week. I'm not really sure what the news means but he told me it meant I would have an endless supply of carrots and yogurt drops! Awesome!

I could tell Dad was really excited so I showed him some of my usual affection. This time Mom caught it on her camera.

Yay Dad!!!!

I Love My Mom SO Much....

2008-03-13T21:46:00.004-05:00

...that sometimes I can't stop licking her! Here's a little movie of me in action tonight.

Am I fast or what? :)

What Happened to My Mess??!

2008-03-12T20:31:00.003-05:00

Nearly every week since I moved into my new home, a nice woman named Pat comes to my house for a few hours. She always comes when my Mom and Dad are at work and sometimes she even gives me treats (approved, of course, by Mom).

Pat has funny toys. One makes a really loud noise...so loud that I have to plug my ears. Another uses water on the tile outside of my cage. Mom calls the toys a "vacuum cleaner" and a "mop." She says they are used to clean the floors. Mom says it is Pat's job to help clean the house.

BUT WHAT IF I DON'T WANT MY SPACE CLEANED?!!! Doesn't Mom realize it takes me at least a FULL HOUR to throw hay all over the place and chew enough cardboard from my boxes to cover the floor? It takes Pat less than 5-minutes to clean it all up! Just look at how my room looked when Mom got home today.

Can you see my problem? My tube and boxes are standing up! And...she even cleaned up every piece of hay on the floor!

UGH! Now I am going to have to start all over. First, I need to get my box back in the spot I like. Hmm...wonder if I can push it over?

Darn...that didn't work. Maybe if I run REALLY fast by it, the box will fall down.

That didn't work either! Mom must have seen my distress because she helped put my stuff back into place.

THANKS MOM!

I need to go now. I have more work to do to get my space back to "normal." I know Pat is going to come back but I can have fun until she does!

Bye for now!

BunSpace Fanatic

2008-03-09T12:12:00.009-05:00

I am SO excited about BunSpace that I could spend all of my spare (hint...non-playing time) on the computer. It's a good thing Mom lets me use her laptop whenever I want.

I love BunSpace because I get to meet bunnies from all over the world. This weekend alone I've met bunnies from Malta, New Zealand, and Spain...plus dozens more here in the US. How cool is that? I enjoy looking at their photos and I'm picking up tips on how to spruce up my "room."

I even get to show off my photos and my friends get to comment on them! Here are some new ones Mom took of me today for my BunSpace friends.

Best of all, I can share my blog with my BunSpace buddies and people are actually commenting on it.

I can't wait to get back online....gotta go!

Famous From Houston to Des Moines

2008-03-08T19:27:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone!

I hope all is well with you. I am doing well (and staying out of trouble!).

My Mom loves me SO much that she shares photos of me with anyone and everyone. I guess lots of people think I'm pretty darn handsome. Tonight the staff at the Houston Chronicle, a big newspaper in Texas, selected my photo for their pet photo page.

And if you look really closely in the lower right hand corner of this next photo, you will see I even made the home page of the Houston Chronicle's Web site for a brief time.

And the folks at the Des Moines Register here in Iowa must like me too!

And here I am on the front page of the Des Moines Register Web site.

How cool is that?!

Being famous is pretty cool, but getting to spend time hanging around with my Mom and Dad is the best! Here I am goofing around with Dad.

And here I am trying to show Mom how much I do not like having my fur brushed!

Have a good weekend!

I'm Now on BunSpace

2008-03-07T22:47:00.003-06:00

Check it out...there is an entire MySpace community just for rabbits! It is called BunSpace.

Mom let me join last night. :)

You can see my profile at:http://www.bunspace.com/view_bunny?bunid=2347

Stop by and visit me sometime!

Clean Bill of Health

2008-02-22T20:53:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone!

I know many of you have been worried about me since I hurt my foot. I wanted to let you know that I am just fine.

Mom took me to see Dr. Nate yesterday. He says I damaged my toe nail but I didn't hurt anything else. Whew! Dr. Nate says my nail might not grow back but he told me not to worry. I guess I don't really need that toe nail. I also learned I weigh almost 5 pounds!

I feel so good today that I feel like trying to jump on top of my cage again.

Darn it! Mom just saw me trying to jump on my cage. She just told me to stop or I was going to have to go back in my cage. Guess I better go! Bye for now....

Bad Things Happen When I Don't Listen to Mom

2008-02-20T22:18:00.006-06:00

Mom and Dad were really excited when they got home tonight. They told me something called a "lunar eclipse" was going to happen. It has something to do with the earth's shadow blocking the light of the sun hitting the moon.

I REALLY wanted to see the eclipse but Mom said it was way too cold outside. Well, I didn't care if it was cold. So I decided to jump on top of my cage to see if I could get a closer look at the moon. Mom told me I wouldn't see the moon that way AND she told me NOT to jump on my cage. She said I might get hurt. I haven't hurt myself before...I don't know why she worries so much!

So I ignored Mom and before she could stop me I jumped on top of my cage anyway. But as soon as I got up there, I realized I should have listened to her. One of my nails got caught on the wire of the cage and before I knew it, I tore my nail and this bright red stuff was gushing out...all over the my fur, the wall, and the floor. I didn't know what it was but I later learned it was blood. There was SO much blood that Mom said the house looked like a horror movie.

Mom and Dad came over to help me get down and that's when Mom started freaking out. And when Mom gets upset, I get upset. I tried to run away and that only made even more blood gush out. Now it was all over the carpet AND Mom.

Dad ran upstairs and got this white powder stuff called corn starch and started putting it on my foot. Then he wrapped a small towel around my foot. Here you can see Mom petting me while my foot is wrapped in what Dad calls a "mini cast."

At first I didn't want anyone touching my foot, but then I realized that Dad was trying to make my foot better. So I tried to sit still with Mom on the couch while they worked on my foot.

Can you see all the red stuff on Mom's shirt? That's my blood. I guess I didn't sit still long enough because I was still bleeding 30 minutes later. I tried to get away from Mom so I could clean my foot and even MORE blood got on the carpet. And to make matters even worse, there was also a lot of corn starch on Mom, Dad, the couch, and the floor.

So Dad took me back to my cage area and Mom called the vet's office. Dr. Nate called her right back. He was worried about my foot but he told Mom and Dad they were doing the right thing. He said it was just going to take some time before the blood would stop. It took a long time but my foot finally stopped bleeding.

FINALLY, Mom and Dad left me alone in my cage. I feel fine and my foot doesn't really hurt. But Mom says I am going to have to go to the vet's office tomorrow. Yuck!

Now I know bad things happen when I don't listen to Mom. I'm really sorry I scared Mom and Dad. I promise to behave (but I suspect I am not going to have as much "play time" in the coming days).

Mom and Dad did go outside after the eclipse and took this photo for me. I guess they're not too mad at me. :)

A Shout Out to My Cousin Cosmo

2008-02-11T21:22:00.000-06:00

Hi there. I just learned from Mom that my cousin Cosmo got "fixed" today. And I can tell you from experience that getting fixed...especially when nothing is broken...is not a nice thing. It can be really painful. So I just want my cousin Cosmo to know that I feel his pain. And I also want him to know that it will get better. Pretty soon you will be back to normal. I promise!

Get well soon Cosmo!

Snow, Snow, and More Snow!

2008-02-06T19:57:00.000-06:00

I hope you are safe and warm. I've been playing all day trying to make Mom smile. It must have worked because she gave me extra food and a few berry yogurt drops too!

Mom has been busy working. And when she wasn't working, she was outside shoveling LOTS of snow. I was kind of upset that she wasn't spending extra time playing with me. But then she showed me the photos below. I had no idea how much snow was outside!

Mom says there is so much snow that our snow blower won't work. I guess that's a machine that moves snow. Anyway, she had to shovel the driveway and sidewalks by hand. Mr. Tom from up the block used his snow blower (that was working) to help Mom with the sidewalks and by the street. But the rest she did by herself. I know it took her a long time. I was in here a long time by myself. I think she did OK, don't you?

Here are some photos Mom took of the back yard tonight. Mom says the wind blew the snow into huge drifts.

Can you see the wall in the photo above? Mom says when there isn't snow on the ground, it is about 5 feet tall. That means the snow is REALLY deep!

A few times today Mom told me she had to shovel a path through the back yard to help keep the snow away from the exhaust pipe for our furnace. She says that's the machine that keeps me and the rest of the house warm. I'm sure glad she's making sure the furnace works!

Mom thinks we've had at least a foot of snow. I don't know how tall that is, but I do know from looking at these photos that I would get lost quickly in those big piles. I'm so glad I don't have to go out there tonight!

I think Dad should bring back something really nice for Mom since he's been stuck in warm and sunny Florida while she has been shoveling this horrible snow, don't you? I sure hope Dad reads my blog before he gets home. :)

Stuck Home in the Snow!

2008-02-06T10:49:00.000-06:00

Hi eveyone!

If you don't already know, we are having a HUGE snowstorm here in Iowa.

It is so bad outside that Mom can barely see out the screen porch. She is even staying home from work.

I thought Mom would be happy to be home from work, but she is not happy. That's because she is worried about the snow. Dad left yesterday for a conference in Florida. Now he is not here to help Mom with all of this snow. If you know my Mom, you know she really doesn't like the snow.

Here are some photos Mom took of the snow so I could see what it is like outside of my house (since I am nice and warm in my "room").

View on the Front Porch

View of Back Yard

Here is the large drift of snow coming from our neighbor's yard that made it hard for Mom to open the porch door (she told me she had to push really hard and then get a shovel to open it all the way).

I am going to try and keep Mom smiling when she is not outside shoveling.

Mom...since you are home today, do you think you could give me a little more food? Please?!

King of the Cage

2008-02-03T08:26:00.000-06:00

Now that Mom is home from her big trip, I am anxious to show her my newest tricks. This week I even surprised myself when I finally made it to the top of my cage all by myself!

I've been thinking about how I could get to the top of my cage for a few weeks, especially after Dad took away the gate I used to climb to the top of my food cart. On Tuesday, I decided to push one of my play boxes over by my cage and I used it to jump on top. How easy!

But this morning, I learned I could jump up to the top without the help of a box!

It is pretty cool up here on top of my cage. It is really bouncy, but I can still stretch my legs!

There is only one big problem with my new trick. I haven't figured out how to get down from the top of my cage. Hmmm...I need to work on that. Mom, can you come rescue me?

Mom says I must be getting bigger if I can jump on top of my cage, but she told me she is worried I might hurt myself. I guess that means she doesn't really like my new trick. Maybe she will learn to like it as I get older.

Bye for now!

Happy Birthday Mom!

2008-01-24T23:59:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. I am so excited. My Mom is finally home from her LONG trip. Plus, today is her birthday! I won't tell you how old she is....but I can tell you she is older than me. :)

Tonight I spent extra time playing with Mom on the couch.

She is REALLY tired from her trip and she is sleeping at very strange times. Dad says she has something called jet-lag. I don't know what that is, but I decided to give Mom extra licks to make her feel better. Mom smiled, so I know I made her really happy. :)

Mom has been gone for two weeks. Don't tell her, but I was kind of mad at her for leaving me. I know she has to work, but I wish she could stay home with me. Dad takes really good care of me, but a few days after she left I decided to show him I missed Mom by climbing on one of my boxes, jumping up my play gate, and then hopping onto the top of my food cart. I didn't think I could do it....but I made it all the way to the top! I was so excited that I spilled my entire food container on the floor. It made a HUGE mess and I could tell Dad was NOT happy with me. He put me in my cage and didn't let me out to play as long as he usually does for a few days. I guess that was my punishment for spilling my food.

Mom was away to work in China and India with her friend Amy. Here are a few photos from Mom's trip. You can click on the links to learn more about the places she visited.

This is Mom and Amy at YuYuan Garden in Shanghai, China.

This is Mom at Qutb Minar Complex in Delhi, India.

This is Mom at Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, India.

And this is Mom at the Taj Mahal in Agra, India.

Welcome home Mom...and Happy Birthday!

Happy Caucus Day!

2008-01-03T07:18:00.000-06:00

Today is a very important day here in Iowa. It is caucus day!

It seems like the only news on TV in recent weeks has been about the Iowa caucus. Mom says the caucus is important because it is the first hurdle people must jump if they want to become president of the United States.

I guess all of the candidates from both the Republican and Democrat parties have visited Iowa (and Muscatine) many, many times in the past few months. Mom says the candidates are hoping Iowans will support them at the caucus tonight. I am not sure I understand how the caucus really works. Mom tried to explain it to me but I was still very confused. What I do know is that it is really important for people to participate in the caucus. I told Dad I wanted to go to the caucus with him, but he says rabbits are not allowed to caucus. Darn!

I might not be able to go to the caucus, but I can tell you who I would support if I could.

Based on what I've heard on TV and from Dad, I know John Edwards would work really hard to make America a better place for rabbits. And I know he would make sure all bunnies in America have an endless supply of berry yogurt drops.

Good luck tonight from the "Rabbits for Edwards" group!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-31T19:08:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of 2007. It sure has been a great year for me. First, I was born. But more importantly, my Mom and Dad found me and gave me an awesome home!

Mom says that the first day of every year is something called "New Year's Day." She says people celebrate the arrival of the new year with parties. I guess some people dress up and others wear funny little hats or glasses to ring in the new year right at midnight. Well I've worn enough hats already this year, so I am going to celebrate WITHOUT a hat! Mom says I can also have an extra yogurt drop from the bags that my cousin Cosmo got me for Christmas. Thanks Cosmo!

Happy 2008!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T21:50:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone! Christmas is almost here and I am READY.

My Mom tells me that Santa will visit all of the good bunnies on the night before Christmas and bring gifts. Santa...I have been REALLY good this year!

I told Mom I was worried Santa wouldn't know where I live, but Mom says I don't need to worry. He knows where I live. And of course, he already knows what I look like!

I hope he brings me lots of berry yogurt drops!

It is really hard to wait, so I am biding my time dressing up like Santa and his reindeer Rudolf.

I look pretty darn good, if I don't say so myself. Merry Christmas everyone!

I'm in the News!

2007-12-17T10:58:00.000-06:00

My Mom sent a photo of me to the Chicago Tribune Web site last night. I guess that's a Web site for a big newspaper in Chicago. They must have liked the photo because the picture is now posted.

Here is the link to the section my photo is in (I was #1 this morning):
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/chi-pets-ugcpg,0,7848213.ugcphotogallery?coll=chi_home_xpromo

And here's the photo link:
http://image.vmixcore.com/61/897/25/6160059/109/61/61/35f318b9e725585e1a1071854e137acb.jpg

I bet my cousin Cosmo is jealous!

Santa Time!

2007-12-08T15:38:00.000-06:00

Right after I got done entertaining Mom today, she told me it had stopped snowing. I'm not sure I made the snow stop, but I could tell Mom was REALLY happy.

Soon she said I needed to get ready for a trip. A trip?! I want to keep my Mom happy, but I really wanted to take a nap. Mom told me we were going to see someone very special (and that I could nap in the car). So Mom pulled out my travel cage and loaded me into her car. That's when she told me we were going to Davenport to visit someone named Santa Claus.

I guess there is a big holiday coming up in a few weeks. Mom says it is called Christmas. She says Christmas means different things to different people, but she says for her the holiday always includes giving gifts and visiting Santa Claus. Mom says Santa lives at a place called the North Pole but he visits lots of places just before Christmas. Today I guess he decided to visit Petco.

Mom wasn't kidding when she said it was COLD outside. She wrapped a huge blanket around my travel cage so she could keep me warm as she took me into the store. As soon as she took the blanket off my cage, I saw a large man with a big white beard in a bright red suit sitting in a chair. Mom told me that was Santa Claus. I wasn't sure what to expect, but I wasn't expecting a man in a red suit.

Mom says she wanted me to visit Santa so she could have a photo of me with him. I guess this is somewhat of a tradition in our house. This must be a tradition at other houses too because there were big and small dogs also waiting to see Santa Claus. Some of the dogs were far more interested in me than Santa. I wonder why?

I was really scared at first and didn't want to come out of my cage. Mom promised me a treat when the photo session was over so I decided to come out of my cage. I even let Santa hold me so I could get my treat! Guess what? Santa was actually really nice. I don't like it when strangers hold me, but I didn't mind it when Santa picked me up.

Someone helping Santa (Mom called her an elf) took my photo with a funny looking camera that spit out a picture. But the elf let Mom take photos with her new digital camera. Here are the photos Mom took.

Santa told me I was the nicest rabbit he had ever met. The elf told Mom that I was the only rabbit who came to visit Santa today. Wow!

After I was safely back in my cage (and I had my treat), the elf gave Mom a gift bag with lots of things for dogs. They didn't have anything for rabbits because I was the first rabbit to visit Santa. Mom said the gift would be perfect for my cousin Cosmo. I think so too...so that's what I am going to give him for Christmas.

Right before we left the store, Mom took me to see the rabbits Petco has for sale. They were big like me (but I think I am FAR more handsome). They had small glass cages that Mom said looked like they were made for fish. They really need a bunny condo like mine! Since the rabbits were behind glass, I couldn't talk to them, but I could tell they were sad. Now I know I am really lucky to have a big space to play in. I'm also really glad that I have my Mom and Dad.

I wasn't so sure I wanted to see Santa Claus, but now I am really glad Mom took me all the way to Davenport today. Thanks Mom!

Saturday in the Snow

2007-12-08T11:19:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone! The sky is full of this white stuff. Mom says it is snowing and COLD. She says it is a good thing I have a fur coat! The cold doesn't bother me. My favorite spot by my cage is nice and warm.

I haven't been outside in the snow, but I know from looking at Mom that she doesn't like snow. So I decided to entertain Mom this morning to make her forget about the snow.

Look Mom! I can climb REALLY high on my box. Wonder if I can make it into my food cabinet??

LOOK, I MADE IT!

I know my treats are in this drawer. If only I could push it open with my mouth!

By the way, can you tell what I had for breakfast today?

If you guessed carrots, you are correct!

I never did get into my treats. Mom says I just had breakfast and I need to wait until later. :(

I didn't argue with her because once I got into my cabinet, I couldn't figure out how to get down. Mom had to help me out. Thanks Mom!

Giving Thanks

2007-11-21T20:02:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone. My Mom tells me that tomorrow is a holiday called Thanksgiving. She says it is a day to be thankful for all of the things I have in life. I guess people eat a lot on Thanksgiving too...but thankfully they don't normally eat rabbits!

So I decided I should tell you the things I am thankful for. First, I'm thankful for my Mom and Dad (yes...even when my Mom is being goofy with her camera).

I'm also thankful for my big cage....

...the freedom Mom and Dad give me every night from my cage....

...my giant tube. I love to run fast through it, sit in it, and chew on it!

I'm also thankful for the seemingly endless supply of berry yogurt drops....

...and my Mom is thankful for my super long tongue. I guess she likes it when I lick her nose.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Welcome Home Mom!

2007-11-18T17:32:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone. I am very excited. My Mom is finally home from her trip! Don't get me wrong, Dad took really good care of me. But I love to lick Mom's face so I am glad she is home.

Mom went to a place called South Korea with a group of journalists. She even got to visit a place called North Korea. I guess not many people get to visit North Korea. Here's Mom with her group at Mt. Kumgang resort in North Korea (she's in the back row).

And here's a photo Mom's coworker Sean took from the top of the hotel they stayed at in North Korea.

I wanted to go with Mom but she says they eat rabbits there! I guess it is a good thing I stayed at home. I was kind of frustrated that Mom was gone, so I kept eating my box and throwing the shreds on the floor.

Dad let me play a lot (by myself!) while Mom was gone. Here I am trying to decide if I can jump up on the plastic gate.

Mom caught me trying to jump up the plastic gate when she got home. She wasn't mad. She was just happy to see me. She says I am growing FAST. I don't care about that. All I care about is that Mom is home. And that she let me lick her face right away! :)

Trick-or-Treat

2007-10-31T18:05:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

My Mom has been answering the door all night and handing out candy to kids dressed up in funny costumes. A few of the kids were dressed like bunny rabbits! Mom says she dressed up like a bunny when she was a kid. Hmm....does everybody want to be a bunny? It's a great life...especially when you have cool parents like I do.

I didn't want to dress up and Mom said that was OK. Here I am in my Halloween costume a few weeks ago.

Since the kids at the door are begging for candy, I decided to beg my Dad for some cilantro. I LOVE cilantro. It tastes much better than candy!

My Mom told me tonight that she is leaving on a long trip tomorrow. She is going to Korea. That means she won't be able to help me with my blog until after she gets back.

Bye for now....

Mom's New Camera

2007-10-26T20:14:00.000-05:00

My Mom got a new camera and she decided to test it out by taking photos of me. I like having my photo taken, but I think Mom has gotten a bit crazy with the camera.

Here are some of her "test" shots.

Enjoy!

Meet My Friend Flat Michael

2007-10-24T18:28:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I have a new friend. His name is Flat Michael. He is very nice.

Flat Michael travels with my Mom when she goes away for her job. Flat Michael has his own blog and it is pretty cool. It has lots of stories and photos from the trips he has taken with my Mom. You can read Flat Michael's blog at http://www.flatmichael.blogspot.com/

I have also learned that I have a new cousin. He is a dog and his name is Cosmo. He lives with Kristin's sister Sarah. I haven't met him yet, but I can see photos of him on his blog. Check out Cosmo's blog at http://www.theycallmecosmo.blogspot.com/

That's all for now. Bye!

The Boxer

2007-10-18T18:15:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope all is well with you.

I've been quiet on the blog during the last few weeks while I recover from being "fixed." Today my Mom took a day off work to spend with me. :) She got me up early and took me to see Dr. Fick and Dr. Tasha at Muscatine Veterinary Hospital. I was really worried that Mom was going to leave me again, but she told me not to worry. I was only going to get my stitches taken out.

Had I known that, I could have saved her the trip. I chewed all of my stitches out all by myself this week. Dr. Fick and Dr. Tasha wanted to see the scar on my tummy. Dr. Tasha found a stitch I didn't and she took it out. She also says I have something called an infection on my skin. Mom says that's probably because I chewed my stitches out. Now I have to take medicine to make my skin get better. Yuck! But, Mom says she will give me treats if I take my medicine. So I am going to try and take that nasty tasting pill.

This week my Mom got me a new toy. It's a big box. I love it! I can jump on it.

Best of all, I can chew on it!

Mom decided to take a movie of me playing with my box. You can see it by clicking on this link from my MySpace page:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=20341862

Mom says I need to chew on the box and not her baseboards. She puts me back in my cage when I chew on the baseboards. I guess I better stick to chewing on my box.

Mom says now that I am "fixed" I can spend more time out of my cage and playing in my area. Sometimes I get to stay out for a couple of hours while Mom and Dad watch TV at night. I really like this because I can go into my cage and eat when I am hungry, guard my cage, and run around a play when I want to!

Whew! All of this playing makes me tired. It is time to head to bed.

The Big Fix

2007-10-04T21:37:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. I hope you have had a better day than I have.

Last night my Dad told me that I was going to have a "big day." I wasn't sure what he was talking about and I didn't really care since he gave me lots of cilantro to eat.

But right after 8pm my Mom took my food away. She said I needed to rest for my "big day." I didn't want a "big day." I just wanted my food! I tried pouting for Mom but she didn't give me any food. :(

This morning Mom pulled out my travel cage. She told me I was going to Dr. Fick's office to get "fixed." Fixed? I didn't think anything was broken! I was really confused, but Mom told me that everything would be fine. I wasn't so sure, especially since she kissed me, told me I was going to be OK, and then left me alone at Dr. Fick's office!

Don't get me wrong, I really like Dr. Fick and everyone at Muscatine Veterinary Hospital, but I would rather be with my Mom and Dad. Soon, someone wearing a mask wrapped a towel around me and put this funny mask on my face. I'm not sure what happened next. All I know is that I woke up and a bunch of the fur on my tummy was gone!

Someone at Dr. Fick's office took these photos while I was getting "fixed." Those people sure look scary in those masks. It is a good thing I trust them!

Mom came to get me around noon. I was really tired and my tummy hurt. Mom gave me some medicine to make me feel better. She also gave me a few extra treats. But I am not all that hungry right now.

Mom says getting "fixed" is a big part of growing up. I sure hope so because I don't want to go through this again. I'm not really mad, but I am staying close to my cage tonight.

That's all for now.

I Plead and I Beg

2007-09-23T20:55:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone. Am I not the most handsome bunny you have ever seen?

My Mom and Dad think I am pretty cool. Actually, my Mom says I am cute. I prefer to be handsome but if being "cute" will get me more privileges then I am REALLY cute.

Mom...can I have a treat PLEASE?!

Mom...surely I am old enough now that I can explore more!

Well, I do occasionally get treats and sometimes my Dad lets me out to explore (shh...don't tell Mom). But most of the time, I just stick to "my area" and keep my feet clean. :)

Bye for now!

Little Devil

2007-09-09T17:31:00.000-05:00

My Mom came home from the store today with this interesting hat. She says it is perfect for my devilish personality. I have NO idea what she is talking about!

I can't say I am a big fan of the big red horns, but I do like the keys my Grandma McHugh sent me. They are really fun to play with in my tube.

But the best thing I've chewed on all day is the stack of bills Dad was holding in his hands. Normally Mom and Dad don't like me chewing on their stuff, but for some reason Dad thought it was great that I was chewing on the bills. Cool!

I Hate It When Mom is Right!

2007-09-07T22:31:00.000-05:00

OK, I just have to say I hate it when Mom is right. But she is. Mom left me a piece of broccoli in my cage the other night. After she went to bed, I decided to try it. Guess what? It's pretty yummy (but the cilantro in even better!).

Mom was SO excited that I now like broccoli, she took a small movie of me eating some tonight. You can see it here: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=17641970

I'm a Big Kid Now!

2007-09-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Tonight I got my first taste of what my Mom calls "human" or "adult" food.

I didn't know what Mom was waving in front of my face, so I had to check it out first. It turns out she had cilantro. Mom hates vegetables and anything "green" but Mom doesn't know what she is missing. This stuff tastes great!

Mom didn't let me eat much...she says I am still too young. :(

(Good to the last leaf!)

Mom then she wanted me to try something called broccoli. Well now I understand why Mom doesn't like green stuff to eat. I didn't like the broccoli.

Mom says maybe I will learn to like it. I don't know about that!

My Mom and Dad Went to Chicago and All I Got Was This Autographed CD!

2007-08-26T19:35:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad just got back from a two-day trip to Chicago. They were there to see some friends and to see a concert by the band, Cracker. Yes, that would be the same Cracker that once had a manager named "Jackson Haring."

I wanted to go to Chicago, but Mom said the concert would be too loud for my ears. She also told me when she got back that the park the concert was held in was a big mud puddle due to lots of rain last week. I guess Mom and Dad had to buy some new shoes so they could see the concert

So I stayed here and played with a new friend, "Aunt Lynn." She is pretty cool. (Thanks Aunt Lynn for taking care of me!).

But Mom did bring me back a CD, signed by Cracker's David Lowery.

I wanted to chew on the case, but Mom said it was far too valuable for me to chew on. :(

Mom and Dad told me the concert was awesome. The band even played one of the songs that mentions my name. That's pretty awesome. Dad recorded the song (Duty Free) on his digital camera. You can see the performance via the video section of my MySpace page: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=16774134

I am supposed to tell you the video is compressed, so the quality isn't great. But you can clearly hear my name....and see my Mom briefly jumping around like a bunny if you watch carefully. I'm also supposed to tell you there is a bad word toward the end of the song. She covered my ears during that part when I watched it!

Here are some other photos Dad took in Chicago.

Cracker on Stage

Mom with Cracker's David Lowery

Mom with Cracker's Johnny Hickman

Mom with Signed CD!

Mom says I am supposed to tell you that she had so much fun at the concert that her hair was soaking wet when Dad took this photo. She must have taken "jumping" lessons from me, because Dad says she was dancing the whole time.

Later....

Still Having a Ball!

2007-08-22T21:10:00.001-05:00

My Mom has just posted a new video of me playing with a really cool ball. I think it is awesome, but my Dad really hates how much noise it makes. Of course, Dad was also drying things in the dryer so that only made the noise on this video even louder. You can see the video here: http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=16485776

I like the ball, but my attention span is still really short. I also like eating the carpet. And, I REALLY want to get out of my space and roam. As you can see, Mom and Dad still don't want me to venture too far (and my eyes glow when Mom sometimes takes my picture).

The World is Round

2007-08-19T20:07:00.000-05:00

Today my dad bought me this cool tube at Home Depot. It's really fun to run in and I've even started to chew on the edges (because I can!).

I really like taking a break in my new tube.

But when I am REALLY tired, I still take a nap in my cage.

All of this fun sure wears me out!

My Video Debut!

2007-08-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

My Mom loves to try and catch me at play using the video function on her digital camera. So far, she has been been able to capture me a few times.

You can find my videos on my MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/jacksonharering

You can also see them via these links:
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=15754558
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=16137778
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=16186112

Mom says I need to tell you that some of the video has been "compressed." I don't know what that means, but she says that means I don't look as good as I do in real life. I don't care, I am still on film!

Enjoy

The Big Comfy Chair

2007-08-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

Today my Dad let me venture beyond my "territory." I was a bit afraid at first, but I quickly adapted. My Mom decided to show me her office and she let me sit and play in her big, comfy chair.

I am just nine weeks old, so my attention span is REALLY short. Mom's chair is nice, but I wanted to look around. Right behind the chair, I spotted a table full of rabbit photos and stuff. Mom says the photos are of my older cousins and brothers who no longer live here. I'm glad I have the house to myself, but it is nice to know I have an extended family.

More New Toys

2007-08-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

I LOVE to chew on everything from Mom's shirt, to carpet, to the wood baseboards. My Mom has decided I should chew on my toys. Today I got some new, colorful wood toys. Yummy!

I also got this cool new "floor" to rest on in my bunny condo.

My toys are cool, but nothing beats a food bowl full of bunny chow!

The Bunny Condo

2007-08-05T21:17:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Dad decided I needed a nice, BIG cage. Welcome to my bunny condo!

KBUN Radio

2007-08-03T21:13:00.000-05:00

My Mom is a radio journalist. I think she wants me to follow in her footsteps. I now have a new toy microphone. When I get older, I am going to own a radio station and call it KBUN - Bunny Radio. But Mom says I need to learn how to use a microphone first.

New Home

2007-08-02T21:03:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos from my first night in my new house!

Welcome to My Blog

2007-08-01T12:57:00.000-05:00

My name is Jackson Harering and my Mom and Dad (Kristin and Eugene) rescued me from a filfhy pet store in Iowa when I was seven weeks old. I am named after the longtime manager of two of my parents' favorite bands, Cracker and Camper van Beethoven. You can follow my life adventures by reading this blog.

Welcome!