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Posts Tagged ‘Animals’

  1. Wild Africa Trek Coming Up

    February 27, 2011 by Leanne

    In just a short time later this morning I’m heading out to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience the new Wild Africa Trek.  It’s best described as an Africa-safari style adventure that goes on unusual, off-the-beaten paths giving an amazing and often thrilling view of the theme park.  (Check out these stories from the Disney Parks Blog for more background and information)


    My biggest challenge with this experience will be the high-in-the-air rope walk over the crocodile pit.  Yes, the height scares me some, but my bigger fear than that are the crocodiles.  Living in Florida my whole life I have a huge fear of alligators and reptiles in general. Huge fear!  So, if I can overcome this I think I’m going to have an amazing time!

    Wish me luck!  Check back here for post-trip pictures.


  2. Happy 5th Anniversary (to me!)

    March 15, 2010 by Leanne

    Five years ago I started this blog to share my stories and adventures of my life in Hong Kong. I was headed overseas for a 4-month assignment and thought a blog would be a cool, inexpensive way to stay in touch with my family and friends. The blog was originally named “The Life of Leanne”.

    me, Mike Hyland at Hong Kong Disneyland, 5 months before Grand Opening

    I can’t believe 5 years have passed. Since then I’ve been back to Hong Kong for another 2-month stint in 2006, spent 6-weeks in Paris in 2007, toured Madrid and Barcelona in 2007, been to 4 Super Bowls (7 total) and so much more (WDW Moms Panel, Disney Parks Blog, Twitter, Facebook, and so much more.)


    Super Bowl XL in Detroit  and trying to look deep in thought in Paris 2007.

    What kind of a mom would I be if I didn’t bring out the baby photos!?! (Please don’t click away – these are worth seeing and there’s not very many of them.)

    This is one of my favorite pictures of Jefferson. Total action shot!!

    Here’s a photo of Ashley- my very first dog. She lived to be 14 years old and was quite a girl! She was an awesome dog.

    And then came Mikita in December 2007.

    And following Mikita’s arrival was the re-friendship with Mike. :)

    I’ve had some really wonderful life moments shared with you here on the blog. I’ve been struggling lately trying to figure out where it goes from here. I have to be honest, I’m confused with all the advice I read on blogging and the “rules” they establish for bloggers and realize I don’t fit into this realm, based of what they consider the “right” way to blog. I blog about everything in my life – my dogs, my man, my friends, my work life, my home life… everything. Yet the “experts” say I should have a niche and focus. This thinking has me all confused and wondering if I should even continue on.
    But I will. I enjoy this, even if it’s not what a blog expert says it should be. I hope you continue to read my blog. It will be what it has been for the past 5 years – a blog about my life. A blog about what I do, who I am, what makes me happy. I don’t write this for advertisements so I have no guiding light other than my heart. I hope you continue to stop by once in awhile and enjoy what you see.


  3. Cat vs Dog

    September 8, 2009 by Leanne

    A friend sent me this video for my birthday, knowing I love animals and that I have a German Shepherd, too.  It’s hysterical!  And the dog looks just like my Mikita. Enjoy…


    Christmas Toy W


  4. So long Shawnie

    July 28, 2009 by Leanne

    Right now my mom is home crying her eyes out.  Just hours ago her lovely cat, Shawnie, died of kidney failure.  Shawnie was an absolutely beautiful cat with pure white long fur and magical blue eyes.  We got her from the humane society the summer of 1990 – just days after my dad had been diagnosed with kidney cancer.  She was actually his companion and kitty buddy for the remaining few months that he lived.  He died in September that year.

    Shawnie 1990 - 2009

    Shawnie 1990 - 2009

    If there was ever the “sweetest cat ever” – that title went to Shawnie.  She constantly purred and loved sitting in laps.  She was never sickly and lived a very long, happy life.  Nineteen years is a pretty  long time – we were lucky to have her for so long.

    My mom is obviously taking it very hard.  For the past five years or so Shawnie has been at moms side – sleeping next to or on top of her every night.  I last saw Shawnie yesterday and it was obvious her time was coming. She looked awful and was having a hard time walking. I’m glad I got to say good-bye yesterday.  She is in a good place now.

    Shawnie & Mikita sharing dinner

    Shawnie & Mikita sharing dinner


  5. Bad Doggy Mommy

    June 4, 2009 by Leanne

    Dear Ed – my dog trainer,

    I’ve done you wrong.  You showed me how to earn respect and gain control of my dog.  I just didn’t follow through. Now, I’m paying the price.


  6. Sleepy Time

    April 13, 2009 by Leanne

    Only watch this video if you have insomnia.  Or if you just think dogs are cute, otherwise, it will bore you silly.


  7. Tiger-errific

    April 10, 2009 by Leanne

    Ever since I was a little girl I have adored tigers, in particular bengal tigers. I don’t know how old I was, maybe 10 – 12 years old, I had a glow-in-the-dark velvet poster of a tiger hanging over my bed. Ah, those were the days. And – I ate Frosted Flakes for breakfast. (Please tell me you get the connection.)

    Today I was at Disney’s Animal Kingdom meeting up with someone I’ve had an online connection with, but hadn’t met in person yet. Allison from Texas and I have been communicating through Twitter and Facebook for several months and today we finally said hello – face-to-face. 

     

    Allison and me at Disney's Animal Kingdom 

    After spending time saying hello, I used the next 30 -minutes in the park (before my next conf. call) to head over to see my tiger friends.  Last time I was there I captured a great shot of one yawning.  I was hoping for the same spontaneous photo moment today. While the “action” shot didn’t happen, I still managed to take some great pictures of these magnificent beasts.

    tiger1

    tiger2 

    tiger5 

    tiger3

    tiger4tiger-3 

    Aren’t they just gorgeous creatures?  And to think I’m a dog person. Huh.

    Have a tiger-riffic weekend!


  8. Dog Lovers – Must Watch This Story

    April 6, 2009 by Leanne

    Ben Stein did a wonderful editorial this past Sunday on the CBS Sunday Morning Show.  It’s only 2-minutes long and well worth the time.


    Watch CBS Videos Online


  9. Doggie Love

    February 22, 2009 by Leanne



  10. Safe Dog Chew Toys

    February 4, 2009 by Leanne

    Mikita & Jefferson wait for their chew toys

    Mikita & Jefferson wait for their chew toys

    Came across this article from dog expert Cesar Millan’s website on what are the safest chew toys for dogs.  The vet points out the differences in toys for large and small dogs.  Bottom line – Bully Sticks are right now the best product you can trust in your baby’s mouth.

    Read more here:   Cesar Millan