Have you noticed how a lot of online gaming sites aren't really suitable for children? I logged on to a gaming site the other day, and had no idea that I would be automatically logged on to a chat room at the same time. As soon as I realized, I left that site. Imagine allowing your child to visit a site where anyone could engage them in a conversation?<br /><br />I started researching the various gaming sites and was also horrified to come across advertisements on them that were far from suitable for children. Then I came across the <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=30682&amp;url=http://www.megabrands.com/en/kids/" rel="nofollow">MEGA Brands Kids Zone</a>. Designed specifically for children, it is a safe site that offers interesting games, with high quality graphics and music. I tried a few of the games myself, and especially enjoyed Dragons Metal Ages. It's a fun game, involving fantasy creatures, rather than people, so it doesn't in any way promote inter-personal violence, making it highly suitable for children to play.<br /><br />Another game I especially liked, which would appeal to younger children, is the Drawing Game. Essentially, a player can choose from six different pre-drawn canvases, and color it in with different tools, e.g. a pencil, airbrush, marker or crayon. There is also an eraser to tidy up mistakes. I think this game would be an excellent way for children to develop computer skills, as well as eye-hand coordination - and have fun at the same time.<br /><br />I recommend all parents to check out this site. So many gaming sites nowadays contain content inappropriate for children, that it's nice to know there are safe, online havens where kids can have fun, and also, develop their computer skills. Once again, the name of the site is <a href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/post?slot_id=30682&amp;url=http://www.megabrands.com/en/kids/" rel="nofollow">MEGA Brands Kids Zone</a>. Have fun!<br /><br /><map name="map1916"><area href="http://socialspark.com/metrics/click/disclosure?slot_id=30682&amp;url=http://www.megabrands.com/en/kids/" shape="rect" coords="0,0,206,45" rel="nofollow"><area href="http://socialspark.com/code_of_ethics" shape="rect" coords="207,0,225,45" rel="nofollow"></map>

I took some new pics of Jake earlier today, just before we set off on our walk to the beach. Here he is, trying to get me to chase him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SWeLi8Zd3XI/AAAAAAAACy4/QqhIQ7uxUEg/s1600-h/jake01.jpg">I'll post the rest of the pics from our walk later.

The serial humper grabbed my leg again - and this time it was in a public place. Oh the shame! I tried to walk away, but he ran up behind me and tried it again. So I reprimanded him, stuck him back on his leash, and reined him in tightly, making him walk briskly by my side. He got the message. However, getting the message this time doesn't mean he won't try it again. I called a few vets, but it seems I'll have to pay between £95-£105 to get him neutered, as opposed to £30 at the PDSA. So it looks like I've got a few more weeks, at least, of Jake thinking I'm a lady-dog. Perhaps I may be able to buy an inflatable lady Shih Tzu for him in the meantime...

I've had to have serious words with young Jake this evening. He tried humping my leg in the kitchen, so I pushed him off and walked away. The little beggar ran after me, grabbed my leg and tried again. So I clapped my hands loudly and yelled 'no'. It worked - for a few minutes. I headed into the living room with a coffee. No sooner had I sat on the couch, than he leapt up and tried his amorous nonsense with my arm. When I shoved him off, he hung on and growled, so I gave him a firm push off, got up and walked away. When he tried to follow, I very forcefully said 'no', stopped him getting back on the sofa, and insisted he retired to his cushion. I intend investigating how much neutering costs at the local vet. It may only cost £30 at the PDSA, but I don't fancy fighting off a loved-up Shih Tzu for the next six or seven weeks. Apart from his 'urges', he's a marvellous little fellow!

It appears that young Jake is a serial humper. He tried it a few times with my cousin, Wayne, a couple of days ago. Just now, he had a go at my leg, so I threw a soft toy across the room to distract him. He chased the toy, then bounced up on the sofa and wrapped himself around my arm, attempting another humping session. He's booked into the PDSA to be castrated, but the first slot they have is at the end of February. So it looks like I'll have to fight off his advances until then. Oh joy ...

It seems I've acquired a wicked little imp of a dog. He's gradually learning (though not fast enough) that chasing cats is not a good idea. Young Jake was rather shocked to discover that cats will stand their ground and fight back when chased by a cheeky little Shih Tzu. So he's slowly learning a bit of respect. He usually leaves them alone altogether once he's had a walk and a run around the park.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SWDPNVzikdI/AAAAAAAACyw/9oXMQoYa9j4/s1600-h/Jake 006.jpg">Overall though, I can't complain. He asks to go out for a pee, doesn't chew things, makes very little noise, and is always friendly and affectionate - except, perhaps, when he has a rolled-up paper bag in his jaws. He's also happy to be groomed, and let me cut a few matted bits out of his fur without protest. I'm going to introduce him to public transport soon, so that he's at ease on buses. I hope to take him to Rhossili and a few other places once the warmer weather comes, plus he'll be off to the PDSA soon, to be neutered. I think I've been lucky and got myself a good little furry friend!

As promised, here are some pics of Jacob. He's a difficult dog to photograph, as he's very active and playful. His face isn't mucky - he'd just had a drink, so his fur was wet.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SV3rLEETtwI/AAAAAAAACyY/-HIb55txXNg/s1600-h/Jacob 002.jpg">So what do you think of my new furry friend?

You won't believe this, but I nearly ended up with two dogs. I was called again yesterday by Llys Nini animal shelter, to say little Tipsy probably is safe with cats. I was very tempted to keep the booking on her, as she's such a sweet dog. But I had to say no, not just because Jacob had already arrived, but because I couldn't take a chance with Liberty's safety. I just feel I've been told too many conflicting things about her, to know what to do for the best. I felt horrid, as I really like little Tipsy, but Liberty's 15, and has days now where she's not too energetic. I don't think she could outrun a terrier hellbent on harm, and too many seeds of doubt have been sown in my head by differing opinions at the shelter as to Tipsy's suitability with cats. Hopefully, she will find a good, caring home very soon, as she's so adorable. Had I not had the cats, I would have probably taken her as well as Jacob.<br /><br />Everything happened so quickly with Jacob, my new little Shih Tzu. I spoke to my friend at around 8.30 on Tuesday night, having been told, around 5.00 that evening, that Tipsy wasn't good with cats. I told her about the phone call I'd had from the RSPCA, and she told me about Jacob. After making contact with the people caring for him, he was with me by 9.45 that night. I'd been assured by my friend, and others, that he was a good dog, and he certainly is.<br /><br />My home is a bit of a war zone at the moment, though. Leo is being especially vile to Jacob, spitting, growling and attacking him. I also caught him chasing the dog around the garden. So, Jacob's had enough, and now growls whenever he sees Leo. But the dog then made a mistake of trying to give Liberty a hard time, and much to my surprise, she chased him around the flat, and gave him a couple of smacks. However, he seems to have accepted he was out of line, and is now behaving himself with her, and she seems to be holding no grudges.<br /><br />I'm surprised at how quickly he settled. He's clean in the house, quiet at night, very good natured, and incredibly affectionate. He likes to roll over and expose his belly to get tummy rubs, and loves playing with toys. His previous owner no longer had time for him, due to work commitments, and he went to live with someone else for a few weeks. But he was sharing a home with three kids, two Rottweiler guard dogs and some other animals. The people who gave him to me, wanted to find a home for him where he could have more attention than they could offer him. He's obviously only known kindness, is in great shape, and someone has done a lot of good groundwork with him, because he's very obedient.<br /><br />He's also quite mischievous. I told him off for chasing Liberty, and wagged a finger in his face. He promptly swatted my finger with his paw, the little devil. There was a funny episode earlier, when he decided to start humping my cousin, Wayne, but a quick play session and walk soon got those thoughts out of his head. I've also booked him into the PDSA to be castrated - the dog, not Wayne. All in all, he's a lovely little dog - and I'm about to charge those camera batteries up so you can get a look at him.

Yesterday brought all sorts of news on the doggy front. I was gutted when the RSPCA called to say they feared the little dog I wanted to adopt could pose a danger to my cats. Apparently, when I booked her, someone had missed the fact that her original owner had informed them that she wasn't safe around cats. They asked me to think things over and let them know tomorrow, whether I want to still go ahead with the adoption.<br /><br />In the meantime, my friend called to ask if I wanted a little Shih Tzu, and gave me the contact details of the people seeking to re-home him. Within an hour of speaking to them, the dog was delivered to me, and they didn't ask a penny for him - Shih Tzus are usually around £350-550. He's gold and white, 18 months old, playful, and seems well-behaved and affectionate. He's already settled in, and is now fast asleep. As soon as my camera battteries are charged, I'll take and post some pics. He's lovely, like a little white and gold teddy bear :). Oh - and I've named him Jacob.

My cat, Liberty, is driving me nuts. She keeps climbing up on my shoulder and trying to lick my left eyelid. Why? Silly old girl. The more I push her away, the more she persists. She's been at it for days. As much as I adore her, I do not want anyone who licks their own bum, putting their tongue anywhere near my face, much less my eyes. Help!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/funny-dog-pictures-grumpy-dog-wishes-you-a-merry-christmas.jpg">Have a good day, wherever you are. I'm about to hide from the Queen's message!

Someone recently reminded me of the version of Twelve Days of Christmas I used to sing when I was around three or four. I could only remember days 1-5 - kind of:<br /><br />On the fifth day of Christmas,<br />My true love sent to me,<br />Five gold rings,<br />Four cauliflowers,<br />Three fresh eggs,<br />Two purple doves,<br />And a party in a pear tree.<br /><br />They also reminded me that I'd renamed the holiday season Kwithmath. So in the spirit of Christmases past, Mewwy Kwithmath to you all!

How cute is this pic? Of course, being me, I'm looking at the Cavaliers, not the sprog! The little Blenheim Cavalier (red and white) looks so much look poor old Alfie, bless him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SU_JYE2GLUI/AAAAAAAACyQ/-4B2cjR01hs/s1600-h/cavs.jpg">

I think I've slightly lost the plot! I went on to eBay last night, and ended up buying a collar for Daisy. Can anyone please tell me why the f-word I bought a pink, diamanté collar? Did I have a Paris Hilton moment? Paris Stilton more like, as I think I have a mouldy old piece of cheese for a brain. Just <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&amp;ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&amp;item=350137076958">look at it</a>. I don't do bling! I thought I was barmy enough when I bought poor old Alfie a sparkly blue denim collar, with a silver charm bearing the word 'love' on it.<br /><br />I had a call from the RSPCA earlier. They want me to heighten my garden fence. Although she's only small, Daisy can jump - and I really mean jump. At least five feet. So I've ordered a big roll of reed screening to tie to my low fence. I've been meaning to get some for a while, so it's hardly an inconvenience. I wish certain social service departments around the UK would take as much care to secure the safety of children, as the RSPCA does regarding dogs.<br /><br />Daisy's due to be spayed after Christmas, so she'll probably be a bit subdued for a little while. Once she recovers and I bring her home - it'll be fun time!

I headed off to the shelter today, and met a couple of dogs. I really took to Tipsy, and she seems to like me, too. So I promptly booked her and renamed her Daisy. I'll have to wait a couple of weeks to bring her home. The shelter isn't rehoming any dogs until January 3rd at the earliest, and Daisy also needs to be spayed. Here she is - she has the sweetest nature imaginable. She's full of beans, healthy, and quite a little character.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SU0r3NxwSZI/AAAAAAAACyI/VPkWkBXNXf4/s1600-h/Daisy2.JPG">I'm really looking forward to bringing her home.

I'll be off to Llys Nini soon, to meet a couple of doggy girls, with a view to offering one of them her forever home. I hope one of them proves suitable. I had my eye on a Staffordshire bull terrier bitch at Llanelli Dogs Home, but she's already been rehomed. Here's hoping I find my new walking pal today!<br /><br />Oh, BTW, I joined Facebook and really like it. Click my pic in the sidebar, if you want to be my Facebook pal!

Sadly, the puppies I had my eye on have all been re-homed. But the Llys Nini shelter is looking for a home for their mum, <a href="http://swansearspcadogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/tipsy.html">Tipsy</a>, who is only two, and is a sweet-natured little dog. I've also spotted a number of whippet crosses on the blog, who are all ex-cruelty cases. I especially like the look of <a href="http://swansearspcadogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/rhianna.html">Rhianna</a> and <a href="http://swansearspcadogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/ralph.html">Ralph</a>, but I guess I'd have to buy a bigger dog bed if I took one of those two.<br /><br />I really like Rhianna's colour, but she doesn't match my furniture. Of course, those of you who know me, will know I'm not serious. But apparently, a few years ago, a woman returned her black dog to the shelter she got it from, asking if she could swap it for a white one, as it didn't match her new furniture. People like that make me feel relieved that responsible rescue shelters, including Llys Nini, don't rehome over the Christmas period. So if I decide to adopt one of the aforementioned dogs, it'll be the New Year before I'll be able to take him or her home with me. I'll be off to see the dogs tomorrow, hopefully.

I've seen some terrier puppies on the <a href="http://swansearspcadogs.blogspot.com/2008/12/puppies.html">Llys Nini dogs blog</a> that I like the look of. I've no idea if they're still there, but intend visiting the Llys Nini animal shelter either today or tomorrow, to try to find a new pal. If the pups are still there, I suspect one of them will be moving in with me. I especially like the look of the one with the light brown facial markings.

Just thought I'd share a couple of pics of my knitting projects. I completed the panda yesterday. It's the first toy I've ever made, so it's far from perfect. The stitching needs tidying up a bit, but I don't think it's too bad a first effort.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_iAph1dWjmpE/SUUAES20h4I/AAAAAAAACxA/KtDAsZJq1ms/s1600-h/panda2.JPG">

I just came across this quiz as I was browsing. Not sure if this is anything like the real me, but it's an enjoyable little distraction on a wet and stormy night. <br /><br />So what colour's your rainbow?<br /><br /><center><div style="width:300px; background:black; color:#AAAAAA; padding: 10px;text-align:center; border: 1px solid #333333;">Your rainbow is strongly shaded<b> black and violet.</b><br><br><div style="background: #99004d">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #99444d">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #99664d">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #33584d">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #333db3">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #3300b3">&nbsp;</div><div style="background: #7700b3">&nbsp;</div><br>What it says about you: You are a powerful person. You appreciate beauty and craftsmanship. You may meet people who are afraid of you. You are patient and will keep trying to understand something until you've mastered it.<br><br><a href="http://spacefem.com/quizzes/rainbow">Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.</a></div></center>

The weather is absolutely hideous this evening. There's a nasty gale shrieking in off Mumbles Head, and it's very cold. So I'm curled up in front of the fire, with a big bag of yarn, needles, toy stuffing, beads and various other crafty bits and bobs.<br /><br />I've got into knitting in a big way recently. I'm not talking scary granny sweaters or twee twin-sets. There is so much that can be achieved with some needles and a few balls of yarn. I learned how to knit as a child, but in those days, yarn arrived in two or three thicknesses, colours were very basic, and texture was unheard of. Nowadays, what you can achieve with knitting is limited only by your imagination - or your bank balance. Have you seen the price on some of the fancy yarns? Scary.<br /><br />At the moment, I'm working on a knitted toy panda. I have one leg and two eye patches left to knit. Then, I'll have to stuff all the bits, sew them together and stick on some safety eyes. It sounds easy, but the sewing bit is filling me with trepidation. If I'm not careful, I could end up with a very deformed panda!<br /><br />I found a half-price, white mohair blend yarn at the wool stall in Swansea Market yesterday, so if I manage to assemble the panda correctly (i.e. looking like a panda rather than some alien critter from another world), I'll make a start on knitting a baby seal. The panda's for my friend's little grand-daughter, who's two next month. After the seal, I'm going to attempt some knitted, beaded cakes. They sell for a fair bit on <a href="http://ebay.co.uk/" title="eBay" rel="homepage" class="zem_slink">eBay</a>, so if my efforts turn out okay, I'll try to sell a few to raise some funds for the PDSA. Then there were those knitted curtains I liked the look of, the pom-pom rug, knitted bathroom rug set, knitted jewellery, knitted flowers..........<br /> <div style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;" class="zemanta-pixie"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://reblog.zemanta.com/zemified/6fd63414-09c4-41a0-baae-e1bffb8b83ef/" title="Zemified by Zemanta">

I'm having no luck finding a new walking partner at the moment, so it looks like I'll have to wait until the New Year, when the poor Christmas puppies get turfed out into the cold. It's strange how I only had Alfie in my life for about three and a half months, yet his passing has left a huge empty space.<br /><br />However long I have to wait for the right doggy to come along - I do NOT want something that looks like this. Is it from this planet? :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/funny-dog-pictures-no-rubber-balls.jpg">

Many thanks to those of you who left me kind words regarding poor Alfie's passing. I didn't have him very long, but I certainly miss him, and our daily walks. I feel very much at a loose end at the moment, so I'm contemplating getting a puppy, probably sometime after Christmas.

I've just come across a fantastic idea for making money for charity. Visit <a href="http://www.bloggerwave.com/blog_ClickTrack.php?OpportunityId=78&amp;BlogId=15875&amp;LinkId=0" rel="nofollow">www.agoodcause.co.uk</a>, and download a small piece of free software. Once installed, every time you shop online, at more than 5,000 stores, the retailer will donate a portion of the cost of your transaction to a charity of your choice, such as Oxfam, Save the Children, the British Red Cross, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Help the Aged, or hundreds of other charities.<br />
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It will cost you absolutely nothing, but it will help raise funds for good causes. Participating retailers include Tesco, HMV, Waterstones, Next, PC World, Dell and almost six hundred other large retailers. According to my research, the software is spyware-free. So, even if you're strapped for cash at the moment, why not help your favourite charity by installing the software and shopping online at your usual stores?<br />
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