Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

New contact information for Abby:

Email: abbymasterman@gmail.com

Phone (I Phone!!): 207 992 3199

Address (for good measure): 788 Main Road, Carmel ME 04419

My how fast time passes.

This summer has been all but a blur. We've done some fun things, which I'll get to, but let me do the personal updates first. Abby's work is going pretty good. She likes going to the clinic, but I don't like it when she has to stay at the hospital overnight- boo for OB, but she does like delivering babies- or so she tells Daddy. Daddy is fishing as much as possible this summer. He's also crusading to save the Sandy River. Boof is, just boofy - she is getting skinnier since she's been on a diet and since she has been playing with Rosa. And Rosa, the new one, is pretty cute. Sometimes when I'm getting pets and loves from Momma, she chases and tries to bite my tail, then she runs away when I turn around. I don't mind too much because I love getting pets from Momma. But sometimes she frustrates me because she acts like she wants to play chase, but she only runs and hides under the bed when I chase her. Ugh- cats. She is getting bigger, but she still looks like a mini-Boofy. I'm doing pretty well. Looking good, and behaving - most of the time.

Now for the fun stuff. What about this weather we have been having this summer. June and July were just deplorable. August things started to get a little more seasonable, but still. We had a few fun camp days and a few good hiking days. One day we went to Bigelow and hiked all the way up the Firewarden's trail- that was steep. Then we hiked across the top and down a different trail. I love doing loops. On the way across the top, in a wooded section- you'll never believe what we saw- a HUGE Mama moose and her baby. Daddy was wicked scared (I was trying to just get out of dodge) and Mom bearly noticed. It was a beautiful day for hiking. I was so pooped at the end I think i slept for nearly 3 days straight.

Hmm. What else did we do for fun.... well I didn't get to go, but Abby & Ethan had their first vacation as a working couple. I had to stay with Nana & Papa, then with Aunt Andrea & Bill (and those cats, you know the ones that eat the bacon!). Anyway, they went to PEI for 4 days. I guess it was pretty nice, lots of farm lands then right next to the beaches. They saw a couple shows up there - one was a hilarious dinner theater, the other a music-montage about disco music. Both were very entertaining.

On the way home, they stopped in the middle of Maine to go White Water Rafting on the Penobscot River. Abby's been bugging grandpa Jim for quite some time now, so he gave her the trip for her birthday. It was AWESOME!! The sun was shining and the waves were big. BUt I get really nervous when she tells the story about how she fell out of the raft, then got stuck under the raft before coming to the surface again so the guide could haul her into the raft. Phew, I'm glad I wasn't there for that!

Anyway.

Then, finally they came back to get me!! Ethan and I went on a little scouting fishing trip while Abby went to southern Maine to meet up with Sarah & Caitlin. They did more kayaking on the river (with LLBean's) and walked around Freeport for the whole day! It was so nice to see them and hang out. Man-oh-man, true friends are really gems and wonderful blessings in our lives.

New Addition

Great news Folks. We have a new member of our family to announce. Her name is Rosa, she's a 9 week old kitten. She looks just like Boofy, but in miniature. They weren't really planning to get another kitten but on of the MA's in Abby's office had some kitties move into her barn and they decided to keep this one so it didn't have to go to the shelter. It's been a great decision so far.

Except that she's still on quarantine because technically she was a stray and they want to make sure she's healthy and doesn't have any diseases that could infect Boofy or me.

I'll write more and give you more pictures as I can.

Catching up

Hmmm. I don't know what to say it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything. I'll do a quick re-cap of the last 8 months- ugh.

November- Abby's travling slowed down and things returned to a little more normal.

Around Thanksgiving time we moved up to Nana Frances and Papa Dave's house while Abby was working at the clinic in Kingfield. It was a great time because she got to work with the great people from Kingfield and have lunch with Grammie, Grandpa and Nana everyday. This lasted until Christmas time.

In January, we moved back to Carmel- phew that was a nice return to normal. Then I had to go back to Nana & Papa's house for 3 weeks while Abby & Ethan went with Papa Jim to Big Sky Montana to go skiing- I wish I could have gone because I heard there was a little puppy out there- I love puppies.

February was pretty normal.

March started normal until Abby left for 3 weeks. She went on this life-saving-trip- and left ME HERE! Ugh. Anyway- she was in Nicaragua for 1 week and El Salvador for 2 more weeks. I stayed home with Daddy & Boofy. She finally came back in the beginning of April. April was pretty normal- except Abby worked at night (in the ER) and was sick during the day. I felt bad for her, but she survived.

That brings us to May- which was great. Abby stayed home most days- hooray. She peeled all the blasted pink flowers off the walls and in 3 days time she and Grandma Julie painted every horizontal and vertical surface in the whole house. I can't believe how hard they worked- well past 8 every day. It's a much nicer place now- no more flowers and no more pink.

The last of May Abby & Ethan went to Arizona. Technically, Ethan went for a work conference in Scottsdale. But they went out earlier- and left me with Nana & Papa, who left me with Andrea & Bill. They went to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, and Sedona before going to the conference. Apparently, it was a great trip- but I wouldn't know because I DIDN'T get to GO!

This brings us to June. The first week of June we stayed at Little Sebago- I love camp! Abby's friends Gretchen and Denis stayed with us for a couple days- they have a little human too, Pedie who's very cute. Abby had dub graduation stuff to do before the big day on Saturday June 6.

After that we came back up home. There were two really relaxing weeks before the madness began again. This week Abby started learning lots of things she needs to know for residency.

She is specializing in Family Practice at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor Maine. So far, she really likes the other 8 interns (first year residents). She has one more week of orientation- mostly learning about the clinic. Then the next week - the first full week in July- she'll be starting real doctoring and patient care. Her first rotations are Opthalmology and Orthopedic surgery, followed by Obstetrics.

The weekly trip away.

I thought I had it made when everyone finally came home. But Momma has been leaving every week. Two times back to Detroit, and this week to Long Island, NY - all for interviews. BUt this week she came home late Friday night. I've been cluddling her as much as possible in hopes that she won't leave next weekend.

THis weekend we're having tons of fun - lounging around the house and occasionally playing frisbee outside on the frosty grassy.

I love hunting!!

I've learned that any time anyone says hunting it's a good thing. It usually means a ride in the big red truck, and running through the woods. Sometimes I find a bird.... I chase it, and chase it, and chase it until it flies. Then (usually) there's a big BOOM- then I get to find it and bring the bird back to Daddy who likes it very much. I said usually because the other day, the usual happend- I found a bird, made it fly, then there was the BOOM- but there was no bird to be found- I was so confused.

Sometimes Buddy comes. He finds more birds than I do, but I'm still just learning and he's old and stinky. And to prove I'm cooler- he found the bird the other day and wouldn't give it to Daddy- he wanted to keep it all to himself.

So if you want a sure-fire way to get me excited- just mention hunting and you've go it.

While they were gone...

Cera, Cera, Cera- it's always about Cera. What about me?? While they were gone, I was having a blast!! I stayed with Delaney & Craig and the little people- Wyatt & Ella. I love them and the LOVE me! We had so much fun. They even took me on a hike (Abby & Ethan take Cera for walks, but I never get to go). I walked through the woods, over logs and I had a blast!! But it was very tiring.

I've included some pictures of my favorite little people. Aren't they adorable.















This is a picture of Cera and me chasing a bug on the kitchen floor. We played with it for about 30 minutes.

SHE'S BACK!! SHE'S BACK!!!

I knew she would come back, and she did- but I'm so relieved. She told me and Daddy about her travels.....
She left 9/5 and stayed with Erik in Boston. That was really fun to hang out for a while. Then she drove all day to get to Michigan. Apparently, upstate New York is really big. It seemed like Buffalo would never come. Once she got to the USA-Canada border she was REALLY sick of driving. It was about4 pm, so she took a little pit stop. Luckily, there is a natural wonder at this very same point! Niagara Falls. It's beautiful in pictures and even more impressive in person. Since Daddy had the camera in Montana, all she had was her phone, but there are still some pretty cool pictures.
Then she continued the rest of the way to Grand Blanc, Michigan. She arrived late at night everything was dark. But she found the hospital and the traveled across town to find the student housing. It was nice accommodations -except there were no beds!! Just an air mattress for two weeks!! She had a few roommates over the two weeks, but they were all mostly normal.
The rotation was OB/GYN again- she really loves that. The hospital was beautiful- like walking into a hotel. It was different, so she says, to work with residents. But a good experience none the less. She really liked the program too.
Then she drove to Muskegon (that's way up on the western coast of Michigan on Lake Michigan). It was a beautiful drive. She interviewed at Mercy General Partners- they really liked her, and she liked them too.
Then, you guessed it- more driving. This time south and east. She drove to Pittsburg and stayed with Natalie Maida and her parents at their beautiful home at Seven Springs Ski Resort. They had a very delicious brunch and a nice visit before she had to get back on the road.
Sunday- she stopped in Manheim to visit with Danny & Krista Steele and their little people- Isak and Hannah. They are super cute!! (Danny was one of Abby's really special anatomy partners and she made a hat for Isak, and Hannah was born on Ethan's birthday!!) It was a really fun visit becasue they went to the Renaissnce fair. They spent the day watching people dressed up like pirates and men wearing skirts (kilts). There was jousting, elephant riding, hypnotists and really tasty treats like turkey legs and peasant bread (fried dough).
After their super fun day. Abby kept driving to Philadelphia (actually Conshocken, PA) to get ready for her really big exam. The exam was with standardized patients- 12 patients and really strict timing. It went really well.
After the exam, she started driving- again. She drove to Boston to visit with Josh (I really like Josh). He is back from his super-secret job, but this time we get to visit!! He passed his pilots test this week!! I'm so excited for him...
Oops, I got side tracked, then Tuesday she drove home- to see me, and Daddy. We were in the field when she came home. But as soon as she called my name, I got so excited and sprinted to her. I could barely contain myself for several minutes. I'm so glad she's home. Today, even though it's Wednesday, both Abby & Daddy stayed home- I'm in heaven, I'm not letting them out of my sight.

My new friend

So, I've been staying with Scott, Missy & Noah for a while now. I go on two walks a day with Missy and I have a new friend next door- we're pretty much twins.










Aunt Missy said I've been chewing stuff lately- I "neutered" my wubba, chewed the stuffing out of my bed, and through my flexi leash. They've been great here, but I think I'm coping with missing my people.

The plans...

This week we are planning to go in 4 different directions.
Abby's going to Michigan for a 2 week rotation - OB/Gyn again (I told you she really likes it). She's driving all the way there by her self. Ethan's pretty nervous about her going, but she's not.... Ethan's going to Montana to go Fishing with Kael, for 1 week. I'm going to Scott & Missy's house. Boofy's going to Delaney's house to play with the kids.

MORE CAMPING!! and Rafting!

Have I ever mentioned how much I love camping- and i love my people?

This week was pretty busy- Abby was on call last weekend, and on Wednesday night. I miss her when she's on call. Then on Friday they started packing stuff. At first I didn't know where we were going. Saturday morning they got out my favorite stuff- the camping stuff!! I went crazy because I love camping- we get to be outside for a whole weekend, new smells, usually there's swimming and tasty treats that fall on the ground; and I get to cuddle them in the tent. They want me to sleep at the end, but I usually sneak up to the middle so I can lay on the warm sleeping pads too.

They packed up the car. We stopped at this place on the way, Abby and Ethan went inside and talked to a lady about leaving me for the weekend. I did my saddest/cutest face and they caved.... I got to go!! They couldn't go camping without me and I'm so glad!!!

We drove to the Forks for a Rafting Trip on the Dead River. Abby and Ethan found a place to babysit me, then we went to the head of the Dead River and set up the campsite. We met Andrew and Ben, then Kael, TJ, Curt and a couple of Andrews friends joined us.

Ethan did lots of fishing- he loves fishing. He caught a couple good ones- but he doesn't really care if he catches them- I think he likes trying not to fall in the most, but who knows. He's using the new Sage rod that Abby got for his birthday- He really likes it.

Sunday morning they dropped me off at a hunting camp for the day. A nice lady took care of me. They rafted. I hear it was an excellent adventure- Andrew was the guide- he did an awesome job (no one fell out) and the weather was great to boot!

We stayed an extra night camping so Ethan could fish a little more.

Kael, TJ, Curt, Abby and I walked up to the falls. It was really neat- see pictures below, but noisy.

Ahh, back at home.

We arrived back at home- finally. It was great to see Boofy again, I think she missed me (I wonder where she was). It seems like life is back to normal. Abby going to the hospital and Ethan going to work. The weather has been nice so we get out side a little too. My plants are still growing- I don't really like the tomatoes or the peppers (I spit them out and squish them with my paw).

Abby did a OB/GYN rotation with Dr. Smith for 4 weeks. She loved it!! He was a great teacher and mentor. I think she's going to do OB/GYN- that's delivering baby humans and doing surgery- how cool!

My new tricks

OK, I have a few new tricks up my leg fur. The first and the coolest one, is that I can jump off the dock. I really love my Wubba (it's orange and it floats - thank goodness because Abby & Ethan keep throwing way out into the water). After a lot of practice, a lot of prancing on the edge and a little bravery, I'm an olympic diver. I sit way back on the beach while Abby takes my toy out and throws it off the dock. Then I wiggle until Ethan lets me go, I barrel right off the end and get by wubba back to dry ground ASAP. See pictures below.

First, I get ready......









Then I jump!









I'd walk on water to get my Wubba (Or a stick, or any thing that I wanted out of the water.)










I'm a little serious when I'm swimming back.
Then I shake.... and shake again. Then we do it all over.













I played this game a ton while we were at camp. I played with a stick with Grandpa Jim- every day after work.

I also have two new friends- Niles- a german short hair- he was big- and he liked to take my Wubba. Once Jim threw a stick way out into the water. Niles took off from the beach, I didn't really know what to do because he was going to take my stick, so I ran and jumped off the dock to head him off. I beat him to the stick, but when I was bringing it back he took it right out of my mouth- in the water!! I didn't chase sticks with him any more, but I liked running on the beach with him. My other friend is Daisy, Sarah human an Dylan's American Bulldog. We're an odd couple, but I think we'll be good friends. Daisy didn't know how to swim at first, but I taught her. I was a little intimidated when she was waiting for me to bring the wubba back, so I just gave it to her as soon as she got close (but at least she didn't take it right out of my mouth!).

Ok enough of the water tricks- even though I could go on all day. My next trick is one I learned on a study break- It's called "Gimme 5" and "Gimme 10". I really like this one because I usually get a treat or two- and it's SO easy. Abby puts her hand down and says "Gimme 5" and put my paw in it- then I get a treat, I practically trained her to do this one.

Camp at Little Sebago ROCKS!!

I know it's been a while since I've posted but, wait until you've heard about all the cool, fun and exciting things I've been up to lately. A couple weeks ago we packed up- seems like pretty much everything (I'm really glad they didn't forget my toys!). I thought we were just going to Kingfield for a normal weekend. But, when we got there, there was a crazy festival going on. Mom dressed me up in this silly shirt (that belonged to Grammie!); I entered a pet parade- I met a lot of new friends there. I even got a prize- second in largest! (Those puppies beat me out for cutest, but I think it was rigged).

Saturday night we drove a long way and finally arrived at.. well I didn't know where I was at first, but I've decided this is the coolest place on earth. From what I gather we're in North Windham, Maine on a lake called Little Sebago. I vaguely remember this place maybe from last summer. There's a beach and a dock and Grandpa Jim- it's great!!

The first night wasn't that great though. The neighbors are CRAZY!! They were playing really loud music and it made me scared. I was outside, minding my own business, and then I heard this REALLY loud boom and saw a bright light over our camp (fireworks). It scared me so much I ran into the woods with my tail between my legs. I didn't know where to go, so I just kept running. Mom & Dad were outside yelling for me, I think they were scared too. Finally, I arrived back at 1:30 am- I was really scared to be alone for about 3.5 hours- at night!!

When I got back to camp I met a really special new friend. Her name is Gretchen. Mom really likes her, so I like her too! She's really tall, but she likes me, so we're good friends now. She stayed with us for about 2 weeks. She an Abby went to down to school for the first week- back to UNE for "Colloquium". They learned about Emergency Medicine, ICU care and Hazmat stuff.


Dad has been going to work this whole time. Last Monday he left without me, I couldn't believe it. I stared out the window for quite a while, but he never came back for me. Just as well though, because during our second week, Abby stayed at camp all day, everyday- "Studying." That means I got to stay here with her. Let me tell you, this studying is very boring! (This is a picture of me rolling my eyes because Abby is still studying anit isn't time for a break yet!) My favorite part of studying is the breaks!! This next week is looking like another week of studying- and BREAKS!!! I'll tell you more about the study breaks next.


Abby has been studying for this really important test she takes 8/8. COMLEX Step II - it's an all day computer based exam. It's the second step (of 3) she has to take to become a doctor. The next big exam after this one will be the PE (physical exam) portion of Step II- that's in September in Pennsylvania. Step 3 isn't until after the first year of residency.

This weekend was great- nights are finally over, and it was a long weekend- hooray! Friday we all hung out at home it was so nice just to relax. Saturday we went to camp - I love camp!- we went swimming and I got to play with Ollie- I love swimming and Ollie! I'm getting pretty good at jumping off the dock too. I was so tired, I slept pretty much all day on Sunday.



My garden is growing a lot lately. The tomatoes are taller than I am!!








I like to smell the plants- sometimes I try to taste the leaves- but Abby doesn't let me get a way with it- I just want to lick them...





The lettuce (right) and radishes (left) are doing great.







Daddy can't believe how fast the radishes are growing..... He picked this mini-radish. I guess it tasted pretty good, because he didn't spit it out (I find it's a good practice to taste everything- if you don't like it you can spit it out (like strawberries and grapes) or you can puke it up later.)

It's final- we're officially a FAMILY!

Ok. I'm really excited tonight. I have important news to share with everyone- are you ready for this! We're officially a family: Ethan Masterman, Abby Masterman, Cera Masterman, and Boof Masterman! Isn't it great! No confusion for anyone! Abby went to social security and filed for a new name- that makes me happy because now she won't go to jail for fraud for having two names! (But if she did ever have to go to jail, I'd bust her out! One mean bark and they would know I mean business.)

That's it for the excitement tonight. I have to go get Boofers for posting on my blog.

Not much time... the dog will be back soon.

Hello. I'm Boof- the cat.

If Cera thinks nights suck for her, she has no idea about a hard life. I spent my kittenhood on the street, so I know a thing or two about hard times. (Mama ran off, and I don't even know my dad.) A police officer picked me up for wandering. I thought it was going to be the end. He brought me to the vet and Ethan picked me up. (what a softy!)

Ethan put me in a box, then in another moving box (which made me puke!) and voila! I'm a their house.

Life with these people has been pretty good. But, they let the dog name me. Boof- of all things. (In case you don't know, "Boof" means invader in dog. It's what the say to all the invaders- Boof, Boof, Boof.)

So this nights business... well, they usually leave during the day and come back at night. But now... they don't even come back at night! I'm pretty bored. I've run out of plants to taste, my litter box is full and I've hidden all Abby's chapsticks under the rugs...

Abby did come home last Friday, boy I didn't realize how much I'd miss them if they were gone-until they left! I played my most endearing cat- I even purred. She just couldn't resist (how could you?) and took me home for the weekend to Grammie's house! It was great- there were plenty of plants to taste and lots of space to explore. There were even the little people- Ella & Wyatt- I love them, and boy do they love me! We played catch the fish on a string- I love that game.

That was a good weekend, but I'm lonely again. I hope it's almost over. I like it when they are home- but don't tell them that!

Ok. I must go, if Cera catches me on her blog... she'll, I don't know, lick me or something.

I hate the night shift.

All I have to say is "I hate the night shift". Abby has been working way too much lately. They (those evil teachers) are making her stay at the hospital- all night! Every night! It sucks for me. We don't get to play very much. Daddy's cool, but I miss Abby.

I think it's almost over.

I Love Camping!

The people are boring, so let me tell you about an adventure we went on this spring. I think it's called camping, or maybe hiking; but, what ever it's called, I love it! It took Abby & Ethan like 2 days to pack all the stuff in the subaru, there was barely even room for me!

We drove for a very long time (to Greenville). When we finally go there. They took all the stuff out of the subaru. The camping site was right by the river. It was Daddy's dream come true- and mine too!

The weekend was full of wonderful adventures. Ethan did a lot of fishing. Abby and I hung out at the campsite and soaked up the rays. I went swimming- but it was really cold in the East Branch of the Kennebec River.

We also went on these hiking adventures. We hiked Saturday, Sunday, Little and BigMoose mountains respectively. Monday was rainy so we just did a little hike into a waterfall- Wilson Falls.

On Big Moose- there were no moose- I FOUND SNOW!! Secretly, I've been a little bummed since it melted and went away. I was so excited, I rolled in it, dug in it, and ate it!!! Then it was there on the way back!! How exciting !?!


I dug in it! I rolled in it!
And rolled in it some more.
Even though the weather was hot, the snow was still cold- amazing!








Here's a picture of Daddy- what a view, huh?



Ok, guess that's all for this adventure. Till next time.

This is me a couple days after I joined Ethan & Abby. At first I had a hard time going up and down the steps. Once I mis-judged the distance and I fell down the entire steps. Now I can jump up them all with one leap. (But I only do that if it's dinner time).
This is my first boat ride. I was scared, but Abby kept me in her coat. Now, I love having my ears flap in the breeze.
Playing in the mud rocks!
I love grouse. Daddy (Ethan) loves that I can smell them, I don't think he can smell them. I wonder why....
This is me an uncle Josh. He calls me "puppy".

A little about me.

I started hanging out with Abby and Ethan last summer. They stopped by my farm with Mahlon. Thank goodness Mahlon picked me out of the pen and I got to show them how cute (see the pictures) and fun I am. At first, I was really scared- especially of tar, but I grew to like them a lot. They named me Cera after a ski wax (I really like skiing, by the way). I learned a lot, like they don't really like when I poop or pee inside. Also, I'm not supposed to eat my poop- but I still do when they're not looking. I'm just trying to reduce my carbon footprint- I'm not really sure what that means but I hear about it on TV and it sounds like a good thing to do.

Anyway. We stayed at an awesome camp last summer. I got to play on the beach a lot. Then we moved to our house in Carmel. It's great. There aren't any stairs- I don't like stairs. And there's a big lawn out back where I can play.

Abby works long days. And so does Ethan, but I get to go to work with Ethan. Sometimes we go to the coast (Rockland)-I'm not allowed in that office so I go to doggy day care and get to play with Bob the Bassett hound- I love his ears. Sometimes we go to Farmington and I get to play with Ili. When Ili isn't there, sometimes I sleep all day, but sometimes I like to eat the mailer letters- or the wall paper. One of my favorite things to do in the Farmington office is fart in Dave's office.

This winter, a police man brought a cat to doggy day care; Ethan asked Abby if we could bring it home. She said, "yes"- boy was that a good decision. They even let me name her, I named her "Boof", because it's the only thing I can say with my long skinny tongue. She's pretty cool for a cat. She like to play chase, but she not very good a wrestling- I'm trying to teach her.

Well that's the basics. See you next time.