Giving my hamster Lucy (3.0) a pat on the back My hamster Lucy (4.0) tracked with HamsterTracker™
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Created by Mathijs van der Paauw
- Online since September 5th, 2004 -
RSS 2.0    Hamstertracker™ Rss Stream        Lucy on Twitter Lucy's Tweets
It is really doing what it has been designed to do; Tracking my hamster Lucy!

Our favorite internet DJ's: DJ Mitch, DJ Quincy Jointz, DJane Vibrella, Simon Harrison, Christina Long, DJ Elliot & DJ Artek:
Our favorite internet DJ's: (alphabetical order)
DJ Artek, DJ Christina Long (www.citrona.net/sorbet.htm), DJ Mitch (www.djmitch.it), DJ Quincy Jointz (www.quincy-jointz.de), DJane Vibrella (www.vibrella.de), Simon Harrison (www.basic-soul.co.uk). To name a few.
Xtreme HamsterTracker™ Cool 2 Totally Must Do
Current Weather & Time @ HamsterTracker™


radio42 - Music for Lounge-Lovers.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Day 41 current treadmill total: 129,833.78 meters! (20:30 CET)

More 'Hands-On'-Training with Lucy



to Lucy's College Fund,
and Pine-Seed supply

HamsterTracker.com is nominated for Best Animal Blogger!
Vote for
HamsterTracker.com!

Animation of my hamster Lucy (3.0) having a nibble.

HamsterTracker™-Proud
to have
been blogged by:


CuteOverload.com
october 25, 2009
june 30, 2009
october 27, 2008
march 3, 2008
december 3, 2007
october 4, 2007
june 28, 2007
april 27, 2007
january 9, 2007
august 24, 2006
july 27, 2006
june 20, 2006
may 10, 2006
march 29, 2006
march 12, 2006


'Keeping count of how many metres pampered rodent Lucy clocks up on her lickle treadmill.' - guardian.co.uk
january 31, 2009


Paper Lotus design group
april 5, 2008
january 12, 2008


Picked by Yahoo! Picks
'My Hamster Lucy - Mathijs van der Paauw has transformed his pet rodent into one of the Web's most unlikely stars.' - Yahoo! Picks Profile, october 26, 2007
october 26, 2007


nu.nl the news site in Dutch
june 20, 2006


My Yahoo!
Inside My Yahoo!: Meet Lucy. The most precisely measured, colorfully charted, and odorably photographed hamster on the Internet.

may 23, 2006
june 19, 2006



MakeZine.com
august 25, 2005
Lucy is still in the process of actually enjoying sitting in the palm of my hand.
She doesn't mind me taking her out of her cage,
to have an enjoyable time in her Explorer Ball as well as a hand-palmed-trip to the couch...
We are practicing on a daily-base:


This time Lucy got some Explorer Ball time,
before the Hands On Experience:


My hamster Lucy's enjoying 'outside her cage time'...
" We've placed some corridors, so we can keep an eye on Lucy... " - Mathijs


After twenty minutes, Lucy spent some time on the couch,
while training a couple of times,
to sit still on my hand ...
Then Lucy got into Exploring Mode on the edge of the seat:


My hamster Lucy's enjoying 'outside her cage time'...
" You seem to be EVERYWHERE, Dude !!! " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy's enjoying 'outside her cage time'...
" This stuff is interesting ... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy's enjoying 'outside her cage time'...
" You there ... AGAIN ... " - Lucy


" Pine-Seed reward! " - HamsterTracker™-Training Dept.


My hamster Lucy's enjoying 'outside her cage time'...
" I am on top of the world, Dude ! " - Lucy


You certainly are, Lucy!


And I love your white chin ...


( ... I AM biased ... I know ... )

Sunday, October 11, 2009 Day 38 current treadmill total: 124,222.66 meters! (16:35 CET)

Lucy's Mansion Expansion
It is time for Lucy4.0 to have her own 'adult' bedroom.
Lucy is getting used to me putting my hand into her territory,
giving her a Pine-Seed as well as a pad on the back :)

Therefore the time is right to give Lucy proper housing:


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" We added some toilet papers, a Hamster Teddie
and a raviolo as well as some Hamster prepared (natural) cotton fibre... " - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" Dude, I've got a SKY-DOME !!! " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" Here's Lucy's latest cage-setup. " - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" Then Lucy entered her new bedroom for the first time... " - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" Of course, I got the decoration all wrong ... (as always :) " - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy's new Mansion Expansion...
" This morning I shot this photograph.
As it seems, Lucy has been very busy last night... " - Mathijs


That would explain Lucy's poor milage last night ...

Saturday, October 10, 2009 Day 37 current treadmill total: 122,628.62 meters! (19:30 CET)

More Couch-Time with Lucy!
Lucy4.0 is very social:
She wants out of her cage every night (and mornings) :)


Here's our last meet on the couch.
Lucy didn't mind I took her there using my hands;
she sat perfectly still on my hand while transporting her from cage to couch:


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" This couch-Time IS FUN !!! " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" I do love watching 'Pinky & the Brain' with the Dude ... *giggle* ... " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Wait... that's a Cat Food Commercial ... " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Dude, switch channels, PLEASE !!! " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" I guess I have to do it myself ... " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Let's see, what button do I need to press? " - Lucy

Sadly, Lucy's light weightedness

DIDN'T change channels...
when she walked over the TV-Remote!


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" So Lucy went behind my back ... Literally ! " - Mathijs


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Your belt smells peculiar, Dude ! " - Lucy

Then the comercials ended



More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" That's what I am talkin' about...
'Pinky & the Brain', who doesn't love them ? " - Lucy


More Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" *giggle* ... Pinky is SOOOO funny ! ... *giggle* " - Lucy


We are planning to stay up late, tonight !

Wednesday, October 7, 2009 Day 34 current treadmill total: 115,909.66 meters! (20:35 CET)

Memorable Couch-Time with Lucy
We are very sorry for the 'Slow-Blog' lately.
This doesn't mean that Lucy hasn't got any attention.


Actually we've been training a lot;
Lucy is slowly getting used to me picking her up in my hand.
Although she did (and does) jump off occasionally,
but we suppose that's the learning curve we've got to go through.


Because this is a very enjoyable process (as well as a bit scary; we don't wanna hurt Lucy),
I have to share the following with you all:


Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Lucy totally IGNORED the TV-Remote ... " - Mathijs


Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Ahh, Dude, there you are ! " - Lucy

After which Lucy had a moment for herself:

Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" ... [ busy ] ... " - Lucy

After the groom, Lucy got into 'Adventure Mode'

For the VERY FIRST time !

Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" The top is my arm, the bottom is the other part of the sweater I am wearing.
The middle is ... you guessed it: Lucy ! " - Mathijs


Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" Dude ... that was fun ... but I need to do one more thing ... " - Lucy


Memorable Couch-Time with my hamster Lucy...
" A 'Lucy4.0 Touchdown' ... " - HamsterTracker™-Score Keeping Dept.


Note that I didn't tilt the camera,
Lucy is climbing up in this photograph !


Lucy IS getting used to me, handeling her,
and she almost scored that touchdown ...

When I reacted to her action,
she responded by dropping into my left hand,
while blocking the touchdown with my right.


Fortunately, Lucy didn't mind !!!

Sunday, October 4, 2009 Day 31 current treadmill total: 109,410.41 meters! (19:30 CET)

World Animal Day - Today together with ...
Lucy's 100Km milestone!
Lucy achieved her 100 KM Milestone Last friday!!!


So for this together with Animals Day,
I got her some nutricious treats:


Treats for my hamster Lucy on Animals Day...
" The top box we got as a present from the Pet's Place store ! " - Mathijs

Thinking of Lucy's treadmill achievement

We've compiled Lucy's first and latest statistical graphs:


My hamster Lucy's lastest Treadmill Statistics year 1.


HamsterTracker™ Server crashes/ISP blackouts/Sensor misalignments:
Day 18, 19, 21



Treadmill time graph year 1

My hamster Lucy's latest Treadmill Time Statistics year 1.


Comparing Lucy 2.0, 3.0 & 4.0 treadmill trends.
The more vertical the above line is,
the more distance Lucy ran in her treadmill.
Note that Lucy4.0 is in red.

Here's a close up


Comparing Lucy 2.0, 3.0 & 4.0 treadmill trends in detail.


My hamster Lucy's latest Water Consumption Statistics year 1.


After making these graphs,
Lucy (finally) showed...


Hoping to give her a treat, she responded:


Still in the process of getting to know my hamster Lucy...
" I'll be out later Dude,
I need some more lounge time ... " - Lucy


Hamster Lounge Time is allowed on Animal Day!

I'll just have to wait a little longer in order for me to offer a new treat...

Tuesday, September 30, 2009 Day 27 current treadmill total: 94,742.53 meters! (20:25 CET)

Still in the process of getting to know Lucy...
Although Lucy gladly takes ANY treat I give her,
from the palm of my hand ...


She still shows her shy-ness moments:


Still in the process of getting to know my hamster Lucy...
" That's YOU, right Dude ? " - Lucy

"Yes Lucy, it's me"

I responded ...


Still in the process of getting to know my hamster Lucy...
" Then I am out-a-here Dude! " - Lucy


It will not be long before Lucy (literally) grows out of this trick!


Still in the process of getting to know my hamster Lucy...
" Oh, Hi! " - Lucy


Still in the process of getting to know my hamster Lucy...
" Now you are here ...
I'd like to order 4 Pine-Seeds, TO GO ! " - Lucy


Please remember, hamsters have four fingers ( and five toes ) !

Sunday, September 27, 2009 Day 24 current treadmill total: 82,591.00 meters! (20:00 CET)

Lucy's First Time on the Couch ...
Lucy is the youngest hamster I have ever dared this following adventure with:


My hamster Lucy her first time on the couch...
" I am explorin' ... " - Lucy

After a few minutes I offered Lucy a treat:



My hamster Lucy her first time on the couch...
" Mmmmm... Nice Dude !!! " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy her first time on the couch...
" This is all a bit overwhelming ... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy her first time on the couch...
" I want out of here, Dude! " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy her first time on the couch...
" The entrance should be here somewhere ... " - Lucy


I used the ball, to put Lucy back in her cage.
Then she gladly (re-)accepted her two Pine-Seeds !    :--)

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 Day 20 current treadmill total: 68,486.53 meters! (19:40 CET)

Lucy's First Explorer Ball Exploration...
First of all, please excuse the slow updates...
I've been strugglin' with some sort of virus since last Thursday... I am coping ... Anyway ...


Yesterday evening I've made a bold move:
Holding the Explorer Ball in front of the cage entrance,
while having my hand put up as a bridge,
I invited Lucy over to explore !


Not having done this ever with such a young hamster,
I was surprised that Lucy only took less than a minute to decide:


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" Two paws up by Lucy " - HamsterTracker™-Observational Dept.


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" Duuuuuuud' .... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" ... This is great ... " - Lucy


Lucy's goin' (south) an approximate 39.134 cm/second !


Yes, I know; we do need a carpet clean ...


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" This really expands my horizons ... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" Moving on ... " - Lucy

VIDEO !!!



" Lucy's first moments in her Explorer Ball ! " - HamsterTracker™-Video Dept.


My hamster Lucy her first time in her Explorer Ball...
" I suppose it now ends ... " - Lucy

Lucy loved it!!!


( You didn't expect me in my P-J's on Internet, right? )

Sunday, September 20, 2009 Day 17 current treadmill total: 60,984.69 meters! (19:55 CET)

Lucy's first Kräcker ...
It's always fun to observe your pet,
when giving a totally new treat (experience):


Serving my hamster Lucy her first Kräcker...
" What's this, Dude ? " - Lucy

It's a Kräcker, Lucy!



Serving my hamster Lucy her first Kräcker...
" I dunno, let me check this out ... " - Lucy


Serving my hamster Lucy her first Kräcker...
" Phis isss actually nicfffe ... *knibble* ... *knibble* ... " - Lucy

Wanna come out and play, Lucy ?


Serving my hamster Lucy her first Kräcker...
" Sorry Dude, I am Busy ! " - Lucy


Taming Lucy is a long process.
Lucy sat on my hand 'by accident' two days ago.
All was fine, up untill the moment she realized it:
After realizing, she jumped from it... panic style...


Although Lucy IS comfortable taking treats from my hand,
as well as the occasional pat on her back.
I am currently still a bit uncertain about picking her up,
and have some fun on the couch...


I suppose I need to be more patient while letting Lucy to get to know me on her own time !

Friday, September 18, 2009 Day 15 current treadmill total: 53,704.22 meters! (20:20 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' by Dena
Regular sender-inner Dena sent in this following
wonderfull Extreme HamsterTracker™ report:


Extreme HamsterTrackin' United States of America. Extreme HamsterTrackin' by Dena & Mr. Whiskers.
" When I got the news about Lucy 4.0's arrival
Mr. Whiskers who was sitting next to me started squeaking,
which in hamster language means
"I am unhappy or distressed"
(this really happened.)
I'm guessing he was upset about the loss of Lucy 3.0.
Over the years (in hamster time)
he'd gotten to know Lucy, and was so sad to lose a friend.
The other day we introduced him to Lucy 4.0 and things went well.
Best wishes to you and your new hamster. " - Dena


My hamster Lucy reacting to Mr. Whiskers attention.
"Who is this Mr. Whiskers ??? " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy reacting to Mr. Whiskers attention.
"Really ! I need to know !!! " - Lucy

Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to Dena & Mr. Whiskers

We both agree; that IS a lovely hamster, Dena!


More Extreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!



Tuesday, September 15, 2009 Day 12 current treadmill total: 43,583.12 meters! (20:30 CET)

Insanely Awesome HamsterTracker™-Snail Mail by 'PET AGE'!
This is so exciting ... it's insane ...

( calming down, to give you the full story )


... <Sip of water > ...


It's been a while ago that I was contacted by Michelle,
who works at PET AGE Magazine.
I was asked permission on publication of a photograph of Lucy3.0.


PET AGE is about:

PET AGE is the pet industry’s most popular B2B magazine.
Founded in 1971 and published monthly by H.H. Backer Associates Inc.,
the award-winning PET AGE offers practical ideas for the busy pet retailer of today… and tomorrow.

Our BPA-audited circulation consists of more than 23,000 pet industry professionals,
representing retail pet supply outlets,
pet-services providers selling pet supplies,
grocery/mass merchandiser chains, feed dealers,
pet supply wholesalers,
companion animal wholesalers,
and others allied to the field.


Impressive facts, aren't they ?


Today, our hard copy of PET AGE arrived in our snail-mail-box:


Lucy(3.0) is featured in PetAge magazine.
" Can't wait to read it ... " - Mathijs


Lucy3.0 'starred' in a well written (4 page) article ...


Lucy(3.0) is featured in PetAge magazine.
" Below Lucy's photograph, it reads : " - HamsterTracker™-Reading Dept.

" Lucy 3.0, one of the Internet’s most famous hamsters,
is the star of Hamstertracker.com.
Lucy’s day-to-day activities,
including her current goal of running 300 kilometers on her hamster wheel,
are meticulously documented on the site
by Dutch software engineer Mathijs van der Paauw.
Besides Lucy’s real-time treadmill statistics,
hamster fans can find elaborate recipes like hamster-sized sushi
and tiny veggie tacos on the photoblog... " - PET AGE magazine

HamsterTracker™-Shouts to Michelle & PET AGE!


We are honored to have this feature in your magazine!

Sunday, September 13, 2009 Day 10 current treadmill total: 35,390.22 meters! (19:05 CET)

How does Lucy do it?
I had put in some dried straw, hey and/or grasses
[ not being a biologist, it came from a hamster food kit ]
in Lucy's cage for her to grab.


I don't know how my hamster Lucy did this.
" Then I spotted Lucy ... " - Lucy

How did she do that ???



I don't know how my hamster Lucy did this.
" I am not going to tell you Dude ... *giggle* " - Lucy

Thursday, September 10, 2009 Day 7 current treadmill total: 23,793.31 meters! (19:45 CET)

Lucy's discovering the joys of HamsterTracker™
It's been a very enjoyable week at HamsterTracker™
It not only is fun to say goodbye when leaving,
the 'Hello dear' when entering is the most fun.
Lucy is getting used to her surroundings and me:

Lucy does enjoy the Pine-Seeds from my hand,
together with the carefull pet on her back along the way.


I also enjoy giving stuff to my little 'ball of fluff',
of which I think is the very first in her life.


This is one of those moments:


My hamster Lucy is dicovering the joys of HamsterTracker(tm).
" Great stalk, Dude! ... What is it? " - Lucy


I am not really sure Lucy,
it came with a hamster kit ...


My hamster Lucy is discovering the joys of HamsterTracker(tm).
" Don't worry ... I almost got it ... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy is discovering the joys of HamsterTracker(tm).
" Still workin' on it, Dude ... " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy is discovering the joys of HamsterTracker(tm).
" I finally chomped off a little piece! " - Lucy


Giant size ... Hamster Toothpick ... ;-)


Wow, what a week ...
We can't wait to experience what's comming up ...

Wednesday, September 9, 2009 Day 6 current treadmill total: 19,821.53 meters! (21:15 CET)

Still Shy little Lucy (or is she?)

Lucy does wake up around 8:00 pm now,
after a bathroom break and a drink of water,
Lucy goes back ... to the entrance of her bedroom.
That's when MY observational fun starts:


My hamster Lucy is still a bit shy...
" Where you watchin' me? " - Lucy


Silent response: YES, little Lucy!


I felt guilty so I dropped a Pine-Seed in Lucy's food-bowl:


My hamster Lucy is still a bit shy...
" Did you just hear that, Dude? " - Lucy


My hamster Lucy is still a bit shy...
" Really... I can smell it clearly: " - Lucy


Then I told her... (that I dropped it there...)


My hamster Lucy is still a bit shy...
" You couldn't bring it up here, right ?
It's not that I've not been runnin' lately ... " - Lucy


That's TRUE Lucy, almost 20 Km ...
you've ran the longest distance of every hamster your age,
I've ever taken care of ...


( She is a Marathon runner up till now )

Tuesday, September 8, 2009 Day 5 current treadmill total: 16,317.56 meters! (21:00 CET)

Getting acquainted with Lucy
Taming a hamster is always a responsible task;
you certainly don't want to scare your hamster in the progress,
leaving it with a (long time) memory of you scaring it...


So I am taking the cautious approach:


Doing my best to get familiar with my hamster Lucy.
" Oh, Hi Dude, what have you got there ? " - Lucy


Doing my best to get familiar with my hamster Lucy.
" I offered Lucy a Pine-Seed like this.
She gladly took it (!)...
Which, of course, left my fingers smelling like Pine-Seed ...
Lucy gently bit my every finger afterwards,
supposingly thinking they where HUUUUGE Pine-Seeds as well.
This was a bit scary to experience but it's all in the process of getting acquainted.
I took the 'risk' of not retreating,
trying to show my confidence in her...
It did work, I shot the above photograph afterwards,
and as you see: NO band-aids or bite-marks :-) " - Mathijs


Doing my best to get familiar with my hamster Lucy.
" Love this stuff, Dude ... " - Lucy


I then pulled back, giving time for Lucy to 'recover' of this new experience:


Doing my best to get familiar with my hamster Lucy.
" Dear Pine-Seed-Creator & supplier,
I ask you this with all my heart,
Please keep the Pine-Seeds comming ! " - Lucy


(As you'll understand this 'prayer' is [over-]heard by me!)
- and Lucy need not to worry :-)
Unfortunately there was the camera-flash:


Doing my best to get familiar with my hamster Lucy.
" Did you just photograph that, Dude ? " - Lucy


Fortunately, we DID, dear Lucy!


" Pink hands & feet ALERT! " - HamsterTracker-Observational Dept.

Monday, September 7, 2009 Day 4 current treadmill total: 12.566.12 meters! (20:10 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' Lucy 4.0 in Toronto by Patricia
Regular submitter, Patricia sent in this
following wonderful report:


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Canada. Extreme HamsterTracking Lucy 4.0 in Toronto, Canada by Patricia.
" thought I'd send Lucy 4.0 a little house warming gift to help her settle in,
and show her that you're not that scary!
I had to go to the ROM in Toronto for school,
and thought I'd grab a shot.
But technical difficulties
(you're familiar with those, right?...blasted Vista compatibility)
with the printer meant no printed picture,
so I had to McGyver something up. " - Patricia

Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to you Patrica!

We (Mathijs) have always loved the McGyver series!
And we do have experienced the Vista problems.
Your quick thinking and acting is greatly appreciated here at HamsterTracker™ !


" Speaking of Vista; we are still working on the Webcams.
We've experienced quite a few BSOD (= Blue Screens Of Death) while
running the Webcam Server Software...
We suppose it's a camera driver that's causin' it.
Further investigations follow " - HamsterTracker™-Technical Dept.


More EXtreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!

Ok, we NEED some NEW Lucy photo's, right?

In an attempt to get to know (and possibly understand ;-) Lucy:
I dropped a Pine-Seed together with a Vitakraft Raviolos


Of course you would expect that Lucy would go for the largest treat:


Testing my hamster Lucy with a big and small treat.
" Woooo... (bracing herself) That's HUUUGE, Dude! " - Lucy


Then this happened


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" Where's that Pine-Seed I smell ??? " - Lucy


" Note the yellowish thingy near Lucy's left back leg ... " - HamsterTracker™-Observation Dept.


BTW:
Lucy went for the Pine-Seed first !!!

Sunday, September 6, 2009 Day 3 current treadmill total: 8,931.03 meters! (18:55 CET)

First pat on Lucy's back
Yesterday was a day of hard work behind the scenes of HamsterTracker™.
I've done some software modifications on the HamsterTracker™-Server;
as it seems, Internet Conditions are like the weather.
To make a long story short, the HamsterTracker™ server didn't always
upload Lucy's statistical data correctly... Resulting in horrible screen layouts...
I think I've fixed it, it has been running succesfully now for (almost) 24 hours!


Lucy can now also be found on:
Lucy on Twitter !!!


That was one of eight fixes I have made and tested ...
It was a looooong day (and night).


It was 20:30 (8:30 pm) that Lucy woke up to have a drink and a bathroom break.
I couldn't stop watching ...


When Lucy went for a quick run in her treadmill, I got my camera,
and put some food in her bowl:


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" Dude ... Did you hear that sound ???
Do you smell THAT ??? " - Lucy


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" I just gotta exlore ... " - Lucy


I guess the folowing is Hamster-Universal:
all my previous hamsters have enjoyed and tolerated
the following from day 1 (or 2 or three):


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" I could finally give Lucy a pat on the back!!! " - Mathijs


Lucy didn't freak out or anything,
although:


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" I got the LOOK by Lucy ! " - Mathijs


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" Still she didn't stop her pouching
while (hopefully) enjoying her pat ... " - Mathijs


Figuring that Lucy had enough for one day,
I stopped and watched her for a few minutes :


Giving my hamster Lucy a first pat on the back.
" That was scary and nice ...
What a strange experience ! " - Lucy


" Please note Lucy's left hand ... " - HamsterTracker™-Observation Dept.

Friday, September 4, 2009 Day 1 current treadmill total: 1,470.41 meters! (21:05 CET)

First moments with Lucy4.0
I've been keeping a close eye on Lucy.
At the daytime office I offered my collegues an official Dutch Treat...


My first day with Lucy 4.0.
" It's Beschuit met muisjes that's what you offer as a treat
when you have experienced your child birth...
I supposed that this would be appropriate. " - Mathijs


I announced the treat to be available at 10:30 (am),
for my (valued) collegues...


To my surprise my manager interupted a meeting (with quite some collegues),
to get this treat together with asking about all Lucy4.0 latest details!

How Special!


Getting back to yesterday:


I wanted to make sure that Lucy
knows where to get a drink.
So I stayed up to wait for that moment:


My first day with Lucy (4.0).
" Finally I found the Bar, Dude !!! " - Lucy


Note Lucy's 'wet' spot on her right hip:

It's her scent-gland, working overtime.


You can see she is working hard on making her new surroundings her own.


My first day with Lucy (4.0).
" Lucy's really running here " - Mathijs


Unfortunately the HamterTracker™-server-software CrAshEd last night...

I think I've fixed it ... tonight will tell ...


My first day with Lucy (4.0).
" Today I offered Lucy another treat (wallnut in this case) " - Mathijs


My first day with Lucy (4.0).
" Within 0.489 seconds, WAVOOOOOooommm, Lucy ran away ... " - Mathijs


I suppose I need to be more patient.
Lucy experienced a lot these last 24 hours,
and she still has to get used to my voice, face and smell....

Although I don't think I smell too bad, I can imagine Lucy is experiencing 'Impressions Overload'...

Thursday, September 3, 2009 Day 0 current treadmill total: 0.06 meters! (17:05 CET)

Introducing Lucy 4.0
Today is a wonderful day;
I got the 'itch' and took two hours off from work...


Pets Place in Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
" Pet store / 'adoption center' in sight ... " - Mathijs


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" As it seems, they did have something I instantly fell in love with,
the moment I saw her ! " - Mathijs


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" Hi, Dude! I was looking for a way out of this box ! " - Lucy


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" WOW, what's this ??? " - Lucy



" This video was shot in the first few minutes
that Lucy was exploring her new surroundings.
Stress relief in action ... " - Mathijs


I gave Lucy a minute or two to explore,
and then offered her a Pine-Seed,
which she took from my hand !!!


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" Never had this before ... knibble " - Lucy


I then moved the camera a little closer:


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" This IS NICE, Dude " - Lucy


Introducing Lucy (4.0) at HamsterTracker.
" Almost done, then I will start explorin' some more ... " - Lucy


Lucy was born on July 27, 2009!
She is called a 'Kleur Hamster' in Dutch ( 'Color Hamster' in English ).
I have never heard of that before... but I was assured she is a normal hamster,
except for the fact that she was bread for her color ...
She's almost completely brown, except for her chin :-),
making her extra special and unique...

I instantly fell in love ...

Hope you will too ;-)

Monday, August 31, 2009 Day 761+36 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (21:00 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' Canada, by Patricia
Regular submitter, Patricia sent in this
following wonderful report:


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Canada. Extreme HamsterTracking Canada, by Patricia.
" I was volunteering at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
The player in the yellow is Serena Williams.
The one pretty in pink is Elena Dementieva,
who won in straight sets and went on to win the tournament " - Patricia


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Canada. Extreme HamsterTracking Canada, by Patricia.
" Jack and Audrey (the black one) having a serious discussion
regarding the lack of outdoor time this summer (due to rain). " - Patricia





Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to you Patrica, Jack, Audrey,
Serena Williams and Elena Dementieva!



More EXtreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!

Monday, August 31, 2009 Day 761+34 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (20:05 CET)

Lucy4.0 Preps ...
I've been doing a lot o' preperations for Lucy4.0's arrival,
regulars know that I have used the time to upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate,
(which took a bit more time than anticipated ;-)
All to keep HamsterTracker™ up to date to serve you long into the future...


I am starting to miss a hamster ... really ...
although working on the preparations is enjoyable, it's still without a hamster !


So I've decided to start on the final preps,
not knowing what lay ahead:


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" To get rid of the accumulated lime-stone, in Lucy's bathroom,
we used a very (stale) redwhine vinegar.
We're not sure if those red flakes are because of
Vinegar - Limestone Chemical reaction,
or the staleness of the vinegar... " - HamsterTracker™


Tip: If you want to have your house smelling like a car-battery;
leave this in your home over night !


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" It DID do the trick !
(Those scratches are of abrasive actions done in the past (the 'Quick-fix') " - HamsterTracker™

Then came ...

The Waterbottle Dilemma...

I've got this wonderfull new waterbottle (on the left in the picture below)
which came with Lucy3.0's recovery cage:


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" It's a really shiny beauty,
except that the bottle ...
Ia a bit flimsy and has no flat bottom.
This caused panic at the HamsterTracker™-Water Consumption Registration Dept. " - Mathijs


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" As you can see, the left nozzle is ligned with some sort of plastic,
much nicer for a hamster to use,
Although I've sanded the one on the right, moments after buying it...
It does show serious Limestone buildup ... " - HamsterTracker™


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" Fortunately the new nozzle does fit on the Ol' Bottle !!! " - HamsterTracker™

Unfortunately, the Ol' bottle is turning slightly green

Not wanting to resort to aggresive chemicals,
fearing that some 0.0001% of residu could possibly hurt
our next hamster, I came up with the following:


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" I took some (computer) screws and nuts,
they are not only small, but relativly clean,
as opposed to the buts and nuts you can find on your garage floor ... " - HamsterTracker™


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" Add hardware and a bit of water,
don't fill completely; this will be an easier shake ... " - HamsterTracker™

Shake Well !!!




... and keep shaking ...


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" Make sure to remove ALL nuts and bolts " - Mathijs


HamsterTracker(tm)-preparations for Lucy(4.0).
" It still needs more shaking,
AND some extra nuts and bolts...
Although it does look as it did actually do something already ... " - HamsterTracker™


We're preppin' further as you read this ...


Saturday, August 29, 2009 Day 761+32 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (17:35 CET)

Lucy3.0 Final Statistical Graphs
HamsterTracker™-Call :
Quite a while ago, someone submitted an Extreme HamsterTrackin' adventure, with those pictures (and there are many) posted somewhere on the web. Due to computer upgrades etc. we sadly can't seem to re-find this entry. It would be greatly appreciated if that someone would contact us (again).


Thank you!


It was a difficult experience compiling these latest of my dear Lucy3.0:


My hamster Lucy's lastest Treadmill Statistics year 3.


My hamster Lucy's lastest Treadmill Statistics year 2.


My hamster Lucy's lastest Treadmill Statistics year 1.


HamsterTracker™ Server crashes/ISP blackouts/Sensor misalignments:
Day 4, 19, 55, 56, 66 - 69, 121, 239, 252, 457, 541

[ Dream Machine operational since day 114,
day 121, 239 & 377 where forced reboots by Windows XP during night time, after (unauthorized) auto update. ]


Lucy's treadmill wasn't used, or recorded, after she moved to her new living quarters
on July 4th, 2009 - day 737.



Treadmill time graph year 3

My hamster Lucy's latest Treadmill Time Statistics year 3.



Treadmill time graph year 2

My hamster Lucy's latest Treadmill Time Statistics year 2.



Treadmill time graph year 1

My hamster Lucy's latest Treadmill Time Statistics year 1.


Comparing Lucy 2.0 & 3.0 treadmill trends.
The more vertical the above line is,
the more distance Lucy ran in her treadmill.


My hamster Lucy's latest Water Consumption Statistics year 3.


My hamster Lucy's latest Water Consumption Statistics year 2.


My hamster Lucy's latest Water Consumption Statistics year 1.


As you can clearly see, I haven't found a way (yet) to have Office 2007
producing similar graphs...
( " They all look a bit 'out of focus', we appoligize for that " - HamsterTracker™-Statistical Dept. )

I suppose that's a 'tuning' problem,
one of the thousands of things I need to resolve/have resolved ...


New operating systems and software can be challenging...


Fortunately I enjoy this quest more
as opposed to
playing a game on my computer :-)


There's still quite some more tinkering needed ...


Saturday, August 22, 2009 Day 761+29 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (18:50 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' UK-Fluffy-ness by Marion!
We are in desperate needs of some animal cuteness.
Fortunately Marion, (HamsterTracker-Reporter pure-sang had sent this in quite a while ago :-)


Although I do hope to resolve this following issue, before continuing:

HamsterTracker™-Call :
Quite a while ago, someone submitted an Extreme HamsterTrackin' adventure, with those pictures (and there are many) posted somewhere on the web. Due to computer upgrades etc. we sadly can't seem to re-find this entry. It would be greatly appreciated if that someone would contact us (again).


Thank you!




Presenting Marion's fluffy Extreme HamsterTrackin' :


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking UK-fluffy-ness by Marion (UK).
" Lucy with pet my dogs Prince the GSD and Meg
who does what she always does with nice people rolled over for a tummy rub!
Blanco one of my cats also said Hi but we were very carefull!! " - Marion


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking UK-fluffy-ness by Marion (UK).
" We think we know that this is Prince ... " - HamsterTracker™-eMail Dept.


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking UK-fluffy-ness by Marion (UK).
" Also introduced Lucy to Mabel (black) and Tinkerbell (white) my bunnies!" - Marion


Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to you Miriam!

We do need more fluffy-ness here at HamsterTracker.com!


I suppose I am really getting ready for Lucy4.0 !!!!


Thank you Marion for this wonderfull reminder !


More EXtreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!

Saturday, August 22, 2009 Day 761+25 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (20:45 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' Luxembourg by Miriam.
This Extreme HamsterTrackin' entry by Miriam,
is covering new territory:


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Luxembourg. Exreme HamsterTracking Luxembourg by Miriam.
" Extreme HamsterTrackin' in the land of banques... " - Miriam


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Luxembourg. Exreme HamsterTracking Luxembourg by Miriam.
" bowing to the Great Altar of Capitalism." - Miriam


Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to you Miriam!

That's a golden submission!


More EXtreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 Day 761+21 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (20:45 CET)

Why I just simply LOVE Weekdays ...
It was actually yesterday, when I made a promise to myself to bring my camera TODAY:


I feel very privileged to be an employee,
having these surroudings:


(semi) Exreme HamsterTracking the Tilburg University.
" Isn't it (simply) Beautiful ? " - Mathijs


Taking advantage of the morning sun,
I took a little walk...

Please walk with me, here ...


(semi) Exreme HamsterTracking the Tilburg University.
" I've never seen this so quiet... a rare Kodak-moment! " - Mathijs


(semi) Exreme HamsterTracking the Tilburg University.
" University Library on the left,
my office straight ahead ! " - Mathijs


(semi) Exreme HamsterTracking the Tilburg University.
" I've never seen so many 'non'-bicycles ... " - Mathijs


(semi) Exreme HamsterTracking the Tilburg University.
" Try to spot the 'Balooned-Entrance', that is my office-entrance ! " - Mathijs

They do tend to celebrate my arrival ... ;-)


Here's the link to the (Full screen) slide show of these photograps.
or you can view the photoset on Flickr™


Learn more about: Tilburg University.


I am looking forward to tomorow's morning, while enjoying today ...
As I enjoy every moment of the day !

Monday, August 16, 2009 Day 761+20 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (21:35 CET)

Extreme HamsterTrackin' Biscuit by Marion (UK)
This extreme HamsterTracking-Entry has been gathering dust in the HamsterTracker™-Email Dept:

Marion sent this in on June 2nd,
shame on us ... for depriving you all from this:


Exreme HamsterTracking by Biscuit and Marion (UK).
" Hi guys, welcome to my MANSION.... " - Biscuit


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking by Biscuit and Marion (UK).
" In which I regularly share a snack with ... " - Biscuit


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking by Biscuit and Marion (UK).
" My best friend Lucy3.0 ..." - Biscuit


Extreme HamsterTrackin' photographs from Great Britain. Exreme HamsterTracking by Biscuit and Marion (UK).
" We also do meals together ... " - Biscuit


Exreme HamsterTracking by Biscuit and Marion (UK).
" But nothing beats my hamster-mom; MARION !" - Biscuit


" We definitely LOVE YOU, Biscuit! " - HamsterTracker™-Love Dept!


Extreme HamsterTracker™-Shouts to you Biscuit & Marion!

(We love your work Marion !!!)


More EXtreme HamsterTrackin' info:

Experience Global Extreme HamsterTrackin'.
Download your FREE Do It Yourself Extreme HamsterTrackin' kit and submit  your entry, TODAY!

Sunday, August 16, 2009 Day 761+19 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (21:35 CET)

HamsterTracker™ Technical Stuff - part II
We have been workin' hard behind the scenes of HamsterTracker™!

I've done the Windows Vista-installation,
for the SECOND TIME,
I've rebooted like a gazillion times ...


After many many reboots and hours;


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" Most of the homebrew software is working ... " - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" The last troublesome stuff was the Webcam server, it's now capable of running !" - Mathijs


This didn't come easy:


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" The system disk was running low." - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" Using special sofware, I tried to reduce the size of one partition of the disk,
to add the newly available space to the system disk partition... " - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" Here it's extending the boot disk partition...
I was keeping my fingers crossed !" - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" After a reboot (or two) the issue was resolved !" - Mathijs


It didn't take long for me to Benchmark the system.


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" WOW, 4.3 score out of 5.9... that is not too bad! ...
(We are thinking about hardware upgrades as well as Lucy4.0 as you read this)" - Mathijs

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 Day 761+14 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (20:35 CET)

HamsterTracker™ Technical Stuff
I thought it would be a good project to do
taking my mind of Lucy's passing along the way.

On June 22nd I (the HamsterTracker™-Mailbox Dept. is on holiday), received this
following (warrenty) package:


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server.
" A replacement of the 32 Gigabyte Solid State Drive
(the old one crashed unexpectingly)." - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server.
" It's a 'version 2' of the old drive !!!" - Mathijs


It's now a 30 Gb drive, the versions name changed to the space available 30 as opposed to 32 Gb capacity.

Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server.
" I couldn't wait to install it ..." - Mathijs


With the HamsterTracker™-software not really needed to be running,
as well as the webcams (which are currently offline),
I started to install my legal and (currently) registered Vista Ultimate O.S!


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" That's a LOT of updates ..." - Mathijs


To cut a long story short,
it required some MAJOR rebooting,
updating, installing and REBOOTING.

Then there was last Saturday


I got it ALL functional, while running Vista!!!

HamsterTracker™-Server software, Webcams, all other homebrew software,
as well as ALL other HARDWARE!!!

Then, after Saturday, then comes THAT kind of Sunday

This qualifies as not a good morning:


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" Vista had crashed, something about a hardware change..." - Mathijs


This was a bit strange,
because it worked when I went to bed,
and it had failed after waking up...


The suggested recovery options,
didn't do their trick ...

:-(


So I opted for a complete (sigh) reinstall,
this time on a real old fashioned harddisk:


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" Wait ... that's two more than a week ago ..." - Mathijs


Upgrading the HamsterTracker-Server with Windows Vista Ultimate.
" We are still working on it ..." - Mathijs


Today I had to revert to Windows XP,
(I have a choice on Operating System on boot),
next time I hope to do this from Vista.


I am mentally preparing to be a Disc-Jockey with all CD-ROMS that now need to be installed ... again ...

DJ-HamsterTracker™ ... Now that's a thought :-)

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 Day 761+8 current treadmill total: 274,936.88 meters! (20:30 CET)

Lucy's last lively photographs
Sadly the HamsterTracker™-Communications Dept,
left for a Antartica Hike, three weeks ago.

Therefore I wasn't really prepared for the tons of condolences received.

Thank you all very very much!
Your warm hearted responses have blown me away !
( I mean that in the most positive sense )

Therefore I'd like to shout some loving HamsterTracker™-Shouts back
to these following HamsterTracker™-VIP's:

Loving HamsterTracker™-Shouts (back) to:

( in random order )

Etra (USA), Sanja (Netherlands), Lisa (Netherlands), Marion (UK), Mackenzie (USA), Kim (USA), Jose (Puerto Rico), Grace, Valeria (USA), James (UK), Jennifer, Quincy Jointz (Germany), Carmen(Germany) Judith (UK), Susan & Gidget, Greg, Vibrella (Germany), Doro (Germany), Katie (USA), Cedar & Harold, Sandra (Netherlands), Henk (Netherlands), Silvia (Netherlands), Helen, Nathalie (Netherlands), Lee (USA), Karen (USA), Ema, Sam (USA), Judi  (USA), Sandy (Canada), Mish (USA), Penelope (USA), Gigi  (USA), Debbie (USA), Nessa (USA), Steve (USA), Rhiannon (Canada) Jenny & Nessie (England), Debra, Amy (USA), Suna (USA), Heidi (Denmark), Karen (USA), Gunn (Norway), Jenni (USA), Nancy (USA), Kris (USA), Shaunna (Canada), AMG (USA), Carmen (USA), Kim (USA), Bill (USA), Susan (USA), Ysol (UK), Nancy (USA), CW (USA), Darin (USA), nkmc*** (USA), Amanda (USA), Faye (USA), Dona  (USA), Colby (USA), Tijopi11 (USA), SLD (USA), Melissa (USA), Katrina (Finland), David (USA), Eileen (USA), Claire (USA),  locomom (USA), Pascal (Germany), Tania, lolly (UK),
and to all my friends who let me know their sympathy verbally :
To you all, I send you a Loving Thank You hug back !

Inspired by the previous; here are Lucy's last four 'lively' photographs:


My hamster Lucy(3.0) nine days before her passing ...
" Nine days before Lucy's passing ..." - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy(3.0) nine days before her passing ...
" Blub ... grittle ... blub ... " - Lucy


(I did not ever hear a 'BURP' ... ;-)

Then came the day before Lucy's passing:


My hamster Lucy(3.0) one day before her passing ...
" Although we're glad that Lucy's eating,
she does look old wouldn't you agree ?" - Mathijs


My hamster Lucy(3.0) one day before her passing ...
" ... Nibble ... chew ... chew " - Lucy


Clearly, Lucy was not too happy.
That's why I checked (almost hourly) on her last day...
( still sad a bit that I (just) missed that 'moment' to be there for her,
but I suppose that's how Lucy 3.0 wanted it that way ... )


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