... in hopes of securing a new family good-luck Chow. Well, part Chow, like Jethro, except in this case the Rescue people are pretty certain the other part is flat-coat retriever...
I have some vacuuming to finish.
I have some vacuuming to finish.
... Lots of Pitbull types. A Dalmatian mix that was already spoken for. A husky-mix with Goblin King eyes.
Further afield, Eastern Iowa Peke and Chow Rescue has an Adult Male mix that sounds like a good match for our household, but they haven't responded to our e-mail yet. There was no picture posted, though, so no clue if he even vaguely resembles a Chow -- So many 'chow-mixes' on the PetFinder site don't. So I would like to at least meet the boy first....
Two hours drive over in Iowa, there's a cream colored female chow-husky mix that we're debating. Again, would like to meet her before committing. But that's a long drive....
On the other hand, remembering the drive across the better part of two states with puppy Chani in my lap in 1985...at night. Husband was driving. So there is precedent.
Further afield, Eastern Iowa Peke and Chow Rescue has an Adult Male mix that sounds like a good match for our household, but they haven't responded to our e-mail yet. There was no picture posted, though, so no clue if he even vaguely resembles a Chow -- So many 'chow-mixes' on the PetFinder site don't. So I would like to at least meet the boy first....
Two hours drive over in Iowa, there's a cream colored female chow-husky mix that we're debating. Again, would like to meet her before committing. But that's a long drive....
On the other hand, remembering the drive across the better part of two states with puppy Chani in my lap in 1985...at night. Husband was driving. So there is precedent.
Adjustments
Nov. 18th, 2020 10:32 amIt's been a week, now. Still getting used to only one dog underfoot in the mornings; not spending 20 minutes following Bel around the house until she decides which door she wants to go out (always eventually the Mudroom, but only after checking both front and back porches and multiple stops at the water bowl); making certain she gets down the porch steps all right, turning down the heat on the sauce pan so the chicken/beef liver/leftover pork in beef broth with sesame oil and soy sauce doesn't boil over and putting on my velour hoodie before going outside to bring Bel up the ramp when she's done with her business (because Dr. Jennifer agreed that bringing her up the ramp would give those weak back legs better exercise/be easier than the mudroom steps -- although she'd still TRY if I took too long coming outside! Bless her stubborn Chow heart!); warming up egg and sausage scramble for breakfast (and making sure there's enough to give Jethro a small portion, too) --- that was our routine through the month October. Sometimes Bel would eat kibble out of my hand; sometimes Moist & Meaty, sometimes chunks of canned dog food. The boiled meats would be cooled and sliced and saved for lunchtime, or suppertime or just before bedtime.... It was only those last few days that she started refusing everything except lunchmeat.
Saturday morning, Husband and I sat down to a breakfast of biscuits and gravy; Jethro positioned himself in his usual spot between our chairs. I made the mistake of glancing over to the floor at the end of the kitchen table. No little black Chow waiting (im)patiently for her share... Rather than endure that emptiness, I got up and brought out my 'life-size' wolf plushie, Timmain, and plopped her down in that spot. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, and that made things just barely bearable.... Timmain has received an abundance of hugs this past week; Jethro has never tolerated hugs well in the past, but he has been more touchy-feely lately.
Jethro wanders around the house, carrying the rawhide chew bone we bought him Friday night -- I think he wants to show it to Bel, except he can't find her...
Saturday morning, Husband and I sat down to a breakfast of biscuits and gravy; Jethro positioned himself in his usual spot between our chairs. I made the mistake of glancing over to the floor at the end of the kitchen table. No little black Chow waiting (im)patiently for her share... Rather than endure that emptiness, I got up and brought out my 'life-size' wolf plushie, Timmain, and plopped her down in that spot. I could see her out of the corner of my eye, and that made things just barely bearable.... Timmain has received an abundance of hugs this past week; Jethro has never tolerated hugs well in the past, but he has been more touchy-feely lately.
Jethro wanders around the house, carrying the rawhide chew bone we bought him Friday night -- I think he wants to show it to Bel, except he can't find her...
3rd Day without Bel
Nov. 13th, 2020 09:36 amStrange how one gets used to change: Bel was set up in the living room for only three days, but I still look over to that spot to see if she needs anything. Jethro went out on each of the our three porches multiple times just this morning, then whined piteously; I can't tell if he's looking for Bel -- or the neighbor's cat. How EMPTY the house feels with the absence of one 50 lb (plus or minus) Chow...
But welcome to Day Four (not counting the weekend)!
So far I have done lots and lots of laundry, mostly bed sheets, towels and wash cloths; more than the usual amount of dishes (that's what happens when there's two couples in the same household cooking and eating separately and the Gov has shut down most of the restaurants in the state); reread six books I haven't read since before the move 10+ years ago; finished a pair of hand warmers started back in January; worked on the leaf motif shawl (now approx. 3/4th done) and binge-watched an interesting anime version of Sherlock Holmes...I stopped last night at episode 19 because the Chows were demanding noms and "Out! Now!" --- spoiled brat Chows. Gotta love 'em.
Been catching up on reading some fan fiction as well.
Had a call yesterday from the Church Treasurer that my paycheck is waiting on my desk if I happen to stop in; think I will do that tomorrow and if no one else is around (shouldn't be), I may spend an hour or so putting together the Palm Sunday and Easter Bulletins -- just in case.
Talked to Mom for a bit Sunday night; so far so good with the rest of the family. Husband has stayed in daily touch with Aunt Marie. Husband's workplace is still open (different State Gov.) but they have gone to two shifts to reduce that number of potential infections.
Actually, I'm not really missing my music, per se; we have Google Home, so I can just ask Google to play some 'whatever', and I usually get a close approximation of said 'whatever'. For example, if I ask for 'Neil Diamond', Google will usually start with a Neil Diamond song, then branch out into John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Simon and Garfunkle, Glen Campbell, etc, with an occasional Diamond song tossed in to stay honest. Kinda nice hearing the music from my junior high/high school days. If I ask for 'Andrew Lloyd Weber', I get that plus Les Mis, Wicked, My Fair Lady, bunch of Disney tunes, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, etc.... Only music I CAN'T seem to get is my Eric Stuart-sama.... phooey!
Well, my sweet Beldandy is making weird noises at me, which means she wants SOMETHING... so I guess I'll go play 20 Questions with an impatient Chow. Later!
So far I have done lots and lots of laundry, mostly bed sheets, towels and wash cloths; more than the usual amount of dishes (that's what happens when there's two couples in the same household cooking and eating separately and the Gov has shut down most of the restaurants in the state); reread six books I haven't read since before the move 10+ years ago; finished a pair of hand warmers started back in January; worked on the leaf motif shawl (now approx. 3/4th done) and binge-watched an interesting anime version of Sherlock Holmes...I stopped last night at episode 19 because the Chows were demanding noms and "Out! Now!" --- spoiled brat Chows. Gotta love 'em.
Been catching up on reading some fan fiction as well.
Had a call yesterday from the Church Treasurer that my paycheck is waiting on my desk if I happen to stop in; think I will do that tomorrow and if no one else is around (shouldn't be), I may spend an hour or so putting together the Palm Sunday and Easter Bulletins -- just in case.
Talked to Mom for a bit Sunday night; so far so good with the rest of the family. Husband has stayed in daily touch with Aunt Marie. Husband's workplace is still open (different State Gov.) but they have gone to two shifts to reduce that number of potential infections.
Actually, I'm not really missing my music, per se; we have Google Home, so I can just ask Google to play some 'whatever', and I usually get a close approximation of said 'whatever'. For example, if I ask for 'Neil Diamond', Google will usually start with a Neil Diamond song, then branch out into John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Simon and Garfunkle, Glen Campbell, etc, with an occasional Diamond song tossed in to stay honest. Kinda nice hearing the music from my junior high/high school days. If I ask for 'Andrew Lloyd Weber', I get that plus Les Mis, Wicked, My Fair Lady, bunch of Disney tunes, Hamilton, The Book of Mormon, etc.... Only music I CAN'T seem to get is my Eric Stuart-sama.... phooey!
Well, my sweet Beldandy is making weird noises at me, which means she wants SOMETHING... so I guess I'll go play 20 Questions with an impatient Chow. Later!
More Frugality
Mar. 5th, 2020 10:36 amHello March!
Husband forgot to take into account the 50% increase in the state vehicle registration fees when making the budget for this month, so we are on Extreme Frugality measures until the 20th.
Ugh.
Well, I won't lack for reading materials, that's for sure. Cleaning the computer room and installing the bookcases (not new, they've been stashed unassembled under one of the living room tables for the past ?? years) has unearthed BOXES of books which we hadn't exactly forgotten we possessed, we just weren't sure where they were ... although I'm pretty certain I used to have all three of the original Tony Hillerman "Lt. Leaphorn" novels and can only account for two of them, and I know that one of the Alisa Craig paperbacks was discarded with severe water damage shortly before the move -- I've been trying to replace it ever since! Trying to sort and shelve is taking longer than I thought it would, because I keep seeing old favorites and wanting to sit down and read...
Still haven't found the Mackinac Island sweatshirt. I thought for sure it would turn up in there.
Beldandy has been doing well with the new anti-arthritis and joint supplements the canine chiropractor recommended. NOT steroids -- I will never knowingly give my Chows steroids, after Chani's bad reaction so many years ago. I sat up all night with her, holding her so she could breathe -- thought we were going to lose her. Our vet at the time didn't think it was the arthritis medication, but I didn't believe it was coincidence that we had just started using it that week. Later, a dog breeder friend (waves at reziac) confirmed that it WAS quite likely a reaction to the steroid component and that I should toss the remainder of the pills -- I already had, of course. ANYWAY, Bel is due for another visit to the chiro next week (already budgeted for, with the Cash Stash) -- I do need to find a cheaper way to get those pills down her throat; pill pockets are pricey, and so is deli lunch meat!
Gave some of the excess yarn to our friend J. -- she doesn't knit or crochet, but one of her friends from church does. Found a couple of half-finished prayer shawl projects, and fortunately also found the instructions and most of the yarns involved. Once I've completed my current 'leaf motif' shawl (about 2/3rds done), I'll get to work on them.
OH! I ALSO found some of the print-outs I'd made long ago of my WIP stories! If I can find the time, I'll start re-typing them into the computer.... and I discovered that when WINDOWS at work updated last time, it somehow put my sound on "MUTE". So that's fixed, too.
Husband forgot to take into account the 50% increase in the state vehicle registration fees when making the budget for this month, so we are on Extreme Frugality measures until the 20th.
Ugh.
Well, I won't lack for reading materials, that's for sure. Cleaning the computer room and installing the bookcases (not new, they've been stashed unassembled under one of the living room tables for the past ?? years) has unearthed BOXES of books which we hadn't exactly forgotten we possessed, we just weren't sure where they were ... although I'm pretty certain I used to have all three of the original Tony Hillerman "Lt. Leaphorn" novels and can only account for two of them, and I know that one of the Alisa Craig paperbacks was discarded with severe water damage shortly before the move -- I've been trying to replace it ever since! Trying to sort and shelve is taking longer than I thought it would, because I keep seeing old favorites and wanting to sit down and read...
Still haven't found the Mackinac Island sweatshirt. I thought for sure it would turn up in there.
Beldandy has been doing well with the new anti-arthritis and joint supplements the canine chiropractor recommended. NOT steroids -- I will never knowingly give my Chows steroids, after Chani's bad reaction so many years ago. I sat up all night with her, holding her so she could breathe -- thought we were going to lose her. Our vet at the time didn't think it was the arthritis medication, but I didn't believe it was coincidence that we had just started using it that week. Later, a dog breeder friend (waves at reziac) confirmed that it WAS quite likely a reaction to the steroid component and that I should toss the remainder of the pills -- I already had, of course. ANYWAY, Bel is due for another visit to the chiro next week (already budgeted for, with the Cash Stash) -- I do need to find a cheaper way to get those pills down her throat; pill pockets are pricey, and so is deli lunch meat!
Gave some of the excess yarn to our friend J. -- she doesn't knit or crochet, but one of her friends from church does. Found a couple of half-finished prayer shawl projects, and fortunately also found the instructions and most of the yarns involved. Once I've completed my current 'leaf motif' shawl (about 2/3rds done), I'll get to work on them.
OH! I ALSO found some of the print-outs I'd made long ago of my WIP stories! If I can find the time, I'll start re-typing them into the computer.... and I discovered that when WINDOWS at work updated last time, it somehow put my sound on "MUTE". So that's fixed, too.
New Year, and Looking Back
Jan. 4th, 2020 11:16 amHiya!
Okay, just reviewed last year's goals.... Numbers 1 and 4 actually did sort of get worked on, in that 1) I continued to lose weight and did my best to eat and live in a healthier manner, and 4) I did re-connect and comment more with on-line friends. However, Numbers 2 and 3 just didn't happen.... which I could easily blame on finances being too tight to spend frivolously (car repairs!!!) but to be honest, I just didn't have the energy to get myself out of my rut.
I did finish reading "Pride and Prejudice" -- go me!!!
I made 3 hats for the PW's Hat mitten and sock tree (started a sock, but it grew so slowly, I switched to the hats). I used some of my lovely stash of alpaca/merino blend yarn to make 3 pairs of hand warmers as Christmas gifts, finished the pair of slipper socks that was left over from last year as a Christmas gift for Younger Sister, and ALMOST managed to not use the Capital One Shiny for Christmas shopping (one gift!).
Because of the many repairs to my dear Adric during 2019, I was not able to reach my savings goal of $ 3,000 by the end of the year; and because of my monthly car payments of $208.00 on Riza for the next four years, it probably won't be happening anytime soon. Hello again, Frugality, my old nemesis....
On the plus side of the ledger, I have a small raise in my salary in 2020. There is Heating Oil in the furnace tank. The Chows are mostly healthy. We have a well-stocked larder and freezer. One of my Christmas gift cards bought me some new Kindle books and a few Manga to read.
Life is mostly good.
Okay, just reviewed last year's goals.... Numbers 1 and 4 actually did sort of get worked on, in that 1) I continued to lose weight and did my best to eat and live in a healthier manner, and 4) I did re-connect and comment more with on-line friends. However, Numbers 2 and 3 just didn't happen.... which I could easily blame on finances being too tight to spend frivolously (car repairs!!!) but to be honest, I just didn't have the energy to get myself out of my rut.
I did finish reading "Pride and Prejudice" -- go me!!!
I made 3 hats for the PW's Hat mitten and sock tree (started a sock, but it grew so slowly, I switched to the hats). I used some of my lovely stash of alpaca/merino blend yarn to make 3 pairs of hand warmers as Christmas gifts, finished the pair of slipper socks that was left over from last year as a Christmas gift for Younger Sister, and ALMOST managed to not use the Capital One Shiny for Christmas shopping (one gift!).
Because of the many repairs to my dear Adric during 2019, I was not able to reach my savings goal of $ 3,000 by the end of the year; and because of my monthly car payments of $208.00 on Riza for the next four years, it probably won't be happening anytime soon. Hello again, Frugality, my old nemesis....
On the plus side of the ledger, I have a small raise in my salary in 2020. There is Heating Oil in the furnace tank. The Chows are mostly healthy. We have a well-stocked larder and freezer. One of my Christmas gift cards bought me some new Kindle books and a few Manga to read.
Life is mostly good.
Wildlife in the Midwest, Part 4
Oct. 9th, 2019 09:48 am The varmints are at it again!
Very early yesterday morning, Tuesday, at around 12:30-ish I got up to use the bathroom -- not unusual in itself, because of that damned diuretic I have to take for my blood pressure, and Jethro got excited and wanted to go out 'since you're up, Mom' -- again, not unusual.... but when I opened the door, I smelt skunk, and said something to the silly half-Chow about 'no playing with the black and white kitty', which of course he ignored. So I put him out on the tie-out, walk through the kitchen while carefully stepping around Bel who is sprawled out in front of the sink, into the hallway past the pantry door, and around the corner into the bathroom. Ever since BoyfriendZ moved in we've kept the hallway light on 'dim' to prevent night time collisions with black dogs in dark rooms, which means there's enough light to navigate, even with the bathroom door closed (like I need to turn the light on in my own house to use the bathroom!), but not enough light to fully wake someone up and prevent them from going back to sleep quickly. I do what I need to do, and walk back through the hallway and the kitchen, past Bel who has managed to turn herself around completely and go back to sleep in those few short minutes, and to the door to let Jethro back in. Jethro seemed a bit agitated, but no lingering odor, so I gave him a treat to help settle him down and went back to bed.
Except Jethro didn't settle down. I could hear him pacing around the kitchen, and then he came into the bedroom and whined a bit. I tried to 'shush' him, but then he paced around the bed and whined a bit at Husband before coming back to my side of the bed.... it was probably only a few minutes, but then he went back out into the kitchen and flopped down. I figured he'd gotten it out of his system.... Hah! The next thing I knew, Bel was barking ... not her 'I want attention' bark or the 'Jethro is in my way, he needs to move NOW!' bark .... it was her 'Something is Strange, Mom!' bark.... so I get up, and she's still lying down by the sink, but facing towards the hallway, and I got down on her level -- 'what's wrong, babe?', and I looked toward the hallway, and right in front of the pantry door --- there's something on the floor. First thought, a bit of laundry or a towel fell off the kitchen chair right next to the pantry ... BUT THEN IT MOVED!
Second thought -- RAT!!!! but it looked too big....and we've never had rats before.... I edged a bit closer and it moved again, just a little, and I saw pointy face and longish tail --- POSSUM??? So I edged back again, and called Husband --- "Hey! Help! There's a Wild Creature in the House!" He stumbles up and out -- "What?!" "I think its a Possum and its in the hallway!" -- at this point we probably should have turned on all the lights, but we didn't so we're both kind of stumbling around the kitchen, trying to restrain two dogs from investigating, and keeping an eye on the intruder.... Jethro gets shut in the bedroom after Husband pulls on his pants, and the critter starts moving further into the hallway towards the mudroom (and Daughter's room!) and we're trying to figure out the best means of wildlife removal without ANYONE getting bit or clawed...
at roughly one o'clock in the morning.
So, Husband says he'll go outside and open the Mudroom porch door, putting Bel out on the back porch as he goes, and I grab the lid off the
trash bin to use as a shield as I stalk the possum, which has retreated to the mudroom and curled up, 'playing possum'. Fortunately, the door of Daughter's room is shut tight, and Husband has propped the storm door open with a board from the ramp repair, and I'm able to gently push the possum out the door using one of Daughter's shoes, and onto the porch. Then I quickly closed the mudroom door, locked it, double-checked the status of Daughter's door again, then closed the connecting door into the house, just in time to be rushed by an excited Jethro, and Husband is coming in with Bel from outside.
Then its "How the Holy Heck did that Possum get into the House!?!?" Husband postulated that it came in through the basement crawlspace, and may have been hidden in the mudroom when I did my walk-through at 12:30. Except the basement door has been closed since roughly 10 pm when I brought the laundry up. My thought, since possums can climb, and recalling a recent TV commercial featuring a raccoon in an attic, is maybe through the attic,,,, but again, the attic door has been shut all evening.... So we go back to bed and try to go back to sleep, after giving the Chows some attention, 'good dogs!' and treats....
BUT -- that was not the end of it! Because around about 3:45 a.m. Jethro starts yelping and fussing, so I get up (so does Husband, since it's almost time for him to get up anyway --he's back on 10 hour days at Work), check the mudroom and porch - possum's gone, no surprise! Went back to the kitchen, where Jethro is still fussing, looked out the sliding glass door and THERE'S a RACCOON down by the sunflower bird feeder trying to stretch up and climb to get at the suet cake!
Like I told Husband, all we need now is a squadron of squirrels and a battalion of bunnies to turn up, and we'd have a full set!
Of course, Daughter and BFZ slept through it all.
But, What the Heck? How did that possum get in???
Very early yesterday morning, Tuesday, at around 12:30-ish I got up to use the bathroom -- not unusual in itself, because of that damned diuretic I have to take for my blood pressure, and Jethro got excited and wanted to go out 'since you're up, Mom' -- again, not unusual.... but when I opened the door, I smelt skunk, and said something to the silly half-Chow about 'no playing with the black and white kitty', which of course he ignored. So I put him out on the tie-out, walk through the kitchen while carefully stepping around Bel who is sprawled out in front of the sink, into the hallway past the pantry door, and around the corner into the bathroom. Ever since BoyfriendZ moved in we've kept the hallway light on 'dim' to prevent night time collisions with black dogs in dark rooms, which means there's enough light to navigate, even with the bathroom door closed (like I need to turn the light on in my own house to use the bathroom!), but not enough light to fully wake someone up and prevent them from going back to sleep quickly. I do what I need to do, and walk back through the hallway and the kitchen, past Bel who has managed to turn herself around completely and go back to sleep in those few short minutes, and to the door to let Jethro back in. Jethro seemed a bit agitated, but no lingering odor, so I gave him a treat to help settle him down and went back to bed.
Except Jethro didn't settle down. I could hear him pacing around the kitchen, and then he came into the bedroom and whined a bit. I tried to 'shush' him, but then he paced around the bed and whined a bit at Husband before coming back to my side of the bed.... it was probably only a few minutes, but then he went back out into the kitchen and flopped down. I figured he'd gotten it out of his system.... Hah! The next thing I knew, Bel was barking ... not her 'I want attention' bark or the 'Jethro is in my way, he needs to move NOW!' bark .... it was her 'Something is Strange, Mom!' bark.... so I get up, and she's still lying down by the sink, but facing towards the hallway, and I got down on her level -- 'what's wrong, babe?', and I looked toward the hallway, and right in front of the pantry door --- there's something on the floor. First thought, a bit of laundry or a towel fell off the kitchen chair right next to the pantry ... BUT THEN IT MOVED!
Second thought -- RAT!!!! but it looked too big....and we've never had rats before.... I edged a bit closer and it moved again, just a little, and I saw pointy face and longish tail --- POSSUM??? So I edged back again, and called Husband --- "Hey! Help! There's a Wild Creature in the House!" He stumbles up and out -- "What?!" "I think its a Possum and its in the hallway!" -- at this point we probably should have turned on all the lights, but we didn't so we're both kind of stumbling around the kitchen, trying to restrain two dogs from investigating, and keeping an eye on the intruder.... Jethro gets shut in the bedroom after Husband pulls on his pants, and the critter starts moving further into the hallway towards the mudroom (and Daughter's room!) and we're trying to figure out the best means of wildlife removal without ANYONE getting bit or clawed...
at roughly one o'clock in the morning.
So, Husband says he'll go outside and open the Mudroom porch door, putting Bel out on the back porch as he goes, and I grab the lid off the
trash bin to use as a shield as I stalk the possum, which has retreated to the mudroom and curled up, 'playing possum'. Fortunately, the door of Daughter's room is shut tight, and Husband has propped the storm door open with a board from the ramp repair, and I'm able to gently push the possum out the door using one of Daughter's shoes, and onto the porch. Then I quickly closed the mudroom door, locked it, double-checked the status of Daughter's door again, then closed the connecting door into the house, just in time to be rushed by an excited Jethro, and Husband is coming in with Bel from outside.
Then its "How the Holy Heck did that Possum get into the House!?!?" Husband postulated that it came in through the basement crawlspace, and may have been hidden in the mudroom when I did my walk-through at 12:30. Except the basement door has been closed since roughly 10 pm when I brought the laundry up. My thought, since possums can climb, and recalling a recent TV commercial featuring a raccoon in an attic, is maybe through the attic,,,, but again, the attic door has been shut all evening.... So we go back to bed and try to go back to sleep, after giving the Chows some attention, 'good dogs!' and treats....
BUT -- that was not the end of it! Because around about 3:45 a.m. Jethro starts yelping and fussing, so I get up (so does Husband, since it's almost time for him to get up anyway --he's back on 10 hour days at Work), check the mudroom and porch - possum's gone, no surprise! Went back to the kitchen, where Jethro is still fussing, looked out the sliding glass door and THERE'S a RACCOON down by the sunflower bird feeder trying to stretch up and climb to get at the suet cake!
Like I told Husband, all we need now is a squadron of squirrels and a battalion of bunnies to turn up, and we'd have a full set!
Of course, Daughter and BFZ slept through it all.
But, What the Heck? How did that possum get in???
Midwest Weather - Bleah
Jul. 21st, 2018 08:01 amCurrently the temperature is a comfortable 72 degrees, but it is so humid after several days of rain, we almost need the AC on just to breathe.
Bel went to the vet Thursday to get her annual shots -- I think she's still mad at me. Doing reasonably well for a 12 - year old Chow with a gimpy hind leg. Jethro is mostly recovered from the excesses of the first two weeks of July -- I'm still trying to figure out when shooting off home fireworks stopped being illegal in this state.... Jethro was at the point where he absolutely refused to go outside after dark until after midnight-ish when things had been quiet for at least an hour. Early morning was all right, too. Sigh...
Got the 2nd Property Tax installment paid off early, thanks to Husband finally getting some overtime at work; now we're saving up for the Sept payment. I'd actually hoped that I could pick up some manga this week, until I realized that I will need to to refill the Metformin prescription before the end of the month. Ugh.
Re-reading the 'Amelia Peabody' series, with an eye towards keeping the best of them, and taking the rest to the Used Book store. I'm a bit disappointed in the most recent book in the 'Lambspun' mystery series -- it seemed like the 'mystery' took a backseat to the life and relationships (and pregnancy) of the main character; the 'mystery' was solved almost offstage as an afterthought. I used to enjoy this series, as much for the knitting patterns and recipes included as for the mystery, but even those have been a bit lackluster (baby hats, and 'cutesy' headbands) in the most recent volumes. Again, Le Sigh.
Might be road-tripping with Mom again in September - details to be hashed out during August.
Later, 'gators!
P.S. - Happy Birthday, 'Dia!
Bel went to the vet Thursday to get her annual shots -- I think she's still mad at me. Doing reasonably well for a 12 - year old Chow with a gimpy hind leg. Jethro is mostly recovered from the excesses of the first two weeks of July -- I'm still trying to figure out when shooting off home fireworks stopped being illegal in this state.... Jethro was at the point where he absolutely refused to go outside after dark until after midnight-ish when things had been quiet for at least an hour. Early morning was all right, too. Sigh...
Got the 2nd Property Tax installment paid off early, thanks to Husband finally getting some overtime at work; now we're saving up for the Sept payment. I'd actually hoped that I could pick up some manga this week, until I realized that I will need to to refill the Metformin prescription before the end of the month. Ugh.
Re-reading the 'Amelia Peabody' series, with an eye towards keeping the best of them, and taking the rest to the Used Book store. I'm a bit disappointed in the most recent book in the 'Lambspun' mystery series -- it seemed like the 'mystery' took a backseat to the life and relationships (and pregnancy) of the main character; the 'mystery' was solved almost offstage as an afterthought. I used to enjoy this series, as much for the knitting patterns and recipes included as for the mystery, but even those have been a bit lackluster (baby hats, and 'cutesy' headbands) in the most recent volumes. Again, Le Sigh.
Might be road-tripping with Mom again in September - details to be hashed out during August.
Later, 'gators!
P.S. - Happy Birthday, 'Dia!
Mid-June Check-in
Jun. 20th, 2018 11:05 am Well, here we are -- tomorrow is officially the 1st day of Summer..... but it has already been both wretchedly hot, and rainy.... and the Hispanic Americans in our neighborhood have ALREADY started with the firecrackers and fireworks.... I have no problem with ethnic groups other than my own (cough* TRUMP* cough) in general, but for the love of God, people! Have some consideration for the domesticated creatures who share our living areas! Jethro absolutely refuses to go outside if he hears firecrackers in the evening; which usually results in an unauthorized deposit on the living room rug. Which I then have to clean up in the morning. I realize that it's part of their cultural heritage to celebrate loudly, but must they do it so often?
Sigh.
Still on the Frugal Living Plan. We managed to get the June Property Tax installment paid, but are now saving up for the August & September installments. Husband has not had the usual seasonal overtime at work this year; things at the plant have been unusually slow for the past six months.... and some of the newer hires have been 'temporarily' laid off. My hours are still reduced as well. I actually wouldn't mind so much, since it gives me more leeway when scheduling doctor's appointments and such, and I honestly don't really need even 30 hours most of the time to get my normal week's work done.... but it would really be nice if the Finance team and Session could see their way to a COL pay raise this year?
Belldandy gave me a scare towards the end of May! We never DID figure out exactly how or what happened, but Jethro and Bel had one of their RAWRS, and then there was a yelp, and suddenly Bel was pawing frantically at the right side of her muzzle! Husband grabbed Jethro and shoved him outside on the tie-out, and I tried to calm Bel down and see what the problem was.....there was blood from her lower jaw, and a very incomplete look inside her mouth left me with dented fingers (but no punctures) and the horrified impression that Bel had somehow lost her right front canine fang -- either completely gone, or broken off and swallowed. This occurred on Saturday night. I managed to calm Bel down; she (mostly) stopped the muzzle-pawing, and let me dab lightly at the bloody spot on her lower jaw. Husband thought that maybe Jethro had bumped her and she'd bitten her own lip and that she'd be fine; but I was concerned because that Canine Tooth seemed to be missing!
(Cue visions of Major Canine Dental Work swarming through my head, with NO handy Savings Bond available to help pay the bill this time!!!)
So, we kept a close eye on Bel for the rest of the weekend; she was drinking water, and even managed to eat some 'Moist & Meaty' soft food, but she still was oozing a bit of blood and occasional muzzle-pawing. First thing Monday morning, I called our Vet and explained the situation. She said to bring her right in, as they'd had a cancellation. Poor Bel. She does not like visiting the vet. Shivering and shaking ensued. Much to my relief, Husband was partly right -- Bel had somehow bitten through both her upper lip, and the bottom lip. The upper lip was stuck to the Right upper Canine, essentially hiding it from casual viewing. But the wounds were infected (I'd wanted to do something to treat the one I could see, but didn't know how and didn't want to be chomped again), so Bel received a ten-day course of anti-biotics and pain relief, and a Collar to discourage her from pawing at her muzzle while healing (the Collar didn't even last until noon; she kept banging into things and couldn't reach food and water while wearing it....). Even bigger relief, with the way our finances were tied up that month, the Vet allowed me to pay half (THANK HEAVENS there was still some credit on the Capital One Card!) and bill later for the rest.....
Whew! Bel is fine, now, except she apparently became accustomed to the hand-fed pills/M&M and soft canned foods twice a day.... and paws at my knee wanting her 'noms' every so often.
Um, on a cheerier note, although we have not added any new plants to the back fence butterfly garden, the plants that survived from last year have certainly flourished: cone flowers, Joe Pye Weed, Milkweed, butterfly bush all doing splendidly. No new residents of the Tree this year, nor wandering varmints, and the rabbits seem to be leaving the cone flowers alone. We've seen so many lightning bugs this year after dark! Makes me very happy. Not so much the bees and the Monarchs yet.
I have now read all (except the last one) of Elizabeth Peters' "Amelia Peabody" novels. I waited until "The Painted Queen" came out in paperback, and it is now sitting at the top of the "to-read" book stack. Did I mention that I finally renewed my Library Card? I'd let it lapse after the move -- I can't believe it's been ten years!!! On the knitting front, the Prayer Shawl ministry is on summer hiatus, so I am once again knitting hats for the children. I came across a workable mitten pattern, too. Not ready to try socks again, yet.
I might be going on a road trip with Mom in September to Ellis Island. We'd talked about it last year, but it didn't materialize due to Mom having a sewer pipe problem last summer.
That's about it for now. Later, Gators!
Sigh.
Still on the Frugal Living Plan. We managed to get the June Property Tax installment paid, but are now saving up for the August & September installments. Husband has not had the usual seasonal overtime at work this year; things at the plant have been unusually slow for the past six months.... and some of the newer hires have been 'temporarily' laid off. My hours are still reduced as well. I actually wouldn't mind so much, since it gives me more leeway when scheduling doctor's appointments and such, and I honestly don't really need even 30 hours most of the time to get my normal week's work done.... but it would really be nice if the Finance team and Session could see their way to a COL pay raise this year?
Belldandy gave me a scare towards the end of May! We never DID figure out exactly how or what happened, but Jethro and Bel had one of their RAWRS, and then there was a yelp, and suddenly Bel was pawing frantically at the right side of her muzzle! Husband grabbed Jethro and shoved him outside on the tie-out, and I tried to calm Bel down and see what the problem was.....there was blood from her lower jaw, and a very incomplete look inside her mouth left me with dented fingers (but no punctures) and the horrified impression that Bel had somehow lost her right front canine fang -- either completely gone, or broken off and swallowed. This occurred on Saturday night. I managed to calm Bel down; she (mostly) stopped the muzzle-pawing, and let me dab lightly at the bloody spot on her lower jaw. Husband thought that maybe Jethro had bumped her and she'd bitten her own lip and that she'd be fine; but I was concerned because that Canine Tooth seemed to be missing!
(Cue visions of Major Canine Dental Work swarming through my head, with NO handy Savings Bond available to help pay the bill this time!!!)
So, we kept a close eye on Bel for the rest of the weekend; she was drinking water, and even managed to eat some 'Moist & Meaty' soft food, but she still was oozing a bit of blood and occasional muzzle-pawing. First thing Monday morning, I called our Vet and explained the situation. She said to bring her right in, as they'd had a cancellation. Poor Bel. She does not like visiting the vet. Shivering and shaking ensued. Much to my relief, Husband was partly right -- Bel had somehow bitten through both her upper lip, and the bottom lip. The upper lip was stuck to the Right upper Canine, essentially hiding it from casual viewing. But the wounds were infected (I'd wanted to do something to treat the one I could see, but didn't know how and didn't want to be chomped again), so Bel received a ten-day course of anti-biotics and pain relief, and a Collar to discourage her from pawing at her muzzle while healing (the Collar didn't even last until noon; she kept banging into things and couldn't reach food and water while wearing it....). Even bigger relief, with the way our finances were tied up that month, the Vet allowed me to pay half (THANK HEAVENS there was still some credit on the Capital One Card!) and bill later for the rest.....
Whew! Bel is fine, now, except she apparently became accustomed to the hand-fed pills/M&M and soft canned foods twice a day.... and paws at my knee wanting her 'noms' every so often.
Um, on a cheerier note, although we have not added any new plants to the back fence butterfly garden, the plants that survived from last year have certainly flourished: cone flowers, Joe Pye Weed, Milkweed, butterfly bush all doing splendidly. No new residents of the Tree this year, nor wandering varmints, and the rabbits seem to be leaving the cone flowers alone. We've seen so many lightning bugs this year after dark! Makes me very happy. Not so much the bees and the Monarchs yet.
I have now read all (except the last one) of Elizabeth Peters' "Amelia Peabody" novels. I waited until "The Painted Queen" came out in paperback, and it is now sitting at the top of the "to-read" book stack. Did I mention that I finally renewed my Library Card? I'd let it lapse after the move -- I can't believe it's been ten years!!! On the knitting front, the Prayer Shawl ministry is on summer hiatus, so I am once again knitting hats for the children. I came across a workable mitten pattern, too. Not ready to try socks again, yet.
I might be going on a road trip with Mom in September to Ellis Island. We'd talked about it last year, but it didn't materialize due to Mom having a sewer pipe problem last summer.
That's about it for now. Later, Gators!
Due to the rain during July, we have practically floated into August.... the rivers are still uncomfortably high, but going down (very slowly). And once again, the mosquitoes are finding little ol' me to be a tasty treat, especially when I'm trying to sleep. I have such ghastly bite welts and what I suspect is scratch-irritated heat rash -- I've tried aloe gel, witch hazel, calamine lotion, Absorbine Jr., generic anti-itching spray, and antihistamines. Oh, and over the weekend at home, cold compresses. Very temporary relief with most on these; the anti-itch spray and the antihistamines have had the longest lasting effects, but I can't use them together, and I don't want to take the antihistamines too often because I don't like throwing OTC drugs into the HBP / Diabetes / High Cholesterol pharmaceutical mix too often. Any ideas that are practical to a working schedule?
Nephew's college blanket was finished, and mailed to Texas --- where it was received with much delight. Now I have to think about birthday prezzies for the Niece. A wall poster of the 'Game of Thrones' world was suggested....
Beldandy had her yearly trip to the vet for shots, and was discovered to have infections in BOTH ears; daily ear washes and antibiotic ear drops for the next two weeks ensued -- not much hilarity, however. Fortunately, at the follow-up visit yesterday, she was declared 'all better' but with the recommendation that I continue cleaning the ears on a regular basis. Bel was not amused.
************************
And because I don't have FaceBook or Twitter, I'll post here:![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
apollymi and her roommate katsuko have a financial emergency due to some shenanigans involving short paychecks, the IRS and an unexpected veterinarian bill. They have a fundraising link on www.youcaring.com/daeandkat-887919 . Thanks to my shortened work hours (and decreased pay) this year, plus almost monthly unexpected expenditures (mostly car related), my budget has been tight, so I couldn't donate as much as I wanted to, but even $10 would help.... it adds up. So if all you can do is spread the word via FB or Twitter, that would help too.....
******************
Books read: "Seventy-Seven Clocks" and "The Water Room" by Christopher Fowler.
Knitting projects: trying to use up leftovers from Nephew's blanket, and a scarf using the 'One Row' pattern
Nephew's college blanket was finished, and mailed to Texas --- where it was received with much delight. Now I have to think about birthday prezzies for the Niece. A wall poster of the 'Game of Thrones' world was suggested....
Beldandy had her yearly trip to the vet for shots, and was discovered to have infections in BOTH ears; daily ear washes and antibiotic ear drops for the next two weeks ensued -- not much hilarity, however. Fortunately, at the follow-up visit yesterday, she was declared 'all better' but with the recommendation that I continue cleaning the ears on a regular basis. Bel was not amused.
************************
And because I don't have FaceBook or Twitter, I'll post here:
apollymi and her roommate katsuko have a financial emergency due to some shenanigans involving short paychecks, the IRS and an unexpected veterinarian bill. They have a fundraising link on www.youcaring.com/daeandkat-887919 . Thanks to my shortened work hours (and decreased pay) this year, plus almost monthly unexpected expenditures (mostly car related), my budget has been tight, so I couldn't donate as much as I wanted to, but even $10 would help.... it adds up. So if all you can do is spread the word via FB or Twitter, that would help too.....******************
Books read: "Seventy-Seven Clocks" and "The Water Room" by Christopher Fowler.
Knitting projects: trying to use up leftovers from Nephew's blanket, and a scarf using the 'One Row' pattern
Chow Report, Easter & MediaWest Plans
Apr. 2nd, 2016 10:38 amWell, it's been an exhausting week -- who would have thought that feeding two prone-to-squabbling Chows soft canned food three times a day would be so much work? Jethro can't have dry kibble until the vet clears him (this coming Monday! Yays!), and BOTH dogs have developed 'messy bottom syndrome' from the constant diet of canned. Since Wednesday, I've tried mixing kibble in with Bel's food and have to watch them both like a hawk until both finish so Jethro doesn't eat contraband.... Oh yeah, and the Canned Food feeding instructions read: "Feed one can per 15 pounds of Dogs' weight..... okay, two 60 pound dogs, that's ---- 4 EFFING cans A PIECE Per Day, PER DOG!!!! Not happening, folks, not made out of money.... another reason for mixing kibble into Bel's bowl. And I discovered first hand how FEW commercial brand doggie treats are available that AREN'T hard and crunchy!!!
***HEAD DESK***
I've been feeding an average 3 cans each per day, on the theory of neither dog is particularly active, and Bel at least could stand to lose a bit of weight (less strain on that damaged leg joint).
I will be damn glad when I can start setting out the self-feed kibble again!!!!
**********
Mom and Odyssia came out for Easter; we had a nice pre-cooked ham (frozen since Thanksgiving, when the grocery store had their hand-dandy 'Buy a Turkey, get a Ham FREE' deal , and re-baked).... Sometimes I wish Odyssia would be a bit more discreet when borrowing DVDs and Manga, especially when Mom is around (Mom does not approve of some of our 'frivolous' hobbies).
*******
Both Daughter and I have confirmed Mediawest*Con memberships -- the check FINALLY cleared on Thursday! and I have made my Room Request -- hopefully at the host hotel (Ramada Inn, Lansing) -- Ratzenfratzen 'room lott-- er, reservation system'). I've looked at the lists of proposed Panels and am SHOCKED that there is absolutely NO listing for a HIGHLANDER panel, of any kind! This year was the 30th Anniversary of the first (and BEST, IMHO) HIGHLANDER movie, with my Best Beloved Connor MacLeod ---
I want to hold a 30th Anniversary Party for the HIGHLANDER -- but I can't make any plans until I know if I have a room at the Ramada -- It would be REALLY nice if I had any notion that any one else would be interested....
*SIGH*
***HEAD DESK***
I've been feeding an average 3 cans each per day, on the theory of neither dog is particularly active, and Bel at least could stand to lose a bit of weight (less strain on that damaged leg joint).
I will be damn glad when I can start setting out the self-feed kibble again!!!!
**********
Mom and Odyssia came out for Easter; we had a nice pre-cooked ham (frozen since Thanksgiving, when the grocery store had their hand-dandy 'Buy a Turkey, get a Ham FREE' deal , and re-baked).... Sometimes I wish Odyssia would be a bit more discreet when borrowing DVDs and Manga, especially when Mom is around (Mom does not approve of some of our 'frivolous' hobbies).
*******
Both Daughter and I have confirmed Mediawest*Con memberships -- the check FINALLY cleared on Thursday! and I have made my Room Request -- hopefully at the host hotel (Ramada Inn, Lansing) -- Ratzenfratzen 'room lott-- er, reservation system'). I've looked at the lists of proposed Panels and am SHOCKED that there is absolutely NO listing for a HIGHLANDER panel, of any kind! This year was the 30th Anniversary of the first (and BEST, IMHO) HIGHLANDER movie, with my Best Beloved Connor MacLeod ---
I want to hold a 30th Anniversary Party for the HIGHLANDER -- but I can't make any plans until I know if I have a room at the Ramada -- It would be REALLY nice if I had any notion that any one else would be interested....
*SIGH*
Rrrrg... I keep receiving Manufacturer's Recall notices regarding various pieces of Adric's autonatomy -- so far, it's been the steering column, gas pedal, gas gauge, and something else that evades my memory at the moment -- makes me wonder if anything has a NON-defective potential on this particular model --- but here's the kicker! Every letter includes a paragraph about how the repair parts are NOT AVAILABLE at this time...and I will be notified by my dealership when they are, in order to schedule repairs..... WTF, Chevrolet-Whatever CorporateConglomerate??? The gas gauge thing is more annoying than anything -- I figured that last winter's extreme cold froze the sensor, and that's why it was doing that annoying 'drop to empty even though I just filled the tank' thing, but the rest are potentially hazardous -- I guess they're covering their butts, legally speaking.... but c'mon --- tell me my car has defects, and then in the next breath say, 'sorry, we don't have parts to fix it?' ?!?!
Beldandy is on her fourth week of 'twice a day anit-fungal spray and twice a week bath' ring-worm treatment -- the Vet looked her over last week and said she saw improvement, and keep it up for another couple of weeks.... poor Bel cries and moans and groans, and Jethro... well, we gave him a preemptive bath two weeks ago, and I think we figuratively 'broke' Mr. Happy Tail --- Jethro's tail is more down than up these days.... used to be, all we had to do is LOOK at Jethro, and the Tail would start wagging.... *sob* ... He hates us......
Last week I went to the eye doctor and had a 'diabetic' eye exam like my doctor and the insurance company recommended.... Eye doctor said that while the Diabetes hadn't affected my eyes, it looked like the High Blood Pressure had a bit-- How can they tell, I wonder? different types of damage? The diabetes we'd been kind of watching for, since it runs in the family but the HBP blind-sided me when it was diagnosed ten - twelve years ago .... I'd gone to the walk-in clinic for something minor (I don't even remember what - sinus infection, maybe?) and the next thing I know I'm getting IV's and drugs and doctors saying my BP is through the roof and I have to stabilize before they can let me go home and who is my family doctor --- um, don't have one, that's why I'm at the walk-in? But I remembered the doctor who'd lanced a nasty cyst on my side the winter before because I liked his attitude, and he's been my doctor ever since (wonder if he remembers?) -- ANYWHOO -- Today I went back and ordered new glasses - bifocals - not as pricy as I'd expected. And when I had my 6-month check up, the doctor gave me a manufacturers' coupon for one of the more expensive diabetes prescriptions....
Still haven't made a decision re: TARDIS-Con vs DAICHO-Con.
Want a nap.
Beldandy is on her fourth week of 'twice a day anit-fungal spray and twice a week bath' ring-worm treatment -- the Vet looked her over last week and said she saw improvement, and keep it up for another couple of weeks.... poor Bel cries and moans and groans, and Jethro... well, we gave him a preemptive bath two weeks ago, and I think we figuratively 'broke' Mr. Happy Tail --- Jethro's tail is more down than up these days.... used to be, all we had to do is LOOK at Jethro, and the Tail would start wagging.... *sob* ... He hates us......
Last week I went to the eye doctor and had a 'diabetic' eye exam like my doctor and the insurance company recommended.... Eye doctor said that while the Diabetes hadn't affected my eyes, it looked like the High Blood Pressure had a bit-- How can they tell, I wonder? different types of damage? The diabetes we'd been kind of watching for, since it runs in the family but the HBP blind-sided me when it was diagnosed ten - twelve years ago .... I'd gone to the walk-in clinic for something minor (I don't even remember what - sinus infection, maybe?) and the next thing I know I'm getting IV's and drugs and doctors saying my BP is through the roof and I have to stabilize before they can let me go home and who is my family doctor --- um, don't have one, that's why I'm at the walk-in? But I remembered the doctor who'd lanced a nasty cyst on my side the winter before because I liked his attitude, and he's been my doctor ever since (wonder if he remembers?) -- ANYWHOO -- Today I went back and ordered new glasses - bifocals - not as pricy as I'd expected. And when I had my 6-month check up, the doctor gave me a manufacturers' coupon for one of the more expensive diabetes prescriptions....
Still haven't made a decision re: TARDIS-Con vs DAICHO-Con.
Want a nap.
July's Downs and Ups
Aug. 2nd, 2014 12:07 pmLike the label says, the month of July had its downs and ups:
( b*tching, fan-girling, family matters, and chows ahead )
I hope August is better.
( b*tching, fan-girling, family matters, and chows ahead )
I hope August is better.
What is it with our Male Chows and 'possums? First Orion adds 10 years to my age because I'm afraid that he's killed the neighbor's cat (not a cat, not dead, thank heavens), and then last night Jethro drags a 'possum out from under the back porch and gives it a vigorous shake before I can drag him back inside! An hour later 'possum is gone, but this morning we noticed blood on the snow, so clearly Jethro did some damage to the 'possum (wasn't Jethro's blood, obviously -- first thing I checked after dragging idiot Half-Chow inside). Frankly I'm amazed that the beastie maintained it's 'Possum-playing' so long, because that really was quite a vigorous shake Jethro gave it. Poor thing. I'm hoping it wasn't the Mama 'Possum from last summer and that it wasn't too badly injured. Thankfully, the squirrels and rabbits have all been too fast for Jethro to catch so far -- I rather dread what might happen if he does...
Speaking of squirrels, they appear to have discovered an entryway into the garage -- we will see a squirrel scampering along the snow filled rain-gutter, it stops, and then hey! Presto! it disappears! Husband looked around the inside of the garage the other day when he got out the snow blower, didn't see anything obvious other than a half-eaten ear of corn. The birds aren't happy with the squirrels either, because the greedy things hog the bird feeders. We have a bunch of sparrows, several pairs of cardinals, a couple of blue jays (!), and I've seen a red-headed woodpecker as well. And of course, the Bald Eagles that nest near the river (about a quarter mile away )-- we can see their preferred tree from our back porch window.
Then this morning while I was eating breakfast I saw a flight of Canadian Geese crossing our airspace.... they were flying rather low. Wonder why?
Stupid 'Possum. Stupid Jethro. Now I'm wondering if I should take idiot Half Chow in to the vet for a rabies booster....
Speaking of squirrels, they appear to have discovered an entryway into the garage -- we will see a squirrel scampering along the snow filled rain-gutter, it stops, and then hey! Presto! it disappears! Husband looked around the inside of the garage the other day when he got out the snow blower, didn't see anything obvious other than a half-eaten ear of corn. The birds aren't happy with the squirrels either, because the greedy things hog the bird feeders. We have a bunch of sparrows, several pairs of cardinals, a couple of blue jays (!), and I've seen a red-headed woodpecker as well. And of course, the Bald Eagles that nest near the river (about a quarter mile away )-- we can see their preferred tree from our back porch window.
Then this morning while I was eating breakfast I saw a flight of Canadian Geese crossing our airspace.... they were flying rather low. Wonder why?
Stupid 'Possum. Stupid Jethro. Now I'm wondering if I should take idiot Half Chow in to the vet for a rabies booster....
I keep forgetting to check my DW account for posts, which I really shouldn't because there ARE a few of my friends who only post here/there these days....sorry, will try to follow the plot a little better....
Not a whole lot happened during July -- Bel was upset with me most of the month due to the twice-a-week anti-arthritis treatments PLUS two weeks of ear-drops and pills to clear up a nasty ear infection -- Daughter got to make use of the animal restraint training from her Veterinarian Assistance class. Jethro was a bit of a nuisance, as he kept trying to nibble/lick said infected ear.
My elder sister *Oddyssia* came to visit the first weekend of August, and we spent lots of time & some money at the used bookstores... She brought along several shopping bags of books to trade, and ended the weekend with a hefty credit at The Book Rack. I spent a bit much on books myself -- a couple of sf-fantasy books, manga, etc. Visited Popcorn Charlie's and hooked Big Sister on their Black Licorice and French Vanilla flavors. Watched a good chunk of DW S6 together and SH:Game of Shadows. Good times.
September. No one I've talked to can remember the Indian Summer Festival/Labor Day Parade being rained out before, but thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Isaac it happened this year. Sadly, it seemed appropriate since the church's beloved Vacation Bible School director Jane passed away August 30th. The brain tumor turned out to be inoperable, and chemo really didn't do much. She was such a cheerful, out-going energetic person, barely 60....
Sigh.
Someone told me the other day that 55 is the new 'Middle Age' ('Old' is 75, apparently)-- does that mean it's time for my Mid-Life Crisis?
*contemplates the 'Stars' tattoo design*
Nope, still not keen on pain....
Happy Shared Birthday, Youngest Sister!
Not a whole lot happened during July -- Bel was upset with me most of the month due to the twice-a-week anti-arthritis treatments PLUS two weeks of ear-drops and pills to clear up a nasty ear infection -- Daughter got to make use of the animal restraint training from her Veterinarian Assistance class. Jethro was a bit of a nuisance, as he kept trying to nibble/lick said infected ear.
My elder sister *Oddyssia* came to visit the first weekend of August, and we spent lots of time & some money at the used bookstores... She brought along several shopping bags of books to trade, and ended the weekend with a hefty credit at The Book Rack. I spent a bit much on books myself -- a couple of sf-fantasy books, manga, etc. Visited Popcorn Charlie's and hooked Big Sister on their Black Licorice and French Vanilla flavors. Watched a good chunk of DW S6 together and SH:Game of Shadows. Good times.
September. No one I've talked to can remember the Indian Summer Festival/Labor Day Parade being rained out before, but thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Isaac it happened this year. Sadly, it seemed appropriate since the church's beloved Vacation Bible School director Jane passed away August 30th. The brain tumor turned out to be inoperable, and chemo really didn't do much. She was such a cheerful, out-going energetic person, barely 60....
Sigh.
Someone told me the other day that 55 is the new 'Middle Age' ('Old' is 75, apparently)-- does that mean it's time for my Mid-Life Crisis?
*contemplates the 'Stars' tattoo design*
Nope, still not keen on pain....
Happy Shared Birthday, Youngest Sister!
Ohai! Iz me.....
Mar. 23rd, 2010 02:36 pmYah, it's been a while since I wrote a substantial post here; the reasons being at least three-fold:
1) Lent/Easter is the second busiest time of the year here at work, and the boss has kept me busy Busy BUSY!!!! Plus we're doing our 165th Anniversary (?!?) in a few weeks, which has also been busy-making... not much spare time at the office since mid - February.
2) Still recovering from recurring cold nasties, meaning as much home time sleeping as manageble; evenings spent watching TV and finishing up my Knitting Project: since mid-November, 10 handknitted hats for the Homeless Teen/GLTB shelter, three sets of handwarmers, two scarves. Also a hat & scarf set for Step-Granddaughter's birthday in January.
3) And an addition to the family: Jethro, a sweet, affectionate, lovable Chow-Mix that came home with us from the over-crowded County Animal shelter at the beginning of March. We weren't trying to keep him a secret, just wanted to be sure things would work out between him and Bel before we made any formal announcements. Jethro (named for the N.C.I.S. character) was brought to our attention by our friendly vet, who remembered our efforts (futile, unfortunately) on the behalf of a pair of elderly female Chows last summer and asked if we could help, because of the over-crowding at the shelter (Chows being notoriously slow to be adopted, as a rule). One look at that adorable face.... and Bel didn't seem to object at the time, although they've re-enacted the Tong Wars throughout the house on a nightly basis since -- pretty sure they're playing, even though it sounds horribly vicious (no bloody stumps yet!)
We aren't certain what other breed is involved in Jethro's make-up; we suspect either German Shepherd or a retriever. Definately something more than Chow, especially in the ears, tail and back legs. He's rather vocal for a Chow, and he nibbles; the vet thinks his age is under two years as he seems to be still developing his adult teeth. Plus, he developed a few bad habits while he was in the shelter, so we've had to be extra vigilant about meals and 'walkies' -- 2 am, ugh! Jethro....
It's getting better, though this morning he jumped at the mudroom's screen door and jammed it shut; had to bring him in on a leash through the front door -- Welcome to Tuesday....good thing we've got the back sliding door as well. Needless to say, he and Bel have been keeping us on our toes. When they aren't trying to chew each other's ears and tails off (it's a dominance thing: Bel thinks she's the Boss, and Jethro wants to argue the point) they're actually sort of sweet together, swapping rawhides and letting us know that the Evil Squirrels are OUTSIDE conspiring with the neighbor's cat to TAKE OVER THE WORLD, bark bark bark bark!
So, that's been life at our house for the past two months.... what's new with you?
1) Lent/Easter is the second busiest time of the year here at work, and the boss has kept me busy Busy BUSY!!!! Plus we're doing our 165th Anniversary (?!?) in a few weeks, which has also been busy-making... not much spare time at the office since mid - February.
2) Still recovering from recurring cold nasties, meaning as much home time sleeping as manageble; evenings spent watching TV and finishing up my Knitting Project: since mid-November, 10 handknitted hats for the Homeless Teen/GLTB shelter, three sets of handwarmers, two scarves. Also a hat & scarf set for Step-Granddaughter's birthday in January.
3) And an addition to the family: Jethro, a sweet, affectionate, lovable Chow-Mix that came home with us from the over-crowded County Animal shelter at the beginning of March. We weren't trying to keep him a secret, just wanted to be sure things would work out between him and Bel before we made any formal announcements. Jethro (named for the N.C.I.S. character) was brought to our attention by our friendly vet, who remembered our efforts (futile, unfortunately) on the behalf of a pair of elderly female Chows last summer and asked if we could help, because of the over-crowding at the shelter (Chows being notoriously slow to be adopted, as a rule). One look at that adorable face.... and Bel didn't seem to object at the time, although they've re-enacted the Tong Wars throughout the house on a nightly basis since -- pretty sure they're playing, even though it sounds horribly vicious (no bloody stumps yet!)
We aren't certain what other breed is involved in Jethro's make-up; we suspect either German Shepherd or a retriever. Definately something more than Chow, especially in the ears, tail and back legs. He's rather vocal for a Chow, and he nibbles; the vet thinks his age is under two years as he seems to be still developing his adult teeth. Plus, he developed a few bad habits while he was in the shelter, so we've had to be extra vigilant about meals and 'walkies' -- 2 am, ugh! Jethro....
It's getting better, though this morning he jumped at the mudroom's screen door and jammed it shut; had to bring him in on a leash through the front door -- Welcome to Tuesday....good thing we've got the back sliding door as well. Needless to say, he and Bel have been keeping us on our toes. When they aren't trying to chew each other's ears and tails off (it's a dominance thing: Bel thinks she's the Boss, and Jethro wants to argue the point) they're actually sort of sweet together, swapping rawhides and letting us know that the Evil Squirrels are OUTSIDE conspiring with the neighbor's cat to TAKE OVER THE WORLD, bark bark bark bark!
So, that's been life at our house for the past two months.... what's new with you?
Ohai! Iz me.....
Mar. 23rd, 2010 02:36 pmYah, it's been a while since I wrote a substantial post here; the reasons being at least three-fold:
1) Lent/Easter is the second busiest time of the year here at work, and the boss has kept me busy Busy BUSY!!!! Plus we're doing our 165th Anniversary (?!?) in a few weeks, which has also been busy-making... not much spare time at the office since mid - February.
2) Still recovering from recurring cold nasties, meaning as much home time sleeping as manageble; evenings spent watching TV and finishing up my Knitting Project: since mid-November, 10 handknitted hats for the Homeless Teen/GLTB shelter, three sets of handwarmers, two scarves. Also a hat & scarf set for Step-Granddaughter's birthday in January.
3) And an addition to the family: Jethro, a sweet, affectionate, lovable Chow-Mix that came home with us from the over-crowded County Animal shelter at the beginning of March. We weren't trying to keep him a secret, just wanted to be sure things would work out between him and Bel before we made any formal announcements. Jethro (named for the N.C.I.S. character) was brought to our attention by our friendly vet, who remembered our efforts (futile, unfortunately) on the behalf of a pair of elderly female Chows last summer and asked if we could help, because of the over-crowding at the shelter (Chows being notoriously slow to be adopted, as a rule). One look at that adorable face.... and Bel didn't seem to object at the time, although they've re-enacted the Tong Wars throughout the house on a nightly basis since -- pretty sure they're playing, even though it sounds horribly vicious (no bloody stumps yet!)
We aren't certain what other breed is involved in Jethro's make-up; we suspect either German Shepherd or a retriever. Definately something more than Chow, especially in the ears, tail and back legs. He's rather vocal for a Chow, and he nibbles; the vet thinks his age is under two years as he seems to be still developing his adult teeth. Plus, he developed a few bad habits while he was in the shelter, so we've had to be extra vigilant about meals and 'walkies' -- 2 am, ugh! Jethro....
It's getting better, though this morning he jumped at the mudroom's screen door and jammed it shut; had to bring him in on a leash through the front door -- Welcome to Tuesday....good thing we've got the back sliding door as well. Needless to say, he and Bel have been keeping us on our toes. When they aren't trying to chew each other's ears and tails off (it's a dominance thing: Bel thinks she's the Boss, and Jethro wants to argue the point) they're actually sort of sweet together, swapping rawhides and letting us know that the Evil Squirrels are OUTSIDE conspiring with the neighbor's cat to TAKE OVER THE WORLD, bark bark bark bark!
So, that's been life at our house for the past two months.... what's new with you?
1) Lent/Easter is the second busiest time of the year here at work, and the boss has kept me busy Busy BUSY!!!! Plus we're doing our 165th Anniversary (?!?) in a few weeks, which has also been busy-making... not much spare time at the office since mid - February.
2) Still recovering from recurring cold nasties, meaning as much home time sleeping as manageble; evenings spent watching TV and finishing up my Knitting Project: since mid-November, 10 handknitted hats for the Homeless Teen/GLTB shelter, three sets of handwarmers, two scarves. Also a hat & scarf set for Step-Granddaughter's birthday in January.
3) And an addition to the family: Jethro, a sweet, affectionate, lovable Chow-Mix that came home with us from the over-crowded County Animal shelter at the beginning of March. We weren't trying to keep him a secret, just wanted to be sure things would work out between him and Bel before we made any formal announcements. Jethro (named for the N.C.I.S. character) was brought to our attention by our friendly vet, who remembered our efforts (futile, unfortunately) on the behalf of a pair of elderly female Chows last summer and asked if we could help, because of the over-crowding at the shelter (Chows being notoriously slow to be adopted, as a rule). One look at that adorable face.... and Bel didn't seem to object at the time, although they've re-enacted the Tong Wars throughout the house on a nightly basis since -- pretty sure they're playing, even though it sounds horribly vicious (no bloody stumps yet!)
We aren't certain what other breed is involved in Jethro's make-up; we suspect either German Shepherd or a retriever. Definately something more than Chow, especially in the ears, tail and back legs. He's rather vocal for a Chow, and he nibbles; the vet thinks his age is under two years as he seems to be still developing his adult teeth. Plus, he developed a few bad habits while he was in the shelter, so we've had to be extra vigilant about meals and 'walkies' -- 2 am, ugh! Jethro....
It's getting better, though this morning he jumped at the mudroom's screen door and jammed it shut; had to bring him in on a leash through the front door -- Welcome to Tuesday....good thing we've got the back sliding door as well. Needless to say, he and Bel have been keeping us on our toes. When they aren't trying to chew each other's ears and tails off (it's a dominance thing: Bel thinks she's the Boss, and Jethro wants to argue the point) they're actually sort of sweet together, swapping rawhides and letting us know that the Evil Squirrels are OUTSIDE conspiring with the neighbor's cat to TAKE OVER THE WORLD, bark bark bark bark!
So, that's been life at our house for the past two months.... what's new with you?
Oh God I Don'WannaJinx it....
Aug. 27th, 2007 02:47 pm.... I know it's pathetic of me, but PLEEEEEZE!!!!! don't be a fluke!!!!!
A-hem...
And in other news, it appears that Bel's surgery for a ruptured ligature in the left rear stiffle is temporarily on hold. The only Veterinary surgeon in the area who performs that operation has been called out of town due to unspecified affairs of a personal nature. So right now we're looking at mid-September. In one sense this is good, as it gives me more time to make advance payments so there is less wear and tear on the Shiney (aka The Credit Card) -- however, Pretty!Bel does NOT like the joint supplements the Splendid Vet recommended, and I don't like giving her the PetAspirin too often as I am not convinced it was the lunchmeat that gave her the runs.
We had a helluva time keeping her immobilzed for two weeks when Beldandy had the Operation, I don't know HOW we're going to manage two months!
A-hem...
And in other news, it appears that Bel's surgery for a ruptured ligature in the left rear stiffle is temporarily on hold. The only Veterinary surgeon in the area who performs that operation has been called out of town due to unspecified affairs of a personal nature. So right now we're looking at mid-September. In one sense this is good, as it gives me more time to make advance payments so there is less wear and tear on the Shiney (aka The Credit Card) -- however, Pretty!Bel does NOT like the joint supplements the Splendid Vet recommended, and I don't like giving her the PetAspirin too often as I am not convinced it was the lunchmeat that gave her the runs.
We had a helluva time keeping her immobilzed for two weeks when Beldandy had the Operation, I don't know HOW we're going to manage two months!
