As with any animal pack, there is a hierarchy. Mine is no acception. Even though I make jokes about princesses and diva's, there are grains of truth in those titles. Though the following post may sound like a soap opera, I assure you - it's true. Anyone that has ever been owned by more than one pet will relate.
Let me start with one item of note - Dusty is a female. Yes, the vet mis-sexed her. When I first found her and looked - I thought female. The vet said male. When we were in Maine on vacation, I held Dusty, belly up, to my Mom and asked "Do you see a penis or a lil vajayjay?" She thought as I did. There were no lil hidden testacles. Doesn't give me a lot of confidence in my new vet. Son just chimed in with "Another girl?" He lives in a home of 5 females, he's a bit outnumbered.
I am the Pack Leader of this crew. Everyone knows I am the Alpha Female, or The Boss, everyone except my 17 year old son. That's OK though, he's the fledgling male of this bunch. He's about to leave the nest. Unless he changes his attitude, he's going to be pushed from this nest, fledged or not.
Now, onto the pack standing.
I consider Cuddles the Queen Mum. She's been around the longest, she's either 20 or 21 - we're not certain. My Bro found her in a dumpster in his Jr. year of highschool, that's also the year he repeated. Hence the confusion. She has no real power. She is old. She just wants to live out her days in peace and comfort. She's earned it.
Tabitha is the princess. She's spoiled and feels she deserves all the attention. She self righteously feels that she is the only one qualified to torment the Queen Mum. Tabitha has begrudgingly allowed Julieta to remain, only because Julieta obeys her commands and stays out of her way.
All has been quiet and harmonious in our little kingdom until, Dusty.
Dusty is a usurper. Dusty has upset the delicate balance of things. Dusty doesn't give a shit about a hierarchy. Dusty is here to party, and wreak havoc. Dusty takes great delight in tormenting the Princess, she's the only one that fights back.
The Queen Mum made her position known from the beginning. Pretty much a "Don't Fuck with ME" stance. I like her style, lay down the rules from the beginning. Dusty got the message. Other than running back and forth from the bedroom and leaping over the Queen Mum in the hallway, just brushing her fur, Dusty basically leaves her alone. It's actually pretty funny to watch. Poor old Cuddles is hard of hearing and doesn't hear Dusty coming. By the time Cuddles hisses, Dusty is in the living room, only to repeat the process while heading towards my bedroom.
Julieta was heartbroken and insulted by the hostile reception she received from the new addition. She hung her head with rejection and retreated to her den. Dusty realized that Julieta wasn't going to eat her and has since decided that Julieta's tail is a most interesting prey - as long as the big threat; the teeth, are facing the other way. Dusty even became so brazen as to attack Julieta's tail when she was laying on the couch. Julieta wasn't in the mood for the sharp claws and made her feelings known by a growl and jab. Dusty's response was to turn her back against the couch (if I can't see the dog - she can't see me) and continue her assault. I was proud of her for setting some limits with a second, firmer, vocal admonition. There was nothing predatory in her action, just a "back off, bitch" message. Julieta has even expressed some playful interest by approaching Dusty with a wagging tail and playful stance. I've seen her attempt this with the other felines, rejection was all she got, and she immediately backed off. Dusty still isn't sure of Julieta's intentions and responds by becoming a Halloween cat. Kind of a joke at her size, even when turned sideways with a fluffy tail. I have a feeling this will change in the future. Being the two with the least seniority in the pack, I have a feeling they will become the best of friends.
Tabitha, on the other hand, had a "hissy" fit when Dusty arrived. Tabitha would hiss and run away. It took her a few days before she came out of the bedroom. Bad move on her part, gave up her power.
Dusty has become the Court Jester. Or, as my son referred to her this morning, "The Blue Collar Comedy Tour". She takes great pleasure in tormenting Tabitha on her thrown (the back of the recliner - the "highest" position in the living room). The taunts range from simple jumping and touching to all out pounces during naps.
Yes, the fur has flown.
Cat fights sound much worse than they actually are. Tabitha, being part Siamese, is especially vocal. The fights are, at times, so loud as to draw my son away from his video game. He appears from his room, eyes wide, wondering if he will find blood spatter on the walls. He's amazed at the ferocious sounding encounters.
I've only found the need to intervene with Dusty's behavior on a few occasions. Any interest in my bird (or Mom's Cockatiel when on vacation), has been met with a couple quick streams from a water spray bottle. I once found her hanging from the side of the bakers rack I have my birdcage on. Bird squawks alerted me. I always have the spray bottle handy and nailed her twice. She hasn't seemed to bother Galileo since, although, I don't know what happens when I am not at home. In Maine, after the first squirt - just the sound would cause "kitty burn out" ( the art of tearing up the floor trying to gain traction from back feet moving so fast). On vacation, Dusty spent her nights in a bedroom with me and Julieta. Julieta had one of two twin beds in the room. The second night, I had to put Dusty in her carrier because she wouldn't settle down. After that, she would go into purr mode and knew it was time to sleep. When we returned from vacation, I had to put Dusty in her carrier at 11:30 PM on the first night because she wouldn't stop harrassing the other felines. She spent the night there, on the bed with me. The next night, when the same behavior ensued, I put her in the bathroom with a litter box. Since then, she knows that when I go to bed - playtime is over. She's a smart kitty. There are going to be problems though, until Tabitha asserts herself.
I never thought of Tabitha as insecure, until now. She seeks more attention and affection to be assured of her position, which I lovingly give. She needs to get over the jealousy and assert her position as Queen. I'm sure she will reach her limit at some point and lay down a beating.
Until then, I'm enjoying the antics of the Court Jester.
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query dusty. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query dusty. Sort by date Show all posts
Monday, September 03, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Dusty Update
When I picked up Dusty from the Vet today, I found out just how special this lil 3 pound guy is. Everyone at the Vet was in love with him. They all commented on how well he had bounced back and that all he did was "make bread". Dusty is a kneading machine! They brought him out and put him in the new cat carrier I had bought and the love stood there kneading like crazy, brushing up against the bars for a scratch.
I paid the coughsixhundredfiftydollarbillcough and left. We haven't even started on immunizations yet, but this lil guy is worth every penny.
Dusty will have to have separate food water & toilet until he is cleared of all parasites. I still wanted to start introductions though. I put the closed carrier on the floor next to Cuddles (the old lady at 19). Cuddles showed mild interest and sniffed at the intruder. There was a hiss, no louder than someone blowing out a candle from the crate. When Tabitha approached and sniffed, Dusty retreated to the back of his small space. Tabitha turned tail and retreated to the bedroom.
This surprised me.
It was only a few years ago when one of sons friends brought his miniature Collie in the house(Picachu, no less). Tabitha's back was to the dog when it entered. The dog barked. Suddenly, it was like Tabitha had an Acme rocket attached to her back. Her feet started running so fast in place she practically dug a trench in the linoleum floor. She shot down the hall in a blur, only to return a few seconds later, looking like a Halloween lawn ornament. Her tail was the size of a Raccoons, she was walking sideways and shooting flaming knives from her glowing eyes. She reacted to a dog that outweighed her by 25 pounds like this, yet retreated from a three pound kitten half her size.
Julieta was next. Poor Julieta. She is the sweetest thing with a 22 karat gold heart. She heard the minute hiss from her one sniff, hung her head with dejection and walked away like nobody loved her.
The old lady Cuddles, was the only one left when I opend the door. Dusty eagerly came out to my open hands and turned into a vibrating mass of jello on my chest. Free of his fleas, he is the softest, most gentle and affectionate kitten there ever was. He never stopped making bread either. He became a spineless ball of fur, so relaxed, rolling on his back, trusting me to support him, as long as I kept rubbing any part of his body.
He looked straight into my eyes while he rythmically pumped his paws And revved his motor. He came straight to my face, ducked his head and pushed against my nose. I'm not sure exactly what came over me, but the tears started flowing and I couldn't stop them. I looked up at the picture of my Dad on the wall and spoke out loud to him, "I couldn't save you, but I could save him".
My Dad was such a gentle man, he had an affinity and connection with all animals. He had a pet squirrel as a kid. It would sleep in the bottom drawer of his bureau and come & go through an open window. Wild animals could sense something about him and would take food from his hand (I will post pictures to prove it & remember the Saw Whet Owl?.) One time at a warehouse where he serviced forklifts, a baby squirrel climbed into his cupped hands when he bent to the ground.
There was only one choice for me, regarding this 12 week old baby. It's more than a coincidence that I decided at that precice time to trim the shrubs. Why didn't I do it while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago? I was watching TV and looking at the window being crowded by the stray branches. It was a spur of the moment decision to grab the pruners and go do it. Had I not, I would have found Dusty's carcass days or weeks later. In the 13 years I have lived here, I have never gone out and trimmed The Neighbors shrub. I didn't feel compelled or any strange sensations. I just did it, and I'm so glad I did. I'll pay for it with shredded furniture, more dollars than I can afford, surprising foot ambushes, scratches galore, cleaning up stinky male marking (even after neutering), being woken up in the middle of the night by a cold nose & whiskers and most importantly, more unconditional love & appreciation than you can imagine. I have no doubt that his nickname of "Boopy" with be replaced at times with something more profane, like "lil shit". But I will never regret my decision to save him. I'd like to think, I have my Daddy to thank for that.
Getting back to the introduction business. It was an hour or so later, Cuddles and Dusty had circled each other a couple times. Dusty figured the situation might not be so bad and decided to try and approach Cuddles for a lil nose to nose.
The crustly old lady laid such a bitch slap on Dusty, he did a flip and landed on his back. He dutifully gave her a wide bearth beyond that point. He happened upon the food and water of the resident felines in his exploration, not unnoticed by Cuddles. She cornered him by the water dish. He immediately went into a submissive postion on his back - exposing his belly. The otherwise passive and lazy senior, Cuddles, gave a second very vocal, as well as physical notice to this intrusive punk.
It's only been an hour and a half of the "quarantine" in Sons room before Son appeared from his room complaining about the kitten waking him up with his wiskers.
That lasted longer than expected.
It's been 19 years since I've had a kitten in the house. I have a feeling my memory is about to be refreshed.
I paid the coughsixhundredfiftydollarbillcough and left. We haven't even started on immunizations yet, but this lil guy is worth every penny.
Dusty will have to have separate food water & toilet until he is cleared of all parasites. I still wanted to start introductions though. I put the closed carrier on the floor next to Cuddles (the old lady at 19). Cuddles showed mild interest and sniffed at the intruder. There was a hiss, no louder than someone blowing out a candle from the crate. When Tabitha approached and sniffed, Dusty retreated to the back of his small space. Tabitha turned tail and retreated to the bedroom.
This surprised me.
It was only a few years ago when one of sons friends brought his miniature Collie in the house(Picachu, no less). Tabitha's back was to the dog when it entered. The dog barked. Suddenly, it was like Tabitha had an Acme rocket attached to her back. Her feet started running so fast in place she practically dug a trench in the linoleum floor. She shot down the hall in a blur, only to return a few seconds later, looking like a Halloween lawn ornament. Her tail was the size of a Raccoons, she was walking sideways and shooting flaming knives from her glowing eyes. She reacted to a dog that outweighed her by 25 pounds like this, yet retreated from a three pound kitten half her size.
Julieta was next. Poor Julieta. She is the sweetest thing with a 22 karat gold heart. She heard the minute hiss from her one sniff, hung her head with dejection and walked away like nobody loved her.
The old lady Cuddles, was the only one left when I opend the door. Dusty eagerly came out to my open hands and turned into a vibrating mass of jello on my chest. Free of his fleas, he is the softest, most gentle and affectionate kitten there ever was. He never stopped making bread either. He became a spineless ball of fur, so relaxed, rolling on his back, trusting me to support him, as long as I kept rubbing any part of his body.
He looked straight into my eyes while he rythmically pumped his paws And revved his motor. He came straight to my face, ducked his head and pushed against my nose. I'm not sure exactly what came over me, but the tears started flowing and I couldn't stop them. I looked up at the picture of my Dad on the wall and spoke out loud to him, "I couldn't save you, but I could save him".
My Dad was such a gentle man, he had an affinity and connection with all animals. He had a pet squirrel as a kid. It would sleep in the bottom drawer of his bureau and come & go through an open window. Wild animals could sense something about him and would take food from his hand (I will post pictures to prove it & remember the Saw Whet Owl?.) One time at a warehouse where he serviced forklifts, a baby squirrel climbed into his cupped hands when he bent to the ground.
There was only one choice for me, regarding this 12 week old baby. It's more than a coincidence that I decided at that precice time to trim the shrubs. Why didn't I do it while I was on vacation a couple weeks ago? I was watching TV and looking at the window being crowded by the stray branches. It was a spur of the moment decision to grab the pruners and go do it. Had I not, I would have found Dusty's carcass days or weeks later. In the 13 years I have lived here, I have never gone out and trimmed The Neighbors shrub. I didn't feel compelled or any strange sensations. I just did it, and I'm so glad I did. I'll pay for it with shredded furniture, more dollars than I can afford, surprising foot ambushes, scratches galore, cleaning up stinky male marking (even after neutering), being woken up in the middle of the night by a cold nose & whiskers and most importantly, more unconditional love & appreciation than you can imagine. I have no doubt that his nickname of "Boopy" with be replaced at times with something more profane, like "lil shit". But I will never regret my decision to save him. I'd like to think, I have my Daddy to thank for that.
Getting back to the introduction business. It was an hour or so later, Cuddles and Dusty had circled each other a couple times. Dusty figured the situation might not be so bad and decided to try and approach Cuddles for a lil nose to nose.
The crustly old lady laid such a bitch slap on Dusty, he did a flip and landed on his back. He dutifully gave her a wide bearth beyond that point. He happened upon the food and water of the resident felines in his exploration, not unnoticed by Cuddles. She cornered him by the water dish. He immediately went into a submissive postion on his back - exposing his belly. The otherwise passive and lazy senior, Cuddles, gave a second very vocal, as well as physical notice to this intrusive punk.
It's only been an hour and a half of the "quarantine" in Sons room before Son appeared from his room complaining about the kitten waking him up with his wiskers.
That lasted longer than expected.
It's been 19 years since I've had a kitten in the house. I have a feeling my memory is about to be refreshed.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
RIP Cuddles
Cuddles
September 1986 - March 25, 2008
Yes, she was almost 22 years old.
Her name was perfect for her. She was a love, that always wanted to Cuddle.
In the last couple months, she was really starting to show her age.
Her eyes were not as bright as they are in these pics. (These were taken last summer).
She had lost a lot of weight. You could feel her spine and mostly every other bone in her body.
She had developed an occasional cough. I knew the time was drawing near, but kept putting it off. I finally made the appointment for today.
She started meowing in her crate on the way there. She lived in the crate at home, but hadn't been out of the house in ages.
I got her calmed down and purring at the vets. I paid the fees and the technician walked me through the procedure. This was not my first time, so I felt prepared.
I chatted with the tech while waiting for the Doctor. She asked about Dusty.
I said "You mean 'The Terrorist?"
I went through a description of Dusty's antics and behavior. She's more like a dog than a cat.
The office staff fell just as in love with Dusty as I have.
The Tech expressed disappointment at having to wait until August to see Dusty again.
The Doc came in and did a cursory exam and found flea dirt. I think it was just old dirt, because she hasn't been able to clean herself thoroughly in a while.
He discussed treating the other felines just to be sure.
Then the time came for the injection.
The old gal still had some fight left in her and got quite upset. I was worried about stressing her out, that's not what I wanted for her.
They decided to take her out beck and put in a catheter for the injection.
I could hear her desperate and hoarse cries.
They brought her back in and explained that they sedated her because she was going into respiratory distress. I was stroking her as the Doc was explaining with cats this elderly, they could go on their own with this kind of distress.
There was a final shudder from her frail body and she was gone.
I knew it, I felt it.
The Doc wanted to give her a cardio injection just to be sure.
"I'd rather not." I insisted.
They told me I'd have to wait a few minutes and they'd check her heartbeat again to be sure.
I told them that would be fine.
I stroked her soft old fur that shed in my hands.
I told her how sorry I was for having her end be so stressful.
My tears fell on her still frame as I tried to smooth her puffed out tail.
The Doc confirmed that she had gone and gave his condolences.
The tech told me that since she wasn't euthanized, they'd give me the flea treatment for the other two and a credit on my account. I said that would be fine.
They provided a burial box and wrapped her in a fresh towel.
The tech returned with the box and informed me that the waiting room was full of people and she would meet me at the back door if I preferred. I did.
I felt the looks of sympathy as I left through the exam room.
One look at my red eyes and nose and they understood my pain.
*
Son had dug a grave for my arrival home.
He made a cross with hearts and RIP Cuddles on it.
*
Tabitha is now sleeping in Cuddles crate. She went in and out of it 3 or 4 times when I got home, and then went looking for Cuddles. She will grieve as well.
*
I never got the flea meds. That's only because the staff at the vets was most understanding of how difficult it is to lose a pet. They were truly wonderful, compassionate and empathetic.
I know it was the best decision for Cuddles. Maybe I should have done it sooner. I waited for her to tell me when. I only wish it wasn't so horrifying for her.
*
Cuddles will be missed around here. She was such a fixture of my life for the last 22 years.
No longer will I hear the splashing of the water bowl, or see that beautiful face look up at me and her mouth move with a silent meow.
*
I only pray that my Dad met her at the Rainbow Bridge and she is purring contentedly in his arms.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Dusty
I heard faint cries when I was trimming the neighbors Forsythia back. It had encroached beyond the two foot line and was rubbing against my windows and screens. That finished, I moved to the Butterfly bush that has grown wildly since spring. The cries became much louder and insistent....and close. I called out. "MEOW!" was the response in a small squeaky voice. I followed the cries and found this little guy under the leaves of a Hosta.
I tried to coax him out, but he didn't have the energy to move. I scooped up his thin, small, damp & dirty body. When I turned him belly up I saw a flea infestation like I have never seen before. This poor baby was literally having the life sucked out of him.
I brought him in on the porch and offered him food and water. He wasn't interested at all. He could only manage small cries. Son arrived home at this point and helped me put together a flea dip for this pathetic creature. I mixed the solution weaker than prescribed and put him in the warm solution on the picnic table. He managed a minimal squirm.
Once his entire body was soaked the water turned crimson from all the flea dirt. Son exchanged the solution for some fresh warm water, which again turned crimson. By the time I put him in the towel he was nothing but a wet limp mass. I scooted to the store to try and find a flea comb, without any luck.
I brought out the blow dryer and gently warmed his bony body while son brushed his fur. Hundreds of fleas were falling off him.
He purred the entire time. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable for him it must have been. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This wasn't an unknown stray to me. This was my neighbors 12 week old kitten. Yes, THAT NEIGHBOR. She has two cats. One is all black and probably this gray guys mom. Neighbor took off for a week and left them outside, without any care or flea protection. This kind of neglect and cruelty makes me furious. Pet owners are responsible for the well being of their charges! Five bucks for a flea collar or $10 for some Frontline and this could have been totally avoided! Keep the cat inside for cryin out loud!
I tried calling animal control, but he only works 8-4. I let the listless one sleep in a bin on a comfy towel with some food & water for the night. He touched neither.
He wasn't much better in the morning. His gums were white - pure white, not pink like they should be. He was so anemic he would probably die. I called animal control from work and asked what would happen. Since he doesn't have facilities for cats, it would probably be euthanized. He told me "off the record" that, if I adopted this cat and The Neighbor kicked up a stink if she saw it in my window and tried to claim it as her cat, I could ask her to prove it.
I had made up my mind at that point to seek medical help and see if this sweet boy could be saved.
Basically, the fleas had sucked him dry. He tested negative for leukemia and FIV (feline AIDS), which are always fatal. I heard my options and the cost of the options (OMFG!), but there was only one choice. One more day out there, unable to move or eat and he would have died. He cried out to me for help, my only choice was to answer.
He has a name - Dusty. Son picked it out.
I got an update from the Vet early this evening after a blood transfusion. Dusty is up and about, eating heartily, meowing to anyone that walks by and still purring up a storm. He comes home tomorrow. Whats one more addition to the menagerie?
On a what comes around goes around note:
Friday, The Neighbors son, wife and 2 daughters stopped by for a visit. They spent 10 minutes on the deck brushing off the fleas from their clothes. Son talked to one of the grandsons, the entire house is infested with fleas. I haven't seen the neighbor in a few days and she didn't answer the door yesterday when son knocked. Nor did she answer on the several other occasions visitors have stopped by over the last 4 days. (Information I relayed to both the Police and animal control)
Hmmmm, maybe the fleas have sucked her dry.
Another Update: Neighbor is still away on vacation, I believe it's been about 2 weeks now. I'm hoping she likes it wherever she is and never comes back.
I tried to coax him out, but he didn't have the energy to move. I scooped up his thin, small, damp & dirty body. When I turned him belly up I saw a flea infestation like I have never seen before. This poor baby was literally having the life sucked out of him.
I brought him in on the porch and offered him food and water. He wasn't interested at all. He could only manage small cries. Son arrived home at this point and helped me put together a flea dip for this pathetic creature. I mixed the solution weaker than prescribed and put him in the warm solution on the picnic table. He managed a minimal squirm.
Once his entire body was soaked the water turned crimson from all the flea dirt. Son exchanged the solution for some fresh warm water, which again turned crimson. By the time I put him in the towel he was nothing but a wet limp mass. I scooted to the store to try and find a flea comb, without any luck.
I brought out the blow dryer and gently warmed his bony body while son brushed his fur. Hundreds of fleas were falling off him.
He purred the entire time. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable for him it must have been. The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. This wasn't an unknown stray to me. This was my neighbors 12 week old kitten. Yes, THAT NEIGHBOR. She has two cats. One is all black and probably this gray guys mom. Neighbor took off for a week and left them outside, without any care or flea protection. This kind of neglect and cruelty makes me furious. Pet owners are responsible for the well being of their charges! Five bucks for a flea collar or $10 for some Frontline and this could have been totally avoided! Keep the cat inside for cryin out loud!
I tried calling animal control, but he only works 8-4. I let the listless one sleep in a bin on a comfy towel with some food & water for the night. He touched neither.
He wasn't much better in the morning. His gums were white - pure white, not pink like they should be. He was so anemic he would probably die. I called animal control from work and asked what would happen. Since he doesn't have facilities for cats, it would probably be euthanized. He told me "off the record" that, if I adopted this cat and The Neighbor kicked up a stink if she saw it in my window and tried to claim it as her cat, I could ask her to prove it.
I had made up my mind at that point to seek medical help and see if this sweet boy could be saved.
Basically, the fleas had sucked him dry. He tested negative for leukemia and FIV (feline AIDS), which are always fatal. I heard my options and the cost of the options (OMFG!), but there was only one choice. One more day out there, unable to move or eat and he would have died. He cried out to me for help, my only choice was to answer.
He has a name - Dusty. Son picked it out.
I got an update from the Vet early this evening after a blood transfusion. Dusty is up and about, eating heartily, meowing to anyone that walks by and still purring up a storm. He comes home tomorrow. Whats one more addition to the menagerie?
On a what comes around goes around note:
Friday, The Neighbors son, wife and 2 daughters stopped by for a visit. They spent 10 minutes on the deck brushing off the fleas from their clothes. Son talked to one of the grandsons, the entire house is infested with fleas. I haven't seen the neighbor in a few days and she didn't answer the door yesterday when son knocked. Nor did she answer on the several other occasions visitors have stopped by over the last 4 days. (Information I relayed to both the Police and animal control)
Hmmmm, maybe the fleas have sucked her dry.
Another Update: Neighbor is still away on vacation, I believe it's been about 2 weeks now. I'm hoping she likes it wherever she is and never comes back.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
2 days till vacation
Need a laugh?
You can always count on Danny to at least make you smile.
******************************************************
Dusty thoroughly enjoys chasing Tabitha down the hall.
He thinks it's a game.
She's running for her life.
Although, she now ventures out of the bedroom and observes the whirling dervish from the height of the recliner.
Since Tabitha resembles Dusty's Mom, he sometimes mumbles his meows while heading straight for her.
One hiss reminds him "Not the Momma!"
Things have settled down enough though that I had all three cats on my bed at the same time - without flying fur. He is a hoot though, chasing every imaginary mouse or accidental hand movement he sees.
I will post video soon. He's just too funny not to share.
******************************************************
I saw two Red Drangonflies in my backyard the other day. I've never seen one that color before. It was pretty cool.
******************************************************
Sunday night son and I watched Rocky Balboa (most of it) on a 4X8 sheet of white plywood. It was very cool to watch a movie outside, with the Bats and the stars.
It will be even better when I get the permanent screen up (16X9).
******************************************************
I'm hoping we can see some of the Perseid meter showers in Maine this weekend. Although they peaked Sunday, we might still be able to see a few. There is little light pollution on the lake and son has never seen a meteor shower. Fail that - there is the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th. But New England isn't a great vantage point for this one.
******************************************************
It's HUMP DAY!
Enjoy, it's all downhill from here.
You can always count on Danny to at least make you smile.
******************************************************
Dusty thoroughly enjoys chasing Tabitha down the hall.
He thinks it's a game.
She's running for her life.
Although, she now ventures out of the bedroom and observes the whirling dervish from the height of the recliner.
Since Tabitha resembles Dusty's Mom, he sometimes mumbles his meows while heading straight for her.
One hiss reminds him "Not the Momma!"
Things have settled down enough though that I had all three cats on my bed at the same time - without flying fur. He is a hoot though, chasing every imaginary mouse or accidental hand movement he sees.
I will post video soon. He's just too funny not to share.
******************************************************
I saw two Red Drangonflies in my backyard the other day. I've never seen one that color before. It was pretty cool.
******************************************************
Sunday night son and I watched Rocky Balboa (most of it) on a 4X8 sheet of white plywood. It was very cool to watch a movie outside, with the Bats and the stars.
It will be even better when I get the permanent screen up (16X9).
******************************************************
I'm hoping we can see some of the Perseid meter showers in Maine this weekend. Although they peaked Sunday, we might still be able to see a few. There is little light pollution on the lake and son has never seen a meteor shower. Fail that - there is the Lunar Eclipse on the 28th. But New England isn't a great vantage point for this one.
******************************************************
It's HUMP DAY!
Enjoy, it's all downhill from here.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Random thoughts
I tried posting a couple pics of Maine last night but Picasa was not cooperating.
Plus.....unploading pics on dial up connections takes foreva!
Dusty is taking great delight in tormenting the shit out of Tabitha. He just wants to play. Tabitha hisses and growls....slinks across the floor.....Dusty is a hit and run driver. He loves to ambush, piss off and then retreat. It's pretty funny to watch.
I have a desk full of work to finish and things to tie up before I go on vaca, then I still have a million and one things to do at home to get ready & pack. I feel like I need to rent a UHaul just to get everything & everyone in one vehicle.
I have a major case of the guilty's going on too. I haven't spoken with Bob (Dad's business partner & best friend) since shortly after the party in June. I feel terrible about it. I've been having a very tough time and I don't want to dump on him. I know how hard it's been for he and Ginny and I know he'll probably be ticked that I haven't called for that reason. He would love nothing more than for me to lean on him - we both miss my Dad so much. I haven't sent him the pictures from the party yet either. I was without my PC for almost a month and haven't gotten it together enough to finish everything up. (That's part of why I want to bring my PC to Maine for vaca).
So here is a formal apology to Bob and Gin for my absence. I miss talking to you guys and would really like a great big hug. I'll give you a call from Maine and catch up. I love you guys!
On a footnote: My bro has had his ski mobiles under the deck and directly in front of the master bedroom slider for 9 months now (In Maine). He was told back in late April/early May that he need to get them out of there. I even have a trailer I was going to give him for it. As of Wednesday - they were still sitting there. I spoke with bro and told him he had a day and a half to get them out of there. If they are still there when we get up to Maine - I'm calling someone to come get them & sell them, bro can turn over the titles to Mom as payment for all the cash he has borrowed and promised to pay back. He has made all kinds of promises to Mom, he's never around (at all), never finished the yard work he promised to do in April, does nothing to help out my Mom. I'm fed up with him. I've had it with his lying ass. The prick.
OK - done venting for now. I'd better get my own ass in gear - so much to do, so little time!
Plus.....unploading pics on dial up connections takes foreva!
Dusty is taking great delight in tormenting the shit out of Tabitha. He just wants to play. Tabitha hisses and growls....slinks across the floor.....Dusty is a hit and run driver. He loves to ambush, piss off and then retreat. It's pretty funny to watch.
I have a desk full of work to finish and things to tie up before I go on vaca, then I still have a million and one things to do at home to get ready & pack. I feel like I need to rent a UHaul just to get everything & everyone in one vehicle.
I have a major case of the guilty's going on too. I haven't spoken with Bob (Dad's business partner & best friend) since shortly after the party in June. I feel terrible about it. I've been having a very tough time and I don't want to dump on him. I know how hard it's been for he and Ginny and I know he'll probably be ticked that I haven't called for that reason. He would love nothing more than for me to lean on him - we both miss my Dad so much. I haven't sent him the pictures from the party yet either. I was without my PC for almost a month and haven't gotten it together enough to finish everything up. (That's part of why I want to bring my PC to Maine for vaca).
So here is a formal apology to Bob and Gin for my absence. I miss talking to you guys and would really like a great big hug. I'll give you a call from Maine and catch up. I love you guys!
On a footnote: My bro has had his ski mobiles under the deck and directly in front of the master bedroom slider for 9 months now (In Maine). He was told back in late April/early May that he need to get them out of there. I even have a trailer I was going to give him for it. As of Wednesday - they were still sitting there. I spoke with bro and told him he had a day and a half to get them out of there. If they are still there when we get up to Maine - I'm calling someone to come get them & sell them, bro can turn over the titles to Mom as payment for all the cash he has borrowed and promised to pay back. He has made all kinds of promises to Mom, he's never around (at all), never finished the yard work he promised to do in April, does nothing to help out my Mom. I'm fed up with him. I've had it with his lying ass. The prick.
OK - done venting for now. I'd better get my own ass in gear - so much to do, so little time!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Counting Down
I'm counting down the hours until I see my baby....about 46 at this writing.
Leaving tomorrow AM, arriving at airport: noonish, hotel: 2ish, must be at Ft Jackson commander briefing 10AM Thursday morning, then.................he's all mine! Well, I actually have to share him with my Mom, Grandmother and his father (ugh). His father will be going home Friday though. If Christopher gets a weekend day pass then we get to spend the weekend with him too! He had said that was the case but I won't know for sure until we see him.
Got my haircut, did a bit of clothes shopping. Tonight I'll pack and buy some candy for him. Tomorrow it's bring the dog, her crate, food & blankets as well as the bird to Mom's. My Aunt & her BF have graciously offered to pet sit until we get back, which is awesome! I swear, the shit I have to pack up for the animals is as much as I had to pack up for Christopher when he was a baby. My neighbor will feed the cats for me.
Julieta hasn't been away from me for more than a few hours since I adopted her 4 years ago. I hope she fares ok and doesn't miss me too much. I know Iwill get the best welcome home from all the animals. At least Tabitha & Dusty have each other, although - Dusty is my SHADOW when I am home. I cannot pee, walk to my bedroom or go out the door without her being right there. She is a very special feline.
I haven't posted much 'cause I was home sick with a bug last Monday - Wed. I've spent the last few days trying to make up for that and get ahead at work for my vacation. I'm taking the entire week off work when we return. 12 days off - sweet!
My Mom is taking her digital camera, I think I'm going to take my 35mm. Digital is great but I'll tell ya, until I can afford a digital SLR - my Canon AE-1 still rocks. I'm telling you this because I plan on taking lots and lots of photos to share with you.
So, I'm checking things off my lists and hoping I forget nothing. The countdown is underway and I cannot wait to see my kid. This is the longest we've ever been apart and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Imagine that? I've gone from kicking him out and not wanting to lay eyes on him cause he was such a shit to practically foaming at the mouth in anticipation of seeing him again.
Found a penny when I got out of my car this morning at work. Thank you Daddy, I know you'll be there with us!
Leaving tomorrow AM, arriving at airport: noonish, hotel: 2ish, must be at Ft Jackson commander briefing 10AM Thursday morning, then.................he's all mine! Well, I actually have to share him with my Mom, Grandmother and his father (ugh). His father will be going home Friday though. If Christopher gets a weekend day pass then we get to spend the weekend with him too! He had said that was the case but I won't know for sure until we see him.
Got my haircut, did a bit of clothes shopping. Tonight I'll pack and buy some candy for him. Tomorrow it's bring the dog, her crate, food & blankets as well as the bird to Mom's. My Aunt & her BF have graciously offered to pet sit until we get back, which is awesome! I swear, the shit I have to pack up for the animals is as much as I had to pack up for Christopher when he was a baby. My neighbor will feed the cats for me.
Julieta hasn't been away from me for more than a few hours since I adopted her 4 years ago. I hope she fares ok and doesn't miss me too much. I know Iwill get the best welcome home from all the animals. At least Tabitha & Dusty have each other, although - Dusty is my SHADOW when I am home. I cannot pee, walk to my bedroom or go out the door without her being right there. She is a very special feline.
I haven't posted much 'cause I was home sick with a bug last Monday - Wed. I've spent the last few days trying to make up for that and get ahead at work for my vacation. I'm taking the entire week off work when we return. 12 days off - sweet!
My Mom is taking her digital camera, I think I'm going to take my 35mm. Digital is great but I'll tell ya, until I can afford a digital SLR - my Canon AE-1 still rocks. I'm telling you this because I plan on taking lots and lots of photos to share with you.
So, I'm checking things off my lists and hoping I forget nothing. The countdown is underway and I cannot wait to see my kid. This is the longest we've ever been apart and it was a lot harder than I thought it would be. Imagine that? I've gone from kicking him out and not wanting to lay eyes on him cause he was such a shit to practically foaming at the mouth in anticipation of seeing him again.
Found a penny when I got out of my car this morning at work. Thank you Daddy, I know you'll be there with us!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Captive Audience
No matter where she may be in the house; Dusty always comes running whenever I sit on the toilet. She meows for scratches and purrs away. Tabitha did the same thing, until The Terrorist arrived.
I could be sitting on the couch for an hour and not see Dusty. Plop my ass on the commode and there she is.
What is it with cats and the toilet?
I could be sitting on the couch for an hour and not see Dusty. Plop my ass on the commode and there she is.
What is it with cats and the toilet?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Dusty, the Double Dew Claw Devil
He's in full kitten mode. I have become a launching and landing pad. I have the scratches on my thighs to prove it. He bounces more than Tigger. I'm talking uncontrolled flight when he's going full tilt. He can leap coffee tables in a single bound, loves skidding across the kitchen floor on plastic bags or diving at a full run into a paper bag. He has brought my son to hysterical laughter chasing the feather & bell on a string.
He and Cuddles have napped together on the couch - within 6 inches of each other. He's dying to pounce on Julieta and will get very close as long as her back is turned, but he'll still verbally backfires (spits) when nose to nose. Tabitha has even started to venture out of the bedroom.
He has squirmed his way into my heart forever. He's even had free roam of the house for the last two nights. He responds well to a verbal "Nah uh" or hiss from me when he is about to get into trouble.
He does everything with gusto. He plays hard, sleep so soundly he has fallen off the windowsill and slept right through rain coming in the window and soaking him. He eats like a champ and who knew such a big stink could come out of such a lil butt.
He has made me laugh more in the last week than I have in the last two years. I have no doubt he was brought into my life for a reason and has already repaid me with love and joy.
I don't think I've saved him - He is saving me.
He and Cuddles have napped together on the couch - within 6 inches of each other. He's dying to pounce on Julieta and will get very close as long as her back is turned, but he'll still verbally backfires (spits) when nose to nose. Tabitha has even started to venture out of the bedroom.
He has squirmed his way into my heart forever. He's even had free roam of the house for the last two nights. He responds well to a verbal "Nah uh" or hiss from me when he is about to get into trouble.
He does everything with gusto. He plays hard, sleep so soundly he has fallen off the windowsill and slept right through rain coming in the window and soaking him. He eats like a champ and who knew such a big stink could come out of such a lil butt.
He has made me laugh more in the last week than I have in the last two years. I have no doubt he was brought into my life for a reason and has already repaid me with love and joy.
I don't think I've saved him - He is saving me.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Cat Scratch Fever
i bought one of those new "As Seen on TV Emery Cat" scratching pad thingies. I didn't even get it out of the wrapping before the cats were all over it. The cat nip was irresistible.
Dusty broke the toy within 5 minutes from rolling her fat ass over it. The furry end was soaked with saliva as well.
"I know that catnip she sprinkled on here went somewhere!"
Within an hour Tabitha was sharpening her claws on it. We will see if it actually files them down so I don't have to clip them anymore. It's worth the $20 if they leave my couch alone!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Dustmeister
So far Dusty has been a real sweetie through her heat.
She follows me even more than usual, only to crouch and riggle every time I speak to her.
She has been going to bed when I do - she sleeps next to me, and sleeping through the night.
There has been no caterwauling, she hasn't even gotten loud.
My heart goes out to the poor thing though.
Lot's of scratching and petting to give whatever comfort I can, I refuse to go as far as some have.
That's just wrong on so many levels. I don't think I could bring myself to molest my cat.
Hopefully this will be the worst of it and I can schedule her to be fixed after Christmas.
This is just one of the many things I have neglected doing over the last few months.
Grief really is a bitch that turns your life inside out, upside down and backwards.
She follows me even more than usual, only to crouch and riggle every time I speak to her.
She has been going to bed when I do - she sleeps next to me, and sleeping through the night.
There has been no caterwauling, she hasn't even gotten loud.
My heart goes out to the poor thing though.
Lot's of scratching and petting to give whatever comfort I can, I refuse to go as far as some have.
That's just wrong on so many levels. I don't think I could bring myself to molest my cat.
Hopefully this will be the worst of it and I can schedule her to be fixed after Christmas.
This is just one of the many things I have neglected doing over the last few months.
Grief really is a bitch that turns your life inside out, upside down and backwards.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Galileo
My sassy little girl has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. The poor little thing has been so neglected since "The Terrorist" (aka Dusty the cat) moved in. She didn't get to come out of her cage very much and didn't get the attention she deserved.
I feel quite guilty as I'm not exactly sure when it happened. I changed her water and fed her as usual Tuesday night. Later that evening there was a commotion in her cage - she was flapping her wings and squawking (not an uncommon occurrence). Last night I was laying on the couch about 8:30 when I realized I hadn't heard her since I'd gotten home at 5:30.
She was at the bottom of her cage - lifeless.
She could have passed sometime Tuesday night for all I know. I leave when it's still dark out in the morning and I didn't look in her cage.
Her chirps and squawks during the day had become background noise that I didn't even notice.
She had several lipomas growing on her for a few years now, but she never acted ill, she was always fresh and sassy.
I think this guilt is going to last for a while.
Good-bye my precious sassy brat. I hope you are soaring the sky's without a cat in sight. I will see you at the Rainbow Bridge.
I feel quite guilty as I'm not exactly sure when it happened. I changed her water and fed her as usual Tuesday night. Later that evening there was a commotion in her cage - she was flapping her wings and squawking (not an uncommon occurrence). Last night I was laying on the couch about 8:30 when I realized I hadn't heard her since I'd gotten home at 5:30.
She was at the bottom of her cage - lifeless.
She could have passed sometime Tuesday night for all I know. I leave when it's still dark out in the morning and I didn't look in her cage.
Her chirps and squawks during the day had become background noise that I didn't even notice.
She had several lipomas growing on her for a few years now, but she never acted ill, she was always fresh and sassy.
I think this guilt is going to last for a while.
Good-bye my precious sassy brat. I hope you are soaring the sky's without a cat in sight. I will see you at the Rainbow Bridge.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Better than the Cat's Meow
I've been rather mum about my Mom. I think you all deserve an update.
Mom is back in sinus rhythm. We found that out the day I brought her in to be cardioverted. Mom has been on heavy meds to keep her pulse/BP and heart rate down. Since she hadn't been banging away at 160, she didn't realize she had converted on her own. Now they are backing down the heavy meds, which were exhausting her and she's on the anti arrhythmia meds. Hopefully she's stay in normal rhythm now. She looks better and is feeling much better.
I took Mom for a PET scan Monday. Fourteen nodules showed up on her lungs on the CAT scan she had for her heart. Yes, you read that right. She's seeing the same pulmonologist my Dad did. Apparently, they are too small to be biopsied. Mom sees the Doc tomorrow for all the results. A good sign is that her CEA is still within her normal range. What made me feel most optimistic though, was a comment from Moms cardiologist: "There are so many of them (nodules), if they were cancer - you'd be dead". I shit you not. That's what he said. Blunt, to the point - my kind of Doc.
Mom has to be OK. I know that I would not survive if something were to happen to her. We are both still having a very hard time getting through each day without my Dad.
Christmas is only intensifying that loss. Daddy sat on the couch with Mom last year and wondered out loud if he would be here for this Christmas, before breaking down in tears. He was too sick to even decorate the tree. He didn't want to leave us, he had so much more living to do.
Now that you're understanding my frame of mind, add to that steaming pile a walking, sulking, moody, mouthy, know-it-all, pecker-headed teenager.
I reluctantly broke down and bought a Christmas tree Monday. The only decorations in the house are the ones my son puts up, and there are no lights outside. I'd prefer to go to sleep and wake up January 2nd. The walking attitude I live with opens his mouth and I just want to heave him & the tree out the door and give him a big pile of coal in his stocking. Bill Cosby is right - kids are BRAIN DAMAGED.
Are you getting the picture of my world now?
It's becoming absurd.
It's so not funny that it's hilarious.
Seriously.
Don't believe me?
Here's the icing on the proverbial shitpile.
Are you ready?
Dusty is in heat.
Go ahead and laugh.
For those of you unfamiliar of what living with a cat in heat is like. Go here.
Isn't that just the Cat's Ass?
Mom is back in sinus rhythm. We found that out the day I brought her in to be cardioverted. Mom has been on heavy meds to keep her pulse/BP and heart rate down. Since she hadn't been banging away at 160, she didn't realize she had converted on her own. Now they are backing down the heavy meds, which were exhausting her and she's on the anti arrhythmia meds. Hopefully she's stay in normal rhythm now. She looks better and is feeling much better.
I took Mom for a PET scan Monday. Fourteen nodules showed up on her lungs on the CAT scan she had for her heart. Yes, you read that right. She's seeing the same pulmonologist my Dad did. Apparently, they are too small to be biopsied. Mom sees the Doc tomorrow for all the results. A good sign is that her CEA is still within her normal range. What made me feel most optimistic though, was a comment from Moms cardiologist: "There are so many of them (nodules), if they were cancer - you'd be dead". I shit you not. That's what he said. Blunt, to the point - my kind of Doc.
Mom has to be OK. I know that I would not survive if something were to happen to her. We are both still having a very hard time getting through each day without my Dad.
Christmas is only intensifying that loss. Daddy sat on the couch with Mom last year and wondered out loud if he would be here for this Christmas, before breaking down in tears. He was too sick to even decorate the tree. He didn't want to leave us, he had so much more living to do.
Now that you're understanding my frame of mind, add to that steaming pile a walking, sulking, moody, mouthy, know-it-all, pecker-headed teenager.
I reluctantly broke down and bought a Christmas tree Monday. The only decorations in the house are the ones my son puts up, and there are no lights outside. I'd prefer to go to sleep and wake up January 2nd. The walking attitude I live with opens his mouth and I just want to heave him & the tree out the door and give him a big pile of coal in his stocking. Bill Cosby is right - kids are BRAIN DAMAGED.
Are you getting the picture of my world now?
It's becoming absurd.
It's so not funny that it's hilarious.
Seriously.
Don't believe me?
Here's the icing on the proverbial shitpile.
Are you ready?
Dusty is in heat.
Go ahead and laugh.
For those of you unfamiliar of what living with a cat in heat is like. Go here.
Isn't that just the Cat's Ass?
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Friday, November 05, 2010
Could be a long night
I'm dogsitting for the weekend. My Mom has to work and my Grandmother, who is 91, is afraid to take Keegan out to do his business because he yanked her and she bumped her hip last week. She broke her hip not that long ago and she's afraid of it happening again. I don't blame her.
The yard isn't completely fenced in and Keegan has a tendency to ignore you if he latches on to an interesting scent.
We came through the door and Dusty gave a huge hiss and then there was a gray blur with a humongous tail heading down the hall.
This is where she hid. Not looking too happy, is she?
He's only seen the stray cats he's chased in the yard so he is very curious about just what that thing is.
This is Keegan's blanket I laid out for him. Guess we know whose house this is!
It's going to be an interesting weekend.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I got my DVD!
My DVD arrived in the mail Friday! I was so excited I watched it 5 times. He looks so good. I'm having problems uploading it to youtube though. I'll try and work it out cause I'd love to share it with you.
I got a 5 minute phone call from Christopher Saturday. He's struggling in basic but he's determined to make it, his head is really in it. He's not sure if he'll be able to call again until he completes basic. He finally has an address though and was able to mail out all his letters. I can't wait to get them so I can start sending him mine. He was planning on going to Mass today. It's so great that he's doing that. I think it's a connection to home and having some kind of spiritual belief will help him more than he ever thought possible.
As I type this, Dusty is in my lap laying across my right wrist. Doesn't make it easy to type. I put her down twice but she just keeps coming back. This is the only place where she will sit in my lap. She refuses to when I'm on the couch.
Bro went to the house in Maine for the weekend. Mom was worried sick about the pipes freezing and the place being out of oil. Bro could hear water when he came in the door. The odd thing is, the water was coming from the drain valve on the water heater. That's something that has to be physically opened, and it was only opened a smidge to keep the water dripping and the heater from freezing. It was 30 degrees in the house and some of the pipes had frozen. Nothing ruptured though and he managed to crank up the wood stove and thaw everything out. The oil man will be delivering tomorrow.
I think my Dad had a hand in that. He's still watching out for us.
We got another 6 inches of snow overnight. I'm aggravated with mew snow blower. The crank for the chute came loose and I found a gear on the ground, now I have to move it manually. The brush underneath came off when I was at Mom's too. I'm glad I spent the $75 extra for the 3 year service plan. I'm going to have to call and bring it in for service. I don't think they tightened things up enough when they put it together and a brand new blower shouldn't be falling apart with normal use! We're due for another 2-4 inches this week and then a deep freeze down to 0! At least it's not as cold here as in Canada where Rox lives.
I know family checks in here, so email me if you'd like Christopher's mailing address.
I got a 5 minute phone call from Christopher Saturday. He's struggling in basic but he's determined to make it, his head is really in it. He's not sure if he'll be able to call again until he completes basic. He finally has an address though and was able to mail out all his letters. I can't wait to get them so I can start sending him mine. He was planning on going to Mass today. It's so great that he's doing that. I think it's a connection to home and having some kind of spiritual belief will help him more than he ever thought possible.
As I type this, Dusty is in my lap laying across my right wrist. Doesn't make it easy to type. I put her down twice but she just keeps coming back. This is the only place where she will sit in my lap. She refuses to when I'm on the couch.
Bro went to the house in Maine for the weekend. Mom was worried sick about the pipes freezing and the place being out of oil. Bro could hear water when he came in the door. The odd thing is, the water was coming from the drain valve on the water heater. That's something that has to be physically opened, and it was only opened a smidge to keep the water dripping and the heater from freezing. It was 30 degrees in the house and some of the pipes had frozen. Nothing ruptured though and he managed to crank up the wood stove and thaw everything out. The oil man will be delivering tomorrow.
I think my Dad had a hand in that. He's still watching out for us.
We got another 6 inches of snow overnight. I'm aggravated with mew snow blower. The crank for the chute came loose and I found a gear on the ground, now I have to move it manually. The brush underneath came off when I was at Mom's too. I'm glad I spent the $75 extra for the 3 year service plan. I'm going to have to call and bring it in for service. I don't think they tightened things up enough when they put it together and a brand new blower shouldn't be falling apart with normal use! We're due for another 2-4 inches this week and then a deep freeze down to 0! At least it's not as cold here as in Canada where Rox lives.
I know family checks in here, so email me if you'd like Christopher's mailing address.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
In the stillness of remembering what you had...
I had a dream about my Dad this morning. The first time since he died. It was odd and disturbing.
It went like this:
I answered a ringing phone and my Dad was on the line.
"They made a mistake, I'm not dead" he said.
"I don't understand" I replied "What, are you in some kind of coma?"
Then the goddamn radio alarm went off and I woke up. I slammed the snooze button and tried to get back to the dream. Instead I became a secret observer, eavesdropping at the vets office. (This might have had something to do with Dusty licking my arm and sticking her whiskers in my face while I was sleeping).
I see the Vet speaking with his assistant as they are preparing my bill.
The assistant says "Oh, I understand, just keep zapping it until it hit's $400."
My alarm went off again and I staggered to the bathroom without even really opening my eyes.
As I was getting in the shower I smelled my Dad, ever so briefly.... but it was his scent none-the-less.
Strange Days indeed.
It went like this:
I answered a ringing phone and my Dad was on the line.
"They made a mistake, I'm not dead" he said.
"I don't understand" I replied "What, are you in some kind of coma?"
Then the goddamn radio alarm went off and I woke up. I slammed the snooze button and tried to get back to the dream. Instead I became a secret observer, eavesdropping at the vets office. (This might have had something to do with Dusty licking my arm and sticking her whiskers in my face while I was sleeping).
I see the Vet speaking with his assistant as they are preparing my bill.
The assistant says "Oh, I understand, just keep zapping it until it hit's $400."
My alarm went off again and I staggered to the bathroom without even really opening my eyes.
As I was getting in the shower I smelled my Dad, ever so briefly.... but it was his scent none-the-less.
Strange Days indeed.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
It's Good to be Missed.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm still alive and all is status quo.
I don't have any excuse, other than maybe being lazy or disinterested in the things that I enjoy.
Or, not having anything good to say.
I certainly don't want to turn this into a whine blog.
The creative juices haven't been flowing.
I feel like I've been a robot going through daily life.
I get up, work, cook, clean, sleep and do it all over again.
Pretty boring shit.
Although.
I think I'm finally starting to take an interest in my life again.
You're gentle proddings have helped.
I owe Stu a meme.
I'm on Suldog's shit list. (Does reading regularly your blog count for anything?)
K's been a concerned dear friend and I haven't forgotten that I owe her a music DVD either.
It was wonderful to hear from cicibug again! (Would luv it even more if she BLOGGED!)
Thank you my friends.
Next time.......it's OK to hit me over the head with a 2X4.
Sometimes I need that.
Son went back to his old job August 18th.
He's doing great at his job.
Of course, having Mom drive him every day doesn't give him room to screw up.
He still has his moments at home when I want to rearrange his face.
Gawd, does he push the limits of reason and sanity.
We went to court yesterday for his B&E.
He was not arrested when this happened.
According to the summons it was a misdemeanor charge for trespassing in an abandoned trailer and under $250 damage to the 'victim'.
There were no charges for contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Son was the only one that was 18, the others were 15 & 16 years old.
We waited around for 3 hours before being called in.
The clerk was the fastest talking woman I have ever heard.
I was allowed to stay in the room at son's permission for support.
I was not allowed to speak.
Which was fine with me.
He's supposedly an adult now and needs to deal with the consequences of his actions on his own....kind of.
The prosecutor was the same police officer at the hearing for the 3 minors involved.
They went to court in July.
The neighbor, Kirk, has been in trouble before and has quite a record. The prosecutor in his case told him he wanted to send him to juvie. Instead, he got 6 months probation. They all got community service.
I was very worried when we never got anything from the court regarding son.
We finally got a summons in the mail in September.
The officer read through the incident report and agreed to give a similar sentence that the minors received, a six month continuance.
That means: If son stays out of trouble for the next six months, the charge is removed from his record as if it never happened.
After that was agreed to by the court and prosecutor, the officer spoke directly to my son regarding hanging around with minors and that it's inappropriate and can get him in to trouble.
The officer made eye contact with me while he was saying this, I just kept nodding and smiling in agreement.
I had son get a letter from his employer prior to the hearing, we didn't need it.
We were in there less than 10 minutes.
Son did a good job answering 'yes, sir' and 'no, sir' when queried by the prosecutor. (I had given him some advice on how to behave. I only wish he'd be that way with me!)
Luckily, son had not been in any legal trouble prior to this incident, or since.
He got off easy.
Now that this has been resolved, son had better tow the line at home.
He's been warned.
Failure to show respect or screwing up at home will lead to a choice: Eviction or Enlistment.
It hasn't been perfect.
It's better than it was.
In my heart, I still believe he needs to go in to some form of the service.
He has no dreams or goals, at least none that he's expressed to me.
His biggest goal at the moment is to get another car.
He knows he's on his own with this one.
We all know how it turned out last time.
I've moved to a new office at work.
1/3 the size of my previous office.
I'm not happy with the move, and I never got satisfactory justification for it.
I'm making the best of it though.
I've been uber busy at work and have no time to post or even surf while at work.
I read blogs during my lunch break.
That's prolly a good thing though, I'm more productive and don't have time to screw off.
I've also got a great view of the Pru out my window.
Mom is doing better.
Her grief therapist told her she should get a dog, on a Tuesday.
That Thursday I took her to the Lowell Humane Society.
Saturday we picked up Keegan.
He's a cockapoo.
He is a loving puddle of fur.
The first night he spent whining and uncomfortable in his crate.
The second night he was in the 'big bed' with Mom, and has been there since.
He's just over a year old now.
He was living with an elderly gentleman that went in to the hospital and couldn't care for him anymore.
At the pound he was reserved & quiet, almost as if he was depressed.
There were 3 women in the room when we met and he went immediately to my Mom, jumped up on his hind legs and proceeded to hump her.
Love at first sight.
Of course, he has been neutered since, so no more humping.
No one will ever be able to sneak into my Mom's house again.
He barks like crazy when he hears someone come in.
Since there is no such thing as coincidence, I believe this was meant to happen.
My Dad would have loved Keegan, and vice versa.
Point of fact: Keegan lays on the couch in the exact spot my Dad used to sit.
Keegan would also lay on the back of the couch in my Dads den, a room my Mom never goes in to.
He also sleeps on my Dad's side of the bed, when he isn't snuggled up to Mom.
Not to mention, my Dad was part Scottish.
Keegan is a Gaelic name meaning little fierce one, and ohhh, does he think he's so tough!
Two lives were saved with his adoption.
It was meant to be and I believe my Dad had something to do with it.
Although Tabitha will still hiss and growl when Dusty is being a terrorist, there have been a few times lately when Tabitha is doing the chasing. The two of them sound like horses running up and down the hall. It's a hoot to see the lil shit jump right over her when Tabitha pounces. Ahhh, the quick reaction time of youth. I believe I was officially forgiven when Tabitha started coming in to bed with me again. It only took a year. That puss can hold a grudge.
I do have some interesting updates on the Neighbors from Hell, but, I think I'll save that for my next post.
Till then...Luv you all, and I've missed you!
Sorry.
Sorry.
I'm still alive and all is status quo.
I don't have any excuse, other than maybe being lazy or disinterested in the things that I enjoy.
Or, not having anything good to say.
I certainly don't want to turn this into a whine blog.
The creative juices haven't been flowing.
I feel like I've been a robot going through daily life.
I get up, work, cook, clean, sleep and do it all over again.
Pretty boring shit.
Although.
I think I'm finally starting to take an interest in my life again.
You're gentle proddings have helped.
I owe Stu a meme.
I'm on Suldog's shit list. (Does reading regularly your blog count for anything?)
K's been a concerned dear friend and I haven't forgotten that I owe her a music DVD either.
It was wonderful to hear from cicibug again! (Would luv it even more if she BLOGGED!)
Thank you my friends.
Next time.......it's OK to hit me over the head with a 2X4.
Sometimes I need that.
Son went back to his old job August 18th.
He's doing great at his job.
Of course, having Mom drive him every day doesn't give him room to screw up.
He still has his moments at home when I want to rearrange his face.
Gawd, does he push the limits of reason and sanity.
We went to court yesterday for his B&E.
He was not arrested when this happened.
According to the summons it was a misdemeanor charge for trespassing in an abandoned trailer and under $250 damage to the 'victim'.
There were no charges for contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Son was the only one that was 18, the others were 15 & 16 years old.
We waited around for 3 hours before being called in.
The clerk was the fastest talking woman I have ever heard.
I was allowed to stay in the room at son's permission for support.
I was not allowed to speak.
Which was fine with me.
He's supposedly an adult now and needs to deal with the consequences of his actions on his own....kind of.
The prosecutor was the same police officer at the hearing for the 3 minors involved.
They went to court in July.
The neighbor, Kirk, has been in trouble before and has quite a record. The prosecutor in his case told him he wanted to send him to juvie. Instead, he got 6 months probation. They all got community service.
I was very worried when we never got anything from the court regarding son.
We finally got a summons in the mail in September.
The officer read through the incident report and agreed to give a similar sentence that the minors received, a six month continuance.
That means: If son stays out of trouble for the next six months, the charge is removed from his record as if it never happened.
After that was agreed to by the court and prosecutor, the officer spoke directly to my son regarding hanging around with minors and that it's inappropriate and can get him in to trouble.
The officer made eye contact with me while he was saying this, I just kept nodding and smiling in agreement.
I had son get a letter from his employer prior to the hearing, we didn't need it.
We were in there less than 10 minutes.
Son did a good job answering 'yes, sir' and 'no, sir' when queried by the prosecutor. (I had given him some advice on how to behave. I only wish he'd be that way with me!)
Luckily, son had not been in any legal trouble prior to this incident, or since.
He got off easy.
Now that this has been resolved, son had better tow the line at home.
He's been warned.
Failure to show respect or screwing up at home will lead to a choice: Eviction or Enlistment.
It hasn't been perfect.
It's better than it was.
In my heart, I still believe he needs to go in to some form of the service.
He has no dreams or goals, at least none that he's expressed to me.
His biggest goal at the moment is to get another car.
He knows he's on his own with this one.
We all know how it turned out last time.
I've moved to a new office at work.
1/3 the size of my previous office.
I'm not happy with the move, and I never got satisfactory justification for it.
I'm making the best of it though.
I've been uber busy at work and have no time to post or even surf while at work.
I read blogs during my lunch break.
That's prolly a good thing though, I'm more productive and don't have time to screw off.
I've also got a great view of the Pru out my window.
Mom is doing better.
Her grief therapist told her she should get a dog, on a Tuesday.
That Thursday I took her to the Lowell Humane Society.
Saturday we picked up Keegan.
He's a cockapoo.
He is a loving puddle of fur.
The first night he spent whining and uncomfortable in his crate.
The second night he was in the 'big bed' with Mom, and has been there since.
He's just over a year old now.
He was living with an elderly gentleman that went in to the hospital and couldn't care for him anymore.
At the pound he was reserved & quiet, almost as if he was depressed.
There were 3 women in the room when we met and he went immediately to my Mom, jumped up on his hind legs and proceeded to hump her.
Love at first sight.
Of course, he has been neutered since, so no more humping.
No one will ever be able to sneak into my Mom's house again.
He barks like crazy when he hears someone come in.
Since there is no such thing as coincidence, I believe this was meant to happen.
My Dad would have loved Keegan, and vice versa.
Point of fact: Keegan lays on the couch in the exact spot my Dad used to sit.
Keegan would also lay on the back of the couch in my Dads den, a room my Mom never goes in to.
He also sleeps on my Dad's side of the bed, when he isn't snuggled up to Mom.
Not to mention, my Dad was part Scottish.
Keegan is a Gaelic name meaning little fierce one, and ohhh, does he think he's so tough!
Two lives were saved with his adoption.
It was meant to be and I believe my Dad had something to do with it.
Although Tabitha will still hiss and growl when Dusty is being a terrorist, there have been a few times lately when Tabitha is doing the chasing. The two of them sound like horses running up and down the hall. It's a hoot to see the lil shit jump right over her when Tabitha pounces. Ahhh, the quick reaction time of youth. I believe I was officially forgiven when Tabitha started coming in to bed with me again. It only took a year. That puss can hold a grudge.
I do have some interesting updates on the Neighbors from Hell, but, I think I'll save that for my next post.
Till then...Luv you all, and I've missed you!
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