Ugh

How is it fair that my first week back to routine I get seriously sick? Everything hurts... I got the chills really bad around eleven last night, shivered under a pile of blankets for an hour before I finally nodded off, then woke up sweating buckets at one a.m. My muscles ache, my joints ache, my throat is killing me, I'm congested ... I dozed on and off until about 3:45 a.m. until it simply hurt too much to stay in bed.

Got up, took ibuprophen, took the dog out and here I am.

I'm supposed to be blogging at the All Day / All Night Writing Divas. It's not up yet, but hopefully I'll manage something coherent soon. Please come visit.

=================

Snow and the Sicks

DD had me scared a bit yesterday -- she's just never really sick (except the occasional cold), so when she suddenly complained of a heavy head, nausea, chills and more yesterday I was uneasy.

However, this morning she feels fine. I'm guessing it was something she ate. :::wipes brow:::

I did discover that I don't own a thermometer. I've not needed one the entire time I've had the kidlet, which is pretty amazing. But she never got sick, not really sick.

We finally got snow. It's been a crazy, crazy winter with little to no snow the entire time. While I don't mind not having to drive in it, the snow does serve many purposes, including insulation. We're worried about our grass and I lost several perennials last year because of no snow, so I'm thinking the same might be true again this year.

Worse, my bulbs are coming up and it's just TOO early. I even have some crocuses that were getting ready to bloom, and while the snow wouldn't kill the plant, it would kill the flower.

So ... now you see it:



Now you don't:



So far we've gotten about 6" but it's still snowing, which probably means DH will work from home.

And on that note -- I have to go. The first of the month is a bit of a nightmare for me over at LASR!

Have a great day.

=================

What Day is It?

It's been an interesting week. DH has stayed home every day, and might again today. DD has been off. We've all been under the weather, though I admit to being surprised that DH stayed home yesterday. He looked like he was feeling better -- maybe he's just sick of work?

I can't remember what day it is either, with all the weirdness going on.

I'm recovering, but am still pretty congested and run down. Hate being sick. The worst part so far wat that it was warm and sunny out yesterday (50 degrees, in New England, in February!) and I couldn't get out and enjoy it much.

Otherwise, I'm just working. I've been buried in work, and am trying desperately to dig out of the pile. It's one of those double-edged swords: it's wonderful we're busy, but Judy and I (and the ladies who help us) are drowning a bit.

Speaking of, I need to get back to work. Hope you all have a wonderful day!

=================

You Are Opaque Pantyhose

You are a practical person. You don't have any room for fluff in your life. You are a creative problem solver. You've figured out what works for you, and you just go with that. You are original and independent without trying to be. You just seem to pick paths that are less traveled. You are brainy and you love difficult intellectual challenges. You don't have patience for your time being wasted.

What Kind of Panty Hose Are You?

Okay .. ha... that was spot on.

===============

Attack of the Germs... redoux-doux

Yep ... it's true. Looks like I caught a bug. It doesn't appear to be the same bug as DD and DH, interestingly. Mine is just a plain old cold. I've been fighting a mild sore throat for a couple of days, and last night the congestion started. It's not bad, thankfully, just enough to make me annoyed and a little fuzzy. Still, I was really hoping I'd stay healthy through the germ attack.

DH is staying home from work today, too, so that's the end of my chance for one last "alone" day before DD's extended vacation.

*sigh*

Wishing you all a happy, healthy Tuesday!



====================

You are Honest, Loyal, Generous, Humble and Tolerant

Loyalty: You value loyalty a fair amount. You're loyal to your friends... to a point. But if they cross you, you will reconsider your loyalties. Staying true to others is important to you, but you also stay true to yourself. Honesty: You value honesty a fair amount. You're honest when you can be, but you aren't a stickler for it. If a little white lie will make a situation more comfortable, you'll go for it. In the end, you mostly care about "situational integrity." Generosity: You value generosity a fair amount. You are all about giving, as long as there's some give and take. Supportive and kind, you don't mind helping out a friend in need. But you know when you've given too much. You have no problem saying "no"! Humility: You value humility a fair amount. You tend to be an easy going, humble person. But occasionally your ego takes over. You have a slight competitive streak - and the need to be the best. Tolerance: You value tolerance highly. Not only do you enjoy the company of those very different from you... You do all that you can to seek it out interesting and unique friends. You think there are many truths in life, and you're open to many of them.

The Five Factor Values Test

Mostly right... :-)

============

Attack of the Germs, Part 2

DH is sick.

I swear, I'm surrounded.

He has the same thing as DD -- this odd chest congestion and cough. Not a "real" cold, but the cough is nasty and persistent. He spent yesterday in a fog ... made me laugh, actually, because I'd catch him just staring off into space or at something (like the fire) for the longest time. He couldn't DO anything. He was tired, unfocused.

He has today off work, and hopefully that will be enough for him to get better. We, as a family, tend to get sick seldom and heal quickly, so I have my fingers crossed.

DD only has two school days this week: Monday and Tuesday. Then she's off Weds/Thurs/Fri, the whole next week and the following Monday. Winter vacation, mostly, though there's a teacher workshop in there. I'm not sure what we'll do -- she's expecting to be entertained significantly, and I can't take two weeks off.

Me? I'm just trying to avoid the germs that appear to be gleefully dancing through my house. Not sure if I'll succeed, but I'd sure like to!

Hope you all had a great weekend.

===============

You Are Boxing

You are assertive, strong, and downright aggressive. You have the power to demolish your opponent... And you have the endurance to make sure the job is finished.

What Olympic Sport Are You?

Muhahahahahaha! FEAR ME!

I am looking forward to the Olympics, though. :-)

Attack of the Germs

DD is sick. Just a cold, but a whopper of one. She seldom gets sick at all, and when she does, it's typically pretty mild. Folks told me this would change once she entered school, and it looks like that may be correct.

She'll most likely be staying home today and she's distraught about it. She has two tests she'll have to make up, and she doesn't want to miss them. I don't want her to, either, but I can't send her to school when she's coughing hard enough to hack up a lung.

Now, hopefully, I won't get what she has.

Other than that, things are pretty much the same here ... no big plans for the weekend. I'm hoping it snowed enough up north overnight for my husband to go snowmobiling. It rained down here. At this rate, I'll be able to plant my garden in March... the ground is already beginning to thaw. That's unheard of for February.

Have a great weekend, all!

==================

You Are Chopsticks

People see you as exotic, unusual, and even a bit intimidating. You are a difficult person to figure out. In truth, you try to live a very simple life. But most people are too frenzied to recognize the beauty of your simplicity.

What Utensil Are You?

Oh yeah, that's me ... exotic, unusual and intimidating. ;-)

=======================

Sick Day

Invasion of the Germs

DH is getting sick. He came home last night all stuffed up and miserable. I don't know if he'll stay home today or not, but I'm betting he might. I hope he keeps his germs to himself.

The weather site says we might actually be getting our first frost here this week. It's late, but I'm not complaining. At first I was dying for a freeze so Dakota would be less itchy, but her allergies have cleared up (both goldenrod and ragweed are pretty much past, and those are my two suspects for her allergies) so, I'd really just love no frost every please. Yeah, I know, I'm practically in Canada, but I can dream.

On the other hand, they predict temps in the 80s for the weekend. :::scratches head:::

Weird New England weather.

It's been a month since I submitted "Now and Forever" to Samhain Publishing. They said twelve weeks ... so I'm not surprised I haven't heard. Just antsy.

It's only three weeks until NaNoWriMo. I keep waffling on whether I should even try to participate. I love NaNoWriMo, but my life is already insane. *sigh* At least DH isn't off the entire month like usual to mess with my routine. He's only taking off two weeks.

Can you believe there are stations out here (well, in Boston) already starting to play CHRISTMAS MUSIC? I miss the days when Christmas didn't start until after Thanksgiving. Anymore, I'm sick of the holiday by the time it comes, and that makes me a little sad.

Have a great day!

==================

You Are Openly Ambitious and Secretly Brainy

You are driven and determined. You'll figure out a way to realize your dreams. You are energetic to the point of being impatient. You can't wait for life to happen. You are a dynamic and interesting person. You are constantly changing, growing, and improving. You are a total brainiac who enjoys learning new things. You think studying is just plain fun.

The Lip Gloss Test

That's pretty much right...

================

**YAWN**

I'm tired. Yesterday was crazy busy ... and then I opted to go to agility for both classes. OY. Got home at almost 9 pm -- don't think we'll be doing that again any time soon.

Then Dakota was up sick all night. About every 90 mins she needed to go out. It's not her fault, but the last time (at about 3:30 a.m.) I very nearly cried.

She's feeling better now, probably because she's empty, and is sleeping. Wish I had that option.

She's going to the vet today to have her weird spots looked at. DD is sure they're cancer and that the dog is going to die. *sigh*

On another topic, DD has another field trip today and it's also the opening day of our local fair. I've often said that God has a warped sense of humor... because despite the fact we've had weeks of the most beautiful, sunny, warm GORGEOUS weather, today it's pouring rain. POURING.

DD's field trip? They built cardboard boats in science class and today they take them out to sail them and see if they planned right and they'll float (with two passengers on board).

And, I swear there is never good weather for the fair. It rained pretty much all four days LAST year, and it looks like at least three of the four days this year are going to be wet.

So ... see? Warped sense of humor.

In any case, I'm just hoping to get through the day in one piece and not drive off the road or walk into walls because I'm asleep on my feet. I'm also thankful I'm not the one floating a cardboard boat in the rain...

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

======================

You Are Open-hearted

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise. You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books. You are knowledgeable and well-read. If no one can teach you, you'll teach yourself. You are open minded and a visionary. You understand the world and just may change it. You are the master of new ideas, techniques, and ways of looking at things.

The Windowsill Flower Test

Who knew?

=====================

Irene Who?

There are few things in life more heartwarming than to be welcomed by a cat. ~Tay Hohoff

We were so very lucky at my place yesterday -- while we got VERY high winds, they weren't that bad. We got buckets of rain, but not for lengthy periods of time. Our lights flickered a few times, and my internet bounced up and down like crazy, but we never lost power altogether. I was a bit amazed at this because my SIL who lives very close, just a few streets over, lost power early in the morning and still wasn't on last night when we checked. Of course, she has above ground powerlines in her neighborhood, so her outage was probably local to her. We have underground utilities (which I think should be mandatory -- would save a TON of money and time with all the trees we have here).

In any case, though there were nearly 200,000 people in NH without power, we weren't one of them. I feel truly blessed.

In other news, Breeann (my cat) is very sick again. She started vomiting yesterday morning, and continued every few hours throughout the day. The vet warned me that her health would be cyclical -- good days, then a series like we had: vomiting, off her food, lethargic and then back again, until the bad days outnumbered the good.

DD and I talked at length last night about how long we'd let Breeann feel lousy before we finally agreed it wasn't fair to her to try to keep her with us. It's a hard, hard conversation to have. Breeann is HER baby. She loves that cat more than she's loved any pet, and she's distraught.

We agreed we'd try one more cycle to see how she does. So today, she'll get fluids. No food, to let her tummy settle. Tomorrow, we'll do fluids and force-feeding again and see if she'll perk up after a bit. It took a week last time, so we'll give it a week this time. But if she doesn't recover, then we'll have to face facts.

And it breaks my heart.

Pet ownership is full of so much joy, but also so much heartache. I suppose that's true of love in general, no matter what kind.

===============

Technically today is DD's first day of school, though it's actually an orientation this afternoon. She'll meet her home room teacher (who she already knows), the kids in her class, get to set up her locker and tour the rooms so she knows where to go.

Then tomorrow it starts for real.

We're both nervous. And excited. But right now? Mostly nervous.

=================

Beginnings Inspire You

You are independent and original. You are highly inventive and creative. You love undertaking new and interesting projects. You have lots of ideas. You have a delightful and colorful inner world. People would be stunned if they could see inside your head. You aren't afraid of failure. Tomorrow is always another beginning.

The Sky Inspiration Test

Yep!

===================

Anniversary and Updates

In every marriage more than a week old, there are grounds for divorce. The trick is to find, and continue to find, grounds for marriage. ~Robert Anderson, Solitaire & Double Solitaire

In the good news column: DH was able to get out of work a little early yesterday so was home by seven -- we actually got to spend our anniversary together :-)

Fifteen years has flown by. I *know* it's been that long -- I have a twelve y.o. daughter to prove it, it just doesn't feel like we've been together nearly two decades. It's amazing how fast time flies by.

In more good(ish) news: I was able to force feed Breeann a little yesterday. I have a friend IRL who had similar problems with her kitty and suggested using a liquid syringe with baby food. About the time I was going to go buy baby food, Dakota decided HER tummy was upset, so kept eating grass to vomit. I didn't want to leave her in the house (or the car) while I shopped -- I didn't want to come back to a yucky surprise -- so I thoroughly pureed up some chicken with broth and added some of her soft food (it smells like fish). She didn't love me doing it, but she did take about 5 cc's of food. I really need to get more like 40 - 50 cc's into her daily, but I wanted to make sure she'd keep it down. She's acting a little more perky today -- was actually waiting at the basement door this morning and wanted to come upstairs (though I carried her up). She ignore the food I offered and curled up on the dog bed to sleep, but I'll take any positive I can find.

So today, I'll be feeding her four or five times a day with the syringe, jabbing her twice a day with a needle for fluids. Interestingly, she isn't bothered by that at all. Last night, I did it on my own without help and she just laid there and purred through the whole thing. the only thing she really, really hates are the antibiotics. They make her gag and almost vomit, and then she drools for about fifteen minutes after.

Truthfully, I realize this is probably the beginning of the end for her, but we're just not quite ready to give up on her yet. Hey, I have more time with her than I do with my husband!

Thanks to everyone for your support and kind words and ideas. They mean a lot to me.

====================

The Left Side of Your Brain is Dominant

You are a verbally and mathematically adept person. You notice details, and you are very precise. You are analytical and linear. You are able to not get overwhelmed and do things one step at a time. You follow through on the plans you make. You like to have everything neat and finished before moving on. You are a perfectionist in almost every aspect of your life. Errors and mistakes drive you crazy.

What Side of Your Brain is Dominant?

That's mostly right, except maybe the math part -- though I did like math up through algebra. Then geometry appeared and I fell to pieces...

======================

Still Worried

Breeann still isn't feeling well. The doc checked her out and suspects Pancreatitis, but isn't sure. He took blood, gave her IV fluids and I took her home.

She crawled into a chair and didn't move all day. At about 8:00 she jumped down, went into the basement, curled up on the sofa and is still there in the same spot as I type this.

To say I'm worried would be an understatement. The results of the blood test will be back today, but I'm wondering if she shouldn't go back in for more IV fluids. She shows no interest in ... anything. She hasn't had anything to eat or drink in almost 48 hours (the IV fluids will keep her from being dehydrated).

Poor, old kitty. I'm not ready to lose her yet, so I hope she perks up soon.

The dog is having issues, too -- less serious, but annoying to both of us. Just like last August, Dakota has "the itchies". We're assuming they're allergy related again to something that's in bloom this time of year. She has a rash on her skin around her shoulder blades and her entire body itches. We can barely pet her because it makes her start scratching, and I swear she's trying to peel the skin right off herself.

I put her back on the same antihistamines she was on last summer and I hope they work. Poor critter is just miserable.

DD is being affected by allergies, too, so there is definitely something in the air. Last night was the first night she was able to sleep without taking Benedryl. We'd thoroughly cleaned her room over the weekend (and I mean THOROUGHLY -- moved all her furniture, vacuumed, dusted, wiped everything down then washed all her bedding, including pillows and comforter) which I think helped.

I'm so grateful I don't have allergies.

It's been raining and will be raining for most of the next ten days. They expect a short break maybe tomorrow, then rain through the weekend. Maria, I wish I could push some your way.

We're still in prep mode for school, so between that, the cat and the dog, I've been barely able to focus on much else, including my 15 year anniversary which is tomorrow.

================

You Are a Leader

You are impulsive when the occasion calls for it. You make decisions on the fly. You are a visionary. You see the big picture instead of all of the trivial little details. You are a very inspiring person. You show others that dreams can come true. You are a provider. You like the satisfaction that comes with a hard earned paycheck.

The Tuxedo Test

Mostly right.

========================

Worried...

Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet's, pee on your owner. - Gary Smith

Worried about my kitty...



She spent all day yesterday vomiting. I pulled her food after the first two times, but she didn't stop. This morning she's lethargic and wobbly -- probably dehydrated and exhausted. She threw up again at some point last night and shows no interest in food (and she's usually a pig), though she did drink a little.



The vet opens at 8:00 ... I'll be calling immediately. My girl is seventeen years old, so we worry. DD is sure she's going to die and is distraught.



All thoughts and prayers are welcome.

=====================

Sick

If you start to think about your physical or moral condition, you usually find that you are sick. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Proverbs in Prose

In a moment of irony, we're finally having beautiful weather .... and I'm sick. We're finally having sunshine and warmth where I could go out and walk, garden, play with the dog -- and I feel rotten. Sore throat (SO sore!) and a stuffy nose is developing... *sigh*...

Sometimes life is not fair.

I did walk and work in the garden yesterday, but it was torture on my throat. Last night I couldn't sleep for how bad it hurt (and, no, it's not strep -- this is standard for my colds, which have a clear pattern: insanely painful sore throat for a day or two, stuffy/runny nose for a day or two, cough for a day or two, and then the lingering dribbles).

Not sure what I'll do today, but I'm getting outside no matter what, darn it.

=========================

You Are Responsible

People can count on you. You take duties and responsibilities seriously. You are easily delighted and inspired. Life is all about the little things. You can be unforgiving toward people who fail you. You have high, but not unreasonable, expectations. You're very picky but extremely devoted to the one you choose. You fall in love selectively.

The Bowl of Cereal Test

All that from a bowl of cereal. It's mostly right, and I'm amazed...

=================

Saturday Stuff

People who snore always fall asleep first. ~Author Unknown

That quote, above, illustrates my life the last couple of days -- yes, DH has fallen asleep -- deeply asleep -- before me. And snored. *sigh*

In my family's typically miraculous fashion, both DH and DD are pretty nearly well this morning after one bad day. We seldom get sick here, and when we do it comes and goes at lightning speed (though the one "bad" day really, really stinks).

So ... my DH left to go hunting at the crack of dawn today. Since he believes the smell of soap, deodorant and toothpaste will alert the deer to his presences, he does what he calls "dirtbagging it". But, see, I'm confused. Wouldn't the smell of human sweat and morning breath be equally bad?

:::shrugs:::

DD woke up early with the rest of us, and started doing school immediately (she took yesterday off because she felt yucky). Last year, with DH home all month, her schedule took a big hit and we fell massively behind (which is why we were doing school until July, which was the pits). It's tough to work with him around, because he figures since HE is off, so should we be and he's constantly finding jobs that we have to help with. *sigh*

For MaryC in case you didn't see my comment regarding YOUR comment about student coverage yesterday on health care -- I replied:

I'm not begrudging coverage to college students. The insurance company I worked for covered students up to age 22 and that never significantly affected the premiums.

Our health insurance coverage has remained the same over the past five years and yes, premiums have risen, but only a little. This year I'm paying significantly more for less coverage, and the fact is -- that dependent coverage up to age 26 (regardless of student status, whether or not they live at home, whether or not they are actually dependent on you, and even if they are MARRIED) is one of the things that affected the rates in a big way.

Take it from a former underwriter -- that was a huge change.

And that's all I have to say on health care reform. Well, it's all I'm GOING to say, anyway...

=================

I started reading "The Way of the Cheetah" by Lynn Viehl last night in an effort to prepare more for NaNoWriMo. You can read it, too, if you're interested and for free. She gives you the link to download a copy of your own here.

She's had some really great posts on NaNoWriMo and I've enjoyed each one. You should visit her blog. It's really fabulous.

=================

You Are Classic and Chic

You don't fall for old fads thinly disguised as new trends. You prefer to stick to what's tried and true. You are wise and savvy. You know history well, and you aren't doomed to repeat it. You aren't scared of much. You prefer to get to the bottom of things rather than wonder about them. You believe that most fear is fear of the unknown, so you try to know as much as possible.

The Haunted House Test

About 50/50...

=======================

Iz Not Mai Happy Face

DD is sick. DH is sick.

DH is home on vacation until December (with one or two exceptions).

We just got our insurance open enrollment -- the costs have gone up, the coverage down and this little gem is included thanks to health care "reform": Children of employees will be eligible for medical, dental and vision benefits coverage up to their 26th birthday, regardless of their residency, their financial dependency on you, the availability of other coverage or their student, employment, tax dependency or marital status.

In the good news column: I'm still healthy ... at least so far.

How's YOUR Friday?

============================

You Are a Skeleton

You are totally goofy and entertaining. You are simply charming. You know how to have fun, and you're happy to be part of a group or crowd. You can be a bit dark in your thinking sometimes, though other people don't see it. You tend to develop strange obsessions and offbeat interests. You are delightfully quirky.

What Halloween Character Are You?

That's me -- charming and delightfully quirky :-)

Speaking of skeletons -- at some point today, I'm hiding this one on my website for the LASR/WC Halloween Scavenger Hunt (prizes include a $50 Amazon or BN GC, and hundreds of books and other items -- deets will go up on the site tomorrow):



Isn't he CUTE?
============================

Piffles and Pillars

Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well. ~Marcus Valerius Martial

Thankfully, I seemed to have turned the corner with my cold and feel almost human this morning. Yesterday I felt *okay* cold-wise, but was completely exhausted to the point I ended up taking a nap (something I almost never do). I'm truly grateful that, for the most part, I'm quite healthy and when I do get sick it cycles through quickly (I felt the first hints of this cold on Saturday, and I'm already pretty much done). Still, I wish I didn't get sick at all. It's really a pain.

The worst part about being sick THIS week is that it's been pretty nice out. It's still quite warm, but the humidity has gone down so I would have been able to get outside. I was hoping to go play tennis with my DD, do some weeding (dear heavens... the weeds are taking over), maybe some nice long walks. None of that has happened.

Maybe today.

======================

In Pillar Place: Monarch, we should be seeing two more butterflies today. Pi and Rho are both getting dark. Last night they were gray, and I'm sure this morning they'll be black. So, YAY.

As of last night, we had TWELVE pillars on the roofs of their containers, apparently ready to make their pupae, and two more that were acting like it was about time. In ten days or so, we should have a mass monarch hatching!

We've also found three more eggs (I swear, we aren't even looking ... they things are practically jumping out at us) and we've also accidentally picked leaves with *other* eggs on them. Since I felt rotten about doing that, we're hatching the eggs inside and the putting whatever comes out of them back outside.

So far, one set of eggs hatched. They were some weird looking bug that gave me the shivers. I swear they looked a little like miniature scorpions, only they had six legs, not eight. :::shudders:::

Those babies went outside ASAP. Blech.

The next set of eggs are these lovely orange ones all massed together. I'm fairly sure they're milkweed tussock moth eggs, but I could be wrong. We have TONS of those critters outside our house, to the point I almost can't harvest from my own milkweed for the monarchs and have taken to stealing from other patches that aren't covered in critters.

I'm quite glad that the larger pillars are making their pupae, because for the last day or two they've each eaten 3 - 4 large milkweed leaves a day. 4 x 14 pillars = a whole lot of work for me.

========================

You Are Rock-Paper-Scissors

You are very smart and mentally inclined person. You like games that test your brainpower. You are good at noticing patterns and making predictions. You can size other people up well. It may not seem like there's a lot to what you do, but you have a strategy for everything. You tend to think through every decision you make carefully, but you're also sure not to over think anything.

What Childhood Game Are You?

That's about 95% correct. Weird.

====================

Welcome Xi

Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In Pillar Place: Monarch, we hatched our first butterfly. Welcome Xi:



We released her (we can tell she's female because of the really dark black lines on her wings) around 4 pm yesterday, not realizing that a MASSIVE storm was headed our way. We had incredible high winds, lightning and some rain. The winds were unbelievable, though, so hopefully Xi found a nice, thick tree to hide in for the duration. We lost power for a few minutes, but apparently there are downed trees north of us and a few thousand folks are without power because of it.

I'm glad we got rain, but the wind I could have done without.

===================

We've been seeing the cat outside quite a bit -- several times yesterday. I'm actually giving some thought to "keeping" it. I've wanted an outdoor cat for the chipmunk/vole/squirrel problems we have (though it would mean not putting out the bird feeders again.

If I do decide to "keep" it, I'm going to trap it, get it fixed and vaccinated and then re-release it. Might set up a nice weather proof dog house and feed it now and then (not too much if I want it to catch critters). We'll see. I ran it by my DH and he didn't say no ... so...

=====================

I'm still sick. Feeling dopey. Need to respond to comments from yesterday. I was hardly on the computer yesterday because I had a massive sinus headache. I even laid down for an hour, which is very unusual for me.

I hope I'm on the upside today. We'll see...

======================

You Are Trustworthy

Of all the types, you are the most responsible and loyal. You take your duties seriously. You thrive when you are able to do something practical and productive. You hate to waste your time. Some people say that you are a bit neurotic or cautious, but you believe it's better to be safe than sorry. You do your best to live a engaging and important life. You want what you do to matter.

The Scribble Circle Test

That's about 75%...

===================

Stuff(ed Up) and Nonsense

Physical ills are the taxes laid upon this wretched life; some are taxed higher, and some lower, but all pay something. ~Lord Chesterfield

Thanks for the kind wishes yesterday. I won't say I feel better today -- in fact, health-wise, I'm probably worse (stuffed up, coughing), but at least I'm somewhat alert. Yesterday morning I was flat out exhausted. I'm hoping today is my "bad day", the hump you have to get over before you get better. My family and I are pretty healthy, typically, so when we do get sick it comes and goes quickly.

We're still praying for some real rain here. Haven't had any significant rainfall in our town in several weeks, and though they're predicting thunderstorms this afternoon (and I'm glad for what we get ... I AM), there's no "rain" on the forecast for the next two weeks.

I've been lax about getting outside and doing much of anything lately because of the heat. I'll do quick 5 - 10 minute forays, maybe weed a bit, and then back in. As a result, I've forgotten to put my milorganite down in the veggie garden. And yesterday, I paid for it.

My tomatoes that I said were as tall as DD? Not anymore. Deer came and munched them all down. Most are *maybe* two feet tall, some are even shorter. And, with the except of DD's Sweet 100s, he got them ALL.

*sigh*

Last night I was upstairs reading and DH ran in: "Did you put your milorganite down?"

"Yes, why?"

"The deer just walked out of our backyard and across the street."

I haven't looked yet this morning, but I hope it worked. I don't have many tomatoes left!

Speaking of wildlife, it appears we have a feral cat living in our backyard. We've seen it off and on, but assumed it lived with someone and was just visiting because of the bird feeders -- we have LOTS of birds, chipmunks and red squirrels, a kitty buffet. It's gorgeous looking, a gray tabby with white paws, but yesterday DD saw it climb under one of our brush piles. And then, early this morning I saw him lurking under DH's snowmobile trailer, which is parked out back for the summer.

Poor kitty.

I'm going to keep a lookout, and if we keep seeing him, I'm going to set a trap and see if I can catch him. It's no life for him to be out there -- especially in the winter. I wonder if folks are just leaving their pets behind if they have to move? We won't be able to keep him, no matter what -- DH is not a cat fan -- but I can get it to the shelter.

I've been tending my SILs garden for her this week and discovered that she has squash borer worms. The base of two of her squash plants is split and has "frass" coming out (looks like wet wood pulp). So, I dug into it a bit, and spraying my poison (BTW, for those of you who know I prefer organic gardening ... this "poison" is actually an organic pesticide of sorts and doesn't kill beneficial bugs, except bees so I keep it off the flowers. It doesn't harm mammals either.) into the slash. I don't know if it killed the wormies, but I can hope.

So far, I haven't seen that on mine, though I need to go out and saturate the nylons on mine with that stuff again.

And that is my exciting life. How's yours?

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You Are Mushrooms

You are down to earth and practical. You appreciate hearty foods and people. You are very grounded. You aren't unnecessarily fanciful, and you appreciate the little things in life. You are in tune with nature and the world around you. You appreciate the outdoors and animals. You are likely very handy and good at doing things yourself. You're the type most likely to make your own pizza.

What Pizza Topping Are You?

Okay... it's always a little freaky when they nail me on these quizzes.

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A Short Note

Well... my DH was home sick for part of the week last week, and it looks like he shared. I fought a sore throat all day yesterday and this morning feel a bit like I've been run over by a truck.

So ... that's all from me today. I only got up because the cat and dog needed care. I think I'm going to go lie back down now.