How Can It Be Wednesday?

Hey all! ::waves madly::

It's been a crazy few days, and I apologize for my absence. I took the day off working (mostly) on Sunday to watch football and I paid for it on Monday. Not only was I up until REALLY late (Overtime! And, I'm still sad about those Niners... *sigh*) and insanely tired Monday, but our woodstove had gone out and I had to start it from scratch Monday morning (and Tuesday). This stove burns like a champ when it's going, but getting it started is a major undertaking. I only just managed to get it done before I had to wake the kidlet up for school.

Then, I had to pay penance for taking Sunday off -- my inboxes were crazy full of work. We truly do live in a 24/7 society. Judy and I will occasionally get emails from folks like, "I sent you an email three hours ago -- why haven't you responded?". I'm sorry, but occasionally I do things like sleep. Crazy.

Yesterday, the stove was out again, and was even harder to start because it was warm (for us -- about 35 degrees!) outside -- it's harder to generate a draft when it's warm out. I barely got it done before I had to leave to take the kidlet to school.

Today, the stove was still burning (YAY!) and I decided to take the time to say hello.

Hello. :-D

Haven't done much, writing-wise, though I have been brainstorming a cover for "Now and Forever" with Judy, who will design it for me. I can't decide if I want it to look a little like "Kitchen Matches" since it IS the sequel (despite not being with the same publisher) or if I want to take an entirely different direction...

Otherwise, it's pretty much work, work, work. We had hoped that switching over the LASR website would give us a little more time, but that hasn't happened yet. Someday I might get at least some of my life back...

After some discussion with my mom, after losing her dog, we went to the shelter on Friday and selected an older kitty for her. Having a dog is a LOT of work, much like having a toddler around FOREVER, and she wasn't up for that again. But once you've had pets around, it's difficult to NOT have them. I think we have a pet shaped spot in our hearts that needs to be filled.

She wanted an older, female cat that wouldn't need excessive amounts of grooming and that was sweet, and loved to sit in your lap. She certainly got that! Her new kitty, now named Camille, won't leave her alone!

She choose Camille because she was older (ten years old) and black (shelters have a terrible time finding homes for black cats -- black dogs, too, but that's another story). Meet Camille:



She's the sweetest thing, loving, calm, funny. She's quite well-behaved and Mom really enjoys having her around.

And now I need to get back to work. I tried to visit some of you yesterday and will attempt to catch up today. I really, really need a 48 hour day.

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You Are A Nightgown

You are a bit old fashioned and elegant. You aren't very casual. You are well mannered and modest. You don't make a fool of yourself. You tend to be a bit reserved, and it's hard for strangers to get to know you. You are likely to not let anyone outside your bedroom see you in your pajamas.

What Kind of Pajamas Are You?

Yep, that's me, only I hate nightgowns...

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A Day Without a Cat

All our knowledge merely helps us to die a more painful death than animals that know nothing. ~Maurice Maeterlinck

Thanks to everyone for your condolences on losing Breeann. Truly, it was time -- she was so weak, she couldn't stand, she'd been vomiting regularly since Sunday, and hadn't had any food since Sunday morning. She'd been sleeping on her bed in the basement for more than two days without coming upstairs. I'm certain that we made the right decision, but we still miss her.

Odd things about not having Breeann that I didn't think I'd miss ... but I do:

In the mornings, she always followed me into the bathroom -- no one else is up, and I can leave the door open. She'd come in, meow, rub, wander out. Just because she could.

Having her block the back door when I take the dog out. My routine was always to get up, go down to the basement and let Breeann out then take Dakota outside. She'd stand at the door for us to come back and would NOT move when Dakota wanted in. The dog wouldn't challenge her ... would just stand and wait until I poked the cat with my foot to get her to move. I'm pretty sure it was all a way for Breeann to remind the dog just who was boss.

Her talking. She was a very vocal cat and she'd just walk around the house chatting to herself.

We're looking for a new kitty at the animal shelter. Some may think it's too soon, but I learned with Bailey's passing, and the subsequent arrival of Dakota soon after, that having a new animal helps with the mourning process. It's comforting and helps to fill the void. While no other animal actually "replaces" the previous one, when you're used to having pets in your home, nothing makes you feel right again until you have one once more.

We want an older, female, declawed cat. My DH (as I mentioned yesterday) doesn't like cats, but tolerates them on my account (I've had cats since I was born). Still, I need to make sure whatever cat we get doesn't wreak havoc -- he won't tolerate one that tears up the furniture (hence getting one that is declawed), or tears around the house knocking things over (hence getting an older one). I've had bad experiences with male cats spraying even after they are fixed, so I prefer female cats. We don't want one that looks like Breeann. The two closest shelters to us have four cats that meet all the requirements but the last -- three of the four are tabbies like Breeann was, and one even has her same face (I swear, I thought I was looking at a picture of her), so that leaves us with one. She's a long-haired calico, and we'll go see if she's still available and if her temperament will work with our family dynamic.

This is her picture:



We're having Breann's ashes returned to us (the cost for this is crazy ... but I couldn't just have her tossed in the garbage bin and I didn't want to bury her out back) and will plant a memorial bush or other perennial in her honor (like we did for Bailey, who has a "Bailey's Dogwood" outside). I'd like something that has "cat" in its name, so will need to do some research. Anyone have any suggestions?

In the meantime, this weekend will consist of buying MORE things for DD for school (does it ever end?), cutting down a pile of perennials that have gone past, and working on the LASR/WC website. Unfortunately, my wireless router opted to stop working, and I needed to order a new one that won't be here until next week. So, I either have to hardwire into the modem and sit on our sofa, or tether to my phone (which is what I'm doing now). Sitting at the sofa hurts my body after a bit, and the phone runs everything slowly, but I'm managing and trying to be grateful I have that option.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

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You Are Skilled

You are balanced and competent. You value harmony. Other people see you as outgoing, hyper, and even a bit overwhelming. Your ideal romantic relationship is peaceful, romantic, and private. You do best in tasks that require you to be flexible, creative, and playful.

The Shape Test

Hmmm ... 50/50

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Breeann and a 15th Anniversary

Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. ~George Eliot

So ... the vet called yesterday and updated me on Breann's blood work. Looks like her kidneys are starting to fail. I looked it up, and it appears that kidney failure is the biggest killer of cats outside of feline leukemia and accidental death, and it's especially prominent in older cats.

I was given three choices: euthanasia (we said no), hospitalization to get fluids (massively expensive, so we said no) and giving her IV fluids at home (still not cheap, but we might still be able to eat and pay the electricity, so we said yes).

So, yesterday I went to the vet's office and got a crash course on sticking a needle under the cat's skin. :::shudders::: I hate doing it, but you do what you have to, right? Twice a day for probably the rest of her life (which I expect to be measured in months, sadly) I'll be giving her subcutaneous fluids.

My biggest concern now is that she won't eat. We've tried her soft food, cooked chicken and ham so far. She sniffs, then curls up and goes to sleep. A little later today, I'm going to try tuna. I hope that once she starts eating again, she'll eat her regular food. I hope it's just a matter of getting her appetite stimulated.

DD fell to pieces last night. She hasn't had a great last few days anyway, and she's an incredibly sensitive and emotional thing on the best of days, but last night she sobbed and sobbed. And sobbed. And then, when I thought she'd gotten it under control, she sobbed some more.

Kinda puts a damper on my fifteenth wedding anniversary. But then, we aren't celebrating today anyway -- DH has to work from early this morning until the wee hours tonight. Pretty much it'll be, "Happy anniversary, here's your coffee, have a good day."

I never realized how YOUNG DH looked when we got married. He's almost five years younger than me and he looked like a baby.




Neither of us look like babies anymore ... but we're hanging in there!

Have a good day.

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You Are Somewhat Self-Reliant

You rely on yourself most of the time, but you're happy to rely on others and have them rely on you in turn. You are a very social creature. You like having a large network of friends and acquaintances. You take pride in being able to be counted on. You consider yourself to be a reliable and responsible person. You believe that no person is an island. You try not to need other people, but you are glad when they are there for you.

How Self Reliant Are You?

Um ... 50/50, I guess...

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A Day Off and a Funny

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him. ~Dereke Bruce

Taking a break today, but I leave you with this (which you may have seen, but it makes me laugh every time I read it ... because it's SO TRUE):

Excerpts from a Dog's Diary

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!


Excerpts from a Cat's Diary

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now...

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You Are a Thunderstorm

You are a bit temperamental and unpredictable. You have a lot of pent up energy. You don't strike often, but when you do it can be deadly. You can be extremely destructive. People find you to be amazing and awesome. You can be a bit scary at times, but that just adds to your appeal. You tend to get other people excited whenever you're riled up. You aren't usually the only storm in town.

What Kind of Storm Are You?

Um... okay. I actually DID have someone tell me I was scary yesterday, lol... hmmm...

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Dogs and Cats

Women and cats do as they please, and men and dogs had best learn to live with it. - unknown


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

The relationship between my cat (Breeann) and my dog (Dakota) is both laugh-out-loud funny and a little sad.

Dakota just wants to be friends and she tries SO hard to prove to the cat that she's a great critter to hang out with. Last night (and I wish I'd had my camera next to me) the cat was lying on the rug by the wood stove (pretty much where she spends all day, every day in the winter) and Dakota came slithering over. She laid as flat as she could on her belly and extended her nose until it just barely touched part of Breeann. And then she stopped moving, except for her tail, which wagged and wagged and wagged.

The cat wanted nothing of it. She gave Dakota the most disdainful look, and when the look didn't warn the dog off, she gave a good swat to Dakota's nose. Dakota didn't even flinch. She rolled onto her side, pushed her nose closer and wagged some more.

The cat finally gave up and stalked away, tail in the air. And now, in retrospect, I wonder if being friends was what Dakota really wanted, because as soon as the cat moved, the dog curled up on the rug in front of the wood stove!

She may be smarter than we give her credit for. It was a bloodless coup.

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You Are Falling

Sometimes things in your life feel completely out of control. You get overwhelmed. Like everyone else you have a fear of failure... just like falling in a nightmare. You may need more balance in your life. Take time to take care of yourself. And learn to go with the flow a little bit more. Falling can feel exciting if you let it!

What Nightmare Are You?

Blogthings: Quizzes and Tests and Memes, Oh My!

Actually, most of my bad dreams involve being chased by something scary. I wonder what that means?

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This and That Tuesday

Panic is a sudden desertion of us, and a going over to the enemy of our imagination. ~Christian Nevell Bovee

I woke in a panic this morning... my alarm went off and I shut it off and lazed for a moment until I realized: THE CAT WASN'T IN MY FACE.

She's always in my face. She usually wakes me before my alarm does. Night before last, she curled up on my pillow at about 2:30 a.m. and purred (who needs a sound machine? -- purring makes perfect white noise) until I finally got up.

My kitty is 15 y.o. -- That's a senior citizen. So when she wasn't there this a.m., I popped right up and started looking. I found her in the spare bedroom, just sitting there all fine and dandy. I made her stand up, though, because once (years ago) something similar happened, and I found her lying down under the dog's feeding station and not moving, and it turned out she'd blown the ligaments in BOTH back legs.

She was fine. She was all, "Sheesh, what's the big deal." But my heart was pounding.

If she was smart, she'd do that regularly because it definitely got me up quicker than my alarm!

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Good news in Pillar Place: Swallowtail. Ethel (the 'pillar on the slippery tape) made her pupa safely and did NOT fall. I swear I checked on her about every hour! LOL...

We have another one, Carole, on walkabout -- leaving us with only three left. I'm a little worried that Greg and/or Fiona might be overwinterers. I sincerely hope not, but they are still pretty small.

Pillar Place: Monarch should be starting soon.

Speaking of monarchs, my milkweed is blooming! We had sun for about two hours yesterday, so I took a turn around the yard and WOW does it ever smell amazing. It's so strong, it's almost intoxicating. Truly one of the best flower smells ever. No wonder all the flying bugs love it. When it's not pouring rain (which isn't often anymore) the milkweed flowers are covered in bees and butterflies.

And the flowers are lovely, too. It's just a shame that most folks consider it a noxious weed and destroy it. They're missing out (and, sadly, so are the monarch butterflies - click here for information on Monarch Conservation, why they are threatened and how you can help).

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Did a little writing and a little editing yesterday. Also worked on a book video for Goddess Fish Promotions(can't call it a trailer, btw, as Circle of Seven Productions has copyrighted that phrase) and lots of other stuff for The Long and the Short of It. We have a kicking new romance author "gossip column" for our newsletter, starting in July -- it's a hoot (you should subscribe - the link is in the middle of the LASR home page).

It was a busy day! I really do love Mondays. I know, I'm a sick woman. *G*

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You Are Skilled

You are balanced and competent. You value harmony. Other people see you as outgoing, hyper, and even a bit overwhelming. Your ideal romantic relationship is peaceful, romantic, and private. You do best in tasks that require you to be flexible, creative, and playful.

The Shape Test

Actually, that's not far off... huh.

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Cats and Warmer Weather

Your cat will never threaten your popularity by barking at three in the morning. He won't attack the mailman or eat the drapes, although he may climb the drapes to see how the room looks from the ceiling. ~Helen Powers

Was checking out the weather for the next few days, because Piglet on Sarita's blog mentioned the "S" word.

I was relieved to see that, not only are the NOT predicting snow... but it's warming up! Yesterday was so bitterly cold, I couldn't spend two minutes outside. It was the kind of cold that literally takes your breath away. DD and Dd went outside to sled and were back in after only five minutes! Today should be in the 20's, and by Sunday it'll be in the 40's!!!!!

Spring is just around the corner. I can feel it.

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Last night was agility for Dakota. She did AWESOME. Of course, the see-saw and the "walk-it" weren't there, just a panel (which I thought she'd refuse, but she didn't). The panel is a tipi like structure about seven feet at the tippy-top. It has 1x1 boards attached about every twelve inches. It's steep, it's tough for the dogs to scrabble up and not tumble down the other side. The can't jump up too high, or jump off too soon -- the bottom two feet (or so) is painted yellow, and the dog has to touch the yellow on both sides. The dog needs a running start to this, and I had Dakota on-leash for the first try, thinking I'd have to drag her up it.

Nope. She dashed right up like she'd been doing it for years.

Next week is her last beginning agility class. The instructor wants Dd to go into intermediate, but I'm on the fence. Yes, I think she can do it, but it's at 7 o'clock -- which to most of you sounds early enough, but I typically go to bed by 8:30 or so. I'll have to give it some thought.

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We saw a little kitty at Pet Quarters yesterday that reminded my of a kitty I used to have. She's tiny and black and she wobbles. I asked the lady there about her and was told that this baby was found at three days old inside an OPERATING wood chipper. She had a head injury, so her balance isn't very good, but otherwise she's a sweetie. It does make me wonder if the rest of her litter was there and if someone put them there on purpose or if the mama thought it was a safe place for them.

If I wasn't married to my DH, I'd have a house full of pets.

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Going to go now and write... I've been slacking a bit this week and haven't made my 1000 daily words. So, I need to get moving and play catch-up.

Anyone have any exciting plans for the weekend?

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Crankypants

Things are never so bad they can't be made worse. ~From the movie The African Queen

My first blog this morning was very cranky... so I've deleted it. If you've read it already, you'll understand. And, if you're on Google reader, you'll see it anyway. Sorry, a really bad day and sleep deprivation does that to me.

So, instead of the crankies, I'll give you some totally random pictures:





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Is it wrong to lock my cat in the basement (that's where her food and litter box are) for the night so I can sleep? Not only does she want to sleep on me at night, but she wants to be fed far earlier than I want to get up in the morning.

I am SO tired...

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Merry Christmas

This Christmas

We hope this Christmas enriches your life;
May each day be happy and bright,
Overflowing with pleasure and love;
May your Christmas be filled with delight.

By Karl Fuchs

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And because every day is better if you laugh (stolen from Melissa):