What we did

Thanksgiving at chez moi was a quiet affair. I slept into afternoon, only arising when himself demanded food and attention. After a somewhat restorative hot shower and a cup of tea, I made a pot of matzoh ball soup which included cabbage, carrot and broccoli bits, did two loads of laundry and set about making us both a decent dinner. Lukas got a feast of turkey and gravy while I opted for baked fish, green salad, summer squash and a mixed vegetables. Dessert was a square of no sugar added chocolate for me and an extra scratch beneath  his chin for my adoring feline.

Purple Matthiola adorned my setting, a favorite color and scent. Never a traditionalist, I enjoyed the ease of the day.

What about you?

Happy Thanksgiving

To all who celebrate, Happy Thanksgiving. I am not feeling great so will not be posting for a bit. Take care. 

Lukas Portrait

 During  the summer I commissioned a digital portrait of Lukas. The artist is a young woman whose work I saw on a friend's pet sitting page. I paid up front and was expecting a final product within a month, as she indicated. After waiting past the allotted time, and receiving some updates along the way, I contacted the artist and nicely enquired about her deadline. She apologized, saying she had a problem with time management. Three weeks later, I received a video containing sketches and a portrait, along with the link to a company called Canvaspop which can put photos and digital paintings on ready to hang canvas.

I sent the digital painting in despite some misgivings, choosing a different

background color. then called the company and actually spoke with someone who was helpful in sending two separate backgrounds in colors that I liked. I also decided to use a photo rather than the digital painting which is too brown and lacks texture. 

This is the proof  we came up with using the photo. You can see his fur, the M on his forehead and his eyes. I ordered three, two as gifts and one to hang here. When done, the final product is supposed to have the appearance of an oil painting. 

Mad as hell

 I have a cousin in another southern state who works with special needs children. She received the new bivalent vaccine in September and within a day or so was vomiting and feeling horrible. Her husband, a hospital nurse took her in to the emergency room where both were told her kidneys had shut down and from which she was admitted.  During this process, one of those attending her remarked that she was not the first patient seen with this reaction to the new booster.

Upon discharge, she followed up with her GP but had to wait three weeks to see the kidney specialist. She said that the specialist confirmed that the damage was permanent and that she now has stage three kidney disease and will eventually require dialysis.  She had no prior history of this disease but was vulnerable to COVID due to a past stroke and was trying to do the right thing for herself, her family and the children with whom she works.

She can never have another vaccine, not only for COVID but for anything--ever.

She is the third person I know who has had an adverse reaction to COVID vaccine.

Where is this written about? Discussed?? Studied?? and WHY NOT??

It apparently isn't as rare as it is believed to be  and for anyone considered vulnerable this can be quite scary. especially since we've chosen to live in such a way that has allowed COVID to keep changing, apparently ahead of the boosters available for it from what I read today.

Safe and happy

 Nicole, now a tropical storm, is currently moving through here with lots of rain and wind and is expected to exit the State tonight. While it is dark. windy and wet, we in my part of the State were lucky in comparison to those on the east coast whose homes face possible collapse due to erosion or flooding. It is not pleasant here but I'll gladly take it. Please spare some thoughts for those less fortunate.

Lukas and I were awakened by wind and rain in the earliest hours of today. He wanted up on the bed with me and as the ever  helpful servant I am, I obliged and we dozed until pill time. The increase in his laxative medication has produced happy results and since he last went on Sunday I am sure he is more comfortable now as well.

Today would be my mother's eighty-fourth birthday were she around to celebrate. I'll raise a cup of my favorite tea later this evening.

Wishing everyone a good day.

Bad weather and a flagging spirit

 Nicole, whether hurricane or tropical storm, is expected to make her presence felt late Wednesday night or early Thursday. I've gotten some provisions in case the power gets dicey but have no plans to go anywhere. The flashlights. phone and battery operated radio are all in good order and I made the decision to purchase no more perishable food until absolutely necessary and just eat what is already here. Extra water and pantry items were easy to come by and I've plenty of food for Lukas. Years of living here have taught me not to forecast what I think may happen. Every weather event is different and the systems out there now will keep us on our toes, whatever the outcomes.

Today was election day and I've spent the evening watching several candidates give concession speeches. I've heard nothing about local races yet but don't anticipate much blue other than how I feel at the moment. Whether from tiredness or cumulative stress, I hope to revive my flagging spirit with some sleep.

Lukas is happily dreaming in his favorite chair. He loves the pink blanket and before heading to his beauty rest, my decidedly not a lap cat boy spent time on my lap purring and licking my hand. Thanks to all of you for keeping Lukas in good thoughts recently.

Sweet dreams!

Today...

 

He's eating, and doing all his other business, comfortable and enjoying extra attention. We are waiting for the vet exam to see if anything further is needed and when he can come home. 

Nicole or Owen

 It is looking like a large weather system is developing which could come our way by Thursday of this week bringing more rain and coastal flooding. As either a tropical storm or named hurricane, it is the last thing we need here or into the Carolinas as many areas are still dealing with damage and repairs from Ian. More to come.

Hanging out at the Catnap Inn

The photo in my previous post was taken by the vet staff as Lukas prepares for yet another overnight stay after eating and getting another round of fluids. Despite an enema yesterday no poop has been forthcoming and an x ray showed there should be results. It was decided he should stay. We will see where things stand Monday. He is comfortable and taking both meds and food well.

Happy Saturday 3:40 PM

 

 

2 AM

 It has been a busy day here. When I packed Lukas off for his normal appointment. I called and requested the vet palpate his stomach and intestine to check for hard contents since he had not left a deposit in his litter box in a few days. The vet called and as I thought, an enema was in order. Lukas is staying the night and will hopefully deliver later today if he hasn't already though given his history with this issue I am not optimistic.

In the meantime, I've tidied the place and dealt with refuse. put together some pantry shelves for the hall closet food storage. almost caught up with correspondence, paid some bills and called Amazon about some items dented in shipping for which I am getting a refund. The laundry is done and I will mop and re-arrange later today. The front room needs some attention. I wish I could paint it, fix the gaps where the LVT has come away from the baseboards. find some slip covers for the Ikea that is old and chunky, locate more lighting and get rid of a no-longer-used computer and desk, fix the bench wall in my shower, re-do the kitchen sink and replace the windows. Since I can't, I'll content myself with cleaning the bathroom  and finishing my latest book. Entitled, The Julia Legacy. it is part of a genealogy series by Welsh author MK Jones.

Perhaps a few phone calls and a nap if I get the chance.

Happy weekend.