Hottest Day in Tampa History...

 The one hundred degree temperature recorded Sunday marks the highest temperature in Tampa's history, according to meteorologists. I've never seen this in all of my time here, and I've been here off and on for almost fifty years.

I feel for those needing to be outside for any reason and hope that this does not signal the coming of horrible storms for the remainder of hurricane season. 

Like the politics here, the heat is also oppressive and, though I lived near the equator from infancy through the end of high school, the average daily temperature never soared to one hundred. 

Several of my regular commenters have stated that they are heat sensitive. This can happen during pregnancy, the onset of menopause or because of various health conditions and lack of fitness. Acute conditions such as heat stroke are important to understand as is the need for proper hydration, particularly in hot, humid climates.

For myself, this has meant keeping track of my liquid intake, avoiding caffeine and diuretics such as coffee, and eating lighter meals that do not overheat my small apartment and its single-paned glass. I did notice that Mercy felt a bit more heated than usual after spending time on the sill in the front room. She gets plenty of hydration and additional lickable treats.

Have a great evening and thanks for stopping by.

A Quiet Anniversary

 Yesterday I quietly observed the second anniversary of Lukas's passing. He came into my life seven years ago as a senior. His charm and loving disposition have never been rivalled and I adored him from the start.

A myriad of health problems plagued him. Thyroid, eyes and vision, osteoarthritis, heart murmur, high blood pressure, and kidney disease the issue that finally ended his life. Initially healthy enough to complete the 131 radiation treatment for his thyroid and get needed dental extractions and cleaning, I assumed incorrectly that he and I had many happy years ahead. Five is such a small number, but looking back, I'd not trade a day of my time on the Lukas adventure.

A stray taken in by another client of my veterinary hospital, an all cat practice, Lukas needed re-homing after sustaining an injury inflicted by a resident cat at his home. The vet called and inquired about my interest in adopting Lukas and I agreed to a meet and greet. Lukas hid the entire time, leaving me uncertain about a match. Luckily for Lukas, I'm persistent and patient. Equally lucky for me, my efforts inspired devotion, a balm after losing Jacob the year before.

I still miss Lukas and his gentle presence. Mercy and I spent the day playing and I made several quarts of minestrone in an effort to use up some fridge and pantry items. No anchovies harmed in the making of this soup!

Anyone for...Anchovies?

 So, I'm parked in front of the side counter in my kitchen. Garlic, herbs and tomatoes gently bubbling in a bit of olive oil...I glance around and realize I've forgotten something...the anchovies. Retrieving them from the hall pantry, I return to the same spot in the kitchen, park my chair and give the sauce a stir. As I pop the anchovies open, I feel a tug on my shoulder and discover that Mercy has climbed up the back of my chair, ever curious about my activities.

Before I can blink, my calico girl, notoriously suspicious of any food other than her favorite kibble, has her head in the anchovies, and and is smelling and licking mightily...

The tin and remaining bits of fish get knocked to the floor, as she hurriedly jumps off my lap. I grab the tin, attempting to clear up the oily mess to a chorus of frustrated cries...

The only experience I have regarding this behavior came the day I opened sardines and my elderly ginger cat, Lukas, yowled so piteously

I thought the neighbors might report me for animal abuse. He did calm himself and unlike Mercy, did not scale either chair or person to get to the object of his desire...

Just for grins and giggles, do you think there is a video on YouTube entitled, Cooking and your Cat? 

Perhaps a first for the Food channel...

Rainy evening and anniversary

 Another hot and rainy day has come to a close. This day in 1998 marked my mother's final sleep before being found deceased the next morning by a friend scheduled to take her for a chemotherapy appointment. She, riddled through by cancer, died peacefully in bed, alone, something I've seen as merciful. She died at 59.

Each year, I do something in her memory though at this point, I'm hard pressed for an idea...

Perhaps a single candle and some photos to stir ideas...

Have a good evening...

Horse Stories

 A county flood advisory is in effect here though no rain has fallen since last night. My internet ceased  for short periods last evening due to thunder and lightening and more storms are expected in the next couple of days. Eighty feels a bit balmy compared to the mid-nineties. 

Other than the normal chores, I've been resting and reading and entertaining Mercy. She has been glued to me since my return from the E-R Friday night. The true stories of horses, their lives and adventures among those that love or care for them, have interested me since girlhood and the books of American author, Elizabeth Letts, do not disappoint.

The Perfect Horse details the fate of Lippizaner stallions taken during World War II  from Spanish Riding School by the Nazis and the American rescue mission that preserved them. Horse history buffs should enjoy this.

The Ride of Her Life delves into the life of an older Mainer dubbed "Jackass Annie" by others in her hamlet of Minot, Maine, and her journey, saddled or on foot, from Maine to California, accompanied by horses and her dog. All of them shared a great bond. Her story captured 1950's media and the hearts of its readers. The book also explores changes such as the rise of car culture, the development and impact of the interstate system and the coming of television. 

A third book by this author, entitled, The Eighty Dollar Champion, captures the life of horseman, teacher and immigrant Harry de Leyer and his champion farm horse, saved from the knacker's truck and intended as lesson horse for a girl's school. As in all of her previous books, this one is about much more. I leave those discoveries to you. 

Life can change on a dime...Update

 As I learned yet again in the E-R last evening. Accompanied there by a close friend after a night and day of sudden and copious bleeding that included large clots and a lot of mess, I endured probing, prodding and IV fluids. I am not anemic yet but need to find a decent GYN and get a biopsy to determine if I have cancer and need a divorce from parts of my female anatomy. ASAP. I did not see this coming. In the interim, I have medication to stem the tide and a little time to make medical appointments. Communications may be spotty, forgive the pun and thanks for understanding.

Mercy has been distressed at the sudden comings and goings, and I am very tired,  so plans include napping and a lot of cuddling as things get sorted.

Update:

I finally got through to the scheduler for a large GYN practice here and set up an appointment for a consultation August 8. The scheduler asked me to see a PA or Nurse but I insisted on an actual doctor. This isn't as soon as I preferred, nor is it the original doctor requested but it is the soonest available and she has access to the hospital I visited on Friday. I'll be making more calls if our coming storms don't interfere, in the next day or so. 

Thanks for all of your kind comments, they are appreciated!

Have a great day!

Things...

 Today has been dark and very rainy and more is to come. The little girl and I are having an early-to-bed night as she got us up at 4 AM and groceries came about 75 minutes later, then our pet sitter arrived at 9 AM for Mercy's monthly pedicure and preventative medication. Since I had turned in around midnight, four hours of sleep and no nap is simply not enough for me. 

Apart from this, some hard conversations regarding desires and final arrangements have occurred among friends that have me re-considering and updating mine. A lifelong friend paid me the compliment of  telling me that she felt a tremendous relief to be able to discuss the subject as so many people are put off by it to the point that they brook no serious consideration of it at all.

Moving on, I hope those of you celebrating the fourth enjoy it. The homebodies here plan to stay out of the rain, do some cooking and finish a book. Happy belated Canada Day to our northern neighbors.

Cheers