I have always tried to be a good steward to the animals in my care. I feel a heavy responsibility to tend to my critters, and have since I was a teenager, and began understanding that responsibility seriously.
When Wimpy died when I was in high school, only my father was emotionally supportive. Years, years later, my mother acknowledged her lack of support and her regret. When Mack died, I had lots of support, for which I will be eternally grateful.
I place the well being of my current critter family in high priority. But Sake was weaned when she came to live with me; she adapted well, and is pretty self reliant. She was more adult than kitten, even then.
Haiku had a hard start in life. She seemed to really appreciate the esteem with which I treat her, although Sake has dominated her, at least until Taki came, and the dynamics of our family changed. Haiku has learned to assert herself more, not totally, but more.
I reflect on Taki. Of course, I try to be a good steward for her, also. But sometimes, I think how very fragile her life was when I found her, and how very vulnerable she was to harm.
I have to wonder what a parent feels when they look at their fairly helpless child, and the overwhelming responsibility they feel. Children depend on their parents a lot longer than do cats or dogs. My heart swells at my responsibility. I can not explain it, but I know many of you out there understand.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Crazy Eights
It was 1:23 AM when I woke up this morning. And felt Taki making crazy eights diagonally across the bed. And when she scampered over me, I felt the full force of her claws. I tried to discourage her verbally: she knows the meaning of "no" and "stop." She did not take verbal direction and finally, I grabbed her, wrapped her in the sheet and held her. She was panting frantically. It took some minutes to calm her down.
I do not know what set her off: there are no bed bugs in our bed. I have battled ants in the house, but so far this summer, not in the bedroom. We do not have fleas. She may have been nipped by a stray insect, but I could not tell.
After the alarm went off this morning, she started in again. However, this time, she took verbal intervention, and stopped.
I have seen her hype herself before: she will nip at herself while rolling on the carpet, and cry while doing so. Very strange.
I feel bad. I wish I could help her.
She has been fine tonight.
I do not know what set her off: there are no bed bugs in our bed. I have battled ants in the house, but so far this summer, not in the bedroom. We do not have fleas. She may have been nipped by a stray insect, but I could not tell.
After the alarm went off this morning, she started in again. However, this time, she took verbal intervention, and stopped.
I have seen her hype herself before: she will nip at herself while rolling on the carpet, and cry while doing so. Very strange.
I feel bad. I wish I could help her.
She has been fine tonight.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
A Chance of Rain?
I believe the official National Weather Service prediction was that we had a 20% chance of rain today. When I left work today, shortly before 5 PM, the air was oppressively hot. There were storm clouds in the area.
I could see the virga. And the brown dust clouds mixed in with the grey clouds of potential storms. There were raindrops, but no real rainstorms. We had some lightning and thunder. But no real storms.
Looking at the local radar, there are potential storms in the area. I suspect that the moisture gets sucked out of the storm by the heat and dryness of the ground below. I am not sure that is scientific. But I believe it can happen.
I could see the virga. And the brown dust clouds mixed in with the grey clouds of potential storms. There were raindrops, but no real rainstorms. We had some lightning and thunder. But no real storms.
Looking at the local radar, there are potential storms in the area. I suspect that the moisture gets sucked out of the storm by the heat and dryness of the ground below. I am not sure that is scientific. But I believe it can happen.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Irene, the Hurricane
I spent a lot of time watching The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/ this past weekend. A major hurricane, Irene, went up the East Coast and into the Northeast.
I was impressed at all the precautions that the various government entities took. Much of it was centered around New York City, but of course, that is where the population concentration is. But every area hit by Irene had ample warning that this was a serious storm, and precautions needed to be taken.
After the hurricane became a tropical storm and the event seemed anti-climactic, the government entities emphasized the need to be cautious about flooding and power outages. Whether or not that was heeded, who knows.
The precautions that could be taken, were, I believe. I am not sure how anyone could have prepared for the flooding and damage from the flooding in the mountainous areas, except for maybe some sandbagging and evacuations.
The federal government jumped on the need to establish emergency recovery services. I am impressed by that.
I do not think that there was any overkill in the preparation phase of this natural disaster event. And, I see the emergency management agencies working to do what they need to, to help the victims of this storm.
I was impressed at all the precautions that the various government entities took. Much of it was centered around New York City, but of course, that is where the population concentration is. But every area hit by Irene had ample warning that this was a serious storm, and precautions needed to be taken.
After the hurricane became a tropical storm and the event seemed anti-climactic, the government entities emphasized the need to be cautious about flooding and power outages. Whether or not that was heeded, who knows.
The precautions that could be taken, were, I believe. I am not sure how anyone could have prepared for the flooding and damage from the flooding in the mountainous areas, except for maybe some sandbagging and evacuations.
The federal government jumped on the need to establish emergency recovery services. I am impressed by that.
I do not think that there was any overkill in the preparation phase of this natural disaster event. And, I see the emergency management agencies working to do what they need to, to help the victims of this storm.
The Secret Hiding Place
I found Taki's secret hiding place. There is a gap in my bed under the pillows, and Taki likes to get down into that area. Which makes sense: she appears miraculously on the bed. She likes to sit in that gap, with her head peeking out. Or, she lays down below the level of the mattress, and waits, as if to pounce. She also likes to play between the pillows.
She is very cute.
She is very cute.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Anthropomorphize
I am shamefully guilty of anthropomorphizing the behaviors of my cats. And before, them, of my dog.
I know many of my cats' hide outs, but not all of them, although I can guess. I suspect they use the hideouts to get some quiet time. Sometimes, when I am stirring about and talking to them, they come out from hiding, sometimes, they do not. Frequently, they appear as if out of nowhere, which is a little spooky. But nice.
The most recent enigma is the hiding spots for Taki. She is still so small, there are many nooks and crannies where she can hide. Tonight, I could not find her, and after looking around I orally made a comment that I wondered where she was. A few minutes later, I saw her on the bed (where she had not been when I previously looked.) I attributed her look to be very sad. Forlorn, Dejected.
Earlier, she had been sitting on me, and was doing very well until she started biting and I scolded her. And, finally I had to put her down, as she would not stop biting. That is when she disappeared. So, I can understand if she was a little sad. But, we reconciled.
I know many of my cats' hide outs, but not all of them, although I can guess. I suspect they use the hideouts to get some quiet time. Sometimes, when I am stirring about and talking to them, they come out from hiding, sometimes, they do not. Frequently, they appear as if out of nowhere, which is a little spooky. But nice.
The most recent enigma is the hiding spots for Taki. She is still so small, there are many nooks and crannies where she can hide. Tonight, I could not find her, and after looking around I orally made a comment that I wondered where she was. A few minutes later, I saw her on the bed (where she had not been when I previously looked.) I attributed her look to be very sad. Forlorn, Dejected.
Earlier, she had been sitting on me, and was doing very well until she started biting and I scolded her. And, finally I had to put her down, as she would not stop biting. That is when she disappeared. So, I can understand if she was a little sad. But, we reconciled.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Make Mine Milk
Taki is weaned. As with eating solid foods, which she started on her own, she weaned herself. At first, she would ask for milk almost daily after eating, but only drink a very little. Then, she asked for milk less frequently. It has probably been 2 or 3 weeks since she has asked for milk, but tonight, she specifically did. She comes to me and makes a specific cry.
I made 6 teaspoons of milk. She eagerly drank about half, and decided she had enough. Shortly thereafter, I found her sacked out on the bed. I wonder if she had a bad day today.
Sometimes, even at age almost 59, there are times when I would benefit from a hug from my mother or father. They have been deceased for years, after ill health, and their passing was tragic, sad, but something I knew was inevitable. It does not make their passing easier, or their absence easier. But, it is a reality with which I can live. I did not live near my parents for decades before their death. So, I did not have regular contact with them. Which made their passing a little easier. But still sad.
So, sometimes, I want a creature comfort. For me, I eat something, which is not healthy, adds weight, but helps me through...Tonight, Taki wanted a creature comfort, and asked for milk. I gave her some. When Sake or Haiku ask for something special, I try to give it to them, too.
I have visions of a 10 year old, 10 pound cat sitting on my lap sucking milk from a plastic medicine dropper.
I made 6 teaspoons of milk. She eagerly drank about half, and decided she had enough. Shortly thereafter, I found her sacked out on the bed. I wonder if she had a bad day today.
Sometimes, even at age almost 59, there are times when I would benefit from a hug from my mother or father. They have been deceased for years, after ill health, and their passing was tragic, sad, but something I knew was inevitable. It does not make their passing easier, or their absence easier. But, it is a reality with which I can live. I did not live near my parents for decades before their death. So, I did not have regular contact with them. Which made their passing a little easier. But still sad.
So, sometimes, I want a creature comfort. For me, I eat something, which is not healthy, adds weight, but helps me through...Tonight, Taki wanted a creature comfort, and asked for milk. I gave her some. When Sake or Haiku ask for something special, I try to give it to them, too.
I have visions of a 10 year old, 10 pound cat sitting on my lap sucking milk from a plastic medicine dropper.
Hurricane!
Tonight, a major hurricane, Irene, is making its way along the Eastern sea coast. The entire sea coast is on some kind of alert. All kinds of emergency alerts, procedures and evacuations have been ordered. There is a large amount of pre-emergency emergency preparedness and disaster relief coordination in effect.
Have we learned our lessons from Katrina and Ike? We can not prepare much for tornadoes, except to build storm shelters. We can not prepare for earthquakes, except to build earthquake sustainable structures. We can not get totally out of the way of hurricanes, but we can batten down the hatches, evacuate the vulnerable, close entities such as underground transportation vulnerable to flooding, evacuate susceptible skyscraper areas, put holds on outdoor activity, remove materials susceptible to the wind, and have plenty of emergency supplies on hand.
The East Coast is doing this. This is an expensive proposition, but the unprepared alternative will cost even more. I am thankful we have a government who understands its responsibility to protect the citizenry.
Have we learned our lessons from Katrina and Ike? We can not prepare much for tornadoes, except to build storm shelters. We can not prepare for earthquakes, except to build earthquake sustainable structures. We can not get totally out of the way of hurricanes, but we can batten down the hatches, evacuate the vulnerable, close entities such as underground transportation vulnerable to flooding, evacuate susceptible skyscraper areas, put holds on outdoor activity, remove materials susceptible to the wind, and have plenty of emergency supplies on hand.
The East Coast is doing this. This is an expensive proposition, but the unprepared alternative will cost even more. I am thankful we have a government who understands its responsibility to protect the citizenry.
Night Racing At Bristol, Tennessee
When I first started watching NASCAR racing, just about the only night race was at Bristol, Tennessee. The flash of the cars in the lights was exhilarating. It was so exciting! And it still is.
Bristol Motor Speedway http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/ is set in the northeast corner of Tennessee. It is called the tri-state area, as it is near Virginia and Kentucky, and there is a twin city of Bristol, Virginia. The area is also called Thunder Valley. I have been to see the racetrack: it is impressive to see the expanded highways around the track to manage the traffic. This has to be a financial gold mine for the area.
The racetrack has a store where race memorabilia can be purchased. The racetrack looks like a high walled bowl. It is a half mile race track, so you can imagine how quickly the laps pass during these races. Sometimes, they get bogged down by too many cautions. But there is a lot of action. Cars can make up multiple lost laps. There is a lot of bumping and bagging. And the finishes very often are action packed and close. Good racing.
Bristol Motor Speedway http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/ is set in the northeast corner of Tennessee. It is called the tri-state area, as it is near Virginia and Kentucky, and there is a twin city of Bristol, Virginia. The area is also called Thunder Valley. I have been to see the racetrack: it is impressive to see the expanded highways around the track to manage the traffic. This has to be a financial gold mine for the area.
The racetrack has a store where race memorabilia can be purchased. The racetrack looks like a high walled bowl. It is a half mile race track, so you can imagine how quickly the laps pass during these races. Sometimes, they get bogged down by too many cautions. But there is a lot of action. Cars can make up multiple lost laps. There is a lot of bumping and bagging. And the finishes very often are action packed and close. Good racing.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
My Watch Cats
I never know what to expect when I have people in the house, whether it be friends or repair persons. Today, the garage door repair service people showed up. I know the cats were confused. I came home from work about 2 hours early, but the cats seemed to think I should be feeding them, and of course, I did not. Their timing was off. So, when the repair personnel knocked on the door, all three cats scattered.
After the repair personnel left, Haiku came back out , and after she came out, Taki did, too. But Sake remained hidden until well after the repair persons left, and well after I fed the cats, which I waited to do until about the routine time.
Most recently, Sake has been the repair person "checker-outer" so I do not know why today, she hid. Hmmm.
After the repair personnel left, Haiku came back out , and after she came out, Taki did, too. But Sake remained hidden until well after the repair persons left, and well after I fed the cats, which I waited to do until about the routine time.
Most recently, Sake has been the repair person "checker-outer" so I do not know why today, she hid. Hmmm.
Listening to the Enemy
The Boston Red Sox have had a four game series against the Texas Rangers this week, so I have been able to watch a baseball game every night this week, on the Rangers Network. The Red Sox lost on Monday, but won Tuesday and Wednesday. The fourth game is in progress.
The Rangers announcers are always complimentary of the opposing team, when I watch a Red Sox or Yankee game. I would assume that polite recognition prevails no matter what opponent the Rangers face in Arlington. I like that. I know that is not true of the home town announcers of every team.
I always appreciate the announcers mentioning the gifts they receive, mostly food, while they are announcing. The gifts come from all over the state! Some are foods I recognize, and appreciate, too.
Sometimes, listening to the enemy is not as difficult as one might imagine.
The Rangers announcers are always complimentary of the opposing team, when I watch a Red Sox or Yankee game. I would assume that polite recognition prevails no matter what opponent the Rangers face in Arlington. I like that. I know that is not true of the home town announcers of every team.
I always appreciate the announcers mentioning the gifts they receive, mostly food, while they are announcing. The gifts come from all over the state! Some are foods I recognize, and appreciate, too.
Sometimes, listening to the enemy is not as difficult as one might imagine.
Rain?
We have a 10-20% chance of rain today. About 3 PM it started to cloud over. The clouds grew, and sometime before 5 PM, we had a 10 minute or so shower: it did not do much, but it dropped some moisture on the ground. Within 40 minutes the paved areas were dry, which is really typical for this part of the world, but maybe a little faster than usual.
When it rained, the temperature dropped about 8 degrees fairly quickly, but went back up after the rain ended. And, the air was very thick and humid. But the clouds have persisted, and the temperature has already dropped 10 degrees to 89°. So, maybe we will have a cooler night.
When it rained, the temperature dropped about 8 degrees fairly quickly, but went back up after the rain ended. And, the air was very thick and humid. But the clouds have persisted, and the temperature has already dropped 10 degrees to 89°. So, maybe we will have a cooler night.
One Very Loud Garage Door
I had not realized how loud the garage door opener had become. I have had, over the years, intermittent problems with it, because when I rented the house, one of my tenants had warped a rail with her truck. We bent it back but every once in a while, the bottom roller jumps the track, and I have to finagle the door down.
Well, that had happened some recently. And I thought nothing of it. I did notice, Tuesday night, that the garage door did not go all the way down. I decided that I have a day off coming up, and would call a garage door repair service to see if it could be fixed. So, Wednesday morning, the garage door did not want to stay down, and I finagled it to stay closed. The same thing happened Wednesday night. I was home early enough, I decided to call about service, and was able to set up a late afternoon appointment for today.
So, when I back out of the garage this morning, I was ready to finagle keeping the garage door down, and voilá the door dropped, and would not budge. I panicked for a minute, but remembered I had keys in my purse.
So, when I got home from work, I had to sort through the keys and let myself in the front doors. The cats were very confused about this.
The garage door people, Raider Garage Doors, were impressive. They came into the garage, scoped out the problem, and immediately, knew what to do. They noticed there were screws loose and missing on some of the hinges, and they tended to that. They fixed the bent rail, lubricated everything, and had the garage door opener fixed in about 40 minutes. The service fee was really reasonable.
I am amazed at how much quieter the garage door is. Wow!
Well, that had happened some recently. And I thought nothing of it. I did notice, Tuesday night, that the garage door did not go all the way down. I decided that I have a day off coming up, and would call a garage door repair service to see if it could be fixed. So, Wednesday morning, the garage door did not want to stay down, and I finagled it to stay closed. The same thing happened Wednesday night. I was home early enough, I decided to call about service, and was able to set up a late afternoon appointment for today.
So, when I back out of the garage this morning, I was ready to finagle keeping the garage door down, and voilá the door dropped, and would not budge. I panicked for a minute, but remembered I had keys in my purse.
So, when I got home from work, I had to sort through the keys and let myself in the front doors. The cats were very confused about this.
The garage door people, Raider Garage Doors, were impressive. They came into the garage, scoped out the problem, and immediately, knew what to do. They noticed there were screws loose and missing on some of the hinges, and they tended to that. They fixed the bent rail, lubricated everything, and had the garage door opener fixed in about 40 minutes. The service fee was really reasonable.
I am amazed at how much quieter the garage door is. Wow!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Rain in Lubbock
On August 11, 2011, we finally received some rain in Lubbock, after months of drought. The amount of rain was variable, depending upon where in the city it was monitored, but my rain gauge had 2.5 inches. Parts of the city experienced flash flooding.
The consequences of this rain include that my yard has greened up, and required mowing for the second time this year.
Another consequence is that the playa lakes are full or fuller, and therefore more attractive to birds in the area.
We need additional rain, but are grateful for what we received. Additionally, before the rain, we were in a pattern of 100° or plus temperatures. While the high temperatures have continued, they have not always been in the 100° range.
This is a difficult place to live in the summer. But, it is less difficult than the New Mexico and Arizona communities that are in deserts.
The consequences of this rain include that my yard has greened up, and required mowing for the second time this year.
Another consequence is that the playa lakes are full or fuller, and therefore more attractive to birds in the area.
We need additional rain, but are grateful for what we received. Additionally, before the rain, we were in a pattern of 100° or plus temperatures. While the high temperatures have continued, they have not always been in the 100° range.
This is a difficult place to live in the summer. But, it is less difficult than the New Mexico and Arizona communities that are in deserts.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Moon Over Lubbock
I was working out in the yard this morning, wanting to get the work done before the day became too hot. I looked up in the western sky, and saw the waning moon. It was about 10 AM. I always find it a little disconcerting to see the moon in the middle of the day. But it happens frequently.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Proofreading
I know myself well, and I know that I am not a careful proofreader. So, even though I try to remember to spell check when I blog, I try to go back the next day, and proofread my blog, to be sure it makes sense and the spelling is as good as I can get it.
Proofreading is an important part of writing, and one with which I just have trouble.
Proofreading is an important part of writing, and one with which I just have trouble.
Blogging Trend
Well, my blogging friend, I have a plan to try to blog daily, but I am not keeping up with my plan. I am keeping track of where I am at with my attempts, and know how far ahead or behind I am.
I was very, very behind in blogging when I went on vacation to Seattle. But while I was there, and after my return, I had lots of things about which to blog, and I actually "got ahead." I tried to stay even, but eventually my tired mind got the better of me, and I stopped blogging regularly.
Again..
I realize I will not "catch up" quickly, but I do have a goal to do so. Tonight I am 11 blogs down.
I was very, very behind in blogging when I went on vacation to Seattle. But while I was there, and after my return, I had lots of things about which to blog, and I actually "got ahead." I tried to stay even, but eventually my tired mind got the better of me, and I stopped blogging regularly.
Again..
I realize I will not "catch up" quickly, but I do have a goal to do so. Tonight I am 11 blogs down.
So Why Am I So Tired
So, I know why I am so tired. I have been working 9 hour days, and after I get home, I have a meeting, a wake, a reception, or a play to attend. Not all of these are stressful activities, but each takes its toll in a way I hate to admit, and wears me down. And of course, when I get in from these socializing events, I am not ready to fall asleep, feeling energized from the event. So I have been reading myself to sleep. So that seems contradictory, but really, it is not.
That brings me to another issue: I have been awakening at 4:43 AM every morning this week. I am able to return to sleep, but the interruption is, nevertheless, happening. Additionally, this morning, I realized that my alarm is going off well before 5:30 AM, because when I am hitting snooze, I am snoozing through 5:30 AM.
I am not sure I mind. I like being an early riser and getting a head start on my day that way. But if I do not compensate with early bed times, I do get worn out. Which is very different than the Joyce of my youth.
That brings me to another issue: I have been awakening at 4:43 AM every morning this week. I am able to return to sleep, but the interruption is, nevertheless, happening. Additionally, this morning, I realized that my alarm is going off well before 5:30 AM, because when I am hitting snooze, I am snoozing through 5:30 AM.
I am not sure I mind. I like being an early riser and getting a head start on my day that way. But if I do not compensate with early bed times, I do get worn out. Which is very different than the Joyce of my youth.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Time Warp
I know I have written about this before in Joyce's Jabberings, but it is appropriate to mention it again. I sometimes feel as if I am in a time warp. I have things to do and I do them at what I perceive to be the usual rate, but I have extra time on my hands when those things are done. Thus it happened this week at work, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I am trying to not work much overtime, so by Friday mid-afternoon, I had all the things done that I wanted to do, and my time plus in for the week, so I left work.
Although it was hot, it was not blast furnace hot, so I decided to do my weekly grocery shopping Friday afternoon, instead of waiting for the cool of Saturday morning. I had also decided to change the air filter in the Vue Saturday morning, but took care of this Friday night.
When I awoke, Saturday morning, I briefly contemplated going kayaking. It was a little breezy, but not bad. I decided to open the house to let the breeze in, which also let the humidity in, and to do house work. I had contemplated during the week that it was time to do much more than my regular weekly chores, so, I dispelled with the kayaking and did the house work. I took my time, but even so, it felt like I had much more time on my hands than I needed. And, as always, am pleased at how much better the house looks.
I ran some errands Saturday afternoon. I have been alternating between reading and playing on the computer since late afternoon. On the one hand, I love having this much time to myself. On the other hand, time seems to drag.
This is the time warp. I seem to have too much time on my hands. My days seem to be too long, and I get everything done and still have too much time left. I do not know if I am in a hypo manic state, or if something else is happening, or I am just being really, really efficient. Weird.
Although it was hot, it was not blast furnace hot, so I decided to do my weekly grocery shopping Friday afternoon, instead of waiting for the cool of Saturday morning. I had also decided to change the air filter in the Vue Saturday morning, but took care of this Friday night.
When I awoke, Saturday morning, I briefly contemplated going kayaking. It was a little breezy, but not bad. I decided to open the house to let the breeze in, which also let the humidity in, and to do house work. I had contemplated during the week that it was time to do much more than my regular weekly chores, so, I dispelled with the kayaking and did the house work. I took my time, but even so, it felt like I had much more time on my hands than I needed. And, as always, am pleased at how much better the house looks.
I ran some errands Saturday afternoon. I have been alternating between reading and playing on the computer since late afternoon. On the one hand, I love having this much time to myself. On the other hand, time seems to drag.
This is the time warp. I seem to have too much time on my hands. My days seem to be too long, and I get everything done and still have too much time left. I do not know if I am in a hypo manic state, or if something else is happening, or I am just being really, really efficient. Weird.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Minor Automotive Maintenance
Years ago, I was not intimidated by the under the hood stuff in my car. I could do minor maintenance activities. Certainly checking the oil level, and keeping fluid in a battery when that used to be necessary. Also, changing an air filter.
The under the hood aspect of the Vue is a little intimidating. I do know where to check the engine oil, and add it, if needed. I know where to add windshield washer, also. The owner's manual depicts things under the hood, but the diagrams are vague and not well labeled.
When Saturn was still in business, I used them for oil changes. The price was comparable to the quick change places, and it was not inconvenient. After Saturn went out of business, the local GM dealer that is the designated Saturn maintenance dealer offered a year's worth of free oil changes. So, I took advantage. Well, that has run out. I most recently had the oil changed at a local but very reputable quick change shop, Bolton Oil http://www.boltonoil.com/. This company owns several shops in town, and has been in business for years. I have used them for years, and have never been disappointed in their service and professionalism. Over the 20 or maybe 30 plus years I have used them off and on, I have had a problem with an oil leak after the oil change a time or two. I just go back, and they fix it. They, too are human and can make a mistake. But they make it right.
When you go to their shop, they offer you a drink, and check and fill the fluid levels, check the tire air pressure and fill tires as needed, and clean the windows: not all, but at least the front windshield, the rear windshield and the front windows.
This most recent trip, when they checked the air filter, they told me it could stand changing, but they did carry that filter, and it would not hurt the car to wait a while, if I could not get it changed. I decided I could change the air filter myself. I watched the technician take it out, and I realized there was some work involved but not undo able.
When the oil change was done, they made sure I reset the oil life sensors in my vehicle. I was impressed. The technician who serviced my car did not have to look up what kind of oil was recommended, and if he looked up how to reset the oil life sensor, I did not know it.
The other things I like about the Bolton's is that one of the Bolton executives is a female, and they have women service providers. And in one of their shops, they have a beautiful mural that depicts the changes in automotive service over the years. It is quite a mural!
So, I was once again impressed with the professionalism of the Bolton Oil Change service. It is nice to have a local business that is up to date and doing so well.
The under the hood aspect of the Vue is a little intimidating. I do know where to check the engine oil, and add it, if needed. I know where to add windshield washer, also. The owner's manual depicts things under the hood, but the diagrams are vague and not well labeled.
When Saturn was still in business, I used them for oil changes. The price was comparable to the quick change places, and it was not inconvenient. After Saturn went out of business, the local GM dealer that is the designated Saturn maintenance dealer offered a year's worth of free oil changes. So, I took advantage. Well, that has run out. I most recently had the oil changed at a local but very reputable quick change shop, Bolton Oil http://www.boltonoil.com/. This company owns several shops in town, and has been in business for years. I have used them for years, and have never been disappointed in their service and professionalism. Over the 20 or maybe 30 plus years I have used them off and on, I have had a problem with an oil leak after the oil change a time or two. I just go back, and they fix it. They, too are human and can make a mistake. But they make it right.
When you go to their shop, they offer you a drink, and check and fill the fluid levels, check the tire air pressure and fill tires as needed, and clean the windows: not all, but at least the front windshield, the rear windshield and the front windows.
This most recent trip, when they checked the air filter, they told me it could stand changing, but they did carry that filter, and it would not hurt the car to wait a while, if I could not get it changed. I decided I could change the air filter myself. I watched the technician take it out, and I realized there was some work involved but not undo able.
When the oil change was done, they made sure I reset the oil life sensors in my vehicle. I was impressed. The technician who serviced my car did not have to look up what kind of oil was recommended, and if he looked up how to reset the oil life sensor, I did not know it.
The other things I like about the Bolton's is that one of the Bolton executives is a female, and they have women service providers. And in one of their shops, they have a beautiful mural that depicts the changes in automotive service over the years. It is quite a mural!
So, I was once again impressed with the professionalism of the Bolton Oil Change service. It is nice to have a local business that is up to date and doing so well.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
One Squeaky Kitty
Taki has been very vocal about wanting milk while she has been weaning herself off being dropper fed with milk. Not every day does she want milk. And, of course, because I am more available on weekends, she asks during the days as well in the evenings.
Tonight there was a new behavior. Taki did not directly ask for help. She sat with me in the computer room, and rolled around, played at chewing on herself, and otherwise self groomed, occasionally issuing a squeak. But she did not approach me to ask for milk. Finally, I decided to offer her some milk.
Lately, I have been mixing up 6 tsps of milk. She drinks all but a smidgen. I began to wonder if she was leaving the last bit for "just in case." Tonight I made up 8 tsps of milk, and she drank about 6 tsps.
I have this vision of a 15 year old cat who occasionally squeaks for milk, and is dropper fed 6 tsps.
Tonight there was a new behavior. Taki did not directly ask for help. She sat with me in the computer room, and rolled around, played at chewing on herself, and otherwise self groomed, occasionally issuing a squeak. But she did not approach me to ask for milk. Finally, I decided to offer her some milk.
Lately, I have been mixing up 6 tsps of milk. She drinks all but a smidgen. I began to wonder if she was leaving the last bit for "just in case." Tonight I made up 8 tsps of milk, and she drank about 6 tsps.
I have this vision of a 15 year old cat who occasionally squeaks for milk, and is dropper fed 6 tsps.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Identity Confusion
I have really enjoyed reading the Wind River Reservation series of mysteries by Margaret Coel. They were really interesting, well written, provided some good historical information, and also provided some information about current day Wyoming and Colorado. From time to time, the setting included Denver.
I am now reading a new series by Sarah Andrews, and the protagonists is, in the second of the series, in Denver. I find it interesting that I am having a "time warp" and find myself relating back to the Wind River Reservation stories also set in Denver. I am not enjoying Sarah Andrews series as much as I enjoyed Margaret Coel's, but the stories are okay.
I am just really struggling with the "time warp."
I am now reading a new series by Sarah Andrews, and the protagonists is, in the second of the series, in Denver. I find it interesting that I am having a "time warp" and find myself relating back to the Wind River Reservation stories also set in Denver. I am not enjoying Sarah Andrews series as much as I enjoyed Margaret Coel's, but the stories are okay.
I am just really struggling with the "time warp."
Suffering the Heat
Much has been said about the extreme and persistent heat that has enveloped the south, southeast and southwest of the United States this year. There seems to be no relief. We on the South Plains of West Texas are used to hot summers, with evenings that cool off into the low 70s or even 60s, that give us relief. This year, that has not happened. Not only are we repeatedly seeing day time highs in the above 100s, but the evening temperatures are in the high 70s, and there is no natural relief.
We are admonished to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and find air conditioned options if we do not have air conditioning at home. Air conditioned options include malls, libraries, movie theaters, restaurants.
I work in a building in which one of the chillers is not working. Sometimes, I am in a comfortable environment, and sometimes, I am in an environment that is too cold. But, this year, sometimes, I am in a situation in which the air becomes too warm and stifling.
For me, one of the side effects of this heat is that, although I try to stay hydrated, my eyes feel dried out. I use eye drops to help, and they do. But the dry itchy feeling is uncomfortable.
My sleep is not generally affected by the heat: I am blessed that I can afford to air condition my house so it can be cool enough to offer me a good night's sleep.
But, I am still suffering the heat. I have limited watering my yard to keep my shrubs and trees alive. The grass near them responds positively. I do not go out in the evening, as I do not want to be in the oppressive heat any more than I have to. I try to remember to adjust my use of appliances to off peak times.
But, let us face it, we are in a heat emergency. My wish is that there will be some natural relief.
I have not addressed the drought. And, in this session, I will not.
We are admonished to wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and find air conditioned options if we do not have air conditioning at home. Air conditioned options include malls, libraries, movie theaters, restaurants.
I work in a building in which one of the chillers is not working. Sometimes, I am in a comfortable environment, and sometimes, I am in an environment that is too cold. But, this year, sometimes, I am in a situation in which the air becomes too warm and stifling.
For me, one of the side effects of this heat is that, although I try to stay hydrated, my eyes feel dried out. I use eye drops to help, and they do. But the dry itchy feeling is uncomfortable.
My sleep is not generally affected by the heat: I am blessed that I can afford to air condition my house so it can be cool enough to offer me a good night's sleep.
But, I am still suffering the heat. I have limited watering my yard to keep my shrubs and trees alive. The grass near them responds positively. I do not go out in the evening, as I do not want to be in the oppressive heat any more than I have to. I try to remember to adjust my use of appliances to off peak times.
But, let us face it, we are in a heat emergency. My wish is that there will be some natural relief.
I have not addressed the drought. And, in this session, I will not.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Grass Clippings, Deli Meat, and Canned Fish Flavored Cat Food
So I now live with three cats with three very different personalities and habits. Sake likes a part of a slice of deli meat with her meal. She likes Fancy Feast grilled foods, but the fish seems to cause her to vomit, so I think it is too rich for her.
Haiku likes human tuna and crunch treats, especially with sunflower seeds in them. If she wants human tuna, she sits in the kitchen. Usually she eats crunchy treats in the bedroom, away from Sake's bullying stare. Lately, I have been having to hold Taki until Haiku has finished eating, because she otherwise noses in, does not eat, but chases Haiku away. Haiku is ever patient, and will return. If Haiku wants tuna, I put some down for Taki, too. But she always wants to check out Haiku's. So I will have to start holding her when Haiku is eating tuna.
Taki will eat the turkey with dairy kitten food for several days in a row before she gets bored. Tonight, she took "genie bites" of kitten food, checked out the adult canned cat food and was off. She has twice asked for milk. She does not like the Science Diet kitten food. She does like canned cat food with fish in it, specifically salmon and shrimp, so I offered that to her, and she chowed down.
I do not have cat grass growing right now. I am bringing in grass clippings at each meal. Taki likes to dump the dish, gnaw and spread the grass on the ground. Sake just wants to chew on good grass. Tonight, I brought in a second set of clippings for her. That was obviously what she was aksing for.
Maybe by offereing so many choices to my cats, I am making them more finicky eaters. But I want them to eat well, and I know my desires or cravings vary from day to day, so why should theirs be constant.
When I am home for the weekends, I get a lot of requests for different food throughout the day. But, aside from treats, I try to hold the line. When I am at work, the food requesting opportunities are fewer and easier for me to manage.
Haiku likes human tuna and crunch treats, especially with sunflower seeds in them. If she wants human tuna, she sits in the kitchen. Usually she eats crunchy treats in the bedroom, away from Sake's bullying stare. Lately, I have been having to hold Taki until Haiku has finished eating, because she otherwise noses in, does not eat, but chases Haiku away. Haiku is ever patient, and will return. If Haiku wants tuna, I put some down for Taki, too. But she always wants to check out Haiku's. So I will have to start holding her when Haiku is eating tuna.
Taki will eat the turkey with dairy kitten food for several days in a row before she gets bored. Tonight, she took "genie bites" of kitten food, checked out the adult canned cat food and was off. She has twice asked for milk. She does not like the Science Diet kitten food. She does like canned cat food with fish in it, specifically salmon and shrimp, so I offered that to her, and she chowed down.
I do not have cat grass growing right now. I am bringing in grass clippings at each meal. Taki likes to dump the dish, gnaw and spread the grass on the ground. Sake just wants to chew on good grass. Tonight, I brought in a second set of clippings for her. That was obviously what she was aksing for.
Maybe by offereing so many choices to my cats, I am making them more finicky eaters. But I want them to eat well, and I know my desires or cravings vary from day to day, so why should theirs be constant.
When I am home for the weekends, I get a lot of requests for different food throughout the day. But, aside from treats, I try to hold the line. When I am at work, the food requesting opportunities are fewer and easier for me to manage.
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