I have two padlocks that I use on the outside gates. They are keyed alike. I have a particular storage spot for the keys. I have two keys, too. Every time I get the keys out, I tell myself that I should separate them, in case I cannot find one.
Well, I used the keys this weekend, and was pretty sure, but not a hundred per cent sure, that I returned the keys to the house. Well, when I tried to find them today, I could not. I spent about 30 minutes looking, but then had to go out, to do some errands before places closed.
Himmm. I was a little unsettled. I have a bolt cutter. So, I could cut the padlocks off the gates and start over if I needed to.
I decided that I would spend the week looking for the keys, and haul my trash to the dumpster the long way. Because that is the biggest reason I go out the back gate.
Then, as I was doing chores around the house, I remembered additional places to look for keys. And, guess what. They were right where I left them.
Guess what, after all this time, I finally separated the keys, so if I lose one, I will have a back up!
Sunday, November 30, 2014
A Knitting Project
So, I have a knitting project that I needed to complete this weekend. I was able to start it Thursday night, and worked on it intermittently throughout the day. I finished it Saturday.
The hardest part of doing knitting projects has been dealing with Taki, who thinks that the yarn, the knitting needles, or anything else involved with knitting project is fair game. However, Taki behaved appropriately. For a large part of the day she ignored me knitting. That helped.
The hardest part of doing knitting projects has been dealing with Taki, who thinks that the yarn, the knitting needles, or anything else involved with knitting project is fair game. However, Taki behaved appropriately. For a large part of the day she ignored me knitting. That helped.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Sake Continues to Eat Well
Today, Sake continues to eat well: Hard treats and ground chicken. It is what I have to do to get her to eat, and I am willing to do what I have to do. I am just thankful she is eating well.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Knitting
So, I started a knitting project last night. It is a black yarn knitting project While it is a pattern I know well, I still have to pay attention to how to do it. I picked it up today, and saw that I had to undo about 6 rows because I had made a mistake. This project only has 36 stitches per row, so that is not so bad. But I am distressed by this.
Part of the problem is that because this is a black yarn project, it is difficult for me to see the stitches to verify I am doing the project correctly. This is frustrating to me, but I realize it is a function of my age and diminished eye sight. I can work this project under optimal light conditions, with no problem.
Part of the problem is that because this is a black yarn project, it is difficult for me to see the stitches to verify I am doing the project correctly. This is frustrating to me, but I realize it is a function of my age and diminished eye sight. I can work this project under optimal light conditions, with no problem.
So, I Am Embarrassed and Ashamed
All this time I have been struggling to get Sake to eat. I give her finely cut up boiled chicken, and sometimes finely cut up sauteéd in butter boiled chicken. I give her Fancy Feast Appetizers https://www.fancyfeast.com/gourmet-cat-products/appetizers. I give her baby food chicken, ham or beef. I give her mashed chicken and beef liver.
A few days ago, I thought about using the meat grinder to grind the boiled chicken, since she still was not eating well. She ate that chicken. I ground up several servings of chicken, and put it in a plastic container, but obviously it dried out, because she did not want it the second time I offered it to her.
However, I have since ground up chicken at each meal time, and she will eat it. Today, I have been cooking a turkey, and it must of smelled good to her, although, in the last few years she has not liked turkey (there was a time that she really, really liked turkey.) Any way, she groused around the kitchen several times today. I gave her freshly ground chicken three times today, and she ate well three times today.
Grinding the chicken does not take long. What takes long is cleaning the meat grinder afterwards. I can do this, if she will eat well.
A few days ago, I thought about using the meat grinder to grind the boiled chicken, since she still was not eating well. She ate that chicken. I ground up several servings of chicken, and put it in a plastic container, but obviously it dried out, because she did not want it the second time I offered it to her.
However, I have since ground up chicken at each meal time, and she will eat it. Today, I have been cooking a turkey, and it must of smelled good to her, although, in the last few years she has not liked turkey (there was a time that she really, really liked turkey.) Any way, she groused around the kitchen several times today. I gave her freshly ground chicken three times today, and she ate well three times today.
Grinding the chicken does not take long. What takes long is cleaning the meat grinder afterwards. I can do this, if she will eat well.
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Recipe Lost
I have a cornbread dressing recipe that I have had for more than 30 years. I can visualize, written on an index card, in the handwriting of the co-worker who gave it to me. It is a fairly simple recipe. And, I have used it, sometimes more than once a year. Some years, though, I do other things.
My employer, last year, gave out gift certificates for turkeys, and I did not redeem mine until this month. So, I am cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. And, I am making cornbread dressing. I was a little unhappy tonight when I could not find the recipe card, but decided it did not matter. I know what I am doing and how to make this dressing. I know the recipe card is somewhere, I just did not go through every piece of paper I have to look for it.
My dressing will be fine.
My employer, last year, gave out gift certificates for turkeys, and I did not redeem mine until this month. So, I am cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving. And, I am making cornbread dressing. I was a little unhappy tonight when I could not find the recipe card, but decided it did not matter. I know what I am doing and how to make this dressing. I know the recipe card is somewhere, I just did not go through every piece of paper I have to look for it.
My dressing will be fine.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Banished!
I like to knit. I have knitted since I was a young girl. I finished my first real project, though, when I completed an afghan, which I still have. I was in high school. The afghan was small squares sewn together. It is very warm, but mostly it stays in a trunk. I am not sure why. I should use it.
I have knitted a lot of other things over the years: mittens, ponchos, scarves, funnels, sweaters, afghans, baby blankets, baby ensembles, mittens, boots, hats, dog sweaters, bathroom ensembles and I am not sure what else.
When I worked at Catholic Family Service in Lubbock, so many years ago, the director and I were talking about my habit of either taking copious notes at staff meetings, or doodling. I told her it helped me to concentrate if my hands were busy, and at home, watching TV or listening to music, I often knitted. She invited me to bring my knitting to staff meetings, if it would help, understanding that the brain could still concentrate, and even concentrate better, if the hands were busy.
That stared me taking my knitting to conferences, seminars and workshops. I know it disconcerts some speakers. One speaker even made a comment about it during the presentation. I usually try to tell speakers I am not trying to be disrespectful, but it helps me to focus. They seem to understand. I still do that.
There was a time in my life when I stopped knitting: knitting hurt my shoulders and cramped my hands. I missed knitting. I got some "hand aid" gloves http://www.amazon.com/Thergonomic-Hand-Aids-Support-Gloves-Extra/dp/B000B836NO more than 20 years ago, and started knitting again. (I still have these gloves, and wear them when I am doing marathon knitting.) I also realized that I had to drop and relax my shoulders when I knitted. I was in business again.
Now I have three cats. The oldest cat, Sake, never was interested in my knitting, really. She might grab at the yarn, but was easily dissuaded that it was not a toy. The middle cat, Haiku, likes the moving yarn, but can be directed away from the yarn.
The youngest cat, Taki, is barely educable, and knitting is not one of the things I have been able to educate her about. I miss knitting. I have several projects started, and only work on them when I can be comfortably outside, or at a workshop, park event, or away from the house. I have tried putting the youngest cat in time out, but the lesson lasts for a week or so, and then we are back to struggling about whose yarn is this. I hate to keep putting her in time out.
Some time ago, I decided I could close myself in the computer room, while I was watching TV or listening to music, and knit. I never implemented the plan until tonight. I did not close the door to the computer room all the way. Eventually Taki and Haiku made their way into the room. Haiku wanted to play with the yarn, but was dissuaded easily. Taki was not. I told her several times a loud and ferocious "No." She did not seem to understand. I told her I would banish her from the computer room if she interfered with the knitting. Of course, I did not expect her to understand. Every time she came at the yarn, I re-directed. This occurred over 40 minutes or so. By the end of this time, she did not still "get it" but she was less insistent on attacking and playing with the yarn.
The Thanksgiving weekend is a great time for me to work on knitting projects: I like to watch the Macy's Parade, the Lady Raiders play a basketball tournament of two or three games that I can listen to on the radio, and who knows what else is going to happen.
I am going to use my new knitting strategy: Banishment from the computer room, unless the kitty can behave.
I have knitted a lot of other things over the years: mittens, ponchos, scarves, funnels, sweaters, afghans, baby blankets, baby ensembles, mittens, boots, hats, dog sweaters, bathroom ensembles and I am not sure what else.
When I worked at Catholic Family Service in Lubbock, so many years ago, the director and I were talking about my habit of either taking copious notes at staff meetings, or doodling. I told her it helped me to concentrate if my hands were busy, and at home, watching TV or listening to music, I often knitted. She invited me to bring my knitting to staff meetings, if it would help, understanding that the brain could still concentrate, and even concentrate better, if the hands were busy.
That stared me taking my knitting to conferences, seminars and workshops. I know it disconcerts some speakers. One speaker even made a comment about it during the presentation. I usually try to tell speakers I am not trying to be disrespectful, but it helps me to focus. They seem to understand. I still do that.
There was a time in my life when I stopped knitting: knitting hurt my shoulders and cramped my hands. I missed knitting. I got some "hand aid" gloves http://www.amazon.com/Thergonomic-Hand-Aids-Support-Gloves-Extra/dp/B000B836NO more than 20 years ago, and started knitting again. (I still have these gloves, and wear them when I am doing marathon knitting.) I also realized that I had to drop and relax my shoulders when I knitted. I was in business again.
Now I have three cats. The oldest cat, Sake, never was interested in my knitting, really. She might grab at the yarn, but was easily dissuaded that it was not a toy. The middle cat, Haiku, likes the moving yarn, but can be directed away from the yarn.
The youngest cat, Taki, is barely educable, and knitting is not one of the things I have been able to educate her about. I miss knitting. I have several projects started, and only work on them when I can be comfortably outside, or at a workshop, park event, or away from the house. I have tried putting the youngest cat in time out, but the lesson lasts for a week or so, and then we are back to struggling about whose yarn is this. I hate to keep putting her in time out.
Some time ago, I decided I could close myself in the computer room, while I was watching TV or listening to music, and knit. I never implemented the plan until tonight. I did not close the door to the computer room all the way. Eventually Taki and Haiku made their way into the room. Haiku wanted to play with the yarn, but was dissuaded easily. Taki was not. I told her several times a loud and ferocious "No." She did not seem to understand. I told her I would banish her from the computer room if she interfered with the knitting. Of course, I did not expect her to understand. Every time she came at the yarn, I re-directed. This occurred over 40 minutes or so. By the end of this time, she did not still "get it" but she was less insistent on attacking and playing with the yarn.
The Thanksgiving weekend is a great time for me to work on knitting projects: I like to watch the Macy's Parade, the Lady Raiders play a basketball tournament of two or three games that I can listen to on the radio, and who knows what else is going to happen.
I am going to use my new knitting strategy: Banishment from the computer room, unless the kitty can behave.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Another Trip to the Vet for Sake
So, I brought Sake to the vet today: she never started eating well since her last injection, but she ate. Until Sunday. She woke me up early, wanted breakfast, but no matter how many options I tried Sunday, she did not eat.
She was not happy about going to the vet. We did get her to hiss so the vet could look at her mouth. They gave her two injections: an increased amount of corticosteroid, and a Vitamin B12 injection. She did not even react to the first injection, but she protested when the vet tried to find a muscle for the second injection. Eventually, she was restrained and the injection was given. She did not react to the second injection.
She was very upset today. But, I know she is already feeling better. She moved into the living room for a while tonight. In the past, she has liked laying on the afghans I have on the sofa. However, most recently, her world has been restricted to the garage, the kitchen and the dining room. Oh, she goes to other parts of the house, but briefly and restlessly. Tonight she spent some time just laying on the afghan that was draped from the sofa onto the floor. That is a good sign.
She was not happy about going to the vet. We did get her to hiss so the vet could look at her mouth. They gave her two injections: an increased amount of corticosteroid, and a Vitamin B12 injection. She did not even react to the first injection, but she protested when the vet tried to find a muscle for the second injection. Eventually, she was restrained and the injection was given. She did not react to the second injection.
She was very upset today. But, I know she is already feeling better. She moved into the living room for a while tonight. In the past, she has liked laying on the afghans I have on the sofa. However, most recently, her world has been restricted to the garage, the kitchen and the dining room. Oh, she goes to other parts of the house, but briefly and restlessly. Tonight she spent some time just laying on the afghan that was draped from the sofa onto the floor. That is a good sign.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Going To Bed Warm
It was a lesson I learned from my best friend from some 40 years ago, when we took a cross country trip and went to the Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Estes Park. It was a really good trip.
Early on my friend said we needed to be in our sleeping bags before we got cold at night. She was right, and we did that after the first night we got so cold. Our sleeping bags were warm, and we were generally comfortable.
Well, this month, with the cold weather, and the programmed thermostat, I have not always gone to bed before I got cold. After I realized my mistake, I have been better. Some nights, I sleep on the recliner under a couple of afghans, since I read until I am ready to go to sleep. It is actually comfortable. And I stay warm. I just do not hear the alarm in the morning.
Either way, I am warm before the house cools off, and I sleep better.
Early on my friend said we needed to be in our sleeping bags before we got cold at night. She was right, and we did that after the first night we got so cold. Our sleeping bags were warm, and we were generally comfortable.
Well, this month, with the cold weather, and the programmed thermostat, I have not always gone to bed before I got cold. After I realized my mistake, I have been better. Some nights, I sleep on the recliner under a couple of afghans, since I read until I am ready to go to sleep. It is actually comfortable. And I stay warm. I just do not hear the alarm in the morning.
Either way, I am warm before the house cools off, and I sleep better.
A Front Blew In
We have had early winter weather already: a polar vortex, freezing rain and snow bad enough to delay work opening by two hours, and today, another front blew in. It was almost mild this morning, but windy, and the wind shifted direction, coming from the north, and increased as the day wore on. A cold front was scheduled to blow in this afternoon, and guess what, it did.
My house is snug enough. The thing about the wind is I hear it on the roof. I am not sure why, but I do. And I heard it today.
My house is snug enough. The thing about the wind is I hear it on the roof. I am not sure why, but I do. And I heard it today.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
A Sports Weekend
Friday night, I went to the Texas Tech Lady Raider http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/sched/text-w-baskbl-sched.html basketball game against Arizona http://www.arizonaathletics.com/. Texas Tech won, but it was a close game.
Today, the Texas Tech Football team http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/text-m-footbl-sched.html played Iowa State http://www.cyclones.com/ and won. I watched it on TV It was also a close game. Tech won.
Tonight, the Texas Tech Red Raider basketball team http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-baskbl/text-m-baskbl-body.html is playing Missouri State University http://www.missouristatebears.com/sports/m-baskbl/mosu-m-baskbl-body.html in Lubbock. I guess I could have gone to the game, but I am watching it on TV.
Sunday, the Lady Raiders are playing Morgan State http://www.morganstatebears.com/index.aspx?path=wbasket. I plan to attend the game.
Additionally, the Texas Tech Lady Raider Soccer team has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/soccer-women/d1 of the national tournament. They will be playing Sunday, also.
It is a sports weekend. Go Tech!
Today, the Texas Tech Football team http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/text-m-footbl-sched.html played Iowa State http://www.cyclones.com/ and won. I watched it on TV It was also a close game. Tech won.
Tonight, the Texas Tech Red Raider basketball team http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-baskbl/text-m-baskbl-body.html is playing Missouri State University http://www.missouristatebears.com/sports/m-baskbl/mosu-m-baskbl-body.html in Lubbock. I guess I could have gone to the game, but I am watching it on TV.
Sunday, the Lady Raiders are playing Morgan State http://www.morganstatebears.com/index.aspx?path=wbasket. I plan to attend the game.
Additionally, the Texas Tech Lady Raider Soccer team has advanced to the Sweet Sixteen http://www.ncaa.com/interactive-bracket/soccer-women/d1 of the national tournament. They will be playing Sunday, also.
It is a sports weekend. Go Tech!
My Cold Kitty
The other night, I moved to the sofa to read to help me to get drowsy before going to bed. If I am not at almost asleep drowsy, and go to bed, I might as well be up dancing. My brain just keeps working. So, I covered up with a couple of afghans, and Haiku climbed onto my lap. The next thing I knew, I was awake, and thinking that I needed to go to bed so I could hear the alarm when it went off. Except it was well after the time the alarm goes off. I do not hear the alarm in the living room. Amazingly, Haiku was on my lap still. If I sleep on the reclining sofa, I am not restless, and I think Haiku must of spent the night snuggled with me.
Haiku and Taki like to sleep in bed with me, but all of my life I have been a restless sleeper, and they are chased away by my tossing, turning, flailing and what have you. When I had the water bed, Mack would sleep up against my back, and that kept me calm. But the nights he did not lay against my back, I was a fearless floundering body in bed.
I have a programmable thermostat, and now have it set to 65° after midnight. By the time midnight rolled around, I was still at the computer doing odds and ends. It had started to cool down in the house, and Haiku, who does not like the house to be cool, was complaining.
In the recent past, I have run a space heater in the computer room, and she has settled in the extra chair nicely. But tonight, I had the heating pad on my back. So, Haiku was not getting the benefit of the warmth. I turned off the heating pad, and turned on the space heater, and voilá, Haiku is happy. She is now snuggled on her chair.
Because I am not ready for bed, I will once again move to the sofa, and expect Haiku to follow me.
Haiku and Taki like to sleep in bed with me, but all of my life I have been a restless sleeper, and they are chased away by my tossing, turning, flailing and what have you. When I had the water bed, Mack would sleep up against my back, and that kept me calm. But the nights he did not lay against my back, I was a fearless floundering body in bed.
I have a programmable thermostat, and now have it set to 65° after midnight. By the time midnight rolled around, I was still at the computer doing odds and ends. It had started to cool down in the house, and Haiku, who does not like the house to be cool, was complaining.
In the recent past, I have run a space heater in the computer room, and she has settled in the extra chair nicely. But tonight, I had the heating pad on my back. So, Haiku was not getting the benefit of the warmth. I turned off the heating pad, and turned on the space heater, and voilá, Haiku is happy. She is now snuggled on her chair.
Because I am not ready for bed, I will once again move to the sofa, and expect Haiku to follow me.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Sake Eating
I have not been able to tell if Sake is eating or not, since Saturday. The trick of sautéing chicken in butter did not work for very long. I do not see Sake eat, but her food disappears. A couple of times, I have happened into the kitchen and seen her working on hard, dry food, eschewing the soft, moist food I have put out for her. But she spooks, and that is that.
Tonight, I cooked a chicken pot pie. Sake was definitely interested, but when I put some gravy and chicken in a dish for her, she decided she did not want it. She acted hungry, checked out the food I put out, but did not eat.
However, tonight was boiled chicken night: I have been boiling a chicken, cutting it into pieces and freezing the pieces, thawing them to offer to Sake. Well, this last go round, except for the butter sautéed chicken, she lost interest after a couple of pieces. Since she was not interested,I wonder if the chicken tastes old or dried out to her (it seems fine to me, I eat it, too). Well, she did not eat tonight...
Until I put out some freshly cooked chicken. She ate two big helpings of the chicken. So, after this time, my next strategy will be to buy chicken in bulk (as I have been), freezing it in pieces, and cooking the pieces separately. If this does not work, I will buy fresh chicken as we go, which will be much more expensive, but if I can get Sake to eat, I will do what I have to do.
Tonight, I cooked a chicken pot pie. Sake was definitely interested, but when I put some gravy and chicken in a dish for her, she decided she did not want it. She acted hungry, checked out the food I put out, but did not eat.
However, tonight was boiled chicken night: I have been boiling a chicken, cutting it into pieces and freezing the pieces, thawing them to offer to Sake. Well, this last go round, except for the butter sautéed chicken, she lost interest after a couple of pieces. Since she was not interested,I wonder if the chicken tastes old or dried out to her (it seems fine to me, I eat it, too). Well, she did not eat tonight...
Until I put out some freshly cooked chicken. She ate two big helpings of the chicken. So, after this time, my next strategy will be to buy chicken in bulk (as I have been), freezing it in pieces, and cooking the pieces separately. If this does not work, I will buy fresh chicken as we go, which will be much more expensive, but if I can get Sake to eat, I will do what I have to do.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
I Stay Up Too Late
I stay up too late at night. It is not necessarily because I want to, but it is because my brain is too active. I may not be thinking about anything that is earth-shattering, depressing, upsetting, or exciting. I am just thinking about things. It might have to do with work, or a volunteer project, or the cats. It might have to do with something I am reading, or have read. It might be nothing. It might be a memory from the past or a hope for the future.
Tonight, I am not sleepy, and there was nothing on TV to watch. I could have started reading, but started working on a couple of other projects at the desk, where the computer is. So, that has kept me going.
Here it is after 1 AM and my mind is still pinging and winging, thinking of this and that. I feel like I am beginning to wind down.
I used to be able to read in bed, but with my back problem, sometimes, that aggravates the pain in my back, and it is touch and go. (It is a posture thing.) Sometimes, I read on the reclining sofa, and spend the night there. The sleep is not as restful as if I am in bed, but it is not bad. But I do not hear the alarm, and sleep through it.
Sometimes, it gets so late, and I just drop. I fall asleep at the computer desk or the sofa. But these are not restful nights, and usually, my eyeglasses have slipped off, and I have to hunt them down in the morning.
Well, tonight is one of those nights. In the morning, I have a 9 AM meeting at work, but am basically prepared for it, but still need to get to work at a reasonable time. I went to a Lady Raider Basketball game, and am still a little wired after that experience, 4 hours later. But I am not sure that is all the reason I am so wired.
I will crash soon, I hope.
Tonight, I am not sleepy, and there was nothing on TV to watch. I could have started reading, but started working on a couple of other projects at the desk, where the computer is. So, that has kept me going.
Here it is after 1 AM and my mind is still pinging and winging, thinking of this and that. I feel like I am beginning to wind down.
I used to be able to read in bed, but with my back problem, sometimes, that aggravates the pain in my back, and it is touch and go. (It is a posture thing.) Sometimes, I read on the reclining sofa, and spend the night there. The sleep is not as restful as if I am in bed, but it is not bad. But I do not hear the alarm, and sleep through it.
Sometimes, it gets so late, and I just drop. I fall asleep at the computer desk or the sofa. But these are not restful nights, and usually, my eyeglasses have slipped off, and I have to hunt them down in the morning.
Well, tonight is one of those nights. In the morning, I have a 9 AM meeting at work, but am basically prepared for it, but still need to get to work at a reasonable time. I went to a Lady Raider Basketball game, and am still a little wired after that experience, 4 hours later. But I am not sure that is all the reason I am so wired.
I will crash soon, I hope.
Social Life, What Social Life, I Don't Have a Social Life...
I engage in activities for two reasons: they are activities I enjoy, or I am wanting to be social. Mostly, I engage in activities I enjoy, and if I know someone else who also enjoys that activity, we might share it. But, just as often, I go it alone. It is easier on me. I can set my own schedule, and I can be involved in the activity instead of having to socialize with someone and miss the activity while attending the activity. Does that make sense? I will give you an example. I go to a Lady Raider Basketball game with someone. This someone talks incessantly, not just to me, but to all of the people around us in the stands. And then, when something happens on the court, this someone says "I missed that, what happened." And, because I am distracted by the chatter, I missed it also. I do not enjoy watching an event like that.
I do not mind attending an event with someone who socializes at appropriate times, but otherwise pays attention to the event.
Well, I realize that I have quite a social life, if you want to call it that. A monthly book club meeting is not too time consuming. Neither is a monthly board meeting for a not for profit organization. Attending the Lifestyle Center 2-3 times a week is not so bad. Now, add in Lady Raider Basketball. There are 4 home games in 10 days. That is a lot. Then things will settle down, and spread out. But I want to be available to listen to or watch the away games.
While it is not a social activity, the communications work I do for the South Plains Branch of NASW is an obligation that requires dedicated time. But that is also at home, on the computer, and I can watch TV or listen to music as I want.
I am not accustomed to having something to do several nights in a row. So, this week is an exception: a board meeting last night, basketball tonight, the Lifestyle Center tomorrow night, and basketball again on Friday. Whew! It cuts into my reading time. But, I need the variety and interaction, and physical activity. So, it is good.
I do not mind attending an event with someone who socializes at appropriate times, but otherwise pays attention to the event.
Well, I realize that I have quite a social life, if you want to call it that. A monthly book club meeting is not too time consuming. Neither is a monthly board meeting for a not for profit organization. Attending the Lifestyle Center 2-3 times a week is not so bad. Now, add in Lady Raider Basketball. There are 4 home games in 10 days. That is a lot. Then things will settle down, and spread out. But I want to be available to listen to or watch the away games.
While it is not a social activity, the communications work I do for the South Plains Branch of NASW is an obligation that requires dedicated time. But that is also at home, on the computer, and I can watch TV or listen to music as I want.
I am not accustomed to having something to do several nights in a row. So, this week is an exception: a board meeting last night, basketball tonight, the Lifestyle Center tomorrow night, and basketball again on Friday. Whew! It cuts into my reading time. But, I need the variety and interaction, and physical activity. So, it is good.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Hunkering In
I had decided not to go to the Lifestyle Center today. I went Wednesday, when it was cold outside, and the water in the pool was uncomfortably cold. It does not help my bones and muscles to expose them to that discomfort. Yesterday, the weather was wonderful, and the water was comfortable.
So, I had decided to change my Sunday routine. I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble to purchase Jeter, Unfiltered http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeter-unfiltered-derek-jeter/1119701393?ean=9781476783666. I had a 20% coupon that expired today. I could have waited, as I am sure that for the Thanksgiving weekend, Barnes and Noble will send me another 20% coupon. They do this for about every holiday. But, I wanted to go today.
Then, I was going to go to the Texas Tech Museum to see the Shaker exhibit. I left the house a little after noon. I knew it was snowing, but it was light snow. What I did not realize was that it had already been misting, and the streets were slick and if the defroster and windshield wipers did not keep up, the windshield could very easily get iced over. I saw more than one vehicle pulled over so the driver could scrape the windshield. I had to adjust the defroster and windshield wiper speed to get maximum benefit to de-ice the windshield.
Before I got to Barnes and Noble, I decided to defer my trip to the museum for another day. I could have gone, and probably would not have had any trouble, but why take the chance. The exhibit will be at the museum for another month or more.
I also decided to take the city streets back to the house, and not get on the Loop, which is elevated, with several bridges, all of which freeze faster than the city streets.
The snow has continued. I am guessing we have an inch or inch and a half. The grey sky has not lifted. The wind continues.
I am hunkered in to be warm and safe.
So, I had decided to change my Sunday routine. I wanted to go to Barnes and Noble to purchase Jeter, Unfiltered http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeter-unfiltered-derek-jeter/1119701393?ean=9781476783666. I had a 20% coupon that expired today. I could have waited, as I am sure that for the Thanksgiving weekend, Barnes and Noble will send me another 20% coupon. They do this for about every holiday. But, I wanted to go today.
Then, I was going to go to the Texas Tech Museum to see the Shaker exhibit. I left the house a little after noon. I knew it was snowing, but it was light snow. What I did not realize was that it had already been misting, and the streets were slick and if the defroster and windshield wipers did not keep up, the windshield could very easily get iced over. I saw more than one vehicle pulled over so the driver could scrape the windshield. I had to adjust the defroster and windshield wiper speed to get maximum benefit to de-ice the windshield.
Before I got to Barnes and Noble, I decided to defer my trip to the museum for another day. I could have gone, and probably would not have had any trouble, but why take the chance. The exhibit will be at the museum for another month or more.
I also decided to take the city streets back to the house, and not get on the Loop, which is elevated, with several bridges, all of which freeze faster than the city streets.
The snow has continued. I am guessing we have an inch or inch and a half. The grey sky has not lifted. The wind continues.
I am hunkered in to be warm and safe.
Stew Was the Right Choice
Last week, we had 4 days of polar weather. It was cold, and the cold got to me. But Saturday was beautiful, just gorgeous.
But, because of the week of cold weather, I decided that stew was good choice for cooking this weekend. So, I made stew Saturday night. It was the right choice. Today we are having a winter storm, first freezing snow and ice, and then snow. It has been dully grey all day. And windy.
Stew was the right meal choice. Yummmm.
But, because of the week of cold weather, I decided that stew was good choice for cooking this weekend. So, I made stew Saturday night. It was the right choice. Today we are having a winter storm, first freezing snow and ice, and then snow. It has been dully grey all day. And windy.
Stew was the right meal choice. Yummmm.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Sake Eating
I have not seen Sake eat much this week, but her food has been disappearing. I cannot tell who is eating it, but she has not acted hungry: when I feed, she does not run to eat, check the food out, then not eat. So, I was hoping she was eating.
Today, I bought "poppers," cream cheese stuffed jalapeños that are breaded and, in this case, deep fried (you can get them baked instead.) When I warmed them up to eat, Sake exhibited interest, but of course, she does not like fried peppers. So, I opened a package of Fancy Feast Appetizers Chicken in Broth https://www.fancyfeast.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=cat-fancy+feast-computer%7cbing%7cbranded%7cphrase&utm_term=fancy+feast+appetizers&utm_campaign=always+on. She was not interested.
I thought about it for a while and decided that I could pan fry some chicken for her: I melted some oleo, and did just that. She ate heartily. This was mid-afternoon. When I fed the cats in the early evening, I did the same. She ate a little. But, that does not surprise me, because she ate so well mid-afternoon. A lesson learned in my effort to encourage Sake to eat. She needs food with flavor, as well as foods that are easy to eat.
Today, I bought "poppers," cream cheese stuffed jalapeños that are breaded and, in this case, deep fried (you can get them baked instead.) When I warmed them up to eat, Sake exhibited interest, but of course, she does not like fried peppers. So, I opened a package of Fancy Feast Appetizers Chicken in Broth https://www.fancyfeast.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=cat-fancy+feast-computer%7cbing%7cbranded%7cphrase&utm_term=fancy+feast+appetizers&utm_campaign=always+on. She was not interested.
I thought about it for a while and decided that I could pan fry some chicken for her: I melted some oleo, and did just that. She ate heartily. This was mid-afternoon. When I fed the cats in the early evening, I did the same. She ate a little. But, that does not surprise me, because she ate so well mid-afternoon. A lesson learned in my effort to encourage Sake to eat. She needs food with flavor, as well as foods that are easy to eat.
Season Opener: Texas Tech Basketball
Texas Tech Basketball http://www.texastech.com/
I went to the season opener of the Texas Tech Lady Raider basketball game, against Jackson State University. If the Lady Raiders had a pre-season exhibition game, I missed it. I have not purchased season tickets this year. I will not pay the price. I am hoping on promotions and specials that will reduce some of the prices, to get fans into the stadium. I will attend as many games as I can. The Lady Raiders won. It was not a well played game, and the players have some to go, but they won, at least. They had not won a game since before conference play last year.
It was a double header: after 2 exhibition games, the Texas Tech Red Raiders opened their basketball season at home against Loyola. This was a special game, because head coach Tubby Smith matched his team against a team whose head coach was his son, G. G. Smith http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-mens-basketball/2014-11-13/family-affair-tubby-smith-face-against-his-son#.VGb86E3wvIV. It was a good game; Tech was down early, but came back to win!
Yeah!
I went to the season opener of the Texas Tech Lady Raider basketball game, against Jackson State University. If the Lady Raiders had a pre-season exhibition game, I missed it. I have not purchased season tickets this year. I will not pay the price. I am hoping on promotions and specials that will reduce some of the prices, to get fans into the stadium. I will attend as many games as I can. The Lady Raiders won. It was not a well played game, and the players have some to go, but they won, at least. They had not won a game since before conference play last year.
It was a double header: after 2 exhibition games, the Texas Tech Red Raiders opened their basketball season at home against Loyola. This was a special game, because head coach Tubby Smith matched his team against a team whose head coach was his son, G. G. Smith http://redraiders.com/sports-red-raiders-mens-basketball/2014-11-13/family-affair-tubby-smith-face-against-his-son#.VGb86E3wvIV. It was a good game; Tech was down early, but came back to win!
Yeah!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
The Day The World Came to Town
The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede. I think I have written about this book before http://www.amazon.com/The-Day-World-Came-Town/dp/0060559713. This is the story of the multiple international airline flights that landed in Gander, Newfoundland, Canada, after the 9/11/2001 terroristic attacks on the United States resulted in the closing of the USA airspace.
We were talking about non-mystery books tonight at the Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club. Somehow, I brought this book up. I was amazed that none of the members had read or even heard about the book. I will share it with them.
We were talking about non-mystery books tonight at the Barnes and Noble Mystery Book Club. Somehow, I brought this book up. I was amazed that none of the members had read or even heard about the book. I will share it with them.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
It Has Been a Long Day
Work was not bad, but it was a full day. I stayed late to get something done, then went home and fed the cats. I went to the pool to do my exercises. The water is a little cool for my liking, but manageable.
Then, I ran an errand, came home and took care of business, fixed and ate dinner, and then got on the computer. Somehow, my internet settings were not correct, and it took changing them three times before I could access internet websites, although my email worked.
I am tired of Windows 8.1 just changing settings because it can, and then nothing works right on the computer. It is so discouraging. I am learning how to fix things, but hook or by crook, but I wish I could just use the computer.
Then, I ran an errand, came home and took care of business, fixed and ate dinner, and then got on the computer. Somehow, my internet settings were not correct, and it took changing them three times before I could access internet websites, although my email worked.
I am tired of Windows 8.1 just changing settings because it can, and then nothing works right on the computer. It is so discouraging. I am learning how to fix things, but hook or by crook, but I wish I could just use the computer.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Veteran's Day
Today is Veteran's Day http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/. I generally try to do something to recognize the honorees on a patriotic holiday. I did not today. I did not get the day as a holiday at work.
I did go to a patriotic concert last Friday. And, I did think about the veterans and their sacrifices today. That is weak. It is what it is.
I did go to a patriotic concert last Friday. And, I did think about the veterans and their sacrifices today. That is weak. It is what it is.
Monday, November 10, 2014
Blowing In
There is a polar vortex http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/polar-vortex-42-states/37049255 blowing in tonight. That means that we will be experiencing polar weather conditions, or at least very cold weather conditions over the next few days.
I can hear the wind blowing in, and see the leaves of the bushes and trees swaying violently, so I know something is happening.
I do not like cold weather.
I can hear the wind blowing in, and see the leaves of the bushes and trees swaying violently, so I know something is happening.
I do not like cold weather.
Exhibits at the Museum
Several years ago, when I was in Massachusetts visiting family, my sister told me about the Museum of Russian Icons http://museumofrussianicons.org/en/. It is in Clinton, Massachusetts. It was of interest to me, so I visited the museum. Some time after that, the Texas Tech Museum had a traveling exhibit from the collection of the Museum of Russian Icons. Of course, I went to see it.
Most recently this year, I was in Massachusetts and went to see the Hancock Shaker Village http://hancockshakervillage.org/visit-2/hours-admission/ in Hancock, Massachusetts. Now, there is an exhibit at the Texas Tech Museum called "Gather Up the Fragments" from the Andrews Shaker Collection, from the Hancock Shaker Village http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/exhsch11.html.
I will make a point to see that, too.
I think it is interesting that I have been to museums in Massachusetts, and then have the opportunity to see traveling exhibits, from these museums, in Texas. Hmmm.
The opposite has also happened. Some time back, the Texas Tech Museum had an exhibit of Saturday Evening Post http://www.magazine-agent.com-sub.info/The-Saturday-Evening-Post/Welcome covers done be Norman Rockwell. On my most recent visit home, the same day I went to the Hancock Shaker Village, I went to the Norman Rockwell Museum http://www.nrm.org/.
I think it is interesting that there is so much museum quality culture in Massachusetts.
Most recently this year, I was in Massachusetts and went to see the Hancock Shaker Village http://hancockshakervillage.org/visit-2/hours-admission/ in Hancock, Massachusetts. Now, there is an exhibit at the Texas Tech Museum called "Gather Up the Fragments" from the Andrews Shaker Collection, from the Hancock Shaker Village http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/exhsch11.html.
I will make a point to see that, too.
I think it is interesting that I have been to museums in Massachusetts, and then have the opportunity to see traveling exhibits, from these museums, in Texas. Hmmm.
The opposite has also happened. Some time back, the Texas Tech Museum had an exhibit of Saturday Evening Post http://www.magazine-agent.com-sub.info/The-Saturday-Evening-Post/Welcome covers done be Norman Rockwell. On my most recent visit home, the same day I went to the Hancock Shaker Village, I went to the Norman Rockwell Museum http://www.nrm.org/.
I think it is interesting that there is so much museum quality culture in Massachusetts.
The Texas Tech Museum
I am watching PBS tonight, and they had an advertisement (I know, they say they do not have advertisements, but call it what you will, promotional announcements, public service announcements, or what have you, they are advertisements) about an exhibit at the Texas Tech Museum http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/exhsch11.html. It is called "Gather Up the Fragments" the Andrews Shaker Collection. This is a traveling exhibit put together by the Hancock Shaker Museum http://hancockshakervillage.org/ in Hancock, Massachusetts.
On my most recent trip to my home state, Massachusetts, I took a trip tot he Hancock Shaker Museum. It was very interesting. I will make a point to see this exhibit.
On my most recent trip to my home state, Massachusetts, I took a trip tot he Hancock Shaker Museum. It was very interesting. I will make a point to see this exhibit.
Too Weird
I had a strange experience Saturday when I was shopping. A gentleman approached me and told me I looked very familiar, and asked me if I worked at Montford. He then asked me my name. I was hesitant to answer, and he said "You didn't feed me." I told him I did work at Montford, and did not want to reveal my name because I am very careful about giving out information. This man said he understood. He said he was at Montford shortly after we opened, but left, and spent 10 years in plumbing and then has moved to roofing. He told me his name was Bustamante.
I did tell him I was a social worker at Montford.
I did not remember this man as a correctional officer. But I also did not remember him as a patient. His response to my hesitance was polite and appropriate.
But this experience was disconcerting.
At work today, I asked about an officer named Bustamante. We had one, who left in 2008. Hmmm, not exactly in line with what I thought I heard on Saturday.
What surprised me a lot was how quickly he seemed to recognize me. My good friend reminded me that there are some people who recognize people quickly. She is right, she used to do this. When I taught religious education, did parenting classes, and did groups at work, I would learn the members names almost immediately. I made a concerted effort to do that. So, maybe he did remember my name honestly. But after so much time, it was weird.
I did tell him I was a social worker at Montford.
I did not remember this man as a correctional officer. But I also did not remember him as a patient. His response to my hesitance was polite and appropriate.
But this experience was disconcerting.
At work today, I asked about an officer named Bustamante. We had one, who left in 2008. Hmmm, not exactly in line with what I thought I heard on Saturday.
What surprised me a lot was how quickly he seemed to recognize me. My good friend reminded me that there are some people who recognize people quickly. She is right, she used to do this. When I taught religious education, did parenting classes, and did groups at work, I would learn the members names almost immediately. I made a concerted effort to do that. So, maybe he did remember my name honestly. But after so much time, it was weird.
Antique Roadshow
I do not know much about antiques, and really am not a person who would own a lot of antiques. In fact, until the last few years, I could have cared less. But I have started watching Antiques Roadshow on PBS http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/index.html. I enjoy watching it for several reasons. It is educational. There is a lot of history, and the stories are wonderful.
I love stories. I love listening to people's life stories, how things evolve and relate and inter-relate. It is always exciting also, when someone has a really exciting piece that they knew little or nothing about. Sometimes the excitement is the price, but just as often, it is the uniqueness, or the historical value, or just the story.
I love stories. I love listening to people's life stories, how things evolve and relate and inter-relate. It is always exciting also, when someone has a really exciting piece that they knew little or nothing about. Sometimes the excitement is the price, but just as often, it is the uniqueness, or the historical value, or just the story.
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Bed Linens are Heavy
It is a little after 10:30 PM, and I just finished doing laundry, which included replacing the sheets on my bed. I used to have a schedule of doing laundry earlier in the weekend, or at least, earlier in the day. But my schedule has changed. For the most part, I like the change. But the delay of doing laundry until later on Sunday night is not my favorite part of my new schedule.
It really does not matter what time of day or night this occurs, but manipulating bed linens takes a certain amount of strength. I noticed it more tonight, because my back is bothering me. I have noticed this off and on while I have been suffering from back pain and sciatica. Wet laundry, especially wet linens can be very tiring to move. I can do it, and usually, I "power through" to get it done. But it aggravates the pain in my lower back. Usually, this aggravation is not severe, and it has dissipated by the next morning.
I am in hopes that the aggravation this time will be dissipated by the morning.
It really does not matter what time of day or night this occurs, but manipulating bed linens takes a certain amount of strength. I noticed it more tonight, because my back is bothering me. I have noticed this off and on while I have been suffering from back pain and sciatica. Wet laundry, especially wet linens can be very tiring to move. I can do it, and usually, I "power through" to get it done. But it aggravates the pain in my lower back. Usually, this aggravation is not severe, and it has dissipated by the next morning.
I am in hopes that the aggravation this time will be dissipated by the morning.
Texas Tech Basketball
I generally follow Texas Tech basketball http://www.texastech.com/sports/w-baskbl/text-w-baskbl-body.html, and sometimes, buy seasons tickets for the women's team. I have decided not to do that this year, as the team last year did not win one conference game, and lost several good players during the off season. I will attend as many of the games as I can, but I will not pay the seasons ticket price. In part because I see that as a sign of support for my team "good or bad." And, while I do not want to be a "fair weather fan," I want the team, the coaches, and the athletic department administration to know they have to put out a good product. Especially for the price they are asking for season tickets. It is ridiculous.
In the past, when the attendance has been down, there have been a lot of specials to get people into the arena. I am going to count on that.
The season opener is November 14, about 2 weeks later than usual. Because of that, I did not click to the fact that the men's team was opening in the beginning of November, as is the usual schedule. I would not have attended the games, but I did miss two games on the radio, but now have the schedule printed out so I can plan better.
The next men's game is at home on November 14. I am counting on the past tradition of having one ticket for both games, since the men's game is scheduled to start about 30 minutes after the women finish. It will be a basketball night!
In the past, when the attendance has been down, there have been a lot of specials to get people into the arena. I am going to count on that.
The season opener is November 14, about 2 weeks later than usual. Because of that, I did not click to the fact that the men's team was opening in the beginning of November, as is the usual schedule. I would not have attended the games, but I did miss two games on the radio, but now have the schedule printed out so I can plan better.
The next men's game is at home on November 14. I am counting on the past tradition of having one ticket for both games, since the men's game is scheduled to start about 30 minutes after the women finish. It will be a basketball night!
My Best Friend
I just spent a couple of hours talking to my best friend on the phone on Saturday. I met her when we were freshman in college, in 1970.
While our communications have waxed and waned over the years, our friendship has not, and if there is a break in communications, we seem to pick up where we left off. I am so thankful and grateful she is my friend.
She reads my blog, so I know she will see this. I am glad. I hope I am not ever remiss in telling her how much I appreciate and love her.
While our communications have waxed and waned over the years, our friendship has not, and if there is a break in communications, we seem to pick up where we left off. I am so thankful and grateful she is my friend.
She reads my blog, so I know she will see this. I am glad. I hope I am not ever remiss in telling her how much I appreciate and love her.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
The Genealogical Story of Carole King and Other Geneological Histories
I have buzzed onto the PBS TV show Finding Your Roots http://video.pbs.org/program/finding-your-roots/. This is a really interesting TV show that chronicles the genealogy of celebrities. It is amazing and fascinating. It brings out positive history, and dark, and down right criminal history. It is honest.
Most recently, the genealogy of Carole King was explored. You know Carole King, she is a very talented songwriter and singer, and her album Tapestry http://www.caroleking.com/discography/album/tapestry-1 was award winning.
This was interesting and exciting to me. I hope you check this link and explore her genealogy.
Most recently, the genealogy of Carole King was explored. You know Carole King, she is a very talented songwriter and singer, and her album Tapestry http://www.caroleking.com/discography/album/tapestry-1 was award winning.
This was interesting and exciting to me. I hope you check this link and explore her genealogy.
People Stories
When I was growing up, I loved people stories: How someone met, when they got engaged, what their experiences were about events in their lives, how their romance progressed, what their wedding proposal consisted of. I love people stories.
So, being a social worker is a good fit: To do good care planning or treatment, it is imperative to have a good history, assessment or people story. So, people stories are important to my line of work.
I did not start out in life to be a social worker, but loving people stories seems to fit with being a social worker. So, people stories are very important to me.
So, being a social worker is a good fit: To do good care planning or treatment, it is imperative to have a good history, assessment or people story. So, people stories are important to my line of work.
I did not start out in life to be a social worker, but loving people stories seems to fit with being a social worker. So, people stories are very important to me.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Make Up at the Pool
Okay, so this is something that has bothered me since I joined the Covenant Lifestyle Center http://www.covenanthealth.org/Our-Services/LifeStyle-Centre.aspx.
I wear my glasses in the pool. I have a cord designed to catch them, should they fall off my face. I wear them for several reasons: a) I would get a horrible headache if I was in the pool being active for an hour or so without them. b) it would be more difficult to read my routine card without my glasses. c) I would not recognize people unless I got in their faces, and that would be very impolite.
So, I get that other people wear glasses. And I am glad that they do, since I do.
What I do not get is the women who get into the pool with full facial make up and earrings. We are supposed to take a shower to clean off before we get into the pool, and I get that. It helps the pool filter system to keep the pool clean.
I realize that most of the women who get into the pool with full facial make up have no intention of getting their faces wet, but something could happen. Or an earring could fall off and end up on the pool floor.
I just do not get this.
I wear my glasses in the pool. I have a cord designed to catch them, should they fall off my face. I wear them for several reasons: a) I would get a horrible headache if I was in the pool being active for an hour or so without them. b) it would be more difficult to read my routine card without my glasses. c) I would not recognize people unless I got in their faces, and that would be very impolite.
So, I get that other people wear glasses. And I am glad that they do, since I do.
What I do not get is the women who get into the pool with full facial make up and earrings. We are supposed to take a shower to clean off before we get into the pool, and I get that. It helps the pool filter system to keep the pool clean.
I realize that most of the women who get into the pool with full facial make up have no intention of getting their faces wet, but something could happen. Or an earring could fall off and end up on the pool floor.
I just do not get this.
The Air Force Band of the West
Tonight I went to the concert performed by the Air Force Band of the West http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/pdfs/USAF%20Band%202014.pdf at the Texas Tech Museum . Ostensibly, this was a Veteran's Day celebration.
I have been to several concerts at the museum over that last couple of years. For the first couple of concerts, the museum grossly under-estimated the seating needs, and was ill prepared to bring in extra chairs.
For this concert, the museum had over estimated the seating. Having said that, there was a very good crowd, and we were very appreciative of the band, including giving them more than one standing ovation.
This was a very good concert. It was a blatant commercial for recruiting to the armed services, but that is what I would expect. The caliber of the performance far out-weighed the marketing message.
I have been to several concerts at the museum over that last couple of years. For the first couple of concerts, the museum grossly under-estimated the seating needs, and was ill prepared to bring in extra chairs.
For this concert, the museum had over estimated the seating. Having said that, there was a very good crowd, and we were very appreciative of the band, including giving them more than one standing ovation.
This was a very good concert. It was a blatant commercial for recruiting to the armed services, but that is what I would expect. The caliber of the performance far out-weighed the marketing message.
A Trip to the Vet
The last time I waited until Sake had totally stopped eating until I took her to the vet, she had lost weight, from 8.2 lbs, which has been her illness base weight (she used to weigh 13 lbs) to 6.5 lbs. I had waited too long to get her into the vet.
So, when I took her in 10 days later because she was still eating poorly, her weight had rebounded to 8.2 lbs. They gave her an antibiotic and B12 shot, but the change in her appetite was minimal, and she started hissing and growling at the other cats, especially Taki.
At first, Taki took it as a game, and chased after Sake. I chided Taki. That helped some, but sometimes, Taki still wants to play chase. Recently, although she does not feel well, I have also chided Sake for her ill manners.
So, I called the vet, and they agreed that although Sake was eating some, since it had been 4 weeks, it was time to get her in for a steroid shot. We went this morning.
Sake went into the crate without a problem. She did not want to get out of the crate at the vet's office, so I just took off the top. The tech came in to take her temperature, and I told her not to do that. She realized why (this tech had not worked with Sake before, but knew of her.) However, Sake let Tonya, the tech, pet her. This is very unusual. Was Sake that sick, or did she sense something in Tonya, I do not know.
So, when Dr. Lee came, she, too, was able to pet Sake. She came back with the steroid injection and while Sake became upset when the vet was trying to find a spot to inject her, she did not explode.
We put the top back on the crate, and Tonya reached in to pet Sake. That was okay for a split second. Then, she slapped Tonya. But, while she was being ugly, she was purring.
The vet told me they have started doing laser treatment for stomatitis, which is what Sake has. They have tried it on two patients. It was effective for one, but not the other. With those kinds of odds, and Sake's attitude, the vet said she is not a candidate for laser treatment at this time. I agree.
However, if over time, there is strong evidence that laser treatment is helpful, it might be worth sedating Sake to do the treatment. But that is not even a bridge that is on the horizon.
I told the vet and the tech that Sake no longer runs and hides when we get home from the vet, she lets me pet and console her. So, there are some positive changes in her ugly behavior.
Sake was more active and alert tonight. I could not tell that she ate anything, but with three cats and so many selections available, it is difficult to monitor. I could limit the selections, but it would still be difficult to monitor when I am not home, so I rather they have the selections
So, when I took her in 10 days later because she was still eating poorly, her weight had rebounded to 8.2 lbs. They gave her an antibiotic and B12 shot, but the change in her appetite was minimal, and she started hissing and growling at the other cats, especially Taki.
At first, Taki took it as a game, and chased after Sake. I chided Taki. That helped some, but sometimes, Taki still wants to play chase. Recently, although she does not feel well, I have also chided Sake for her ill manners.
So, I called the vet, and they agreed that although Sake was eating some, since it had been 4 weeks, it was time to get her in for a steroid shot. We went this morning.
Sake went into the crate without a problem. She did not want to get out of the crate at the vet's office, so I just took off the top. The tech came in to take her temperature, and I told her not to do that. She realized why (this tech had not worked with Sake before, but knew of her.) However, Sake let Tonya, the tech, pet her. This is very unusual. Was Sake that sick, or did she sense something in Tonya, I do not know.
So, when Dr. Lee came, she, too, was able to pet Sake. She came back with the steroid injection and while Sake became upset when the vet was trying to find a spot to inject her, she did not explode.
We put the top back on the crate, and Tonya reached in to pet Sake. That was okay for a split second. Then, she slapped Tonya. But, while she was being ugly, she was purring.
The vet told me they have started doing laser treatment for stomatitis, which is what Sake has. They have tried it on two patients. It was effective for one, but not the other. With those kinds of odds, and Sake's attitude, the vet said she is not a candidate for laser treatment at this time. I agree.
However, if over time, there is strong evidence that laser treatment is helpful, it might be worth sedating Sake to do the treatment. But that is not even a bridge that is on the horizon.
I told the vet and the tech that Sake no longer runs and hides when we get home from the vet, she lets me pet and console her. So, there are some positive changes in her ugly behavior.
Sake was more active and alert tonight. I could not tell that she ate anything, but with three cats and so many selections available, it is difficult to monitor. I could limit the selections, but it would still be difficult to monitor when I am not home, so I rather they have the selections
Grey, Cold and Damp
Tuesday was a really dark day: It was grey, cold and rainy. It was the kind of day you want to build a fire in the fireplace (if you have one), curl up with a good book, and drink hot chocolate. It was election day. I wonder how the weather affected the election results. It was a full, busy day at work.
And since it was a full day at work, I worked a little late. On my way home, I had a couple of errands to run, so when I got home, the cats were waiting for dinner. It was much later than usual. But my cats have free access to food all day long, so I know they will not go hungry, although they are spoiled, and are picky about what they eat most of the time.
Wednesday was still kind of grey, and even Thursday was a little at first, but by the time I left work the sky was clear, bright and sunny.
The problem with the grey, cold and damp days is I feel it in my bones. It is like someone has iced my bones and put them in my body after doing so. I ache all over. I do not have a fever, it is just the ache from the cold and probably the barometric pressure change.
I do what I need to do to warm myself up: Drink warm liquids, eat hot meals, dress in layers, and turn on the heater. These help. But, when I catch a chill, it is almost like it takes over my body, and it takes time for these measures to dispel it from my body. This is not new for me. I started having this problem when I was in my early teens.
Sometimes, when I can stay inside, stay dry and stay warm, I like the grey, cold and damp days. It is nice to bundle up in layers, snuggle under a warm cover and relax. Maybe read, or listen to good music, or watch good TV.
Grey, cold and damp does not have to be bad. It is just not how circumstances allows me to deal with it.
And since it was a full day at work, I worked a little late. On my way home, I had a couple of errands to run, so when I got home, the cats were waiting for dinner. It was much later than usual. But my cats have free access to food all day long, so I know they will not go hungry, although they are spoiled, and are picky about what they eat most of the time.
Wednesday was still kind of grey, and even Thursday was a little at first, but by the time I left work the sky was clear, bright and sunny.
The problem with the grey, cold and damp days is I feel it in my bones. It is like someone has iced my bones and put them in my body after doing so. I ache all over. I do not have a fever, it is just the ache from the cold and probably the barometric pressure change.
I do what I need to do to warm myself up: Drink warm liquids, eat hot meals, dress in layers, and turn on the heater. These help. But, when I catch a chill, it is almost like it takes over my body, and it takes time for these measures to dispel it from my body. This is not new for me. I started having this problem when I was in my early teens.
Sometimes, when I can stay inside, stay dry and stay warm, I like the grey, cold and damp days. It is nice to bundle up in layers, snuggle under a warm cover and relax. Maybe read, or listen to good music, or watch good TV.
Grey, cold and damp does not have to be bad. It is just not how circumstances allows me to deal with it.
Apples to Apples
I went to a "get together" tonight (really last night, November 6, 2014). We played a game called "Apples to Apples" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apples_to_Apples. This was fun! We were amongst co-workers who do not always socialize together, but treat each other as friends. What a pleasant experience.
Mindless Video Game vs. Creativity
So, in the last 3 or 4 months, I have been having a great deal of difficulty coming up with blogs. And when that happens, I usually go to a mindless video game on the computer. And play and play and play, and waste lots of time, and never come up with a topic for the blog.
I initially did that tonight. But tonight was different. While I was playing the mindless video game, I purposefully thought about why I could not come up with blog topics. I had it in my mind that if I played a mindless video game, something would come to me. But, the truth be known, something did not usually come to me. The days I have been able to blog, I already had the topics in mind, or one topic generated another topic.
So, the mindless video game basically stopped me from thinking. Well, this makes sense, it was mindless, requiring no thought. What a waste.
And the sad part is that I know if you do the same thing over and over and over again, you will get the same results. I was getting those some results: no creative thoughts for the blog.
Thank you mindless video game.
I initially did that tonight. But tonight was different. While I was playing the mindless video game, I purposefully thought about why I could not come up with blog topics. I had it in my mind that if I played a mindless video game, something would come to me. But, the truth be known, something did not usually come to me. The days I have been able to blog, I already had the topics in mind, or one topic generated another topic.
So, the mindless video game basically stopped me from thinking. Well, this makes sense, it was mindless, requiring no thought. What a waste.
And the sad part is that I know if you do the same thing over and over and over again, you will get the same results. I was getting those some results: no creative thoughts for the blog.
Thank you mindless video game.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
A Confluence of Ideas
I am working with a patient who claims to be severely depressed. Yet he exhibits no vegetative changes: no change in appetite, sleep, or energy level. He does not have crying spells. When he is interviewed, he laughs, and smirks, and is otherwise upbeat. He does not express any sense of hopelessness, helplessness or loss of self worth. He is not forgetful, not confused, or otherwise does not have thought or memory problems.
He is, however, very dissatisfied with his current circumstances in life. He is hoping to get something that he will probably not get. And he is angry about that.
I had the thought, the last time I interviewed him, that he was not depressed. That he was disappointed, angry, unhappy, but not depressed.
I won a book: Finding My Way by John Schneider, http://www.survivorresources.org/?page_id=70 about grief and loss, a few weeks ago as a door prize at a seminar. I have it at work, and I am slowly reading it as I have a few minutes, here and there.
It starts with talking about the medicalization of grief and loss, but that these are natural emotions and feeling that have to be experienced, not avoided, that have to be gotten through. The premise is that medication provides avoidance, delay, but not resolve. I believe this wholeheartedly, and I try to teach it to my patients. It is normal, usual and typical to feel bad about bad things. That we cannot and should not medicate away bad feelings when we are experiencing bad things. That we need to go through the experience and get beyond it. That the bad feeling will be always with us, but will not always be debilitating, and we will move on to a new place in life where we accept that loss and we live on.
It is interesting to me that the confluence of these two experiences and ideas are so close in my life. These are not new ideas to me, but they are being re-enforced at this time. Hmmm.
He is, however, very dissatisfied with his current circumstances in life. He is hoping to get something that he will probably not get. And he is angry about that.
I had the thought, the last time I interviewed him, that he was not depressed. That he was disappointed, angry, unhappy, but not depressed.
I won a book: Finding My Way by John Schneider, http://www.survivorresources.org/?page_id=70 about grief and loss, a few weeks ago as a door prize at a seminar. I have it at work, and I am slowly reading it as I have a few minutes, here and there.
It starts with talking about the medicalization of grief and loss, but that these are natural emotions and feeling that have to be experienced, not avoided, that have to be gotten through. The premise is that medication provides avoidance, delay, but not resolve. I believe this wholeheartedly, and I try to teach it to my patients. It is normal, usual and typical to feel bad about bad things. That we cannot and should not medicate away bad feelings when we are experiencing bad things. That we need to go through the experience and get beyond it. That the bad feeling will be always with us, but will not always be debilitating, and we will move on to a new place in life where we accept that loss and we live on.
It is interesting to me that the confluence of these two experiences and ideas are so close in my life. These are not new ideas to me, but they are being re-enforced at this time. Hmmm.
Getting Comfortable
I keep my house warm in the summer and cool in the winter. If I get uncomfortable, I kick in the air conditioner or turn on the central heat. I also use space heaters, depending what I am doing and where I am in the house. And, I have ceiling fans in every room of my house. The moving air really makes a big difference.
I turned the heater on for the first time last weekend. It was cool enough, and I wanted to be sure it was working correctly. It was not. Somehow, I had a hold on a day time temperature that kicked the heater to 79°. Well, in the summer time, this was okay, but in the cooler time of the year, this was oppressive to me.
I use a heat lamp in the bathroom when I am taking a shower and getting ready for the world, in the morning.
Tonight, I was working in the computer room, and the temperature was cool, but not bad. The furnace came on a couple of times. But Haiku was not happy. So, I turned on the space heater, and she almost immediately snuggled into the chair near the computer desk.
I appreciate that, but I will not leave the space heater on all night. She can snuggle in bed with me, or find other places where I have covers under which she can snuggle. The house may be cool, but not cold and not unsafe.
I like to wear layers of clothing for warmth. It is comforting to me. But I also do not want to be uncomfortable throughout the house. It is a balancing act, and one I am able to adjust to as needed.
I turned the heater on for the first time last weekend. It was cool enough, and I wanted to be sure it was working correctly. It was not. Somehow, I had a hold on a day time temperature that kicked the heater to 79°. Well, in the summer time, this was okay, but in the cooler time of the year, this was oppressive to me.
I use a heat lamp in the bathroom when I am taking a shower and getting ready for the world, in the morning.
Tonight, I was working in the computer room, and the temperature was cool, but not bad. The furnace came on a couple of times. But Haiku was not happy. So, I turned on the space heater, and she almost immediately snuggled into the chair near the computer desk.
I appreciate that, but I will not leave the space heater on all night. She can snuggle in bed with me, or find other places where I have covers under which she can snuggle. The house may be cool, but not cold and not unsafe.
I like to wear layers of clothing for warmth. It is comforting to me. But I also do not want to be uncomfortable throughout the house. It is a balancing act, and one I am able to adjust to as needed.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Medication
I really do not like to take medication. There have been times in my life when I have consistently taken medication, but really would rather not. I am now advised to take calcium and vitamin D, and I try to remember to take it. But, I forget. I really try to take the blood pressure medication I am prescribed. It helps, but my blood pressure is all over the place, from too high to too low. I also try to remember to take the medication for high cholesterol.
Last year, I sprained my ankle, and when I went to the doctor, I did not ask for pain medication. I can effectively use over the counter medication for that kind of problem. I did ask for assistance in treatment, and confirmation it was not broken, although, I knew it was not. Confirmation was what I got.
I did go back to the doctor for my lower back pain and sciatica. I was given an anti-inflammatory, which made a major difference, and I was sent to physical therapy, but had little results. I gained some strength back, and range of movement, but no pain relief beyond what the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) provided.
Eventually, I went for pain management, and was sent for an epidural-steroidal-injection. The first one helped some. But a few weeks later, the pain returned. The second injection resulted in my being in horrible pain after the injection, and then not being able to tell there was any benefit after that.
I was sent back to physical therapy, and we did water therapy. It was like someone flipped a switch. By the time the insurance was exhausted, I decided, at the advice of a co-worker, to go to an exercise program where I could continue the exercises. The physical therapist thought that was wonderful: he gave me a copy of my regimen, which I had laminated, and started using for my regular routine.
I was on an NSAID, but the insurance company did not want to pay high dollar for it, so, the nurse practitioner that I see prescribed something else that gave me no relief. So, then she suggested something else. It gave me a little tummy problem at first, but as time progressed, the stomach upset became increasingly uncomfortable. I stopped using the medication.
I could call my provider and tell her I cannot take the medication. I have decided not to. I am learning to manage my pain in other ways. I do not want surgery. I am currently at a point where I can manage my activity and stress and keep the pain to a minimum. Also, the various physical exercises from physical therapy can relieve the pain. I will go for that versus surgery. And, I do not want medication if I can avoid it.
Last year, I sprained my ankle, and when I went to the doctor, I did not ask for pain medication. I can effectively use over the counter medication for that kind of problem. I did ask for assistance in treatment, and confirmation it was not broken, although, I knew it was not. Confirmation was what I got.
I did go back to the doctor for my lower back pain and sciatica. I was given an anti-inflammatory, which made a major difference, and I was sent to physical therapy, but had little results. I gained some strength back, and range of movement, but no pain relief beyond what the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) provided.
Eventually, I went for pain management, and was sent for an epidural-steroidal-injection. The first one helped some. But a few weeks later, the pain returned. The second injection resulted in my being in horrible pain after the injection, and then not being able to tell there was any benefit after that.
I was sent back to physical therapy, and we did water therapy. It was like someone flipped a switch. By the time the insurance was exhausted, I decided, at the advice of a co-worker, to go to an exercise program where I could continue the exercises. The physical therapist thought that was wonderful: he gave me a copy of my regimen, which I had laminated, and started using for my regular routine.
I was on an NSAID, but the insurance company did not want to pay high dollar for it, so, the nurse practitioner that I see prescribed something else that gave me no relief. So, then she suggested something else. It gave me a little tummy problem at first, but as time progressed, the stomach upset became increasingly uncomfortable. I stopped using the medication.
I could call my provider and tell her I cannot take the medication. I have decided not to. I am learning to manage my pain in other ways. I do not want surgery. I am currently at a point where I can manage my activity and stress and keep the pain to a minimum. Also, the various physical exercises from physical therapy can relieve the pain. I will go for that versus surgery. And, I do not want medication if I can avoid it.
What I Think I Do....And What I Do
I have a coupon for a free sandwich at a local sandwich shop, and I put it with the stuff that I was going to put in the car, this morning, as I got ready for work. I was planning to use it for dinner tonight.
I left work, and when I got to the car after work, I could not find the coupon. I had an image in my brain of the coupon being on the car seat this morning as I drove to work, got to work, grabbed my lunch bag and went into work.
Hmmmm.
I got home, and the coupon was on the counter where I had moved it this morning, so I would not forget to take the coupon with me. Well, that strategy did not work! So, I put the coupon in the car tonight, so it will be there for tomorrow night, if I decide I want a sandwich for dinner tomorrow night!
I left work, and when I got to the car after work, I could not find the coupon. I had an image in my brain of the coupon being on the car seat this morning as I drove to work, got to work, grabbed my lunch bag and went into work.
Hmmmm.
I got home, and the coupon was on the counter where I had moved it this morning, so I would not forget to take the coupon with me. Well, that strategy did not work! So, I put the coupon in the car tonight, so it will be there for tomorrow night, if I decide I want a sandwich for dinner tomorrow night!
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