Wow – it was a lively two weeks! Each morning I was out of the house by 7 AM and returned anywhere from 5 to 9 PM, weekends included. The contract is done now – it didn’t turn into full time; for the moment they neither have room at their office, nor are they quite ready to hire more employees. I was helping with the accounting procedures required for the transition from one owner to another. It did lead to an interview for a position in another company, however, which took place this morning. I shall get word back by the end of the week.
It was a new experience for me, being interviewed. Any job I can remember, except for my very first one, was obtained through word of mouth...a friend who knew a friend with an opening...and the job was mine if I wanted it, usually before I walked in the door. Because I didn’t move around often, I have not had to actively search and meet. Goes to show one is never too old to learn. I’m not sure if I helped or hindered my case when they asked me what my notion of an ideal employer would be, and I replied ‘Brad Pitt’.
I made time to take Grump back to the vet, and he did have infection in the mangled ear. The blood had seeped inside, so cleaning and antibiotics were required...another $150. Smooch’s wounds are healing well, so I have gathered all the vet bills and will be contacting the neighbor tonight. His cheque should be coming in tomorrow and I want payback!
I’ll also be inheriting a kitty – my daughter’s BF’s dog and the cat do not get along. The poor puss spends his whole day hiding under the couch. Although Helen declares that she is not a cat-lover, she agreed that she dislikes mice even more, so has decided that Puss is the lesser of two evils. Grump and Smooch will accept him if I ask them to do so, and my daughter wants him in a good home. He should be introduced to his new quarters this Saturday.
I gave in and agreed to babysit my Rug rats again this Friday night, the main reason being that the starting time was changed to 6:30, so I’ll be able to spend some hours playing with them instead of just being there while they sleep. I had forgotten that the Habs will be playing hockey; I wonder how much deviltry they can cause while Mémère is distracted? I’ll get back to you on that one.
And to close, I am happy to tell y’all that we had our first snow last Saturday, and they say we’ll get more this week! I danced like an excited little kid – Helen wept, LOL!! The chimneys will be cleaned this weekend and there will be lovely wood fires to enjoy, plus wonderful views on the mountain....this lady is SMILING!!!
Sharing those SMILES with you, as always.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
AND POOR GRUMP...
Oh boy – this lady is going to be functioning in slow motion today, not advisable when juggling numbers. The doggies kept me awake most of the night. Smooch was coming in and out of my room – woke me the first time by putting his nose right on mine, then wandered around and around the bed, his nails clicking on the floor. I got up and opened the door, thinking he wanted to go out, but no – that wasn’t it. After a short stint of lying, but not quietly, in my closet, he finally returned to his couch. I still don’t know what it was all about. The wounds on his bum and leg are still open but don’t seem to be infected.
It wasn’t an hour later than it was Grump’s turn to invade my sleeping quarters, shaking his head over and over, whimpering and scratching at his ear. It was torn during the fight last Friday; the vet told me to keep an eye on it but didn’t think there would be a problem. Both dogs are still on antibiotics for infection, but Grump’s ear needs to be looked at again. He’s walking with his head to one side and it’s quite obvious he’s in pain. Much like what happens with babies, these things always seem to take place in the middle of the night, or on weekends when no expert is available for immediate help...without enormous cost, that is.
I have to be at work this morning. Fortunately the boss lady loves dogs, owns bull mastiffs too, so hopefully will be willing to allow me the couple of hours required to race back home and take poor Grump to his doc. I hate to see him in pain. I also hate to think of the additional costs; I am planning to hand the all the vet bills to my idiot neighbor, but he is on some kind of work compensation pension, so I doubt there will be any relief from that end.
On the up side, I was able to visit my friends on Sunday, the ones I had cancelled on because of the dog fight last week. It was a most pleasant time spent with very pleasant people; a must-repeat-more-often exercise.
Now it’s that time again...get dressed and go, go, go! I’ll wish you all a great day and, of course, one filled with SMILES! Sending you out mine to start things off......
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
It wasn’t an hour later than it was Grump’s turn to invade my sleeping quarters, shaking his head over and over, whimpering and scratching at his ear. It was torn during the fight last Friday; the vet told me to keep an eye on it but didn’t think there would be a problem. Both dogs are still on antibiotics for infection, but Grump’s ear needs to be looked at again. He’s walking with his head to one side and it’s quite obvious he’s in pain. Much like what happens with babies, these things always seem to take place in the middle of the night, or on weekends when no expert is available for immediate help...without enormous cost, that is.
I have to be at work this morning. Fortunately the boss lady loves dogs, owns bull mastiffs too, so hopefully will be willing to allow me the couple of hours required to race back home and take poor Grump to his doc. I hate to see him in pain. I also hate to think of the additional costs; I am planning to hand the all the vet bills to my idiot neighbor, but he is on some kind of work compensation pension, so I doubt there will be any relief from that end.
On the up side, I was able to visit my friends on Sunday, the ones I had cancelled on because of the dog fight last week. It was a most pleasant time spent with very pleasant people; a must-repeat-more-often exercise.
Now it’s that time again...get dressed and go, go, go! I’ll wish you all a great day and, of course, one filled with SMILES! Sending you out mine to start things off......
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
THE BAD AND THE GOOD
A week ago Friday I was up and dressed early. The weather was perfect for the planned 3 hour journey (Like Nautikos, I love to drive) and I was happily looking forward to the visit with dear friends; there would be fun conversation and a delicious Thanksgiving meal. Responsibilities first, of course, so I leashed the doggies and we went out for our morning walk. Thirty minutes later all hell broke loose!
We were in my driveway at the bottom of my hill, both my boys still on their long leashes, when the neighbour’s 3 mongrels came tearing out of the bush – not a bark, no sound at all – and attacked!!
I won’t go into all the gory details, except to tell you that it took both that idiot (the neighbour) and me a good half hour to separate the 5 animals. We would get two apart, be hanging on, and another two would start again. It was pure bedlam with dogs, leashes, bushes and trees and ME all tangled up, teeth gnashing, growling, pulling....not one of them weighs less than 100 pounds ...and I was so furious that I came close to letting the animals fight it out while I seriously hurt their owner!
Instead of the wonderful time I had been anticipating, I ended up, once again, at the vet’s office, first with Grump, then with Smooch. All the dogs will survive, but my boys (and his too) are in pain and on medication AGAIN, it cost me another 700$ I don’t have (Thank Heavens for my son, Bow) and that b_stard neighbour’s excuse for his dogs being loose was that I wasn’t usually outside so early. I was on my own property, right? It doesn’t matter WHAT time I am out!! As for the authorities? They repeated the advice to install a fence.
By evening we were all limping badly. I had hurt my knee in the fracas, and Helen used my office chair to wheel me to bed because I could no longer put weight on the left leg. The right one was badly scratched too, but was endurable. Now, a week later, the doggies are still on medication and have to be kept indoors for fear of infecting their open wounds, and I’m still taking pain killers, although the swelling has thankfully gone down and I can walk decently again. The disappointment in having to cancel the day with my friends was nearly as bad as anything else that happened that day.
On the up side, a lady, for whom I had made a job referral some months ago, contacted me last Thursday, wondering if I would be willing to work with her. The Company (who did hire her) had a mess in the accounting department and she needed help to get it back on track. I was quick to accept – the money situation has become dire – and am now into the getting up and dressed and off to the rat race by 7 AM each morning. We’ve been putting in long days, so I return home quite late and will be, in fact, working today (Saturday) also. This may, or may not, turn into fulltime employment, but both she and I are hoping for the best. In the meantime, I am grateful, both for the income and the fact that Helen is here for the doggies.
I’m slowly getting used to the hustle again. I think the hardest thing is having to get dressed in the morning – I was enjoying being part of the jammie brigade. My writing is suffering, what with the travel, the work, and the twice-daily cleansing of both my doggies’ wounds; I still need to adapt, especially in organising my time, something I’ve never been much good at anyway.
Speaking of which – I need to get ready, so will wish you a belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, wish you a great weekend, and am sending y’all a big SMILE!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
We were in my driveway at the bottom of my hill, both my boys still on their long leashes, when the neighbour’s 3 mongrels came tearing out of the bush – not a bark, no sound at all – and attacked!!
I won’t go into all the gory details, except to tell you that it took both that idiot (the neighbour) and me a good half hour to separate the 5 animals. We would get two apart, be hanging on, and another two would start again. It was pure bedlam with dogs, leashes, bushes and trees and ME all tangled up, teeth gnashing, growling, pulling....not one of them weighs less than 100 pounds ...and I was so furious that I came close to letting the animals fight it out while I seriously hurt their owner!
Instead of the wonderful time I had been anticipating, I ended up, once again, at the vet’s office, first with Grump, then with Smooch. All the dogs will survive, but my boys (and his too) are in pain and on medication AGAIN, it cost me another 700$ I don’t have (Thank Heavens for my son, Bow) and that b_stard neighbour’s excuse for his dogs being loose was that I wasn’t usually outside so early. I was on my own property, right? It doesn’t matter WHAT time I am out!! As for the authorities? They repeated the advice to install a fence.
By evening we were all limping badly. I had hurt my knee in the fracas, and Helen used my office chair to wheel me to bed because I could no longer put weight on the left leg. The right one was badly scratched too, but was endurable. Now, a week later, the doggies are still on medication and have to be kept indoors for fear of infecting their open wounds, and I’m still taking pain killers, although the swelling has thankfully gone down and I can walk decently again. The disappointment in having to cancel the day with my friends was nearly as bad as anything else that happened that day.
On the up side, a lady, for whom I had made a job referral some months ago, contacted me last Thursday, wondering if I would be willing to work with her. The Company (who did hire her) had a mess in the accounting department and she needed help to get it back on track. I was quick to accept – the money situation has become dire – and am now into the getting up and dressed and off to the rat race by 7 AM each morning. We’ve been putting in long days, so I return home quite late and will be, in fact, working today (Saturday) also. This may, or may not, turn into fulltime employment, but both she and I are hoping for the best. In the meantime, I am grateful, both for the income and the fact that Helen is here for the doggies.
I’m slowly getting used to the hustle again. I think the hardest thing is having to get dressed in the morning – I was enjoying being part of the jammie brigade. My writing is suffering, what with the travel, the work, and the twice-daily cleansing of both my doggies’ wounds; I still need to adapt, especially in organising my time, something I’ve never been much good at anyway.
Speaking of which – I need to get ready, so will wish you a belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, wish you a great weekend, and am sending y’all a big SMILE!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
JUST CHIT-CHAT
We’ll be treated to a Japanese menu for one part of our Thanksgiving this year. My son and Yoshiko will be doing the honors at their city house on Saturday night. An international gathering; English, French, Japanese and German, with French being the common one for communication within the group. Supper will be followed by the hockey game, of course, at least for the men and yours truly.
For Sunday, Helen has invited her ex-hubby (who is still a very good friend), and her son to share a traditional turkey/ pumpkin pie meal here at home. Helen and I have a firm deal; I do the cooking and she does the clean-up. Perfect! My son and Yoshiko may attend too, but my daughter will be with her significant other’s family because there is also a birthday party happening there, and my youngest (the Rug rats’ daddy) will be away at his annual moose hunting camp.
My grandson called his mom this morning, slightly panicked because his little GF spent the night in pain with false contractions. As my daughter declared to me, but certainly not to Fred, “They ain’t seen nothing yet!” The baby is due in approximately 3 weeks, hopefully on October 27th, her daddy’s birthday. A new generation, and the first for this family, so we’re all looking forward to the big event.
No success on the job search yet. Fortunately I still have a few things to be done here and there from previous clients; not enough to make a decent wage, but every little bit helps. I figure the right thing will come along eventually; it usually does.
In the meantime, I am enjoying our fine October weather and the awesome colors everywhere in the bush and on my mountain. I can’t help but think of Bird, and the many hours we spent together admiring the same view from my gallery. It doesn’t seem possible that this coming Monday will make it two years since he passed over.
The doggies are standing at the door giving me the walk-time look, so I’ll wish y’all a great day, and to start it right, or end it right, depending from which part of the world you are reading this, I send you a big SMILE. A hug with that?
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
For Sunday, Helen has invited her ex-hubby (who is still a very good friend), and her son to share a traditional turkey/ pumpkin pie meal here at home. Helen and I have a firm deal; I do the cooking and she does the clean-up. Perfect! My son and Yoshiko may attend too, but my daughter will be with her significant other’s family because there is also a birthday party happening there, and my youngest (the Rug rats’ daddy) will be away at his annual moose hunting camp.
My grandson called his mom this morning, slightly panicked because his little GF spent the night in pain with false contractions. As my daughter declared to me, but certainly not to Fred, “They ain’t seen nothing yet!” The baby is due in approximately 3 weeks, hopefully on October 27th, her daddy’s birthday. A new generation, and the first for this family, so we’re all looking forward to the big event.
No success on the job search yet. Fortunately I still have a few things to be done here and there from previous clients; not enough to make a decent wage, but every little bit helps. I figure the right thing will come along eventually; it usually does.
In the meantime, I am enjoying our fine October weather and the awesome colors everywhere in the bush and on my mountain. I can’t help but think of Bird, and the many hours we spent together admiring the same view from my gallery. It doesn’t seem possible that this coming Monday will make it two years since he passed over.
The doggies are standing at the door giving me the walk-time look, so I’ll wish y’all a great day, and to start it right, or end it right, depending from which part of the world you are reading this, I send you a big SMILE. A hug with that?
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
DON'T TAKE SMOOCH!!
I was strolling with Smooch in the small village square. He was being really good in spite of people milling around us. He came along quietly, sniffing here and there and not pulling on his leash as he is prone to do when he sees other interesting humans that he could maybe smell, or lick, or award some love nips. I was proud of my huge doggie.
I heard the motorcycles before I saw them. I turned to look as they rode up the street. Damn! They were rolling too close to where we were standing. Smooch loves to run with bikes. I tightened my grip on his leash.
The bikes made a U-turn and roared off in the other direction, and what I feared is exactly what happened. Smooch lunged to the chase. I braced myself, yelling at him to STOP!, and clenched with both hands onto the sturdy, plastic handle of his long leash, which all of a sudden seemed to be longer than normal. Then he was dragging me, but I was determined to not let go. I had to run to keep from falling; hollering his name to COME, praying that the leash wouldn’t break.
The bikes took the corner, and Smooch covered the small, grassy patch beside the curb with two bounds, but, thankfully, his leash got caught up on a waist high picket fence that separated the grass from the sidewalk. There were young men standing there, and I saw two of them quickly grab at Smooch and bend towards the fence. I couldn’t really gage how the dog reacted because 3 or 4 of the group walked in front of me at that moment, blocking my sight and my rush to reach my runaway. I figured the first two were untangling his leash and I pressed the button that rolls the excess length back in, which would haul him to me. I was still trying to politely move around the lads in my road, calling out ‘Excuse me!’
My heart skipped a beat when the leash hook snapped back into the handle EMPTY!
Oh no!! They had unhooked Smooch instead of just freeing him! If my strong doggie could squirm out of their hands, he would take off after the bikes again!
Forget being polite!! I pushed at the guy standing closest to where I was, and he turned towards me, avoiding my eyes by looking over my head, hardly budging. It seemed to be deliberate. What the....??
I shoved again, craning to peer around him. What I saw stopped my breathing– the two who had unsnapped Smooch were towing him the other way!!!
"Hey!” I bellowed. “Hey – what are you doing?? That’s my dog!!!” This time I smacked the dude in front of me – hard! There was no wondering now; he and his buddies were purposely not only obstructing my path, but were attempting to hinder my view of what was happening. Frantically dodging this way and that let me catch glimpses of Smooch braking and pulling backwards, struggling to escape these strangers. The men lifted his front paws off the ground; they were half carrying him, and would soon be out of my sight altogether!
I heard a voice remark that such a huge pit makes a good, mean dog in the ring. Panic squeezed my gut! This was a set-up!! They had targeted my Smooch – they were stealing my sweet doggie to make him a fighter!!
I went ballistic!! Someone was holding my arms to keep me from following. I pulled, I pushed, I twisted and jerked and started to kick...and I SCREAMED Smooch’s name... and because they were holding me fast, I SCREAMED again, and kept screaming....and I woke up from one of the worst nightmares I have ever had in my life.
The emotions were so strong that nausea interfered with my morning coffee. The day’s activity mellowed things out, but the dream lingered. I lost count how many times I hugged my doggies.
When I got into bed last night, Smooch came into my room. He put his big head on my mattress next to my face, licked my nose, then settled down on the floor, as close as possible to where I was lying without actually getting up beside me. One would almost think that he had experienced the same nightmare.
I fell to sleep with my hand hanging down, touching his ears. I didn’t hear when he left for his couch where he normally spends the night, and where I found him this morning. He looked up as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, yawned widely, and I swear there was a doggie-grin. I could imagine his reassuring drawl. “You okay now? We’re all still here, Cupcake.”
Yes, yes, I know - my imagination. But I felt it, so it was real, and my doggie’s caring...and even just his being here... made me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I heard the motorcycles before I saw them. I turned to look as they rode up the street. Damn! They were rolling too close to where we were standing. Smooch loves to run with bikes. I tightened my grip on his leash.
The bikes made a U-turn and roared off in the other direction, and what I feared is exactly what happened. Smooch lunged to the chase. I braced myself, yelling at him to STOP!, and clenched with both hands onto the sturdy, plastic handle of his long leash, which all of a sudden seemed to be longer than normal. Then he was dragging me, but I was determined to not let go. I had to run to keep from falling; hollering his name to COME, praying that the leash wouldn’t break.
The bikes took the corner, and Smooch covered the small, grassy patch beside the curb with two bounds, but, thankfully, his leash got caught up on a waist high picket fence that separated the grass from the sidewalk. There were young men standing there, and I saw two of them quickly grab at Smooch and bend towards the fence. I couldn’t really gage how the dog reacted because 3 or 4 of the group walked in front of me at that moment, blocking my sight and my rush to reach my runaway. I figured the first two were untangling his leash and I pressed the button that rolls the excess length back in, which would haul him to me. I was still trying to politely move around the lads in my road, calling out ‘Excuse me!’
My heart skipped a beat when the leash hook snapped back into the handle EMPTY!
Oh no!! They had unhooked Smooch instead of just freeing him! If my strong doggie could squirm out of their hands, he would take off after the bikes again!
Forget being polite!! I pushed at the guy standing closest to where I was, and he turned towards me, avoiding my eyes by looking over my head, hardly budging. It seemed to be deliberate. What the....??
I shoved again, craning to peer around him. What I saw stopped my breathing– the two who had unsnapped Smooch were towing him the other way!!!
"Hey!” I bellowed. “Hey – what are you doing?? That’s my dog!!!” This time I smacked the dude in front of me – hard! There was no wondering now; he and his buddies were purposely not only obstructing my path, but were attempting to hinder my view of what was happening. Frantically dodging this way and that let me catch glimpses of Smooch braking and pulling backwards, struggling to escape these strangers. The men lifted his front paws off the ground; they were half carrying him, and would soon be out of my sight altogether!
I heard a voice remark that such a huge pit makes a good, mean dog in the ring. Panic squeezed my gut! This was a set-up!! They had targeted my Smooch – they were stealing my sweet doggie to make him a fighter!!
I went ballistic!! Someone was holding my arms to keep me from following. I pulled, I pushed, I twisted and jerked and started to kick...and I SCREAMED Smooch’s name... and because they were holding me fast, I SCREAMED again, and kept screaming....and I woke up from one of the worst nightmares I have ever had in my life.
The emotions were so strong that nausea interfered with my morning coffee. The day’s activity mellowed things out, but the dream lingered. I lost count how many times I hugged my doggies.
When I got into bed last night, Smooch came into my room. He put his big head on my mattress next to my face, licked my nose, then settled down on the floor, as close as possible to where I was lying without actually getting up beside me. One would almost think that he had experienced the same nightmare.
I fell to sleep with my hand hanging down, touching his ears. I didn’t hear when he left for his couch where he normally spends the night, and where I found him this morning. He looked up as soon as I stepped into the kitchen, yawned widely, and I swear there was a doggie-grin. I could imagine his reassuring drawl. “You okay now? We’re all still here, Cupcake.”
Yes, yes, I know - my imagination. But I felt it, so it was real, and my doggie’s caring...and even just his being here... made me SMILE.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Monday, October 7, 2013
RUNT & RUG RATS
After twice putting the runt kitten back into the box with its sibling, I found it again out on the floor, this time a distance from Mama Dora and her healthy baby. I brought the poor, tiny thing upstairs, went over the ‘Orphan or Neglected Kitten How-to’ advice I had printed from the internet, and prepared to spend the next few days being a nurse of sorts. Helen, who claims to not like cats at all, appeared with one of her little teddy bears and a piece of flannel, in which she wrapped a plastic bottle filled with heated water. Both were added to the new bed for our patient.
I had been calling the kitten Runt, and we decided it was as good a name as any. The first feeding went quite well; Runt wasn’t sucking but did swallow a spoonful from the dropper. Following the directions, I gently massaged his sides and belly to help digestion, and noted that the bones in the back end were badly deformed. I doubted very much if Runt would ever be able to walk properly. After rubbing his wee bum with a warm, wet cotton ball to encourage elimination, I settled him into his box. He immediately cuddled up to the teddy bear and bottle, and fell to sleep. It wasn’t quite 2 hours later when he mewled, and the procedure was repeated.
I had installed him in my office so that he would be close by as I worked, and out of reach of two very curious doggies. It was late when I finally decided to set the alarm clock and get some sleep. I leaned over to check on him again before running my bath, even if it had only been an hour since his last feeding, and discovered that my little Runt had crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. I felt sad, as did Helen when I told her the next morning, but know that his last hours were spent in a warm, comfy place and not discarded on the corner of a cold floor. Mama Dora’s instincts had been right all along; I just didn’t agree with her method which, of course, is the only one she knows.
Fred came to pick up Dora and her remaining kitten on Saturday while I was with my Rug rats. Helen gave him the news, but I think he was expecting that result all along. A forever home is already found and waiting until the healthy baby is old enough, then Fred plans to have Dora’s hysterectomy done so there will be no more litters. A good move!!
The Rug rats and Mémère had a great time together, although it left me wondering how I had handled them full time for the 5 months they lived with me. I definitely needed a rest when it was over! I also discovered that I’m no longer as adept on the trampoline as is the three year old Tao; I bounce higher but come down with far less grace!!
The sun was shining as I drove home. Is that what caused the colors of the bush road to be more vibrant than usual? Or was it because I was still basking in the hugs and kisses and giggles from my three grandsons?
A combination of the two, no doubt, making me drunk on beauty and love. And making that SMILE a whole lot bigger! Enough to go around, so sending y’all your share.....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
I had been calling the kitten Runt, and we decided it was as good a name as any. The first feeding went quite well; Runt wasn’t sucking but did swallow a spoonful from the dropper. Following the directions, I gently massaged his sides and belly to help digestion, and noted that the bones in the back end were badly deformed. I doubted very much if Runt would ever be able to walk properly. After rubbing his wee bum with a warm, wet cotton ball to encourage elimination, I settled him into his box. He immediately cuddled up to the teddy bear and bottle, and fell to sleep. It wasn’t quite 2 hours later when he mewled, and the procedure was repeated.
I had installed him in my office so that he would be close by as I worked, and out of reach of two very curious doggies. It was late when I finally decided to set the alarm clock and get some sleep. I leaned over to check on him again before running my bath, even if it had only been an hour since his last feeding, and discovered that my little Runt had crossed over to Rainbow Bridge. I felt sad, as did Helen when I told her the next morning, but know that his last hours were spent in a warm, comfy place and not discarded on the corner of a cold floor. Mama Dora’s instincts had been right all along; I just didn’t agree with her method which, of course, is the only one she knows.
Fred came to pick up Dora and her remaining kitten on Saturday while I was with my Rug rats. Helen gave him the news, but I think he was expecting that result all along. A forever home is already found and waiting until the healthy baby is old enough, then Fred plans to have Dora’s hysterectomy done so there will be no more litters. A good move!!
The Rug rats and Mémère had a great time together, although it left me wondering how I had handled them full time for the 5 months they lived with me. I definitely needed a rest when it was over! I also discovered that I’m no longer as adept on the trampoline as is the three year old Tao; I bounce higher but come down with far less grace!!
The sun was shining as I drove home. Is that what caused the colors of the bush road to be more vibrant than usual? Or was it because I was still basking in the hugs and kisses and giggles from my three grandsons?
A combination of the two, no doubt, making me drunk on beauty and love. And making that SMILE a whole lot bigger! Enough to go around, so sending y’all your share.....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
READY? AIM! AND SUCK 'EM UP!!
While running some errands yesterday I met a friend who reads my blog, and she warned me that the little beasties invading my house, which I thought were ladybugs, were more likely to be Asian Beetles. She mentioned the difference between the two types of insects, and suggested that I get additional information from the internet. I did, and she is right, so out will come the vacuum cleaner this afternoon for cleanup. According to the sources, one should wait until the warm sun coaxes them from hiding. Helen, the indomitable Mrs. Clean, is ecstatic; I’ve been against her doing this ever since the bugs showed up. Now she is armed and ready!
Update on the kitten? I visited the vet while in town, told her about my fear, and purchased the proper milk and a miniscule feeding bottle just in case it would be needed....like in the middle of the night when her office is closed. She explained that if the runt is still alive it is because Momma Dora is caring for it, which is the best thing for the baby. However, if I see that Dora tries to move it again, then I should intercede. I went down a few times during the evening, and again this morning, and all seems well, although both kittens were on the floor beside their box this time. I put them back in and they cuddled up. I did note that the bigger one makes no sound, while the runt mewled once when I set it down beside its sibling. Because Dora comes to meet me when she hears me on the stairs, I haven’t yet had the chance to actually see her feeding them, so have no idea whether they are each getting the appropriate share or not. I shall be extra vigilant from now on.
My youngest son contacted me yesterday, wondering if I could keep the Rug rats on Saturday morning. He is to continue his flying lessons, and the boys want to come here. For all my previous determination that I would NEVER again babysit, I miss my little guys, and it is only until noon, so I hardly hesitated before I agreed. It will be the first time since their move that I will see them without one parent or the other being present. Hmmm – lots of chocolate treats, maybe - energy builder for the afternoon, which they will spend at home. Nah – I couldn’t be that mean (snicker).
Our country road is a canopy of breathtaking colors, the various shades of red and orange and gold with evergreens as contrast. It’s difficult to focus on driving with such scenery. Glorious is Mother Nature, and as we gaze at her special gift, I’m sure I’m not the only one SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Update on the kitten? I visited the vet while in town, told her about my fear, and purchased the proper milk and a miniscule feeding bottle just in case it would be needed....like in the middle of the night when her office is closed. She explained that if the runt is still alive it is because Momma Dora is caring for it, which is the best thing for the baby. However, if I see that Dora tries to move it again, then I should intercede. I went down a few times during the evening, and again this morning, and all seems well, although both kittens were on the floor beside their box this time. I put them back in and they cuddled up. I did note that the bigger one makes no sound, while the runt mewled once when I set it down beside its sibling. Because Dora comes to meet me when she hears me on the stairs, I haven’t yet had the chance to actually see her feeding them, so have no idea whether they are each getting the appropriate share or not. I shall be extra vigilant from now on.
My youngest son contacted me yesterday, wondering if I could keep the Rug rats on Saturday morning. He is to continue his flying lessons, and the boys want to come here. For all my previous determination that I would NEVER again babysit, I miss my little guys, and it is only until noon, so I hardly hesitated before I agreed. It will be the first time since their move that I will see them without one parent or the other being present. Hmmm – lots of chocolate treats, maybe - energy builder for the afternoon, which they will spend at home. Nah – I couldn’t be that mean (snicker).
Our country road is a canopy of breathtaking colors, the various shades of red and orange and gold with evergreens as contrast. It’s difficult to focus on driving with such scenery. Glorious is Mother Nature, and as we gaze at her special gift, I’m sure I’m not the only one SMILING!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
A KITTEN KEEPER?
While I was in Detroit, Miss Dora, the hussy belonging to my grandson, Fred, gave birth to 3 kittens. When Fred found her, she was birthing in the litter box (she is very young, and this is her first time), and her kitten was dead. He installed her in the bathroom with a proper box, where she had 2 more babies – a chubby, normal sized, black and white kitty, and a tiny runt, all grey.
Because Fred and his GF are painting and doing whatever renovations in their new house, they have not been staying here since Dora’s big event. I go down 3 or 4 times a day, give her fresh food and water, and clean her litter box. I don’t touch the kittens, but do cuddle Dora, of course. Mommy needs some company and loving too!
I noticed that the larger kitten mostly sleeps, but now and then the little runt was moving around and mewling.
This morning, on my second visit after feeding, I saw that the runt was no longer in the box. I found it rolling around on its back behind a mattress. I’m not sure if I interrupted Dora in the process of moving BOTH her kittens, or if she is planning to rid herself of this little dude.
I’m more a dog-person. I’ve owned cats, but they were 10 weeks old and in perfect health when my own mother talked me into adopting them. AC and DC became the property and much loved pets of my son and his Japanese bride when I moved back to the bush. What I am saying here is that this is a new experience for me – and I’m wondering how it should be handled. I did look up some information on the internet, and see that I may need to get an eyedropper and special milk to help the poor little mite...IF, indeed, Dora has decided that she wants no part of it. If I understand what I read, the feeding should happen every 2 to 3 hours, day and night??!!
I guess the best thing to do is wait a couple of hours to see if Dora tries to move it out of the box again, and prepare myself for nursing duty if that does happen. Any suggestions from knowing cat lovers out there would be much appreciated!!
In the meantime, I’m sending you SMILES – big, sunny ones to go with the beautiful weather presently favoring my neck of the woods!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
Because Fred and his GF are painting and doing whatever renovations in their new house, they have not been staying here since Dora’s big event. I go down 3 or 4 times a day, give her fresh food and water, and clean her litter box. I don’t touch the kittens, but do cuddle Dora, of course. Mommy needs some company and loving too!
I noticed that the larger kitten mostly sleeps, but now and then the little runt was moving around and mewling.
This morning, on my second visit after feeding, I saw that the runt was no longer in the box. I found it rolling around on its back behind a mattress. I’m not sure if I interrupted Dora in the process of moving BOTH her kittens, or if she is planning to rid herself of this little dude.
I’m more a dog-person. I’ve owned cats, but they were 10 weeks old and in perfect health when my own mother talked me into adopting them. AC and DC became the property and much loved pets of my son and his Japanese bride when I moved back to the bush. What I am saying here is that this is a new experience for me – and I’m wondering how it should be handled. I did look up some information on the internet, and see that I may need to get an eyedropper and special milk to help the poor little mite...IF, indeed, Dora has decided that she wants no part of it. If I understand what I read, the feeding should happen every 2 to 3 hours, day and night??!!
I guess the best thing to do is wait a couple of hours to see if Dora tries to move it out of the box again, and prepare myself for nursing duty if that does happen. Any suggestions from knowing cat lovers out there would be much appreciated!!
In the meantime, I’m sending you SMILES – big, sunny ones to go with the beautiful weather presently favoring my neck of the woods!!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec
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