I’m wondering if I am just impatient...or is Smooch’s illness really taking too long to heal? I hate giving him such strong doses of cortisone and antibiotics for this length of time. It can’t help but play havoc with his immune system, which is already not strong. This week’s blood test showed only a one point increase; the Vet says normal is 35, and it is now at 30. Bad enough that it costing from $100 to $200 per week for the medication, the visits, the blood tests, but the poor doggie is still moping around, showing hardly any signs of energy at all. I’ve been looking at natural products to feed him, and am wondering why vets don’t suggest more of these? It could have nothing to do with the cold, hard cash.....?
Don’t mind my ranting this morning. It has been a turbulent week with problems at work, the constant running so that the doggies won’t be alone too long, making sure they get some exercise, getting back and forth to the vet (which I wouldn’t mind if I could see improvement), the normal housework, once again bills piling up, and very little sleep...Arrrgh!
On the up side – it’s to be a beautiful weekend weather-wise, Early as it is, the sun is shining, the birds are calling, there have been geese flying over for the past few days, and grass is beginning to peep through the snow here and there. My Habs have their first 2 games in their pocket, and Sam’s Wings beat the big, bad Bruins last night too. There was some dancing going on in this house, and some Yippee-ki-yay’s, LOL!
I have 3 days away from the office, but at least 5 days of work to do here at home for a couple of former clients. Something always shows up to help out, and I know that from experience, but I needed to vent the negative stuff out of my system. It’s done now – I’ll get to it and use some positive action instead of griping. A little Latin music on the radio, a shower, a short walk with the doggies before diving into mounds of paper that will help pay the bills...and you see? I’m already SMILING....
Sending them out to you, all wrapped up with best wishes for your Easter weekend!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Sunday, April 13, 2014
BEDTIME
One B of a thunderstorm happening here right now, and I have two very scared loving pit-bulls curled up to my feet as close as they can get, and a kitty hiding under the blankets on my bed – one can only see his big eyes peering out as the big BOO-BOOOM shakes the whole house, competing with the loud drumming of the rain on my tin roof.
It is pouring. Apparently there are flood warnings issued for different places around here, and I imagine people are scurrying down to basements regularly to check on their sub pumps. They say it is to continue all day tomorrow and into Tuesday, so my beautiful, white snow will be replaced by mud...and more mud...and then will come Spring with her colorful array of blooms and green, green grass, and my regret for the lost snow will change to delight in the arrival of a new season.
I went with Helen today to visit her house. It is just perfect for the two people who have found love in each other again; roomy enough, but compact, with a well-cared for yard just big enough to keep her busy with her flowers, but not too busy. She will finally begin to enjoy life – and is quite determined that nothing or no-one will spoil it this time. Hats off to the lady! It’s about time!
Now – because I have much to say, and can’t decide which is important enough, and am too tired after a hectic day to even start, I shall instead wish you all sweet dreams, send you a huge, sleepy SMILE...and catch you tomorrow.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
It is pouring. Apparently there are flood warnings issued for different places around here, and I imagine people are scurrying down to basements regularly to check on their sub pumps. They say it is to continue all day tomorrow and into Tuesday, so my beautiful, white snow will be replaced by mud...and more mud...and then will come Spring with her colorful array of blooms and green, green grass, and my regret for the lost snow will change to delight in the arrival of a new season.
I went with Helen today to visit her house. It is just perfect for the two people who have found love in each other again; roomy enough, but compact, with a well-cared for yard just big enough to keep her busy with her flowers, but not too busy. She will finally begin to enjoy life – and is quite determined that nothing or no-one will spoil it this time. Hats off to the lady! It’s about time!
Now – because I have much to say, and can’t decide which is important enough, and am too tired after a hectic day to even start, I shall instead wish you all sweet dreams, send you a huge, sleepy SMILE...and catch you tomorrow.
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
UNACCEPTED LIVER BARTER....
Well now – I was booted off Blogit again for a week, until I could get some things caught up. Needless to say that Smooch’s healthcare is costing a bundle. He is worth every penny, of course. I can’t understand why Blogit wouldn’t take some of the chopped liver, of which there is plenty in my freezer, as payment...
Nevertheless, I’m back, and Smooch loves eating the liver, and all’s well that ends well.
My boy’s last blood results were not encouraging; the red cells should have been higher. If they are the same next Wednesday we’ll do a lung x-ray. His breathing is not so good either and that could be caused by the high doses of cortisone it seems, but the vets are talking tumor again. He has trouble negotiating the stairs, being as weak as he is, poor baby. He still loves to go outside, but needs to use the stairs then, and I’m leery about taking him out too often even if the mild exercise is good for him. I have been doing research and have started mixing Vitamin B12 in his food. I got the ok from the Vets – they say it can’t hurt – and I purchase it from the natural food store so there are no pharmaceutical chemical simulations.
My regular Vet was not available this week, and the new one asked me about using a muzzle while doing the test. I said no – no muzzle – you might get a kiss though. Ha-ha! And that’s what happened – Smoochie gave him a Wet Willie as soon as he was in reach, and the poor man spent a few minutes wiping doggie saliva out of his ear when it was done.
I had heard another client come into the waiting room during our procedure, so asked the assistant if she could keep an eye on Smooch while I paid the bill. He gets hyper now when he sees a strange canine – the constant attacks from my neighbor’s dogs have him on the defensive – it would be easier for everyone if I could take him straight back to the car without dawdling at the reception desk. She said sure, no problem, so off I went, completely forgetting to warn her that Smooch is quite adept at opening doors. I heard his howling protest when I left, so I hurried, but had no sooner arrived at the desk than here comes my boy, galloping down to me , dragging his long leash, with the assistant running behind, trying to catch up to him, LOL! The look on her face!! And her tone in which she declared “He just opened that door!!”
We did leave without further ado, and he kept his big head on my knee all the way home, just to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. He follows me from room to room in the house, and sleeps beside the bed every night now. I get ‘the look’ when I leave to go to work in the morning, and I am so proud of him especially because, unlike Grump, it’s a new thing for Smooch being alone for over 10 to 12 hours. I only found that one puddle the first day, and nothing since.
It’s time to go cook his supper now, and the sun is still shining out there, so maybe a little walk to help digestion, and then both doggies will watch their mistress either dance or swear for the Habs’ game tonight, who are playing Jimmy’s Rangers....
Leaving you with a SMILE, and now that Blogit has allowed this delinquent lady to enter their portals once again, there will be plenty more SMILES on their way...
Luv from the Bush n Quebec.
Nevertheless, I’m back, and Smooch loves eating the liver, and all’s well that ends well.
My boy’s last blood results were not encouraging; the red cells should have been higher. If they are the same next Wednesday we’ll do a lung x-ray. His breathing is not so good either and that could be caused by the high doses of cortisone it seems, but the vets are talking tumor again. He has trouble negotiating the stairs, being as weak as he is, poor baby. He still loves to go outside, but needs to use the stairs then, and I’m leery about taking him out too often even if the mild exercise is good for him. I have been doing research and have started mixing Vitamin B12 in his food. I got the ok from the Vets – they say it can’t hurt – and I purchase it from the natural food store so there are no pharmaceutical chemical simulations.
My regular Vet was not available this week, and the new one asked me about using a muzzle while doing the test. I said no – no muzzle – you might get a kiss though. Ha-ha! And that’s what happened – Smoochie gave him a Wet Willie as soon as he was in reach, and the poor man spent a few minutes wiping doggie saliva out of his ear when it was done.
I had heard another client come into the waiting room during our procedure, so asked the assistant if she could keep an eye on Smooch while I paid the bill. He gets hyper now when he sees a strange canine – the constant attacks from my neighbor’s dogs have him on the defensive – it would be easier for everyone if I could take him straight back to the car without dawdling at the reception desk. She said sure, no problem, so off I went, completely forgetting to warn her that Smooch is quite adept at opening doors. I heard his howling protest when I left, so I hurried, but had no sooner arrived at the desk than here comes my boy, galloping down to me , dragging his long leash, with the assistant running behind, trying to catch up to him, LOL! The look on her face!! And her tone in which she declared “He just opened that door!!”
We did leave without further ado, and he kept his big head on my knee all the way home, just to make sure I wasn’t going anywhere. He follows me from room to room in the house, and sleeps beside the bed every night now. I get ‘the look’ when I leave to go to work in the morning, and I am so proud of him especially because, unlike Grump, it’s a new thing for Smooch being alone for over 10 to 12 hours. I only found that one puddle the first day, and nothing since.
It’s time to go cook his supper now, and the sun is still shining out there, so maybe a little walk to help digestion, and then both doggies will watch their mistress either dance or swear for the Habs’ game tonight, who are playing Jimmy’s Rangers....
Leaving you with a SMILE, and now that Blogit has allowed this delinquent lady to enter their portals once again, there will be plenty more SMILES on their way...
Luv from the Bush n Quebec.
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
PEE PROUD!
I am SOOO proud of my boys!!
This is the first time in his life that Smooch has ever spent over 5 hours without a human being around to open the door and let him go out. What’s more, the heavy doses of cortisone make him drink a lot, and he pees like a small horse when he gets outside, so I was expecting some huge puddles and a couple of piles when I arrived home from work tonight.
What did I find? One puddle (near the door), no piles, and two very happy doggies!!
I cleaned things up singing ‘How much is that doggie in the Window?’ My boys like that tune, and they sure deserved one, and if they like my voice ...well...they are only doggies. And it was much better than being scolded.
This lady is SMILING, and sharing it with y’all!!
Luv from the Bush in QUebec
This is the first time in his life that Smooch has ever spent over 5 hours without a human being around to open the door and let him go out. What’s more, the heavy doses of cortisone make him drink a lot, and he pees like a small horse when he gets outside, so I was expecting some huge puddles and a couple of piles when I arrived home from work tonight.
What did I find? One puddle (near the door), no piles, and two very happy doggies!!
I cleaned things up singing ‘How much is that doggie in the Window?’ My boys like that tune, and they sure deserved one, and if they like my voice ...well...they are only doggies. And it was much better than being scolded.
This lady is SMILING, and sharing it with y’all!!
Luv from the Bush in QUebec
Monday, April 7, 2014
AUTHORIZED HOOKY
I’m at home. Morpheus made himself scarce last night, showing up only at 4:30 AM, one whole hour before the alarm would go off to give Smooch his medication. Helen and her son had departed in the late afternoon, so I was alone with the beasties. Dogs are very sensitive to change, and I don’t know if it was the unusual silence in the house that kept Smooch wandering in and out of my room, or if it was pain. I certainly hope it was the former; he didn’t seem to be suffering, just restless. Whatever it was, it kept us all awake (doggies and kitty and me). Fortunately I have plenty of banked hours, and my boss texted back her ‘ok’ quite readily, in spite of it being only 6:30 AM when I let her know I would be using some of them today.
And because I am now able to go back to bed with a clear conscience....and it’s where I should be instead of wandering dozily from window to window... I don’t feel like it. Contrary is me. The beautiful day outside is a deterrent; that and the files of the couple of clients kept over from my former business and which need to be addressed. Although I was planning on taking some time off any way to get them done, the nocturnal activity of my youngest doggie means I’ll be pushing numbers around in a sleep-deprived brain. Not ideal, but I’ll give it a go.
And you know what? I kind of enjoyed doing the dishes last night, something I have hardly touched since Helen moved in. Ha! I have no doubt that novelty will wear off very soon.
Well, I’ll see what I can get done, and some snoozing if work is too boring. Wishing you all a great day, folks – hoping the SMILES I am sending along make it just a bit better!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
And because I am now able to go back to bed with a clear conscience....and it’s where I should be instead of wandering dozily from window to window... I don’t feel like it. Contrary is me. The beautiful day outside is a deterrent; that and the files of the couple of clients kept over from my former business and which need to be addressed. Although I was planning on taking some time off any way to get them done, the nocturnal activity of my youngest doggie means I’ll be pushing numbers around in a sleep-deprived brain. Not ideal, but I’ll give it a go.
And you know what? I kind of enjoyed doing the dishes last night, something I have hardly touched since Helen moved in. Ha! I have no doubt that novelty will wear off very soon.
Well, I’ll see what I can get done, and some snoozing if work is too boring. Wishing you all a great day, folks – hoping the SMILES I am sending along make it just a bit better!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
YOU ARE ONLY A HUMAN...
“His white blood cells are still far too high, but his red cells are multiplying too, you see?” The vet pointed to the chart showing the results of Smooch’s blood test this week. “We seem to be on the right track. How is his eating?”
“Good,” I answered. “Liver and salmon and kale, plenty of it. And any other red meat I can afford.” Afford after paying your bills, I thought grudgingly. But not really grudging. Smooch is worth every penny spent.
The vet nodded. “Good! Keep up with that menu. How about the medication? Any problem getting him to take his pills? Keeping him on schedule is important.”
I shook my head. ‘No, no problem. I wrap the pills in Brie cheese. He loves it.”
“Liver and Brie?” His eyebrows raised and he grinned at me. “Can I come and eat at your place?”
“Sure!” I quipped. “But I buy that stuff for the dogs. The humans in my house get toast and peanut butter.”
We both laughed, but his glance told me that he suspected my statement was serious. If anyone can affirm exactly how we feel about our pets, it would be those in his profession. Their fees reflect this too. Still, they spend as many years studying as do doctors, and have to continue doing so even while working, and they are far more accessible than those caring for humans. I could hug the dude whenever he walks out of that laboratory with my doggie’s chart in hand and he’s smiling!
So, all in all, Smooch is holding his own so far. He has good nights, and some bad ones. Those nights he comes into my room and lies as close to my bed as possible, which means using the books on the floor as a pillow, and I put my hand on his head, comforting him as best I can. Most mornings he bounces back, others not so much; then it’s difficult to leave him when I go to work, even if Helen is here and cares for him well. She won’t be here this week – I’m not looking forward to it, but we’ll adapt. We always do.
Other than that, it is a lovely morning – blue sky and sun and icicles dripping from the roof! Right here, right now, the scene is a perfect winter wonderland, yet I am quite sure one won’t need 3 layers of clothing if venturing outdoors today. Maybe my Dunany Demons have decided to give it up finally, and our spring will catch up to the rest of the country.
Life is good – and it keeps me SMILING! Sharing them of course!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
“Good,” I answered. “Liver and salmon and kale, plenty of it. And any other red meat I can afford.” Afford after paying your bills, I thought grudgingly. But not really grudging. Smooch is worth every penny spent.
The vet nodded. “Good! Keep up with that menu. How about the medication? Any problem getting him to take his pills? Keeping him on schedule is important.”
I shook my head. ‘No, no problem. I wrap the pills in Brie cheese. He loves it.”
“Liver and Brie?” His eyebrows raised and he grinned at me. “Can I come and eat at your place?”
“Sure!” I quipped. “But I buy that stuff for the dogs. The humans in my house get toast and peanut butter.”
We both laughed, but his glance told me that he suspected my statement was serious. If anyone can affirm exactly how we feel about our pets, it would be those in his profession. Their fees reflect this too. Still, they spend as many years studying as do doctors, and have to continue doing so even while working, and they are far more accessible than those caring for humans. I could hug the dude whenever he walks out of that laboratory with my doggie’s chart in hand and he’s smiling!
So, all in all, Smooch is holding his own so far. He has good nights, and some bad ones. Those nights he comes into my room and lies as close to my bed as possible, which means using the books on the floor as a pillow, and I put my hand on his head, comforting him as best I can. Most mornings he bounces back, others not so much; then it’s difficult to leave him when I go to work, even if Helen is here and cares for him well. She won’t be here this week – I’m not looking forward to it, but we’ll adapt. We always do.
Other than that, it is a lovely morning – blue sky and sun and icicles dripping from the roof! Right here, right now, the scene is a perfect winter wonderland, yet I am quite sure one won’t need 3 layers of clothing if venturing outdoors today. Maybe my Dunany Demons have decided to give it up finally, and our spring will catch up to the rest of the country.
Life is good – and it keeps me SMILING! Sharing them of course!
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
AND LAST YEAR...
My foster grandmother handed me the gift when I was 8 years old. I can remember how I cherished that little hard covered book with all its white pages, the tiny key hanging by a ribbon from the top.
“It’s a diary,” she told me. ‘You write whatever you want to in there.”
It was the first of many, unfortunately most of which were lost when a careless friend moved out in the middle of the night, leaving all my stuff behind her. I still have some of the later books though. Bird and I spent some time going through a couple of them, recalling events that had happened years before.
Most of the recording is done by blogging now; not a bad thing when compared to my awful handwriting. It serves nearly the same purpose; I can tell you that last year on this day I was boarding an airplane to go to Japan, and the year before that I was packing my suitcase to leave for Mexico, and the year before that we were dealing with Bird’s cancer diagnosis and the stroke he had a couple of days before.....
And April this year? Well, from having a house well peopled, I expect to soon find myself alone here again. Helen and her husband are back together (so cute, this young old love!) and have purchased a small house where they will be moving on or before May 1st. Helen’s son, who has spent the winter here with us, is returning to his construction job in the Ottawa area next week, so he’s out of here tomorrow. That leaves me and the doggies and the cat, and they will have to adapt to my being away to work – something Smooch has never experienced. It worries me some, with him being so sick, but hopefully he’ll be in better shape by the time Helen leaves.
Note that I said I ‘expect’ to find myself alone. If there is one thing I’ve learned it is that each day has its own surprises – it takes but a moment to send our life barrelling away in a completely different direction than what is ‘expected’!
There you go – the reason to jump out of bed in the morning, looking forward to a new adventure, be it good or bad, large or small; our own personal storybook. How can it not make one SMILE?
Sending mine out to y’all....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
“It’s a diary,” she told me. ‘You write whatever you want to in there.”
It was the first of many, unfortunately most of which were lost when a careless friend moved out in the middle of the night, leaving all my stuff behind her. I still have some of the later books though. Bird and I spent some time going through a couple of them, recalling events that had happened years before.
Most of the recording is done by blogging now; not a bad thing when compared to my awful handwriting. It serves nearly the same purpose; I can tell you that last year on this day I was boarding an airplane to go to Japan, and the year before that I was packing my suitcase to leave for Mexico, and the year before that we were dealing with Bird’s cancer diagnosis and the stroke he had a couple of days before.....
And April this year? Well, from having a house well peopled, I expect to soon find myself alone here again. Helen and her husband are back together (so cute, this young old love!) and have purchased a small house where they will be moving on or before May 1st. Helen’s son, who has spent the winter here with us, is returning to his construction job in the Ottawa area next week, so he’s out of here tomorrow. That leaves me and the doggies and the cat, and they will have to adapt to my being away to work – something Smooch has never experienced. It worries me some, with him being so sick, but hopefully he’ll be in better shape by the time Helen leaves.
Note that I said I ‘expect’ to find myself alone. If there is one thing I’ve learned it is that each day has its own surprises – it takes but a moment to send our life barrelling away in a completely different direction than what is ‘expected’!
There you go – the reason to jump out of bed in the morning, looking forward to a new adventure, be it good or bad, large or small; our own personal storybook. How can it not make one SMILE?
Sending mine out to y’all....
Luv from the Bush in Quebec.
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