Yesterday it was my turn to deal with the medical world. Actually, yesterday and the day before. What should have been a quick in-'n-out turned into a 2 day trial.
About 3 or 4 weeks ago, I received a letter from Intermountain Health that it was time for my annual screening mammogram. Several weeks went by before I got around to making the phone call to schedule. I knew that last year I had actually had 2 mammograms - a screening mammogram and later a diagnostic mammogram to follow up on something the radiologist wasn't sure about. I was able to have the screening one done at the IMH clinic that is only about 1/2 mile from our house, but I had to make the 32 mile round trip into the BigTown for the diagnostic one. OK, the letter said screening so when I called for the appointment, I asked for the nearby facility.
I dutifully showed up at the assigned day and time, but when my name was called I was told that there were some problems. The tech who was to do the test said that Medicare only paid for 1 mammogram a year and this was only day 365 since the last one and they wouldn't pay until day 366. "So, let's just re-schedule," I said - logically I thought. Well, there's another problem. The last mammogram was done digitally and the doctors will want this one to be digital also for comparison purposes and we don't yet have the digital equipment at this clinic. "OK, I'll call and schedule at the other facility when I get home."
Not to happen. The reception-drone behind the desk who checked me in was already speed-dialing the scheduling number. You'd have thought she was a used-car salesman desperate to close the deal and have me sign on the dotted line she was so determined. Meanwhile, she is dithering about how she had already had me sign the Medicare form and what should she do with that. "Don't you have a shredder?" The tech rolled her eyes at my remark and the drone just kept dithering.
The thing that bugs me is that when I originally called, the scheduler put my name and birthdate into her computer and instantly knew everything about me - she had my complete IMH records right in front of her. Why didn't she realize that I needed to be scheduled after the 21st or that I needed to go into BigTown instead of the local clinic? The information was right there. Second, reception-drone had the same information available to her when I checked in. Oh wait, she would have had to THINK. Thus, it was left to the tech to spot the problems.
So yesterday I made the 32 mile trip and was in-'n-out in less than 20 minutes. The form that had the drone so concerned was waiting for me when I arrived - I really would not have minded signing another one. At least I didn't have to be stuffed into a scary box and hauled off to God knows where.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Snickers' Turn
On Monday, it was Snickers' turn to be stuffed into the scary box and hauled off to the vet's. Over the weekend he had been exhibiting some of the same behaviors that had resulted in Pudge's trip to the vet, so we packed him up and headed out.
We, including the vet, are a bit puzzled as to why these problems are now cropping up with him. He is eating low magnesium food. In fact, Snickers will eat only the wet low-magnesium stuff, which comes in 2 flavors - smelly and smellier - and Pudge will eat only the dry stuff. We got the recirculating water fountain, and they both seem to be drinking fairly good amounts of water. As the vet said, "We've shot our best bullets already". There are a couple of things left to try - one is to give him a daily dose of kitty glucosamine/chondroitin (hopefully, it can mixed with his food) and as a "last resort" bring him back in for a sub-cutaneous injection of fluid to "flood" his kidneys and bladder and flush them out.
Snickers was very good on the trip to and from the vet's - that is to say, he didn't throw up. Back when we hauled the cats along with us in the RV, we could count on Snickers throwing up within the first 3-5 miles of the wheels starting to roll. Sometimes he would pee and poop as well, but the throw up was a given. Since the cats were always put in their carriers when we were moving, the throw up was contained. I had a tote loaded with paper towels, spray bottles, surface wipes, plastic bags, etc., and we quickly developed a routine in which Snickers would crouch in the back of the carrier while I cleaned and wiped up the mess.
Anyway, no throw up on the trip to the vet's. He was terrified though - his eyes were extremely huge and he was quivering all over - no drooling, but that was a definite possibility. He put up with the poking and prodding from the vet, burying his face in my stomach during the ordeal. After the poking and prodding were over, he did growl at the doctor, so I put him back in the carrier while we discussed what to do.
The last couple of days, he seems to be a little better. All we can do at this point is keep an eye on him and hope that the measures we have taken will do some good.
We, including the vet, are a bit puzzled as to why these problems are now cropping up with him. He is eating low magnesium food. In fact, Snickers will eat only the wet low-magnesium stuff, which comes in 2 flavors - smelly and smellier - and Pudge will eat only the dry stuff. We got the recirculating water fountain, and they both seem to be drinking fairly good amounts of water. As the vet said, "We've shot our best bullets already". There are a couple of things left to try - one is to give him a daily dose of kitty glucosamine/chondroitin (hopefully, it can mixed with his food) and as a "last resort" bring him back in for a sub-cutaneous injection of fluid to "flood" his kidneys and bladder and flush them out.
Snickers was very good on the trip to and from the vet's - that is to say, he didn't throw up. Back when we hauled the cats along with us in the RV, we could count on Snickers throwing up within the first 3-5 miles of the wheels starting to roll. Sometimes he would pee and poop as well, but the throw up was a given. Since the cats were always put in their carriers when we were moving, the throw up was contained. I had a tote loaded with paper towels, spray bottles, surface wipes, plastic bags, etc., and we quickly developed a routine in which Snickers would crouch in the back of the carrier while I cleaned and wiped up the mess.
Anyway, no throw up on the trip to the vet's. He was terrified though - his eyes were extremely huge and he was quivering all over - no drooling, but that was a definite possibility. He put up with the poking and prodding from the vet, burying his face in my stomach during the ordeal. After the poking and prodding were over, he did growl at the doctor, so I put him back in the carrier while we discussed what to do.
The last couple of days, he seems to be a little better. All we can do at this point is keep an eye on him and hope that the measures we have taken will do some good.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sewing for Dummies
Mamie’s latest sewing project involves making aprons. Since she basically doesn’t sew, that generally means that my latest project consists of my sewing whatever it is she has come up with. But we decided that this time it would be a good idea for her to learn at least some of the basics.
First up was to check the pattern books in the fabric department at oldWalmart (where we happened to be because they have a way better fabric department than our newWalmart). We came across patterns labeled “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” – who knew? Of course, oldWalmart did not have the particular one we wanted, so we headed across town to JoAnne. There we found the pattern and 3 pieces of fabric that Mamie wanted.
A caution about the so-called “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” is in order here. I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade (over 55 years for those of you who insist on counting), and I must really be some kind of dummy because I found the directions tricky and somewhat misleading. You DO need to have some idea of what you are doing or these patterns can get you in a world of discouragement.
Yesterday afternoon was devoted to the first sewing session. Mamie did the majority of the work, from ironing the pre-washed fabric all the way through the final steps. She determined the pattern pieces she would need, separated and ironed them, laid out the pieces on the fabric, pinned and cut them out, sewed seams, etc. I did have to help out and adjust the methodology on some of the trickier parts, but she was the main person.
We were both pleased with the final product, even though it is not perfect. But this was a learning curve for both of us, and the next ones should go more smoothly now that we know where the pitfalls are. She is already thinking big ideas about aprons for Pi (who LOVES to cook and whose personal idol is “that cooker girl” aka Rachel Ray) and aprons for each holiday, etc. I guess we can add “Apron Lady” to my resume, along with Kleenex Cozy Lady, Coaster Lady, and Pillow Lady.
First up was to check the pattern books in the fabric department at oldWalmart (where we happened to be because they have a way better fabric department than our newWalmart). We came across patterns labeled “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” – who knew? Of course, oldWalmart did not have the particular one we wanted, so we headed across town to JoAnne. There we found the pattern and 3 pieces of fabric that Mamie wanted.
A caution about the so-called “Sewing Patterns for Dummies” is in order here. I have been sewing since I was in 7th grade (over 55 years for those of you who insist on counting), and I must really be some kind of dummy because I found the directions tricky and somewhat misleading. You DO need to have some idea of what you are doing or these patterns can get you in a world of discouragement.
Yesterday afternoon was devoted to the first sewing session. Mamie did the majority of the work, from ironing the pre-washed fabric all the way through the final steps. She determined the pattern pieces she would need, separated and ironed them, laid out the pieces on the fabric, pinned and cut them out, sewed seams, etc. I did have to help out and adjust the methodology on some of the trickier parts, but she was the main person.
We were both pleased with the final product, even though it is not perfect. But this was a learning curve for both of us, and the next ones should go more smoothly now that we know where the pitfalls are. She is already thinking big ideas about aprons for Pi (who LOVES to cook and whose personal idol is “that cooker girl” aka Rachel Ray) and aprons for each holiday, etc. I guess we can add “Apron Lady” to my resume, along with Kleenex Cozy Lady, Coaster Lady, and Pillow Lady.
Friday, July 17, 2009
HOT!!!!
It is HOT, HOT, HOT here. Breath-stealing, lung-scorching, soul-searing hot. The temperature has been over 100, closer to 110+, for well over a week; and it doesn't look like things will get any better for at least several months. Yeah, yeah - I know we live in the desert southwest and have to expect hot, but that doesn't make it any easier to take. The wind which seems to always be blowing just adds to the misery, sucking all the moisture out of all living things - plants, animals, people.
UDOT is in the middle of a project to re-surface about 15 miles of State 9 from I-15 to the eastern edge of the Village. Lots of workers earning some much needed wages. I do worry about them toiling away in this heat - how in the heck do they take it? They must be part lizard or really acclimatized to the heat. I nearly collapsed walking the short distance from the car to the door of newWalmart, and that was at 8:30 AM!
Mamie and her fellow Facebook fanatics in the southwest have been discussing whether it is better to go outside and be a roasted chili pepper or stay inside and be a chilled pickle. Another discussion topic has been the HOT water that comes out of the supposedly cold water tap.
Whatever the gripe of the moment is, the fact remains that is DAMN HOT and not going to change for a long time.
UDOT is in the middle of a project to re-surface about 15 miles of State 9 from I-15 to the eastern edge of the Village. Lots of workers earning some much needed wages. I do worry about them toiling away in this heat - how in the heck do they take it? They must be part lizard or really acclimatized to the heat. I nearly collapsed walking the short distance from the car to the door of newWalmart, and that was at 8:30 AM!
Mamie and her fellow Facebook fanatics in the southwest have been discussing whether it is better to go outside and be a roasted chili pepper or stay inside and be a chilled pickle. Another discussion topic has been the HOT water that comes out of the supposedly cold water tap.
Whatever the gripe of the moment is, the fact remains that is DAMN HOT and not going to change for a long time.
Friday, July 10, 2009
TV Controls
You know those parental control thingies you can put on TV’s to prevent children from watching shows that might possibly pollute their little minds and warp them forever? I think there should be something similar so wives could lock out husbands from the Food Network.
Golfguy periodically comes up with some recipe that he’s seen some food guru prepare and thinks looks good and like something we should try. Nothing wrong with trying new recipes; I’m all for discovering something new and good. The problem is these cooking shows have UNLIMITED budgets and most of these recipes contain at least 1 or 2 unusual, exotic, and expensive ingredients that no normal pantry EVER regularly stocks.
Golfguy’s latest find resulted in 4 items on yesterday’s list that are not part of our usual buy-list. Do you have any idea how much fresh thyme costs? Or any fresh herb, for that matter? The few little sprigs of whatever couldn’t be more than 20 or 30 cents; the expense must all be in the plastic coffins enclosing them. I probably can use up the remainder of the peach preserves on morning toast, and GolfGuy can probably use the Dijon mustard, but I’m not sure about the molasses. And we haven’t even gotten to the meat part of this recipe yet.
But the real kicker is that the vast majority of these recipes, once assembled and prepared, generally rate at least one “Blech!” Very few are ever keepers.
Golfguy periodically comes up with some recipe that he’s seen some food guru prepare and thinks looks good and like something we should try. Nothing wrong with trying new recipes; I’m all for discovering something new and good. The problem is these cooking shows have UNLIMITED budgets and most of these recipes contain at least 1 or 2 unusual, exotic, and expensive ingredients that no normal pantry EVER regularly stocks.
Golfguy’s latest find resulted in 4 items on yesterday’s list that are not part of our usual buy-list. Do you have any idea how much fresh thyme costs? Or any fresh herb, for that matter? The few little sprigs of whatever couldn’t be more than 20 or 30 cents; the expense must all be in the plastic coffins enclosing them. I probably can use up the remainder of the peach preserves on morning toast, and GolfGuy can probably use the Dijon mustard, but I’m not sure about the molasses. And we haven’t even gotten to the meat part of this recipe yet.
But the real kicker is that the vast majority of these recipes, once assembled and prepared, generally rate at least one “Blech!” Very few are ever keepers.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Back to School
I know it’s only the second week of July, but I was in newWalmart today and they had HUGE displays of school supplies. The schools in our county do start the middle of August, but it does seem a little bit early to start hounding parents about getting kids ready for school.
However, I can tell you that the first, and most avid, customers of all those shiny supplies will be the classroom teachers. The average “civilian” would absolutely NOT believe the amount of their own money that teachers, particularly elementary teachers, spend on supplies for their classroom. Sure, some states supply the majority of the basics, and in others the parents are provided with long lists of items to send with their kids. But neither method covers all the needs, and so teachers do what they can to fill the gaps.
The years that Mamie spent as a classroom teacher were focused on the summer back-to-school supplies deals. At some point during the summer once the sales were on, we would get together and try to purchase what she might need for the coming year. Of course, we could not anticipate every need and things didn’t usually last the whole year, but it helped.
The first summer before Mamie was no longer going to be in a classroom, I was relentlessly drawn to the school supply displays. With a feeling of great sadness, I stroked pencil boxes, brushed fingers over boxes of crayons, and gazed regretfully at piles of notebooks and stacks of folders. The urge to buy something, anything, was great, but I turned away. The second year was easier – I looked but didn’t stop. Today, I just kept on going with barely a twinge of awareness of what I was seeing.
What did get to me, though, were the “Back to College” displays. The Walmart ad that came the other day featured all this stuff, and today the displays were all over the store. Bowls, plates, cups, wastebaskets, laundry baskets, storage containers, sheets, comforters, pillows, towels, faux suede storage ottomans, every possible household goodie a college-bound kid could want was there for the taking. And featured in 4 colors – PURPLE being one of them.
Purple is Mamie’s favorite color, and the temptation to grab purple items for her was almost overwhelming. She IS 40 years old, but it seems like there are times when I revert and think of her as 20something. I think I may have a problem.
However, I can tell you that the first, and most avid, customers of all those shiny supplies will be the classroom teachers. The average “civilian” would absolutely NOT believe the amount of their own money that teachers, particularly elementary teachers, spend on supplies for their classroom. Sure, some states supply the majority of the basics, and in others the parents are provided with long lists of items to send with their kids. But neither method covers all the needs, and so teachers do what they can to fill the gaps.
The years that Mamie spent as a classroom teacher were focused on the summer back-to-school supplies deals. At some point during the summer once the sales were on, we would get together and try to purchase what she might need for the coming year. Of course, we could not anticipate every need and things didn’t usually last the whole year, but it helped.
The first summer before Mamie was no longer going to be in a classroom, I was relentlessly drawn to the school supply displays. With a feeling of great sadness, I stroked pencil boxes, brushed fingers over boxes of crayons, and gazed regretfully at piles of notebooks and stacks of folders. The urge to buy something, anything, was great, but I turned away. The second year was easier – I looked but didn’t stop. Today, I just kept on going with barely a twinge of awareness of what I was seeing.
What did get to me, though, were the “Back to College” displays. The Walmart ad that came the other day featured all this stuff, and today the displays were all over the store. Bowls, plates, cups, wastebaskets, laundry baskets, storage containers, sheets, comforters, pillows, towels, faux suede storage ottomans, every possible household goodie a college-bound kid could want was there for the taking. And featured in 4 colors – PURPLE being one of them.
Purple is Mamie’s favorite color, and the temptation to grab purple items for her was almost overwhelming. She IS 40 years old, but it seems like there are times when I revert and think of her as 20something. I think I may have a problem.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Gettin' Back in the Groove
Things are starting to settle down into the same old, same old again. Mamie, Igor, Brendin and Pi are back safe and sound from their big road trip. Sounds like they had a great time in Garden City - lots of family, food, and fun. Mamie is off today for 3 days of conferences in the town just an hour to the north. On Thursday, she and a friend will spend the night there so they can go to one of the Shakespeare festival plays being presented there.
GolfGuy is back to playing golf - his elbow has healed up again. The last 2 days of his big road trip, he was not able to play because his elbow had flared up and was really hurting. He's just playing 9 holes at a time now, not 18, to keep down the wear and tear.
Pudge seems to be overcoming her bout of "stones". Her pee clumps in the litter box are close to normal, and she's not going to the box a zillion times a day and straining to no effect. I'm not sure the water fountain is a big hit, but both cats seem to have accepted it. The change in food is going fine; they are eating the REALLY smelly canned food well, especially Snickers, and eating the dry food as well. Pudge is bouncing around again - all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
The baby quail were back yesterday around noon time. Several hours later, they were back - only this time so were the 1st batch of baby quail that I saw a month or two ago. Now this first batch are "juveniles" and look huge in comparison to the little ones. Baby quail dad did not like having the other quail family around his babies and shooed them off to one side of the yard before herding his family to the other side. Guess there won't be any play dates in their futures.
Fourth of July was pretty quiet around here - no parades, no bar-b-ques, no fireworks for us. I spent a good part of the day turning pounds of Costco hamburger into meatloaf and hb patties to stash in the freezer - boring and lots of work. I did watch "A Capital Fourth" from Washington, D.C., on tv that evening. Some of the music was good and some not so good - the best was when just the orchestra played as the Sesame Street characters and the blond bimbo singer in the skin-tight gold dress didn't do much for me. The fireworks were OK; the fireworks from NYC were better, but by then I was pretty much falling asleep anyway so gave it up and turned the tv off. Watching fireworks on tv just isn't the same as sitting in a lawn chair at the ballfield with several hundred other people and kids running around all over the place, hearing the boom and feeling the thump as the sky explodes with light and sparkles and a collective sigh and gasp from the crowd goes up. Just not the same.
I'm headed off to Silver Sneakers later this morning. After playing hooky for a week and a half, I forced myself to go on Monday because if I didn't, I knew I might never go back. Our instructor had surgery 2 weeks ago and will be out for another 3 or 4. Unfortunately, the sub isn't "TOO tall, too...", and I don't much like her.
GolfGuy is back to playing golf - his elbow has healed up again. The last 2 days of his big road trip, he was not able to play because his elbow had flared up and was really hurting. He's just playing 9 holes at a time now, not 18, to keep down the wear and tear.
Pudge seems to be overcoming her bout of "stones". Her pee clumps in the litter box are close to normal, and she's not going to the box a zillion times a day and straining to no effect. I'm not sure the water fountain is a big hit, but both cats seem to have accepted it. The change in food is going fine; they are eating the REALLY smelly canned food well, especially Snickers, and eating the dry food as well. Pudge is bouncing around again - all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
The baby quail were back yesterday around noon time. Several hours later, they were back - only this time so were the 1st batch of baby quail that I saw a month or two ago. Now this first batch are "juveniles" and look huge in comparison to the little ones. Baby quail dad did not like having the other quail family around his babies and shooed them off to one side of the yard before herding his family to the other side. Guess there won't be any play dates in their futures.
Fourth of July was pretty quiet around here - no parades, no bar-b-ques, no fireworks for us. I spent a good part of the day turning pounds of Costco hamburger into meatloaf and hb patties to stash in the freezer - boring and lots of work. I did watch "A Capital Fourth" from Washington, D.C., on tv that evening. Some of the music was good and some not so good - the best was when just the orchestra played as the Sesame Street characters and the blond bimbo singer in the skin-tight gold dress didn't do much for me. The fireworks were OK; the fireworks from NYC were better, but by then I was pretty much falling asleep anyway so gave it up and turned the tv off. Watching fireworks on tv just isn't the same as sitting in a lawn chair at the ballfield with several hundred other people and kids running around all over the place, hearing the boom and feeling the thump as the sky explodes with light and sparkles and a collective sigh and gasp from the crowd goes up. Just not the same.
I'm headed off to Silver Sneakers later this morning. After playing hooky for a week and a half, I forced myself to go on Monday because if I didn't, I knew I might never go back. Our instructor had surgery 2 weeks ago and will be out for another 3 or 4. Unfortunately, the sub isn't "TOO tall, too...", and I don't much like her.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Baby Quail2
We had another little scurry of baby quail in the backyard yesterday afternoon. Mom and Dad and seven little cuties following as they meandered across the yard and patio. These babies would be the second hatching of the season - or maybe just a late first batch.
I suspect that they have been in the front yard for a while as Pudge has spent the last few days on the table behind my sewing machine with her nose stuck between the blinds, totally focused on something in the yard. There are lots of low growing bushes and other good cover in front, and several months ago it appeared that a pair of ring-necked turtle doves was building a nest under one of the bushes. But nothing seemed to come of it that I ever saw.
Anyway, it was a thrill to see the little parade of quail yesterday. I really hope they come again.
I suspect that they have been in the front yard for a while as Pudge has spent the last few days on the table behind my sewing machine with her nose stuck between the blinds, totally focused on something in the yard. There are lots of low growing bushes and other good cover in front, and several months ago it appeared that a pair of ring-necked turtle doves was building a nest under one of the bushes. But nothing seemed to come of it that I ever saw.
Anyway, it was a thrill to see the little parade of quail yesterday. I really hope they come again.
Friday, July 3, 2009
On the Road Again
Mamie, Igor, Bubby, and Pi set off on their big road trip yesterday. Not as early as they planned to (3 am) as at 3:30, Mamie twittered that Igor was still looking for the power inverter so the kids could use their portable DVD players in the back seat. I could do pages of rant on kids and electronic devices on car trips, the missed opportunities to really see this huge, wonderful country of ours, etc. I suppose, tho, it does cut down on the whine factor - "are we there yet?", "I'm bored" - and the he-did, she-did issues. And the so-called adults, Mamie and Igor, certainly hauled along their share of electronic devices to use when it wasn't their turn to drive.
Mamie at least put one of those devices to good use - she twittered updates all through the journey. We read about pit stops and fuel stops, that Pi puked in Grand Junction, CO. and saw a baby deer by the side of the road just before the Eisenhower Tunnel, raindrops in Denver, farmers still cutting wheat at 9 at night outside of Oakley, KS, and wheat trucks lined up at the elevator in Oakley. The last message was from just north of Scott City - about 40 miles north of Garden City and Grammie's house.
All in all, it was a good travelogue and went a long way toward settling my nerves and calming my worries about these four precious people travelling in one vehicle over such long distances and in such a short time. I imagine Mrs. Igor was also grateful for the news of Igor and her children (she has to work and take care of Max and Roxie and Jo the cat; GrandmaT has charge of Mamie's house and Molly and Scout). Hopefully, the return trip will go well (minus the puking) and the updates will keep coming.
Mamie at least put one of those devices to good use - she twittered updates all through the journey. We read about pit stops and fuel stops, that Pi puked in Grand Junction, CO. and saw a baby deer by the side of the road just before the Eisenhower Tunnel, raindrops in Denver, farmers still cutting wheat at 9 at night outside of Oakley, KS, and wheat trucks lined up at the elevator in Oakley. The last message was from just north of Scott City - about 40 miles north of Garden City and Grammie's house.
All in all, it was a good travelogue and went a long way toward settling my nerves and calming my worries about these four precious people travelling in one vehicle over such long distances and in such a short time. I imagine Mrs. Igor was also grateful for the news of Igor and her children (she has to work and take care of Max and Roxie and Jo the cat; GrandmaT has charge of Mamie's house and Molly and Scout). Hopefully, the return trip will go well (minus the puking) and the updates will keep coming.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Pudge's Stones
Pudge has stones in her bladder. They are called "stones", but they are actually crystals -all pointy and sharp. They form because Pudge doesn't drink enough water, and the urine becomes too concentrated and thick. So crystals start to form, and they irritate the lining of the bladder because they are all pointy and sharp and cause problems.
What's to be done? One obvious thing is to get her to drink more water. Yeah, right! Ever tried to get a cat to do something you want it to do and the cat has no intention of doing? Trickery is called for - like adding a little extra water to the canned food (which so far is working quite well). The Vet also suggested getting a "cat water fountain" - a continuously recirculating water fountain that seems to catch cats' attention and attracts them to drink. Of course, we couldn't find one locally, but GolfGuy got on the handy dandy internet and ordered one; it should be here tomorrow.
Another suggestion was to switch food to one with no magnesium - one of the three elements of the crystals; no magnesium, no crystals form. We found the dry food (expensive stuff) and switched it out with the previous chow. They seem to like it all right - always a concern as cats are such picky eaters, unlike most dogs who wolf anything down without pausing to taste it. We haven't as yet found the right canned food - I would just as soon avoid having to purchase the extremely expensive brand at the vet's office (and which most cats would rather cover up than eat). I will do more looking today.
Getting her into the carrier for the trip to the vet's office was classic cartoon "Bill the Cat" action. The cat spread-eagled over the opening and the humans trying to pry loose the feet and legs and stuff them and the body in. I expected the same scenario at the vet's office, but he just turned her around on the table and she headed right back in the carrier. We think she decided it was better to be in there then out on the table where that man kept pushing on her bladder, trying to make her pee.
We expected her to really "punish" us when we got her home. She has a very long memory and harbors a good grudge quite well. But after a short disappearing act, she emerged her usual self, wanting GolfGuy to groom her, settling on "her" chair by ours to nap. At least we don't have to give her a pill - "pilling" a cat is NOT a pretty sight - or try to squirt liquid stuff down her throat. I just wish there was a quicker fix for the problem; it really bothers me to see her so uncomfortable.
What's to be done? One obvious thing is to get her to drink more water. Yeah, right! Ever tried to get a cat to do something you want it to do and the cat has no intention of doing? Trickery is called for - like adding a little extra water to the canned food (which so far is working quite well). The Vet also suggested getting a "cat water fountain" - a continuously recirculating water fountain that seems to catch cats' attention and attracts them to drink. Of course, we couldn't find one locally, but GolfGuy got on the handy dandy internet and ordered one; it should be here tomorrow.
Another suggestion was to switch food to one with no magnesium - one of the three elements of the crystals; no magnesium, no crystals form. We found the dry food (expensive stuff) and switched it out with the previous chow. They seem to like it all right - always a concern as cats are such picky eaters, unlike most dogs who wolf anything down without pausing to taste it. We haven't as yet found the right canned food - I would just as soon avoid having to purchase the extremely expensive brand at the vet's office (and which most cats would rather cover up than eat). I will do more looking today.
Getting her into the carrier for the trip to the vet's office was classic cartoon "Bill the Cat" action. The cat spread-eagled over the opening and the humans trying to pry loose the feet and legs and stuff them and the body in. I expected the same scenario at the vet's office, but he just turned her around on the table and she headed right back in the carrier. We think she decided it was better to be in there then out on the table where that man kept pushing on her bladder, trying to make her pee.
We expected her to really "punish" us when we got her home. She has a very long memory and harbors a good grudge quite well. But after a short disappearing act, she emerged her usual self, wanting GolfGuy to groom her, settling on "her" chair by ours to nap. At least we don't have to give her a pill - "pilling" a cat is NOT a pretty sight - or try to squirt liquid stuff down her throat. I just wish there was a quicker fix for the problem; it really bothers me to see her so uncomfortable.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
The Big 1-1
Bubby's birthday was Friday; he's now officially 11 years old. He'll be in the 5th grade in the fall - top dogs in the school (next year, the class will be at the bottom rung again, such is the cycle of life). I suspect one of the things he's proudest of at this moment is that he's "almost as tall as me", which I remind him is not much of an accomplishment as most everyone in the world is taller than I am.
His birthday party was yesterday - lots of kids and lots of noise. And the biggest inflatable water slide I have ever seen. I am so glad that I did my "bucket list" water slide thing last year at Pi's birthday party - there is no way I would have climbed up that thing. Mamie said she wouldn't even try it, and Mrs. Igor admitted that she had fallen backwards off it 2 times trying to go up. The kids didn't seem to have any problem though, scrambling up like monkeys and screeching back down.
Bubby is growing into a good person - a little lacking in focus at times, but basically a really good kid and really nice to have around. I hope the coming teen years don't change him too much; change is inevitable but hopefully the basics are strong enough to remain strong through the turmoil of adolecence. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy our good kid, interspersed with moments of exasperation.
His birthday party was yesterday - lots of kids and lots of noise. And the biggest inflatable water slide I have ever seen. I am so glad that I did my "bucket list" water slide thing last year at Pi's birthday party - there is no way I would have climbed up that thing. Mamie said she wouldn't even try it, and Mrs. Igor admitted that she had fallen backwards off it 2 times trying to go up. The kids didn't seem to have any problem though, scrambling up like monkeys and screeching back down.
Bubby is growing into a good person - a little lacking in focus at times, but basically a really good kid and really nice to have around. I hope the coming teen years don't change him too much; change is inevitable but hopefully the basics are strong enough to remain strong through the turmoil of adolecence. In the meantime, we'll just enjoy our good kid, interspersed with moments of exasperation.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Plain or Polka Dots?
If Mamie is involved, the answer ALWAYS will be "Polka Dots". There is nothing plain about our Mamie.
A few years ago, she had me make a "sleeve" for her laptop out of fleece so she could put it in her tote and not get it all scratched up. The fleece she choose was a BRIGHT smeary rainbow stripe - totally her.
The sleeve has served her well, but she recently decided that she needed something more "professional" in appearance. I happened to be going to newWalmart the day I spoke with her, so she asked me to scout out the selection of fleece - looking for dark gray or black or brown or navy. NewWalmart had a very limited selection of fleece - all "sherbert" colors (pale green, pale yellow, pale pink, pale blue, pale lavendar), definitely not Mamie. The next day, I was going into the BigTown, so I stopped in OldWalmart. They had an extensive selection of fleece, including a nice medium dark gray that looked like what she said she wanted. This information was duly conveyed to Mamie.
Last Friday, she showed up for dinner bearing the piece of fleece she had purchased. Not sedate medium dark gray, but black background with polka dots in good bright greens, purples, pinks, yellows, blues. She claims she "had" to buy it - once she saw it, she didn't look at anything else.
So polka dots it is. It's not as in your face as the smeary rainbow stripes, but it is still completely Mamie.
A few years ago, she had me make a "sleeve" for her laptop out of fleece so she could put it in her tote and not get it all scratched up. The fleece she choose was a BRIGHT smeary rainbow stripe - totally her.
The sleeve has served her well, but she recently decided that she needed something more "professional" in appearance. I happened to be going to newWalmart the day I spoke with her, so she asked me to scout out the selection of fleece - looking for dark gray or black or brown or navy. NewWalmart had a very limited selection of fleece - all "sherbert" colors (pale green, pale yellow, pale pink, pale blue, pale lavendar), definitely not Mamie. The next day, I was going into the BigTown, so I stopped in OldWalmart. They had an extensive selection of fleece, including a nice medium dark gray that looked like what she said she wanted. This information was duly conveyed to Mamie.
Last Friday, she showed up for dinner bearing the piece of fleece she had purchased. Not sedate medium dark gray, but black background with polka dots in good bright greens, purples, pinks, yellows, blues. She claims she "had" to buy it - once she saw it, she didn't look at anything else.
So polka dots it is. It's not as in your face as the smeary rainbow stripes, but it is still completely Mamie.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mea Culpa
Last Friday, I let GolfGuy go to Costco on his own. Any wife worth her salt knows this is a BIG mistake. He did quite well his first go-round there - only ended up with a watermelon and a bag of Mrs. Mays Ultimate Crunch (really good stuff) in addition to the ibuprofen that was his original intended purchase.
But it was the second visit that was the kicker. And for that I must take the blame. I had called him on his cell to ask him to stop at the grocery store to pick up something for me. He told me about this really great deal he had seen on a 19" Sony flat-screen TV; so good you just KNEW those things would fly out of there and be gone before the next day. A few minutes of conversation had me agreeing completely that we had better take advantage of the opportunity to replace one of the ancient TVs in the bedroom or our "workrooms". So after finishing his other errands, back to Costco he went to get this great deal.
I must admit that I really like having the new, way smaller TV in my workroom - a space that is so stuffed with stuff that I have to sidle sideways in some places to get around. I was feeling so guilty about ending up with the new TV in my space that I was seriously entertaining the thought of going back for a SECOND one for his room. After letting me stew on the thought until the next morning, GolfGuy graciously said that he "would rather not spend the money now and put it toward a new set of irons" (when his elbow is better - yet again). Have I been manipulated or what?
But it was the second visit that was the kicker. And for that I must take the blame. I had called him on his cell to ask him to stop at the grocery store to pick up something for me. He told me about this really great deal he had seen on a 19" Sony flat-screen TV; so good you just KNEW those things would fly out of there and be gone before the next day. A few minutes of conversation had me agreeing completely that we had better take advantage of the opportunity to replace one of the ancient TVs in the bedroom or our "workrooms". So after finishing his other errands, back to Costco he went to get this great deal.
I must admit that I really like having the new, way smaller TV in my workroom - a space that is so stuffed with stuff that I have to sidle sideways in some places to get around. I was feeling so guilty about ending up with the new TV in my space that I was seriously entertaining the thought of going back for a SECOND one for his room. After letting me stew on the thought until the next morning, GolfGuy graciously said that he "would rather not spend the money now and put it toward a new set of irons" (when his elbow is better - yet again). Have I been manipulated or what?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Dad's Day Dinner
We did the Dad’s Day Dinner thing last night so Mrs. Igor could be there (she works weekends, usually). It was a good evening – funny cards and nice presents - except for a couple of glitches.
Glitch #1 – just as I finished putting the vegetables in the crock pot with the pot roast to cook for the last three hours, the phone rang and GolfGuy hollered it was for me. It was a friend from Silver Sneakers exercise class, and we chatted for a while. Then I went on to the next thing that needed to be done. Several hours later I checked the crock pot to see if I needed to turn it back down to low and discovered that the I had not put the lid back on securely and there was a slight gap along one side. By the time we ate, the food was cooked but not done the way we like it. As Mamie said, it was good but certainly not my best effort. Apparently I can’t talk and cook at the same time.
Glitch #2 – GolfGuy had requested Lemon Cream Pie for dessert, which is finished off with a layer of whipped topping. Mamie was passing a plate with a piece of pie to Bubby – and telling me to check the tiny print in the book she had given to Igor – when she let out a gasp. We all looked at her and she was sitting there with a horrified look on her face, a big glob of whipped topping sliding down her front, and an empty plate in her hand! Apparently she can’t talk and pass a plate at the same time.
Of course, we all collapsed in hysterics – how could we not? But all’s well that ends well. While Mamie was scraping the pie off the floor, GrandmaT offered to split her piece in two. I took her up on the offer, and we each had half a piece of pie while Mamie got to eat a piece as well as wear it.
Glitch #1 – just as I finished putting the vegetables in the crock pot with the pot roast to cook for the last three hours, the phone rang and GolfGuy hollered it was for me. It was a friend from Silver Sneakers exercise class, and we chatted for a while. Then I went on to the next thing that needed to be done. Several hours later I checked the crock pot to see if I needed to turn it back down to low and discovered that the I had not put the lid back on securely and there was a slight gap along one side. By the time we ate, the food was cooked but not done the way we like it. As Mamie said, it was good but certainly not my best effort. Apparently I can’t talk and cook at the same time.
Glitch #2 – GolfGuy had requested Lemon Cream Pie for dessert, which is finished off with a layer of whipped topping. Mamie was passing a plate with a piece of pie to Bubby – and telling me to check the tiny print in the book she had given to Igor – when she let out a gasp. We all looked at her and she was sitting there with a horrified look on her face, a big glob of whipped topping sliding down her front, and an empty plate in her hand! Apparently she can’t talk and pass a plate at the same time.
Of course, we all collapsed in hysterics – how could we not? But all’s well that ends well. While Mamie was scraping the pie off the floor, GrandmaT offered to split her piece in two. I took her up on the offer, and we each had half a piece of pie while Mamie got to eat a piece as well as wear it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
No More Chicken?
The San Diego Chicken is thinking of retiring – says so right in the SinCity newspaper. If you don’t know who or what the Chicken is, then you’re either not from San Diego or haven’t been to a minor league baseball game in many, many years. The Chicken was perhaps the first and certainly the most iconic of baseball mascots. All the others – the Fanatics, the dinosaurs, the Indian chiefs, the bratwursts, etc. – have one thing in common: they owe their existence to the Chicken.
MLB was floundering around, trying to rebuild flagging fan interest; NFL teams had their cheerleaders in skimpy get-ups a la Dallas Cowgirls to catch attention. Ted Giannoulas convinced the San Diego Padres that his crazy Chicken would boost attendance and fan loyalty, and it did. So much so that it was his undoing. Other MLB teams began developing their own mascots – some good, some lame, some really bad – and frequently hired the Chicken to “train” the newcomers. Even the San Diego Padres came up with a fat Friar as a mascot (who, by the way, was one of the really bad ones).
The Chicken soon found himself relegated to minor league games, county fairs, second-tier rodeos, and other similar events. But for 35 years, the quality of his performances has never suffered – just look at the faces of the hordes of children who trail after him and reverently reach out a small hand, just for a quick little touch. Over 100 of his gags are copyrighted and remain fresh and funny each time he uses them.
Our family spent many happy hours at the San Diego stadium, watching baseball and laughing at the Chicken. In later years, after GolfGuy and I became thoroughly disenchanted with MLB and the spoiled, drug-abusing, money-grubbing brats employed by it, we would travel about an hour to attend minor league games at a small town north of us. By then, that team had its own mascot – something that was supposed to be a tornado, as I recall – but NOTHING could replace the Chicken as far as we were concerned.
If the Chicken does decide to hang up his feathers, he will be missed by more people than he could possibly imagine.
MLB was floundering around, trying to rebuild flagging fan interest; NFL teams had their cheerleaders in skimpy get-ups a la Dallas Cowgirls to catch attention. Ted Giannoulas convinced the San Diego Padres that his crazy Chicken would boost attendance and fan loyalty, and it did. So much so that it was his undoing. Other MLB teams began developing their own mascots – some good, some lame, some really bad – and frequently hired the Chicken to “train” the newcomers. Even the San Diego Padres came up with a fat Friar as a mascot (who, by the way, was one of the really bad ones).
The Chicken soon found himself relegated to minor league games, county fairs, second-tier rodeos, and other similar events. But for 35 years, the quality of his performances has never suffered – just look at the faces of the hordes of children who trail after him and reverently reach out a small hand, just for a quick little touch. Over 100 of his gags are copyrighted and remain fresh and funny each time he uses them.
Our family spent many happy hours at the San Diego stadium, watching baseball and laughing at the Chicken. In later years, after GolfGuy and I became thoroughly disenchanted with MLB and the spoiled, drug-abusing, money-grubbing brats employed by it, we would travel about an hour to attend minor league games at a small town north of us. By then, that team had its own mascot – something that was supposed to be a tornado, as I recall – but NOTHING could replace the Chicken as far as we were concerned.
If the Chicken does decide to hang up his feathers, he will be missed by more people than he could possibly imagine.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
I am so bummed
Mamie and Igor are planning a road trip of their own. They are going to Western Kansas to see Grammie. They need to go see her; she is in her mid-90's. They are taking Bubby and Pi with them. Four very important people in my life, in the same vehicle, hurtling down the highway at high speed, pushing hard. I don't like it; I don't want to think about it.
They plan to leave on a Thursday and return on Sunday - one day out, two days there, one day back. Long way, short time -really don't like it.
The weekend they plan to go happens to be the Fourth of July weekend. No Bubby and Pi to go to the parade with. No one to take me to the fireworks show - 10 pm is way too late for GolfGuy and Mrs. Igor has to work. I will have to make do with some televised thing from Boston or Washington.
I am really, really bummed!
They plan to leave on a Thursday and return on Sunday - one day out, two days there, one day back. Long way, short time -really don't like it.
The weekend they plan to go happens to be the Fourth of July weekend. No Bubby and Pi to go to the parade with. No one to take me to the fireworks show - 10 pm is way too late for GolfGuy and Mrs. Igor has to work. I will have to make do with some televised thing from Boston or Washington.
I am really, really bummed!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Road Trip
GolfGuy and his BackNineBuddies are off on their annual golf jaunt. As usual, they are headed to the Four Corners area - Page, AZ; Farmington NM; Durango, CO; and Monticello, UT. Yep, they're hitting all four of the Four Corner states this time around. I could probably think of better places to go and better things to do - 4 states in 4 days and 4 rounds of golf with LOTS and LOTS of driving sandwiched in does not sound like a good time to me.
This is not the "road trip" of college days - a bunch of frat guys piling in a car with a cooler of beer and heading off for an away football game or spring break. This is 8 guys, 60+ years old, who will be too pooped to party at the end of each day. I suspect that by the end of the last round of golf, at least some of them will be barely able to drag themselves back to the vehicles for the trip home.
Fingers are crossed that they have a safe trip - those 2-lane highways are brutal. Well, the roads aren't so bad - it's the clueless and braindead other drivers that scare me witless, as described a few weeks ago after our Arizona trip.
This is not the "road trip" of college days - a bunch of frat guys piling in a car with a cooler of beer and heading off for an away football game or spring break. This is 8 guys, 60+ years old, who will be too pooped to party at the end of each day. I suspect that by the end of the last round of golf, at least some of them will be barely able to drag themselves back to the vehicles for the trip home.
Fingers are crossed that they have a safe trip - those 2-lane highways are brutal. Well, the roads aren't so bad - it's the clueless and braindead other drivers that scare me witless, as described a few weeks ago after our Arizona trip.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Paintballs, Violins & Food Storage
Paintballs, violins and food storage. What do they have in common? Nothing that you or I or any semi-rational person could possibly conceive of. But someone in the BigTown has connected them all into one business.
We see the storefront of this business occasionally as it is in the same strip center as the pie shop we sometimes frequent (although now that I have found a really good lemon cream pie recipe we have no need to drive all that way and spend that much money on their justifiably famous Sour Cream Lemon Pie). And we have always commented on what a VERY strange combination paintballs, violins, and food storage is.
Today when GolfGuy and I were driving in to Costco, we passed the van belonging to that business and painted all over it was PAINTBALLS, VIOLINS, & FOOD STORAGE", with appropriate graphic images. Just to cap the whole thing off, the motto...slogan...whatever for the business was also included. "Your family still matters!" Not sure how that ties in, but then nothing else does either. Oh well.
We see the storefront of this business occasionally as it is in the same strip center as the pie shop we sometimes frequent (although now that I have found a really good lemon cream pie recipe we have no need to drive all that way and spend that much money on their justifiably famous Sour Cream Lemon Pie). And we have always commented on what a VERY strange combination paintballs, violins, and food storage is.
Today when GolfGuy and I were driving in to Costco, we passed the van belonging to that business and painted all over it was PAINTBALLS, VIOLINS, & FOOD STORAGE", with appropriate graphic images. Just to cap the whole thing off, the motto...slogan...whatever for the business was also included. "Your family still matters!" Not sure how that ties in, but then nothing else does either. Oh well.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Thief
I decided I needed a mid-morning snack, and since I didn't go to Walmart and buy cookies like I really wanted to do, I had to make do with cheese and crackers. One quarter of a slice of American cheese fits perfectly on one soda cracker.
I got out the cheese and the crackers and took the twist'em off the stack of crackers. I turned around to get a paper towel to put things on, and when I turned back, Pudge was on the counter with the twist'em in her mouth. She saw me looking at her and took off. I eventually got the thing back - not that I don't have others in the drawer that I could have used, but it was the PRINCIPLE of the thing.
I was not happy with the little thief. But then not nearly as unhappy as GolfGuy is going to be when he gets home from golf and discovers that she has totally destroyed the jigsaw puzzle he was working on (the majority is now on the floor under the dining room table) in her haste to get away from what she mistakenly thought was a chase by me.
I got out the cheese and the crackers and took the twist'em off the stack of crackers. I turned around to get a paper towel to put things on, and when I turned back, Pudge was on the counter with the twist'em in her mouth. She saw me looking at her and took off. I eventually got the thing back - not that I don't have others in the drawer that I could have used, but it was the PRINCIPLE of the thing.
I was not happy with the little thief. But then not nearly as unhappy as GolfGuy is going to be when he gets home from golf and discovers that she has totally destroyed the jigsaw puzzle he was working on (the majority is now on the floor under the dining room table) in her haste to get away from what she mistakenly thought was a chase by me.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
You'd think I'd learn...
But apparently not. For the second time in about three weeks, I grabbed the wrong bottle and tried to shampoo my hair with conditioner. Believe me, conditioner does not lather worth diddly!
Granted I can't read the labels without my glasses, which I don't normally wear in the shower, but the bottles are totally different shapes. Something should have dinged in my mind and said, "Oops, girl, wrong bottle". Instead, I just blindly grabbed the bottle on the LEFT and went for it. Because the shampoo is always on the LEFT and the conditioner on the RIGHT. Sometime in the few days since I last washed my hair, the bottles switched places. Of course, I am not the only one who uses that shower and those products, so draw your own conclusions.
I realize that in the big scheme of things, this is a petty annoyance. But it is not the happiest way to start the day.
Granted I can't read the labels without my glasses, which I don't normally wear in the shower, but the bottles are totally different shapes. Something should have dinged in my mind and said, "Oops, girl, wrong bottle". Instead, I just blindly grabbed the bottle on the LEFT and went for it. Because the shampoo is always on the LEFT and the conditioner on the RIGHT. Sometime in the few days since I last washed my hair, the bottles switched places. Of course, I am not the only one who uses that shower and those products, so draw your own conclusions.
I realize that in the big scheme of things, this is a petty annoyance. But it is not the happiest way to start the day.
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