Some Week

"Some Week"

If we had a Charlotte living in the corner of our doorway, that is what she would weave into her web right now: "some week"  (we don't by the way, although I did squash a big gray spider earlier today in the laundry room.  Ugh, spiders... *shudder*)

Last Friday our 18 year old cat went missing.  He was old.  He showed his age.  He has been in declining health for a few years and in recent months had started losing weight. We have no clue what happened to him, when he got out, or where he went.  He was mostly an indoors cat these days, only occasionally venturing just outside the door to nibble some grass or enjoy some sunshine before wanting right back in.  We can only assume that he went off in the way animals often do to pass. 

On Wednesday morning, I was going about my normal morning routine.  It was time to take the dog out and take care of the chickens.  I glanced out the window and stopped in my tracks.  There was what appeared to be a chicken lying in the back yard. 

Oh no...

I went outside and made the discovery.  Something had managed to break into the pen during the night or early morning.  There were feathers everywhere.  And other than the 2 dead chickens in the yard, I couldn't find any of the others.  I did come across a lot of white feathers down at the bottom of the empty wooded lot next to our house.  No clue what got to them.

If you are keeping count, that means I lost 1 cat and 6 chickens in less than 6 days.  I think I can officially say without exaggeration that I didn't have a great week.

It seems I'm not the only one.  The male offspring has also been complaining of a headache for 3 days.  I'm pretty sure it's sinus.  But he insist it isn't and refuses to take the decongestant I keep trying to press on him.  (Teenage boys...  *sigh*)

And the female offspring has been stressing about a math test she had today.  She's glad it's over, but now is anxious about how she did.  Convinced that she bombed it, of course.  Although she never thinks she does well, but always does. 

On a brighter note, the man of the house and I have been making an effort to workout and an eating plan.  I've lost about 5 pounds so far.  Yah!  Less than 3 months until summer!

The grand baby has learned how to use the chairs to climb up on top of the dining room table.  And does it every chance he gets.  Which means I now have a few more gray hairs to cover up with hair color!

And that's about all I can think of to share at the moment. So, as you can see... some week.

Dear Cat...

Dear Cat;

There seems to be a misunderstanding going on here.  While I realize that due to all the money paid out to vets bills in our attempts to help you recover from your recent poisoning incident, you are are now the most expensive item in this house; that does not give you free range to do as you please and ignore all the rules previously in place.

You still do not belong on my dining table, or the kitchen counters. As I am the one scooping out your litter box, I know exactly where your feet have been and what they have been stepping on.  I have no desire to have them tiptoeing around on the surfaces where I place my food.  Stay off!

You are not now entitled to more food.  Please stop following me around the house meowing at me to fill your bowl.  I am the one who is feeding you.  I know you have already had breakfast.  And dinner is hours away.  No matter what you say or how many times you say it, I am not giving more. Get over it. 

When I get up from my chair to fix a cup of tea, that is not an open invitation to jump up and take possession of that seat.  I'm coming back.  I also do not appreciate that look you give me when I try to displace you from my spot. 

Those spots on the stairs and the back on my couch you keep scratching at?  I am not pleased, as you may have guessed by the constant yelling you hear and the sprays of water which keep hitting you.  You have more than a sufficient amount of cat toys and scratchers for that sort of activity.  Leave my stuff alone! 

I do understand that you are frustrated at no longer being allowed outside to stalk birds and small rodents.  Or nibble grass.  And whatever else you used to do out there.  But since we have no way of knowing where you wander off to, or what you got into that led to the overnight at the emergency animal hospital and 2 days at your veterinarian's office - we can no longer allow you to free range the neighborhood to your heart's desire. 

We forked over some big bucks to drag you back from your spot in line at the pearly gates of kitty heaven.  How about showing a little appreciation?  I really don't think it's too much to ask.  Thank you.

Sincerely, Your Owner Housemate

Long Night

My cat was vomiting.  Now, if you have cats you know that sometimes they vomit.  They eat too much, or too fast, or they decide to sample the dog food, or they spent time outside chewing on some nice fresh grass, or they get a hairball, or ... whatever.  It happens.  It's gross.  I grumble about cleaning it up.  But it's over and done.

This time it wasn't over and done. 

The vomiting very quickly escalated to panting, excessive drooling, loss of bladder control, loss of coordination which affected his ability to walk, and what can only be described as a convulsion of some sort.  He was bad off.  Very bad.

The Man of the House - always my own personal knight in shining armor - took over,  made a phone call to the emergency pet hospital, and hustled us into the car and off into the night to seek care for the poor feline. 

After an evaluation, some blood work, and 2 hours at the pet ER the knew he had likely been exposed to some sort of toxin, but were not able to determine what sort.  He was given activated charcoal, IV fluids, oxygen, and spent the night at the emergency vet

This morning I picked him up from the emergency vet and transferred him to his regular vet.  He was able to come off the oxygen at about 3am, but his breathing is still labored.  He has shown a little improvement, but is still in critical condition.

Right now, I wait for his Vet to call me with an update and recommendations.  And I worry.

Evil Genius

My cat is a pure, certifiable evil genius.  At first I just thought he was a spoiled brat.  But he has gone way beyond that status now. 

When he feels I have not scooped out the litter box quickly enough for his very particular liking, or if I find a different litter on sale with coupon that he doesn't care for - he will take to showing his displeasure by evacuating his bowels in the most inconvenient spot he can locate.

Until today I thought his pièce de résistance was substituting the bathtub for a litter box.  After all, it certainly captures one's attention when your morning self hygiene routine is disrupted because you have to scrub out the shower before using it.  But my cat felt he could do even better at showing his anger to me.

Today I found a little prize in the hallway.  Right in front of the door to the closet where all cleaning supplies are kept.  And I quickly realized that thanks to the consistency of this little feline gem, even after getting up what I could with toilet paper and paper towels - there was still going to be just enough left on the carpet to smear and get ground into both the carpeting and the bottom of the door when I try to open the closet.  Yes indeed.  In cleaning this up, I was going to have to make an even bigger mess!!

That darn cat!!  Evil.  Genius.

A Purr-fect Moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.


If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

"This Moment" is a ritual I found through  Just My Thoughts .  By way of Pamanner's Blog, via Life inspired by the Wee Man adopted from SouleMama.  Check out their blogs, and if you are moved too, please leave a link to your Moment in the comment box below