What Ya Doin'

Just Thought I Would Ask !!!      Mom's been having a terrible time trying to make me happy with a new Cat Tree .  How can it be so difficult ?  Three different ones have been delivered and come into my home .  One was even donated to the animal shelter suggested by the company that sent it !  But - you know Mom ?  She doesn't give up .

LOOK - - -  I LOVE IT !

(And , it smells good)

From Ivy

Kitty Cat With An Opinion

Yes , Miss Ivy has spoken out about her displeasure with me for changing where I sit in the morning when I take a look at my computer to check in with the world via the Internet .  Much to my surprise she registered her annoyance by fervently scratching on the upholstered chair that sits beside a small desk that I wanted to use when computering .  Yes , that is a real word !  I have always thought that "words are fun" .  Call me crazy - it won't be the first .

Back to Ivy's behavior .  Her yowling and scratching convinced me to move back to the sofa so she can sit beside me and fall asleep or jump easily to her Cat Tower when she desires .  What a spoiled cat !  I love her new trust and independence but this is "a little much" .

I must convince her that she is not Royalty but I don't think she will pay me any mind when she sees that I have ordered a new Cat Tower for her because she has torn up (from scratching) the covering of the current Tower .  Scratching on the Tower is good because that is what I want instead of using the furniture or carpet flooring .  The old Tower is 53 inches tall .  The new Tower is taller at 69 inches inches .  Sitting up that high just might make her think "She Is A Queen" .

When I bought the old Tower I did not know the importance of ordering one with carpet covering .  The old one has a lightweight cotton covering that does not hold up to purposeful scratching !

Just this morning Ivy was running around , in and out of rooms , ending by jumping on her current Cat Tower and it shifted from side to side as if it was going to end up horizontally on the floor ! But , it didn't .  I hope the new tower is waited at the bottom .  If not , I may have to pile a stack of heavy books on the base ! 😄

I'll let you know if I think Ivy needs an attitude adjustment when she sits atop of her new Cat Tower and thinking it is a Castle for the privileged and beckoning her staff to pet her luxurious fluff !!!

Motherhood can be so challenging !!!

Mary

How We Start Our Mornings

Yes , Ivy is my Assistant .  Isn't she sweet ?  Sometimes it is hard to believe this is the same cat that found her forever home with me in March 2018 . No more hissing , scratching , biting and hiding .  She is pure love .

I am feeling so relieved that I have postponed my knee surgery .  I have been working some more on the inside of my house sorting and cleaning and it makes me so happy to feel progress .  And , Ivy found a chair nearby to help (watch) me .

With all the time that I have worked outside in my garden in the past my inside house has been sadly neglected .  But , now that is going to change and it makes me feel very good .  Hopefully , before long I will share more inside photos and that will be fun .

Hope your week is getting off to a good start .

Mary

Deliciously Beautiful Looking

Gardening Time is becoming Cooking Time

           Something so simple and So Good .

 

Lately , the recipes that I have been selecting to make seem to be recipes that have a lot more seasoning , like using "rubs" that present the opportunity to experiment with a lot of different flavors .  It's giving me a chance to ensure that my spices are fresh and not expired .  If they are , sometimes I use the " smell test" and if there is still good aroma I will use it and make sure I purchase a new one next time I shop .  Of course , the quite standard flavors of minced garlic , lemon juice and butter are pretty fail-safe and rich .  I paired it with some of the Royal Blend Rice that I had prepared a couple days earlier .  Some red pepper flakes gave the dish a nice extra little kick !

I recently talked about my sweet Ivy spending time with me in the kitchen and simply observing .  Well , once I brought out the shrimp to peel and devein , I heard a little pounce sound .  Ivy was off the stool standing next to me with her paws reaching high on the front of the kitchen cabinets below the sink !  And , Meowing - "I want some" .  It was so cute and really surprised me .  

Do cats really prefer fish ?  Allegedly , "although their sense of taste is not as distinct as ours , cats do have a superior sense of smell , and the strong smell of fish might be what attracts cats to it" .  I wasn't quite sure how I was going to appease her as she was quite insistent , so I just gave her whatever flavor kitty treats that I had . And , that seemed to be ok with her .  Back to her stool - she went .  She really is "good entertainment" !

See ya soon .

Mary

Who Is This

This is my kitchen Helper or maybe I should say Supervisor . Doesn't she look like she is in charge like a Supervisor in this photo ?

I have always had this one bar stool near or at the end of the kitchen counter . Several weeks ago , my roommate (aka - Ivy) started showing up on the stool whenever I was working in the kitchen . It didn't matter what I was doing .  Maybe fixing my morning coffee or washing dishes . She is so quiet and sometimes I didn't even notice her and it surprised me .   She just sits there and watches , not even meowing . She is such a sweetheart !

I have now started giving her some afternoon treats when she is sitting on the stool .  But , she doesn't beg for her treats throughout the day.  So sweet and and easy to care for . I found a winner !!!  Just needed some TLC and I have a lot of that to give her !

Ivy has become a cat who wants to be where ever I am .  No longer hiding or sleeping in the other room , hissing and biting . In the evening when I am more stationary in the living room she is always nearby .  And , when I approach her she starts to purr .  I think it was about a year after she came to live with me before I ever heard her Purr !  And , you all probably know how comforting the sound of a cat purring can be .

Remember , in April 2018 when Ivy found her "forever home" with me.  Probably not.  Well , because of her behavior I was quite sure she was hearing impaired . The Vet thought so to , maybe .  When he would make a noise that a cat would normally respond to she would not have any response .  And , of course he tried it more than once during her appointment . Well , two and a half years later , my opinion has changed . THIS CAT IS NOT DEAF .  She comes when I call her from the other room (even in a very soft voice) and now has all the normal responses to environment noises that would be expected . I truly believe that she was so traumatized from her first six years of life and her hearing impairment/behavior was part of her defense system for survival .  It seems that it took at least two years for her to feel completely comfortable and safe in her "forever home" .

If you can't tell , she means the world to me .  Just , another special creature in the form of a kitty cat bringing me comfort and joy like so many of my pets before .

Yes , I baked a cake - for Saturday .
 

Hug Your Pets .

Mary

Poor Performance

My tomatoes in the raised garden bed did not give me the results I was hoping for . There are only a few small ones on the  bushes .  It is disappointing after I did all the work to prepare the soil . There are a couple possibilities why the poor performance . Not enough sun .  Lack of fertilizer .  However , so far , I have one very nice zucchini that is planted at the far end of the raised bed and it gets a little more sun .  And , it looks like there may be more !

Now , look at this . I planted a couple watermelon plants in this wine barrel that has great new soil and is at the end of the raised bed and gets a lot of sun .  Since taking this photo it is twice as large and lots of blossoms !  It is wait and see !

This is my first attempt at using the new blogger format . I already had to research how to resize photos .  I had to turn off the image lightbox in blogger settings .  It seems to be working .  But , I don't know if there is now something else that is a problem by turning it to - off !

                     

I'm not in the best mood for all this change stuff !

I have had six months of very favorable results with the change in my medication  to assist with the symptoms of seasonal effective disorder . For which I have been extremely happy .  However, I started having some side effects that became concerning as well as intolerable . The most annoying was a disgusting  bitter taste in my mouth . Additionally , occasional rapid heart beat , swollen ankles and strange dreams . Not good .  Talked with the prescribing doctor and he was familiar with the side effects I am experiencing and has recommended reducing the dosage since the current dosage is high .  So , now I am waiting for the new prescription to be filled . The process should go smoothly but for some reason it is not and I have had to make several phone calls !  In the meantime I have resumed taking the previously ordered medication that I had been taking for years .  Of course , any disruption in medications can , but not always , effect how you feel . And , I have been feeling rather poorly . But , at least this should eventually smooth out .

I think it is worth noting that I probably am reacting somewhat to our current world affairs . I try very hard to not focus on the crazy insanity and it takes a lot of strength to not have some reaction to it .  I think I have been away from the house only about six times since all of this started with the pandemic .  As you probably know , my love of my garden has been a huge blessing that helps to focus on nice things but as of late my physical endurance is not what it has been in the past .  I expect to feel better soon .  Ivy says , "cheer up mom" .

I hope all of you are finding ways to take good care of yourselves during these very unusual times !

Mary

So Much - So Busy

And , feeling so much better ?  Don't know why but I'll take it. Still have pain but it is more tolerable for some reason . Stress certainly makes my pain more severe and I think I am feeling more calm and free flowing since some of my life stressors have calmed down .  Also, haven't taken much time to watch the Big Box in the living room that constantly shows us a crazy mixed up life that doesn't seem to improve much . Seems as if it is getting worse day by day .

I have been doing one project after another outside , gardening (which I am loving) and general maintenance (fixing leaky faucets and spray painting garden furniture) along with a little  of this and a little of that . The list is long !

Recently, a nearby neighbor posted a comment on our Nextdoor Website that she was selling organic starter plants for seasonal veggie gardens . So I took a little drive over to her curbside , protected with my face mask and purchased a few plants . It was a little bit of fun with like minded gardeners !

I brought home three tomato plants, one acorn squash and one zucchini plant .  They are growing fast and I had to pot them up so I can prepare my raised bed . The soil is good but filled with lots of roots that need to be removed . It is a very slow process for me . I have already removed a large barrel full of roots ! 

My little collection of plants is getting larger .  I wish I could find someone to shovel the raised bed for me . Most of you know that my ground soil is not really soil . it is rock and clay !

It has been a few years since I planted tomatoes in the raised beds and they did not do very well . Very possibly the tremendous amount of roots interfered with good growth and anticipated amount of  production .

I just thought of a photo from years ago when I still had my precious sweet Cavalier King Charles doggie and she loved cherry tomatoes . Look at this sweetheart climbing a support trellis to get her daily treat! 

Pretty good tomato production that year don't you think ? About eight years ago .

And, of course Ivy is sleeping next to me as I type this post . Yes, she sleeps a lot especially during the day . Night time is play time . Go figure - she is a Cat !

Now a few flower photos .

Lots of wonderful color .  See you soon .


ps. It was a Gopher Snake , not a Garter Snake !

Mary

The Good, Bad And The Ugly

It's about time that I catch up with you about all the things that have kept me so very busy . I probably would have gotten this posted sooner if I had not misplaced or lost my cable used to transfer the photos from my camera to the laptop . Looked EVERYWHERE!  I had to order a replacement .  Is this another sign that the years are zooming past me ?

Let's start with the GOOD .  I am so happy to tell you that the change in my medication for Seasonal Affective Disorder has helped me immensely !  It took about three weeks before I started to notice how different I was feeling !  It has been so wonderful to get up in the morning and feel "right with the day" whether it is sunny and bright or NOT !  What a wonderful difference . I am so happy that I persisted with the doctor until I was able to get the help I have needed in such a very long time !!!

It is always the right time to celebrate with a little ice cream in the sunshine .  Even though I am still having difficulty with lack of appetite I have no problem with my desire for ice cream whatever the time is ! It may sound a little corny but I really feel like sunshine most of the time .

Don't want to forget to mention that finally the generator that I purchased about six months ago has been installed . It's nice to know that if the power goes out for any prolonged time , I will not be cold and - - I can have hot coffee . Oh, the creature comforts of home that we so easily can take for granted !

Tomorrow it will be two years since Miss Ivy came to live with me .  I guess I should say, since I chose her to live with me .  And, it has been pure joy .  She now spends her time snuggled close to me whenever I am am sitting or laying down which has been quite a lot lately .  I really did not think that she would ever become that comfortable , trusting and attached to me .

The weather has been quite remarkably nice lately .  However , I must not overlook the reality of how serious it will become if we don't get some much needed RAIN . The plants , trees and gardens have started to show the first baby steps into spring with their little busts of green growth and sprinkles of little bits of color .  The beautiful tree across the street looks like this , entirely covered in blossoms .  Fabulous !

And, now - a little of the BAD .  Look at this mess in my outdoors .  I have not been able to work in my garden let alone clean up in preparation for a colorful spring and summer garden because of unusual very severe back pain . The kind that has "stopped me in my tracts".  It makes me very sad .

For the past month or so , I have been experiencing increased pain level in my back and left hip .  BOO-HOO .  A very BIG BOO-HOO !  It has been terrible . It so closely resembles the Severe Pain when I first herniated my L4/L5 disk in my low back many years ago in September 1992 and subsequently had to have surgery to decompress (reduce pressure) the nerves as well as assist in recovery of left foot drop whereby I had no control of my foot because of nerve impingement .

Working as a Nurse for years certainly did not help my small body maintain optimal skeletal health.  It was hard work especially considering that we did not have the help of orderlies (as they called them later) and transfer equipment to assist us with moving patients with heavy plaster casts or turning heavy patients who were not to turn without help following cataract eye surgery which required to be bedridden for a week following surgery .  Oh, those were the days .  Sounds as bad as being a child walking in the snow to school, doesn't it ? Oh, how did I get This Old ?

The fact that I have always been physically active doing one thing or another can be a "double edged sword" .  My body still has a lot of mobility because I don't spend a lot of time just sitting around but my back vertebrae are simply old and worn out !!!

And now , for a little Ugly ! Just look at my spine MRI (taken in 2017) and it's messed up curvature and poor quality of vertebrae/discs along with a worsening scoliosis (sideways curvature) .  And, maybe (most likely) worse now in 2020 .  It really amazes me that I have been able to be as physical as I have been .  Probably the fact that I try to pace myself and limit my time working in the garden to three hours maximum has helped .

The dictated report notes that all of my lumbar disks (that would be L1 through L5) are either moderately or severely bulging . Just exactly, what does that mean .

Well , it is better than I had remembered when I read the report in the past........

Basically, it states that I have Spondylosis , also known as DDD (Degenerative Disc Disease) which is a condition that usually occurs due to aging. It is progressive deterioration of the discs between the vertebral bodies . The discs lose moisture and shrink , losing their cushioning effect between the spinal bones , the ligaments become weaker or thicken , and the bones can develop bony growths or spurs . My report shows that I also have spurs . Spondylosis can cause pressure on nerve roots causing subsequent pain or tingling in the legs . A primary difference between a herniated disc and a bulging disc is that bulging discs are "contained" . There is no rupture or tear present inside the disc's outer layer . Herniated discs may start out as bulging discs , but they create so much pressure on the discs outer wall , it causes a rupture .

Because it has been a long time since I was familiar with the many terms used to describe the numerous spinal abnormalities I thought I would post this information . It may be helpful for some of you .

Spondylolysis is a fracture in the vertebrae . As we age the bones weaken and a stress fracture may occur . This type of fracture is simply a crack in part of the vertebra and may cause no problem at all. However, sometimes the cracked vertebrae slips forward over the vertebrae below it. This is known as Spondylolisthesis .

Spondylitis affects the spinal column . It can cause inflammation and stiffness between your vertebrae - - -  the bones of your neck, spine and lower back and pelvis. Spondylitis can attack ligaments that connect muscle to bones and other connective tissue. 

The back/spine is so much more complex than this little snippet of information . Treatment is based on pain level, patient interview and diagnostic imaging .

I certainly do not see surgery in my future even though it has been recommended for at least the last five years or more .  I think the risk factor is to great and I could end up in a worse situation .  I have already had a multitude of procedures with minimal noticeable benefit . I am thankful for a pretty high pain threshold ! Especially , since "real pain pills" no longer are available . I started taking Aleve .  Helping ? I really don't know . Sadly, no gardening .

I have ordered a new back brace that is a little different than I have had in the past . And, also some new shoes with a substantial arch support .

Have you heard of Tonal Chiropractic approach ? Maybe next time I'll say something about it . This is certainly more than enough this time .

Another , but horrific subject , next time . But Please - - -

Good Wishes to All of You and I Hope You stay healthy.

Mary

Modern Day Technology Brings Common Night Time Activity To Our Doorstep

This Past Monday Night these beautiful five Mountain Lions were viewed on a Home Security Surveillance Camera at a rural home in the next county about an hours drive (fifty miles) from my home .  Reportedly , they are probably a mother and her four cubs .

With the increased number of residence cameras more and more wild life will be observed . And, as the human population increases into their habitat we will see more .

And, on Thursday this gal/fellow was seen near the front porch of a home about a mile from my home .

We must be careful when out and about when we are out after the sun has gone down .  And very importantly , we must be sure our pets are safe especially at nighttime !

Closer to Home . This past week was the first time my security camera (which I haven't had very long) picked up an image at night.  It was a pretty large Racoon coming into the driveway from under the gate and walking toward the house .  When he heard the voice from the security camera he started to run ! My image of it was not clear enough to copy .  This image is from the Internet .

The striped tail was helpful in identifying it . I have always had small wild nocturnal animals around my home including skunks, opossums and mice .

Technology is putting a new spin on "guess what I saw" !

One more thing .  Can you help me ?  What is it .  It's  moving and breathing . And , that is unusual for a tossed blanket unless -------

 

there is a little cat named Ivy who burrowed in for a warm morning nap .  See that little black ear at the top of the photo .  She brings me so much comfort and delight !!!

Mary

Walking Through The Holidays

How do I feel ?  I really don't know . It is different than any other year .  For the most part I guess I can say that I am good , not great .  But, the best part is that I have a feeling of calm and peacefulness like no other time in my life .

My cactus plants have been blooming and this is a small one that has a nice pink/peach color .  Even with some neglect this past year they have bloomed .  I  always enjoy when they start to show some color .

My little gal IVY has been a very sick little gal . She is a rescue cat and certainly has had some issues . Her adoption was considered an "AS IS" adoption because she was resistant to being touched thus making care and treatment very difficult. Most often change of behavior patterns can change very slowly . And, it was a couple weeks ago that I thought she was exceedingly restless . Her annual vaccination appointment was soon . But, I noticed a teeny little worm when I was vacuuming ! My response was "oh, NO . As you know , I have been letting her go outside on occasion . AND , I have not been faithful in giving her the monthly Advantage (multi) medication which is so unlike me !

Well , the long and the short of it is that I told the Vet that I thought she had worms .  So along with her rabies vaccine she was given another vaccine for outdoor cats as well as deworming medication.  I was of the thought that she may have come to me with the worms but with further review of her file I noted that Rescue had giving her deworming medication before adoption .  It looks like I was a bad mommy !

She was so sick the first day after the Vet visit . Did not want to be touched and slept all day except for food/water and litter box .  After a few days she is doing great and is like a new cat . No more frantic running through the house or staying up all night thus keeping me up all night . I am so so happy that she is feeling better.

I have continued my efforts in trying to find a doctor who will assist me in procuring some medication that will help me with my Seasonal Affective Disorder . After contacting about six different medical offices - no luck ! I did find one that would see me in six months .  Another one was a four month wait for a TELE-HELP phone appointment !  Hard to believe !  Just like so many things in our current social order - or - disorder .  We have had so many dark , wet , cold days of late .  I have started using Light Therapy again , but have not noticed any help .  I will continue working on a solution .

Sending Holiday wishes as you travel along these Holidays !

Mary