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

Pedicure

Not me, but Ivy !  No bright nail polish, but nicely trimmed nails/claws .

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 As hard as I tried I have not been able to clip her nails.  Maybe, one or two at a time.  That was all before she would resist.  A few had gotten so long that I began to call them her dangerous weapons !

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Not good .  She was starting  to get them caught in the carpet and she may have caused some trauma to one of her dew claws.  So off to the Vet office to get some help.  Yes, she hissed at the beginning and it took two attendants but it was done quickly.  Ivy and I returned home feeling very happy and relieved, especially me !

I am so thrilled that Ivy is getting even more comfortable and very loving.  She is very "tuned in to me" and always pays attention to where I am.  She talks to me and likes to sit by me or nudge me to pet her or roll around on her back and stretch .  A definite sign that she trusts me !  I am so happy that I have her.  She is a special needs cat but I think she has done more for me than I have done for her !  It's a Win - Win Situation.

And, here are the daily flower photos. It is like the daily excitement when I watched for a new Iris to open each day.

It has been a busy day and I was able to get a lot done.  Even, fertilized with Miracle Grow early this morning before it got to hot.  I am hoping to get the car washed tomorrow.  It is so dirty with all the dusty pollen and leaves that I am almost embarrassed to drive it anywhere !

That's it for today.

I hope you are enjoying your week.

Mary

Until I See You Again

Yesterday morning my Precious Lily told me that it was the day she would be leaving this life and would be going to the Rainbow Bridge and would be waiting along with My Special Man; Hans (His Schnauzer), Pixie (My Yorkie) and Puff (My Tabby Cat) for me to arrive whenever that time comes.

Hans (2013) The day He went to the Rainbow Bridge with Lily comforting him.

Puff and Lily taking an afternoon nap ( 2007).

This has been an extremely difficult time. Precious Lily had started having severe difficulty breathing. And she was no longer able to breathe if she tried to lie down. She had to sit up in order to continue breathing. She told me with her eyes that she couldn't stay with me any longer. We spent half a day together with me holding her up to my chest and carrying her outdoors for a little time while we waited for her veterinarian appointment at noontime. She was so cuddly and clung to me so lovingly. She traveled so well sitting up in her car seat and she was so ready to see our wonderful Dr. Ray. It had been one and a half years since she was diagnosed with heart disease and I am convinced without a doubt that it is because of Dr. Ray and his talent and compassion that Lily and I had this length of time together. Dr Ray telephoned me almost every Monday morning to check on Lily (and Me) during that year and a half and was very generous regarding the expenses.  

Lily meant the world to me. She was with me through some of the most difficult times of my life. Her loving tender care of me helped me so much through life's hard times. I will miss her forever but I know my grief is necessary and the pain of loss will lessen in time. I am so comforted knowing that she no longer is sick and no longer struggling for her breath.

What a beautiful life chapter I have been given by having this special dog, Lilithann sharing with me.

Mary