Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Absolom]

27 minutes ago, DangerousMinds said:

One must first have insurance in order to have a copay.

True, but the question I was answering was where the $3500 figure originated.  

[crazy8s]

8 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Thanks. The news reports I heard didn't mention a quarantine for healthy passengers. 

This really sucks.

Sister in law and husband believe they are to be sent to Georgia, tested there.and staying 14 days. those who need medical care will be removed from the ship first, then california residents. sister in law expects to be on the ship 2 more days. (they live in MIchigan)

they have only what they had with them for a 10 day vacation in hawaii. so no coats etc. just tourist clothes, beachwear, sandals and other things not very well suited for 14 days in Georgia on a military base. they are hoping to have access to laundry services when they get to georgia or texas.

It has been announced to passengers everyone is getting a full refund.

[lookeyloo]

@Scarlett45 so sorry about your precious kitty.  

[Marshmallow Mollie]

@Scarlett45 I am so sorry to hear it! I worked in veterinary medicine for 10 years. It’s hard to spot, and it varies cat to cat. I had a foster kitty who was in kidney failure, and I didn’t know until it was an emergent situation. One of my own cats was diagnosed at 7. 7!!!! She lived for two years. There were a lot of things that kept her going, but I remember at the end calling the vet, and she said, “we can do xyz, or we can say, ‘we love you, we know you have a chronic disease and are never going to get better, and we’re going to let you go to Heaven.’” That was incredibly helpful for me. Sending lots of love to you.

[Scarlett45]

Charlie is gone. He died in the night. I wrapped him in the bed pads I jacked from my sister (I know she wouldn’t mind), I laid down in case he lost control of his bladder and a blanket, took him to the Vet to be cremated. I’m at work. 
 

He was so heavy. I know I did the right thing bringing him home. 

[MargeGunderson]

Oh @Scarlett45, I’m so sorry. He was a beautiful cat, and it’s clear that you loved him very much. I’m sure that he was more comfortable at home, and I’m glad you were with him. I hope that your happy memories of him will bring you comfort during this difficult time. 

[Jenniferbug]

Oh @Scarlett45, I am so very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved pet. I'm glad he was able to pass peacefully at home in comfort. Rest in peace, Charlie. 

[Barb23]

22 hours ago, galaxychaser said:

https://thegirlswhowentaway.com/
 

I’m reading this book. It’s so eye opening and heartbreaking. 

Thanks for the heads up on this book. The reviews alone are something.   I'm going to add it to my book list.

@Scarlett45  Just read your newest post.  I'm so sorry. I'm glad you brought him home so he could be with you.  

Sending good thoughts to every one else who needs them especially  @EVS & @lookeyloo's son.

@Jynnan tonnix I am impressed  by your granddaughter's nail drawing. I would definitely put that away to show her when she's older.  I can't believe she's almost two. As I've said before, I have a special fondness for her - it was something in her big eyes on the newborn pictures you shared with us that caught my eye. (No, I'm not a stalker. Since I'm not a grandma yet, I appreciate you sharing.)

@crazy8s, Oh my, that sounds awful to have to be quarantined for an additional 14 days after already being quarantined on the ship (esp in a windowless room.)  Did your relatives say  how passenger's medicines will be handled?  (Thats the first thing I think about in these situations since I  take so many.) I'm sure many people brought enough medicine just for the trip & aren't prepared for a quarantine.  

[crazy8s]

5 minutes ago, Barb23 said:

@crazy8s, Oh my, that sounds awful to have to be quarantined for an additional 14 days after already being quarantined on the ship (esp in a windowless room.)  Did your relatives say  how passenger's medicines will be handled?  (Thats the first thing I think about in these situations since I  take so many.) I'm sure many people brought enough medicine just for the trip & aren't prepared for a quarantine.  

they had a slip they could fill out for medications/refills needed. I believe a helicopter brought some things.

but for brother in law who is diabetic - the long delays and uneven schedule of meals getting to them is an issue as well.

they have not been tested at all for covid-19 and will not be, until they end up in Texas or Georgia. that's crazy - everyone could have been tested and results back in the time they have been waiting at sea.

 

[GeeGolly]

Popping in to check on you all. Sending thoughts of healing and light to you all with health issues and your family members in poor health. So sorry for the loss of your fur baby @Scarlett45. Looks like you have an artist there @Jynnan tonnix.

Spring is trying to appear in my neck of the woods. In the words of Jill, Yay!

[Zella]

I'm so sorry about your kitty, @Scarlett45! 

[emma675]

Scarlett45, I'm so sorry for the loss of Charlie. I'm glad he was able to be at home and comfortable when he passed. It's so hard to lose a beloved pet, they are family.

[Marshmallow Mollie]

@Scarlett45 I love the pic of him in the box! I am so sorry for your loss.

[wilsie]

@Scarlett45 I'm so sorry for your loss.  You did the right thing bringing him home to love on and say good-bye.   I'm glad he passed without you having to make the loving decision to let him go.  I love that you shared so many of his pictures.  I hope you have peace in knowing what a good life you shared together.

[CherryMalotte]

What a beauty floofy boy Charlie was Scarlett45 - I'm glad you got to bring him home and have his last days be as comfortable as possible.  Lots of love to you from myself as well as  Yuki, Rhaego, Oliver Hardy and Tarzan Charlie, the Malotte kattery.

[galaxychaser]

5 hours ago, GeeGolly said:

Popping in to check on you all. Sending thoughts of healing and light to you all with health issues and your family members in poor health. So sorry for the loss of your fur baby @Scarlett45. Looks like you have an artist there @Jynnan tonnix.

Spring is trying to appear in my neck of the woods. In the words of Jill, Yay!

71 degrees today. Yay indeed.

[Love2dance]

@Scarlett45, so very sorry about Charlie. May your beautiful, wonderful memories bring you comfort. Thank you for sharing his pictures.

[galaxychaser]

6 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

Charlie is gone. He died in the night. I wrapped him in the bed pads I jacked from my sister (I know she wouldn’t mind), I laid down in case he lost control of his bladder and a blanket, took him to the Vet to be cremated. I’m at work. 
 

He was so heavy. I know I did the right thing bringing him home. 

What a pretty kitty. I’m sorry for your loss.

[jcbrown]

I'm so sorry, @Scarlett45. I'm glad for both of you that you were able to bring him home.

[Scarlett45]

4 hours ago, Marshmallow Mollie said:

@Scarlett45 I love the pic of him in the box! I am so sorry for your loss.

Thank you. That was on my Christmas card last year (along with the other cats). I’m going to make an ornament out of that photo on Shutterfly to honor him. 

[Scarlett45]

Everyone- thank you for all of your warm loving words about Charlie. I am sad, but holding it together at work. I cried in the shower after I found him and when I handed the corpse over. 
 

I am still a little in shock and I know I will continue to look for him over the next weeks. I’m going to pay extra attention to Mr Norris and Blake these days as I know they will be missing him. And yes I’m going to retail therapy my feelings on Wednesday (spring makeup at the NARS counter with my lady at Nordstrom). 
 

His little body was so heavy, and stiff, but he wasn’t cold yet. 
 

My house and heart is still full with Mr Norris and Blake, I’m also holding a spot for my god mother’s dog Cosmo (My god mother was diagnosed with bile duct cancer in October), if she requests I take him (she asked me if I would adopt him if the time came). I will be making a donation to PawsChicago in Charlie’s memory (that’s where we adopted he and Blake in 2007). 
 

Again you all are wonderful. Thank you for your support. 

[jcbrown]

30 minutes ago, Scarlett45 said:

Everyone- thank you for all of your warm loving words about Charlie. I am sad, but holding it together at work. I cried in the shower after I found him and when I handed the corpse over. 
 

I am still a little in shock and I know I will continue to look for him over the next weeks. I’m going to pay extra attention to Mr Norris and Blake these days as I know they will be missing him.

You probably know this already as a cat person, but I read that it helps the surviving cats to figure out their friend is gone if you leave bedding or something that smells like the kitty you lost and they note the scent fading over time. Our Pixie has become more of a snuggler with us over the last ten months since our beloved Hillary died  since she and Hillary were besties (Lucy is still her Oriental Shorthair, independent, yelling self). I also had a couple of nice photos of Hillary framed that make me feel close to her still.

Edited March 9, 2020 by jcbrown

[Scarlett45]

11 minutes ago, jcbrown said:

You probably know this already as a cat person, but I read that it helps the surviving cats to figure out their friend is gone if you leave bedding or something that smells like the kitty you lost and they note the scent fading over time. Our Pixie has become more of a snuggler with us over the last ten months since our beloved Hillary died  since she and Hillary were besties (Lucy is still her Oriental Shorthair, independent, yelling self). I also had a couple of nice photos of Hillary framed that make me feel close to her still.

Yes I have the big blanket he often laid in still on the sofa- should I not wash it? I had not heard that thank you. 
 

I had heard it’s good to let them see/smell the corpse because they will know their friend is dead, they can smell life leaving, rather than him just disappearing. 
 

I know this sounds awful, but I am hoping my Mom dies at home in her sleep so I can make sure my sister touches the corpse. I have no way to explain to her when Mom dies and I wouldn’t want her to be depressed or confused (truthfully I think she will be very depressed anyway, my Mom left for 6 weeks during a knee surgery recovery and the pain in my sisters face was TOO MUCH FOR ME). But I want her to know in some instinctual way that Mom is dead and Mom won’t come back. (My Mom is fine but Charlie’s death made me thing of this). 
 

GOLLY I am still in shock. He was fine! I didn’t expect anything like this not even 48yrs ago. 

[lookeyloo]

@Scarlett45 - I am so sorry about Charlie.  He was a real beauty and you gave him the best life possible. I am really in a weepy mood because of my son, but I know he meant as much to you.  We have lost pets too, for various reasons, and it makes the heart heavy.  Sending hugs.

[jcbrown]

2 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

Yes I have the big blanket he often laid in still on the sofa- should I not wash it? I had not heard that thank you. 
 

I had heard it’s good to let them see/smell the corpse because they will know their friend is dead, they can smell life leaving, rather than him just disappearing. 
 

I know this sounds awful, but I am hoping my Mom dies at home in her sleep so I can make sure my sister touches the corpse. I have no way to explain to her when Mom dies and I wouldn’t want her to be depressed or confused (truthfully I think she will be very depressed anyway, my Mom left for 6 weeks during a knee surgery recovery and the pain in my sisters face was TOO MUCH FOR ME). But I want her to know in some instinctual way that Mom is dead and Mom won’t come back. (My Mom is fine but Charlie’s death made me thing of this). 
 

GOLLY I am still in shock. He was fine! I didn’t expect anything like this not even 48yrs ago. 

That's what I read--that the fading scent worked to help them transition. We have had to say goodbye to all of our kitties at the vet so it was important to me to have their scent around home for a while for the survivors.

I don't think your thoughts about your mom sound awful, at all. I think you sound like a compassionate sister.

I'm glad for your sake and his that it sounds like Charlie did not have to suffer, at least. The first kitty we said goodbye to we tried to save for too long. I still regret that, though I understand we could only act on the information we had. With Hillary (the most recent) I felt like we kept her with us only as long as we were able to keep her comfortable.

[galaxychaser]

@Scarlett45 don’t wash the blanket. 

[Scarlett45]

20 minutes ago, galaxychaser said:

@Scarlett45 don’t wash the blanket. 

I won’t. 

[CalicoKitty]

48 minutes ago, galaxychaser said:

@Scarlett45 don’t wash the blanket. 

This was the advise from my vet, too.  Just let the remaining smells fade away on their own.  In the past, I didn't want my remaining kitty to get too lonesome, and I would to the shelter after a couple of weeks and bring home a new friend.  A couple of years ago, however, I just happened to stop at the pet store for cat food the day after I had to put my calico down.  And I came home with a kitten.  I had no intention to adding to the family that quickly, but, well, I just fell in love.  Since my remaining cat is not too bright, I think it helped her because she was not alone and had some distraction.  At least it worked out for us, and they are now "bestest" friends.  There is never a "replacement" for a lost fur baby, but there always seems to be room for one more in my heart.  I am so sorry for your loss.

[Zella]

5 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I know this sounds awful, but I am hoping my Mom dies at home in her sleep so I can make sure my sister touches the corpse. I have no way to explain to her when Mom dies and I wouldn’t want her to be depressed or confused (truthfully I think she will be very depressed anyway, my Mom left for 6 weeks during a knee surgery recovery and the pain in my sisters face was TOO MUCH FOR ME). But I want her to know in some instinctual way that Mom is dead and Mom won’t come back. (My Mom is fine but Charlie’s death made me thing of this). 

I don't think that's awful at all. I know it's not the same thing, but my grandmother and her younger siblings had a hard time with getting her oldest sister (who was suffering from dementia) to understand when their mother died several years ago. The oldest sister still remembered her mother and they were very close (like saw each other every day and lived down the street from each other close), but she just couldn't understand what had happened to her mom, no matter how much they tried to tell her. Now that I think about it, I don't think my great-aunt had an opportunity to see the body, and I think that might have helped her process it. 

*hugs*

Edited March 10, 2020 by Zella

[andromeda331]

I'm so sorry for your loss @Scarlett45. 

[SunnyBeBe]

On 3/8/2020 at 10:34 PM, EVS said:

I have stage 4 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. It’s a slow growing non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s very treatable. I get immunotherapy and I take a targeted therapy drug. I’ll be ok if I can get past this Coronavirus craziness. 
 

That’s very impressive!

So glad you have a good treatment option.  I do hope you can steer clear of any viruses too.  Depending on how things go, I'm considering doing a voluntary quarantine for my parents.  We'll see.  

Scarlett, my condolences on the loss of Charlie.  That's a tough thing to get through.  Even when we think we are prepared, it's still so painful.  

 

[Scarlett45]

12 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

This was the advise from my vet, too.  Just let the remaining smells fade away on their own.  In the past, I didn't want my remaining kitty to get too lonesome, and I would to the shelter after a couple of weeks and bring home a new friend.  A couple of years ago, however, I just happened to stop at the pet store for cat food the day after I had to put my calico down.  And I came home with a kitten.  I had no intention to adding to the family that quickly, but, well, I just fell in love.  Since my remaining cat is not too bright, I think it helped her because she was not alone and had some distraction.  At least it worked out for us, and they are now "bestest" friends.  There is never a "replacement" for a lost fur baby, but there always seems to be room for one more in my heart.  I am so sorry for your loss.

Thanks. Blake and Mr Norris have each other although Charlie was definitely the peace maker- i don’t think they will be too lonely. They still have each other. 

[ChiCricket]

So sorry about your kitty, @Scarlett45 😞

[Mindthinkr]

@Scarlett45 My condolences on the loss of Charlie and purrs from the Mindthinkr kitties. 

[Scarlett45]

My lap last night. I put in a hair mask and face mask, and took the opportunity to brush Mr Norris. Blake has the tuxedo Stripe. 

[zoomama]

wow - lots of sadness and stress going on here.  my thoughts are with you guys!

i have been sidelined since having carpal tunnel surgery....100% awake....last week. stitches come out on the 16th.  my palm is sore but it is totally doable with out pain meds. i will admit to being totally scared but at exactly the time they called me in to pre-op, i felt a peace and a calmness and no fear.  the dr talked to me about the corona virus while operating and helped me make my decision about my trip.

 

then on the 17th, i get to go see my grandboys. i am nervous as far as the corona virus but my specialist gave me one of the medical strength masks to wear on the plane. 

 

(oops forgot to hit send when i typed this...)

[SunnyBeBe]

Great news about your hand Zoomama!  I can imagine how scary that kind of surgery would be.  I had several finger surgeries before and they hurt big time, once the local wore off.  You must be pretty tough.  (Mine was infected though.)  

Good luck with your trip.  Lucky to snag that mask.  They are in short supply now. 

[Ijustwantsomechips]

So we have our first confirmed cases of corona in Louisiana. Jeez! I guess that means the Jazz Fest is out for me. Hopefully we don’t have any fatalities and the spread is minimal.

OAN...I woke up with the worst rash on my shoulder and my throat is a little soar.  I took Benadryl but am trying to avoid using my AuviQ because I don’t want to go to the ER and expose myself unnecessarily. 

[SunnyBeBe]

My state (NC) has 8 confirmed cases and governor has declared state of emergency.  I'm pretty nervous, because, so much is unknown, but, I'm staying rational.  I went to an eye appointment today and took a lot of precautions.  Still, it's tough to not touch something or contaminate your purse, credit card, wallet, keys, etc.  I went by my office too and discovered that one person was there, who just gotten back from a cruise in Mexico and another had just picked up his daughter from a flight back from Orlando where they had been to Disney!  lol  I stayed a minute and got out. 

I'm planning a grocery store visit in the morning. I plan to stock up.  If they issue a quarantine, I doubt, they'll give much notice. NCAA tournament will be played without fans!  This is huge, as college basketball is like religion in NC.

https://www.wralsportsfan.com/the-latest-health-official-recommends-no-fans-at-nba-games/19006447/

 

 

Edited March 11, 2020 by SunnyBeBe

[Ijustwantsomechips]

6 comfirmed cases in New Orleans so far. Loyola and UNO are transitioning to online classes for the remainder of the semester. I wonder how long before the other three schools make the same call.  

[galaxychaser]

I think I got it. If I feel worse going to the hospital. Lucky me.

[Sew Sumi]

What are your symptoms? 

[ChiCricket]

My grand-nieces are all Irish Dancers..I thought this was funny:

The following is from my niece today...my grandniece L is 5yo. She's  the one in the middle.  I obscured their faces because they're not my kids.

 

L is learning to count to 10 in Gaelic in her Irish dance class. Convo in car today

Me: ok, here’s the plan. Number 1...

L: A haon

Me: A what? 

L: It’s how you say 1 in Garlic 😊 

 

Edited March 11, 2020 by ChiCricket

[lookeyloo]

1 minute ago, ChiCricket said:

My grand-nieces are all Irish Dancers..I thought this was funny:

The following is from my niece today...my grandniece L is 5yo. She's  the one in the middle.  I obscured their faces because they're not my kids.

 

L is learning to count to 10 in Gaelic in her Irish dance class. Convo in car today

Me: ok, here’s the plan. Number 1...

Lily: A haon

Me: A what? 

Lily: It’s how you say 1 in Garlic 😊 

 

Our niece is an Irish Dancer too!  They live in Colorado. We got to see her dance in North Carolina last year. Fun stuff.

[SunnyBeBe]

33 minutes ago, ChiCricket said:

My grand-nieces are all Irish Dancers..I thought this was funny:

The following is from my niece today...my grandniece L is 5yo. She's  the one in the middle.  I obscured their faces because they're not my kids.

 

L is learning to count to 10 in Gaelic in her Irish dance class. Convo in car today

Me: ok, here’s the plan. Number 1...

L: A haon

Me: A what? 

L: It’s how you say 1 in Garlic 😊 

 

Omg! Too cute!

[crazycatlady58]

They cancelled the Houston Rodeo and Livestock show. This is important here in Houston. Hundreds of children raise their animals to show then the animals are sold. The funds go toward the childrens education. Hundreds of vendors sell at the Rodeo. This is because a person who tested positive was at the Rodeo.  On that day there was  77632  people in attendance. This is the first time that I am aware of that the event has been cancelled. It has been going on since 1937.

[crazy8s]

an update on my sister in law and husband that were on the Grand Princess - they got off the ship late last night. got on a bus and were told they were going to san antonio.

waited 2 hours on the bus for a gate to open for the plane to get there. waited two more hours on a plane that went nowhere. pilot announced they were staying in california.

they are now in the hotel on miramar marine base. have not been tested for covid-19. have not been told if their 14 day stay started when they got there or after they are tested and results are back.

they say it is a nice hotel and a catering company has been hired to bring their meals via room service. they are not allowed outside and armed guards are all around the security fence newly placed around the hotel.

this is all crazy.

they are in good health and good spirits, but tired and a bit bored.

 

Edited March 11, 2020 by crazy8s

[Sew Sumi]

That's just crazy. The communication between authorities and the passengers seems to be non-existent. 

[Absolom]

This from Italy:

https://www.newsweek.com/young-unafraid-coronavirus-pandemic-good-you-now-stop-killing-people-opinion-1491797

[crazy8s]

yes crazy - every time they ask questions they are told the government has not given them permission to give infromation