Small Talk: Out of Genoa

[PatsyandEddie]

 valley, what about crate training? You could still go to the casino and leave the dog for a few hours in the room with the TV for company. 

My two older dogs were boarded the very odd time. They hated it. Jinx refused to eat the whole time. Zeus would eat but not much. I gave up doing it and hired a dog sitter when I couldn't take them. Mars has only ever had a sitter ( my daughter ) . He would literally die of loneliness in a kennel. 

[Petunia13]

 I worked at a pet hotel/doggie daycare for about 2 yrs doing the playgroups and late night walks and grooming. It's not very safe because of the risk of kennel cough and dog flu also they don't always mix the dogs well. Many of the people can be rough w dogs or come to work high also. I saw a lot of sickness fights and injuries. 

[PatsyandEddie]

I count myself lucky that my babies never seem to have any other problem but separation anxiety when they were in the kennel. They were also bathed before pick up which was nice too. 

[peacheslatour]

Hey jewel, how is Steve?

[jewel21]

Thanks, everyone.

Well it was quite the morning. It started off with freezing rain and I got to the corner and ended up falling onto the pavement and dropping Steve. Luckily I'm short and managed to hold onto him until we were close to the ground and he was well covered so he didn't get hurt.

Then exiting one of the metros, everyone was in my way and some stupid asshat left his school bag on the ground and tripped over it and almost went sprawling onto the platform with Steve but after fumbling I manged to regain my balance.

And after I dropped Steve off, I almost slipped 3 more times on the way to work. Once the afternoon hit, it had snowed and wasn't icy anymore but what a morning.

Steve had another crop and gram stain done and it looks like he has another infection in his crop. There was water in his crop too along with gas and food. His intestines are also a bit swollen indicating infection. They did a barium x-ray and there's gas as well in the intestinal track. It also took the barium longer that normal to pass through the digestive track. He also dropped from 86 grams to 76 grams. He's on three medications twice a day. Two of them are to be given for 21 days and one for 7 days and I have to keep weighing him.

We were also going to draw blood to recheck the liver and his white blood count but when they tried to insert the needle into his jugular, it created a big bruise and they decided to stop.

Re-eval before the 21 days is up, but if he's still losing weight, I bring him in sooner. I hope the meds will work. My poor little lemon.

Edited January 25, 2017 by jewel21

[jewel21]

8 hours ago, Petunia13 said:

@jewel21 I hope Steve feels better soon. Poor guy. I hope the doctor helps along with his Mama's tlc. How's your job and gramps doing? 

Gramps is doing okay. He's not as active and I worry with the congestive heart failure, but he seemed better today and he went out for a short period yesterday. He has days where he doesn't feel well and just stays home but regardless of how he feels, he's always cooking, heh.

[Snaporaz]

^Aww, jewel, your day sounds like the car chase scene in Bullitt. Steve is clearly in the best possible hands, but I hope this infection clears up once and for all, since this must be hard on both of you. 

[jewel21]

Thanks, Snap. I just don't get why he keeps getting crop infections. The first two times I brought him to my mom's and he didn't eat while there which means the food just kind of sat there in the crop and bacteria formed so it made sense to me that he would get an infection. But this last time, he was home and nothing was different. I clean his food and water dishes every day so I don't know why this happened. I just hope we can clear it once and for all, too. Today cost me almost $300 and I have to go back again for the re-eval. I love my bird but soon I'm going to start a go fund me page for him, haha.

[Petunia13]

Poor guy. GL @jewel21

[Petunia13]

Edited January 25, 2017 by Petunia13

[boes]

11 minutes ago, Petunia13 said:

Hello, gorgeous!!

[peacheslatour]

Ooh, *squee* what a darling. I'm so jealous, I would love to have a Yorkie, but DH says no dogs, which made a lot of sense when we were both working long hours, but I'm home all the time now. Le sigh.

[boes]

Mary Tyler Moore, dead at 80.  She was something else....

Edited January 26, 2017 by boes

[peacheslatour]

A little song

A little dance

A little seltzer down your pants

RIP beautiful lady.

[jewel21]

I know. So sad.

[Gam2]

MTM was on TV when there were programs actually worth watching. Rest In Peace, sweet woman, and thank you for all of the laughs. Prayers for your husband and dear friends. 

[Cupid Stunt]

5 hours ago, boes said:

Mary Tyler Moore, dead at 80.  She was something else....

Her depiction of a woman succeeding in a male-dominated media position was an inspiration.

Thank you, Mary.

[Petunia13]

You guys are so fucking awesome. I just know whenever there's something crappy going on in the world or I'm stressed out or sad I can come here and there so much humor, love, silliness, and strength. 

[valleycliffe]

18 hours ago, Cupid Stunt said:

Her depiction of a woman succeeding in a male-dominated media position was an inspiration.

Thank you, Mary.

yep.  in the 70's, she's single and doesn't want to get married and wants to have a career.. she's on birth control and dates.  she talks about how her predecessor, a man made more money than her when she has proven to be better than him.  the boss says cause you're a woman.. i loved that show..

[Snaporaz]

Now that you've had a little time to regroup, how are you doing, @bannana?

[bannana]

1 hour ago, Snaporaz said:

Now that you've had a little time to regroup, how are you doing, @bannana?

@Snaporaz, thank you so much for thinking of me and asking. 

I am trying to get used to the new normal.  This week is better than last. I am trying to identify the positive things that this will create. I am now following a Zen site on Twitter!  

You think that if you work hard, are professional, diligent, and ethical, that you will be rewarded.  But there are sharks in the water.  Actually, I don't want to give a bad name to sharks, this boss is so much worse.

But, I think I have a better outlook today, than I had a few days ago.  I am trying very hard to allow myself to just take the time.  It's odd to not work, when you have worked for 40 years!  Each day I get up and I think, okay, I can do whatever I want to do today.

And, I do have a plan for my Chapter Three of my career, and I have some time before I have to implement it.

[valleycliffe]

anyone feeling sad?  

this will make u get and want to dance...it will give you LIFE....well, if you like mick and dave that is.

http://www.lg1043.com/lg1043-latest-news/2017/01/27/watch-the-lego-remake-of-david-bowie-and-mick-jaggers-dancing-in-the-street-video

[peacheslatour]

Quote

But, I think I have a better outlook today, than I had a few days ago.  I am trying very hard to allow myself to just take the time.  It's odd to not work, when you have worked for 40 years!

I felt that way when I took early retirement. I ended up like jewel's grandpa- baking, baking, baking until my husband begged me to take it down a notch- his pockets were getting as tight as Paul's. I can't wait for spring so I can at least go outside.

[jewel21]

My brother with the mental issues apparently has been off his meds for the last few years and lying about it. He's going crazy again, ie. talking too fast, always over, fits of rage, etc. I can't deal with this crap anymore. Why won't he ever learn? How many times does he need to be institutionalized before he learns? And when I brought it up today, he said I was making him nervous asking about his meds, and he's fine, he's fine, y'all! I can't do this shit anymore. FML.

[PatsyandEddie]

I hear you sweetheart! My sisters and I are currently going through something similar. I wish I could tell you it gets better eventually for everyone but some of them never fucking learn. Meds make and keep you well but it seems such a hard lesson for some. Sounds like he needs a damned good caseworker who doesn't put up with bullshit  

I can only offer you a warm virtual hug and sincere sympathy. 

[valleycliffe]

oh gosh jewel21, so sorry to hear that...

my daughter has a brother in law that's off his rocker too...he thinks they called the feds on him...the fbi and the cia which is ridiculous.  we are all canadian.....

[jewel21]

Thanks everyone.

The firsr time he went nuts, he was convinced his phone was tapped and the mafia was listening in. And the helicopter that flew over his head one day was following him. Right, cuz you're that important.

[PatsyandEddie]

Is he paranoid schizophrenic? Mine is delusional schizophrenic  

You can tell me MYOB  if you like. 

[Petunia13]

my mom is unmedicated bipolar. This week she did something that endangered my dog and I said that wasn't something I'm comfortable w she agreed ...then later attacked me for that and also for being a worthless idiot who's a POOR and works retail which confirms I am stupid and unlikable and she isn't and I'll feel like a dumbass when she dies since my behavior is literally killing her and I'm a bad daughter and selfish and embarrassing blah blah and a lot of it is said in this theatrical transatlantic  tone like Hepburn or drawn out valley girl style. 

It used to bother me a lot that she'd say I'm worthless or an idiot and it really bothered me after I left my abusive ex I was hospitalized and battered & had to leave w no belongings or money and she said all that stuff and offered no assistance. I was essentially homeless then and she claimed victimhood. Like I'm not even that upset like @boes said once family can be very cold and still you will do whatever you can to do right by them it's a hard experience but one others go through too. 

[jewel21]

He has borderline personality disorder. But when he goes nuts, he gets paranoid and hallucinates and they mentioned schizophrenia but I don't know if he officially has it.

Mom is bipolar. Dad I'm pretty sure has BPD but never got checked out. I haven't spoken to him in 15 years though so hell if I know, but he's violent, abusive, abuses drugs and alcohol and thinks everyone is an idiot or crazy and he's the only sane on. And, his mood changes on a dime.

Edited January 28, 2017 by jewel21

[PatsyandEddie]

It's a wonder we can all walk and chew gum at the same time guys. 

I just came back from putting one of my kitties down. She collapsed suddenly tonight and we rushed her in but the vet said her condition was too grave. Figures she had leukaemia or lymphoma. Her xray was perfect, lungs and heart were good but her gums were white and her temp was low. Our options were pretty poor so we let her go. I feel sick and wrung out. She literally had no signs. Roxy was 13 with a beautiful, thick calico coat and now I have no one to sing "Roxanne" to. Fuck this shit to hell. 

[Petunia13]

I'm so sorry @PatsyandEddie. 

[boes]

10 minutes ago, PatsyandEddie said:

It's a wonder we can all walk and chew gum at the same time guys. 

I just came back from putting one of my kitties down. She collapsed suddenly tonight and we rushed her in but the vet said her condition was too grave. Figures she had leukaemia or lymphoma. Her xray was perfect, lungs and heart were good but her gums were white and her temp was low. Our options were pretty poor so we let her go. I feel sick and wrung out. She literally had no signs. Roxy was 13 with a beautiful, thick calico coat and now I have no one to sing "Roxanne" to. Fuck this shit to hell. 

I am so so very sorry.  I know you feel heartsick right now and no words are going to make you feel any better.  It's just an awful place to be and nothing makes you feel any better, at least for a while.

My best thoughts to you, patsyandeddie, and to you, jewel21 and petunia13 as well, for all the crap you're going through right now.

[Capricasix]

I'm so sorry, Jewel, Patsy, Petunia. Take care of yourselves.

you guys, I'm so upset about this whole refugee ban that that orange asshole has done, I am crying. And I live in Canada, and we have accepted many refugees with open arms (for the most part, except for our own small alt-right population). I just didn't want to believe that he could actually do it, especially on Holocaust Remembrance day. I wish I could crawl in a hole and forget the past week.

[klopek]

8 hours ago, PatsyandEddie said:

Roxy was 13 with a beautiful, thick calico coat and now I have no one to sing "Roxanne" to.

My heart is aching for you Pats,  so very saddened that Roxy is no longer with you.

I still sing our special lullabye to my Ivan 13 years on.  Until I join all my animal friends that have gone ahead to the other side of the bridge,  I know they are there happy and pain free, waiting for me.  For me, singing to them is like a long distance phone call, to check in and reassure them we are still all together and always be.  I hope they hear me and feel me and know how very much I love and miss them all and dream of the day we are reunited and I can bury my face in their fur and breathe them in again.  

Edited January 28, 2017 by klopek

[valleycliffe]

16 minutes ago, Capricasix said:

alt-right

alt-reich,,,,,there, fixed it for you.

[Capricasix]

Ooh, that's good!

[PatsyandEddie]

Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. SMOOCHES 

I love the idea of singing klopek. What a beautiful thought. As I held Roxy in my arms, I asked her to say hello to the ones in our family who have crossed the bridge. Roxy had the thickest, most luxurious coat and I buried my face in it, breathing her in. 

Valley, that is excellent. Hubby and I were watching documentaries on the Holocaust last evening. This whole refuge situation is horrifying and infuriating. people are going to die unnecessarily and radicalism will increase. This is all so obvious but numbnuts is a stupid moron being led by his alt-reich buddies. Sweet baby Jesus, save us! 

[Gloriole33]

So sorry about your beloved, beautiful Roxy, PatsyandEddie.

[MollyB]

20 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

I felt that way when I took early retirement.

I got bored with retirement in a year.  I started studying faux finishes and painted all my walls.  When I ran out of walls, I started woodburning.  That was five years ago and now I have an online business, sell at Artisan Markets and don't have enough hours in the day.  There's always something around the corner.

[NinjaPenguins]

My sympathies, Patsy. Roxy certainly had a life filled with love. 

I'm sorry for what you're dealing with, jewel and Petunia. Mental illness is no joke. Please take care of yourselves. When you're dealing with a sick family member, it seems like they're the only ones who matter. You matter too. Never forget that.

Capricasix, I'm American and the anxiety and depression roll over me daily. Not to mention the deep shame. Look at that orange motherfucker in DC who had every single thing in life handed to him slamming the door shut on people who just want a sliver of hope. I think a lot of us here in the states are borderline traumatized. Now we're upsetting the neighbors too.?

[jewel21]

I'm so so sorry PatsyandEddie *hugs tight*

[peacheslatour]

16 minutes ago, NinjaPenguins said:

My sympathies, Patsy. Roxy certainly had a life filled with love. 

I'm sorry for what you're dealing with, jewel and Petunia. Mental illness is no joke. Please take care of yourselves. When you're dealing with a sick family member, it seems like they're the only ones who matter. You matter too. Never forget that.

Capricasix, I'm American and the anxiety and depression roll over me daily. Not to mention the deep shame. Look at that orange motherfucker in DC who had every single thing in life handed to him slamming the door shut on people who just want a sliver of hope. I think a lot of us here in the states are borderline traumatized. Now we're upsetting the neighbors too.?

I feel the same way. Every day feels like a worse day than yesterday. I went to see my mother in the hospital yesterday, she has terminal lung and brain cancer and has opted for death with dignity. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Washington State for passing the Death With Dignity Act. My mother's passing will be peaceful and at a time of her own choosing. No more pain.

[jewel21]

Oh Peaches *hugs*

I wish we were all neighbours. We could form a support group, vent, and drink wine.

[Capricasix]

I'm so sorry, peaches ?

[PatsyandEddie]

oh peaches! You and your mother are very brave. No doubt the decision was difficult but going with dignity is so important. My sister and I had to make our mother's wishes known so that she could basically go peacefully. She didn't decide when but she decided how.

So much sadness and madness around us. 

[NinjaPenguins]

Hugs to peaches. ?

[valleycliffe]

since this is now totally irrelevant it should be ripped off of the statue of liberty

The plaque at the base of the Statue of Liberty reads: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

[peacheslatour]

Thanks everybody, the human body can only stand so much. Death doesn't frighten me, being a burden does. In the words of my hero Mark Twain:

I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience

Edited January 28, 2017 by peacheslatour

[boes]

4 hours ago, peacheslatour said:

Thanks everybody, the human body can only stand so much. Death doesn't frighten me, being a burden does. In the words of my hero Mark Twain:

I do not fear death. I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience

My friend...so wise.

It's tough, and it's a relief, contradictions we manage to hold simultaneously.  You've given your mother the ultimate gift, unwavering act of love.

Bless you all.