These are things that I actually heard this morning (well, I may have paraphrased some of them). Guys, these are things not to say to your wife on her birthday.
"Wow! There's a lot of pee there!" (when looking at the pee pad that's down on the floor for the old kitty when you have no intention of changing it yourself)
"I thought you did laundry. What got washed?"
"If you do any sweeping today, get the bedroom."
However, there are some things I heard that I liked. I think I won't list those out here.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Skirt pictures
Here are the 3 skirts I made over the past few days. This time I've taken pictures of the linings too so you can see that they're much more fun that just plain muslin.
The brown floral skirt is made from an Amy Butler fabric that was on sale at Knitch. Would that I could buy all the wonderful Amy Butler fabrics to my heart's content, but alas, they're a little expensive, and those living off their hubbies need to not go too crazy.
The pink butterfly batik lining is from Wal-Mart. Yes, I never thought I would shop for fabric there, but it's not too bad for some inexpensive, 100% cottons for lining.
Next is a really fun floral on a very pale aqua background. This fabric came from Hobby Lobby, as did the solid pink lining fabric. This floral was just too lively to pass by.
I'm getting better with the installation of the invisible zippers too!
This green, which is reading more blue on my monitor, is really a bright, Chrismasy green. I got this at Gail K Fabrics last month. The wild, yellowy-green lining came from Wal-Mart. Yes, I should always take a tiny piece with me as the lining is ultra bright, but hey! It's on the inside, and it'll be our secret that I went so crazy.
I stopped by Hancock Fabrics today to purchase some cotton canvas for a bag pattern I have, and they were having a 50% off sale on some fabrics. I didn't see any I had to have for skirts, but I did pick up a lavender and bright red for skirt linings. I think I may break down and make a skirt from the skulls and roses fabric I got a couple of years ago.
I might sew some owls up today. Blame Kay of Mason Dixon Knitting. I've linked it to Kay's owl.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Regularly scheduled Sunday pictures
will return. I started working on my 3 Barcelona skirts yesterday. In between bouts of computer games I installed 3 zippers, sewed up 1 exterior and 2 linings. Today I've finished 1 skirt just a little while ago. Well, I still have to tack the zipper into the lining, but if all goes as planned, I'll have another one to do also. For one skirt I don't have quite the right colored thread, and I've been trying to make do, but I just can't. Must have the matchy-matchy sewing thread for the top stitching.
Scooter is still hanging in there. I've been worried about him since we saw the vet. (I think I'm being redundant, so I apologize.) His appetite seemed a little off, but today he's eating everything in sight again. Maybe he just felt a bit bad after the fluids. He has been sleeping on the floor in my office. I moved one of his cat beds in here. I think he's been in here because it's the room that's on the end of the ductwork, so it never seems to be cool enough in the summer or warm enough in the winter. He's in a draft free spot, sleeping peacefully. The sewing machine doesn't bother him at all. (There are benefits to being mostly deaf. The fireworks and vacuum cleaner don't scare him anymore either.)
So, look for skirt pictures later this week. No knitting right now, just sewing. I really needed a few more skirts.
Scooter is still hanging in there. I've been worried about him since we saw the vet. (I think I'm being redundant, so I apologize.) His appetite seemed a little off, but today he's eating everything in sight again. Maybe he just felt a bit bad after the fluids. He has been sleeping on the floor in my office. I moved one of his cat beds in here. I think he's been in here because it's the room that's on the end of the ductwork, so it never seems to be cool enough in the summer or warm enough in the winter. He's in a draft free spot, sleeping peacefully. The sewing machine doesn't bother him at all. (There are benefits to being mostly deaf. The fireworks and vacuum cleaner don't scare him anymore either.)
So, look for skirt pictures later this week. No knitting right now, just sewing. I really needed a few more skirts.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Cats, knitting and random thoughts
I took this picture of Scooter sleeping one day last week. He looks so tiny and frail. The color is a bit odd as the room was dim, and I didn't want to turn on the lights and wake him.
For some reason in this picture he makes me think of fossils of dinosaurs.
I've been watching him sleep, eat and breathe quite closely since we went to the vet the other day. I really hope we don't have to put him to sleep on my birthday this week. I'd rather he decide to pass before or after, but not on it.
On to happier things. I had decided to participate in Summer of Socks 2009, but I find I've got other projects and things on my mind, so I may only do the one pair as official SOS2009 socks.
I have completed the first sock and made good progress on the second. Mr. Chubbers has been in need of petting, not to mention that I think he likes modelling with handknits as much as Grey, the Plumy Princess, does. It's not the best picture of the socks, but he's so cute I decided to focus on him. I can get better sock pictures later, but a good cat shot is not always possible. Don't you just want to snuggle him? He's a great cat, and I'm so glad that he decided that being a pet was ever so much better than being a stray. Just this past week he's started kneading on me while we're sitting on the bed at night. Luckily he's been using my knees instead of my bare arms or shoulders as Grey prefers.
As for the Jitterbug, I'm having to use size 2 needles to get the gauge, and it just seems too loose compared to the gauge I prefer. I'm starting to think these will be bed socks as I think the heel will wear out way too quickly. I have 2 other skeins of Jitterbug. I think I'll split them into two, use smaller needles and do toe up next time. I think I'd prefer a US 1.5 needle to this size 2. It seems much too large.
This is one of my other socks in progress, the pink and green Yummy from Miss Babs. I turned the heel on the first sock on Thursday night. This yarn has a nice feel to it. I enjoy knitting this sock, especially since it's the basic one that I've adapted and memorized, so it's so easy for me to do.
Today is the 4th of July. The day the colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. And I bet Americans have celebrated this day in much the same way since the holiday started. Drinking, cooking food over an open flame, and explosives (fireworks) with the occasional use of firearms! In fact, I'm amused that we celebrate several of our national holidays with booze and grilling. In all the centuries, we haven't changed that much at all. According to The Timetables of History, beer and wrestling were created during the same time period. Have a great 4th and stay safe!
As for me, I'll enjoy the results of the grilling, but I might actually take a minute or two and think about just how darn amazing our founding fathers were. Intelligent, enlightened men who had an opportunity to start a new country and try out ideas learned from classical history instead of just creating a new kingdom. We may not always like our elected leaders, and I know I don't, but at least we have some choices instead of having a king or dictator foisted upon us. Once again, have a happy 4th!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Waiting and watching
I've been keeping an eye on Scooter today. Perhaps the fluids yesterday weren't the best idea, but at this point it's hard to know what we should and shouldn't do.
When you are looking for something specific, I've noticed that I usually think I've found it. Does this make sense? I've been carefully looking to see if his breathing looks labored, and it does to me. It is really, or am I seeing what I dread/expect to see? Is he really eating less, or did I just give him a flavor he doesn't like as much? I'm reading too much into every detail while fearing that I'll miss something important.
I appreciate all the support from everyone. Last night Keith said that the last one of our first set of cats would be passing soon. It is amazing to me that we've had Scooter in our lives for so long. He was born very shortly after our second wedding anniversary, and he's been just the best cat ever. In just a little while I'll get my knitting and let him sleep on my lap until my leg goes numb. After all, it's the very least I can do for him.
When you are looking for something specific, I've noticed that I usually think I've found it. Does this make sense? I've been carefully looking to see if his breathing looks labored, and it does to me. It is really, or am I seeing what I dread/expect to see? Is he really eating less, or did I just give him a flavor he doesn't like as much? I'm reading too much into every detail while fearing that I'll miss something important.
I appreciate all the support from everyone. Last night Keith said that the last one of our first set of cats would be passing soon. It is amazing to me that we've had Scooter in our lives for so long. He was born very shortly after our second wedding anniversary, and he's been just the best cat ever. In just a little while I'll get my knitting and let him sleep on my lap until my leg goes numb. After all, it's the very least I can do for him.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Full of thought
Today Keith and I took Scooter in to see the vet who just a month ago thought Scooter was ready to go. She said his wound (tumor) care looked good. We discussed how much he eats, what he does during the day, all while she watched him walk around the examining room. He was ready to leave, trying to get back into the cat carrier.
We are very aware, as she reminded us, that he is anemic, and the tumor is what is causing the anemia. His breathing is a little difficult, but not too bad, so we all decided that to give him fluids. They would also shave the area around the tumor so that it's easier to keep clean.
He is pretty darn spry for a 19 year old kitty with a wasting tumor. However, he got stressed out when they had him in the back to give him the fluids. When the vet came back in, she said they have given him oxygen for a couple of minutes. She said that he had also looked wobbly, and that is due to the anemia. She said to keep a close eye on him for the next 24 hours. If he looks even more wobbly, then it's his time.
She said that it seemed like it was pure determination on his part that he was still with us. Apparently when he was in the examining room with us, he was putting on a good show of being in better shape that he really is.
So we left there, knowing that this may be the end. I tell you, it is so difficult to watch a loved one, whether human or animal, go through cancer. As you know if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, I've been struggling with Scooter's slow decline. If I'd been blogging 10 years ago, you would have probably read entries very much like this as we went through my mother-in-law's long, slow death from cancer.
And I know that I've thought we were nearing Scooter's death more than one time over the past year. I've been fortunate that he's liked living so much that he's kept fighting to stay with us. Each passing day brings us closer to the day he has to leave. For all I know, he's going to be bright eyed and perky again tomorrow. Or we may be calling the vet for his final visit. I really don't know. I know what I wish for.
I also know I spoke about suffering and detachment to material things several months ago. I was on my high horse about material goods. I may not give a rat's ass about a fancy car, but I do suffer from attachment to my loved ones, once again both human and animal. The pain and grief I suffer is of my own choosing since I want to experience love and life. No amount of pre-grieving really helps when the finality of death comes upon you.
I apologize as I do want to keep my blog a happy, fun place, and I'm sure I'll have funny anecdotes to share again. Life goes on, both the sad and the funny. Even in grief we can find things to make us smile. It's just that I'm quite sad right now. I may have to go look at http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/ to cheer up some before heading to bed. Sleeping with cats in the bed with you isn't always restful, and we had Lily in with us last night. Ooh! I do have something funny to share. At some point after we had fallen asleep she decided that between our pillows was a great place to snooze. Keith said he rolled over in my direction and got a mouthful of cat fur. Since she had her head in my direction, he got the tail end. LOL! ;)
We are very aware, as she reminded us, that he is anemic, and the tumor is what is causing the anemia. His breathing is a little difficult, but not too bad, so we all decided that to give him fluids. They would also shave the area around the tumor so that it's easier to keep clean.
He is pretty darn spry for a 19 year old kitty with a wasting tumor. However, he got stressed out when they had him in the back to give him the fluids. When the vet came back in, she said they have given him oxygen for a couple of minutes. She said that he had also looked wobbly, and that is due to the anemia. She said to keep a close eye on him for the next 24 hours. If he looks even more wobbly, then it's his time.
She said that it seemed like it was pure determination on his part that he was still with us. Apparently when he was in the examining room with us, he was putting on a good show of being in better shape that he really is.
So we left there, knowing that this may be the end. I tell you, it is so difficult to watch a loved one, whether human or animal, go through cancer. As you know if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, I've been struggling with Scooter's slow decline. If I'd been blogging 10 years ago, you would have probably read entries very much like this as we went through my mother-in-law's long, slow death from cancer.
And I know that I've thought we were nearing Scooter's death more than one time over the past year. I've been fortunate that he's liked living so much that he's kept fighting to stay with us. Each passing day brings us closer to the day he has to leave. For all I know, he's going to be bright eyed and perky again tomorrow. Or we may be calling the vet for his final visit. I really don't know. I know what I wish for.
I also know I spoke about suffering and detachment to material things several months ago. I was on my high horse about material goods. I may not give a rat's ass about a fancy car, but I do suffer from attachment to my loved ones, once again both human and animal. The pain and grief I suffer is of my own choosing since I want to experience love and life. No amount of pre-grieving really helps when the finality of death comes upon you.
I apologize as I do want to keep my blog a happy, fun place, and I'm sure I'll have funny anecdotes to share again. Life goes on, both the sad and the funny. Even in grief we can find things to make us smile. It's just that I'm quite sad right now. I may have to go look at http://www.icanhascheezburger.com/ to cheer up some before heading to bed. Sleeping with cats in the bed with you isn't always restful, and we had Lily in with us last night. Ooh! I do have something funny to share. At some point after we had fallen asleep she decided that between our pillows was a great place to snooze. Keith said he rolled over in my direction and got a mouthful of cat fur. Since she had her head in my direction, he got the tail end. LOL! ;)
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