Holding Steady

Herself speaks.

New Old Dog's ultrasound was good. He does not have cancer, which was the biggest concern given his age and symptoms.  All signs appear to point to chronic pancreatitis. Low-fat special dog food, patience, and a little chicken and rice for the old man.

He looks a little funny now -- they shaved various bits of his fur in order to do the ultrasound, and he is all patchy and uneven.  A very poor Manscaping job, indeed. He does not appear to be concerned, though. He's eaten a little bit here and there, and we hope that he will continue to improve with careful diet. We'll have some more time together yet.

Good boy.

A Little Silence

Herself speaks.

I am sorry, my intrepid readers, for having nothing meaningful to say of late.

Things are OK: the people I love are all safe and well (knock wood). I'm grateful.

The world continues to be terrible, though.

Politics are shockingly partisan and ridiculous.

There is no control over the pandemic which is running amok all over the place. Several states, including my home state, are vying for most infections/greatest increase in cases/percentage of obtuse and stupid population who refuse to wear a face mask. The President, and other leaders, are pushing to have schools open as usual in the fall, with very little guidance on how to keep students and teachers safe.

Nearly lost in this morass: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has made new rules rendering it difficult, if not impossible, for international students to remain in the United States and continue their educations; oh, and ICE has established a "Citizens' Academy" to "provide members of the general public with an inside look at ICE and how the agency enforces immigration and customs laws."  Especially since the very first sentence on the official ICE website states: "They visited York County Detention Facility, perused the Forensic Document Lab and spent time at a firing range, honing their marksmanship skills. " SURELY NOTHING COULD GO WRONG WITH THAT.

How long until some "patriotic" citizen who has attended the Citizens' Academy uses those honed marksmanship skills to take matters into their own hands about individuals suspected of being undocumented? Don't bet on a sure thing.

There is more. This is all I have the strength to summarize right now.

I'll do the best I can to be better about posting. These are very strange times, and warrant documenting. It's hard, though.

I want to hide under the desk, like Tiny Dog.

Places I Would Like To Be Right About Now

My Old Man

New Old Dog is slowly declining. He had a resurgence last week, thanks to some steroids and pain relievers and antacids, but it appears that the medications are no longer having the desired effect. He is looking thinner -- withering away, slowly.

I had to leave him at a new vet's office this morning for an ultrasound, to see if they can pinpoint the issue. It's a good thing we are all wearing masks these days -- that way strangers cannot necessarily tell if you are near tears.

I want to be optimistic. I think I know better. I don't want him to be in pain. And I don't know what will happen if he needs to go to meet his Maker. All I can do is hope that if that is the case, I will be able to be there with him.

Bless you, New Old Dog.

A Little Holiday Meal

Wilbur enjoyed a bit of steak and baked potato with us for the Fourth of July.

Ever the polite pig, he always removes his hat at the table. He likes to prop himself up on the Scrabble box, because he is fond of words and is always up for a game. He's good company, our Wilbur.

Things and Stuff

Herself speaks.

This cup has been in the front hall of the house for a week now. It arrived last Sunday afternoon, and has not moved from its spot since then.

I'm waiting to see how long it stays there. 

I love my family, so much. I work hard to ensure their welfare, their safety and security and happiness. They are all lovely, smart, well-meaning people. 

They do, however, tend to leave a trail of possessions throughout the house. And sometimes when the house is cluttered, my brain feels a little cluttered too.  I do my best to ignore the things that are not specifically mine; if something isn't in the way and isn't a danger to other people or the pets, I try to just leave it where it is. Ignore it. Don't look at it. I am now an expert at Not Seeing things. 

And apparently, when it comes to a see-through plastic cup, so is everyone else. 

Holiday