Tag Archives: furbabies

Holiday Depression

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I won’t be spending much time online until after the holidays. I may pop in at times to read a blog or two, perhaps even comment. Facebook is my go-to for staying in touch with friends and family but during the holidays it’s just depressing. It’s depressing to see posts and photos of family get-togethers, grandkids having fun, and all that good stuff. Why? I’ll explain.

When I was in my 40s and my kids were nearing the age of adulthood, I always envisioned my 50s and 60s with grandkids all around me during the holidays with good food, laughter, and gift-giving. But that didn’t happen. I’m in my 60s and disabled so I can’t travel to see the grandkids, contrary to what some may think. They don’t travel to see us, so I feel even less important and lonely. I have 4 grandchildren within 20 miles and rarely see them. One I haven’t seen in years. One I saw last year and didn’t even recognize her because it had been that long since I saw her last. I see the other 2 (brothers, one is a baby) mostly during the holidays for a few hours. The baby I have seen only once. I will see them this coming week if everything goes as planned.

I don’t know. Maybe I’m taking things too personally but I feel like everyone else gets to enjoy my grandkids while I sit on the sidelines. And poor Dad. He doesn’t even have a relationship with any of his great-grandkids! I see photos of them on Facebook and I love seeing those photos but damn, it’s so depressing! So that’s why I’m going to stay off Facebook until after the holidays. I hate the holidays. I truly, truly hate the holidays.

I’ve not been doing well physically for the past few weeks. I did some major chores and really messed something up. I have pinched nerves as a result. I can’t sit still any longer than I can walk or stand. My rotator cuff injury has been bothering me off and on as well. I’m a hot mess.

Dad is doing ok, aside from falling twice in less than a week. He didn’t hurt himself except for a bruise on his arm. I’m really worried about him and that’s leading to a lot more stress and sleepless nights.

The 3 furbabies are doing well and believe it or not, Jack and BobCat are actually getting along quite well these days! I think they may have had a scuffle or a powwow one day while we were gone because there are times that Jack cowers down to BobCat. Maybe they have come to an agreement of some kind?! Or maybe Alice told them to knock off the horseshit.

I’m making a ham in the instant pot on Thanksgiving, and I’ll whip up some mashed potatoes (the day before) and gravy. I bought pre-made frozen pies because my oven is dead and well, I can’t stand in the kitchen for long. My son and daughter-in-law are bringing the sweet potatoes, rolls, and green bean casserole, (and the 2 grandkids!). My bestie is bringing appetizers. I hope my pain level will allow me to enjoy the day or at least a few hours.

I won’t be blogging until after the holidays so I will wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year all at once! Thank you for following my blog!

Peace, Love, and Rock n Roll,

BAD

Switch-a-roo

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7

Yesterday, Alice was supposed to go to the vet for her yearly vaccinations. I brought out the carrier and sat it in the living room days before so she would get used to seeing it and not be so worried about it. FAIL.

Alice is too smart. She knew. As soon as she saw that we were getting ready to leave the house, she ran and hid under my bed. I knew she wasn’t going to come out and she didn’t. Not even for treats!

So, I called Jack, Jack came, and I helped him into the carrier. What a dirty trick, I could almost hear his thoughts. He cried and cried all the way to the vet’s office, which is about 30 miles away. It took us an hour to get there because I had to drive slower to avoid cat puke clean-up later. Poor Jack. At one point, he meowed this great big exasperated meow as if to say, Fuuuuck. By the time we got there, he was covered with slobber and had strings of slobber coming off his chin!

I let him out of the carrier as soon as they put us in a room, which was quick. I appreciate that they don’t over-schedule and make us wait. Jack was happy to get out of the carrier but quickly decided to hide under the cabinet. I can’t say I blame him. I wish I could hide under the cabinet when I go to the doctor!

When Dr. Missy came in, Jack immediately came out from under the cabinet. I was shocked that he would do this because he’s afraid of his own shadow at home. If the UPS guy knocks on the door, Jack runs. If he hears a car door slam, he runs. If he hears someone’s voice other than mine or Dad’s, he runs. He rarely comes out from hiding if we have visitors, even if it’s someone he knows like my best friend or my son. So for Jack to come out for Dr. Missy without coaxing, is extraordinary!

Dr. Missy picked Jack up and put him up on the exam table. Jack was calm. Dr. Missy was gentle as she checked his teeth, and his ears, and listened to his lungs and heart. She said he sounded a bit rattly, due to his asthma and probably the ragweed in the air. She gave us a refill of his prednisolone that he gets when his asthma acts up. Dr. Missy talked softly to him the entire time. Jack then got his vaccine and we were done!

After that, we were on our way out the door. Dr. Missy took Jack out to the car for us, saving Dad the work of lugging the carrier down the steps. I appreciate that as much as anything because I worry Dad will fall and I sure can’t carry anything with 2 crutches in my hands.

At check-out, my bill was $50.00 even. The well-check and vaccine was $40.00 and the medication was $10.00. The lady checking out beside me had a total bill of $347.00 and I couldn’t help but wonder what the hell she was paying for!

We never heard a sound out of Jack all the way home. He knew we were headed home, I imagine. Poor thing. He was exhausted when we got home. After he bathed himself, he went to sleep in the corner and never came out until later when it was cat-dinner time. I think going to the vet really let the wind out of his sails, so to speak.

Next month, Alice is going to the vet even if I have to flip my mattress to get to her! I’ll have to go at it differently, I think. In the next couple of weeks, we will go out several times and I’ll be leaving the carrier out in plain sight. She’ll get used to us coming and going without her. By the time her appointment rolls around on the 4th, I’ll be able to put her in the carrier because she won’t be expecting it.

Fingers crossed.

To The Vet We Go

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My furbabies are used to getting kibble first thing in the morning but this morning, I picked the bowl up and didn’t give them any. They are mad at me and Alice and Jack are sitting by their eating area, waiting. They keep giving me the evil eye. BobCat is watching my every move but he’s not too concerned.

I feel bad but Alice (black kitty) is going to the vet today and since it’s a 45-minute drive on a not-so-straight road, avoiding food is best. I should have picked up the food bowl last night when I went to bed but that would have been asking for trouble. They would have kept me awake all night! So, I have to hope for the best and pray that Alice won’t puke/pee/poop in her carrier on the way to the vet! I’ll put food down for Jack and BobCat once I get Alice ready to go.

It’s just a check-up and vaccinations. Next month, it’s Jack’s turn. November, it’s BobCat’s turn. Then we’re good for another year. I do it this way so it doesn’t cost so much at once.

Poor babies are going to starve to death.