UPDATE ON HAPPI

I took Happi to the regular vet today.  She went to be tested.  She has been peeing on her bed, my bed, any bed.  There is a discussion about whether it is another UTI, incontinence or a hormone problem that happens with female dogs when they get older.  Their estrogen levels get out of whack.  So these tests will show what is going on. 

Poor Happi was shaking and scared because all she seems to do lately is go to the doctor's and get sticked and poked.  She is such a scared baby these days. 

Hopefully now they can figure out what is going on.  We get the results tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

TWO DIFFERENT VET ANSWERS

Quick update on Happi.  She is crying, whining, sleeping, drinking, peeing.  I called her regular vet to get someone to talk to me.  They called and suggested coming in and doing some fluid tests to see where we are.  We are going tomorrow.  They think it is a UTI or incontinence.

Then I emailed the new second opinion vet and she emailed me back to say it is good we are going to get tests.  Let her know what happens.  She thinks it is not a UTI but a hormone thing. 

So we have to wait and see what the test says.

Until tomorrow...

CLEAN OUT CLOTHES

Today I wanted to stay close to home and be with Happi and Lucky.  I was supposed to go to an event but I didn't want to be away too long.  Happi has been peeing a lot and I didn't want her stressed about where to pee.

I decided to do something I have wanted to do for some time.  I cleared out the clothes in my closet.  First I tried on all shirts and tops and vests and sweaters and coats.  Then I reorganized where all the shirts and sweaters and coats go.  Then I sorted all the shirts.  It looks so nice now. 

I took out two garbage bags of clothes to donate.  Now I can have some room to breathe.  Now I want to attack my drawers!

Until tomorrow...

WASHING DOG BEDS

Happi is having a bit of incontinence. She will be laying on her bed napping when she pees on the bed. She seems shocked that it happens.

I have contacted the vet to figure this out. Is it another UTI? Or something else?

Meanwhile I am washing dog beds.

Until tomorrow..

PEST CONTROL GUY ASSESSMENT

The pest control guy came today and I got a good news/bad news situation. 

Good news: it can be fixed!  It is not termites which is something I was afraid of. 

Bad News: it is rats.  Those damn rats.  A rat(s) has made a hole in my house and made a home in my wall.  It is an outside wall.  He has been there a long time it looks like.  He is probably the one who ate the cantaloupe.  Although the pest control guy says one rat could not have eaten that much cantaloupe in that amount of time so it was more than one.  Great! 

He is coming back with traps since no poison here.  I told him to use cantaloupe since we know they like it!  Once we have caught them, he will seal up the wall where they made a hole and ate through my exterior. 

He seems to think this will be a pain but not impossible. 

Until tomorrow...

SECOND OPINION VETERINARY APPOINTMENT

Today was Happi's second opinion vet appointment. She was so scared to go in the car. She wouldn't get in at first.

We got to the place early and walked around a bit to calm her down. It is a really big place with lots of dogs and she was stressed out.

We went in the exam room and she immediately peed in the floor. I had my long page of notes. I wanted to be prepared and be able to clearly explain to this new doctor what is happening to Happi. 

The vet came in and it turns out it was a vet Happi saw years ago.  She listened and asked good questions. She agreed that Happi is having some pain. Where she is having pain? We don't know.  To start out we are going to give her Galliprant at night which is an anti-inflamatory. Then in the morning I give her a anti-nausea medicine. I do this for 10 days. Then I email the doctor and tell her what happened.  Did it make the situation better? Worse? The same?  Then we can decide if one or both are working and can decide if either need to be changed.

I feel better knowing that someone is taking this seriously and something is being done.

When we were done there, we went to see the doctor who saved Happi from Palau.  She was so thrilled to see Happi. Poor Happi just wanted out of the building. She had had enough.  The doctor thought Happi looked so great. She said that when Happi has a really hard time walking she knows a place that makes wheelie carts.  That gives me a sense of relief.

Hopefully this will help Happi feel better.

Until tomorrow...

PEST CONTROL GUY

I finally heard back from the pest control guy.  None to soon.  I got my delivery of fruit and veggies.  They drop the box by my side door at night.  The last few times it was early enough that I was still awake and could take it in.  

This time it was after midnight.  I got up in the morning and got the box.  I brought it inside and opened it.  Something had been inside during the night.  Whatever it is liked cantaloupe.  A lot.  About 1/3 of the cantaloupe was eaten.  

I cleaned up the mess.  I was surprised that the watermelon or corn was not touched.  Nor was the tomatoes or potatoes.  

I called the company to ask them to move my delivery location to my front door which is not as easy for me but will be less likely to have critters eat my food.  The problem with my front stairs is when anyone walks up them (and if you have come to visit you know) the dogs will hear and bark like crazy.  So when they deliver at 2 am, I will be woken up.  Something that never happened when they delivered to my side door.  

The nice woman on the phone also credited me for the cost of the cantaloupe she felt so bad for me.  I am now out a cantaloupe.  I was really looking forward to eating it.  I have been making fruit salad each morning with watermelon, cantaloupe and strawberries.  Yum!

Maybe the pest control guy can shed some light on the situation.

Until tomorrow...

SECOND OR THIRD OPINION

Tomorrow I am taking Happi to another vet to get a second (or third) opinion about her teeth grinding and lip licking.  I think taking her to another veterinary hospital may be the answer. A fresh pair of eyes with no preconceived ideas.

Another benefit is that we are going to see the vet who rescued Happi from Palau. The vet is in charge of this hospital. I emailed her today and told her we are coming and she said she would come find us. Her rescue dog from Hurricane Katrina passed away recently.

She hadn't seen Happi in years. The last time we stopped by her rescue dog was not pleased the Happi was so excited to see "her" mommy.  They almost got in a fight so we had to leave.  Happi was so sad. She remembers the mommy who saved her life.

I can't wait for Happi to see her. It will be super exciting I'm sure. I will try to get photos of her smile.

Until tomorrow...

HANDYMAN

I finally heard back from my handyman.  He takes the summer off to take care of his child.  Now that his child is going back to school in a few weeks, he is starting to schedule work.  I have booked him for a week to do a bunch of things before the rain starts again.  I need him to clean and seal my stairs, seal my hallway, fix under my stairs, and do a bunch of small things.  I just can't wait to get these things done. 

It is so exciting to get a handyman in this area.  They are hard to get and hard to get to work. 

Until tomorrow...

RELAXATION AND SOUP

I heard my dog walker had her baby girl.  She is 9 lbs 9 oz.  Ouch.  All are healthy and happy. 

Today I wanted to relax again.  So I went grocery shopping, vacuumed the whole house and made soup for dinner.  I sat in the backyard for a while and read a magazine. 

This soup is Spring Bean and Chard Soup.  It is super tasty.  (I didn't make the pesto.)  I bought some fresh bread to eat with it.  I had a salad for lunch and I have some leftover to eat with the soup.  It made an awesome dinner with tons of leftovers.

Until tomorrow...

RESTING THIS WEEKEND

I decided that I need to rest this weekend.  But first I wanted to walk to the library and return my audiobook.  Get some exercise.

I also changed my sheets.  I know this is disgusting but because of my elbow I have not changed my sheets.  I also did some laundry.

I sat outside and relaxed in the backyard. Yesterday my landscaper came and cleaned up the backyard and made it nice again.  She brought me some plants to plant.  I can't do it because of my elbow.  She planted a tomato plant and some herbs: rosemary, parsley and basil.  I already have thyme. 

I tried to relax today. 

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI IS ENTERED IN A DOG RESCUE PHOTO CONTEST

Today I entered Happi in a dog rescue contest.  It is a big contest and she is one of hundreds of dogs so I we have stiff competition.  Her photo is cute and her story is compelling. 

Look at that face!  Isn't she so cute!?

Until tomorrow...

HOSPITAL BILL

Well, I got my hospital bill today for my 4th of July fall. I will now stop bitching about paying for health insurance. The bill for being seen by a doctor, CT scan, radiology and the lovely drugs they gave me came to just over $11,000.  The was one expensive fall!

I only have to pay $350 (so far).  Sometimes there are extraneous bills that come later on for the cost of the doctor or other things. 

Update on my condition:  my elbow aches a little, my head bruise is almost gone, the bruise on my back is almost gone. So the healing process is progressing. 

Until tomorrow...

HAPPI PEDICURE

Today I took Happi for her pedicure.  It used to be so easy but as she has gotten older and now after her bad dental, she does not like going to the vet any more.  She shakes and shivers.  She whines and cries.  I try to get there early and take her for a walk so she can do her nervous pee and poo.  I get her to walk around the street a bit and sniff all the new smells to occupy her before we have to go inside.  Once we get inside she gets to nervous and worked up. 

Once she comes outside, she is so worked up, she just stands there and pants.  She breathes heavy and won't walk. Kind of like she is just got out of prison and she is taking in the fresh air.  I have to stand there and let her calm down before she will walk toward the car.  Then we have to get her to calm down more before I can get her in the car.  Then once she gets in the car, she falls asleep.  She is just that exhausted. 

I need to get a better association with the vet so she doesn't get so worked up. 

Until tomorrow...

LONG WALK

Today I walked about 1 mile each way to my clients office.  I need the exercise so it was a good city walk.  I probably need to do this walk every day.  Unfortunately the poor doggies didn't get a walk when I got home.

Until tomorrow...

CONTINUED HEADACHE

I felt better today but I still have a headache.  My neck also hurts at the base of my skull.  I think it is from the fall.  I see my primary doctor in two weeks.  Hopefully I will feel better by then.  This week I have to go over and do some blood tests in advance of my doctor appointment.

I also got another call today about another potential client.  I have to think if I can take on more work.  I have a lot to do now but there are always more hours in a day, right?

Until tomorrow...

HEADACHE

I woke up today with a really bad headache.  I slept in, sat around, I went in the backyard, took a bath, took a nap and still I feel crappy.  I am going to sleep.

Until tomorrow...

FOSTER/ADOPT FAMILY PICNIC

Today I went to a foster/adopt family picnic.  It has been a year since I had my foster child.  Last year we went to this picnic together.  My phone brought up photos of one year ago and the fun we had at the picnic.

This year I went with my friends and their kid.  I spend a lot of time with them and their kid.  It was a good time.

I had to bring a side dish and this year I decided to buy potato salad and cut chives on top and put in a plastic container.  I passed it off as my own.  Hey, I cut the chives!

Until tomorrow...

RECIPES

When I read magazines (and I subscribe to too many) I rip out the pages of any recipes I like.  I am always looking for new things to cook. 

Today I started entering into my online app the recipes so I can ditch the paper and I can look them up when I need to.  I must have entered in 30 recipes. Things like soups, stews, sandwiches, and pastas. 

Until tomorrow...

POST ORTHOPEDIST APPOINTMENT

After the orthopedist appointment and the doctor pressing into my elbow, I am now having pain in my elbow.

It is amazing how many times a day I weight bear or lift weight.  Things I realize I can't do: 

• shake a bottle of ketchup
• open a heavy door
• close a heavy sliding door

I have to do these things left handed.

I called the electrician again and actually spoke to him!  He said he was going to call the electric company to see if the permit has been approved. Once it gets approved, it will be about 4 weeks until he can come and fix my electric box. Progress!!

Until tomorrow...

SKYSCRAPER

I went to see the movie Skyscraper tonight with my friend's son. We had a good time watching the movie. He is 17 and his phone is permanently attached to his hand. I have to remind him to put it away and talk to me. I know people who know me must be laughing because people say that about me.

The movie was really good. There was tons of action even if much of it was a bit unbelievable. The Rock was his usual hero type so nothing new there. 

We saw it for free so I had low expectations and I was pleasantly surprised.

Until tomorrow...

ORTHOPEDIST APPOINTMENT

I went to the orthopedist today in my rental car.  I haven't been able to drive my old stick shift car with my arm in a sling.

The orthopedist gave me good news: No cast or sling is needed!  I have a small fracture in my radius bone.  It is the bone that helps turn your hand.  It has a small crack that should heal on it's own.  I am forbidden to carry anything heavy (I can't pick up Happi but I can pick up Lucky, if that gives you a sense) and I can't bear any weight.  No handstands!

I am so happy I don't need to rent a car anymore.  I can type again.  I can tie my shoes and brush my teeth.  The simple pleasures.

It is a good day.

Until tomorrow...

DAY FIVE AFTER

I worked a bit from home today.  It is a bit with one arm.  I am hoping that I don't have a cast or sling but I want to get this elbow fixed as soon as possible. 

My head still has a lump on the back.  My back still has an ugly bruise the size of a basketball.  Hopefully I will get good news about my elbow tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

DAY FOUR AFTER

I went out to the movies.  I had been planning this outing for months to see Antman and the Wasp with my Movie Club.

I slept late and got up just before I had to leave.  I ate a real meal for breakfast and lunch.  I didn't have much nausea.

The movie was great.  I watched Antman yesterday.

Until tomorrow...

DAY THREE AFTER

I stayed in bed all day.  I slept and tried to eat real meals.  I stopped the pain pills.  I nausea finally stopped.

Until tomorrow...

TWO DAYS AFTER

Took a bath and stayed in bed.  My brain in swiss cheese.  The nausea is horrible.  I ventured out to go to the pharmacy and go to the bank.  My dog walker drove me and I took a taxi back.

Until tomorrow...

DAY AFTER

UGH!  The pain.  The nausea.

Until tomorrow...

JULY 4TH

I planned the day. I had a barbecue for some friends. I made a couscous salad, green salad and my "Reese's" peanut butter cups. I was going to grill teriyaki romaine and vegan burgers.

I invited six friends. The day turned out reasonably clear with no smoke from the fires.

The friends arrived, the food was on the table and we were ready to eat.  I grilled the romaine and it tasted great.

I started to tell a story and I got up to show do a show and tell. I began doing my show when I stepped back on an uneven part of the patio.  Back I went. I landed on my back. I hit my back on a railroad tie, my elbow on a rock and my head on a bridge. I have a wooden bridge that used to go over my pond but now goes over a pond filled in with sand. I landed in the sand with my head bonking down on the bridge. I took out half the blueberry bush.

I got a HUGE bump on my head, a sore elbow and I had a hard time walking or moving. I began getting a headache and remembered what the doctor told me last time I hit my head, don't wait to go to the ER.

My friend S drove me to the ER and stayed with me while I got processed. Right before I went for tests S left and H arrived. He stayed with me until the end.

I got x-rays of my arm and back and a CT scan of my head. We waited for the results and I am okay. I have a concussion but nothing is broken or fractured. I have some painkillers (that came with a serious talk) and anti-nausea meds. I assured the doc that I rarely take pain meds so he had nothing to worry about. I can't work when I am stupid from pain meds!!

Hugh brought me home and went to get the pain meds for me. I am now in bed with the dogs. Very thankful for my friends who cleaned everything up and took care of me.  I have the best friends and chosen family.

I am a little nervous what tomorrow will bring.

Until tomorrow...

GETTING READY FOR JULY 4TH

I have friends coming over tomorrow for a barbecue. I need to make food and get the house ready. I am making couscous and my very requested peanut butter cups.

I also have to get the backyard set up with tables and chairs.

Until tomorrow...

MRI RESULTS

I got the call today that my MRI was clear. No abnormalities in my breasts. Woo hoo!!

Always good news!  The Power of the Tiara worked again.

Until tomorrow...

APOCALYPSE SKY

This morning I woke up and the sky was yellowish orange. It looked like the apocalypse. It turned out to be a fire nearby and the wind was blowing the smoke over our area. It stayed like that almost all day. Then soot started raining down.

I went out and the smokey air was hard to breathe. I decided to stay in all day. I do not want to have to wear a mask.

I hope tomorrow the air is better.

Until tomorrow...