Today is Sky’s turn to go see Dr.SashaG for his annual checkup.  I will put him in the crate just before we leave.  It is usually a stressful time for both any of us at that time.  He has been fed and watered but he has not been forthcoming with the poop.  That’s another reason I am delaying his crating.  Well maybe it will be easy to get him in the crate.  He just crawled under the covers.  Oh the crate door has been open all week. 

However, Tiger has been more than willing to poop.  I guess she got tired of pooping on the bathroom floor and the shower stall because about 6 in the morning she was dropping the crap at the front door.  So in between writing I am deep cleaning the boxes.   Of course she was told it was naughty but if you follow me for a long time you know I don’t stay mad at them for long.  I always think of what was my part in it? 

I have found Tiger in her normal spots for lounging in the Livingroom.  She has also sat on one of the self-warming beds I have in front of the entertainment center.  On Wednesday I think I may have posted a picture of the two of them sleeping behind each other and I called it synchronizing cat napping.  They both had their paws out.  IT was really funny.

It is now a couple of hours later and we are home.  He was quite vocal on the way there and a few times while there.   We signed up for the Vax4life program so I won’t have to worry about prices in the future.  I opted to not get blood work done but got him the bravecto flea thing and will get that again in June.  This whole thing came to $277.  Now he is back under the covers sleeping. 

I was thinking of going to the pet supply store and get a few more cans of wet food because I have 3 days’ worth and the next delivery is on the 18^th.  If I run out of the can I will just give them the kibble until the delivery next week.

Today was the Tiger’s annual checkup at the vet.  I went to work in the morning and came home at lunch time.  I had it all planned out that I wouldn’t add stress to her and so I waited until just before 1:30 to put her in the crate.  It took a few moments but I got her in.  She was vocal for a good ten minutes and then stopped.  We left here around 20 of 2.  The place is literally 5 minutes away. 

I was projecting how the whole thing would go with the vet.  Would she insist that now would be the right time to put Tiger down if whatever she has is progressive?  Would she insist Tiger get both vaccinations if I decline?  What happens if persist on knowing the fees for the vaccines or even x-rays.

She didn’t and it was fine.  I did end up getting both shots.  The distemper is good for three years.  The rabies is yearly.  I might consider signing up for their program for $125 and the shots will be free.   Dr. G wants me to cut back on kibble so that she can lose weight so that the rest of the legs don’t take on the lame leg.  This came to $150.  I am expecting the same for Sky next month.

 When we came home she was vocalizing a little and I let her out of her crate and of course Sky was getting fresh with her.  He hissed at her again and pawed her.  I scolded him.  Now that its quarter of nine, they are both sleeping on the bed with me.  Tiger is being cuddly on some level. 

I ordered more litter and more greenies tonight.  I have been putting them in her mouth since she won’t take it any other way.  I was also getting tired of watching her not eat all of it in her food.  This way it’s done with.  Anyway, I don’t think they will be here until Tuesday.  I need something in the interim so I will get a small bag tomorrow.

I had an early dinner (more like supper) around 3.  I spoke to Liz about the vet visit.  She for some reason or another couldn’t keep straight which cat had the appointment.  I don’t know if I should be annoyed or amused.  I did tell her about the Vax4life program they have.  I explain the distemper is good for three years but also with this program it is free for the cat.

Work went well.  I got there earlier than usual but the parking lot seemed empty.  A few of my coworkers start at 7 in the morning so they park on the other side of the building.  I didn’t have too many HFCA’s to send out and few of the people who sent them got them when needed.    I didn’t have any patient CD’s to upload.  I will have a few first things Monday.

Well I need to close out.  I am starting to fall asleep here.  I might catch the Profiles in Folk radio show tonight if possible.

It certainly has been awhile hasn’t it?  I hope your holidays have been excellent.  Mine so far have.  Thanksgiving I spent it with Jim and his new Bride in Allentown.  The ride down was not bad.   I left work just around 3 and made it to the Connecticut Border by 4.  The traffic was slow moving an basically because of the Sun setting before 4. The Drive to the bridge formerly known as Tappan Zee was good but slow. I had only one problem and I missed the exit I needed I happened to be talking to my sister at the time.  I took the next exit and I was right as rain.  I made it to J&J’s by 7:15.  After some visiting and meeting a couple of the cats I headed to bed.

Thanksgiving began with a breakfast for us and getting acquainted with the cats (who came into my room at night) we got ready for our late afternoon meal.  We had to pick up our catered meal from Wegman’s Grocery Store.  We had turkey (it was sliced), we had string beans, gravy and stuffing, and butternut squash with spinach, and garlic mashed potatoes and an assortment of pies.  Janis’s Daughter Laurie and her boyfriend joined us.  I can’t remember when they left but after they did my brother went to bring a meal to a friend of theirs

On Friday we had a quiet morning and then made our way to Bethlehem for the ChristKindlemarkt festival. It was held at the Bethlehem Stacks.  Although it wasn’t snowing it could have easily because it was so cold and windy.  WE were there for two hours looking at all the vendors and crafts.  I don’t usually go to these things but I figured when I am “In Rome you do what Rome does.  I just did window shopping while Jim bought a few things including a handmade wooden ornament in the shape of a cat for me.

This area was really cool.  Youngling beer donated a tall tree built out of kegs for the area.  There was a cultural arts theater, and gallery plus the local PBS station in this area.  Every time I looked at the stacks I couldn’t help but think of the scene in the Wiz….in the factory?  Oh and for all you casino lovers Wind Creek was down the street from this.

After the Festival we came home I think it was nearly 5 or 6 and we ordered pizza from Wegman’s (they have everything there).  WE finished our meal with left over pie.  The rest of the night we did our own thing.  J&J got rid of cable so they either get on their computer to watch things or meetings and I got on my computer for a while.  Did I do any writing? No. 

I did get packed up for my trip home the next day and called it early night.

Saturday morning we had a semi early breakfast and then Janis had to go to work at Weight watchers.  After some sibling time I left for home.  Jim had given me a suggestion about where to get gas but as I was leaving I didn’t listen to the gps and ended up taking a wrong turn but still ended up on in the right direction an was on my way.  I stopped in Easton for gas.  The rest of the ride was fine.  It got busy by the time I got to Connecticut but I was home by 12:30.

When I arrived I found my stoop decorated.  Actually I was warned by Liz that my phantom decorator had been over and put a wood and apple wreath on the door and got rid of the plant and filled it with metal stand that has a gift wrapped on it. 

When I came inside the cats didn’t move much from their spots.  Sky was under the blankets of my bed and Tiger was under the coffee table.  While I was away Liz watched them for me.  She kept me apprised of the days.  She did notice a few of my concerns with Tiger (will explain shortly) and she says they basically ignored her or didn’t come out of their hiding spots.

The rest of the weekend was quiet.  I did get some cards down from upstairs.  I haven’t done them yet but I will I hope this weekend.

Since I have been home I haven’t done much in the way of the holiday.  I did look up a couple of things for the holiday but I am hoping to get them next week.

I have been trying to focus on the budgets and it’s still a challenge.  I did apply and was approved for the balance transfer and began making payments on that.  My hope is that the budget will get under control by the New Year.

Some of my appliances are beginning to show their age.  The washing machine continues to make a noise.  The stove shuts itself off while I am cooking at times.

HOA Board elections are coming up.   They sent out notice and self-nomination bids for those who want to nominate themselves.  I was thinking about it but decided not yet.  Then we got word recently that the fall clean-up was halted because the guy who does it for us just disappeared and hasn’t been returning any communication.

A couple of the board members came to look for the outdoor spicket for the hoses outside.  Apparently there isn’t one in my unit.  This was the longest amount of time that President Frank and Carol were in my unit. J

We got more news on my brother’s latest cancer diagnosis. If I haven’t mentioned it yet it’s in the bladder slow growing.  It’s not fatal or metastases’ but will keep an eye on it.  He doesn’t seem worried about it so I won’t worry about it either.

His kids are okay.  All Busy and getting into the holiday.  I will hate to break it to them but I won’t be getting them presents this year.  MY advisor really feels A) they haven’t gotten me anything in a few years and neither has Jim.

Liz woke up to a cold this morning.  She has been keeping busy and had a fairly quiet holiday.  She watched the twins for me.  She said they were rude to her.  She did notice that Tiger is struggling more than before.

WE discussed the budget this past week and I told her how I have been doing and she asked if I used the CC and I answered her.  She suggested that I make the CC payments both at the beginning of the month and on Time.  The first one is questionable but I will try and  the second is a no brainer.

I was able to see a few of her kids this past weekend.  First it was Rich and then Adam and his son Josh stopped by and also my cousin DLH.

Both Liz and I agree that Tiger is struggling more and more.  A number of times I have watched her and she will walk and all of a sudden stop and then drop her head to the floor.  Its not like when she is sleeping and her head turns upside down.  I can see she struggles to get her footing.  Then she starts walking (with some limping).  She is starting to not finish her food when given to her but she does eat from Sky’s bowl.  She does get up on the bed sometimes with no problems.  She gets on the couch with no problem most time and then sits down.  She has been sitting under the side table by the recliner or behind the entertainment center.  I am not sensing she is dying yet or she needs to be put down.  I do have to order more meds this week so I will mention it to the vet when she calls to get an update.

Sky is his sweet self.  Sleeping with me most nights and cuddling up with Tiger. Sometimes they get feisty with each other but every time I leave the house I talk to him like he can understand that I need him to take care of his sister but at the same time don’t aggravate her.

Work is going fine.  Some days are busier than others.  We are still preparing to move to the third floor but I recently learned that now we won’t be moving until after the recess. That’s okay by me because I haven’t made time to get rid of stuff I don’t need anymore. 

WE were informed last week from High up that parking for those who have to come to the campus will not have to pay until July 2022.  Right now I am relieved because I can use that money for something else.

New Covid regulations have come down as well.  Those who are working remotely have to follow the covid protocol. 

End of semester and holiday parties are starting.  We have a couple next week and few retirements as well.  I was supposed to go to one on Monday but it was cancelled.

The ladies guild has one more activity or two going before the New Year comes in.  I believe the lawn angels (that the lead priest has been complaining about) fundraiser is going on now.  We have our last general meeting this coming Tuesday and I think I picked out a nice spiritual prayer.  I just have to bring some type of appetizers.

The DTC has been quiet for the last couple of weeks. Actually it looks like I missed a Holiday gathering alert for this Tuesday but I already have the ladies guild. We had to clean out the campaign Headquarters but I couldn’t do it.

My meetup groups have been busy.  Walk with buddy has been having mini fests, and toy drives.  The hiking group has had a few hikes on weekends but I have been either busy with The finding friends activities or taking care of the house.

I think I am over the latest Lupus flare up.  I got a call just before I took off for Allentown from the Dr. Letting me know that the recent blood tests indicated I was in the midst of a flare up.  That would explain the aches and pains and me being tired a lot.  I have been going to bed early and taking my meds fairly regularly.  I have my infusion next week.

I actually have a number of appointments next week and I think the week after but I am not sure. 

I got up early and fed the best kitties ever.   I was relieved that there were no messes on the bathroom floor this morning.  So they got the appropriate praise.  They looked at me and waited to be fed.   I made some coffee first because I had gone to bed sometime after midnight I fell asleep in the middle of the star trek movie marathon.  It starts up later today so I may watch it.

I opened the windows already it feels nice.  I am not sure how long that’s going to last.  I noticed that a tree has already changed its leaves.  It was in the high 50’s by 7.  It was 80 degrees all day and sunny.

I took a look at the map and times for travel for the hike tonight in Vernon and  as much as I would like to go I would have to leave at 4 to get there on time (they are meeting at five thirty)  and I wouldn’t get home until  9:30.  I am not familiar with the area up there. 

I know that in the Finding friends meetup I have been home later like being at Cyn’ house until 10 but I see them more often than I do the people in the hiking group. 

I finally got a hold of LawyerBob2 and he has some good news.  It may not work out for me but there is a mechanism in place that allows us to force the Audit to take place.   It is at the discretion of the court of course but LawyerBob2 believes I meet the criteria.  He doesn’t recommend that I file a complaint to the Bar association because he could accuse us of Harassment.

The rest of the day I made pasta salad and I watched the Star Trek movie marathon on BBC.  I watched it until I fell asleep. 

I did attend the committee meeting.  We have a couple of actions that are coming up but it looks like we will be ratifying the contract next month.

I did spend time with my neighbors. 

Sorry for the disappearing for the last few days.  I started entries at work but never finish them and I have gone back to the old way of writing. Unfortunately, I tend to forget what has happened or something else comes up.

Work has been good.   I had to do the mail more than usual that day as DG was off and the way she wanted me to do it got me confused.  It’s the way she dates it the day before when certain parts of it come in.  I hope I did it the way she wants me:  Whenever the Health logic portion came it was dated the day it came in not the date it on the paper.   Believe me it confused me when she told me how she wanted it done.  

I felt like I was doing a lot of multitasking not only Friday or but Thursday as well because AC started her vacation but I don’t think it started off well as she wasn’t feeling well before she left on Tuesday.    I Hope she was okay.

I was glad to be home on Friday.  Since my plans for the weekend changed with Lisa I did some cleaning and relaxing.  The cleaning continued for most of Saturday morning (after the walk) and before Liz came by for a 2 hour visit.

I got a message from Lisa letting me know she couldn’t make our visit this weekend because her son was sick and she didn’t want to leave him alone.  So we will make it another time.  I just don’t know when because I have a few things coming up. 

Liz came by for our weekend coffee and she says she is cantankerous.  She is actually worried about lots of things.  As she says Life on Life’s terms.  She has to have kidney stone procedure soon.   She tells me Nelson fell a couple of weeks ago but hasn’t told anybody and he refuses to get the life alert.

 She is not happy with the current lawyer’s progress with getting rid of BB.  She feels he is taking much too long to get it done and she wants to know if we should get another lawyer that will guide me in the finances and whatever else and not resort  to threatening me with eviction like before.

She is angry at our brother.  She doesn’t feel she has done anything wrong over the years to deserve the treatment he has given her.  I don’t want to touch that and besides I told her as long as she is not angry with me at this moment I am good with that. 

She has had friends who are not well and she is sad for that.  It is scaring her I think.  She is also worrying or concerned about the future for Nelson and herself and that will mean for them.

WE talked bit more about the family reunion.  She says it will cost money for the pavilion in town plus the health inspector for the food and $20 for each person parking.  There may be another alternative that even Nelson jr. suggested but we are not sure.  I think it’s a place my work has been to for events.

This weekend I decided to go walking.  I took one in the morning that finished by 8 am.  It was two miles but part of the two miles was heading to a neighbor’s house within the complex.  In the afternoon around 6 I took another mile and ½ walk and that took about 1 hour and 12 minutes. 

I went this morning after I put together a roast in the slow cooker.  I walked the reverse of my morning walk yesterday.  My hope was to go the same route I did yesterday but in reverse but its way to hot and I don’t expect it to get to 60 degrees by then.  It got into the 70’s by 6.  The wind was picking up.    My hope was we might get some rain but it won’t be until tomorrow afternoon.

I was getting a little worried about Tiger.  She twitched while sleeping on the couch I woke her up and she meowed.  She keeps snagging her claw/paws on the rug and I can here when she is coming and going.    I will call the vet Monday..

Well its time for me to get some milk and bread and a few other  things….

Hey sorry for the Absentee posts.  It’s been a busy week again and I haven’t found time to write. 

        Things around here are fine.  Family is good.  Sis had bronchitis but seems to be better.  Bro is good.  Angel bro’s family seems well and on vacation again.  I do need to make decisions about the niece’s wedding shower next week.  Sis isn’t going because of what else?   The kitties had a birthday this week.  WE have a family zoom this weekend again.   It will be great to see them again.

        The city is trying to make plans for the school year in September.  There was a webinar with the BOE this past week.  I don’t know the end results of it.  I am sure it will be in the papers soon or I missed it.

        There was a developer who wants to build on the old Smith Funeral home property and make it mixed residential and business and it was not approved by the P&Z this week.  The crux of it is the Smith funeral home is considered a historical home and so was the surrounding buildings.  That’s all I know about it.

Late this afternoon I learned that an Iconic bar in town called Beachcomber’s is permanently closed and up for sale.  I have driven by probably a gazillion times but never went in it.  It’s a dive.  Its not something I do often anyway.

Work is getting into a better routine for me.  Shadow and I had some roads to work on and I think it’s better but I could be kidding myself.  I had a demo session this morning for scanning and indexing all the different correspondence we get (from patients, attorney, and other sources) but it will be the next task that SR told me about the first week I was back.

The area Committee meeting was an epic fail this week.  Someone forgot to tell us there was a password and no one was able to get into the zoom meeting.  However the push to attend the caravan event next week is being pushed and the level of activities is now ramping because issues are not being resolved in negotiations.

Health wise this week had a few days of not strict dieting (with national ice cream day I had to go for ice cream), I have been tracking the food better.  I missed exercise class on Monday showed up an hour late (and they don’t have classes at 6:30 for now).

  I have been walking at lunchtime.  The only time I made 10K was yesterday the other two or three days not so much.  I do have to say I might get to the 10K goal sometime this evening. 

   I cracked my wisdom tooth at dinner last night called the Dentist.  I called again and within the hour I had an appointment for tonight at 6:15.  I have been leery about eating or chewing anything hard.  He was able to get the broken piece out but he wants me to see an oral surgeon for the rest and decide if I need an implant (I don’t).  I didn’t get out of there until 8.  I stopped at Panera for soup.  Saw some beautiful Cloud formations..

 I have my infusion and an eye appointment next Wednesday at 3.  I believe it will be the eye test to check for plaquenil…They call it something Vision test (don’t be wise asses). 

I went to the Rose’s Orchard Meetup last night and we had a great time.  Met a new person who is really great to talk to and is a pet sitter, she had some really great views on pets and pet sitting.  I did share the news about Neighbors K&S with her (she knows K through the dentist).

I left there sometime after 8 as it was supposed to start storming and I still had to put the garbage out.  I am planning on going next week if my eyes are settled in by then.

I am not sure if I am attending the sip and soak meet up yet (the shower is the same time).

I will be going on the solo hike at McLean’s Nature preserve on Saturday.  I really wish I wasn’t going alone but I am not really sure if I will or not. 

We did our normal routine this morning and I decided to lay down for at least an hour.  JOC and I were supposed to go for a walk at 8:30 and while I was showering and getting ready she sent me a text.  Telling me she would have to bale.  So I have been slow on moving and resorting to watching TV again.

It is overcast right now and 70 degrees out and it feels nice.  The forecast is calling for showers today.  My front yard looks great or at least better but the back yard not so much. I may have said this but I would much prefer that Mother Nature do the work instead of me hauling the hose all over the place.  Besides that our water authority (which is the water company) is asking the residents of the city not to water the lawns right now.  The water has been brown in some areas.

Supervisor Bob sent out an email to the staff recalling us to work on Monday.  He did say some of us will be moved around to follow social distancing requirements.  This will be very interesting.  I am wondering if I will still have my scanning desk.  I have a feeling the first few days I am back will be focusing on the mail and later on the scanning.

I played some Words with Friends this morning and this guy from NY started chatting with me.  I guess I decided to play against him and I am now feeling like I am breaking a rule I made. I mean I play with my male cousins so that’s okay but if they use this as a way to get dates they will be in one huge disappointment.

 A woman named Moriah from NY joined the finding friends for Women Meetup group contacted me.  We chatted this morning.  I asked her if she was attending the meetup tomorrow night but she said no.  I am not sure what she meant the assignment. So those alarm bells are starting to go off like they did a few years back when some very odd women wanted to chat with a few of us on a few different platforms.  I get really uncomfortable when People od that.  A few men somehow got to comment on group activities.  It’s a group for women.

I have been debating whether or not I should go and do my grocery shopping now or wait a few more days.  I have enough meals (fish stuff) but I still need sides.  I am not big on making salads but eating them I am.  I also need milk and cream for the coffee. Black coffee doesn’t work for me.

I chatted with DO today about the holiday and diet.  He keeps asking what Alex believes is good.  He wants me to eat to survive.  Not everything has to be enjoyed.  I think he understands now.  He suggested oatmeal when I told him I haven’t had cereal.  He asked me what recommendations Alex make for diets.  (I think I wrote that two different ways to mean the same thing). 

I went to the committee meeting this afternoon.  What I have found out is my colleagues on my team are objecting to having to return to the office.  They can’t do their job from home and they feel they should be able to.  Committee members feel these people should come in and do their job.  BV is urging compassion.  I am guessing they (those who don’t want to come in) feel it’s not safe to go into the office.  There will be social distancing.  I pointed out this is the same issues that started back in March.  BV says that future contracts will perhaps one day have to include working remotely.   From what can gather they will be talking to those people in our area about the choices they have or what the path will be taken.

It’s been a couple of hours now and I reviewed what I have to do for class tomorrow and it’s going to be a pain the ass.  I am going to have to go to it an hour earlier and whatever I needed to print out I won’t be able to.  I want to be able t make sure I connect to whatever soon.

The cats were annoying me and I yelled at them.  They wanted to get fed and its not their dinner time or wasn’t.  Now they won’t get near me (I also tried to catch tiger and she hissed at me)..I have been trying apologize to them like they would understand and right now they are running from me.  I am probably acting stupid but I am not feeling very appreciated by them right now.