Weather

So, we were sitting at dinner the other night and the conversation turned to weather.  Specifically how you can look at clouds and tell what they are going to do.  Someone was discussing what snow clouds looked like and I said that you could tell when it was going to snow by the way the air smells.  There's just a certain smell to it when it's nice and cold and going to snow.  They thought I was nuts.  Go figure.  Hasn't anyone else ever smelled that???

Stay safe!

Oh, The Traffic Hazards I've Seen!

I feel a need to comment on the dire state of traffic/driving safety.

Recently we were almost late for a dinner reservation due to someone losing their boat.   We wanted to go Westbound.  This guy was going Eastbound, went over a bump, and the boat he was hauling bounced off the trailer.  It then skidded through the median and came to rest across three lanes of traffic.  I can only assume there was something he neglected to fasten or tie down.  And I bet he had a hefty repair bill on that huge pretty boat!  Fortunately for us, Golfer saw the back-up in time to go a different way.

While on vacation we passed a couple accidents on the way to Myrtle Beach.  One car looked like the driver didn't see oncoming traffic while she was pulling out of a yard sale.  Another looked like he had rolled the car several times off the road, down the embankment and into the woods.  The windows were all broken out and it looked bad.  There were lots of emergency crew people at that one.

I think you all know how I feel about large trucks.  I'd prefer if they had their own road system.  But at the very least couldn't we go back to the time when they had to stay in the right lane?  I've lost count of how many times we've been behind a large truck in the passing lane.  And he's just poking along under the speed limit and not passing anyone.  Geez!

And then.........while we were there in Myrtle Beach there were the bikers.  Not the Harley bikers.  The locals say the Harley riders rarely cause any problems.  They are kind and considerate and do good works.  Once in a while one might have a little too much beer and get loud, but at least they don't make a habit of shooting each other.

I'm talking about the "other" bike fest, otherwise known as the BBF.  These are the guys who don't ride in, they haul their bikes in and show off and cause trouble.  This year a lot more trouble than before.  Meetings have started and plans are being made.  Something has to be done.  But enough about that.  Back to traffic issues and driving habits!

These bikers are all over the road, weaving in and out.  Stopping along the road to have a "gathering".  I suspect they might be discussing where they plan to cause trouble next.  But who knows?!?!  There are lots of red lights and stop signs run through and other laws ignored.  I am positive that a cycle rider sticking their foot out is NOT a valid turn signal!

We stayed at a new location.  More of a beach town spot.  People there drive "golf" carts instead of their car to get from the cottages to the beach or downtown.  I think I need to check a driving manual.  I'm pretty sure that having your passenger stick their arm out on the right side is NOT a valid turn signal.

So.  Sign me up for a hovercraft or flying car.  Stay safe!

FYI

In the future, when I am dictator of the world, there will be a new all-powerful traffic law.

Whenever I, or any of my family and close friends, are out on the road, ALL trucks and ALL idiot drivers must get off the road and remained parked somewhere until we are home.  Period.

I'm just sayin'

Stay safe!

Mondays Are Sometimes Really "Mondays"!

Warning - - - if you are squeamish about kitty pee, stop reading this post.



I noticed Sunday that our furry kid, Angus, seemed to be having some litter box issues.  He would go to the litter box, get in and squat, and nothing happened.  And the times he did actually go, it was a really small amount.  We use a clumping litter.  Usually we're scooping out "handful sized" clumps.  Angus' were the size of quarters.


First thing Monday morning I called our veterinarian and when I explained the problem I was told to get him there as soon as possible, don't even bother making an appointment.  So I left the breakfast dishes where they were, took time to brush my teeth and then called for Golfer to help me wrestle Angus into the cat carrier.  On about our third try, we got him in.

As soon as I walked in the door to the clinic, they whisked him to the back to determine if his bladder was hard and engorged, which would mean he was blocked.  FYI - this is a serious problem and can be fatal if left untreated.  He was not blocked, so they returned him to me to wait to see Dr. W.

After a thorough exam she decided he must have an infection and inflammation.  She prescribed two medicines for him.  Then she asked me how he is taking pills.  I told her I had no idea since we'd never had to give him any.  She said she would give him the first doses there to get things started.  So far, so good.

As I was checking out and signing paperwork, L, a wonderful young lady who kitty sits for us when we travel, suggested using pill wrap.  This comes in a jar, and is smelly and sticky. She says the animals love it.  You take a little dab of it and squish around the pill.  The theory is that this will then be considered a treat and the cat will gobble it down.  Please note that I said "theory".

I am considering writing the company a letter.

So this morning, I geared  up to give Angus his second dose of medicine.  Thank goodness they are both once a day pills!  I get the goo wrapped around the pills.  I find Angus.  I talk it up and offer him a surprise yummy treat.  Golfer and I have smart cats.  Angus wasn't having any of it; he looked at my offering with such a look of suspicion and disdain.  So I picked him up and took him into the bathroom where we have a nice high counter.  I put him up on the counter, got him in a football hold.  If you've ever had to pill a cat you know what I mean.  And then I tried to get the sticky wrapped pills in his mouth.  Let me tell you, pill wrap gets really slippery when it gets kitty spit on it!  I finally got the pills in him after about half a dozen tries.

Tomorrow morning I'm getting out our pill popper and trying that method.

Additional Monday fun was the extra laundry that was the result of  some pee leakage. Angus had had a small "accident" in the carrier that I was unaware of.  So when we got home and I opened the carrier, it got on me, and then he tracked it on the floor.  So I had to catch him again and wipe him down, then clean the floor, then clean the carrier, then clean me.  Fun times.

Stay safe.

Sisters

NurseJ posted this on Facebook, so I get to share it here, too.  :)

Two sweet girls!

Stay safe!

Hey, All!

I hope everyone is doing well.  Summer is approaching quickly and life is good.

Seems like it's been busy around here.  Golfer went on a short golf trip to Myrtle Beach with some golf buddies.  Had a good time, in good weather.  Although it did get pretty hot there.  Now he's back to playing the local courses.

Yard work has picked up and things are growing fast.  And couple of the ailing azaleas have recovered very well and have lots of new growth.  A couple others are still struggling, but I haven't given up yet.

ITGuy has had some medical issues with kidney stones and blood clots, but we hope he's on the mend now.  NurseJ and the girls are doing okay. BeyB is studying and getting ready for all the end of the school year tests.  CutieGirl is starting to crawl!

Bikini says they are doing okay.  Boxer's baseball team is in play-off season now.  He got to pitch during the last regular game.  Bloomer had a fall on her bike but no major injuries and she's doing well.

Before the medical issues started in NurseJ's part of the family, they had some pictures taken.  Here's one of my favorites.

 

A Belated Easter Smile

This will be going into the box with my Easter decorations!

A Pretty Spring Day

I took this picture last weekend.  It was beautiful out, sunny and warm.  Sadly, the week turned out to be cool, dark and cloudy.  But I still like the picture.

I had intended to make a post last weekend, but things got busy around here.  IT Guy has had some medical issues with kidney stones.  Trust me, you don't want those.  I was called in to care for CutieGirl while Nurse J handled doctors, ER visits, work, and everything else.  I had a great time.  Tough duty, but someone had to do it!  CutieGirl is very smart.  She realized right away that I was the one to feed, change and play with her.  There was no fussing.   I just wish I had more energy and stamina!  But we got along fine and BeyB was a great help.

Anyway, IT Guy is doing better, and will have some work done next week.  Things are getting back to that ever moving "normal" state.  I am getting caught up with things at home.

I had to turn the heat on two days ago.  Geez!  It's May already!  Enough with the cold weather! I have since turned it off and will probably have to turn the A/C on this afternoon.  When I was out early this morning on a Starbucks visit it was already warm and muggy.

Got to get back to my "to-do" list.  Stay safe!

Comments On the News

As is usual, there are traffic problems all over the area.  Fact of life.  Slow down people.  Learn to drive.  Be courteous.  Take a deep breath.

Police in Hampton - in an area not really too far from us - are searching for a dangerous armed man.  He threatened an officer, aimed his gun at him and the officer took a shot.  They don't know if he was hit.  If he was, it couldn't have been too bad an injury because the guy took off and is hiding somewhere.  The neighborhood in question is being searched, school openings delayed, roads closed.  (there's more traffic issues)

NBC must be having a slow news day.  One of their morning stories is that more people have tattoos than there are people who are naturally blonde.  They did not explain that particular comparison. And they were running a survey for opinions.  I personally, would not get body art, but I'd like to make a public service announcement about the topic.  As an active member of the YMCA who makes use of the ladies' locker room, I'd like to say:  LADIES, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING WHEN MAKING A DECISION ABOUT YOUR BODY ART!  All those "tramp stamps" and that elaborate artwork do not age well on most women.  Ewwwwwww!

Stay safe!

A Follow-up Post

After all the aggravation in trying to find a whole house surge protector, and someone to install it, there is now a local company running ads on TV for them!  Did they read my post and take a hint??? 

Probably not, but it makes me wonder.

Stay safe!