Bob’s turn at the vet, Part 1

Yes, Part 1…RATS!

Bob’s hemotoma got high praise for being fully healed but still a lot of gook in his ears. Slightly less and enough less that they can now see a 2nd problem: polyps. It is often seen in older cats per Dr. Clark and easily taken care of but does require a bit of sedation. There was time today but because of Bob’s diabetes and age – after some discussion – it was decided that it would be better to do it tomorrow after his insulin and with just a small amount of food. Hence, today is only Part 1 of Bob’s turn at the vet.

It is a quick procedure with small instruments, probably no incisions and the sedation is primarily required to keep Bob quiet and still. As he did fine with the recent dental, this should be easy and he should be very much more comfortable after…after we are home. Me, too.

On a brighter note, it was a gorgeous day. It was 75F when we arrived home and even Bob chose shade and the porch floor vs his fleecy bed.

Bear chose shade also and enjoyed a roll in the grass. The Bear boy is doing wonderfully off leash again. He may be getting his ‘woods legs’ back, but he is currently staying close to me. We’ve been practicing the off leash commands and all is remembered. Even better, he is not seeming sore or tired after the weekend’s extra exercise which has included some running and jumping. YEA!

Now, to get Bob back to 100%, although on the plus side, his glucose has been very good and he is active and moving well and has lost a wee bit of weight since starting Dr. Clark’s diabetes regimen.

Into every life a little rain must fall

Even here in Northwest Montana…far removed from the horror of Boston and Texas, the week was disconcerting at best. I do think that there are a few silver linings – small in comparison to the loss – and not comforting to those who suffered the ultimate loss, but I was a bit heartened to read that lessons learned in Afghanistan saved lives in Boston. I dearly hope that we hear of other positives and that we get some understanding – particularly for those whose lives were changed in an instant.

Here at my home we had a little rain…a sprinkle compared to the downpour of tragedy elsewhere.

Mr. Bob had a visit to the vet for an ear thing which turned out to be an ear infection and a broken blood vessel (hematoma) that caused his poor ear to look like one of the Star Wars critter ears (Yoda).

We went to the vet on Thursday and all was lanced, flushed and medicated and we continue at home with some ointment twice a day.

It really did rain.

It is supposed to snow tonight!

Bear continues well, but the Thursday trip to the vet and gray, rainy weather gave us all the sleepies.

Despite all, Bob looks to be feeling better and although the news and ramifications of this week’s events are still to come – we are concentrating on good things: ears and legs on the mend, love in our house, love for our neighbors, friends, family – and prayers for all who lost so much.

B is for…

Bananas!

Bananas and I have finally come to a peaceful resolution. A whole banana does not sit well with me, but a half does just fine. What to do with that other half…

I’ve been freezing them – first on a cookie sheet and when solid, into a zip bag. Yes, that is more than a half – I had a half and then was testing a 2nd for ripeness to use in NYTimes’ Melissa Clark’s Chocolate Crusted Banana Blondies.

(If you’d rather see the video, look here )

Oh, my – these are good…they are really, really good.

The bottom is a chocolate cookie crumb crust. I used Jennifer Perillo’s Chocolate Snaps for the chocolate wafers specified in Melissa’s recipe. I baked them just a wee bit longer than normal and stored them overnight in a covered but not airtight, container. They were nice and crunchy and much better than storebought.

The blondie top: bananas, brown sugar, browned butter and I subbed half rye whiskey which is bourbon-ish and half vanilla extract, for the dark rum – that top, it is a banana-walnut caramel top…salted.

Like I said, these are really, really good. I might back off just a bit on the brown sugar next time, but that is my “not so sweet tooth” talking.

YUM. I have a package put aside for my UPS guy for tomorrow’s delivery. He will love me.

What else is “B” for???

Bear!

Sweet Bear, in a spot of sun, late this afternoon.

And Bob!

Easter Morning

As the sun came up.

Waffles (Buckwheat-coconut!), pineapple and sausage for Easter breakfast.

An Easter Robin…first Robin I’ve seen this Spring!

A little rib roast getting ready for the oven. Dinner will be prime rib, fresh horseradish, baked sweet potato, white beans and braised greens.

It is a beautiful morning. Happy Easter!

Today

Today, March 28…it is Karl’s birth day. It was some 7 weeks from his birth day that he came to be with me and his cat brother, Gus, but we always celebrated the day he was born as well as the day he came home.

It is also 16 weeks exactly since Bear’s first TPLO – his right leg surgery.

So today we celebrate Karl’s birth and Bear’s 16 week post op – right leg – a GOOD day!

AND…FedEx brought a gift to help in all…

Last week, I ordered 2 prints “on wood” from Simply Color Lab. Simply Color Lab is my go to lab for prints, gallery canvas prints and now prints on wood.

I am so very pleased with the prints on wood.

They made me cry, but with joy and with pleasure.

I’m not sure this is the best place for these…I think they need a space that allows a little more space…

I’ve found, that for me, sometimes I need to live with things for a bit before I know where they belong.

For now, these dear reminders of my dear Karl – they are in a good place.

Sixteen weeks for the right leg and Two and a half weeks for the left leg.

We had a good day of walks.

And time outside with Bob.

Today.