Good news, bad news

The phone rang just before lunch - on the other end of the line was my friend C.  After saying hello she asked if I could do her a favor.  Now, don't get me wrong, I love C but I've learned you never know what she might ask so my response was, it depends.

It seemed she was moving into a new house today.  Her mother, who was helping with the move, had walked into a shelf in the second bedroom, broke her glasses, and gashed her face just below the eye.  C wondered if I could take L to the hospital emergency room to be checked out.  She didn't feel L could drive herself and no one else at the house had a valid driver's licence.  (C lost hers a month or so ago after one too many accidents.)

So I drove to the new house and the two of us headed to the hospital.  We waited about an hour before L was called to the back.  Then was another hour wait before she saw the doctor.  Fortunately, she didn't need stitches after all, the doctor cleaned out the cut and taped it together.  He told her he would have used glue except it's toxic to the eyes.  She's definitely going to have a shiner!

We headed back to the house where we found the movers had gone and C and her friends were standing in the kitchen doing pretty much nothing!  L and I sent them all outdoors for a smoke and started unpacking the kitchen.  After a half hour, L went back outside to tell them their smoke break was over.  I suggested they sort the boxes in the living room and put them in the rooms or areas they belonged as there was no room to move around.  

I guess our take-charge attitude was a bit much so within a few minutes everyone had left except C and her boyfriend W, her mom and I.  We managed to clear half the living room and unpack most of the kitchen before I left.  The beds still needed to be set up and she has no place to sit, but at least we got some stuff put away.

C is probably one of the most disorganized people I know)  There were no cleaning supplies as she had left those at her mom`s.  (She had been staying with her mom because she recently separated from her husband....he wasn`t keen on her having a b/f at the same time).  While we were unpacking the kitchen, C stopped me as I was unpacking a box of dishes.  Apparently they weren't hers but belong to a friend who had left a bunch of items with her.  We moved a half-dozen boxes out to the shed that didn't even belong to her! 

Then there was the rubber tote full of fabric we came across in the living room.  I asked C if she'd bought out a fabric store - apparently no, but where ever she got it they were going to throw it out so she couldn't leave it behind.  She has never sewn anything in her life and has no idea what she'll use it for, but for now it's on a shelf in her basement.  I teased her we would be back in the three years with the Hoarders production crew.

When I got home I had a call from one of my staff.  She was in a car accident last night, her car is likely totalled, and she's feeling stiff and sore today.  She was calling to let me know she wouldn't be in to work in the morning, as she needs to arrange for the insurance company to appraise her vehicle, to the see the doctor, and find another vehicle. 

So the good news is, no one was seriously hurt in either incident.  The bad news, somewhere between the hospital and home, my cellphone has gone missing.  The battery was dead and I'd tossed it in my purse planning to put in the charger when I got home.  Except it wasn't there when I got home.  I called C to let her know and ask her to keep an eye out for it.  I've also called the cell provider and had them suspend the account for the time being. 

On the other hand, the good news is, I'm due for an upgrade on my cellphone so even this minor nuisance isn't such a bad thing to happen after all!

Hope you had a great Sunday!

Time marches on

There is something sad about gardening at this time of year. The plants are starting to die back, the leaves are (or have) fallen, and while the light fades quickly. The photos were taken about 5:30 this evening and the deck is completely in the shade.

I spent much of the afternoon out in the back yard. I pulled dead, or nearly dead, plants from the containers, cut back the blooms on those I hope to keep alive a little longer, and put away cushions and garden critters for the winter.

Meanwhile the cats spent the day in the sunroom.  I'm glad the weather has been so nice, as they'll be spending much of next week in this room while the workmen are here.

Sami enjoys the sunshine, while her brothers check out the litter box.

 What's this doing here?

Sasha says, "You've got another think comining, if you think I'll use that thing while you've got the flashy box"

 

As for Saku, I'll preserve his privacy!

It begins

Here are the official before pictures.  The first one was taken at 8 a.m. shortly after the tile guy arrived.

The rest were taken last night shortly before I went to bed.  You can see we didn't quite finish clearing everything.

This space makes it look tiny, but I have a decent sized fridge.  No room for a side by side though!

The range hood will eventually be removed, and the cabinet raised to allow for a microwave.

These are likely the last dishes I'll do in the sink until the job is complete.  My kids were teasing me last night when they found my supply of paper plates, plastic cutlery and paper napkins in the cupboards.  According to the two of them, I have enough to survive a natural disaster.  (They also say I have paper towels and toilet paper sufficient to supply the neighbourhood in the same event...there is some truth to that point).

Finally, this is where everything from the kitchen ended up...in the garage.  The thought is, if we need something it should be accessible so pretty much everything is packed in tubs or placed on the shelves or the table.  I'm sure I'll have to wash everything when it comes back into the kitchen ;)

Last picture for today was taken around 2 p.m.  All the tile is removed, the walls, are patched.  I need to finish the last of the drawers and cabinets and we'll be set for Monday morning!

I guess that means tomorrow is yardwork.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for my children, who made short work of clearing out most of the kitchen this evening.

I am thankful I have tomorrow off work.  Because tomorrow, the workmen come to remove my tile backsplash.

I am thankful I remembered I have to call the plumber to shut off the water and unhook the taps to the sink. 

And both the cats and I are very thankful the weather is staying warm so they can hang out in the sunroom while the workers are in the house for the next week.

I promise there will be pictures starting tomorrow!

Tuxedo Stan for Mayor!

If I lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia I'd vote for Stan.  Check out his story here and here    Stan has received the support of Anderson Cooper.  WOW!

Even if he doesn't win, I hope the other candidates and the eventual winner take notice of the issue of the growing wild cat population.  All kitties deserve to live in a home of love and caring!

Thank you

Oh my, you folks are amazing! Thank you so much for your kind comments in response to my rant on Tuesday.  Somehow, without knowing me in person, you've demonstrated more compassion and understanding than someone who has known me for nearly 15 years. 

As you've all expressed, families are unique, regardless of their structure and living circumstances and what works for some wouldn't work for others. I love my kids, and they love me, and despite the little annoyances (on all sides) we're pretty content.  Your comments helped bring me back to the place of confidence!

Ticked off Tuesday

Warning - rant below - read at your own risk!


As anyone who has read my blog for any time, you will know I live in my home with my three wonderful cats, and my two sometimes not so wonderful adult children.

They haven't always lived with me, D left home after university and moved around for her work, while C left home after high school and spent two years in Lethbridge, Alberta.

I was happy living on my own.  (Well, almost on my own...I did have 5 (and then six) cats at the time).  I came home to a house that looked pretty much as it had when I left, excepting the cat toys scattered about, and the daily batch of cat hair shed.

Three years ago, my son moved home.  He had reached the point where his income didn't cover his expenses, and I was supplementing his income to ensure there were at least a few groceries in the house for he and his roommate.  He called to tell me he'd quit his job, broke up with his girlfriend and was ready to come back to Saskatchewan.  I drove out to Lethbridge, we packed my car with as much as we could, left the rest for the roomie and headed home.

My daughter has been here for two years, after leaving her teaching position in a small town.  She had taught for nearly six years but came to the realization being a teacher wasn't for her.  Again, Mom's moving service was pressed into action.  This time my brother, my son, and a couple of friends helped out.

Two years we were living in an 820 square foot home.  It quickly became clear this wasn't enough room for three adults and six cats which prompted our move to this home. 

For the most part, we're happy here.   C and D annoy me at times, take me for granted, and don't always pull their own weight.  On the other hand, they love the cats as much as I do and ensure they are taken care of spoiled when I'm away.  Heck, sometimes they are even thoughtful and do kind things for me too!

Sometimes, though, I complain to a friend at work. I tell her my woes wanting nothing more than a listening ear.  Lately she's taken the role of advisor suggesting I should raise their rent, or tell them it's time for them to leave.  Yesterday, she was telling me about a television program she watched.  The interviewee was a woman who had lived at home with her parents and now is promoting selling the secrets of living with adult children. 

According to this website, and my friend, I'm doing my children no favors by allowing them to remain in my home.  I disagree.  Rents in our city are very high and neither could afford to live on their own.  So either they live with me or with a friend or someone they don't know well.  I'm not sure I see the difference.  Plus the ultimate goal is for both to save money/pay off debt so they can eventually move out into a home of their own. 

But what annoys me most, is simply this, my friend has no children, nor does the so-called expert.  There is an saying, ``Don`t judge a man until you`ve walked a mile in his shoes" holds true, except in this case I'm a woman.  My friend's advice, while well-meant, doesn't take into account the dynamics of my family.  The author of the website speaks from the point of view of the adult child, who I suspect didn't follow her own guidelines but now speaks from the position of guilt.  I might be wrong, as I haven't gone through the website nor ordered her book (only $30).

I think we'll keep going as we have been and muddle our way through.  Many years ago I was told not to let my children sleep with me.  By the time they reached puberty they didn't want to sleep with me anymore.  Someday they'll decide to leave and I'll resurrect Mom's moving service.  In any event, there is is deadline.  I retire in six years, 11 months and one day....and I plan to move to a small place somewhere with a more temperate climate. 

If you've made it this far...thanks for listening!  Hope you are having a good Tuesday!!!

Mancat Monday

My man kitties curled up on the my chair...note the space between them.  Everyone likes my chair but these two are rarely seen together.   They don't dislike each other, though Saku (tuxedo) is a bit of a cranky pants and doesn't like to cuddle unless it is on his terms.

He came to us when he was three months old (in 2008) and had lived alone with my daughter before joining a house with five other cats,  It was definitely a life changing event!  (For all of us).

Sasha, on the other hand, is the patriarch and he rules with a light touch.  He was only the cat Silver would tolerate, while Sami literally follows him everywhere.  She'd been sleeping with him shortly before I took the photo so I assume Saku chased her away. 

Maybe someday I'll find all three curled up together.  It won't happen though until Saku mellows out a bit!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Our Saskatchewan Roughrider team won today!  It was nail-biter but they came through with the win over the Calgary Stampeders, 30-25.

This puts us at 6 wins and 6 losses for the season.  There are six games left in the season.  (There are only eight teams and we have a short season)

Three weeks ago we blew out the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 52-0...then won a close game the following weekend against the same team.  It seems there are two different Roughrider teams.  Or maybe it's simply there is very little difference between the teams, barring injuries.

All I know is I was just about a nervous wreck by the end of the game!

Gainer the Gopher, our mascot, on the other hand appears calm and cool riding his bicycle on the sidelines. 

It's probably because the weather has cooled off so the suit isn't so hot to wear!


On another note, my daughter made dinner tonight.  Butter chicken and rice.  I wish I could say it tasted great but I can't even stand the smell.  I think I'll have a salad and a hotdog instead!




Lazy Saturday

That pretty much says it all.  C was up early this a.m. so he fed the cats (and made a pot of coffee) meaning I got to sleep in!!

Of course, sleeping in only lasted until 7:30 because I couldn't sleep but having been awake several times during the night it felt wonderful to be in be an hour past my normal wake-up time. 

My daughter headed off to her second job about 8:30, but before she left she came into the house to tell C he had a flat tire.  I called CAA while he called the tire shop.  After the tow truck driver put some air in the tire, he drove off to have it repaired.

OMG I had the house to myself for just over an hour.  Do you know how rare that is?  I made myself an omelette for breakfast, settled in with a cup of coffee and watched Law and Order.  So exciting, right?

When C got home he told me he had a signal light bulb burnt out so he told them to go ahead and repair it.  For some reason the technician forgot to and  do it and went to work on another vehicle while leaving C's car on the hoist.  After giving the technician a talking to, the service rep gave C a d great deal since he had to wait.  He only had to pay for the supplies...less than $10. 

This afternoon I got out of the house to go grocery shopping. Turkeys were on sale at 99 cents a pound so I picked up a small one (about 10 lbs) for Thanksgiving.  Why is it, the bird I want is always at the bottom and the back of the freezer.  My feet were off the ground when I leaned in to grab ...and of course, I had an audience!   Some smart aleck made a comment about me falling in and I informed him I was certain he would have come to my rescue.  That shut him up, lol!

Now it's time for football and a relaxing evening.  Our team doesn't play until tomorrow but I enjoy watching most of the teams in the CFL.

Lazy Saturday, indeed!  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Friday funny

A few thoughts on cat baths....by the cat:



 

But you said you loved me!



 'You will pay, as God is my witness, you will pay.'

 

You call this water warm! 

 

I don't think I like you anymore!

 

 



 

 You SUCK!!!!!

 

 

E.T. phone home quick!

 



Come closer...I have something I want to whisper in your ear!

 

Traction...I'm losing traction!



I want my Mommy!!!!!!

 

 

No, no, no, no.......NO!!!!!!!



Thoughtful Thursday

This is a sad story, if you are not in the mood, now is a good time to look away.

In the next few days "M", a two year old little girl from Edmonton, Alberta will be taken off life support.  She has been in a coma since May of this year, when she and her twin sister were removed from their parents home.  Medical attention had been sought as M was in distress and when help arrived, it was determined both girls had been starved and beaten.  M had suffered the worst, with a head injury so severe she has now been determined to be brain damaged to the extent she will never regain conciousness.

Since then the parents of the two girls were charged with numerous charges including aggravated assault, criminal negligence causing bodily harm, and failing to provide the necessities of life.  Her sister, thankfully, has recovered and is living in foster care along with their three year old brother.

The parents had applied to the court to prevent the doctors from removing the life support systems.  Yesterday, the appeals court denied their request and upheld the ruling of a lower court.
Both parents will be given 20 minutes (separately) with the girl in the next 24 hours to say their goodbyes.  After her death, it is likely the charges will be amended to charge them with her death.

At what point should parental rights be denied?

It seems to me, in this case, having caused the injuries these parents abdicated their rights long ago. 

I just wish it wasn't so.

Exhaustion

I don't think it would be possible to feel more tired.  I've been going to bed early each night, usually around 9:30 p.m.  I read for a few minutes, turn out the lights, and almost usually immediately fall asleep.  Then there are some nights like last night.

I was in bed before 10 and I'm pretty certain I dozed off for a little while.  When I woke the clock read 10:30, the three cats were flaked out beside me, and I was wide awake. :(  I tossed and turned, went the washroom, got up and had a glass, went back to the washroom, tossed and turned some more until nearly midnight.  At the point, I thought I'd try taking a couple of painkiller tablets as these will usually allow me to relax enough to get back to sleep.  By 1 a.m. I decided a change of venue might be in order and I headed out to the couch.  That lasted about 5 minutes before I headed back to my own bed.  (Tossing and turning on a narrow couch isn't very comfortable).

I finally fell asleep and slept until 5:30.  Somehow or another I don't think 4 1/2 hours of sleep are going to be enough to get me through another busy day. 

It's been like this for a weeek or 10 days; regardless of whether I fall asleep quickly or am awake for hours I feel drained by the end of the day. 

I even know why I'm having such difficulty getting enough rest.  It's the stress of work.  Things have been off the chart busy, I feel everyone wants a piece of me, and there is simply not enough to go around.  I'm fighting battles I can't win.  I'm beginning to not care and that scares me most of all.  When I was in university (a mere 20 years ago) this is the place I wanted to work.  Not for money or prestige but because I believe what we do has such an impact on the entire country.  I've always been passionate about my work but those feelings are rapidly dwindling. 

In another 10 days I go back to my regular job.  My hope is I'll be able to refocus my energies and feel less pulled in multiple directions.  And maybe, just maybe I'll be able to sleep!

Tuxie Tuesday

It's also tired Tuesday here so I'll keep this short.  Saku put his head through the handle of this bag, then ran around like a mad man trying to get it off!  At this point, it appears he's given up and is simply chillaxing...he knows I'll rescue him, lol!

Happy Tuesday!

Countdown

Just four more months before I'm sitting on this beach....

Looking out at this view...or at least one quite similar!


The countdown starts now...tick tock, tick tock, tick tock!!!

The Cat came too!

It's no secrect, I love to travel!  If I could just win the lottery, I can imagine myself taking regular vacations to the many places still on my bucket list.

Everytime I pack up to leave, I have at least one cat hanging out on the pile of clothes.  I figure they're making sure they transfer some cat hair so I don't forget them.  (As if I could forgot those three!)

This cat, apparently decided he wasn't going to be left behind.  I'm amazed he survived the trip, and thankful he wasn't hurt.  Have you seen the way the baggage handlers toss luggage around? 

I hope Bob Bob enjoys his time in Orlanda.

Safe travels!

Early morning Cat television

When I got out of bed yesterday morning, only Sasha and Sami appeared wanting breakfast.  I fed them, then went looking for Saku.

I found him watching cat television.  Do you want to see the show?

What are you watching Saku?

Oh, there must be something, check out the stalking pose!  What is it?

 Mr. Bunny is back!

 Isn't he a big boy?

The two sat and watched each other for several minutes. 

Mr. Bunny never budged until my daughter left for work.

Perhaps he's watching bunny television!!!

Friday funny

I'm not sure how many of these you would have to answer in the affirmative to know that your cat(s) own you....but I would say not too many!

 

Do you select your friends based on how well your cats like them? (Well, I've been known to drop a friend because they didn't like my cats!)

Does your desire to collect cats intensify during times of stress?

Do you buy more than 50 pounds of cat litter a month?

Do you scoop out the litter box after each use? Do you wait at
the box with the scoop in your hand?

Do you think it's cute when your cat swings on the drapes or licks
the butter?

Do you admit to non-cat owners how many cats you really have? (Yes because I love to see the look on their face!)

Do you sleep in the same position all night because it annoys your
cats when you move? (Absolutely...doesn't everyone?)

Do you kiss your cat on the lips? (Ditto)

Do you feed your cat tidbits from the table with your fork?

Does your cat sit at the table (or ON the table) when you eat?

Does your cat sleep on your head? Do you like it?

Do you have more than four opened but rejected cans of cat food
in the refrigerator?

Do you watch bad TV because the cat is sleeping on the remote?

Did you buy a video tape of fish swimming in an aquarium to entertain
your cat?

Will you stand at the open door indefinitely in the freezing rain
while your cat sniffs the door, deciding whether to go out or come in?

Would you rather spend a night at home with your cat than go out on
a bad date? (Really, this would even be a choice?)

Do you give your cat presents and a stocking at Christmas? Do you
spend more for your cat than you do for your spouse?

Do the Christmas cards you send out feature your cat sitting on
Santa's lap? Does your cat sign the card?

Do you put off making the bed until the cat gets up? (At this point, it is clear - my cats own me)

Does your cat eat out of cut crystal stemware because you both
watched the same commercial on television?

Do you microwave your cat's food? Prepare it from scratch?

Do you climb out of bed over the headboard or footboard, so
you won't disturb the sleeping cat?

At the store, do you pick up the cat food and kitty litter before
you pick out anything for yourself? (Yes, but only because it won't spoil...like the milk)

Do you cook a special turkey for your cat on holidays?

Does your cat "insist" on a fancy Sunday breakfast consisting of
an omelet made from eggs, milk, and salmon, halibut, or trout?

Do you have pictures of your cat in your wallet? Do you bring
them out when your friends share pictures of their children?
(Pollsters claim that 40 percent of cat owners carry their pet's
pictures in their wallets, by the way.)

When people call to talk to you on the phone, do you insist that
they say a few words to your cat as well?

Do you accept dates only with those who have a cat? If so, do you
eventually double-date with the cats to see how they get along?

When someone new comes to your house, do you introduce your
cat, by name, to them? (Duh! Of course!)