My Sissy is amazing

Sissy at Christmas

It was time to get a refill on Sissy's thyroid medication.  I can't believe it has been a year since I found out how poorly Sissy was doing.  Let me preface by saying that I've been really good with her thyroid medication morning and night when I am in town.  But I haven't been treating her kidneys as I think cats get kidney disease should they live long enough and well, she is 14.  Sissy has quit grooming for the most part so she has lots and  lots of matts in her hair that makes it really tough to pet her without feeling them and she now hates to be combed (I'm sure they hurt).  I've trimmed them out but there are so many, she would be bald on the back end if I got them all. So we work in them almost every night with some combing, some trimming, and sometimes, we pretend they aren't there and just enjoy cuddle time.  Sissy still likes to cuddle with me.  She prefers to be right next to me most the day and night.  She sleeps lots but she still eats and drinks and is really good about using the litter box.

But taking her to the vet to be checked is a reminder that she is sick and honestly, I wasn't sure what to watch for and felt she was doing poorly so I was kind of mentally preparing for the worst....which is the worst.  She was not very happy to be woke from her morning nap to go in the kennel and cried the entire time from when she left the house until we were back home.  She was so upset, she accidentally peed in the kennel which she was horrified to learn. She is very proud of her accident free record.  They came to look at her and said she looked really good all thing considering.  Then they took her back to do her blood work.  They brought her back to me and we waited for the results.  Sissy yowling the entire time.  I couldn't console her no matter what.  It was a long 20 minutes to wait.

The doctor came in and asked what I was doing for her kidneys because they looked great!  I replied nothing and she was very surprised.  But the good news is at least that is not progressing any further.  Her thyroid levels were good so that means the medicine is working (even with the vacation breaks) and she said her other blood work was great too.  She had lost 3 oz since last October which isn't too shabby and probably related to be left alone for the weekend (she had dried food but not her favorite wet foods).  They said she isn't declining and will have much longer to live which was a great relief to me.

I am concerned about leaving her for 2 weeks in November.  In fact, I was pretty sure she would not be with us  anymore by then but alas, at this point, it looks like she will so we talked about a food product that would support her thyroid while I am out of town.  I also asked what signs I should watch for to know when it is time to make that hard decision.  I feel more ready for the inevitable but glad it is not in the near future!  I love my Sissy and am glad to hear that good news.

Moab for Memorial 2018

Can  you believe May is over?  I can't.  But alas, it was time for the annual trek to Moab with my friends.  John has agreed to be my regular travel partner for this trip.  Philip and Tiffany also join in.  And this year, was a huge group.  We had 82 people in our group this year.  Out of that, 70 people joined in the group meals!  That is lots of friends and  must mean we are doing something right to attract such a crowd.  For the last several years, I've organized the accommodations and group meal plans so this is a significant undertaking to say the least.

But we have lots of families that have joined for many years and know the ropes.  And the additional people are friends and family of the regulars so it makes it much easier because everyone helps everyone else.  Everyone comes and goes as their schedule allows.  We chose to go down Friday and come home Monday.  That is enough for me.

We got on the road fairly early on Friday.  We dropped Bella off at the boarders and were on the road by 10:00.  This was great because we beat much of the holiday traffic.  We stopped at our regular spot in Price, Big Don's Pizza.  We shared a delicious pizza and large salad which was super yummy.  We pulled into the RV park by 2:30 which was great time.  Before I could even get out of the car, I was surrounded by friends helping unload the car. This is much appreciated as you can imagine.  John had found the tequila and passed out a few shots and posed with friends for photos.  We hurried and got all settled in.  And it was HOT.  93 degrees.  Wow!  The Hummel/Brown's invited us to join them for dinner at Pasta Jay's.  We had  a nice dinner sitting on the patio sweating our asses off.  But it was delicious.  That night, we all gathered to catch up and enjoy some cocktails.

Loaded and on the way

All unpacked and ready for libations

Love these two!

Saturday, we decided to take a picnic  lunch and drive up to he Castle Creek Winery.  It is a beautiful drive along the Colorado River.  Philip and Tiffany had never done wine tasting and now that they were of age, I was happy to share this experience.  We found a nice little table in the shade and enjoyed our picnic while staring at the red cliffs around us and the lazy river next to us.  We decided to continue our drive down the canyon, and across the road down Potash road to look for the petroglyphs.  I couldn't exactly remember where they all were but we did find some.  We had to get back to the RV park as our team was on tap for dinner.

We followed suit of another family for dinner and did a Hawaiian dinner with Kahlua Pork, Rice, Macaroni Salad, Green Salad, and Coconut Macaroons.  It was delicious.  I ordered some leis so we could hand them out to everyone.  And let me tell you, we did a fabulous  job and the food was excellent!  It was easy work cooking for 70 people when you have 20 helping you cook.

Cute Ella (Kimberlee's Daughter).  She got engaged on Saturday!

Bridger (Ella's Fiance), John, Ella, Me

Tiffany and Philip

Nightime libations with my huge bottle of Hornitos tequila
 I got in Vegas last summer just for this trip!

Custom Cuban Daquari made just for me from my Cuban rum I shared

I bought this shirt just for this trip.  This is with AJ and
Jaden (Lesley's son).  They both work with Philip and Tiffany.

Sunday, John and I decided to head up to Arches only to find out the park was closed for the 3rd day in a row due to the number of people already in the park.  So we decided to drive to Canyonlands.  We got towards the pay station and realized it was over booked as well with a wait of at least an hour to pay to get in.  So we decided to head over to Dead Horse Point.  I was told a few years ago that it was absolutely  not accessible so I wasn't real thrilled but what else do I have to do??  We pulled up and alas, there was a paved sidewalk to a look out point so I practically vaulted out of the car and went to look.  John did the short walk to the look out point while I enjoyed the view from the paved area.   It wasn't too long before we were back together driving back to camp.  We decided to meet up with Philip and Tiffany for some lunch in town.  Then back to camp for a nap before dinner.

That night, the group had a Mexican dinner with shredded chicken, seasoned beef, and carneasada.  It was so good!  After dinner, we went back to our cabin and commenced in some hi jinx drinking.  I had some tequila I didn't want to take home.  I started a "fire sale" on the table of the beer, tequila, and fruit I didn't  want to take home.  Before I knew it, we had probably 40 people chipping in and partying with us.  Somewhere along the way, fruit from breakfast showed up and we made drinks with it.  Turned into a big jungle juice thing.  We all agreed the second batch was the best.  I quietly passed on the jungle juice though.  I know that stuff is dangerous.  It started as a lazy way to deal with the empty bottles as I put them under the table with a ceremonious "Clank".  It became quite the pile that everyone had to come see.  Honestly, ridiculous.  But really fun.  At about 11:00, John and I had enough so we faked our way out and went in the cabin leaving the party to carry on without us.

Lesley, Mama Gayle, Stacy

Me, Lauren, ?, John

Me, Mama Gayle, Jen, Kim

Me and Kimberlee

Philip and me

Kimberlee double fisting the jungle juice

Me and Allyson

Me, Kimberlee, John

Philip, Stacy, Ella

Snapchat fun with Kimberlee

Ella and Bridger playing with Snapchat

John succumbing to peer pressure

The carnage.  Ridiculous!

Sunday was  like a bad movie when we went out to see the damage.  It took about 30 minutes just to clean up.  We enjoyed a little banana bread after our clean up and decided to pack up and get out of town.  Philip is an amazing kid and had us packed up in no time.  We were on the road home by 10:00.  We met in Price at Groggs for a burger and were home by about 2:30.  John was anxious to head home to see his kitty.  I was ready for some feet up time.

We had a great trip.  Ever year,  I wonder if I really want to go again and every year, I am glad I did.  We already have 72 signed up for next year.  The cabins at the RV park are all reserved.  Crazy isn't it?

Foster Kittens 2018

It wasn't long after I got back from  my cruise that I got a call from Best Friends inviting me to come get some kittens!  It is true, foster season 2018 has started.  Frankly it was a little slow going when kitten season started in  March.  I would sure like to think it is because the spay/neuter efforts are playing off in the valley but they are in full swing now.

Because of my travel schedule in May, I've only been available for short term fosters.  My first foster kitten was an orphan that came in alone.  She had not been with other kittens and was in serious need of socialization before getting spayed.  Meet Olivia.

Olivia is so damn cute.  They said when she came in, she was just orange and white but she started getting black hairs around her left eye.  So she has a left eye shadow.  This little girl has an amazing spirit and isn't afraid of much.  She loved to puff up and jump around doing her best Halloween kitty impression.  When I picked her up, she started her super loud motor boat purring.  Such a cutie.

Well.....Bella is fascinated by kittens in the master bathroom.  I am  not sure if she wants to be the kitten in the bathroom again, or meet the kittens in the bathroom.  She spends countless hours by the door.  I have to be super careful because she tries to dash in there when I open the door and she is always sticking her paw under the door.  She can curl her paw up and pull the door open. 

Please let me in Mom!

I put a towel across the door so she couldn't reach under.  I also
put a bag there so she can't pop the door open.  She is quite tricky.

Second to last day with Olivia, "somehow" she got out.  Bella loved her and they played and played.  Olivia wasn't phased by such a large kitty.  It gave Bella a little taste of her own medicine of being chased by a youngster with lots of energy!  Haha.  I didn't think Olivia was sick so I went ahead and let them play in the bedroom for about an hour.

They played so cute and got along so well, for a moment (very short moment) I thought about adopting Olivia so Bella had a play pal but there is no way I want another cat!!

I only had Olivia 5 days before she went back to be fixed.  We had a great time while she was here.  She went to get spayed and I just happened to be there when she went out on the adoption floor.  She got adopted that same day by a family with a teen daughter that loves her so much!

The day after I dropped off Olivia, I picked up my next batch of kittens.  They were the Three Stooges litter.  2 of the kittens just got neutered but one (Moe) was not big enough and he has a hernia so he needed to wait and they wanted him to have friends in foster.  These guys were with a momma cat so when I got them, that was the first time they were gone from their Mom.  They are pretty big kitties and certainly don't need to nurse but clearly they have loved it and were still doing it even though they eat food too.

Meet Moe, Larry, and Curly.

Seal point - Curly, Black - Moe, Tabby - Larry

These guys were mostly terrified of me.  Moe was first to warm up.  The first day, he just collapsed in my hands and fell asleep.  He is a super snuggler.  Larry was the next to warm up.  He meows without making any sound most the time.  He loves to play and is a kitten biter (we are working on that - most kittens bite when they play).  Curly was the last to warm up and ran and hid but now he loves to snuggle and sit in my lap.  He LOVES pets and will arch and push up to get pets.  And who can resist those gorgeous blue eyes?

They are struggling without their Momma and aren't eating enough so they have been losing weight.  When I hold them, they try to find a spot to nurse.  I've got some Nutrical which is a gel type nutrition goo I can syringe into their mouths.  I started that yesterday and they are gaining weight but still not big eaters of their food.  They don't like syringe eating so maybe they will get the swing of it.  I turn these guys in Thursday before I leave to go out of town.  Larry and Curly will go right out for adoption but Moe has to stop to be neutered and have his hernia fixed before going out for adoption.  I am working hard to teach them "pick me" mojo for adoption.

Actually right now, there aren't many kittens available so they don't last long.  Usually a day or so.  People are lined up when the Pet Adoption Center opens in hopes of picking up a kitten.  I'm so glad I am part of their journey.  I love having the furrballs at my house for a bit.  It is hard work but also very rewarding.

Passive Aggressive Daffodils

When we had some warmer weather (think 50 degrees) in January, I knew it was my last chance to get some daffodil bulbs in the ground.  I have a love/hate relationship with the people at my condos and it just so happened that they caught me in a hate moment when I had time on  my side, a shovel, and a small bag of bulbs.  So in the ground they went around my front patio.

I am POSITIVE it is against the rules to plant in the flower beds.  But seriously, they are neglected and lacking flowers so I didn't feel too bad about planting.  I patiently waited to see if they would come up.  Most of them don't get full sun all day so they were a little slow but up they came.  And much to my surprise, I was treated to daffodils around my patio!  I love love them (double love is never a mistake).  I only planted 25 bulbs.  If I feel nice next fall, I might plant some more so others can enjoy them.  I also am a little worried that I am going to get in trouble but frankly, I don't  mind answering questions.  What are they hurting anyway?

Here are a few of my little friends.  They are so sweet and make me so happy.

Who could be mad about these sweet little flowers??

Happy Mother's Day

Where did the past week go??  Really where did the day go today if we must really be honest?  I can't believe it's been a week since Mother's Day already!  Unfortunately, I've been sick so I didn't get to see my Mom (we will celebrate in a few weeks), but I did get to be celebrated as a Mom.  Philip reached out to me and let me know it was my special day and we could do whatever we wanted together.  Such a sweet son!!

I really wanted to get some rest so we both slept in on Sunday and go together for a lunch and movie.  Philip showed up with a beautiful pot of Azaeleas and a sweet card.  So so thoughtful and  a nice surprise.  Then we made our way down to Gateway to Happy Sumo for some sushi.  Much to our surprise, it was gone!  We were so sad but I remembered my foodie group talking about Tsunami being fantastic so we headed over there.  It is actually just down the street from my house!  Who knew!!

We were a little nervous to try a new sushi place as we have both had bad sushi experiences but I trust my foodie group.  We only had to wait a few minutes before getting a seat.  We were pleased to see an extensive cocktail menu (thank goodness for a kid who is 21 now!!) and a "happy hour" menu.  We ordered the best sakitinis and a few starters while we waited for our rolls.  Let me tell you, it was all fantastic!  We loved every bite.

Just so happens, the restaurant was right next to my favorite movie theater with recliner seats.  So we booked our tickets and went to the movie.  We went to see "I feel Pretty".  It wasn't the worst movie I've seen (worst was Pokemon 2000) but it was pretty down there. I did enjoy kicking back and spending some time with my Philip.

It was a great Mother's Day.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt very spoiled!  Thanks for making me a Mom, Philip.

Escape to Bermuda

It was finally time for my cruise to Bermuda.  I joined a group of 160 fellow cruisers who several I've met on previous cruises.  It was a great time for me to slip away and disconnect for a week and I did just that!

Flying in we came right along the Hudson. 
I felt like a kid in a candy store.

I swore I wouldn't cruise out of Manhattan again but alas, there I was.  The group organizer arranged for a hotel in New Jersey for us so I flew into Newark and stayed across the river from the city.  We all met down in the bar in the evening for some grub and drinks.  In the  morning, we had a chartered bus to take us to the port.  It was very exciting!  You all know how much I love New York even though it is a very tough city for me.  And it was a little chilly on our sail day.  But we were going on the Escape which is one of my favorite ships and there were going to be 6 people I already knew and enjoyed including my friend Maureen that I met 2 years ago on the Escape.

NYC Port is a arm pit.  It is old and dirty and very disorganized.  But I dropped my heavy bag with a porter and made my way in.  I was pointed to the area clear at the other end of the building.  I felt like I walked a mile past all the lines and all the chairs full of people waiting.  A lady asked if I had trouble walking (I'm sure I was limping a little, not to mention my snail's pace) and I said yes but I didn't need a wheelchair but would love to not have to stand in line for 2 hours like everyone else.  She pointed me to the "special" line.  I walked up and was 2nd in line!  I stepped to the counter and got my access card and paperwork and she pointed me to the door!  Well I stepped right onto the passage to the ship.  Just a short walk and I was onboard!!!  I went up 1 floor to the restaurants to see if  I could catch Maureen for lunch and bam!  There she was.  So we enjoyed a lovely relaxed lunch while there was complete mayhem going on outside.  I have no idea how I got so lucky.  I was onboard in less than 30 minutes of getting dropped off!  That is a great sign!  By the time we finished lunch, we could go to our cabins which was perfect.

A view of the Escape from the port

I was a lucky duck and was able to score a spa balcony cabin for the week for the same price I paid for my solo studio cabin.  After muster, we set sail and I enjoyed watching the Statue of Liberty from  my private balcony which was great fun.  I always feel so patriotic when I see the Statue of Liberty.  I really can't describe it.  Shortly after that, we go under the bridge and out to sea.

Waiting to set sail

Wow.  Just Wow. She was gorgeous today!

Verranzo (or something like that) bridge

I went to the solo meet and greet and then went by myself to Teppanyaki.  I was sat at a table with a couple that got married the day before.  Not a warm fuzzy group but dinner was delicious and a great way to start vacation with filet mignon and jumbo shrimp!  Don't forget the cocktail since I had the free beverage package!

The next day was a sea day and luckily it wasn't too rocky because I did my shot so I could have used some mercy on my tummy.  My group had a Meet and Greet at Noon.  We had about 200 people show up.  The officers were there and they offered free beers (we were in the pub bar) and passed appetizers.  I met up again with Maureen and her friend Karen (she met on another cruise).  We stayed for a bit but then decided to go get lunch in Food Republic.  It is exclusive to the Escape and a restaurant Maureen and I enjoyed together several times 2 years before.

The officers at the Meet and Greet

Maureen, Karen, Me, and the cruise director Zac

Pork Cheek Dumplings at Food Republic

Because I had a spa room, I had access to the Thermal Spa for the week.  Most of it was a waste on me because the loungers were way too low and I'm not a fan of shared hot tubs and I thought they were too hard to get in and out of myself but I did thoroughly love the heated stone loungers.  They also had flavored water, hot tea, essential oils, salt room, snow room, saunas, and a steam room.  One day, they were even passing out fruit scewers!

Relaxing in he spa while in Bermuda

Looking to the Left

The Himalayan Salt Room (Meh!)

The Snow Room.  Yes it was real snow and it was cold

Spa Selfie because if not, there would be no photos

I enjoyed the spa but I don't think I would ever pay extra for it.  It was relaxing and quiet...especially if you bring your ear buds and tunes!

We did several group dinners during the week.  For some reason, I didn't take many photos of the group.

Huge Chocolate Hot Fudge Sunday

Grilled Shrimp with Mango salsa

Hanging out at the bar waiting for the dinner group

Lemon tart with berry sorbet

Dinner at Cagney's (Me, Lisa, Ken, and Tracy)
Lisa was the organizer of the group.  Ken and Tracy are
self professed "Hicks" from the "Sticks" Alabama.  They are so funny.

 I've been to Bermuda years ago but really forgot how beautiful it was.  Maybe it was my frame of mind, or maybe it was the mild weather with temps about mid-70s with the sunshine but not too hot.  The water was an incredible blue and everything was especially wonderful.  Maureen talked me into taking a van tour of the island with her the first day there (we were parked for 3 days).  I was happy to join her.  We saw the entire island in 5 hours.  I had not been up to St. George's before because it is a long drive (or long ferry ride) but this time I did it.   We also saw Hamilton.  It was quite a treat for me because I usually don't venture off the ship. Maureen and I had a British lunch in St. George's which was great fun.

Waiting for the tour

An ocean view from the fort area

Smallest draw bridge.  There is a foot wide opening
for a sail.  You just open the chain to go through.

Streets of Hamilton

Gasp.  I want to live RIGHT HERE

St George's Parish 

Horseshoe Bay Beach

Maureen, Me, Karen

I was so proud I was able to get around.  I conquered curbs, cobblestones, uneven side walks, and lots of walking.  I had to heave myself into the van which was no small feat.  I felt very accomplished but beat at the end of the day...and way over heated.  The next day, I enjoyed the quiet of the ship and relaxed.  I just couldn't muster up the umff to go out.  But the last day, I decided to hop off and take the free trolley around the dockyard.  It makes several stops but I rode if full circle once around and the next loop, I got off at the clock tower which is now a shopping area.  I got a shirt and a sand necklace to celebrate the trip.

The ship in a distance

The Clock Tower Mall

Riding the Trolley

By the ship

Proof I was there!  Haha

I was so incredibly proud I was able to get around on  my own.  It wasn't easy but I knew from all my PT that I could do it.  I even had to walk over grass, through a ditch, and over 200 year old deteriorated brick floors.

Let's talk a minute about acceptable Berrmuda fashion.  Men's attire is absolutely Bermuda shorts with knee socks.  The brighter the better.  I saw business men in Bermuda Shorts and a suit coat.  Here is a little Bermuda flair for you.  Remember this is a British island so it is different.

Tourists in Bermuda are not allowed to rent a car and
 mopeds are not really safe on the narrow streets. 
See the solution?  A little scooter car!

CHECK.OUT.THIS.WATER!!!

Here is a little video for you of the Royal Dockyard.  No pier runners this time.

Saying goodbye to Heritage Wharf

As we sailed away, we kept passing reefs.  Look how clear the water is!

I caught this gorgeous sunset (the Sunrise looks exactly the same)

Listening to music in the Atrium area

I spent several evenings at "Howl at the Moon" dueling pianos.
These ladies were fantastic.

And just like that, we were back into the NY Harbor.  I woke up in time to watch us quietly sail into the city.  I was THRILLED to see the brand new Bliss in port.  It had just made it's initial Transatlantic sailing.  It was parked in NYC for a a couple days for promotional visits.  What is most thrilling?  I am on this baby in November!  I can't wait!!

Early morning sailing into the city.
 Empire State building in the background

Lookie at our neighbor, the Bliss

She is a beauty...and very big!

Getting off the ship did not prove as easy as getting on this time but I did get off.  I scheduled an airport transfer from the cruiseline.  We got a surprise tour of NYC on our way to LaGuardia.  I have no idea why he took the slow and scenic route.  We were late to the airport and I fear some people missed their flight.  I luckily got to the gate with 20 minutes to spare.

Broadway

Skyscrapers

The subway in Times Square

The Garment District

911 Memorial

Brooklyn Bridge

I had the best time and came home ultra relaxed which is what I needed.  I had a cold and plugged ears the entire week but what better place to relax and rest than on the ocean getting taken care of.  I will see Maureen and several others in November on the Bliss.  The others, I will hopefully catch again soon.  They are talking about a repeat in May 2019.  I had an idea to book a 02/02/2020 cruise.  That sounds perfect to me!!

I kind of (but not really) apologize for all the photos.  I took about 400 so I tried to only share the good ones.