Learning and understanding

This morning was cold!  I don’t need a reminder that Fall is coming, and mornings with a frost warning aren’t exactly my favourites.  Jerry seems to like the cooler weather — he gets very frisky and is more likely to pull me (naughty puppy) He had a nice time barking at everything and generally getting into mischief.  Don is also doing well, although he is, like me, not a fan of colder weather.   I’m heading to my sister tomorrow; we’d planned this a while ago for me to spend Thanksgiving with them. I’m eager to see my sister and her family — the kids have been a little more chatty on video calls, so maybe they will be more inclined to talk to me in person.  I can only be optimistic, right?  I’m hoping that they have memories of me being there at Christmas so they won’t start off being upset at a new person in the house.  It’s a bit of a challenge, having family spread around the globe.  You can’t be everywhere at once, and when I go to my sister’...

I was kidnapped today, as suggested earlier this week.  My #EFIR (who retired, so is technically a #REFIR) who is also my sister-friend, came to collect me after her medical appointment, and we picked up coffee and pastries (I’m apparently very evil for taking her to pastry shops around the city and “forcing” her to eat desserts!) and settled onto a sunny bench at the Experimental Farm to picnic.  It was a beautiful day, lovely and mild, and we enjoyed the time.  The boys would have loved it too, so I’ll have to bring them on a nice day.  Jerry had a brisk walk this morning, as it was somewhat chilly, but he just perked up and barked at everything that moved!  Don is doing well, and laughed at my revolving door routine today — when I got back from my “kidnapping” another friend came to take me out to dinner.  Delicious seafood pasta and we shared a decadent cheesecake for dessert.  I’m home now, tired and achy, but very glad to have been out today. ...

This was me being woken up this morning…note the loving little dog all snuggled up?  He then turned into a bouncing jackrabbit and used my tummy as a trampoline!  I’m temporarily free from being used as a dog bed, while Jerry is perched on Don’s shoulder surveying the living room area.  They’re both good, comfortable and happy, and Don just finished having some sweet-and-sour pork that I made for supper, while Jerry is sulking that he didn’t get any of it.  It was windy and cold this evening when we went for our walk, and Jerry demonstrated that he has very powerful lungs, and managed to outplay a 3-month old Bernese puppy which is almost double his size and treble his weight!  For myself, I was generally ok, except that my back started to act up this evening, and I needed to take extra pain meds.  Most distressing. I was excited to get an email today inviting me to participate in the Cancer Society’s grant application review process for this year.  Th...

Another day when getting out of bed was a challenge!  I feel more like myself now, which is a good thing (I think, never mind comments from the peanut gallery) and hopefully I’ll be back to fully normal tomorrow.  Jerry had a lovely time out today; it was fairly mild, so we were able to be out a little longer, and he took advantage of meeting several other dogs to bark loudly and try to hump all the males he met!  He also met a baby this afternoon, and was a perfect gentleman when she tried to pet him.  Good little puppy!  Happily, Don’s doing well, so I’m able to relax a bit.  I have enough stress without adding to it, thanks muchly! OK, my love of reading is not a secret.  I’m currently juggling 4 books, one of which is not an official publication, but is the work of a New Zealander who writes prolifically as a hobby.  Her work is a source of great enjoyment to me and I have no difficulty in rereading her writing to the delay of my reading lists...

My reaction to the booster was that I was wiped out… I slept for several hours, and struggled to wake up this morning.  That’s not bad overall, so I’m not complaining.  Jerry objected because his morning outing was delayed as I was unable to get up early enough for him.  I took Don to get his shot this afternoon, but unfortunately they were out of the Moderna (I’d selected Pfizer, not realizing that was significant ) so his has been delayed for almost 2 weeks.  We’re a little disappointed, but it’s not too bad.  The boys are now dozing on the sofa, both of them being tired out (and baseball is on… 😂) I got a lovely surprise call this morning from a friend who had moved away on her retirement several years ago.  We lost touch, then reconnected, then lost touch again, and she called today.  It was so great to hear her voice and to know that she’s doing well.  I think you all know how much I appreciate my friends, whether or not I see them often. ...

I got my booster today.  This is the Moderna bi-valent (specially designed to counteract the omicron variant.). I joked that I’m also all ready for the 5G implant, being magnetized, and all the other nonsense that’s been spread about this vaccine.  Don is due for his tomorrow, as we thought it best to spread them a little.  I don’t expect any adverse reactions as I had none to my other 4 shots, and in fact, I felt nothing as the needle went in.  Jerry got really short walks because of the rain and his house was invaded by my support worker, then we left for me to get my jab, so he’s sulking at not having met any of his dog buddies today.  I found it a challenge to wake up this morning — when I’m warm and cozy I have no real urge to crawl out from under the blanket and the dog to get out in the cold. Thanks to J & H, who, in addition to sending me some lovely flower pictures, pointed out that the reason I was in the dumps yesterday was probably because my sug...

For the first time in a while, my sugar dropped at 1:00am, breaking my rest and causing some stress. It’s a milder day than yesterday, with some lovely sun and gentle breeze, so our outings were more pleasant.  I admit that I was reluctant this morning, as I was feeling unstable so I explained to Jerry that it would be a short walk and I’d be returning to bed to try to recoup some of my energy.   Jerry (shown here waking me up this morning) looked at me, wagged his tiny stump of a tail, barked at a passing dog and was a very calm boy thereafter, so he didn’t try to trip me, nor pull me, and when I got back and sat in my chair, he immediately plumped into my lap, curled into a ball and went to sleep.  I felt that moving him wouldn’t be kind, so he stayed there and got his sleep, and I had a moment of relaxation.  Don said that he had a busy day planned, with a “pre-season” (whatever that means) hockey game, and a baseball game, so he got into position to cheer his tea...

I’m having an off day today.  I don’t know why, precisely, but I feel a little depressed and borderline irritable.  Physically, I feel chilled and can’t get warm, despite the hot shower,  sweater, socks, hot tea and blanket wrapped around my legs.  I hope that I’m not getting anything; I’ve been avoiding people at the same rate, so I haven’t interacted with anyone new, except a substitute support worker who filled in for my regular, but we were masked and separated.  All of my sick friends have only communicated by phone or text/email, so I haven’t seen them.  It’s possible that I’m cold from taking Jerry out — it was 5C this morning when we were out, and it was windy and chilly the last few days.  I’m usually warm and comfortable in bed, but then I have the extra heat of a small dog who thinks that my tummy is a satisfactory pillow substitute!  Luckily, Don is feeling fine, but I’ll avoid hugging him just to be sure.  No fever, the only pain...

It’s the first full day of autumn, and it certainly feels  like it!  I had to break out the “summer weight” down coat to take the tiny monster out today, which held up until the rain came down and we had to make a mad dash back home.  (We won’t discuss my leg, OK?) I’m generally doing well, with a few minor hiccups, usually related to having to jog or being pulled along behind Jerry who is in a perpetual rush to get out (or greet a dog).  He’s always apologetic if I tell him off for dragging me, but he does it again… very toddler-like in that action!  Don’s back to himself, and we spent some time today catching up on our shows.  I’ve also booked our boosters for next week, on different days as a precaution against anyone having a reaction.  We spent time today hunting for family doctors, and I am seriously discouraged at how hard it is to find a doctor!!  It continues to be fruitless, and I’m very frustrated, as walk-in clinics and virtual doctors...

Observe a tiny dog curled up and tucked in under a blanket for a nap… he crawled under Don’s blanket and made himself very comfortable.  He’s finding it cool since he’s been groomed and his fur is clipped very short.  That’s the challenge of having curls — they tend to snarl easily and are painful to untangle, so often just keeping them short is easiest.  Mine are easier either really short or down to my shoulders; anything between is just… messy!  I’ve had a couple of days feeling wiped out — in fact, last night I’d fallen asleep in my chair around 6pm, and when I woke up and went to bed I slept for almost 11 hours, so I obviously needed rest.  Don has been a lot more like himself, and eating well, so I am a very happy and relieved woman, as you can guess.  I don’t like it when he’s unwell (and he doesn’t like it when I’m sick either) so the fact that he’s more active is fabulous.  Right now they’re watching baseball, and I expect to hear snores in a ...

The little dictator got groomed today for winter, and looks again like a whippet instead of a poodle-schnauzer with a curly coat.  His long legs seem to have extended to a metre long, and he’s super affectionate, curled up on a lap (Don’s right now, mine for most of the day.)  We were up very early and went out to find that it was pouring down rain.  He didn’t like that at all, as his paws were wet and it was chilly.  He got towel dried before he went in for grooming, and was a very good boy, giving hugs and kisses to his groomer.  Don and I took the time to run some errands without being herded, and spent the afternoon wrapped in blankets getting warm.  The rain and damp make it feel really cold, so cozy times were called for today!  I’m trying to warm up, as I feel chilled through, but happily the pain in my leg and back is just a background murmur. We also spent some time watching the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in London, and then heard the gun s...

You know, at the end of winter, a temperature of 12C is cause to break out sandals and shorts and rejoice at the arrival of warm weather.  At the end of summer, it’s a reason to break out sweaters and socks and start warming up the hot chocolate… although the temperature was allegedly in the 20s we were both very chilly. Jerry had a lovely time out this morning, where he met 3 other dogs his size, and they all had a great party on the sidewalk.  We (the owners) had a fun time untangling their leashes.  He’s less happy this evening because it’s wet, windy and chilly and he doesn’t like getting his feet wet so he’s being a pest and nagging me to make it stop raining.  Don is just laughing at me being tormented by Jerry, but he’s wrapped up like a roti under his blanket, sipping on his hot chocolate.  We had a lazy day today, which was really nice.   I saw something today that saddened and angered me.  A dear friend of mine reposted one of those dumb “med...

Seems like autumn is sneaking in a little early.  I actually had to wear layers today!! while walking the little monster.  Last night, it took a while for me to feel warm, never mind the warm hoodie snuggle blanket.  I’m amused by you guys; I’ve been referring to it as my “OfDon” look, but I see that I’m also being compared to a Jedi, a Sith Lord (lady?) and a monk.  I’ll take any or all of them, and perhaps add my Star Trek twist and become a Vulcan Kohlinar candidate 😉  I’m spent today; I slept (without needing any meds 🎉) but had to drag myself out of bed this morning.  This afternoon I passed out on my chair (Don said that he was thankful that I hadn’t gone out driving because that could be very dangerous.  I’ve promised to keep my driving for the morning and after I’ve eaten just to maximize my safety.)  He’s doing well, which makes me happy.  Jerry is a little annoyed with me tonight. I cut our walks shorter today because my energy wa...

Mother Nature, I give up!  It’s definitely chilly, and my summer wear is insufficient to keep me cozy.  I’ve broken out my “OfDon” hoodie to keep a little warmer… I really dislike Handmaid’s Tale , but this robe reminds me of the costumes in the show.  Jerry is having a little snooze on Don’s lap after having a good time this afternoon.  I took him on his little outing, and we encountered a few of the people from the dog park — Jerry was so happy that he broke into a run and dragged  me about halfway down the block to meet them.  (Guess whose left side of the body is in pain tonight?)  He and his buddies had a lovely time playing on the lawn of the building behind us, and he (and the other small dogs) tired each other out!  It’s lovely watching him greet his little dog buddies, and equally so to see the humans attached to the dogs.  We had a quick catch up, and Don was a bit sorry that he hadn’t joined us — although I’m sure that there were t...

Ok, someone left the fridge door open and turned on a strong turbine.  It was distinctly chilly and very windy today.  His tiny bossiness’ walks were shortened tremendously because I was too cold to stand out.  We were out today doing groceries, (Don driving) and when we got home my entire left side was aflame.  Between my back and my leg, there wasn’t much of me that was not in pain.  I took a nice, hot shower (give thanks for the shower chair!) begged for muscle rub to be applied to my back, iced my leg, and had a cup of tea (and a danish) and am now relaxing.  Jerry spent as much time as he could cuddled up to me or curled on my lap but I’ve now been replaced by Don’s blanket, which Jerry is using as a nest and Don isn’t getting much cover on the sofa.  As you can guess, since he drove to and from the supermarket, that he’s feeling improved over a few weeks ago when he was lying down looking pale and in constant pain.  I’m very grateful for his...

Yesterday, the forecast called for 2 days of heavy rain, and while it did rain a lot it was not as continuous as we expected.  The temperature dropped a bit today, which cut our afternoon walk dramatically because I was shivering even with my sweater — the temperature was allegedly about 20C but it felt much cooler because of some strong winds that seemed to come from all directions.  I was not in great shape today; for some reason my leg was in a lot more pain than usual.  My support worker said that it was probably because rain was forecast, which might be true even if not encouraging.  This is how I was woken up this morning, with a little snuggler who crawled up to take his position under my chin and hug me with his little paw.  This little monster really is a source of delight and comfort, when he’s not being super bossy.  Don is doing pretty well today, with a decent appetite and a good bit of energy.  These are the things that make me feel happy...

There’s a major rainfall event forecast for the next couple of days.  I did manage to take Jerry out in a break between showers, where he had a lovely time barking at everything.  For a small dog, he’s really very loud!  Someone said that because he’s small, he wants people to know that he’s there… he’s not easy to miss when he’s letting you know that he’s around!! Don was up and about a bit today; I’m reminding him that he needs to pace himself and not overdo things but he just snickers at me.  Something about me not following my own advice 😂  My appointment went well this morning.  He says that the pain in my leg is basically because I’ve been starting to walk independently more, and so my muscles are learning to work again after not being engaged much for a couple of years.  He says that it will improve with time and more movement.  I still need to monitor myself, but it’s encouraging.  I was able to report that I slept without needing me...

I’m doing pretty well today.  I slept last night by dint of increasing my sleeping meds to the higher allowed dose, and I fell asleep and didn’t wake up for at least 6 hours.  A full night’s sleep is wonderful, and is all too often unappreciated.  My leg is stiff and a little sore, but there’s no visible injury — my nurse checked closely after I confessed to my incident when he arrived today.  I have an appointment with my pain doctor tomorrow at the crack of dawn, so I’ll report to him and see what he recommends.  Jerry was eager to go out this morning, and took off at a fast trot as I dragged behind, probably looking pathetic… this afternoon, though, he was hilarious.  I’d just finished a phone call, and he knows that after I talk to my family in Trinidad we go out for our evening walk; he didn’t wait for the second cal, but as soon as I put down after the first call, he jumped off my lap and ran to get his harness and leash!  Don and I were laughing...