Learning and understanding

It’s been pouring rain all day since about midnight… it’s a lovely day for being indoors and being cozy.  After days of 40C heat, 21C feels like you need to break out the sweater!  Jerry was on my lap this morning, stretched out and snoring for a good hour, then was annoyed when I got up to do things.  Don commented that he didn’t sleep most of the night, but he doesn’t seem to be unusually tired today; I imagine, though, he’ll probably try napping soon. I was not feeling particularly energetic yesterday or today either, for that matter.  I haven’t done anything unusual, but I feel like I could use more sleep.  For some reason, I seem to sleep best after 6am… I doze before that, but apparently at 6am my body decides it’s time to sleep!  I did eat something slightly more for the last 2 days, but it’s not anywhere near enough, I know.  I’ve arranged for someone to help with cooking for a couple of days, so we’ll see how that goes… I had a talk with the p...

On days like this I wish that I’d got a beachfront property where I could soak for hours in the ocean!  Although to be fully honest, on a day like this, being in the water and being out of it aren’t very different!  It continues to be a sauna with very still air that just isn’t moving anywhere… no breeze, no cooling, just heat and humidity!  Worse, even the storms (like last night) didn’t do anything to break the humidity for any length of time… but there was a lovely cool breeze for a while.  Jerry is now by my feet, with his foot on mine, but he’s not very mobile; his tiny pink tongue is just hanging out when he pads over to drink water.  He’s an odd little guy who doesn’t like ice… I’m surprised by that.  Don has been also suffering from the oppressive heat and it’s hard for him to breathe.  He’s not even able to focus on his games, as it remains so uncomfortable.  I know, it will be cold in a couple of months and I’ll be griping about the ice,...

It’s Canada’s 157th birthday today!  We have an absolutely beautiful deep blue, cloudless sky with a fresh breeze and low humidity to celebrate.  It’s the kind of weather that you could be out in for hours (as long as you’re wearing a decent hat, sunglasses and an SPF of 15+)  There is a risk of sunburn if you’re out too long, but it’s postcard perfect!  Jerry is happily getting into mischief today, and thankfully our balconies were changed last year so he can’t throw his ball over the edge and into the parking lot!  Don’s watching the signing deals for athletes, and I’m not. I slept well last night, and I managed to eat a few more things in the last couple of days.  Today I spent a little energy to cook some Italian sausages (it is BBQ season after all!  Although mine were done on the stove as BBQs aren’t allowed in a high rise) and had one as my lunch.  There may be cake later; I’ll have to make some room first 😆 I’d heard rumours, but didn’t b...

It is sooooo hot!!  I’m craving an ice cold cider or spiked lemonade, which is not a good thing, as they both contain alcohol, which is on my “restricted” list.  Pity, because a frosty pineapple cider is so cooling on a boiling day (I know, I know, a hot cup of tea is better for managing body temperature, but the ice is so refreshing!)  Jerry is not happy with the heat, and has had to stop rushing around chasing his ball — which we’ve been refusing to throw for him.  He’s drunk a lot of water today, which I had put in the freezer for a while to chill.  He spent more time sucking up the air from the fan than sitting on me, which lets you know how hot it is!  Don’s been sitting around less than half dressed because he said it’s too hot to wear clothes… I’m so not commenting!  I’m not copying him, I find it hotter when I’m not dressed. I didn’t sleep well last night, probably because it was very muggy, even with the AC.  I finally dozed off around 4a...

Greetings from the most spoiled schnoodle on Earth who doesn’t wear clothes/costumes.  (There are those that do, but not this little guy)  Here he is, in his favourite spot letting everyone know that his tummy is not constantly petted, and he’s a neglected, unloved, starving boy who is just so exhausted from having to nag for cuddles!  I have explained, in vain, that other dogs have to work for a living, and he just replies with a “Pfft!”  He’s been very good all weekend, and didn’t complain about people in his house.  Don is disappointed that his preferred team was eliminated last night in overtime but he has at least 2 other Canadian teams to support in upcoming battles.  Then there’s baseball, formula one racing, horse racing and I don’t know what else going on, so he’s got lots to keep him distracted. Nothing of significance to report today.  I slept well, even with Jerry lying on my legs all night (and again all day as soon as I got up!)  As ...

It’s slowly warming up, and I’m happy for it to take its time, because this part of Canada can get very  humid and muggy in summer, which is not much fun overall.  Today is sunny, cool and comfortable, which is just lovely.  It’s the kind of day that I used to like to go for a long walk on because you don’t get overheated.  Jerry is in disgrace for stealing and eating the remains of my chicken salad arepa, which I foolishly left within reach of his fast-moving little mouth!  He’s lying on Don looking sad because I was upset with him.  Don is tired out and achy after yesterday, as things took longer than we anticipated and he was in the car with Jerry for a long while.  Then last night he was happily watching the women play, and they’re doing a marvellous job.  Plus there were regular playoff games, so that’s keeping him busy. I slept for 12 hours last night, and I’m still a little groggy today.  Chemo went well, although we were delayed by ov...

Someone sent me a photo of Tyrico Beach, in Trinidad.  I immediately felt a little homesick, as I’m several thousand kilodometers away from the warmth.  It started off as very cold — last night was -14C — and warmed all the way up to -5!  I have to say that -5 almost felt comfortable after this morning.  It was bright and sunny, which is always lovely except when it’s hitting you directly in the eyes as you’re driving!  Jerry spent the morning, of course, in my lap, and when we got back, he jumped back on me so I can’t move without throwing him off, and he’s using that as his signal to bark at imaginary intruders.  He nearly threw a fit when I got up out of my chair to go to the kitchen, and he’s been running between Don and myself.  Don was up late last night watching the recordings of his games so he was tired this morning understandably, and was sluggish getting started.  He’s perked up since, and managed to do a few things and is now playing w...

The weather changed a few times today.  It started with flurries this morning, then got chilly and miserable, then the sun came out and it was mild, almost warm (sweater weather, really)   I’m glad it cleared up, as I was out, and it was nice to enjoy the sunshine a bit more.  Jerry had a sulking fit because I left him for a while today.  He saw me getting dressed, pawed at his harness to show me that he knew where it was, and then jumped on my lap and tried to keep me from leaving.  When I got back, he immediately plunked himself on my lap and wouldn’t leave me alone.  He’s now on my feet and every twitch I make, he looks up at me with very disapproving little schnoodle eyes.  He’s also eyeing Don with suspicion, and is on high alert for anyone moving out of their chair!  Don is quite happy today after staying up quite late last night to watch his game, which his preferred team won in overtime.  I got a text in the middle of the night to tel...

Yes, she did it again… apparently, though, I was told that I blame her even when it’s not, but this is definitely my sister’s handiwork!  I’m not opposed to jokes, and sometimes you gotta suffer with me!  😈  The little dictator is on my feet again — he curls up in the blanket and makes himself very comfortable.  It’s  sports day, people.  There have been no fewer than 7 hockey games and he’s gearing up for an NFL game shortly.  I give thanks that he wasn’t watching all the pre-game hype on the sports channels, so at least I’m spared all the sporty-bro-banter which makes my brain cells feel like they’re being killed off by their stupid commentary. I slept like a dry, well fed, year old infant last night… that lovely profound sleep where they look so happy and relaxed.  I dragged myself out of bed this morning because of Mass, otherwise I’d probably have slept until noon.  It was my own choice, and I can’t complain (although l’homélie was less...

Happy Lunar New Year.  Have you eaten yet?  I think that’s a brilliant greeting, don’t you?  Especially when it’s followed by a banquet… Jerry has assumed a sulky guard on the coffee table as I’m not letting him on my lap just now.  He’s trying to both ignore and watch me simultaneously, which I find hilarious.  He’s got his head turned one way, and his eyes are fixed on me sideways, as if I can’t see him.  😆  It’s that time of night when games are on, and I’ve been dismissing repeated reminders on the TV for the start of Don’s game.  It’s his home team, so it’s (of course) being recorded, but it’s also on live and he’s a happy little gnome watching them.  I am now officially a “grass” (or should that be “ice”?) widow until at least Monday morning 😂  I had trouble falling asleep last night, although at least part of that is due to the fact that we were sitting up, talking until after midnight.  We had started watching a documentar...

The freezing rain forecast last night left a sheet of ice everywhere this morning.  Thankfully Don is good at handling that sort of thing, and it had begun to thaw by the time we had to leave.  There was still ice when we were out, but it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.  There’s another freezing rain forecast for tonight, which doesn’t fill me with any enthusiasm.  We’ll just cope with whatever comes, right?  Jerry has been yipping periodically for some unknown reason.  When he gives up on that, he moves onto a lap for cuddles, or will daintily eat his dry dog food and crunch it loudly.  He’s got treats and is spoilt, so don’t believe the puppy dog eyes and the little paws pressed into your lap.  He’s a professional mooch.  Don, thankfully, took me in, waited in the rain, picked me up, and is currently having a nap.  I think there’s a sports thing tonight, I’m not sure, but I’m heading to bed early.  I had to be awake early thi...

Other than the temperature having dropped fairly sharply overnight into today, and a hazy sky, I have no idea what the weather was doing.  There’s apparently a lot of snow still in high banks along streets, especially in residential areas, while some of the major ones (like in my area) are a lot more clear.  Ah, January, when the wind blows cold and the snow piles up along the streets!  I heard from some friends in New York that flowers are beginning to emerge there!  Plus some photos from the UK show grey-green grass, which is a lot more colour than we have here!  Jerry is beginning to look like the original shaggy dog, and will need grooming soon, but it’s far too cold to clip his coat… I’d feel like a torturer if I were to arrange for a grooming at this point! He shivers badly when it’s 25C and there’s a cool breeze, so to do that to him at -10?  Don is glued to sports again… there’s a new professional women’s hockey league which he’s very much enjoying,...

Last night the snow arrived around 9pm, accompanied by howling winds that went on all night.  I woke up once or twice during the night and looked out the window to just see white… normally I can see the next building over, but it was whited out. We had quite a large dump of snow, and Jerry, as you can see, went exploring on a buried balcony!  There was also snow and ice in my window, so I know the wind blew from the east.  It’s calmed down now, with flurries, and it’s warmed up to almost 0, so it will be MESSY with melting and then probably flash freezing as it drops below zero tonight.  Jerry is on my toes, and as always spent as much time as he could on my lap today.  He got into trouble for finding and shredding a plastic bag and part of a newspaper… but he wasn’t in it for too long!  Don’s been dozing off and on for the day, as he didn’t sleep too well last night.  He managed to find sports to watch during the day, and then started watching the US ...

It’s slightly warmer today than yesterday, but that means very little, except that I was not totally frozen when I had to get to my appointment.  I only shivered most of the drive over.  At least I warmed up enough to feel comfortable on the way home.  Jerry is fully back to himself, full of vim, vigour and more energy than should be lawful!  He did not try to bury himself under me last night, which meant that I was able to get a fairly decent night’s sleep! He’s happily dozing on Don at the moment, after having a chance to run around, bark at a workman in his  house and try to drag me around the parking lot.  Don also managed to get a fairly decent sleep last night — that bleeping alarm was certainly disruptive! He even slept through the sports thing last night, which I understand was a big deal, at least if the news is to be believed.  He managed to get down to the car fairly comfortably and doesn’t seem to be in any extra pain, so that’s wonderful f...

Can you imagine, it’s already the end of September?  Somehow 9 months of this year have slipped past!  Tempus fugit, really!  It’s warmer today than it was during the week, and the forecast calls for temperatures in the mid- to upper-20s this week coming.  October with almost 30C temps?  Unbelievable.  It’s difficult to imagine that this will last much longer, and I am not ready at all for winter… the older I get, the less I enjoy winter, so yes, I’m clearly in the wrong part of the world for this.  Jerry seems to have decided that games will now happen before he gets up, and that will involve turning in circles, running up and down the bed, scrabbling under the bed and then jumping up for cuddles before he’ll agree to me getting up!  Don is still not in good shape, and complains about pain and soreness.  He’s also engrossed with his sports, and has been watching various games since about 1pm today. You’ll be excited to hear that I cooked som...

Come come away, hail to the day, this is our land’s great morning; birds in the trees waft in the breeze, songs of our nation’s dawning.  🎶  Happy 47th Republic Day to Trinidad & Tobago.  I remember learning this ( Our Nation’s Dawning) , and God Bless Our Nation for the first one way back in primary school.  Any other Trinis remember these?  I’ve been playing them this afternoon and getting all patriotic and nostalgic at the same time.  Memories can be lovely.  Jerry is in a ball on Don’s feet, sulking because I’m typing and he can’t get back on my lap (he’s been here all afternoon).  Don is still not feeling well and now produces sound effects of groans when he walks.  I’d really like it if he could recover, it’s been almost 3 weeks now that he’s been out of sorts for different reasons! I’m waiting impatiently for my support worker to come so I can head out to the barbecue to which I was invited.  I’m already over 2 hours late, an...

Shana tova to all who are celebrating Rosh Hashanah. The weather is typical beautiful early fall style.  It’s been in the low 20s/upper teens, lots of sun but not especially hot.  Overnight is skimming the edge of frost warnings, so mornings are brisk (to be polite) as are late evenings.  Looking at the weather, it seems set to continue this sunny, cool break for a few more days, then rain is expected.  Glad I’m not in the Maritimes, where they’re expecting to be hit by a hurricane that hasn’t worked itself out yet.  If it continues, the UK might get a little drenched early next week.  Don continues to feel ill and has also been suffering bouts of nausea, shaking and weakness.  Poor guy’s been complaining of pain, also; he’s been keeping Jerry away, as his jumping and play attacks are quite painful.  Jerry was going through a phase of insane zoomies, racing around, tossing his toy and barking for attention when my support worker came over.  H...

This was taken on the weekend at my friend’s patio; as I mentioned, it was a lovely relaxing day, and I thought I’d share this with you.  I have to admit that I’m less worried about my thinning hair than I am about my fading eyebrows and lashes, so I’m practicing my goddaughter’s tips for redrawing them so they look somewhat natural.  At the moment, I have a small dog lying on my toes, giving occasional barks at — I have no idea what.  I usually say that it’s the resident ghost when he does this.  Might be the sound of a leaf blowing in the wind, or his disagreement with the news or a complaint about the quality of his dinner.  It’s not constant, just every few minutes a small “yip,” almost like a reminder.  Don finished his errands this morning, finally.  A while ago the car began making an odd noise (you know the kind) and he was nervous that it was something major.  Thankfully it wasn’t too bad; when he went yesterday they wanted to keep it ove...

Another fairly mild day today, although it was more humid than the last few days.  Oddly enough, the weather report noted that it felt close to 28C, but I found that I felt chilly for parts of the afternoon; go figure…  I’m currently wrapped in a shawl to get over the coolness of the day, but the weather reports it as fairly warm.  I’ll just assume that I feel cooler because I’m high up.  That, or else I’ve caught something, but I don’t feel sick so it’s not that.  I was on the phone for a while today, so that meant that I was turned into a dog bed and that the tiny dictator was working hard to try to knock things out of my hands and off my lap; he was evicted, and reluctantly went over to cuddle Don.  He’s feeling less that great, as his exertions on the weekend are catching up to him.  I wish there was something that I could do to prevent that, but there isn’t really. I’d really like an uninterrupted night’s sleep, so I don’t wake up several times fo...