An Adorable Devil & Dedicated Angels

First off, thanks to everyone who offered supportive comments and suggestions. Based on devilish kitty Polly’s proclivities plus the numerous cords in our home I purchased a twenty-five foot length of cover material from Amazon. A bit different from what the kind folks at Brian’s Home showed me, it doesn’t require burning cut ends against fraying.

I’ll get into why that’s a good thing (and my supposed angels) later…

Of the black and white color choices I opted for the first. I don’t know why, but Polly seems attracted to pale items, both cables and furniture. I improvised further protection using surgical tape. We humans haven’t needed it for ages (fingers crossed that doesn’t change), the stuff is easy to tear into strips, and it should provide an unpleasant sort of sticky/gummy chewing sensation.

My silly scribbles and sticker make connecting super easy.
Of course the perpetrator appears in the frame.

I hope this succeeds. The mythical creatures known as my guardian angels have enough work. Starting in my teenage years I’ve half jokingly referred to them because helping me survive unscathed so many freaky little events must take a team effort. I’d rather forgotten until recent events, like my wrong turn almost causing a potentially nasty car accident.

Regarding my feckless self and fire, not long ago I started a kitchen flame-up (!) by turning on the wrong stovetop burner. It turns out flammable materials, oily residue, and heat are a bad mix. ~rolls eyes~ Good thing I had a pair of tongs handy. My husband sat in front of the TV just a few feet away and still knows nothing of this particular little adventure.

And here’s a favorite example of mine. During the nineties I often swam at a nearby lake. On a weekday off work I had the place to myself. Great, I thought, and began swimming laps along the beach. Unbeknownst to me a gentle wind blew me steadily away from shore. Nearing the middle of the lake I finally recognized my danger. The inhospitable eastern shore gave me no choice but to fight the current. So I’d swim straight west hard as I could, then rest a while and begin again. After an exhausting hour I finally crawled onto the sand.

One memorable 1980’s era incident involved a ‘helpful’ truck driver when my crappy used car broke down. He turned out to be an amorous fellow and pinned me against my open car door demanding a kiss. My mind raced as I played coy fending him off. There were no passing cars and I feared angering him would lead to being bundled into the burly man’s cab.

For some inexplicable reason he just backed away. He hadn’t even landed a kiss, let alone groped me. I was so relieved that to this day I don’t recall exactly what happened after that. I think he called in a tow truck and went on his way.

Do I really believe in angels? I’m honestly not sure. What about you? Any thoughts on these supernatural beings or ‘fun’ near death experience(s) to share?

-

More Good News on the Family Front

Our geriatric cat Jezebel has not warmed up to the Dactyl sisters, Terra Cotta and Polly Esther. But she is resuming some normal behavior, such as not wanting to stay still for photos.

Sun Bathing Interrupted...
(Sorry, Jezebel)

No blood has spilled, though, and not a lot of loose fur flung about. So that's a blessing.

Rest and Play... Rest and Play...
Mix the Two & Repeat

As for my convalescing brother Brian, his eldest daughter visited and shared a gratefully optimistic report. She met the surgeon, who was amazed at his quick recuperation despite residual pain and possible upcoming setbacks. It's not unexpected due to the long and complicated procedure. Her younger sister plans to visit tomorrow.

Thanks again for all the well wishes. It's a much needed joy to share caring connections. And by the way, my back pain from handling Terra's antics is mild. I'm sure it wouldn't even register on the scale many folks suffer. Bless you all and your fortitude.

Change of subject: do you believe in the sad theory that civilization is nine meals from collapse? Have you seen any documentaries on modern society failing without proper infrastructural maintenance?

-

Well Wishes & Prayers Needed

Today I received a call from the middle of my three older brothers. Scott informed me that our eldest sibling, Brian, went to the Emergency Room and has been diagnosed with an aortic bifurcation.

The condition is as serious as it sounds, but that's not the worst. This hospital is not equipped for the surgery and Northeast Ohio weather has grounded life flight helicopters.

Brian is lucid and communicative, said he is in little pain, but has the fatalistic belief he will not survive. He didn't mention this to me in our shared text messages. However, Scott told me that Brian essentially said final goodbyes to his daughters over the phone.

So, I'm praying the skies clear or an ambulance can safely transport him to either Columbus or Cleveland for necessary surgery. And, just as important, that he doesn't give up. Thanks in advance for any and all support. I hope you're enjoying a safe, healthy, and happy day.

-

Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

This year has been strange, for sure. I (mostly) recovered from loss of my cherished fish, though dealing with the burgeoning snail population without clown loaches to control them with diet is another matter.

Ugh…

And I refuse to purchase more such long-lived, expensive, and delicate freshwater creatures at this stage in my life. To date, on the bad front my best friend’s father had a minor stroke a few months ago. I'm happy to report he’s recovering with the wife whose healthcare he’s managed for decades.

But ‘Dad’ is on a growing list of concerns, as is his spouse. Thank heaven, ‘Mom and Dad R’ have lots of nearby family to aid the care of both. But my same longtime pal’s father-in-law, who is very elderly, requires quintuple heart surgery. We keep praying. What else can you do? Sometimes, I feel it’s more like one step forward and two steps back

I will share a more mixed update soon. Blessed be, all.

How fare thee?

~

Guests in the Garden

Now that I understand how the code works, I've officially joined with Sandee of Comedy Plus and other cat lovers for Feline Friday. You can check out other kitty images at the bottom of my post. Meanwhile, here was my original post before Sandee kindly linked me up...

It has become our tradition this season to go out early in the morning while it’s cooler to tend vegetable planters and garden plots. Today no exception, I urged that we venture outside before full sunrise. And I’m glad I did.

Before sunlight heated me up I managed to rip out a huge load of weeds. Early on in the process, a praying mantis appeared. Knowing my husband wasn’t going to slog through crabapple tree branches like I did to see the little creature, I picked it up with care. Here you can see the tiny hunter, about an inch long, in the southeast garden patch.

A Favorite Insect

We also have flying neighbors. The vultures roost together in what’s called a ‘wake’. Once warmed by the sun they take off in so-called kettle formations (like a swirl of bubbles in boiling water) before dispersing. Today I didn’t experience large numbers as in past, but still appreciate seeing them.

Parting Ways

To be honest, the above photo of vultures and below of this hummingbird were taken a little later, after my breakfast. In fact, I photographed them in the process of writing this blog post. It’s behooved me to keep my camera handy. I liked how the sun shone on this little flyer.

Pit Stop

But I am still not done. Back to earlier, near the end of my weeding goal, I heard insistent meowing and spied a little tangerine colored tabby seeming just out of kitten-hood. With stinging sweat and the rising sun in my eyes, I didn’t recognize the feline’s undernourished condition.

DH did, and fetched a large disposable cup full of kibble and a paper plate. He even went back for a water bowl at my request. Left in charge of serving the animal, I poured about a third of the cupful on the plate.

About to Dig In

Then I poured another third, and finally the entire rest of what we had. Here is what’s left:

Maybe a Sixth of What I Served

And below is another shot of the friendly, desperate fellow. This pose (I saw some male bits when he rolled around at my feet later) really shows off how thin the poor guy is. After eating, he didn’t want to leave my side. Following me to a patio chair he either rubbed himself up and down my legs and feet or lolled between them. He also let me pick him up for a minute. I’m happy to report no visible sign of fleas or any injury.

Hungry Fellow

When at last he settled on the welcome mat, I rose to go inside for some much needed breakfast. He followed me into the garage. It would seem I have a new friend, and was told that I’m no longer allowed to garden. ~grin~ The cat looked ready to dash through the front door at one point but, sad to say, we couldn’t let him inside for fear of any infection or a fight with our old female cats.

The guy wandered off before I brought my plate of food outside. If he had not, he might be in my laundry room by now. My hope is to wrangle the cat for a checkup and neuter. Maybe he could fit into our little family. I don’t know.

Of course, my husband has said for years that he gets to choose the next cat (which he repeated, tongue in cheek, today) but I know he would accept this addition. Besides, we agree that God has put each of our three kitties into my path. If we were non-believers, we’d be saying that you don’t choose a cat, a cat chooses you. My big brother can attest.

How is your day shaping up?

-

Language Lesson

Photo Courtesy of Locuig at Pixabay

Wednesday evening, a friend withdrew from the brink of tragedy. He knows pain will always be there, but a lessening occurred after he shared this crisis, enough to give some relief. New photos actually showed this in his face, for which I’m thankful.

He added that he didn’t want to read too much into it, which I took to perhaps mean two things. First, he probably doesn’t have true hope the minor improvement will last. In addition, I don’t believe he has faith in a higher power and considers the improvement a coincidence. He does have writing projects lined up for this year, so let’s hope that gives him the will to continue on.

Meanwhile, writing in my journal about him and his presumed lack of faith, I wondered if ‘coincidence’ has its root in ‘coincide’. Considering that the latter indicates parallel situations (no added proof or faith required) while the former alludes to happenstance, I found this interesting, proof I am also a language geek. ~grin~ No surprise there, eh?

Am I right about almost the exact same word having rather opposite meanings? Or is this incidental, anecdotal theorizing?

-

A Prayer Request

Today I learned that an online friend and inspiration suffering excruciating pain is near the end of his rope. Despite my usual attempt at sharing only upbeat or funny messages here, I wanted to blog about him but debated how to approach the situation.

While I contemplated the words my computer crashed – hard – giving me the feeling a higher power sent me a little message to hold off and think more about the matter. So I rebooted this laptop, went to lift weights and, upon returning, found an email from a wise friend (Annie I love you!). I put forth my concerns and received prompt reply.

Thus, at her gentle suggestion, I am requesting prayer and warm thoughts without naming this kind soul. If you feel inclined to join in, I appreciate it and believe God will have no doubt who they’re for. I feel more at peace just for sharing.

How are you feeling today? I hope the answer is wonderful!

-

The Power of Prayer

I have faith, not religion. And I believe in the benefits of prayer even if there is nobody to hear. It grounds me, improving my attitude if nothing else.

That said, is it wrong to do most of your praying naked? I realized that truth not terribly long ago. ~shakes head~ I guess the action of showering shuts off this writer's inner fictional dialog.

I do like to think God has a sense of humor. How else can you explain the platypus?

Still, what if my odd tendency annoys who or whatever is out there? Maybe I should set aside a meditation period after my Julia Cameron style morning journal time. What do you think?

-