Dragging

I apologize for being absent. This summer heat and humidity have kept me indoors yet uninterested in doing much of anything. Who knew cabin fever could happen during the summer? I need to get up and exercise, especially since my YMCA membership isn't free.

Meanwhile, my vegetable garden is hit or miss, which many others have lamented. What can you do? As a local farmer told me, if farming was easy, everyone would be doing it. While I don't know about everyone doing it, it's definitely not easy.

I am crossing my fingers that we get some rain soon. Best wishes to all!

My “Peaceful” Walk in the Woods

This morning I decided to get some fresh air out in nature, and even found a new park to explore. Almost immediately I heard sirens wailing. This went on for over fifteen minutes.

I kept hoping they would stop. When rain began falling I headed back to my car. Normally I would have fetched my umbrella. Instead I left, half sick wondering what horrible thing was happening. Finally things quieted. And at this three way stop sign I had to wait as numerous emergency vehicles passed.

The trailer was covered in holiday lights. Now I understood the disturbingly loud Christmas music I’d heard blaring. ~sigh~ It must have been a nearby holiday parade.

What says Merry Christmas more than making it sound like an entire neighborhood’s burning down? At least I have lots more to explore, right?

-

Shared Musical Tastes

Of late I’ve dedicated myself to more frequent YMCA visits, whether I swim or resistance train. Taking care of myself feels good. Because of our Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States it’s been busy this week.

Seeing kids lifting weights with parents has been pretty cute. In the natatorium children can be a loud nuisance.

But my new favorite lifeguard doesn’t let families curtail him streaming rather loud music, which makes my half hour of laps easier. So does people watching. Anyway, last week I recognized Rammstein and on Wednesday before Thanksgiving I heard Motionless in White.

Both days I said as much before heading to the locker room. And again, to this middle aged lady he replied, “Good taste. Good taste.” This time I presented my hand and we slapped an old fashioned high five.

My earlier attempt hailing him from the water failed. And since he strides around the pool, often focused on his footing, it got me thinking.

Should such a distraction be allowed? Do you enjoy people watching?

-

A Walk in the Park

I decided to walk at a local park Friday. Of course I didn’t follow the paved path but took a steep wooded offshoot leading to neighborhood housing overlooking not only woods but also a bubbling creek.

I would spend every possible minute on one the many
decks and patios each of these homes has...

Two things reminded me that it’s been a long time since I’ve visited North Park. For one, a major playground construction is well under way.

I decided not to post my boring photo of the construction;
this complex and weird agility course is completed...

More telling, though, was the fact I had to stop twice on the way back up these stairs and catch my breath. Plus I favored my creaky right knee so my left thigh muscles remain sore and weak. Oops. At least I have both legs. Phoenix is supposed to be home today and still suffers phantom pains, feeling his amputated leg despite attempted therapies, including using mirrors. I can only hope time brings him some relief.

This path did not pose a problem last time..

I just wish I’d taken my dragon kite. My body was too tired to drive back with it despite the ideal wind conditions.

I have never attended an event at this pavilion;
the hill under my feet would give any kite excellent lift...

When was the last time, if ever, you flew a kite? Do you think I’m silly for stashing it in my car for such future opportunities?

-

Random Joys in Troubled Times

Humans have forever been warlike but it’s hard to believe we haven’t moved beyond it. Meanwhile, my husband thinks bearing witness is a duty. He’s a good man, while weaker me sometimes wishes for blissful ignorance and that the twenty-four hour news cycle didn’t exist.

So I drown my sorrows in beautiful and often silly things. A few seemed worth sharing. The first is absolutely under the silly category.

My chalk kitty has an ear tipped in honor of
all you TNR heroes out there...

I have a Halloween decoration inside that shows partway through the glass, so that was my template. Reflected from the yard is my giant pumpkin a friend made for us probably two decades ago.

My $1 Walmart mum survived winter '22-'23 in our garage!

A neighboring tree left this upon my hellebores...

My two solar water features have been set up again since the weather is nice. While not a pretty display, I still enjoy it on these lingering warm days. As a bonus, it draws insects for me to observe.

Did you know butterflies and bees sip on mud for the minerals?

-

Life’s Ups and Downs – the Silly & the Serious

Once again, my husband and I shopped where that giant inflatable dragon is sold and a lady told me to watch for it to be discounted (!), perhaps after Halloween or even earlier. I’m guessing they’re not selling because so many folks struggle financially these days, which makes me sad. However, my childhood chum living across the state and I enjoyed a nice conversation, during which she said they have an inflatable dragon and would give it to me as incentive to visit. I should go because, unfortunately, her mother’s health is in steep decline while her father has his own issues.

Heartbreak and chaos are everywhere you look these days, it seems, so we need to seek any positivity. I found some just this afternoon. Dandelion jumped off my napping husband’s lap wanting some canned food. As expected, Polly wandered in and received a tiny plateful. What happened next amazed and delighted me.

Not surprising, my fluffy black cat finished first and strode toward her pale furred elder. Uh, oh, I thought. But they sniffed one another, all but touching noses (!), and Polly just sat down a short distance away. Dandelion did slink away a few inches. However, she resumed eating when I moved her plate over. The site made me very happy. When he woke, my husband heard the news and could hardly believe it.

On another note, the woman I talked to this morning was a store representative soliciting flu vaccinations. Since they’re offering a five dollar digital store credit to every recipient, I urged my husband to go for it. Ten dollars is ten dollars. And next week, a Hill Air maintenance guy will be coming for our autumn HVAC inspection. I’m crossing my fingers that I get another $300 (USD) Kroger grocery gift card for leaving reviews.

As I type, I’m enjoying a gorgeous day under my shade tree. A delivery driver pulled up at the next door neighbor’s house and surprised me by walking over with my latest online Amazon purchase.

I look forward to playing with these...

I ordered this and another holiday light set yesterday. These leaves are a set of four, one of which will go on my outdoor wreath in place of my silk sunflower blossoms. It’s nice they are battery powered except I can’t put them on an electrical outlet timer.

If it looks cute during daytime should I leave them on? And ooh, do you think these oversized leaves would look fun in my haunted dollhouse?

-

One Funny Man & a Missed Opportunity

Several weeks ago my right foot’s little toe became painful. I had an upcoming routine doctor visit and he confirmed my suspicion of Tailor’s bunion, a condition otherwise known as a bunionette. I found toe spacers before visiting my physician that prove quite comfortable. He agreed that such products and loose fitting shoes should preclude surgical intervention.

Polly put her foot down in this photo bomb, saying NO MORE,
though I have not worn these since before she put
her cute, fluffy polydactyl toes on my heart...

So, glad I found relief, my humorous husband nicknamed my condition a Funyon, after a snack food my childhood self may have eaten once or twice.

“Ha, ha,” I replied,
“That’s a Funyonette to you, sir.”

Another day I asked him to sort laundry while I pulled weeds. Often, my requests are ‘forgotten’ or unheard. He is deaf in one ear. I often write notes and went outside wondering if a verbal request would lead to disappointment.

Lo and behold, heading to take a shower I discovered neat piles of wash cloths and folded towels (!) alongside various organized garments. When I praised him for going above and beyond my expectations he should have accepted the accolades. Instead he missed out on positive reciprocation, saying he had just appeased his OCD.

Is not the Latin digitus quintus varus for my inflammation an awesome moniker? And is it any wonder past footwear choices triggered the condition?

-

Shuffled

This is a first world complaint, for sure. Reading Andrew’s blog post about children prompted it. He cracked me up.

And thank you, Strayer, for asking about my well being on your blog. Our cats Terry and Polly are being jerks to Dandelion sometimes, we think out of jealousy over my attentions.

Otherwise, things are going swimmingly. ~rolls eyes~ I apologize in advance.

Anyway, so I finally returned to swimming at the YMCA. It’s not the closest or second closest facility but their schedule is more open. Getting up and going took time. I still figured there would be no issue.

However, about ten minutes into my aquatic workout a guy came and asked me to move over two lanes. Not wanting to be contentious, I complied. A daycare group would be coming in at 11:30.

It was 11:10. The adults didn’t need setup time, I noticed, and the children arrived closer to 11:35. I exited the pool before they even got wet. I’m half tempted to end my YMCA membership.

The Caesar Creek lake is free and I haven’t visited the gym in months. It’s money better saved, maybe.

Should I brave chilly currents, annoying boaters, and dangerous amoeba? Or should I forge on and start lifting weights again?

-

Another Lesson Learned

Warning: the image at bottom is slightly gross. I made the mistake of trimming Terra’s front claws a few days before realizing her backside needed cleaning. ~rolls eyes~ If you want to visualize instead of seeing my healing boo boo, imagine cutting yourself with a ragged edged blade. lol As for why I scrubbed her rear end, she sometimes has loose stool and a bit got stuck.

If not for having to wash my sheets about a week ago, I might have let her clean herself. Now she has even more nicknames: Poopy Pants.

Did you know baby wipes are useful to clean kitties? Can you blame her for lashing out?

Scroll down if you want to see the image. For having been so tattered, the skin is healing well.

...

...

...

...

...

...

...

Don’t you just love the rectangular bandage mark?

 

-

Responses & A Big ‘Huh?’

I appreciate the kind words regarding my handling a centipede. I’m not certain that will ever reoccur. Heh… Meanwhile, Andrew kindly expressed concern for my garden. I am pleased to report that these carnivorous creatures eat many harmful insect species (including those that can transfer dangerous bacteria). And I often use the trick Liz A. described, covering spiders with a glass and sliding a stiff envelope between it and the floor or wall. It’s much easier than what dear Strayer endures trapping to help feral cats. Believe it or not, though, I actually let this little bug free inside.

On a very different and befuddling topic, my husband’s primary care physician is taking much deserved retirement this summer. It had been over thirty years (!), starting just after my husband’s honorable discharge from the United States Air Force and continuing when Dr. T. moved to a teaching clinic. When our health insurance provider forced me to switch yet again in 2019, one of Dr. T.’s residents actually took on my care.

He has since joined a practice much closer to our home. Having him take on my husband’s care seemed ideal, and both physicians agreed. Dr. T. went so far as to say this was a good choice.

However, things didn’t turn out as planned.

This health network, we were told, no longer accepts new patients insured by Molina Healthcare. Huh? I’m very glad my established patient status exempts me from exclusion yet upset for my husband’s sake. Both clinics are under the Kettering Health Network umbrella. So what’s the difference between which one he chooses?

Have you heard of a patient denied care for having the wrong insurance? Should I worry this is a warning sign Molina Healthcare was a bad choice?

Regarding Jezebel, I want to thank sweet Cleo and our lovely Eastside Cat friends for their research. To ease your concerns, I am happy to report her vet check-up last month was great, her head pressing activity is both gentle and rare, and she actually gained lost weight running around. Terra and Polly keep her on her toes. ~grin~ 

Back to silly stuff, those squeamish about bugs will want to skip this final note about centipedes.

***

***

***

***

Back in her feline youth, dear old Jezebel would sometimes catch centipedes in her mouth, tossing them in the air and actually disarticulating the unfortunates. It was quite a sight, and also disgusting as removed legs kept twitching. ~shudder~ So far, Terra and Polly stick to chasing ladybugs.

“I did what, you say?”
“You remember, Jezzy… Right?”

“Bleh! You have me mistaken for another cat.”

-

Conquering a Lifetime Fear

I know it’s spring when the first centipede appears on my shower stall ceiling. After decades of fearful disgust and countless harmless interactions, I began jokingly referring to them as my ‘power animal’. They are fierce and beneficial hunters. Plus a large jungle species provides some monkey clans a venomous insecticide with pleasant side effects.

Telling myself this was a super fast and cool caterpillar, I picked up the shy creature inching down the wall. The old saying stands true that she/he (on the small side, granted) feared me more.

But I’m proud of myself and call this a victory. I did wash my hands after releasing it, not knowing where all those feet have tread.

Have you heard of so-called power animals? What’s your choice?

-

Making Friends, Not Excuses

On Monday I decided it was time I go back to the gym and lift weights. Then… well… on Tuesday I didn’t feel like it.

I actually thought, word for word, I know I’ll feel better if I go, but…

Unable to complete this thought any other way than ‘not feeling like it’ underscored the absurdity. And triumphing over my lethargy both then and this morning indeed feels great.

Even better, on the way home today I saw a crow standing in the middle of a quiet street. My husband and I find these intelligent creatures fascinating. Numerous times he has mentioned wishing to befriend one.

On another note, our red-headed
vultures are back in force!

Well, I just happened to have an open packet of peanuts on hand. So I pulled over and tossed a few out the window. A few blocks from there three of them perched high up in a tree. I scattered several more.

Since these birds are adept at both facial recognition and establishing routines, there’s a chance they will connect me with reward if I do this regularly. As a bonus they will even pass this information along!

Outside my home, too many nearby neighbors walk their dogs or let them roam. ~sigh~ But perhaps I can someday lure crows onto our back deck.

Do you think to yourself in complete sentences? Would you befriend a crow?

-

Confused Again

Just when I have some little thing figured out, the rules have changed. Skin care products are an excellent example. I learned many years ago that most scented items use alcohol to disperse their fragrance.

Though a drying agent is the last thing I want to rub into my skin, I continued using cheap moisturizers until chlorinated pools caused dry cuticles and painful little hangnails. An unscented body lotion solved that. I decided to go the same route with shaving gel.

All was fine until I changed brands without reading the fine print. It’s alcohol free, all right, but has a strong fragrance. It wouldn’t be so bad if I didn’t use enough to cover my legs. Oh, well. It fades fast.

More recently, I made the opposite mistake while trying to go cheaper on my lotion. This product is unscented but does contain alcohol. I am utterly baffled.

Anyway, here are some true money saving tips, particularly for the ladies:

First, you may know that items marketed toward males are cheaper than women’s equivalents. This includes shaving gel, as you may have guessed. I end up smelling like my high school shop teacher. ~rolls eyes~ And of course multiple cans were more… you guessed it, cost effective.

My high quality body lotion is not cheap. However, buying direct via this Griffin Remedy link helps. And, while not a paid sponsor, I’ll tell you that this San Francisco based company offers several 25% off (!) holiday promotions as well as for those buyers providing a new email address. Also, purchases over $39 (USD) ship free – though only within the continental United States. An industrial sized gallon lasts me the better part of a year.

Does an excessive amount of cologne or perfume almost make you gag? Would you suggest/request that an unavoidable person use less?

-

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?

-

In the Pink

After not getting a professional cut and color upon my hair since 2020 began, I find myself having fun with pinking sheers. Today I couldn’t stop toying with overlong locks and decided to have another go.

Have you heard the term ‘in the pink’? And are you familiar with pinking sheers?

-

Observations by Jezebel the Wise

Napping is a feline duty, not solely a delight. I take it very seriously. Two others I’ll call out by name, Terra and Polly, are mere posers.

This is how you do it...

Just today I lay on the couch trying to catch some beauty sleep when a terrible raucous arose from the basement. My mom hollered and laughed, laundry room doors opening and closing until Dad finally dragged himself away from his computer. A few words were exchanged before he snagged the treat container. Yawning and stretching, I followed along.

Another classic pose I've perfected...

Luna, Tilly, and I were never locked out of any room because we had enough sense to stay out of trouble. Wisely, the folks don’t trust these hooligans around various household chemicals stored down there. But Terra snuck inside when Mom tried to haul out her laundry basket, Polly followed, and hilarity ensued.

~rolls eyes~

You see, our cellar is about two-thirds carpeted. The rest serves as Dad’s hobby room, the aforementioned laundry space, and general storage. For whatever reason, walled partitions were never installed despite the area having a whopping three complete doorways. It seems the disastrous duo sent Mom trotting from one entrance to another while they led her on the proverbial wild goose chase.

Can you explain why anyone would chase a nasty old goose, tame or otherwise? Don’t you think all birds are best out of a can?

-

Funny First World Issues

I term this a hamster wheel of domestic bliss. My husband laughed, knowing I appreciate our comfortable household environment.

The cycle started when I wanted eggs on toast for breakfast. Our reliable (only) bread toasting option, an air fryer, needed cleaning. Within a minute I found myself needing more paper towels to best finish the job.

We store paper products downstairs by the laundry room. So, having begun washing and drying a few loads the evening before, I grabbed my clean clothes basket.

About forty-five minutes later I finally ate. What a blessing my schedule is only ruled by cat demands. And I wouldn’t have that any other way. Sweet old Jezebel sat tucked by my side as I typed.

Do you own a washer and dryer? If you’ve used a public laundry, has anyone ever stolen items?

-

Jezebel - Old and Wise, Feline Style

Must I speak again. ~sigh~ Okay...

Well, it's Jezebel here again. The delightful Pam asked for my expertise and thus I decided to change my blog title.

But I'll let my human tell this stupid story, long as usual.
~rolls golden eyes~
Darla here, so thank you, Jezzy. Ahem...

As our cat Tilly got older I noticed she liked nestling onto my husband's heating pad, even unplugged. I began turning it on and finally decided to purchase a pet specific unit. Sad to say, the item arrived the day after Tilly passed away quietly at home.

Regarding high temperatures, one year our cooling system failed and the cats left tiny sweaty footprints. We kept plenty of water available and all ended well. So that's all for now. Be well!

-

Are You Still Here?

The lovely Strayer amused me by pronouncing that her more feral charges prefer she leave the house daily. That reminded me of my last office job. Most truck drivers and many coworkers wanted to stop and chat, perhaps not understanding my need to concentrate. Many workdays left me mentally exhausted. I’d return home craving solo exercise time and fiction writing.

Meanwhile my husband worked from home. Upon my return he’d talk nonstop wanting to share this or that. It got to the point I sometimes stayed late writing on a company computer, personal documents then saved via thumb drive. Third shift employees found me amusing. So did my understanding husband once I confessed. Heh…

Not us, thank heaven...

Do you have similar stories or childhood recollections of this domestic conundrum?

-

Good News Times Two (!) - err... Three Now

On Saturday I checked online and discovered that the YMCA is open again, even the natatoriums. However, clubs outside my specific region are closed to me, which means I cannot swim where I've been going for the last few years.

Oh, well. I only switched because my local Y scheduled too many group classes, kids' lessons, and team practices. Some weekends they closed the pool entirely to members for swim meets. When four of us lap swimmers were forced to share a single lane, enough was enough.

In an ironic twist, members must now reserve a time slot, so I'll practically have the place to myself tomorrow morning (I just reserved a spot moments ago). Also, this Greater Dayton club is in Warren County where Ohioans are not obligated to wear a mask unlike folks visiting Montgomery County, though I probably will.

Later on Saturday I received a voice mail message from our health insurance provider. That ridiculous bill for an out-of-network ER doctor will be reimbursed - with interest! We are so happy. That was quite a chunk of money.

Last but not least, we received a long overdue rainfall last night. It might not have been enough to end the drought but was better than nothing. I all but danced through the storm retrieving items that might have otherwise have blown away (we almost always see high winds here).

Any good news in your part of the world? Are you required to wear a face mask in public?

-