This is our utility room. The big bed on the left is our dog, Amber’s. There is a dog gate between the utility room and the dining area/kitchen/pantry area.
Jet, the new cat, and Amber, our 95 pound dog, have finally reached detente, we think, though we still keep a close eye out for any problems. The remaining areas of concern at this point are protecting the cat if there is any kind of food involved – for her, for Amber, for us. Amber has NO sense of humor or compassion where food is concerned. She wants HERS, OURS, and the CAT’s. ALL. OF. IT.
My wonderful SIL sent me some pics of a cat door latch. I had never heard of one before. I researched it, then sent a link to several options to my husband, asking him to choose the one he thought would be the easiest to install and use. He ordered one and it came yesterday.
We didn’t even need tools to install it. It’s heavy plastic. One end fits over the door knob. The other end has several holes into which you can screw a metal thingie whose other end sits in the hardware of the door. It is easily ‘used’ or ‘not used’, so I can shut the cat inside, if needed (as when we’re eating), or at night, when we don’t want her wandering around. Otherwise, it keeps the door propped open enough for Jet to come and go easily, but strong enough that Amber cannot ‘nose’ it open to get in and eat Jet’s food (or used kitty litter.) With its use, this is also another ‘safe space’ for Jet.
I shoved her in and out several times yesterday, but wasn’t really sure she would use it on her own. This morning I was cleaning the bathroom and used the latch. Jet came in, wandered around while I cleaned the area. I put more food in her bowl and she went out with me. I set the latch. She started to follow me (as she does a lot), but then went back, walked through the opening, and started to eat. HOORAY!
I left her ‘in’ there with the latch set. I came into the office. Suddenly, Jet jumped up into my lap. :0) HOORAY!
Now Jet and I have much more freedom. I don’t need to figure out when she needs to be put in the bathroom in order to do her business, or be let out again afterwards. She is going in and out at will, except when it’s dangerous. Win/Win. THANKS, ML!
Filed under Cause for Celebration, Challenges, Changes, Family
It is with great relief that I FINALLY met another mini-goal on my weight loss efforts. Today I am 30 pounds down from my heaviest. (Is it weird that 30 pounds off sounds like SO much more than the 29.6 pounds yesterday?) Round numbers can be so satisfying. :0)
My new goal is now 35 pounds off. My current practice of setting 5 pound goals makes it seem that I might actually be able to accomplish it. AND I can give myself pats on the head when I reach them, knowing I’m inching closer to where I would like to be eventually.
I will also get out the NutriSystem bear I earned years ago that says ’40’ – using that as a strengthening of my efforts. I’m getting used to the new eating plan, day by day. I’m using MyFitnessPal.com to track what I’m eating to stay under 1,000 calories a day, under 20 carbs per day, cutting my salt as much as possible every day, resulting in the note to me from the website, “you’re probably not eating enough.” I’m losing a bit at a steady rate this way. If I’m feeling consciously hungry, I make a snack.
I’m TRYING to do my session of old lady yoga stretches daily, and I’m also trying to add some online short exercise videos.
I like Mike Kutcher from MoreLifeHealth.com. He specializes in working with ‘seniors.’ Though I hate that term, I like Mike.
Onward and downward!
Filed under DIET!, exercise, taking care of yourself
Filed under Embroidery/Sewing Art
Sonia Lera Preston – @Sonia_L_Preston on X
Filed under paintings I love, Sonia Lera Preston
I’m beginning to feel a bit more confident about my ability to lose some of my lard. This is a BIG thing because I’ve tried lots of different things to no avail. I’m following a low carb eating plan now, cutting WAAAAAY down on salt, as well, plus am trying to move more.
To date, I’ve lost 29.6 pounds and 28 inches since my heaviest.
I’m using MyFitnessPal.com to log what I’m planning to eat and drink each day so that I can make adjustments BEFORE it’s too late. I’m making substitutions, finding alternatives for things I miss the most, like bread. I’ve found Zero Net Carb Mission Tortillas. (Each has 7 carbs, but also 7 grams of fiber, which, since fiber can’t be digested, offsets the carbs, resulting in zero net carbs.) I was used to eating one dinner roll with dinner, we ate sandwiches for lunch, etc. Now I can use these, instead, and not feel guilty. I fixed grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches last night, for example, using bread for my husband and tortillas for me. :0)
I have found that if my total on MyFitnessPal says, “It’s likely you’re not eating enough,” I tend to lose a bit of weight. For me, this works, so I plan to continue. I’m eating so that I’m not hungry. If I am, I eat a snack, so I’m not feeling deprived. I have tried to lose the lard for many years now, so this slow, steady loss is really gratifying.
Filed under DIET!, exercise, taking care of yourself
Filed under Blog Repost - Wonderful Posts, video
Filed under ceramics, Clay Art, Ephraim Pottery
Wow. I would LOVE to be able to spend time walking here and enjoying all the beauty. Whoever did this created another ‘world’ for people to enjoy, whether physically, being able to actually GO there, or just visiting vicariously, like we are.
I think I see a light, so it looks like you could walk here in the evenings, as well. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!
Filed under Dreams
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Shout-out to Sandi, who lost her husband recently. There are no words. Just lots and lots of love and hugs – and EARS – just to listen.
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I tried a new Keto friendly recipe in the crock pot yesterday called, “Slow Cooker Crack Chicken,” by Katerina at diethood.com . It was like pulled pork, but with chicken. My husband really liked it and wants me to do it again.
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I just heard one of our driveway alarms. If it only makes noise once, there is probably a deer standing in the driveway. If it goes off twice, one after the other, it means someone is coming up the driveway. It went off only once, but I got up, checked it out, and then took a quick walk around the yard.
The elephant ear sprouts are much larger. One is about 6 inches tall now. I’m excited about them producing actual leaves soon. We have three plants and all are looking good so far.
The tomato plants are looking healthy, as well. I’ll try to get out and see if they need some pruning, fertilizer, water, etc. later today.
I didn’t weed whack or spray yesterday, so that’s still staring me in the face today. I’m good at staring right back, though, and then ignoring. :0)
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Jet, our new cat, and I are getting to know each other, one day at a time. We have a cat door latch that is scheduled to be delivered tomorrow, that will prop her door open so that she can go in and out of the back bathroom, where all her stuff is, but that Amber, our dog, can’t get in. Jet has been herding me there, and I’m learning to pay attention, follow her and open her door, leaving her in there to eat, drink some water, use her kitty litter, or just spend time alone. (I’ll still have to actually shut her in there when Amber – or we – are eating anything, but otherwise, I’m hoping she’ll catch on quickly that her freedom and options are increasing.)
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My husband yesterday risked being thrown into the now theoretical hole in the backyard by going on the back porch to let Amber out, saying, “The cat wants to go out, too!” I leaped up, yelling, “NOOOOO!!” He came in laughing, delighted to having been so successful in yanking my chain. He apologized, though it was lost in the fact that he was still laughing…
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A beautiful day today here in Arkansas. I hope your weather and your day are fabulous.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
Filed under metal art
My SIL wrote this morning, telling me about a ‘cat door latch’ that can help solve some of our problems trying to get Amber and Jet to co-exist. We’re researching the various options (I didn’t even know these existed) and we’re excited about Jet being able to go in and out from the back bathroom (and her food, water, and kitty litter) whenever she would like without Amber being able to go in and wreak havoc.
My husband immediately wanted to cut a cat door in the bottom of the door, but I would really rather not. We don’t have anything to go over the door and the optics would be less than great. I’m hoping that my husband can look at the options, decide which one would be sturdy and easy to install, so we can get one ordered. I would still need to shut her in there – without egress – when Amber (or we) are eating, but that’s a minor detail.
IT’S NOT RAINING! I’m thinking about spending some time in the yard this afternoon, weed whacking, spraying, pruning, etc. I’m hoping that the man who specializes in greenery removal will call sometime soon and come to give us an estimate we can afford for clearing up the driveway. The trees on both sides are attempting to merge…
UPDATE – My husband has chosen a cat door latch that will be easy to install and use, plus still gives me the option to actually prevent Jet from coming out when it might be dangerous for her. He is ordering it now. HOORAY!
Have a good first day of June!
Filed under Challenges, Changes
I love the fact that “when the world is too much with me”, I can mentally and emotionally escape for a bit –
It may be looking at a gorgeous photo like this, where I can imagine being there, walking beside the lanterns on the stepping stones in the beautiful green, wooded area.
It may be diving into another world provided by one of my favorite authors or the joy of finding one who is brand new to me, replacing my worries with the situation of other interesting people dealing with issues totally different than mine.
It may be doing one of my hobbies – like I escape to my art room. I can visualize what I’d like to create, or even just take some time to straighten up the materials I have..
It may be wandering around outside in the fresh air, tending my plants, planting new things, seeing how things have grown, enjoying new displays of scents and colors.
It may be listening to music, enjoying someone’s breathtaking talent, reacting viscerally to the lyrics, the story, the emotion, the sound –
I feel very lucky that I have so many “places I can go” when I need to get away for a while!
Filed under Challenges, coping mechanisms
Filed under drawings
I love this. I laughed out loud when I saw it. I’ve been – and am STILL – worried that Amber will react to Jet’s hiss or spit or swipe and it’ll all be over. The biggest area of contention will remain food. Amber is quite serious about her food, OR getting bites of the good stuff from my husband. I have reminded him several times now that they NEED to be separate during times they – or we – are eating. That includes keeping Jet’s bathroom door closed all the time to keep Amber out of there.
They passed each other in the office this morning when my husband came downstairs. Jet’s back went up and she got very still and big-eyed. Amber was her usual boisterous self, leaping around to greet my husband, not watching where she steps, her tail hitting furniture and whatever else is in the path – the typical bull in a china shop. I tried to act like nothing was happening – though I was holding my breath. Jet managed to pass Amber and go into the living room. Amber followed, but not to confront Jet. Things are definitely getting better.
I am also reminding my husband to watch where he is walking. Jet will try to make each of us fall on our heads, or hurt ourselves trying NOT to step on, or fall on – her. We both need to pay attention, and make SURE she is not in the area when we are going out the garage door or coming back in. For two old folks who kind of drift through things at times, this is a big ASK.
I’m trying to teach myself to pay attention when I go to the kitchen and Jet is right with me. It turns out that she is trying to lead me to her bathroom, where food, water, and kitty litter box await. I did pay attention this morning, and followed her to the door, opened it for her, and watched as she hesitantly walked in. When she was in, I quietly shut the door. I set an alarm to remember to let her out again. We HAVE to keep the door shut so Amber doesn’t eat her food – or the used kitty litter – to be graphic….
Thanks, again, to Cathy, for the great cartoon.
Filed under Family
Lil Joe Comer, Joe S. Comer Trucking, 479-806-3069 and his dad, Joe Comer, Sr. came at 7:30 yesterday morning and performed a miracle – transforming our horribly rutted, extremely bumpy, skid-y driveway into a civilized, smooth, easy to drive up and down driveway! This is the first time in several years that it is in good shape.
Joe, Sr. does the shaping, scraping, and smoothing and Joe Jr. hauls in the materials added, in this case, a road grade of chat which has at least two sizes of gravel, allowing it to adhere better.
They worked competently and quickly, finishing the whole job before lunch. Joe Jr. brought an invoice after lunch. We talked about the fact that greenery from the trees on both sides of the driveway is encroaching. Joe said there is a guy who works with him when needed who can remove this for us.
I texted Joe Jr. this morning, telling him that we drove down and up the driveway yesterday to get the mail and that my husband had said, “Great job!” as we went up and down smoothly for the first time in about 2 years. Joe said that the branch man was trying to get to our place today to look things over and give us an estimate.
This photo is taken at the bottom of the driveway looking up. If we can afford to hire the branch man, we might actually look civilized! I haven’t walked around at the bottom of the driveway yet, so I won’t know how ‘skid-y’ it is until we’re dealing with our trash can again.
I’m thrilled. It even rained yesterday afternoon, and things still look good. :0)
Filed under Housekeeping - Maintenance
Filed under Embroidery/Sewing Art
Today is driveway day!!!!!! I got the notice yesterday that the Senior driveway guy will be here any time now to start work on repairing our driveway. I hope that they can get the job finished today, in that the rain is supposed to start overnight and continue all day tomorrow. We have had a badly rutted, extremely bumpy driveway for a LONG time now, trying to find first, the finances; and second, the people, to repair it.
I just watched in amazement as Joe Comer, Sr. BACKED the dozer up to the top of the driveway and then started back down. Better HIM than ME. :0) I think the plan is that Joe Sr. will get the driveway reshaped and then Joe Jr. will bring loads of the good kind of chat that the road people use, that has two sizes of gravel for better adhesion, and then Joe Sr. will spread that. SO EXCITING! IT’S HAPPENING!!!
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We had Amber’s bed in the dining area, getting her farther away from where Jet, our new cat, sleepS in the back bathroom. Two nights ago Amber got into the pantry and got into a bag of dog food…. This morning my husband had to deal with the aftermath. I have the dog bed cover in the dryer now.
Amber and Jet are definitely reaching detente – though it’s still fragile. As long as Jet is nowhere close while Amber (or we) are eating, and as long as Jet doesn’t freak out and scratch Amber, we seem to be okay. I’m getting lots of practice holding my breath, but things are still going amazingly well for an older cat and an older dog trying to co-exist.
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Yesterday I scooted down the road before my haircut to check out a new sign saying, “Meat Market.” No one was there and it obviously wasn’t open to the public yet, but Michael, my wonderful hairdresser, said a partnership Is going in, with one guy doing a smoked meat market and another guy opening a BBQ restaurant next door. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
I was a real sloth yesterday. I had been up twice during the night before admonishing Amber, who was barking, to be quiet. Then I was up to pee, because I’m old, slathering myself with arthritis pain cream to make the pain go away enough to rest.
As a result, I almost fell asleep while I was getting my hair cut! I warned Michael that I was trying to nod off, and asked him to not take it personally. He laughed. I got my errands done after that, made us lunch, and then took a good nap in my recliner. I got up, spent some time on my computer, and then I was back in the chair taking another nap. I did this a THIRD time in the evening. When we went to bed, I worried that I might have trouble sleeping, but dropped right off and slept most of the night.
I didn’t get anything accomplished yesterday. I’m trying to switch to ‘work-in-the-yard’ mode or ‘cleaning mode’ in the house today, since we won’t be able to leave the house until the driveway is done. So far, I’ve only changed the wash to the dryer and gotten another cup of coffee.
Ah, the life of a sloth….
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
In about half an hour, I’ll be leaving to get my hair cut. While I’m out, I’ll run several errands. When I get home, I’ll check for mail and see if the good trash people have emptied our can yet. If so, I’ll drag it up to where it lives before I drive up.
If I ‘hold-my-mouth-right,’ tomorrow MAY be the day we get our driveway repaired. So far it looks like Mother Nature is calm for today and tomorrow. We’re supposed to get rain much of the day Friday, so the guys may decide it’s better to do it next week, when it’s supposed to be dryer. I’m just happy that we are on the list to get the work done.
Yesterday I got out and watered our tomato plants and sprayed them with EIGHT for bugs. So far, I’m only seeing grasshoppers, but the worms are always hard to see and do their damage before you can blink an eye, so I’m trying to stay ahead of them.
I’m also planning to do a bit of weed whacking and spraying with KILLZALL to treat the non-mowable areas in the yard, as well as edges today.
I lost pound #28 this morning, so I’m feeling good about my efforts lately. May this continue!
Jet and Amber are still managing detente. Jet hisses when Amber gets too exuberant and I hold my breath, but so far, things are workable. My husband is still cooperating on trying to make sure Jet stays in the house until she really understands where ‘home’ is.
I hope that today is a nice one for you.
Filed under Thoughts on a ________
I don’t know for sure if these attributions show the artists who created these, or the people who found them and displayed them on Pinterest without artist attribution. I think they are wonderful.
Filed under sculpture
creativeartworksblog 