Pepper went immediately under my bed when I brought her in after catching her. She made it clear to Daisy and me to keep our distance. We did. What is interesting is that Daisy became more independent while Pepper was gone. First Daisy would wait until Pepper came out before she would come out. For the first 3 or 4 days after Pepper was gone, Daisy did not come out. Then she started coming out and then started coming out earlier and earlier than when Pepper was here. Then Daisy started posing on the arm of my armchair like Pepper did. So funny. I had no idea that adult cats learn from each other.
Pepper gradually started coming out. She leapt onto my bed Monday night, but upon meeting Daisy, she hissed at her and headed back under the bed. The next day I saw her by the litter box. So since I'm not in there all day long, I think she was getting out more. At night there has been a cat outside which I think has been trying to contact Pepper. Maybe she did develop a relationship and she now missed this other cat. Pepper jumped in my lap Tuesday night. She was still keeping her distance from Daisy. Daisy had been crying a lot feeling not accepted by Pepper. Pepper is coming around because they each will get in their beds which are on my bed. And Daisy isn't crying like she was.
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| Pepper sat on my hip when I was in bed |
This was my husband Paul's birthday week. I had been thinking of him all week. I didn't get teary which I will give credit to Paxil and I appreciate it. I know that people would say that is not what an antidepressant is for, but really I so overreact to these situations without Paxil. I'm sad but not devastated now. He would have been 75 years. So much has happened in the world since he died. I wonder what he would have thought. A very smart and caring man. I'm a Democrat and he was a Republican. As much we were different parties we felt similar about people. I still miss him, and probably always will.
My box of Hopeful Harvest came. I got broccoli, cabbage, cameo apples, strawberries and a cantaloupe. Recipes include Sautéed Cabbage, Broccoli Tomato Salad and Penne with Garlicky Broccoli. They all sound good! I'm glad I'm getting this.
I called my step-mom Kate along with several others to let them know the good news of Pepper being back in case they hadn't read my blog yet. And, while calling Kate, I asked her what she thought of my pictures and she said "elephants have knees. You have the legs like there are no joints". I didn't notice that, so I watched videos per Kate's suggestion and many pictures. She also felt the back leg of the toad looked off. The problem was that the picture of the toad had the leg cut off, so I was imagining the foot was tucked under to push off. I can imagine the leg tucked under. So I did work on the elephant. I put in the knees/elbows and ankle/wrist joints. I also put in more wrinkles and did more shading. I did not work on the toad. When I see Carol Tuesday, she will probably have ideas on what to do.
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| More Detail on Mom and Baby |
Memorial Day gathering was nice. Kayla helped me with some housekeeping and some food preparation which we kept simple. I wanted to go to the cemetery, but I was tuckered out. I will go later. It has been in the 100's, so I think I will have to do this early
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| My grandchildren - Heather, Alyssa, Christopher, and Kevin. I rarely see Christopher, so this was a treat. |
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| Shelley, my daughter and me |
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| Kevin with his Mom Shelley |
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| Alyssa with Heather trying to feel her baby. |
I met my new neighbor Teddy, short for Theodora. They were doing major cutting in the backyard and wanted to pull the truck up in my driveway because it made it easier to get the cuttings they were doing. She told me that they will take three weeks working on their new home before moving in. The previous owner, Celeste planted rose bushes and gave them loving care. Teddy and her husband cut them down. I one time looked over the fence from an old neighbor I used to have to find everything I planted was removed. You just have to let go and recognize we don't all have the same taste.
I read this fascinating book called The Violet Hour: Great Writers at the End by Katie Roiphe, who had a near death experience herself at age twelve. She had done research and interviewing of family, friends and others who had close contact with one of these five writers at the end of each of their lives. I found it fascinating in that they also struggled with mortality, death and dying as I and I would assume most people have or will, especially when our own lives or the lives of those we are close to are threatened. Since these people were accomplished writers and dealt with feelings, we get to read it from each of their perspectives. The author of this book is also very accomplished and her style brings it all together quite well. I did not have all the same reactions as these writers, but people do have different ways of looking at mortality (though we also have much in common) that I found it reassuring that we are all going to go through this.
I also read a very short one, called Gratitude by Oliver Sacks, MD who shared how his life experiences colored how he dealt with death and dying. He was an excellent writer, so I knew I would enjoy this one too. His is a very positive approach.
A wonderful response from an online advice column. This particular question was on dealing with grief. The initial question was, "My friend died and I don't know what to do." It is a very touching response!
The Red Hats met at Mama Roomba this week. I love meeting these women! They are strong, warm and supportive. Shelley likes this restaurant the best. I agree with her. Such great food and the sauces they put on dishes are delicious at this restaurant! Yum! Paul and I used to be a part of a dinner group which Stephanie, her husband John and three other couples were in. I broke away from them because my man husband and they still had theirs. Well, I'm coming along and I would like to meet them again. Stephanie will see about the women getting together. I would love that.
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| From the closest on the left, doing a U shape _ Judie, Shelley, Me, Julie (Stephanie's granddaughter), Stephanie Evelyn, or queen, Pamela (got her in a bad position!) and Jo |
My fiend Cheri Sperl had an open house at Dagney's Coffee Company on 20th and Eye Streets at the First Friday for June. We used to worked at Memorial Hospital years ago, she as a Dietitian and me as a Social Worker. We made contact maybe a year ago at the Bakersfield Art Center. She is an outstanding artist and her show last night was all cats. She plans to have a future show of all dogs. What I found so striking is that she got the essence of cat. I'm mesmerized looking at them. I bought all her cards. I can't afford a painting. Her paintings will be up for the month of June if you would like to see them. It's a real treat! Here are just four of them. I love them!
I slept a lot this week. I'm glad I had energy to get up today. I don't think it is the heat, because I keep the temperature in a cool range. Anyway, I don't mind sleeping. It is just that I was going to do things around the house that I didn't do. Still, it was a good week and I think next week will be too!. I hope your week was good and this next one works for you. I will see you next Sunday. Rachel
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