Last week of August chat, 8-25-14

Belle loves ear rubs and I'll deliver them when I get home.  She'd be happy to give you a big Belle sized head butt/snuggle if she could in return for the ear rubs.:)  I guess it's possible that she has developed some sort of sensitivity to something in the kibble. I've been mulling over different things and changing her food is one of the things I've thought of doing.  I've been thinking maybe chronic pancreatitis but her vomiting is so soon after eating that maybe I'm off on the wrong track with that. I need to send Janice a message since I know she dealt with Jesse's chronic pancreatitis for a long time.  I need to find her on here and send her a friend request and hope she sees it and then I can message her. Lengthy process. lol

It was a chilly bike ride in to work - 45 degrees this morning.

The impatiens I planted at the end of May on Moose the cat's grave have nearly all died this week, I think because of the cooler weather we've had overall, esp. at night. I don't know if the rest of my tomatoes will ripen either.

I hope Belle is doing okay.

Owner meeting starting shortly. We never see all 4 guys two weeks in a row - not sure if I should be worried or not.

I was almost home from work yesterday when DH called me. He asked where I was and I said I'm right down the street. He said "well I'll leave the throw up so you can see it."  Gee, he's always thinking of me. lol Belle puked up all that grass she was eating the day before.  This morning she was fine except unhappy about no breakfast.  Janice was nice enough to message me and give me some good info. Thanks again, Janice.

Good luck with the owners meeting, Tina. 45 degrees already! I can't imagine it being that cold this time of year. We're baking here and my plants are barely hanging on.

I'm sorry to hear that Belle threw up the grass and that she's missing her breakfast, but I'm glad to hear that Janice had some good info to share.  One of my former coworkers had a Boxer who had a few bouts of pancreatitis, so they had to really monitor his diet.  

It's a sad time in my office.  I haven't mentioned it here, but the mother of the family I work for has been gravely ill and she passed this morning.  A couple weeks ago, she became sick while traveling and was eventually moved to a local hospital back here.  I knew it was serious, based on the sudden departure of the kids/family and their limited presence in the office for 10 days, but they are private people.  They weren't giving us many details, and I wasn't asking any questions.  

A couple days ago, they said enough that I realized it was dire.  I delivered a card to the main desk of the hospital this morning, but an hour after I got to work, one of the kids sent an email saying she died this morning.  Apparently an aggressive form of cancer had spread and ultimately led to some life-threatening complications.

It's very sad because she was in her early 70's, had always been quite healthy, active, happy, and part of a very close-knit family who did everything together.  I can't imagine how they'll all adjust to her absence.  I was hired to take over things she'd done for years so she could basically retire, and she was a fun and generous trainer from my first day.  In recent years, we didn't work together much, but she'd pop in periodically.  She was a chronic organizer like I am, so we'd laugh about our "OCD-like" filing and list-making habits.  A zillion people are going to miss her.  

Tracy, I'm so sorry about the family's loss. She sounds like she was very loved.

Tracy. I'm sorry to hear about your employers Mom passing and Jackie, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. So sad. Jackie, I do hope you figure out Belle's problems. It's so awful when they are sick. If they could only tell us their symptoms, that might help a whole lot. Summer is almost over I can't believe it. Seems like it just came. Had a busy schedule for the last couple of weeks. After my Toronto trip, I went to the state fair one day and then took off for a couple of days, on a yearly trip with one of my friends. This year we went up to the Thousand Islands and took a tour boat trip to a couple of castles. It was very interesting and well worth it.

Maureen, I had to look up Thousand Islands (my geography is so poor!).  That sounds like a cool place to visit.  My friend and I are planning a getaway to mark our milestone birthdays next year.  We were thinking Toronto since neither of us has been there.  Those islands might be another idea to consider!

Thanks for the thoughts about my bosses' mother.  It'll be a while before the office mood feels normal again.

Tracy I should have said where they were, as I'd thought some wouldn't know. My geography is poor as well.

If you are planning on staying several days, you could rent a car in Toronto and drive to Rockport Ontario. It's a 3 plus hour drive one way. You could then stay over a couple nights and take a tour boat. We stayed on the American side in Alexandria Bay but Rockport in Canada has tours as well. Looks like they have the one which does both Boldt and Singer Castle. Another thought, if you never been, is fly into Ottawa Ontario, Canada's Capital. From Ottawa it is only an hour and a half drive to Rockport. I imagine flights into Toronto are probably better though.

Of course there is always Niagara Falls which is not far from Toronto and lots of things to do and see there, on both the Canadian and American side.

TGIF! Looking forward to the 3-day weekend. Not much else.

Thanks, Maureen for your words and support.  It sounds like you've had a nice couple of weeks.  

Summer may be almost over for many but we'll still be sweating here in Texas until October. :)

I'm ready for a three day weekend.  

Thanks for the suggestions, Maureen.  Believe it or not, I've not been to Niagara Falls (US or Canadian side).  The only Canadian city I've been too is Vancouver, BC (gorgeous - we had a great time).  I went to Quebec as a baby, but obviously don't remember.

Looking forward to the 3-day weekend, too.  Nothing much planned other than going to an art festival in Portland tomorrow with my friend.  We're debating whether to eat at our favorite Greek restaurant while there or try this Peruvian place.  The menu sounds a bit wild, but maybe we'll feel adventurous!

Jackie -- any news on how Belle's belly is doing today?

Apparently our drought is over.   It seems to have rained at night for the last 4 nights.  I had to mow the grass again-after a month or brown grass, now it's green and growing again.  Maybe the Honey Crisp will get some size to them.  They are about tennis ball size now, all two million of them.  May have to see if I can find a motorized apple peeler.  I am going to get an apple picker this year.  The step ladder gets a little shaky (that may just be my knees).

Boss is trying to hire an assistant for me.  I want a replacement.  Nobody is applying. for either position.  I actually make good money-as much per hour as when I managed a store,  but with out the joys of scheduling employees or counting money or dealing with "the customer is always right".   As the boss bills me out at a $100/ hour and I am more than willing to schmooze with customers while on the clock, I tend to be left alone when working.  That, and holding a heavy tool in my hand, keep complaints and interference  to a minimum.

Junior has discovered  the source of water.  The big white chair in the little room.  He is so proud.  Now if he could just open the dog food box, he wouldn't need us.

Julie and Abbie--well done!! Congratulations to you both. Tracy, I am so sorry to read the news of your employer's mother. Jackie, what sad news you had, as well. Hugs to you both.

Are the dogs' tummy troubles on the mend?

Doug--teach the grandkids to peel the apples :-) I'll send Ronnie and Mozey over--they'll "help" for sure!  I was thinking of you today, because I found two old (and beautiful) drill bit containers from Cleveland Twist Drill Co. when I was cleaning the cellar. And, almost all the bits are still there!  The containers are both round. I moved them upstairs and they are next to an old scale my grandfather used to weigh produce.

Not much here--I am trying to get ready for my classes and student teachers--we start Tues. with the student teachers.

It's still dry here so send any extra rain our way. DH installed a new range hood today. He was pretty proud of himself since nothing went smoothly. It's done though and I'm happy to have a hood that actually works. Can't wait for the rest of the kitchen redo to get started.

Can't believe that the summer is officially over.  Doesn't seem like we had too much of one.  Either overly hot and humid or pouring rain mixed with a handful of really pleasant days.

Chippy (the chipmunk) Momma Squirrel and Sedgewick (younger squirrel) have been busily gathering nuts for the winter.....mostly from the bowl I keep for them on the deck.  Chippy is more than happy to take nuts out of my hands, or those of DS or DH.  All three have us extremely well trained.  I shell the peanuts for Chippy....self defense really since he makes such a mess on the deck with them.  Getting pretty bad when the wildlife sits on the deck staring in a door or window to get the people to come out and feed them.......

DH's bosses wife continues to take baby steps in her improvement.  Baby steps are sure better than none at all!  Or the suggestion to pull the plug!  Please keep the prayers and good thots coming her way.