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Too much all at once.
Author: Raine
Date: 01/31/2022 13:51:17
Good Monday Morning, I am happy to report that Bobber is well on the mend. The Surgery and the post-op recovery went according to his surgeon "Exceedingly Well" and he returned home Thursday.
His pain threshold is going as expected as well. This is all a huge weight off of both of our shoulders as we go forward with whatever next steps may be. By Saturday, I felt like I could breathe again, and relax a bit.
I wish I could write something here that is political but seriously, I can't. My mind is reeling. I have the very good fortune of retaining my closest friends in High School to this day. We get together for a weekend every few years, and while I hate the term 'Girls Weekend' I relish the time with them. It's a reminder of how far I have grown and changed in my life. Thankfully, it's a good reminder. Yesterday, I found out one of those friends lost her daughter. I don't have the details, but she was found dead in her apartment, there is no suspicion of foul play. In the middle of texting with this group of friends, another friend found out her husband (skiing in Montan) was taken to the ER. He's been released and waiting to be given the OK to fly home.
On top of that Katie is not feeling well. We have a vet appointment for her tomorrow.
Basically, yesterday was a shitshow. Geopolitical issues are of little worry to me this morning. Today I have to let some things go and take care of what I can.
There is always a lot happening -- usually, much of it is in the abstract, but lately, it's been intimately personal and it is a lot at once. Not being able to physically be with the ones makes this all feel much more of a burden than it would otherwise be.
I don't write this for wishes of condolences, pity or to shock you. Mainly I wanted to tell you how much you mean to us. I write this to say that sometimes the best thing to do, is stop, breathe and get ready to love those you really care about a little more. If that means sitting aside and giving oneself a moment to meditate, pray or whatever needs to be done, do it. If there is one thing in this world that is infinite, it's love and caring. The trick is to extend it to those who are worthy of it. My friends are.
& 
Raine
Raine
His pain threshold is going as expected as well. This is all a huge weight off of both of our shoulders as we go forward with whatever next steps may be. By Saturday, I felt like I could breathe again, and relax a bit.
I wish I could write something here that is political but seriously, I can't. My mind is reeling. I have the very good fortune of retaining my closest friends in High School to this day. We get together for a weekend every few years, and while I hate the term 'Girls Weekend' I relish the time with them. It's a reminder of how far I have grown and changed in my life. Thankfully, it's a good reminder. Yesterday, I found out one of those friends lost her daughter. I don't have the details, but she was found dead in her apartment, there is no suspicion of foul play. In the middle of texting with this group of friends, another friend found out her husband (skiing in Montan) was taken to the ER. He's been released and waiting to be given the OK to fly home.
On top of that Katie is not feeling well. We have a vet appointment for her tomorrow.
Basically, yesterday was a shitshow. Geopolitical issues are of little worry to me this morning. Today I have to let some things go and take care of what I can.
There is always a lot happening -- usually, much of it is in the abstract, but lately, it's been intimately personal and it is a lot at once. Not being able to physically be with the ones makes this all feel much more of a burden than it would otherwise be.
I don't write this for wishes of condolences, pity or to shock you. Mainly I wanted to tell you how much you mean to us. I write this to say that sometimes the best thing to do, is stop, breathe and get ready to love those you really care about a little more. If that means sitting aside and giving oneself a moment to meditate, pray or whatever needs to be done, do it. If there is one thing in this world that is infinite, it's love and caring. The trick is to extend it to those who are worthy of it. My friends are.
& Raine
Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2022 14:34:55
Will in Chicago on 01/31/2022 14:34:55
Good morning, bloggers!!!
Raine, I am sorry to hear about your friends. Also, I hope that Katie will be well.
Hang in there.
Raine, I am sorry to hear about your friends. Also, I hope that Katie will be well.
Hang in there.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/31/2022 14:41:22
wickedpam on 01/31/2022 14:41:22
Morning 
Positive vibes all around.
On a good note - had my last follow up doc visit on Friday with a heart ultrasound - happy to report that the technician says things look all good, just waiting to hear the confirmation from the Doc.
Positive vibes all around.
On a good note - had my last follow up doc visit on Friday with a heart ultrasound - happy to report that the technician says things look all good, just waiting to hear the confirmation from the Doc.
Comment by 
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 14:42:49
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 14:42:49
Self care is important.
Give Bobber my best and skritch your furkids for me.
Give Bobber my best and skritch your furkids for me.
Comment by 
Raine on 01/31/2022 14:49:30
Raine on 01/31/2022 14:49:30
Comment by shelaghc on 01/31/2022 14:59:01
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 14:59:01
On the subject of local news becoming national, Mayor Ed Gainey - our brand-spanking new mayor, and first ever mayor of color - declared a state of emergency regarding the collapse Fern Hollow Bridge in order to get federal funding to replace it.
My morning commute now begins with a view of the massive crane set up, I'm assuming, by the NTSB, to begin the process of getting the bus and other vehicles out of the hollow.
My morning commute now begins with a view of the massive crane set up, I'm assuming, by the NTSB, to begin the process of getting the bus and other vehicles out of the hollow.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 15:01:21
Raine on 01/31/2022 15:01:21
I'm glad you weren't on that bridge Shelagh. And I a REALLY happy no one died.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/31/2022 15:01:49
wickedpam on 01/31/2022 15:01:49
I still can't get over that bridge being 3 blocks from your house! So glad you were working from home that day!
Comment by 
BobR on 01/31/2022 15:08:51
BobR on 01/31/2022 15:08:51
Losing Livin last year at Christmas was a real wakeup call for me. I know I have to take of myself, but reaching out to embrace others is a renewed priority for me.
Katie is the last vestige remaining of Linda (or former neighbor who died from cancer early in 2020). Linda was predeceased by her partner/wife of 25 years, and the other two doggies she had have passed as well (one of them quite recently). Obviously, there's still the rest of Linda's family, but taking in Katie was like holding onto a little piece of Linda.
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Katie is the last vestige remaining of Linda (or former neighbor who died from cancer early in 2020). Linda was predeceased by her partner/wife of 25 years, and the other two doggies she had have passed as well (one of them quite recently). Obviously, there's still the rest of Linda's family, but taking in Katie was like holding onto a little piece of Linda.
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 15:47:17
Bob just captured a lot of how I feel but couldn't bringmyself to say this morning.
Jesus, I am a little overwhelmed.
Raine on 01/31/2022 15:47:17
Quote by BobR:
Losing Livin last year at Christmas was a real wakeup call for me. I know I have to take of myself, but reaching out to embrace others is a renewed priority for me.
Katie is the last vestige remaining of Linda (or former neighbor who died from cancer early in 2020). Linda was predeceased by her partner/wife of 25 years, and the other two doggies she had have passed as well (one of them quite recently). Obviously, there's still the rest of Linda's family, but taking in Katie was like holding onto a little piece of Linda.
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Jesus, I am a little overwhelmed.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 15:56:22
But mostly, I am just effin' tired.
Raine on 01/31/2022 15:56:22
Quote by Raine:Bob just captured a lot of how I feel but couldn't bringmyself to say this morning.Quote by BobR:
Losing Livin last year at Christmas was a real wakeup call for me. I know I have to take of myself, but reaching out to embrace others is a renewed priority for me.
Katie is the last vestige remaining of Linda (or former neighbor who died from cancer early in 2020). Linda was predeceased by her partner/wife of 25 years, and the other two doggies she had have passed as well (one of them quite recently). Obviously, there's still the rest of Linda's family, but taking in Katie was like holding onto a little piece of Linda.
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Jesus, I am a little overwhelmed.
But mostly, I am just effin' tired.
Comment by shelaghc on 01/31/2022 15:57:33
Could be this:
Feline Vestibular Disease
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 15:57:33
Quote by BobR:
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Could be this:
Feline Vestibular Disease
Vestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.
Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition. Signs are usually their worst during the first 24-48 hours, then steadily improve. It does not continue for months.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 16:02:08
Raine on 01/31/2022 16:02:08
This is really troubling.
According to an internal US Capitol Police timeline, an unnamed "protectee" was removed from the DNC building at approximately 1:14 p.m. ET -- seven minutes after Capitol Police began investigating the bomb. CNN reported earlier in January that the person was Harris. The Capitol Police timeline did not specify when Harris arrived at the building. Politico first reported on Harris' evacuation.
A law enforcement source familiar with the event told CNN that the US Secret Service, which was responsible for Harris' protection that day, swept the interior of the building, the driveway, parking deck and entrances and exits prior to her arrival. The source said Harris was evacuated using an alternate route away from the bomb.
While Harris and then-President-elect Joe Biden had not yet been sworn in, they were afforded Secret Service protection after the election. The fact that Harris was so close to potential danger for that period of time raises additional questions about the security measures in place to protect her.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 16:03:13
If there is a dog version it could be that. We havean appointment tomorrow morning.
Raine on 01/31/2022 16:03:13
Quote by shelaghc:Quote by BobR:
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Could be this:
Feline Vestibular DiseaseVestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition. Signs are usually their worst during the first 24-48 hours, then steadily improve. It does not continue for months.
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 16:49:59
Raine on 01/31/2022 16:49:59
great news!
BREAKING: The @FDA has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for SPIKEVAXâ„¢ (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) to prevent #COVID19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. pic.twitter.com/Ska7SYBALr
— Moderna (@moderna_tx) January 31, 2022
Comment by shelaghc on 01/31/2022 17:19:27
Whoops - yes.
Is It a Stroke or Old-Dog Vestibular Syndrome?
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 17:19:27
Quote by Raine:If there is a dog version it could be that. We havean appointment tomorrow morning.Quote by shelaghc:Quote by BobR:
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Could be this:
Feline Vestibular DiseaseVestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition. Signs are usually their worst during the first 24-48 hours, then steadily improve. It does not continue for months.
Whoops - yes.
Is It a Stroke or Old-Dog Vestibular Syndrome?
Located in the inner ear and brain, the vestibular system helps dogs maintain balance and coordinate the position of the head, eyes and legs. Anything that disrupts this system can throw your dog’s balance out of whack. And in older canines, it’s not rare that this happens.
In many cases, the veterinarian may monitor older dogs before performing more tests. While the signs can be severe for 48 to 72 hours, those with old-dog vestibular syndrome often improve gradually over the next few days to weeks.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/31/2022 17:26:32
TriSec on 01/31/2022 17:26:32
Good Afternoon. A wild morning here in Trolley-Land, but it all pales in comparison to reading today's blog.
Comment by BobR on 01/31/2022 17:42:41
It's not a competition
BobR on 01/31/2022 17:42:41
Quote by TriSec:
Good Afternoon. A wild morning here in Trolley-Land, but it all pales in comparison to reading today's blog.
It's not a competition
Comment by shelaghc on 01/31/2022 17:52:28
shelaghc on 01/31/2022 17:52:28
Apropos of nothing, anyone want to hear a song I just uploaded to SoundCloud?
Comment by Raine on 01/31/2022 18:02:43
That sounds like what she has. I am sure the vet will be on it.
Raine on 01/31/2022 18:02:43
Quote by shelaghc:Quote by Raine:If there is a dog version it could be that. We havean appointment tomorrow morning.Quote by shelaghc:Quote by BobR:
Katie is leaning to one side and seems to struggle walking. I don't see this one ending well.
Could be this:
Feline Vestibular DiseaseVestibular disease is a condition in which a cat suddenly develops incoordination, falling or circling to one side, involuntary darting of the eyes back and forth (called nystagmus), a head tilt, and often nausea or vomiting.Idiopathic vestibular disease is a short-term, self-resolving condition. Signs are usually their worst during the first 24-48 hours, then steadily improve. It does not continue for months.
Whoops - yes.
Is It a Stroke or Old-Dog Vestibular Syndrome?Located in the inner ear and brain, the vestibular system helps dogs maintain balance and coordinate the position of the head, eyes and legs. Anything that disrupts this system can throw your dog’s balance out of whack. And in older canines, it’s not rare that this happens.In many cases, the veterinarian may monitor older dogs before performing more tests. While the signs can be severe for 48 to 72 hours, those with old-dog vestibular syndrome often improve gradually over the next few days to weeks.
Comment by BobR on 01/31/2022 21:42:25
apropos of something - sure, why not?
BobR on 01/31/2022 21:42:25
Quote by shelaghc:
Apropos of nothing, anyone want to hear a song I just uploaded to SoundCloud?
apropos of something - sure, why not?
Comment by shelaghc on 02/01/2022 00:37:52
shelaghc on 02/01/2022 00:37:52
Dharma Jane
Friends of mine wrote the song - Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth, The Squirrel Hillbillies - and allowed me to sort of "cover" it back when I was busking around the city a cappella.
This recording was from one of their shows in 2018 - they invited me to perform with Gary accompanying me.
Friends of mine wrote the song - Jenny Wolsk and Gary Crouth, The Squirrel Hillbillies - and allowed me to sort of "cover" it back when I was busking around the city a cappella.
This recording was from one of their shows in 2018 - they invited me to perform with Gary accompanying me.
Comment by TriSec on 02/01/2022 00:49:01
TriSec on 02/01/2022 00:49:01
Just to elaborate - we lost a brand new, 40k vehicle over the weekend. I mean trashed, destroyed, done.
The GM's brand new company truck, parked in his driveway at home. The only reason it didn't wash out to sea was because it is currently encased in three feet of sea ice.
It was a wild day today. City recovered from the storm, but ol' Cubbie spent a few hours with a handpicked team shoveling out some of our stops.
Now I am very tired. I need vodka and some painkillers. I promise not to exceed limits on either; I'll still post a blog in the morning! (If I don't - something has gone horribly wrong.)
The GM's brand new company truck, parked in his driveway at home. The only reason it didn't wash out to sea was because it is currently encased in three feet of sea ice.
It was a wild day today. City recovered from the storm, but ol' Cubbie spent a few hours with a handpicked team shoveling out some of our stops.
Now I am very tired. I need vodka and some painkillers. I promise not to exceed limits on either; I'll still post a blog in the morning! (If I don't - something has gone horribly wrong.)
Comment by shelaghc on 02/01/2022 00:55:39
I'm so sorry! Will insurance cover it at all?
shelaghc on 02/01/2022 00:55:39
Quote by TriSec:
Just to elaborate - we lost a brand new, 40k vehicle over the weekend. I mean trashed, destroyed, done.
The GM's brand new company truck, parked in his driveway at home. The only reason it didn't wash out to sea was because it is currently encased in three feet of sea ice.
It was a wild day today. City recovered from the storm, but ol' Cubbie spent a few hours with a handpicked team shoveling out some of our stops.
Now I am very tired. I need vodka and some painkillers. I promise not to exceed limits on either; I'll still post a blog in the morning! (If I don't - something has gone horribly wrong.)
I'm so sorry! Will insurance cover it at all?
Comment by BobR on 02/01/2022 02:29:56
BobR on 02/01/2022 02:29:56
FYI - just got word that Livin's funeral is tomorrow. His niece had to take out a loan to pay for it, so we're trying to get info as to where to send donations to help her out.
Comment by BobR on 02/01/2022 02:38:56
More info posted in the FB group. I didn't want to post her address here
'
BobR on 02/01/2022 02:38:56
Quote by BobR:
FYI - just got word that Livin's funeral is tomorrow. His niece had to take out a loan to pay for it, so we're trying to get info as to where to send donations to help her out.
More info posted in the FB group. I didn't want to post her address here
'