Boooooooooo HoS, yaaaaaaaaay Kristin.

I may not be entirely okay about her response.

I think it's okay for you not to be okay. Jaysus.

What is it with the current sense of humble supplicant that seems to be so pervasive? I see it in publishing all the time, where agents and editors will act as if the author owes them something.

Lots of good thoughts for you, Kristin. I know you put a hundred and ten percent into your work as an educator. I know all the Buffista teachers do.

::seriously wishing for Buffista Academy right about now...::

Hil, have you explored other types of mobility aids, e.g. with a physical therapist or an OT? I have one of these [link] . I'm a regularly-dislocating type, so I'm mostly in need of a wheelchair for any distance, but this is a viable alternative for me. It's totally worth exploring options with OTs or similar.

ETA: Kristin, that sucks. Wishing you much ~ma for the job, though, which sounds great.

I haven't really looked into much about mobility aids. Right now, I pretty much just need something that will work for the every once in a while that I need it, the days when my ankle is hurting too much to walk to my office. If I need something more, I'll talk about it with a doctor or somebody -- I just don't see the point in doing it over the phone or email.

So very many hugs to Shir and her family, beth and Matt, and their beloved creatures. It's the hardest part of having pets and loving them, facing these decisions.

Which reminds me that I need to write a thank-you note to Hec's friend Betty and her husband Mike; she and her husband took in my two dear cats when we married, and both cats have died in the last year, one after much illness (they spent buckets of money trying to ease his way, and the entire vet's office fell so in love with him that after he died the vet donated everything Betty and Mike had paid to a local shelter) and the other very suddenly. I couldn't possibly have picked better or more loving second homes for them, and along with the affection and delight they got the brunt of the sickness and expense and heartbreaking choices, and I owe them both so much gratitude.

oh, beth, I'm so sorry about AndyCat.

I dread the time I'll have to see mine get old and sick. And mine are only three! I don't deal well with losing precious things anymore. Every now and then I hug Leo and say, "I get at least 15 more years with you, right?" and he says, "Put me down, this is embarrassing" which I take to be a yes.

I'm so relieved my old Koogie cat decided it was time on his own, because he kept getting slower and slower, and I knew I was going to have to decide very soon. Dear old lich-cat.

I'm sorry about AndyCat, beth.

{{Pet parents}} We've had so many pet members of our family over the years. Some have passed on their own, most we had to make the tough decision for them. It is so very hard. And yet the love and joy they have brought to our lives is what remains in my memories.

I built a ramp today for Brandy to get in and out of the car. It is carpet covered so she doesn't slip and it works very well. I'm really happy with it because she would put her front paws up and wait patiently for me to give her a boost to get in, but it was really awkward to help her out.

I found out our regular vet will come to the house. and I couldn't make the appointment. I just couldn't do it