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

The job offer came in. It is just on the low side of the bubble. It would be roughly a 2-3% pay cut when you compare CA to TX prices of major stuff. Then there is still the furloughs stuff, which puts an additional 6% pay cut until at least end of August. It is unsure if the furloughs would continue after that point. The talk is they will cut programs within the UC system, rather than continue furloughs. But still unsure at this time.

I told my concerns, we talked about it a bit. Apparently it's one (if not the) most generous offer the school has given to this employee level. As a result of the generous offer, she doesn't think there is a lot of room for negotiations.

If it was lower, it'd be an easy no. If it was higher, it'd be an easy yes. Could I live on it? Yes. I lived on a lot less when working at old CA job. It really hits into the "intangibles". The standard of living things.

Ugg. I don't know again.

Quote of the day from the Pope's chief exorcist

"Behind Harry Potter hides the signature of the king of the darkness."

not behind. On his forehead. Duh! everyone knows that.