We're going to watch Pangs after the parade. Except the dog show after the parade always sucks me in. Because dogs!

Connie, how's Shadow doing today? I am all for getting him checked out. With any luck, it's something relatively minor like arthritis or a potassium deficiency.

askye, I'm glad that you have some hope for reconnecting with your brother.

Things I am thankful for today:

Two beautiful, sweet cats.

Daniel having a job.

Daniel not having to drive 50 miles on snowy, icy highway to get to work during winter storms.

That I probably won't have to work today, and will only have to go in for an hour and a half tomorrow. (And maybe have Saturday off, but I'm not holding my breath on that one.)

The back exercises I've been doing. Daniel worked hard on our snowy driveway and sidewalks so I wouldn't have to do any shoveling then when I got to work, my car got plowed in and I had to dig it out. I felt stiff and sore yesterday, but have bounced back today. So the exercises are making me stronger.

You, my blinvisible family. Even when I don't have the wherewithal to respond to what you say here, I am reading along, sending out the ~ma, cheering you on, hoping for the best for you.

Connie, how's Shadow doing today?

He gets up and moves around, but not much. He's getting to food and water and the litter box. A few days ago I saw him running around, then he took to the heater vent. Maybe the running took too much out of him. His hips don't work as well as they used to. But he's purring when I scratch under his chin.

Awww, scritches for Shadow, hope he's feeling better.

Is Shadow taking anything for arthritis? [spoiler font for unsolicited advice] A couple years ago, Harvey had slowed down noticeably - wasn't grooming himself, wasn't running around playing, and then he was either missing when he would try to jump up to my lap or he was not even trying. Vet said, "yup, it's arthritis, go ahead and try a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement. The one I found at my pet supply place also has MSM in it. Pet Naturals Hip + Joint For Cats [link] Within a week of starting it, he was grooming himself again and jumping up onto my lap confidently. Within a month, he was back to chasing his tail (maybe not as fast as he did fifteen years ago, but still, pretty spry for an old guy). Incidentally, earlier this year he had another slow-down - the only thing that turned up in his blood work was potassium levels one point below clinical range. Fix for that was to sprinkle a little No Salt into his food at each meal, and whammo! back to chasing Sammie around like she's the one who is old.

Hm, I'm taking glucosamine for my knees. I don't think it would hurt. Black Friday at the pet store!

Hsppy Thanksgiving! People are talking about sports. Blah blah blah. Morewine.

I totally support Andi's advice.

Since both Bartleby and Cagney were/are of the long chassis variety, I began giving each glucosamine supplements from day one. Various vets all said that it could not hurt, and could do a lot of good.

In the end, I think it has protected them both from the sorts of injuries common in their kind.

I hope Shadow feels perkier very soon.

Happy Tday, indeed!

I'm setting off for a holiday dinner with neighbors. I usually turn down these invitations because I'm generally asked to manage dotty Aunt Fillintheblank or to head drunk uncle Blotto off at the pass.

Not sure why I said yes, but this particular family doesn't seem to be particularly fighty and there are only four of them.

I've made a pecan pie with no corn syrup or processed sugar and no wheat. I'm cautiously hopeful.

Also, a cranberry/pomegranate relish that is aMAZing. Also no sugar.

Next up, wheat-free biscuits.

My plan is to make sure there are things I can eat and it's working out quite well.

NOM!

In an unprecedented move, Cagney actually walked 3 miles with me this morning. We are both tired enough that I will have a legit excuse to leave early.

All good.

I hope everyone's day has been delicious and peaceful.

Rather laid-back T-day for a change. Youngest niece didn't come home, she's studying for finals. Oldest niece Kim is home for one day. I didn't mention it before because I wasn't sure I was supposed to, but she said I could, so. My niece Kim joined the metal band Gwar as the character Vulvatron. She's always wanted to be a rockstar and she finally got her dream. They've been touring for two months and will be touring now until mid-December. The tour bus is huge and comfy and kinda smelly at this point. The bus dropped her off here this morning and we will take her to Richmond late tonight to rejoin them. The band is Richmond-based and they all wanted to spend the day at home. They play Charlotte tomorrow night and my sister and I have decided to take a road trip and go see them. We are excited! Sis has seen them before but I haven't.

I may *** out those names shortly.