Hurricane update: Well, west Houston isn't getting much worse than a heavy thunderstorm, so the Aged Parents are mostly worrying about keeping water out of the carpet. On the other hand, what's left of Harvey seems to coming right up the freeway to San Antonio. We haven't gotten anything worse than moderate rain and wind so far, but it's supposed to get pretty stormy tonight and tomorrow.

One thing I learned working in a support capacity to the insurance industry is how very nitpickey insurance policies are. You may have flood insurance, but if the damage can be attributed to wind, you're SOL, even if everything is soaking wet. Likewise, the water from basic rain--even the torrents from a hurricane--may not be considered flood. And I don't even remember all the rules I saw for whether a basement is actually considered a basement. There were parameters for the grade of the property, did any of the basement rise above ground level--ie, was the front of the basement below grade but did it open up at the back because you built into a hill?

Steph, you're allowed to make this decision in a way that works for you as well, I think. I had been watching my Hazel very closely for weeks before I put her down, and maybe I picked the wrong day, but I was new at my job, so I did it on the weekend, in large part because with Homer, I woke up one day and knew I couldn't make him do this anymore, and that was a random weekday.

Basically, I'm saying if this feels like the right decision for all of you, then it is. Love to you.

In other news, I finally went to the Greek market my mother will never take me to (it's on the way to the nursing home, but I was on my own today), and got $20 of YUM.

I couldn't fall asleep until around 2AM last night, and I would really like a nap about now. Or about 10 minutes ago.

I'm sorry this is so hard, Teppy. My vet did tell me with Brandy that some animals just don't let you know in any way when they are in pain. Brandy continued to eat and get around, but it was clear to me that it was time. It is different for each animal. The only thing that is consistent is that it sucks.

16 1BR apartments, lower level have small yard, upper level has balcony. Gated lot with parking spaces. Just over 2mil, which would be less than 150K each. We make it a condo and boom.

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I'm sorry, Teppy. Cats are so stoic it's really hard to know when to make the call.

A comment on an event page on FB said, "Just how much equality are you seeking?" Seriously, dude? I just posted a link to the definition of equality.

Oh, you know, don't want too much equality it goes right to my hips.

It's done. It was very peaceful, and the staff was very kind. They even kept the exam room lights dimmer than normal and had a fleece blanket laid out on the table. The vet is the one who diagnosed Slinky with kidney disease 2 years ago, and I was so glad it was her. They've given her (and all of our pets) really good care. I need to write them a thank-you note.

So now Murderbiscuit stands alone. There's a whole Highlander thing going on.

We are very, very sad, and are going to console ourselves with Indian takeout. Which I ordered via an app. I love living in the future.