You walk in worlds the others can't begin to imagine.

Drusilla ,'Conversations with Dead People'


Natter 77: I miss my friends. I miss my enemies. I miss the people I talked to every day.  

Off-topic discussion. Wanna talk about corsets, duct tape, butt kicking, or physics? This is the place. Detailed discussion of any current-season TV must be whitefonted.


Pix - Dec 30, 2023 7:17:14 pm PST #27750 of 30000
We're all getting played with, babe. -Weird Barbie

A quick update for those not on FB:

Dad is in rehab and doing a little better. He has a long way to go. Acts of kindness that made today better:
-Laura and DH asking Drew what comfort food they could give me when I finally got back to their place after a 12-hour caregiver marathon day; they greeted me with chicken tikka masala and love.
-Hec's generosity
-Cousin Laura helping me find someone willing to foster Sonny while Dad goes through rehab — for free (her friend lost his dog recently and is thrilled to spend time with Sonny)
-My mom and Aunt Susan conspiring to send me a giclee of Susan's gorgeous moonlit owl painting.
-James (dad's part-time caregiver) spending time with Dad at the hospital so I could run around making sure Sonny had a quick vet visit to get some new meds (my sweet dog brother is finally getting his doggy Prozac...all praise doggy Prozac).
-Local Florida friends agreeing to check in on Dad every day while he's in the rehab facility this week so I can go back to LA to teach this week (I'll be coming back out next weekend to transfer Sonny to his temporary foster home and to check on Dad's progress). I couldn't have left if I didn't have trustworthy friends checking in on him.

There were more, I'm sure, but I'm very (very) tired, and I need to try to sleep. I'm grateful for my community so I can go home for a few days, sleep in my own bed, spend time with ND and our beasts, and not miss any more work than I need to.


DavidS - Dec 30, 2023 7:23:17 pm PST #27751 of 30000
"Look, son, if it's good enough for Shirley Bassey, it's good enough for you."

(Basically, I choose a group of nonprofits I want to donate to, assign one to each of my goals and/or habits I want to strengthen, so meeting my step goals supports the Southeastern Raptor Center, spending time in prayer/meditation plants trees, etc.)

Oooh, I like that strategy!

Cousin Laura helping me find someone willing to foster Sonny while Dad goes through rehab — for free (her friend lost his dog recently and is thrilled to spend time with Sonny)

That's such a good solution to a tricky problem!


lisah - Dec 30, 2023 8:34:21 pm PST #27752 of 30000
Punishingly Intricate

I’m so glad to hear about getting a foster for your Dad’s dog, Pix. That’s been on my mind.


meara - Dec 30, 2023 9:09:48 pm PST #27753 of 30000

So glad a foster was found that’s gotta be a weight off everyone’s mind. Best of luck, Pix.


Cass - Dec 30, 2023 9:33:33 pm PST #27754 of 30000
Bob's learned to live with tragedy, but he knows that this tragedy is one that won't ever leave him or get better.

Right now I'm taking her out at least every hour and she pees every time, often more than once a trip.

That sounds medical. Or am I misremembering Birdie's age?

That sounds like a good thing for Sonny.


JenP - Dec 30, 2023 11:19:23 pm PST #27755 of 30000

No, you're right, she's 11, Cass, so it's not a puppy issue.


Calli - Dec 31, 2023 5:07:37 am PST #27756 of 30000
I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul—Calvin and Hobbs

Sounds like things are moving in a positive direction, Pix.

I have a cup of coffee by my side, a purring cat on my lap, and no place in particular that I need to be in the next few hours. It’s a good way to start the day.


Pix - Dec 31, 2023 10:00:51 am PST #27757 of 30000
We're all getting played with, babe. -Weird Barbie

Ugh this morning has been hard. He's no different, maybe a little worse, and I just don't have confidence this nursing home is going to take good care of him while I'm gone. Not that I think he's going to be neglected or abused; they just aren't going to be monitoring him the way the hospital was, and he isn't on fluids anymore. I hate this so much. But I have to go today for at least a few days. And I do have people here who will check in on him. But I feel like I'm abandoning him.


erikaj - Dec 31, 2023 11:50:34 am PST #27758 of 30000
Always Anti-fascist!

I have about had it with hooples and their firecrackers. Tonight will be the worst yet, too.


Amy - Dec 31, 2023 12:30:48 pm PST #27759 of 30000
Because books.

Oh god I forgot about fireworks.

lisah, I'm so sorry about Magellan. That kind of unexpected loss is so hard.

Matt, I hope 2024 brings health for your mom. Cancer, we see you there. ::shakes fist::

JenP, good vibes for Birdie! It might just be a senior thing, though. At that age some dogs start to lose control.

Teppy, a new car! With buttwarmers! That's a wonderful way to ring out the year (less so with the stomach bug, of course).

Pix, I'm so sorry about what your dad and you are going through. Have they checked to see if he might have had another stroke? And traveling cross-country all the time must be exhausting. I don't have any practical advice to give, but I do have love and hugs.