All we can do is put our best face forward and hope for the best...
yesterday was one of "those days."
Our four year old cat, Pepper is ill...
I spent a few hours at the hospital with her
and I left her there overnight for observation.
She has had X-Rays, tests and blood work...
it appears that something is amiss and so we wait...
If pets could talk and tell us what is wrong we'd be so much better able to diagnose their problem and start the correct treatment.
I wonder if she ate something that she should not have ingested...
She was throwing up...
I know it's gross and I won't mention it again,
except to say that our white coverlet on the bed has been laundered.
(I'm so grateful we own a heavy duty washing machine)
I left dinner in the oven for MR. HB...
he coaxed Pepper into the kennel cab for me as I hastily wrote out the directions to the hospital from a google map...
I was stressed, scribbling the street names
I'm not proud of it but there was some screaming involved...
I got lost on the way to the hospital...
on a rainy dark night, country roads and unfamiliar territory...
our old Volvo wagon does not have a GPS.
I pulled over to the side of the road and "googled" maps,
I got a message saying "Do you want to install the Google Map APP now?
NOOOOOO....
I want to get to the vet NOW...
I had to stop at a gas station and call the hospital for directions...
turns out I was two blocks short of their location.
Can you feel my tension
you shouldn't...
I'm just venting.
I had my first ever Kuerig coffee...which btw was delicious.
The "reception" at the hospital was warm and welcoming
the patient and caring staff took care of me as well as Pepper.
Let's take a break/diversion shall we?
Yes the red shoes walked with me to French Class...
they were accompanied by my favourite French made Union Jack tote.
Perhaps it is a weird "statement"
to carry that tote to class
but both the textbooks
the French English dictionary
homework and papers
pencils and pens
and
a bottle of Perrier
fit
perfectly.
C'est la vie.
I passed by a popular flower stall
brimming with colour...
a market with fresh produce...
I wore classic pearls and diamonds...
with my natural tinsel "highlights"
I'll be 60 in a few weeks so I think I have "earned the right to embrace the grey"
(have you noticed how many women "of a certain age" are blogging about going grey ?)
Joni Mitchell and Joan Didion have been hired as representatives as the "new faces" for fashion houses.
Boomers, are quite possibly, becoming the IT generation!
I spied these gorgeous Hunter Boots in a shop window
and if I had not been running late for class
I would have rushed in
and tried them on...
I did just buy some cute and comfy Harvest Tomato Lands' End Bianca ballet flats...
and it was not raining...
look was hanging out in the same shop window as the Hunter Boots.
Last weekend I left this vest in "the Red Store"
(aka Target)
after conferring with my personal fashion advisor
who has never steered me wrong...
(thanks darling...it does add bulk and I am way too short to carry it off!)
so before I close...
Pepper's picture on her file at the vet clinic...
belly up!
I took it when she helped me "fold the laundry" Mr. HB's Socks!
Pepper was an adorable kitten ...
your little buddy Chester is waiting for you Pepper...
he was asleep when I took this...
Pepper snoozing onboard our Sea Ray last summer....
I'm going to phone the hospital soon and see what kind of night she had...
in the meantime...
I feel a wee bit better having written this all down and sharing it.
Who knows if anyone is out there reading these words?
there might just be an audience of empty chairs...
66 comments:
Oh I hate HATE that feeling when a pet is under the weather without clear explanation. Hope Pepper's condition is revealed clearly and treated promptly. This past fall I almost hit some poor woman driving Barbie to the vet in a mad panic. A full blood panel and every other test ($$$$ ouuuch) revealed nothing and that she was probably feeling delayed grief from my cat passing away a month before. Thankfully, I adore and trust my vet and he turned out to be right that by changing her routine in the morning, she would start eating on her normal schedule again. She didn't want to eat in the morning without him weaving through her legs trying to steal her food! Best wishes to you and Pepper!
I hope Pepper is feeling better. Just looking at the flowers and produce can make me feel a little better. Your stylist is right. The vest isn't you. Actually the writing is therapeutic even if nobody reads it. Have a better day.
Oh, I know how much you dote on your cats - I hope that Pepper gets better soon. Chester must be wondering where she is ....
LOVE Pepper's spotted belly! With a name like "Pepper", she's sure to have a spunky, firey disposition and will snap out of "whatever's ailing her" soon! Best wishes!
I hope that Pepper recovers soon! I can relate to racing to the vets not know exactly where you're going. Wishing you well on this rainy day.
I hope you get good news about Pepper soon. I, too, am a cat lover. My last remaining cat, Ashley, is 15, and I treasure every minute I get to spend with her.
Your photos are lovely -- thanks for sharing!
I hope Pepper is feeling better and home again soon. You are so right about the therapeutic effect of writing things out. Just getting it onto paper/computer often helps me with problems, too. Those red Hunters are gorgeous! Just think what a bright spot they would be on these grey days.
I haven't written before, but I wanted to say that I enjoy your blog immensely. As a fellow cat owner, (Bix, age 7), I understand your love and concern for Pepper. I hope that Pepper is healthy and home again very soon.
What a shame Mr HB couldn't have driven you and Pepper to the hospital as you were in such a state of worry. I hate to think of you out on a cold, dark, strange part of town under such stressful conditions. I do hope your little kitty makes a speedy recovery and is home with you all soon. Stephanie
God bless you, Mr. HB, and little miss Pepper!! Love your blog, your observations, your taste, your sense of humor and irony, and that you share all of this with us via the Internet:) Keep on writing!!
You? Having a meltdown? With shouting? Sacred blue! as MP would say. I love the entire idea of that. Make's you just a little less "proper".
Hope Pepper's doing better and you are as well.
Although you wouldn't wear it every day, I like the white vest. It would look fabulous with red lipstick. You're going to be 60 so it's all right to step out of the "box" of what's "acceptable". Bonnet over the windmill Miss HB.
Clara
Best wishes for a prompt and full recovery for Pepper (and those Hunter boots are adorable).
I so hope that Pepper is on the mend. The stress you feel is so normal, but I know how difficult is to experience it.
I had a cat named Boots. We were the only two females in a house full of males, and Miss Boots was always testing my patience and vying for Mr. K's attention. If I scolded her, she would run straight to his lap and stare at me defiantly as if to say, "There will be only one queen in this house." I miss that uppity cat every day.
Interesting that so many women our age are embracing the grey. I haven't done it yet, but am impressed by those who have. I have given myself a promise that I will go natural at 70 (a few years off yet) because I have yet to meet a 70 year-old with natural blonde hair.
I am thinking good thoughts for Chester! I've been through similar situations with two different dogs and it is very upsetting.
About two years ago my husband had a heart attack. The hospital he was taken to called an ambulance to transport him to a different one with a cardiac center as he needed to have two arterial stents put in. It was at night, I was very stressed out, by myself, and got lost for what seemed like an eternity trying to find where they took him.. And I'm embarrassed to admit that this occurred even though my car has a GPS.
I'll be 60 in a few weeks as well, but I'm having a hard time embracing the grey...
Take care and please keep us informed about Chester!
Andrea
How is Pepper? what kind of a night did she have? I know what you are going through and feeling; pets become a member of the family and it is so hard to see them sick...love those red boots they really are cute and should be in your closet!!!! let us all know how things go...
I know just how you feel...I hate it! when a pet in ill. As you said they really can't tell us and it creates such a frustrating, scary feeling. Your trip to the vet's sounds horrible I probably would have stepped through the door and started crying. I hope the vet will find the problem soon and Pepper will be back home with you.
Poor Ms. Pepper! I love it when she makes an appearance in your postings. I've even shared her pics with my husband!😀.
I hope she's on the mend.
Hugs!
I'm hoping for Pepper's full and speedy recovery. Yes, it would be nice if they could talk and let us know what the problem might be. I don't recall if you've ever told us how old Pepper is. My big orange tabby, Chaucer, died last year at two months shy of 20 years old. Hard to watch them grow old and experience some of the same problems we humans suffer through.
I've been there with our cat..........it's so difficult to be unable to do anything help a beloved pet, especially for someone accustomed to being positive and getting things done (as I feel you are). I hope Pepper is back to full health and to her beautiful home very soon. Your blog is a delight. Rachel
Sending love to Pepper.
BarbaraG
Hostess, You and I must be living the same life--to an extent. Our 2 year old dog (a miniature long haired dachshund) is very ill. He is throwing up---a lot. He had been doing it in our backyard, so I wasn't aware--until late this afternoon. When I discovered it all, I rushed him to the vet--not far from our house----but there is a lot of construction, rainy weather, the need to enter the clinic through an alley--and over a light rail line. Then, after I saw the vet, I realized that I had left dinner (chili) simmering on the stove at home. I left our dog at the vet, rushed home to turn off the stove and retrieve my cell phone. I drove back to the vet--but could not find the alley entrance again. There was a phone call to my husband, me panicking--not my best food forward. Now, we are home again, after a huge vet bill (X-rays and blood work) and we will be going back tomorrow for the next step. I feel your pain.
Oh, I can understand completely! We've had difficulties like that with our various cats. I wished a hug for you as I was reading. Very upsetting. I hope Pepper gets some good help, and comes home soon.
Loved all the colorful photos.
I understand and sympathize. My golden retriever just went through surgery and is recovering at home. We had some very anxious moments. Here's hoping Pepper will be back home soon enjoying a nice nap!
My 60th birthday is coming up on Feb 8....I think you are right we are becoming the IT generation!!
oh best healthy wishes for Pepper n all of you.......I have Henri a big paw footed cat
so I understand when health issues happen
xo L
I hope Pepper is OK, and it was just something he ate. I get so worried when one of our dogs is ill too. I'm about 7 months into the gray, and I really think I'm going to love it. Thanks for all your inspiration.
In which case, be the first! Break the mold! S
Poor wee Pepper! So worrying, but she is being looked after and everyone at the hospital will do their best for her. Sending good thoughts to you all and hope to hear (or read) that she is feeling better,
Oh, poor Pepper. I hope she's OK. And poor you...it's miserable when our fur kids are sick and we can't seem to make them feel better. Had to take our Byron dog to the vet this morning. Thankfully it doesn't look serious, he may have just strained his back (he's getting up there in years). Once I'm out of the workforce, I'll probably let the "silver" take over.
Keeping a good thought for Pepper. Hope she's back to her usual self in no time. I agree with your stylist - the vest is not you. (Frankly, in my opinion, it's really not anyone!)
Hello, and greetings from Vancouver. Just wanted to reach out. I enjoy your blog a great deal. Hope kitty is okay. all the best.
So sorry for your emergency. I hope Pepper is on the mend, and that you are taking care of yourself.
Hang in there, Leslie and I hope Pepper is okay.
SSG xxx
Just realized I typed Chester instead of Pepper..I apologize and blame it on a lack of sleep:( Hoping all is well?
Andrea
After the day you had, I advise you to go right back tomorrow to buy those red boots! I hope Pepper is better by morning.
Hello Leslie,
There is nothing like the illness of a pet to make one feel totally inadequate. One becomes so very aware of their complete trust in one and there is such a huge burden of responsibility to make them well again. And, in return, they give unconditional love.
We trust that Pepper is already much better now. Vets the world over are such kind and clever people. Pepper is in the best place in their capable hands.
Wishing Pepper the best!
Sending prayers and healing thoughts for Pepper! Hope you have good news today.
I am praying Pepper is totally recovered and on her way home. Your kitty photos are awesome. What fun!!
Hope poor little Pepper is feeling better.
You're not alone....it's a raw desperation when a beloved pet is ill, and you can't figure out how to help. Hope things go well for the little one, and that it's nothing more than a bit of random gastric distress.
I completely understand your stress when if comes to your kitty. I have 3 senior dogs that all seem to be falling apart at once. Shes in the best place possible and I hope you hear good news soon!
I agree, there is nothing more stressful than a sick pet.. I do hope your kitty is feeling better.
Hugs!
Very best wishes for kitty full recovery! Good call to leave that vest behind, much better choices out there... and you will know what's right for you.
So sorry to hear your angst, Tatyana and Leo send their best meows for Pepper's quick recovery.
No empty chair here. I wish Pepper a quick recovery and hope it is nothing too serious and that she will soon be up to her usual mischief like catching the fish on your yoga mat (if that was her.) All the best, Leslie. Violet.
Oh my dear, I feel for you! We do feel so helpless when a furry family member is not well. I am sending my best thoughts and prayers for Pepper. And poor Chester as well; he must be wondering what's going on!
I love your blog! As a woman of similar age, I appreciated the comments about embracing grey. I am not ready yet, but am encouraged that the beauty industry is beginning to embrace us!
I'm enjoying the preparations for your Paris trip - my favourite city!
Thank you for sharing so much with us.
Please update us on Pepper.
It's so stressful when a pet is sick. You're right - if only they could talk and tell us what, exactly, was the matter. I hope today brought good news and that Pepper is back home again.
Our furry friends are such a big part of our family aren't they? They give us so much Joy when they are well and so much grief when they are ill...
I love the look of those vests on taller more willowy women...not a great look for a height challenged woman like myself!
Writing IS theraputic...I suppose that's why journalling is such a powerful tool.
Her name really does suit her personality and I hope that you are right about her snapping out of this soon.
I used to have a bright yellow rain mac that I wore for walks...it cheered me no end.
Funny how a little bit of colour can change how we feel on a grey drizzly day...the Hunter designers obviously know this!
Oh I have my "moments"....
I am a bit manic when it comes to panic...
my friends and family know this all too well!
Cats have a sense of order...we think we own them but they actually own us!
Andrea...we are united in our ability to get lost when we are in panic mode!
After Mr. HB had surgery for cancer back in 2001 I went to his bedside and stayed for several hours until his dinner arrived, then I popped out to get some dinner at the hospital cafeteria...and asked to borrow his cellphone so the staff could reach me if they needed me...I actually grabbed his shaver and he laughed and wondered if I had lost my mind! When I came back from eating the nurses were smirking...apparently they all had heard of my silly mistake! Stress manifests itself in strange ways...
I have just posted an update...the boots will have to wait until I come back from Paris...and they might even be on sale by then!
Thank you...will keep you posted.
When our cat died at 18 we were devastated...our retriever left a big hole in our hearts too...they are family.
I hope that your dog is on the mend...i
t's a funny thing when we are in that "panicked state"...details that normally would be crystal clear completely slip our minds. Please let me know how things are progressing.
Oh I adore retrievers!
Years ago our Golden swallowed a fish hook that was baited with bacon...it was an emergency boat ride back to the dock, a speedy ride to the hospital and over a thousand dollars to have it removed surgically and he went on to live to 13 years old...I think of him often.
Wishing your dog a speedy recovery....and Happy Birthday to you!
Kathy I noticed that you had a new hairstyle but I could not see any grey.
It must be a gradual and very subtle change as you are so blonde...bravo!
Pepper is in good hands...we are keeping our fingers crossed and following the doctor's orders to the letter. Only time will tell.
I am happy to see that you are both "back in action" and have regained your health.
That trip to Uruguay looked like quite an adventure and a breath of fresh air.
Perhaps they will still be there after my jaunt to Paris...and they might even be "on sale"...
I waited for retirement before I let the greys grow in too...
hope your puppy is better soon.
I loved your blog collaboration post with Lisa this week!
Good memory about the scratched yoga mat...that WAS Pepper!
Hope Pepper is feeling better soon! Take care of yourself too!
gosh i'm sorry to read this leslie. our pets are just like our children. when they are ill nothing else matters. take care and stay strong. xo
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