Heavy Eyelids, and Kudos

Due to Chloe’s condition, I stayed home from work today. Last night her mouth bled as well as the incision on her back, so I thought it best that I watch her closely today. She’s perky and doing very well! I’m exhausted, though, because of last night’s events.

11pm: I escorted Bella into the bedroom to sleep with Michael and I set up camp in the family room with Chloe. Oh, joy. When it was time to turn off the lights, she was planted in the middle of the sofa, snug as a bug in a rug, so I didn’t bother her. I found a small spot on the end of the sofa and slid my legs around her, pulled up the covers, and laid there on my back (not in my favorite fetal position) with my eyes wide open for a long time, unable to move.

Midnight: I must have dozed and was awakened by her hair raising, high soprano whine, each lasting about ten seconds. It then switched to a baritone, equally as long in length. She sat in the middle of the floor and performed for longer than I could stand. There was nothing I could do, as she had pee’d outside, drank and ate. She later settled back on the sofa with me, covered by a blanket.

3am: I heard the bedroom door open and Michael, along with Bella, noisily trudged through the family room. By then, one of my legs was hanging off the sofa but at least I had been sleeping! Michael, “She’s coughing! She won’t stop coughing!” I am always amazed at the sounds that bellow from Bella. She hacked and coughed and hacked some more. In his Fruit of the Looms, he was desperate for sleep, but let Bella outside. Meanwhile, Chloe was snoring and I opened one eye to say, “Michael, go to bed when Bella comes inside. Let her stay out here with us.” Happy with my suggestion, he bends over to give Chloe a pat on the back and, in turn, she gave him a sincere warning growl and snap. Michael, “All I did was pet her!” I said, “Oh, just go to bed”, but thinking, “She just had surgery on her back, dumbo… duh…”

With Bella back inside the house, still hacking in my ear, I was determined to close my eyes even though there was still no room for my left leg on the sofa. I heard Michael’s annoyed mumblings and exclamations in the bedroom and a few bumps and thuds. I didn’t even care. Just let me sleep. Bella quieted down.

6am: The house was silent. I heard Michael’s keys. Then I heard him pour his bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal. Karuuunch. Karuuunch. Karuuunch. For at least five minutes, I could hear the hollowness in his head with each karuuunch, over and over and over again. I listened with wide eyes and contempt. The sound seemed to be amplified in the silence of the house and I was only seconds from asking him to take that damned bowl down the hall and finish it.

Later this morning, I learned that Bella had thrown up an eight inch wide pile of vomit in the middle of bed. That’s one other reason I stayed home today and the reason for Michael’s little temper tantrum in the middle of the night.

I can’t stop yawning.


Took a trip to Lowe’s home store for some thistle today and here’s what I found in the parking lot.

It’s Cedar Waxwing Week here. Say that ten times fast after a glass of wine.

There was lots of action at the feeders today and I am so happy to report that I saw a red-bellied woodpecker! I was stepping outside with the dogs and, unfortunately, he heard our sounds and made a u-turn and fled. Immediate happy dance! I hope he returns… The suet feeder is finally getting some visitors.

Here’s another mocker showing off. Camera hogs, they are.




I like how you can spot a house finch from afar.



The Chickadees are visiting regularly and after at least twenty shots, this is the best I could get.

If you want to see super photos of Chickadees, check out Tom, Laura at Natural Notes, and Sandy at Gardenpath. They showed great Chickadees this week!

Icicles were a hot item this week as shown by Sandy at Gardenpath, Cathy at Looking Up, and Donna at KGMom Mumblings.

My blogroll is loaded with talent. Every day I look forward to visiting poets, writers, historians, photographers, artists, soul searchers, and others who have something distinct and personal to offer. Some are wacky and some are serious. All of these great people have their own style but I think we all share a few things in common – curiosity and a love for the simple things in life that often go unnoticed.

This week, Trixie from way up north, photographed some birds we probably won’t see at our feeders. And Lynne at Hasty Brook photographed a hawk/crow combo on her way to Target!
I'd highlight something from everyone’s blog tonight if my eyelids weren’t so heavy…I appreciate all of you.