Play Book Tag discussion
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Tuesday Kaffeeklatsch 1/4/2022!!!!!
Funny you should bring up the fur babies and the cone of the shame... Miss Lola had her Vet appt. yesterday, although the wound from her chewing frenzy is healing, it has been slow and she has developed an infection. The cone stays on, antiboitics 2x a day and anti-boi cream on it. Oh that is a site to see-Adam laying across the hound while I furiously try to get it on! It is a full body work-out for both of us.Looking forward to another great year of books, reviews and pleasant conversation with all of you!
My heart felt thoughts and good wishes go out to BnB and the hubby, and to anyone else suffering in any way shape or form!
Well you know I always have Miss Lola close in my thoughts!
We are on tenterhooks right now. Ordering Chinese, mu shu, walnut shrimp, hot and sour soup, egg foo young. Should be enough for leftovers.Tomorrow we have to get up way early to get to the hospital in Sacramento at 6:30. I will stay at the hospital until he is out of surgery and hope to visit with him if possible. The hospital has been adjusting their visiting policies as necessary and not sure where they are. He will be in the ICU immediately after surgery.
I'll be thinking of Miss Lola and hoping she begins healing and stops chewing.
Theresa remain vigilant and safe. My sister who wasn't vaccinated and is against it had her entire family over for Christmas and they all now have Covid, even the baby who is under 1.
I was back at work, in person, today. Was meant to be in person daily up to and including next Tuesday, then 2x/week (with a few additional days thrown in, as something I needed to do in person was on those days). Changes as of today. For the rest of this month, I will be in only once/week... then we'll see. Curbside pickup at our library once again.
Fran, good luck to your husband on his surgery.
My daughter, who is still on chemo maintenance meds, had a scare because she visited our cousin's family who lives near her and 5 days later they called her to say they all got Covid. (They were all vaccinated.) Luckily, my son had given us all the best Christmas gift - at-home rapid tests. She took one and it was negative and it had already been 5 days, today 6, and no symptoms, so she got lucky. Most likely culprit was a college student who was just coming in the house as she was leaving. She was super careful for so many months and finally felt she could start seeing a few people. For me, I changed my attitude a few weeks ago and am going into hibernation through January, canceling my theater ticket, even though the theater is very good with vaccine requirement/masks/ventilation. I was fine with going there in November and will probably be ok with it again in February. Best wishes to you and your husband, BnB!
BnB - just know I will have you in my mind tomorrow morning, sending waves of support your way!Robin - so glad your daughter ok!
Sucks we have to retreat into our shells like turtles, but at least we know how to do it and how to ease back out.
I didn’t realize all of this was going on. My heart and blessings are with you all!
All love for tomorrow, BnB, and I’m so relieved for your daughter, Robin. I’m on holiday all of January - I finished my previous job at Christmas and made myself unavailable for the new one until February! So I’m actually starting to relax a bit which is awesome. The to-do list on the whiteboard is getting longer rather than shorter as I think of more chores that I should use my holiday to get done … but of course I’m buried in a book and telling the list to go to perdition for a while…
We’re also having a heatwave which doesn’t help with my resolution to tame some of the weeds in the garden - well, it’s hot for us as temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius (80F). Nice to be able to swan around in shorts rather than donning work clothes though. And I may yet take advantage of little Miss’ new paddling pool on my deck!
KateNZ wrote: "All love for tomorrow, BnB, and I’m so relieved for your daughter, Robin. I’m on holiday all of January - I finished my previous job at Christmas and made myself unavailable for the new one until..."
Do!
I remember the 6 weeks I took off after finishing law school and taking the Bar exam and starting my job (at the NYC firm I had been a legal secretary in). I stayed at the family farm and had a list of chores and such I was going to do. Instead I took stacks of books out of the small local public library and caught up on 3 years worth of my favorite mystery writers. 😆
I took a few months off before finding the job I'm in at Amazon. I remember taking a LOT of naps. It was delightful. It did take a couple of weeks to get over the feeling of needing to be productive with my day. I took two weeks off over the holiday and it was amazing to have the time to recharge.BnB my thoughts are with you today. Sending you so much positivity!!!
Robin I'm so glad your daughter didn't get it!
My BFF in FL tested positive yesterday. She is vaccinated but was dragging her feet about getting the booster. I went ahead and got my booster on my first day of vacation and am thankful that I did!!
We are snowed/iced in so no leaving for us for another day or two. I will probably go back into hibernation mode. But I have no problem staying at home and avoiding people. I need to get boosters scheduled for my hubby and mom when we can leave out neighborhood. I know so many people (in FL not here in WA) that are testing positive right now. Only one has gotten severely sick. I hope it stays that way!
I had one month off between ending my next-to-last job and starting the last one. I had severance pay that exactly equaled one month. I also thought I would accomplish a lot, but what I remember most is doing leisurely shopping. (I sometimes think I am like a lottery winner, I was in my career for 30 years at 4 companies, was downsized 3 times, and each time I got severance pay and also started a new job immediately, not officially unemployed for one day between 1988 and retiring in 2018!)
BnB, sending you all the warm and positive thoughts today!I've been a member of PBT since 2018 and was not all that involved until last year with the Fly the Skies and Unofficial Trim challenges. Being more involved helped me see the wonderful community that has been built here and I hope to make many more connections this year.
My husband's family usually hosts a New Year's Eve Party where we play several rounds of Bunco and prizes are awarded. It was nice to have this tradition reinstated even if it was on a smaller scale than usual.
The other project for the New Year has been trying to get my 7-year-old (in April) Shichon (breed) dog named Nolan used to wearing boots. This really should have started when he was a puppy, but did not see the need and last year I worked remote FT. After changing jobs from a non-profit to a university in November and being in office three times a week I like to give him a walk in the morning before heading in. Most days we don't get too far, but some we do. I'm hoping with positive reinforcement he'll acclimate soon!
Booknblues wrote: "We are on tenterhooks right now. Ordering Chinese, mu shu, walnut shrimp, hot and sour soup, egg foo young. Should be enough for leftovers.Tomorrow we have to get up way early to get to the hospi..."
I don't pray often, but I will today for him. Good luck. I hope they let you see him in the ICU. If not, just know that ICU nurses are the best.
Robin P wrote: "My daughter, who is still on chemo maintenance meds, had a scare because she visited our cousin's family who lives near her and 5 days later they called her to say they all got Covid. (They were al..."Oh, how scary for your daughter! (And you!) I'm glad she's ok.
KateNZ wrote: "We’re also having a heatwave which doesn’t help with my resolution to tame some of the weeds in the garden - well, it’s hot for us as temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius (80F)...."Yeah, that's a heat wave for me, too, in Calgary, Alberta. :-)
However, we are on the opposite end right now in a really cold spell. I had to go to work yesterday in person, but mostly have been able to stay home/inside.
As someone who volunteers for a lost and found pets page on facebook, though, I worry so much about the lost pets out there. Right now there is a particular one in mind that I feel horrible about.
Someone found kitty, brought him/her inside and provided food. Couldn't transport to a vet, however (to check for microchip or tattoo). Asked for help. Someone came to help, but they were unable to get kitty into a carrier. When they tried to get kitty from the parking lot to the vet, kitty escaped. So, now in an area he/she doesn't know in this extreme cold. :'(
This little one has just broken my heart. I have been worried for a bit over a week now. And I may never know what happened/happens to him/her.
Fran ... sending prayers and healing thoughts your way, especially tomorrow morning. May his doctors be inspired, his caregivers, compassionate, and may God grant you both the grace, courage and dignity to deal with this next phase of life's journey. Robin ... So glad to hear your daughter dodged that bullet! I'm also reconsidering theatre in January. Three theatre companies here have had to cancel shows due to positive COVID tests in the company. The REP is delaying the opening of their next show as well.
Speaking of Weather... I'm reading We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast. So far I'm enjoying it, and I love the examples of what people were willing to give up in the past for something that mattered. One thing is certain, I won't want to eat a steak for a long time.
Happy New Year to All. There are two places I go to for positive thoughts and supportive encouragement. There 's always an ongoing text message thread on my phone with my former teaching colleagues. Also, the weekly Tuesday thread. The conversations are amazingly similar: Covid, pets, weather, books, Covid .... I had a lovely Christmas with both of my grown children home. There was a bit more in person togetherness than last year, but we did curtail larger family gatherings, and the incoming travelers took at home Covid tests.
My son and his wife flew in from Hawaii, especially to attend the New Years Eve wedding of my son's best childhood friend. It was held 2 1/2 hours north of me. I was supposed to attend. I didn't. Long drive, covid concerns, It didn't seem like a good idea.
As it turned out. I was right. Since they returned home. My DL has been sick and tested positive on Tuesday. So far no one else in our joined families has tested positive, including my son. Reports are that others who did attend the wedding are also sick.
Covid improved my New Year's Eve in another way ( I really did not want to make that drive and spend a night away). My daughter was scheduled to attend a combined New Year's/baby shower with her best friend from high school. Covid cancelled that celebration. So I had a cozy evening watching old movies with my eldest child. Just the kind of celebration that I enjoy.
Today's been interesting. I noticed a leak in my garage late yesterday. (Right after I did my home Covid test with a negative result) It was potentially my water heater (not), but most likely in the wall behind it (yes). I still need at least one more negative test tomorrow to feel that I'm not infectious. I made that clear when I called the plumber. So now I can add pandemic home repair to my coping skills. It wasn't so bad since the damage looks to be only in the garage. It made distancing easy and I got to look at some entertaining spelling in our text communication.
Jgrace wrote: "Happy New Year to All. There are two places I go to for positive thoughts and supportive encouragement. There 's always an ongoing text message thread on my phone with my former teaching colleagues..."Funny but I have the same conversations with clients and colleagues on a daily basis, before settling into legal matters!
Fingers crossed that the negative Covid test pattern continues and the leak repair is minor!
Friends, I am deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Dandy, a 9 year old (and a week), labradoodle who has been the core of our family and the joy in our hearts. She lived long past what she was "supposed" or expected to, and has enjoyed a year and a half of a close relationship with our new puppy Rosie. When she came home last night, (after our vacation), she deteriorated so quickly. We barely got to say hello to her before we could see her time was up. She had labored breathing and my husband took her to the animal hospital last night. Tonight, our family, including the three children and Rosie went to go see her and say goodbye. She barely made it for that, and we all cried deep tears, but she passed beautifully and peacefully surrounded by amazing love. I truly believe that she waited for all of us to come home, and at a time when our new college kid would be here too. She was a beautiful incredible forever dog, and we are more than a bit heartbroken.I am aware that along with this, there are other loved ones, furry ones, husbands, daughters we are thinking about and praying for, and plenty who have been dealing with, are still dealing with Covid. I just wanted to extend my heart and all blessings to all of you. To thank you for a community that has provided love, laughter, friendships, and very deep care for one another. I think its unusual and I feel privileged to be a part of it. I extend my blessings to each and every one of you for health and healing, for love and joy, for connectedness and fulfillment. Thank you for being a part of my life and each others. I don't take that blessing lightly and I am grateful for it. Sending love and white light to each and every one of you tonight. Love, Amy
So sorry to hear of this, Amy, but it's good you all got there in time and could be with her. I sometimes think we treat animals better than people at the end, making them comfortable and surrounding them with love. You certainly did that.
So sorry to hear about your Dandy, Amy. It is very hard to lose such an important member of your family.I can report that my husband made it through the operation successfully and is in good spirits. The doctor opted not to take a whole lobe and removed a wedge with the cancerous nodule. Because of this less hospitalization will be needed and Les could be coming home as soon as tomorrow.
Prayers and thoughts to everyone having a hard time. My school just went back to remote- it was a surprise since the NYC Board of Ed schools have remained open. The plan is to reopen in two weeks but who knows. I read a NY Times article about the prevailing sense oflanguishing or absence of joy people are feeling these days. It helped for me to see it in print and be able to identify what I've been feeling.
Booknblues wrote: "I can report that my husband made it through the operation successfully and is in good spir..."
Good news! It is amazing how little time is spent in the hospital for something so scary.
Amy wrote: "Friends, I am deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Dandy, a 9 year old (and a week), labradoodle who has been the core of our family and the joy in our hearts. She lived long past wh..."{{{{HUGS}}}} to you, Amy. It's heartbreaking to lose a pet. <3
Booknblues wrote: I can report that my husband made it through the operation successfully and is in good spirits. The doctor opted not to take a whole lobe and removed a wedge with the cancerous nodule. Because of this less hospitalization will be needed and Les could be coming home as soon as tomorrow...."This is good news for you, Fran!
@Sallys - I wondered how your school was doing. I think all got too excited when we moved from initial vaccines to boosters that somehow the worst was behind us. The truth of course is we are adjusting to it being with us for a time yet. Far more vaccinations and testing and so on needed globally before we can say it is behind us.
Wonderful news, Fran - you must be hugely relieved!
Sallys wrote: "Prayers and thoughts to everyone having a hard time. My school just went back to remote- it was a surprise since the NYC Board of Ed schools have remained open. The plan is to reopen in two weeks b..."Several years ago I stumbled on a ted talk of sorts about joy and used some of the things she suggested with my preschoolers.
I remember color and abundance.
I some of her ideas make sense and could be used at any level of education or I could be off my rocket completely and just enhoyed what she said at the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_u2W...
Thank you all for your positive energy. It helped me get through the day. And while I did not have part of my lung cut out, a day spent waiting in the hospital and worrying is just no fun.
Fran - our hearts are with you and Hubby!!!!!What an amazing community, huh?
Booknblues wrote: "Thank you all for your positive energy. It helped me get through the day. And while I did not have part of my lung cut out, a day spent waiting in the hospital and worrying is just no fun."Oh, I hear you about that long wait. Especially hard if you can't have the support of additional friends / family by your side. I certainly had an easier wait with my brother and girlfriend near me all day back when Hubby had his spinal fusion surgery ... and again with the pacemaker installation.
So glad to hear the positive news about the surgery. Continued prayers for a speedy recovery and that he gets sprung from the hospital sooner rather than later!
Amy wrote: "Friends, I am deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Dandy, a 9 year old (and a week), labradoodle who has been the core of our family and the joy in our hearts. She lived long past wh..."Oh, Amy, I'm so sorry to hear this. Yes, I also believe Dandy waited for her people to come home before she left.
Hugs for you and your family, Amy - that’s so tough to lose your beloved Dandy.
So sorry to hear about Dandy, Amy! I believe, like you said, that Dandy waited for you to come back to let go, to go in peace and love, I have heard similar stories before. Good to hear about your husband's surgery, BnB!
I've had a really hard time emotionally around New Year's, with all the reminiscing and thinking back to the past year, which definitely was a difficult one for me with the separation from my husband and a long episode of depression. But a dear friend made me spend New Year's Eve with her after I had canceled because I felt so bad. She just called a bit later and said, "I want you to spend the evening with us no matter how you feel and I'll come by to pick you up in half an hour." Which she did. And it was better than spending the night alone.
Now I am on a German island with another good friend,and we've had really wonderful days, we've seen cute baby seals, fantastic rainbows, strong wind and rain and today it is sunny. The sea air has worked wonders and made me start thinking about the future more than about the past with the sadness still there at the same time. And that's OK.
Such good news BnB! Our thoughts stay with you through recovery!Amy, another believer here of Dandy knowing she had to hold on until you came home. She will stay in your heart always. I have a Golden who resides over the Rainbow bridge and I know she and Dandy have already bonded.
Miriam-so happy to hear from you. This first holiday through separation must have been tough on you. I am thankful you have a friend who pulled you out and glad to see you traveling and experiencing new memories!
I love the idea of dandy running around with your golden. They are already best friends!
Booknblues wrote: "So sorry to hear about your Dandy, Amy. It is very hard to lose such an important member of your family.I can report that my husband made it through the operation successfully and is in good spir..."
That's good news. I hope the rest of the recovery goes well.
Amy wrote: "Friends, I am deeply saddened to announce the loss of our beloved Dandy, a 9 year old (and a week), labradoodle who has been the core of our family and the joy in our hearts. She lived long past wh..."Amy, Amy, Amy......I'm just sitting here crying. As pet parents we know that we've signed a contract with heartbreak the day we take our new friend home. It's so good that he was able to hang on until you returned so he could make sure you were all okay. That was his job after all. Now he leaves you to the care and protection of Rosie and goes off to play with his new friends. I know from my own recent loss that one day the sad thoughts will be filled happy memories. 💔💔
Amy I'm so sorry to hear about Dandy. Sending you and your family hugs.BnB great news about your husbands surgery. It definitely isn't easy spending the day waiting around the hospital during surgery especially since these days no one can sit and wait with you. When my fiance had his pacemaker surgery in August I spent half the waiting time reading a fluff book and half the time texting family to let them know what was going on.
The biggest news here is that my fiance's daughter has moved into her own house. She's renting space to two friends so she has plenty of company and we're enjoying having the house to ourselves.
Miriam - so glad your friends have been there for you in this transition, and that you are embracing the future!
Yay BnB! Less hospital time is always a good thing!!!Amy... I'm so, so sorry! Even when we know it's time and it's the best decision it's so heart breaking and gut wrenching. After having just gone through this with our old man, I know that it is so hard. We still miss our guy and imagine him playing with all of the other furry family members on the other side of the rainbow bridge. :)
On a long chain such as this one, it's hard to know how to respond to all who have posted here. I've read all of the messages and know that we each are dealing with our own particular challenges, myself included. My thoughts are with each of you.@Fran, it's good to know that your husband's surgery went well. My thoughts are with you both.
@Amy, it's so hard to lose a beloved pet. The grief you feel is a measure of how much you loved her.
@Miriam, I hope this new year will be a better one for you. It sounds like you have great fiends.
@Rachel, Your fiance's daughter moving out to be with friends will be good for her and for you. As a fellow empty nester, I can say this.
@ Miriam ... so glad that you are surrounded by such good friends. The painful memories will recede and hurt less over time, and your friends will be there to help hold you up until you can do it on your own. We're here for you as well. Thank you for trusting us with your story.And I just have to say that I am totally pea-green with envy over your island holiday ... baby seals and rainbows?! How lucky can one girl get?!
OliverM - I have thought so much about you and your beautiful Oliver. We have had plenty of time, 22 months to imagine and think about what was happening with Dandy, and the loss of Oliver hit me extremely hard. Even though we knew, we watched her completely rally and defy the odds. So when she deteriorated in just one evening, just an hour after we brought her home from her/our vacation, it was almost shocking - as if we had had zero warning at all! But it was extremely spiritual to me that she chose her time, when all five of us would be here together, and when she could come home to us. In fact she came home around 7/7:30, and I didn't come home until 8/8:30 PM Tuesday night, and I was the last of the five of us to come home. It was literally 15 minutes after I arrived that she announced herself. There is never any warning. Even when there is. In any case, one thing we have learned, that all of you are backing up, is that everyone who loves an animal goes through this. Someone on Facebook said, and I have really taken this to heart, is that loving your animal is like having hundreds of really good days and one super bad one. I feel everyone's heartbreak and feel surrounded in love. We are telling Rosie that we are there for her, and thanking her for being there for us. She is a little lost these days. Maybe this unusual snow day will help.
In any case, thank all of you guys for being there. The other thing that helps is that I do think Dandy is playing with Joanne's Golden, and Charlotte's old man, and almost certainly with Oliver. I also think she's here with us. And always will be.
Love for everyone else amidst all the blessings and all the challenges. (Tsuris - Yiddish). Again, what an amazing community that we have that we can share in all this together. Its quite special.
By the way, the Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict, may be one of the most amazing books I have ever read and I am only 20% in. Its breathtakingly good. Like you know how within the first few words, you know you are reading a five star read, and that gets confirmed every time you pick up the book? That's happening over here outside Boston. It may also be a Harry Potter day as well.
Play Book Tag
Books mentioned in this topic
We Are the Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast (other topics)A Suitable Boy (other topics)
A Brief History of Seven Killings (other topics)
I spent a very quiet even sleepy New Years weekend. Last week was a very busy work week and I knew this week would start off with a bang at work as well. Yesterday being the Monday after the holiday wasn't bad, but today....a few minutes ago I went into the kitchen to get something to eat and realized I had not been in there all day, not even getting something to eat or drink.
Yes I'm still mostly working from home. The rise of varient break through COVID has me extending my hermit existence. It's fine. Neither I nor NYC had emerged fully yet anyway. But I did get to the theater once, and perhaps again next week. I also have been eating inside restaurants. Usually the restaurants are pretty empty as I avoid the busy times.
Work is busy busy busy, but that's also a lawyer's life.
Other than that, it's a new year of reading, a new year of reading challenges and goals. I'm completely chuffed that I finished A Suitable Boy in 2021! It was down to the very end, but oh so enjoyable. I'll have to consider another bucket list read to do this year, I think. I read A Suitable Boy for the Popsugar challenge but I've been known to read big books just because -- such as when Meli and I read A Brief History of Seven Killings together last spring. I usually lean towards big reads like that for summer. Not sure quite why except that's when I read them in my youth because the academic year left little time for pleasure reading. So habit? It's not like my work life or anything in my life is slower in the summer - au contraire!
I want to send strong energy and support to BooknBubbles and her husband as they deal with her husband's upcoming surgery.
I am sending healing energy and my support to all who are facing surgeries, procedures themselves or for loved ones.
I am also sending scritches and treats to all the fur babies who are or have been recovering from one thing or another. Those wearing Cones of Shame should just do it with elan!