This and that . . .

It's a hot, muggy day in northern Michigan and I intend to spend most of it inside with the air conditioning and a good book. Besides, it's a good excuse to loaf. I didn't sleep well last night because Chessie is having a hard time. She's having difficulty breathing which means that her red count has fallen to the critical stage. I had to lay on the floor with her to get her to lay down and that's where we spent the night. It's so sad and we had hoped to prevent this but I guess we've waited too long to make that final decision. I know all of you who have pets will understand. There's no good time to say goodbye. Today marks the 11th anniversary of the day Chess became part of our family so we've had some really good years together ~ just wish it could have been longer still.

I don't want to dwell on the sad part of life so let's talk about something a little more cheerful.

John, my son, called yesterday with good news. He's really been hating his job a lot these past few months and hasn't earned the kind of money he's accustomed to and needs. He finally found a new job which promises to be much more enjoyable and comes with a larger pay check. Best of all, he'll be working with some people he's worked with before and likes a lot. His commute will be longer but I don't think he cares about that. ; )

Jenn and her kids have a new family member ~ Oreo, a tabby cat. He's really tiny, about 7-8 weeks old and they love him. Even Oscar, their dog, seems to be happy with him. I guess Oreo and Oscar curl up together and Oscar gives him kisses. The only downside is that Oscar has a tendency to eat Oreo's food when no one is looking. However, Oreo doesn't seem to be starving since he's gotten rounder in the week he's been with them. I suggested they call him Sir Tubbs but that went over like a lead balloon with my nine year-old grandson! The kids are thrilled with their new pet and like him to sleep with them. As you can probably tell, he doesn't lack for attention.

I'm enjoying my time away from the cancer institute. It's good not to have treatments and/or blood work every week. However, I do admit I'm a little nervous about not having any anti-cancer drugs in my system. I've been on them for 10 months now and, while the tumors are considerably smaller, they aren't gone. I worry that this break will allow them to grow again. But, I can't allow that concern to take over my life so focusing on the good aspects of the situation ~ food tastes good again, my hair is growing, I have more energy, I don't have to take medication to counteract the effects of the chemo drugs, I have no bone pain and my life is much more normal. : )

It's starting to look more like fall around here. It's been so dry that leaves are already falling from the trees and the ferns are all dead. We've had some rain the last two days so the grass is greener now but you can still sense fall in the air. It doesn't seem possible that school will be starting again soon ~ it seems like the kids just got out. However, they're beginning to be bored so I guess it's time. I know a lot of mothers who are looking forward to the occasion! LOL I guess they're tired of hearing "I'm bored. There's nothing to do." So soon it will be earlier bedtimes, arguing with the kids about doing homework, and all the other things that are part of the school year.

Since fall is my favorite time of year, I welcome it. I love the brisk, invigorating air and the leaves crunching under my feet. It will be time for fires in the fireplace, sweatshirts and jeans, wood smoke in the air, soups and stews, and, best of all, walks without bugs and sweat! I can have my bedroom window open and feel the cool breezes on my face as I curl up with my favorite pillow. Yeah, I think I'm ready for all that. Fall is such a beautiful season here.

Chessie has been standing here with her head on my lap and it's getting harder and harder to type so I guess it's time for me to close for now. I need some time to spend loving her.

I hope you're all having a peaceful, happy day.

'til next time . . . appreciate every joyful moment.