Jan 3Member-onlyCVS WantsTo Know If I Enjoyed My Last PurchaseWell, that depends upon how I define “enjoy” — I enjoy munching on an apple. I enjoy stroking the fur of one of our cats. I enjoy reading a book, but can I truthfully say I enjoy my CVS purchase? A dictionary should be able to clarify the meaning of enjoy for me. The first meaning as defined by…Annoying Store Surveys2 min readAnnoying Store Surveys2 min read
Jan 3Member-onlySmokey’s Obstipation OrdealDon’t Read This If You Are Squeamish — Roughly every 6–8 weeks, Smokey can’t poop. He strains and cries but nothing appears in the litter box. He suffers from obstipation: a severe form of constipation. Due to staff shortages, and overworked veterinarians, there is no chance of securing an appointment for weeks. Smokey’s chronic condition cannot wait weeks. …Constipation In Cats2 min readConstipation In Cats2 min read
Dec 4, 2022Member-onlyA YOUTube Video Saved My BirdMelly is only 4, too young to die — I flicked on the lights, greeted the Amazons, and opened the flight cage to release the cockatiels and parakeets. Then I saw her. Huddling in a food dish, puffed-out feathers, and glazed eyes, were all signs of illness, but it was her rapid breathing that frightened me. Her respiration rate…Saving A Pet Bird2 min readSaving A Pet Bird2 min read
Oct 29, 2022Member-onlyWe Lost Another Feathered FriendDying is hard, sad, and difficult to watch — We had three difficult days in the bird room watching Blue succumb to death. It was not sudden nor totally unexpected as he had been exhibiting signs of increasing frailty for months. His balance was questionable; he often tumbled from perches. …Pets Death2 min readPets Death2 min read
Oct 27, 2022Member-onlyWhat’s For Dessert? Something Chocolate, I HopeTime To Think About Treasured Family Holiday Desserts When our family gathered for holidays or special occasions, Grandma Helen’s Chocolate Bread pudding was the requested dessert and I, as the oldest sibling, was in charge of providing it. …Bread Pudding3 min readBread Pudding3 min read
Oct 2, 2022Member-onlyObservations And Happenings In My Bird RoomShort 20-word stories (actually sentences) about my flock — The stories below came about after reading a series of 20–word stories penned by Susan Wheelock on marriage. Max plucks a loose feather, clutches it in one foot, and scratches her head and neck, switching feet as needed. J.R. Spiers found an article noting that parrots are lefties, and my…20 Words2 min read20 Words2 min read
Sep 6, 2022Member-onlyMy House Is A MessI place the blame on my roommates — Yes, I offered them shelter, a place to live, including my soon-to-be husband. There is no denying my culpability. Had I realized the burden their presence would create in my life, would I have willingly embraced their entrance into my quiet life? Did I mention, that aside from my husband…Messy House4 min readMessy House4 min read
Aug 17, 2022Member-onlyMy apple watch wants me to move (increase) my goalsI don’t think so. — Let me be clear. I love my new Apple watch. It is so much fun receiving messages, notifications, news, weather, and even Medium articles on my wrist! I am enthralled with my new toy. But I have a complaint. If my Apple Watch is so smart why doesn’t it recognize…Apple Watch3 min readApple Watch3 min read
Aug 4, 2022Member-onlySometimes You Need A BreakEspecially if your husband is addicted to noise — I live in a house Large enough to avoid the Person I married. Who we are My husband loves noise, sports, and speed. I do not enjoy professional sports, crave silence, and do not treat posted speed limits as suggestions. He spends hours slouching in front of a TV. I…Too Much Noise2 min readToo Much Noise2 min read
Jul 1, 2022Member-onlyWhy Is The Hall Floor Rug On Your Bed?The Slow Erosion of My Husband’s Mind — I am standing in front of the kitchen sink watching a woodchuck through a drain-streaked window when my husband appears. “Did you remove the rat I shot earlier? I can’t see it,” says he peering over my shoulder into the rainy backyard. My husband keeps a gun leaning against the…Dementia3 min readDementia3 min read
