When I started trying to post this blog entry, it had been a week, now a bit more than a week, and life continues to be rather chaotic. I am beginning to doubt that I will ever be a good correspondent or a regular blogger. A female cardinal bashes into the kitchen window day after day. She seems a metaphor for my efforts to get control of my life…
It seems animals always choose weekends, particularly holiday weekends, to fall ill. I noticed that Roscoe was peeing frequently in smaller amounts than usual. Feeling silly, since he seemed fine in every other way, I consulted a veterinarian’s office on Tuesday morning. They advised me to replace the litter in Roscoe’s box with aquarium gravel. It would not absorb the urine, so I could get a sample with a dropper and transfer it to a tube for transport. It was 9:30 in the evening before I managed to get Roscoe to the cleaned box to see if he would use it. Luckily, I had purchased white gravel. To my dismay, Roscoe complied immediately but his urine was red!
I texted a friend who is a retired veterinarian, not wanting to bother a busier vet so late at night. He told me to get Roscoe to a cat specialist first thing in the morning, which I did manage to do. Wednesday was a long, worrisome day. Urine was removed from the bladder by needle but results were favorable – no increased white blood cells, no bacteria, no crystals, no grit, no stones, no diabetes. Roscoe has Idiopathic Cystitis. In other words, inflammation of the bladder with no discernible cause, probably stress. The only change in his life has been the departure of Eddy – perhaps Roscoe is stressed because Eddy is absent? Or could it be cicadas?? An unlikely explanation, but three days of anti inflammatory pills should break the cycle. All seems to be well now, and Roscoe is enjoying his new, canned prescription food.
Rebecca came to help me with the garden, which is suffering from neglect, but nonetheless full of beauty. as summer is on the doorstep.
The horses are well, enjoying sporadic work. I have been enjoying watching lessons at Ali’s, and finally took a lesson on Oisin, which was fun.
I keep the camera handy, though I miss many beautiful sights. I did love seeing a big Black snake at the side of the road this week. He was camera shy and took off.
The abundant cicadas have been making much magical noise, and providing meals for many creatures. We have noticed the birds are less hungry than usual.
Harry has been working hard. A maquette of The General has departed to Vlad for enlargement. The Vietnam Memorial is making progress, with some awkward sculpting positions keeping the octogenarian sculptor spry.
I helped Jane fix some fence, a job that is miserable to do alone, but fun together. While there, I got a picture of Jane with her magnificent Columnar Oak.
A few domestic creatures …
Tonight is the last night without Eddy. The long three weeks are finished, and tomorrow we will be reunited!
Be safe, be well. Slava Ukraini! Peace.
So good to see you both at Bunny’s service, but it was taking a toll on me. Please don’t forget the written directions when you HAVE TIME!!!!!! Good luck today on the return of the former naughty boy!!!! Love you both muchly.
Did I read this right? “I am beginning to doubt that I will ever be a good correspondent or a regular blogger.” Are you kidding! You are a great blogger along with your beautiful and informative photos! I open up and delete various mundane emails everyday, and then see yours in which I delight! Interesting about the birds being less hungry. We noticed the same here, but didn’t connect the cicadas. The photos of Harry’s sculpture are terrific, as is he! Gee, am I overdoing the exclamations? Absolutley not! As to Eddy, I sure hope he has been cured and without changes in his enthusiastic approach to life. Can’t wait to see the results. Good Luck to all.
I love reading your blogs ! Seeing your photos and especially reading about all of the antics on your farm !! I can’t wait for the next one ,because I really want to know how Eddie is doing ❤️
Having had many urinary tract problem cats, we always freak out when we notice increased frequency as it can go bad very quickly and yes, it always happens on a weekend and generally when there is a holiday attached. I am so glad Roscoe is doing well. He certainly looks as if he is making the most of being a convalescent!
Harry’s work is just stunning. He obviously has a great passion for it and for the memorial pieces that evoke such emotion. My mind keeps drifting today to those beaches in France 80 years ago.
I am sure all your readers are anxiously awaiting news of Eddy’s return. Is he rehabilitated? I do hope so!
Harry’s statues are wonderful tributes to my uncle and yours , too, right Anne?. The clay itself could be from the Normandy beaches. Thank you, Harry.
Love the photo of Harry and Stone. And it was a great week for cat photos! I hope we get photos of Good Eddie at home once again next week.
The sculpture Harry is doing of the kneeling soldier—that blows me away! I have never seen such incredible detail. Fabuleux!! Incroyable!
Hi,
We are almost settled……. I’ve planted a vegetable garden for the first time and Deer ate a bunch of plants night before last outside of the garden. Love all your pictures and love Harry’s sculptures. Miss you both and can’t wait to see pics of Eddy when he gets home. xoxo