Hello all - hoping this finds you all well and healthy.
What a week this has been. I have much to share.
First - basically Momma is gone. She had a few good moments then it went downhill quickly. Last night when I got home - she was breathing so shallow. I didn't want her to be alone when passing - so I brought her in and held her from 7:30 PM until this morning. Never let her down. Held her, petted her, kissed her, talked to her, and just loved her and CRIED! She is 99% gone. Her pupils are dilated and fixed. She slept all night with her eyes open. There seems to be nothing behind those sweet eyes. Her body is totally limp. She doesn't seem to be aware of anything - just barely breathing. I believe SHE is gone - and the vessel is slowly shutting down. Just breaks my heart.
I am so lucky she chose THIS place to live and that I got to enjoy her and love her for so many years.
Coogy wasn't sure what to think. He didn't understand why he wasn't getting all my attention last night.
He was stressed and he got sick once. But he was very kind and respectful to her.
I have not been to bed yet (yeah, I stayed up all night) and I still have on yesterday's clothes. What a mess I am!
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I found out yesterday that my 'ex' broth-in-law passed away. He was my deceased sister's husband and the kids stepdad. He has remarried - but we still kept in touch and talked.
On a happy note - I got to meet Mr. Miles - my newest nephew. Oh my goodness he is tiny!!!!! He is the tiniest baby I have held in ages. What an absolute sweetheart.
Got to be with family yesterday afternoon at a cookout - I needed that.
Blackie and Fluffy were weird this AM. I went out to feed and Blackie scarfed wet food and Fluff wanted 2nds - that NEVER happens. Blackie never wants wet food in the morning. Just strange. Good but strange.
MY WEEK:
- I did mow and trim everything - it looked so pretty when first done. Now it needs it again!
- I cleaned out between drive and fence about 50' length. Mainly stuff growing from next door - but it is all clean now
- Froze more tomatoes and okra
- Picked some grapes and froze
- NO grocery at all - didn't even look at ads
- Dehumidifier water in washer
- Made a pasta/veggie salad to take to cookout - heavy on veggies (it was a hit)
- Made new feed and refilled the hummingbird feeders. They are really active
- Taking care of Momma
Meals this week:
Reuban sandwich and pickles
Sloppy Joe and fresh veggies
Dirty rice w/chicken and salad
Rice with beans added and sliced tomatoes
Burger
Breakfast - eggs, sausage and toast
Family cookout
How was your week? Did you get any deals or do any frugal things? How are those gardens?
Life sure can change on a dime - so I hope you are all enjoying life.
I pray that you each have a healthy and safe week.
Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.
And God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures, according to their kinds; cattle and creeping things and beasts of the earth according to their kinds." And it was so.
Genesis 1:24
Thank you Lord for all of nature and thank you for the sweet animals we have taken in as pets and family. I feel they make us better people and enrich our lives in every way.
Thank you for blessing us with all of nature. Amen
Oh Cheryl I am so sorry for your loss of Momma. You surely loved her and cared for her. You've done right by her, waiting up all night to be there for her. Blessings to Momma and blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love my fur babies
DeleteI am so sorry. I am sure she knew you were there with her all night. And God is so good to have allowed you to meet and hold that new baby to put band-aids on your heart. I hope you can rest and sleep well today ..Much love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you. God gives and takes.
DeleteI'm so sorry for the loss you have suffered. It's so hard, but also an honor to hold a beloved pet and ease them on their way. Blessings and prayers for you. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteThank you. She is still breathing - but just barely. Her spirit and soul are gone.
Delete😢🙏🤗
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteOh Cheryl I am so very sorry to read this. You are a wonderful person to bring her in and be with her through it all. That's what we have to do even though it is SO hard. Hugs to you.
ReplyDeleteJust did what was right. She has given me much joy and happiness.
DeleteThank you
The circle of life - you welcome a new baby at the time Momma leaves this world. Regards to you; it's hard to lose a pet. Be kind to yourself.
ReplyDeleteYes the circle. It seems to happen often. Thank you - I will.
DeleteCheryl, I'm very sorry for the losses of your beloved Momma Cat and your brother-in-law. I'm sure baby Miles was such a consolation that the never-ending circle of life goes on. Our pets are such an example of the Father's complete, unconditional love for us. Please get some rest and take care of yourself.
ReplyDeleteThe garden is slowing down. Since I missed picking beets in time, I cut back the greens and am letting fresh ones grow for salads. The cukes are done. Still have a couple of female blossoms among all the males on the zukes. Picking cherry tomatoes like crazy, freezing and sharing them.
The front garden flowers are in full glory, with lots of bees and hummingbirds. Still feeding the hummers and have customers almost all day.
Installed a new storm door on the front of the house (where I recently installed a primary door). The mfgr claimed is was a 2-hour job. I suppose so, if you are a strong male with a helper and have done it before. Took me 4.5 hours with another 1+hours to remove the old one (there's always a couple of screws that just don't want to come out!). Contacted the metal scrapper who comes through the night before garbage day, and he took the aluminum pieces. Then my neighbor gave him some old rotors and another neighbor heard her say "rotors" and gave him some more. Saved some of the hardware and the screen for future use. I like that very little of the door went to the landfill.
Shopped Aldi this week and noticed some rather large price increases. Turkey breast lunch meat was $5.69/lb, brown eggs $4.39/dz. Gas w/Costco card was $3.89. Making the prune juice run to WM on Monday.
Reading the "Anne of Green Gables" series and enjoying it. Cut batting for baby quilts in progress and quilted a couple.
Weather is to be very hot today and tomorrow, storms Tuesday, then a nice cool-down, so I'll be working on outdoor projects later in the week. Still need to paint and caulk around the new door. The next major project is replacing some bad wood on my large shed and painting the entire thing.
Thank you - yes we are blessed in so many ways by God, and we take so much for granted.
DeleteSounds like your garden is still producing. That is great. My cukes look the best for wear!!!! Tins of cherry toms here as well.
I love watching the hummers - they are just little flying jewels. Same with watching the gold finches. So pretty.
Sorry about the price increases. Maybe you should get extra prune juice to have stocked at home - thus resisting that drive.
Your weather sounds like here. HOT today - storms next couple days and then cooler.
You sure have been busy with household fixes. Good for you on doing them yourself and the recycling!!!
Momma will always be in your heart. Our fur babies always are. We never forget them. Condolences, too, for the loss of your brother-in-law. I'm grateful there were some things to help you get through the week. Thanks for the picture of the finch on the echinacea and congrats on meeting tiny little Miles. He'll soon grow big and strong!
ReplyDeleteIt's been a busy, rainy week here. Still praying for you, dear lady.
--Elise
Yes, as I sat talking to her last night - I said just that. She will always be with me and that I would always love her. She made life happier.
DeleteOh, Miles is so tiny! He looks like he would break!! Yeah, he will be a big boy soon.
Thank you
Cheryl, I am so sorry about Momma and your ex-BIL.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Momma is concerned, the fact that she declined so rapidly suggests to me that there was probably nothing to be done (as a retired vet). Since cats are both predator and prey, they tend to hide symptoms of illness as long as possible which also isn’t helpful for treatment. She has been blessed to have your care, and has been a blessing to you as well.
I think you may be right. She made tiny changes over the past couple weeks - nothing big. Then just boom. We all have a date etched in time in this world - this must have been hers. Thank you for your reassurance - that no matter, I probably couldn't have saved her. It really does help.
DeleteI like to think we blessed each other immensely.
Thank you
Bless you, Cheryl! You are the reason sweet Momma lived this long and was loved. That is everything. My cats all died from kidney failure, which the vet said is essentially "died from old age" in cat terms. They were anywhere from 10-23 yrs. old. The one thing that was common in all ways was that, in the end, it came on suddenly and severely. The poster above me was probably right that a vet couldn't do anything. Mind you, I'd still like to open a big ol' can of whoop-ass on them.
ReplyDeleteMomma was with the one that loved her. Peace to you, my friend.
I hope so. 13 years and being an outdoor cat - is pretty long. Mind you, she sure had it made with shelter and heat and food and water...... But still - being an outside cat - that is pretty old. Thank you too, for the reassurance.
DeleteLOL - yep, I would like a little whoop-ass for sure, just for the next person.
Thank you
I am so sorry about Momma. We lost our beloved Westie dog to kidney failure last October and we still aren't over it. ((( Cheryl ))). You are probably correct that nothing could be done--that was our experience with Molly. But I'm with Debby--I'd open the whoop-ass on your vet the next time you are there.
DeleteMikemax - It sure is tough. Sorry about your Westie - they sure steal your heart.
DeleteYep, at least I can make some noise and maybe save someone else a problem.
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteYou have a gentle, kind spirit and I am grateful for people such as yourself. We need more human beings like you. Our world would be such a better place. Kindness, no matter what, prevails and GOD definitely sees and remembers. I know you did your very best for her and she does too! You are a good example to this crazy old sad world. Thank you for caring for Momma and giving her a life of love and caring. Many blessings to you
Oh, thank you. So sweet. I just do, what seems right - I would love to think everyone would. Guess that is Pollyanna in thought! They have all given me so much more than I have given them. I have purpose each day - loving and taking care of them. Not sure where I would have been after G's passing if I hadn't had my babies.
DeleteThak you
Hugs, Miss Cheryl! 13 years is a long time but it flies by. Her memory will be alive in you forever. What sweet memories you made together. She was very blessed to have You!
ReplyDeleteIt has gone by quickly. That first day I looked out and saw this skinny grey kitty and fed it - to the next morning, when she showed back up with 4 kittens in tow!!!!!! She gave much more than me!
DeleteThank you
Oh Cheryl, I'm so sorry to hear about Momma Cat. It is a sad truth that we most often out live our fur babies. You've given her the best gift, a good life and an easy death.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is certain - they give us joy for part of our life, and we give them love for all of theirs.
DeleteOh Cheryl, I am so sad to read this news about momma kitty. I know that because of you she had a good life. I have 2 geriatric dogs and I just dread "the day". Be kind to yourself today.
ReplyDeleteThank you - it sure is tough. I hope you babies have many more years.
DeleteI’m so sorry about Momma. I was just catching up on blog reading last night when I found out she wasn’t doing well and I said a little prayer for her. Sending prayers to you for comfort, it’s never easy. I’m also sorry about your ex-BIL. Glad you got to hold a new little family member. They are reminders that life indeed does carry on. Hope you can get some rest today.
ReplyDeleteYes life goes on and new life come in. That is a wonderful blessing. We get through bad things with our faith and the help of others. Just got to love my other kitties more!
DeleteCheryl, many, many hugs to you!! Please, please look after yourself and take time to rest and recover. You gave her a wonderful life and you did everything possible for her!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I got a little nap in, it helped. Tonight will be spent hugging on Coogy. He always comes to be with me in bed.
DeleteThe heart is an amazing thing, it can hold both sorrow and joy at the same time. The eyes will cry tears of loss and cry tears of happiness. God gives us thos blessings,
ReplyDeleteThank you - I love that sentiment. It speaks volumes.
DeleteMuch sympathy on Momma Cat. I lost a friend this week to kidney failure and it was pretty similar: doing ok, then maybe not quite so well, then suddenly boom, down hill all at once and out.
ReplyDeleteI hope one of your neighbors will help you dig a hole and you have something pretty to plant as a marker. Hugs.
MaryB in NC
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Prayers for all involved. I will be having her cremated like all my other pets. I plan for them all to be with me in the casket when I leave this earth!
DeleteOh, I am so sorry about Momma Cat, Cheryl. My heart goes out to you. (((((Hugs)))))
ReplyDeleteThank you very much.
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Momma Cat. Pets certainly take a piece of your heart with them, but they are never forgotten. My godmother had her dogs cremated and their ashes scattered with hers when she passed away. Sad news about your brother in law too.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to meet baby Miles, that was a blessing I'm sure.
Thank you. A BIG piece of your heart!!! Sadly, we all deal with it.
DeleteNeat about the ashes - all together as one.
Miles is such a sweety!!! A love for sure.
(((Cheryl))) So sorry to hear about Momma Kitty. I still miss my German shepherd so much and its been probably 20 years. Condolences for your ex BIL.
ReplyDeleteThank you! They sure can tear up your heart. One day we will all see our babies again.
DeleteThanks so much for being my friend.
I am so so sorry for how your week ended. May your good memories bring you comfort. Got some great deals on produce at the farm stands and will be putting up regular stewed tomatoes for my daughter and making another 1/2 batch of spaghetti sauce (should yield 6-8 pints), since I've already used a couple of the ones I canned a couple of weeks ago. This week begins my focus on a more intense deep cleaning vs. surface that takes place in the summer months. Will see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteYou sure have been a busy canner this year. What a great job you are doing and helping others too.
Deep cleaning - in my head - not looking forward to it.
Good luck.
Ahh, Cheryl, I am so very sorry for the loss of your precious fur baby. I am glad that you got to see her on the way over the Rainbow bridge.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you - I would stay up all night for any of them. I hope she knew and felt the love for her.
DeleteMy condolences to you in your recent losses. Thankful that your cat has a pain-free and gentle death. It is touching how you plan to keep your pets remains close to you in death. Together forever....You are a good mother. I am sorry for your broken heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have a shelf with my babies on it now and their pics. They will spend eternity with me as well. She is running free and happy now.
DeleteI am so sorry about Momma Cat. You are so kind and loving to your furbabies. The Scripture and prayer are very appropriate.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet to hold a new baby! They change so quickly and we need to savor each day. You needed to be with family.
Riley, my Chihuahua, has been picking cherry tomatoes and bringing them in the house. I think he eats a fair amount of them too.
Thank you! I love my babies.
DeleteI did need family and all the little ones were just a joy to see and be with. LIFE
How cute that he brings Mommy tomatoes!!! LOL Years ago we had a dog that loved tomatoes. Too cute.
Oh Cheryl, I'm so, so sorry. I so know how you feel and you sure did the right thing staying with Momma. Breaks my heart. I've been there, we almost lost one of our eldsters last month due to heatstroke. I've lost one of my little elderly dogs in my arms, it's so hard, I didn't do so well with it. I never do so well with any of mine when they cross to the other side, it's horrible.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking and praying for you, what a wonderful lady you are.
A heartfelt hug and prayers coming your way. God be with you and Momma and the rest of the fur babies there...
I am glad your baby made it through that. No, it isn't easy and we never forget them. I have held the last 3 babies that passed as they left this world. SO hard, but they knew (I like to think) that I was there.
DeleteThank you so much!
Aww yes, I'm sure they knew and know...Such sentient and feeling little creatures from the Lord. : ) I volunteer at the nursing home and once I spoke with a middle-aged man who was there because of disability from a wreck. He had an entire system of computers in his room. He shared that in the wreck he was run off the road and left for dead. He saw all of his dogs from his entire life greeting him in Heaven, the paramedics revivived him at that instant. I also just heard a testimony of a man going to Heaven, similar circumstances and there were horses there, he loved horses and had them his entire life... and the horses relayed a message to him..."Thank you for caring for our kind". Wow. God's ways aren't ours, so please be encouraged dear blogging friend. : ) God bless you, praying for you. I hope you are encouraged as you encourage others. I appreciate you.
DeleteAmelia - that is just incredible. Made me cry. What a wonderful thing to think about someday. I know there are people who do not believe animals would go to heaven - but to me if you believe the Word - God created everything. Why wouldn't it all return to Him? I think it does.
DeleteThank you for sharing those wonderful stories. You all keep me strong every day. Not sure how I would have done the last 3 years without everyone here. Thank you so much!!!!
You are so welcome, God be with you dear friend. Prayers and hugs coming your way, you are appreciated!
DeleteI am humbled
DeleteSo sorry, Cheryl.
ReplyDeleteOur neighbors lost their cat quite suddenly. The vet was treating him for a condition. They finished up the medicine and the condition was gone only to reveal that he was seriously ill and was not going to recover. The condition had been masking his real problem.
I admit that experience of my neighbor's makes me somewhat anxious whenever our kitty changes her routine like one day eating less, or sleeping more or drinking more or whatever.
~margaret
I am sorry for your neighbors. I imagine that happens more than we know.
DeleteI tell you - every experience like this is a learning process. Hopefully knowledge gained to help another. They are so helpless.
Thak you!
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss. You are a good cat mommy. But it is so hard to lose a beloved pet.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Loss is always hard. I will love the others even more now! Thay are all so special.
DeleteI am sorry for your loss Cheryl. You were a good "kitty" mommy. I know the ones who still are there will be given extra TLC. I hope you have a good week.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I try. I just love animals so much.
Delete