Farewell to a friend.

Thelma moved into my life and heart about 14-15 years ago when she was about 1 or 2 years old. As soon as she arrived, she proceeded to hide behind the washing machine and that is where she stayed until I pulled her out. She was not happy leaving her previous premises but decided to make the best of things and crowned herself queen of the house. Even when "that dog" - Doc Boy came into the family, she still refused to relinquish her throne. A simple "meow" was all she needed to get us to jump up and do her bidding - whether it was to clean her litter box, give her fresh food or water or just pay attention to her. But as much as she demanded in attention, she gave in love. Her purr when she sat on my lap could be heard across the room.

Always a healthy kitty, I was alarmed in February to see her losing weight at an alarming rate. She was constantly drinking water and visiting her litter box and I knew something was wrong. She became increasingly sick and I could tell that she was beginning to suffer. Doc also sensed something was wrong and would go up to her and whine and then look at me as if to say - "Do something!"

On Wednesday, I had to make the very difficult decision to end her suffering. She had been a very good friend for many, many years and I owed it to her to let her be at peace.

At what point does a pet cease to become "just an animal" but become part of your family and your heart? With Thelma, it was pretty much right away. Our pets are like our children. They depend on us for protection, for food, for affection. They leave a hole in our lives when they pass from us.

Rest, sweet Thelma. Thank you for the years you gave me. If our pets go to heaven as I feel they do - then I will see you there!

Hello out there!

Yes, I'm still around. I've been very negligent about posting - just busy I guess and not a lot to say.

We have been having some lovely weather here. I've been able to sleep with the windows open and I love that. My azalea bushes were prolific in their blooming this year. Here are a couple of pics.



The petals have since fallen to the ground with our rain storms but they were gorgeous in their glory. I'm not much of a flower grower so it's nice to have some flowering bushes that God takes care of for me.

Things are progressing with Mom's move although very slowly. She's not packing much and I know her heart just isn't in it. But I've got a dresser for her and now have to buy a bed. We are shooting for the end of May to move in completely. I'm trying to take this in stages for her sake and for mine. I think both of us realize just how much of a life change this will be for both of us.

I've not been blogging a lot lately mainly because of not having a lot to say but also I think, because I've been very reflective lately - about life etc. I definitely find myself at a crossroads right now and feel that some decisions need to be made very soon. The first and foremost issue is my job. And - not just my job in Hospice but nursing in general. I've heard of people being "burned out" with their job and I've reached that point and beyond. My way of thinking is that when you dread each day you go to work, you're burned out. If when you hear of layoffs, you almost wish you were one of them, you're burned out. I have to pray each day for the compassion to care for these dear souls who are suffering - when it used to come naturally. I could go on and on but you get the idea. The problem is that with only a year and a half until I can take early retirement, it's a bit late to think of a career change. I would go part time with my company when Mom moves in but the company just laid off 26 nurses due to a low census. So, that's probably not a good move right now. I don't know what my recourse is, but I feel that I need to do something soon.

My other dilemma is that with Mom moving in, my future plans to move out of state at retirement is hampered unless she agrees to move with me. I so much want to move out of Florida and especially the area I'm in but don't see it as fair to move Mom here and then another big move in a year and a half. My daughter points out that things can change dramatically in that length of time and that my mother may not even be here. But, I've always been one that I liked to plan way ahead and always need to have something to shoot for - a goal of sorts. My mother has always been a huge consideration when it came to remaining in Florida. If she were not here, I would be packed and gone when my current lease is up. What is important right now is that Mom is in a safe environment and happy. I hope I can provide that for her.

I'm taking a mini vacation in 3 weeks before we start the big move. I'm going back to Disney - just because I'm comfortable there going solo and it is a very pleasant diversion. My next time away will be in August for my long-planned trip back to Tennessee to see Jim and family. Mike and Steph are there now as well so that will be fun. I'm hoping we can go to Dollywood while we're there.

Well, I guess I'll close now. I've got errands to run and somethings to try to accomplish today. I also need to visit some of you. Hope you all are having a lovely Friday. Until later.....

The dust is flying around here!

I've been rearranging and moving and .....sneezing! You don't realize just how dirty and dusty your house can get until you begin to move things. But it's coming together.

The dresser I bought for my mother came yesterday. A co-worker's husband has a friend who is liquidating his parent's home and belongings. I had already bought a desk (Broyhill) and two large, tall bookshelves, all for $40.00 a couple of months back. When he mentioned a dresser for $75.00, I decided to take it too since my dresser is getting old and it sounded so nice. He ended up selling it to me for only $50.00. I had bought it sight-unseen and when they brought it over yesterday, my mouth dropped open! It is a Broyhill as well - a large dresser with mirror and little shelves along each side of the mirror. It is gorgeous!! I'm am so pleased.

I'm now in the market for a twin bed and possibly a recliner for Mom. I already have an arm chair that is very comfortable so I may just get an ottoman for it. So much to think about. I need to get her some new bedding and a comforter and some new towels. I think I have space for everything that she's bringing. A couple of her pieces (a roll-top desk and book shelf) will be going in the living room. If all works out, I will be able to keep my craft/computer/sewing room intact which I'm so glad about.

I mentioned in my last post about so many bloggers now updating on FaceBook instead of their blog. I've gotten quite a few encouraging comments. It seems a lot of you are feeling the saem way. I've spent so much time on FaceBook -with Farm Town and Farm Ville and even Youville. I've neglected my blogs and I miss them.

Well, I guess I'll get some dust flying. Take care.....

A wish I had more energy

I had to get up earlier than usual this morning in order to take Mom to her doctor appointment. And as luck would have it, I couldn't get to sleep until very late last night. So, right now I'm tired. I certainly will have to take a nap before work today!

This weekend, I'm taking 4 days off and starting to get the house ready for Mom's move. My SIL is coming over Thursday and we're going to rearrange some furniture. I also have a dresser coming that day that I bought from a friend. We're still planning on moving her in mid May. She has so much sorting and packing to do. Sometimes, the whole thing feels so overwhelming to me so I can see how it would be even more so for her.

I had a blogging friend express her concern to me that so many people are leaving blogging for Face Book. I agree with her and although I'm not one to talk lately since I have not been very good updating here - I hate to see blogging go by the wayside. I visit all sorts of blogs out there and these people have become old friends. We share each others triumphs and cares - raves and rants - and there is a spirit there that Face Book just can't capture. I still work Farmville and FarmTown but I'm trying to become more faithful here as well.

I'm slowly watching my little pets age and see myself having to make a decision about Thelma, my cat soon. She is getting so skinny and meows so much of the time. She's 16 years old and in kidney failure. At least, that's my diagnosis. Doc, who has officially be diagnosed with kidney failure is also starting to lose weight. Both, though are still eating very well. I've been hoping that when they go, they will just do so in their sleep - peacefully. I dread having to make a decision to have them put down.

We had a shuttle launch the other morning. I was going to get up and see if I could see it but I have so many tall trees in my neighborhood, I figured it would be a lost cause. I did see one very clearly some time back when I was at work. It was very vi sable in an area of clear sky. You could see the glow and even when the stages separated. It was fascinating. I saw a photo that a professional photographer took at the Magic Kingdom that morning. It shows Cinderella Castle with the glow of the shuttle right over it. Quite a spectacular shot!

Well, I've rambled enough so I'd better get going. Hope you all are having a great day! Until later...

Wishing everyone a blessed Resurrection Day!

I wanted to get in here and post something in between all the other things I'm doing. My home is beginning a major revamping as far as furniture arrangement to make way for my mother's arrival next month. I'm having to give up my beloved computer/craft/sewing room as a bedroom for her as the back Florida room will just not be big enough for her to have a bedroom/sitting room as I had originally planned. I love my computer room and seems to be the place where I spend the most time. Doc and Thelma have their beds in there and I'm wracking my brain to figure out just how to keep it. One big problem is that the back room has nothing I can use for a closet for Mom. My computer room which is really another bedroom, of course, does have a closet and would be ideal for her. So, I guess that's is what I'll have to do.

We have been having some lovely weather the past couple of days and it's so nice to see my azaleas blooming. I've been able to turn off the heater and not turn on the air so I'm looking forward to better electricity bills. I do love spring!

I'm taking a 4-day weekend next weekend and my SIL is coming over to help me re-arrange furniture. Perhaps she'll have some ideas as well for Mom's furniture placement. We've been wanting to get together for the day and so this will be nice.
I'm buying a dresser from a "friend of a friend" and that's coming next weekend as well. I just have to buy a single bed and recliner and then things will be ready for Mom to move in.

Ah well, I'm off to make some quick visits and then get back to some projects. Wishing you all a blessed Resurrection Day. He is risen!