A Different Perspective

I was down at the harbor in Camden, Maine photographing when I saw some interesting reflections of the American Flag. Her glory still shines bright on the waves.
Update on Dusty. She is doing very well, she is even quite playful. I haven't seen her look so good in quite a long time.

Dusty Update

First I would like to thank James and Lucy the Cat for their kind words and helpful information. Thank you very much! You have helped me considerably in understanding CRF. How is Simba doing?

Dusty came home on Saturday late in the day. She had a subQ treatment which was to show us how to do it before she left. Sunday she ate quite well and took her subQ medicine like a champ. Although Mom was quite nervous about it. I cannot give a needle! If I absolutely had to I would, but it really freaks me out bad! Monday was a different story she slept all day and didn't eat. I was afraid that this was it. I called my Vet and they suggested giving her 200cc of the subQ (she was getting 100cc). Right after treatment she ate and was doing just fine. In fact at 3:30am this morning she decided to sharpen her nails on my bed and when I woke I gave her some food which she ate for about 3-4 minutes. I guess she was hungry. I would leave her food down, but I have a very smart husky mix who can get into any situation just to get her food. She was up even before me this morning at 6:30am. She gave me her morning meow and we were good to go. I offer her food every 2-3 hours or so. When she is with me in the office I leave food and water for her. When I go downstairs she goes with me. Sometimes I have to guide her because she can't see well. Today she even played a bit. Mom gave Dusty her subQ this afternoon and she did better and was pleased that she could do it on her own. Unfortunately because of the art shows and farmers markets I won't always be home to help her. Now she knows she can do it on her own and Dusty is so good about it. So far everything is going well. We are taking it 1 day at a time. And enjoying each day! Thank God for Dusty and her strong will.

The photo above was taken just about an hour ago after she had several bits of food. Hence the dirty nose.

Our Pets

My pets are my children who I love and would do anything for them. They make me laugh, they my me mad, they make me happy, they let me cuddle them and hold them and they as I love them unconditionally. They may not talk to me in human words, but they speak volumes with their affections. You know when they are happy and when they are sad. You learn to watch for those small signs that let you know that something isn't right. Then you decide whether there is a need to go to the Vet. Despite the costs you do the right thing and hope for the best. Well 2 days ago I had to make that decision and it turns out that Dusty ( kitty photos above) has kidney failure. She is about 12 or 13 years old and has been through so much in her life, everything from urinary tract infections, to thyroid issues and high blood pressure, losing her vision and now this. She is responding to treatment and will be home tomorrow. She is happy, alert and eating all good signs, but in the long run the kidneys will shut down and will take her from us. The Vet can not determine how long that will be. Could be a few months or longer, I am hoping for longer. But it does seem to be short term. I will do everything I can to make her remaining months however many she has as happy as I can. She is the last of 4 cats that I have had since 1990. There was Apollo who I had for 9 years, then Pumpkin was 16 years and Misty my most recent was 19 years. I am happy that all my cats have had and has a happy life. They were and are spoiled kitties, with lots of toys, they had and have condos to play on and of course lots of catnip. I don't know if I will get another cat. After cleaning litter boxes for the past 19 plus years, I think I might take a break from cats that might last all of a few months perhaps. I still have 3 dogs who I love very much and they to are very spoiled. More about them another time.

Thank you for letting me ramble on about my pets.

Catch up

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog. Between the cookie business and the photography business I have been quite busy. I also have been trying to photograph the flowers in my garden before they pass by. The photographs here are of my Asiatic lilies and my blue bearded iris. Both flowers types did really well this year. They have double in size from last year.

Well I have to say the photography shows I have done so far this year have not been very good. I am not really sure why though. I have heard other vendors are also disappointed in their shows. So maybe the economy isn't what they say it is, but at the same time if people want to spend they do. So I guess I will re evaluate and see if it is my product or maybe my pricing. I will have a week before my next show to see what I can come up with. Although the weather is has been HOT and HUMID which is unusual for Maine. Everybody is heading for the beaches instead of the Art Shows. What ever the problem is I hope it gets taken care of so I and other vendors can make a living.

I Love Spring!

Have I told you that I love spring! I know I have mentioned it many times, but everything is so fresh and new. Birds are nesting, bugs a mating, flowers are blooming everywhere.

The photos here are what is new in my backyard.

The first one is of a Lady Bug who is sharing a peony bud with her soldier. A soldier beetle.

The second is of a Viceroy butterfly enjoying a nice meal of chives. Good figure who would think butterflies have a flavor for onions.

The last photo is of one of many peonies that are blooming in my gardens.

Enjoy your Spring wherever you are!