Angel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cammie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cleo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday Afternoon...the sun is shining this afternoon, warm and soothing to my soul.  The adoption of the 12 week kittens were not to be...Another woman adopted the little ones from Petsmart..her application had arrived before Tina's application, and so Tina felt the let-down of wanting these two precious little ones and not able to have them.  I encouraged T.  to check out Petco and see if they had any cats...and sure enough, Tina found two more cats that she had fallen in love with...one small smoke gray female kitten, approximately 3 months old (possibly younger)  and a tortoise-shell female, approximately one year or under.  Both had undergone the neuter (or is it spay?) surgery and had received their first round of shots.  She called me with the news and I ran to the car.

 

I immediately headed for Petco and met Tina and paid for the two little bundles of Joy...they are Tina's Christmas Present from Grammy.  I also bought the large economy-size multi-cat extra-strength (industrial strength) cat litter...

 

 

 

When we arrived home, I readied the cat box...appropriately named in pet stores as  the "littersweep ultra" litter box.   I, however, have named it simply "THE FLUSHER".  This is an electric litter box.  It "senses" the weight of the cat as she (or in our case...they) enter the cat litter box to do "the duty".  30 minutes later...the scoop arm (note the  scoop arm in the box attached on a movable arm)  The scoop  begins to slowly elevate (as the entire round pan area rotates) ...to the side (which the trap door is closed) ....the trap door begins to open ....the scoop  continues to elevate (I call it...THE CLAW) scooping up kitty's poo....(which has clumped due to the multi-cat extra-strength clumping action of the litter)....the trap door opens completely (inside is container box which has a throw-away disposable plastic bag with a small amount of litter added for odor control)....The claw which is now suspended over the trap door, begins to rotate from an upright position to a upside-down position in order to empty the contents into the trap door box.  As it moves slowly back into place within the litter box...the trap door closes....trapping contents within.   I went one step further  and bought the round hood that attaches over the round pan portion of the litter box ..(not shown in picture) with an arch door in hooded cover allowing cats to enter  with the  privacy needed to do their duty...  (sigh)...modern miracles of Cat Marketing!!!!

 

  I love the FLUSHER....and the two new cats are completely enthralled with it.....fortunately for Tina and me!!!!!  They are all house-broke and litter-box trained (thank GOD!!!)

 

THE FLUSHER however is going with Cleo and me to Florida.... Tina, is left either with the conventional kitty litter box....or if she does what I think she will....she will head to the nearest Pet store and buy......THE FLUSHER!!!

 

 

THE FLUSHER

 

Tina brought Cammie and Angel home to Cleo who immediately decided that she would "tolerate" them...even allow them near her as long as they didn't get within a foot of her ...we put up with the first two days of "hissing, growling, and occasional threatening meow" from all three until today....it is blessedly quiet.  All three have apparently decided on  an unspoken truce and it has been delightfully peaceful.   Tina who decided upon the name "Angel " the moment she laid eyes on the little gray fluff who purred and mewed her way straight to her heart.  Cammie is the tortie and Angel the smoke gray kitten (Pictured above) ...

 

We took them yesterday to be  checked over by our Vet and they received their rabies shots, nail trimming, and the over-all exam went well.  The Tortie, Cammie, put up with the examination like a trooper.  Angel on the otherhand, was simply ready to do battle!  I had to laugh...this tiny little ball of fur, intimidated the entire vet staff as they bravely gave her her shot and trimmed her nails.  Tina and I cowered in the corner of the exam room as Angel emitted a low growl.  Her beautiful eyes became slits as her ears went back and her fur stood on end.    I told Tina..the cat definitely has a split- personality!

 

 

The Demon...

 

 

 

We stopped for a moment prior to the appointment at the Vet clinic so that I could get my flu shot.   (Tina received her flu shot three weeks ago at her college) I caught the elevator to the second floor where my doctor's office is locatedI...there to greet me at the door stood  a young man dressed in a "bug" costume .  He introduced himself as the "Flu Bug" and then he played a song on his guitar and sang about being the "flu bug" and that "if I didn't hurry and get my shot, he would come infect me."    "What a novel approach to getting us enthusiastic about getting the flu shot!"  I thought, as I rolled up the sleeve of my blouse and waited for the prick of the needle.   Within five minutes I was walking out of his office, bandaide in place on my arm...  one more thing accomplished and now out of the way for me (sigh). 

 

 

 

Flu Bug

 

 

 

I am on count-down now...nine working days left for me (Friday the 10th being a holiday at the clinic)...it seems strange to not have to worry about the time clock in the near future, and a wonderful sense of freedom at the same time.  I think however, whether I work ever again or not...the nurse within me will always be there...and this makes me smile.  I think I was born to be a nurse.  I remember "taking care" of every sick little animal on the farm as I grew up...and it stayed with me, this need to "comfort the ill and injured" throughout all of my nursing career. 

 

 I do feel peaceful at the prospect of a new chapter in my life...this retirement that awaits me...and my move to Florida...  I find that as each day draws closer to my move, the excitement and anticipation grows stronger within me.  Cleo and I will miss Tina, Angel and Cammie when we move.  Yet, just knowing that Tina and her little cats  will be snug and secure in my condo here in Denver after I move to Florida gives me a great sense of peace.  I am not anticipating my Colorado Condo to sell any time soon, and having Tina live in it makes me happy.  It is such a pretty little cozy home and perfect for her and the little pets.  I will miss my daughter Debby and little Jordan..but knowing that I will see them at Christmas when we fly home from Florida for our Christmas visit makes me happy.

 

Again, I am reminded of the "change" that is coming...a new season awaits me.  What an adventure and I look forward to it with each approaching moment.  Isn't Life amazing when you think about it?  Always changing...never really knowing what will happen next...

 

And so my adventure begins...

 

Watch Videos:

To Where You Are (Josh Groban) Video Codes by Video Code Zone

 

 

 

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear

Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are mine
Forever love
And you are watching over me from up above

Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile to know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen

As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me everyday
'Cause you are mine
Forever love
Watching me from up above

And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on and never leave

Fly me up
To where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for awhile
To know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

I know you're there
A breath away' s not far
To where you are

--Josh Grobin

 

 

 

 

Sagittarius: Social Security Poorscope:

 

"You, Sagittarius, can count on your due subsidy from social security just like you can quote the President on a matter with Condaleeza Rice quoting the opposite a week later and a top official being fired for speaking yet a third position."

 

 

 

 

I, who am about to retire (early retirement) so the government can penalize me for not working till I drop dead...have gone through the Social Security Maze...I obtained my certified Birth certificate that says I was born and my last pay stub that says I worked for nothing ...my documents are in order and I will take them down to my local Social Security department and let them copy said documents because if I mail them...they will definitely be lost.

 

I got on my computer and went to the  Social Security Online Site and filled out the retirement application which took longer for me to complete than if I would have just driven to the office in Alaska.    I did however, print out  the online application to take with me just  incase the Social Security's computers are down when I arrive, and I have packed several day's worth of clothes in my overnight bag to take along with me......Just in case...

 

"Ahhhhh doesn't this say it all???"

 

 

 

My Granddaughter Jordan (age 7) came to stay for the weekend.  Tina (my 20 year old granddaughter who lives with me) had brought home two large perfectly formed pumpkins to carve for Halloween.  This was an important event not only to Jordan but to Tina....and so we began the weekend with the plan to carve the pumpkins on Sunday. 

 

Saturday arrived and Jordan and I went out for lunch at PF Changs...while Tina went car shopping.   Tina found a really nice 2003 Kia that fit her budget with low monthly car payments and the car was in great shape with low mileage.  The weekend was off to a great start, and I began to relax...  I still had one hurdle to jump and then I would really relax...I had to tell Jordan about my move to Florida.  I have been so worried about this, as Jordan is very close to me, and I was uncertain how she would take it.  I had spent endless weeks agonizing over telling Jordan of my move from Colorado.  I knew I had to have the right moment and it came as Jordan sat on my lap after we had arrived home from our lunch at PF Changs.  I swallowed nervously and began... she listened as I told her that Tina would still be staying in my condo here in Colorado.  I told her that I would leave Colorado on November 18th and I showed her on the calendar that I would be returning to stay with her and her parents for over a week during the Christmas Holiday.   She asked me to show her where Florida was on the map.  I brought up a map on the internet and showed her Colorado and then Florida.    She sat quietly for a moment and then said, "Grandma, will you call me all the time on the phone like you do now?"  I hugged her close, smelling the sweet scent of her skin...and I whispered in her ear, " Grandma will call you just like I do now Jordie...no difference, excepting that now I will be flying home to Colorado four times  a year...and you and I will spend lots of wonderful time together when I visit."  She stared directly into my eyes, discerning that this indeed was the truth, and then she relaxed against me...her arms wrapped tightly around my neck.  We talked ...Grandmother to Granddaughter...and I marveled at how mature this seven-year-old's comprehension of Life and her Grandmother moving away to another state.  She accepted it with no tears and I was relieved.   She told me however,  that she was feeling "sad" that I was moving, but as long as I came back for Christmas and then of course her birthday...she would be very happy.  I reassured her...and she snuggled against me and we read two library books together that she had brought to share with me.

 

Tina arrived home and the night was spent with laughter.  I felt blessed as I cuddled up with granddaughters on either side of me infront of the fireplace as we watched movies.  

 

  We went out the three of us for breakfast this morning, and then we drove to Petsmart where Tina chose two little female kittens, 12 weeks old...sisters of the same litter for adoption.  Petsmart will call Tina when the adoption is approved which should be in the next few days, and I will accompany Tina to Petsmart to bring home "Cammy" and "Celsey" (named by Tina and Jordan).  They will be neutered and given their shots all included in the adoption fee, which I am paying for ...it is Tina's Christmas gift early and she is thrilled.  We bought their tiny matching collars before we left the store...a positive affirmation that the adoption will be...and the three of us drove home  to  carve the Halloween pumpkins...we laughed together as we dug the seeds out of the pumpkins and as the afternoon went on filled with laughter and chatter, I tucked this precious  moment away in my memory as I knew my granddaughters had done also.

 

In the days to come, when Cammy and Celsey come home to stay, I will take some pictures to include for the blog event of the twins.  I am anxious to see how Cleo cat accepts the two babies, somehow I think she will do fine with them.  May it Be...

 

Tonight, it is quiet...Tina is on a date, and Jordan is home with Debby and Troy.  This has been such a good weekend.  Jordan is coming back to stay for another weekend together on November 4th.  We should have the twin kittens settled by then.  I look forward to another moment in time...Life is so precious.

 

 

 

 

Lunch at the Youth Correctional Facility: 

Three new boys at the facility  sat at my table as we ate lunch today.  They had arrived within the past few days from Juvenile Detention.  They were at the facility to begin their time of sentence.  Apprehension radiated from their faces as they sat stiffly in their chairs, leaning over their food, eating quickly and silently.

 

I asked each of them their names.  They answered giving their last name as was the directive of the facility. 

I smiled...and asked the question again..."I want to know your first name."  Surprise registered on their faces.  This was not a question often asked at the facility...they were generally adressed as Student Athlete (then their last name).   Each of the boys spoke their first name and intently watched me...making strong eye contact as I began our conversation with their first name as I asked each of them a question.  "How are you doing here?"  Each told me they were glad to be at the facility.  That they wanted to "change their life".  Two were gang members, and had been heavily in drugs before being arrested.  The third sat quietly...he spoke little.  He simply listened.  He spoke only when asked a question...otherwise he stayed silent ....watching warily.  I knew without question he had his wall of protection built ....he did not want the "hurt" to find him.

 

 I could sense that  although smiling and positive in his comments as he answered a question,  the smile was a  mask that concealed his true feelings within.  I waited, listening and answering the questions that the other boys asked me.  He listened as I talked with them and then he spoke the words I had been waiting for.  He told me he could not sleep, that he had "bad dreams" that awoke him each night.  I looked directly into his eyes, noting that the smile had disappeared.  I said, "You have gone through trauma and your dreams are a result of this trauma.  It is Post traumatic stress disorder that you are experiencing."  I struck a deep chord within him, I could tell.  He said, "Yes, I have  had something really bad happen to me in the past."  His words were hushed, strained as he revealed this to me.

 

I said,  " I can help you."

 

I heard him suck in his breath, a sharp hiss ...He sat motionless...staring intently at me..waiting for what I would say..a spark of .hope glistening within his eyes. 

 

I directed him to put in a sick call slip..to put in writing on the sick call that he needed to speak with our facility psychiatrist due to "bad dreams."   I further told him that he could "trust the doctor" because I did.  He leaned toward me then...his eyes moist...and he spoke in a soft voice..."thank you."  Then he surprised me...he said, " You are "Grandma" aren't you?  I have heard about you." 

 

I said, "Yes, I am Grandma."  And I added, "And you are all my grandsons."

 

 He said, "Grandma, I will put the sick call in tonight." 

 

I told him I would watch for his sick call slip and refer him to the doctor to be seen.  As he stood, ready to leave the lunch room and return to his unit, he turned and smiled at me...  I spoke..addressing him by  his first name..."I am glad I met you." 

 

When he walked away, Doc, the facility's pediatrician, who had been sitting at the table with me, said..."All they need is a little understanding.  You always give that to them.  They are going to miss you when you leave."  

 

  "It is going to be me that misses them Doc.  I love these kids." 

 

Doc smiled,  "You are Grandma ."

 

As we walked back to the medical clinic...I thought to myself..."Yes, I am Grandma."

 

 

 

 

 It is snowing this evening...first snow in the Metro Denver this season.  I love the snow and of course watching it fall as I write this, covering the lawn in soft white, I feel the first pangs of many that I will miss about my beloved Colorado when I move to Florida.  I will not however, miss the ice that threatens to break my bones each winter as I slip and slide on the sidewalk...the other side of the coin.

 

I feel peaceful.  All is coming together.  My condo here in Denver is ready for my Tina to rent.  The walls are freshly painted..the new carpet has been laid.  Most all of my packing is completed and in the garage.  I sigh in relief as the move nears.  But tonight, I will sit bathed by the warmth of the fireplace as the snow falls crisp and clean outside covering Denver and the mountains in a wonderland of winter.

 

The fast few months since making my decision to move to Florida has immersed me in readying for the event...both emotionally and physically.  Now, however, I can relax...I am ready.  November 10th is my last day at work.  Retiring is a two-edged sword...it comes with great happiness and great sadness.  I am physically ready to retire...my body slowing as each day passes.  My heart has always belonged to nursing and those I cared for.  Perhaps this is the sadness that I feel as retirement approaches.  Yet, it is time and I accept it willingly.  The next adventure awaits as I look forward to more time with my children, my grandchildren, and more time to devote to the "winter season" of my Life.  And this is the happiness that I speak of...the happiness..the peace of being with my children...my grandchildren, and spending the important beautiful moments with them.

 

I drove to work this morning, anticipation of the first snow as it approached over the mountains.  I could smell the wet crisp air  as I walked from the parking lot to the medical clinic.  It felt good to my lungs, as I inhaled deeply.   Another day in the clinic...I felt ready as I opened the door to the sound of the buzz of conversation.  I knew without question it would be a busy day in the clinic, and it proved to be exactly that...as the hours flew quickly by.

 

I am going to have Jordan my seven-year old granddaughter staying for the weekend with me.  I look forward to my time spent with my granddaughters.  We will bake cookies...and this weekend we will talk about Grandma moving from Denver to Orlando.  I must reassure my little Jordan that Christmas is only a few weeks away and I will be back home to Denver for Christmas.  I will have her make me a Christmas list of what she wants Santa to bring....and then I will tuck it safely away in my purse for Christmas shopping....

 

The weekend ..I look forward to it with joy.

 

So as it snows tonight...wherever you are my Family...my Friends...may you be safe and well and warm...I love you.

 

May it Be...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday...I slept in late and awoke to gray skies and cool weather here in Colorado.  The crisp air flowed into the bedroom chilling the air.  I snuggled down into the coverlet.  I will miss these cool crisp days that comes in the Colorado Fall when I move to Florida.  I dressed and made a point to walk to the Ancient Men's Lake...and there to greet me were the Geese.  They had flocked to the lake and I could hear their cries before I approached the Lake.  I stood as the wind rustled the Fall leaves...every moment locked within my memory.  This is the Colorado that I fell in love with so many years ago. 

 

I will no longer live here, but I will visit my beloved Colorado, after all, my daughter and granddaughters are here.  I will be back and from time to time I will come to the Ancient Men's Lake to whisper upon the wind how much I miss my Ancient Men...and like today, their spirits will come softly...making their presence known to me...with warm love that drifts over me like a comforting blanket.    I stood for a long time at the Lake, marveling upon the joy and peace that I find there. 

 

So many things have come and gone in my life...and now a new chapter is about to begin.  I am ready to retire, although I never knew I would feel this way.  My spirit is willing to work, but my flesh is weak..and tired.  It is time now to bathe in the healing water of the Ocean...to sit beneath my beloved palm trees on a balmy evening...and live out the remainder of my life in the peace that comes with being with family...the happiness that comes with knowing that "Everything is as it should be".

 

I walked back to the condo from the Ancient Men's Lake...sweet peace filled my soul.  I have been so blessed to have been loved and to have loved in my life...and after all, love finds one in different stages of one's life....who is to say that I shall not be loved again, and who is to say that I shall not love again?  Ahhhh the mysteries of Life....sweet secretive mysteries....

 

The new chapter awaits me....