I was reading someone's blog this week (have time to catch up on this now since the surgery), and I realized that reading other people's thoughts makes me aware of how much the same we all are... not everyone of course, but certainly a lot.
I love reading (almost anything, but mostly mysteries, some historical fiction, small town, cozies, etc.), growing things (I love to plant something and watch it grow - it's almost like bringing new life), writing (have always written - journals, stories, letters, etc.), sketching, watercolor, working on the pottery wheel, nature, quilting, knitting, crochet, and cooking!
How can anyone ever be bored in this life when there are so many fascinating things to do - on top of every day obligations (loving and caring for your family and pets, maintaining your home, etc.)
I used to love fishing too... although I haven't done any in 50 years. DH is not a fisherman (even though he's from Louisiana). But my dad and uncles had a fishing camp on Grand Isle in Louisiana and when I was growing up we used to go out there by boat to fish. I think one of the last hurricanes demolished it years ago. Thought maybe I'd take fly fishing lessons after retirement, but really haven't found the time.
And science has also always been of interest to me. I was in Animal Science at LSUBR back in the 60's. They didn't have a Veterinary School back then. They do now. But back then, you chose to go 2 years of AS and then apply to Vet School or get your 4 year bachelor's degree and then go on to Vet School. I chose the latter. But I worked part- time in the graduate research labs on campus making slides from tissue samples... and enjoyed it. I think research would be captivating work.
And of course I obviously love animals. We've had almost all sorts when the kids were growing up (married at 22 and had 3 kids by 28). Probably the cats were the most prevalent specie in our home... at one time we had 8. Generally 3 was our limit, but then a feral came by and left her 5 kittens on our back porch. What's a person to do? We took them in. That was 14 years ago. We still have 2 of the original 5 (grand daughter still has 1 'the siamese one', lost 1 to Leukemia a few years ago, and 1 found another home).
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| grand daughter and 5 kittens left on our porch |
The other 'feral born' cat with us now is Ghost. Her mama had several kittens and would show up on our back porch on occasion with them. One time she and the others left one behind. She was a few weeks old and seemed a bit 'out of it'. Vet said that she had genetic kidney problems and possibly diabetes - probably wouldn't make it past a year. Again - what's a person to do? We took her in. She's 10 now. These 3 will remain with us, but could possibly outlive us, so sadly, there will be no more brought inside.
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| Ghost as a kitten |
Anyway, I find sharing things with others of like mind enjoyable... and blogging is a way to do this. So dear blogging friends, thank you for being there for me... and I will try to be here for you... reading and commenting when I can.
And to those of you who are aware of my recent emergency appendectomy, I'm home, doing fine, and feeling almost normal again. Resting, but not staying in bed - can't drive yet, but DH and I went out to breakfast for Father's Day this morning. Energy level definitely on the increase!
Oh... and since today is Father's Day, Here's a few pics of my dad. He passed away at 75 in 1982. Born in 1907 in London, England he would have been 110 last month. Dad was a good man; a wonderful husband, terrific father and a loving grandfather... and he is dearly missed.
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| my dad and mom |
Great post. One of the things you mention is outliving your cats. We are aware of this and just hope we can keep going long enough to see them all out. New homes would be difficult as they are all quite nervous. They are 9 years old and Polly is older so judging by our other cats we have to keep going for at least another 6 years or more, that would make Tom 83 and me 77 so lets keep our fingers crossed, lol
ReplyDeleteYour Grand daughters has beautiful hair.
Briony
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Briony, I agree that it would be difficult to find new homes for our/your cats. My grandson would take Julie, but he just entered the military so I'm not sure how that would work. Grand daughter would definitely take Tux and probably wants to take Ghost... but Ghost has her problems which would make her difficult to place. I guess we can only do what we can and hope for the best.
Deletehow sweet your granddaughter is with all those kittens; I haven't been fishing in years but would like to do some here. Georgia has so many lakes and streams and they are supposed to be full of trout, perhaps this summer.
ReplyDeleteYou should do some fishing, Linda. Sitting by the water or in a small boat with a cane pole or a rod and reel is so relaxing... and peaceful. I've seen people fly-fishing (have never done it myself)but it seems like it would be something I'd like.
DeleteI'm glad to hear you are getting your energy back after that surgery. And even a Father's Day breakfast! I love to hear about your animals, since I don't get to have any here, I enjoy everybody else's even more. :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm getting my energy back... and DH's Father's Day breakfast was very nice. He had Eggs Benedict and coffee and I had an order of grits and a half order of biscuit beignets and tea. Very good! As for the animal stories, I think we have an endless supply. Right now the raccoon who thinks he's a cat is at the back door eating one of my grandson's corny dogs.
DeleteI've just been having a catch up and am sorry to hear you have been in hospital. As you say luckily the appendix didn't burst and I hope you are now well on your way to recovery - there is just so much to do, no time for illness and such like :) Look after yourself,
ReplyDeleteDiana
Thanks, Diana. It's been 10 days since surgery and we walked slowly around the first floor of the mall today. Had to stop and sit down once, but otherwise fine.
DeleteI love the photos of your mom and dad. 1907! Did he record any of his life stories? Is someone a keeper of that family history? That's something I've become aware of, as I get older. None of my grandparents still is alive, and my dad's interest in family history isn't high. Only his younger brother, my uncle, seems to take an interest. So much of our family's story is gone, which is sad.
ReplyDeleteAnyway! I'm glad you're improving and that your energy is increasing! Continued purrs from my boys, fingers crossed you're soon back to driving and back to all your normal activities.
RE: (not) outliving our non-human companions: I hope that won't be an issue for me. The boys are 10 - 11 now, and under "normal" circumstances I'll outlive them. I haven't any plans to adopt more, at least not at this time in my life, in my current house. But if ever that changed, I could see me adopting senior/elderly cats that no one else would want. As engaging as young animals of any species would be, I'm conscious of getting older and of not really having anyone to care for any pets when I no longer can. (My pet sitter -- the company owner -- will take them, she offered, but that's not ideal, IMO. Better than a shelter, of course.)
RE: cosy mysteries: I finally started reading a mystery I had bought last year, "Curiosity Thrilled the Cat" by Sofie Kelly (aka Darlene Ryan). I know nothing about the author, but am quite enjoying the book so far--it's more interesting and better written than I expected. Plus it has two magical cats. LOL.
Take care!
No, but I've delved a little into ancestry.com. I do know that his dad took his wife and family (3 kids) and left England for the US 3 times between 1918 and 1920. The last time they stayed and settled in Jacksonville, Florida until my dad got a job at 19 in New Orleans and moved the whole family there. My grandparents and their children were born in England, but with my dad's last name (which was changed from Regan back to O'Regan when naturalized) must have come from Ireland at some time.
DeleteI've found a lot of cozy mysteries involve cats, and the good thing about these is that they never get too graphic or violent.
Very sweet post. Love the baby Ghost.
ReplyDeleteBaby Ghost has blossomed into a fair size cat now.
DeleteHappy to hear you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John.
DeleteOh, my what good looking parents you had!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vic. The colored pic in the middle is my favorite picture of them.
DeleteThat is good news about the returning energy and even going out for breakfast. Kudos. Pretty soon all will be normal. Your Daddy and mine were about the same age. Sure miss him.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Patti.
DeleteYour title popped up on my feeds. I had a blog for ten years, sixtyfivewhatnow, and through it met many people from all over the world, some even face to face.
ReplyDeleteRosaria, you were one of my blogs that I followed. Went back to see when you last posted...6 months ago. I've been writing online on my own website since online journaling became popular (maybe 20 years ago), then I switched to blogging. Still at it. I've never met any of the people who follow me or who I follow, but still feel close to some. But blogging suits me... twitter and facebook not so much. I'm on Facebook, but only to check in or family and friend photos, etc. Miss reading you, but hope you are enjoying your new escapades.
DeleteSending healing wishes your way, my grandson had a near miss with his appendix, hoping all will soon be well.
ReplyDeleteI was in the veterinary field for 34 years, and loved every minute of it, I wish I could still volunteer, but until my ankle gets stronger, I'm afraid that's off the table.
Your cats are precious, I think families who are raised with cats, carry on the tradition, my great grandmother, grandmother, myself, daughter and granddaughter, all love and have a cat-household :)
Hugs,
~Jo
There is something special about cats... although I'm sure many feel the same about dogs.
DeleteOops....meant to say your mum and dad were a beautiful looking couple, and a fellow countryman of mine...how special.
ReplyDelete~Jo
Yes, my grandfather brought my grandmother and his 3 children to the States to live in 1920. I never knew any of the family in England. I believe granddad's brother took his own family from London to Canada. Have learned a little about them since joining ancestry dna.
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