Now I really did it :((

[Jemi]

It feels so good to be back among the NIRDIs.
I did major grocery shopping for our potential snowstorms here. You never know what will happen. Sometimes we don’t get the snow at all and then sometimes the power will be out for a week. I just started reading war and peace, so I know I have enough reading material. Lol.
Missy, I understand how depressing it is with a cat bleeding. My little black and white cat had a place on her ear that would not stop bleeding, I would wake up in the morning to blood spatters on the wall from her shaking her head. I used to pack the wound with the coagulating powder, but it was a constant battle. Sending love to you.

Austina, just thinking about you on that cruise is making me happy. Would love to hear more about it if you feel like taking time from your precious vacation to report!

A good Friday to everyone. Hope you are all bright and bushy tailed this morning.

 

[missy]

Good morning lovely ladies and happy FriYAY

@Jemi I am so sorry you dealt with the bleeding too. Right now we have something even more upsetting to deal with but I am not in the mood to go into details. Suffice to say 2025 is starting off to be a very challenging year for us. I am glad you got grocery shopping done in anticipation of upcoming storms. Now just hoping they do not happen. Enjoy "War and Peace" it's been decades since I read that book..I have a slew of library books to read and they are already due lol. Will renew and try to read. My attention span is that of a gnat. And that is being unkind to the gnat lol. Sending you love and hugs and only good things XOXO

@Austina glad you are enjoying the cruise and may the rest of your trip be wonderful XOXO

@Slickk happy almost weekend woohoo and I hope the weather cooperates...I do not look too far ahead anymore

@canuk-gal happy weekend to be...hope you are looking forward to some fun plans


Good morning everyone else. Hope all is well.

Lots happening here
I keep telling myself one day at a time
One hour at a time
One minute at a time
Deep breaths


Greg and I played card games yesterday and Jasper would not leave my side LOL. He sat on my lap the entire time. And he follows me around like a puppy and is a momma's boy
No photo altering..this is Jasper's eye color...striking



Zoom call this evening with my girlfriends and hiking today (probably) as I think it's warmed up to a balmy 30 degrees LOL


Wishing everyone a happy weekend and sending hugs and love

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Bright and sunny here in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. We’re staying on board relaxing, as we’ve been here before. We’re enjoying the cruise enormously, this ship is a serious WOW!

This is currently my view, not bad eh?



We were in Montego Bay yesterday, up till now the weather has been dull, not a problem for us as we’re happy to just be enjoying the shop.

Jasper is such a handsome boy @missy, and those eyes! I hope sweet Bobby is doing better. Fingers crossed the weather doesn’t get any worse where you are and the ferals are all safe and warm somewhere.

@Jemi its so nice to have you back. Hopefully you won’t get snowed it, but seems you’re prepared. I’ve always meant to read War and Peace but never got around to it. We’re really enjoying the luxurious surroundings, probably the best cruise ship we’ve ever been on. Trying not to eat too much, but it’s difficult resisting temptation.

@marcy & @canuk-gal Keep safe and warm, I hope your weather isn’t too brutal.

Sending big love and hugs to you all

 

[uwodahikamama]

Hello lovelies

Bright and sunny here in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. We’re staying on board relaxing, as we’ve been here before. We’re enjoying the cruise enormously, this ship is a serious WOW!

This is currently my view, not bad eh?



We were in Montego Bay yesterday, up till now the weather has been dull, not a problem for us as we’re happy to just be enjoying the shop.

Jasper is such a handsome boy @missy, and those eyes! I hope sweet Bobby is doing better. Fingers crossed the weather doesn’t get any worse where you are and the ferals are all safe and warm somewhere.

@Jemi its so nice to have you back. Hopefully you won’t get snowed it, but seems you’re prepared. I’ve always meant to read War and Peace but never got around to it. We’re really enjoying the luxurious surroundings, probably the best cruise ship we’ve ever been on. Trying not to eat too much, but it’s difficult resisting temptation.

@marcy & @canuk-gal Keep safe and warm, I hope your weather isn’t too brutal.

Sending big love and hugs to you all

Jealoussssssss, it’s been awhile since I’ve been to Jamaica but I loved it there!! Enjoy! Make sure to try the Rum cream if possible

 

[canuk-gal]

Hello lovelies

Bright and sunny here in Georgetown, Grand Cayman. We’re staying on board relaxing, as we’ve been here before. We’re enjoying the cruise enormously, this ship is a serious WOW!

This is currently my view, not bad eh?



We were in Montego Bay yesterday, up till now the weather has been dull, not a problem for us as we’re happy to just be enjoying the shop.

Jasper is such a handsome boy @missy, and those eyes! I hope sweet Bobby is doing better. Fingers crossed the weather doesn’t get any worse where you are and the ferals are all safe and warm somewhere.

@Jemi its so nice to have you back. Hopefully you won’t get snowed it, but seems you’re prepared. I’ve always meant to read War and Peace but never got around to it. We’re really enjoying the luxurious surroundings, probably the best cruise ship we’ve ever been on. Trying not to eat too much, but it’s difficult resisting temptation.

@marcy & @canuk-gal Keep safe and warm, I hope your weather isn’t too brutal.

Sending big love and hugs to you all

Please share the name of the ship! My DH wants to know!!!!!!!!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

NIRDI shout out!!!!

@Jemi Wow its been decades since I read W & P. Hope you enjoy it. And I am so happy you are back here on PS. You make this a better place!

@missy Jasper is sure a Mamas boy! Following you around, LOL. Doesn't sit on Greg's lap? Sorry you are dealing with sad issues. Healing vibes across the miles...

@Austina love your view!!!! Your itinerary sounds nice. Have fun!

It was 9c when I got up this AM! That is WARM for us--I love it! Slushy conditions bc of the warm temps--but that is OK. I'll take it over cold and snow. Went out to do errands--nothing exciting and nothing much planned for the weekend either.

cheers--Sharon

 

[springerspaniel]

Good morning girls and happy terrific Thursday!

@finerthings thank you, much appreciated. Bobby's bleeding has stopped for now. My sister recommended us getting the KWIK powder yesterday which I did (gotta love same day delivery from Amazon) but we haven't had to use it yet. As for health insurance I am glad it worked out for you with Cobra. Unfortunately I am too many years from Medicare and this whole insurance business is a mess. They will NOT cover any out of state doctors and most of my doctors are not in new jersey. The monthly cost is exorbitant and the only labs they will cover is Lab Corp when I use Quest (they take appointments early and for consistency sake I like quest over lab corp). Greg is not upset and he says we can afford it yada yada yada but no. It's really unacceptable but there are no options here. It's unreal. Sorry for venting but I am pissed. We all know it shouldn't be this hard. And then friends share stories with me about how health care in other countries has many other challenges (long wait for proper care etc) but it doesn't make me feel better. Healthcare needs to do better and the insurance companies are making it unaffordable for most middle class individuals. My doctors are expensive (1K per visit) and I have so many of them out of state. Thanks for letting me bitch about this and get it off my mind. Right now it is not first and foremost in my mind but it is not helping my mood. Missing Tommy so so much and knowing Bobby is soon. And the feral cats nowhere to be seen and with these bitter cold temps and winds no clue how they will survive. Heartbreaking. So the health insurance matter to me right now is like a little annoying gnat. Swiping it away but I know it will be back. Hope your new year is going well and family is well and all is peaceful and calm and good XOXO


@Inked you are so right. It's like we are in some horrible universe and the world is falling apart. My heart aches for those in southern California. What a nightmare. An absolutely terrifying nightmare And the freezing weather here is deadly to so many. What is going on??? And it is not climate change. But we won't get into a discussion about that because ultimately that involves politics so I will leave it there. But Greg is in the environmental field and he is very very smart. I am SO SO worried about the animals outside. I feel sick and powerless and have not seen them for two days. Thanks for your good wishes about Bobby. We have to give him his steroid shot early this week because he really isn't eating much at all. He stopped even eating the churus so while ideally we would wait 14 days for the steroid injection my sister said it is OK to do it every 9 days and today is day 9. We only have one injection left but we are seeing her with jasper next weekend (18th) so we will pick up more injections for Bobby g-d willing he is still with us that is. I hope you are enjoying your beautiful bling and I cannot wait to hear about your new blingy projects . Stay warm and cozy and safe. XOXO


@canuk-gal OMG I do not know how you tolerate these temps. I cannot do it. I have basically stayed inside these past few days going out to run a quick errand and that is all. Forget hiking. Forget walking. Fuggedaboutit as we say in Brooklyn LOL Hope you are enjoying a good week and staying warm and cozy (((hugs)))

@Jemi good morning, hope your week is going smoothly and good luck with your bling sales (((hugs)))


@marcy I think we have Wyoming weather beat this week Hope you are staying warm and cozy XOXO

Hello everyone else. Hope all is well. We stayed in and played cards yesterday and hung out with the kitties. Today more of the same because the bitter cold is overwhelming. And the wind. WOW. Tomorrow its' supposed to warm up to a balmy 30s F lol. Stay warm and well lovely ladies XOXO

And this is why I now have to close the exercise room door when I workout. Jasper has tried to get on the treadmill twice now while it was moving...too dangerous. So now he sits outside the door waiting for me but I cannot risk him getting hurt. These photos are with the treadmill stopped. I was working out and he tried getting on so I stopped the program and took a few photos and then threw him out of the room. What a rascal

Hey @missy -- many years ago, our dear Yogi, a field-bred springer, jumped on my treadmill just before I did. He was facing toward the back and the look on his face as he whizzed by us and flew off the end was hysterical. After my heart slowed down, i could finally laugh.

 

[missy]

Good morning lovely ladies and happy Caturday Saturday from the snowy Jersey shore

Hey @missy -- many years ago, our dear Yogi, a field-bred springer, jumped on my treadmill just before I did. He was facing toward the back and the look on his face as he whizzed by us and flew off the end was hysterical. After my heart slowed down, i could finally laugh.

Oh my goodness. That has happened once before with one of our cats (sad I can't remember which cat) but before and after none of the other cats were interested. Til Jasper. And yes I can laugh about it as long as he doesn't get hurt. So now I have to keep the door closed while working out. I feel bad because he likes to see where I am

@Austina such a lovely view. The color of the water...swoon....And what a contrast to our view now...it is rare for us to have any snow (or ice) on our beach yet here we are and it is only January





I would trade in a heartbeat lol...and it snowed again overnight. Only an inch or so but enough to keep the ferals away



Thank you kindly for your good wishes for our kitties and enjoy a wonderful rest of your trip XOXO

@canuk-gal Jasper does also sit in Greg;s lap...he loves Greg too but I spend more time with him because Greg closes the office door to keep him out so he can work uninterrupted. Greg though is like the cat whisperer haha. They all adore him even though he is the one who administers the great majority of the unpleasant meds/shots etc. Have a wonderful weekend enjoy XOXO

@MamaBee did you get snow by you? How are you feeling?

@Inked to make matters worse (sigh) I cannot even go to a NY hospital should I need to once Greg retires...due to Obamacare no one in this state who is self insured can get a PPO and cannot go out of state to see physicians or go to hospitals in NY. So if I should need bone repair I cannot go to HSS. My go to hospital for that kind of thing. They saved my mobility in 2014 when I had a Pilon fracture. Let's face it not all doctors and not all hospitals are created equally. And while we can pay out of pocket for doctor visits no way can we pay for surgery and a hospital stay. Back in 2014 my surgeon told me that without insurance my stay and operation and staff (Not including his fee for the actual surgery and follow ups) would have been $200,000. That was over 10 years ago. I am so upset. I looked into your recommendation and NJ makes it impossible to do that. I would need employees other than my spouse and pay them for 30 hours minimum a week and cover their health insurance. Among other requirements. I really am at a loss. If only I was turning 65 soon and I never thought I would say that lol. Hope you had a great week and have a wonderful weekend XOXO and thanks for letting me vent

@Jemi how is your weather? I think I heard your part of the country has snow but not sure. Stay warm and cozy

@marcy hope you are staying warm and comfortable and all is well by you

Hello everyone else. We did go hiking yesterday as it warmed up to high 30s woohoo. Unfortunately I did not see Fresca But I did see Pepsi, Dr Pepper and a few others. It's just that Fresca usually travels with Pepsi so I am very worried. UGH and now we have snow again so no ferals were there waiting for me this AM for the food.

Have a wonderful weekend girls. Be well. Enjoy.
Leaving you with a photo of our hike yesterday. The snow from days ago never melted because it's too cold




And in honor of Caturday Saturday...last night with both Jasper and Gracie on top of me. I was burning up lol





Close up of Jasper sleeping on me as we watched a movie



What a love

And of course our sweet Bobby...my heart breaks missing Tommy and knowing Bobby will join him too soon. Anticipatory grief is all too real. I cannot accurately describe the pain I am feeling missing my sweet baby Tommy and add in Bobby's poor health and it is overwhelming not to mention an unmentionable which I cannot even say out loud. Sigh. Sorry do not want to end on a down note so will just leave it here...please have a most wonderful weekend filled with joy and love and laughter. And it goes without saying but HUG all your loved ones and let them know how much they meant to you. Love you girls

 

[missy]

@Slickk good morning !!!! Did you get snow? We got a dusting. Just enough to be annoying for the feral cats but Greg swept the path clear for them to get to their food stations. Now just praying they are OK and will be able to eat and drink enough today. I do not know what happened to my post above to you and just noticed it was not there. So just wanted to say have a good weekend and enjoy! Tomorrow is supposed to be very nice weather wise so fingers crossed it is

This photo from the 90s just came across my feed and I thought for fun I would put it side by side with a photo from last weekend. Not the best quality photos but it's all I have and still fun to compare


Recent photo on right from last weekend



Photo on left last weekend and photo on right from the 90s

 

[Slickk]

@missy we did get a dusting. So happy the weekend is here. The only saving grace is we have 2 four-day weeks coming up at work! MLK day and the Asian Lunar New Year (1st time) off!! Yay!
I took a day off this week and spent the whole day into the early evening with my grandson. Oh my…love him so much!
Love the pics of you and G. What an amazing fur dad to sweep a path for the kitties. Thankfully, it shouldn’t be as cold this coming week as it has been. You are so good to your cats!! Thinking of your Tommy and Bobby!
Off to do errands! Then we’ll come home a light a fire and hibernate with the Bear.
My heart breaks for Cali folks. Such a tragedy and makes one really think about what’s important.
Have a fab weekend NIRDIs!

 

[missy]

Woohoo Fresca sighting and she looks well

 

[finerthings]

@missy One of my cats was black and looked just like Jasper only he had a white circle of fur on his chest. He was so handsome. His nose was so black and his eyes were so soulful when he looked at me - like a wise old man. He was my shadow and so demanding of attention! I swear he did not nap all day long because he was so interested in what I was doing minute to minute, or watching outside the windows. He often tried to jump up on me when I was on my Peloton! So one day he was watching me walk on my treadmill with great interest and I decided to put his brain to a test. I turned off the machine and got one of his toys on a rod. I turned the machine on to a very slow walk and I lured him on the treadmill with his toy dangling in front of him. He loved walking on that darn machine and would do it whenerver I let him!! Crazy boy! Anyway it got to the point that I had to close the door when I exercised too just like you, mostly because of him trying to jump on my lap on the Peloton. But he did not like that door closed and could be heard meowing and scratching the whole time! He was a great cat.

((Hugs)) to you @missy, I know how your heart is hurting right now.

 

[finerthings]

So glad to see Fresca!

 

[finerthings]

@Austina, love your picture! Enjoy!

 

[missy]

I know how your heart is hurting right now.

Thank you for your compassion finerthings. My heart does hurt a lot. I keep thinking of sweet Tommy and the thought we (I) somehow failed him. I couldn't keep him healthy. I couldn't keep him safe. He was my sweet sweet boy. Truly the sweetest furry baby I ever knew. I miss him so. And I feel I am failing Bobby now. He is all alone. None of the other cats like him (with the exception of Tommy who loved him and who he loved) and they are nasty to him. I am vigilant protecting him and when we leave the house (and we never leave more than a few hours now because of Bobby) I put him in our bedroom and close the door. But I know he is sad missing Tommy. And he isn't eating a lot despite the steroid injections and I know in the not too far future we will have to make the difficult decision again. But the truth is I cannot help but feel I failed all of them. Including Francesca who died way too young. It may never be enough time but it is, IMO, a much greater tragedy when they die young

My heart is very heavy and there are no limits on how often it breaks. I am learning this

So glad to see Fresca!

Thank you. I am so relieved. They have such a tough life and I worry about them all the time especially in this weather. I know we are at the beginning of the bad weather so there are many challenges ahead. One day, one hour, at a time. Appreciate your kindness very much thank you

 

[Matata]

Recent photo on right from last weekend

You look like Cher in the current photos!

It's ironic that the beings we love so much sow doubt and regret in our hearts. Remember missy, always remember that the life they have with you is the best life they could have.

I know that I have failed every animal with whom I've shared my life in some way and while I will feel guilt about that until the end of my life, they never held me to account because they trusted me in spite of my deficiencies. Having an animal's trust is, in my experience with domestic and wild animals, a precious gift greater than love. I've come to realize that what I see in their eyes, hear in their in purrs and feel when they're snuggled with me is not love in the sense that humans define it, but trust. We earn that trust through our actions in partnership with an animal's ability to sense our motivations toward them.

When I was a wildlife rehabber, I had to earn the trust of animals that could hurt me if they chose. The most difficult time was when the animal first arrived to the facility usually ill or in pain and had to be examined and treated by what they perceived as large weird looking predators. It was after that point, when they were in their cages or rooms and were provided food, warmth, and meds that helped them feel better that they started to feel safe and when they felt safe, they started to trust those of us providing their care. They didn't love me even though I fell in love with all of them.

So remember, missy, always remember that you've earned the trust of the animals with whom you share and have shared your life and even though you may believe you've let them down in some way, you've kept their trust which to me is the greatest honor an animal can bestow.

I believe that as long as we honor their lives, their spirit, their beauty, the trust they gift to us, and their memories, we atone for those times we think we've failed them.

 

[SparklieBug]

Beautifully written, @Matata!

 

[missy]

Thank you @Matata

 

[missy]

Good morning lovely ladies. Happy Sunday.
Ferals are all well this morning
Bobby is not eating much despite the steroid injection from two days ago
but we shall see how it goes because he is eating something. I hope I will know when the time is right

@Slickk yay for 4 day weekends...you deserve those and enjoy...more time to spend with your sweet sweet grandchild. And we have some nice weather (for January) so yay about that too

@finerthings thank you for sharing in my joy at seeing Fresca. I am grateful she is well. And thank you for all your good wishes for all our cats. Much appreciated.

@Matata thank you for sharing with me. It is so cool you were a wildlife rehabber. Sounds like a dream job. And while I know it wasn't easy I also know you did so much good for the animals. I agree we do the best we can but as humans we (I) always (how I feel) fall short.


But you are right. We gave Tommy the best life we could. He was a mouser in the basement of the building I used to work in when I found out about him in 2009. I was friendly with the janitor in our office and he told me about Tommy. he took me to see him and while Tommy was shy he was desperate for attention and contact so he came out of hiding in the basement to see us. And that's when I started planning on rescuing him from pretty awful conditions.

My boss at the time (nasty individual) threatened me with firing if I took him and of course I ignored his threat as a life was at stake. It took a while but Greg and I got him out by getting the owner of the building to agree I could get him vet care. First I had to convince the superintendent of the building and then he agreed to go to the owner. Who I did not know. And finally they agreed I could take him for medical care at least. That day I was about to get Tommy in the carrier and bring him to the vet the super came to me and said I could keep him if I wanted to..(Ha little did they know I was not planning on giving him back but they did not know that) and he also promised me he nor the owner would not get another mouser cat. Which to my knowledge was a promise he kept because I continued to work there for 8 more years.

So yes Tommy got 15 years with us from December 2009 to December 2024 (he was about 1.5 yo at the time Greg and I rescued him) and for that I am grateful. So grateful. But my heart is heavy because their lives are so short. Even when they live a "normal" cat or dog lifespan. It's not long enough. The 15 years just flew by. I don't know where they went. It seems like yesterday we first got him home safe and sound with us.

I wish I could hug him once more. Kiss his forehead one more time. Tell him how much I love him. Just one more time. He was always a skittish cat (likely due to his rough beginning in life) but he absolutely demonstrated his love for Greg and me and while he ran when others came over he was loving with us. I miss that little boy so so much. I see him everywhere he used to hang out. I miss him so very much.


Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your thoughts with me Matata. It does help soften my pain. Of course no one can take away the pain and the grief and I know it will forever be with me but I also know this is life and in time it should be less painful. I will always love and miss all my furry babies and all the humans I loved who are now gone. But our furry babies. They are a constant in our lives and when they are gone there is a huge hole. RIP my sweet Tommy boy. We will love you forever




Hope everyone is well
Leaving you with a few photos of our hike from yesterday...we ended up on the beach at the end of our hike. I love the ocean. It's cathartic in many ways











Enjoy a lovely Sunday lovely ladies. XOXO

 

[Jemi]

Good morning lovely ladies. Happy Sunday.
Ferals are all well this morning
Bobby is not eating much despite the steroid injection from two days ago
but we shall see how it goes because he is eating something. I hope I will know when the time is right

@Slickk yay for 4 day weekends...you deserve those and enjoy...more time to spend with your sweet sweet grandchild. And we have some nice weather (for January) so yay about that too

@finerthings thank you for sharing in my joy at seeing Fresca. I am grateful she is well. And thank you for all your good wishes for all our cats. Much appreciated.

@Matata thank you for sharing with me. It is so cool you were a wildlife rehabber. Sounds like a dream job. And while I know it wasn't easy I also know you did so much good for the animals. I agree we do the best we can but as humans we (I) always (how I feel) fall short.


But you are right. We gave Tommy the best life we could. He was a mouser in the basement of the building I used to work in when I found out about him in 2009. I was friendly with the janitor in our office and he told me about Tommy. he took me to see him and while Tommy was shy he was desperate for attention and contact so he came out of hiding in the basement to see us. And that's when I started planning on rescuing him from pretty awful conditions.

My boss at the time (nasty individual) threatened me with firing if I took him and of course I ignored his threat as a life was at stake. It took a while but Greg and I got him out by getting the owner of the building to agree I could get him vet care. First I had to convince the superintendent of the building and then he agreed to go to the owner. Who I did not know. And finally they agreed I could take him for medical care at least. That day I was about to get Tommy in the carrier and bring him to the vet the super came to me and said I could keep him if I wanted to..(Ha little did they know I was not planning on giving him back but they did not know that) and he also promised me he nor the owner would not get another mouser cat. Which to my knowledge was a promise he kept because I continued to work there for 8 more years.

So yes Tommy got 15 years with us from December 2009 to December 2024 (he was about 1.5 yo at the time Greg and I rescued him) and for that I am grateful. So grateful. But my heart is heavy because their lives are so short. Even when they live a "normal" cat or dog lifespan. It's not long enough. The 15 years just flew by. I don't know where they went. It seems like yesterday we first got him home safe and sound with us.

I wish I could hug him once more. Kiss his forehead one more time. Tell him how much I love him. Just one more time. He was always a skittish cat (likely due to his rough beginning in life) but he absolutely demonstrated his love for Greg and me and while he ran when others came over he was loving with us. I miss that little boy so so much. I see him everywhere he used to hang out. I miss him so very much.


Thank you for taking the time and energy to share your thoughts with me Matata. It does help soften my pain. Of course no one can take away the pain and the grief and I know it will forever be with me but I also know this is life and in time it should be less painful. I will always love and miss all my furry babies and all the humans I loved who are now gone. But our furry babies. They are a constant in our lives and when they are gone there is a huge hole. RIP my sweet Tommy boy. We will love you forever




Hope everyone is well
Leaving you with a few photos of our hike from yesterday...we ended up on the beach at the end of our hike. I love the ocean. It's cathartic in many ways











Enjoy a lovely Sunday lovely ladies. XOXO

Missy, please take heart with Bobby. Two weeks ago I thought my Sam’s time was up. He couldn’t keep anything down and of course at his age he’s skin and bones. I started him on bone broth and gradually was able to add mushed-in prescription recovery pate, and he is eating again.
I hope that you can find something that Bobby likes. Such a heartbreaking time with our dear pets.

 

[missy]

Missy, please take heart with Bobby. Two weeks ago I thought my Sam’s time was up. He couldn’t keep anything down and of course at his age he’s skin and bones. I started him on bone broth and gradually was able to add mushed-in prescription recovery pate, and he is eating again.
I hope that you can find something that Bobby likes. Such a heartbreaking time with our dear pets.

How wonderful. Thank you for sharing with me. And may Sam continue to do well

You might have missed this but unfortunately Bobby has cancer

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Yay for the ferals being well @missy, they are more resilient than you think! I’m sure they have a save place to hunker down and ride out the bad weather, and they know you will always have food for them when they need it.

We were in Cozumel yesterday, a port we’ve been to many times, so we stayed on board and just relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings.

To a 4 day week @Slickk, how’s the little bear doing?

The cruise line is Explora Journeys @canuk-gal, fairly new, so some good deals to be had!

In Progresso today, another lazy day for us on board, then we start the sail back to Miami. The weather is glorious, so we’re making the most of it.

Big love and hugs to you all

 

[missy]

Good morning girls! Happy marvelous Monday!

@Austina so happy you are enjoying your cruise and that the weather is amazing...purrrrfection

@Slickk one more nice weather day til the cold comes back...enjoy... Hugs to Bear

@finerthings hope you are having a lovely January and all is well

@canuk-gal hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend

Hey everyone else. We went hiking again yesterday and we met friends too. It was a new hike for us and it was just the right amount of challenging. Today we are probably going back there and meeting our friends there again

Our friends brought their furry baby of course who also enjoys hiking
She also swoons in Greg's arms...luckily I am not the jealous type







Enjoy a marvelous Monday lovely ladies. XOXO

 

[Jemi]

It’s still very icy here in North Carolina, but we did get our snow… 2 inches! Here is Pom gallivanting.
you would never know that he’s almost 30.

And a nice sun dog this morning



A good Monday to ALL.

 

[RMOO]

It’s still very icy here in North Carolina, but we did get our snow… 2 inches! Here is Pom gallivanting.
you would never know that he’s almost 30.

And a nice sun dog this morning



A good Monday to ALL.

Pom is beautiful, and looks to be in great shape for 30!

 

[finerthings]

@Jemi what a beauty Pom is! I bet he is enjoying the new fallen snow!

@missy thank you for your kind wishes. Not the best start to a New Year for us. Hubby sick, me on call for jury duty for three weeks, back pain that has been going on for over a year now and after seeing a myriad of doctors there is no clear path. I am trying to be positive for the start of 2025. I am thankful for what we have, we are very lucky.

Hope all is well with everyone.

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@Jemi wow it does sound like the universe is telling you living in France wasn’t meant to be. I am glad you are feeling more at home and like yourself again. You’ve been through a lot. And welcome back to NIRDILAND! That’s nice your daughter and granddaughter are nearby and she and her husband can travel back and forth.

@canuk-gal we continue to be cold and the roads by our house are solid ice. These are private roads so I guess they don’t plow them unless the roads are drifted. I haven’t ventured out since I dropped Marty off at the airport Thursday night. Your roses sound pretty and a lovely way to brighten the day. I have been working quite a bit this month. I agreed to take on too many tasks and find myself a bit overwhelmed and making mistakes. I’m bad at retiring. Marty is in Sydney, Australia this week training some folks at their ABC - their broadcasting company. Other than the 40 hours it took to get there, I think he’s enjoying it. As for the new company, we will see. As of the day he left, he didn’t have access to sign up for his benefits. That kind of freaked me out with him traveling to the other side of the globe and he might not have insurance. I guess I’ll see if his check shows up next week, eh?

@missy I hate to hear everything you are going through. Keeping you in my thoughts. I am glad you had a nice visit with your parents. And your and my philosophy on people are the same. I become more of a hermit every day. Darn that Wyoming weather is spreading its icy fingers your way. Sorry you are having icy roads too. They scare me. And walking on them too … And I’m sure you are tired of these cold temperatures too. It’s like January or something. I am keeping Bobby in my thoughts. Insurance has got nuts. I know they are phasing out the PPO plans and every year there is less coverage. You have to have it and are completely at their mercy. Our state passed a 2-year bill to reduce property taxes 50% for people over 70 who’ve paid property taxes for 25 years. You bet I went down and signed up for next year. I am so sorry all you are dealing with. Your nieces are beautiful and amazing.

@MamaBee happy belated birthday. Mmm to carrot cake. How’s the moving going?

@Austina that cold spell did dip far south. Is the next one coming this weekend going to as well? It’s going to be colder next week than this one has been. Every time I see a commercial from the big pharma companies I think how much less their medicine would be if they weren’t paying for all those commercials. It’s nuts how much that costs. Glad you are enjoying your cruise. My in laws sure love them too.

@finerthings ugh to buying Cobra - those premiums are more nuts. The fires in LA are horrid. Such a tragedy.

Marty got to Australia on Friday my time. He’s 18 hours later than here. I binge watched Season 1 of 1923 again this weekend. My niece’s husband answered a call for extras for filming that in Houston and was in two scenes. I have no idea if it’ll make the final cut but we’ll see. I did work off and on, read a book and was completely bored by Sunday night.

Stay safe and warm. One day at a time …

Take care.
Marcy

 

[Jemi]

Hi NIRDI’s!

@Jemi wow it does sound like the universe is telling you living in France wasn’t meant to be. I am glad you are feeling more at home and like yourself again. You’ve been through a lot. And welcome back to NIRDILAND! That’s nice your daughter and granddaughter are nearby and she and her husband can travel back and forth.

@canuk-gal we continue to be cold and the roads by our house are solid ice. These are private roads so I guess they don’t plow them unless the roads are drifted. I haven’t ventured out since I dropped Marty off at the airport Thursday night. Your roses sound pretty and a lovely way to brighten the day. I have been working quite a bit this month. I agreed to take on too many tasks and find myself a bit overwhelmed and making mistakes. I’m bad at retiring. Marty is in Sydney, Australia this week training some folks at their ABC - their broadcasting company. Other than the 40 hours it took to get there, I think he’s enjoying it. As for the new company, we will see. As of the day he left, he didn’t have access to sign up for his benefits. That kind of freaked me out with him traveling to the other side of the globe and he might not have insurance. I guess I’ll see if his check shows up next week, eh?

@missy I hate to hear everything you are going through. Keeping you in my thoughts. I am glad you had a nice visit with your parents. And your and my philosophy on people are the same. I become more of a hermit every day. Darn that Wyoming weather is spreading its icy fingers your way. Sorry you are having icy roads too. They scare me. And walking on them too … And I’m sure you are tired of these cold temperatures too. It’s like January or something. I am keeping Bobby in my thoughts. Insurance has got nuts. I know they are phasing out the PPO plans and every year there is less coverage. You have to have it and are completely at their mercy. Our state passed a 2-year bill to reduce property taxes 50% for people over 70 who’ve paid property taxes for 25 years. You bet I went down and signed up for next year. I am so sorry all you are dealing with. Your nieces are beautiful and amazing.

@MamaBee happy belated birthday. Mmm to carrot cake. How’s the moving going?

@Austina that cold spell did dip far south. Is the next one coming this weekend going to as well? It’s going to be colder next week than this one has been. Every time I see a commercial from the big pharma companies I think how much less their medicine would be if they weren’t paying for all those commercials. It’s nuts how much that costs. Glad you are enjoying your cruise. My in laws sure love them too.

@finerthings ugh to buying Cobra - those premiums are more nuts. The fires in LA are horrid. Such a tragedy.

Marty got to Australia on Friday my time. He’s 18 hours later than here. I binge watched Season 1 of 1923 again this weekend. My niece’s husband answered a call for extras for filming that in Houston and was in two scenes. I have no idea if it’ll make the final cut but we’ll see. I did work off and on, read a book and was completely bored by Sunday night.

Stay safe and warm. One day at a time …

Take care.
Marcy

Marcy, were you able to get a good view of the Wolf moon out your way?

 

[missy]

Good morning girls. happy terrific Tuesday. As I type this Bobby is laying next to me touching me purring. But despite that he is not eating much (but he is eating so very grateful for that) and well other stuff I don't have the energy to go into. Suffice to say we have a challenging time on our hands for many reasons. I appreciate being able to share here and get it out and while it doesn't change all we are dealing with it does help take some of the sting out of it all. I miss Tommy terribly and am so sad about Bobby and other stuff. None of it related to the insurance issues which are a huge problem but I am shelving that at the moment for my sanity/

@finerthings thank you and I am very sorry you are experiencing so many challenges. I hope your DH is 100% better soon and ugh to Jury Duty. Greg was called and I asked him to postpone and I know soon I will be called. I kwnow it is our civic duty but honestly with our schedule (cats and medical) and all that it entails I do not see a path clear. I too am thankful for all the good. And it is OK to feel sad about the not so good. My thoughts only. I hope jury duty is over for you soon

@marcy yes imagine our January weather lol. But seriously we are below "normal" temps now and my body is rebelling. The specialist never called me to fit me into her schedule and once the next few weeks are over I won't be able to go because of the RT coming up. The RO does not want me to do the injx after the RT. She only works Mondays so that is why I knew it was a longshot. Imagine being a specialist derm who only works once a week...sweet. LOL. As for health insurance it sucks. NO PPOs here or NY and if g-d forbid something happens and I need hospitalization I have to be hospitalized in NJ. NO thanks. Greg is postponing his retirement against my wishes but he doesn't want to retire leaving me in this situation. I can take Cobra for 18 months max. Some can take it for longer but the limit here is 18 months. Oh well. Lucky Marty to be in Australia where it is summer..I am jealous. How long will he be there? Wow to your niece's husband being an extra on that show. I hope he makes the cut. Sorry Sunday was boring after you read the book . I forget the name of the book I am reading at the moment but I am having trouble concentrating.

@Jemi gorgeous baby... Pom is so beautiful

@canuk-gal happy Tuesday. Hope you're having a good week

@Slickk hope work is going well and that the week is a good one

Hello everyone else. We went hiking again yesterday and we were on a more challenging trail. Greg did a good job keeping us safe though. Not sure what we will do today as it is much colder and windier. Tomorrow we leave before dawn to get to our appointments in the city. I am not looking forward to waking so early

Enjoy a terrific Tuesday all. Be well. XOXO

Yesterday tons of geese on the ice and snow that still has not melted



Geese are mouthy lol






Bobby. My sweet kitty who none of the other cats will accept








Laying by my side always touching me...we have to keep the other cats locked out of the bedroom in the AM so we get time with Bobby. Otherwise he stays on the third floor landing in one of his many cat beds.

 

[Austina]

Hello lovelies

Well that’s the cruise over, and we’re sitting in the AA Lounge at MIA waiting for our flight. They cancelled the earlier flight for some reason, so it’s a long wait till nearly 4.00pm. We got here at 9.45am.

We’ve had a great time, really enjoyed relaxing and doing nothing much for the week.

Awww @missy, Bobby has such a sweet face, I’m glad he’s at least eating something, albeit not much. I’m sorry the weather is so cold there, I know that really affects you.

@marcy, we were 17 hours adrift when we got back from Australia, but at least we weren’t working like poor Marty. I don’t think their TV industry is that big, because we’ve seen the same actors in lots of programmes He’ll be completely discombobulated when he gets back. Sorry you’ve got so much work on, still, it’ll keep you out of mischief while he’s away. Don’t work too hard! Weather’s not too bad at home, although it looks like we’ll have a couple of really cold days next week.

Stay safe and warm @Jemi, Pom looks like he’s enjoying the snow.

Poor you @finerthings, back pain is no fun, especially if they don’t know how to offer any relief. Sending healing vibes to you and DH.

Back to reality tomorrow, no more being waited on, oh well, it was nice while it lasted!

Take care, love and hugs to you all