RIP, Lea... This morning Lea looked miserable, and had some worrisome symptoms, so we ran her to the veterinarian early this morning. For some time now, we've been taking things day-by-day with her, managing the tension between not wanting her to be in pain or to be miserable, and the desire to keep her with us forever. She's been a wonderful companion to us for 17 years.
After the vet (Dr. Andrea Russell) examined her, it was clear that poor Lea was in the process of dying, and there weren't going to be any more good moments for her. Her oral tumor had increased in size significantly since just Friday, she had colitis (or something similar), her heart rate was very high, and she had a fever. We asked Dr. Russell for forthright advice, and we got it – very much appreciated by us, as these decisions are always hard. We decided that it was time to say goodbye to our girl.
The euthanasia process went smoothly. We held her as she closed her eyes for the final time.
We've known this day wasn't too far away for the past year, but that still doesn't make it any easier. Debbie and I are tearful, and I've got a lump in my throat that just won't go away. It's awful losing someone you love, whether two-legged or four-legged...
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Garner's death and the murder of two New York police...
Garner's death and the murder of two New York police... My thoughts and feelings on these subjects are complicated, and difficult to write about – which is exactly why I've said nothing to this point. I just read a post (including the comments) by Eric Raymond, in which Raymond's thinking and conclusions exactly mirror my own – except that the writing, as usual for Raymond, is exceptional crisp and clear. Highly recommended reading...
How interesting...
How interesting... What do these people have in common?
Nah, can't be :)
Rush Limbaugh, Condi Rice, Mark Steyn, Antonin Scalia, Michelle Malkin, Charles Krauthammer, Mia Love, Scott Walker, Clarence Thomas, and Thomas SowellThey are the most admired conservative people, according to this survey of conservative web sites. While I don't fit the “conservative” label very well, I have much common ground with all of them, in various degrees I admire them all. So I'm a bit surprised at the survey results, as generally the establishment conservatives (Jeb Bush, Boehner, McConnell) are not on my most-admired list. Is it possible that my views are more mainstream than I thought?
Nah, can't be :)
Snow!
Snow! Yesterday afternoon it started to snow – at first a wet, slushy snow, but then the temperature dropped and we got something a bit fluffier. Last night the temperature dropped to just 14°F (where it still is), and now there's a coat of ice on the ground, covered by crunchy snow. The skies are clear at the moment, though it's supposed to cloud up and start snowing again before Christmas Day.
Taking the dogs out into the cold and snow was fun. The two older dogs (Mo'i and Lea) perked up and eagerly smelled everything in reach. There must be something about this weather that enhances their sense of smell, because they're behaving much like they do when it's damp (which definitely enhances their sense of smell). It made me smile to see those two enjoying this new home so much. We weren't sure they'd make it here, but I'm awfully glad they did. The two “boys” – Miki and Race – basically lost their minds in the snow. I had them on-leash, and it was all I could do to stay upright as they yanked me in several directions at once. Miki was busy chasing down voles, sniffing down their snow-covered trails. Several times he plowed up a furrow of snow as he ran with his nose skimming the ground. Once he decided to roll around on his back; why, I have no idea. Race acted like he'd completely lost what few marbles he had in the first place – running around randomly, jumping for joy, and teasing Miki. He clearly loves the snow and cold!
Once it's light out, and has warmed up at least a bit, I'm going to go fire up the tractor and cover the exposed bits of water pipe (the ends and junctions, basically). I'll be bundling up good for that job :)
Taking the dogs out into the cold and snow was fun. The two older dogs (Mo'i and Lea) perked up and eagerly smelled everything in reach. There must be something about this weather that enhances their sense of smell, because they're behaving much like they do when it's damp (which definitely enhances their sense of smell). It made me smile to see those two enjoying this new home so much. We weren't sure they'd make it here, but I'm awfully glad they did. The two “boys” – Miki and Race – basically lost their minds in the snow. I had them on-leash, and it was all I could do to stay upright as they yanked me in several directions at once. Miki was busy chasing down voles, sniffing down their snow-covered trails. Several times he plowed up a furrow of snow as he ran with his nose skimming the ground. Once he decided to roll around on his back; why, I have no idea. Race acted like he'd completely lost what few marbles he had in the first place – running around randomly, jumping for joy, and teasing Miki. He clearly loves the snow and cold!
Once it's light out, and has warmed up at least a bit, I'm going to go fire up the tractor and cover the exposed bits of water pipe (the ends and junctions, basically). I'll be bundling up good for that job :)
Progress report...
Progress report... Our builder worked inside the barn yesterday morning, finishing the sheathing of the ceiling. This means that the insulation folks can come finish insulating the first floor, and they will be here today. The plumber came in the afternoon, and finished all the heating installation, including connecting the gas (finally!) and water from the house. Today I'll be firing up the tractor to cover the remaining exposed ends of water line – and this afternoon we should be able to light off the heating system for the first time. Woo hoo!
Debbie and I did a bunch of work inside the house yesterday. Probably the most important thing: I replaced the front door hardware. The old hardware was badly worn, and it took almost superhuman force to open the door from the outside. That's really bad if it's cold and you want in! The new hardware works ever so much better. Then we assembled a closet organizer for Debbie's walk-in closet. This is the second product we've purchased that's made by Seville Classics (the first was a roll-around tool closet), and we're impressed once again. The thing is reasonably priced, but but beautifully made and as solid as a rock. It's not obvious from the photos, but the general design is similar to a “bread rack” adjustable shelving system – inherently simple and strong. With the addition of this unit, Debbie's closet has the storage capacity of a clothing super-store. In other works, about half what she “needs”. She'll be happier when my small corner has been deeded over to her, a happy (for her!) even that will occur when our dresser arrives...
Debbie and I did a bunch of work inside the house yesterday. Probably the most important thing: I replaced the front door hardware. The old hardware was badly worn, and it took almost superhuman force to open the door from the outside. That's really bad if it's cold and you want in! The new hardware works ever so much better. Then we assembled a closet organizer for Debbie's walk-in closet. This is the second product we've purchased that's made by Seville Classics (the first was a roll-around tool closet), and we're impressed once again. The thing is reasonably priced, but but beautifully made and as solid as a rock. It's not obvious from the photos, but the general design is similar to a “bread rack” adjustable shelving system – inherently simple and strong. With the addition of this unit, Debbie's closet has the storage capacity of a clothing super-store. In other works, about half what she “needs”. She'll be happier when my small corner has been deeded over to her, a happy (for her!) even that will occur when our dresser arrives...
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