In Memoria, Junior (2004-2008)

I was going to post a dignified picture of Junior but this is the first I found and it's more indictative of his life, particularly with Boy15 who played with and photographed him more than anyone.

I will finish this sad story later when I have more time.

Okay, here it is. Junior was out the other night and sounded like he got in a cat fight but there weren't any marks, etc. but he started acting funny after that. He would screech on occasion, especially while standing in the litter box. He wasn't eating or drinking or pooping and was shaking periodically. I got him into the vet today and he had some kind of bladder obstruction that was very painful and she said his bladder was likely full of blood. There were some procedures I'd rather not describe in detail that could be done, but his kidneys and heart may already be damaged and recovery was maybe a 50/50 shot.

Call me a pragmatist at best, a non-animal lover at worst, but I wasn't going to go through all that. Junior was rescued from a stray cat litter, the mother kept having litter after litter. I think we gave him a good life for his time here. We gave him his shots, neutered him, fed him, and even showed him some affection from time to time. So, I was shocked at how emotionally overcome I was at the decision to put him to sleep.

Apparently, my crying prompted the receptionist to come in offer to 'donate' her money to do the medical care but I declined this offer. Of course, this added greatly to my guilt. Boy15 was there throughout and later offered his insight that people in the old days who had to bury a lot of relatives at young ages must have had it pretty hard if this is how we feel over a cat.

So, whatever you think of me, that's the honest ugly truth. Now, Pearl is another matter entirely.



This is our Danish friend Toke with Junior. Here is something Toke's mom wrote to us after his visit:

Toke tells us about your cats and how wise they are: hiding in his bedroom to get to know him as he sleeps, trying to keep the power until other is proved.. and so on.

Warming Up

This game I missed two weekends ago. I stayed home with Boy15 since everyone was spending the night at the tournament. I heard (from unbiased reports) he held his own in pitching. That's a good deal, since he is one of the smaller, younger guys.

Coming up Friday/Saturday my siblings are arriving to celebrate my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. There will be camping, water parks, baseball games, picnics, a party, the debut of a new video my sis made, and a Talent Show.

Hulkie

Last night we went to see "The Incredible Hulk" for Father's Day. I'm a little embarrassed to say I insisted on it. Boy13 who is the only one home, was game. Pat was not excited. It was one of those "I told you so" situations. Wow. I hate to say, it was pretty bad. My memories of the old TV show were not realized. They did pay homage to Bill Bixby who was shown on an old TV show "The Courtship of Eddie's Father." Lou Ferrigno had a cameo as a security guard. Ed Norton was "okay" but when he turned into the Hulk it looked so ridiculous. I couldn't get into it. At least Lou Ferrigno was a real guy. This stupid-looking monster they created was laughable. I also can't stand those drawn out fighting scenes. So what was I thinking when I wanted to see this movie so badly?

Best of West Central IL

Ice Cream: lemon flavor cone with Krunch Kote, Feldo's, Colchester

Walking Path: Lakeland Park, Canton

Sports Apparel: Steve and Barry's, Peoria. I love this store, everything is $8.98. Famous for Stephon Marbury's Starbury line, Venus Williams, Laird Hamilton and Sarah Jessica Parker, can you believe it!

Scenic View: Spoon River, Bernadotte

Concession Stand: Little League field, Beardstown. The best rib-eye and pork t's, popcorn, and lemonade. Don't forget the nachos.

Okay, I've run completely out of categories, ideas and etc. If you have ever been to this part of the country and would like to add your two cents, please do so. If you haven't, please visit us soon. We'd love for you to discover some sweet spots in our quaint little area.

June 11

Today is a special day, Boy20 turns 20. I remember about this time of evening (8-something p.m.) he finally arrived. It was pretty harrrowing. I don't think the nurse midwife knew what she was doing. The doctor wasn't available and things were getting dicey. All I remember was being pumped full of pitocin and her yelling at me. I know she wanted to go home and go running or something (she was wearing shorts). Nonetheless, it was really exciting and joyous. He was truly a perfect baby. I was a nervous wreck.

I am no longer mother of three teenagers.

Thought for the Day

ON the occasion

Of my parents 50th Wedding Anniversary (actually tomorrow, June 2). Here we are at a restaurant about 30 minutes from home, one they really like. Everything was very nice and good. This is the kind of place you order a martini, "dry and dirty." At least my dad does.



I look cranky, but I'm not really, the sun was just in my eyes.

Chicks, man

One of my projects for the day was to go down to my neighbor Kathy's and get some pictures and some transplants (see pot above). This is a ground cover plant I've seen before and have been really intrigued with. These are actually kind of large for this particular plant. It reminds me of cabbages or artichokes. The leaves are very thick. You'll never guess the name. This is the really weird, cool part. It's called "Hens and Chicks." I'm guessing because as it grows, the little chicks sprout out around the mother hen.

On my way home with my little foil packages of hens and chicks I saw the lovely garden box on top. What a great way to display ones hens and chicks.