Knit.Tŏk

Garden Journal--Garden-Tok

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:42:00 +0000

I am searching for a garden journal to record what bloomed when in my garden and what was planted. A few Daffodils came up this spring, I want to make note of their locations so I can plant some more for next spring. My pink dogwood and Akebono Cherry have begun to bloom. I can't remember exactly when various plants and trees bloomed last year.

Akebono Cherry Tree Reaching for the Sky!

Close Up Showing the Young Blossoms that will become Snowy Pink

We had a couple of storms that did a fair amount of damage, especially to our Salvia Leucantha. Then we had quite a few nights with freezing temperatures. Our two Lemon bushes survived, thanks to plastic drop cloths. Some of our Coreopsis Verticillata Moonbeam did not make it. I had nine of the lacy little plants along the sidewalk, they were much admired by friendly neighbors on their daily walks.

My neighbor and I are researching organic fertilizers. I read that seaweed helps plants repel aphids. My Gaura Lindheimeri plants were constantly covered with aphids last summer. The wretched bugs only laughed at my attempts to knock them out with the high pressure nozzle. I also tried organic insecticidal soap, then when that didn't work I tried neem oil.

I decided to get Dr. Earth Life All Purpose Fertilizer that can be broadcast. I have successfully used specific Dr. Earth fertilizers, such as blended fertilizers for roses or one for acid loving plants like Hydrangeas and Japanese Maples.

Whew, What a Storm!!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:57:00 +0000

We are having high winds and horizontal rain! Sitting at my desk, I am watching trees strain against the strong gusts. I think I just saw Margaret Hamilton fly by on her bicycle.

I drove the "barely a mile" to Whole Foods during lunchtime and was amazed at how many huge tree limbs were scattered along the road and on front yards of most houses. On my return home, I found that our house was a recipient of a very large branch from our Liquidambar styraciflua across the sidewalk. In fact, most of the downed branches on our street are from Liquidambar trees or also know as Sweetgum--this is a tree that is not well liked in our neighborhood. Also, earlier in the day, a couple of plywood boards blew over and on top of my favorite rose bush, flattening it.

Ganymede finds the storm terribly exciting as he keeps watch through our rear sliding door, monitoring the squirrels and birds who have been feeding non-stop throughout the day. The news online is calling this the strongest October storm since 1962 in this area, there are even evacuations due to possible mud slides.

It would be an excellent day to begin my fall knitting, if only I could find my knitting supplies! I think I will put my rain gear back on and see how high the creek is out back behind the house.

Making a House a Home

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:38:00 +0000

What should have been one of the happiest moments of our life, the time of moving into our house has been stressful. If it weren't for the pure joy expressed by our two year old Siamese cats, Jupiter and Ganymede, I don't know what we'd do. They love exploring their house, sliding on the hardwood floors and romping in the atrium is so much fun. And we have squirrels.

Ganymede has a new hobby: Bird watching. I am so glad he has taken such an enthusiastic interest in nature. The kitties are indoors only, with the exception of the going out in the atrium. Once the temperature is too toasty, they are told to come inside. Every morning at 6:30am, our precious Ganymede takes his post by the sliding door for the bird and squirrel show.

Just the other night, we were all sitting in our library on the rug, looking at a book, Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song. This book gets four cat thumbs up--the boys found it most entertaining. You push the button corresponding to a particular bird in the book and a beautiful representation of that bird's song is heard. Gans and Jups knew instantly what that sound was, no mistake. Jupiter nibbled gently on the corner of the book after each chirp and twitter!

I love this video about a baby squirrel, especially the message of this video, which I found by accident, or was it an accident. The song has stayed in my head since yesterday.

Happy Birthday, Jupiter!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:38:00 +0000

Jupiter is two-years old today! To celebrate, Jupiter had his favorite cantaloupe, but he does everyday when it is in season. Ganymede's birthday is in two more days.

What a big boy he is!

We are planning to make a tunnel between our great room and master bedroom so Jupiter and Ganymede will be able to circle around the inside of the whole house, and I presume, chase each other with glee. I will faux paint a hobbit opening around of the tunnel on both sides. So much to look forward to!

Happy Tenth Wedding Anniversary to Me and My Sweet Husband!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:01:00 +0000

Happily married, as always! We had the most beautiful, intimate wedding at the edge of Lake Tahoe, at Sugar Pine State Park. It was such a happy day, spent with the people who are most dear to us. Afterward, we all celebrated with lunch and strawberry cream wedding cake at the Tahoe House Bakery and Cafe. Our wedding was celebrated on the day of my parent's 50th anniversary. We miss both our moms and our dear sister-in-law, Toshiko; all three are no longer with us, but are never forgotten. The ceremony was elegantly performed by my dear friend, officiate extraordinaire, someone I miss.

Ganymede is as silly as ever. Everything continues to be endlessly fascinating to him. Here he is being held up to investigate a fluttering mulberry leaf!

Enhanting Qntal Music

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 22:23:00 +0000

This is the Qntal album and song that captured my imagination, several years ago; I have been under their spell ever since. Play this video and you will understand!

Which Qntal song is your favorite?

Happy Earth Day!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:11:00 +0000

As our home renovation continues, I'd like to report that we are making greenest decisions possible, such as choosing low VOC paint, buying a barrel-style composter (we will buy another soon), installing Dark Sky and energy efficient lighting, and many other considerations.

Our English garden/cottage-style plants are now in the soil. I was overly concerned with the upper 90 degree temperatures yesterday and watered frantically. My abutilons have been looking wilty, I don't know what is up with them, maybe it is the shock of being planted. They are so whimsical and faerie-like, I will be sad if they don't make it.

The other news is, Ganymede broke his back foot. That was earlier in the spring, which should tell you how far behind I am with my blogging. He was in the kitchen, stretching up on his tip-toes to reach with his paw to the cutting board. He managed to catch a plate sitting there with his claws.

The plate came down and landed end-on-end, on his back paw. He took off like a rocket for the bedroom. We thought he was just frightened, but when we coxed him out and saw the blood, we examined him and decided one of the tiny bones was broken. I cuddled him in bed all night and then we took him to the veterinarian in the morning. They splinted him and sent us home with pain medicine (Ganymede's happy drops!) and a referral to Veterinary Surgical Associates

Ganymede had surgery performed by the wonderful Dr. Andy Staatz. The broken bone was stabilized with a pin and he was sent home in a splint, which did not slow him down at all. Ganymede happily returned to the clinic every week for a splint change, and to visit with his doctor. Ganymede and Dr. Andy were most smitten with each other.

The handsome boys, Jupiter and Ganymede, with his purple splint

The day Ganymede had his last splint removed, it was as if the break had never happened! Jupiter was overjoyed to have his Ganymede to romp at last at full speed with. We would like to thank Dr. Staatz for the brilliant care and loving attention!

Oh, What a Year...

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 16:52:00 +0000

Yes, there were good things, but there were also bad things. Jupiter and Ganymede have been a glimmering high point in a difficult year as we watched them grow and discover the wonderment of life through their amazing blue eyes. I don't know what we would do without these wonderful Siameezers.

We are still renovating the house, starting with the removal a brick fireplace, which nearly demolished our bodies. Renovating can be everything between utter exciting creativity to absolute terror. When it all falls into place and I see glimpses of the beautiful house it is going to be, I say to myself, "Did I really do that? Is this really my house?"

We just lost a delightful, precious member of our family. Toshiko, my brother's wife, was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the stomach at the end of September and gradually slipped into a coma as the cancer went into her liver. She died the morning of December 11, 2008. Life will never be the same without her, but my life will forever be touched by her.

Toshi: You inspired us with your grace and strength throughout that horrible disease. Between rainstorms, I have been spending time planting in my atrium Japanese garden that we planned together, it will be a happy place to reflect on what a wonderful angel you have been to us.

My brother made this beautiful video to honor his princess, Toshiko. This is the Buddist temple, Byodo-In, located in Oahu Hawaii, a replica of the 900-year-old temple in Japan of the same name.

Picking up Knitting Needles

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:14:00 +0000

Well, it had been a while since I have touched knitting needles, the house renovation has been the focus for the past few months. Everything is so dusty from the drywall sanding, I am glad we are not living there yet. Yeech! Next weekend I will start cleaning up one room at a time and priming and painting with low VOC paint. If I don't focus on just one room and not the whole house, I will get overwhelmed.

We found out just three weeks ago that my precious sister in law has stomach cancer. The doctors tried two separate operations and backed out, the tumors were all over her abdomen. We are all so devastated. This has been so surreal in a bad way, yet we maintain a positive attitude, fueled by the strong, brave princess. I am so proud of her and of my brother.

I have been inspired to pick up my lonely knitting needles to knit two soft hats for the princess. We don't know if she will lose her hair or not on the chemo, but it is good constructive behavior on my part, instead of sitting in front of the television, wallowing in self pity--never a good thing and not at all productive. We are being victimized whenever we find ourselves not in control of our lives. Avoid being a victim.

Back to the subject of knitting. The first hat is a beautiful brown-ish, blue-ish black yarn, with a small floppy brim. That gorgeous yarn I am using is from Green Planet Yarn, the place for fair trade, eco-friendly yarn. I saw the pattern on Head Huggers and thought it would be very feminine and cute on her pretty little head.

The instructions say to pick up stitches around the bottom of the crown to construct the brim. I was almost finished tediously pulling the new yarn through with a crochet needle and placing them on the circular needle, then I got to a weak spot on the yarn and it broke. I yanked it all out and started again, picking up the stitches. Now I am happily knitting the brim. I will be finished tonight.

The next hat is also from Head Huggers; a lighter weight style with a lacy edge. The yarn is a black organic cotton and milk fiber!

Little Pink Socky

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:01:00 +0000

Jupiter has a Little Pink Socky--he chose it himself... I am not making this up. He will chew it, toss it in the air, even insist we throw it for him, and then he will retrieve it until we stop, then he will stare at us until we continue, he will even drop it on my face when I am sleeping. Ew! He gets into his own weird little zone where nothing else matters except his Socky.

Ganymede loves to taunt Jupiter about his sock and threaten to take it away, something Jupiter loathes and will angrily hiss back at Ganymede. But Sir Ganymede is not one walk away from a challenge. When things get out of hand, Little Pink Socky must go to the hall closet.

It is difficult to tell in the photo, but the Orlon sock is pale pink and is easily over 25 years old. I'd give Little PInk Socky another month, then I will have to find Jupiter a replacement.

Jupiter doesn't realize he isn't the first kitty with a pink sock...

This delightful comic strip is Mutts by Patrick McDonnell, about the adventures of Mooch and Earl.

Ganymede and Jupiter -- Squirrel Lookout Through the Screen

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:51:00 +0000

Ganymede and Jupiter are ten months old, each weigh ten pounds, and are tremendously happy. We regret the long absence from blogging, work has been busy and after a long day, I am not eager to spend yet more time at my computer. We are also renovating a house nearby with an atrium that will be ideal for the Siamese boys.

The boys have a busy schedule that they adhere to like Gorilla Glue. Mornings are spent watching the squirrels through the screen door, followed by a long nap. Evenings are all about playing with their feathered contraption on a stick, operated by cat-dad, whilst transforming themselves into "war kittens". At 9pm, I shout, "treats!" and they respond with a stampede into the kitchen for their dental chews. For added excitement, they bat the chews under the fridge to watch the human retrieve them... several times with the dedicated chew retrieving fridge yardstick. It is our mission and pleasure to serve the war kittens.

Ganymede is Feeling Superb!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:37:00 +0000

Just a quick update. Ganymede has been romping around with Jupiter, almost as if he had not had surgery the day before. For anyone just tuning in, he has congenital abnormalities, such as facial nerve paralysis on his right side, dermoid in the corner of his eye, inguinal hernia, and undescended right testicle. He will always have the paralysis, but his eye is now free of the dermoid and his cornea is now protected. Since he has no problem with his trigeminal nerve, he is beginning to pull his eye into its orbit in order to blink.

He is so content, it must be a great relief to him, either in relation to his eye or hernia, or both. Here he is, napping after playing all morning. You can see his face is a little puffy on the left and the nictating membrane is somewhat inflamed. Don't let his sedate composure fool you, he has been leaping and running like a maniac.

Today, I have been listening to the music from Miss Potter, a movie I like very much, about the life of Beatrix Potter. I played that album three times this morning, now I have moved on to the soundtrack from another one of my favorite movies, Stardust.

Ganymede's Surgery and a Knitting Tip

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:25:00 +0000

Ganymede is having his surgery tomorrow (Monday). The dermoid cyst will be removed from the outer corner of his right eye and the eye opening will be made smaller to help protect his eye and make it easier for him to blink. He is also being neutered, which will be a little more extensive than usual since he has not dropped on his right side; he is a cryptorchid. I should be worried about his surgery, but I am not. I have complete faith in his wonderful veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Kristina Burling.

Ganymede and Jupiter are still playing and it is nearly midnight, well past their bedtime! We need to make a video of the latest thing they do that we call "Rock 'um sock 'um, Siamese". It reminds me of the three Stooges, but with just two.

I finished the pink sweater for one-year old Annabelle, last week. The sweater pattern is from Filatura di Crosa, Baby Too, knitted with Rowan Cashsoft Baby DK. I was worried that it wouldn't fit her since it took longer to get done than I thought it would. I wasn't knitting for about a month. She put it on today and she looked so adorable! It was just wonderful to see little Annabelle. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to see how happy and content her mom, who is a long time dear friend, is now with her gorgeous home and beautiful family. Annabelle is such a cutie--what a doll!

I am also knitting a Winter-berry fruit hat for Annabelle. I have a hot tip for you: After castng-on the first row of stitches using the long-tail method, instead of joining the first stitch using just the working yarn, knit the first three stitches with both the working yarn and the tail yarn together. You will find this way feel much more secure.

Ganymede's Surgery

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:25:00 +0000

Ganymede is scheduled for surgery tomorrow (Monday). He is having the dermoid cyst removed from the outer corner of his right eye and have that eye opening made smaller to help protect his eye and help him to blink. He will also be neutered, which will be a little more extensive than usual as he has not dropped on his right side; he is a cryptorchid. I am not worrying at all, I have complete faith in his wonderful eye specialist, Dr. Burling.

The Pink Sweater has been completed!

Update on Ganymede and Jupiter

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 01:56:00 +0000

I have been a bad blogger, again. I know I promised an update after Ganymede's procedure. He went under anesthesia two weeks ago to have his nasal passages scoped. One nostril was very badly blocked up, so they flushed it all out and could see that the tissues were extremely inflamed and infected. No polyps were found, which I thought he might have and would be the cause of his facial paralysis. I guess I was just hoping the paralysis could be reversed and he could have full function on both sides of his face.

They did a biopsy and culture while in there and the results indicated herpes, but not currently infected. I read that eighty percent of all cats have feline herpes virus (FHV-1) to some degree. DNA for mycoplasma was found by the lab using something called polymerase chain reaction. He is on Azithromycin, which is working. He is like a different cat now, even sharper and with more energy than before. Now the dynamic duo are a real handful!

Jupiter was neutered last week and was back to climbing, jumping and doing all the things a six-month old kitten does in just one day. I need to make an appointment for Ganymede's eye surgery next week. It is important to get that over with.

I am going to finish the little pink baby sweater tonight. I just need to knit the neck line and I'm done. I'll have a picture soon.

New Videos of the Cats and Absolutely Zero Knitting Done

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:55:00 +0000

We have two new videos. This one below is Jupiter's first video, just before Christmas, which has been kindly edited and uploaded to YouTube by my brother. I look like a mess in my sweat pants and moose socks, but Jupiter is adorable. I can see how much he has grown now.

The second video is a clip demonstrating what it is like trying to do laundry with two six-month old Siamese kittens around.

It has been raining fairly hard since noon today. In addition to the rain, the air has been very brisk, almost as if we lived in the mountains. The hills above 2,000 feet are all dusted with snow.

Ganymede has an appointment this Wednesday at Veterinary Medical Specialists to evaluate what has caused the paralysis of his facial nerve. A flexible fiberoptic endoscope will be used to see if he has a nasopharyngeal polyp, not a common condition, but one that occurs with young cats. Not being able to blink fully doesn't bother him very much, as long as we keep applying eye ointment throughout the day. He is just a happy six month old blue-point Siamese, seriously addicted to playing with a tired red cotton shoestring.

Ganymede and Jupiter's Veterinary Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:51:00 +0000

Ganymede's appointment with the eye specialist happened today. Both Ganymede and Jupiter jumped into the cat carrier, so rather than pull Jupiter out and risk Ganymede also getting out and then hiding under the bed, I let Jupiter go along to keep Ganymede company.

After a thorough examination, the diagnosis is that Ganymede has a normal eyelid, unlike our substitute veterinarian's thought that he may be missing an eyelid. What he has is a paralysis of the facial nerve on his right side. At this point it is idiopathic, but some researching with Google has return several examples of facial paralysis especially in younger cats due to nasopharyngeal polyps. Could be...

Surgery is scheduled for January 23rd to remove a small dermoid from the corner of Ganymede's eye and decrease the size of the eye opening, which will allow him to close his eye much easier. He has had a runny nose on one side for a long time, most likely a viral infection, so he is taking a course of Famciclovir to help clear that up. I am relieved that this will be a much easier operation for him. In time, he will learn to blink by isolating other muscles.

Jupiter was happy to be there to give Ganymede moral support while entertaining the doctor and her technician. Jupiter will forever be known as the Siamese cat who tried to climb up a succession of framed pictures in their exam room just above the examination table.

The Kitties' First Video

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 20:22:00 +0000

Jupiter and Ganymede are fascinated with the Hallmark animated singing snowman and penguins.

This Wednesday is Ganymede's eye appointment. I am anxious to find out what the doctor has to say; she has been highly recommended and is only three miles away. Both kitties are doing well and are such great pals.

Welcome Ganymede to our Pride!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 19:12:00 +0000

We brought home a kitten last Thursday, December 27th, from where Jupiter was born. He is a five month, one week old blue-point Siamese, a cousin of Jupiter, they were born two days apart. The little guy needed a good home where he get lots of love and can get expert medical attention for his eye, so he was offered to us. He had caught my attention with his elfin-like appearance in October when we went to bring Jupiter home. It was thought that the outer corner of his eyelid had been torn in a scramble to his mother's milk. It was clear that he needed surgery and there is a first class veterinary eye clinic just three miles from us.

When we arrived home, we put the kitten in one of our bathrooms with the carrier door open with a litter box, food, and water. He slept in the carrier on his blanket as if it were his safe cave, just as Jupiter had done when he first came to us two months ago. We were awakened by his meows about 5am the next morning. I held him in the bathroom and he snuggled and purred. Jupiter had been cooing at the door all morning. I decided to leave the bathroom door open to see what would happen. The two were instant friends! They spent the first half of the day exploring the house together like two velociraptors and then took a long nap that afternoon on our bed, cuddled together.

In both photos, Ganymede is in the top portion of the picture and Jupiter below. If I turn off the camera's flash when taking pictures, the photos are blurred, otherwise their eyes glow like lanterns.

We took both kitties to our vet that Saturday. When you face the two carriers together on the back set of the car, the two kitties are amazingly content. When we arrived, we made the decision to call the kitty Ganymede; the largest moon in our solar system and one of the planet Jupiter's 63 moons.

Jupiter gave a blood sample for tests in preparation for his neutering surgery in a couple weeks. The doctor looked at Ganymede's right eye and told us it was a birth defect. Underneath the lower lid, when pulled back, you can see a flap of skin with a few hairs. Ganymede is unable to blink because his eyelid did not develop properly in the womb. It does not appear to cause him any discomfort, although he needs eye ointment to keep his eye from drying out. He cleverly sleeps with his cheekbone against the bed so his lower eyelid closes. The condition is called eyelid agenesis. We got the referral to the eye doctor we wanted. I am so happy to be able to help our little Ganymede. Both Jupiter and Ganymede are as perfect as can be!

My Husband's Mom Left us this Morning

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 20:01:00 +0000

This morning, my husband's mom died at the age of 91 from septic shock. She had been admitted to the hospital only yesterday. My husband and I were both by her side as she took her last few breaths and her heart, tired from a long life, stopped. The photo above is from this past Thanksgiving when we broke tradition and went out for Chinese Dim Sum. It hasn't been the best year for my family.

It was my mom's birthday at the beginning of this month. She has been in my thoughts as I was decorating for Christmas, something we enjoyed doing together. I have a wonderful memory from many years ago, of my mom and her youngest sister drinking hot sake while sitting under the Christmas tree and singing Christmas songs. This below is one of my favorite photos of her that was taken last year around this time of year. She died seven months ago, also of septic shock.

Jupiter is Enjoying the Christmas Tree and Train

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:55:00 +0000

It was an exciting weekend for Jupiter as we set up the tree and Lionel train. We had the first chance in a long time to do some overall cleaning and neatening. Jupiter loves the train and Christmas tree. He enjoyed the visits from friends and family members who dropped by on Sunday just to meet him! I feel much more organized and ready for Christmas.

Sadly, my husband's friend and commute partner had a stroke this morning and my mother in law was admitted to the hospital. Only twenty-one more days until the new year; I hope 2008 will be a happier year. I am feeling that my neck and shoulders have tensed up from all this.

I am hoping to have the pink baby sweater assembled by next week for Annabelle. I will be so happy if I can accomplish that. It seems like such a luxury to be able to just sit and knit. The weather has been beautifully crisp. The squirrels are frantically burying the almonds I have been tossing out for them. It seems like the same four squirrels, I call the "Jumbo Clan", because they are looking quite robust. I haven't seen Mama Squirrel, our favorite. She has a twisted little tail, is hunched over, and blind in one eye. She has the sweetest face and is very trusting of us. I hope she is okay.

One Winter-Berry Baby Hat Completed

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 19:49:00 +0000

I did manage to finish a knitting project. This is a baby hat from the Ann Norling Fruit Hat pattern for baby Ellis with Rowan Pure Wool DK. I need to go visit the post office and send my package off. Next I will tackle the Magic Loop technique of knitting socks. It is probably the challenge that I need at this time.

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts about our Chloe. If we didn't have little Jupiter to delight us as he explores all that is new to him, the emptiness in our house without Chloe would be unbearable. Jup has been playing with a paper grocery bag for the last hour.

Chloe is Now With Pooh-bah

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:50:00 +0000

Chloe's doctor called Wednesday night to tell me her blood test showed abnormally low levels of potassium and sodium. She wanted me to pick up a prescription of potassium tablets immediately that they left for me at the 24-hour emergency clinic. I started to dose her immediately.

Friday night, after I gave Chloe her tube feeding, I held her as I always do to help her keep the food down. She completely emptied her bladder on me. I cleaned her up and changed into clean clothes and continued to hold her, which she seemed to find comfort in. By that time, it was almost 1:30am. I noticed that she was breathing rapid, shallow breaths, and every minute or so her body twitched. I got a flashlight and checked her eyes and saw they were dilated and had small movements side to side.

I woke my husband up and told him what was happening. We held her in bed together, then laid her down at the foot of our bed. A little while later I reached down to check her and she wasn't breathing. I lifted her paw and it was limp. Our sweet Chloe left us Saturday, November 24, one day short of eleven weeks after Pooh-bah left us. They are together, once again; the Dynamic Duo.

Chloe's doctor called the next day to see how she was doing. I told her the news and that I thought it looked like she had sudden kidney failure. She said that she had just discussed Chloe's case with her colleagues. They were all puzzled that nothing was abnormal in her blood work than the potassium and sodium, everything else was normal. We don't know what caused the drop in the level and then her death. Earlier in the day, she seemed to be walking a little better.

I know that my husband and I did everything we could. Her doctor at Veterinary Medical Specialists was wonderful and caring. Pooh-bah and Chloe had a wonderful life. We were so blessed.

Chloe is Doing Better!

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:03:00 +0000

We just arrived home from our follow up appointment at Veterinary Medical Specialists. Today Chloe's eyes are clearer and she is more alert, plus she is getting stronger. I was given Hill's Prescription A/D for her tube feedings. The stuff is awful. She smelled like she was rotting away. Yesterday I switched her over to our usual Innova EVO canned food. I dilute it and put it through the tube just as I did with the prescribed food. I feel so much better about feeding it to her; it is the very best available.

Chloe is very weak still and staggers when she walks (ataxia). I made the mistake of thinking she was getting enough fluids from the food and drinking water, although I had asked and the nurse said she didn't need fluids if she was getting enough from her food. When Chloe looked dehydrated yesterday, we decided she needed the subcutaneous fluids everyday until she is back to eating and drinking enough on her own.

Chloe had been stooping over, but is sitting more upright today. The doctor said that usually means low potassium. That makes absolute sense because after her fluids last night, the stooping went away. The doctor said she is making good progress. I am ecstatic!

An Update on Chloe

noreply@blogger.com (J.) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 05:35:00 +0000

Just a quick update: Chloe has been in the hospital, Veterinary Medical Specialists, since Wednesday. She has been getting intravenous antibiotics and fluids. It is wonderful place and she is getting excellent care. They have determined through an echocardiogram that her heart is healthy and they may be removing her two infected molars that we all believe is the root cause of the illness. It is an upper respiratory infection but the unhealthy condition of having rotting teeth is responsible for her immune system being compromised. Jupiter is doing very well and misses Chloe.