I Repeat Myself

"Do I repeat myself?  Very well then, I repeat myself."  -- Walt Whitman

Many believe he was probably gay.  But the point is, if I have repeated myself in previous posts, deal with it.  Who the hell can remember what she did yesterday?!

Camilla, my 18 year old cat, who has had a years-long condition that compels her to poop outside the box, has been pooing inside the box for the past couple of days.  I can only attribute it to my own experience of having had a pretty good week.  An animal communicator said that Camilla picks up on my negativity.  If that is true, then she is reacting to my feeling more positively about things.

Dropped by to see S, J, and E today, after my massage.  E. is 87 years old or so, and I always give her a long hug when I see her.  She just melts into my arms, and says she could purr.  I think she cries a bit, as her eyes were moist after today's hug.  It is so important to be touched.  And the older one gets, it seems the less we get touched. Uck. Should be the other way around.  We know that infants die without touch.

Look at these two.  Kitten, aka Calhoun, was outside all last night as he didn't come in by the time I went to bed.  So I kept him inside today to rest.  I don't like leaving my cats out all night.  I sleep better when I know all three are safely inside, including the dog.  Calhoun and Kitten have been close since the beginning, and I love to see them snuggle.

My massage therapist gave me two long hugs today as well.  She is not afraid to hug closely.  So many people are.  Why hug if it is not body meshing into body?  It is all about connection, after all.  I've always thought, that if everyone could get a shoulder rub (or hug) every morning, there would be no war.  Tension is the universal enemy.

J. stopped by to say hello.  Haven't seen her for a long time.  Must get down to Daytona to see her and her partner.  She likes Bindi, and Kitten.

Art Class Redux

If I don't write something every night, it slips away.

At art class today, it became apparent that I was surrounded by Republicans.  I said outloud, "Am I the only Democrat here?"  One vague response.  I guess I was/am.  Oy.  I kept my mouth shut.  I like these people, but it was already clear to me long before this that I wouldn't become close friends with any of them.  I'm there to learn the art and craft of oil painting, and if we put religion, sex, and politics on the sideboard, I'll be able to learn my lessons.

The weather is glorious again.  Cool in the mornings and evenings, and warm during the day, no humidity.  Perfect weather.  If only it could be year-round.  So many flowers are in bloom in my yard:  poinciana, coral vine, fire spike, thyrallis, plumbago, rose, datura, hibiscus.  Ocean temp is still 80 degrees F.

Well, it's official.  I have metabolic syndrome:  diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol.  Was put on yet another drug for the cholesterol.  I'm just slightly over normal for all three conditions, but still.  Doc said this was the "Bermuda triangle" of health risks.  I guess I could croak at any time of a stroke or heart attack.  The worst would be to survive a stroke.  He didn't comment on my weight, but stressed the absolute importance of exercise.  I don't know if I will be able to do it.  I might die young-ish.

Misty has to have some dental work on Friday.  Been giving her antibiotics for the past week in prep for whatever they will do.  I've been remiss on flea/tick meds for all the critters; must take care of that tomorrow.

Made plans to go see the munchkins in December.  Miss those guys.  Got a very inexpensive fare for the off-holiday dates, even though it might not be best for their family schedule.  Airfares have increased, and the whole process of travelling has become a pain.  Hopefully travelling not at high peak will make the trip easier.

I've made some headway on throwing away "paper."  You know, those sheets of hardcopy information that somehow pile up all over the place.  T. has been working on the yard and it looks so nice; my collection of plants is impressive.  The fig tree, given to me a few months ago by my neighbor, an offshoot of her big tree, is replanted in the ground and doing oh so well.  Want to get some dwarf citrus trees for the spring.

Had an idea to rent a small place on the beach for a month next summer.  Although it would still be hot, being by the beach is much cooler.  A stay-cation.  Still want to get my butt out to California again.

Art Class

Today was the first oil painting class since my instructor returned from cooler climes up north.  I had forgotten to bring a canvas, so borrowed a piece of masonite board, primed, from a sister student.  I had never painted on masonite, and what a difference.  The paint glided on much more easily, so now I will make a trip to Home Depot, purchase a sheet of masonite and have them cut it up into 18 x 24 boards.

It was quite fun to be at the class today; someone had brought cheese, crackers, wine, and yummy muffins, and I felt I painted well.  We're working on a Florida landscape, with water, trees, sky, birds.  The weather has broken yet again after a couple of weeks of high humidity and heat, so I may be able to paint on the front porch.  I still cannot get myself to paint in my studio out back.

Bindi came with, and everyone likes her so much.  She is generally considered to be a very well behaved dog, and she got quite a few treats from the refreshments table, and many pets from the dog lovers.  Patrick, the instructor, even gave her a bit of egg from his sandwich.  He has a dog named Dirk.

Took all three cats to the cat vet yesterday, for a grand total fee of over $500.  Camilla, 18, and Misty, 14, both had good blood test reports, and the baby, Calhoun, got updates on his vaccinations.  He was quite tired after we returned, so kept him inside the rest of the day.  Turns out the black "mold" under his chin is in fact feline acne, probably caused by his suckling on polyester fleece blankets.  So I will have to ditch the polyester, and try to find some other kind of nappy fabric of cotton that he can suckle on.  Doc gave me some aloe to treat the mess under his chin.  Misty has lost several teeth, and needs some dental work, but otherwise fine.  We are doing a titer to establish Camilla's antibody status; she may not need any more vaccines.  Vet said she and the staff are talking about how best to use me as a volunteer.

Went to the thrift store next door, and bought two very tall, narrow vintage windows with bevelled glass that I've had my eye on for several weeks.  I paid a bit more than I wanted, but much less than they were marked.  Don't know what I will do with them, but just wanted them.

Have had a couple of really wonderful swims in the ocean recently.  The sea temp is still 82 degrees F. and so clean and clear, much more so than in the height of the summer.  I'm still having a very hard time with the heat and humidity; it depresses me.  But when I can get myself to the beach, it is a relief.  Salt water cures every ailment.

J, R, and I went to a regional theater performance of "Big River," the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, a musical at the Limelight Theater in town.  It was a terribly uneven performance, but some of the actors, some of the music/singing, and some of the staging was delightful.  It was good to go out and do something different.  R. said she had done quite a bit of acting herself years ago;  as had I.  I could tell she still craves it.  As do I.  I may see if the Limelight needs some volunteers.

I still have not filed my 2011 taxes.  I know I frustrate my accountant.  I am just so disorganized with my paperwork that I can't keep accurate track of my expenses.  I can only estimate.  Uck.  Instead of getting better, it seems to get worse each year.  Any ideas on how to keep track of everything?  The only thing I can think of is to keep a daily log of what I spend; that seems like so much work.  The administrative work of living is something I have no interest in.  I barely can pay my bills on time. 

See the heart doc on Friday.  I have been diagnosed with "thickening" of the heart wall.  So many of my physical conditions could be alleviated by losing weight, but for someone who hates exercise, that is a tall order.  I eat pretty well, have conquered my sugar addiction, but, alas, the damage has been done.  Without exercise, diet will not alone solve the problem.

Have had nightmares the past two nights.  Last night, I was supposed to meet a ship for a trip to Africa, but I lost my luggage, and when I hired a cabbie to take me to the ship terminal, he lost my carry on, and I had no passport, wallet, or anything that I needed.  I think I decided to just bag the trip.  Or it was decided for me.

Want to see "Frankenweenie" by Tim Burton.  About a dog of course.  Am looking for a wedding gown for a Halloween costume.

Ironwork

Got up early and went to the Coquina Crossing tag/yard/garage sale.  For a relatively upscale gated community, there sure was a lot of crap.  I think people are hanging onto stuff and giving away things that are just in the worst shape.  I was kind of disgusted.  I bought nothing even tho there was so much.  The only thing I might have wanted, a piece of carpet for my art studio, was sold by the time I circled back to it.  Lesson:  hang onto what interests you even if you aren't sure you want it.

Dropped by a couple of other yard sales.  Bought some lovely wrought iron decorative items that can be installed outside.  Had a nice conversation with the woman hosting the sale.  At another sale, I bought a blanket for Kitten (aka Calhoun) as he likes to suckle still on fleece material, and a possibly vintage "travel" washboard.  At least that's what it said on the thing:  fits into your luggage.  The joints on the wood appeared to be quite old.

I was driving out by the Saint Johns River, on Route 13, and came upon Maggie's Herb Farm.  Maggie retired several years ago, but Dora was there.  I bought a curry plant for a friend, lemongrass, and an indigo plant, the last one she had.  Also some worm castings fertilizer and fish fertilizer.  Everything they have is organic, and they have almost everything.  I resisted walking around because I would buy more.  But what a lovely place.  The photo is an inlet from the St. Johns.  I love the deteriorating chair that was there.

I was starving so stopped on the way home at the 3rd Street Diner.  Had never been there before, but was craving blueberry pancakes.  When they arrived, I took one bite and knew I could not continue.  The pancakes were dense and chewy and had an odd bitter cornmeal taste.  I sent them back and got a small Greek salad, which was fine.

Tomorrow night, going to a regional theater performance with J. and R.

Continue

Went for a wonderful massage this morning with the excellent Jennifer Jacobsen.  I was so tired afterward.   But being single, a girl needs to be touched, and massage is such a good way to get the starved skin what it wants.  I hope to be able to get myself to her Thursday night yoga class.

 Took myself out to eat for lunch at a place I had passed a few times and was curious about.  RIPE, its name, using organic, local, and sustainable foods.  I ordered the fish tacos, which were as far from any taco I've ever eaten, but in a good way.  Arugula, peppers, cucumber, onions, local caught fish, served not on a taco shell but on freshly made crepes!  Very nice, with a side of yummy slaw.  What was also really great about RIPE is their lounge, small, but with comfy sofas, a fake fireplace, and an honor system lending library.

I drove down to the beach with the notion of going for a quick swim, but the clouds were pouring in and it appeared too wavy.  I didn't see anyone in the surf, so I headed back into town towards home.  I stopped at the Democratic headquarters, picked up an Obama/Biden yard sign, and signed up to volunteer.  I decided to stop at the pool for a quick dip since it wasn't raining yet.  I didn't have my goggles, so just jogged in the water a while.  Felt so nice.

Finally home, I was bushed so got into bed with the critters and tranced out for a while.  Tried to watch the presidential debate, but got immediately bored.  It doesn't matter what they say, because whomever is elected will have to deal with the legislature and many advisors telling them what to do; whatever they promise may not be possible, given the compromises that inevitably have to be made.

Bought a eucalyptus tree at the hardware store on sale.  I so like that scent.  Also found my stash of garden seeds after looking for two weeks.  Will still try to get some lettuce, beets, carrots, kale, into the garden, although it is late.  But the root veggies will be fine, even if we get a freeze in December.  So many beautiful flowers are in bloom in my yard: