Sean's 70!

Well, the long anticipated day arrived yesterday - Sean's 70th Birthday!
Doesn't he look very fine?



On Sunday, he went to Milton Keynes to see his children. They are both in their 30s and he loves them dearly. He cares about them and worries about them. He fears that his daughter is working too hard and that she may make herself ill. He had a nice dinner with them and stayed overnight at his daughter's flat. On Monday, the actual birthday, he went to London, where I was to meet him. The plan was that we were to meet at the Brompton Oratory and hear Mass, because he was baptised and confirmed there.

Unfortunately, I had an attack of 'thinking'. I was excited about going to London and I had a map which showed a quick and easy route from the station to Brompton Rd so I decided to take the scooter and the dog and see a bit of London. I got hopelessly lost, of course. The place was crawling with Police due to the American President arriving and the G20 summit, so they were tense and couldn't be distracted from their work by giving me directions. I soon began to feel the effects of the crowds, traffic, noise etc and asked for help in a Knightsbridge office block. They were very rude to me and I was told to clear off as it was private property. I couldn't help it - I began to cry. Thank God Sean phoned me. I told him where I was and came to rescue me. He looked like such a hero to me. I told him I was sorry I hadn't listened to his advice to take a taxi and that I missed the important Mass at the Oratory and that I'd spoiled his day. He was very sweet and kind and said I hadn't - he is such a gentleman. I have never been so pleased to see him and if I could have knighted him, I would have.

Here he is outside Buckingham Palace


Beautiful daffodils in St James' Park


Admiralty Arch


The Grand old Duke of York


Big Ben


Trafalgar Square


When we got to Charing Cross, Sean said he would like a sandwich at the Charing Cross Hotel, but of course I had the scooter and the dog. A Scotsman was operating a newspaper stand just outside the station and he talked to Brakkie so nicely. He told me he had always had Labradors but he now lived in a small flat and it wouldn't be fair to have one. While we were having this conversation, Sean was on the phone to his secretary. When he finished, I suggested we ask the Scotsman to keep an eye on the scooter and Brakkie. Sean agreed, so I asked the man. Do you know, his response was so different to those nasty Knightsbridge types? He agreed very graciously and we went and had our sandwich with no worries. When we got back, the gentleman refused payment. He had been so kind and good, I felt overwhelmed and promised to say a prayer for him. Such an amazing contrast in attitude. I pray that he be blessed so much that he will feel swamped by blessings and good fortune.

When we got back to Tonbridge, Sean opened his card and present from his secretaries. The card was fab, and the present was a copy of Shakespeare's As you Like it. In the book, there were two theatre tickets to see the show at the Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London. Just look at his face - he is beaming. Brilliant choice, ladies. Thank you - you've made him a very happy man. He was delighted.

The Card


Unwrapping the Present


The book 'As you Like it'


The tickets to the show


He's gorgeous. And doesn't seem 70 or anything like it. He is the sweetest man I have ever known, and his care over the past 10 years and more has done a lot to heal the hurts other men have caused my daughters and myself in the past.

When we first met, going on 11 years ago, I was sure that no one could be that good, and I kept waiting for him to turn and let us see his dark side. It never happened. I don't believe he has one. He is such good news that the world should have more of him. He is the best argument in favour of Cloning anyone could ever come up with.

Solace

From the silence of your pain I heard my name
and on the wings of light I have come
to see the sadness in your eyes
that cry without tears

Can you see me, I am here
I will always be near you
to calm your shattered heart
and to make you smile at the memories

Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur
You ache to believe it's real
but you are afraid to hope
You brush away a strand of hair
But it was I, whispering.....

I am only here for but a moment
The silver thread gently quivers
I will leave behind my love in a dream
When you awaken, and without really knowing why

Your heart will know at last
That it is all right, for now
to say good-bye

Copyright © Lisa Carmel Singer

Stray Cat

Oh, what unhappy twist of fate
Has brought you, homeless, to my gate
The gate where once another stood
To beg for shelter, warmth, and food?

For from that day I ceased to be
The master of my destiny,
While she, with purr and velvet paw
Became, within my house, The Law.

She scratched my furniture and shed
And claimed the middle of my bed.
She ruled in arrogance and pride
And broke my heart the day she died.

So if you really think, oh cat
I'm willing to relive all that
Because you've come, forlorn and thin
Well, don't just stand there - come on in!

by Francis Witham

First Principle of Law

A man is innocent until he is proven broke.

Statement of Protestant Leaders Against Anti-Catholic Bigotry

Breakpoint Story

As Protestant Christians and as Americans, we condemn the grotesque anti-Catholic bigotry that is now on display as a result of the Supreme Court's recent decision upholding the constitutionality of the federal law prohibiting partial-birth abortion.

We denounce as particularly odious a cartoon published by the Philadelphia Inquirer depicting the five justices who formed the majority in the case wearing Catholic bishops' mitres. Scarcely less offensive were the comments of law professor, and former University of Chicago Law School Dean, Geoff Stone identifying the Catholic religious affiliation of the justices forming the majority and accusing these distinguished and honorable jurists of imposing their religion rather than faithfully interpreting the Constitution.

We believe it is our particular duty to condemn the bigotry we are now witnessing in view of the history of anti-Catholicism in our nation. It is a stain on the Protestant Christian conscience that at one time many of our people accepted the vile teachings of Paul Blanshard in his book American Freedom and Catholic Power, and supported the anti-Catholic agenda of the group founded by Blanshard and others that now styles itself "Americans United for Separation of Church and State" (formerly known as Protestants and Other Americans United for Separation of Church and State).

Just as Pope John Paul II acknowledged past injustices committed by Catholics, or committed in the name of Catholicism, against Protestants, Jews, and others and pledged to work against any revival of these injustices, we acknowledge past Protestant prejudices against Catholics and pledge to fight against the anti-Catholic bigotry we are now witnessing. Our Catholic brothers and sisters will not have to wait to hear our voices forcefully raised against the bigotry now directed against them.

Because evil begets evil, we are not surprised that bigotry would emerge among those who have placed themselves in the service of the moral abomination known as partial-birth abortion. For our part, we praise any judge, statesman, or citizen-irrespective of religious affiliation-who steps forward to tell the truth about the injustice of this horrific practice, or to expose the lie that baby-killing is somehow protected by our Constitution.

We call on our fellow Protestant Christians of every denomination-including those denominations that do not share our view that the life of the child in the womb must be honored and protected by law-to join with us in condemning the new anti-Catholicism that has, in the aftermath of the partial-birth abortion decision, reared its ugly head. We hope that no Protestant Christian will bring shame on himself or herself and on the great tradition of Reformed Christianity by participating in this appalling bigotry or remaining mute in the face of it.

We also call on groups that present themselves as enemies of prejudice, including "Americans United for Separation of Church and State," to join with us in condemning the Philadelphia Inquirer cartoon and other manifestations of anti-Catholic bigotry. This is a time of testing for them. Are they selective opponents of prejudice? Do they regard anti-Catholicism as an acceptable form of bigotry? Are they content to see Catholics treated in ways that they would be the first to condemn if the victims were members of other religious traditions or minorities? By responding or failing to respond to our plea to them to join us in condemning the injustice being suffered by our Catholic fellow citizens, we will soon know whether their claim to oppose prejudice and bigotry is an honest one or mere hypocrisy.


Signed//


Gary Bauer
President, American Values

Bishop Wellington Boone
Wellington Boone Ministries

Dick Bott
President, Bott Radio Network

Phil Burress
President, Citizens for Community Values

Dr. Dale Burroughs
President, Biblical Heritage Institute

Alan Chambers
President, Exodus International

Charles W. Colson
Founder, PFM

David Crowe
Director, Restore America

Elizabeth Harmer Dionne
Executive Director, Legacy Law Foundation

Mark L. Earley
President, PFM

Diane Gramley
President, American Family Association of Pennsylvania

Colin A. Hanna
President, Let Freedom Ring, Inc.

Cathi Herrod
President, The Center for Arizona Policy

Dr. John A. Huffman
Pastor, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Newport Beach, California

Dr. Kenneth Hutcherson
Pastor, Antioch Bible Church, Antioch, Washington

Phillip L. Jauregui
President, Judicial Action Group

Warren Kelley, President
Point of View Radio Ministries

Rod D. Martin, J.D.
Founder and Chairman, TheVanguard.Org

Dean Nelson
Executive Director, Network of Politically Active Christians

Dr. Frank S. Page
President, Southern Baptist Convention

Tony Perkins
President, Family Research Council

Rev. Louis P. Sheldon
Chairman, Traditional Values Coalition

Ron Shuping
Exec. VP of Programming, The Inspiration Networks

John Stemberger
President & General Counsel, Florida Family Policy Council

Jim Tonkowich
President, Institute for Religion and Democracy

Rick Warren
Pastor, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, California

Dr. Hayes Wicker
Pastor, First Baptist Church Naples, Naples, Florida

Donald E. Wildmon
Founder and Chairman, American Family Association

Dr. Frank Wright
President & CEO, National Religious Broadcasters

Wendy Wright
President, Concerned Women for America

Teresa Jayne

Caelyn is 33 weeks pregnant. She saw the Consultant today, and by a miracle, Teresa Jayne has grown and is within normal limits. There are still a few problems but they are being carefully monitored. The Consultant is cautiously optimistic.

According to About Pregnancy.com this is happening now:

Mother:
You can now probably distinguish the baby's knee from and elbow, even though the movements are smaller. You may also notice small bumps that appear to be rhythmic in your uterus. This is probably caused by the baby having hiccoughs and isn't cause for alarm.

Baby:
Your baby has surfactant, which helps baby breathe after birth, coating the alveoli in the lungs. After this week, if your baby is born, you have less of a chance of apnea of prematurity. S/he weighs about four pounds (1.8 kilograms).

Teresa's weight is 1.965kg so from being too small, she is now a bit above average. I'm going to post a picture of her scan because the face is so clear, and her little hands are visible on the sides of her face.



And after that, I just have to post Psalm 139:

Psalm 139

O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely.
You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
If I take the wings of the morning and settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light around me become night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day, for darkness is as light to you.
For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.
My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written all the days that were formed for me, when none of them as yet existed.
How weighty to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
I try to count them — they are more than the sand; I come to the end — I am still with you.

O that you would kill the wicked, O God, and that the bloodthirsty would depart from me— those who speak of you maliciously, and lift themselves up against you for evil!
Do I not hate those who hate you, O Lord? And do I not loathe those who rise up against you? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.
See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Only an Aussie could pull this one off!!

A true story from the Mount Isa in Queensland.

Recently a routine Police patrol car parked outside a local neighbourhood pub.
Late in the evening, the officer noticed a man leaving the bar so intoxicated that he could barely walk. The man stumbled around the car park for a few minutes, with the officer quietly observing. After what seemed an eternity and trying his keys on five vehicles, the man managed to find his car, which he fell into.

He was there for a few minutes as a number of other patrons left the bar and drove off. Finally he started the car, switched the wipers on and off (it was a fine dry night). Then flicked the indicators on, then off, tooted the horn and then switched on the lights. He moved the vehicle forward a few cm, reversed a little and then remained stationary for a few more minutes as some more vehicles left. At last he pulled out of the car park and started to drive slowly down the road.

The Police officer, having patiently waited all this time, now started up the patrol car, put on the flashing lights, promptly pulled the man over and carried out a random breathalyzer test.

To his amazement the breathalyser indicated no evidence of the man's intoxication. The Police officer said 'I'll have to ask you to accompany me to the Police station - this breathalyser equipment must be broken.'

'I doubt it,' said the man, 'tonight I'm the designated decoy'.

Spring has Sprung

Caelyn is 33 weeks pregnant and terribly tired, and Nigel has a big
exam tomorrow, so Sean and I took Wendy down the Leas cliff to the
Lower Sandgate Conservation area. Some places are so steep that,
apart from mine, there is only one other scooter on the market that
could cope with those inclines, so I was thinking happy thoughts about
the expenditure having been worth it ten times over.

Aren't these Daffodils beautiful?


Sean helped Wendy get rid of the sand in her shoes


Sean and Wendy in the Play Area


After Sean and Wendy were exhausted in the play area, we went off to
one of the picnic spots down there, mostly so that Wendy could run
free. And something rather special happened. You'll see in the
photos that it was a beautiful day, and we found just the place for
her to run.

There were some French kids there, and the little girl was making
daisy chains. Wendy went up and joined in, then when she got friendly
signals from the kids, she kept running off to pick daisies for the
girl to make daisy chains. It was enchanting and so innocent and
sweet. They played for ages. Just before they left, the French kids
Dad gave them a KitKat and the little boy and girl came up and gave
Wendy some.

With the French kids


Daisy Chains


Loving Life


Even Brakkie had a good time


There was a magical, garden of Eden quality to it, and we ached with
the sweetness of it. Sometimes we forget how beautiful innocence can
be, and what a lovely wealth of God's Art is there to see and feel.

I have been asked why she isn't wearing shoes. Well, she was, as you will see at the top of the post where Sean was helping her to shake sand out of them. She hates wearing shoes though, and takes them off as fast as she can. If conditions warrant it, we force her to wear them sometimes. We looked at the grassy area where she was playing and felt it was safe enough, so we let her run free, as she wanted to do. We put them back on her when we went home. The shoe issue is a tricky one. As she is so young, adults need to make judgements about her safety, as well as allowing her to interact with the world around her as she wishes. There is a tension between keeping her safe and not wrapping her up in cotton wool.

When we lived in South Africa, kids went barefoot as a matter of course. Lots of primary schools let kids go to school barefoot. There was a famous South Africa Olympic runner who used to run barefoot, Zola Budd. It took me years to get used to English ideas concerning shoes, and I have every sympathy with Wendy needing to be free.

When we got home, Dolly was tired so Wendy settled her to sleep.


isn't it funny how children copy their own experience? She is putting her doll to bed in just the same way her parents put her to bed - all snuggled up with a cuddle and a lullaby.

Hard Times Jokes

I lent my brother £20 last week. Turns out I'm now the UK's fifth biggest lender.

Cadburys is to launch a chocolate bar you don't have to pay for until next year. It will be called the Credit Crunchie.

Marks and Spencers are to merge with Poundstretchers. The new stores will be called Stretch Marks.

Q. How do you define optimism?
A. A banker who irons five shirts on a Sunday.

Q. What's the difference between an investment banker and a large pizza?
A. The pizza can still feed a family of four.

Q. What's the difference between an investment banker and a pigeon?
A. The pigeon is still capable of leaving a deposit on a new Ferrari.


Q. What do you say to a hedge fund manager who can't sell anything?
A. A quarter-pounder with fries, please.

Q. What have an Icelandic bank and an Icelandic streaker got in common?
A. They both have frozen assets.

A man went to his bank manager and said: 'I'd like to start a small business.
How do I go about it?' 'Simple,' said the bank manager. 'Buy a big one and wait.'

The credit crunch has helped me get back on my feet --- The car's been repossessed.

Michelle

Michelle has gone to Lancaster for a 10 day Retreat. She says the place is in a beautiful setting, and even though she was there for less than 24hrs when she spoke to me, she feels as if some progress has been made already.

That is surely good news.

Mother and Imp

Its late now and I am tired, so I won't write much. There is some news though, and I will try to write about it tomorrow.

Wendy's Birthday

Our little Woozle had her 3rd Birthday on Tuesday, and we had a family tea party. She also had a 'party' at Nursery school, plus there are several local kids who need to celebrate their own birthdays, so there will be a combined party soon. On Saturday, I think. I'm glad I went to the small family tea party as I would not have coped with a big noisy one.

She had a bit of a cold, so wasn't her best. She also refused to allow her Mum to redo her hair or dress her up. Kate said that she wasn't going to force her on her birthday, which is fair enough, especially as it was only Family.

I'll post a couple of pics.

Strange choice of hat, Woozle.


Auntie Michelle and Wendy - thick as thieves.
Look at their mirrored body language.


Opening presents was a lot of fun.


Its always Daddy's job to assemble toys and put batteries in


Wendy is already a 'shoes and bags' girl.


Great Grandma Josie was there too


From THAT


To THIS


in 3 short years is amazing.

Way to go, Wendy Woo. Wishing you much health, happiness and many more Birthdays.

Family Resemblance?

They may look shy, but trust me, that word can't be used to describe either of them!

Deja Vue?

Silly Humour

Wendy's Birthday

Tomorrow is our little Wendy's birthday.

Seems like its only yesterday that she was born. I was looking at some old photos and thought it would be fun to put pics of all her birthdays so far on the blog just because its interesting to see how she has grown. As she has not yet had her 3rd birthday, there are no photos of it in this post. There is a little party for the kids tomorrow afternoon and I hope to take photos of that.



Actual Birthday 0


First Birthday


Second Birthday


Forthcoming Attraction - Third Birthday coming tomorrow. Watch this space.

Jack when he was well

When Jack wanted a cuddle, he was absolutely determined about it. Here is the old love enjoying a cuddle with my mum.



Supervising the goings on in the kitchen.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food and water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing: they miss someone very special to them; who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. YOU have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

If it Should Be

Last cuddle with Michelle





If It Should Be

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
and pain should keep me from my sleep,
then you must do what must be done
for this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I understand
but don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than all the rest,
our love and friendship stand the test.

We've had so many happy years,
what is to come will hold no fears.
Now is the time, please let me go
You would not want me to suffer so.

So take me where my needs they'll tend,
only stay with me until the end.
Please hold me close and talk to me
until my eyes no longer see.

We've been so close over all these years,
don't let your heart hold any tears.
From pain and suffering I've been saved,
and now my tail its last had waved.

Please do not grieve it should be you
who must decide this thing to do -
I know in time that you will see
it is the greatest kindness you do for me.

Author Unknown

Last cuddle with Caelyn



Last cuddle with Sue

Jack has gone to his Forever Home

Jack has Gone Home

Today, people came to say ‘goodbye’ to Jack. Caelyn and Nigel came. Jack was too weak to stand up and eat so Caelyn hand fed him a little minced roast chicken. Michelle and her boyfriend Richard came and my mother and a friend phoned with best wishes.

Michelle came to the Vet for my sake. Nigel drove us. It was a lady Vet we hadn’t seen before but she was so nice. She said Wednesday’s Vet, Matt had told her about Jack and that he was worried about the old chap, and said she thought we were right not to put him in the animal hospital as they could not help and it would only stress him out, and he didn’t deserve that.

She tried once for a vein in his front paw, but he was too dehydrated, so we laid him on his blanket and she slipped the needle under the skin of his belly. He was purring and kneading and we stroked him and kissed his cheek and talked lovingly to him. As the medicine took effect, he began snoring as he always did. It was so gentle and peaceful that Michelle was comforted and was glad she came. All of us managed to hold on to our emotions until after he went.

I am glad too that it was so easy on him, and I’m glad the Vet volunteered that it was the right time to let him go. He really wasn’t a well boy. I’m glad he had the chance to say goodbye and that he went with a tummy full of his favourite food, surrounded by people who loved him dearly and the Vet, Nurse and Receptionist who were so kind and professional. He wasn’t even frightened, just his usual loving laid back self, and he softly slipped away in his sleep.

Nigel took us home and then went to his house with Jack, who will be laid to rest in their garden. Michelle’s boyfriend Richard had stayed in my flat while we were out and he had hoovered throughout and put the washed dishes away and washed the kitchen floor. He has gone back to his house and will be coming back later with some supper for us.

People can be so kind.

Today is the Day for Jack.

Jack has deteriorated overnight. His breathing is slightly laboured; he hasn't the energy to walk much except for lots of trips to the water bowl. He has had a little tuna. The other animals have been trying to comfort him, and I took photos of it and I will share them with you later. If he is going downhill at this rate, I can't leave him until Monday. We have had a long cuddle with his head resting on my hand. He is very tired and unwell now. My son-in-law will take us to the Vet at 2pm.

I know its the right thing. I prayed that God would show me when Jack began suffering, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. I can't stop crying but I will try to be calm so as not to upset my dear friend who I love so much.

With Brak and Spikky


With Brak


Head resting on my hand

Hard Time

My feline friend Jack is 18 or 19. He has only a short time to live because his kidneys are shutting down. He has become thin but with a swollen middle. The swelling is his kidneys. His fur is 'staring'. The Vet said that elderly cats in renal failure look very un-cared for. I would love Jack to be in his usual sleek, glossy state but that's not going to happen again. Not in this lifetime. He is like a clockwork toy running down.

I hold him and cuddle him to my chest and he purrs and I can't stop tears welling up. I understand that he can't go on forever and I would never make my dear old friend suffer because I am too gutless to do the right thing. When he starts suffering, I will take him back to the Vet. But already the very thought of a life without Jack is tearing my heart out. We have had an exceptionally close bond. He is such a sweet, gentle, lovely old chap. You could go a long way and not meet a cat even half as nice. I will miss him dreadfully.

People can say 'he is only a cat' as much as they like. Its simply not true. He certainly IS a cat, but a very special and much loved one. We let animals into places in our souls that we would never trust another human to get to. We know that they do not have a dark side and will not callously inflict pain. Its a pure sort of love, devoid of the complexities of human love. Because we know there is no risk involved in loving an animal friend, we open our hearts to them. And their lives are so brief.

Then we grieve and mourn. The nature of the bereavement can be just as intense and painful as for the loss of a human friend, or even more so. There is no shame in pure love and the loss of the loved one can be overwhelming, no matter how many feet they have.

Why dogs have such short lives

I have no idea whether this story is true or not, but a big part of me hopes that it is. I don't even know who wrote it.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish
Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their
little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for
a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the
family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the
euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made
arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the
four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane
might learn something from the experience.


The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family
surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last
time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few
minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept
Belker's transition without any difficulty or co nfusion. We sat together
for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that
animal lives are shorter than human lives.

Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we
all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never
heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they
can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and
being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know
how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Back from the Vet

We are back from the Vet.

Jack's kidneys are in failure so there are a lot of toxins in his blood. It is related to old age and nothing can be done about it. I was given the option of taking him to the Animal Hospital for blood tests and to be put on a drip. They suggested a prescription diet for cats in kidney failure, but most cats don't like it.

So I've brought him home and am going to spoil him rotten. He can have as much roast chicken and red salmon as he can eat and whatever else he wants. I want him in his own home, around his familiar things and his friends. When he starts suffering, I will take him back to the Vet for the last time. We only have a few more weeks and they are to be the happiest possible.

Weekend

I have been told off by Caelyn for being lazy with the Blog, so here are the latest mundane but happy happenings.

On Saturday, Caelyn, Nigel, Wendy and I went to town together. Caelyn needed to pop in at the optician to get her spectacles repaired. The baby was lying awkwardly so walking was really uncomfortable for her. She gets tired quickly and you have to watch her and make her sit down from time to time.



And Wendy was running around like a hooligan, scaring me half to death! Luckily her dad is fast of foot and he had to keep her with us. Trust me, it was major exercise!



By the time we got to the end of town, we were all a bit tired so we went and had coffee and a burger at Caelyn's favourite Yellow Cafe. That isn't its real name but it is the one we remember it by.



Sean arrived in time for Mass, and we really enjoyed it. It was so quiet, reverent and holy. It did us a lot of good. This week's Thursday Talk is going to be given by a Franciscan priest on the subject of St Francis' relationship to the Lord. Sean can't come because he is chairing a meeting in London, but I hope to be able to go.



Today, Sunday, Sean and I had breakfast in town, then he took me home for a rest while he went to go and pick up Wendy. There was a display of Military vehicles on the Leas, including some miniature radio controlled ones. We thought Wendy would like to see that so we took her to it.





This is new on the Leas. Its called the Vinery.


We had a good time and Wendy enjoyed running around. When we began getting cold, we went to The Bay Tree for hot chocolate, which warmed us up.

When we got back home, she was having a great time with Sean. She was tickling him and asking him to sit on her lap, which he pretended to do. They were laughing together a lot and it was delightful to hear.

Picking daisies


He took her back home at 4pm then went home happy and exhausted. The dog was happy to have gone out too. The only sorrow is my cat Jack's health. Nigel is taking us to the Vet on Wednesday afternoon. Wendy will stay home with her mum for obvious reasons.

Talking of mums, my mum has a stone in her salivary gland and the doctor has referred her to an ear, nose and throat surgeon. In the meanwhile, she has to have a liquid diet so she is hoping to use the time for weight loss.