Today I worked from home, as is often the case on Tuesday, but nowhere was Pepper in my midst . . . sidling up to me . . . nudging her way onto my lap . . . demanding to be fed at Noon.
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The absence of affection
Peppers absence is palpable. Sharon and I noted yesterday night the house "felt" different. And why shouldn't it?
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Pepper, RIP
Pepper died today.
She passed sometime after Arianna and I arrived home from Mass. In fact, she may very well have passed away while Sharon and I were eating breakfast -- less than 10 feet from where she lay.
I spent more than an hour with her last night. Same scenario as yesterday afternoon: she was on my lap, while I read. With great effort, though not uncharacteristic of her, she climbed off me and sprawled out on the bed. It was obvious she wasn't going to jump off the bed, so I carried her to the small half bath off the laundry room, where food and water waited for her. I opened a fresh can of food, changed her water, and said good night to her.
I got up a couple times during the night and noted that she remained in the half bath. Often she'd walk over to the full bath, where it's a bit warmer, and spend the night between the toilet and the wall. I wondered if she'd passed, but in the morning Sharon was attending to her needs and she was up and alert before Arianna and I drove to church.
After Mass I noted that she'd peed on the floor -- we'd spread old towels on the floor in both bathrooms, and she'd grown accustomed to using them as a kind of litter box -- and said I'd clean it and her up after breakfast. She was definitely still alive at 10:30 and had even gotten up to take water.
When I went into the room I thought that she was not breathing, but couldn't be certain. I petted her. No response whatsoever. I found Sharon in our bedroom and tapped her on the shoulder. A moment later Arianna joined us.
I definitely feel the loss.
I know a lot of people prefer dogs to cats, but both Miss Kitty and Pepper were warm and affectionate companions. Pepper was less than a year old when she ventured into our lives. Sharon had said when Miss Kitty adopted us in Columbia that she'd prefer a kitten. God granted her wish not too long after we moved to Kansas City.
Throughout the day, a sense of the house being . . . different.
She passed sometime after Arianna and I arrived home from Mass. In fact, she may very well have passed away while Sharon and I were eating breakfast -- less than 10 feet from where she lay.
I spent more than an hour with her last night. Same scenario as yesterday afternoon: she was on my lap, while I read. With great effort, though not uncharacteristic of her, she climbed off me and sprawled out on the bed. It was obvious she wasn't going to jump off the bed, so I carried her to the small half bath off the laundry room, where food and water waited for her. I opened a fresh can of food, changed her water, and said good night to her.
I got up a couple times during the night and noted that she remained in the half bath. Often she'd walk over to the full bath, where it's a bit warmer, and spend the night between the toilet and the wall. I wondered if she'd passed, but in the morning Sharon was attending to her needs and she was up and alert before Arianna and I drove to church.
After Mass I noted that she'd peed on the floor -- we'd spread old towels on the floor in both bathrooms, and she'd grown accustomed to using them as a kind of litter box -- and said I'd clean it and her up after breakfast. She was definitely still alive at 10:30 and had even gotten up to take water.
When I went into the room I thought that she was not breathing, but couldn't be certain. I petted her. No response whatsoever. I found Sharon in our bedroom and tapped her on the shoulder. A moment later Arianna joined us.
I definitely feel the loss.
I know a lot of people prefer dogs to cats, but both Miss Kitty and Pepper were warm and affectionate companions. Pepper was less than a year old when she ventured into our lives. Sharon had said when Miss Kitty adopted us in Columbia that she'd prefer a kitten. God granted her wish not too long after we moved to Kansas City.
Throughout the day, a sense of the house being . . . different.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Would you like ice with that?
Arianna is 162 months old today!
Today I felt "normal". No. 25 was memorable insomuch as I was still physically tired yesterday.
A bit of a view of what I was able to remove from the roof . . .
Typical Saturday . . . up for Mass, a few errands afterward (salt for the water softener and bird seed, post office). Back at home, I lugged the salt to the basement and emptied the bags into the water softener and then filled bird feeders. Breakfast. Then, vacuum the ash out of the fireplace insert in the basement.
I suggested we bathe Pepper this morning. She reeks!
Afterward, I sat with her for an hour or so. I wrapped her in the towel and took her into Sharon's and my bedroom and plopped her on my lap. In her old age she's really become a lap cat. I think she was comfortable. And, I think she got some nap time too.
I doubt she'll be alive on my birthday. But, I'm hopeful she'll make it to the end of the week: Feb. 28 is the date on which we found her prowling around in the garage at the house we rented on Ruskin Way in KCMO. 16 years ago . . . . We'll see how things go: she's still eating (barely) and drinking.
Today I felt "normal". No. 25 was memorable insomuch as I was still physically tired yesterday.
A bit of a view of what I was able to remove from the roof . . .
Typical Saturday . . . up for Mass, a few errands afterward (salt for the water softener and bird seed, post office). Back at home, I lugged the salt to the basement and emptied the bags into the water softener and then filled bird feeders. Breakfast. Then, vacuum the ash out of the fireplace insert in the basement.
I suggested we bathe Pepper this morning. She reeks!
Afterward, I sat with her for an hour or so. I wrapped her in the towel and took her into Sharon's and my bedroom and plopped her on my lap. In her old age she's really become a lap cat. I think she was comfortable. And, I think she got some nap time too.
I doubt she'll be alive on my birthday. But, I'm hopeful she'll make it to the end of the week: Feb. 28 is the date on which we found her prowling around in the garage at the house we rented on Ruskin Way in KCMO. 16 years ago . . . . We'll see how things go: she's still eating (barely) and drinking.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Here Comes the Flood . . .
First the snow, then the rain.
With a weather forecast of 50 degrees and rain, I decided to work from home today.
It snowed in the pre-dawn hours: a half inch of wet, slush covered the driveway when I went out for the morning paper. Yuck!
I made the rounds in the basement. No water. No leaks.
Throughout the day rain came and went, occasionally hard, sometimes accompanied by thunder.
All day, between meetings, up and down . . . making the rounds in the basement . . . attending to Pepper, who has become a permanent resident of the full and half bathrooms.
Peace came only with physical exertion . . . on the roof.
An ice dam above the sun room damaged the ceiling . . .
and at Sharon's suggestion, I climbed the ladder with a shovel (25th of the season) to remove as much of the snow and ice as I could.
By far the most strenuous exercise I've had since I put the garden hoses away in November. The half foot of wet, heavy snow wasn't too difficult to hurl over the side, but the 6-8" of ice . . . .
With a garden shovel I was able to pry up sections here and there, which led to my being able to clear away a great deal of the ice from where the sun room and house comes together -- above the damaged ceiling. I was even able to get ice off the gutters and downspouts.
Definitely an odd sensation being outside, shoveling snow, when the thunder rumbled in the southwest sky.
I was outside for a little less than 2 1/2 hours. But I was beat for the rest of the evening.
I don't know if I've forestalled more damage to the sun room, but I gave it my best. As far as, flooding . . . Mr. Campobello seems to have done a good job grading the yard. Of course, heavy Spring rains still cause me anxiety. But, if we can get through the melt of three plus feet of snow in the yard . . . we should be okay.
With a weather forecast of 50 degrees and rain, I decided to work from home today.
It snowed in the pre-dawn hours: a half inch of wet, slush covered the driveway when I went out for the morning paper. Yuck!
I made the rounds in the basement. No water. No leaks.
Throughout the day rain came and went, occasionally hard, sometimes accompanied by thunder.
All day, between meetings, up and down . . . making the rounds in the basement . . . attending to Pepper, who has become a permanent resident of the full and half bathrooms.
Peace came only with physical exertion . . . on the roof.
An ice dam above the sun room damaged the ceiling . . .
and at Sharon's suggestion, I climbed the ladder with a shovel (25th of the season) to remove as much of the snow and ice as I could.
By far the most strenuous exercise I've had since I put the garden hoses away in November. The half foot of wet, heavy snow wasn't too difficult to hurl over the side, but the 6-8" of ice . . . .
With a garden shovel I was able to pry up sections here and there, which led to my being able to clear away a great deal of the ice from where the sun room and house comes together -- above the damaged ceiling. I was even able to get ice off the gutters and downspouts.
Definitely an odd sensation being outside, shoveling snow, when the thunder rumbled in the southwest sky.
I was outside for a little less than 2 1/2 hours. But I was beat for the rest of the evening.
I don't know if I've forestalled more damage to the sun room, but I gave it my best. As far as, flooding . . . Mr. Campobello seems to have done a good job grading the yard. Of course, heavy Spring rains still cause me anxiety. But, if we can get through the melt of three plus feet of snow in the yard . . . we should be okay.
Monday, February 17, 2014
President's Day
What a deal! Arianna had half day on Friday -- Valentine's Day -- and today off.
I hadn't planned on home today until the Winter Weather Advisory went up. Earlier I thought I might have made a mistake. Forecasters said the snow was due to begin at 6 am -- not too long after I typically begin my commute -- but no snow in sight.
When it did start falling, its strength was of concern to Arianna, who had hoped to go out for a bite at lunch time. All morning it was on and off, on and off. No sooner had we decided to go out than the snow started to fall in earnest.
Lunch at Maxwell's is always relaxed. Grandpa and Arianna like it.
After lunch I attended a couple meetings and worked on this and that. I noticed around 2:30 pm my colleagues started falling off Lync. Doubtless, leadership told the folks who'd driven to the office to hit the road early. Given that, and my customary WFH start time of 7 am, I ventured outside around 3 pm to clear the driveway.
I was astonished to find 4" of snow had fallen since we'd returned from Maxwell's. The heaviest snow of the season, it took me two hours to finish shoveling (23rd of the season). And, naturally, since it hadn't stopped snowing, I'd have to go out again . . . .
And, I did . . . for another hour (24th shovel of the season), part of the time being spent clearing snow away from the basement window wells at the back of house, in anticipation of 40+ degree days later this week.
Long, tiring day. But one akin to the Christmas Holiday. So filled with good cheer.
I hadn't planned on home today until the Winter Weather Advisory went up. Earlier I thought I might have made a mistake. Forecasters said the snow was due to begin at 6 am -- not too long after I typically begin my commute -- but no snow in sight.
When it did start falling, its strength was of concern to Arianna, who had hoped to go out for a bite at lunch time. All morning it was on and off, on and off. No sooner had we decided to go out than the snow started to fall in earnest.
Lunch at Maxwell's is always relaxed. Grandpa and Arianna like it.
After lunch I attended a couple meetings and worked on this and that. I noticed around 2:30 pm my colleagues started falling off Lync. Doubtless, leadership told the folks who'd driven to the office to hit the road early. Given that, and my customary WFH start time of 7 am, I ventured outside around 3 pm to clear the driveway.
I was astonished to find 4" of snow had fallen since we'd returned from Maxwell's. The heaviest snow of the season, it took me two hours to finish shoveling (23rd of the season). And, naturally, since it hadn't stopped snowing, I'd have to go out again . . . .
And, I did . . . for another hour (24th shovel of the season), part of the time being spent clearing snow away from the basement window wells at the back of house, in anticipation of 40+ degree days later this week.
Long, tiring day. But one akin to the Christmas Holiday. So filled with good cheer.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Me And My Grandpa
While sifting through the hundreds photos I used for Oma's 2014 calendar, I noted all the photos that I'd taken over the past 13 years of Arianna and Bruno. And then it hit me: a photo book for them both on Valentine's Day.
Bruno had no expectation of receiving a gift of any kind . . .
And I'd kept it a secret from Arianna too . . .
For Bruno the pictures were a reminder of days gone by . . .
For Arianna . . . I hope a reminder that her Grandpa loved her in more ways than she's likely to remember in the coming days of adolescence . . .
Bruno had no expectation of receiving a gift of any kind . . .
And I'd kept it a secret from Arianna too . . .
For Bruno the pictures were a reminder of days gone by . . .
For Arianna . . . I hope a reminder that her Grandpa loved her in more ways than she's likely to remember in the coming days of adolescence . . .
8th Grade Graduation Picture Day
Valentine's Day 2014
Working from Home (WFH) today.
A happy coincidence? Hardly. And here's one of the reasons why . . .
I can't imagine how Arianna's school went for her. Sharon related that the Mrs. J., the mother of Arianna's friend, Peyton, was overwhelmed by the sight of Arianna and others donning their graduation gowns for photos. I doubt I'd have been able to hold back tears.
Working from Home (WFH) today.
A happy coincidence? Hardly. And here's one of the reasons why . . .
I can't imagine how Arianna's school went for her. Sharon related that the Mrs. J., the mother of Arianna's friend, Peyton, was overwhelmed by the sight of Arianna and others donning their graduation gowns for photos. I doubt I'd have been able to hold back tears.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
7
Up and outside by 6:45 am.
Brutally cold: -4 F on the thermometer at the garage. Tears flow. Vision blurs.
It's been colder this season.
Only a half inch on the driveway. I might have let it alone, but I preferred not to risk ice build up.
Fluffy snow.
The 21st shovel of the season.
From the open garage door I push the shovel across the driveway toward the neighbor's. Then, I clear a couple short lines north, toward the top of the driveway. After a couple of passes, I notice two white tail deer are staring at me from the Northeast corner of the backyard.
It's light, but the sun hasn't risen above the horizon. I'm not surprised to see the deer.
I continue shoveling in front of the garage door and notice two more deer in the middle of the back yard. A minute later three more appear, as if they'd just come up the side yard. Seven deer. All of the looking at me. Still. For a minute or two. And then off they go. First into the Maxwell's yard, then back into ours. Over to Cottontail Corner, where the yew have already served as breakfast, lunch, and diner for the past six weeks.
February's cake: Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip.
Tax preparation this afternoon.
The Federal taxes we owe increased by 100%. Imagine that!
Brutally cold: -4 F on the thermometer at the garage. Tears flow. Vision blurs.
It's been colder this season.
Only a half inch on the driveway. I might have let it alone, but I preferred not to risk ice build up.
Fluffy snow.
The 21st shovel of the season.
From the open garage door I push the shovel across the driveway toward the neighbor's. Then, I clear a couple short lines north, toward the top of the driveway. After a couple of passes, I notice two white tail deer are staring at me from the Northeast corner of the backyard.
It's light, but the sun hasn't risen above the horizon. I'm not surprised to see the deer.
I continue shoveling in front of the garage door and notice two more deer in the middle of the back yard. A minute later three more appear, as if they'd just come up the side yard. Seven deer. All of the looking at me. Still. For a minute or two. And then off they go. First into the Maxwell's yard, then back into ours. Over to Cottontail Corner, where the yew have already served as breakfast, lunch, and diner for the past six weeks.
***
February's cake: Banana Walnut Chocolate Chip.
***
Tax preparation this afternoon.
The Federal taxes we owe increased by 100%. Imagine that!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
20
The snow started slowly, almost without notice, after breakfast.
I didn't think twice about it. Another 4" of snow had been predicted. You can't change the weather.
I emerged from the basement after a couple hours of chores. Snow fell heavily, but had a light, airy feel to it.
Late in the day, Arianna turned on the television and we watched the Biathlon competition.
As a put on my coat, hat, and gloves I thought about the 40 year old Norseman who'd won the gold medal. His heart must be strong.
In the failing light I cleared the driveway for the 20th time this season. Although the snow persisted it had slowed. Flakes descended soundlessly on the snow-pack. Only the scraping of the shovel across the asphalt could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
I didn't think twice about it. Another 4" of snow had been predicted. You can't change the weather.
I emerged from the basement after a couple hours of chores. Snow fell heavily, but had a light, airy feel to it.
Late in the day, Arianna turned on the television and we watched the Biathlon competition.
As a put on my coat, hat, and gloves I thought about the 40 year old Norseman who'd won the gold medal. His heart must be strong.
In the failing light I cleared the driveway for the 20th time this season. Although the snow persisted it had slowed. Flakes descended soundlessly on the snow-pack. Only the scraping of the shovel across the asphalt could be heard throughout the neighborhood.
Here a Dress, There a Dress
Arianna has been agonizing about her wardrobe. Graduation photos, AHG Father/Daughter Dance, Confirmation, and Graduation all require an outfit that is . . . just so.
Shopping trips were disheartening, but a couple online purchases may be appropriate.
The dress from Mod Cloth . . . for Graduation and Confirmation . . .
The Allegra K Scoop Neck from Hong Kong . . . for . . ?
Shopping trips were disheartening, but a couple online purchases may be appropriate.
The dress from Mod Cloth . . . for Graduation and Confirmation . . .
The Allegra K Scoop Neck from Hong Kong . . . for . . ?
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Long Day
Up at 4 am. I'd heard the first pass of the snow plow at 2:45 am, but rolled over.
Outside, there was more snow than forecast. Indeed, later in the day, I learned today's snowfall was the third highest of the season. Although the Fox River Valley didn't get the 7-8" of snow that fell on other areas of Chicagoland, the 3-4" was enough to take me two hours to clear the driveway.
Needless to say, I was not able to get to Mass this morning.
The commute was horrendous. Worse than I anticipated. I was out the door at 6:30 am. It took me a little more than 30 minutes to travel less than two miles. IL 72 -- Main Street -- Higgins Rd had yet t be thoroughly plowed. Getting across the Fox River was extraordinarily slow going. But, I did not experience the difficultly of numerous folks heading west. While sitting in traffic, on the descent into the flood plain upon which the bridge is built, numerous cars were sliding every which way trying to climb the hill.
It occurred to me that I too might be challenged similarly on the other side of the river. In fact I did, but I turned onto a side street in East Dundee and climbed the hill on Barrington Ave -- away from the crush of traffic. And, while I did begin to slip, I had no trouble whatsoever. I dropped into low gear and gradually shifted into drive and . . . the old Merc delivered the goods.
My daily commute is predominant between two major Chicagoland rivers, the Fox (on the west) and the Des Plaines (on the east). In the communities between the rivers, traffic moved slowly but at least it moved. On the approach to the Des Plaines River bridge, once again traffic was at a stand still. I actually strarted nodded off waiting to move forward.
All told, my morning commute was 2:45 minutes.
Thankfully, the snow stopped falling mid-day, which provided ample time to get back to the Fox River Valley in the evening. In fact, my commute went so well I was able to stop at home before heading over to St. Catherine's to teach CCD. I was able to have supper before my class -- rather than at 7:30 pm, as is usually the case.
Upon my arrival home from class, I was surprised to find Sharon and Arianna outside scraping the 1/2" of snow from the driveway. I had mentioned after dinner that I intended to clear the driveway when I got home. My girls beat me to it!
What a pleasant surprise. I only had to clear away the mess at the street --where the plow leaves a pile. While doing so, Arianna plopped down into a snow bank and Sharon went into the house and made cocoa.
We'll sleep well tonight.
Outside, there was more snow than forecast. Indeed, later in the day, I learned today's snowfall was the third highest of the season. Although the Fox River Valley didn't get the 7-8" of snow that fell on other areas of Chicagoland, the 3-4" was enough to take me two hours to clear the driveway.
Needless to say, I was not able to get to Mass this morning.
The commute was horrendous. Worse than I anticipated. I was out the door at 6:30 am. It took me a little more than 30 minutes to travel less than two miles. IL 72 -- Main Street -- Higgins Rd had yet t be thoroughly plowed. Getting across the Fox River was extraordinarily slow going. But, I did not experience the difficultly of numerous folks heading west. While sitting in traffic, on the descent into the flood plain upon which the bridge is built, numerous cars were sliding every which way trying to climb the hill.
It occurred to me that I too might be challenged similarly on the other side of the river. In fact I did, but I turned onto a side street in East Dundee and climbed the hill on Barrington Ave -- away from the crush of traffic. And, while I did begin to slip, I had no trouble whatsoever. I dropped into low gear and gradually shifted into drive and . . . the old Merc delivered the goods.
My daily commute is predominant between two major Chicagoland rivers, the Fox (on the west) and the Des Plaines (on the east). In the communities between the rivers, traffic moved slowly but at least it moved. On the approach to the Des Plaines River bridge, once again traffic was at a stand still. I actually strarted nodded off waiting to move forward.
All told, my morning commute was 2:45 minutes.
Thankfully, the snow stopped falling mid-day, which provided ample time to get back to the Fox River Valley in the evening. In fact, my commute went so well I was able to stop at home before heading over to St. Catherine's to teach CCD. I was able to have supper before my class -- rather than at 7:30 pm, as is usually the case.
Upon my arrival home from class, I was surprised to find Sharon and Arianna outside scraping the 1/2" of snow from the driveway. I had mentioned after dinner that I intended to clear the driveway when I got home. My girls beat me to it!
What a pleasant surprise. I only had to clear away the mess at the street --where the plow leaves a pile. While doing so, Arianna plopped down into a snow bank and Sharon went into the house and made cocoa.
We'll sleep well tonight.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
WFH
Worked from home today in anticipation of snow. The snow only began to fall at day's end. But, better to not have to commute from Northbrook.
At day's end, dusk, deer appeared beneath the bird feeders in the side yard.
They must be having a rough time this Winter, given all the snow cover and extremely cold temperatures turning open water sources to ice. They've certainly been wreaking havoc on the garden.
What can you do?
At day's end, dusk, deer appeared beneath the bird feeders in the side yard.
What can you do?
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Science Fair 2014
After supper Arianna and finished gluing down her presentation board.
Her first presentation of the project is at school on Wednesday (2/5). Regionals are March 8; again, at IMSA. So, even though she's still refining her message, Sharon and I aren't the least bit concerned with that much time.
Dress Shopping
I never imagined how difficult it would be to find a dress.
Graduation pictures, Father / Daughter Dance, Confirmation, and Graduation all require that certain something . . . that special dress that just fits the occasion.
But the stores have nothing appropriate.
And the web is bereft of anything Arianna feels comfortable wearing.
After an hour or so slogging from store to store at the Woodfield Mall, Sharon and Arianna returned home discouraged but willing to look at the web again.
Graduation pictures, Father / Daughter Dance, Confirmation, and Graduation all require that certain something . . . that special dress that just fits the occasion.
But the stores have nothing appropriate.
And the web is bereft of anything Arianna feels comfortable wearing.
After an hour or so slogging from store to store at the Woodfield Mall, Sharon and Arianna returned home discouraged but willing to look at the web again.
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Shovel ready jobs
Woke this morning at 5 am and stumbled into the kitchen to look at how much snow sat on top of the bird feeders in the back yard. No more than 2" -- which had been forecast.
After a banana, granola bar, and glass of apple juice I went outside.
It was still snowing. And, quite heavily. No sooner had I cleared a path than it was covered again. The goal was merely to keep ahead of the predicted 10" of snowfall throughout the day.
Despite warmer temperatures (comparatively speaking), the snow was as light as the most recent snowfalls.
The 17th shovel of the season took me 2 hours. I finished with just barely enough time to wash and change clothes for Mass. Since the area roads had not yet been plowed it was not too surprising that only four others made it to this morning's Rosary.
Out again at 11 am, after a breakfast of eggs, sausages, and fried potatoes -- courtesy of Sharon. Shovel No. 18 took an hour.
Unless more snow falls while we're sleeping, we were luck. The 10" that weather forecasters alerted us about never materialized.
After a banana, granola bar, and glass of apple juice I went outside.
It was still snowing. And, quite heavily. No sooner had I cleared a path than it was covered again. The goal was merely to keep ahead of the predicted 10" of snowfall throughout the day.
Despite warmer temperatures (comparatively speaking), the snow was as light as the most recent snowfalls.
The 17th shovel of the season took me 2 hours. I finished with just barely enough time to wash and change clothes for Mass. Since the area roads had not yet been plowed it was not too surprising that only four others made it to this morning's Rosary.
**
Out again at 11 am, after a breakfast of eggs, sausages, and fried potatoes -- courtesy of Sharon. Shovel No. 18 took an hour.
**
Unless more snow falls while we're sleeping, we were luck. The 10" that weather forecasters alerted us about never materialized.