Remembering Jake — It’s been two years since Jake, our cantankerous old black cat, passed. He is still missed. I still have his pee towels.
What’s up with this? – It’s pumpkin time. I like my pumpkin in baked goods rather than coffee. I had my first pumpkin muffin this week. It was delicious except for some healthy seeds or something scattered on the top. If I’m going to be naughty, I want to be naughty. Don’t sprinkle something on it unless it nuts! And definitely not something healthy!
Aging stinks – The past few years I have been getting sties in my eyes. (If you don’t know what that is, it’s a painful, ugly pimple on the margin of the eyelid. Very gross!) I get them in the fall. Sometimes it’s one. Other times it’s a marathon. I got one this week. It looks like a bowling ball sitting on my lower lid and is quite uncomfortable. I didn’t have any for the first 65 years of my life. What has changed? (Yes, I do all the things you should do to prevent them.)
New treatments – I recently saw advertisements for new medical treatments. One was for leukemia and another for Muscular Dystrophy. One cost $475,000 (yes, that’s almost a half million dollars!). Not many people can afford these treatments and I doubt whether any health care companies will cover them. I’m not sure what the point is. Going forward do we take out mortgages when we contract a catastrophic disease? Or perhaps move to Europe where the same drugs are cheaper? (Meanwhile back at the yacht, big pharma is celebrating their new products with champagne and bonuses all around!)
Project surprises – We recently redid the flooring in a bedroom. I’ve done a lot of these projects but I am always surprised at the surprises. We found a bedroom door that didn’t close at all. The latching mechanism didn’t line up with the notch in the door frame. It must have been like that for the 14 years we’ve been here. None of our guests who stayed there, mentioned it.
So how was your week?
Our thoughts and prayers to all who are experiencing hurricanes or fires. Mother Nature is feisty this year or perhaps she always is and we are more aware.
Agreed! Don’t go messing things up with nuts and healthy stuff!
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Seriously, who does that?
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I’ve always said that there’s a special place in hell for insurance companies, especially pharm.
I guess your guests trusted you not to enter😊
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Yes, those execs will cruise to hell on their yachts and private planes. Sure hope they have a/c.
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I miss Jake, too. It got me thinking all the cats who have made our life a brighter place.
As for the price of saving your life in this country – it could entail selling your home. What have we become?
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The divide between the rich and the poor is getting greater. Our neighbor was able to pay for treatments to get an extra 5 years for his son with pancreatic cancer but it cost 100s of 1000s of $$. I’m pretty sure it included a trip to Europe too. Fortunately, they could afford it. As for the rest of us, dead in 2 weeks.
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I have a piece called, The Rich Are Different, not yet posted. There is so much to say about this. And we need to start bringing out the facts loud and clear. Everyone is entitled to great health care. It is a right -NOT a privilege- and the fact that we are still trying to getting health care available to people in the US makes me crazy. I am so sorry for your neighbor. How terrible to lose a child – especially one who could have been saved.
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Love your remembrance of Jake – he looks a lot like our J.J. (who you know as “Devil Cat”).
About drug and health care prices – we have covered this before. Come on over and retire here, Kate.
As for sties – I got them all the time as a kid. Haven’t had one for 40 years. In this (one and only) case – I am going to say it is NOT about aging. (EVERY other malady, though, definitely is!)
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I’d love to get to the bottom of the eye thing. It’s caused by a staph infection but nothing has changed to cause it. It’s still there so I’m going to the doc tomorrow and hoping he doesn’t prescribe some $500 med.
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Before you go out and pay $500, make some chamomile tea. Then take the tea bag, lie down on the couch and put the teabag over your eye (make sure it is not too hot, of course!) Stay put for 10 minutes. Do this 3 or 4 times a day for two or three days.
If it hasn’t helped, THEN go to the doctor and get the prescription for eye drops with the same active ingredients as in chamomile tea.
Hope you are feeling better very soon!
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Tea compresses show up often in google searches. Thanks for the tip.
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I had sties as a child, Kate, and then I didn’t! Hard to know why! But I really feel badly for you. It’s interesting that you’re seasonally affected! And the factors associated with Big Pharma mega-profits disgust me, but I am not sold on all aspects of capitalism and always find myself at odds. My happy place this week is welcoming a new grandson into the world Monday night! For awhile at least, all is right in my little world. But I am so sorry for those struggling from the aftermath of the terrible storms! I can’t imagine!
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This is your first grandson, isn’t it? How wonderful. Hope they live somewhere that’s easy to travel to. Wallow in your happiness! Lord knows it doesn’t last.
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Enjoy your new grand baby, Debra ~ he’s lucky to have YOU as his grandmama!
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Great week here, Kate. Our house is OK. We are OK. My niece and her husband were evacuated from St. Martin and are safe in Chicago. My sister in Orlando sustained only minor damage. Our neighborhood of 695 homes is OK except for the loss of trees. Not home yet but power may be back on tomorrow.
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Glad you checked in. I was worried about you as it seemed like you were near the direct hit.
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It was headed straight for Tampa Bay (and us) and then decided to make landfall on Marco Island/Naples before veering a bit East of us. But it was still a WILD night with lots of clean up ahead.
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We changed the door knobs on nearly all doors after we moved in because my wife couldn’t stand looking at was chosen prior. The one we replaced on the guest bedroom (a/k/a my office), we inadvertently installed one that does not have a lock. We haven’t had any guests yet, but we’re thinking we really should replace it with one that does. Now I read your post, and I’m wondering if it even matters. Hmm. – Marty
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No it doesn’t matter. They shouldn’t be doing anything that requires a lock anyway. How did you survive the storm?
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Pretty good– we’re very fortunate. As much as I hate writing a third post on it, I’m doing so now just to tidy things up.
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Good. There are several bloggers that I follow in Florida. You are the third to check in. Still missing a couple.
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Love the picture of Jake’s butt. There is a med I was prescribed but it is over $300. The condition it is for is not all that bothersome, in fact, I didn’t know I had it until I was told by the doctor. So, I don’t take it. I’m still alive and doing fine. Did you never have a reason to open and close that closet door? I can’t imagine having a closet with nothing in it.
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It’s not a closet but a bedroom door which is why I was surprised that a guest never commented on it. I never closed it myself but would think someone staying may want some privacy. I learned to do without meds too.
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If my guest room door didn’t close properly any guest would have Jack as a bed companion for at least part of the night.
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That’s true here too (but not Jack!). You could jam the door closed so it stuck but it didn’t latch so an enterprising cat could push it open. I know that did happen a few times. I just assumed the guest didn’t properly close it.
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I need vibes and prayers and hugs for Perry. His breathing is way too rapid. He had $1000 (I am breathless writing this) of tests today, and we await some of the results.He might need a cardiologist and echocardiogram. I am kind of freaking out because he’s so young and so lovable.
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I just found this in my spam. I’m so sorry. I hope you have some answers by now.
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He’s ok! He might have a slightly enlarged heart, but he’s ok for now!
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Poor guy! (poor Luanne!)
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I know. But at least it’s not something terrible for right now. Like heartworm.
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So much that I agree with here. Who does that to cake?
As for the price of medicines – frankly that is obscene. We think we have it bad here, but it is nothing.
And I’m not sure we ever get over the death of our beasts, even the ones who leave their mark in other ways!
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You live across the pond and healthcare is different there. And keep the healthy stuff off of my muffins please!
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Healthcare is changing…. we’ll be going more to payment/insurance as time moves on. I’m not advocating this.
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I hope you don’t end up with what we have. Coverage that comes with a job is far better than the retirement Medicare coverage.
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It’s so odd how when you get older time simultaneously speeds up and slows down. Sigh. Jake was such a darling.
Pumpkin muffins, yes . (OMG out closest Starbuck’s closed for a week after the storm. No drive through, Just dark. The yogurt place next door, open. The 2 dueling sandwich shops, open. The bakery across the parking lot, open. Perhaps the owner/staff suffered the flood. It will be interesting to find out. Probably open today as it’s across from the school and school in this area is back open.)
Hope Irma just runs out of stream quickly.
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Our SB was closed 3 days for a snowstorm while other businesses around it were open. It was a sad time for me.
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You are right Kate. Sty’s are very painful. I used to get them as a child but not anymore. Hope it gets better quickly. We are hunkered down waiting on Irma. In the Florida Panhandle we will probably only get tropical winds and rain. We haven’t even been mentioned on the weather channel so when they say all of Florida they evidently don’t include the Panhandle! 😬😬
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By now the worst has passed you (I think). Hope you are all safe.
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So far so good! Irma has been downgraded to a tropical storm. We’ve been through much worse!
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So that what the occasional ‘little bumps’ on the corner of my eyelids are! And there are things you can do to lessen their recurrence? Who knew?! I’m off to research this now!
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If they are not swollen, red and painful, they might just be clogged pores. They clear up by themselves without too much fuss.
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I know you still miss Jake. Love the picture.
I miss Carmela, still weep whenever I see a tube wiggling down the street, and she wasn’t even mine. Jake…he’s looking down saying, I’m okay Ma, there’s more catnip up here than you can imagine…:)
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And Carmela wonders whatever happened to that skinny girl who gave her so much love. *tube kisses*
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Tubala. Sigh. How we love the four-legged always and ever.
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They are not as annoying as two-legged ones.
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I’m mulling over the bedroom door that doesn’t close. 14 years? hahahaha
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I know. You’d think someone would have mentioned it.
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Anyone who doesn’t think our medical system is badly broken has Oprah’s money, is covered under a federal-level politician’s insurance plan, and/or has never been seriously ill.
I’m not a big pumpkin fan so I’m afraid that all those pumpkin spice this and thats are lost on me.
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I bought a lottery ticket. It seems like that’s as good a long term health care plan as I’ve seen coming from Washington.
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I feel like you just lost Jake yesterday, too. I love that picture of him in the catnip. Quintessential cat, right there.
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It was very Jake. He was the only cat allowed outside and if the other cats got too unruly, he’d go in his bush to find his happy spot.
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Sorry Jake is no longer with you, anniversaries like this are sad.
Something needs to be done in this country to change drug prices. It is sad that drug reps get cars and expense accounts and huge salaries. They need to eliminate all the middleman stuff and drugs would be affordable.
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You are so right. The last 4 meds I was prescribed didn’t get filled because they were all over $400/month. They weren’t covered or approved by my plan. One had a version available for $40 but the rest went unfilled. None of those were for life threatening conditions. My heart goes out to anyone with a serious condition who can’t afford what they really need. Hard decisions.
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Gosh, it’s hard to believe it’s been two years already, Kate. I prefer my pumpkin in candle scents. Praying for all of those in the path of Irma.
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Do the candles smell like pumpkin pie? I could do that! It seems that Irma has been around for weeks. Hope you don’t feel much from it. We will eventually get rain.
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Yes, spicy pumpkin…it’s yummy. Thanks, Kate. Right now they’re saying a few inches of rain and winds 30-40 with gusts to 50 mph. Looks like a fun Monday morning commute. 😦
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Stay safe!
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The saying in this part of the country is if you get a sty in your eye you’ve been peeing in the road. No idea WHERE that came from. Have you tried the OTC tube of medicine for them STYE?
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Yes. Doesn’t shorten the time period or prevent them. Gotta stop peeing on the road!
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It is BEAUTIFUL today in central Virginia. I feel a little uneasy enjoying it while those south of us are being devastated by Irma. Lots of prayers for them.
Styes, no fun. Pumpkin everything (even coffee, for me), totally fun! Starbucks’ pumpkin coffee is usually too pricey for me, but I love it. I’d like to find a good homemade recipe for it and stick it on my blog, but no luck yet. The recipes I’ve tried so far either taste like spiced coffee (no pumpkin) or squash soup . . . neither is quite right.
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🙂 Squash soup! The recipes I’ve seen call for a tablespoon or so of pumpkin added to coffee with steamed milk. To amp it up, the coffee should be espresso. I feel guilty too enjoying a beautiful day.
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Haven’t tried with with espresso. Thanks for that tip. I’m going to keep experimenting!
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Hi, Priscilla and Kate – Here is a homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe that I like. Hope it helps!
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon pumpkin spice syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla syrup
2 shots espresso or 1 cup coffee
Whipped cream, to garnish
Pumpkin spice (equal parts cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and ground clove), to garnish
In a microwave safe jar with a lid, add milk, pumpkin spice syrup, and vanilla syrup. Seal the jar and shake until the milk is frothy and has doubled in volume. Remove the lid and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes or until the milk is steamed.
Pour the hot milk into either espresso or coffee and top with whipped cream and a pinch of pumpkin spice seasoning.
Enjoy!
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So there is no real pumpkin in it?
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Nope. At least not in this version! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Donna! It’s quite different than anything else I’ve tried. Think I’ll swap out the pumpkin syrup for pureed pumpkin because with the vanilla syrup in there it’ll be sweet enough for me. (Dear Husband says whenever I mess with a recipe it often goes askew, but I’m adventurous!)
See what you started, Kate?:-)
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Let us know how it works!
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That sounds like a good swap. Let me know how that works. I may try this swap myself!
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FAIL! I couldn’t do it. Either my attempts would make a milky, lumpy mess in the microwave, or a thick, milk skin would float on top of my drinks. I’ve never been all that great in the kitchen, so I give myself a pat on the back for trying, but I guess I’m destined to shell out the big, coffee shop bucks if I want a proper pumpkin latte. Eh, it’s okay. I’ll appreciate it that much more when I do get my hands wrapped around a Starbucks cup!
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I’ve not had a lot of luck replicating Starbucks drinks. I don’t have an espresso machine or a milk steamer. I did buy their Chestnut Praline syrup and putting a little of that in my hot chocolate amps it up.
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Pumpkin flavoured coffee is just wrong. Pumpkin pie, on the other hand, is a glorious treat. Yum! Now I know what I’m going to be craving all day!
So it was a stye I had on my eyelid a few weeks ago?!! Ugh. It was VERY uncomfortable. I was intrigued by your comment about doing the right things to prevent them from reoccurring. Reoccurring?! Now that hadn’t crossed my mind so I promptly did a little google research. Thanks for the heads-up.
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As a long term contact lens wearer (I no longer wear them but did for 35 years) I am meticulous about cleanliness in and around my eye. I have no idea why I get these things. Next I am going to try an eyelid wash that is stronger than what I’ve been using. I also don’t know why I’m more likely to get in the fall. Oh yes, and when I have stuff going on. Nothing more gross than having a big red bowling ball hanging on your eyelid when you go to meet friends.
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hmmm – it’s also triggered by stress? That’s not good news.
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Not good at all.
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I’m with you on pumpkin in coffee. Bought a Starbucks pumpkin flavored coffee on a whim…Marley and I give it a thumbs down.
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I haven’t had one in years but when they first came out I had to try it. To me it tasted like warm milk. Not enough pumpkin or coffee flavor or maybe I just don’t like it. As for pumpkin muffins and bread, yes!
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Is it really two years since you lost Jake? Where does the time go.
Our thoughts are also with those in Nature’s clutches.
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Two years today. Every once in a while I think I see him. Good memories hang around a long time. “Nature’s clutches.” Perfect phrase.
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