Hitting the wall, a deep dive and a short Mollie update

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We are now in what feels like the 87th week of lock down. I did well early on but I’m starting to get squirrels in the recesses of my brain. They are active and running with nowhere to go.

The saying that we are all in this together isn’t completely true. We are under the same orders but our conditions are different. Some people didn’t lose their income stream and some people did. Some people have health issues and others don’t. Being healthy won’t save you but if may make you feel safer. Some people have sick family members with limited access to medication refills, appointments and all that it entails.

There is a layering affect based on other things going on in your life. For some this is a great time for self-reflection and others are scrambling to make decisions without the benefit of “normal life.” Should we put big ticket items on hold and ride it out? What to do, what to do.

We are in the middle. Luckier than some but not carefree either. We are seeing a light in the end of the tunnel with restrictions in our area relaxing somewhat in the next two weeks. I fully support the restrictions (even my cancelled hair cut) but that doesn’t mean I don’t get squirrelly. I’m fortunate that I can walk in my neighborhood and my home is big enough to give me space. My heart goes out to everyone (except those who are riding it out on their yachts).

Are squirrels in the attic better than bats in the belfry? Hmmmm.

Mollie update for long time readers – My poor sweet Mollie was diagnosed with diabetes. She is currently at the vet hospital for stabilization and will hopefully come home today. We are experienced in this disease as my old cat Jake had it for nine years before he passed. He had a great quality of life that many humans would envy (including me!).  This was a total shock and not what she was getting checked for but it superseded everything else.

90 thoughts on “Hitting the wall, a deep dive and a short Mollie update”

  2. You are right, Kate, today’s challenges are unique and conditions vary. Like you say, some people have increased time for self reflection and others are constantly putting out fires. Or a combination of the two. As you say, “in the middle.” Darn on Mollie. Hugs to you. (I think I am under the Squirrelly and Batty category)

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  3. Squirrely is a good term for what we’re feeling. I know my guy is getting squirrely, because every morning he chases the big gray squirrel that hangs on our bird feeder and thumbs his nose at us.
    You’re so right, we’re not suffering through this equally. Those who live in tiny spaces/apts, those whose job has stopped and can’t get enough food, those who are at home with 3 kids trying to homeschool them AND do their own job on Zoom (that’s my daughter) – they have it much harder than some of us. I’m squirrelly, but I’ve been told I’m always nuts anyway.
    Hope Molly is better!

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  4. The news about the newly-unemployed who are also now without health insurance is frightening. Especially since Obamacare has been gutted. That to me makes a clear divide on haves and have-nots. I’m glad to see some loosening of restrictions coming up for the sake of those who are struggling. But yeah, haircuts are still off-limits to me even if they do open that up soon. I’m guessing I’ll be sporting some serious long locks at some point.

    So sorry to hear about Mollie. I hope she feels better. – Marty

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  5. Glad to hear Mollie will be fine. God bless her adorable little heart. Yep, it’s a crazy world out there right now. My kitty friends who are living at the cat cafes in NYC are going batty too. They aren’t allowed visitors anymore and that means no adoptions either and no income coming in. They are in trouble. Hugs to all!

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  7. Our Governor gave a press conference today and hinted that April 30th is not the end of stay-at-home/safe safe but wouldn’t give a new extended date – figuring it will be middle of the month as she mentioned “a couple of weeks after my data-driven decision” … sigh. Our weather has not been nice at all, sleeting now, so those who had tried out walks, may be on the inside looking out as it’s been cold. We had a hard freeze yesterday and will break two records today (set in 1875 no less). Well, you said Jake had diabetes for 9 years following diagnosis – that part should give you some comfort, as does the fact you have a reason. Hopefully they have the “fix” and you are already familiar with the problem so it will be easier to deal with. Good luck to Miss Mollie and Mommy.

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    • We had a light frost both Monday and Tuesday night, very unusual for us this late. We’ve had a hard time coming near 60 degrees (we should be in the 60s). Some things are relaxing. Our ortho doc will open on Monday with new protocols and the chiropractor is doing the same. I have three doc appointments scattered through May so I’m hoping I can still do them but it’s not the end of the world if we can’t. We are having a “soft” opening the first full week in May but I don’t know what that looks like. I haven’t been walking outside. Sick cat for one and the other is that when I have the time, the weather didn’t cooperate. We’ve had almost monsoon type winds for several days that have done a lot of tree damage. Very strange spring.

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      • Yes, the winds have been unrelenting here as well. Our Governor has decided to extend the stay-at-home order until May 15th and will announce it formally tomorrow but was on the radio talking about it today. She is expected to grant a few liberties (very few) and it is anticipated that will be lawn care services and golf courses may open. Since we’ve had cold weather, the lawn is not looking bad yet. I am glad they are extending to May 15th. I had a dentist appointment for May 5th and my dentist has his patients follow on Facebook and assured everyone it is safe to return once the Order is lifted … I’m not sure I want someone poking in my mouth right now and will reschedule. I missed the April 18th haircut/highlights but that’s fine too – I am still wearing a hat when walking and home the rest of the time.

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            • I cut my hair early on but I often do that. My hair is layered and it’s a forgiving cut. It’s not all that crazy because my mom cut hair so I know basics. Today is our ONE nice day. It’s 7 a.m. and I can’t see any sun.

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              • I’ll give it a whirl because, quite honestly, I see so few people anyway, no one would even notice. We had a good weather morning and I got out for 5 miles, but now the rain has started and through early Sunday afternoon. I’m not even going to set the alarm. I love the sound of the rain if I don’t have to go out in it.

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                • We have rain today and tomorrow. Yesterday wasn’t the great sunny day predicted but it wasn’t bad. It wasn’t as warm as it should have been and it wasn’t sunny but there was no wind and it was in the 50s.

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                  • We seem to be a day behind you – we never got that rain they predicted. I did not set the alarm as I figured every news station and online weather site said rain. None. I went out later and it kind of cut up my day. I prefer walking in the morning. We had high winds the entire day though – we’re back to THAT again after a few days’ respite.

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    • Yes, we’ve done two shots already and it’s easy peasy. The key is to not show anxiety or fear. I get the blood glucometer tomorrow and will have to draw blood to test. That’s a little more tricky. Again you have to be fast and not diddle around. I’m hoping she’s cooperative.

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      • How often will you test her blood? Too bad there isn’t an easy way to do that. Are the strips the same as for humans? I looked up a normal range for cats, and it’s lower than for humans. Please let us know how it’s going when Mollie has gotten used to it.

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    • Me too. I’m also hoping that this was caused by long term steroid use that stopped last week. We’ll see. Two injections a day for as long as needed even if that’s as long as she lives.

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  11. I hope Molly stay well and her meds improve her life.
    I think we’re all beginning to get a little edgy. I haven’t been bad but I can tell another few weeks of this and I might have some breakout issues. I feel bad for those who are truly suffering and whenever I want more zI think of those who’ve lost or are suffering. Then I check myself and understand.

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    • I do that too but I find my patience (which never was in great supply) gets short fast. A sick cat didn’t help. Too much all together. On a good note, I got an email today from our local ortho doc and they are resuming office hours starting Monday. There will be new protocols but at least you can be seen.

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  12. Very sorry to hear about Molly’s diagnosis but glad she has you as an experienced cat owner to help her manage the condition. Sending ‘pawsitive’ thoughts her way.

    As for the squirrels vs. bats conundrum…you nailed it. That whole ‘we’re in this together’ tagline seems more like a feel good placebo to a country driven by intense fear. Our governor is reducing some restrictions next week and expect to see millions rushing out on Monday morning demanding haircut appointment ASAP just as soon as hairdressers get into work. I know people will misinterpret the lifting of some restrictions as a flag that things are back to normal. I for one will continue wearing the “hazmat/mask” whenever I walking the dogs and maintaining social distancing while avoiding shopping as much as possible. I hope to refrain from saying I told you so once the second wave begins which it most surely will because people won’t exercise reasonable caution because their squirrels are kicking bats’ butts. 😬

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    • I’m with you and I’m fortunate. Since I’m retired I don’t have to worry about going back to work. I’d like to be able to shop for necessary things easier, maybe more curbside pickup. Overall I will continue to be cautious until I’m more comfortable about it all.

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      • I’m in that same (i.e. retired) boat (but definitely not a yacht) as you. I hope people exercise some rational thought. I get wanting to return to the old normal, but that ship sailed a long time ago. The consequences are too severe not to be cautious.

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  13. You are right: we are definitely not in the same boat… some have yachts, some have rickety old row boats… some are just trying to stay afloat on pool noodles. Although we don’t have a yacht, we are luckier than many… house, yard, no kids or older adults to worry about. We may be in this for a long, long time.

    So sorry to hear Mollie’s news. It sounds manageable but she won’t understand why she has to endure certain treatments. Like others have said, she is lucky to have you caring for her. Hugs to you all.

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  14. Squirrels hoard inedible nuts, bats send out wonky signals. I dunno, Kate. It’s a toss up as to which is better. Sorry to read about Mollie, but at least now you know what’s going on. That seems positive to me.

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  15. Those squirrels have found their way to my attic as well. The way you’ve described this situation shows it is not black or white. It’s quite complicated depending on each person’s health, their job, and the state of their state. We’re being told we’ll be locked down through mid-June. The squirrels are knocking around in my attic like crazy with that news.

    I don’t know which is better, squirrels or bats. All I can think of is that commercial, “Squirrels are back. Your father says it’s personal now.” 😏

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  17. Hope you get the diabetes stabilized quickly . . . or (even better) that it disappears once she’s off the steroids.

    When I don’t like the “what is” I play the “it could be so much worse game” . . . it makes the “what is” more bearable. E.g., I am tired of being safer at home . . . but at least I’m not in a hospital on a ventilator. Or waiting for a ventilator. Or dead.

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    • I do that a lot. It’s the thing that keeps me sane but it’s more along the lines of no one I love is on a ventilator or dead. Truly we are blessed but even those who understand that get overwhelmed occasionally.

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  19. Not to sure if squirrels are better than bats. 😊 I’m also finding isolation more difficult each week. I’m becoming unsettled and don’t seem to have the concentration towards my to do list as I did a few weeks ago. Sorry to hear about Molly, but at least they figured out what’s wrong and it’s treatable. Hope all goes well.

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    • Injections are easier than pills and for me liquids are the worst. They will foam and spit it out. I had one situation where I had to medicate 4 cats for 7 days 3 times a day. You probably read my blog post because that’s the only good that came out of it. We’ll see how it goes. I can get one of the oral meds compounded to taste like anchovies. Now I how to figure out if Mollie likes anchovies.

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  22. Mollie! Mollie! (She’ll be thrilled to see the virtual welcoming party lining the street and throwing catnip and treats….well, we’ll understand if she just wants to duck inside, get comfortable, be left a bit along after greeting, and self in her own chosen spot….please tell her the thrown items have to be virtual although we’d all choose otherwise if we could!)
    Encouragement to her Realm’s staff – well trained and most competent.
    We are “in the middle” people here – and wavering over relocating for multiple reasons. Sigh.
    Life normal has changed.
    I think it’s good that the states are getting to make the choices about reopening. Each region has different concerns and potential. There’s much more space available to distance here than in NYC (those poor people stuck inside – with kids? AARRRGGHH). In some areas there are zero cases due to being less residents. There’s no need for a cautious, self reliant person to be mandated by someone states away. Different strokes for different people -and you take your risks and pick your poison. (SIL says way out her way in ranch country, some still think this is political/media scam…and all we can say is some think the world is flat, too…)
    And hilariously the Harris CO Judge (executive officer) who is in waaaay over her head has just issued a mandatory mask rule…not that the peak appears to be done…the med center hospitals never reached 50% capacity…and she authorized a private company to build an overflow hospital by the football complex…to the price of millions and millions of taxpayers’ dollars. Have to take laughs where you find them these days.
    Hugs to all the felines who will be glad to have everyone back at home. HUGS and CHEERS!

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    • It is such a hard time. You are right about different strokes for different areas. We are an hour north of Philly. I’m hoping that there is earlier easing here than there. Our city isn’t as large or congested. On my last grocery trip I waited outside at least 10 minutes because inside customers are limited. I’m sure there are areas that don’t have any cases at all because they don’t get the international travelers that come through this area. I don’t know what the answer is and everyone will be dissecting all the decisions. Glad I just have to worry about Mollie and my next grocery run. On a positive note, I am able to get diabetic supplies in 2 days so the warehouses are prioritizing what’s important. I’m grateful for that because the local vet charges 3x as much for the same thing.

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      • The counties here are coordinating easing which is good.
        Like NJ we found people from Houston/Harris co were driving into other counties that were not under lock down for restaurants, entertainment, and beaches….they were even driving in from other states that were locked down and “be stayin” with family/friends in this big city here so they could go out and play.
        The city finally took down all the basketball goals in parks…yet golf courses?
        Nuts and really complex.
        Our vet is nagging us for check-up for heart worm meds….we hope stay at home orders will lift ’cause we just can’t hand her off to technician to take in.
        I think people with shelter pets tend to be more protective as their animals had such a hard time at start of life?
        Glad you’re getting Mollie’s meds!!!!

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  25. Poor Mollie but I am glad she is coming home to expert care. We are somewhere in the middle as well. We are healthy so far but have friends neighbours and relatives with health issues. No sign of our lockdown being eased yet. I just heard that Germany has cancelled Octoberfest so we are in for quite a storm even if we have a shipshape boat.

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  28. I am so happy you are super familiar with the treatment involved with diabetes. Yeah, not what I thought was her issue. But I know you will be able to help her. I think, I hope you will see a better feeling Mollie. Happy to hear she will be home today… very happy.
    I am still pretty good at home but hitting the wall because my neighbors are hitting the wall. I want them to all go back to work, to the beach, whatever the heck they want to do. I am tired of them being unhappy at home. I want them to be happy to be happy out of the house.
    So true about the layering affect. I am so thankful SSNS finished up his treatments before this whole virus mess became so devastating. My heart goes out to people that are dealing with serious health issues and have to navigate medical facilities while trying to stay away from the virus. Social distancing is breaking down here. Saw 6 women walking this morning with barely any distance between them and we have seen gatherings of people on lawns and driveways with chairs and drinks. Lots of peeps from up north visiting people here who have yet to go home to their primary residences.

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    • Dealing with the vet by phone was stressful. I realized that a lot of information is transferred visually. I wanted to be able to see the vet while she was giving me information. I was crazy all night but have come up with a plan. You need a advocate when dealing with health issues even when you are a cat. I did a lot of research to come up with a “better way.” Because shipping is not reliable, I have had to work to find local cost reasonable options. That was time consuming! We are all squirrelly! I wouldn’t do well in jail.

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  29. Mollie is so lucky to have you as a pet parent. On the shelter-at-home thing. I read today that we are not in the same boat, we are in the same storm. So, basically what you said. I’m ready for the check to come, my work to come back, some sense of security on the financial side of things so we can go back to making decisions instead of this limbo we’re in.

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  30. Oh thanks for the Mollie update….not what you wanted to hear of course or for her to go through either but you have experience with this at any rate – that counts for a WHOLE LOT. Hugs to you and Mollie both. Our lives haven’t changed a whole lot – we are retired, have a house that gives each of us some space and distance but have found that our together time somehow “means more” now. We wear our masks when we have to go out for necessities like food (and TP!) and socially distance and it ALMOST feels normal. I can tell that people are letting up a bit on that though – as they watch the news and the “we want normal now” movement grows. We lost a family member to lung cancer beginning of March and then the pandemic arrived shortly after – I think the loss prepared us for the change in attitude meaning we’re staying here as long as we can; if it means distancing and masks – fine. Sign us up. We’re on board. But we DO hope that for all the small business (and big business) owners and those with additional issues to deal with financially and personally that we will be able to return to something at least CLOSE to “life as we knew it BEFORE”.

    Safe Hugs…………..Pam

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  31. Poor Molly, but at least there is some diagnosis, and you are familiar already with diabetes, so no learning curve. I am surprised her regular vet didn’t pick up on diabetes, although not eating is definitely not a typical diabetes symptom. But I hope that getting her stabilized on that will help overall. And I won’t tell Gracie about the squirrels in your brain. She would want to come chase them away for you.

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    • Her 6 month blood test last September did not show diabetes. Not even close. The only symptom she had was excessive drinking but she was also on a steroid which can cause that. Also, long term steroid use can induce diabetes which can clear up after steroids are stopped. Maybe I hanging on to a dream but she’s been off of steroids since last Thursday. I’m hoping this rights itself. I also have “soothers” for her esophagus in case she gets heartburn.

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  32. I know what you mean about restrictions. We are lucky in that we can walk in the park or along the beach, and get out to shop…………… at the moment, as there has been mention of plans to isolate the over 60s too.
    Poor Mollie. Hope she comes home today. At least you are familiar with it. Hugs to you all ❤

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