Each day, it seems, we're greeted with more harrowing news about our economic situation. While our government can't really affect outcomes very much in such a large and diverse economy, they can provide direction and leadership. Here's how I see the leadership thus far.
We were first assaulted with banking troubles weeks ago. Our government's initial response was to tell us the economy was sound, direct from the MBA president himself. Next, AIG, the insurance firm that only hired the best, was found to have invested in risky securities and was technically insolvent. A bailout package was put together for them. On the heels of that news, Lehman Brothers declares itself insolvent and our government chose to let the market run its course. Quickly following that, Goldman Sachs, the revered Wall Street firm, began to teeter. Our treasury department, made up of prior Goldman executives, couldn't let that collapse, so Goldman declared itself a bank and received emergency funding from the discount window. Have they opened any bank accounts for anyone yet?
In the meantime, Washington Mutual and Wachovia failed; institutions that were supposedly too big to allow to fail. With so many assets losing value, lending has screeched to a halt. The treasury proposed and Congress approved a bailout plan (yes, it took two tries) to purchase mortgage assets to keep the downward spiral from accelerating. Then, treasury decided to buy equity stakes in banks. Then it said that it wasn't really going to purchase the mortgage assets after all. Where is the leadership here?
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Other Side of Campaign 2008
The long campaign is over.
Tuesday, Election Day, started by voting first thing, before heading to the office. The day ended on an exciting note. After a quick supper following work, we camped in the living room, television on CBS' coverage, occasionally checking in on what MSNBC was saying, and the computer on. The Firefox browser was open with multiple tabs on the secretary of state's websites of key states: Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, I threw in South Carolina for a contrast, Georgia (really not key, but our home for so much of our adult lives), Pennsylvania, and whatever other one seemed important at the moment.
We turned in around 10, not fully knowing who'd won, but more optimistic than ever that things were going to turn out right; that the low-intelligence Republicans that have been mismanaging and spending this country into poverty were going to be gone in mere months from center stage. And by the time we awoke in the morning, it was.
The gym on Wednesday was more interesting than usual. People were upbeat at 6 in the morning and we all engaged in some happy conversation about the election and how well it turned out. More smiles than usual at that time in the morning.
Most at the office were more chipper than usual on Wednesday. There was a feeling that things could only go up from here. A welcome outlook, given the dispiriting economic news and never ending self inflicted war mongering engaged in by the current government.
Will things truly be better going forward? Sure is hard to say, but hard to imagine it getting worse when we all know that individuals in powerful positions are more likely to be there in future years because of their abilities, not because of some faith background or someone's impression of their "soul" or fidelity to the current president.
Tuesday, Election Day, started by voting first thing, before heading to the office. The day ended on an exciting note. After a quick supper following work, we camped in the living room, television on CBS' coverage, occasionally checking in on what MSNBC was saying, and the computer on. The Firefox browser was open with multiple tabs on the secretary of state's websites of key states: Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, I threw in South Carolina for a contrast, Georgia (really not key, but our home for so much of our adult lives), Pennsylvania, and whatever other one seemed important at the moment.
We turned in around 10, not fully knowing who'd won, but more optimistic than ever that things were going to turn out right; that the low-intelligence Republicans that have been mismanaging and spending this country into poverty were going to be gone in mere months from center stage. And by the time we awoke in the morning, it was.
The gym on Wednesday was more interesting than usual. People were upbeat at 6 in the morning and we all engaged in some happy conversation about the election and how well it turned out. More smiles than usual at that time in the morning.
Most at the office were more chipper than usual on Wednesday. There was a feeling that things could only go up from here. A welcome outlook, given the dispiriting economic news and never ending self inflicted war mongering engaged in by the current government.
Will things truly be better going forward? Sure is hard to say, but hard to imagine it getting worse when we all know that individuals in powerful positions are more likely to be there in future years because of their abilities, not because of some faith background or someone's impression of their "soul" or fidelity to the current president.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Campaign 2008
Campaign signs abound all over the area; in people's windows, on their porches, cars and in literature left on our door. The final days are coming, with polls delivering sometimes varying estimates of the winner and the margin between the candidates.
A campaign attack piece arrived on the doorstep yesterday, purportedly from the Pro-Life Political Action Committee for Southeast Pa. They're calling on all Catholics to vote against Obama. These right wing religious types converse about being pro-life and that Obama is the "most pro-abortion candidate ever to run for U.S. President." They say that he "opposes protecting the elderly, disabled and terminally ill from being killed by deliberate dehydration" and talk about the brain dead Terri Schiavo being murdered. They conclude that a "Catholic voter's highest priority following the pro-life principle that the direct and intentional killing of innocent human life is always wrong." Their argument is flawed; note the use of the word innocent. It's like an asterisk that allows them to murder or kill in situations they deem the opposite of innocent. Unfortunately, if they're properly pro-life, it shouldn't matter whether someone is "innocent" or not. These types want it both ways and support capital punishment. Their inconsistency just doesn't work. Too bad most of the Catholic population isn't with them on this one. Most even practice contraception (they see that as murder too). Kind of silly that the church pretends so.
The second most important item in the brochure is same sex marriage. They put the term in quotes, I imagine, because they don't support it. They use euphemistic phrases like "protecting marriage" which is terminology right out of fringe religious groups. At the same time, they use a quote from the Declaration of Independence regarding unalienable rights. Too bad that marriage is one of those rights. Too bad, also, that most of their congregants and the public aren't with them on this one as well. Again, the church pretends otherwise. Doesn't it make you wonder why they're losing congregants and struggling to keep priests in the pulpit?
The brochure says that distribution of the brochure is an essential part of the Church's mission. They should check with the IRS. The church can't put out political literature AND also claim tax exemption. Again, they want it both ways. Why has the church hitched it's wagon to fringe religious principles and pushing the legal envelope regarding political advocacy?
A campaign attack piece arrived on the doorstep yesterday, purportedly from the Pro-Life Political Action Committee for Southeast Pa. They're calling on all Catholics to vote against Obama. These right wing religious types converse about being pro-life and that Obama is the "most pro-abortion candidate ever to run for U.S. President." They say that he "opposes protecting the elderly, disabled and terminally ill from being killed by deliberate dehydration" and talk about the brain dead Terri Schiavo being murdered. They conclude that a "Catholic voter's highest priority following the pro-life principle that the direct and intentional killing of innocent human life is always wrong." Their argument is flawed; note the use of the word innocent. It's like an asterisk that allows them to murder or kill in situations they deem the opposite of innocent. Unfortunately, if they're properly pro-life, it shouldn't matter whether someone is "innocent" or not. These types want it both ways and support capital punishment. Their inconsistency just doesn't work. Too bad most of the Catholic population isn't with them on this one. Most even practice contraception (they see that as murder too). Kind of silly that the church pretends so.
The second most important item in the brochure is same sex marriage. They put the term in quotes, I imagine, because they don't support it. They use euphemistic phrases like "protecting marriage" which is terminology right out of fringe religious groups. At the same time, they use a quote from the Declaration of Independence regarding unalienable rights. Too bad that marriage is one of those rights. Too bad, also, that most of their congregants and the public aren't with them on this one as well. Again, the church pretends otherwise. Doesn't it make you wonder why they're losing congregants and struggling to keep priests in the pulpit?
The brochure says that distribution of the brochure is an essential part of the Church's mission. They should check with the IRS. The church can't put out political literature AND also claim tax exemption. Again, they want it both ways. Why has the church hitched it's wagon to fringe religious principles and pushing the legal envelope regarding political advocacy?
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
At 4:38 am Abby (the cat) decided it was time to get up. I dragged myself up, proceeded to find the brush and give her a quick grooming (a favorite pastime for her), and then got ready to go to the gym. After making a sandwich and bagging up some chips for lunch, taking a banana, feeding the cat, watering the outdoor plants and giving Abby a little bit of half and half, I left for the gym.
Pulling into the parking lot, I noticed many fewer cars than usual. The fellow who cleans the locker room was standing outside. Then I saw familiar faces waiting around. Susie was sitting on the curb. I got out of the car and asked her how long she'd been waiting....since five, she said. We chatted about how this messes up your day and then I excused myself to go home and take a neighborhood run.
I strolled down to Main Street, then starting running toward Fairmount Park. At the intersection of Ridge Avenue, I went left up the hill. And up the hill some more. I ran down to Roxborough High, went around the school to the track in back. I joined some walkers, a jogger, and a fellow running the bleacher steps and did two laps and then continued home.
Pulling into the parking lot, I noticed many fewer cars than usual. The fellow who cleans the locker room was standing outside. Then I saw familiar faces waiting around. Susie was sitting on the curb. I got out of the car and asked her how long she'd been waiting....since five, she said. We chatted about how this messes up your day and then I excused myself to go home and take a neighborhood run.
I strolled down to Main Street, then starting running toward Fairmount Park. At the intersection of Ridge Avenue, I went left up the hill. And up the hill some more. I ran down to Roxborough High, went around the school to the track in back. I joined some walkers, a jogger, and a fellow running the bleacher steps and did two laps and then continued home.
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Phila International Cycling Championship
Excited that a cycling event passes through our neighborhood, we prepared to stay in this weekend to avoid problems parking upon return, and, to actually spend some time watching the event.
I strolled down to Main Street after nine this morning and had just sat down with coffee indoors facing Main Street when several police vehicles rushed through, followed by motorcycles and then a mass of cyclists. In a moment, they'd passed. I finished eating something and then took a stroll down Main and headed for Lyceum. At the turn at Levering, the women's racers ripped around the corner. I continued up Levering until the intersection with Lyceum and then continued a bit and found a place to stand, all while sweating profusely. Shortly afterwards, the mass of male cyclists passed through, albeit a bit more slowly on the hill, or, as it's called, the Wall. Most looked strong, although a few looked more like I would--showing signs of a struggle. I hung around for the women to pass by again and then strolled the five blocks or so to home to cool off a bit.
I gathered up the camera and left again. I made my way toward Main Street and, being a bit early for the next lap, found a seat on a doorstep in the shade. Struck up a conversation with someone who'd seen my water bottle with a Decatur (GA) bike shop logo and chatted about how each of us had purchased from there. Before I knew it, another lap flew by and I was only able to get a few pictures. Checking my watch, I waited for fifteen minutes, and then found a position at the turn from Main Street to Levering and parked there until the next lap. This time the pictures were much better (above). It was time to go home and cool down again.
After watching television coverage, we decided to walk down Silverwood to Levering and catch the tenth and final lap around. Revelers were all over in the street on Silverwood drinking, eating, grilling and playing mostly loud music--most of which I'd never heard before. In short order, the cyclists came up the hill, with a small group and then, about forty seconds later, the big mass of cyclists, most still looking strong going up the hill, even with over 90 degree temperatures.
Monday, May 26, 2008
A Broken Routine
The alarm hadn’t gone off yet. I was awake, planning my 6 am workout. It would be a long run on the treadmill this morning. With that, I’d have fifteen miles in this week. Good for the waistline, at least with the way that I eat--seemingly all the time.
Five o’clock and the radio starts. Rather than an alarm, I wake to NPR, a much gentler way to wake. 4:59 to be exact; that way I hear the weather and current temperature. A routine morning: drink several glasses of water, put in contact lenses, shave, brush teeth and finally, dress for the gym. Oh, and don’t forget to water the plants, since it’s Thursday.
Say my goodbyes to spouse and cat and stroll up the street to the car. I get to the car and there’s no window. Well, mostly no window. A few splintered pieces remain on the driver’s side door. I open the door to glass everywhere and all the junk from the center console strewn around the interior. My mascot, a small stuffed turtle I found in a parking lot 20 years ago was thrown outside. No respect.
I stroll back home and dial 911. The Philadelphia Police call back minutes later, commiserate, take down the information for the report. I call the auto dealer and make an appointment for the $350 dollar repair and walk back to the car with camera for pictures. Finding an old coat in the trunk, I cover the front seat and drive the car to the house, parking on the sidewalk so we can vacuum the mess out.
“You’re bleeding,” he tells me. “No, I’m not,” I say, observing the blood on my hands, pants, but no cuts anywhere. Back in the car, the fool who decided to break in left blood all over that I didn’t notice earlier. Oh, and what did he get? Besides injured, a pair of cheap sunglasses with my old office logo on them.
No run today.
Five o’clock and the radio starts. Rather than an alarm, I wake to NPR, a much gentler way to wake. 4:59 to be exact; that way I hear the weather and current temperature. A routine morning: drink several glasses of water, put in contact lenses, shave, brush teeth and finally, dress for the gym. Oh, and don’t forget to water the plants, since it’s Thursday.
Say my goodbyes to spouse and cat and stroll up the street to the car. I get to the car and there’s no window. Well, mostly no window. A few splintered pieces remain on the driver’s side door. I open the door to glass everywhere and all the junk from the center console strewn around the interior. My mascot, a small stuffed turtle I found in a parking lot 20 years ago was thrown outside. No respect.
I stroll back home and dial 911. The Philadelphia Police call back minutes later, commiserate, take down the information for the report. I call the auto dealer and make an appointment for the $350 dollar repair and walk back to the car with camera for pictures. Finding an old coat in the trunk, I cover the front seat and drive the car to the house, parking on the sidewalk so we can vacuum the mess out.
“You’re bleeding,” he tells me. “No, I’m not,” I say, observing the blood on my hands, pants, but no cuts anywhere. Back in the car, the fool who decided to break in left blood all over that I didn’t notice earlier. Oh, and what did he get? Besides injured, a pair of cheap sunglasses with my old office logo on them.
No run today.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Spring is on its way
Or I'm hoping to see spring soon. After a few decades in Atlanta, I'm ready to start in the garden. However, it's still a bit cool.
Sought out a nursery this weekend to help with planning the backyard. The yard is a small square space with too much cracked and messy concrete that simply has to go. And no color, making it especially drab in the winter. The other half feels that we should populate it with native plants and while I don't oppose that, it may prove difficult. The nursery didn't carry too many native plants. I stopped off at Lowe's today at lunch time and they didn't carry too many native items either.
Nevertheless, we purchased a few packs of pansies to put in the flower pots at the front door, that previously held dead, colorless plantings from the prior season. We also picked up a very bright blue ceramic bird bath now standing in the middle of the yard.
Sought out a nursery this weekend to help with planning the backyard. The yard is a small square space with too much cracked and messy concrete that simply has to go. And no color, making it especially drab in the winter. The other half feels that we should populate it with native plants and while I don't oppose that, it may prove difficult. The nursery didn't carry too many native plants. I stopped off at Lowe's today at lunch time and they didn't carry too many native items either.
Nevertheless, we purchased a few packs of pansies to put in the flower pots at the front door, that previously held dead, colorless plantings from the prior season. We also picked up a very bright blue ceramic bird bath now standing in the middle of the yard.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Relocation
Moving day was Tuesday. I prepared by traveling to Atlanta on Saturday and spent the rest of the day and Sunday looking through the excess of belongings with Noel and deciding what should stay and what should go to Goodwill. We filled too many trash bags with stuff. I'd always thought that we weren't avid consumers; how do we then accumulate so much stuff?
Monday was packing day. Two packers arrived at 830a and worked until 7p, with only a short break. At the end of the day, our lives were in boxes. There was no tv, no clock to tell time, no lamps (certainly none with light bulbs). By 830, we were in bed; Noel sleeping and me trying to read. After attempting to read with one eye open and not remembering all the words, I too gave in and went to sleep.
Three o'clock in the morning and we're both up. Cleaning out the refrigerator, actually throwing out the partially used containers of everything. A stick and a half of butter, wasted in the trash. Soda cans for my brother. Boca burgers for mom. Unhooked the washer, dryer, water line to the refrigerator. Pacing around the house, waiting for the movers. They finally arrived at 10a and moved everything out until 530p. I followed with broom and vacuum. Noel left after lunch with a car loaded with everything the movers wouldn't take. Mom showed up at 3p to pick me up and had to wait on the remaining chair in a VERY cold house. We checked everything multiple times to be sure nothing was left that shouldn't be there. Yes, the metal ladder that we really don't care for did go. The driver told me that Mr. Noel told her it stayed, but I told her that I think we'd better take it just in case.
Mom baked some fish and vegetables and we were off to bed by 9. I have no memories until 6 the following morning.
After a doctor's appointment with Mom in the morning, we were off to the airport. Twenty one years in Atlanta ended officially today.
Left behind are many memories. Boxes of pictures. My growing up as an adult happened there and I'll miss the memories of friends and former colleagues. I'll miss the mild winter, the great long fall season and my wonderful gardens. My mother and our wonderful neighbor. I'm glad to leave behind the virulent anti-gay attitudes, intolerant baptists and other fringe religious zealots. This is a state that wasted time, effort and tax dollars on an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution. A drastic step for no purpose. After years of anti-gay resolutions, laws, disregard for gay person's rights and wills, the amendment did it to me. Too many years of paying too much in taxes for that personal abuse by the state. It's over. No more taxes to an unfriendly place.
Monday was packing day. Two packers arrived at 830a and worked until 7p, with only a short break. At the end of the day, our lives were in boxes. There was no tv, no clock to tell time, no lamps (certainly none with light bulbs). By 830, we were in bed; Noel sleeping and me trying to read. After attempting to read with one eye open and not remembering all the words, I too gave in and went to sleep.
Three o'clock in the morning and we're both up. Cleaning out the refrigerator, actually throwing out the partially used containers of everything. A stick and a half of butter, wasted in the trash. Soda cans for my brother. Boca burgers for mom. Unhooked the washer, dryer, water line to the refrigerator. Pacing around the house, waiting for the movers. They finally arrived at 10a and moved everything out until 530p. I followed with broom and vacuum. Noel left after lunch with a car loaded with everything the movers wouldn't take. Mom showed up at 3p to pick me up and had to wait on the remaining chair in a VERY cold house. We checked everything multiple times to be sure nothing was left that shouldn't be there. Yes, the metal ladder that we really don't care for did go. The driver told me that Mr. Noel told her it stayed, but I told her that I think we'd better take it just in case.
Mom baked some fish and vegetables and we were off to bed by 9. I have no memories until 6 the following morning.
After a doctor's appointment with Mom in the morning, we were off to the airport. Twenty one years in Atlanta ended officially today.
Left behind are many memories. Boxes of pictures. My growing up as an adult happened there and I'll miss the memories of friends and former colleagues. I'll miss the mild winter, the great long fall season and my wonderful gardens. My mother and our wonderful neighbor. I'm glad to leave behind the virulent anti-gay attitudes, intolerant baptists and other fringe religious zealots. This is a state that wasted time, effort and tax dollars on an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution. A drastic step for no purpose. After years of anti-gay resolutions, laws, disregard for gay person's rights and wills, the amendment did it to me. Too many years of paying too much in taxes for that personal abuse by the state. It's over. No more taxes to an unfriendly place.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Aftermath
I woke several times in the middle of the night. No one came to greet me when I stirred or to rub my face with hers.
When the alarm went off at 5 am, no one jumped up and began purring at me and rubbing me to welcome the new day. No one joined me in the bathroom while I shaved and got myself ready to leave for the gym.
All was quiet. There is a large void from the absence of our 10 pound feline friend. It's clear that her personality and attitude filled the rooms at the apartment. Now it seems so empty.
I'd placed newspapers around in the event she had an accident when I was away or not watching. An added benefit was that she enjoyed reclining on newspapers. Most Sundays I'd read the paper on the floor or the bed and she'd join me by settling onto the page I was most interested in at the moment. I picked all of them up and put them on the recycling pile. I cleaned up the makeshift bed that I'd put together for her near her food and water dishes. I emptied the water but haven't yet been able to empty the food dish. It remains in its usual place. Her treats on the kitchen floor that she didn't get a chance to have on Saturday are still there as well.
No one greeted me this evening upon coming home from work. No one shared morsels from my plate. Right now, it's about time to turn in for the day. If she were here, she'd be reminding me that it's time to go now.
When the alarm went off at 5 am, no one jumped up and began purring at me and rubbing me to welcome the new day. No one joined me in the bathroom while I shaved and got myself ready to leave for the gym.
All was quiet. There is a large void from the absence of our 10 pound feline friend. It's clear that her personality and attitude filled the rooms at the apartment. Now it seems so empty.
I'd placed newspapers around in the event she had an accident when I was away or not watching. An added benefit was that she enjoyed reclining on newspapers. Most Sundays I'd read the paper on the floor or the bed and she'd join me by settling onto the page I was most interested in at the moment. I picked all of them up and put them on the recycling pile. I cleaned up the makeshift bed that I'd put together for her near her food and water dishes. I emptied the water but haven't yet been able to empty the food dish. It remains in its usual place. Her treats on the kitchen floor that she didn't get a chance to have on Saturday are still there as well.
No one greeted me this evening upon coming home from work. No one shared morsels from my plate. Right now, it's about time to turn in for the day. If she were here, she'd be reminding me that it's time to go now.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Samantha, 1992-2008
Samantha left us this afternoon.
Saturday and Sunday night she was unable to sleep and was dragging herself around the apartment. Several times throughout the night, I woke to search for her. Found her lying in the middle of the floor and she greeted me with her questioning sound when I happened on her; found her wedged behind the computer table; found her under a chair. Each time I picked her up, I brought her to bed to rest beside me for a while. After twenty minutes or so she was off, dragging herself across the floor to another spot. She would linger in one place for five or ten minutes, then onto the next spot. Continually restless.
I passed on going to the gym this morning before work and stayed at home. I made a bed area for her on the floor with her food and water, a worn shirt of mine and Noel's, and placed a suitcase and other objects around so that she'd stay in the area and not hurt herself.
She hadn't been drinking, but with a straw she allowed me to give her a drink. She tried to eat one of her treats, but it was too difficult and she gave up.
After a tearful goodbye, I went to work. I called a friend, Kath, and left her a message that I thought Samantha was dying and I needed to talk. She called me back and my emotions got the best of me. She told me not to give up yet and that if Samantha was fighting, we should give her the best opportunity to do so. She found a vet, made an appointment for me and told me to go home and take her to the vet.
I got home and found her lying on the living room floor. She called for me when I walked into the room. She managed to get out of her padded area and crossed the living room. I picked up her weak body, laid her on a towel and took her to the car. She talked off and on the whole way. She laid on the car seat and whenever I was silent, she called for me until I told her I was there.
We found the vet's office and I carried her in--she gripping my wrist with her right paw and periodically trying to rub her nose and cheek on my hand. Patrons in the vets office were intrigued by her. "She's so good, you don't need a carrier to bring her here!"
"She's very sick," I said. "Otherwise she'd be stressed and have to be in her carrier."
The vet was very gentle, empathetic and concerned about her. Aging cats often have kidney problems, so we had blood tests run. Blood tests were normal. She suggested an x-ray to see if she had any tumors. X-rays didn't reveal anything. Perhaps she has an infection. She received an anti-inflammatory and an antibiotic and some fluids to rehydrate her.
While waiting for her, another friend, Mark, called and said that Kath let him know what was happening. We chatted about Samantha and her symptoms and in a few moments Samantha was delivered from her treatments, so I excused myself to hurry her home.
She was more alert and relaxed afterwards, although still weak. On the way home I kept my one hand on her all the way and she talked all the way home. Once I brought her in and laid her down, she fell asleep.
After a good rest this afternoon, she left us.
Thank you, Samantha, for sharing your life with us. We'll miss you.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Aging
Eleven years ago next month we visited the Cobb Animal Shelter and a black tortoise shell 5 year old cat named Samantha put the sales charm on me and within an hour she was in a box in the car going home.
Getting close to our eleventh year together, you always know that once they get into the teens, they may not be with you much longer; but as long as things seem to be going well with their health, you always look ahead into the future and you see them there with you.
The year 2007 began with her annual check up in January and the vet remarking on how good she looks; appears younger than her years! In the spring I accepted a job here in Philadelphia and several weeks after that Noel drove her up to stay with me--for her, a long day in the car of crying and car sickness.
As she always does, she took on the role of looking out for me, keeping track of my whereabouts and learning my new routines. About an hour before bedtime each evening, she begins coaxing me to the bedroom. When I arrive home from the office, she greets me at the door. Wherever I'm located at in the apartment, she's right near by, always aware of my activities.
During the summer, I noticed her eating habits change. She began eating much less (she'd always eaten well) and lost a little bit of weight. She'd been on diet food for years, so I began feeding her the higher calorie foods she used to like before the diet days. She'd attack the new with vigor and then it would trail off. So I'd try something new with a similar reaction.
One evening in October I came home from the office and wasn't greeted at the door. I found her in the bedroom staring blankly at the wall. Her eyes were dialated....she'd come down with cataracts and they'd clouded over completely. Her vision had been declining for years. For several days she moved around very little. I began coming home at lunch time to check up on her and make sure she was eating and that all was fine with her. After about a week of low activity, one lunch hour I came home to find her walking the apartment with her face against the walls. She was mapping out the apartment--the walls, doorways and locations of everything...bathroom, kitchen, her food, etc.
Since that time, her activity levels were pretty normal. If she loses track of me, she calls until I let her know where I'm located in the apartment. While she doesn't meet me at the door any longer, she waits for me on the bed because she knows that I drop off my belongings there when I walk in every evening. When she hears me, she loudly makes a sound that can only be described as a question mark put to sound.
Even without vision, she knows the time of day when things should happen. She still coaxes me to bed just before it's time.
On Friday I came home from the office and found that she'd vomited a great deal near the front door. I found her crouched in the bedroom staring strangely. I fed her some treats and she ate them willingly, but the treats came back up shortly thereafter. Even a drink of water came back up. Her soft food treat that she looks for every evening didn't stay down. She was the same in the morning, and getting weaker. She had an accident on the way to her litter box. I called a vet with a cat specialty and he couldn't see her. I found another vet who determined she had gastroenteritis and sent me off with some prescriptions. She refuses to take any of the prescriptions and isn't eating.
She drinks water regularly. Her food was tinkered with during the night, but I don't think was eaten. I'd picked up some wet food with a gravy and she's licked up the gravy but hasn't eaten a thing. And she's weaker yet than yesterday.
Our Atlanta home was sold and we'll be moving here officially in two weeks to a new house from this apartment. I was expecting she'd join us there but fear that may not happen. I've been holding her as much as I can, just as she's always been by my side when I was feeling ill or simply unhappy. If I step away for too long, she finds me. She's laying beside the chair as I write. Always my buddy.
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