Blanket Purrs and updates on the whole darn Shirk Clan (not totally OT)

"Christine Burel" wrote in message
...
Another thought, Pam, about the A/C -- why don't you write up a story
about your Trane A/C, how it's served your family for 22 years, etc., and,
now, here's the situation in your family, etc., and send it to Trane, and
ask them if there's anything they could do to help you with a discount
towards another Trane? You never know but you might get some kind of
response -- in any case, it's worth a try...
Christine


I'm going to have to see about the electric company to start with. Trane is
an option. Dodge will, in some circumstances, wave up to $1000 towards the
cost of handicap lifts etc in their newer Dodge vans. So far we haven't
needed (tap wood) to apply for the help. Maybe Trane will help as well. I
can verify that heat has an adverse effect on Rob. I'm sure his doctors
will agree with me.

Pam S.

Pam you guys are always in my thoughts Hope to see you all soon again I
had a blast at the Florida get together


"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...
Sorry gang. Real life keeps stabbing me in the foot and causes it usual
chaos. First of all, I'm in the process of wading through around 900
messages, after the idiots have been weeded out. So I'm sending kind
thoughts and blanket purrs from our clowder to all out there who want
and/or need us. Believe me, we wouldn't be able to make it without the
physical, emotional, and spiritual support of all of you out there.

Temperatures last week were in the 100s F. Now what is the worst thing
that can happen when the heat is that bad? Right, our air conditioner
went out last Saturday. I found out that a 10 lb bag of ice, placed in a
tub and in front of an area fan melts in less than 1.5 hours in that kind
of temps. At one point I walked into the master bathroom and found Merlin
and Huey sacked out on the ceramic floor, Pine Cone on the floor of the
bath tub, and Sonya snoozing on Rob's shower chair. So I checked out the
main bathroom and found Tanada sleeping under the sink and QC sprawled in
the bath tub. Miss Calico Girl was stretched out on Mandy's bed under the
ceiling fan. Speedy the d-thing was snoozing on the plywood platform
portion of Rob's wheel chair ramp. The animals had the right idea.

Monday one of our area HVAC companies sent out a technician to check out
what was wrong. First of all, our system is 22 years old. I'm told that
is ancient even for a Trane. Second, the condenser coil had not had
enough ventilation and had frozen up. The Freon level was also down but
not by much (they didn't charge us for topping the Freon up. The first
canister of Freon is $50.) Some times I really miss living up north.
However there was no improvement by Tuesday, so they sent out another
technician and he went deeper into the problem and found a place where the
insulation under the house had gotten into the air duct and blocked it.
They cleaned that out, found some other problems and fixed them. So we
are now over $300 poorer and praying that the air conditioner lasts the
year. How do you go about affording a new air conditioner anyway? Advice
appreciated.

Since then I have discovered that it takes two cats and a d-thing to help
me use the bathroom. They all crowd in as soon as I walk into the room.
They also seem to want something that I haven't figured out yet. I
suspect it is for me to turn off the heat machine. Pine Cone has been
particularly clingy. Huey and Merlin have been hanging out closely, but
not insisting on being scritched like PC has been.

Qui Gun Kit and Hermione are continuing to cement their position in their
new home. I'm told that Hermione thinks that she HAS to beat up Hershey,
the red setter mix d-thing. They have also been busy putting Smokey, the
fat, stupid, and ignorant cat in his place. Carmel is top cat and they
all recognize that.

I don't buy Sour Dough bread very often. I love it, but I'm about the
only human who does. I was telling Cheryl Daniels about this and suddenly
remembered that I was the only HUMAN who loves sour dough bread in the
family. I'd forgotten about Tanada. I dismissed this until after we hung
up our phones. I went into the kitchen to make myself a luscious Ham
salad and sour dough bread sandwich and couldn't find the bread. I looked
around and found the empty wrapper beside Speedy. Some hoagie rolls that
I'd also forgotten to shove into the fridge had their wrapper open and
chomps taken out of them. The only bread thief that would do that is. . .
ta da. . . Tanada. This time she enlisted the help of the d-thing to help
her hide some of the evidence. The little sneak. So, I'm back to honey
wheat bread for my sandwiches. But next month. . . .

The cats seem to sense something changing in their lives. They've been
following us, especially me, around the house. If we go outside we now
have an interested audience watching our every move. Speedy whines and
cries at the door whenever Mandy leaves the house including when she goes
out to mow the lawn. I suspect that he does the same whenever Rob and I
leave as well.

To Rob. We've started the down hill slide, I'm afraid. He passed out a
couple of times in the past few weeks. Fortunately, both times were
either at the cancer center or as we were driving away from the cancer
center. The last one put him in observation for three days. His oxygen
levels are going nuts with levels as low as 80%. Optimum level is over
95% oxygen in one's blood stream, under 90% is major cause for concern. I
don't know if this makes sense, but just put it down to OMG. No one has
figured out why his blood oxygen is going nuts, though they are exploring
every avenue they can. With the lower oxygen level is a lower cognition
ability. We won't discuss the down side of that. His blood pressure
medicine had to be increased as well. I told him that, if he passes out
on me like that again, I'm going to stick him on the side of the curb and
see what happens. Do you know someone actually seems to have believed me
and asked the staff at the cancer center if I should be checked out.
Fortunately, the center staff are quite aware of our quirky and sick
senses of humor.

Mandy and Jim's wedding is still in train. Her dress has been delivered
and we need to go in, have it fitted, and see if any alterations need to
be done. We now have to buy the two veils, tiara, shoes, and accessories.
I figure about another $500 for all this. We haven't got to the cake or
bouquets yet. I refuse to pay for the reception as we have fewer than 30
people invited (if you're interested, send me an email) and Jim's family
are inviting over 150 people. Jim's family are ok with this. I told them
that cookies and tea were more my style of reception. Nancy, Jim's mom,
had to repress a shudder. I tell you, what I know about weddings and
planning them could be written on the head of a pin.

So, that's our lives and times. How are your lives, owners, and so forth
going?

Pam S

"Kreisleriana" drtmuirATearthlink.net wrote in message
...

"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...

I don't buy Sour Dough bread very often. I love it, but I'm about the
only human who does.


I'm crazy about it, myself.


I was telling Cheryl Daniels about this and suddenly
remembered that I was the only HUMAN who loves sour dough bread in the
family. I'd forgotten about Tanada. I dismissed this until after we
hung up our phones. I went into the kitchen to make myself a luscious
Ham salad and sour dough bread sandwich and couldn't find the bread. I
looked around and found the empty wrapper beside Speedy. Some hoagie
rolls that I'd also forgotten to shove into the fridge had their wrapper
open and chomps taken out of them. The only bread thief that would do
that is. . . ta da. . . Tanada. This time she enlisted the help of the
d-thing to help her hide some of the evidence. The little sneak. So,
I'm back to honey wheat bread for my sandwiches. But next month. . . .

They ate it ALL??!!


Every bit of it. Speedy has some pig genetics as well as coyote and chicken
genes in his system. Mandy is mad at both herself and me for leaving the
bread out where Tanada and Speedy could get it. I told Rob that I was
getting another loaf next month and he laughed at me. She also got into his
hoagie rolls, but didn't destroy more than four of them.

I love the idea of Dante having grunty purrs. So cute and sweet. Thank
you.

Pam S.

"Matthew" wrote in message
ng.com...
Pam you guys are always in my thoughts Hope to see you all soon again I
had a blast at the Florida get together


We had a great time too. I think if you put those of us who show up in a
hotel board room, or something large enough to contain us, we'd make so much
noise yakking that the neighbors would complain. I know that any gathering
is supposed to have planned activities, but I think Charleen went about it
the right way, provide food and cats and the gang will follow. Rob
thoroughly enjoyed himself as did the rest of us.

Pam S.

"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...

"jmcquown" wrote in message
...


Mega purrs from me and my big "rumble-bug" Persia.

Jill

Back atcha, Girlfriend. How are you two dealing with the heat? Hopefully
the island has cool gentle breezes helping ease life over there. Persia
is such a sweetie (as if all cats aren't?) and I always enjoy reading
about her life and times.

Pam S.


Pretty good, thanks. There seems to be an almost daily (evening, anyway)
shower or thunderstorm which briefly cools things down. But there aren't
really any cool gentle breezes here on the island. It's surrounded by salt
marshes and is pretty darned hot. It's been in the 100's the last few days
with a heat index of around 107. I sure felt your pain when you said your
AC went out! Yikes!

I just walked outside to fill the bird bath (gotta keep the outdoor critters
hydrated) and was reminded of when we landed in Bangkok in 1969. I walked
down the stairs from the plane onto the tarmac and collapsed, whoomph! I
really can't tolerate heat like this so I stay inside except in the very
early morning.

I've NO idea how they did it in prior centuries wearing all those layers of
clothing. This island was a cotton and indigo plantation in the 1700's and
1800's. In the summer the family would take a ferry to the mainland to
partake of the cool breezes coming in from the ocean (and also to avoid
malaria and other contagions that popped up in the summer months). These
days it's hard to imagine, 20 miles north simply isn't that much cooler LOL

Hugs to you all,

Jill

Kalynnda Berens wrote:
tanadashoes wrote:
How do you go about
affording a new air conditioner anyway? Advice appreciated.

Have you contacted your electric company?

Oh, and DO tell them about Rob. Also check with the VA or whoever
has his disability responsibility, because the electric company
and/or the disability folks may be responsible for making sure he
has A/C given his health. It's a thought.

--
Deborah
phoenixpdx.livejournal.com
"...I beat you with the pathetic fallacy stick of dualism" --Piglet

"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...

"Kreisleriana" drtmuirATearthlink.net wrote in message
...

"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...

I don't buy Sour Dough bread very often. I love it, but I'm about the
only human who does.


I'm crazy about it, myself.


I was telling Cheryl Daniels about this and suddenly
remembered that I was the only HUMAN who loves sour dough bread in the
family. I'd forgotten about Tanada. I dismissed this until after we
hung up our phones. I went into the kitchen to make myself a luscious
Ham salad and sour dough bread sandwich and couldn't find the bread. I
looked around and found the empty wrapper beside Speedy. Some hoagie
rolls that I'd also forgotten to shove into the fridge had their wrapper
open and chomps taken out of them. The only bread thief that would do
that is. . . ta da. . . Tanada. This time she enlisted the help of the
d-thing to help her hide some of the evidence. The little sneak. So,
I'm back to honey wheat bread for my sandwiches. But next month. . . .

They ate it ALL??!!


Every bit of it. Speedy has some pig genetics as well as coyote and
chicken genes in his system. Mandy is mad at both herself and me for
leaving the bread out where Tanada and Speedy could get it. I told Rob
that I was getting another loaf next month and he laughed at me. She also
got into his hoagie rolls, but didn't destroy more than four of them.

I love the idea of Dante having grunty purrs. So cute and sweet. Thank
you.

Pam S.


Snorty, too.


--
Theresa and Dante

Stinky Forever: http://pets.webshots.com/album/125591586JWEFwh

"tanadashoes" wrote in message
m...

"Adrian" wrote in message
om...
tanadashoes wrote:
snip
So, that's our lives and times. How are your lives, owners, and
so
forth going?

Pam S

Life doesn't change much here, Shadow has started pulling his fur
out so I'm going to take him to TED next week to try and find
what's wrong. Purrs for your AC to last and that you win a large
sum of money before it needs replacing, purrs for Rob are
ongoing.
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy, Bagheera & Shadow)
Cats leave pawprints on your heart
http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk


I hope that Shadow is ok. Merlin tends to pull his tummy fur out
whenever we have to glop Revolution on his neck. Turns out he is
allergic to something in the Revolution.

Re the AC. I've never had to replace something so expensive
before. I have no idea where to apply for a loan for that, if it
can be put on home owner's insurance, or even how to shop around
for the best deal. ACK!!!! I'm a property virgin.

Pam S.


I'm pretty sure that most of the places that can replace the AC,
will also direct you to financing to pay for it. This is why people
used to get Sears to take care of that stuff. Not their pricing or
products, but their revolving charge accounts.

Jo

Judith Latham wrote:
In article ,
tanadashoes wrote:
Sorry gang. Real life keeps stabbing me in the foot and causes it
usual chaos. First of all, I'm in the process of wading through
around 900 messages, after the idiots have been weeded out. So I'm
sending kind thoughts and blanket purrs from our clowder to all out
there who want and/or need us. Believe me, we wouldn't be able to
make it without the physical, emotional, and spiritual support of
all of you out there.

snipped...


to Rob. We've started the down hill slide, I'm afraid. He passed
out a
couple of times in the past few weeks. Fortunately, both times were
either at the cancer center or as we were driving away from the
cancer center. The last one put him in observation for three days.
His oxygen levels are going nuts with levels as low as 80%. Optimum
level is over 95% oxygen in one's blood stream, under 90% is major
cause for concern. I don't know if this makes sense, but just put
it down to OMG. No one has figured out why his blood oxygen is
going nuts, though they are exploring every avenue they can. With
the lower oxygen level is a lower cognition ability. We won't
discuss the down side of that. His blood pressure medicine had to be
increased as well. I told him that, if he passes out on me like
that again, I'm going to stick him on the side of the curb and see
what happens. Do you know someone actually seems to have believed
me and asked the staff at the cancer center if I should be checked
out. Fortunately, the center staff are quite aware of our quirky
and sick senses of humor.

Snipped...


So, that's our lives and times. How are your lives, owners, and so
forth going?

Pam S

Purrs and prayers being turned up for Rob and for all your family.

As for my life, well it goes on the same as usual. A bit boring
really.

We've just started to watch a tennis match from Wimbledon (we don't
normally watch it) and immediately Andy Murray turned from winning to
losing. It happens every time we support any sportsperson or team. So
I've told DH to turn it off and give the poor bloke a chance.

Judith

I didn't turn it off and Andy won. :-)
--
Adrian (Owned by Snoopy, Bagheera & Shadow)
Cats leave pawprints on your heart
http://community.webshots.com/user/clowderuk

"Judith Latham" wrote in message
...

Purrs and prayers being turned up for Rob and for all your family.

As for my life, well it goes on the same as usual. A bit boring really.

We've just started to watch a tennis match from Wimbledon (we don't
normally watch it) and immediately Andy Murray turned from winning to
losing. It happens every time we support any sportsperson or team. So I've
told DH to turn it off and give the poor bloke a chance.

Judith


Thanks Judith. I don't watch sports much as whoever I'm rooting for will
lose. Cheryl Daniels got me watching Nascar racing with her (while on the
cell phone making rude remarks about paint jobs on the cars), but it seemed
that whenever I watched my favorite drivers either wrecked or came in fifth.
So I just can't get interested in something that the back of my mind is
telling me that I'm jinxing.

Pam S.