Marching on two years later

It has been two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent health and safety protocols, tests of patience and kindness. How are you holding up?

Over the past three months, we have seen selfish acts of defiance to pandemic protocols, threats to science and democracy, foreign funded so-called demonstrations about Freedom. From what I saw with invaders wearing it like a cape, it will be a while before I can look at the Canadian flag with pride again.

We witnessed brazen occupations of Canadian cities, attacks on the sensitivities of residents, and now, a horrible attack on democracy in Eastern Europe. People should stop complaining about their loss of freedom here. Added to the refugees from Syria and Afghanistan, western nations will soon see an increased flow of tired souls from Ukraine seeking shelter and peace. That’s going to add to the demand for existing Canadian citizens still seeking affordable housing.

The human servant and coworkers were forced back to working at the downtown office, performing much of the same tasks we were able to do with remote work for two years. Some coworkers did not show up. Their user accounts were disabled. Their colleagues had to pick up the slack with added responsibilities. People are overworked and unhappy.

Upon arriving home hungry and tired from her long days and bus commutes for those two weeks, the human servant was amused to find the Tabby Cat occupying the bed, almost as if she missed her presence for the day. The Resident Millennial did well to have supper ready too.

The Tabby Cat missed the Human Servant during the work day absence

Silver linings:

• The Human Servant embraced the opportunity to read a book on the morning bus commutes;
• The HS is now appreciating a week of vacation;
• The Tabby Cat had her semi-annual geriatric checkup this week. The knowledge that her health is holding on at sixteen years old balances the weight of a pricey veterinarian bill;
• A cat person friend recently clued us in to the availability of YouTube videos to entertain and enrich our feline masters. The old girl is slowly embracing this new form of enrichment.

The Tabby Cat encounters the plethora of critter videos on YouTube

Now we’re looking forward to a kind and gentle Spring before the cruel heat and humidity of summer arrives. In addition to the Scarlet Runner beans and maybe a raised garden bed in our wee yard, we plan to grow Sunflowers to show continued support for Ukraine.

Sunflower seeds package

Thank you for dropping by. Stay safe. Stay kind.

T

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Awaiting the snow Tiger of 2022

It has been a few months since the last post, the one about Miss Tabby Cat’s veterinarian appointment visit and the human’s frustrations with getting her there.

That was three months ago. Seems like ages.

Now it’s 2022 and we’re in the middle of another COVID-19 variant, public health protocols, travel plan adjustments too.

We’re just laying low, being patient and kind, abiding by social gathering limits and planning ahead for our retail outings.

The servant woman is still working from home. She hasn’t drawn or painted much since the summer.

The humans could use a little more outside therapy and fresh air – but not in these frigid January temperatures!

At least the sun is shining which the Cat and houseplants really appreciate.

Tabby Cat relaxing

I had to splurge on a bigger litter box during a recent visit to the pet shop for another bag of kitty litter. The old girl doesn’t always aim her pee streams inside the box. After one week’s observations, this tactic seems to be working.

Bigger litter box and motivational post-it “Think INSIDE the box”.

I’m still embracing a sense of humour and air of optimism.

Thank you for dropping by to check in on us. We’re managing despite the pandemic news, reports of uncooperative behaviour by fellow citizens, natural disasters, and armed conflicts around the world.

One hopeful distraction is the approach of the Lunar New Year on February 1st and The Year of the Tiger. I look forward to the surrounding celebrations.

Tiger illustration by Gisele Weaver

Take care of yourselves and each other. If you live in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec, be prepared for the first big snow storm of the season on Monday.

T

You can’t blame the cat

… for letting loose a panic pee across your bedding after you fished her out from underneath so you could gently stuff her into the carrier for her checkup appointment.

Picture this as one of your vacation days of your Thanksgiving week, during which you arrange appointments and social engagements with less stresses surrounding work.

She is an old girl of nearly 16 years.

She is my daughter’s cat.

She had her booster shots for her vaccinations, more protection now that she can venture outside in her yard.

She has become a bit of a wild child.

Go ahead. Rub my tummy.

I am double vaccinated and am testing my social situation exposure by going out more. There will be no wild child behaviour from me.

I look forward to seeing my daughter when she visits for “Emergency Thanksgiving” in November.

Thank you for stopping by.

T