Eva’s Friends

[thecatumbrella]

They’re not running us out, but we’re tired of the drama.

That’s one nice thing about the land around us. It’s “protected forever”. Not sure what that means, but I think they can’t develop it.

I’m sorry y’all are dealing with the construction, and hope you don’t have to rehome your hens!

We were considering Lebanon, NH, but you say that’s pretty expensive. Do you know anything about MA or CT?

I would LOVE to live near Lebanon. It's a really nice area, and you're right next to Vermont (my favorite vacation spot). The hospital there rivals the ones in Boston. It is one of the most expensive areas of the state for all these reasons, but you can keep an eye out in the towns around there.

I don't know much about CT other than it's super busy and super expensive. I do know someone that lives in the northwest part of the state, which is a little nicer.

I'm from MA, so can tell you lots about that. Western MA is rural, beautiful, and more affordable. I'd stay away from Springfield. Central MA is less affordable, but more accessible to Boston. Worcester is the largest city in that area, and the suburbs outside it are quite nice. Eastern MA is very, very hard to get into. It's the area I know the most about (lived there for 35 years). There's a few cities to avoid: Lawrence, Lynn, and Lowell. Even then, you can find houses on the outskirts that are in nice neighborhoods. If you want acreage, you either have to have big bucks, or get outside the 495 ring.

 

[Evadig]

Well, all of Eva's Friends are gone but the Virtues, the two outdoor cats, Con, Annie, and the two parakeets.

The couple that took them was very nice and I think they will be happy and have a good home.

We ended up keeping the Virtues because we wanted a few eggs while we're still here, and who knows? Perhaps our new place will allow a few chickens. If not, they will be easy enough to rehome.

The weekend was spent cleaning up the backyard and making a list of furniture to donate to Habitat for Humanity. They will come pick it up sometime next week.

Constance hasn't been doing the greatest. She threw up again, and clearly appeared to be in pain. She didn't even eat breakfast one morning. Right now she's doing fine, looking out the window...

Oh no, someone's shooting off a gun. That makes Eva scared, and that's not good for her neurological health. I do not like hunting season!

The interview with the police department went well (I think). I was late, but only because there was no one to let me in. When I entered the office, I was greeted by the Chief and two Captains - talk about being nervous!! They were really nice, though. They'd ask a question and when I'd get hemmed up, as usual, they'd all help me think of ways to answer it. It was the only time I felt happy leaving an interview, even if I didn't get the job, simply because they took the time to be warm and friendly.

I tried to read your article but am told that I don't have permission to access the page.

It must be because it's still a draft. I'll post it next time - some of it accidentally got erased, so I need to rewrite that part!

Goo is not better. Even though the vet said it could be a bone infection, I KNEW it was a tumor; I've been through it four times before with Pumpkin, Kitty Kitty, Mins and Marco Polo. Even if I was willing to allow surgery -- which I'm not; I did it with Pumpkin and it was a mistake, he suffered too long -- Goo is too fragile to be sedated. His tumor breaks open and bleeds often. But, he doesn't seem to be in pain and mostly continues to be his slightly aloof, lovable self.

I will keep you and Goo in my prayers.

There are so many outdoor tasks I need to accomplish before winter; at least the recent cold snap is over. In fact, this weekend it may reach 90 degrees!!! I'm not really crazy about that, either.

In my early-morning online reading today, I came across an article that encouraged starting new hobbies. To decide which ones, it suggested asking yourself "What brings me a little joy today?" and building off that. I think it's a great idea.

It got up to nearly 90F here, too.

New hobbies? Does organizing tools count? That doesn't bring so much joy, as the satisfaction of a hard job well done .

I will look forward to hearing from you, no matter what forum you choose. I consider you a valued friend. I hope everything works out well for you and your family.

Thank you for your kind words; you are one of my most valued friends too .

Last pictures of everyone:

Miss Lydwinne

Patience

Agnieszka

Miss Rose

Wilhelmina

Lily and Lucy

Priscilla

Betsy Lee

Marta, Sylvester, Sergei

Alice

Amelia

Con looking out the window

Antietam Battlefield - Anniversary is Wednesday (17 Sept. 1862)

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Well, all of Eva's Friends are gone but the Virtues, the two outdoor cats, Con, Annie, and the two parakeets.

The couple that took them was very nice and I think they will be happy and have a good home.

We ended up keeping the Virtues because we wanted a few eggs while we're still here, and who knows? Perhaps our new place will allow a few chickens. If not, they will be easy enough to rehome.

The weekend was spent cleaning up the backyard and making a list of furniture to donate to Habitat for Humanity. They will come pick it up sometime next week.

Constance hasn't been doing the greatest. She threw up again, and clearly appeared to be in pain. She didn't even eat breakfast one morning. Right now she's doing fine, looking out the window...

Oh no, someone's shooting off a gun. That makes Eva scared, and that's not good for her neurological health. I do not like hunting season!

The interview with the police department went well (I think). I was late, but only because there was no one to let me in. When I entered the office, I was greeted by the Chief and two Captains - talk about being nervous!! They were really nice, though. They'd ask a question and when I'd get hemmed up, as usual, they'd all help me think of ways to answer it. It was the only time I felt happy leaving an interview, even if I didn't get the job, simply because they took the time to be warm and friendly.

It must be because it's still a draft. I'll post it next time - some of it accidentally got erased, so I need to rewrite that part!

I will keep you and Goo in my prayers.

It got up to nearly 90F here, too.

New hobbies? Does organizing tools count? That doesn't bring so much joy, as the satisfaction of a hard job well done .

Thank you for your kind words; you are one of my most valued friends too .

Last pictures of everyone:

Miss Lydwinne
View attachment 4216676

Patience
View attachment 4216677

Agnieszka
View attachment 4216678

Miss Rose
View attachment 4216680

Wilhelmina
View attachment 4216681

Lily and Lucy
View attachment 4216682

Priscilla
View attachment 4216683

Betsy Lee
View attachment 4216687

Marta, Sylvester, Sergei
View attachment 4216684

Alice
View attachment 4216685

Amelia
View attachment 4216686

Con looking out the window
View attachment 4216689

Antietam Battlefield - Anniversary is Wednesday (17 Sept. 1862)
View attachment 4216688

Best wishes to all who are in their new homes!

Fingers crossed that Constance is just upset at all the change. It takes some that way.

 

[Callender Girl]

Goo is gone, and I am devastated. It's pretty much all I can think about right now.

 

[Evadig]

Last few days I've been busy cleaning the basement. That means sorting tools - so many tools, and parts of tools. I estimate we have a sample of half of Lowe's inventory in that storage room!

Today I began working on the miscellaneous boxes filled with everything from my dad's old work clothes to half-used bandage tape and random Latin flashcards. I've gotten one wall done (slowly and systematically working my way clockwise round the four walls).

Yesterday I thought I'd come down with a cold; I was coughing and had a runny nose. Today I'm just tired. I should be in bed, and not up at 11:30 pm writing this.

It rained all day, and 'twas dreary. Suited my mood exactly. We are moving, but have zero idea of where we're going. I really do not care where we move to, all I can think about right now is getting those waivers and enlisting. I feel like a perfect failure sometimes. But I won't dump all my troubles on you - y'all have enough of your own.

The rest of the family can't decide on a good place either. Everyone wants something different, and the whole situation is different than it's ever been before. We're all grown up now...

Con was coughing and wheezing again. I would take her to the vet, but she hates it so much. It's a fifty minute car ride one way, too. I'm not going to do that to her.

You might have known I had a youtube channel. I deleted it, accidentally. I'm not sure whether to be upset that I did all that work for nothing, or glad that I'm not tied to the thing anymore. It wasn't my idea to start one, anyway.

I guess that's all for tonight. I'm getting tired. Hopefully I'll sleep. It took fifteen minutes to type this up. And now the computer's swaying, or I feel like I'm swaying, not sure which. Definitely glad i didn't take the dispatch job. I cannot stare at a computer for hours on end. Good night y'all!

Goo is gone, and I am devastated. It's pretty much all I can think about right now.

I'm so, so sorry. I've been praying for you and Goo ever since your last post. I hope he went peacefully.

Best wishes to all who are in their new homes!

Fingers crossed that Constance is just upset at all the change. It takes some that way.

Thanks! Con never knew about the outdoor world, so she couldn't miss them. And I don't think she knows we're moving. I've kept activity around her to a minimum so she doesn't get disturbed.

Said storage room while in the process of organizing

Walking (flying!) stick

Storage room after cleaning

My grandfather's beer recipe; might have even been my great-grandfather's!

Annie

 

[Callender Girl]

Sorry I haven't had much to say -- losing Goo has really thrown me for a loop. I don't know that he went peacefully, but at least the worst of it was over quickly. He could still eat and run around Sunday; he was gone on Monday. He'd been my companion for more than 15 years.

I'm sure I've told his story before: Goo was the only surviving kitten from a litter that a stray delivered in an unused backyard dog house. After three weeks, his eyes were not opening, so I took him to my vet. Turns out, Goo had eyeballs, but they never fully developed and were like little raisins inside the openings. It sounds creepy, but it wasn't. I always thought it odd that he closed his eyelids when he slept.

An eyeless kitten wouldn't survive long outdoors, so although I didn't want a house cat, I brought him indoors. Not being able to see was no handicap for Goo (named for Mr. Magoo of cartoon fame); he had no problem navigating his world. Goo was a beautiful smoky gray, long-haired cat with the softest fur I ever felt. I ordered his urn this week and will likely put it next to the ashes of Soup, a Labrador-Great Dane mix who was one of his favorite pals.

Enough of that. Are you and Constance doing better? How are things going toward preparing for your move? And, has your family come together on where you want to relocate?

Sometimes, it feels like it's hard to catch a break.

After treating all the chickens for mites and cleaning the coops top to bottom the past couple of week, I discovered two dead roundworms in one of the big coops. Today is Day 2 of deworming everyone. At least there's no egg withdrawal with Aquasol, but I had to order it online because no one carries it in stock. Which meant waiting four days to begin treatment.

 

[Evadig]

Why does it seem like forever between Wednesday and Sunday? It feels like I haven't written for five months!

All the rest of the week I worked on the basement. Friday night it was finished. Every tool was in its proper place, every book neatly laid away in the bookshelf. Random items had been put into boxes until we move for good, since they might still be needed. I went upstairs that night tired but happy. And then...

Next morning, after leisurely walking the dogs, I went through the main level of the house armed with boxes and tape and collected everything that wasn't absolutely necessary from the cabinets, drawers, and shelves. It came to fourteen boxes in all. Where did these boxes go? The basement. It's now just as much of a pigsty as before, as I sort these boxes into garbage, giveaways, or packed goods. I hope to be done by Thursday, with a brief intermission on Monday to tear down some of the rickety structures that aren't needed anymore.

Today we drove up to Pennsylvania and spent the next twelve hours visiting churches, driving by homes for sale, and stopping at various parks to let the dogs run. On the way home I took a detour to the Flight 93 Memorial. Unfortunately, we were pressed for time, so I was only able to see the crash site from a distance. I mean to go back, some day.

I'm awfully tired. Couldn't even finish driving on the way home. My eyes were going buggy from all the construction orange-and-white barriers. Thankfully my mom was wide awake, so we were able to switch.

Sorry I haven't had much to say -- losing Goo has really thrown me for a loop. I don't know that he went peacefully, but at least the worst of it was over quickly. He could still eat and run around Sunday; he was gone on Monday. He'd been my companion for more than 15 years.

I'm sure I've told his story before: Goo was the only surviving kitten from a litter that a stray delivered in an unused backyard dog house. After three weeks, his eyes were not opening, so I took him to my vet. Turns out, Goo had eyeballs, but they never fully developed and were like little raisins inside the openings. It sounds creepy, but it wasn't. I always thought it odd that he closed his eyelids when he slept.

An eyeless kitten wouldn't survive long outdoors, so although I didn't want a house cat, I brought him indoors. Not being able to see was no handicap for Goo (named for Mr. Magoo of cartoon fame); he had no problem navigating his world. Goo was a beautiful smoky gray, long-haired cat with the softest fur I ever felt. I ordered his urn this week and will likely put it next to the ashes of Soup, a Labrador-Great Dane mix who was one of his favorite pals.

I understand. Poor Goo. He was so blessed to have you - I'm sure many people would have just put him down, since he couldn't see. I hope you're doing better.

Are you and Constance doing better?

I'm better, she's not. I'd say she's in a steady decline. She has coughing fits at least once a day. And has lost probably several pounds. I can't really weigh her, she hates being picked up. But you can feel her ribs now.

Goo's story has warned me the end may come fast. I am going to dig her a grave the end of this week, since it's supposed to rain and the ground will be soft. Hopefully she won't need it for a while, but it's best to have just in case the end comes sooner than expected.

How are things going toward preparing for your move? And, has your family come together on where you want to relocate?

Updates above . We still do not agree on where to go. Hopefully my dad will begin to like Pennsylvania. The rest of us don't think it's the worst place in the world!

Sometimes, it feels like it's hard to catch a break.

After treating all the chickens for mites and cleaning the coops top to bottom the past couple of week, I discovered two dead roundworms in one of the big coops. Today is Day 2 of deworming everyone. At least there's no egg withdrawal with Aquasol, but I had to order it online because no one carries it in stock. Which meant waiting four days to begin treatment.

I think there's a phrase that troubles never come singly. It seems like that be true sometimes. I hope things get better for you soon .

It is important to stop work for a tug-of-war match, featuring an old paint roller!

Aren't you done yet?! It's dinner time!

Mom. Quit taking pictures. You said you were done, now let's go!!

A church in PA

Another church in PA

Basilica of St Michael, Loretto, PA

Tomb of Fr. Demetrius Gallitzin, who founded Loretto. He was a Russian prince who became a poor missionary priest out here in the Alleghenies.

Adjoining cemetery with original inhabitants

Flight 93 Memorial

 

[Callender Girl]

I am sorry that Constance is not doing well. My poor Goo was less than 4 pounds at the end, although he attacked his food with great vigor until his final day.

I am shocked and saddened when people suggest putting down animals that aren't "perfect." Goo was never able to see, so he just learned to negotiate the world in his own special way. I still have a blind rescue dog and have had a deaf one. One of my favorite Bantam hens had a stricture wound early in life and hopped around on one foot until her last day; Sally was quite fierce and would chase off full-sized birds without hesitation.

The idea of a "handicap" is a human one, not an animal one. They don't feel sorry for themselves, they just live their lives.

Hope your dad decides he likes Pennsylvania. I've been through the state a few times.

It makes me think about my heritage, as my dad's ancestors were among the "Pennsylvania Dutch," a corruption of the word, "Deutsch," which means German. That, combined with my late mother's insistence that she of Irish descent ate sauerkraut every day of her pregnancy, may explain my fondness for German food!

My sister showed up yesterday and is planning to visit until Thursday. We started on a project I've been putting off, and I warned her to be very careful around the table saw.

Moments later, after I had turned off the saw, I didn't notice that the blade was still spinning just a bit. I am fortunate to have only sustained a small cut -- maybe a quarter of an inch because that's the depth I had set the saw blade for cutting plywood -- above the top knuckle of one finger. And, I am kicking myself for not taking my own advice about caution!!

Fortunately, I keep ample "veterinary" supplies in a front closet, so after popping a piece of gauze on the wound, my sister was able to use vet wrap to secure it. That, and hydrogen peroxide (also for critters!) did a great job.

Today, we will take on safer projects

 

[Evadig]

I heavily considered not posting today, because all I've been doing is sorting and boxing (or bagging, for donations). I try to keep similar items together, but no matter how carefully I look, I always miss something. The most recent escapee was a house from grandmother's Christmas Village, that someone is using as a night light!

The fun part of this all is finding old papers or objects belonging to my parents or to departed relatives. Notable finds include my great-grandmother's immigration papers, my grandfather's high-school diploma, and my dad's class book from basic training.

Con had a good day today, and even played with a squeaky mouse I got her. Eva, on the other hand, seems to be suffering from some sort of neurological symptoms today (she was just fine before...). She could hardly chew a quarter-inch size piece of (raw) carrot, one of her favorite treats.

I'm tired, so I'll end there. Hopefully I sleep well tonight (and also get more of the bed - last night Annie took over three-fourths of it, and most of the quilt! ).

Unfortunately, hardly any pictures:

Three generations of iphone. (R-L) the first one was around 2015; second, 2019; third, 2022

Look at this mess!!

Brianna

Finnegan

There was the cutest scene of them today, but I couldn't get a picture. Down by the pond there's a bench. Both cats were sitting side-by-side on the bench, looking out to the pond. It was worthy of a painting.

Somehow my responses got moved down here...

It makes me think about my heritage, as my dad's ancestors were among the "Pennsylvania Dutch," a corruption of the word, "Deutsch," which means German. That, combined with my late mother's insistence that she of Irish descent ate sauerkraut every day of her pregnancy, may explain my fondness for German food!

You know, I never thought about Pennsylvania Dutch being German. I always assumed they were, in fact, Dutch!

What is your favorite German food? Mine is chocolate cake .

My sister showed up yesterday and is planning to visit until Thursday. We started on a project I've been putting off, and I warned her to be very careful around the table saw.

Moments later, after I had turned off the saw, I didn't notice that the blade was still spinning just a bit. I am fortunate to have only sustained a small cut -- maybe a quarter of an inch because that's the depth I had set the saw blade for cutting plywood -- above the top knuckle of one finger. And, I am kicking myself for not taking my own advice about caution!!

Fortunately, I keep ample "veterinary" supplies in a front closet, so after popping a piece of gauze on the wound, my sister was able to use vet wrap to secure it. That, and hydrogen peroxide (also for critters!) did a great job.

Today, we will take on safer projects

I'm glad you didn't get cut worse than that. And it's good you have medical supplies in one place. Mine are scattered all over the house - mostly in the thirty something boxes stored under the basement stairwell!

 

[Callender Girl]

Hope Eva is doing better for her sake and yours! It's so hard to see one of our pets suffering and to worry about them.

But, how cool that you are finding vintage family documents

Last night was tough because one of my Sapphire Splashes didn't come in when it was time to coop for the night. I searched for hours, until it got too dark. This morning, the dogs insisted on going out in the wee hours. And, at 3:52 a.m., I spotted a safe-but-silly hen, running back and forth in front of the garage.

Why she was out and about when she should have been hiding from potential predators is beyond me. Also, she is one of the off-color splashes; not a single blue-gray feather on her. Alice is stark, solid white -- easy for me to see in the dark. But, she's lucky she wasn't spotted by one of the many, many critters that would like to eat a bright, white hen.

It took two tries to capture her but I popped her back into her coop, apparently completely unharmed. I, on the other hand, had been terribly stressed, sad and not able to get much sleep.

Consequently, she spent today "grounded," left in the coop and run while her sisters went out to play.

Today there was a naturalist at the new riverside nature center who was going to present a program on bats. It was free, and I had to go to town anyway to pick up Goo's ashes (I've buried all the other cats, but he was has been my constant companion for 15 years). The program was great, and although I've always been intrigued by bats, I learned that they are even cooler than I thought.

My wounded finger is healing nicely, but I'm more wary than ever of that table saw!!

It's hard to choose my favorite German food. But at Aldi today I snagged some of its German Week pumpernickel bread. Always delicious! Of course, I'm also a big fan of sauerkraut and learned to make my own at an ISU Extension class.

A few years ago, I bought a package of 12 pumpernickel rolls and left them on the kitchen island while I went outside for just a few minutes. When I came in, the rolls were gone -- bag and all. Turns out one of the dogs I had then, a Great Pyrenees, also loved a good, dark rye. Pearl had grabbed the bag off the island and ate Every Single Roll.

Has your family decided on where to move? Is Pennsylvania still in the running?