5 OS pleasures in your day today - part 3

Happycas

A very grey day.

Tree is up, decorated, lit.   Very pretty it is too.

Weekly park meeting with DD.   Chilly and damp but so good to see her. Will soon be able to meet her without being muffled up, fingers crossed.

Chicken curry for tea.   Will warm us up.

Garden bunting is now mucky looking pink with red streaks!   Curse you, red bias binding!

Happy Saturday everyone

DigForVictory

Argh RK, getting in the way! And the cold & dark & not getting the lads PC to cooperate with its future, as if it doesn't want to let go its memories and secrets Anyway

Purple kitten - I wish I could ply you & sufferer with IrnBru & a Full Scottish - but I think a tumble drier may actually be of more immediate help & use. I've a few garments that technically shouldn't start the wash process lest they reappear on me.

Bala - nothing strange about food as a gift! Indeed look at our pleasures - so many edible! Hugs to Tiggy & oh, the foxes.

villagelife - guys & gadgets. Still, it does mean you know which wall Not to put a bookcase on.

VJsmum - oh blast "somehow i was dissatisfied with how it went" but hurrah hair cut!

PaulieHerts - it's a very special cake if its eaten on 1 degree C temperature

LaineyT - yowch knee! Hot & cold & epsom salts & painkillers all good. Rest and healthy eating is good. Gently!

Happycas - real home made rice pudding is a glorious treat! OK Fate jogged your elbow, but still. Ooh, chicken curry - yum!

mhagster - real Australian stocking fillers - cor! Weeding & pruning - you remind me I really should. You in charge of leaving & baby shower gifts - an honour but your colleagues do know How Old your younglings are?! Or are they counting on your discerning taste?

DundeeDoll - it's the work hours swamping the daylight ones that does a number on where'd time go?! We're huge fans of Pegg & Frost, but how not - they make such hilarious, detailed films!

villagelife - supporting local industry with Christmas card choices - excellent. The young do get a bit excitable at No Internet. The wonderful thing about painting is you can crack on & if you do come down midway you can see where.

OS Pleasures recently

Tolerating Michael Buble for his trumpeter. Just wish the Boss & E Street would go a few Christmas numbers as they are glorious!

Located a copy of Die Hard & checked it’s playable - part of Christmas sorted. Still need the Muppet Christmas Carol...

The poison for visiting rodents appears to have claimed a victim, but one son is searching a lidded box to move the not yet expired, Himself is getting out of bed (sacrificing his lie-in) to supervise & sending youngest to fetch a sledgehammer. Me, claiming a fear of all rodents (& actually shy of heavy tools in confined spaces,) I’m hunkered well out of the way of this. [Animal hauled out into daylight & left in the park.]

“I ought to dust my bazooka” - but the eye surgery means absolutely no dust, particulate matter, solvents etc & so he’s curled up reading. Not even whimpering for his pipe - the virus really has changed things.

A very old Mock The Week with Tom Allen smiling that “charm can take you a very long way” - yes & hurrah for it! 

I first heard Blossom Dearie’s “the shape of things” back as a teenager & was humming it when I woke up. I went to check my memory of the lyrics & it has even more fun than I recalled, the recording I knew word for word seemingly the radio mix of the day.

There’s a definite smirk in the kindly offer of a (rather late) breakfast of “rouleau de saucisse grillée” but the dear lad’s heart is in the right place - beside the oven.

“When I wheel my beautiful, strange daughter” - friend celebrating birthday is just heartbreakingly clear eyed about the sneering ignorant, having been a right individual as a youth & now father to a lass whose life is so fragile but who’s willpower is so tenacious.

“Lick holy wine from their navels” - the penalty for not watching TV but just listening can be high, but while my imagination is happily boggling, my husband is dubious as to the volumetric quantity.

Youngest has (with permission) snaffled a (merely decorative) Starbucks card to carefully gouge into a template, as he has an abundance of windows to draw & reckons a template will accelerate matters. “Have you a ruler, a scalpel & a sticky plaster?” Traditional parental invocation....

Oh gods, Christmas card address bingo. So far I have 6 changes of address & 2 deaths (ahem) but since I haven’t updated the list since 2010, it feels a minor win.

The range cooker is mostly broke, so we’re using the little beko bachelor blessing (tiny oven/grill with 2 hotplates on top) a lot. Himself has ordered a George Foreman grill (we’ve used 2 to death) & an actifry thing to keep the lads in carbs without many tears.

Middleson’s Christmas present, a gas forge, has arrived. I confess to eyeing it to see if you can book with it. Don’t think so but a heater definitely. Anyway, once there’s a gas bottle, I have two old Scout gas burners, camp cooking for the use of, solid heavyweight & very hard to kill. There will be hot porridge etc in the future. That we have working gas rings ignores the works very feebly issue - sure son will see it my way, after about 10 minutes hunger.

Cousin has sent me a touching Christmas card with a panel she drew my attention to, of the Massacre of the Innocents. Christ is born & the rest of his nursery cohort were slaughtered for political gain. She’s a very shrewd lass, my cousin. Never seen her mad in white linen but she buried her daughter a decade ago & understands the way the ground can wobble suddenly. Yet her lad got the only First in his degree that year 4 years ago - you can raise the surviving siblings to thrive despite.

Family decision, once most of the decorating sorted, to get a dog. (Sometime in the next 6 months then. Bathroom still ongoing & Plenty of other areas need work.) This May goad Youngest into social interaction in real time. It will nominally be Youngest’s, (hence Middleson’s flare of jealousy) but husband declares he will call it (& expect a response to) “Dog”. Something Heinz, medium sized & shorthaired, ideally, but I suspect once we meet almost any pup, we’ll be smitten. (May not get Any purebreed on health grounds, nor a Dane as they “eat more than the boys”...)

Hurrah, Zara Tindall expecting again & likely fairly well in before her husband allowed to say a word. Fingers crossed for them all!

Yeay Tudor Monastery Farm - love to rewatch the old team leading into the Christmas fun!

Chivvied into sorting a pile of stuff, a bag of tea towels surfaced. Himself rapturous & accusing me of hiding them - no, had completely forgotten!

Just seen a horse being taken for a walk & it paused beside a house, & sure enough the lady & infant darted out with carrot & caresses.

Team meeting & late joining colleague was stumped to hear a lively discussion of cosplay. (We see All Sorts of things on bank statements.)

Sixth form sent me an email about picking up certificates, coursework etc. Himself “action this day!” Lad “eh? Er, email me?” Me rolling eyes - like I can Action Anything related to our over-18-thank-you son. Nudge, hint, cajole, hector - yes. Action not my job.

Virtual tour of UK Supreme Court - recruiting for vacancy so any women judges with at least 2 but preferably 15+ years experience should apply?! Stunning London location - amazing vintage crusty outside, splendidly bright & well liaised with English Heritage inside - glorious mix of ancient & modern. Said to be very accessible (but wheelchair users may disagree).

It’s cold & wet outside, but that isn’t stopping one horse & rider both wrapped in hi vis waterproofing from trotting briskly along, & proving there’s no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothing!

Son watching some film “the woman’s got a nasty rash” & the rest of us snickered, ahem.

Tree up! Decorations need to be exhumed but the Complete Lack of Help is traditional.

Health strength love & courage to all as have need & a reliable stepladder, box, blutack, batteries, pins, paintstripper etc etc to anyone decorating!

DundeeDoll

bo rap indeed vjsmum
cold and wet outside here too dfv but nothing dampens our spirits (except in my case a leaking boiler boo hoo, phone call to the plumber Monday)
1) love Saturday mornings - a much needed lie-in
2) then a long soak in a bubbly bath, today bubbles courtesy of 1/2 a lush hippo
3) then litter pick - 52 plastic bottles (!), 5 cans and a discarded mask. On the up side, 57 items now in recycle and a wee beastie won't get tangled up in a discarded mask
4) lunch with gbf then a walk round the botanics then back to the cafe for a cuppa - the staff know us well now!
5) and now watching Whisky Galore, which stars my neighbour Annie aka Granny Island.

Purple_kitten

Ohh I look forward to the pup adventures D4V.

Bala, he’s not responding to the meds at all but we were told to allow a week, he’s the first one we have ever had where so far nothing is being affective. I won’t lie we are worried. We will chat with the vet on Monday, I’m thinking of either a temporary high dose, or if something different is available?, I don’t want him to have more investigations as I’m not a fan of them being put under, and he’s been under twice in the last 6 weeks.

1 Ohh found a purple ferret face t shirt I had stashed away for one of DH’s Christmas presents result, I had forgotten.

2 Made cawli cheese and grilled some Cumberland’s to go with.

3 There might have been a green and blacks ice cream tub, there isn’t anymore.

4 Currently watching the shape of water.

ampersand

Good night to be snuggled in, up, down....every which way.  Lucky ones add 'with' :-)
1. Wonderful Addenbrookes yesterday. Again the 1.3miles of corridor🚶‍♀️en route>PSU. Progress! Off floated dressing, big H stitches still a big mess, but still holding well. No real pain all week. So lucky!

2.  Lush h-m rtc oxtail+red onion slow cooker casserole last night. 3 future portions tucked away.

3. Answered phone.  College salon. Had responded to their '2 sessions only' em during week with 'Yes please! Hair screaming for mercy'.  They were 4 X overbooked, so next bkg done for January, BUT today's call means HAIR next Thursday.💆‍♀️ Yippee!  Lucky &:-)

4. Yesterday, Town of Gown, JL. Soddit moment long overdue.  Perfect wandering in and timing by chance.  &'s fave Eau de Parfum 100ml Chanel no.5 on Friday only offer, £20 off!  Use with &'s recent £40 voucher for changing>JL phone+bb?.....yup, all worked:-)  OOS for now, matters not.  Collection from Town of Horse emporium before crimbo will be luverley:-)
5. 
Sunset from The Gallops, with rain, around 16h today. Some sturdy walking, good red windfall apple munched, 2p found on ground, small thermos of black green tea, reading dear grauniad(50p reduction), listening.....and Toulon won, 26-14 🏉♥️🏉.
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Sweet dreams and pink icecreams, high time for everyone. Feeling fortunate. 

balabooberlies

Hello PK

have been racking my brains over viruses or bacteria that could be affecting Nestle.  Lightbulb moment when I considered what has always concerned me regarding my dogs.  Especially the last 15 years.  Here is what I found when researching for Nestle.

PK, if you and your vet have already considered this then let me know and I will delete this post.  Just to add, dogs get this from SNAIL and SLUG excretions in this country.  NOT MOSQUITOS.  (Emphasising, not shouting).  So it's highly possible that ferrets can pick it up this way too.  Also this information was posted in 2008.  Things have moved on since then including the drugs that are used to prevent/eliminate this awful parasite.

Heartworm in Ferrets

PetMD Editorial

August 11, 2008

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Dirofilaria immitis Parasite

Heartworm disease is a dangerous parasitic infection that is transmitted by mosquitoes. The worm, a Dirofilaria immitis parasite, lodges itself in the pulmonary artery of the ferret's heart and grows, causing the organ to increase in size, high blood pressure and/or blood clots (much like in dogs). It may be seen in ferrets at any age, and is usually more common in tropical and semi-tropical zones. Also, infections consisting of very few worms (one to two adults) is sufficient enough to cause severe heart disease (and death) in ferrets.

Symptoms and Types

Because the heartworm(s) disturbs the normal function of the ferret's heart and circulatory system, these are some symptoms which may be present:

• Rapid heart beat
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Depression
• Weight loss and muscle wasting
• Fluid accumulation in the abdomen or chest

In addition, heartworm disease affects the distribution of blood to the lungs, leading to such breathing difficulties as:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing
• Rales or crackles (clicking, rattling, or crackling noises heard during inhalation)

Causes

This disease occurs when the ferret becomes infected with D. immitis, usually transmitted through a bite from a mosquito carrying the parasite.

Diagnosis

This is not an easy disease to diagnose. However, the heartworm antigen test, which detects adult heartworm skin in the animal's blood, appears to be the most useful. An echocardiogram can produce a picture of the ferret's heart and help identify any heartworms, too.

Treatment

The veterinarian will be focused on killing off the worms, followed by treatment to increase lung function -- generally done with an anti-parasite and prednisone medication combo. Worm-killing therapy carries the risk of complications from drug toxicity and worm emboli (a blocking of blood vessel). However, treatment with long-term anti-parasite medication and prednisone kills off the heartworms more slowly, making the chances of a worm emboli less likely.

It is important to restrict the animal's activity for at least four to six weeks once the treatment has begun.

If the ferret is suffering from severe heart problems or failure, it will need to be hospitalized and stabilized. The chest may also need to be tapped to remove any fluid that could have accumulated.

Prevention

Preventative medicine like selamectin or ivermectin should be given to ferrets who live in a high risk area and are allowed outside. In addition, eliminating mosquitoes from the ferret’s environment can help prevent heartworm disease.

Living and Management

After recovery, it is important to follow-up with immunization treatment. The veterinarian will also want to perform an antigen test three to four weeks after the medications are administered, and chest X-rays may be needed periodically to follow the ferret's progress.

............................................................

My love, hugs and kisses to you all.

bala

x

villagelife

1. Worked but it was ok and double time which helps.
2. Took food to DS1 who is isolating. He has a cough and as his boss is positive he took a test yesterday. At a drive thru but you do your own test.
It was good to be able to take him some supplies.
3. Text conversation with a friend.
4. Watched a christmas film. DH says he didn't like it but didn't change the channel! It had a happy ending.
5. DS2 swabbing himself for his details to be in record for ,he thinks, stem cell purposes.

LaineyT

Ditto on the Boss DFV although I do have a live recording of him he doing Santa Claus is coming to town with an infectious giggle in the middle.
Good news on the thumb & and a resounding yes on the perfume treat.
For yesterday,

A rubbish nights sleep with painful knee made the lie-in all the sweeter with softest, warmest brushed cotton sheets being icing on the cake.

Listening to this https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00sfgx8 and craving a visit to the BM, the haul was from my neck of the woods too.

Visit to pony, school and lunge pen waterlogged so her and my knee had a reprieve, instead I sat on my grooming box in her stable while she dozed or nibbled the pom-pom on my hat.

Started a new to me book, the first in the Kate Shackleton series, liking so far.

Stuffed peppers and arancini for tea, might have opened a bottle as well.

Nargleblast

Pleasures yesterday.....

Soggy, squelchy day did not stop the dog enjoying playing in the park, and she loved her usual rub down and doggy treat afterwards.

I had the place to myself as son was out for the day. 

Put marzipan on the Christmas cake, a job ticked off the list.

Phone call from Dad confirming Christmas presents arrived safely. One a box of bits and pieces to open at Christmas, the other a fruit and cheese hamper to enjoy now. He sounded really chuffed.

Extra little walk this evening with dog, walking around the neighbourhood, looking at the Christmas lights displays. So many people have made a big effort this year.

A wet, soggy little cat plonking himself on my lap. Who needs the Met Office when you have a cat?

Hot chocolate and malted milk biscuits whilst watching Strictly.

Started new library book last night, Terry Pratchett's The Nightwatch. Another great read from the master of imagination.

mhagster

And pifffft just like that it’s Sunday again and a day at workety work. And it was busy as we were back to dine ins and take aways! And a new person started so they have to find their feet. And loads of catering to be done first thing and oooft it went on and on and on.

Nice early morning doggy walk . Just us and the birds.
Quick chat to DD1 as I thought I’d be quicker talking than typing  as I had plenty to do. One more week till I squeeze her! 

Excellent tips. Told new person they’re not always that good! 

And a doggy who’d not been left all day but had been on his own a few hours was just delighted that I was home. Me too boy, me too. 

Yesterday was an early start to the day for a couple of hours catering . Then I came home and went back to bed for a bit.
Then was back at work later all dressed as Mrs Claus. For a zoom evening with Santa ! Good fun! 

Got takeaway on way home which I’m just going to have the leftovers for my tea tonight. 

DFV my discerning taste and the fact that I’m an organiser and perhaps no one else would think to organise such occasions! I’d never heard that song before but have just listened and smiled 😄