Just because you are dying is no reason to stop living

a thought while attending to my fragile, ill parents. every second of every minute of every day is precious.

What's worse than a trip to the dentist? A trip to the VETERINARY dentist!

Thursday Bonnie went to the vet for her Lyme disease vaccination, all 100 lbs of her quivering and quaking, another measure of support to our kindly Dr. Murphy. Of course, she's already been to the doggy dentist so her fears were well-founded.


That was the EASY trip. Saturday, we scheduled our three geriatric cats, missing assorted limbs, teeth (but not claws!) etc. for their checkups and various vaccines. We planned carefully, closing doors and trapping the felines. Or so we thought.

Despite SEEING Cow in the kitchen as we tag-teamed Bird and Gimpy into their crates, he somehow vanished in a room with closed doors. We spent a half-hour looking in 120 square feet with no luck - how did a cat with three legs completely vanish? Off we went to Dr. Murphy, with a feline duet of wails from the other two serenading us all the while. Copious "fear shedding" was enjoyed (not) by all, and poor Bird, at age 15, is suffering from gingivitis and broken teeth. So, Cow (we hope) will be vaccinated today, while Bird goes to the dentist Thursday. He does NOT approve.

Some like it... fizzy. Or, it IS easy being green!

While in Portland, I was captivated by Miguel and Aurelia's Soda Club machine. This is a gadget that takes regular old tap or spring water and more or less instantly carbonates it to the carbonation level of your choice. You can save bundles if, like me, you are partial to fizzy water, or water "avec gas" en francais. As long as you have water, you never run out! Plus you aren't generating lots of plastic bottle waste! I had to have one. I must say, it is very cool. If you are intrigued - http://www.sodaclubusa.com/! I plan to experiment with rose water, lavender, and other herbal sodas myself.

Belly Bombers Bursting in Air

While in Wellfleet, when not surfing, basking in the sun with friends, obsessing over puzzles and playing Scrabble, we enjoyed the fruits of the sea, and the garden. One night we had fresh carrots and peas, a roasted beet and goat cheese salad, and fresh local cod.

For Jaime's birthday, a small group went out to the "Wicked Oyster", a nice restaurant in Wellfleet. Birthday cake was enjoyed by all, and then the younger set went out to the fireworks (Louise stayed home with the dogs, who barked everytime a firework went off!)

For a post-birthday celebration, a large group went fishing in Wellfleet Bay. We were less than successful, snaring only crabs (Louise and Lindsey) and a tiny black bass (Dave) that was returned to the wild.

We caught some organic salmon and tuna at the seafood shack on the wharf to console ourselves. Collie made some seared tuna with avocado and wasabi, Jaime and Dave made planked salmon, and Luke made grilled steak. Two types of salad accompanied.

The time went too quickly and soon the boat pointed homeward and we were off to Boston, Plymouth, New York and Amherst to resume our day jobs.

Beach Bonnie and Bonny Beaches: Wellfleet Wanderings

On June 28th, we packed the minivan full of two weeks worth of groceries, bedding and beach towels, plus 4 humans and 2 dogs, and trekked down to Wellfleet, MA, to celebrate Cici and Jaime's birthdays. Wellfleet is below Truro and Provincetown on the "lower Cape", which is really the northerly end of the Cape, but never mind. It's a beautiful location, somewhat removed from the "tacky" side of Cape Cod vacations. Beaches are on both the bay side and Atlantic side, and both sides are stunning.

Bay side


Atlantic side

Bonnie took full advantage of the surf, and surfed the couch as well (she highly approved of the cushions!)


Stay tuned for more Wellfleet Wanderings!

Bette Davis Thighs

Bette Davis once said: "Growing old is not for sissies." Damn straight!

After participating in the Chase Corporate Challenge Race last night (a three mile foot-powered excursion through the streets of Boston) I totally agree! I am humbled, sissified and sore... not to mention I probably had 25 years or more on most of the participants!

I did, however, finish the race and I wasn't the last one to the finish line (though not really in the same half hour as this guy) - and I got a cool t-shirt and contributed to charity besides. Though there was probably a reason most of the people my age were working the first aid or cheering sections... Sissies!

Louise and Alex love Harry Potter

Much to the dismay of both spouses, Louise and Alex have a tiny obsession with Harry Potter. Okay, maybe not so tiny. But we can stop anytime.... Jim and Michael put up with re-watching of the five Harry Potter movies whenever they appear on television - because it MIGHT be the version where they include outtakes... lots of space taken up in the bookcases by American paperback versions, British paperback versions, hardback versions, "special" hardback versions... lots of space taken up in luggage toting one or more HP books while traveling to and fro...

Last summer we (Louise and Alex) attended HP5 in Burlington, MA, while Alex was here for a visit to see her college roommate Diane in Portsmouth, NH. Along with the beloved TomTom, Louise provided Alex with suitable accessories for the BIG event - the release of the final volume of Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Louise also had appropriate adornment for the release parties. Alex stood in line in New York City (having reserved her copy at a bookstore near her hotel) while Louise (taking pity on Jim after dragging him to the Potterfest in Harvard Square earlier in the day) waited (in costume) at the local Borders in Cambridge. As the minutes ticked away toward midnight, our excitement grew and we texted each other as to our progress in the line. At last we clutched our respective copies.

I almost couldn't bear to read the book because it was the end of an era - but then I couldn't bear NOT to read the book. Late through the night and into the morning, I could be heard gasping and moaning as the story unfolded. A year later, I'm still not sure how I feel about how the series ended. However, that doesn't stop me (or Alex) from greatly desiring the British paperback version of Deathly Hallows due out this July. Alas, although I did SERIOUSLY consider it, the $1K or more price tag for flights to Great Britain to pick up the book has dissuaded me! I'll have to hope for world (business) traveler Alex to take pity on me.

And then there is the Harry Potter theme park opening up in Florida.... Hmm.