
Last randomness from E
So, it’s almost that time again, I have to switch countries.
Yesterday Robbie and I took down the Christmas tree and all the deckies. We kept it up extra long because neither one of us really wanted Christmas to end, (even though we did tell ourselves that our visiting friends Chris and Diane needed to see the tree), actually, deep down we both know that our time in E is coming to a close and it’ll be 2-3 months before we are together again and neither one of us wants that, but then neither one of us wanted the inevitability of R having to take down the tree and deckies by himself…too sad.
So the only thing Christmas left at the cottage is this basket of nuts and one box of R’s After Eights. (we also finished the Christmas cake last night). I have a toothache, so I should better go to Apple Tree Dental tomorrow. I remember I felt something in the morning when we ate nuts.
But then, it’s time to focus on spring and new projects.
Took Theo to the vet this week because he was acting like perhaps something was stuck in his teeth, or his mouth. The vet found a loose and infected tooth…poor old buddy…and she hoiked it out π and sent us away with anti-inflammatory drops for him, which will also help his arthritis in the cold weather.
We also found out that he’s lost a bit of weight, which we don’t like, so we’ve been spoiling him rotten with assorted bowls of yumminess. We thought his head might explode at the choices, but he just dives right in!
This winter R and I completed a few projects, like insulating a part of the attic space previously uninsulated, and clearing out and reorganising the shed…you know…those mundane type things no one really wants to tackle. In Orlando FL bat removal is commonly needed so insulating the attic and filling the holes was an important thing we needed to do before winter.Β So we’re really happy it’s done!
I did some research and found out that there is no easy way I can take my orchid to Vancouver…barring three separate permits and inspections to protect Canada from imported British pests and diseases…Boo! That means I’ve just lumbered Robbie with a fifth house plant to take care of while I’m not here, and while I take houseplants as a replaceable commodity, he takes it all very seriously and wants them to survive and be happy until I get back. And he’s not a plants person at all! Poor R.
But for now, we still have a couple of days and open fires and healthy Theo and each other. Counting our blessings. π
Sharing with Nancy and the random crew. π
debrapugh
Hoik! I haven’t heard that one for ages : ) Glad he’s feeling better now π
Veronica
It’s a useful word, isn’t it…lol. π
Hootin' Anni
The orchid is beautiful!!! Too bad you cannot take it with you. And Theo…poor thing!!! Hope all is well with him real soon.
Veronica
I know Anni. Thanks so much. He’s feeling better already. π
IcyBC
Your orchids are so beautiful!
Hope Theo feels much better soon!
Veronica
He’s feeling better today already. π
Judith Morgan
Orchid beautiful. Cat lovely. Great photos. Thanks for your blog, Veronica, and good luck on your travels. Following you on FB now so I can share your posts. Thanks, Judith x
Veronica
Thanks so much Judith, let’s be friends. π
dawnsrays
By leaving him an extra plant to look after in your place it’s kind of like he is tending to you ( or at least that’s what you can say to him). You look good in a mask, btw π
Glad that all is right with Theo. Hope you enjoy your remaining time with your husband. Have a fabulous weekend!
~Dawn
Veronica
I know Dawn, but it makes me laugh to think he’s so anti houseplants maintenance with everything he has to do. Feeling sorry for him. Blue mask is my true colour…lol.
Beth
gorgeous orchid. i hope Theo feel better soon. ( :
happy weekend. rainy here.
Veronica
It mercifully stopped raining here for a couple of days Beth. The rivers, (Thames and Windrush) are causing much havoc. Our garden was submerged and now is an absolute quagmire, but the waters are going down. That’s what we get for living on the flat lands here in Oxfordshire. Happily, Vancouver is a great, big pile of granite. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. π
Snap
Beautiful orchid and hope Theo is on the mend. Enjoy your time with the hubby. Happy Friday!
Veronica
Happy Friday Snap. I think Theo will be just fine now. He’s old but he’s a scrapper. π
Daryl
poor baby i am sure his appetite was off due to his infected tooth … he’ll be back to himself in no time … our harry is going to have some dental work done, his breath could stop a clock and its due to bad teeth .. the vet keeps telling us to brush his teeth .. right … i am in theory its a good idea but in practice not so much .. i cant imagine either of our boys letting us brush their teeth …
Veronica
I think so too Daryl. Trouble is he’s gone feral between the pub and our place, so he’s stoic and it’s hard to tell when he’s in trouble. He also had to have 15 teeth removed last year, including a canine which he snapped in half before he came to us, but he still catches and crunches mice. We have a paste type of toothpaste which just has to be spread on his teeth. He doesn’t like it.
lynn
I imagine Theo will put on weight now that the festered tooth has gone. -my hubby worked overseas, at one point the contract didn’t include wives or family so we had long separations for several years, I found a positive attitude made all the difference to the separation, you sound like you’ve found that managing spot living apart demands.
Veronica
It takes a bit of courage, doesn’t it? Glad you’re all together now. π
vastlycurious.com
Beautiful ! My tree is still up !
Veronica
I don’t blame you Kathryn, we had a hard time taking it down. π
vastlycurious.com
After tomorrow I will. Hosting a party for my mom’s 80th and it adds such warmth ! A lot of my neighbors still have their decorations up as well. It seems extended this year. I read you are on the move again? Nice.
Veronica
Aw, happy birthday to your mom! My mom turns 80 next Christmas. Yup, on the move again… π
diane
“Hoik”??? π I love that word … poor kitty, though! I’m sure the smorgasbord made up for any discomfort!
Happy New Year!
diane @ aug’s blog
Veronica
Hi Diane, it’s a good word, isn’t it? π
michellepond
Glad Theo is feeling better and hope you have a good trip back.
Veronica
Thanks so much Michelle, it’s always such a long slog back across the Atlantic. Thank goodness for movies. π
Rose
I love, love, love that last picture…I love to sit by a fire. To sit by a fire with a friend is even better.
Veronica
Thank you Rose, it is the bestest in the world! π
Nancy @ A Rural Journal
I had two orchids that bloomed once then died. Yours is lovely — I hope it survives your absence!
Veronica
I’m not too worried Nancy. I tend to just think of houseplants as cut flowers, you know, at a bit of a bargain. So if the orchid lasts for two months at $20 then that’s good value and can easily get composted. (I have no heart…lol)
sarahhuizenga
That infected tooth could certainly create some problems.
Veronica
Yup, that’s what’s done it for sure. He’s feeling better now. π
KathyB.
My orchids and my African Violets thrive on neglect. So see, there is hope for Robbie and your orchid. That is a beautiful orchid, a color I haven’t seen around here.
I am glad your kitty is well . It is hard being separated from loved ones isn’t it ? The internet sure makes it a tad bit easier, but still can’t cuddle you on a cold night. π
Veronica
Mine too Kathy…lol…although I don’t really do African violets, but the orchids get tossed outside in April, brought back in in October and flower their little heads off. What’s that all about? π
abrianna
My kitty looks a lot like yours from the back!
Sorry you can’t take kitty and orchid with you.
Veronica
Me too Abrianna. Wish I could take every one and every thing with me. Miss them something rotten.