Potpourri

This week I will cover several items, including a visit from son Toby and his girlfriend, Sarah. I have a short video of Elmo in packing paper, photos of deer in the neighborhood, and an update on my turntable. Life with an arm in a sling is developing into a routine with a few adaptations. Take a look!

The highlight of the week was a visit from son Toby and his girlfriend, Sarah. Toby listed his home in South Bend, Indiana, and has moved to Las Vegas. This was the last trip, moving the few items he had left at his home, and he wanted to drive through the Colorado Rockies on the way home to show Sarah the mountains.

We enjoyed meeting Sarah and wish Toby luck in finding a new job and selling his South Bend home.

We had noticed deer tracks around our yard, and the other day I was able to get a photo of deer in the neighborhood. This one was across the road from us, eating corn the neighbors had put out.

Our local library has moved into a new location, and we decided it was time for a field trip to get our library cards. (It was also a chance for me to get out of the house.) Not very large or sophisticated, the library is clean and neat and offers a little of everything. I found a few books by my favorite author, Clive Cussler, and Pam found a book as well.

The book check-out brought a trip down memory lane as the library cards are simple and books are still stamped with the due date on a little pocket inside the cover.

Pam had received a box that included some packing paper. Elmo and the kittens had to check it out. I had hoped for more action, but the cats seems satisfied just to sniff and examine this unusual material.

I am going to take a moment and talk a little about the turntable I am using in my LP to digital project. The Bang & Olufsen Beogram TX is one of a number of linear (or tangential) tracking turntables produced by various manufacturers during the ’80s and early ’90’s. Linear tracking keeps the needle at a right angle to the record grooves, mimicking the way the record was pressed. There is no “skating” to the center of the record.

The TX was B&O’s “consumer” level turntable, and B&O produced ‘audiophile’ tables as well, most notably the 8000 series. I am very pleased to have the TX which was given to me by our good friend from DeBeque, Cindy Farris. Cindy reads the blog from time to time and I just wanted to say “thank you” and let her know the table is still running and in use.

Life with arm in a sling is developing into a routine. A few small accommodations have helped, things one may not normally consider. For example, I have to take a few meds twice a day. Previously I would put these in my left hand and raise my water bottle with my right. No can do now, so I snagged a couple of those little pill cups frequently used in clinics.

I put the pills in the cup and use my left hand to take the pills then raise my water bottle. Additionally, I have found that a small slit at the top of a banana makes it much easier to peel. One does what one can to make one-handed life easier.

The upcoming week has few planned activities. Pam will continue to work in the guest room and I will continue with my LP to digital project, but right now life is slow without self-imposed deadlines.

That’s it for now. Thanks for looking in!

Pam’s Penny

I opened the door to the back (south) porch yesterday and found an injured cat looking up at me. I had my eye on this little black youngster [when looking at the outdoor feeder] earlier in the day – something seemed off. Appears to be the end result of a cat fight with facial injuries. I scooped the animal into a cat carrier.

It was Friday afternoon and (predictably) zero helpful response from the vet. Time to go to the basement and pull up one of the metal pens, haul it out to the catio. Set up bedding/food/catbox. Mix up amoxicillin (from powder on hand) and squirt some into the cat’s mouth. Transfer cat into pen. Wait and watch. All weekend.

There is a responsibility assumed when putting out food for neighborhood cats; I accept that. And, generally, rescue is perceived to be a good thing. But, as a rescuer, it sucks. Anxiety, sadness, expense predominate. My experience in Iowa is that vets don’t seem to “get” rescue, an added layer. Time will tell if “Nat the cat” makes it through the weekend to a vet appointment next week.

On a positive note, it was lovely to meet Sarah and talk to Toby face-to-face about his relocation plans. The detour to NE Iowa did lengthen their return drive west, making the overnight visit doubly appreciated.

Happy trails, Toby and Sarah.