I’ve been staring at a blank screen for a couple of hours now. I’m not sure why I’m having such a hard time starting this article. My late husband’s ashes rest in many places I’ve visited in the two and half years since he left. I expected the ceremonial process and writing about it would get easier. However, talking about leaving more of his ashes is harder than I expected this time around. Recently, a lot of internal wounds have opened up. My recent experience was extra salt for the already existing proverbial wound. In preparation I think I switched myself “off” during the event. I expected to process all the feels later. Now emotions overwhelm me.
So I added another place to the growing list my husband now rests. Leaving more of him this time has extra special meaning. Anyone who knew him knows how much he loved Kentucky basketball. Ironically, I have to tell this story. For a new role at work, he signed up to take Dale Carnegie classes in Peoria in the Fall of 2019. These classes changed his life but I remember he looked troubled after one particular class. I asked what was on his mind. Our conversation went much like; the class was given an assignment. The assignment was an oral arguement. He had no idea what to argue as he didn’t feel passionate enough about anything. I replied quickly that his argument should be how UK has the best basketball program and team. He smiled and that’s what he did. It was a success.
Honored to do this with one of Eric’s bestfriends. They visited Rupp together on many occasions.
Why Here was Different
Now, when the opportunity to go to Rupp Arena and put some of him there presented itself, I knew I had to do it. It felt right. Part of him should be in a place he loved so much and was a huge fan. But leaving more of him in a place he visited frequently was much different than most of the places before. The last place I left him was on his favorite golf course and the lake behind it. That was super emotional also. Rupp was different though and I couldn’t quite figure it out until now.
A week later, I’ve discovered something new. These two places are moments in time where he existed and was the happiest. His energy lives on in these spaces. In these moments and these spaces, leaving more of him has touched something in the universe that resonates with his very being.
I’m reminded of EDC 2019. Our last year attending this festival together in Las Vegas. The theme was “Kinetic Energy” and Bill Nye introduced, and performed the opening ceremony. He talks about how moving with lots of people in unison and creating kinetic energy together changes the brain. The energy makes us happy. So there is some science to it all.
This spreading of ashes was not a memorial of sorts but an honoring of his existence. An honoring of Eric being happy, in these spaces. And that was my lesson. I’ve had two very different types of spreadings. Ones for me, and ones for him. This one was for both. Rest in peace my love.
My first job in high school was with the Louisville Auto Club in downtown Louisville, Kentucky. There I learned my way around maps. My job was to provide directions to members taking trips. One of the most requested destinations was Sanibel Island in SW Florida. Since then, this little island has been on my list of places to visit.
Then in 2001, my new husband and I decided to take a belated honeymoon trip. He wanted to go to the beach. I wanted something a little less touristy, so we chose Sanibel Island over Labor Day. My time on the island was nothing short of magical. The vibe, the scenery, the wildlife, all of it touched my soul.
Hurricanes and More Storms
I had never been to an island before. The pace is just a little slower. The smell of the salt air and the sand is somehow different. In the following years we visited a couple more times. I got to see most of the major sights. That is until Hurricane Charley made landfall in Punta Gorda in August of 2004. Charley was one of the strongest hurricanes to ever hit the US and one of four that struck Florida that year. Charley intensified just before turning to put Sanibel in its path. The devastation was terrible.
The rebuild was difficult. In 2005 while waiting on a rental car in Fort Myers airport about to go to Sanibel, I watch Hurricane Katrina decimate New Orleans. What irony. Once I arrived on the island, Sanibel showed visible scars from Charley. I watched as small businesses closed. Different restaurants and shops were closed each time I went back over the years. Sanibel did rebuild but it wasn’t the same. It became something different but still just as wonderful. There was even a paperback written about the experience of the island. Topography wise, the causeway between Captiva and Sanibel was eroded. The other worldly canopy of greenery that once completely shaded Periwinkle Way was gone. Trees were uprooted all over the island. The JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge I had biked a few years prior took a hit as well and rebuilt different trails.
The Spark That Ignited the Dream
Now back in those days, each rental unit had a guest book. Each guest would write a little something to the owners about their experience there. Kind of like Trip Advisor and Google Reviews now. The person staying in this one particular condo just before me had been there a month. A whole month. That stuck in the back of my mind. I suppose my bucket list started there because the thought of staying a whole month on Sanibel sounded just like heaven to me. Only in my dreams.
2005 would be my final trip to Sanibel for some time. In my mind I lived there. It was my happy place, even then. I kept up with the local news. On occasion I would check out the tidal chart and reminisce about shelling on the beaches, riding a boogie board all day just to eat some fruit on the beach and go back out in the water. Going to Jerry’s Foods and seeing the birds. Sanibel Spirits was also the closest liquor store. Two staples right next to each other.
Slowly over the following years, I forgot about Sanibel. Well, I didn’t exactly forget, just other vacations happened. New and exciting destinations I was able to travel to put Sanibel on the back burner so to speak. Then came 2020. My heart longed to go somewhere familiar. Somewhere I felt at peace. Somewhere away and different than the day to day. I remembered Sanibel. My slice of heaven. So, I booked two weeks in a condo and headed down. I drove this time. I had family move to Venice, Florida recently so I arranged time in Venice before and after Sanibel. There it was. My month in Florida. It was really happening.
Going Back to The Little Island of Sanibel
A lot of my healing took place in Florida. Mostly on Sanibel Island. Including September of 2020, I have spent a total of about 90 days in Florida with 57 being on Sanibel Island. During my EMDR therapy, when I was asked to quickly think of a safe place in my head, Sanibel was it.
Sanibel is no stranger to storms. As an island in the gulf, it can get pretty scary sometimes. Sally was just rolling through on my very first trip back. I stood on the beach as a lightning storm came in first. All I can say is the lightning was an amazing sight. Parts of the island were flooded but for the most part it was business as usual in the following days. I quickly became acquainted with the island once more.
Getting Reacquainted
Every morning my routine was to get up, drink coffee and head out for a bike ride through the JN “Ding” Darling Preserve to watch the birds eat their morning meals. The gentlemen working the toll booth came to know me. Sometimes I would ride down Wulfert Keys Trail and sit on the bench. I liked to sit when it was empty. Some days I rode through fast, some days slower to take pictures and spot the wildlife. It was a good eight-mile trek. Four miles through and another four back. The road through the preserve is one way so getting back was a ride down Sanibel-Captiva Road.
Some days after the ride through the preserve, I would pick a beach I hadn’t seen and ride to it. I spread a blanket and sat or walked around in the surf. Captiva, Bowman’s, Bailey’s, Blind Pass, Gulfside City Park, I’ve seen them all.
This little island is a bikers’ dream. So many other tracts exist, and I’ve traveled a lot of them. There’s a trail between Middle Gulf Road and Algiers Lane which has a cemetery. There is another favorite trail running parallel with Rabbit Road connecting West Gulf Road and Sanibel-Captiva Road. These were my constants.
When I would arrive on the island, I parked my truck and didn’t start it again until I was leaving. Most evenings, I rode to the lighthouse and shelled at low tide. My first ride out always consisted of grabbing an Islander Newspaper and pulling out the tide reports. I lived by the tide. I’ve ridden across the causeway more than once. Once at sunset. The small barrier islands the causeway is built on are perfect to watch the sunsets.
My Most Recent Visit
I was there for Light Up Sanibel during the holidays last year and it was just so special. The walk/bike path down Periwinkle Way was lit up with lights and lanterns. Christmas with an island touch. I had just come from Thanksgiving on Key West and Key Largo, but Sanibel has a much different feel. This island makes you feel at home no matter where you are from.
On my last trip down, I was fortunate enough to be able to try lots of restaurants. If you’ve never been, the island doesn’t like chains of any sort. Local restaurants and businesses thrive and give Sanibel a unique charm. I can’t say enough about the fresh seafood and wonderful atmosphere of the dining I experienced. My favorites were Mud Bugs Cajun Restaurant, The Lighthouse Cafe, and The Mad Hatter.
I can’t imagine the trauma of those that stayed during Ian. My heart hurts at the loss. The loss to the island, and the residents, and everyone who keeps going back because they are tied to this special place in one way or another. I’m so thankful for the time I got to spend there. For every one of the people I met, residents and visitors alike. Sanibel and southwest Florida will rebuild, and I will be back. It will never be the same as it was but then again, I’ve learned nothing ever is.
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy my pictures. xxooC
Hi all. I appreciate every single one of you following my journey. Now I want to share a place that’s quickly becoming a favorite getaway for me. I’ve had the good fortune on multiple occasions now, to visit the Indiana Dunes. This area in North West Indiana boasts a State Park and National Park . It’s the midwest beach. I wrote about scattering some of Eric here a few months ago. Several of you have messaged me and asked about it. So I thought I would feature an article about this wonderful destination spot.
There are many reasons to love this beach. Indiana Dunes National Park has 15,000 acres and 15 miles miles of beach according to the national parks website. This beach sits on Lake Michigan a freshwater lake, so the salt of the oceans’ beaches are not a problem here. It’s closer to the midwestern states than driving south to visit the ocean and there’s plenty of sand and sun during the summer months.
Getting to The Midwest Beach
Of course I’m not telling you anything the locals here don’t already know. I’ve visited this gorgeous place since I met my late husband in 1997. But I didn’t really appreciate it until now. Now I’ve had time. Time to go and just sit whenever I want. Time to spend just enjoying it, so I wanted to share it with you.
The sunsets here are amazing. On a clear night, I can even see the Chicago skyline. But besides these highlights, there is so much more this national park has to offer. The park has 50 miles of hiking trails. This midwest beach not only offers “rugged dunes” but also boasts wetlands, prairies, rivers, and forests.
Attractions
Tucked around the park you will also find lots of local eateries. If you are looking for a place to stay while here, there are also plenty of options depending on your budget and stay requirements. The government parks website also has a page to help plan your trip according to what you want to do. Although just sitting and listening to the waves is always my favorite. So if you are looking for a quick getaway without having to drive or fly and spend tons of money, check out the midwest beach in northern Indiana. I guarantee you will love it plus, if you want to get spicy there’s always Chicago within an hours drive.
As some of you know, and many of you don’t, I am a HUGE fan of electronic music of all genres. I discovered an upcoming show by a DJ I like and have seen before. He was coming to my old hometown of Bloomington, Illinois. So I bought tickets. The show was this past weekend.
This show was significant only in the fact that this would be my first trip back to Bloomington since last June. This trip was going to bring me face to face with my past and future.
Every trip I made back between June 2020 (when my husband Eric died) and June 2021 was super painful. So much so I just avoided going. Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love Bloomington/Normal and I enjoyed every day of the year+ I lived there. But going back to the place of my trauma brought up all kinds of painful memories.
But I decided now was time. Not to confront these emotions, fears, and trauma but the time to stop running from the slightest encounter with triggers. I’ve been in avoidance mode for far too long. I really didn’t give much thought to going beforehand. Anxiety and nervousness were there though. I could feel it rising.
The past
The trip turned out to be exactly what I needed for my future growth. While there, I was reminded of a time just after his passing. I visited a retail store from my previous employment to pick up a few things. Trying to get in and out unnoticed proved unsuccessful. While chatting with a man I had spent some time on the sales floor with, he retold the story of losing his husband.
I had heard this story several times in my previous retail life but now it meant something different as I listened intently. The story was now more personal and I could feel his pain in a very different way. I was still in the first few waves of paralyzing grief. “Still in the fog” as they say. I remember, all I kept thinking was “how is he still standing here?” Then my thoughts went to “how did he get from where I am to where he is?”
So I asked. What was the turning point? His answer surprised me. He replied “I just got tired.” “Tired of feeling this” as his hand waved over his face and chest. I didn’t know what that meant at the time.
The future
Fast forward to now. A received a comment on another article of mine. A family member very close to me has also had significant loss in her life, including the loss of her spouse. His passing was shortly after my husband’s. She is still clinging to her grief. After this weekend of revisiting my past and the life I lost, I realized I am tired. Grief will always be my companion. But I’m tired of it dictating my life and my thoughts. I am tired of the physical and mental anguish. Yet I feel guilt for wanting to let go of the drowning, grief stricken feelings. Those are my badges that remind me of the deep love I still have for the souls I’ve lost.
So where do I go from here? I’ve gone from “waiting to die” to “maybe today will be good.” I made this transition purposefully and willingly. Sure the grief and trauma come back but I have developed a few tricks of my own. Grief has all kinds of surprises. I’m quite sure it has more in store for me. This trip was a win and I feel really good about it. That’s progress. xxooC
While on my second visit to this wildly adventurous state, I took a horseback ride through the mountains. It’s been a minute since I took this trip to Colorado but I’ve been wanting to tell you about it. I’ll begin by saying I had no idea what I was in for which is usually how my best adventures start. I accompanied a group on this horseback ride which made the day even more exciting.
We used Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Stables in Nathrop. I can not say enough great things about this stable. I highly recommend booking a horseback ride with them if you are ever in the area. The horses are well cared for and the experience was stellar, both times. Check out this about me if you want to know more.
A Horse Named Maverick
We booked the 3/4 day waterfall trail ride this day. In the beginning I was a little intimidated because first, I’ve never ridden a horse for that long. Second, this was my only my second time on a horse in over 20 years. Luckily, I had just went on a sunset ride a couple of months prior and requested the same horse. Which I got, thankfully. Maverick was his name and he was steady, and sure footed. Previously, on my first ride with him, the stables warned me he would take his own path and wow, they were correct.
The morning began as an overcast day. We all met at a trail head where we mounted up. As we rode up one mountain and around to the next, through water and rocky hills, the clouds began to burn off. By the time we arrived at the waterfall, the sun was shining and the day was perfect.
Maverick blazed his own trail and made this horseback ride extra adventurous for me. At one point, the trail narrowed. There was a boulder blocking half of it. After Maverick stopped and surveyed the path, he jumped up and onto the boulder. Then he leapt over it while the other horses went around. Typically the horses would just follow in the footsteps of the horse in front of them but not him. Maverick would carefully survey the trail and choose the best path he wanted to take.
Afterglow
Lastly, I’ll just drop some more photos a couple of videos here at the bottom. This whole day was a surreal experience and I’m grateful for it as it left an impression on my soul. I loved everything from the magnificent views, the endless excitement, and just absorbing being out in nature. I’ve discovered a passion for experiencing remote places where few have gone before. Also this ride rekindled my love of horses. Maverick has a special place in my heart. I hope I get to ride him again someday.
I’ll say it again, if you ever find yourself in or around Mt. Princeton, Buena Vista area of Colorado, be sure to add a horseback ride to your to-do list. So whether you have never been on a horse or you’re a seasoned rider, I promise you won’t regret it!
Hi everyone! It’s been a few weeks since the last update, and Lucy has been on the go. She is alive and well and made the trip to Indiana and back for the memorial. After Indiana, we traveled to Kansas City, Missouri where she has been for a couple of weeks now while I went out west (more about that later.)
Before this trip to KC, she saw Dr. Belcher because she lost some fur on her head and at the base of her tail. Dr. Belcher increased her prednisolone from one and half pills a day to two full pills a day. This seems to have helped as her fur is starting to grow back. She seems less itchy also.
She had her monthly flea medicine and still takes CBD oil once a day. At the time she saw the vet, her blood work came back with a urinary tract infection so she had a 10 day antibiotic treatment which she completed while I was out west.
Layover in Kansas City, Missouri
I was so very fortunate to have my dear friend in KC look after her while I was away. She acclimated just fine. I was a little concerned with the transition as she’s been with me since January. This would be the longest we’ve been apart but she seems to have handled it well and gotten into a routine pretty quickly.
So here are a couple of photos of her with Wip, my friend’s malamute. I think he’s quite indifferent to her being there. They kind of just tolerate each other. Neither actually cares that the other is around.
Lucy will be in Kansas City until mid July then we will be on the road together again. Stay tuned to find out where we go next and for more updates.
I got new tattoos. It’s a subject I haven’t talked about much. The whole process of thinking and doing was all very emotional because as we all know, my old artist (my husband Eric) is no longer with us. This left me with a lot of unfinished work. After owning a tattoo studio for 13 years, I have a wonderful network of support which also includes some very talented tattooers. While out west last year, I found myself back in familiar territory in the Pacific Northwest. This afforded me an opportunity to finish some work on my arm and what will eventually be a coverup on my back. This wasn’t the only work I’ve had done recently, but I’ll talk about that in another upcoming post.
As I mentioned, I traveled up to Beaverton, Oregon which is just outside of Portland. Back in 2009, Eric did an extended guest spot at a shop. So naturally I stopped into Tattoo 42 to see what’s new. I was beyond surprised and thrilled when founder and partner Rich Shires offered to work on my left arm. I had earlier plans to cover up the top of my arm with a black-out piece like my leg, but Rich decided I needed something more special.
New tattoos and fresh perspective
The entirety of my arm tattoo from wrist to shoulder evolved over about 12 days. First came the mandala which still has more time left before we call it finished. Then the hexagram pattern followed by the pattern inside that.
In the next few sessions Rich hard lined all of my existing tattoos. They weren’t up until this point and that little difference made Eric’s work really pop. We added my grandson’s names next to my roman numeral 1994 for my daughter’s birth year.
Next was a cover up of a previous tattoo Rich did for me in 2011 on the inside of my wrist. That tattoo also was covered with a mandala for continuity. Finally, we chose a cube design as a background to tie it all together. Oh, and the bar design inside the hex covered a negative space ohm, so Rich included a new one that’s even better! I still have the inner part of my upper arm left for whatever tattoo ideas we come up with next.
Rich was super patient and guided me in a direction I was comfortable with. Covering some of Eric’s work was hard but it was what I had planned before so I made peace with it.
Healing and aftercare plug
For healing Rich has developed this amazing product Tattoo Wrap. It’s a hydrocolloidal bandage that I can wear under any clothing. I can not say enough great things about it and yes, I’m shamelessly plugging it because we used it on every tattoo, after every session except one and the difference was notable. Tattoo Wrap protects, aids in healing, and can get wet. My tattoos healed quicker and better than anything else I’ve ever tried. I know what you’re thinking…”but I have my way and that works for me.” Yes yes, I did too but really I ask you, doesn’t not having to worry about bumping, scraping, and rubbing a new tattoo sound amazing? Well it is and that’s the last I’m going to say. Just try it. You won’t be sorry. Then tell your friends.
Takeaway thoughts on my new tattoos
Total hours I think I counted more than 25 and I can’t remember exactly how many days were tattoo days. My leg coverup was three consecutive days of tattooing. My arm was more. I have a new pain threshold. Did it hurt? Yes, of course but surprisingly not as bad as I expected had you told me this was what we were going to do. End result is that I love it so much. The integrity of Eric’s tattoo work is preserved and enhanced.
I can’t wait to go back and finish. What do you think I should put on the inside of my upper arm?
Questions? Comments? Please leave them below. Thanks for reading! xxooC
Update -Arm Finished (Yay!)
As of this writing, I journeyed once more to Beaverton, Oregon. There we finished my arm with a piece on the inside upper portion. For this space I chose a design near and dear to my heart. The tattoo contains a Moon for me (Cancer), and a sun for my sister (Leo), and a guiding star for us at the top. Rich drew this right on my arm. A custom piece just for that spot. I love it and now it’s finished.
Granted, I still need some touch ups. Some shading was added to the cover up hex pattern. Also there were touch ups to some of the linework and highlights. Tell me what you think! xxoo-C
I passed through Pendleton Oregon as I drove Interstate 84 out of The Dulles and the Columbia River Gorge traveling from Portland to Boise. I have driven this stretch of highway twice now and both times was in awe by this mountain that rises up in a distance. The climb is intimidating, and so much so that this stretch is actually called Deadman Pass. This particular stretch of road is about 52 miles long and you can read more about it here on Roads To Travel website.
The road is winding and steep but once up top, it undoubtedly ranks as one of the best rest stop views I have encountered thus far. At the top of the first mountain is a small pull off. The actual pull off is kind of hidden from the highway. There are no restrooms. There is no vending. Just a couple of trashcans, a small covered area, and lots of views.
I was excited planning this article as I wanted to write something about this little spot for a while now. My first time driving it, regretfully I did not stop or take any pictures. On my second time through Pendleton Oregon, I just had to. The sun was just beginning to set and there was electricity in the air. I don’t think my pictures do it any justice, but here’s what I have.
About Pendleton Oregon
Pendleton sits in Umatilla County at the base of the Blue Mountain Range which stretches from northeastern Oregon to southeastern Washington State. Pendleton Oregon was founded in the 1860’s. If you want to know more history, here is the Pendleton Website. The elevation is 1200 feet. I did not visit the town, although now it is on my to-do list for next time. It’s mainly agricultural and known for it’s textiles and rodeos.
The Lookout
As I said earlier, the lookout itself is hidden however there some views still visible in the rearview mirror. There are signs on the highway directing the turn off though. Elevation of the lookout is 3045 feet. Standing in front of my truck, with the wind blowing was almost magical. The view stretches for miles. If you ever find yourself along I84 or near Pendleton Oregon, I highly suggest a pit stop. It’s well worth the extra couple of minutes.
I want to start off by saying I’ve never been four wheeling in the mountains. I don’t have any experience with four wheeling in general. It’s just not something I do however, who am I to say no to adventure? This day was just extra to an already incredible trip as I’m about to tell you.
I had the good fortune to be able to accompany a wonderful group to Colorado over Labor Day last year. This was not my first time to the Rockies. Without a doubt it was a memorable trip. Again, like so many other adventures, I had no idea what I was in for. The mountains are so beautiful but so much of them are inaccessible without a four wheel drive. It was strictly sight seeing.
Road Conditions
In my opinion, Colorado uses the word “road” loosely. I was kind of shocked what qualified as a road but I had no expectations. Driving was slow, about 3-5 miles per hour in some spots. Four wheeling up the mountains is definitely a thing and not just for jeeps. I saw other four wheel vehicles traversing the terrain which was very bumpy. To the point I had to hold on, tightly. I hit my head and my elbow at separate times. I’m laughing at describing it now. The whole experience was great but I should have known. I mean, looking at a mountain of that size, how else does one get up it?
Four Wheeling Mt. Antero
I can’t tell you the path we took. I do know the trip started up Mt. Antero. We came close to the summit, and then took another road over to Mt. Whitey. According to Dangerous Roads website Mt. Antero is one of the highest, unpaved roads in Colorado and the USA.
More tidbits of information about Mt. Antero can be found here on the Official USDA Website. I was surprised to learn it has the largest gem mines in the lower 48 and it’s everyone’s responsibility when on the mountain to know if you are on a staked claim. The signs are everywhere but aren’t always clear.
The views are just so breath taking once past the tree line. To stand up in the clouds at that altitude is life changing.
Four Wheeling Over To Mt. Whitey
The treachery of these trails for beginners can not be overly stressed enough. These trips are not for the faint of heart nor are they for anyone scared of heights but they are exciting! We drove very close to the summit of Mt. Whitey. So close I hiked to the summit. Here are a few photos.
I Thought I Saw A Lake
After Mt. Whitey, I spotted a lake amongst trees. It was off in the distance, in the valley. What looks small from a distance actually can be really big. The valley was a full on forest. The road down was long and bumpy. The trees hid the road so once we got into the forest we weren’t really sure where we were going. I didn’t make it to the lake. Ok, we got lost and the road became more than we were willing to risk. The road didn’t really look sketchy but it was and chancing it was too great. No phone reception would have made getting stuck or blowing a tire difficult to say the least.
The road and trip back was just as exciting. We met some new friends along the way. The sky was beautiful. The day seemed to last forever. The whole four wheeling trip took about 6 hours. It was well worth the time and bumps and bruises.
I could not keep my phone still!
Takaways
Besides being an amazingly memorable trip, yes I would absolutely do it again. I would also highly recommend it. List of things to bring would include plenty of water. Be prepared to get out and hike if you want to see more awesome views. Above the tree line was windy so dress accordingly. Be sure to bring snacks as the day can be long. Don’t forget your sunglasses. Oh, and one of the most important things would be a map. The roads are clearly marked but if you have no idea where you are, that could be a problem.
Take care and I hope you enjoyed reading about my four wheeling adventure up the Colorado mountains.
Hi there! Lucy (my travel cat companion) is doing as well as to be expected with all things considering. The new vet is working out great. All meds are filled easily now. I visited the pet store and stocked up on her favorites before heading out. Leaving was pretty straight forward.
Before traveling, Lucy had never been on a trip except to the vet. She did not like traveling at all. So before her first trip out, I went to the (old) vet and asked how to make her a travel cat. I needed a way to calm her anxiety and relieve her motion sickness. The vet prescribed alprazolam. It’s worked really well. I give it about an hour before we leave. Lucy’s reaction has become predictable which helped me. I have to restrict food and water or I am constantly pulling over to clean her up.
Pre trip prep also included lots of rest, a good ear cleaning and fresh bandana. Bandanas are staying. It keeps her from scratching and licking the area of her neck which has become itchy. A bandana is not only stylish, it also keeps the area dry. She doesn’t try to get it off. The new vet agreed that because of her age and we can’t determine the cause of her itchy spot, a bandana works.
On The Road
As I said, she’s become predictable. She lets me know when she’s ready for a fresh pee pad which may or may not require pulling over, depending on the severity. The link is to the ones I love the most. I’ve tried several brands and keep coming back to these made by Glad. #ad
She tells me when she’s thirsty and hungry and gets a small snack and water during gas fill ups. Which is usually around every 3 hours. As I said before, restricting keeps us both calm and clean.
This carrier continues to amaze me. I got it on Amazon. Here’s the Link if you want to check it out. #ad
It’s by Siivton and airline approved! All sides fold out to become this large tent like thing. It doubles as a carrier and a litter box. I put a pee pad inside and she goes in and does her business. It’s so easy and convenient. It unzips all the way around so when we get to where we are going. I can unzip it, spray it down and keep using it. This carrier is completely soft sided but it’s maintained it’s structure for now.
Easy carry on straps. If I’m going somewhere I don’t want to advertise I have an animal, I throw a blanket over the carrier and it looks like luggage. Whoever designed this was a genius.
Staying In Kansas City
Lucy is becoming an old pro at being a travel cat. We have developed a routine when we get to where we are going. I get her set up and leave her alone. She needs time to herself. Then when Lucy is ready, she interacts and acclimates to her new surroundings.
One trip to the pet store while in Kansas City was required to stock up on food and more treats!
Travel Cat Leaving KC
The road trip back to Kentucky was uneventful. We talked for about 4 hours. Then she decided to nap the rest of the way. When we got back, she was tired so she slept some more. She was her usual self the following morning. She purred, ate, and did all of her kitty things. Until our next adventure!!
Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask any questions or leave any tips. We are still learning on this new adventure of ours.
Just wanted to post a couple of pics and give you a Lucy update. She’s been doing much better after switching to a urinary support diet. She seems to be doing well on Pro Plan Urinary Tract wet food. Everything is day by day of course, I have no illusions this is all palliative. As far as food goes, the only other thing I really changed is the dry food I put down at night. I switched her to Royal Canin urinary support, and one can of the urinary Pro Plan food a day. I also added some CBD twice a day. Other than that she gets everything else the same. #ad
We did get a new, but not so new vet. In the midst of the chaos after we arrived back to Kentucky, her vet practice decided they were closing. This has been her doctor’s office since she was born BUT, one of the older doctor’s spun off a mobile vet clinic years back, so I hit her up. She gladly accepted Lucy as a new patient.
Lucy Update- Weight Check
Lucy has lost about 4 lbs. during our trip out west which I’m trying to get back on her. She is currently weighing in at around 8lbs.
The dragon sleeps
Thanks for reading and I’ll keep you posted when things change! xxooC
