I have a lot of stuff to do...

I've got lots of stuff to do. It's high time I was making spring plans for my garden beds. I've been looking, somewhat lazily, at catalogs. SpringHill always comes, Whiteflower Farms has a great selection of flowers and plants. Of course, there's always Jackson-Perkins to put a little more on the table of possibilities.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do this year...add a little here, move something there...completely change something. I'd like to add a small patio, but that's a whole 'nother story. My neighbor (and landlord) has a daughter that is a landscape architect. I'm kind of keeping an eye out for her (she lives a couple hours away and visits often). She and I 'consult' a lot. My landlord is great about anything I want to do. I think he just figures that anything I do probably adds value and let's face it...he doesn't have to do it. Win, win situation. I've lived here for almost 14 years...I'd say we have a pretty good understanding.

Well, the newest catalogs should arrive anytime now. I can get that plan of action in my head and make a few 'changes'.

Road trip?

Yes, it was traumatic and she didn't look at me or sit on my lap for an hour afterwards, but Coco (my cat) had to go to the Doctor today. She needed to have blood work, so it was fasting today...no snacks when I got home from work. That, ticked her off to begin with, then there was the pet carrier to deal with.

Let's give a little back story first. My Cat, Coco is almost 20 years old. She's a petite, grey tiger who has never stepped her dainty toes outside. She has gone to the Doc's for visits, but other than wandering out to the screen porch in the summertime, it's indoors for her and she's happy that way.

A couple years ago she was diagnosed with a thyroid condition that can be and is controlled with medication. In order to get those tiny pills, she must undergo blood work. And there, my friends, lies the controversy. She loathes going for a ride in the car. By the way she yowls and bellows, you'd think she was being kidnapped.

The first step is to try to get her into the carrier without her figuring it out. Not an easy task...but do-able. Trying to outsmart a cat is not for amateurs. You have to bait and switch, bribe and finally sweep in and scoop her up to do it. The carrier must be covered or camouflaged and you can not even look like you might be thinking about it.

In the end, it was probably the easiest time I've ever had, getting her into that carrier. The car ride was, quiet even. Don't know why, but it was pretty easy for a change. From start to finish, it was fairly quick. Five minute ride to see the good Doc...fifteen minutes there and another five minutes to get home. Granted, she wasn't happy by a long shot, and she ignored me for about an hour or so afterwards, but it went off without a hitch!

All is well in my house tonight. Coco is now 'speaking' to me and another road trip is now history.