Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday, 17 July 2013

It is raining.

Literally and metaphorically.

The smaller portion is coming home today.  The hospital argued for yesterday, less than twenty four hours after they had allowed him food but (reluctantly) they agreed to let him stay for another day.  Big of them.

Where he is concerned, cautious optimism is the order of the day.  We are not out of the woods, but things are looking much, much better.

The literal rain is gentle and more than welcome.  The garden is drinking deep and daily more bulbs emerge.

The metaphorical rain?  His sister is unwell.  Running a temperature.  And difficult with it.  Sigh.  So I will have two invalids, neither of them well behaved, who need to be kept apart.  I really, really don't want him to catch whatever she has acquired.  And she refuses to see a doctor.  Or take any medication. 

On the positive side, Jazz will be very, very happy.  Only the smaller portion is nice to him (or so psycho cat insists).  I have been punished daily with tooth and claw for being the wrong person.  Hopefully I will now bleed a little less.  Literally and metaphorically.
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98 comments:

  1. dinahmow17 July 2013 at 07:46

    Oh for G's sake lock sister in the woodshed! I'm very sorry she is unwell, but ...
    Suggest bottles of anti-bac on all surfaces, constant wiping of doorknobs and NO CONTACT.
    Oh, yes, look after yourself, too.;-)

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:41

      dinahmow: Smaller portion and sister have decided that since she purchased a mask all is fine. Sigh. Looking after myself? I fell into a three hour coma shortly after we got him home. I am not sure that I would have surfaced yet, but the cats indicated (forcefully) I should.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous17 July 2013 at 08:31

    There's always something ...

    Glad there is light at the end of the tunnel, albeit partially obscured by rain.

    Take care of you and yours.

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  3. Merlesworld17 July 2013 at 09:05

    Poor you it's not easy to look after recovering sick people let alone someone who is sick and doesn't want to admit it, hope it all improves soon and everyone is well again.
    Merle.......

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:42

      Merlesworld: Sister says she is feeling better and he does too. Fingers crossed. (They are both asleep at the moment.)

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  4. Cindi17 July 2013 at 09:12

    Glad to see you back, even if briefly, and will still keep everyone in thoughts & prayers.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:43

      Letting the Words Escape: Thank you. I think the flying visits to the blogosphere will continue for a bit, but hope to be back soon(ish).

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  5. Kakka17 July 2013 at 09:23

    I'm going to have to have a word to Jazz, naughty boy that he is. Fingers crossed, SP continues on his path to full health with no setbacks and that his sister is just fighting something off which doesn't develop and is non-contagious. At the end of all this you deserve a long holiday somewhere mildly warm with glorious sunsets and sunrises and someone waiting on you hand and foot. I don't think that is too much to ask, so hopefully the Universe will deliver. Sending healing love and light you way (and for the others as well). xxxx

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:44

      Kakka: Healing light and love are always welcome here. And a holiday would be too... Thank you.

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  6. River17 July 2013 at 09:40

    Oh dear, you're going to have to keep them at opposite ends of the house and wash your hands often to prevent cross contamination.
    You're going to be run off your feet!
    I hope they both recover quickly without any added dramas.
    On the other hand...rain! Your garden will be so happy.
    I haven't purchased any bulbs yet, still deciding what to get, but my tiny, tiny rhubarb crowns have sprouted teeny weeny new leaves. Two years from now I should have enough to start sharing.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:46

      River: Rhubarb? Yum. I must check ours though yours will be more advanced.
      Smaller portion and sister have decided to sit together and watch television. She is wearing a mask (for what it is worth).

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  7. Joanne Noragon17 July 2013 at 09:44

    Is that Jazz singing "SP's coming ho..o..me, SP's coming ho..o.me, he's my jolly good fellow, he's my jolly good fellow." Yes, it is.
    My best wishes for keeping your head the rest of the week; you can do it.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:47

      Joanne Noragon: It was Jazz singing - he is very, very happy. And lied about the attention and food he had received in the smaller portion's absence. And yes, I will survive.

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  8. Anonymous17 July 2013 at 10:34

    When this is all over you are going to SO need a vacation away from all of them. Fingers crossed for everyone's recovery and you retaining your sanity.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:48

      mybabyjohn/Delores: Sanity? Gone. Long ago. Recovery (for both of them) is looking better.

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  9. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe17 July 2013 at 10:42

    Oh my, you certainly have your hands full. His sister should leave for the betterment of her brother. She could set him back after all he has been through. I know, because I have to stay healthy or inaccessible when I am sick because my hubby who has little or no immune system contracts what I have. If she loves her brother, which I'm sure she does, she should either go to the doctor or get out of town.

    Please take care of yourself also.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:49

      Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: I agree, but smaller portion and sister don't so I have been outvoted. And I am hoping that I am just the worry wart...

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  10. DJan17 July 2013 at 10:43

    I second everything that Kakka said, and I do hope it will turn out to be your turn, one of these days, to be taken care of. It's good to hear that it's raining, after so long without any, and I'm hoping that SP and SIL will be well enough before long to give you a break. I'm always glad to hear from you, dear EC, but it would be wonderful to hear that you had run off to a spa for your OWN health. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:50

      DJan: Thank you. Lots. Some day (soon I hope) I will escape. Perhaps just into the garden, answerable to no-one...

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  11. Riot Kitty17 July 2013 at 12:30

    Ouch! I'm sending Mr. RK down there right now to trim Jazz's claws! I'm sending you both good thoughts. Hopefully you can keep the contagious person out of the way.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:51

      Riot Kitty: Mr RK would need battle gear to trim Jazz's claws. They are long and strong. Honed on me.

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  12. Mimsie17 July 2013 at 13:01

    They say it never rains but it pours and although the gentle rain is so welcome for your lovely garden you could do without arguments with the hospital about the SP coming home and that sister of his being so damned difficult.
    I second everything my daughter said and all positive thoughts and vibes are heading your way. A quite holiday should definitely be on the horizon.
    Plenty of Glen 20 or similar being sprayed around to help prevent spreading of germs too. All the best to all of you on all counts. You could do with some home help for a while perhaps.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:52

      Mimsie: Thank you so very much. I am so grateful to all the wonderful people I have found here (and feeling a bit of a whinger).

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  13. jenny_o17 July 2013 at 13:29

    Oh, gah ... if it's not one thing, it's another ... too bad SIL wouldn't realize how much of an issue it could be for SP to get sick right now, and confine herself to make it a bit easier for you.

    Have you tried spraying Jazz when he bites/claws you? It deters some cats, but not all ...

    I wish I lived closer, to give you a helping hand, EC.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:53

      jenny_o: Spraying Jazz doesn't bother him at all. He has become quite wet from time to time and still advanced. Sometimes he can be discouraged with a quick flip over the tail. Sometimes.

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  14. Vicki17 July 2013 at 15:32

    Oh EC, you have so much on your plate. I'm with everyone else here who wishes you all the best.
    It's not fair that you have to deal with as much as you do.
    Wishing there was a way that you can take yourself off somewhere indulgent for a day or two to collect yourself, soothe shattered nerves and "just be" for a while, once things have settled down.
    It would be something to look forward to in the down-times and the dark hours.

    Sending best wishes and warm thoughts of healing - to you, the healer and caregiver x

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:54

      Vicki: It is a big plate - but I am a big girl. Thank you.

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  15. Unknown17 July 2013 at 17:12

    I hope all settles down for you soon. That is really irresponsible of SIL not to go to the Dr, take meds or take the effort to stay away from her brother. Of course she might think that she is helping , but she is making more work for you and is a risk to her brother. I hope he will see tons of improvement soon.
    Yeah! rain! We could use some also. Not as badly as you do, but we are getting very dry. Plus 90+ degree wheather with high humidity sure doesn't help. It must be so great to see the plants/bulbs coming up. A little color in your life will go a long way to brightening your days. Hugs, Teresa

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:55

      Teresa: It will settle down. Soon. 90+ and humidity? Gah! Not nice. I hope you get your rain too.

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  16. John Wiswell17 July 2013 at 17:15

    Yes, may there be rest upon your house. I'm sorry to read so much hardship passing through your life. I hope you can take some care of yourself in all this.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:56

      John Wiswell: Thank you. After a three hour stupor yesterday afternoon I have girded my loins again. I will be fine.

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  17. All Consuming17 July 2013 at 18:04

    Arrrgh the sister...tsk! I agree about locking her in the woodshed. She's being phenominally selfish by not being willing to take any meds or indeed just move out and stay at a friends house for a couple of weeks as he's so vulnerable right now and so are you too! You know this of course. *sighs. I like the rain, the real rain, and am glad your garden will drink well, though wishing the reign of ill-health upon you just now eases considerably xx

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:57

      All Consuming: What a shame that I didn't have the forethought to insist on a house with a woodshed. Or a cellar. Or an attic even...

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    2. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen)18 July 2013 at 10:37

      She should be in a motel until she's no longer contagious. Very, very frustrating! No fun for her either, I'm sure, but you're both too medically fragile to be exposed to someone who is feverish--it's likely a freaking flu, rather than a cold. UGH!!

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    3. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 10:55

      Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): At the moment he is glad to have her hear. Keeps encouraging her to take off the mask. Oh expletives.

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    4. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen)22 July 2013 at 17:32

      Oh yeah... lots and lots and lots of expletives!

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  18. Christine17 July 2013 at 18:37

    Such a long journey! Hopefully this time everything worked. SP and sister must have been a trial to their mother when they were little.

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  19. Lynn17 July 2013 at 19:07

    I think sister needs to go! Wasn't she there to help??? I hope the smaller portion continues to improve and that it all isn't too overwhelming (although it sounds as if it's getting there.) Hugs!

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  20. Carol17 July 2013 at 20:05

    My goodness! Best not to comment on SIL but I agree with Di about the woodshed. EC, you are obviously lovingly supported by your readers, every one of us wants you to survive this well. Love and hugs to you and the SP. You deserve a truck load of medals!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:58

      Carol: Thank you too. A woodshed would be very nice.

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  21. Anonymous17 July 2013 at 20:25

    another vote for 'woodshed' here, but i know that isn't practical... glad to hear that the prognosis is good! take care, and here's to better days ahead!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:59

      daisyfae: The prognosis is looking better than it has in years. Which is wonderful. Still some large bumps in the road, but good just the same.

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  22. Sherri17 July 2013 at 21:55

    I think the sister should go somewhere... home,perhaps. SP certainly doesn't need exposure to anything!

    Glad he's doing well and will be home to recover.

    Blessings to you!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 07:11

      Sherri: He is very, very happy to be home. Which is not at all surprising.

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  23. Andrea @ From The Sol17 July 2013 at 22:38

    You, my dear, have been saddled, literally and metaphorically, to a bucking horse. My heart goes out to you. Yes, it would be good for Sil to go home, but obviously, if she is sick, she can't. It would be better for SP to stay at least another day in the hospital (did you tell them you had a sick person at home that he will be exposed to?)but can't because they won't allow it. Hopefully you can keep them separated and as the old story goes, hand washing, hand washing, hand washing. As if you didn't have enough to contend with ... now this. I am glad you can find peace in your gardens and in the soft rain that is more gentle than your metaphorical rain. So sorry, EC. I hope things get better all the way around.

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 07:12

      Andrea: At least I will be able to stop the treks to the hospital, and things ARE looking better all the time.

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  24. My Inner Chick18 July 2013 at 00:30

    --The literal rain is always better, dear.

    I DESPISE the metaphorical kind.

    Thinking of you.

    Love to you. XXxxxxx KISSSssss and Hugs.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 07:13

      My Inner Chick: I have got waterproof skin and a little dampness will not hurt...

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  25. Strayer18 July 2013 at 01:07

    Hop a plane, EC, come to Oregon, and let's vacation together! White trash it from an RV, campsite hopping, campfires, lakes, we'll visit all the Oregon gardens, for you!

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 07:14

      Strayer: Tempting (but not possible). Very tempting. Lakes and gardens are always wonderful.

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    2. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen)18 July 2013 at 10:42

      I like that option! I'm just south of the Oregon border! You could come here too. At the moment there are two huge wasps' nests here, but what are a mass of stinging insects compared to a germy relative and a post-surgical partner?

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    3. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 10:53

      Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): You have another wasp nest? Last I heard it was one. Just the same, you are right. I would take them over the humans very, very happily.

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    4. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen)22 July 2013 at 17:40

      There is now a second one, high up in a redwood on the other side of the house. It's huge--about twice the size of the first one. And, indeed, they are nicer than many people I know. I certainly prefer them to some of my other neighbors.

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  26. Ms. CrankyPants18 July 2013 at 02:36

    Oh, dear. Hoping the cautious optimism turns to all-out optimism and that SIL keeps her germs to herself.

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  27. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 07:15

    THANK YOU SO MUCH - ONE AND ALL!

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  28. Mia McPherson18 July 2013 at 07:23

    EC, I am hoping that you get a well deserved break soon, that the smaller portion and his sister feel much better.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 08:19

      Mia McPherson: Thank you. Fingers crossed. His sister is just up, though I haven't spoken to her yet and the man of the moment is asleep.

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  29. Alexia18 July 2013 at 07:45

    I am late in commenting (I have had a cold myself) and everyone else has said everything. So i will just send you a virtual hug. Germ-free :)

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 08:19

      Alexia: I hope your miserable cold (they are all miserable) has completely left you. And thank you. Germ free hugs are welcome.

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  30. Have Myelin?18 July 2013 at 08:08

    My cable box is called a Joey. I like yours better! :)

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  31. Lee18 July 2013 at 09:21

    It's raining up this way, too, EC.

    Keep those shoulders of your strong and square, EC. You're bearing a lot right now. I hope the load lightens very soon.

    Take good care.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 10:55

      Lee: Shoulders are broad. Very broad. Which is just as well. Thank you.

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  32. Ann ODyne18 July 2013 at 18:27


    Tell SIL that you think you are coming down with 'it' too?
    Wasn't she supposed to be a help?
    wishing you the strength to block it all out, and if all else fails, Take To Your Bed My Dear
    X X

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2013 at 08:32

      Ann ODyne: Thank you. Bed is looking like a haven of peace.

      Delete
  33. Deb19 July 2013 at 02:43

    Sending positive healthy vibes your way! Hopefully, you'll get the much needed sunshine!

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2013 at 08:33

      Deb: Not a lot of sunshine yet. The literal rain is more than welcome though.

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  34. Susan Kane19 July 2013 at 06:41

    Rain can be welcome or a curse. Hopefully, your rain become gentle and refreshing.

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    1. Elephant's Child19 July 2013 at 08:33

      Susan Kane: I have lived through too many droughts to ever object to water falling from the sky. That is always a blessing.

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  35. klahanie19 July 2013 at 10:32

    Gentle rain and gentle thoughts, your way. May the rain bring renewal, literally and metaphorically.

    In hope and positivity,

    Gary

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  36. J Cosmo Newbery19 July 2013 at 21:51

    Thinking of you. What else can I do?

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 06:25

      J Cosmo Newbery: That is more than enough. Thank you.

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  37. Susan Flett Swiderski19 July 2013 at 23:10

    No rest for the weary, huh?

    I agree with what Arleen said. It seems rather inconsiderate of SIL to disregard her brother's health because she doesn't "feel like" going to a doctor, but judging from other comments you've made, it sounds like both of them are on the road to recovery. I've got my finger crossed for you. The sooner they're able to take care of themselves, the sooner you'll be able to spend some time taking care of you. Be well,

    Here's to a great weekend. Cheers! Here... have a glass of Grape Expectations.

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 06:26

      Susan: This weary fell into a three hour coma the afternoon he came home. And didn't feel much guilt about it either.

      Delete
  38. A Cuban In London20 July 2013 at 00:09

    The hope that whenever it rains it must stop at some point. Here's wishing you the best of luck.

    Greetings from London.

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  39. Carol Kilgore20 July 2013 at 05:45

    Stay healthy. Stay strong. Bite the cat back :)

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 06:27

      Carol Kilgore: I can think of things I would rather bite than Jazz...

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  40. DeniseinVA20 July 2013 at 09:30

    Falling rain, it is a blessing. Sending you all good thoughts and healing energies for you all over there, and a big hug too :)

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 11:29

      DeniseinVA: Thank you. Healing energies gratefully accepted. The hug too.

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  41. Anonymous20 July 2013 at 13:35

    Sending lots of healing thoughts -and patience to you!

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 14:59

      ladyfi: An allowance of patience with the patients would be very welcome. And is currently in short supply.

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  42. Cloudia20 July 2013 at 17:49

    Clearly you do bleed for your loved ones. I suppose they will realize the treasure you are. . . .


    ALOHA from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral
    ~ > < } } ( ° > <3

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  43. unikorna20 July 2013 at 18:04

    Oh sweetie I wish you to be strong. I know how hard it is when the loved ones suffer...I am sending you my kindest thoughts ..

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    1. Elephant's Child20 July 2013 at 19:33

      unikorna: Thank you. I can be as strong as I need to be. Though I could do without the cold that the smaller portion's sister has given me.

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  44. Anonymous21 July 2013 at 04:08

    Sending prayers and love your way Soosie xo

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  45. Anonymous21 July 2013 at 10:00

    It was raining yesterday, yes, but only in one way for me. I wish you the best, positives.

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2013 at 12:37

      wordsfallfrommyeyes: We had literal rain here too. The metaphorical dampness is still with us, but I think (hope) it is starting to dry up.

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  46. Unknown24 July 2013 at 14:34

    Son of a gun!! You have wonderful followers. I enjoy the original post and then all of the comments!! And you are so wonderful to respond to each!!

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    1. Elephant's Child24 July 2013 at 15:47

      Nicky HW: I do have wonderful followers. Each and every one of them. Responding to them is the least I can do to express my appreciation.

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