Monday, June 24, 2024

Redemption

 I suppose just like the weather - wait a few moments here in Texas and circumstances will change!

Poor Bo’s tumors have grown dramatically and even though he’s still eating & mobile, they are obviously uncomfortable bcz he has rubbed open sores on his neck; he flinches away when I try to examine him. I can’t let this go on - so Karen & I are going to do a “twofer”, having the gravedigger out to excavate a double gravesite for Bo and Karen’s old crippled pony Cass (who is actually a retiree passed down from Christina years ago) this evening. I notified Christina, in case she wanted to bring 12-yr old Catie down to say goodbye. She did so yesterday, but sprung the surprise of asking me if I wanted to host Catie for a week since she’s interested in veterinary medicine. Remembrance of things past - my ex & I used to host his nephew for a couple of weeks each summer when David was 8 - 10 yrs old. Of course I did the “wrangling”, taking David to work with me & planning activities for him…

Of course I said “Yes” - when they got here, I was dismayed by Christina’s deep bronchitic cough & continuing debilitation. She certainly needs a week off - even though she’s traveling to FL for work!?! They’re sending Catie’s older brother (13) to “Ranch Camp” today. I gave Christina my bottle of Mucinex & advised her to advocate for follow-up chest radiographs. (Her doctor just prescribed a new course of azithromycin) Color me worried!

I had just gotten back from an overnight camping trip with my trail riding buddies, returning to Train Robber Ranch just outside of Palestine. I managed to talk Karen into this mini-escape with me. Gotta dump my virtual stack o’ photos and get on with my Monday, but the redemption arc comes in when I informed P that we would be hosting Catie - he got up there, stripped the bed in Z’s old room where he’s resided for the past 2.5 yrs, and cleaned the bathroom! I presume he wanted to impress Christina, but he did impress me - I was dreading making multiple trips up the stairs, but he handled most of that prep!

Catie was up & about before both of us this morning - of course already down in the barn! We have joked with her that her mission is to civilize Kwan the mini-mule 😂🤣












3 comments:

  1. The ride photos are lovely! Good for Peran pulling his weight in the hosting effort. And kudos to you for helping "apprentice" the next generation of potential vets! We all love our animals, and what would we do if people never entered the profession?

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  2. Your pictures got me remembering my 'good old days' of saddling up with the group at our barn and heading off for the day. My DH bravely rode one time with me when we first met. He wasn't a fan but tried to impress me! I hope Catie enjoys her week with you. My great niece got the big animal bug and at age 13 has already decided that's where she belongs.

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  3. Loved the pictures. Looks nice there. So glad that Peran stepped up to the plate. Sounds like Katie is eager to make the most of her trip. Kwan will love the extra attention. I hope Christina will be better soon.

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