PAIN, CONFUSION & EXHAUSTION

 POST # 540

Mary is in pain from her new hip surgery.

Dora-dog is confused.

The Thoughtful Wanderer is rather exhausted.

And  very short on words.

The journey continues.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

FROM HOUSE SITTER TO CAREGIVER

 POST # 539

I said goodbye to Trixie yesterday.  The next time I see her, she'll have a bunch of pups.  At least that is what the owner is expecting.  I enjoyed my time with her, but I certainly won't be available when all the pups arrive.  That would be too much to handle for this house sitter.  Besides, it's now time to change occupations.  Starting last night, I am now going to be a caregiver.

I departed Vancouver late yesterday afternoon, en route to Mount Vernon WA, via Amtrak.  The train was absolutely full, but the trip went smoothly enough.  My destination was Shelter Bay, and Mary's friend Karen was at the station to pick me up.  Mary has just had a hip replaced, and Karen has been here for the first week of her recovery.  Last night was the beginning of my training session as a caregiver, and I'll be here for a month.  I was rather overwhelmed with everything last night, and sleep was in short supply, as Mary has to take medication every three hours, which means getting up and assisting her.  Karen has stayed an extra day to help me learn the ropes.  I sure hope that I can do a good job after she leaves.

It certainly is a new challenge for the Thoughtful Wanderer, but it is one that I am more than willing to accept.  

That's all the news for this post, as I am feeling rather sleep deprived as I write these words, and besides, I have other more important things to do right now, in  my  new role as caregiver.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

WANDERING THOUGHTS ON A SUNNY DAY

 POST # 538

It is a beautiful sunny day here today, but my thoughts are wandering elsewhere.  As I write these words, my dear friend Mary, is in the hospital, undergoing hip surgery.  

As much as I would like to be enjoying the day, I am finding that a very difficult task at this time, due to my concern for Mary's welfare.  And this is coming from someone who tries very hard to live in the moment.  That's not working very well right now.

Sometime this afternoon, I should be hearing from her friend Karen,  to find out how things went, and more importantly how Mary is doing.

In the meantime, I'll take Trixie out for a walk, and at least try and enjoy a few moments of this sunny day.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer

TRANQUIL TRIXIE

 POST # 537

I never would have thought that I would be using the word tranquil to describe Trixie.  During my past two sits with her, she's been anything but tranquil.  I am enjoying this rather calm disposition that she has now taken on.

Yes, she is older than she was when I was here last summer, so that may be a small part of the reason for her change.  But there is something else that has taken place since my last visit.  Her owner was keen for Trixie to have pups, so shortly before my arrival this time, a suitable candidate was found and he was brought over here to spend some "play" time in the backyard with Trixie.  So it is now possible that she is pregnant, which could be the main reason that she has become quieter.

Apparently it takes anywhere between 58 and 68 days for a dog to have her litter, so I will be long gone from here if/when that takes place.  I'm sure the owner will let me know what happens as time goes on.

In the meantime, I'm just going to enjoy Trixie's mild mannered companionship while I am here.

Tranquil Trixie Treat Time.

grateful for every breath,

Paul

The Thoughtful Wanderer