I am amazed at how many regulations and references I need to review in order to set up a home business. It's all quite confusing as there are local association, county, and state requirements to sort out. Lots of research and very time consuming. I wish I could find one place to go to that would cover all the bases for me all at once.
Not only am I working on getting it set up legally, I'm trying to build a Web site, portfolio, and make arrangements on the retail side for customer orders. Whew! I'll fill everybody in as soon as I get the legal aspects squared away.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Not Today
We took Buster to the vet today and I fully expected to not see him come home with us. He has a cancer on his head but other than that, he is about the same as he has been this past year. I could barely talk to the vet between my tears.
He gave us an option to try a steroid shot which should reduce the swelling of the cancer but doesn't make it go away. We are to check back with him at the end of the week to see how he is doing. I've already decided that if Buster gets worse, Mark will need to bring him to the vet because it's just too hard on me. I'm just a basket case there.
He gave us an option to try a steroid shot which should reduce the swelling of the cancer but doesn't make it go away. We are to check back with him at the end of the week to see how he is doing. I've already decided that if Buster gets worse, Mark will need to bring him to the vet because it's just too hard on me. I'm just a basket case there.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
The Executioner
The Executioner...that's what I feel like and I hate it! I have two reasons for feeling this way...Sandy and Buster.
First, Sandy. Two days ago, my neighbor, Jack and his daughter, Joey, were looking for their cat, Sandy because she was going to be put down yesterday (Friday) due to cancer. Sandy is 16 years old and apparently has cancer in her mouth which created a hole in the roof of her mouth making it very difficult for her to eat. It was obvious she was getting weaker.
They searched into the evening hours on Thursday but no Sandy. Yesterday morning when I came downstairs, there was Sandy sitting by the koi pond relaxing, a recent favorite past time of hers. I called Jack to let him know where Sandy was and Joey came over and got her. I felt like I was the Executioner for telling them where she was.
I talked to Jack this morning and Sandy met her fate yesterday. Very sad. She had a good life with Jack and Joey ever since they rescued her years ago as a stray when some college students left her on her own!
Now, our own cat, Buster. Buster has been with us since Sara was a 5th grader--18 1/2 years old! Buster is deaf (has been for almost 2 years) and has lost a lot of weight. His arthritis is really bad yet he still seems to walk around okay; he has difficulty when he goes to sit. He has been throwing up much more frequently these days and I noticed recently a growth on the top of his head over one eye. Upon coming downstairs this morning, I was shocked at how quickly it grew since yesterday! And, there is no fur on the growth. I would bet this is his cancer.
I tried getting him into the vet today to confirm our fears but they are closed right now. I left a message to get him in on Monday to see Dr. Arun.
I left a Skype note for Holly and Sara to let them know that I think Buster's days are numbered. I have a feeling on Monday he'll be going to kitty heaven, too. I'll try calling them later.
Even though I know this is probably the humane thing to do at this point in Buster's old life, it just stinks when a decision like this has to be made! We'll see what the vet says on Monday. He has definitely been a good cat all these years and I will miss him if it's his time to go!
First, Sandy. Two days ago, my neighbor, Jack and his daughter, Joey, were looking for their cat, Sandy because she was going to be put down yesterday (Friday) due to cancer. Sandy is 16 years old and apparently has cancer in her mouth which created a hole in the roof of her mouth making it very difficult for her to eat. It was obvious she was getting weaker.
They searched into the evening hours on Thursday but no Sandy. Yesterday morning when I came downstairs, there was Sandy sitting by the koi pond relaxing, a recent favorite past time of hers. I called Jack to let him know where Sandy was and Joey came over and got her. I felt like I was the Executioner for telling them where she was.
I talked to Jack this morning and Sandy met her fate yesterday. Very sad. She had a good life with Jack and Joey ever since they rescued her years ago as a stray when some college students left her on her own!
Now, our own cat, Buster. Buster has been with us since Sara was a 5th grader--18 1/2 years old! Buster is deaf (has been for almost 2 years) and has lost a lot of weight. His arthritis is really bad yet he still seems to walk around okay; he has difficulty when he goes to sit. He has been throwing up much more frequently these days and I noticed recently a growth on the top of his head over one eye. Upon coming downstairs this morning, I was shocked at how quickly it grew since yesterday! And, there is no fur on the growth. I would bet this is his cancer.
I tried getting him into the vet today to confirm our fears but they are closed right now. I left a message to get him in on Monday to see Dr. Arun.
I left a Skype note for Holly and Sara to let them know that I think Buster's days are numbered. I have a feeling on Monday he'll be going to kitty heaven, too. I'll try calling them later.
Even though I know this is probably the humane thing to do at this point in Buster's old life, it just stinks when a decision like this has to be made! We'll see what the vet says on Monday. He has definitely been a good cat all these years and I will miss him if it's his time to go!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
So Much Activity, Not Enough Time
When I was younger and worked a full time job and our girls were still in school, playing music and sports, I seemed to be a master at organizing our daily/weekly schedules. I thought once I'd retired things would slow down a bit but my days are just as busy as the early days of my family life. And, that's not a bad thing! There is no way I'm ever going to be bored!
I have so many different things I want to do, the trick is trying to figure out how to fit everything into my schedule. I need to resurrect my organizational skills again so that I can do more (activities) with less (hours in the day).
My drum lessons and drum practice are a priority and so is fitting in exercise at least 30 minutes a day (although I know that is no where near enough for weight loss) but it is better than nothing.
The weekly big clean of the house and weeding the garden is the next priority. I also go down to see Sara and Sophia a couple of times a week which is something I definitely look forward to! I want to devote time to writing and photography several times a week (ideally daily) and I would really like to finish just one of the hundreds of books I've started over the past few years! Leisurely reading has definitely taken a back seat to the other activities.
I try to pick up my guitar at least a couple of times a week to reinforce the picking and strum patterns I've recently learned. And, I need to plan a couple of camping trips and hikes into the Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Then there is a lot of work to do for the New Horizons Concert Band which kicks off a new season in September. I will need to put some time in with the Fort Collins Symphony Guild (not sure when that is going to happen) and I want to learn to swim "laps".
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with having so many interests! I'm just trying to figure out how to fit everything in.
I have so many different things I want to do, the trick is trying to figure out how to fit everything into my schedule. I need to resurrect my organizational skills again so that I can do more (activities) with less (hours in the day).
My drum lessons and drum practice are a priority and so is fitting in exercise at least 30 minutes a day (although I know that is no where near enough for weight loss) but it is better than nothing.
The weekly big clean of the house and weeding the garden is the next priority. I also go down to see Sara and Sophia a couple of times a week which is something I definitely look forward to! I want to devote time to writing and photography several times a week (ideally daily) and I would really like to finish just one of the hundreds of books I've started over the past few years! Leisurely reading has definitely taken a back seat to the other activities.
I try to pick up my guitar at least a couple of times a week to reinforce the picking and strum patterns I've recently learned. And, I need to plan a couple of camping trips and hikes into the Rocky Mountain National Park this summer. Then there is a lot of work to do for the New Horizons Concert Band which kicks off a new season in September. I will need to put some time in with the Fort Collins Symphony Guild (not sure when that is going to happen) and I want to learn to swim "laps".
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled with having so many interests! I'm just trying to figure out how to fit everything in.
Monday, June 6, 2011
When Will California's Housing Market Get Real?
Holly and Erich need to move out of their current house of 5 years because of a big raise in their rent. So,I've been busily searching for homes in Ventura for Holly and Erich (and they are, too) but geez, when will California home prices get reasonable? Who, other than actors and lawyers, can afford to buy out there? I've never seen anything like it! It's REDICULOUS!!! It's no wonder people are moving OUT of California in droves!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Tidbits from Today
Before driving to Sara and Zach's, we drove by the River Bluffs Trailhead parking lot where the Cache La Poudre River flows by. The river has risen a lot and is supposed to continue to rise due to the snow melt in the mountains. Check out the picture on the right.
Mark wanted to help Sara and Zach get started on their garden so we went with Sara to Lowes to pick out plants and supplies while Zach babysat Sophia.
I did another short photo shoot with Sophia today. (Mark and I did her first photo shoot yesterday.) The photos here are yesterday's shoot.
On our way back home to Fort Collins, we experienced a beautiful sunset and took a few pictures, too!
Mark wanted to help Sara and Zach get started on their garden so we went with Sara to Lowes to pick out plants and supplies while Zach babysat Sophia.
I did another short photo shoot with Sophia today. (Mark and I did her first photo shoot yesterday.) The photos here are yesterday's shoot.
On our way back home to Fort Collins, we experienced a beautiful sunset and took a few pictures, too!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Back to Life as I Know It
May was an amazing month full of joys, concerns, anxiety, anticipation, and love! So many things happened so quickly that I didn't have time to sit down and think about them much less write about them. So, let me now recollect the adventures that took place...
Holly, Zoe, and Ezra flew in from California on May 10th and our house filled with laughter, screeches, and sometimes tears for the next 3 weeks! I'm always amazed how the house blossoms into the brightest most colorful bouquet of emotions and activity when they are here; I LOVE it!
My first concert band performance was on May 11th and several of our friends as well as Holly and the kids were able to attend! I didn't have a flawless performance on percussion but no one noticed the "mistakes" but me. I'm glad to have my first concert behind me now. Too many jittery nerves on the first one!
Sara's due date came and went on May 10th, too! By late in the night on the 11th, she went into labor for 12 hours and then it stopped for the next 12 hours or so. This pattern went on for 4 days! On Monday, May 16th at 2 p.m., she was given Pitocin to speed up the contractions and by 9:03 p.m., our beautiful granddaughter, Sophia Lena Goldberg was born! Holly was thrilled to have been able to be a part of the delivery with Sara and Zach!
There should have been a camera filming Ellen, Howard and I (the anxious and excited grandparents we were) who waited just outside the room door while the miracle of birth took place! We looked like the Three Stooges with our ears against the door! Sophia is their first grandchild so you can imagine their excitement level was over the top! I was also anxious to know if both Mom and baby were doing well!
After a day, it became clear that Sophia needed a few more days in the hospital due to a condition called "tracheal malasia". Her oxygen level dropped when she would cry; that appears to have resolved itself and she's gone from her birth weight of 6 lbs. 10 oz. to 8 lbs. 5 oz. in two weeks! Sophia along with her mommy and daddy came home on Saturday, May 21st!
She had her first "outing" to Grandma's and Grandpa's this past Saturday and we invited Howard and Ellen to participate! We had a little BBQ and ate inside as the weather was rather cold and cloudy.
Speaking of weather, I couldn't believe how almost every day for three weeks we had cold, cloudy/rainy weather! I was so upset for Holly and the kids because it limited their outdoor activities! But, if you check out the pictures on the right, you'll see we fit in just a little fishing, park/playground visits, sculpture park and the Denver Children's Museum!
So, now the house is empty and I'm playing catch-up on my drum practice. I also will start walking outside a lot more frequently as long as the good weather holds up! We need to plan a Rocky Mountain National Park hike, dinner events, camping, and practice shooting more photos to prep for an August engagement shoot and wedding in January back East. I also have more work to do as a board member for our band to get us ready for a new season in the fall. I hope to get a few more people to join so need to push the publicity even harder this year.
I have more than enough to do but despite this activity, I can't help but miss Holly and the kids! (I miss Erich too...don't get to see much of him at all.) They are such an important part of our life that it's sad we see them so seldom.
Tomorrow is another day...we'll be heading to Sara and Zach's in the morning. We'll take Sara and Sophia to Buckley AFB in Aurora to get my prescriptions refilled and to do a little commissary/BX shopping. Then, back to Sara's to do a baby photo shoot!
Holly, Zoe, and Ezra flew in from California on May 10th and our house filled with laughter, screeches, and sometimes tears for the next 3 weeks! I'm always amazed how the house blossoms into the brightest most colorful bouquet of emotions and activity when they are here; I LOVE it!
My first concert band performance was on May 11th and several of our friends as well as Holly and the kids were able to attend! I didn't have a flawless performance on percussion but no one noticed the "mistakes" but me. I'm glad to have my first concert behind me now. Too many jittery nerves on the first one!
Sara's due date came and went on May 10th, too! By late in the night on the 11th, she went into labor for 12 hours and then it stopped for the next 12 hours or so. This pattern went on for 4 days! On Monday, May 16th at 2 p.m., she was given Pitocin to speed up the contractions and by 9:03 p.m., our beautiful granddaughter, Sophia Lena Goldberg was born! Holly was thrilled to have been able to be a part of the delivery with Sara and Zach!
There should have been a camera filming Ellen, Howard and I (the anxious and excited grandparents we were) who waited just outside the room door while the miracle of birth took place! We looked like the Three Stooges with our ears against the door! Sophia is their first grandchild so you can imagine their excitement level was over the top! I was also anxious to know if both Mom and baby were doing well!
After a day, it became clear that Sophia needed a few more days in the hospital due to a condition called "tracheal malasia". Her oxygen level dropped when she would cry; that appears to have resolved itself and she's gone from her birth weight of 6 lbs. 10 oz. to 8 lbs. 5 oz. in two weeks! Sophia along with her mommy and daddy came home on Saturday, May 21st!
She had her first "outing" to Grandma's and Grandpa's this past Saturday and we invited Howard and Ellen to participate! We had a little BBQ and ate inside as the weather was rather cold and cloudy.
Speaking of weather, I couldn't believe how almost every day for three weeks we had cold, cloudy/rainy weather! I was so upset for Holly and the kids because it limited their outdoor activities! But, if you check out the pictures on the right, you'll see we fit in just a little fishing, park/playground visits, sculpture park and the Denver Children's Museum!
So, now the house is empty and I'm playing catch-up on my drum practice. I also will start walking outside a lot more frequently as long as the good weather holds up! We need to plan a Rocky Mountain National Park hike, dinner events, camping, and practice shooting more photos to prep for an August engagement shoot and wedding in January back East. I also have more work to do as a board member for our band to get us ready for a new season in the fall. I hope to get a few more people to join so need to push the publicity even harder this year.
I have more than enough to do but despite this activity, I can't help but miss Holly and the kids! (I miss Erich too...don't get to see much of him at all.) They are such an important part of our life that it's sad we see them so seldom.
Tomorrow is another day...we'll be heading to Sara and Zach's in the morning. We'll take Sara and Sophia to Buckley AFB in Aurora to get my prescriptions refilled and to do a little commissary/BX shopping. Then, back to Sara's to do a baby photo shoot!
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