Saturday, June 20, 2009

Downs and Ups

I think I've determined that life is much more hectic in California than in my little farming area of Japan. I can't keep up with schedules and lifestyles and all the other things that get thrown in my lap... some good, some not so great...

Now, can you guess what this is a picture of? I took this a few days ago when stopped at the stoplight. Just an interesting viewpoint of American life. This telephone pole has probably seen hundreds and hundreds of sketches on neighborhood living. Yard sale notices, family parties directions, cars for sale, lost and found animals... I didn't think that I'd have to make acquaintances with the telephone poles this trip, BUT...

This is how WE used the telephone pole today...

Kiana and Leiya and I went walking this morning and two big dogs crossed over a main street to befriend us. At first we thought they were another walker's dogs but he said no. You remember that I panic at stray animals but they were not about to leave our sides except to run out in the street. After about 20 minutes of panicking we called Marcy (at 6:30 in the morning) to come and rescue us. I mean we weren't afraid of the dogs but I didn't want them following us to the main street.

In the end we piled them into the car with us and took them to the vet but no micro chips. We've called the Animal Shelter etc. and put up signs but no response. And we locked the dogs in the backyard but they escaped twice. We fenced them into our neighbor's yard with a sturdier fence (with permission) but they have escaped that area too, so now they are on the loose again. I hope they find their way home... Well, we tried, although we really didn't need to have a dog owner search going on with all the concerns with Grandma. Wish I could have reported a happier ending to this tale.

My mother is more and more "feeble" (taught that word to Leiya yesterday.) We took her back to the doctor and he is so great. He talked about "quality of life", "keeping her comfortable and happy" all sorts of things I really didn't want to think about. He said he had just been through similar situations with his father and as we left he chucked my mother under her chin and said,

"You're one of my oldest patients. Going on 15 years I think. Smile for me?"

Sort of made me teary eyed.

On the bright side, I finished piecing a Wicked Easy baby quilt for one of my church friends. I think I'll take the flimsy back to Japan and sandwich it in Japan. And Marcy has started on her own baby quilt for one of her friends so the sewing machine is busy! I thought I'd broken it and had to get my brother to come take it apart to fix it but he determined I'd just set it accidentally on bobbin wind.

I hope we can get more sewing in today!

11 comments:

Rae Ann said...

Once and animal lover always a animal lover. It would be just like you to try and find the owners. Unfortunately, here in the US animals run a muck on the streets and usually end up in the dog pound. It's sad that people don't care for their pets as many of us pets lovers do. You did your best, I hope they find their way home. Glad to see you were abe to sew a bit, but sad to hear that your mother is not up to snuff. I'm thinking of all of you. Rae Ann

BrendaLou said...

Tanya, know that there are many of us who know the heart sickness of watching Mom "fail" (my grandma was always announcing that this friend or that friend was in "failing health."). We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.

Mimi said...

Hi Tanya,

Yep, life in California IS hectic. My cousin wanted us to move to the San Diego area years ago (our children were young...maybe 10 and 7) and I was adament that it was too "fast" there for a small-town-Ohio born and raised gal.

Cute story about the dogs...since they are so skilled in the art of escape, I'll bet they made it safely home.

Sorry to hear your mom isn't bouncing back from things. It's so very hard.

Know that you are in my prayers, as is your mom and all the family.

Love your Wicked Easy baby quilt! That's the funnest kind!

Hugs

The Calico Quilter said...

I understand the feelings involved in watching your mother become more frail, almost before your eyes. It's heartbreaking, but also inevitable. The changes in my mother in the last year, even though she is still active and independent, are difficult to watch. I hope your mother's faith, and yours, give you comfort. Not sure what I can say, except you are in many bloggers' thoughts and prayers.

AnnieO said...

I think everyone can understand what watching a loved one grow old and fragile means. It's harder when it is happeneng to you though! It is great that you have this time with your children and family now.

AnnieO said...

I think everyone can understand what watching a loved one grow old and fragile means. It's harder when it is happeneng to you though! It is great that you have this time with your children and family now.

AnnieO said...

I think everyone can understand what watching a loved one grow old and fragile means. It's harder when it is happeneng to you though! It is great that you have this time with your children and family now.

AnnieO said...

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AnnieO said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

roberta said...

tanya, my prayers are all for you and your family and especially for you dear mom, give her a hug for all of us. Psalm121: 1,2
Glad to see Leiya she is beautiful as always, hope her year end was good.
A big hug to you my dear far away sister
Roberta from italy

Allie said...

Those dogs seem to be great escape artists! They'll probably be fine. Lots of homeless animals anymore, as more and more folks lose their homes.
So sorry to read this about your mum. I am praying for her and your family.
Your quilt is darling and I'm glad to hear Marcy is going great guns.