Happy New Year and moving forward!

[Spotty-ewe]

Time to move forward to hopefully a more positive year ahead. But how can we move forward asks Murray when we are surrounded by water?

This is a picture of our friend Noel who used to come with his wife to dog and cat sit for a week or two while hubby and I went to the mainland during the school summer holidays to do things like buy fish and chips, enjoy an ice-cream, go to the theatre, or cinema, visit the hairdresser, and lots of other things people who live in remote places yearn for. So here is Murray out for a walk with Noel and Shadow the most adventurous of our 4 cats.

This is one of my favourite photos and I often wonder what they were all thinking at the time. Any suggestions? I’d love to put a caption to it.

Happy New Year everybody!

[Krazykat26]

To me it looks like while the boys r pondering on what to do next Shadow the cat is already eyeing up the small rock which could be a bit of a leap!! So I think my caption would read.."So WHERE exactly is the mainland?" 🤔

Lovely pic Spotty n such good fun!!

Happy New Year (again)😹💜🌈😽😽 xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Krazykat26]

😂😂 Love it Kat! 👍🏻 She’s maybe praying for an owl to come and rescue her and take her away to the mainland in a wee boat! 😂 But as we said earlier behind every great male (or 2 in this case) is an even greater female! 😉 😂

[Krazykat26 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

😹😹 d'ya know what I was hoping u were gonna say Shadow was a female!! 😉👍😹🌈😽😽Xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Krazykat26]

👏🏻👏🏻 All except Captain were females. Very intelligent and very good hunters. 👍🏻👍🏻 🤗😘💕

[CecilyParsley]

Oh what a fabulous photo. I absolutely love your stories. You really should write a book and add these beautiful images xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thank you Cecily. Funny you should say about writing a book. I’ve been thinking about doing just that. Perhaps that should be my New Year’s resolution? So pleased you are enjoying the pictures. 👍🏻🤗😘x

[CecilyParsley in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Good for you. I would buy it xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to CecilyParsley]

Thanks Cecily. I’ll keep you posted then. 😉😁. xxx

[CecilyParsley in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Definitely xxx

[Spanielmadlady]

" you could of told me I needed wellies "

Or

" you go first...no you go first " to which shadow says " just make your mind up tea is ready "

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Spanielmadlady]

👏🏻👏🏻 Both suggestions are brilliant! 😂 Knowing how much Shadow loved her food I think the second is a definite possibility! 😉 Thanks SML. 🤗😘x

[Spanielmadlady in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Sorry that's all I could come up with....I'm in sleep mode at the mo 😴 xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Spanielmadlady]

No need to apologise. They were brilliant thank you. 👍🏻Sleep well! 🛌💤💤

[svfarmer]

“Get a move on “ shadow says “ I’ve got no where to jump onto it you 2 don’t hurry up”

Lovely pic xx

[Spanielmadlady in reply to svfarmer]

Brill SV x

[Spotty-ewe in reply to svfarmer]

😂😂 I’m sure that did go through poor Shadow’s mind. Glad you like the pic SV. 👍🏻 🤗😘x

[misty14]

Wonderful post spotty and lovely pic. Cats are just wonderful the way they follow!. How about 'follow my leader'?. Is shadow younger than the Labrador?. I hope it isn't too long this year before we're all going back to those things we so took for granted and covid snatched away!.

Thank you for your lovely messages which I will reply to soonish!.

Happy new year spotty and keep safe. Xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to misty14]

Follow my leader indeed Misty! 😂 Yes Shadow was about 2 years younger than Murray. All my pets were rescue so we weren’t certain of their ages but Murray was an abandoned pup when I got him from police kennels where he was due to be put to sleep if unclaimed, and Sahdow and Mavro were half grown young cats when abandoned at my friend’s house in a farming area. So we know their rough ages, whereas Misty (my white cat from another island) and Captain from Glasgow were fully grown mature cats. They all got on so well and Shadow and Mavro adored Murray who I think they considered a lost parent.😆 Hoping you are keeping safe and as well as can be Misty. Happy New Year to you too. 🤗😘x

[MEGS53]

Shadow's saying 'get out of the way, I saw the fish first!'

Happy New Year, Spotty. Let's hope for a much better one, xxx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to MEGS53]

👏🏻👏🏻Nice one Meg.👍🏻👍🏻 It does look as though they are staring at a fish.😂 All the best for 2021. 🤗😘x

[MEGS53]

Hi SE. All the best to you and yours for 2021, 🎉🎉🎉

[Spotty-ewe in reply to MEGS53]

👍🏻👍🏻 🎉🎊🎈🥳 x

[Willow1414]

I think the the caption might be , we’re all in this together 😀

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Willow1414]

😂 Brilliant one Willow! 👍🏻 Also sounds like a good caption for all of us here on the forum!😂😂 Wishing you all the best for 2021. 🤗😘

[Willow1414 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Wishing all the best too 🦋❤️

[stiff19]

shadows saying chivalry is dead haven't you heard ladies go first (get out the way)😂🤔

lovely pic 😍

😘🤗x

[Spotty-ewe in reply to stiff19]

😂😂Love it Stiff and sadly the sentiment is so true. Not many gentlemen open a door for you and I can’t rmember the last time I was offered a seat on a crowded bus or train! Even being an old lady now doesn’t seem to have made any difference. 😉😂Glad you like the picture Stiff. It is one of my favourites. Hoping 2021 is a btter one for you and all of us. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 Love and hugs 🤗😘💕

[Horsewhisper]

Sorry I missed this Spotty - how about: “Make way for the Awesome Cat Fisher! Stand there any longer you two and they’ll all be gone!” 😂

What a lovely photo Spotty - Shadow looks poised for action whilst the other two seem to be pondering the day away! Hope you are ok? Things are more settled here with online school up and running and I’m getting used to new med for the GCA, which fingers crossed, is starting to take effect....🤗😘🤗

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Horsewhisper]

😂😂Great suggestion Horsewhisper.👍🏻👍🏻 I’m not bad thanks and to quote hubby, ‘Still upright, so that’s got to be a bonus!’ 😂😂 Glad to hear you are getting used to your new med for the GCA and hope the benefits of it will conitnue and increase. 🙏🏻 Good to hear the online schooling is working well and creating a routine. I’m surprised it wasn’t put in place months ago. I’m sure it would have been if they had an Aussie in the goverment. 😆Schools of the Air has been running for many decades and is very effective expecially now with Zoom etc - a far cry from the days of radio only. Lovely to hear from you. I hear you were using your paint pens, so look forward to seeing the results of your work. I’m also looking forward to the next Mrs C creation. 😋 Keep safe and warm 🤗😘x

[Horsewhisper in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hi Spotty, yes what with all this technology and connectivity there’s no reason for online schooling not to form part of the learning delivery - as long as kids have access to laptops, iPads etc. which I think the government is supplying. It’s fascinating to hear that Aus provided learning over the radio! How things have come on!

Took a bit of a dip recently (spoke too soon about feeling a bit better didn’t I?!) Symptoms returning but only moderately, low grade fever and kidney prob shown up in blood test yesterday, which needs investigating. Cant sleep and generally pee’d off with the constant ongoing health management whilst putting in a brave face for the fam, but I’ll take your “still upright” quote and wear that with renewed vigour!! Have a good day Spotty and I hope all is well with you 🤗😘🤗

[Krazykat26 in reply to Horsewhisper]

Oh HW 🤗 sorry to hear you're not feeling too great 💐 It's one of those things isn't it when we try a new med n it seems to be working..we quietly have renewed hope that maybe..just maybe this will sort us out..n then bang!! A glitch happens n it can seem like back to square one!! 😔I just wanna send u gentle cyber 🤗🤗 I hope that u can get your kidney problem investigated pronto n that a solution can be found!! Ok yes put on a brave face for the fam if u want but don't forget were all here for ya if u wanna sound off!! 🤬 🌈😽😽Xx

[Horsewhisper in reply to Krazykat26]

Thanks so much KK! This message came at just the right time - the power of cyber thoughts! Just got off the phone from the GP now who said my eGFR rate has dropped quite significantly and creatinine levels have gone up a lot. So need to contact Rheumy helpline as it could be the new med causing this or just general dodgy DNA as both granny and dad ended up on dialysis due to rubbish kidneys. You’re right about the glitch - they do happen from time to time and I have to remember that. Cyber hugs gratefully received and I now feel strong enough to get back to “business as usual” for the household! 👍 Hope you are ok too KK - I always think of my Lupie friends on here - so much strength and resolve that we have for each other in these toughest of times 🙏💕🤗😘🤗

[Krazykat26 in reply to Horsewhisper]

Glad to hear that your doctor's r keeping a close eye on u 👍🧐Yes u can put a brave face on for the fam..but we're your Lupie family n we're all here for u 🤗 helps keep us same..well sane-ish!! 😹🌈😽😽Xx

[Horsewhisper in reply to Krazykat26]

Thanks so much dear Kat! We have a lovely supportive family here in Lupie-Land and it’s my go-to place for a bit of sanity-ish! 😂🤗😘🤗

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Horsewhisper]

Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear your health has taken a backward step just when you thought things were improving. 😫 Typical eh? I must admit I hate people who don’t understand asking how I am as I always feel if I say I’m good, then next thing is I’m not, and if I say I’m so so they think I’m looking for sympathy! So Hubby’s ‘still upright’ usually raises a smile and I swiftly ask after them or change the subject. That’s why this forum is such a godsend having people who know exactly how you feel and what you mean when describing symptoms and side effects of medications. So valuable. So as Kat says, sound off here anytime at all or PM one of us if you prefer.I hope Rheumy is able to advise and help you and hopefully if it is the new med causing the setback it will be fairly easily rectified by trying a new one. I hope and pray 🙏🏻 you get the help you need and feel better soon with better test results.

Apart from my peripheral neuropathy getting worse again (effects of Pregabalin seem to be fading, apart from the constipation it causes which is literally a pain in the you know where) I’m doing okay thanks. I hope you get sorted soon HW and keep us posted.

Love and hugs 💜🙏🏻🤗😘

[Krazykat26 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Dried apricots work a treat Spotty 😉so does prune juice!! Does for me anyway 😹🌈😽😽xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Krazykat26]

Thanks for that Kat. 👍🏻 I love dried apricots so I’ll give that a try. I stewed some prunes the other day but think I must have had too many because I had griping pains that evening before going to bed. It did the trick next morning though!😉 I am prescribed Laxido for the constipation but it often doesn’t seem to have any effect. ☹️ Iron guts or what? 😂 I hope all is well with you Kat. 🙏🏻 Love and hugs 💝🤗😘

[Krazykat26 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Laxido never did the trick for me either 😹 ..thing is it's usually side effects of the meds that cause the constipation anyway!! Honestly..we r constantly battling one thing or another eh? 🤦Enjoy your apricots 😉Love n hugs to u n hubs 🌈😽😽xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Krazykat26]

I’m glad it’s not just me it doesn’t work for. Yes, one thing after another keeps us on our toes - except my big toes are very painful at present making our regular walks out of the question some days. 😫 But not to worry, I’m sure it will be something else that’s sore before long!😂 Hubby is away to do the fortnightly shopping tonight so I’ve put dried apricots on the list. Looking forward to them. 😋 Thanks again for the tip Kat. More love and hugs to you and to hubby too. 💜🤗😘xx

[Spotty-ewe]

Oh wow! 6 per day sounds a lot.😳 Did you spend most of each day in the bathroom? 🥴 Do you think my bowel will sort itself out after the week of that treatment? I’ll try Kat’s suggestion of the dried apricots first and if that isn’t enough I’ll try the extra Laxidos. Many thanks for letting me know about that regime. Much appreciated. 👍🏻Take care Ickybicky. 🤗

[Krazykat26 in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Deffo try apricots before the Laxido Torpedo Spotty 🤨🙄😉🌈😽😽xx

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Krazykat26]

Will do Kat! 😂 🤗😘xx

[Spotty-ewe]

😂😂 A memorable week for all the wrong reasons.🤣🤣 But it was definitely worth it to find that no cancerous polyps were present 👏🏻👏🏻 That is great news. No wonder you are into gut clearance! No💩! 😆 Keep safe . 🤗x

[Horsewhisper]

H Spotty, thank you for your kind words - I’m definitely going to use “the still upright” phrase particularly as I ping-pong from being ok to not ok fairly often! I’m sorry to hear about your peripheral neuropathy getting worse, is it the nerve pain that causes you the most problems? Such a horrible feeling, my dad had CIDP and suffered a lot with the pain in his hands and feet. He was on Gabapentin which seemed to help quite a bit. It’s been a bit of a week what with naughty kidneys at the beginning and a referral for an aortic MRI scan today as have consistently higher BP in left arm compared to right, they want to check that everything’s ok on the vascular front. Anyway, things are ticking along and I’m grateful for everything that I have and still able to do, so mustn’t grumble. At least I can chat here which is always so helpful. Thanks again Spotty for all your support, always so much appreciated 🙏👍🤗😘🤗

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Horsewhisper]

Hi HW, that is so frustrating to regularly alternate from being ok to not! Very difficult to deal with. My PN affects me worst when I go to bed and presents in the form of intensely hot/burning soles of feet and palms of hands. The Pregabalin helped for a few months but the symptoms are returning and I don’t want to have to up the dose on top of all the other drugs I’m on. How did your Dad cope with Gabapentin? I’ve heard it is a nasty drug and hubby was on it temporarily but it made him very forgetful (more than usual!) So I’m not sure I want to try it .Have your kidneys settled down now? I hope so🙏🏻. I have an atrophying kidney which is stuck to other internal organs so the Urologist isn’t keen to try to remove it. I’m on a prophylactic antibiotic which they change every 6 months so I don’t build up a resistance and I’ll be on it for the rest of my life. Better than the recurring infections though. Have you got a date for your aortic MRI scan yet? I pray all goes well for you HW and that they find something that helps you get back on an even keel. 🙏🏻 Keep smiling and keep in touch. Always here if you want a chat. Love and hugs, 🤗😘🙏🏻💕

[Horsewhisper in reply to Spotty-ewe]

Hi Spotty, yes a bit of a yo-yo health situation and that’s how I, and probably most of us on here, roll! Tick along on an even keel for a bit, and then have a blip. Have got MRI scan on 10th Feb, so not too long to wait. Another kidney blood test tomorrow so hopefully levels will be back to normal again. Sorry to hear about your poor kidney, I hope it doesn’t give you too much grief and that it’s managed ok?

Dad seemed to get on with Gabapentin and it kept the pain at bay. I suppose we are all different as to how we react to these strong meds. I think it can cause grief with kidneys too. Anyway , thanks for your kind words, always such a tonic, hope you are ok at the moment with PN. Lots of love and big hugs back to you 😘🤗😘

[Spotty-ewe in reply to Horsewhisper]

Yes, that is true we are up and down like a see-saw. Glad you have a date for your MRI. Not too far away now as you say. I hope the result from your kidney blood test is good. They keep checking mine every 6 months or so and the last few times it was said to have been acceptable, not normal. I suppose it never will be normal.🤷‍♀️Regarding my atrophying kidney (thanks for asking) without my prophylactic antibiotic, which is changed every 6 months so I don’t build up a resistance, I’m very prone to UTI’s or a kidney infection in that bad kidney. Otherwise I wouldn’t know I had a problem. I do need a wee rather often, always have done since as far back as I can remember, but the man doing my scan a couple of years ago asked if I knew that I had a duplex system on my good kidney. No I didn’t, but that explained why I need to urinate as often as I do. But to get back to the atrophying kidney I find it behaves itself very well on the prophylactic antibiotic 🤞 as long as I don’t drink alcohol (or at least very rarely and in tiny amounts even then) and as long as I don’t go swimming in public pools. If I do either of those things I end up with a nasty infection which is very painful and takes ages to clear up even with a course of full dose antibiotic. The worst case was just after we married in Bermuda when I drank several glasses of champagne. I spent a few days in hospital on intra-venous antibiotics. That was without doubt the most painful episode I ever had with that naughty kidney. It doesn’t sound like Gabapentin is the drug for me from what you said. Luckily PN isn’t too bad at present - cold nights with my feet sticking out of the bed definitely helps! 😂

Take care HW and let me know how you get on with your blood test and your MRI. I’ve enjoyed the chat and the welcome hugs. 🥰 Loved your painted pebbles - very theraputic by the sound of it. 🤗😘💕