Cindy’s Blog

Why not end the year with a summary.

I didn’t garden this year at all except for the attempt to grow kale and broccoli. The rabbits are free range again and I don’t plan to garden while they’re still alive. They are past their life expectancy now - 9 years - but look as healthy as ever.

We lost Lucy earlier in the year. One day I noticed that she didn’t run to meet me as she usually does when I’m feeding them. After a minute or two of waiting she stumbled out of her burrow but her head was tipped sideways. She couldn’t hold it up. She quickly fell back into the burrow. I told John that something was seriously wrong with her. We debated what to do. I didn’t want to spend money by taking her to a vet and I didn’t want to pester my veterinarian neighbor about it either. After debating for a while John decided to have a look for himself. But she was dead by then. Sadly, Ed was licking her all over. What a sad sight.

We thought that maybe at their age their testosterone levels were low enough that they would get along so we left the door to their bunny palace open. Fred went in and out, but Ed stayed in. We had to cut the bottom of the opening down so that leaving required no hopping before he would venture out. The pupils of Ed’s eyes are cloudy and blue now. I doubt he sees very well.

But at least they get along. They snuggle constantly. Its absolutely adorable. I really don’t want to cage them again even if it means I must sacrifice my gardening. But please don’t let them break records for rabbit longevity.

An assorted list:

• I sent no christmas letter this year. Or the year before. Or the year before that.
• I received no raises, promotions or awards.
• John starts a new job on Monday - commercial property sales. Yeah!
• We have a new cat, Maestro. The bold sassy fellow decided he liked our house and surprisingly our picky siamese cats like him. A rare event.
• Garrison sports 16 inch biceps.
• I have no New Year’s resolutions.
• I have bronchiectasis.

The last item: Bronchiectasis is a form of COPD. [Edited after second visit with lung doc. The Internet has incorrect information. Who knew?] Its when part of your lungs are damaged, making it harder to get rid of lung infections. Its the reason for my constant cough. Finally I know why I cough so much. My FEV1 or forced exlhalation volume is only 78% of what is expected from someone my age and size. I haven’t noticed a decrease in lung function yet. But now I’m on Advair and have been given an Albuterol inhaler, just in case.

Since a cold I had two years ago I’ve been coughing a lot. Its been steadily improving but I just came down with a new cold a week ago and unfortunately its in my lungs. Today a coworker commented “That’s quite a cough you have. I hope its gone by Monday.” She has no idea.

So here’s wishing employment and good health to everyone.