Saturday, December 31, 2016

Felines, Friends, and Physicians

 

P1050855                                            Another great site at McDowell Mountain

Things have been busy these last couple weeks of 2016, taking care of annual and other medical appointments, hanging with friends, hiking and biking, and spending time at Fearless Kitty Rescue.

Some of the feathered and furry friends at our site.

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First for the medical. Jim had his annual visits with the hematologist and dermatologist, and an emergency visit to the ophthalmologist. He started having flashing lights and floaters in the left eye, but luckily it was just another vitreous detachment, which he has had before. Nothing to be done, just another one of those aging issues.

When I saw the primary care PA last week she said I was overdue for a colonoscopy. I really didn’t want to get it done, but they scheduled me for February, after we plan to leave here. I called to cancel and see if they had an earlier appointment, and the only thing available before February was for December 23. Since my call took place on the 20th, I decided to just get it over with. Of course the prep was unpleasant, but I survived and had the procedure with no problems, other than the doctor found a very small (2 mm) polyp. Much to my surprise, the biopsy report showed it was precancerous, and I am to have a repeat colonoscopy in three years. I am certainly glad I didn’t put this off.

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Friends Alex and Ellen have been over several times for bike riding. Maikel and Susan stayed for 2 weeks, their first time here. And we met Tim and Florence, Lazy Daze owners from California who were here last week. On Christmas Day, after we returned from our shift at Fearless Kitty, we all took a 7 mile hike on the Scenic trail, a great way to spend the day. Barely 50 degrees outside and snow from the previous day on the mountains.

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DSC06914                                    Maikel, Susan, Ellen, Tim, Jim, Alex, and Florence

DSC06917                                                         Same except I’m in this one

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We’ve been spending quite a bit of time at Fearless Kitty Rescue, helping them get moved into the new building, and filling in for some extra shifts caring for the cats. What an amazing feat to move a rescue over the week of the Christmas/New Year holiday, all with just the help of volunteers.

20161224_103232                                                                         Shasta, one of our favorites

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We don’t normally go out on New Year’s Eve, but today we are stopping to do laundry on our way to meet friends at the movies this afternoon. Plan to stop for a drink on the way home, but will be back long before the serious New Years Eve party crowd gets on the road.

Wishing a great 2017 to our friends, family, and blog readers! See you next year…

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27 comments:

  1. Happy New Year. Thanks for keeping your blog going. It is a favorite of mine. Be safe and try to have tooooo much fun.

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  2. Happy New Year! Love hiking in these cooler temps. Walking with friends makes it even better. Glad you two are getting all tuned up while in AZ.

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    1. Seems we're always needing something tuned up!
      When will you be at McDowell?

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  3. Do you know the name of that first bird photo? It is a beauty.
    Glad you got the colonoscopy. It is one of the procedures Paul and I get when we receive our notice from the doc. office. Very important part of staying healthy.
    Adorable photos of the kitties.
    Wishing you both a blessed and new adventures in 2017.

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    1. That's a Gambel's quail. Looks different from the front.

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  4. Great pics. Happy New Year to you both!

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  5. All that medical stuff seems like a good way to end a year and start the new. Happy New Year!

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  6. Thanks Jim and Gayle! Wishing you both a fantastic NEW YEAR!! We are in Tallahassee where I've rented myself out again. We love to hear about your adventure. You two got us on the road!

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  7. Really love your header picture. What a beautiful campsite. You have wonderful feathered and furred neighbors. All your pictures today are really fantastic, they are a joy to see. Make me yearn to be there. Happy New Year.

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  8. Glad you had the colonoscopy!! It is an important test.
    Happy New Year to you guys!! Wishing you safe travels, lots of good memories and good health in 2017.

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  9. Somehow saying "the prep was unpleasant" just doesn't do it justice but it is accurate.
    Happy New Year!

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  10. Wishing you both a healthy and happy 2017, filled with lots of outdoor time and if there are doctor visits, they have good outcomes!

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  11. New Year greetings. Looks like you've had a great stay at McDowell. Those are some really healthy looking coyotes!

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  12. GAK! That reminds me . . . I am due in 2017 for this test. Like you, I want to get it over with as quickly as possible. The prep is an easy way to lose a pound or two in the process!

    Virtual hugs,

    Judie

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  13. Wishing you both a healthy New Year filled with the adventures that make you happiest! Looks like you're off to a great beginning. (Shasta is adorable!)

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  14. Love the quail and the coyotes - what a great place. Your desert shots are stunning. Happy New Year.

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  15. Looks like you are having a fun time in McDowell! Love your first photo:) Wishing you and Jim a happy, healthy New Year and, hopefully, a meet up for the four of us!

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    1. I have a feeling this is the year we finally meet!

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  16. Happy New Year! The LD always looks so good & shiny! Dave, Rebecca, Cisco and Archie.

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    1. Missed you guys at the New Years dinner last night!

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  17. Always enjoy your wild life photos. Wishing you many new places to explore in 2017.

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  18. McDowell RP made it as one of our favorite regional park! I sure missed it this winter. As always great capture on those wildlife.
    Wishing you another great year ahead. Cheers.

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  19. McDowell RP made it as one of our favorite regional park! I sure missed it this winter. As always great capture on those wildlife.
    Wishing you another great year ahead. Cheers.

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  20. Wishing you and Jim a healthy new year and one filled with new adventures. Glad you decided to take care of the colonoscopy now. I look forward to that again in April.

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  21. I wrote a comment a while ago and it doesn't look like it made it to your blog. I'll give it another try!!
    So glad all the doctor's appointments are behind you and VERY glad you had that colonoscopy!!
    Wishing you both a very Happy New Year!!
    Mike & Gerri
    www.freedom2roll.blogspot.com

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  22. Hi Gayle...................I just wanted to wish you a very happy birthday!!! I hope you and Jim are both doing well and that you do something fun to celebrate your special day (you are my birthday sister).

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