Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Ultrasound

So Hobbit had an ultrasound this morning. I am so glad that they don't have the same procedures for people (I've had 10 ultrasounds over the last 10 years) as he had to have his belly shaved and be held down. Yikes. Poor pup.

Anyway, there is no mystery mass. No enlarged organ. No nothing. His pancreas is tender and showing signs of abnormality. The specialist thinks he had a pancreatitis attack, though a mild one, and is in a lot of pain. That pain is likely causing him not to want to eat, he says. So pain meds for Hobbit on the menu. The vet also sent away for a blood test to confirm diagnosis. Not sure what else was going on, but all his organs are in the correct place now and the right size.

I still think there is something unknown, but I'll go with the flow on this one and make him comfortable and happy until we can do more or this passes. That's the update.

Tuesday, 11 November 2008

34 days

34 days until the farm is ours. That is amazing to me. I feel like that 9th month of pregnancy all over again, nesting, eating, pacing.

Add to that my worry and tears over my poor dog Hobbit and two very upset little girls who don't understand what's wrong with their pup. I wish I understood or had answers for them.

In the meantime, laundry still has to be done, meals put on the table, and clothes sorted for winter. Packing should begin soon as well. I am waiting on that, since we don't know exactly when we will actually move. Closing is mid December, but the family who lives there may rent from us for a bit, the weather could turn nasty, or the holidays could get crazy. Life happens, but we are blessed with patience and options.

I am tired today. It's sleeting. Blueberry has slept all day and Lil'Bug is ancy. I think we will head out soon to look for play sweaters and long pants for Lil'Bug. She grew again. Kids do that I suppose.

Also, Dearest stopped by at lunch time with a Starbucks Pumpkin Chai iced latte. Yum. Also, he did that instead of hanging out with the guys at our favourite local Deli. Why? Because I am so anxious and sad and he knew I needed a hug. I am very lucky to have his love and support.

The Week that Never Ends

Update as of Tuesday morning. Obstruction not on x-rays anymore, but 2nd vet says she sees an unknown mass pushing his intestines way back against his bladder. An ultrasound will be done to determine what this mass is (ie tumor, enlarged organ, ????). None of it sounds good to me. The ultrasound can't get done until Wednesday morning so he might come home for a bit later today or they might keep him there.

I want him home. We'll do what is best for him.

Monday, 10 November 2008

Mead and Lamb Burgers

Some thoughts I am distracting myself with while Hobbit is undergoing x-rays and the vet is discussing surgery.

Last week I had the opportunity to try Mead for the first time (thank you, Cousin David!). Those of you who know me, know that I do not drink alcoholic beverages because I don't like the taste. Well, Mead is yummy! I only had a couple sips, but it was mild and sweet. Something else to consider making once we get the bees established!

We also ordered a whole lamb this year. It was a luxury item, but we had hoped it would fill the gap between running out of pork and beef and getting the new supply. As it happened, the pork came before the lamb. We also wanted to cook with it, see if lamb meat would be versatile enough to justify raising sheep.

So far I made a delicious batch of lamb burgers (though not as tasty as the former Chat Noir, in Des Moines, used to serve). They are supposed to be paired with fresh mozzarella and focaccia buns, but the bread was frozen by mistake and I was so flustered by the thought of eating LAMB BURGERS on Sara Lee white bread yuck buns that I forgot to get out the cheese. The meal was good anyway AND, though she wouldn't eat at dinner time, Lil'Bug announced she was hungry at bedtime and raided the fridge for leftovers. She ate almost all of the leftover meat from dinner. Cool.

I think next time I will try and spicy the recipe up a bit. Chat Noir's were spicy. Of the things I really miss from there, lamb burgers, mufalatos, and their caramel pumpkin pecan cheesecake really top the list.