BRAIN AND BODY

 

          Based on the latter half of March, I’ve come to the conclusion that no matter how young I think I am my body begs to differ. This coming week, I’m going to cut back on the exercise to see if that makes a difference. I’ll still do the three enhanced fitness classes, but think I’ll limit my river exercise class to just one day.

          When it comes to social commitments, I have my driftwood sculpture class on Tuesday and a ladies’ lunch on Wednesday.

          Of course, the week could blow up because it is Snohomish School District’s spring break. I’ve talked to Thor about having Xander, and maybe Arayli, come spend some time and participate in adventures. I’m waiting to hear back about Xander’s soccer practice and when he/they will be available. Still, it will be fun to spend some time with them. I don’t seem to have spent as much time with these grandchildren as I did with Haley, but the pandemic kind of made a mess of things.

          You’ll be happy to know, dear reader, that I participated in a brain research program sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and administered through Kaiser Permanente. I took my BFF with me instead of one of my boys just in case the results indicated I needed some kind of supervision. Anyway, the researcher asked me about my life, exercise, shopping, finances, driving, health, medications, pretty much all aspects of what it takes to get through each and every day. After each question, she would check with my BFF to see if she agreed with my statements…she did.

          The final portion of the interview was a cognitive test. Out of a potential 30 points, I received 29. The only thing I missed was in the repetition of a sentence back to the researcher…I heard the word cats instead of cat, so I lost a point.  I also think I should have lost a point when it came to drawing the square box…in my opinion, I failed miserably.

          So, I need no further follow up when it comes to my brain. My body is another story. I have really high cholesterol and finally agreed to begin taking a statin…Crestor. In the past when I tried statins, my muscles were not happy at all. I’m trying to determine of the muscle and joint pain I’m experiencing now is due to Crestor or if it’s just that I’m exercising way more.

          To wake up in the morning and feel as though every single joint, big or small, my lower back, neck, pretty much my entire body is without an ache or pain would be absolute heaven. And, yes, once I’ve had coffee and done my home exercises, pretty much everything is pain-free, but it’s hard work to get there. And, at night, once I’m in bed, my feet and hands hurt, probably due to neuropathy. That seems worse if I’ve had a lot of salt and/or sugar. I try to stay away from those two condiments, but you know, sometimes, you just have to have something salty or sweet.

          So, with less than thirteen years to go until I’m ninety, I think I’m still doing extremely well. I’m walking upright and briskly as opposed to shuffling. I can still bend over and pick stuff up. In fact, I am able to do everything necessary to live my good life. So, why whine about a few aches and pains…need to just have that coffee, do the exercises and get on with my day.

KUMA UPDATE

 

          In a previous blog post, I mentioned Kuma was having a spa day. I took photos of him prior to his visit as well as after and am posting them here so you can see the difference. His paws are now well defined and his booty and penis trimmed up. The groomer didn’t do too much else to him aside from an anal gland and ears check and a bath. Kuma’s coat smelled wonderful and he felt like silk when I picked him up. 

    

         Amanda at Hippie Hounds also provided me with a list of brushes appropriate for brushing Kuma. I purchased them and am waiting for delivery on the last one which is a Zoom Groom. Amanda said to not brush with the Zoo Groom in long strokes, but short ones as that will pull the hair free.

          Next Saturday will be graduation day for Kuma’s intermediate training class. I fully expect him to pass; however, we’re going to have to work hard this week on him staying in place when someone comes to the door. He’ll stay just fine other times, but he is serious about wanting to jump and greet whoever comes in the door. That is probably going to be extremely hard and he may not get a gold star for his efforts at graduation.

          The other elements don’t concern me too much. He’ll sit, down, shake, stay, wait, walk, heel, and switch to my other side and heel. I’ve even had him walk, heel and switch in the house without a leash. Probably wouldn’t work outside because there are too many distractions.

          Kuma still barks like a fool at other dogs on leashes, especially little ones. I’m trying to teach him to “focus,” “leave it,” and provide treats, but once he begins, it’s hard to get him to stop. I’m sure the other dog parent thinks Kuma is vicious, but he’s not. Given the opportunity to approach the other dog, Kuma wags his tail and indulges in the, “I’ll sniff your butt and you can s niff my butt exercise.”

          We also attended a birthday party for another Aussie whose parents are Ken and Supa...his photo is on the wall in this picture. Oreo is black and white and he and Kuma got along well. There were two other dogs there and one of them never ceased barking. It didn’t seem to bother that dog’s parents, but I had one hell of a headache when we were done. The doggie birthday cake was a plate with whipped cream. I have a photo of Kuma trying to suck it right out of the can…bad dog!!!

          Kuma will be nine months old on April 7^th. Hard to believe so much time has already passed. Also hard (sort of) to believe what a wonderful and loving addition Kuma has been to my life…so very thankful and happy I chose him to be my companion.

KUMA, UNCOMMON CREATURE

         

         Last November I happened upon Uncommon Creatures at a craft fair. The woman who owns the company takes your photo of your animal and makes it even better. I took one of Michelle’s cards and told her I’d be in touch after the first of the year.

          I emailed Michelle the end of January or beginning of February and sent off photos of Kuma. Using those photos, she turned them into works of art and sent me so many proofs I had a very difficult time choosing. There were some I didn’t like at all, but there were so many I would have loved to order, but when you’re on a budget, you have to look at your expenditures and cash availability. They will be available for a year, however, so should I come into some money (not likely), I can order more in order to do what was suggested in the next paragraph.

          My friend Claudia looked at all the proofs and suggested I do a Warhol display in the way he did ten photos of Marilyn Monroe. I would have loved that, but the expense kept me from choosing my favorite ten photos. I did end up choosing two and have included them in this blog as well as on Facebook.

          Michelle asked me, “What is it about my artwork that brings you enjoyment, or makes you feel a connection to it?” I didn’t have to think about my answer for very long. These two pieces of artwork are how I see Kuma in my head. They seem to reflect the love we have for each other. True, a photograph is more realistic and shows Kuma’s true appearance; however, when I think of him or look at him, he becomes the “Uncommon Creature” I know and love.         

          If you like Kuma’s artwork and are interested in providing Michelle with a photo of your favorite pet, or perhaps human, you can find her website at: https://www.pinterest.com/uncommoncreatures. I absolutely love her work.