I didn’t understand until recently how much I depended on, and took for granted, the opportunities and daily interests of my former life in R-Town. While the pace is slower down here and I miss the everyday intellectual stimulation, there are many new pleasures in Hootersville. We’ve begun hiking which Silly absolutely loves. There is a hiking area within minutes of my house, and if it weren’t raining everyday this week, that would be a morning activity. I did fall once with only a skinned knee and a brief panic attack as the outcomes.
But it wasn’t until travel to a bigger city, let’s call it Mayberry, that the loss of civilization smacked me in the face, full force.
I got in and out of an old favorite store without a personal purchase but not without moaning, gnashing of teeth, lots of touching and one try on. I just couldn’t even imagine entering another favorite store, and there were plenty. With the new frugal times and other goals, I am not allowed to spend money on clothes while I still own LOTS of serviceable ones. Only the missing snuggly winter clothes needed are an option and to be paid out of my money jar of extra change.
But there was, admittedly, a splurge that day. Youngest and I were starving and PF Chang’s was there. We decided that we deserved lunch but even then, we ordered off the luncheon specials (cheapest option) and Youngest got two meals out of it. I used to spend that much on a lunch alone at Olives and think nothing of it. Anyway, I gave a first lesson on using chop sticks and Youngest is a natural (after the initial protest and exclaimed desire for forks). Now we won’t eat out again for a few weeks.
Temptations are rare in Hootersville but they lurk everywhere in Mayberry. I will need to limit my exposure. Sigh.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Final Piece of the Move Puzzle
Some CFO’s are cost cutters while others are revenue producers. As my own Financial Officer, I am both.
As for increasing revenue, I am actively seeking new consulting clients. I sent out requests to my network and reminded some of those in the know that I remain most interested in Austin. Instead of energy clients, I have been connected with a couple more life science companies which are where my experience and passion lay. I can feel a greater presence helping as the CEO of the company I’m closest to landing is also on the Board of Directors of the biotech organization in Austin where he offered to help hook me up once our own business is completed. I am also considering working with a national security company on a contingency fee now that I understand the legalities. If they did get a contract, that would be an influx of cash for a down payment but since this is not a definite, I will not count on it. This is the current professional status which I will continue to grow. My old favorite, X, has come back on for a 2 month project with the potential for long term at a solid retainer amount. That gives me a bit of breathing space.
The rest is going to require not just the cost cutting measures already in place (plus remaining in my current cheap location) but a full press savings plan that rubs up against the border of being a miser. Let me explain some of the efforts in place and if you have any suggestions, please share.
No more additional magazines, which is a huge sacrifice although it sounds silly. I get tired of being intellectual all the time and Friday nights with the junk magazines has been a long time ritual of relaxation. It announces the weekend and sets the tone for recharging personal batteries. PEOPLE magazine is a weekly subscription which does not count and will continue. I worked up the cost of the other regulars and the savings would be over $700 for 21 months. This is the first time in decades that I do not have maid service. I hate it and wish this is something I could have. Actually, I could but need all pennies for the Goal. The math has a 21 month savings of $3,696 for bi-weekly cleanings. I’ll sacrifice in exchange for the extra dollars. Sigh.
I have a money jar where I cleaned out my purse of change. It held around $65. Youngest and I work at home so we don’t need fancy clothes, just enough clean, casual ones to rotate through the winter. I’ve lost enough weight to fit back into my skinny jeans so my wardrobe is already expanded. I have a couple of decent suits that would still do for business meetings. If you want a gift card, the money counting machine takes 0%. We went to Old Navy this week and used the weekly sales to leverage our cash (and put in few bucks of my budgeted “allowance”) and we both ended up with several long sleeved shirts, hooded sweat shirts and sweat pants. I can’t wait to locate the box of old work purses in the garage where I expect at least a hundred dollars in change.
No more trips to purchase movies. I’m Red Box’s best customer. I record shows and also use Hulu.
One of the most drastic changes is in grocery shopping. Youngest has a really minimal budget for food and I am so happy with the Austin Goal, that I’m willing to go further than I ever have in cutting costs. Two weeks ago I went to HT and spent $64 with $35 in savings. I’ve shopped in about every grocery store here and have become familiar with the prices. After deciding on the Goal, we now are (hanging my head in shame) Wal-mart Superstore shoppers. It has the lowest consistent prices and I even tried an off brand fiber bar (passable). We both freeze meat on sale. I found the other shoppers to be strange but very friendly. And of course, we are not eating out at restaurants. I may allow a treat or two but for the most part, we are home eaters.
We went to the NC Zoo last week which has an entrance fee. To be allowed to still do fun things, we just find the least expensive way to deal. I made PB&J sandwiches and we brought water from home. Yes, we got busted (the brochure does not mention prohibition and we saw many others picnicking) but with a smile and we happily finished our meal.
Rather than drive 10.5 hours round trip and spend the gas to go get my hair done up north with K, I have visited salons around town with my freshly colored hair to show them how I want to look. I have a potential replacement colorist and will try her next time. The cost is less than half and the commute is only 15 minutes. No more pedicures, not even the cheap kind where there is no English spoken. The savings at one pedicure a month will bring in another $735 by move time. It all adds up.
Still, the expenses of a long-distance move, a big enough down payment as a self-employed person seeking a mortgage, and the ability to afford that downtown house, are enormous. I will need to both aggressively cut costs and increase revenue to make this happen. All worth it. Twenty-one months and counting…
As for increasing revenue, I am actively seeking new consulting clients. I sent out requests to my network and reminded some of those in the know that I remain most interested in Austin. Instead of energy clients, I have been connected with a couple more life science companies which are where my experience and passion lay. I can feel a greater presence helping as the CEO of the company I’m closest to landing is also on the Board of Directors of the biotech organization in Austin where he offered to help hook me up once our own business is completed. I am also considering working with a national security company on a contingency fee now that I understand the legalities. If they did get a contract, that would be an influx of cash for a down payment but since this is not a definite, I will not count on it. This is the current professional status which I will continue to grow. My old favorite, X, has come back on for a 2 month project with the potential for long term at a solid retainer amount. That gives me a bit of breathing space.
The rest is going to require not just the cost cutting measures already in place (plus remaining in my current cheap location) but a full press savings plan that rubs up against the border of being a miser. Let me explain some of the efforts in place and if you have any suggestions, please share.
No more additional magazines, which is a huge sacrifice although it sounds silly. I get tired of being intellectual all the time and Friday nights with the junk magazines has been a long time ritual of relaxation. It announces the weekend and sets the tone for recharging personal batteries. PEOPLE magazine is a weekly subscription which does not count and will continue. I worked up the cost of the other regulars and the savings would be over $700 for 21 months. This is the first time in decades that I do not have maid service. I hate it and wish this is something I could have. Actually, I could but need all pennies for the Goal. The math has a 21 month savings of $3,696 for bi-weekly cleanings. I’ll sacrifice in exchange for the extra dollars. Sigh.
I have a money jar where I cleaned out my purse of change. It held around $65. Youngest and I work at home so we don’t need fancy clothes, just enough clean, casual ones to rotate through the winter. I’ve lost enough weight to fit back into my skinny jeans so my wardrobe is already expanded. I have a couple of decent suits that would still do for business meetings. If you want a gift card, the money counting machine takes 0%. We went to Old Navy this week and used the weekly sales to leverage our cash (and put in few bucks of my budgeted “allowance”) and we both ended up with several long sleeved shirts, hooded sweat shirts and sweat pants. I can’t wait to locate the box of old work purses in the garage where I expect at least a hundred dollars in change.
No more trips to purchase movies. I’m Red Box’s best customer. I record shows and also use Hulu.
One of the most drastic changes is in grocery shopping. Youngest has a really minimal budget for food and I am so happy with the Austin Goal, that I’m willing to go further than I ever have in cutting costs. Two weeks ago I went to HT and spent $64 with $35 in savings. I’ve shopped in about every grocery store here and have become familiar with the prices. After deciding on the Goal, we now are (hanging my head in shame) Wal-mart Superstore shoppers. It has the lowest consistent prices and I even tried an off brand fiber bar (passable). We both freeze meat on sale. I found the other shoppers to be strange but very friendly. And of course, we are not eating out at restaurants. I may allow a treat or two but for the most part, we are home eaters.
We went to the NC Zoo last week which has an entrance fee. To be allowed to still do fun things, we just find the least expensive way to deal. I made PB&J sandwiches and we brought water from home. Yes, we got busted (the brochure does not mention prohibition and we saw many others picnicking) but with a smile and we happily finished our meal.
Rather than drive 10.5 hours round trip and spend the gas to go get my hair done up north with K, I have visited salons around town with my freshly colored hair to show them how I want to look. I have a potential replacement colorist and will try her next time. The cost is less than half and the commute is only 15 minutes. No more pedicures, not even the cheap kind where there is no English spoken. The savings at one pedicure a month will bring in another $735 by move time. It all adds up.
Still, the expenses of a long-distance move, a big enough down payment as a self-employed person seeking a mortgage, and the ability to afford that downtown house, are enormous. I will need to both aggressively cut costs and increase revenue to make this happen. All worth it. Twenty-one months and counting…
In Preparation - Part Two of Major Life Decisions
The first part of the Major Decision is the 21 month countdown to move to Austin. The second part of the decision is making sure that Youngest and I are fully prepared to hit the ground running when we do. We are focusing on health – emotional, physical and financial.
Recently, I had a dental emergency that resulted in an extraction. I found a Dentist nearby and this is the first time that I felt no physical pain AT ALL (just financial). I have a great deal of work required and have thus far had two new crowns prepared (but not yet inserted), a cavity filled and then the pulled molar. Because there was so much going wrong on top, we are dealing with that now and then will put in a bridge to the fill the lower space later. I really, really like this Dentist- she makes sure I’m comfortable in all ways. I feel very grown up handling this situation that has produced so much fear in the past.
After the first appointment I reported the pain free experience to Youngest – and she herself brought up the possibility of going in for work too. She’s in so much pain but has been unwilling and without insurance, has not been in a financial position to go. The plan is go slowly over the next 21 months as money becomes available. My immediate needs are almost all taken care of (lots more work, but not urgent) so next new client extra retainer goes towards the start of Youngest’s mouth. Besides the obvious benefit, this will also help her in the social and professional arenas. Oral health has much to do with overall health.
As to mental health, I haven’t felt the need to contact Mike (former shrink) nor locate a local therapy option. The work we completed previously and the change in lifestyle has been most beneficial. If a problem comes up, I have COBRA and wouldn’t hesitate to seek the help needed. I have been searching for a local sliding scale counseling center to help Youngest with the transition. There are so many very big changes going on lately and we both want to stay put together during the implementation.
This stuff is not cheap. How are we going to handle the above plus living expenses, plus saving for a down payment, plus handle emergencies, etc., on a waffling income? There is a plan and that is to be the next blog chapter.
Recently, I had a dental emergency that resulted in an extraction. I found a Dentist nearby and this is the first time that I felt no physical pain AT ALL (just financial). I have a great deal of work required and have thus far had two new crowns prepared (but not yet inserted), a cavity filled and then the pulled molar. Because there was so much going wrong on top, we are dealing with that now and then will put in a bridge to the fill the lower space later. I really, really like this Dentist- she makes sure I’m comfortable in all ways. I feel very grown up handling this situation that has produced so much fear in the past.
After the first appointment I reported the pain free experience to Youngest – and she herself brought up the possibility of going in for work too. She’s in so much pain but has been unwilling and without insurance, has not been in a financial position to go. The plan is go slowly over the next 21 months as money becomes available. My immediate needs are almost all taken care of (lots more work, but not urgent) so next new client extra retainer goes towards the start of Youngest’s mouth. Besides the obvious benefit, this will also help her in the social and professional arenas. Oral health has much to do with overall health.
As to mental health, I haven’t felt the need to contact Mike (former shrink) nor locate a local therapy option. The work we completed previously and the change in lifestyle has been most beneficial. If a problem comes up, I have COBRA and wouldn’t hesitate to seek the help needed. I have been searching for a local sliding scale counseling center to help Youngest with the transition. There are so many very big changes going on lately and we both want to stay put together during the implementation.
This stuff is not cheap. How are we going to handle the above plus living expenses, plus saving for a down payment, plus handle emergencies, etc., on a waffling income? There is a plan and that is to be the next blog chapter.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Take the last train to Clarksville
This is part one in a series discussing major life changes.
With the change in NewCo, I will have less money to make the transition to Austin but more freedom to make the leap. I can be a consultant from anywhere I wish and I wish Austin.
Dreams of high rises in the city are no longer realistic where I wouldn’t be able to afford enough bedrooms. And I’m not so sure that’s the right lifestyle for me any way - I’ve always wanted a yard. So how do I move to Austin where I can retire in place, still live near city action, be a real part of Jellybean’s life, enjoy my family and all the weirdness that the city celebrates?
I had heard that the East side is undergoing revitalization and started to research but didn’t like what I saw. The crime rate is unacceptable and the gentrification there is a series of cookie cutter houses for young families. And it appears too far from the downtown fun. The Travis lake area looks interesting but back to the desire to live there long after the car keys are put away. After a far amount of research, I contacted two different local agents. One did not take time to understand my lifestyle and home requirements. He forwarded me 143 listings from all over the city – seems he’s running a numbers marketing game. The other spent quite a bit of time on the phone explaining the different sections of the city, mortgage requirements for the self-employed and other important points. After a long discussion, he introduced me to the Clarksville area of downtown Austin. It’s a charming enclave near the parks, bike lane to the lake, is full of unique and quirky houses, is chock full of mature trees and walking distance to Whole Foods. Jackpot! He sent me 5 listings, one that wouldn’t work, one that is perfect (except for the timing) and 3 others that I could live in. He gets me.
Because I will need a decent down payment and will have higher requirements for a mortgage as a consultant, I need to stay in Hootersville for 2 full years to show a pattern of income. If for some reason I get hired by a firm or a client, I will only need one month of income and a letter of intent for continued employment – a scenario that I cannot guarantee. I have rented this house for a year and will have to renew for one additional year. With the low cost of living and increased work with a frugal lifestyle, I will still have to focus. I will move to Clarksville in 21 months.
Next installment covers another major decision and the third will deal with how to make this all happen. I’m very excited about where my heart is taking me.
With the change in NewCo, I will have less money to make the transition to Austin but more freedom to make the leap. I can be a consultant from anywhere I wish and I wish Austin.
Dreams of high rises in the city are no longer realistic where I wouldn’t be able to afford enough bedrooms. And I’m not so sure that’s the right lifestyle for me any way - I’ve always wanted a yard. So how do I move to Austin where I can retire in place, still live near city action, be a real part of Jellybean’s life, enjoy my family and all the weirdness that the city celebrates?
I had heard that the East side is undergoing revitalization and started to research but didn’t like what I saw. The crime rate is unacceptable and the gentrification there is a series of cookie cutter houses for young families. And it appears too far from the downtown fun. The Travis lake area looks interesting but back to the desire to live there long after the car keys are put away. After a far amount of research, I contacted two different local agents. One did not take time to understand my lifestyle and home requirements. He forwarded me 143 listings from all over the city – seems he’s running a numbers marketing game. The other spent quite a bit of time on the phone explaining the different sections of the city, mortgage requirements for the self-employed and other important points. After a long discussion, he introduced me to the Clarksville area of downtown Austin. It’s a charming enclave near the parks, bike lane to the lake, is full of unique and quirky houses, is chock full of mature trees and walking distance to Whole Foods. Jackpot! He sent me 5 listings, one that wouldn’t work, one that is perfect (except for the timing) and 3 others that I could live in. He gets me.
Because I will need a decent down payment and will have higher requirements for a mortgage as a consultant, I need to stay in Hootersville for 2 full years to show a pattern of income. If for some reason I get hired by a firm or a client, I will only need one month of income and a letter of intent for continued employment – a scenario that I cannot guarantee. I have rented this house for a year and will have to renew for one additional year. With the low cost of living and increased work with a frugal lifestyle, I will still have to focus. I will move to Clarksville in 21 months.
Next installment covers another major decision and the third will deal with how to make this all happen. I’m very excited about where my heart is taking me.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Okay- Let’s just get this over with
It’s a surprise to no one that S and I are no longer dating. I didn’t want to address it until after taking the proper amount of time to process it myself. It did take me off guard since two days earlier S offered to move with me to my next city and said that I was the greatest thing that ever happened to him. But with distance and time, I am able to see the long standing pattern. It’s a variation on a theme which is exasperated by location and age. It started becoming clearer after I stopped dating psychotics.
First they are impressed with my optimistic attitude, appearance, fitness, professional status, blah, blah, blah. But that quickly turns to resentment. I can tag the moments when things have turned. One R-town boyfriend got his first dose when he took me to fencing lessons as a date. He had taken lessons previously and wanted to show off. Most women lack the upper body strength but it was a breeze for me and fun to boot. That didn’t go over well. The next time I tried something new and he asked me about it, I told the truth and said I kicked butt. He dryly replied “of course you did”. It’s the tone that gives it away.
Same basic issue with S I think. He made the mistake of Googling me after we had been talking but before we met. I had to talk him off the ledge. He wanted to know why I would be with him after all the high profile excitement in my former profession. Most men I’ve met here ask the same thing – why aren’t I already married to a Senator or CEO? After some discussion, S thought maybe I actually am “down to earth” so I guess he risked meeting me after which we really enjoyed each other. But there was always that hesitancy. He looked at me in shock when I told him that now I had time to finally learn Italian. Looking truly appalled, he said “at our stage in life?” Looking over the downstairs bookcase, he asked if I’d read all those books. I answered truthfully that yes, probably twice and there were 3 more bookcases up stairs and boxes of books as yet unpacked in the garage. We’d go to the local ice cream store and I would place my order with a big smile and enthusiasm. The reward was an extra large portion and that bothered him. He thought I was the luckiest woman alive and never understood hard work. He wanted to settle into a slower life and my idea of slowing down is still being busy but doing things that bring me personal pleasure.
During the first week alone, and after lots of tears, I started really looking at the pattern and trying to understand. I was first blaming myself. But then again, why I should I dumb it down? How can I hide me on Google? Why should I? Men, even just friends, tell me I’m too much. After 2 weeks of this I heard another voice in my head and it stunned me. It said that I’m not too much but that they are too little. And it was Youngest’s voice (the Voice of Reason lately). I am not an appropriate partner for someone with one leg in the Nursing Home. This is where Hootersville and my age make the situation even more of an issue. Adult men have already peaked career wise. This area is not a Mecca of intelligence, where even the attorneys are small time. Getting a new client should be something I can celebrate rather than hide from my partner.
I’m not giving up but will be even more cautious. If the gentlemen’s career is a job, it might not work. Still not ready to get back out there, but soon.
First they are impressed with my optimistic attitude, appearance, fitness, professional status, blah, blah, blah. But that quickly turns to resentment. I can tag the moments when things have turned. One R-town boyfriend got his first dose when he took me to fencing lessons as a date. He had taken lessons previously and wanted to show off. Most women lack the upper body strength but it was a breeze for me and fun to boot. That didn’t go over well. The next time I tried something new and he asked me about it, I told the truth and said I kicked butt. He dryly replied “of course you did”. It’s the tone that gives it away.
Same basic issue with S I think. He made the mistake of Googling me after we had been talking but before we met. I had to talk him off the ledge. He wanted to know why I would be with him after all the high profile excitement in my former profession. Most men I’ve met here ask the same thing – why aren’t I already married to a Senator or CEO? After some discussion, S thought maybe I actually am “down to earth” so I guess he risked meeting me after which we really enjoyed each other. But there was always that hesitancy. He looked at me in shock when I told him that now I had time to finally learn Italian. Looking truly appalled, he said “at our stage in life?” Looking over the downstairs bookcase, he asked if I’d read all those books. I answered truthfully that yes, probably twice and there were 3 more bookcases up stairs and boxes of books as yet unpacked in the garage. We’d go to the local ice cream store and I would place my order with a big smile and enthusiasm. The reward was an extra large portion and that bothered him. He thought I was the luckiest woman alive and never understood hard work. He wanted to settle into a slower life and my idea of slowing down is still being busy but doing things that bring me personal pleasure.
During the first week alone, and after lots of tears, I started really looking at the pattern and trying to understand. I was first blaming myself. But then again, why I should I dumb it down? How can I hide me on Google? Why should I? Men, even just friends, tell me I’m too much. After 2 weeks of this I heard another voice in my head and it stunned me. It said that I’m not too much but that they are too little. And it was Youngest’s voice (the Voice of Reason lately). I am not an appropriate partner for someone with one leg in the Nursing Home. This is where Hootersville and my age make the situation even more of an issue. Adult men have already peaked career wise. This area is not a Mecca of intelligence, where even the attorneys are small time. Getting a new client should be something I can celebrate rather than hide from my partner.
I’m not giving up but will be even more cautious. If the gentlemen’s career is a job, it might not work. Still not ready to get back out there, but soon.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Cooking for Other People
The quest for cooking skills continues with more emphasis on frugality and healthy ingredients. I’m trying to incorporate more protein without totally relying on the portion of a cow in my freezer courtesy of a thankful client. I like buying from the tiny, local farmer’s market or the locally grown section at Harris Teeter.
Youngest and I had D and his daughter (FFC – for Family Friend Child) over for grilling this past weekend. I served NY strip steaks, sweet potato gratin, corn and biscuits. During the week I had been experimenting with frittatas and have found a recipe based on bacon (a favorite food group of Youngest) that I will serve when they return for this weekend’s visit. I’m trying to provide a small place of stability where FFC can relax and see how normal people behave. There is zucchini in the fridge for bread today or tomorrow.
It seems like I find something I like and then study/cook it in many variations. It reminds me of Son and how he researches an issue using the immersion technique. To become even more frugal, I would like to get into stir fries as you can use multiple leftovers. Steam some rice, add a small piece of meat with a handful of vegetables and you have a filling meal. Unfortunately, this house has a crappy, solid, electric stove top so obtaining the required heat is not going to happen. I’ve been looking at electric woks and like the versions that are dishwasher safe. Maybe after signing up the next new client, I’ll purchase a wok as a celebration gift.
We have discovered the weirdest and best magazine ever – “All You”. We originally found it at a garage sale here where I bought a stack of magazines, mostly Town and Country, for a quarter each. It was a onetime impulse activity, I swear. I could hear my Grandma rolling over. Anyway, it’s easy to get hooked and Walmart is the pusher – the only place we can find it for purchase (we sneak in and out with blistering speed). It’s a wealth of useable recipes, coupons and household tips. This month’s edition has a recipe for butternut squash ravioli. I can’t wait to try that one – it’s about $1.14 per serving.
Youngest and I had D and his daughter (FFC – for Family Friend Child) over for grilling this past weekend. I served NY strip steaks, sweet potato gratin, corn and biscuits. During the week I had been experimenting with frittatas and have found a recipe based on bacon (a favorite food group of Youngest) that I will serve when they return for this weekend’s visit. I’m trying to provide a small place of stability where FFC can relax and see how normal people behave. There is zucchini in the fridge for bread today or tomorrow.
It seems like I find something I like and then study/cook it in many variations. It reminds me of Son and how he researches an issue using the immersion technique. To become even more frugal, I would like to get into stir fries as you can use multiple leftovers. Steam some rice, add a small piece of meat with a handful of vegetables and you have a filling meal. Unfortunately, this house has a crappy, solid, electric stove top so obtaining the required heat is not going to happen. I’ve been looking at electric woks and like the versions that are dishwasher safe. Maybe after signing up the next new client, I’ll purchase a wok as a celebration gift.
We have discovered the weirdest and best magazine ever – “All You”. We originally found it at a garage sale here where I bought a stack of magazines, mostly Town and Country, for a quarter each. It was a onetime impulse activity, I swear. I could hear my Grandma rolling over. Anyway, it’s easy to get hooked and Walmart is the pusher – the only place we can find it for purchase (we sneak in and out with blistering speed). It’s a wealth of useable recipes, coupons and household tips. This month’s edition has a recipe for butternut squash ravioli. I can’t wait to try that one – it’s about $1.14 per serving.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Geriatric and Still the Center of my Universe
While Beef is enjoying his life, he is clearly declining. This week he had 3 major falls which I categorize as involving pain, inability to get up without assistance and remaining effects. I’m not going to try to attempt listing the daily falls as he collapses on the floor or trips over the carpet. When Beef has a bad tumble, he falls on his left hip which is his most damaged joint, and then he doesn’t want to put weight on it. Kenzie has suggested giving him shorter walks but I think they are helpful in keeping him as mobile as he continues to be. Beef fell in the gutter full of running water this week and couldn’t get purchase. He was stuck on his back and then rolled and was crying. Another time he fell coming into the front door and was half in and out. Then Beef had what looked like a brief seizure totally freaking me out. When Beef is particularly injured, Silly gives him what aid that she is able. She licks his face; sticks close and lays beside him. She gets worried.
In addition, Beef has one pad that was cut in a fall and he licked all the skin off of it. It looks like a bloody stump.
It’s clear that Beef still finds some enjoyment – wagging his tail at the sight of friends, laying behind me on the days we are here alone, laying in the sun room while I play piano and still enjoys his lifelong favorite treat of bagels (only now mini-low calorie version). But we should all brace ourselves for when belly rubs are no longer requested.
In addition, Beef has one pad that was cut in a fall and he licked all the skin off of it. It looks like a bloody stump.
It’s clear that Beef still finds some enjoyment – wagging his tail at the sight of friends, laying behind me on the days we are here alone, laying in the sun room while I play piano and still enjoys his lifelong favorite treat of bagels (only now mini-low calorie version). But we should all brace ourselves for when belly rubs are no longer requested.
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