Getting Back To Normal

With all that's been going on here I've been crazy busy. It's my own fault though, I'm the lunatic who decided to rearrange the house and revamp my etsy shop. The house is done, but I still have about 200 photos to edit and choose from. On the plus side my husband has finally found the time to help me learn my camera. I got it when I closed my salon, and read the manual, but I was having trouble figuring out the features. It's a green Fuji Film XP50.
I made it a strap pad so I can carry it with me without cutting my throat and I've been taking shots nonstop. No more annoying iPhone photos!

It was once a sweatshirt arm.

It's very soft.

I've gotten all the jewelry done and start on the painting's tomorrow. This will be the third time I've taken all these. but they are much better now. Still a lot to learn though.
I've been riding my bike more now that I have a bit more time and saw this yesterday morning.

It's the sunrise. I still get up early, and it's a good thing because it's getting hot here already.

The moon looks great!

This is Herman, he lives on my porch and eats ants and the bread I throw out for the birds. 

Mostly I've been keeping busy. It's weird having 2 extra hours to fill now that Zelda is gone. I really miss her and Casey; it's not the same here. Writing feels weird without Casey running on the desk. Painting is different without Zelda smacking my legs every once in a while.  I can't make myself sleep in past 5:30 but I'm getting more productive about it. Zelda wasn't sick long and it amazes me how fast you get used to things. Princess is pissed I threw out the box she slept in. She wanted it, so next Costco trip I'll have to get her one. 

Zelda Update

It's official, she broke her leg trying to remove the bandage last week. Can't be casted until the original wound heals more so she gets a full leg wrap for at least another week. She is plotting my death now. At least that's what it seems.

On a happier note her under the tail sore is fully closed and scarring nicely and the ones on her hind legs aren't far behind. As long as the bone doesn't get infected she should make a full recovery. Yay! We'll know in a week or so. Here's hoping!

Zelda Seems to be Improving

Zelda seems to be getting better, although she looks a fright. I was warned that she might have some hair loss, but she's now mostly bald. It's caused by the allergic reaction she suffered as well as stress. It will grow back with time. The only ulcer that seems to be giving her any trouble now is the one on her front leg. It's also the leg she almost broke getting the bandages off. The one under her tail is almost gone and the ones on her hind feet are now 3/4 the size they were. She's healing faster than expected and I thank you all for the good thoughts you've sent our way.
She still hates the cleaning process and fight it, but I've gotten smart. I wear a leather jacket and the only thing she can claw is my hands. A few of the scratches are scarring on me, but it just adds character. I did try some of her cream on a really bad one and that stuff burns! Now I understand why she wants to kill me. I wish I could use something else. I'm just glad she's healing.
Here's a few happy pics.

Saw these on a walk today. 

These were at the store and I couldn't resist taking a pic. I think they will make a wonderful painting.

We rearranged the house and I now have a dedicated painting area. It's nice not to have to set it up and take it down all the time. 

My Fun New Chore. (Not For The Sqeamish)

I haven't post lately because there's a lot going on. The worst is that Zelda, the cat I inherited form my mom has developed an ulcers one three legs and under her tail due an allergic reaction to a new food. I thought expensive food was supposed to be good for them.
They're not bad yet but there's a chance it can get worse so I get to deal with it. Did I mention she only recently started letting me pet her with out hitting me? That's a thing of the past now. She sees me and vacates the room fast. It's like when she first moved in.
The process itself sucks for both of us. I have to hold her tightly and wash/abraded the area with an antiseptic solution then smear a cream on it. I'm supposed to bandage the wounds, but she almost broke her own leg trying to remove them so I just have to do it more often.
All this one handed because the other is holding her still/having its own skin removed by her. Not fun at all and I get to do it three times a day. Yay!  I wish I could wear welding gloves, but they make me grip her too tight and I don't want to hurt her. Neoprene gloves aren't much protection. At least it will be over in 6-8 weeks when she's fully healed up. I really hope she heals up!
The worst part though is Princess, my personal cat. She yells and screams at me in concert with Zelda and has even slapped at me to make me stop. She's as traumatized as us and won't let me pet her for a while afterward.
It'll probably be another year and a half before she tolerates me again. She is healing though so that's a good thing. The only other option isn't worth thinking about. She's an old cat, but I can vouch for the fight still in her and I'm collecting the scars to prove it.