So there's been alot going on lately and I haven't really had a chance to talk about any of it.

Thursday: Dad was able to come home from the hospital, and we also got a diagnosis; he has Parkinson's disease, in the early stages. His doctor has prescribed a medication and we'll see what happens. I'm, of course, hoping for the best! The diagnosis does explain a lot; his soft speech, his shuffling gate, his shaky hands. I thought it was just aging. Ah, me.

I also started an eight week photography class on Thursday. The guy teaching it seems knowledgeable and talented and I learned a bit just during the first lesson. Our homework is to do a portrait for the next class, not more than eight pictures. I asked him if the subject had to be human; he kind of scoffed at me and said he didn't want to see cutesy pics of people's pets. Now, c'mon...is THIS cutesy?

Friday at work, one of the VPs mentioned to me that I was going to CA for a month for work. I was like...um...huh? What? When? In typical fashion, no one had mentioned it to me. And it has to do with the aspect of my job I resigned from. Of course, the person they hired to do that has an elderly mother she takes care of so she can't do it. Well guess what? Neither can I! Haysus, it's NOT my job anymore and I have an elderly father to take care of! Anyway, after he said something, I went to my boss and she said she knew about it, but had told the higher ups she couldn't do without me for a month. My company being what it is, I'm sure they could care less. But you know what? If they want me to go, they're going to have to arrange for someone to come in and watch Dad, pay for kenneling the dogs cause Dad can't watch them and fly me back and forth to Vegas from CA because of course this coincides with my Vegas trip for my birthday.

Yesterday I made a boiled dinner in honor of St. Patrick's day and mostly sat around watching movies. I have a sinus infection on top of everything else that's going on and the right side of my face is a bit swollen. I also got a blister on my foot from wearing a new pair of shoes. It was healing fine until Wolf accidently stepped on it, and now...ouch! It just hurts like hell and I can't put a shoe on. No walking around in flip flops outside for me, not in the foot of snow we just got! I did slip on a pair of Ugg boots and did a bit of shoveling yesterday. I mean, if I don't do it, it won't get done and if something happens to Dad there has to be a path to the house, you know?

My cousin Maribeth and her hubby sent Dad a beautiful bouquet of flowers yesterday; it arrived before I shoveled, so they left it with the neighbors next door, who were nice enough to deliver it later.

They smell even better than they look!

Last night, Wolf noticed something outside and I saw him out of the corner of my eye staring intently. So I looked and saw what I thought was a cat, at first, just sitting there. Then it started running and I thought...wow, that's a weasel! So I looked it up online and found that weasels are a brownish color and this animal was black. Looked further and discovered what I saw was an American mink! Amazing the things you see in your own back yard!

I was surprised your photography instructor scoffed at the mention of the pet pics. Surely he knows that art is found wherever the photographer finds her muse! Stick to your instincts!

And I'm so sorry about the Parkinson's diagnosis. It's good he has you,Janet. that's got to be scary for him as well. As for your company being so insensitive: #*#&(@#!!! jaysus! If I lived nearby, I'd be more than happy to keep an eye on the dogs while you're gone, seriously!

I've never seen a mink before and to see one in my yard would thrill me. I hope he comes back when you're home and your camera is within reach! good luck!

I'm so glad the flowers arrived and are beautiful and fragrant! It's funny, I started thinking the other day that we should buy flowers for the living! No use buying a lot of flowers for the dead. They simply don't enjoy them. So I've decided to turn over a new leaf and send flowers to those I love when I think perhaps they need a little cheering up!

I tried to call you Dad at the hospital on Friday and got no answer, thought he was having a test or in the bathroom, but I guess he just wasn't there. Glad he's home and I hope he feels better soon. Take care!

I am sorry that your Dad has PD, but I am glad they were able to diagnose him so quickly. My doctors are still scratching their heads over me...
And I totally understand about work-related insensitivities! My boss wanted me to do insane things right after my stroke. WTF? Do I look immortal? LOL
I once had an Art class in sketching. As I pulled out my charcoal, the man that talked to me in the elevator, walked in wearing a robe, smiled at me and dropped it. There he stood in all his glory....I was told we HAD to draw part of the human form. So you know what I did? I drew the best damn feet I ever have in my life!! LOL I conformed to what the teacher wanted, but with a twist of my own way.

Well wishes to your Dad - I hope the medication helps him and he'll be feeling better soon.

Cheers,
Lea

I'm really sorry to hear that about your Dad, I hope that you're doing ok. :( When you mentioned his gait in the car over to NH I had that in the back of my mind but was hoping that it wasn't it. :(

The flowers from Maribeth are really beautiful, I hope they bring a smile to your face, sounds like you can use one!

I hope that your photography prof doesn't mind your wolf pics - they are so priceless!! :)

I forget to mention the mink! I would love to see a photo of that!! Wow - in your own back yard too....
Very COOL, Janet...as is your Blog!

Your blog always makes my day. :x)

I'm not sure whether getting that diagnosis is good or bad. Hopefully the medication will help. Fingers crossed.
Poopoo to the photography man and his unreasonable restrictions.
I hope you can get a pic of that mink, that'd be cool.
Nice flowers too!

I'm sorry it wasnt better news. I hope the work thing straightens itself out, that is so freekin ridiculous.

Hi Janet

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad not being well and his diagnosis. I just read back when he first took a fall.

From reading your post it sounds like he lives with you and I just want to say how wonderful you are!

It's such a worry, I know, but if it's any consolation, at least you have a diagnosis quickly and they can begin some treatment.

*Hugs to you*, oh and I say doggie portraits are the best kind!

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Janet! :( It's very good that he has you around.

Very neat about the mink.

I can't wait to see what you learn in your class!

Glad your Dad is home - he's in our thoughts.

Good for you with the photog. class - though your pix already rock.

California? Yay. ***Jealous***

Mink: Wow, how cool. Didn't know there were wild ones left.

And thanks for the sweet note you left in my blog.

That's a LOT of stressful stuff going on all at once. Geeze. I hope things go better this week. Sending lots of good thoughts your way~~~~
The mink thing is cool!

I think for everyones sake, just having a diagnosis can be calming. At least you now know why things are happening.
Stick to your guns with the company!
Do you think it might have been a Fisher cat? or was it definitely a mink?
We have mink that skirt our shoreline in maine all summer long. They drive the Cocker next door bonkers!

Oh my goodness! Parkinson's? That certainly explains the falling and everything else you've mentioned, and I suppose it will help you and him deal with things now that you know....but what a scary diagnosis.

I'm so glad you are taking a class, but *patooey* on the instructor ;)

Hope your footie heals soon. ((hug))

That is good that your Dad is gonna get some medicine! Sending hugs to you!

HEY. What's wrong with pics of charming, photogenic pups? :P That instructor's too uptight, I say!

You and your dad both have my sympathies. I really want to say more than that, but I can't think of a way to say the things I want to say without it sounding sort of awful. :(

A mink? An honest to goodness mink? Alive, and everything? That's super cool.

(also, an exercise that might help at work - perhaps: try writing some Vogon poetry for each of the people there that annoys you. ;))