If it isn’t the cold, it’s my sinuses. Never ending. Can you tell I’m frustrated? Still coughing, mostly in the evening. Don, bless him, was on the receiving end of another mini-meltdown last night, partly due to my coughing, but also due to my worry over Scout sliding on these laminate floors.
The apartments used to be carpeted, but no longer, so I’ve scattered the mats I brought with me and the additional mats I bought about two weeks ago. There are two 4 x 6 throw rugs here as well. But Scout, back in her pacing, stressed mode last night, kept going to the parts of the floor that weren’t covered, where she would slip and fall.
I ended up keeping her in the carpeted bedroom with me all night. She wasn’t allowed to roam as she usually does. Today? Rehearsal and then another trip to Target to look for more mats. What the heck I’m going to do with all of them when I’m out of here remains a mystery, but I have to make it as safe as I can for my girl.
Anyway, we’re in. I think other pets have been in this space. There might have been a cat, as I’ve seen a few white hairs and they are not Scout’s. I’m allergic to cats. Scout is obsessed by cats. The apartment had been cleaned, of course, but I did some additional vacuuming. Hopefully, Scout will begin to relax a bit today. Fingers crossed.
I already have more gray hairs than I did when I came to Hartford a little over two weeks ago.
I’ve already made some changes in the apartment, which I will take photos of later, but here’s some photos I took yesterday afternoon:
You remember the kitchen layout, right? This is the same layout as my previous apartment, only flipped. I’ve since switched out that task lamp (which I brought with me, I’ve learned there are never enough lights here) with the one in the bedroom, also brought from home. The flowers are still going strong after buying them two weeks ago at Trader Joe’s. By the way, that’s a Keurig up there on the fridge. I may…someday…try it. But the three little coffees that management left are flavored coffees and I’m not a real fan.
Dining area. Natural finds on the table, an oak leaf and a pine cone. Scout’s vintage cream colored quilt is now on the floor beneath the table, functioning as a rug. Would I like to see a lovely length of laminate floor instead? Yes. But she keeps going back there and slipping, so quilt as rug it is. I’ll take a picture at some point.
Why these sinks are so small is another mystery. Darko, the Artistic Director and the Director of Hamlet, was talking about them the other day. He can’t figure out why they are so small. None of us can.
Love the pendant lights and the tall windows.
The bedroom is tinier than last year’s and the door is right by the bed, which is annoying. Ah well. It has a nice walk in closet and a dresser with lots of drawers and there’s room for Scout to stretch out and move around during the night. That’s good. My back is adjusting yet again to another mattress, but bless company management’s heart, I asked for the mattress I had last year and they tracked it to this apartment. Unfortunately, the apartment I had last year (and one I truly loved) has been made into a smoking apartment. Yuck. And somehow along the way, the mattress moved down three floors to this apartment. So here I am. I’m grateful, because I know I can handle this mattress and once I get used to it, I’ll be okay. But I’m a little sore this morning.
My cluttered desk, which I’ve since moved over to the left. And a bowl of miso soup.
I hung the quilt I made several years ago. You’ll notice the sofa is purple…it’s like they were made for each other. That quilt on the floor is now opened up and under the dining room table. I asked for permission before I hung the quilt because the walls looked freshly painted. I didn’t want to do anything without checking it out first. But Samantha (the company manager) said it was fine. I do like seeing it there.
My girl, exhausted.
More on the adventures of Scout and Claudia tomorrow. In the meantime, I have to write up my notes from Sunday’s run-through and get ready for rehearsal.
Happy Tuesday.
All your added touches certainly brighten what looks like an already pleasant new home away from home. The handmade quilt that normally resides on my bed has accompanied me on sleepovers many a time, including a stay in the ICU where it was a comfort.
I love the photo of Scout – she looks as though she’s dreaming of chasing cheeseburgers. (Um, maybe better make that vegi-burgers.)
I like my quilts, Barbara – one that I made is on the bed, another is hanging on the wall. The one on the floor is one I found at an auction. Rather battered, but perfect for Scout.
I just love the way you take little bits and pieces of home with you when you temporarily move into another living space Claudia. Just wondering does Don take things with him to make his space more homier? I think I’d be like you in that respect but can’t really see my husband caring one way or the other. I am nursing a sore ankle this morning and limited in what I am able to do so I’m spending some time going thru my desk ripping up old junk mail. I hope that cough clears up soon. Folks around here, including me a few months ago, have been getting sick and keeping a lingering cough for as much as six weeks. Hope yours doesn’t last that long. Love the photos of the apartment. Poor Scout, hope she gets used to those floors soon too.
No, Don doesn’t do that. I remind him to, but it’s just not on his radar. Although, he always takes his guitar and this time he also took some books.
Oh my, poor baby girl Scout! I can relate to her situation with the laminate floors. Our little senior canine man has difficulties on it too. Perhaps the apartment manager could scrounge up some clean carpet remnants? Might be worth asking before having to spend money on rugs. Have you ever had any luck with the lightweight vinyl runner material you can purchase at home improvement stores (used to protect new carpet in model homes and such) by the yard? Possibly another way to save a bit of money…always trying to think of frugal solutions :-) As for the Keurig, we have one and love it. Have heard Trader Joe’s has the pods at a fraction of the cost or maybe you could exchange a regular flavor with a fellow apartment mate who likes the flavored ones? I invested in one of the reusable pods to fill with my own preferred coffee. Hope the difficult situations turn around quickly.
I saw the pods at TJs and I may get them sometime, but I have my Peets French Roast here and I love it so much. So I make it every morning in the coffee maker.
I can so relate! My cold and allergies are lingering too. I am so sick of feeling sick. Just call me grumpy pants. ARGH
I’m so glad you’re able to fluff up your surroundings and make it feel homey for you and Scout. Love seeing your beautiful quilt again, so perfectly fitting in its temporary home, so much fun.
Your comment about the mattress reminded me – I can’t sleep at all away from home, even under the best of circumstances. Add a bad mattress and it ain’t pretty! The last place we stayed had the worlds worst mattress, so horribly soft and I woke up aching from head to toe. OUCH
Hoping tonight brings you and Scout a much better night!
I am also grumpy pants. Actually, with a capital letter: Grumpy Pants.
My back was aching today and the mattress seems hard compared to our wonderful new mattress at home, but I’ll get used to it in a couple of days.
I really enjoy seeing where you are staying. You have added nice touches to make it home.
Scout is a brave girl with all of the change.
I hope that you feel better soon. Not easy to deal with when you are away from home.
No it isn’t. I’m really tired of the whole thing. Scout is doing a bit better today. I got some more rugs – runners, actually. We can use them at home as well.
Dear Claudia, I am always amazed how you make a “Home”where ever you are. Very nice!
-Judy A-
Thank you, Judy!
So glad the move is done, but oh poor Scout! Laminate floors are so difficult for her! I also love the touches you bring to each apt to make it homier while you are there. Purple couch cracks me up, but love the quilt with it and now it’s chic! Wishing you and sweet Scout some rest. Oh and yes Trader Joe’s does have a small box of pods and the coffee is quite good and not expensive.
hugs,
Linda
Though I wouldn’t want one at home, I sort of love the purple couch here. It’s a splash of color and I love purple. Plus, it matches the quilt.
Oh, sweet Scout. She is with you, and that is the most important thing to her. Plus she is close to the park she loves. I bet in a few days she will sleep soundly again. Change is hard on us old gals, but eventually we settle in.
Funny you mentioned Miso. My daughter and daughter in law went to “Fermentation Fest” :-) in Reedsburg on Sunday (just north of Spring Green) and made their own Miso. Interesting!!
You know, it seems like they knew you were coming and brought in the purple couch to compliment your beautiful quilt. I hope your day goes well and that the night brings a better sleep for both of you.
Pretty amazing – the purple sofa! Meant to be.
Your quilt is perfect with that sofa…how fun! At least you two are settled for your remaining time…hopefully. Although settled is probably not the correct word…probably more like making do. Someone else asked this question…and I’d like to know too…does Don take pieces of home along with him too? Hope all goes well for you! ;)
No, Don doesn’t do that. But he takes his guitar – an essential, and he also took some books.
That is odd, installing a bar sink in a kitchen. It would be tricky just to wash up a few dishes there. I bet the renovations were done with the idea that everyone who lived there would be temporary and either nuking frozen entrees or eating takeout. Of course, there’s always the possibility they were just being cheap. LOL! PS – that quilt you made is just gorgeous and looks perfect near the purple couch. Hope you both get a good night’s rest tonight and feel much better soon…
I know – why a bar sink? So weird. It’s such a big, expansive peninsula that there is plenty of room for a standard sink. Heck, the tiny kitchen in the hotel had a full sized sink.
Hi. I’m a dog groomer and (forgive me) Scout’s messy feet make me shudder. There is a product called Tacky Foot that is used on show dogs so they won’t slip while gaiting around the ring. In an emergency some use sugary Coca Cola or even saliva. Any groomer could neaten those hairy feet if you can’t bear to do it. At least use scissors to cut off all that hair growing between the pads under her feet to give her better traction, and keep those nails super short. I’ve read your blog for years but this is my first comment. Old dogs are just the best! Stay well. Love you. Roberta
Well, I like her feet the way they are. But, I usually do trim the hair by and around the pads and thanks to your reminder, I will make sure I trim them again – when she’s sleeping. She won’t let anyone near her feet. I also trim her nails fairly often.
A purple couch..being a lover of color I kind of like it..and the quilt is perfect beside it..Poor Scout..who would have thought they would remove the carpets..You are such a good Mom Claudia..I know you will do anything to make her safe and comfy..How nice of them to track down that mattress for you..I’m hoping you have a better night tonight..Hugs
I bought some runners today at Target – I’ve invested quite a bit on rugs and mats in the past few weeks! But the runners will come in handy on our hardwood floors in the kitchen back home. She slips there sometimes, too.
Cute apartment. Love how you always make it homey for yourself and Scout! Hope you feel better soon. That cold just keeps lingering! Like someone above said see if management can get you some rugs (although who knows how clean they can be). Otherwise find like a Dollar General or Family Dollar for cheapest alternative. Hope Scout finds happiness here soon so you both can relax! Take care!
I got some pretty runners at Target. I figure we can use them at home in the kitchen. They will help her get around on our hardwood floors.
So you and Scout are making yet another adjustment.The apartment looks cute. You add such homey he touches to it. I hope you can both relax soon. Hope you are feeling better.
Congested today – but these apartments are know for being very, very dry. I have to start boiling some water on the stove to get some steam going.
Can you drink ginger tea? Boiled ginger root. One of the girls at work lost her voice and drank the tea that night and her voice was A LOT better the next day. It also helped with peoples colds. I don’t know about sinuses. I haven’t tried it yet. But i will if I come down with a cold. You only need a few slices of the root. I guess it doesn’t smell to good, but if it works. Some times natural cures are the best. Guess our ancesters were pretty smart. I hope Scout ajusts fast. Would trimming the hair on the bottom of her feet help.? Or will she even let you? I use to do that for my golden. Have a great day. I hope you feel better soon.
I usually have carrot-ginger soup. Just bought some at TJ’s today. I do trim the hair on the bottom of her feet, but I’m going to trim them again. She doesn’t like me near her feet, so it will have to be when she’s deeply asleep.
Hi Claudia, Do you think your symptoms are related to the carpet not being so clean after the cat? I wonder if the manager would have them professionally cleaned for you?
I thought Roberta’s comment above about Dame Scout’s feet was interesting; but I remember how much you love the feathers on her tootsies.
No, I think they are due to the dryness of this apartment. Everyone in the company complains about it.
I really hope that Scout gets used to the new surrounding soon Claudia. You have made is so homey and lovely there. Of course I love the quilts you brought with you to make it so!!!
I hope everyone starts feeling right at home soon.
I am doing the coughing thing right now too although mine just barely started again. Every fall my ‘seasonal asthma’ kicks up and it’s time to keep the inhaler within reach. Don’t you hate that coughing? I get so tired of the tightness in the throat too.
You asked about whether we have a mouse problem in the little shack? I haven’t ever had mice in it, but they sure do get under it, which brings the rattlesnakes right up to the door so we have to bait the mice and rats so the snakes don’t get so close. Just two weeks ago I encountered a 3 1/2 ft with nine buttons on his rattle right at the door. I didn’t even see him and stepped right over him onto the deck. It was my daughter behind me that started to yell “snake-snake” and let me tell you, I was scared to death. We think the only reason he didn’t rattle to warn us or strike is because it was only 58 degrees.
When we built the little shed, we insulated it well and sealed it real tight so that rodents couldn’t get in. Someday I’ll tell you my Canadian Lynx encounter :))))
hugs from here…
We get mice in our basement and in the shed. We live in a 120 year old house and the basement is not as tight as basements today are. The shed is fairly new…but still…mice. xo
Those slick floors can be a problem for dogs, can’t they? I know from experience how wrenching it is to see our older dogs try to negotiate them. How wonderful that you’re reaching for solutions for Scout and thought to bring those rugs. As some comments have mentioned, we did have to frequently trim the hair between our oldest golden’s pads when he got quite old and more fragile. We have slick floors in most of the house. Even the rugs we put down weren’t enough, nor was trimming his feet as he grew weaker. Our vet suggested that some people were finding good results with buying gripper socks meant for toddlers and putting them on their dogs’ feet, depending on whether the dog was the type of dog who would pull them off and chew them. It didn’t work for us or our old guy, but I mention it because our vet had said that it did work for some dogs.
I’ve heard about those gripper socks, but I don’t think Scout will go for it. She can’t stand when we put just one sock on her if she has a wound that needs to be covered.
Claudia, do you think that Scout might relax on the purple couch long enough for you to take her picture? I think her fluffy white fur would look stunning against the purple velvet. Positively regal.
Of course, Scout looks gorgeous no matter where she is posing.
She won’t even get up on the couch, Nancy. So, unless I lift her up there, she won’t pose!
Claudia are you sure you aren’t in Belgium? I love the reference.
I feel for both of you. You are wicked busy, sick, and full of worry for your girl. Even 1 of the 3 would be bad enough. Then there is the Scout girl. She must be so confused. But, she is a trooper, and will keep you proud. Your things all about will help with all of that.
She’s doing better today, especially after I got some runners for the hallway.
What a pain in the tush to have to keep moving. Though the apartment sure is cute, despite the slippery floors. I love how you always make your temporary housing more home-like by bringing your own things from home. Amazing how the quilt turned out to match the couch perfectly. I agree that it’s weird how – and why – that kitchen sink is so tiny.
It’s like the sink in a little girl’s playhouse!
Hi, Claudia! My, you’ve had that cough for awhile. I have sinus problems, too, so I sympathize with you. Have you seen a doctor? You might need a prescription rather than over-the-counter items. Hope it isn’t bronchitis. My husband has had that a few times. Sorry! Not trying to be your doctor. I do want you to feel better. Love the homey touches in the apartment.
No, I’ve had bronchitis before. This isn’t it. I’ve heard the coughing continues for a while with this bug.
Would Scout wear baby socks? Some of the baby socks they have now have “gripper spots” on the bottom and Scout could walk anywhere she wanted. They may not have them small enough, but you could check at Target. But I know dogs are not wearers of clothing! They hate it. Hopefully you will find your mats and they will be on clearance!
I love that gorgeous girl! And it warms my heart that she is sooo loved. I feel your love for her all the way to Texas!
Glad you got moved. Just wish that danged cough would leave. You gotta feel better soon
jane-in-tx
wow sorry to hear that you are still coughing and not feeling well.
allergy season here is miserable causing colds sinus issues etc.
singulair seems to be our friend these days. i try to boost with natural things and juices but sometimes it just is what it is. the pits.
hope scout does not continue to slip and slide. the apartment is so cute but the floors sound dangerous for your girl. :( maybe some cheap drop cloths would help? and you could reuse them at some point. ((biglots))
hope you are able to enjoy your trip and feel better asap!
wish i could send you some soup and a care pkg via the internet.
You have the place fixed up and looking cute. Who knows what to do with all the scatter rugs….maybe keep them in case this happens again.