These day lilies in the side garden just keep blooming and blooming. They have a much longer bloom time than other day lilies on the property. And the plants have become very tall! It all makes for a strikingly sculptural look.
Lest you think I have been ignoring Hummingbird Cottage, let me assure you that I tweak it now and again. Yesterday, I was sorting through a bag of minis that someone had given me and I found a door knocker. (The sorting was happening because I have stuff stashed all over the house and it’s driving me crazy. Oh, for a separate room that is just for me! I can’t tell you how happy that would make me.)
Anyway. Upon discovering the door knocker, I thought that Caroline would appreciate it.
But it was brass. I see that a lot in dollhouse miniatures, just as a lot of the wood furniture has a darkish finish, neither of which appeals to me all that much. So I got out some metallic silver paint.
Much better.
Wait a minute. The doorknob is a brass jewelry fitting. And the knocker needs to be straightened a bit.
A dab of paint and there you go.
This was just a little task to keep me occupied while I watched Scout like a hawk during the day. Over the past couple of years, Scout has suffered from seizures. They happen rarely, but they happen. And when they happen, our poor girl suffers and we are terrified. Our vet assures us that they are nothing to be unduly alarmed about, they’re part of being a very elderly dog. As they happen rarely, there is no sense medicating her. It’s been several months since one occurred. Yesterday, while Don was away in the city, she had another seizure – this time while she was outside.
When the seizure was over and I was able to get her back in the house, I settled her on the rug, called Don, and then proceeded to stay very close to her the rest of the day. By mid-afternoon, she was up and walking around and drinking a lot of water. By early evening, her appetite had returned and she was fine.
There are all sorts of changes due to her advanced age, but I don’t talk about them very much. I’m protective about that information, just as I was about my mother’s slow decline.
We simply adjust to each change and do everything we can to make her life as easy as possible.
Happy Saturday.
Good Morning Claudia, Caroline’s front door is looking good. My house number is 29. How did you pick 21 for Caroline’s house? Don’s surprise is coming along nicely. I like how the windows open. You are taking very good care of Scout. Enjoy your day. Doris
My birthday is on the 21st, Doris. That’s my lucky number!
I also have a sixteen year old. He makes it so easy to be patient and loving with him in his old age . Nothing can compare to the love of a dog. When you write about you and Scout you remind me of how I feel about my baby.
Thank you, Beverly. The love our dogs is the purest love I know.
I have been blessed that all the sweet dogs that I’ve had in my lifetime of all lived into their teen years. So I know what you are going through now. I read your blog daily but don’t comment every day. Please know that as I open your blog now I whisper a prayer for your sweet Scout.
Oh, thank you so much, Cindy. You brought a tear to my eye. Bless you.
Claudia, I love the door knocker. Caroline must be a very happy home owner these days. I too keep Scout in my thoughts and prayers. When I don’t see a post I worry. I know! We that love you read between the lines and know that Sweet Scout needs your constant attention. My Charlie is starting to show some real age this year. I don’t talk about his problems too much either but they are there and I worry. It’s part of loving our sweet furry children! Hugs to you and a gentle hug to Scout also.
Linda
Thank you, dear Linda. I know you understand. Scoutie is worth every moment I can give her and I know you feel the same way about Charlie. xo
Cute door knocker! Our pets become so much more to us than just pets…they truly become part of our family. Glad Scoutie is ok. That must be such a worry for you. Enjoy your Saturday! ;)
I worry about her constantly. Trying to find the balance between worry and trust. It’s a challenge.
Love the door knocker- so cute. So sorry Scout had a bad day. Hoping he is doing better today.
Judy
Yes, she is doing better today, Judy.
I was sorting through my very untidy sewing room. I came upon some hand-dyed silk ribbon. They’ve been transferred to a more appropriate home…the armoire where I keep my needlepoint and cross stitch projects. It’s nice to come across a surprise, but I’d rather have some order. The door knocker looks patina’ed, very nice.
I have an elderly cat, and know the love and understanding and patience one must have for their furry friend. Quality of life isn’t just a catch phrase… I would love a dog, but am allergic. Looking into the non-allergic breeds like poodles and labradoodles. I’d like a medium-sized dog. But for now, I have a sweet cat who follows me around, greets me at the door as I come in, catches her food and treats in her mouth or with two paws when I toss her pieces, and lays next to me and purrs every chance she gets. Like what I receive from my Sienna, I’m sure what you give Scout , Claudia, is returned a thousand-fold.
Oh, she gives us so much. And she is an angel, of that I am sure.
It is so difficult. I don’t know what else to say. Enjoy every single minute, and I know that you do. I know that our rescued animals love us more than we can even imagine. xoxo
I love her more than words could ever say, Chris.
So glad Scoutie recovered from this latest seizure – she is amazing, as are you and Don to take such good care of her during these later years. I’m so relieved she has YOU GUYS!
Love the little door knocker and wonder if it actually functions – tap, tap perhaps!
My daylilies have been sad – and almost everyone else seems to have very few blooms this torrid Summer. I think it’s a combo of the very cold Winter down here and now the drought and heat . Nothing is blooming like normal – but today it’s actually staying just below 90F – what a lovely feeling.
Hugs – Mary
It does function, Mary. Sorry that your garden has been suffering this summer. I think you’re right about extreme temperatures – both winter and summer – having an effect on gardens.
The silver looks much nicer than the brass Claudia…the knocker is a great addition to the door…You and Don are such good doggie Mom & Dad…I wish only the best for sweet little Scoutie…Hugs for you pretty girl…
I’ll give her a hug from you, Nancy.
big hugs to Scout!!
Thank you, Nancy!
Oh, Claudia, I’m SO sorry you have the stress with lovely Scout. I know, I know, I KNOW what you are going through and it is so preoccupying, so worrisome and can set a person so on edge. I had a period recently where I thought of each dog I’ve had, what they brought to our life, what we went thru at the end with them and I realized more than ever how worth it indeed it was but how very rattling although sometimes you do come into it gradually (doesn’t mean it’s any easier). They can’t tell you what they’re going through; it’s up to the human observation and so hard sometimes to know what to do for them (a helpless feeling) even if you are deeply, soulfully involved with the animal’s personality, psyche, routine, etc. I’ve second-guessed myself so many times if I’d gone in the right direction as my pets aged. I find that of all the dogs we’ve had since we married and been in this dog-love together, one particular dog who passed 3 years ago is the one I can’t quite get over but, understandably, I had spent the most time rehabbing him as a rescue and he and I also had three years together without other dogs in the household (not our norm; we usually have multiples). Also, I was going thru a tough time with my health when he was a puppy…my life was coming unglued…and he was my distraction; my therapy; my salvation, if you will. I have never been able to forgive the veterinarian who treated him at the end…I believe (done my research) he was over-medicated which led to a cascading, fatal effect…and this may be a big part of my problem reconciling his loss; I know it’s something I need to work on. We’d been associated with this vet for 17 years and, of course, never went back. My current dog, who is a noble shepherd mix and highly-sensitive/intuitive, comes to me for reassurance when she is most worried and it speaks to me in a really positive way that I can make her feel calm…like, if I’ve had a day where maybe I don’t feel important to anyone, I know I’m important to this elegant animal who, believe me, I hug a lot and who I consider my dear companion; and I can’t help but wish that people who choose not to have pets could know the joy in sharing their life with a companion animal.
oh, sorry to learn about your scout’s seizure(s) …
may you all have lots of sweet time together free of troubles and full of the love you all so obviously have together.
prayers …
kathy
How scary, and unsettling, for your dear Scout – and you too of course. I’m glad it doesn’t happen very often.
What a perfect addition to Hummingbird Cottage!
Very unsettling for her. She’s back to normal today, thank goodness!
Hi Claudia,
I have a new computer I can start leaving replies again.
The first thing that comes to mind is your beautiful (as always) photos of the gardens. I look forward to seeing them.
When you and Don walked a cross the very tall, very long, and very scary bridge you should have played a game of Pooh Sticks,
I am sorry about Scout. She is such a dear dog to you and all of us. Our animals are so much more to us than just pets. They are family. In my adult life I have never had a dog, but aging cats give me similar worries as you have with Scout. we love our kids and spend sleepless nights with worry over them. My heart breaks for you and Don, Claudia.
Thank you for your kind words, Trudy. We are blessed by Scout in every way and we worry about her, but pledge to do our best to take care of her and love her.
Hugs to Scout.
Thank you, Sandra. Scout’s getting a lot of hugs!
Blessings for Scout and his family. As I have shared with you, we also have an older beloved dog. Ticho had to stay in a kennel, which I hate btw, while we took care of some family business. When we returned he had damaged his right eye and the vet thought he might lose it. Fortunately we were able to save it but his vision is even more limited and he is deaf so challenges abound. He has become even clingier which makes it difficult to get anything done. He is worth every inconvenience though and every once in a while, for a brief second, that old doggie shows up (often when bacon is involved) and we all remember when. We need to enjoy every moment with Scout and Ticho and save up memories for later.
I’m so sorry to hear about Ticho’s eye! That must have been horrifying. Scout chews on her leg when she’s at the vet overnight. They get so worried and stressed, don’t they? They are worth everything. As Don and I say, Scout is our priority right now. I know Ticho is yours, too.
Claudia, I’m so glad that Scout is feeling better now. It is so hard to watch our pets age. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers…
And I love the silver. That’s also our house number, so I feel like I could move in with Caroline and not have to even change my address :)
Donna