Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Our boy Riley has issues. One of them: absolutely no to any nail cutting. He will instinctively try to bite anyone who goes near his nails. In the past, we’ve dealt with this by giving him a little sedative before a visit to the Vet hospital. He would get pleasantly groggy and the deed would be done. But the last few times he’s had the sedative, he’s had an increasingly bad reaction to it. The last reaction was so strong that he was out of it for over 24 hours. Obviously we will not use it any longer.

But the nails are a problem. Especially for a boy who is finding it harder and harder to get around, especially on the hardwood floors in the kitchen, because of the progressive disease that has hit his spine. (Yes, we have throw rugs, but they can’t cover every inch of space.) What to do?

Stealth nail cutting. Last night, I sneaked the nail cutters into the den (on my dinner tray.) When he was finally fast asleep, I knelt beside him and clipped whatever nails I could get to. This will have to be a slow process over the course of several evenings – especially since I got a little over-zealous and clipped one nail a bit too much, causing it to bleed. Luckily I have some of that stuff that Vets use to stop the bleeding.

I know better. I used to work for a Vet. Lesson learned a second time. He’s okay, the sweet boy. More nail cutting is scheduled for tonight.

(I originally wrote ‘snuck.’ But then I wondered if that was the correct past tense of sneak. Turns out it isn’t. So ‘sneaked’ it is.)

Finished another scarf – this one is wool in a deep red shade. Is it just me or is red hard to photograph? The beautiful scarf that Mer wove was a challenge – I never seemed to capture the right shade. Too much fussing in photo editing invariably made the red too brassy. Both scarves are deep, yummy shades of red.

More yarn is on the way. Some of you have requested special orders or missed out on one of the color combinations. I’ll do my best to get them in the shop as quickly as my fingers and hook will let me. I’m also crocheting some more in the silk and bamboo combination – they are perfect for spring and summer and feel so silky to the touch.

I’m off to run some errands on this Monday morning. Have a great day.