Pearls of Wisdom

"Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."
~Bruce Barton

Pearls of Wisdom

"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade."

~Charles Dickens

The Dickens you say!

If I am not mistaken, Dickens, the foolish young Cavalier who has been visiting for a month or so, is not leaving! Has my student lost her mind? Sensei was quite happy with his family just the way it was, I do not need yet another young buffoon here to educate. Does she think I have nothing better or more important to do than school her charges?

On the other, the little dolt is quite charming in his own way. Honestly, you have never met a more respectful young man. Always groveling and begging and licking. I have even consented to play with him on several occasions. He plays quite nicely actually. Ribbon clearly adores him. Despite my not really wanting to, I actually quite like him.

Enforcement

My students have decided that Sensei shall not be permitted to "snark" at the others when they annoy me. Isn't that just delightful? Can you imagine? The new "plan" is that when one of the thoughtless clods that I live with walk past me and I warn them to move away, I - me - Sensei will be escorted into the other room to sit alone. Am I at fault for wanting my own space? I'll admit that some might feel that a 3 foot radius is unreasonable, I, however find it quite acceptable given my failing eyesight and general superior existence. Perhaps they should work harder to accommodate Sensei? Perhaps they should move away at my slightest glance. Perhaps they should simply stay out of the room when I am not feeling my best. We shall see if they continue to enforce this nonsense. For getting up and removing is a quite expensive behavior physically when one would prefer to continue relaxing, we will see if they are willing to continue to remove me. I suppose if they DO stick with this new plan, Sensei may have to consider relaxing my boundaries just a bit to keep the peace. We shall see.....

Pearls of Wisdom

"It is good and healthy to go on a negativity fast once in a while and clean life from selfish, unkind and disrespectful people. Just because their level is there, it does not mean that one has to stoop down to it by acknowledging, responding or allowing those individuals the privacy and serenity of your time and energy. "

~John Contoupe

Winnie

As you well know, Sensei lives with many others and while I get along fine with everyone here, I am particularly quite fond of Winnie.  She is nearly 10 years old and has a very big heart.  She is a good friend and besides her and Ivy's distaste for one another (which I will never understand) she is a close and trusted friend to everyone here. 

It was recently discovered that Winnie appeared to be urinating more often so she was taken to the hospital for a senior screen which is a package of lab tests for older dogs.  It was thought that she had a bladder infection and so she was prescribed antibiotics to clear it up.  After several days the antibiotics appeared not to be working and in fact her frequent urination seemed to be getting worse.  Two days ago she was taken in for x-rays and many large stones were found in her bladder.  Yesterday she was taken back to have a pain patch put on and today she has been taken in to have a major surgery done to remove the stones.  My poor dear Winnie.  She has been in pain and very uncomfortable.  It's quite sad for Sensei to see such a kind and gentle soul in pain.

Sensei wishes for Winnie's surgery to go well and is sending healing thoughts to his dear friend for a safe surgery and a comfortable recovery.