Koko and crew in the new year

Koko went to a different vet for a second opinion the other day.  We are trying a much more potent, all encompassing antibiotic for two weeks.  If that doesn't stop her eye socket seepage we may have to consider opening her up - again.  This vet says it can be any one of a number of things but doesn't feel it is a major concern.

She also has what I was afraid was another hernia down on her belly between her back legs.  I can grab it and it fills my fist.  He checked it out and said there was good news...sort of.  It isn't a hernia it is FAT!  A very defined ball of wobbly fat!  Says it will just wiggle to and fro and not cause any harm.  Putting her on a diet would be of limited effectiveness with this kind of pocket fat.  Sheeze!  She is just like her human!

I have stopped giving her the special kitty milk and she sticks her nose up in the air and walks away from most canned cat food, the milk was her favorite, so all she is eating is the regular dry cat food now.

Charlie is also a stocky little sucker.   The whole family is tubby!  And the one ear up, one down thing?  Looks like that is the way things are going to stay.  He is improving regarding potty training but the chewing is driving me nuts.  I bought what was supposed to be an indestructible toy made out of canvas.  Didn't last a full day! 
He finds things I didn't remember owning and destroys them.  Sometimes to the point I don't recognize them so I don't miss them that much!  8-}  I know he will grow out of it but will somebody adopt him.  PLEASE!!!!

I had to hide all of Slims squeaky toys cause Charlies' idea of 'playing' with them is to absolutely destroy them within minutes.  VERY sharp little teeth.  And poor Slim likes to sleep with his squeakies.  He treats them like pacifiers by grabbing a hunk of the squeaky in his mouth and holding it there while he falls asleep.  He is NOT happy that his pacifier is no longer available.   

Oh well.  The new kitty, Buddy, (no pictures yet) is doing well and gets along with just about everybody.  Keeps trying to sneak out the door when I let the dogs out so I suppose he will succeed eventually.  All I can do is hope he doesn't wander off too far in to the woods and become coyote or fox food before he learns his territory.  Some of the other cats are always outside so he will probably stick around. 

On a personal note, I had an interview with the County Veterans Society for a job.  I felt reasonably confident about it.  I was one of three finalists and they said they wanted to make a decision quickly but... I have heard nothing back from them.  They are closed today and for the weekend so I may do a follow-up call next week.

Meantime I had to spend more money on my 'new' vehicle, a 95 blazer.  It went down the road like a big boat, wandering all over the place and scaring the crap out of me.  Apparently lower ball joints are in bad shape so bought them and will have them put on as soon as I can. 

Then the tail pipe came loose and the 'new' muffler (a teeny little round thing off of a Pinto or somesuch) was already rusty so nothing to clamp the tail pipe back onto.  I had to take it to a weld shop.  Exhaust consisted of multiple size pipes and a teeny round muffler from a pinto or some such.  Catalytic converter is small and bright blue which I am told means the fuel/air mixture apparently isn't right so that is something to add to the list.  I had him burn a hole in part of the pipe and insert a fitting for the missing oxygen sensor that is apparently/hopefully what is causing the "Service Engine Soon" idiot light to stay on all the time.  Soon as I can afford to buy that I will put it in and have the sensor reset.  Altho if the converter is any indicator it may come right back on again even with the sensor.

Bought used tires, which should last for a while and will be going to the junkyard to try and find a radio that works.  Bought new struts to hold the back window up when I open it and got a 'new' rear view mirror from a friend.  Replaced a headlight and had new body panel welded in and dents pulled out of passenger door.   All in all I decided to withhold part of the payment/trade I had offered for the vehicle.  That didn't go over well with the guys I got it from.  I will start piecing it together once I start working so I have it ready to drive by this summer.  Hopefully.

 

Whether or not I get the job with the veterans I should probably get the one with the local grocery store part time.  I am waiting to hear from her as they are having some issues at their new location.  My 'retirement' payments started Jan 1st so I at least have a bit to tide me over for a while.  Life is never dull.

Polar Bear is sniffing at the computer room door...  that means he wants to go out.

More later...

-me