September 30

Well, our appointment with the vet is September 30 when we hope to get an all clear. I was really hoping that this would be the all clear to head out. I do have reservations down on the gulf, but whether or not I'll make them is a big question mark at this point.

I was intent on looking into my back problems to see if there might be a quick fix--even surgery would be okay to rid me of the pain that has tied me down for months, now. I was waiting to see if I could help my sister, in NY, when her husband went into the hospital for serious surgery so that I could help look after her dog and my two little nieces as needed, one being little Mary. She's fighting as surely as any soldier who has gone into battle has fought.

That all changed when I awoke with the shingles. I had heard of them, but I had no idea what they are. You don't want them, trust me. If you're 60+ and have had chicken pox, get the shot! They say 3-5 weeks with this awful pain, perhaps months, and in some instances forever. The doctors in my daughters anesthesia group have recommended a pain block if improvement isn't made within the 5 weeks. So, I'm feeling a little sorry for myself and for Jack. We have fought so hard for a year to save his life only for him to watch me do as little as possible. His walks have been limited to barely past the driveway--thank goodness for my daughter. She walks him whenever she possibly can. I've been grateful to all who have wished him well. He's on the couch beside me; sometimes, it's as though he knows something is wrong. The past couple of days I can sit up better and looked at email, today and will start catching up on blogs. Hope everyone has been well. I have three friends who are having a grand time; presently in the Tetons, and I'm so happy they got to "live" the dream, too.

Nothing more to say at the moment. Will just include a couple of pix of my best pal.

When I sleeps, I sleeps

Guess I better get down...

Nope, I think I'll catch more shut eye.