Seems to have been an abundance of lots of little legs in our house recently. Noah has become acquainted with his pathologic fear of roaches, one that seems to equal mine of lightening. The creepy crawlers come and go in waves, surprising us with their visits when we least expect them. Most of us have come to accept their presence, escorting them outside or introducing them to the toilet or a paper towel.
Sunday Maggie got her wish and somehow convinced me to go look at kittens at the SPCA. I gave her strict guidelines that if we were to get one it had to be an orange tabby, thinking, wishing, praying there would not be one! And my guardian angel was clearly out for coffee allowing room for hers to come front and center. As soon as we walked into the kitten/cat section we were greeted with a litter of kittens, and the orange tabby was calling out her name! "Mom, as soon as I saw this kitten, I just knew he had to be mine!" So now we have 4 more little legs pattering around. Unbeknownst to her I had already researched how to travel with cats internationally and find out we can bring it back to the States without trouble, hopefully. He has found lots of love and attention here indeed. He has even warmed the hearts of the brothers Grimm who now tell me it is not fair she got a kitten, and they each want their own! Yeah right!
Was asked last week by a patient how often she should deworm her children, every 4 or 6 months? I looked at her with confusion, feeling confident I went to med and not vet school. After further inquiry, come to find out, deworming one's FAMILY is a very Kiwi thing, and those that are diligent will do so every 6 months. Now I'm used to the itchy bottom symptom instigating such a treatment in the US, but here one will do so even if symptom free. AND come to find out that teeth grinding can be another symptom and who is the biggest teeth grinder of late but MAGGIE!!! I even took her to a dentist here recently for fear she had a cavity due to tooth pain when it turned out to be a result of the grinding!
Ok, so I bit the pharmaceutical bullet, bought the family pack of mebendazole, chocolate flavor of course, and we have all been dewormed! Could be my imagination, but guess who seems to have stopped grinding her teeth so much! Really, people, kind of gross!
And to bring things full circle, this AM the kitten in a moment of true bravery and tenacity, found himself a cockroach under the heater, played with it a bit and then ate it!! Score one for the feline order! No training needed either. Instead of the de-mouser, we have the de-roacher!!
Other highlights of the past weeks: went to wedding of Spokane friend Dawn Picken who after losing her previous husband to terrible illness, has found love again to kiwi Pete! A very happy event!
Jamey got to see the big KIWI! And turned 23 and we did "not" celebrate her bday!
Great visit from Nan Smith, my close colleague from Group Health, and her husband Art. We shared a great day together walking the beach, hiking up the Mount, and a yummy Asian dinner on the Strand. It was wonderful to catch up with them, share travel stories and hear about the climate at GH, Spokane and the US in general. Didn't make me want to run back there anytime soon hate to admit!
Still enjoying a warm summer-went out for run on the beach yesterday afternoon just cuz I can, and it turned into a swim and body surf session instead, couldn't resist the lure of the waves crashing, warm waters, and absolutely beautiful sunlight! Came home and made the rest of the gang get out there for a swim and frolic before dinner as well! Just cuz we can!
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Jamey and Maggie go kiwi crazy!
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"Mine, Mine, Mine" early morning waiting of boys at rowing, reckoned these gulls thought I was their breakfast.
Our newest team member!! Name? Kiwi the kitten!
Really, who though this was a good idea??!! He is pretty darn cute I will admit!
Here is Nan enjoying walking on the beach more than working back home! So she told me…. :)
Celebrating Jamey's un-birthday as she kept saying she was not having one this year! Her first summer bday and first ever with us!!!
