Ah, my favorite season seems to be fast approaching. The sultry, soupy air that hung over us for the past couple of months has finally been pushed south, and my favorite Canadian export—the cool air mass—has mercifully settled in. As The Year of Mowing Lawn finally moves into its final stages, I will look back upon the summer as one of my least favorite ever. Even the ridiculous amount of fun I had directing “Chicago” at the Opera House can’t save Summer 2010 from the notoriety of being one of my bottom five in my life.
A few facts to back up my glum review:
- I somehow picked up a nasty chest cold on the weekend of the Fourth, and wasn’t able to rid myself of my cough until about two weeks ago.
- I live in a country where the intolerance of others who are not like us has apparently become the norm.
- My cat, (and good buddy) Joe got sick. It appears he won’t see his fifth birthday.
- A former associate has robbed us of thousands of dollars and so far our legal system has allowed them to get away with it.
- Did I mention that the lawn wouldn’t stop growing?
Of course, despite the downers, I continue to try to find a silver lining. For instance, after cutting the grass on Sunday we discovered that our picnic table hadn’t been stolen after all.
To my benefit, many have conspired to bring spates of mirth into my daily life.
The Twins continue their march to another post season appearance. They are even within the grasp of owning the best record in the major leagues.
Accepting her final award of the VMAs Sunday evening, Lady Gaga wore meat onto the stage. How can that not uplift someone from a lousy mood? I LOVE meat.
Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich and Michele Bachmann continue to speak in public. (Even Republicans must let a grin escape occasionally…come on, admit it.)
And I again I find myself working on another Opera House show—with three gentlemen who regularly make me laugh…sometimes even intentionally.
I figure I have a little over three months to save the year from being a complete loss…so here goes:
My Top Ten Other Reasons To Laugh in 2010…
10. The fact that at least 3-4 times a day someone sees me for the first time without facial hair and with varying degrees of success, attempt to stifle audible chortling, bringing me an endless source of jocularity.
9. Texas swept the Yankees over the weekend. AHAHAHAHAHAHA!
8. The Gopher football team.
7. The mustache on that wacko “minister” guy in Florida.
6. Justin Bieber’s hair.
5. Glee starts soon! (Yes, I am akin to a 14-year-old girl.)
4. The mustache on Twins pitcher Carl Pavano. (I’m beginning to think there are people who should follow my clean-shaven lead.)
3. Anything Brett Favre said in August. :)
2. Watching me during choreography rehearsals for “Forever Plaid.”
And the Number One Other Reason To Laugh in 2010…
1. Only 3-1/2 months until 2011!
Say it ain’t so, Joe…
As I mentioned above, our favorite kitty isn’t doing so well. While we weren’t able to pinpoint what is ailing him, but we were able to narrow it to a handful of things that it could be…none of which have a happy ending. Thanks to Drs. Loren and Roxane for their special treatment of Joe and all the time they spent looking and hoping for a cure.
His labored breathing is very hard to watch. Unfortunately, all we can do now is decide when he is no longer enjoying life enough for him to continue the struggle.
He still lies in the sun and sleeps a lot…what kitty doesn’t enjoy that? He still comes to greet me when I come home from work, strategically arching his butt to the perfect position to get a bit of a scratch above the tail. He still comes to get me up at 5:30 a.m. so I can hang out with him for a bit before I go to the office. He still, on occasion, parks himself in front of the refrigerator and paws at the door, letting me know (in case I forgot) where that package of yummy Oscar Mayer Deli Oven Roasted Turkey Breast is located, from which he loves to partake of an occasional treat.
He has gone from being a robust 16.5 pounds down to less than 12 now. His breathing is never good, but if he takes it easy (not too difficult for any kitty) it isn’t quite as pronounced. He doesn’t eat like he should, but he likes it when Kathy spoils him a bit by getting down on the floor and holding the bowl, or better yet, a freshly-opened can of Fancy Feast. He seems to like the bonding.
For now, the best we can do for him is to dote on him when we can and enjoy the time he has left with us. Even if it means getting up before the sun.