July 4 is my birthday. Instead of having a party or some such thing, I decided to pay my mother a visit. It had been a long, long time since I'd seen her and we had a splendid time. She's 80 years old but bright, active, and fully independent — enviable conditions for that age. Two of her three kids (the boys) live some distance away so she sees us rarely. Our sister lives much closer. We chatted for the longest time and shared lunch and dinner before I headed back home –it's a 2 1/2-hour drive– for the night. I have got to visit more often! Back at home we watched the big Cleveland fireworks display on TV. It was very impressive on TV but it's really not at all the same experience as seeing it with your own eyes. Now I want to go to a fireworks show!
My lovely Indian neighbor, Leela, learned that it was my birthday and left a greeting card taped to our door. In part it read, "I am glad you are my neighbors — just like finding a small stream of water in a dry neighborhood." Between visiting Mom and that thought from Leela, it was a happy birthday.
I'd worried about Tasha because she threw up three times in one day but she seems fine. No more puking except for a tiny fur ball and that doesn't count since fur balls aren't what worry me. They're merely gross! And Missy, though yowling excessively the morning after her vet visit, has returned to her normal habits. All is well, then, at home.
I've been dissatisfied with my personal M.D. for a while and July 3rd's appointment pretty much sealed the deal… I'm moving on! Not only could his staff tech not draw blood for testing but for no stated reason, the doc ordered a thallium stress test. As I understand it, a thallium stress test is only indicated where cardiac disease is suspected and he gave me no reason to believe my heart has any problems. There has to be a very good reason for me to allow myself to be injected with a radioactive substance and Dr. D. didn't give me any reason at all. So I see a new practice August 3 and hope for better treatment.