A lot of stuff happened in the last 10 days. None of it was awesome. Most of it I can’t share because it’s private, but I will give you a few small examples.
Kid 2’s landlord is suddenly returning to Austin. We were under impression that she would have at least another year in the house. We have three months to find a house in a specific area and most likely we will have to buy one, despite the insane market, because we keep running into weird German Shepherd HOA restrictions. Apparently, they are “a dangerous breed.” And also because she has a number of caged animals, like lizards, and some landlords find it problematic.
The market is crazy. Here are the requirement from one of the sellers: they don’t want an appraisal, they want a local lender, and they want all offers above asking price to be in by Sunday on the house that went on the market today.
Basically, they want cash and way above what the house is worth. Oy. Even if I could drop that much cash down on a house, I would want the damn thing appraised and inspected.
My annual mammogram has been delayed again. It’s been 18 months now, because COVID flat out shut down the testing centers. Since my mother died of breast cancer, I am disinclined to play around with this stuff. I have March 8th as my date. It took me hours to get the appointment. I am at this point beyond stressed out about it.
Tuna sat on the Paul the tarantula’s enclosure. The screen was not designed to support a 20lb cat and she fell through. Paul was hiding in his log so he is okay. However, all of us had a few tense moments of trying to figure if he’d escaped or was injured, and if Tuna’s fat butt was injured, and then fixing the enclosure with tape until the replacement arrives. I know it’s a small thing, but at that point the cup of woe was full, and this was one drop too many.
So as the result of all these and other things, our schedule for this year has undergone a seismic change. We are not ready to discuss it yet, but in this case our loss might be your gain. We will have more news as things develop.
It is a bit stressful at Chateau Andrews right now, but we will rally. More to come, as our lovely agent says.
Hope you guys will get a break in between all the stuff you have to deal with.
Okay. I know it is not fair to chuckle at other people’s trauma, but…Tuna fell on Paul? And you had to worry if Paul was squished or Tuna was injected? :’D
I know I’m trying so hard no to laugh. Baaad Tuna baaaad!
Just sending love & best wishes. Life is full of challenges right now.
Hope things get sorted the right way eventually.
Tuna likes being the centre of attention, it seems!
But Tuna is cute…
I am glad that Paul is safe and that he did not decide that the food gods had delivered Tuna sushi for lunch.
:::flails::: SUSHI!
Hahahahahaha love this!!!
I have a Siberian Husky (and have had Siberian Huskies for 20 years), which is another breed apartment complexes like to pretend is dangerous. Dangerous to birds and squirrels outside? Yeah, maybe. Dangerous to people?
I’ve never heard of Huskies being declared dangerous. They’re (kind of) big but that’s not reason enough. And there are plenty of little dogs that like to bite so how exactly are they determining level of danger?
Size and reputation primarily. Back when I was looking for a rental and my roommate had a very large (over 100 lbs) dog who at the time we thought was part german shepherd, I discovered that most places have a 30lb limit and those that didn’t had breed restrictions. The restricted list changed from place to place, but pitbulls and german shepherds were always on it. Most included rottweilers and dobermans, and some just seemed to list every common large breed- including huskies and great danes. There were a couple of places, though they were rare, that instead of a hard rule, requested a dog interview instead, which made much more sense to me.
Definitely more sensible. There is more variation in temperament within one litter than between different breeds, in many cases. And that’s before training or lack thereof.
My Frank was the most gorgeous, aussiepoo with long lashes and super fluff. He barely weighted 20lbs wet.
Frank was an ahole. He loved the family. He HATED everyone else. I’m talking vicious biting. We had numerous trainers and doggy rehabilitation people try to help. He went after each one. We eventually had to put him down because of state laws on dog bites.
His cute adorable self would have passed on paper but he was more vicious than ANY of the breeds I’ve seen mentioned here.
The other thing is that rentals now charge pet rent. I had to pay for my two dogs but the people who had several kids didn’t get charged extra rent and I know my dogs did zero damage to my apartment, can you say that about a kid? Pet rent on top of a pet deposit I might add. I understand pet deposits, yes maybe my dog damages the carpet (which you are going to switch anyway so why is this a problem), but monthly rent added to the regular rent and an extra deposit? That is just taking advantage of pet owners.
I pay additional rent to for each of my cats plus an additional pet damage deposit. Punk, my little cat, has broken a window blind. She got too excited by something outside, got caught up in a cord and broke one blade. I don’t expect to get my deposit back. She is somewhat vocal but not loud. Precious, my big cat meows twice a day when she carries her stuffed animal, a mouse, from the bedroom to the living room znd again on the return trip.
If you have extra blades (blinds are longer than necessary), then you can fix it yourself very easily. My dog damaged 3 and i took extras and fixed it. Do an internet search. It would be a sin to lose that much money for a cheap fix.
Thanks! Practical not my strongest suit and would never have thought of that.
It may be more about danger to smaller pets, e.g. cats and small dogs. Many huskies and German shepherds do have a high prey drive. If they haven’t been socialized with smaller pets at an early age, they may go after them, and nothing good happens if they catch them. As an emergency vet tech, I saw plenty of the results. The acronym “GSA” on intake forms stood for “German shepherd attack.” Pit bull attacks were much, much rarer, honestly, even with plenty of pit bulls around. The House Andrews dogs have been socialized with smaller animals, but that is not necessarily common for either breed.
In the early 2000s, the CDC released a report about dog bite fatalities in the US in the last 20 years or so of the 20th century. They listed 10 dogs as most often involved. The top breeds were mostly dogs with strong guard dog instincts: Rotts, German Shepherds, Malamutes, Dobermans, Chow Chows, Great Danes, St. Bernards, and Akitas. “Pit Bulls” were also on the list and so was “Husky.” (I’m applying the same quotations they used in the report.)
“Husky” — which is a TYPE of dog that encompasses many breeds, not just Siberian Huskies — had 14 fatalities attributed to them over a 17 year period in a country with a population of 226M in 1980. In other words, huskies aren’t out in the world, mauling people left and right.
But insurance companies got hold of this list, and many have used it as rationale for refusing certain dogs. Because that dog-refusal policy is driven by the insurance companies, property management rarely has the ability to make exceptions, even in the case of dogs with their Canine Good Citizen certification.
It’s very frustrating for owners of one of these breeds.
It actually has to do with house insurance on rentals. The insurance company has a list of what they have determined to be uninsurable dogs, and landlords don’t mess around when it comes to insurance.
I’m a realtor in Houston, and yeah, it’s an awful market for buyers/renters. People just don’t want to list until the plague is done.
All the huskies I ever met were really dangerous – they could lick you to death!
If anything, Huskies are hilarious not dangerous! They are the comics of the dog world. If you don’t believe me, just check out some of the Husky videos on the internet.
When they shed it’s dangerous to all. You might suffocate under all of it.
Beautiful pup.
Hang in there! Just willfully misconstrue statistics and work on the assumption that if so many things have gone wrong, they’re bound to start going right!
LOL, not that many people understand this about statistics. Too bad because if more people knew the basics of statistics, there would be slightly less idiocy in the world. And I’m someone who subscribes to the “liars, damned liars, and statisticians” viewpoint.
I’m so sorry you guys are going through so much! Prayers and good vibes going out to your family and all of Texas. I donated but wish we could do more!
You guys take care of you and your family first. We will wait as long as you need us to!
Good luck to kid 2 with her vicious animals haha.
Was the tarantula enclosure heated? Blame the weather not the cat… 🙂
((Hugs)) I’m sorry to hear about everything that’s going on for you (and for all the private stuff too). Hopefully everything will work out the way you want and will do so quickly.
My wife and I are adopting our 2nd cat since December. The new one we believe to be a Russian Blue. My wife and I are in an argument on what to name her. I want to name her Katia in honor of Kate Daniels. My wife wants a name of Natasha or another Russian name.
I hope all goes well and the Woes will lesson and the AWESOME will spring to life in the Andrews households!!!
These were under names for Russian blue. Koshka (cat), Siniy (blue), Kiska (kitty) . I like Kisha after Kate calling “kitty, kitty, kitty” when she first met Curran. See Curr a n POV under Kate Daniels books here. Best meet cute ever, followed by Rogan kidnapping Nevada.
Thank you for the ideas! My wife and I meet the new cat on Saturday. We hoping the 2 cats will eventually get along during the 2 week period.
If your wife wants a Russian woman’s name, Katia (Katya) is fine. It’s a diminutive for Yekaterina (Russian form of Catherine). Another diminutive is Katyusha.
Well my wife and I adopted the kittie!! She is a beautiful grayish color. Named her Katia/Katya I spelled it with an “I” on Facebook. My wife spelled it with the “Y”. Good thing Cats can’t spell 😆 ..
We had a feral cat colony on my dad’s property growing up (a few rural acres across the street from a farm where people dumped their pets) and we were always taming kittens and giving them away.
My mom was living in an apartment at the time, and I was friends with a Russian girl who took a little white kitten. I still remember her giant of a father very gruffly muttering kiska at a tiny little fluffy kitten that he was able to hold in one hand.
That is a lot of stuff on your plate. Best wishes to you. You will be dining out on the cat butt/tarantula story eventually, you know.
As acGerman, I feel insulted on behalf of your kid‘s German Shepard! And the house market in Austin does not merely sound crazy, it sounds downright criminal.
All the best wishes and positive vibes to your whole family!
I feel your pain about Tuna and Paul. There are times when pet drama is NOT appreciated. I remember when my cat broke the top of the fish aquarium and fell in. That was not fun because everything was destroyed and I had just been released from the hospital. I did debate if I could just close the door and let the water evaporate off my hardwood floors before attempting to clean up the glass sometime later in the year. But the fish were still alive so I rescued them, and let the cat dry on it’s own.
You believed the cat’s expression of innocence? Sounds like a plan he concocted to get to the fish. “Oh, sorry, mom, I just fell in and when I opened my mouth to scream the fish swam in.” Don’t believe it. 😉
Hugs and positive thoughts. German Shepherds are ever so dangerous (eye roll). As someone who was bit by a Dalmatian as a child, I was scared of dogs until my husband brought home a rescue GSD. I spent ten years as a mailman and would rather see a GSD than the tiny small dogs who feel their aggression must be at least treble their size.
I hope the 8th goes well. Waiting is so stressful. After your posts and experiences of ladies around me, I did my first mammogram at 40 plus a day.
Thank you, Ilona Andrews, for the post. Well, to be practical, you are alive and well. Think how boring/ dull life would be with accidents, unplanned events etc.
I agree with you about mammograms. It’s important. My last one was digital and somehow my right and left radiographs got separated and mixed up with someone else’s who had advanced stage breast cancer with lumps. I was upset and freaked out and my general doctor questioned as I had just had a normal PE. Turned out to be computer error. But I felt really bad for the other lady.
Hope all turns out well with the homeless kid. Yeah I had one of those “vicious “ German Shepherds. He had been trained to protect females so he bit every male human he had opportunity to. My Siamese cat was worse as he bit everyone he could lure into petting him. Plus I was licensed wildlife rehabilitation person. It takes persistence to find a quality home. And tolerant roommates. Kid might want to check with her local vet and or local rehabilitation group. City Housing codes are funny too. Suburban/ more rural area might be necessary. Good luck.
I understand the stress about a cancelled medical appointment. I had one yesterday and that was apparently reason enough to cry all day. I’m not even going to think about how to get a dentist appointment for now even though I’m a year overdue 😅
I feel you on the mammogram – mine was just cancelled for the fourth time, and while I’ve got gene test results that say I’m not at heightened risk, the screening requirements say ‘get one every year or so’. I’ve got Class D breasts, so EVERY damn mammogram comes back with ‘inconclusive’ results, meaning off to ultrasound or MRI I go – but the insurance company won’t let me skip the damn mammo and move directly to stage two. The longer I wait, the more stressed I get.
Hang in there – Austin’s housing market sounds like our local market, but there are pockets of rationality; it’s just that finding them is so much damn WORK.
I’m with you on the mammo issue. I too have class D breasts and ended up having to do two tests every damn time. My doc finally circumvented it by prescribing a “diagnostic” vs. screening mammogram every year, so they jumped right over the standard mammo and went to the Tomo. (Tomosynthesis). Good luck!
Ah yes, the dangerous dog syndrome. It was doberman pinchers (remember Magnum PI), then german sheppards, then Rottweilers and now pitties. Any medium or large sized dog who is not trained can be dangerous. Many places in NYC will only allow small dogs (25 lbs or less) others require a Good Canine Certification (this can help with home insurance too). Some co-ops require a meet and greet where they test the dog’s training. HOA rules can be pretty strict though. It is often an insurance thing so check out the Good Canine Certificate. When I was a renter I always offered an additional pet deposit for my critters and I never had a problem.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-for-the-canine-good-citizen-test/
Like you I would never buy a house without an inspection and appraisal. No matter how much I like a place I would rather walk away. You could end up with a bad house that is a money pit.
I had a problem booking an ultrasound appointment. The Dr office and the radiology clinic were in a contractual dispute over who was required to send the prior approval request to the insurance company. 5 visits to the Dr office, multiple phone calls and a 13 day delay it finally happened yesterday. Now trying to see a Specialist – the earliest appt is 6 weeks away. In the middle of Manhattan. Sigh!
I hope things get better and you’re able to find a place for Kid 1. Sorry to hear about a seismic shift in your schedule. Such a big disruption is never easy.
Sending good thoughts and virtual hugs your way.
Sending you guys all love and hugs and calm thoughts. Heres hoping you catch a break soon. A real one.
I’m so sorry that is not fun to have to deal with and stressful to have to find a new place. People are dumb German Shepherds are great animals we love our boy who is turning 7 this year and when he was younger our kids would lay all over him he’s a little grumpy when they do it now but then he turns around on them and lays on them. He also gets bossed around by our female daschund so yeah real dangerous dog.
I’m sorry for the personal stuff yall are dealing with and pray that all turns out well.
Tuna didn’t do it mom Paul tried to scare her and she just fell in trying to get away.
I’m sorry you’re going through so much! As a breast cancer survivor I can tell you that you’re making the right decision to advocate for yourself as fiercely as possible. I’m thinking/wishing clean screens for you!
My kitty Emma, who while prancing around the top of my 90 gallon fish tank and fell in and almost drowned, will sympathize with Tuna, but probably not Paul. She thinks spiders are yummy.
I had heard that German Shepherds were either first or second most likely to turn on their owners years ago. Dobermans were the other one at the top of the list then. In the list I found today on thesmartcanine.com the Shepherds are listed 3rd most dangerous and the Dobermans trail in 9th place. What shocked me was the Siberian Husky at 6th and the Lab at 7th.
I will vouch 100% for the Husky being dangerous to strangers. Ours never attacked anyone, but it refused to allow our neighbor to knock on the door to retrieve his niece, who was visiting my children. I do believe that had the man ignored the dog staring at him as it sat there, he’d have been bitten, at the very least. They are extremely protective. But the Lab? Not a chance any of them would have ever bitten anyone, from my experience. We visited people who had two Dobermans and they insisted that we let the dogs smell us while they told the dogs we were invited guests. One of them bit my husband, anyway, with absolutely not one warning.
The key to a “dangerous” dog is how protective that dog is towards those it loves. Even a poodle will bite someone who is attacking its owner. I have never liked German Shepherds for that very reason. They are extremely protective and they fight to the death to protect the ones they love. It’s not as if you can explain to a dog that you aren’t there to attack someone, after all, and every stranger could be an attacker.
All that said, if there were an HOA where I lived, I’d tell them all to pound salt if they thought they could control what dog I choose to keep in my family. To me, that’s like refusing to sell to someone based on skin color or religion.
The idea of purchasing a house without an appraisal of thorough examination sounds pretty sketchy to me. Not a realtor I’d do business with there.
The cat sitting on the tarantula cage made me laugh. I’m sorry, but I did laugh after I read that the cat and the spider were both fine after it was over.
The mammogram being delayed for so long bothers me. My own diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was delayed by months of being unable to get any pictures of my insides until the digestive specialist I finally saw ordered it and had enough “pull” to get it done, then the biopsy took a while because I had to have a test to say I didn’t have covid-19 before the hospital would allow me in to have the biopsy done. The immediate response by the oncologist worked well, the cancer is dead inside me because it’s inoperable, but from now to eternity, I will have scans done every 3 months to be sure it doesn’t return. I am told that the odds are against me, but I just quote, “Never tell the odds!” and move on. I will say that if you have no lumps you can feel yourself, it is unlikely that you are at a stage of cancer where it becomes untreatable. By the time my diagnosis was finally made correctly, I was sitting at stage 4 and told I had 6 months to live because there’s no way to cut it out. For me, so far, so good, the treatment plan worked, but I sit on pins and needles as the day for the next scans approaches. I feel your anxiety and your pain at wondering and waiting and wishing it would just GET DONE so you can relax for a while again. It’s really rather like hell on wheels to be waiting to find out if your body is betraying you somehow. One thing I can tell you with absolute certainty is that when you have cancer, the cancer steals all the calories you eat and you lose weight. It’s voracious. You simply cannot eat enough to feed it and maintain your weight. Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, but I am quoting my doctor when I say that.
I will say a prayer that you’ll be OK. I’m sure that many people will do the same.
Dog restrictions are the worst! We just have a beagle and it still probably eliminated 75% of our options.
I’m so sorry! That is really rough. I hope things start to go on the upswing for you guys again.
My condolences for this rough month! This too shall pass. You and your family’s health and well-being, including mental well-being, is more important than any particular date or release.
I’m so sorry. The last week has been so awful for so many that I’m wondering if there isn’t some astronomical conjunction of badness happening. I’m sending much comfort to Texas already, I’ll add House Andrews.
Not in competition or even comparison, but in understanding:
1) I had an emergency dentist appointment on Saturday at a clinic I’ve been going to for a decade, to end up with a brand new dentist who, despite being reminded several times that they had ten years worth of dental and medical information for me, kept forgetting to look at it, thus making several very painful mistakes and finishing by prescribing me THREE medications that would directly clash with meds I’m already on (for example, you don’t want to take two anti-GERD meds at the same time). One combination would have landed me in the hospital if my pharmacist hadn’t caught it, and that was pure luck — pharmacies here aren’t allowed to keep records on patients the way they do in the US, it’s considered a breach of privacy. So nothing in their computers would have flagged them, it was only because a pharmacist I knew was working AND remembered what I was taking that she caught it.
2) Sunday, my mandolin beautifully sliced itself right through the yellow pepper, the top-rated cut resistant glove I was wearing instead of using a safety guard*, and my thumb. And despite me** and a long distance doctor friend of mine both telling him there was no point, my husband insisted on dragging me to the ER so he could also be told by that doctor that there was nothing they could stitch — it just took a great big divot out of my thumb, it didn’t leave the sides close enough to put stitches into.
3) We discovered one of our cats may not be able to eat chicken cat food (we’re testing it now) — and of the one brand these incredibly picky beasts will eat, there’s one all-fish assortment. Everything else comes with a chicken flavor (and it only comes in assortments). Which means either going through the “what will they eat that we can also afford” process again or isolating her while we use up the chicken packets on the other cats (and getting them used to not having wet food to nosh on between meals).
Plus, yes, more. And I’ve been hearing these kinds of stories all over. Sometimes one big thing, other times 1000 tiny bites that end up devastating just as badly. Sometimes both. I wasn’t kidding about the conjunction. I mostly don’t believe in astrology any more, but times like this make me wonder again.
—-
*I know the safety guard is reliable. It’s also incredibly wasteful. I’ve used these gloves for years with no problems. Next step will be a metal mesh/steel chain mail/oyster glove.
**one of the reasons I probably shouldn’t have a mandolin in the first place is that I’ve had over 100 stitches in my 45 years. I’m really good at looking at where I’ve just injured myself and diagnosing whether and how many I’ll need.
I went online and ordered an electric slicer that is great. No more mandolins. I have sliced myself good in the past. The electric slicer is great.
I badly want an electric slicer. It’s a constant argument with my husband. He insists we don’t need more appliances. I insist I’m the one doing the cooking. So far, other things have taken priority, but the electric slicer.
If you are doing the cooking absolutely you get to decide on the tools. Does he have a work area or hobby where he decided the tools? Like lawn mowing or woodworking
Sounds like there is a lot of “crap happens” at your house right now. Good luck with all that. Sounds like every day is “take two aspirin for headache prevention” before you crawl out of bed in the morning.
I just realized this week that when I started working 50 years ago, minimum wage was $1.65. Public housing in my son’s area has a 3 to 5 year waiting list, HUD is 15 years! I may be looking for a cardboard box and a cheap alley! Life sucks seems to be pretty prevalent right now. Keeping on with that “one foot in front of the other” motion hoping for progress.
Okay… your recall of wages made me chuckle. My first good paying job was $1.75 hr and I was able to survive on that. In the present I look at my money and wonder how I can buy 2 bags of groceries and spend a hundred bucks. Sigh.
Retirement is looking to be when I am 90… with humor and a smile I really hope I am over estimating that number.
I had a wonderful pharmacist put me on the wait list for when someone doesn’t show up for a covid -vaccine .. and I am in the senior bracket… because I just couldn’t get one no matter how many times I called and went on-line. High fives to her because she called me from a long waiting list and let me know if I showed up within the hour I could get one. No one was answering the call so I lucked out. YAY.
Seems like everything these days takes a lot more effort to accomplish… I am ready for spring and flowers . It will happen eventually.
Take care of yourselves and may the struggles lessen.
Hang in there, House Andrews! This too shall pass, and your devoted BDH will be here for you!
Good luck with all that! I hope you can take a vacation soon. Vacations are good. Even planning vacations can be better than normal life.
I know of no testing centers here in CO that are shut down, if your plan falls thru 🙂 insurance gets finicky about out of state stuff tho.
At least the house would be an investment? We bought last summer in a crazy market and I feel for anyone trying to buy now.
I wish I had a magic want or other awesome powers to grant some relief. I hope this too shall pass. I hate house hunting and house buying. It’s always a pain. Good luck on the mammogram. I was finally able to get mine done and came though clean. I hope your results are the same. The testing site was fun as they left you in the changing room until it was my turn for a scan. So take something of your own to read just in case.
I offer you a wish for peace and a suggestion of a good cup of tea.
OY. That does not sound like a good 10 days.
Good luck with all the things.
Really, the housing market is insane.
Also, escaped tarantulas. I’m glad Paul is safe and sound in his/her cage. But if Tuna decides to drop in for a visit again and Paul does go walkabout, I have experience and pro tips on recapturing escapees.
Have a better day. 🙂
I hope things get better for you. The last year and a half has been extra rough on you.
Hopefully, spring will bring better things.
There are times that I think the collateral damage of COVID restrictions is worse than the risk. Bridget Correia, wife of author Larry Correia sat for months waiting for surgery to check on a breast lump. My wife and I went a week waiting for the procedure and it was horrible. Months… In both cases, they were benign. Sorry you are having to go through the waiting game.
The Austin real estate market sounds like a bad place to be. Commuting may be her friend. Because cash sales, as is, and no inspection sounds like a stroll down Unicorn Lane.
I hear your frustration. Where I work we have had to postpone a significant number of surgeries because there are simply not enough people to care for them. The rates for traveling workers is astoundingly high to correlate with demand. Meaning, there are no people to hire. And, I live in a lucky location. We want to get back to full work loads and we are looking for ways to extend hours of operative services once we can to get through the back log quickly. We’ve looked, there are no greener pastures to be found.
The joys of pets…Glad everyone is safe, including the spider. Wishing the Andrews family health and happiness. We will be accepting (and mostly happy) with all future directions that you take us.
Care and compassion coming your way.
when my first cat was a kitten he used to get up with me in the middle of the night for bathroom trips, after flushing he’d peek over the bowl like it was the most fascinating thing…. later he’d get up with me but as soon as i flushed the toilet he’d run for his life. it took me a while to realize he’d gotten too curious and possibly fallen in after the toilet was flushed.
i have a lump in each breast, it feels like a lump, but my doctor keeps saying that Fred and George are just the way the tissue lays, they are not lumps. i’m not convinced, but they’ve been there for 15 years now and i still stress out each year when it’s that time. because my older sister made it so we now “have a history of breast cancer” in the family. we all end up with something it seems
Sending loving waves your way!
Sending care and virtual tea.
+1!
I have never consumed the flowering teas but they always look so pretty!
They are really tasty if you like flowery teas. They are also just stunning to look at as they unfold.
I live in Montana and the housing prices here are insane, especially for the general income level of the area. Just about everything is going for significantly over value and I think either people from out of state (i.e. California) are buying up properties, or it’s people buying rentals. As much as I don’t want the economy to go bad, I really want something to happen to the real estate market so people have to start selling at reasonable prices again. As it stands, if I want to get something that is correctly valued I’m looking at 200 to 300k which I cannot afford.
Hang in there. Texas is a tough place to be right now, I think. Hugs.
You guys clearly don’t know me from Adam’s house cat, but I’m sending you Covid-free hugs. I’m also sending out prayers and good vibes into the universe that all the chaos subsides soon.
May this be the worst of it.
I felt this post to the core. Eleven long months of little things adding up to one giant dump truck load of stress, fatigue and general frustration does make ones cup completely run over!
I’m so sorry. It’s generalised burnout for everyone. ❤️
I’m fortunate because my Primary Care Physician is an excellent manager. If my Specialist has a problem scheduling something necessary, I’ll call my PCP and leave a message describing the problem. So far, knocking on wood, what ever the problem was, it seems to disappear.
I agree with previous comments, if the house seller doesn’t want an inspection, don’t even go there.
Dogs have different personalities, with their training and owner owning a lot of the background to that personality.
Fortunately I live in a part of Texas that didn’t join the Texas Grid. We had big time problems with freezing pipes and rolling power outages about ten years ago. Our utility companies made very expensive upgrades. Most of us bitched about the costs. It actually cost less to upgrade than to hook up with Texas Grid. Now, we are all thanking our power companies.
May the bad stuff quit already! (Regardless of publishing impacts) I hope things level out soon!
I hope things get better for the Andrews. This week has also been challenging for me.
Regarding the house, sorry the Californian market rules have migrated to Texas. I was just chatting with a co-worker last night about Texas market and wondering how’d the tech migration induced boom would play out with many many houses having a lot of water damage, plumbing work needed, and probably mold problems with some places going from so cold to warm. Perhaps she can ask the Real Estate agent to ask if they had power and water during the big freeze to help screen out some of these problems. Unfortunately for her, techies will be migrating from N. Cal sight unseen and willing to pay all cash for a mold filled house with shoddily patched leaks so price negotiation may be difficult.
CA has Transfer Disclosure statements, even as-is sales, but if the sellers don’t get it checked out then it can really be answered to the best of their knowledge.
Perhaps she can look to rent a granny flat type situation with an independent home owner? Once real estate booms enough, people will opt to rent (b/c buying in all cash as-is with those restrictions is as unpleasant as it sounds) and a limited market will mean the rent prices go up. Some homeowners in nice neighborhoods usually see an income opportunity.
Long-distance hugs from me. Life is life. Here is a flower from me. This plant started blooming a few days ago. It is tiny (the leaf is roughly fingerprint sized. Hence the less than ideal image quality.) but it makes me happy because it is beautiful but also tiny. It isn’t loud and flashy beauty, but it’s there when I need a moment of calm and happiness.
Sending every ounce of love and peace and comfort we can muster your way. So much stress. Such oof. No fun. Here’s to sanity. Or some semblance thereof.
Imagine the stories Paul could tell now. The catasstrophic invasion….
Just want to express my heartfelt hope that things improve for all you.
Tuna is really saying “I meant to do that!”
I wonder what Paul would have to say about all this? The sky really did fall on him, even if it was a Tuna butt sky.
Our cat Turbo was obsessed with our small Cuckoo clock. She was always trying to catch that $#%! bird. She finally made it, but he was glued on, and there was nothing for her to grab except the chains, so down she went holding onto those chains with all her strength and pulled them out of the clock mechanism. It cost us $200 to repair.
I hope things go better soon and that the medical news is good news.
Sending good thoughts to all involved. Especially you, Ilona. My mother is a breast cancer survivor and I get stressed if my mammogram is late. I got stuck in the Covid crap too… Mine was done at 15 months. Clear, like always, but I’m quite sure fate is just waiting for me to skip one to pop up something bad. It’ll be ok…
(Who buys a house without an inspection? I mean… seriously… )
I am sorry y’all are dealing with all of this. On top of all the stuff that happened last week. Wishing you better times …
Can you book an appointment in another city and
could you fly to that city…eg El Paso that didn’t get the weather?
just asking.
I guess different town with different rules. I had my mammo in San Antonio in August with no problems.
I’m sorry things have been stressful and hope that resolutions arrive quickly and easily! At least it is no longer snowing?? 😄
I’m so sorry to hear all of this is happening. Come to Eastern North Carolina! Great place to live 💜
So sorry about Kid2’s housing situation. Hopefully things will get better for all of us. Sometimes it is the little things that drag on us the most. We live in an area that still has high COVID rates and my husband told me his company gave everyone a four day weekend to recharge. Okay, we can’t travel yet, nothing is open, we have been married 27 years, we have done a lot of house projects. Let’s see if we survive, I guess we could do our taxes 🙄
I recently read a mathematician has calculated that the various covid lockdowns and restrictions are the equivalent of adding 4 years of marriage. Just from having to be together so much. My husband is debating on whether to take our 14 and 12 year old sons camping for 10 days this summer. He is worried what I will do alone. My response was I will be fine, sprawl in naked splendor on the couch when not working and give me some ALONE time!
Enjoy 😊
💝 ****ing stuff
Hope your next time is getting better
I am looking for your news
Oy!! Hoping things get better soonest! Sending positive thoughts your way, for all House Andrews family and critters! Many virtual hugs!!
Oh man bad news comes in three’s. Or fours, fives, a dozen. I thought 2021 was supposed to be the year of happiness. So far, I am inclined to think otherwise.
Regardless, I am sorry for all the woes. I certainly know what it is like to have trouble finding a place. I have 3 cats (not an excessive amount I feel). Finding an apartment in Indiana for 3 animals was practically impossible. The one I did find is a good $200 more than others in rent fees alone, plus the extra pet fees to help ameliorate this “excess of animal.” My 3 cats weigh less than one medium-sized dog. Ridiculous!
And much less than 1 or 2 kids. Not that I’m against kids or dogs in apartments. I do draw the line at venomous snakes no matter what they weigh🤩
Hang in there, and take care of yourselves. Know that we will be here waiting to buy books when they become available.
All dogs are dangerous if they have been badly trained or abused. German shepherds to St Bernards to Chihuahuas. I hate it when they single out breeds that way.
I’m glad you are taking care of the required health-care checkups even when it’s hard to do. Not only will you feel better, it will keep you healthy. I had no idea that I was lucky to get my mammogram without any problems last spring. They were very careful about social distancing and the whole thing. Quite the relief. Hope it’s the same for you.
That’s rough. We had the same problem with our “dangerous breed”pittie mixes finding a home to rent in Colorado. Many times it wasn’t even the landlord but their insurance that was putting a big fat kabash on things. Then in some areas there is BSL….ugh
I hope you find a home for your child and glad your tarantula is safe. Fingers crossed for the mammogram.
So sorry to hear this. Hugs.
Loving “Quincy the Viking,” am very glad Paul is safe and uninjured, and hopefully the replacement will either support a 20lb kitty, or… I’d say maybe Tuna learned lesson, but I have 4 cats, and since none of them have learned any lessons since they adopted me… nope, nope, nope, nevermind.
On a side note, new construction, if it’s an option for kiddo2, might be something to consider… inspections and appraisals are part of that process at least.
The market down in and around Austin is crazy. The HOAs are weird with weird restrictions. I hope you can find something for her. If not I know it’s farther north but Round Rock used to be reasonable.
Quincy makes a great Viking. We will join all of you with Buddy our part German shepherd and our personal instigator Luna in Lindisfarne to raid for the Meade! The Meade there is excellent and the archeology is awesome.
When it rains – it pours. Hope everything works out in your favor. Also – the housing market is simply C-R-A-Z-Y right now.
Case in point. Managed to sell 2 houses, cash, for more than I had any reason to expect to get because someone managed to corner hubby and hint they’d heard we wanted to sell. 3 weeks later, closed on our house and his parent’s house – even though they both need a lot of work.
Renting a house in our new locale is nearly impossible – luckily with just 2 cats it’s at least POSSIBLE to get an apartment – so although we both loathe apartment living – that’s what we’re doing as we start looking for new digs ourselves – and hopefully not pay insane $$ in the meantime…..
Now, if someone will just buy the 5 acres in Central Florida we don’t want LOL.
I am always bothered by dog breed bans. They are unfair. Unfortunately there are bad owners out there ruining it for those with sweet dogs.
Our gain? Does this mean an unexpected release this year in order to pay for the added expenses?
Oy vey. I am so sorry about all the insanity. That’s all more than slightly annoying. And no way in heck am I giving you cash without an inspection even if I lived in a world where I had that kind of cash. Word. And I didn’t realize they still had a thing against shepherds. I thought that went out of style in the 80s! Geez.
Good luck! Dog restrictions are ridiculous. My husband used to do maintenance in multi housing and cats made much more of a mess. Also I once couldn’t get an apartment because I had an Australian Shepherd and there restrictions just said “shepherds” weren’t allowed. Honestly!
This is FYI the “dangerous Animal” designation was started by insurance companies, and burried in your homeowners/landlord/renters policy is a clause that either allows it to be covered or not most folks chose to go with not to be on the safe side in case of a law suit
OMG!😲
I hope things came down a bit for you all.
Sending you good luck from the UK
It’s not fair. You guys cannot buy a break these days.
In spite of it all, “this too will end” – someday. It just *seems* that it will go on forever.
Considering all the stressful times we all have had, many people are feeling the strain. I am sorry it all picked right now to dump on House Andrews.
If your fans can help with anything more than sympathy, you know we will happily pitch in. Otherwise, we will listen when you need an ear (or many).
Take care, stay safe. We are rooting for you always.
Dog restrictions are so weird. The two meanest, nastiest dogs I have ever encountered were a chihuahua that bit me right on the nose after knowing it for years, and 11 year old cocker spaniel. He weighed maybe 30 pounds, was blind in one eye, and could barely be bothered to get off his couch to pee – but did he attack another neighbor’s (larger) dog and leave him with six stitches over a misunderstanding with a toy? Sure did.
Yup. Tuna looks smug to me. Glad Paul was not squashed flat. What a lot in a short time. I got my mammogram in late Spring, terrified of covid, but more terrified of the results since it had been three years. I read one of your books in the waiting room. I never go to anything scary without one of your books. My news was good and I’ll be sending positive energy your way for the same. Hugs. The house stuff sounds over the top. Yeah, that’s one scary dog on the dragon boat. Bet he’d lick anyone to death. Hope the right property turns up immediately. May it be perfect for the peaceable kingdom.
Gecmis Olsun (may this pass.) One of the few things I remember from my Turkish studies years ago. Hopefully, things will improve soon.
Also, It’s true. Cats have no shame.
Really German Shepherds are a dangerous breed? You want a dangerous breed, landlord’s shouldn’t rent to people who own Shih Tzu! They have needle sharp teeth and think they are the rulers of the universe. Give the poor Shepherds a break.
Sounds like it’s your turn under the stress waterfall. (We have a more scatalogical name for it, but I’m trying to be polite.) Hope all works out for you.
Well, shoot. I’m sorry. Hope all is resolved more easily and better than you expect. I would send hugs if they would help, but you don’t know me from Eve, so that is doubtful.
Hi have a family history of cancer too. Having grown up in a town who’s major employer is atomic energy I have paid attention to radiation exposure. Here is an article I found interesting with a discussion on testing and radiation exposure.
https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2014/11/breast-cancer-screening-alternatives
Cute flufferkins!
Take care of yourselves. Be safe. Prioritize the things that let you do the above – the BDH will be here when you are ready to release a new book *without hurting yourselves*. <3
Good luck with the housing hunt for Kid 2. I went through something similar about 10 years ago, when our landlords divorced and needed the rental property as the new primary residence for one half of the couple. We had 60 days to find a new property – with two cats and a very tight budget. We managed, but it was super stressful even with relatively easy pets. :/
Maybe you can find someone to do a medical thermography scan sooner for the peace of mind or evidence that you should be boosted to the head of the line
All you can do is take one step at a time!!! Your readers will wait… your family MYST come first!!!
Apparently 2020 is the gift that keeps on giving. One of my favorite sayings is: This too, shall pass. Take care. At least your animals haven’t been kidnapped. 😡😞
Sorry to hear of your trials. Hopefully life will smooth out soon.
You are probably already on this, but just in case, I have seen folks in my community find “unicorn” rentals and housing through Nextdoor and local Facebook groups (the mom ones are especially helpful). Obviously online communities can get…weird…but some are full of lovely folks too. Might be worth a shot! Also local GSD breeders might have good leads. Good luck! Tuna is indeed remorseless.
Certainly a rough few days. I hope you find a house. I went through the mammogram scare in November. First time biopsy for me. Waiting on the results was beyond tense. Everything turned out well, so my holidays were happy. If I had been able to see my daughter they would have been perfect.
I always enjoy reading the animal adventures from House Andrews. I’m still coming to terms with a tarantula named Paul! 🤣 Tuna can rock the attitude!
Hugs.
Wishing you the best and better days to come!
I am sorry it is pouring for you right now. Definitely important to get that mammogram. I’m surprised the clinics have delayed so long. My mom got hers late last year and it was definitely good she did.
I think you need to de-stress. Try coloring ( I added a picture but here’s the link https://bookoutlet.com/Store/Details/9781250256683B?source=ppc&ppc_campaign=u1407004000&gclid=Cj0KCQiAst2BBhDJARIsAGo2ldXr08adIyDiExRHP6jOJ-SuZHoHqMzWHx3dxRWIE5sqhASQEMM73FQaAr4sEALw_wcB)
Take a deep breath and repeat the mantra: This too will pass.
Sending positive vibes from Ontario Canada.
Hugs to you. You brighten my life, with what you share as well as what you publish.
I sending good vibes to you guys. Glad both Tuna and Paul are ok.
Hope it gets better soon.
I am hoping all the best for you and your family – such tough times with the pandemic and then the pile on with the Texas storm.
Sending good wishes your way.
The difficult and the terrible keeps on coming. Horrible is coming too, for some. Some days it’s hard to get out of bed. My son lost his job after 15 years at a university because no one wants to put money into the arts. That won’t end well. He’s at his wits end and of course we aaa tree too. I am very ready for things to start getting better, but have lost hope that it will any time soon.
Wishing you and yours better days ahead, wishing it for all of us 😕
Sending good thoughts your way. Sounds like you’ve been through a whirlwind!
I also live in already tight housing area. This last year has exacerbated the affordable housing shortage. Houses were selling in less than a week and above asking prices in decent homes here as well. Having been a military wife for 17 years, I also know what it is like to move to areas that have very limited rentals. The Navy would tell us, before a move, to a limited housing area, to expect it to be hard to find landlords open to pets at all and to expect large pet deposits. When we moved to Dallas in 1995, it had a 5% availability of apartments. It got better over time. We never would have been able to find a affordable place, with a pet and new baby,back then. I live farther northwest of there now, but still remember the long petless years. Doesn’t it feel like, whenever trouble comes calling , like your life starts collecting collateral crap like static on a winter day? Sorry to hear it’s all piling on. One day it will be rich organic matter for your creativity, bur today it probably just feels like a lot of s**t to deal.
You are such a strong person because I’d be losing my mind at this point.
As for Kid 2, is a tiny home an option? I just heard about this one from IKEA (no assembly required) and it looks neat. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ikea-tiny-home-tour-b1806852.html%3famp
I hope things improve from here for you guys!
If you’re in need of responsible chocolate, Alter Eco has a 100% cacao bar that’s actually quite good. It’s got no sweetener of any kind, so it’s not at all sweet, but it’s smooth and almost creamy. I think it’s less bitter than black coffee.
https://www.alterecofoods.com/products/total-blackout
Wishing you happy house finding vibes and better things happening in the future. I had a good thing happen today so maybe my good vibes will extend.
Your pet related adventures are worthy of a book in & of themselves:) Also cats don’t do shame. Or guilt, for that matter.
I was under the impression that housing craziness was a Canadian thing. No joke, in the greater Toronto area most houses are going for well in excess of one million Canadian dollars. Even with the 30% exchange differential to US dollars that still works out to over $700K US for a house. Bully offers, sealed bids, no inspections etc. are common. I’d like to blame it all on Covid, but this type of crazy was happening even before the virus came knocking. All it did was up the crazy.
Best wishes for good health to you & yours.
House prices in Hamilton (45 minutes to 3 hours away depending on traffic) have risen more than 60% in the last 18 months because of our proximity to Toronto.
House prices in Ontario have been sky rocketing for a while and I don’t understand why. I’ve lived in Toronto my whole life, bought my bungalow in 1999, have lived in it, worn it out and it’s now worth 4 to 5 times what I paid! I don’t get it. My kids will never be able to have the lifestyle I’ve enjoyed. I shake my head in despair
I am in Dallas. Just had lunch with friends, one of whom just bought a new home- who bought it before it was listed, photos only, high bid of 3, with several such outrageous demands including move in delayed till May. Another friend is a realtor and has told her clients if they spot something they might possibly like at all, call her, get earnest money and contract in so they have a chance, and they’ll deal with the rest later. Now with so many out of their homes due to pipes and water is even worse. The housing market is crazy. Good luck to you as Austin is an even hotter market than DFW.
Chin up and good luck with the mammogram. I’ve had tissue slivers taken a couple of times, but they all turned out ok. Yours will too. Damned well better had.
We’ve had German Shepherds for 50 years, not breeders, just our pets. Yes, they have been superb guardians, but not attackers. My present GS is such a ladies man that two of our neighbors decided to adopt German Shepherds. The other breed we have are Chows. You want an unpopular breed? People hear the word “Chow” and their hair lights on fire. Again it’s all socialization. And the real estate market? Crikey, it is nuts everywhere. I’ve been looking in the Charleston SC area with trailers on minimal lots going for $300K. Handyman special indicates a bulldozer should be called. I sincerely wish you well with all and every problem, and speedy resolutions in the desired manner.
My friend has been telling me that Mercury is in retrograde. That’s why all this crap has been happening to everyone. Besides the pandemic.
But mercury has now left retrograde.
So things should quiet down for a while. I hope.
I was suppose to start a newjob last March, was literally doing paperwork when the the center where I was suppose to work closed.
Still hasn’t opened. I was only working part time , so not eligible for unemployment.
I had a off the books job but that dried up.
Luckily I have savings and my IRA.
Which I am using to survive.
I am going to look for work this summer.
Everyone has been affected by this pandemic and now this weather.
There are no small problems, everything has morphed into mayor problems.
I live in apartment in NYC where the super has dogs. One was a wonderful German Shepard ,Harley.So dogs of all sizes are allowed in the apartments.
The most troublesome dog was a loud rambunctious small dog. He hated everyone. My neighbors have a lovely pit bull, named Piggy, she loves everyone.
I hope you can resolve buying a house without inspections. That’s sounds illegal.
I am a cancer survivor, once that happens it’s always on your mind.
I had Stage 4 skin cancer .I was suppose to die. I had good doctors, had positive thoughts and I survived
Your books and blog have been a beacon of light this year.
I can’t thank you enough and the BDH for all the laughter and information you have given me this last and this year. Plus awesome pet photos.
Blood Heir is fabulous, and if that is all you publish this year I will be grateful for each page of this book.
Happily waiting for anything you write. For however long it takes.
You family and peace of mind is paramount. Take care of each other.
P.S. your Zoom with Jeanine Frost was delightful. I loved her laughter.
Loved the interaction between you and her. I liked the insights to the different writing process of Ilona Andrews and her. Looking forward to reading her new book.
Fingers crossed for you for a new job, Gail!
I have owned and loved both cats and dogs for the last 60 years. I have also seen the severe damage cats and dogs can do to property. My friend allowed her tenant to keep cats. When the tenant left, the house had to be professionally cleaned, carpets removed and repainting done because the cats had been allowed to urinate everywhere (even the top of the refrigerator). I would want a really large damage deposit before renting to a pet owner because you can’t always tell by looking which humans take responsible care of their pets.
In Arizona where I live, Pitt Bulls have a really bad reputation. I think it goes back years to when they were bred and trained to be vicious so they could be used to fight for so called entertainment.
We owned the sweetest Golden Retriever anyone could want. We were out walking one evening and met a new neighbor in her wheel chair. Our dog started growling at her. We think the chair frightened her. So you just never know what can set off a dog. Never heard of interviewing a dog before renting but I think it is a really good idea.
I don’t know that I want a gain if it comes at your loss. 🙁 I’m sorry things have been pear-shaped, and I hope they resolve better than anticipated.
Hope it all calms down and works out soon!
Sending good thoughts your way. I can only imagine the chaos in your neck of the woods these days. Good times to come if you’re in construction esp. plumbing I guess, if you need to look for a bright side.
Hang in there, folks. We love you.
The Nashville housing market is just as crazy!! My husband has been working out of our CLOSET since last April, but houses the same as we own now, are TWICE as much to buy, much less the LARGER one we need for my floral business AND for him to have a real room sized office. We are looking at spending 3x what we spent for our current home. But there is NO WAY to show our current home with 2 kids still doing at home online school AND 2 parents working from home— then add in the fact the GREAT homes sell in a matter of 2-3 weeks( or less!)
The stress is REAL.
I FEEL you guys in your predicament.
Have you thought about a tiny home on a piece of land (instead of a burbs house) for your kid? It would be nice for the dog, too
I’m sorry to hear of all your pet problems, sounds crazy! I did not know German Shepherds were part of the whole “dangerous breeds” thing, I disagree with that whole thing in general! I believe it is not the breed of dog, but in how they are raised and treated that makes them mean. I have been around Pit Bulls that are very gentle and kind. I have a Chiweenie who is nice and sweet to my husband and myself, but anyone else he wants to act like an agressive mean brute lol. I have no idea why either. He is a rescue dog, so we think he was abused before we got him, since he is nervous around other people. It took us 3 visits to the rescue center seeing him every day to warm up to me. He warmed up to my husband after we got him home. But we love him so much!! I hope things get better for you guys! I love everything you write, but your life and family comes first.
Good lord, when it rains, it pours. I think we are all ready for just a little sprinkle.
Quincy is an adorable Viking. I have a box of doggie cookies just ripe for pillaging and fair maidens that would give many pets.
Tuna is a chunk. Poor traumatized arachnid, lol.
My hunny and I are buying our first house together. It is not fun. He asks the lender how many more trees are the going to murder before he is finished signing everything. We ARE excited to have a house that only we (and the bank) own.
I hope everything works out for you and your kiddos. Send all of y’all good thoughts.
Yeah that’s a scary furball there.
I wish you well with the house hunting. I agree that prices are insane right now, everywhere but in California, which we have been trying to leave. So we will probably end up buying another home in CA.
If your daughter and her floofs can stay with you until the housing market collapses, that would be good. And it will.
Our very sweet autistic daughter was just diagnosed with a brain tumor, our nephew just wrapped a car (one we gave him) around a light pole and is in an induced coma in ICU, our Kingwood son who had a brain tumor removed two years ago has it growing again, and the state is still dithering on the eminent domain of our property, which they have been saying for 2 years would happen “soon”.
I am not saying my problems are worse than yours. I AM saying that if your problems result in more books, my problems will be easier to bear for a few hours.
But the world is just bleeping hard right now, and I will take what comes, one day at a time. I have many things to be thankful for. Thousands of things. Sometimes I have to start with indoor plumbing, a soft bed, and work from there, but I am thankful for many things.
I’m so sorry Sharon, sending health prayers to you and all of yours.
My thoughts are with you and your family. I sent health prayers too.
The house thing sounds like a pure nightmare. And really, German shepherds?the 1920’s called, and they’d like their “stereotypical bad dog” back.
Tuna, cat, seriously, ain’t nobody got time to worry about your butt right now, please to keep it away from tarantulas. And lizards, for that matter.
After moving to Texas from Kentucky, it was shocking the demands that landlords, HOA, and sellers had for houses. It was so discouraging seeing the large list of restrictions and particular”requests” they had to get into a house, some of which of which I still question if they’re legal. We figured out that with so many people needing a place, that got away with it. Hopefully the housing situation works out and I understand the struggle.
I know how insane the market is…I just sold my house in Colorado so that was in my favor….but I’m also building a house in Texas. The stress is my house sold so fast that my house isn’t finished and I have to rent my house here for 22 days and then a vacation rental for 10 days. Thankfully I am coming out of the sale in good shape. I get how insane life can get. Hang in there!!
My new boss has the same housing tale of woe in Michigan. Sorry to hear that you have so much to deal with. Take care, I will buy the book whenever you get to it, so don’t stress (if you can). I often stress about things that are firmly outside my control.
I’m so sorry. The housing market has been nuts in Austin for about fifteen years, and even people leaving because their company has gone remote doesn’t seem to be helping. 🙁
May a creative piece of luck come your way soon, and ease these problems!
When we were kids in the Pennsylvania woods, we lived next to my Grandmother. She had a retired police dog (GSD) His original handler got married and the new wife was afraid of Moxie. He came to live with Grandma. We roamed the woods and everywhere all day with him along. My Mom and Dad never worried about us as long as he went was with us.
I can sympathize… we’re looking to buy a slightly larger house in the next year or two and our local market (Coeur d’Alene) is INSANE, with no sign of changing! Houses here are selling for $50-250k above asking price, no inspection/appraisal and usually sight-unseen. We are extremely fortunate to have bought our current house when we did and may have to make it work for our growing family for much longer!
Have you considered an addition? Of course that only works for single-family housing so maybe you can’t. But an addition was how we solved our space problem. It was expensive, and living in a construction zone s*cked, but we stayed in the same neighborhood, same schools, etc., and it was less expensive than buying a different house would have been. Good luck.
I hate when things go like that, one little thing, or not-so-little thing, after another, until finally it’s too much, you explode, and everyone stares at you like you’re insane because they haven’t been through the previous events
Sorry you are having a rough time, I hope things get better soon.
Sending all the positive vibes virtually!!! Thank you for sharing. Please stay strong!
Sending you super powers via mental telepathy. You are strong you will get through. Just take care of your family.
Oh gosh, when it rains it pours, usually some peace and quiet will follow. I hope the misfortunes are done with. Sending all of you some much needed positive energy from across the continent.
Well, some fun huh? Class half full, no covid . I am truly sorry for your inconveniences. Annoying shit that isn’t REALLY terrible is still very annoying. Hang in there about the mammogram you are being wise, as ever.Sending positive vibes .
[hug] May things improve soon!
Sorry you are having extra stress. I used to work in insurance and there has been a list of “dangerous “ dogs for quite a while. It sucks cause they were based on number of bites since the ins co had to pay out money. Most of the individual dogs are fine. They need to redo the list but probably need a push of some kind. I wonder if the no appraisal or inspection comes from the water damage done recently and either the house has problems or the owners want out of Texas? Also glad the spider faired well. It doesn’t take much to injure them.
I am crossing my fingers your hunt is successful for your daughter.
The housing market is crazy in Maryland too. Sellers encourage bidding wars and end up with way more than House is worth.
Wow. Ok, I would never deal with someone selling without appraisal or inspection. That is simply not aboveboard behavior! And house hunting, oy. So sorry!
Arrrghhh. Stay away from HOAs if at all possible. Or read the fine print! I had friends who both left the house for their jobs every day, but spent a year fighting with their HOA about the fact their garbage cans were not pulled up from the street by noon. No joke. They finally just sold their house to get out from under the constant stress. And that’s just one small example I could put forth. There are more! HOAs are evil. No such thing as live and let live in their lexicons.
Sorry about all the odd problems. I hope that plumbing leaks aren’t part of the list! Looking forward to hearing how it “might be your gain”. My antennae sure started wiggling heh.
I am sorry to hear of your woes. I hope things will improve and will keep you all in my prayers.
I’ve run into the same housing problems with my Rott mix. It devolved to me shouting over the phone at someone, “If you label my dog “vicious” one more time I will SHOW you vicious!” Anyway – best of luck and lots of love sent.
I have no relevant story of my own, positive or negative… just wish you and your family the very best outcomes for all of these stressors. Your books and your blog help me and so many others find light in this darkness. Thank you.
sending ❤️. anything we can do?
With your sense of humour you all will make it. Sorry for all the stress, that never helps. Glad Tuna and the Tarantula survived!
Tuna and the Tarantula… that’s a pretty good band name! 🙂
(((Hugs)))
Sending sympathy and virtual cups of tea. As a friend of mine is wont to say when life becomes a hair shirt: this too shall pass.
We love you, and take the time to do what you need to do.
We’ll be patiently waiting when it all calms down
Take care of you. You know we’ll be grateful for whatever bounty you give us.
Wow! If that’s a sample of the last 10 days, I can see it hasn’t been pretty. I hope the next 10 days our filled With easy solutions!
Sorry to hear things are so Rocky on your end, but thank God you still have a sense of humour! Fingers crossed that your luck changes soon, especially your mammogram appointment and finding a new home for your kid and her pets.
M daughter and son-in-law had the same issue when they tried to buy a home. A house would go on the market and by an hour there might be 9 offers on the table. The buyers were routinely having to offer 30 percent or more over the asking price AND write a letter to the owner telling why they deserved to get the house. It was an absolute nightmare. They finally got one about 2 months ago. They are happy and it’s nice, it it’s not quite what they wanted, but at least got something. It’s in a lovely old neighborhood and is a nice move up from apartment living. This is in the Twin Cities in MN. Good luck on the hunt!
In our house we would refer to the Tuna incident as a fresh new hell. Sorry bad things are happening to y’all.
*hugs*
HOAs that consider GSDs exceptionally dangerous are FOS.
Just one dog lovers opinion. Hope things settle down for you soon .
Oy. Sounds like the Bay Area housing crisis, 2-beds-1-bath going for 1.5 to 2million and getting sold above asking price, in cash. Pretty much the entire local population has been priced out of owning a house.
My friend just bought a mobile home in Santa Rosa, and it looks pretty sweet. That’s the only available option for ‘home owning’ now.
Sorry to hear about the troubles, hope there are more positive happenings for everyone soon.
If you don’t mind the drive, the ARA at parmer & 1431 got me scheduled quickly and has the new high res, low radiation machines so they can take many more pictures for the same radiation dose. I was due in March and delayed it, but went in in December before our deductible reset. They make you sit in your car until your appointment to limit the number of people, everyone is masked, and they sanitized the pens / clipboards for filling out paperwork. I think it’s probably impossible to buy right now unless you go as far out as Liberty Hill; a realtor friend of mine mentioned that at her last closing they had 60 offers, most in cash and well over appraisal :/. Good luck!
Hang in there. We’re sending positive thoughts and energy your way. Hug everyone and be glad they’re there for you. Hugs.
I am so sorry for all the things that have gone wrong. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for better times.
Sorry things are so tough right now. It is hard to keep your head up in general and Texas just went through a whopper of an added bump.
However I really think the cat and the tarantula thing needs to be in a book. It is too funny. Maybe Bern might get a tarantula once they get the new house????
So sorry to hear of the difficulties! Glad Paul survived in his log. I heard of people in Texas having to cuddle their children’s pet lizards against skin to keep them warm!
I really hope things get better and housing works out. I live in an area where budding wars happen and people show up with the suitcase of cash like in the movies. We lucked out with our house because the sellers knew us!
Anyway, lots of good vibes your way!
*bidding, not budding 😬
Most mortgage lenders require inspection and won’t finance without it. That’s why they are asking for cash. It’s usually a sign they know it won’t pass inspection
I’m sorry about all the “things”. I had the same issue with my German shepherd. Landlords didn’t want him and the renters insurance I was required to carry wouldn’t cover him. 🙁
I don’t know if this is true in every state but in CA I keep hearing “it’s a seller’s market”. My cousin and his family are losing out on affordable housing right now because the only options are over priced with crazy terms.
I hope you find a housing solution for kid 2.
I feel your pain. I am currently living with my daughter while my modular home is installed on my property. It was to be installed by November of last year. It was purchased off the lot, not a wait for a build. It is still not installed. Mortgage delays, labor delays, who knows WHY delays and now weather delays. Daughters cats think my birdcage (parakeets) is the BEST place to sleep/perch/stare and have stressed the birds to the Nth degree. If I lock the cats out of they sing the song of their people begining at 2 am without end. Why at 2 am? They are cats. Cats are nocturnal. Daughters nerves are on last twitch. So are mine. I get up and let them in, but now I have to stay up and watch them. Daughter can’t fall back asleep as my chair squeaks. Fun indeed… In the meantime. Son is camping on our 5 acres in a tent with OUR GSD! Even in the lovely frigid SW MO weather!
Glad your Spider is ok. Poor Tuna. He just wanted a warm place to perch.
Keep on keeping on. It’s all we can do everyday at the moment. Tomorrow is another day, que sera, sera, cliche, cliche, etc, etc 😉
As for “dangerous dogs” – there are quite a few science based studies out there as well as just statistics. So far as I can see no-one has conclusively identified a breed as inherently more aggressive (dangerous) than others. Obviously some are more intrinsically ‘dangerous’ ie inasmuch as they have a stronger bite and power and thus are more capable of inflicting a grievous or fatal injury. Does this make them dangerous? I don’t believe so myself. I often say there are no bad dogs, only bad owners.
In the UK a few years ago the most common breed for dog bites was labrador – coincidentally the most popular pet at the time.
If you’re in an area with a lot of one breed (and some people do seem to choose dogs like fashion accessories; Frenchies are “hot” right now, Staffies and Bullies are “macho”, Alsations and Rotties “guard”, chihuahuas and bichons are “cute”) then that’s the breed you’ll see more of. And the bigger ones will always be more noticeable because they’re bigger.
So basically, responsible dog ownership is key and people should look at the owners rather than the animal.
On a side note, Taiwanese postmen should stick to urban areas to avoid dog bites!
http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&Completed=0&ProjectID=16649
I am sorry that you are having tough times especially when Covid is making times tough enough on its own.
When I was looking for an apartment nobody would rent because I had a boxer. I happened to finally look at apartments where the manager had her own boxer and I was able to rent there. Now I own a house and I have 2 pitbull mixes. However, I register them as other type of mixes because until a few years ago our city had a law that you could only have a pitbull if it was certified and there was some kind of insurance required also. To me each dog is unique. Hold the human accountable for the actions of their dogs and maybe people will either train their dogs or make sure that they aren’t in situations where they can hurt someone.
I hope things will be looking up for your family soon. I love the animal pictures with appropriate captions. Shared laughter. Thank you for sharing some of your woes. Balances my woes. Are we tired of all the woes? Yes we are!
Tuna, of course, *meant* to do that, cats always do. Best wishes on a speedy resolution to all your problems! You ARE in Texas, you could always go target shooting in the back yard… heh. 🙂
Also, during his Army days, my Dad had a tarantula and they would put a parachute on it (no, I have NO idea where they got OR how they made a parachute for a tarantula) and THROW IT OUT A HIGH WINDOW. Poor tarantula. It survied quite a while I think.
So much suckiness. I saw a meme that said “You survived Jumani 2020, but are you now ready for Oregon Trail 2021?” And it seemed apt. I hope things improve and I am sorry it has to be a house in a specific area since I’d otherwise recommend Georgetown up north as we have a slightly less insane market and lovely hike and bike trails to the lake here that dogs enjoy (well our dogs and the neighbors dogs do).
Another thing to check is German Shepherd rescue as they may know of GSD friendly rentals! Best of luck.
I felt like I was the only one who had just had enough of the last couple of weeks. Seriously, enough. By the end of my shift this evening, my entire left eye region was throbbing from the need to slap the absolute crap out of someone. Anyone. Everyone.
When I was in middle school, I got chosen to take care of our class gerbils for a week. Things didn’t turn out as well as it did for the lizard.
My 26 year old son currently lives in the southern part of Austin (around Lady Bird Lake) his condo has fenced in areas a doggy park, “bag dispensers” for cleaning up after pets. It also has two pool locations, Gated entry…
I was EXTREMELY surprised at how pet friendly Austin was. Also, I don’t think the breed will matter, some of his neighbors have Doberman’s. If you would like the information for this you can email me. I don’t want to point out location here.
Best wishes for what ever you need
Thinking of you and appreciating the work you guys do. Tomorrow is a new day.
I have a large breed dog and I have had to literally bribe landlords with large non-refundable pet deposits and references to accept me. Could maybe try that?
Here are some pics of the area. Dog pictured is our shepsky Ellie.
Hang tight, think positive and don’t let the bastards (negative things) win. Life is good and it is okay to complain if it is only to stay in practice.
Just a thought
I hope things will get better for you soon.
May the days ahead have calmer sailing.
I’m so very sorry for all your family is having to deal with right now, I hope it gets easier soon. When I moved from NY to Northern California, I had a real problem finding a condo that would allow my dog. Not only is she not ‘under 25 lbs’ at 65 lbs, but she’s half American Staffordshire (one of the ‘pit bull’ breeds) – she’s also part American Bulldog, English Mastiff, Neapolitan Mastiff, Boxer and Cane Corso, but let’s not go there. She looks just terribly vicious, doesn’t she? Given I was confined to a walker after spinal surgery, I’m lucky she didn’t eat me alive… 🙄
I faced a heck of time finding a place, so I can certainly sympathize. Eventually I did find a condo complex who only restricted the number of dogs (to 2) but has no breed or size restrictions. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that you find a place for Kid 2 that she’ll love and that will accept her pets without issue.
As to your delayed mammogram, I can sympathize even more. As someone with breast cancer and a high risk of recurrence, I normally get a mammogram annually and then a breast MRI at the 6 month mark. The pandemic threw that all out of whack and I was a nervous wreck when my mammo was delayed for several months. When they finally did it, they found an ‘abnormalI’ lymph node and I lost it. Fortunately, further testing showed it was benign, but the anxiety practically gave me an ulcer. I imagine that March 8 seems like years away at this point, I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and hoping you get the all clear as soon as possible.
I’m sorry to hear about your difficulties. Especially as I have kids a bit younger than yours, and am just realizing that parenting will not get easier and is probably going to be even more expensive going forward. However, as a loyal and eager reader I couldn’t help but notice this quote:
We are not ready to discuss it yet, but in this case our loss might be your gain.
I haven’t ever commented before, but this reminded me of a post you all wrote years ago. It was about another author that I cannot remember, but he also had a popular series. You wrote that he would name his next book things like “Catch Phrase New Kitchen Floor” or “Catch Phase College Tuition.” So, may I humbly guess what goodness your readers can expect?
How about:
Magic: The Rent is too Damn High
Blood Kid2 Needs a House
Sweep the Lease
Or, if you are going forward with an Arabella book maybe just Dangerous Beast?
Love the book titles! I’ll read them all for sure!!!!
Make your prayer and see what doors open before you. God always surprises me.
Sending peace and blessings and calm your way.
I know it’s been stressful for you since the beginning of February, but the animal parts of the blog you send us are usually hilarious, even though they weren’t that way for you when it happened. Tuna looks like a typical cat trying to pretend he is cool and innocent–and not in trouble as he really is. I’m glad neither of them were hurt or squished.
I know it’s hard to find a place for kid 2 and her menagerie. But one thing I have always found is that if something you are looking at seems hard and impossible, then there is usually a better way for you right around the corner. Or, maybe around another corner in a different direction. When things are right, they usually fall into place with very little energy on your part.
I am 73, so this is from years and years of experience going in the wrong direction before it finally dawns on me to try another direction. Good luck to all of you. And try to relax and have a wonderful weekend.
If some one told me things were well in their life I would wonder if they were sane.
This last year couple of years has been death by a thousand cuts. Yet I am extremely grateful that my cuts are shallow and so far not life threatening. I truly h ope that things will settle in your life. Just being able to plan and carry it through would be amazing. Housing in our area is also crazy . Take care of yourself and your people and pet families. Thank you for the respite that your books bring to the BDH
Tuna seems quite pleased with herself. I wish you wisdom and perseverance and the calm centeredness that comes from love. Breathe.
Do you think that it’s fat-shaming to talk about Tuna’s “fat butt”? Asking for an 18 pound Maine Coon cat who is now snarly and offended that Tuna has been so denigrated – as he (Dandelion) inhales food, treats and anything else he can grab so he can keep his “svelte” figure!
For Tuna’s sake I am glad Paul was not Paula, the black widow spider!
Take care, always put your health and sanity first. If that means take a break, do it. If that means work furiously to the delight of your fans, then I’m sure we’ll find a way to bear up under the weight of that sacrifice. 😉 Seriously though, take care.
It has been truly a stressful 16 months. I also have missed two mammogram appointments. My maternal aunt & a paternal cousin have both had breast cancer. Thank God both survived. I was 3 years overdue for a colonoscopy. My previous one had found worrisome polyps. I was finally able to get that done a month ago. Then, there’s the wait I’ve had for over six months just to see a orthopedic neurosurgeon. I desperately need a permanent spinal cord stimulator placement for pain management. My dear husband has CHF. We haven’t been able to have his oxygen ordered. BUT, I’ve been able to keep working. We’re safe in our home, even if we can’t go to church. My brother, who lives in Rochester, was able to have a triple bypass last Friday and is doing well. In the midst of all the chaos and insanity of the world I see hope. Amazing, marvelous hope. Prayers for us all.
Love you guys. Do what you need to stay healthy and sane. I can reread a series again. And again. And I do. I am patient. (well, no, but I can pretend).
Wow, hope all works out well for you all 🫂
Not sure if anyone comment on this yet, but in regards to your mammogram, apparently you’re not supposed to get one if you’d recently received a Covid vaccination. It somehow infers with the mammogram. Not sure if that applies to you since I don’t know if you have been vaccinated yet, but if you have got one I would check with your doctor to make sure you can still get a mammogram. Anyways, hope things start going better for you and your family!
The Moderna vaccine has an IV media dye in it. No, I don’t know why but it means it would probably kill me so my doctor actually called me to make sure I knew.
The dye may cover up things needed to show in a mammo! (This is the only ingredient difference between the Moderna and Phfizer shots.)
I just came across the below, while checking out the international situation.
Apparently the Covid vaccines cause lymph node swelling near the armpits, according to Reuters. To whit:
‘Routine mammograms should be done either before the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or four-to-six weeks after the second dose, the Society for Breast Imaging advises.
‘The vaccines’ temporary side effects can include swollen lymph nodes around the armpits, which could be misread as a possible sign of breast cancer if it turns up on a mammogram. So-called axillary lymphadenopathy is usually seen in only 0.02%-0.04% of screening mammograms, according to the Society’s guidelines.
‘In trials of the Moderna vaccine, the condition developed in 11.6% of participants after the first dose and in 16% after the second dose.
‘Researchers testing the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine did not routinely ask participants about armpit tenderness and lymph node swelling, but some people reported this side effect, which lasted an average of 10 days. More subtle effects on lymph nodes that are evident only on X-rays are likely to last longer, the Society said, although it is not clear yet what vaccination-related lymph node changes would look like.
‘”As more information about the incidence and appearance of axillary lymphadenopathy following COVID-19 vaccination becomes available, it may be appropriate to change the duration of follow-up or final assessment recommendations,” the Society said.’
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/7/48/404983/Life–Style/Health/Covid-vaccine-side-effects-may-affect-mammograms.aspx
Good luck on good outcomes all the way round. Cause as my three year old granddaughter would say…….and then that happens 💕💕💕💕
Oh dear. 10 days can feel like 10 months. Hope that things work out and the house hunt goes well.
The fat cat story made my day.
“Wherein the scorpion threat is squashed.”
I hope things will get better and quieter soon! Have a great day!
Hang in there. This year has been absolutely pants for everyone. And when you feel like that and then just get hit with a whole load of problems, challenges and issues, it is just the worst.
Hopefully, the knowledge that you are a blessing to the BDH and bring us so much pleasure with your talent will give you a boost if not some comfort.
Please take the time to care of yourselves, each other and your family and I hope things improve for you.
Finally, I don’t know if this will be reassuring, but in the UK mammograms screening program provides scans every 3 years.
Take care
From everything I’ve heard, HOA’s are evil and run by power-hungry morons.
GSDs, dangerous? With training and if you’re trying to hurt one of their people, yeah. And Quincy looks like the most dangerous thing he’ll do is lick your face. Unless you’re attacking Kid 2.
Sorry about all that you’re going through. It’s like the “death of a 1000 cuts” – too many minor things that cumulatively are overwhelming. At least all your animals are okay. And I have to say that I am offended on Quincy’s behalf that he is considered a dangerous animal (his viking activities notwithstanding).
Daaamn *silently passes you a pillow to scream into*
As always a joy to hear from you guys. Love the ferocious pictures of
Your beasts and blow up dragon every castle should have one . Hope your able to get checked out it’s never fun having a background worry , sure all will be well.
I can check with the apartment complex, where I use to live and see if they have any apartment complexes in the Austin area. They didn’t have problems with renting to people with German Shephard’s. There where only two dogs at the complex what were problematic both weighed less than 30 lbs. One was flat out mean. It would lounge trying to attack you when walking by him in the hallway. I can say I blame the owner she knew how mean the dog was and wouldn’t put a muzzle on him when she walked him. When he tried to attack someone she would apologize and say “I don’t know what came over him. He is really friendly.” He bit our dog on the nose as we were opening the door in the hallway to go outside. Another time he tried to attack me in the hallway, but the last straw was when he tried to bite my son. I complained to the complex manager. They were prompt to handle the problem. They told her to either she could put a muzzle on her dog when she was going outside with him or she would be evicted since it was in violation of the lease agreement. She chose to move out.
Bahahaaaa!! I know it’s almost been a year but remember those Bombas socks you received?? Yeah that was me…Yahaira I remembered and came back to say hello😇 just hope you’re still enjoying your white socks😬 🧦 by the way I’m a reader and couldn’t let this opportunity go! I felt so lucky!!! Love your books!!
I’m glad your all safe and well if extremely stressed. I’ve seen and read enough horror stories about your unexpected deep (Texas?!?!) freeze. Don’t let this make you make hasty decisions. (The landlord may also be making hasty decisions.) Is there absolutely no room for negotiation with your kids landlord? Might you be able to add to the rent to allow her to stay?
Only a few months left for this semester and then she can move home and you won’t be so rushed into decisions, unsolicited and probably bad advice.
Also, why do people keep giant hairy spiders for pets….? Inquiring minds want to know. I know pet tarantulas aren’t poisonous but still….whyyyyy
Cayenne pepper around or on things you want to keep animals away from, it won’t hurt them and they’ll never go near it again. I use this trick on my furry slippers to keep my pit bull and puglet from chomping on them.
Tried and true trick.
Sending positive thoughts and tranquility your way.
I’m sorry that your mammogram keeps getting rescheduled… that’s a rough one. 🙁
Question, what kind of tarantula is Paul? I used to help my dad (who we just lost Jan. 30) raise tarantulas from hatchlings, and I find them fascinating.
I wish you luck with the house hunt. My husband and I just came to the realization that in order to get into a bigger house, we’re going to need to move out of our current house into an apartment, sell it, THEN buy a new house. We’re not thrilled. I hate big purchases
Hope things turn around for you soon keeping you in my thoughts and my heart and my prayers.
Sorry that it’s been such a trying time after what’s been a trying year overall. Hope everything will work out for you and the fam!
My sympathy goes out to you all! I have noticed that events like those you are going through appear to come in cycling clusters. At least in my life they have done so. Sending love and positive energy to help you get through this challenging cycle of worry, irritation, frustration and general life crap.
Poor little Paul, I bet having a fuzzy butt land on top of his house was a shock. Glad to hear he and Tuna are okay.
I’ve never read an HOA that I agreed with. Part of that is being raised on a farm where your dogs and cats serve a vital purpose. The rest is hearing horror stories from friends and family that were kicked when they were down by HOA’s. Hubby had a co worker who kept getting fined because the HOA said his lawn had to be an exact height. He got fed up, and bought my old Chevette off me, spray painted and added pinwheels to it, and buried it on the lawn with its trunk up in the air. It showed off a bumper sticker that said “God is too big to fit inside one religion.”
When the HOA inspector showed up and freaked out he told the guy it was a modern art installation, which was not in violation of their precious HOA. He then decorated it every holiday afterwards.
The Bunny Ears on Easter were cool.
Here’s to better times, and less stress.
Like Mercy and Adam! I wonder who was first, the co-worker or Patricia Briggs, lol?!
I have a stand-alone condo for sale in San Marcos, if she is willing to drive to Austin!
Also, “2020 was the year from hell, and 2022 was the year it froze over!” Would love to credit whomever came up with this!
Major bummer that your cup of woe overfloweth. Sending positive thoughts your way for what it’s worth!
I’m definitely going to start using that expression, by the way. I need something to use in addition to “I’m on the struggle bus”.
Please take time to de-stress and relax!
Sending you all lots of good wishes, including Tuna and Paul!
Wishing you and Kid 2 all the luck with finding the right place! 🤞 Colorado Springs market has less than 600 existing homes available so new construction is going like gangbusters and prices are high. I’m beyond grateful and still count my blessings that I sold my “too big for me all by myself” house last year (listed in April, sold 3 days later) and then found the “going to live the rest of my days in” house in June (for less than asking).
I’m really sorry to hear about the delayed mammo but am thrilled for you’re getting one shortly. My mom is a 30 year survivor and I’ve relied heavily on the annual scan for my peace of mind.
Reading the comments, there’s so much dealing with various levels of $hit 😳! Virtual hugs all around!
Love all the furry kids shots. Love the photo of Viking Quincy lounging around. At least you kept your sense of humor. Hope the housing situation gets resolved soon and happily. Sending positive thoughts and healing energy your way. Thank goodness Paul the Tarantula (great name) is OK and Tuna is still Tuna.
I called the apartment complex where I use to live. They do have apartment complexes in Austin, TX. One of them will allow you to have a German Shepard. The apartment complex name is Cielo. The phone number is 512-402-9339. Good Luck!!!
Sounds like a very rough patch:( hang in there, things will get better. The part about Tuna’s fat butt made me laugh. I too have a slightly pudgy feline:) her name is Marshmallow. Hmm maybe it’s all in the name.
Hey just keep posting animal pictures and it’s all good. I live tuna! Tuna should have her own series!
Well that really sucks! So many things happening at the same time is really tiresome for sure. Here is hoping for finding a home for the Kid, pets behaving, appointments happening and all in all: better luck next month. Hugs!!
The house market in Galveston is out of control right now IMO. Realtors are saying the biggest buyers are people from California and Austin.
Yes, I also have a dangerous beast. Mostly dangerous to your eardrums. HOAs always suck. I hope you guys can find something reasonable, and that the universe gives your nerves a break soon. Also, I promise I did not laugh at Tuna & Paul. *much* 😁
I’m sorry – the thought of the cat falling in the tarantula cage just has me mesmerized ….. (I tawt I saw a puddy cat!)
Your life – even in the “normal” universe – is just awesome!
And, yes, the housing market is insane right now, waiting for the interest rates to jump up again. That the sellers can get away with selling and no appraisal! Wow.
Good news …. does that mean …. dare I say it …. No.
Sending you and the family lots of virtual hugs!!💖💖💖
The real estate market is insane – we have given up on moving until the craziness subsides.
Poor Daniels family. I’ll be sending positive thoughts and hopes your way, everyone. x
I’m sorry the kid is having housing problems, along with the other problems in your vicinity at the moment. But it’s not just Austin. This is from a real estate broker blog in North Carolina: https://mooresrealestate.blogspot.com/2021/02/buyers-read-this-multiple-offer-madness.html
Wow!
Thanks for the link trailing wife.
That is one frenzied, crazy real estate situation in NC. I thought that we had it bad in Florida with phone calls and postcards and email offers to sell our house.
Oh, I feel for your kid on the dogs in rentals front. I have Great Danes. Most landlords have size restrictions. I am completely blocked out of apartments, despite the fact that my dogs are giant couch potatoes and would be fine in a apartment. Corporate/institutional landlords are out too. I had to reach out directly to individual landlords to find a place to rent. Sometimes they are willing to allow large/”dangerous” dogs when you ask, even if their listing says otherwise. It’s a huge pain though. I’m also glad I don’t live in Austin. The real estate situation there is wild.
Take care, there’s light at the end of the tunnel, as they say. You are not alone☺
Vitual Hugs to all.
Tuna: If I fits, I sits…cat logic at its finest.
No pets policies are always a problem. On one hand, I can understand the fear of the landlord that the tenant’s pet will be destructive, but the inflexibility of HOAs is almost legendary. Unfortunately, the good pet owners are stigmatized because of the irresponsible ones.
I’ve been turned down for apartments simply for having two cats. Well behaved and non-destructive ones.
I am so sorry that 2021 is not turning out to be better than last year. You do so much good, especially for the BDH, and we would like to see you prosper.
Kate saved my bacon today (and my eggs, bread, orange juice, …). I went shopping for necessities at my usual store; I stock up so I only go every few weeks. Got to the register with a full cart and systems were down so they could only accept cash. Fortunately I had a check with me, because ever since I read about Kate always carrying a couple I have done so too. It never occurred to me before to just carry them loose in my wallet, without the case, register, etc.
So thank you for a great idea! I live far enough away that it would have been a real pain to come back later, and the store would have been even more crowded.
You all are having a “One too many peach in the fruit bowl” week. And some days it’s not even a peach, just one little grape falling out that sends me into the stratosphere. I freely admit I know little about many things but I will beg your indulgence and say, what about a pre-fab trailer type home? In a resident owned park? Is that a possibility? Sending good thoughts and positive mojo your way 👍
Oh, Ilona! So sorry that things have gone badly (aside from and in addition to the weather). We recently sold our home and bought another. Yes, the market is crazy here too. Put our house on the market on a Friday and by Saturday we had 4 offers, all above what we were asking. Can’t believe the sellers would have the balls to specify “no inspection” and cash only. If a prospective buyer is pre-approved, what does it matter? We went so far as to have the house we sold inspected before we even put it on the market, just to make sure we didn’t have any surprises. Had the new house inspected, too, even though it was a new build. Smart not to deal with that seller.
Hope that you are able to get your mammogram soon. Daughter just had one, so I know we are open for that in Oregon. Big help, huh?
Glad that Paul(great name, BTW)is okay, and the cat, too. Take care. Hope that things come together for you soon.
Off course Tuna had no shame! She’s a cat! My life would be easier on me if I had no shame 🙂
Or, I suppose, if I didn’t do things that caused the feeling of shame? Nah, couldn’t be that simple 🙂
Quincy has the same “I’m goofy and harmless” vibe as Major, one of the dogs that the Bidens have with them at the White House. It’s kinda endearing. https://twitter.com/TheFirstDogs/status/1364101776102801409/
I hope the law of averages kicks in and you can soon say, “Stuff Happened. Stuff was so good.” After the power outages and all that snow, surely you’re due for some overwhelmingly good things.
Take care. It will get better. I have had German Shepherd’s for 50 years and they are the most lovable dogs. My Zoe is 13 years old and is the best dog you could imagine. I will miss her when she is gone. I’ve had Goldens,Black Labs and also Great Danes Not a mean one ever.
Sigh, I have three German Shepherds, all well trained, and fortunately I own my house but the insurance companies are starting to be a pain. How about they start regulating those annoying, yappy little chihuahua’s that are always trying to start something with my shepherds. Sorry to hear about the problems. Hope things get better. We don’t give up our Shepherds.
Wow! Virtual hugs sent to you, your family, and the menagerie.
Take care of you and yours.
So sorry about all the bad stuff – hope the good stuff starts coming your way soon! Perhaps I shouldn’t mention this (because I’m sure you already considered it) but would it give you more wiggle room if Quincy came to stay with you just until you can get Kid 2’s housing situation figured out?
Take good care. Do whatever you need to reduce the pressure right now. What’s left will work itself out.
Hey ilona…I get the mammogram thing. I know it’s a hassle but maybe try another state or city? Here in Tennessee they didn’t shut that stuff down.
So very sorry your cup of woe runneth over……but…. the Tuna story was so oooh funny and Quincy in the dragon boat is best picture ever!
Seriously sorry for your troubles and hope you do not get hit with a $9000.00 electric bill .
I am so sorry your life continues to be exciting. I suspect you could do with a long vacation right now, but it doesn’t look like you’ll be getting one.
It’s nice to know the tarantula and the cat are both all right.
I’m sorry your kid has to move so soon. I’m not overfond of big dogs myself – in fact, bulldogs are about the biggest I really like; but the nastiest dogs I’ve ever met have all been either toy poodles or chihuahuas.
So many hugs. I appreciate the frustration with breed restrictions. They are stupid and arbitrary. Restrictions on the owners I totally understand. Take care, crossing my fingers for a clear mamo for you in March.
I hope everything takes a turn for the better. While your work is a great joy to me, your well-being is obviously the most important thing! Good wishes to you, the kids, and the various mammals and reptiles. ❤️
Thank you for continuing to post these household updates. Finding your blog was one of the bright highlights of this pandemic. I’m always excited when you release a book, but I’m also pretty darned excited when you post a new blog.Even when your life is not going as well as you would like, I am vastly entertained by your writing. (I love the pictures too.)
Deep breaths, it will get better! ☹️
Thoughts are with you and yours and will be thinking of you. Hopefully there will be a light at the end of the tunnel – sooner rather than later.
I wonder if it would help Kid 2 to introduce her dog to the landlords in smaller complexes. I once had to stop at a Holiday Inn on the way to NC from Ohio. I asked about dogs and the manager wanted to know what kind. When I told him, German Shepherd, he wanted to meet the dog. He walked out to my car, where my monster dog Radar proceeded to cry and give kisses.
Sending you HUGS, positive vibes and thoughts all for you. I agree never skip house inspection by someone you check out to be sure is qualified!!! I learned sometimes they are only underqualified yes men in league with a realter.
20+ years in the mortgage industry for lenders and title companies. There are always crooks every where. I approach any referral from a realtor with caution. Too much financial gain, not enough risk. Lenders are more honest because they need to meet FHA/VA standards and are heavily regulated, especially after the last industry flap, where some, like Countryside, were hit with over $100 MILLION in fines. I would check compare appraisal results to the ones on Zillow, etc., to see if it is in line. I would also check out Facebook page if possible to see if your builder, home inspector, appraiser shows up in pictures with realtor, lender. I am not a popular purchaser. You should also ask to see a copy of the survey and deed restrictions from the title company. I added language to ever purchase agreement that the results had to be satisfactory to me or the contract was null and void. When I worked as a loan closer, none of my files ever had audit issues. I was also fast, which made me popular with realtors.
House Andrews, I know that you know what you are doing. Aimed at agreement with poster, but couldn’t stop myself when I got started. Too many years in the business. Will try to stick with +1.
I recently had to also purchase and my friend is also going through it. Unfortunately most sellers and their realtors are jerks. They all want a higher price than the houses are worth and a quick sell. We hunted down and looked from July to November last year and barely entered in contract and finally closed in January of this year. All I can advice is – look at as many suitable properties as possible and do multiple offers at the same time – do let them bully you with their expectation of a higher price tag just because it’s a “sellers” market especially when it is not worth it and you will be left holding the bag if it doesn’t appraise at expected market. Good luck and we will all pray for you and kid 2.
Some days are like that, too much stuff and you just think why! Good luck house hunting for the kid. I feel your stress. The silver lining is coming.
A spider called Paul, this made laugh as much as my son’s friend’s neighbour having a cat called Trevor.
So sorry for the inundation of difficulties. We are all pulling for you, as always, and hopeful that everything works out well in the end.
Sending hugs your way…..
I’m trying to buy a house in Virginia, and the market is just as crazy here. Houses go on the market Thursday/Friday and are Pending by Monday morning. It’s a total seller’s market right now. We finally got a “yes” on our 4th house we made an offer on, and we’re in the inspections phase right now.
I totally empathize, and I wish y’all the beat of luck in your house hunting. May the odds be ever in your favor!
Weird about the landlords and the caged pets. Last time I was in an apartment with a pet deposit, they told me that caged pets were furniture and did not need a deposit. I never told them that the rabbit actually lived in his cage. After all it was furniture. 🙂
So sorry to hear it’s been such a hard week+. Good luck on the house hunt for Kid 2! I feel your pain on finding LL that allow pets. My 12 yo mutt has a blocky head and is frequently thought to be a Pit Bull or Dalmatian. She’s 40 lbs of cuddly, ridiculousness and a true mutt. I now pick 2 random breeds when people ask.
Out of curiosity I had a DNA breed test done on her and she is a mix of Lab, Gordon Setter, German Shorthaired Pointer, Great Dane, Min Poodle, Dachshund, Chow, Tibetan Mastiff, Tibetan Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Am Bulldog, Am Staff, Chihuahua, and Glen of Imaal Terrier.
That shot of Quincy on the dragon is too cute. <3
Yee! Well, your cup is indeed FULL, and overflowing. I hope life improves for you. May the sun come out and shine, and grow better tomorrows for you and yours.
You will look back at this time…at some point in the future…and say, wow, we really survived the cascade, tsunami, monsoon of obstacles, challenges, troubles from all sides…go us!
You just have to breathe and take care of each other until then…
The BDH wishes you well
Peace,
Sechat
And now for something completely different:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYlOV7K-xOU
Pets restrictions to rent a house ?? Those assholes ! I’m sorry but it makes me really angry. So what ? You’re supposed to what ? Abandon your animal ? What the hell are people supposed to do when they don’t have money or family to help them ? Argh, this makes me so mad !
Sorry all this crap happens to your family right now… sent all of you lots of love…
Jesus….
Just a suggestion. You could have a thermogram. It uses heat/inflammation to detect problems such as cancer. My doctor says it is not as accurate as a mammogram, but it doesn’t use radiation. It will not be covered by insurance and costs around $300 in the DC area.
Morton salt- when it rains it pours- ad comes to mind. Buy umbrellas, deep breath, and fight another day. If all else fails, you can always beat someone with the umbrella. Glad that the lizard was covered. Tuna looks like a great cat. Menopause was hell for me and mine, due to a mom who had estrogen fed cancer. No HRT for me. So I get your vigilance. Stay the course. Intrigued by our gain, your loss comment. Stay safe, stay strong. Housing markets are nuts in Mn too. That pup is worth it.
after having normal mammograms for 20+ years I was blindsided by the last one that ended up a cancer diagnosis after many more tests and procedures. Almost 8 months later post surgery and many more treatments I am on the way to recovery though I will now always worry. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer according to the oncology doctors.Those statistics boggle my mind. I can’t express enough to all the women of the world the importance of a yearly mammogram. Stay diligent in pushing to get your appointment and best of luck to you
I just read that if you have a Covid19 vaccine scheduled to put off having a mammogram until later (or get it before any vaccinations) Even if you tell them which arm you got it in, there’s a good change that you will need to repeat the mammogram.
I just read that also… the COVID vaccine can cause inflammation and lymph nodes to enlarge which could cause the results to be misleading. Would not want to be scared unnecessarily or have to have it done again!
Sending virtual hugs and lots of positive vibes. The adage…. this to shall pass ….. hopefully this will be true for you sooner rather than later.
I’m so sorry you’re having a rough tome. I hope the mamo goes well, and the kid’s new digs shake out without too much more trauma. Hugs to all!
I hope things improve. I totally know how that goes. “When it rains it pours”
Even your”oh crap” moments are shared with humor. I hope everything works out and find German shepherds to be lovely dogs. It’s not the dogs that are the problem, it the owners. Yours seems to be in the good owner category.
Virtual Hugs to you and your family.
I understand your woes around pets and renting. We have similar issues here and unfortunately, irresponsible pet owners are to blame for landlords not wanting tenants to have pets. The pets should be assessed as individuals. 🙁
Sending a rainbow of positive vibes to you all.
good luck! With everything!
I feel your pain, son1, had a nifty duplex next to his university (one block away from his major’s building) and we got notice that the owner didn’t want to rent it any longer. This was last July, we are in north Texas, you don’t want to do anything in August, as in look for new place, move to new place. I believe the two of lived on Truillo. My thoughts are with you.
I’m sorry for all these problems. Aren’t there any laws that prevent this housing problem? In France the landlord have to give 1 year notice if he wants to sell or stop the leasing before the end of the contract.
If something goes wrong and this appointment gets canceled, ask your primary care physician to intervene. I had a lump on my breast and the radiology center refused to give me an appointment. My doctor called them and got me in. Good thing, too. Five days after my mammogram I had a lumpectomy and fifteen days after that, I had a double mastectomy.
Tuna knows you will forgive her. Just look at how cute she is. (He is?)
And with the requirements that seller is looking for, I would almost bet (95% sure) that there is something seriously wrong with the house, so I wouldn’t let their requirements bother you too much.
Now for the real question. Will Paul T. Tarantula need to be treated for PTSD after his trauma?
(((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))) 1 the gremlins will get distracted…honest….soon
2 can you bookplate covers and sell…I know I’d buy the set…
3 twenty pounds is a chonk of cat … or tuna, but not obese. I had one, he was not fat, just big.
4 youall are good people, right now, the world (and the plague) sucks
I’m so sorry. So much stress and anxiety. You are not alone and I am sending good juju.
I am Sorry for your troubles. Yeah this new normal seems to just keep giving and much of it not good.
With so many people homeless or about to be, and jobless with no prospects, and hungry and/or sick, with kids and elderly ones depending on them, I find that when I’m stressed out I think about how well off we are, comparatively speaking.
The simple things like working bathrooms and kitchens and laundries, and a sound roof over heads- I look around my comfy little home and feel so very fortunate.Honestly, it can really make you feel better in just a few minutes.
It kind of allows you to reset. Of course, sitting down with a nice cup of tea while you’re reflecting is not to be overlooked.
I love vicious Quincy the viking! And am sorry for your mammogram worries, totally understand! Bad Tuna! (I did have to read that line twice before my brain unscramble enough to understand the Tuna and Paul context! *laughing*) I hope housing gets settled as quickly as possible, with the least amount of stress. Doesn’t matter of the kids are grown, we mommas fret! Peace and hope sent for dealing with the private issues also! Hang in there!
If you have not already, try putting a Petsafe SSScat spray dog and cat deterrent, motion activated on top of the tarantula cage. Email me if you want to know what it is and how I have utilized it
It shoots compressed air if a cat gets near.
Amazon and any pet store
sending pawsitive vibes and love from my dangerous breed to yours. I’m moving for grad school and will also try to buy because of animal restrictions. We have two German shepherds in the White House, they aught to be good enough breed ambassadors to get rid of those silly restrictions!
Well for crying out loud. Bless your collective hearts.
I have noticed that HOAs, apartments, and mobile home parks are all starting to jump on that “dangerous breed” hooha. The only dangerous breed is homosapian.
Buying or selling a home is like moving into the Twilight Zone. Back in 2014 I had to sell my parents home. One of the offers I received was, “seller must groom the yard to our specifications, using our pick of landscapers, and while we watch so real time corrections can be made and acted upon immediately, as well as cover all expenses.” These people are nuts. I gave the offer back to the realtor and suggested she try to educate these people to small town USA.
I don’t even know what to say about your mammogram. It’s so bad it’s stupid.
I truly feel sorry that these stressful and unexpected events are multiplying in your life. It sucks. In fair disclosure, I must admit that Tuna versus the Tarantula did make me smile. Only because I have three cats and they frequently cause the most havoc at the worst times.
Happy thoughts coming your way!!
Life just sucks sometimes. When the little things pile up, even minor normally funny incidents are just too much. Good luck on house hunting.
**sending healthy boob vibes**
*and real estate magic vibes*
Weirdest dog restriction for apartments was in Oregon. My niece ran into several places that required a DNA test to assure was not certain types of “dangerous “ dogs. And a dog interview which made more sense to me.
I get why german shepherds are considered dangerous. I do not agree, but I see where they are coming from.
But lizards? Seriously? What is wrong with lizards???
Very sorry to hear this.
Our property market in Australia, especially in the capital cities, is also going beserk. I know this as my oldest son and his wife are looking to buy and I am also for a younger child. It’s very stressful. Especially with the very strange politics going on in English speaking countries now, climate change issues and just general weirdness. I wonder what the heck kind of world are we leaving our children and their kids.
Hope it settles down for you quickly.
I bought Blood Heir from Amazon Au and sooooo enjoyed it. I look forward to any of your releases.
Anne
I’m so sorry! It’s like life hasn’t been bad enough for the last year, so if keeps piling on. Dangerpuppy is the cutest Viking that ever did pillage. :3
Cheering for you guys!
So sorry to hear all of this. Family is the top priority, sort yourselves out then do the book thing. Xxx
I had a mammogram last summer. We were both masked. There was physical contact to adjust body parts and positioning which was more unnerving than usual. There was checking with receptionists and waiting room social distancing. Overall it was OK and I’m glad I went. I would recommend double-masking – CDC recommendations now = surgical masks under cloth mask. The best thing about getting a mammogram now? The chances are that everyone you encounter working in the health system including the receptionist are now vaccinated. That is the case at our hospital here in Virginia. So it’s much less exposure than you think. Good luck, you are doing the right thing!
Sorry for the bad 10 days. I hope things get better soon. I hope you can find a house for the right price and reasonable terms.
I went to UT Austin – a long, long time ago. The influx of hitech made housing prices and rents high. I loved Austin, but took a job in the UK after my PhD. I had an American Pit Bull, and like my vet said, very nice dogs sometimes owned by very nasty people. She was a gift from a student after my mixed breed dog died. I used to take her on long walks, sometimes through the town (Canterbury, UK) Very large men with tattoos would nod at me sometimes, say, “Nice dog you got there.” The only dog I’ve ever had that didn’t get on with other dogs was a French Bulldog, stood ten inches at the shoulder. She once challenged a group of five German Shepherds. They stood bemused, and backed off. She was very pleased. She also loved playing with balls, pushing them across the field. If she’d been willing to pass, she could have played for Man Utd. She died when she was twelve – good age for a Frenchie. Someone said a dog reflects the character of its owner, not its breed.
Austin is a great town but way too loved right now. Good luck with the search. I have had an MRI and a mammogram during COVID. It was a very normal process. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 All goes smooth.
Oof. There are reasons some call January and February the Dark Ages. They do seem to have more hard stuff in them.
Sending positive vibes! Bring on spring, and much better stuff!
Good luck, I hope things turn around soon. Esp finding homes for all.
Oh no! I hope everything gets sorted out ok! Bad kitty, sitting on the spider (maybe it was an assassination attempt?).
Thinking of you all right now, that’s a lot going on, and hopefully things can get to a place where it is easier and calmer soon.
The animal pictures are so good! And eep on everyone wanting so much cash down and no inspection or appraisal. It’s like they are all trying to avoid paying for the impact that the cold snap had on their homes. Sending good housing thoughts kid 2 and your way.
Sorry your appointment got cancelled, and glad you got rescheduled so soon.
I’m so sorry y’all have had such a stressful time lately.
Sending good vibes for a better-than-expected home-buying experience and a resolution to all the other things everyone is dealing with right now.
I am sorry. It’s hard when big things to wrong and then suddenly, small things just add up and you feel like that piece of straw on the camel’s back.
Tuna is such a pretty girl. I know she’s a bit of a PITA and a diva, but I love her.
I understand some pet restrictions, but the German Shepherd one always baffles me. I’ve had two. They are not ‘dangerous and vicious’ but I suppose it’s a liability issue for them, and probably their property insurance for rentals has a provision. But it is a pain! I love the dragon boat picture. Awesome.
I wish you luck buying a house there. I’m from The Bay Area in CA (though I just moved to TX three months ago) and what you describe is the exact market there. Buyer want all cash, they want top dollar, even if they don’t deserve it. And they are able to set terms that are ridiculous. It’s why I moved out here. I desperately want to own a house. I wish you all the best of luck with it and hope you find a property that is a good fit and a good investment.
Whatever you need, whatever time you need, we’ll be here.
Ooops, hit send too soon. Fingers and toes crossed for your appointment.
Hang in there!
It is always darkest before the dawn…2021 is proving that for everyone. I hope you find housing for your child without having to resort to overpaying for a home, her German Shepard wins a sweetest dog contest, you win the HGTV Dream house contest providing excess money to purchase an extra home, and your mammogram is good. I love Tuna and Paul story. May your next week be filled with perection in all that you do.
I am rereading Catalinas book and just now realize that Tuna made it into the book. She really needs rescuing frequently. Baby 😋
I know most German Shepherds are good dogs but I have met a few who were not. The neighbor across the street had a dog which chased cars that weren’t there, bit the mailman badly, and generally got to the point no one could park on that side of the street without being threatened. I also knew a lady whose son’s dogs bit her badly enough she was hospitalized and when she came home they killed her. Three bad GS dogs out of several hundreds I’ve met…but you remember the exceptions. Landlords are often sued if a tenant’s dog bites someone, so they try to improve their chances. That said, the only dog who ever tried to bite me was a vicious little miniature dachshund.
Maybe the lizard rule has to do with Gila monsters, or not wanting geckos in all the units, or an entirely unshakeable phobia Godzilla will come to rescue his little cousins. And people really really don’t want even a baby alligator in the bathtub. No one ever said landlords had to know which are reptiles and which are amphibians…
Wow that IS a crazy house market and insulting on top of over priced. “No you can’t have a house inspection, yes there could be black mold but you won’t find out unless you pay enough to see my cards err I mean house.”
I have just one further drop of woe to drop on you. As a breast cancer survivor, I have been interested to read that if you have had your covid vaccine shots, you should wait a month (if at all possible) before getting your mammogram. One of our local hospitals went on the news to tell women that the vaccine, as a sign that it is working, causes lymph nodes to swell causing false positives in the mammogram.
I don’t know where Landlords get these “fact” restrictions on dogs but our Chow Chow and our Alaskan Malamute’s wouldn’t hurt a fly, but my Mother’s Pekingese, all 10 lbs of him big her so horribly bad she had 30 stitches (he was diagnosed as a fear biter and had to be put down). It makes no sense.
Cut and pasted this article found online. Noticed at least two others brought this up and hope it will not be lost among so many posts so thought posting the article would be helpful.
Doctors Warn COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects Might Interfere with Mammogram Test Results
Doctors are finding that side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine can interfere with mammogram results. Women who get the vaccine may experience swelling in the lymph nodes of the armpit as their immune system responds to the shot.

“It’s not uncommon to get enlarged lymph nodes after a vaccine, but we’re seeing it much more frequently with the COVID-19 vaccine than other vaccines,” says Dr. Cynthia A. Litwer, the chief of breast imaging at Cedars-Sinai.
Dr. Litwer says that if women get a mammogram too soon after they’re vaccinated, swelling of the lymph nodes can cause misleading breast exam test results. Thus, women are being warned not to schedule the two procedures too close together.
“When we see enlarged lymph nodes we do get concerned because it can be a sign of breast cancer. It can be a sign of cancer elsewhere in the body that has spread to the lymph nodes.”
Women with abnormal mammograms have to return for more tests, which can create a lot of worry in patients.
To avoid that unnecessary fear, the Society of Breast Imaging is warning women to schedule their mammogram before they’re vaccinated. If that’s not possible, women should wait at least four weeks after the vaccination to get their annual mammogram. That way, any lymph node swelling that can appear as a consequence of the COVID-19 vaccine should be gone.
“This does not apply at all to patients who are symptomatic,” says Dr. Litwer. “If you have swelling in your armpit, if you’re having pain in the armpit, if you have a palpable abnormality in the breast or any other symptom in the breast, skin changes or discharge or anything like that, don’t delay your doctor’s visit. Come in for your exam.”
Stuff happens! You are dealing. That’s life everywhere, even in Canada, where things are less stressful but still filled with cat funerals, ice damage of wonderful old trees, burst pipes due to freezing temps and other more personal distresses. You are not alone. A bit of a prayer now and then does wonders, if only to download some woes on whoever might be listening.
Keep writing.
Love, Gudrun
Heh – I have a friend who says, “All the big dogs think they are lap dogs and all the little dogs think they are big dogs.” How true is that?
My 51 lb pit/boxer mix spends most of her day curled up in my or my husband’s lap or on her back with her paws in the air trying to get us to rub her tummy.
My friend’s 6 lb Yorkie-Poo is nicknamed “Cujo” because he snarls and snaps at anyone who even looks at him sideways.
Just goes to show you can’t judge a dog by its breed.
The housing market is crazy here in Northern Virginia, except in my neighborhood of course. I have been here long enough to see the same houses get sold over and over again and it amazes hold long it takes to get sold. But if you travel about 20 miles north there is a sweet spot of housing development that started in some prime farmland over 25 years ago that is still expanding and has now great amenities, beautiful roads and bike paths, and the market is hot, hot, hot. My sibling decided to sell his rental property, a townhouse last April right after the COVID lockdown started. The house needed about $40,000 of repairs and upgrades, new furnace, new AC, new windows, new front door, new garage door, new landscaping, new flooring, new kitchen, new bathrooms. Even with only two renters over 20 years it looked hard used and needed a refresh. Townhouses were going for $460,000 in the area and this place wasn’t going to get that (so I thought) without the repairs. Due to COVID affecting the supply lines getting materials was hard and took forever. They got all their lighting through Facebook Marketplace. It was supposed to take only 60 days to get the house ready for the market but again due to the slow supply lines the house was not ready until November. OMG they were getting offers before the house was even on the market. The house was listed at $490,000 as the market had gone up since April and they ended up selling for $510,000. My sibling did not ask for cash or any special considerations the folks that wanted to buy drove the price up. It was a genuinely crazy market. What surprises me is that the wooden floor had to be replaced but all they contractor could get was a vinyl plank that they sell at Home Depot and it still sold for that much.
May the good times flow. I can’t imagine how stressful all of this might be. But know your fans support you and just want whatever you get to us, whenever you can.
I mean I still chanting Julie Julie Julie. Because… JULES. But know its just because of my excitment. Lol.
Go luck house hunting.
So Quincy lives with kid 2 … where does Artha fit in? I still smile thinking about one of your “translating for the dog” posts from a while ago, channeling Artha.
Both Artha and Quincy are Kid 2’s.
The captions under the German Shepherd pics are the best…so much fearsome ferocity! lolol!
But seriously…I’m sorry things have been rough. It sounds like a bit of a pile-on at the moment…I hope good things happen.
Has Kid 2 thought about renting a house instead of an apartment, with an individual landlord instead of a management company? In that case, she would meet with the landlord, introduce the “vicious” dog, share a laugh with the landlord, and go from there.
I hope March is a much better month for your family. Sending some positive energy/ good vibes thattaway.
What specific area in Austin are you looking for? We live in Round Rock right above Austin and used to live in Austin. May have some friends who might have info.
Hang in there.
I hear you about the mammogram being cancelled, and rescheduled.
My Mutti (my term of affection for my mum, her heritage was Luxembourgish) died of COPD, and I have been tentatively diagnosed, awaiting the raft of tests and ct scans that will confirm if it is copd or lung cancer… OY
Wow. That is a lot to deal with. Hope you get another appointment soon – the delays are terrible and ridiculous!
But it is a funny visual of Tuna falling in Paul’s enclosure. And Quincy is adorable!
A little late to the post but thanks for the smile. Glad Tuna and Paul both lived through the trauma
Do what you need to do for your family. I’ll buy the books no matter how long i have to wait. I will keep all grumbling to myself which only happens because I love the books so much.
Plus YOU aren’t the one I would be grumbling about causing the delay
Hang in there
So sorry for all the stress. As someone who’s mother had breast cancer. Can you drive across state lines to get one. If you state has completely shutdown such a basic test for a high risk patient. Just drive alone in your can to somewhere you can get one (keeping double masked the entire till you are out of your car). Then drive back. Sorry if I am butting in. But I would be upset too. My mother had it and I have had one questionable one and at 18 months I would be really wanting one too. Good luck