“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
My goals for 2018
Goal #1 – Write Like No One is Reading.
“Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer.” ~ Barbara Kingsolver
Goal #2 – Slow Down
This week we were forced to slow down due to Miss Lucy Puggle. Her seemingly random symptoms starting coming on slowly last Saturday and by 2 am on Wednesday morning she was in the ER miserable, and getting a full work up done. She was discharged 4 hours later having tested positive for Anaplasmosis and the ER Dr. thought she could possibly have Addison’s disease based on her chem panel, but she couldn’t say for sure.
By Friday morning Lucy was still shaking, miserable and not eating, so she was booked for a full day of tests at the veterinary hospital which included being hooked up to an IV and getting cultures and tested for Addison’s disease.
Saturday morning we got the call that she had in fact tested positive for Addison’s and it was a big relief to finally have an answer. Although there is no cure, the disease is manageable with monthly injections and medication. Lucy had her first injection around noon on Saturday and we started her pill regimen at 5pm {pills need to be given every 12 hours for the first 5 days}.
Although she still had the shakes last night and was a little lethargic, she was able to eat a little bit of boiled chicken. This morning the shaking seems to be a little less and again, she was able to get a little food in her tummy. The vet said she could be back to her trouble making self in as early as 48 hours, or it could take up to a week. We’re just thankful we were able to catch this in time to save our sweet little puggle princess. Thank you everyone for your helpful tips, comments and emails. Lucy is one loved pooch! 🙂
Goal #3 – Shop Small
On the way back from the vet’s, we stopped at a road side stand and bought 3 quarts of cherries. The price of shopping small though…. I’m still shaking my head over the price I paid. {I’ll tell about it on Monday}.
Goal # 4 – Have a Designated Meal Prep Day It’s Not for Us.
I threw in the towel early on this one. Meal prep, and cooking in mass quantities is just not for my family at this stage in our lives.
Goal #5 – Install a Vegetable Garden
I barely stepped foot outside to work in the garden but it’s amazing how fast everything is growing. Cooler temps are in the forecast for the next two days {with a little rain!} before it heats up again so if I’m going to get any weeding done, I’ll need to get out there soon. I’ll do a proper post and show you around in the next few days.
Goal #6 – Clear Land for a Chicken Coop and Future Raised Garden Bed Area
Last night Lucy and I went out to lock up the chickens when we noticed this black and white polka dot feather on the ground. Which is really odd seeing how none of our chickens have this type of feather. Does anyone know what kind of bird this is from? Or how it could have gotten in our yard? So weird!
Goal #7 – Grow 500 Pounds of Vegetables
I didn’t harvest any vegetables this past week but I know I need too. 😉 I’m planning on setting up my little vegetable stand later this week and I’m pretty excited about that. We don’t really have a ton of homes on our road so it will be interesting to see what, if anything sells.
Goal #8 – Hook 100 Rugs
This month I’ve been working on a few Americana pieces for my Etsy shop, and plan to add more listings in my next shop update on June 30th.
Goal #9 – Make a Set of Dolls
I plan to make a set {or two} of primitive dolls later this year after the garden has been put to bed.
Goal #10 – Make a Sampler, Frame it and Hang it on the Wall Done!
Goal #11 – Visit 22 Bakeries
Not this week. But you can see all the bakeries and lobster shacks we’ve visited so far HERE.
Goal #12 – Start a Collection
I picked up a few more furniture pieces this week from the lady we bought the dining room table and hutch set from. I put the bench and cupboard in the craft room, the red cabinet in Monkey Boy’s room to use as a nightstand, and the other odds and ends around the house.
Goal #13 – Read {or listen to} 26 Books
I have 6 books I’m waiting to listen to on Overdrive {one of the books I’m 88th on the wait list!} and so this week Lucy and I pretty much just watched The Walton’s on Amazon Prime instead.
Goal #14 – Try 12 New Canning Recipes
Later today I’m going to can something special with the {insanely overpriced} cherries I picked up yesterday. It will be a new recipe so I’m a little nervous, but I’m sure it will turn out great. Plus, it’s kind of nice to try new things…. right?
Goal #15 – Secret {for now} Holiday Project
I did get some “creative” hours in this week on my secret holiday project and although I have a long way to go until I have something to show you, {probably September} I am having fun experimenting and working out the kinks. The HH isn’t shy about giving me feedback either which I find amusing. Constructive criticism is a good thing. Whether you think you need it or not. 😉
How about YOU? Did you set any goals for 2018? How are they coming along?
~Mavis
Read About My 2018 Goals HERE.
Cindi says
I’m so happy Lucy is on her way to being healthy again. What a frightening time for you all.
Cathy says
Glad to hear Lucy has a answer, prayers for her and her family. The cherries look beautiful
Deborah says
Praise the Lord for Lucy’s diagnosis. God is good and still answers prayers. I know that you are so relieved that she is on the road to being her old self. It is so hard when our fur babies are ill. We had a fur baby that was in Renal failure several years ago. There was nothing that could be done other than to love her. And we did. I still miss her even though we have another fur baby. Tippie was our first fur baby.
Pauline in Upstate NY says
Let me just add a big “whew” sigh of relief from here, too! I think we’ve all been holding our breath through this tough week for you and sweet Lucy. While Addison’s has to be managed carefully, the good news is that it *can* be! Virtual hugs (()) to you.
Mrs. C. says
Thank you for the update – all of you have been in my prayers. Miss Lucy is indeed very much loved.
Lori says
Thanking God you were able to find out what caused Lucy to be sick and medication can manage this. That is a relief to know!
Mary3M says
Cherries are insanely expensive in the grocery. So whatever you paid was probably in line with what we pay in the grocery.
I drooled at the Woodman’s pictures. At the Jersey shore they do clam strips not whole belly clams. Woodman’s is the best! and Fun!
So glad the Puggle Princess has a diagnosis and a care plan gong forward. She is a cutie!
OregonGuest says
We have a great veterinarian (with really compassionate staff) who has helped us through the good times and bad times with all of our dogs and cats — that man is worth his weight in gold…..but it is always so stressful having a sick pet. Sending good thoughts your way from the PNW! Blessings to Lucy.
Brenda says
Glad for answers on Lucy. As for the feather, I believe it’s from a woodpecker.
LaToya says
The prognosis for most dogs diagnosed with Addison’s disease is good to excellent – – grateful for this. Thanks for the update and here’s to better days ahead for little Lucy.
Mim says
SO glad to know you have an answer and Lucy will be okay. Amazing how worried I have been about her — and your family (although like our dogs, I know she is also a full-fledged member of the family.) I am glad you have all made it through this scary time and that you have hopefully found a good vet you like and trust.
Agree it looks like a woodpecker feather. Maybe a pileated? Have you heard any raucous Woody Woodpecker-like cries?
LAURI COATES says
So happy to hear sweet little Lucy is on the road to recovery! I was so worried about you all. Fortunately, our furbabies tend to make a fast recovery. Can’t wait to read more of her crazy adventures.
Knico says
I’m with everyone else’s positive vibes about Lucy’s diagnosis and treatment. You have an answer and can now address the best way to give her a full happy life in spite of it. Keep that vet on your Christmas card list !! I also concur with Brenda that the feather looks to be from a woodpecker.
Laura T. says
I’m so glad Lucy is going to be ok! I kept looking on here for any updates. She is just the cutest little thing! I love all the pictures you post of her! I started texting my husband & sister-in-law your puppy pictures with the quotes of the day. I sent one here & there but now they are expecting them & looking forward to receiving them! Sending virtual hugs & smooches to Lucy! :0)
CT Bargain Mom says
Thank goodness they’ve figured out poor Lucy’s illness. Good to see she’s eating a bit too – hoping she’s back to herself soon. The cherries look fantastic! I’m not sure if I would have made it home with 3 bo
RebekahU says
So happy Lucy is on the mend!! I think you have a guinea feather.
Emma says
So glad you were able to get answers and she is on the road to recovery. I was very worried when you didn’t post yesteray
andrea d says
Poor, sweet Lucy. So glad you have an answer.
The feather- I’m not knowledgeable with my bird id’s but maybe some kind of woodpecker? Whatever it is, that feather is beautiful.
Cherries- yum! I can imagine the cost, but the taste is probably worth it. I’ve often wondered why cherries cost so much, but after the last few years of picking them from my father-in-laws trees, I can completely understand. Even when the tree is full, they are not easy pickin’- and that’s the years we can get them before the birds do. I canned mine just in syrup- looking forward to seeing what you did with yours.
Em says
Thank you for the update on Lucy! I know she will be feeling better soon, you are taking good care of her.
I bought some cherries this week, too. They always start out so expensive at the beginning of the season. I also bought about 30 pounds of peaches and have been eating, giving away, freezing, and canning this week.
Have a great week!
Karin C says
So glad Lucy is on the mend , my good friend lab has Addison’s and is doing great she is in contact with a Vet from Australia that specializes in this I can get the info for you if you would like. I live in the BC Okanagan and our Cherries are just coming and they say a bumper crop one gentleman wants $6.00 a pound when the average will be 1.50 ish and you can get uptick for $1.
Have a fabulous Sunday .
Dawn S says
I am so relieved about Lucy!
Your feather looks like a guinea fowl to me. They make awesome home and yard alarms 😉
Sue says
So glad you posted information about Sweet Lucy, you were in my thoughts all day yesterday. With out saying I know she is getting much love and attention from ya’ll.
Glad she is getting better, she is very much loved by the blog friends that flow you daily.
Sue says
Follow you daily. Lol would help if I had my glasses on,
Nancy D says
Haha Sue, although I would say that my day always ” flows” smoother if I start out reading Mavis’ blog with her upbeat attitude and beautiful pictures! Sooo glad for you and your family and Miss Lucy, Mavis! I frequently share things off your blog with my family over the years and we were all concerned! Thanks for the update! Hugs!
Kara says
I was out picking blueberries this morning and was wondering about Lucy. So glad you have an answer now and that it is treatable. Have a great day!
Brianna says
I never understood why local cherries (Flathead) cost so much more than Others at the grocery store. They are obviously much fresher and not trucked as far, but they are 2-3X the price per pound. I’ve never really figured out what a good price is for cherries, but when we lived in the south and southwest I wouldn’t buy them because they were terribly expensive. I think I paid $4.99/lb last week for bing trucked in from out of state.
I’m so glad you finally have a diagnosis. It is so hard to know something is seriously wrong and not have any answers or to wait and wonder and unfortunately google. I know you will be proactive about Lucy and her management of her disease, so she will do excellent under your care. I’m also glad you aren’t one to ‘put her down’ because of the demands and financial cost of a chronic disease. I worked as a Vet Tech for awhile and it was alarming how many people would do that to their pets who were like family. Sometimes it made sense, but some diseases like lupus, diabetes, parvo, or even bladder stones broke my heart because they are manageable. I’m hoping she starts getting back to her fun self soon and you can get back to gardening.
Donna in VA says
Best wishes for Lucy’s speedy recovery.
Look at pictures of downy woodpecker and see of you have them in the woods around you. They’re not very big birds though so the size of the feather would be a clue.
Mavis Butterfield says
We do have woodpeckers…. I think this is it! https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/feather.php?Bird=DOWO_wing_adult
Katherine says
I was thinking it could be a red-bellied woodpecker.
I’m happy you have answers to Lucy’s illness. I hope that she feels better soon.
Elise in the SF Bay Area says
I am SO glad that Lucy’s going to be OK. Hopefully you will all have a relaxing, uneventful stretch coming up! Hugs to you all. I know we, your public, are not family, but we’re here for you the best we can be.
Ramona says
Happy to see you and Lucy are back. I always told my husband when vet bills came up, let that be my Birthday, Christmas, Anniversary gift when it cost more than expected. Last week I paid $5.00 for a pound of bing cherries, but higher priced than usual because the Cherry Festival was going on and I’m sure they were hoping the out of towners would pay that. A friend has a pie cherry tree that is loaded so I am getting free cherries from it. I have several polka dot feathers that I collected when I lived in lake Stevens, Wash. Just found one yesterday in my yard in Idaho. I agree woodpecker.
Julie P says
So glad Lucy’s out of the woods, and you know what you’re dealing with. Big love
Mary Ann says
Glad to hear Lucy got a diagnosis and it’s a treatable/manageable issue. I hope she’ll be back to her fun self very quickly!
I paid $1.49 a pound for cherries at Vons here in So Cal yesterday. They’re my pet squirrels favorite fruit, so I will pay $6.99 a pound for them as long as I can get them. Hubby loves them, too. I’m the exception in the house. Never got a taste for them.
Love all of the treasures you’ve found and the garden looks spectacular!
Cheryl says
Interesting, I was reading up on Addison’s and it said it usually was found in female doglets and diagnosed between the ages of 4-6 years. Stated to check the electrolytes every 2 to 3 months, monthly injections to supplement and prednisone, good thing is that the treatment regime can be tailored to the dog so the quality of life remains as it was. I cringed when it said prednisone as that drug tends toward weight gain.
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Detecting-Addisons-Disease-in-Your-Dog_20365-1.html
Rebecca in MD says
Oh that sad little Lucy face with her band-aid from the IV…………so heart-tugging. Glad that you have a definitive diagnosis and she is on her way to health and happiness.
Good furniture finds and beautiful cherries. Can’t wait to hear what you make with them.
Claudia S. says
I don’t
know if anyone has suggested giving Lucy some natural peanut butter. Dogs love peanut butter and it also makes the medicine go down easier. Glad she’s on the mend.
Rynda Gregory says
So glad you have some answers for Lucy! It might be a bit more work to manage the medicine, but you are tenacious in meeting your goals. That is one of the main reasons I keep coming back to your site – you set your sights on something and get it done. Love to Lucy! And your whole family!
bobbi says
Tears of JOY! Thank God! I will continue praying for our little Lucy! xo
Lissa says
Happy to see a puggle face with her IV badge!! My friend’s dog has had Addison’s for many years now and is doing fine. Lucy will too. Laughed that you splurged on cherries after your vet bill :). Happy for you.
Martine Hamilton says
Glad to hear Lucy has a diagnosis and is getting better. Much relief for you all. You better start saving for vets bills now!! xx
Tami Lewis says
Thank God she’s ok!! I have been praying continually for her and I’m thrilled to hear this.
Pj says
Thank goodness Lucy has been diagnosed and is on the mend! Fur babies are our heart! New guess on Christmas project, a loom? A potter’s wheel? A loom? LOL I’ll still be guessing until the big reveal!
Diana says
So glad you have answers and can manage Lucy’s condition! Poor sweet baby. Long stressful week for you all.
Barbara says
What a relief to know definitely what sweet Lucy has and that it is manageable!! Two days of no posts this past week really had me scared! Lucy is still on the younger side. She is an important part of your blog family! Love all your new furniture finds-they fit in so perfectly with your house. My best to all of you!
Beth says
Thanking God that Lucy is going to be ok, honestly, I look forward to seeing her every day- she is lucky to have such a wonderful and loving family- hugs to you all
Gina says
Ohh, Lucy is precious. She has Addison’s just like JFK did. Prayers for Lucy.
Leslie says
I am so glad you got a diagnosis. We also have a dog that has Addison’s disease. She has done very well on the injections and steroids. We do occasionally have to up the steroids when we know she might be stressed (4th of July, traveling, vets visits, etc). We always know when her shot is due because she starts shaking. But we love her with all our heart and, like you, we will do what we need to!
Heather says
I am glad you finally find the answer to Lucy’s health problems. No fun!
Lolly says
So glad Lucy is ok!!!! Was worried about her!!!
Diane says
I was worried she had gotten worse when you didn’t update on Saturday. So glad to hear she has a diagnosis and that it is treatable. What about the other thing she tested positive for? It was tick related, yes? Is that curable? I hope she’s back to her old self very soon! Hugs!
Bekah says
Yay! So glad to hear you have answers for Lucy and that it is something manageable and you caught soon! Hope the little puggle princess is feeling fantastic soon!!! 🙂
Nancy says
It’s funny, you know. I’m not really a big dog person – had allergies to them all my life is probably why. However, I love reading about Lucy and was actually quite concerned about a dog I didn’t even know! Guess that’s how much your love for her comes through. Three cheers for Lucy being diagnosed and treated to live a longer, happier life!
Mel says
Glad to hear Lucy is better!
For the feather, I agree on the Downy, although bluejays sometimes leave spotted feathers.
In the garden, we harvested over 100 heads of garlic this week! It’s our best year yet for garlic. Our cherry tomatoes are almost ready as well, along with green beans. Everything else seems to be stalled. Too cool and wet, I think.
For goals, I’m continuing to paint our house, and I just have 1.5 rooms left. Thank you, thank you, thank you for recommending Floetrol–it made painting trim sooo much easier.
MARTHAIA says
Awesome ,,,,so happy Lucy is getting better … Thank Goodness …I Love You Lucy TPP….Thanks for the update…
Lisa MTB says
All the best to Miss Lucy Puggle! Glad she’s on her way back to good health. (Man, I hate pet health scares.)
Leslie says
Woodpecker, I think.
https://www.fws.gov/lab/featheratlas/idtool.php?button=Get+Started+with+Feather+Identification%21
Erin says
I think the feather is either a downy or hairy woodpecker.
Debra Beeuwsaert says
Thank God Lucy’s diagnosis is one that is treatable. I understand how hard it is on us when our furbaby becomes ill.
I paid $2.99/lb for cherries at our market this past week. Watermelon was $1.77 each whole one. Cantaloupes were 2/$5.00.
Ronda says
I had a neighbor start a little farm stand (card table) for flowers with just drop box – pay the suggested price and she always sells out. She started to put it on instagram and facebook whenever she put them out (started her own flower pages for both) and now has quite the following. So that might be an idea to put the word out when you put out some veggies
C says
Yay for Lucy! Feather is a downy woodpecker.
Linda says
So relieved to hear Lucy will be okay! We’ve been away, and have only seen the computer sporadically, but have checked regularly since you said she was sick. Our own little prince chewed hydrangea stems last summer and gave us a terrible scare – its amazing how these little animals worm their way into our hearts.
I have a question for you Mavis. Do you have more than 24 hours in your days? I feel like a slacker next to you.