A lot has been going on lately and dealing with it all has just about wiped out all of my time.

Today, for example, my vet called me to let my know that my Columbus cat's kidney problem has worsened. I now have to administer a liquid solution to him (intravenous) via a needle every two days. That solution is supposed to help clear the toxins. The poor cat has also lost a pound and a quarter (I found this out on Tuesday). I've only had Columbus for two years --- he's now 12 years old. I don't want to lose him. He's the sweetest, most loving cat who greets everyone who visits, even the plumbers!

Yesterday, I had to have all new plumbing installed, as a few pipes in the basement were badly corroded. New pipes were installed under the sink and all the gunk was cleaned out. I no longer have to worry about bailing water collected from my washing machine into two large tubs. However, the entire job cost a little over 5 thousand dollars, which I've arranged to pay in installments. And here, I was so happy to have paid off my mortgage in August. I spoke too soon.

I got my electric bill down by submitting a reading to a customer rep over the phone. The greedy utility had billed me over 300 hundred dollars in estimated readings, but revised the latest bill.

My property tax (around one thousand 4 hundred and sixty-six dollars) is due in two weeks.

I've reached a point where I don't even feel the shock of large bills any more. I'm just worried about Columbus at this point and am doing all I can to help turn around his kidney issues.

That's where I am right now. That's why I haven't posted in awhile. Dealing with all of those curve balls takes a lot of energy and time, but I see all of this as a test of my mettle. I will pass this test and having done so, strengthened my inner core. Things have been so low lately that they have no choice but to improve.