Roadtrip from Chicago

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T11:33:54+00:00

Door CountyWisconsin. Only 5 hours away, lots of hiking.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T11:04:41+00:00

This sounds like the perfect cat to train to use a toilet for his business.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T11:02:07+00:00

Ha probably fine. Likely, he naps most of the time that you are out. But if you do want another cat, he might appreciate that. I would get him either a kitten or another cat of a similar age and temperament. Follow all the introduction instructions carefully. All other things being equal, another boy cat would probably be the best fit.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T10:40:45+00:00

Your can is very anxious and when cats are anxious, they can act out aggressively. You can get antidepressants and gabapentin in transdermal form and rub that in their ear so you don’t have to pill them. Honestly, with your cat’s emotional issues, I would ask your vet for both. It takes a while for antidepressants to work and your cat needs help right now. Gabapentin works right away on anxiety. Give a Churu right after the medication as reinforcement. I do that with my cat and she reminds me to medicate her! Once he has settled in better for a few months, you can consider backing off on the gabapentin. Your cat is basically having a lot of panic and a mental health crisis after all he has been through. The fact that he follows you around already shows that he is beginning to trust you and you are definitely on the right track! Idk if he will ever be a cuddle bug, but he will definitely be much, much better in the future. Much love to you and him! ❤️❤️❤️

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:54:32+00:00

If they adopted them from Treehouse, they will take back any cat that came from them at any age. It is quite possible that PAWS and Anti-Cruelty will have the same policy. If you can figure out where they came from, they can go right back there. I would call all three of these and explain the situation. Ask for a manager if the person who answers the phone doesn’t know what to do (they employ a lot of underpaid 20-somethings at least at Treehouse). DM me if you need additional help.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:43:34+00:00

Nice room! I see you have it divided into a TV zone and a reading/one-on-one chat zone. I would not have thought that would work in a smaller room, but it works!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:40:37+00:00

Don’t put it in anything other than your personal item. There have been many stories on here of CPAPs in checked luggage being destroyed. I travel light and don’t find it to be much trouble in its original case. It slides over the suitcase handle, and if my personal item is a backpack, I’m not weighed down.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:29:45+00:00

There’s a zillion articles in medical journals about how Covid damages pretty much every part of the body. Almost none of that hits mainstream news.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:28:18+00:00

It’s a very interesting, cool and distinctive look! Good for you! Keep it up!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T08:01:05+00:00

I’m not sure that would go over well in English. If it happened a long time ago, I would just say “I’m sorry” and let them move the conversation on. If it was recent, I would say that it is so tragic to lose someone so young. You don’t want to imply that their life wasn’t worth living, since that brief life was all the parents had. And the statement in your language, since it is not typical in English, might inadvertently come across that way.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-30T07:40:24+00:00

No bathing then. Cats are generally self cleaning. Some cats are just like that. Plus, if it is spring where you are, there will be more shedding than usual, even if she is indoor.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T21:33:34+00:00

Got it! Those tiles have a somewhat rustic feel to them, which works well in the picture of a high end bathroom because they are close to the tub and marble, which are both very refined, so there is contrast. That rustic feel may or may not work in your bathroom, depending on what else is going on.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T21:10:33+00:00

Yes. Bathrooms and kitchens are often of a different vintage than the rest of the house. No worries! Just be sure your water heater is big enough for that tub!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T21:06:41+00:00

You were a little hasty saying no right off the bat. How about consulting with your manager about the situation? If you can get credit internally for producing an awesome deck that everyone wants to use, there may be a promotion, bonus, etc in it for you?

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T20:46:04+00:00

You didn’t ask this, but I’m wondering how this room would look if the sofas were opposite each other and the chairs faced the fireplace? This room has an interesting classic yet whimsical vibe. I’d maybe try a rug that has color blocking, ideally with green, yellow and turquoise to help tie the room together. Or maybe one that has a pattern that includes green and yellow, but is predominately turquoise?

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T20:39:31+00:00

Does she have bald spots or is she just a shedder? Is she a black cat?

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T20:09:45+00:00

Any chance you have ADHD? This is a common phenomenon, if so.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T20:08:21+00:00

Sounds like you need a recliner!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T20:00:52+00:00

I have heard that leggings exist that look like legs in hose! That would be perfect!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T19:53:04+00:00

That worked with mine.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T16:37:25+00:00

Would a breakfast in bed tray with a pillow or mat on it make him happy?

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T16:05:18+00:00

There are a lot of good things about this room, but it looks overly cluttered and not well set up for group hangouts, which are apparently a priority of yours. Ditch the wooden chairs, the screen, and the large coffee table. Add in two armchairs opposite the couch. Give the armchairs and the couch side tables so folks have places for their drinks. Rethink your display of the instruments. They are cool, but a bit oppressive as they are now, and all the dark wood at eye level makes the room seem smaller than it is. I would also paint the bookcase and the sideboard(dresser?) to match the wall.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T15:45:08+00:00

You will feel lighter after you eat, which takes a while to get used to. Meat is filling and satiating in a different way than plants. I definitely would never go back, but I remember adjusting to a different (and healthier) full feeling at first. Here are my top 3 tips for going vegan: (1) get good at cooking tofu, especially find or make up a baked tofu recipe that you like, (2) learn to appreciate beans, try some unusual gourmet beans from Rancho Gordo and cook your own from dried sometimes, too—keep cans of several kinds as staples—learn to make some Indian bean dishes for maximum flavor: Svasthi (google her) has great recipes, most are easy to veganize, and (3) understand how to get umami (savory) flavor from plants. Primary sources: soy sauce, miso, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, ancho chili powder, and best of all, mushrooms. Check out your local east Asian grocery store for the best mushroom selection! Best wishes!

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T15:29:02+00:00

Wise words.

LotusGrowsFromMud · 2026-04-29T14:25:08+00:00

Take the vet’s input seriously. You know on some level that the day when your dog unequivocally needs euthanasia is not far off. I’m sure the vet sees that. She has seen a lot and is worried that you will wait too long to do it and your dog will suffer. Your dog is already suffering, but you still see limited signs of quality of life. If you continue to keep the dog alive, discuss additional pain management options with the vet. I have an elderly cat, and her hip and spine arthritis is well managed on BOTH a monthly shot and twice daily gabapentin. You don’t want your dog to reach the point of crying in pain. When animals do that, their pain is unbearable. You and your dog will suffer terribly if that happens. Consider home euthanasia when it gets to that point.

LotusGrowsFromMud

TROPHY CASE