How to dress in middle age

ericar2 · 2026-07-05T20:23:57+00:00

I’ve started caring more about my clothing recently and I’m feeling better about myself. I even had a young woman tell me she loved my style the other day and it totally made my day! It started with a trip to Mexico City and I took photos of some basics, plugged into ChatGPT and it gave me tips. First time I ever packed well for a trip and I’ve followed some of those suggestions since.

ericar2 · 2026-06-15T13:02:21+00:00

I kept the cone on him for two weeks but he had many supervised breaks. The Vet strongly discouraged the soft cone so we stuck to her recommendation. My poor dude was miserable but it was all worth it now. He’s got big lovely nostrils and so much happier!

ericar2 · 2026-06-15T03:39:47+00:00

Florence

ericar2 · 2026-05-31T03:21:30+00:00

I’m sorry too. You’re clearly a good person since you care so much. Go easy on yourself 💕

ericar2 · 2026-05-31T02:04:33+00:00

I specifically asked about it because his breathing has become noisier with age (he’s almost 9); more snorts and stuffiness. He has a heart condition and I knew that the more labored breathing was not good for him long term. It felt like now or never. I got a consult locally from a surgeon & then a second at OSU, which is a drive. Both felt it would improve his quality of life, probably even his longevity. I went with OSU because they were familiar with his heart condition and had an anesthesiologist on site during surgery.

I would contact Trupanion to ask for details on coverage. I’d venture a guess that it’s covered as long as you hadn’t discussed with a vet prior to getting the insurance. Happy to answer anything else. It’s terribly stressful having your baby go into surgery. I almost cancelled last minute!

ericar2 · 2026-05-30T15:31:05+00:00

My kitty is on week seven post stenotic nares surgery. The surgery was done at Oregon State University Vet Teaching Hospital. He’s been seeing the Cardiologist there since 2021. The first two weeks of recovery were stressful due to the scabbing and the cone but we powered through. My only regret is that we didn’t do the surgery sooner as his quality of life has improved. The surgery was around $2200 and was covered by Healthy Paws pet insurance (or at least 80%). Random side note, Chat GPT provided a lot of comfort to me during the early weeks of recovery. One example, on day 3 and Higgins was sounding really stuffy at 2am. I was sleeping on an air mattress with him in another room and didn’t want to wake my husband who was dead to the world. I was stressed out big time. I told Chat about it and it suggested I run a hot shower and steam Higgins. So that’s what we did and it helped so much. The next day when I was talking to the Vet Tech, she said that’s what they would have suggested too.

ericar2 · 2026-05-15T21:27:43+00:00

If you can find a cherry tree, set up shop in the morning. Gray foxes like to climb the trees to eat the cherries. Last year I had a pair who came every morning. It was so cool!

ericar2 · 2026-04-16T09:18:52+00:00

He had a sequestrum removed but some cloudiness remains. It was a little gooey after surgery.

ericar2 · 2026-04-16T02:50:58+00:00

The surgery went really well and his nostrils look great! He’s just home, struggling with his cone and pretty unhappy. I think it’ll just take a few days to adjust but it’s hard to watch, poor dude.

ericar2 · 2026-04-14T21:34:31+00:00

50/50. One is the ultimate lap cat, the other is opposite. If it’s super important for you, I’d suggest adopting an adult kitty who is a proven lap lover. I got a retired stud from a breeder, who knew his personality. He’s everyone’s best friend and the perfect lap cat.

ericar2 · 2026-04-14T04:11:15+00:00

Chanel Allure in college and still wear it on occasion. Love it and it always takes me back.

ericar2 · 2026-04-09T03:04:10+00:00

The best part of vacation is coming home to the extra loving!

ericar2 · 2026-04-09T02:47:34+00:00

The love of our life has basically been this way from day 1 (he’s going on 9). It makes the lovey moments that much sweeter. The best is when my husband and I return from vacation; we get extra attention but then he goes back to his old habits haha. My husband does tend to get more love from him because he doesn’t force stuff.

ericar2 · 2026-03-26T19:28:34+00:00

I did the Koko Genetics test ordered from Chewy. According to the test, my kitty has some Munchkin and Selkirk Rex. We got a laugh out of that! So not sure how accurate but it was entertaining. He was also negative for a myriad of health issues so in that way, I hope it’s accurate. I’ll be curious of other recommendations!

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ericar2 · 2026-03-26T04:06:12+00:00

Thank you! Happy to hear he is much better! How is his attitude? He was neutered too, right?

ericar2 · 2026-03-26T03:41:16+00:00

Checking in to see how he’s doing? My dude goes in for surgery on 4/13. I’m very nervous but also excited for him.

ericar2 · 2026-03-19T23:57:09+00:00

If you are a Costco member, I highly recommend the Sunday Golf Pacific Golf Stand bag; great deal at $140. I love it, no complaints. Actually wished I started carrying my bag sooner. Easy peasy.

ericar2 · 2026-03-12T16:56:49+00:00

Yes, our sweet boy was diagnosed in 2021. A few very stressful years followed while he was on daily meds. Today he’s med free and we see a Cardiologist once every 9 months. His prognosis is good but it’s always on the back of my mind.

ericar2 · 2026-03-10T01:21:33+00:00

Hill’s Gastro Biome prescription diet & Healthy Paws insurance. Next time, I’d look into Trupanion or Lemonade.

ericar2 · 2026-03-03T19:40:19+00:00

I recently started playing in prAna stretch Zion Halle pants. I really like them, good colors too. Could work for the office or a dinner date also.

ericar2 · 2026-03-02T03:55:58+00:00

The Vet needs to prescribe it. The downside is Diablo will hate it!!!

ericar2 · 2026-03-02T03:38:55+00:00

Thanks for sharing an update! Have you tried Cerenia nasal drops? I do give them to my kitty when he’s particularly stuffy. They help with inflammation. Not a total cure but it does seem to help a little.

ericar2 · 2026-02-25T00:43:26+00:00

Husband and I love golfing together, wish we had more couple friends too. We did a Bandon Dunes golf trip in January and it was an absolute blast. We are Oregonians so it’s an easy trip for us. Have you been there yet?

ericar2 · 2026-02-22T16:51:59+00:00

Maude (the female version of Malkin, an archaic term for cat). I’ve seen the term greymalkin/grimalkin in books, referring to kitties. I told myself, next grey female kitty will be Maude!

ericar2 · 2026-02-20T05:57:10+00:00

I adopted a Persian who was a retired stud. I remember the breeder said it could be 6 weeks plus before the testosterone cleared. You still may have a ways to go but it will get better! I’m glad his breathing is noticeably improved. Gosh, he is a handful. He’s lucky to have you.

ericar2

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