Wisdom of the Turkey

The last few months have been very challenging for us.  Since noticing some stomach discomfort around Thanksgiving (about 6 months ago now), and then by the new year experiencing pretty debilitating pain, we found out by February that what Charlotte was dealing with was a gastric cancer that had metastasized.  There is a mass pushing on the esophagus, and another pushing on the colon area -- what the doctor called a very cruel case, because of the strategically torturous points of pressure thus created.  So, it has been far far too many days spent in pain and discomfort, but the situation became much more optimistic once we found our way into the care of the right doctors.  Charlotte has gotten to be seen by some of the best in the world.  They have done everything in their power not only to analyze and consider her case meticulously, giving her the best possible treatment, but to expedite her appointments, to be available to answer questions, even checking in with her on their days off.  We are amazingly thankful for their care.  Charlotte, for her part, has been incredibly strong dealing with everything.  We have wonderful friends and family (and pets) at our sides too.  All these factors make us optimistic for a successful treatment.  And now that chemotherapy has begun (April 2nd) we eagerly await some shrinkage of the masses and alleviation of discomfort.

In the meantime, we may not be embarking on any grand adventures in the outside world (nor are many people at this time, quite yet) but we always get comfort and joy from the nature and comedy close to home.

Just the other day, an unexpected guest dropped by...

Theodore, Bubba, Boobies, Twinkletoes, Winky... No matter what you call him, he's cute as a button.  A real charmer.

Demonstrating a couple of his favorite "chill spots":

                           

He'll often spend half an hour embracing his water dish every evening, he loves it.

                                       

Close encounters of the sweet potato kind

                                       

After a long day:

                                                          

Speaking of goofy postures, Kronos was getting some hang time during a recent nap.  Check out that hind leg just dangling!

In the yard, I was excited to find the first bloom on one of the California Columbines I started from seed.  They are much more micro in stature compared to the colossal yellow Columbines I have growing in the same area.  Interesting flower shapes...

And here is an intriguingly-odd salvia I planted last year called Salvia africana-leutea, from the coasts of South Africa.  I love the unusual brown color of the flowers.  It grew quickly to about 3 feet all around, so far.  It looks pretty awesome with the calendula blooming all around it.

So that is about it for now.  Just some snapshots of what has been brightening our days.  I'll just share one final video of another unexpected occurrence:

It was a drizzly day like any other.  I was out doing some minor chore on a day off of work, heading home on Kansas St. when--what's that up ahead?

Determined birds, marching onwards!

Ever since this past Fall, these turkeys have been making themselves at home in the neighborhood, even stopping by to peck around our own yard a few times.  I couldn't believe how they were just B-lining it down the center of the road, totally unfazed by me in my car.  I admire their spirit!

💛💚💙So long until next time💙💚💛

                                                               💙💚💛💜💛💚💙