Candy stripes and Worried about Larry...

Hello everyone,

Thank you for all the lovely comments that you left on my previous post. I am sorry that I have not responded to some of you yet. There is a lot going on at the moment and I will eventually catch up with blogs and emails.

My parents left today after having visited for a couple of weeks. It was lovely seeing them again and to spend some time together as we only see each other 3 or 4 times a year. They brought over some fantastic vintage things. It didn't stop there, whilst browsing at a boot fair on Sunday, they found some other lovely things that they knew I would like such as vintage unused candy striped sheets & pillowcases. They are getting harder to find but I always look out for those.

Old price label is on the sheets! 17 Shillings and 11d (For overseas visitors, this is in old money)

They are so crisp and clean! The colours are so pretty.

Last week Larry started walking in a strange way, his back legs were weak. I took him to the vet the next day, they weren't sure what was wrong as he didn't want to walk around to demonstrate his walk. I had to film him at home and return with the film footage. Unfortunately due to an emergency operation at the vet, no one could see the film footage that afternoon (Friday). On Saturday his front legs appeared to be affected too.

Today I took Larry to the vet again. The vet looked at the film footage. They carried out full blood count & urine tests. The blood test came up clear but white blood cells showed up in the urine sample. I have been advised that Larry ought to have a MRI scan as there could be a problem with his brain or spine. He is such a lovely cat. I can't believe he is having problems at such a young age.

In July 2008 our 15 year old ginger cat called Pixie had to be put to sleep. He became ill and his condition deteriorated rapidly. We were all so very sad. Alan & I were not in a hurry to get another cat as we were still missing him but Phoebe was missing the company. In January this year we decided to adopt 2 kittens knowing how much pleasure Phoebe would get from them and to help her move on from Pixie's death. Pixie is still greatly missed.

Pixie

Lilly and Larry have brought us a lot of pleasure since January, they are so affectionate and giving.

I have to admit that I dread the results of the MRI scan...as the vet implied that it's not usually good when it is brain or spine related. I am a positive person but I can't help but worry about what the outcome will be especially as Phoebe loves him to bits, so do Alan & I.

Although I do pray every day, I have been praying a lot more in these past few days. If you have a spare minute, could you include Larry in your prayers please? I know that there are so many other important things to pray for in the world but it helps knowing that others are thinking of him. Thank you.

On a lighter note, Phoebe was a little ray of sunshine tonight. I went outside to call her back in for bedtime and to take a photo of the sunset. I found her picking flowers. She stood up gave me the flowers and said "Mummy I love you, I picked these for you". It was just what I needed today after a day of worrying about Larry.

The pretty posy of flowers is by my bedside now.

I am doing a little survey in right hand column on painting furniture. Feel free to tick what applies to you! Thank you.

I love this light at the end of the day. Picture taken tonight from our front garden.

A bientôt!

Isabelle x