The Mama in me

I had a maternal moment today. My "kid" JJ, the cat, hasn't been himself over the last several days. And when I say not himself what I really mean is he's been the cat I wish he were -- lovely, docile and snuggly. But, in JJ's case, that meant he was under the weather and added to the top of the list of suspicious symptoms was his loss of appetite and strange litter box visits. Normally JJ has a voracious appetite and his bowl requires refilling at a minimum once every two days and sometimes more often than that. When I noticed the level of food in his bowl hadn't changed after two days, I started to worry. By the third day when he wouldn't even take treats I knew we had a problem.

After sitting at my desk at work for about an hour this morning googling "loss of appetite in cats" concern started to creep in and I quickly picked up the phone and called the vet. We were able to get an appointment at 5:00 p.m.. My day was shot and my stomach was in knots as I started to worry about what might be the problem. Just as my mother is a hypochondriac about her own symptoms, which I am not, I was all worked up over JJ's. This, my friends, sounds silly but these feelings were a big deal for me. I rarely admit to having maternal instinct for another living thing and now I was in a tizzy over my mongrel at home. The mongrel, I might add, that wouldn't fit in my former cat's carrier (Lilly was a petite lady, while JJ is a fat arse mister at 13.5 lbs) which required a pre-vet visit to PetSmart so that I could pick out a new ride for his heinous.

He loved the crate, jumped in it as soon as I opened it up and declared it his own. The car ride, he hated. The yowls, howls and general catterwalling coming from the crate were nerve rattling. I felt terrible for him. Once at the vets office he was the perfect gentleman, purring all over the nurses and the doc -- until he spotted a dog and started to growl, hiss and curse him up and down. After a couple of tests we learned that JJ had a urinary tract infection and after a couple of shots and a series of meds over the next week he'll be good as new. The pros don't know how the cats contract these infections and he may never have another one, but it was relief to know the treatment was relatively inexpensive. After another loud car ride home he hopped out of his crate and ran straight to his food bowl and started to chow down. The vet said that just a ride in the car could stimulate endorphins and help his appetite. Crazy JJ is back and we left the docile, snuggler, sick kitty symptoms at the vet and this Mama couldn't be more relieved.

Golden

Click here to hop on over to Fuel for Friends and download Grace Potter covering My Morning Jacket's "Golden". Its no secret what a huge MMJ fan I am and I was skeptical that anyone else could bring the same loveliness to the song that Jim James does. Boy, was I wrong. Potter did that song all the justice it deserved. What a lovely voice she has!

Bowled over by Boulder

I find it difficult to post something new after a prolonged silence without an explanation but I trust that the handful of you that read No Filter check-in regularly enough to keep up with my random posts and that you've found your way back again today -- hoorah!

Some big things have happened over the last weeks (err, ok, months). In reverse order . . .

Obama won! As did many other democrats running for office across our nation. What a joyous day for me, and I hope for you too. As a native Virginian I was elated to see my state turn blue on November 4 and confirm that Mr. Obama would take the presidency. I cried from the relief and joy of finally casting my vote. I cried again when we took VA and I cried a third time when the Obama family walked across that very blue stage in Grant Park. It was true and we won -- we actually, positively, matter-of-factly won. I opened my eyes on the morning of November 5 swelling with happiness. It's our time and I'm just as proud to label myself a liberal today as I was some years ago when I realized I was one. Liberal is not a dirty word dear friends, and I'm taking it back.

And oh, my new love -- Colorado! I made a trip west to visit my good friends Amy and Mike in Boulder in mid-October. I fell in love with the place. I returned to Virginia reluctantly, comparing my feelings for being in CO to falling in love with a man and having to leave him behind. I know, it sounds silly, but I've never felt as at home in a place (other than my childhood home) in all my life. It took a lot of willpower to board the plane to come home. I give Amy and Mike a lot of credit for these feelings as they were excellent hosts. Mike drove us all over Boulder and the Front Range and Amy was kind enough to let me ride shotgun to take it all in from the front seat. My eyes are wide open for four straight days taking in every golden aspen, sparkling stream, peak, valley, elk, canyon, and winding mountain road. My favorite part of the trip was the day we drove into Rocky Mountain National Park. I will remember that day and the majesty of the Rockies for the rest of my life. I was rendered speechless several times -- and if you know me well, you know that is no small feat. The enormity of my surroundings humbled me. It's difficult not to believe in a higher power when you're there.

My decision to relocate was cemented after my trip. I was homesick for Boulder while sitting in my home in Virginia. Those feelings have fueled my motivation to find a job and move as soon as I can. I set a date in the spring, giving myself a solid six months to find employment. If, by that date, I have not yet found a job I will pick up and move west with the faith that I can rely on the hospitality of good friends, the love of my surroundings, a part-time job, and my savings account to get me through. This east coast girl is westward bound.

Winter tastiness

I don't know that I've ever posted any recipes here, probably because I don't cook very often, but I have a tasty and hearty dish to share. A good friend of mine made Greek Chili for us one night for dinner and since then it has been one of my go to dishes when I am having people over, especially when it's nippy out. I made a big pot for myself last night, freezing a portion of it for later. It's inexpensive, hearty and great for a crowd or a family dinner. Excluding the $6 hunk of feta, the total for the dish was $12. That's just $2 a serving and trust me, it's tasty and different.

Greek Chili

1 lb ground lean turkey
2 tsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp thyme
2 bay leaves
1 tsp black pepper
14 oz can italian style stewed tomatoes
14 oz can diced tomatoes
14 oz can artichoke hearts (without oil) drained
14 oz can garganzo beans (chick peas) drained
4 oz can sliced olives drained
Feta cheese

In a large pot or dutch oven, heat olive oil on medium and add garlic, thyme, and onions and saute. Add turkey and brown thoroughly. Add oregano, bay leaves, pepper, and all canned ingredients and cook for 10-15 minutes until hot. The longer it simmers the better it gets!

Serve over rice (optional, but encouraged) and garnish with feta. I also usually save the olives for a garnish but my friend throws them in with the other canned stuff. Serves 6ish when served over rice.