Tongue drum is lovely. You are drawn to it because it will help your healing.
I collect percussion instruments and I bought a small one for my son. He used it in concert when the song called for chimes.
His newest addition is a thunder generator. It’s looks like an insulated cup. You shake it and it makes stormy wind sounds, punctuated by a metallic string making “lightning” sounds. No thunder at all.
I have a steel tongue drum too! I don’t have musical skills and I love that this doesn’t matter a jot with this instrument; it always sounds beautiful so go! Sue and enjoy!! 💛
I love that you got the drum (and played it for us!). Now, I think you should compose "A Drum Song for Annie" that captures her spirit. I think Annie would love that and wag to the beat. Dogs become part of our heart and soul. It's very true that the loss of a dog can be more painful than losing other family members. It's a unique relationship of unconditional love. Remember that you did not kill her, the disease killed her. Euthanasia is the final act of love, to end her suffering when there is no hope that she would get better. She was loved and cared for to the end, and she knew that.
What do I do as a gift to myself? I bought a second home where I spend the winter, and I'm updating it to make it more comfortable, cozy, and welcoming. I don't know a lot of people to invite over, but it's okay that it's my retreat. There are a lot of activities in the community and I'm trying different things. At this stage of life it's important to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. So far, I'm really happy with the seasonal move. It's opened up a whole new world.
Such a mellow sound, Sue. I’m sure playing it will be great fun for you.
On the dog topic: we had to put our golden lab down many decades ago. She was a sweet-tempered girl with impeccable manners. She ate like a lady no matter how hungry she was and defecated in the large field behind our house, never in our yard. I haven’t owned a dog since then.
I was happily married for 46 years. After 31 years my husband began to have trouble accessing words. He loved being able to say what he meant to say, including witticisms he used kindly. Great entertainment for our family and friends. As time progressed it was obvious something was wrong. The diagnosis was Alzheimer’s, which he had for 15 years. I cared for him at home almost until his death. He died within 24 hours of an infection. The memories of our life are dear treasures. I know you understand what I am saying.
Nine years later, in 2015, I moved to Ecuador where my older son has lived for many years. I am grateful for good health and energy. Yes, I set out learning Spanish at 80. It is going well.
My landlady had a feisty poodle who was never friendly. One of her relatives took him. His ‘sister’ replaced him but the landlady took her to the U.S. when she made a permanent move. New tenants in the large downstairs apartment just brought their Luca from their fruit farm to live here at the house. I didn’t know they had done that. A couple of weeks ago, when gentle rain came in the wee hours, I opened my door to see it and that gentle 100 lbs dog totally surprised me. He was standing just outside my door with his tail wagging and never made a peep. In Spanish, I told him we would get to know each other the next morning. I think he ‘got it.’
What joy to see him everyday when he nudges my legs for yet another petting session. He nearly bowls me over with his polite excitement. He is the color of paprika with shiny eyes. Such a tranquil nature. He barks only to let other roaming dogs know what’s what. Maybe part Golden Retriever but with shorter hair.
It is the best of both worlds: I can enjoy him for a few more months with no responsibility. I am moving to Cuenca, a large cosmopolitan city in the mountains. Thousands of foreigners choose to settle there. There is a narrow river flowing right across the street from the apartment I will live in, which I can hear. I will enjoy using the walking path where scores of people walk their dogs. New adventures await.
Yes, if and when you are ready to make a decision, you will know what is best.
Elaine, thank you. I love this story. I am so glad you are here, and I hope you keep us informed about your adventures. My dog never understood when I spoke Spanish to her, but she was strictly an Oregon pup.
"I caused the end of her life by authorizing the vet to give her that fatal shot."
I know what you mean, this sense of responsibility we have toward our pets (I remember well that last vet visit with our late cat), but I would see it this way: her end was imminent and inevitable, and you didn't really cause it, rather saved her some pain by choosing its time.
Many people asked us, after our cat passed, if we were going to get another cat. We weren't ready and found that saying, "Not now; he's a hard act to follow," was a neat and quick way to end that line of questioning.
Sue - my wife and I often travel for for 2-4 weeks twice a year, so dealing with pets is always an issue. We now typically use "Trusted Housesitters", where you have a pre-screened housesitter handle both your household and pets for a period. We now have 4 "regulars" who do that duty for us. If you need to know more, let me know and we'd be glad to talk about our experience.
Thank you, Randy. I have used housesitter/dogsitters in recent times. The only wrinkle is needing to schedule far in advance. But yes, this sounds like a good plan.
I love the pan drum sound, that little video was so relaxing! And if it’s not weird to say as an internet stranger, you look beautiful, your skin is glowing. Is that what drum happiness looks like?
Thank you for sharing your inner feelings, I still miss my doggies from my childhood and teens over 20 years ago. I didn’t make the decision for their end, but I’d not considered the weight of the person who does…
Tempted to take up the pan drums if it gives that kind of glow. How’s the drumming going? I look forward to seeing more happy videos ☺️ I’m so glad to read you 💚
I come from a family of knitters and have knit a whole lot of stuff myself. Keep those needles clicking.
Tongue drum is lovely. You are drawn to it because it will help your healing.
I collect percussion instruments and I bought a small one for my son. He used it in concert when the song called for chimes.
His newest addition is a thunder generator. It’s looks like an insulated cup. You shake it and it makes stormy wind sounds, punctuated by a metallic string making “lightning” sounds. No thunder at all.
Music emits healing vibrations and is felt in our bodies, so good for you 💜🙏😊
I have a steel tongue drum too! I don’t have musical skills and I love that this doesn’t matter a jot with this instrument; it always sounds beautiful so go! Sue and enjoy!! 💛
I'm not surprised at that. It's pretty trippy.
Xo cool
I love that you got the drum (and played it for us!). Now, I think you should compose "A Drum Song for Annie" that captures her spirit. I think Annie would love that and wag to the beat. Dogs become part of our heart and soul. It's very true that the loss of a dog can be more painful than losing other family members. It's a unique relationship of unconditional love. Remember that you did not kill her, the disease killed her. Euthanasia is the final act of love, to end her suffering when there is no hope that she would get better. She was loved and cared for to the end, and she knew that.
What do I do as a gift to myself? I bought a second home where I spend the winter, and I'm updating it to make it more comfortable, cozy, and welcoming. I don't know a lot of people to invite over, but it's okay that it's my retreat. There are a lot of activities in the community and I'm trying different things. At this stage of life it's important to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. So far, I'm really happy with the seasonal move. It's opened up a whole new world.
Such a mellow sound, Sue. I’m sure playing it will be great fun for you.
On the dog topic: we had to put our golden lab down many decades ago. She was a sweet-tempered girl with impeccable manners. She ate like a lady no matter how hungry she was and defecated in the large field behind our house, never in our yard. I haven’t owned a dog since then.
I was happily married for 46 years. After 31 years my husband began to have trouble accessing words. He loved being able to say what he meant to say, including witticisms he used kindly. Great entertainment for our family and friends. As time progressed it was obvious something was wrong. The diagnosis was Alzheimer’s, which he had for 15 years. I cared for him at home almost until his death. He died within 24 hours of an infection. The memories of our life are dear treasures. I know you understand what I am saying.
Nine years later, in 2015, I moved to Ecuador where my older son has lived for many years. I am grateful for good health and energy. Yes, I set out learning Spanish at 80. It is going well.
My landlady had a feisty poodle who was never friendly. One of her relatives took him. His ‘sister’ replaced him but the landlady took her to the U.S. when she made a permanent move. New tenants in the large downstairs apartment just brought their Luca from their fruit farm to live here at the house. I didn’t know they had done that. A couple of weeks ago, when gentle rain came in the wee hours, I opened my door to see it and that gentle 100 lbs dog totally surprised me. He was standing just outside my door with his tail wagging and never made a peep. In Spanish, I told him we would get to know each other the next morning. I think he ‘got it.’
What joy to see him everyday when he nudges my legs for yet another petting session. He nearly bowls me over with his polite excitement. He is the color of paprika with shiny eyes. Such a tranquil nature. He barks only to let other roaming dogs know what’s what. Maybe part Golden Retriever but with shorter hair.
It is the best of both worlds: I can enjoy him for a few more months with no responsibility. I am moving to Cuenca, a large cosmopolitan city in the mountains. Thousands of foreigners choose to settle there. There is a narrow river flowing right across the street from the apartment I will live in, which I can hear. I will enjoy using the walking path where scores of people walk their dogs. New adventures await.
Yes, if and when you are ready to make a decision, you will know what is best.
I enjoy your postings. Thank you so much.
Elaine Ness
Elaine, thank you. I love this story. I am so glad you are here, and I hope you keep us informed about your adventures. My dog never understood when I spoke Spanish to her, but she was strictly an Oregon pup.
I like you ❤️ so much ♥️♥️
"I caused the end of her life by authorizing the vet to give her that fatal shot."
I know what you mean, this sense of responsibility we have toward our pets (I remember well that last vet visit with our late cat), but I would see it this way: her end was imminent and inevitable, and you didn't really cause it, rather saved her some pain by choosing its time.
Many people asked us, after our cat passed, if we were going to get another cat. We weren't ready and found that saying, "Not now; he's a hard act to follow," was a neat and quick way to end that line of questioning.
And I love the sound of the drum!!
Thank you. That’s a great answer. The drum is fun.
Sue - my wife and I often travel for for 2-4 weeks twice a year, so dealing with pets is always an issue. We now typically use "Trusted Housesitters", where you have a pre-screened housesitter handle both your household and pets for a period. We now have 4 "regulars" who do that duty for us. If you need to know more, let me know and we'd be glad to talk about our experience.
Thank you, Randy. I have used housesitter/dogsitters in recent times. The only wrinkle is needing to schedule far in advance. But yes, this sounds like a good plan.
I love the pan drum sound, that little video was so relaxing! And if it’s not weird to say as an internet stranger, you look beautiful, your skin is glowing. Is that what drum happiness looks like?
Thank you for sharing your inner feelings, I still miss my doggies from my childhood and teens over 20 years ago. I didn’t make the decision for their end, but I’d not considered the weight of the person who does…
Big hugs and LOVE your jumper! 💚🐶🐶
Thank you, thank you, Sheila. I guess that is what drum happiness looks like. I'm so glad you're here.
Tempted to take up the pan drums if it gives that kind of glow. How’s the drumming going? I look forward to seeing more happy videos ☺️ I’m so glad to read you 💚
Very popular instrument at any psychedelic retreat 😉
I spend money for yarn bc knitting makes me happy, as does knowing I am supporting another woman in small business. Knitters are my people.