Hurry up and tell them Mom- people need to prepare! Then get OFF OUR COMPUTER SO WE CAN POST!
Some worsening (or) upcoming shortages
Some of you may already know of a lot of the current and upcoming food and goods shortages- but I ran across some videos yesterday quite by accident that goes into detail about what exactly is now in short supply, and what is very likely to become much less available over the next few months- the videos also explain the how and why.
Since I have a lot of neighbors who have quit watching the news, I felt like I needed to pass this along in case a lot of you may not be aware while you still have time to plan ahead and hopefully stock up on some of these items you may use on a regular basis.
Some of these things really surprised me- Tylenol, Amoxicillin, and Augmentin, Hershey’s chocolates, hamburger patties, potato chips, bread, cream cheese, butter, vegetable oil, flour, tomatoes- and much to my personal dismay- popcorn -(and other corn products)!
This is not all of the items- some I expected- like beef patties- but who would expect chicken wings, fish sticks and PICKLES! These videos explain the items that are currently in short supply, and other items that are likely to be even harder to find in the months ahead.
Please watch the videos to understand the how and whys. If anyone is interested, I will post more on this topic if I find out more information.
I recommend stocking up on Tylenol if you can- It is available now on Amazon- (I do not get paid for recommending this)- I’ve used this and it’s every bit as effective as the brand name.
Please share so your friends and family can prepare!
Glass jar and canning supplies shortage too?
I recommend stocking up on your pet’s food items and treats as well. Also bottled water- this is just as important as other items, and something a lot of people may not think about!
In the days ahead, be ready to help those you know who are in need whenever and wherever you are able. Remember you can make a huge difference in someone else’s life by showing a little kindness – which seems to also be in short supply lately.
Don’t be afraid- just do all you can now to prepare so you and your families, friends and pets will have what you need! ❤️
"Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
Philippians 2:4 NLT
Soul Mates According to the National Institute of Health, various studies show that owning a pet, particularly a cat or dog, can have many benefits for people. They include; decreased stress, lower blood pressure, reducing loneliness, increasing feelings of social support and improving one’s mood. There are also other aspects that bond a person with […]
Our Can Opener saw this post and started to cry. Being the sweet cat I am, I of course, had to investigate and find out what made her cry and then get up from the computer and start praying for a place called “Ukraine.”
It’s a downright disgrace what’s happening in Ukraine- and it’s happening to their animals too. Please help them if you are able!
Please take a few minutes to read (and follow) The Chester Chronicles- and if you are a person who believes in prayer, please take a few minutes out of your busy day to pray for relief for the people (and children) and animals of Ukraine! Pray for healing of Ukraine and its people- and click the link below (or one of the links on Chester’s page) to help if you are able! So many people and pets (and wild animals) are suffering and need care.
Let them know they are not alone!
Humane Society International (animal rescue/ vet care / supplies/ food /shelter)
The Can Opener finally is able to update you all – but there has been so much happening since our last post, and so many details that she just can’t cover it all in the next hour. So we decided to help her come up with a short version in hopes that we can relieve her a little.
The tumor is huge. And inoperable. There are spots on the liver too. And an ulcer. There has been bleeding when he goes to the bathroom that has been hard to control. He has had over 5 blood transfusions since the 18th of December, and there is a blood shortage.
In the last 2 weeks he has gained 20 lbs (bloating) in fluid. He has difficulty breathing. And had to be put on a diet of baby food and other easy to eat food. The tumor is pressing on his diaphragm, and the opening from the tummy into the small intestine.
The last time he had a transfusion was Dec.23- That’s when they also told him there is a blood shortage. Then they took him off blood thinners, did surgery to put in a port for chemotherapy (after Christmas), and also put a filter in his major artery to catch any possible blood clots that could happen while he was at home for Christmas.
A day before this, the Doctor called the Can Opener while he was in recovery from the proceedure for the chemo port, and told her he needed her to get the family together and decide whether there was going to be a DNR order- this completely caught our Can Opener off guard because they had up until that point, sounded very optimistic about the chemo. They had told her the day before that “fortunately this cancer responds well to chemo…” so she was feeling hopeful and encouraged. Then to suddenly get this call was traumatizing. She asked the Doctor, “if it were you in his place, (regarding the chemo)- what would you do?– What are his chances?” She can’t remember exactly how he said it, but the main idea was, not good.
So she called the family and broke the news to them and the Critters. They all decided because it is HIS wish to fight and to have the chemo so he can live and see the Critters grow up and be at their weddings, that he DOES NOT want a DNR. All of us are supporting his decision. But that doesn’t make it easy. Christmas eve morning he was sent home to spend Christmas with the family –
His hemoglobin levels are low. His body isn’t retaining nutrients from his food. They gave him iron by IV then sent him home Christmas Eve morning (the birthday of their youngest daughter)-
When he was released, the Doctors said to send him back to the hospital if he got worse, had symptoms of another blood clot, (more) breathing problems or any bleeding. And even if those things didn’t happen, they wanted him at a different hospital on Monday to start chemo as early as possible.
Christmas night his leg started hurting again (same leg they had removed the blood clot from and inserted a stent)… once again it was swollen, and so painful he didn’t want it touched. He was in pain from that and his belly and struggling to breathe. Yesterday, (Monday) the pain was worse and he was limping and the Can Opener called 911. Once again he was on his way to ER. Only at a bigger hospital where they could also start the chemo.
He was admitted, a chest xray was ordered, he was put on oxygen, and an ultrasound was taken of his heart. The xray showed his lungs were filling with fluid. No results on the untrasound of his heart yet, he is getting iron by IV again, and they have confirmed he does have a new blood clot in the same leg.
They are trying to stop the bleeding, and that has to happen before they can take care of the clot or start chemo.
We will post again as soon as the Can Opener can handle it. She hasn’t even had time to think or process anything yet.
Prayers are needed for the whole family and especially for the doctors and nurses that are working so hard to help him. They need wisdom to know the best course of treatment for him and strength to get through their day. They are working short of staff and are doing the best they can and are making a huge difference. We love and appreciate all in the medical field for all they do.
On Wednesday our Can Opener didn’t have the Critters, so she went next door to spend the day with her sister who was having a rough morning. The Backup Can Opener was having some new pain in his leg, but otherwise was feeling better.
She spent most of the day there until she got a text from him that made her drop everything and go home. 20 minutes later 5 strange people with blue hands and thingies hanging around their necks came in asking questions as I sat in the bedroom window watching… and they wrote everything down and the next thing I knew- They took him away in a wierd car with flashing lights!
Our Can Opener wanted to ride with him in that thing she calls an Ambulance- but they wouldn’t let her. They said if she went with him the hospital wouldn’t let her stay!
She was not happy…. and I wasn’t either! Why were they taking him away? But, I was glad they didn’t take her – because she’s the One that buys our food and treats and babies us and dispenses the Redi Whip..
But still… We don’t like that he’s not here. And we want them to bring him BACK!
So our Can Opener has been spending a lot of time at the hospital or doing other things (like constantly updating the Critters’ parents and friends, and talking to Doctors)- to get through it and we don’t like it.
Today a neighbor stopped by to ask for help for another neighbor whose kitten won’t eat. The Can Opener didn’t know anything about the kitten whose owner needed the help, only that it was a kitten, who hasn’t wanted to eat for a couple of days, has draining eyes, and appears to have a stuffy nose- But the owner can’t take it to the vet because her husband just lost his job.
My human got busy right away looking online for things a person can do for their kitten in that situation until they can see a vet. What she found, she decided she needed to share- in case someone else out there is in a similar situation.
First, she went to YouTube, where there are tons of helpful videos about different aspects of cat care, many by practicing veterinarians. In this video, she learned so much. There are even links (which you can view on YouTube also in the comment section), to other resources that are so helpful, it just screams to be passed on. You never know when this kind of information might be urgently needed for your kitten or to help someone you know.
Enjoy this video! We are so glad we found it!
Be sure to read the comments, where you will find a link to the Foster the Felines blog, contact information, and even a “Fading Kittens Supply & Resource” list!
I thought today would be a perfect day to find my mama and go to the stream to play with some fish and hunt some ducks. But that was before I finally conned the Can Opener into letting me outside for a few minutes. I’m sure she thought I’d come back in if I got too hot, but I’m a cat, and that didn’t occur to me.
Luckily for me, the Can Opener was already planning not to let me stay out for more than a few minutes. For some reason, once I got outside, I didn’t feel like going as far as the stream. I just poured myself on the pavement under the car.
Then “something” (The Lord)- made my human decide to look out in the front yard and when she did she saw me, and I ran inside. Normally she doesn’t look for me in the front, because the minute I get outside I head to the stream. But it was hotter than I thought it would be when I pleaded with my mom in my most DESPERATE meows to go out. She knew it was hot, but didn’t realize how hot, until she opened her laptop and saw the temperature on her screen….108!
It felt so good to come back inside where the air conditioner was on. Sushi already had claimed my favorite spot next to the laptop, so I found the next coldest spot, and melted into the nice cold kitchen floor.
Ahhhhh… right under the air conditioner.
She looked like she had melted into the pillow. But it’s not hot in the house. And she doesn’t go outside to hunt all day like I do. She’s super-glued to the Human. She follows her like a shadow, and cries and goes hunting her down if she leaves or goes to the nieghbor’s house.
Of course, I tried to go right back outside after a few minutes, but Mom pretended she didn’t notice I was wanting out again -(but she did notice). That’s okay though, because I just decided to go settle in on the nice, cozy bed.
I’ll go hunting tonight!
Meanwhile, the Critters and their parents are at the beach….maybe they’ll bring some fish home for me, Sushi and Serafina and Abby!
Sorry, Mom. I’m canceling today. Turn on the air conditioner.
It’s just too hot today. And tomorrow is going to be even hotter. And did you know that white, sphynx, or cream colored cats like me can get sunburned? Crazy, right? I thought my human was a little nuts when I heard her tell her sister that- so I hopped on the laptop while she was in the shower last night, to investigate for myself and see if it’s true, or if it’s time to take her to the funny farm- (after finding a new Can Opener, that is).
Here’s some things I caught her watching….I decided maybe she’s not crazy after all, and I probably should pass it on. It’s going to be 104 here tomorrow- and it may be even hotter where you are….
Video links to help your furbabies stay cool & safe in the heat
Cats can also have something they call heat exhaustion / heat stroke and that’s really dangerous- so check it out so you can know what to watch for in your kitties- because if you know the danger signs you can get help and save their lives!
I hope she has these in the freezer to surprise us with tomorrow!
Sushi and I are going to stay inside today—- and guard the treats. Stay cool!
Today was a different kind of Caturday. I’m still recovering!
WHAT A DAY!
I should have known today would be a weird day, when the Can Opener didn’t seem to be her usual self when she woke up and headed for the Keurig. I couldn’t put my paw on it, but something felt off. So, as I usually do, I bolted out the back door to look for Mama or Sheba or some nice, juicy baby duck to play with.
When I came back inside about 2 hours later, the Critters and their parents were there visiting! My human was back to her cheery self and the kcup supply was diminishing rapidly, so I knew everything was going to be okay. She must’ve just woke up with a headache.
The Critters ran out into the backyard to play, and the Can Openers visited with their grown up Critter (Jazlyn and Lily’s Mom)- and had coffee and then made butterfly shrimp and french fries for everyone and discussed Mother’s Day plans. Soon it was time for Lily’s nap, but all the excitement had her too wound up and they decided to go home.
And then it happened…
After they left, Sushi gave our Can Opener the look that said, “I don’t appreciate my nap being interrupted, human. Don’t let it happen again.” Then she headed for the bedroom to take her nap without further interruptions, and I settled down on my human’s lap and was being snuggled, and brushed and was just beginning to fall asleep when suddenly we all heard a roar in the distance that got closer and louder- and things started to shake- and I tried to bolt- I could tell my humans were afraid-
There was an Air Force jet flying so LOW over our house!
The noise was SO LOUD and it sounded as though something was about to crash into our living room before we could even move! The Can Opener tried to hold onto me and calm me, but I flew off her lap and ran for cover. The two Can Openers could hear the jet long after it was out of sight, but the whole neighborhood was shaken and wondering what was happening. All I wanted to know was whether or not it was safe to come back home!
And on the way back to their house…
Our Can Opener searched the news stations for any mention of a planned Air Force flyover (like they do sometimes for the 4th of July)- but there was no mention of anything anywhere she looked. Everything settled down after that, but everyone was wondering what was going on- especially considering the problems in our country right now.
Things soon calmed down after a while, and all the neighbors went back inside, but the Can Opener thought about the Critters and their parents- who had only been about 10 minutes away from our house when it happened. She called to find out if they had seen and heard anything, and they had. The jet had flown over them as they were going over a bridge- and the first thought was that there was some attack happening- but it wasn’t. Still it unnerved everyone- especially because of the suddenness of it- and Jazlyn (the Big Critter) was afraid the bridge they were on might collapse and they would go into the water.
They made it back home, and things returned to normal, but we were all struck by how sudden and how loud and scary it was. (Except for Sushi- who somehow managed to sleep through the whole thing).
Only an empty stomach wakes Sushi up.
Speaking of empty tummies, I’m going to go talk my human into opening a can of tuna to calm my nerves…..
Sushi and I want to let you all know we haven’t abandoned you!
The Can Opener was trying to help her sister with a problem ordering something on Amazon last Friday- her sister had tried to use her ebt card on her Android phone on the Amazon website- and she kept getting a message that her payment information needed updated…. the human looked at it and said she had done everything right and there shouldn’t have been a problem.
Soon after that the trouble started. Her sister did what she SHOULD have done- she (thought) she was contacting Amazon Customer support- (there was a link at the bottom of the page, and she clicked it).
Now before we go any further- my Humans have been ordering from Amazon forever – they’ve never had a problem. However- when the Can Opener’s sister clicked the link for “customer support”- she had a call from someone who CLAIMED to be an Amazon customer service agent. Guess what? He wasn’t. Not a real one.
When she started trying to explain the problem to the “agent,” she found him very difficult to understand. He spoke with a heavy accent, and spoke extremely fast, and being that she was in the process of getting ready for a very painful physical therapy appointment and he kept repeating certain things to her that she couldn’t understand, and he began to get irate with her and began to say things to her like, “I don’t know why you don’t understand- how old are you? Why don’t you understand me?”
She started crying out of pain, frustration (she was going to have to miss her appointment), and his tone was rude- then he said to her, “Why are you crying? Are you a crybaby?!”
At this point, she walked with her phone next door to my human and asked for her help- (with the phone on speaker)- and told our human what he had said.
I’ve never seen my human that mad!🙀 She couldn’t believe a so-called “customer service agent” would talk to her sister that way.
*I don’t like this guy*
My human wanted to hang up on him- but her sister needed the problem resolved- so she took the phone and asked who she was speaking to- he didn’t give her a name. He claimed (again) to be an Amazon customer service agent, and before she could say anything else, he launched into Bogus story to explain why he “needed her bank card information”- And every time one of them tried to speak he spoke over them, and the human herself was still trying to calm her sister and herself and figure out if anything he was saying made sense. (The Can Opener had only been awake about a half hour before this happened, and she hadn’t even had coffee yet)!
He asked her for the name and number on her bank card (that she had used on Amazon)- The phone was on speaker, and when the human turned to cue her sister not to answer- she had already said it before she could stop her. 🙀
Then he wanted to know what bank it was on- My human went to respond by asking why he needed that, but at the same time her sister (in her frustration and anxiety to get things taken care of and get to her appointment)- told him it wasn’t a bank. It was a prepaid debit card she received her social security on.
This all started because she wanted to buy some food items with her ebt card. Nobody can buy an iphone with an ebt card.
The guy got upset! Then he suddenly said, “Ma’am, you don’t understand… we can see that someone using your card purchased a $1300.00 iPhone and we need a bank account to refund your $1300.00!”
She kept trying to tell him -(over the speaker)- that she hadn’t had enough money in her account to have bought an iphone, and that her issue was about an ebt card and her debit card wasn’t the issue. That’s when he asked her if she had a computer and she said “no, but my sister does.” He kept asking if she would be able to use my human’s computer to fill out a form so he could take care of things for her- the next thing we knew, she was sitting at the Humans’ computer filling out an authentic-(LOOKING) “Amazon” form… until he wanted to know details he had no business knowing.
Can I bite him, Mom?
The point is, when he didn’t get the bank information, member number, and social security number he kept insisting he needed, the computer started doing things all by itself that neither the human or her sister was doing. Her email opened up, and a pointer started going down the list of her emails,…. looking for something…(but that stuff isn’t stored on the computer).
Then the pin to my human’s computer was changed- again-without anyone touching the keyboard. She turned the computer off and unplugged it and prepared to notify Amazon and the police.
So- the human’s computer is being fixed- and this is why Sushi and I haven’t been posting.
We can post from the Can Opener’s iphone- but getting that thing out of her paws is like trying to climb Mount Everest with no claws. But today she let is use her phone because she doesn’t want everyone to think she’s abandoned you.
And, today’s the first day she’s been calm enough to let us tell the story.
We will post again tomorrow. But the human isn’t touching the computer again until it’s restored. Her computer tech restored her pin to her (which she changed), and she spent the last three days changing passwords and WiFi name and password and working with the tech to get it back. She is so thankful she never stored her banking information on the computer!
How to Train your Humans 