Look Who's Just Like Grey

We got to spend more time with the cats the past two days since it's not raining as much. We noticed Eevee has been spending more time in the garage too. Sometimes Mando shows up to explore too (she's the most introverted among our pawmily).

Sweetie noticed Eevee sitting like a loaf. His father, Grey, used to sit like that a lot too whenever he hung out in the garage. I took a photo to compare the two and couldn't help but realize how Eevee is just like his Papa Grey.

No pets. No scratches. Stay at least a foot away. They both would give slow blinks, but that's the most affection they'll give. Before Grey went on his adventure he gave a lot of slow blinks. I even thought he'd allow me to pet him. 

It's been 9 months since Grey left. We'd like to think he's just on an adventure and will show up one day. He left his family with us and Eevee is just like him. I'm still hoping he'd give in like his twin, Pikachu. She's been allowing us to pet her and she rubs on my leg to greet me. So sweet.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Post Typhoon Gardening, Got a Prize

It's been over a week since I've been able to tend to my garden. Watering plants is my daily cardio exercise, but with the heavy rain I haven't had to do it. I knew that my plants probably felt waterlogged and needed TLC.

I looked out the window yesterday afternoon and saw one of my gumamela plants had fallen. I grabbed the chance to go out when I saw it wasn't raining. Checked if there were other plants that fell and if any needed to be moved.

My gumamela plants needed to be sprayed with Neem oil. Some had holes in it and the others were being plagued by aphids and fungus. The calamansi plants also need spraying, the caterpillars had a buffet!

Biggest work we did was to move plants around. Sweetie helped cut dead bamboo and to move the plants. I had to move the plants that prefer drier areas. It was a lot of work and I had to uproot some plants so they can dry for a few days. 

I got a special prize though for all the hardwork. A new plant sprouted and when I took a photo to identify it I was so surprised. It's an alocasia/elephant ear. I don't have this yet and it grew in one of Mom's old pots. Yay! I'll work on re-potting it soon.

I know a lot of farms and gardens were devastated the past few days. Let's all pray for those affected and help where we can 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

Shorts Rescue

The rain sapped all my energy. I'd always wake up whenever heavy rain would pour whenever I'm asleep. The fear never left me since typhoon Ondoy. I finally had restful sleep last night since the rain wasn't as bad. It also helped that we were not being jolted by the NDRRMC alerts.

I knew I had to do something to keep me from falling into a rut. I decided to tackle something that's been on my to-do bin for months now -- changing the garter of several pairs of shorts.

I know it sounds mundane, but keeping my hands busy helps reset my system. Focusing on being productive helps me from worrying. 

I managed to repair two of Sweetie's shorts  and 4 of mine. With the rainy season this would help since it's hard to get clothes to dry! Ahh, now I have more pairs to wear for sleeping! Yay!

I feel a bit refreshed and can put my mind to check where I can be of help. I've been praying a lot for everyone's safety and protection. Now it's time to also pray for strength. 

Stay dry and keep safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Waterlogged

Too. Much. Rain.

The forecast today says there's going to be more rain. It's been a stressful week since the mishap with the duhat tree and electrical post in our neighborhood. I got rained on a bit yesterday and haven't been feeling well. I had to postpone pulmo rehab to next week so I could rest.

Our cats are not so happy either. We put out new boxes with fluffy rugs to keep the warm. They are also sad they can't run around too much. I'll probably spray their toys with catnip to boost their energy.

I hope it's one of those forecasts that would miraculously go the other way. Stay dry and keep safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

When to Step Away

In this day and age we all get to witness people having meltdowns online. I've seen a fair share of this since I'm online often. I've had brushes of getting attacked even though I'm just innocently minding my own business.

Way back I encountered a strange person attacking me online. He was attacking me because of the company that hired me. My instinct was to ignore and just report it internally. I was advised not to engage. The person was so mad he even emailed someone high up in the organization (that person probably didn't even know me, haha). The issue eventually died down and he tried a few more times.

Through the years I experienced bashing (mild compared to others). Friends would usually give me a heads up about it and as advised I never engaged. Life has been quieter since I retired and I usually just encounter meltdowns either in socmed or private groups. 

Sometimes though when issues get to close, be sure to assess whether it's really something that involves you or they're just looking for someone to blow off steam. If the person is in fight mode and you have nothing to do with the issue. STEP AWAY. Don't get yourself embroiled in something you're not really involved in. If you must then just say you'd rather not be involved. 

Someone also taught me one important lesson. He said when the conversation is veering off track and not within the topic at hand, end the meeting immediately. I had a lot of crazy meetings before where I'd receive threats. I also had a neighbor scream at me on my birthday when my FIL accidentally parked on the wrong spot. It was upsetting, but I kept in mind to stay calm and leave the conversation/situation appropriately. Those were the type of people not suitable for further engagement and we'll the neighbor was having a meltdown because his father just died. I didn't know it at that time, but I'm glad I just walked away (and the parking was fixed btw).

Choose peace. In the first place, how would their rants/threats help their issue?

#BeKind #StaySafe

14 Hour Brownout

At 3:57 am (+/- 2 minutes) I was jolted awake by a loud crack and something falling to the ground. I thought it was a tree since our neighbor's 12-foot tree fell due to the heavy rains. Sweetie and I both got up to investigate.

Photo from a neighbor 

I looked out the window and saw our neighbor outside with a flashlight. Whatever fell wasn't across or beside our house. Sweetie went outside too and saw a huge tree had fallen. We later found out it was an old duhat tree.

A few minutes later a kind neighbor went to the area. The tree brought down a Meralco post. Some neighbors said they heard a loud bang. It was probably the transformer. The affected neighbor asked for assistance so I called the barangay's rescue and fire department. They came to check on them and called me after and said the tree and post blocked their way, but they could walk out if really needed. 

I tried to sleep again. I kept waking up because bursts of rain started falling. It was disconcerting since there's an electricity post across our house too. I just prayed for protection. We were told to stay indoors since some wires were dangling.

By early morning, we heard the Meralco vehicles and crew arrive. We were told the repair would likely last until the afternoon or early evening. I prayed for the protection of the crew since the rain would come in strong bursts.

Part or the gallant Meralco team

After 14 and a half hours, electricity finally came back. Thank you Lord no one was hurt and we are all safe in our neighborhood. Please send extra blessings for the crew that toiled hard to install a new post and repair the cables. And big thanks to our HOA, Meralco and our neighbor who made sure to restore things back to normal. (Luckily our phone line wasn't affected).

More rains is expected this week and possibly another typhoon. Good thing we have rechargeable lights, fans and a radio. We also have a covered pail with water in our bathrooms for emergencies. They were very useful to provide some comfort. The cool weather helped keep my lungs from flaring up, whew.

Stay safe everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Cat Stuff at Anko

I used to skip sections for pets at stores, but now that we have for babies I always end up buying something for them. We recently checked out Anko at Alabang Town Center since it's fairly new. It's now on the spot where National Bookstore used to be.

Anko at ATC is noticeably smaller than the Glorietta branch. The sections were evenly distributed, unlike in Glorietta which had a bigger section for houseware. Anko ATC just needs to dust their items. I had to wash my hands after visiting the shop 

Anyway, back to pet items... They had a good selection and the quality and price is pretty good. I was so tempted to buy toys and new dishes for our cats. I just held back because I recently bought a bunch of dishes! Haha. Maybe I'll go back and get the automatic water dispenser.

For crafters, Anko has affordable craft materials. Miggy got a paintbrush set and I got some paint for a project. I think their stuff is good for beginners trying out new things. They don't have that many sewing materials though. 

I'm happy there's an accessible Anko for us. The items they sell are very different from Daiso, Japan Home and other similar shops. Just hope they'll dust their items, haha 

#BeKind #StaySafe