This, That, & the Other
☆ October 27, 2015
My nasopharynx was deflowered last week. After huffing a numbing solution that tasted like diesel and wasn’t particularly effective, a long tube with a light and camera on the end of it was sent up my nose and down my throat by my laryngologist so she could see my vocal cords live and in action. I get to do this again tomorrow, with the added bonus of gigantic needles! My doc will send the camera back up my nose and down my throat, then go straight into my neck with said needles, and, with the aid of the live video, inject the musculature behind my left vocal cord to poof it up. Hopefully, this will help me talk longer, louder, and more easily. It’s craaaaazy how much I took my voice for granted before all this.
Charlie calendars are coming!! They really are. I’m still running behind in every aspect of life, but the 2016 Charlie Calendar is at my printer and I’ll have previews and the shop listing up next week. Stay tuned! And thanks for your patience. It’s a little bit late but as fabulous as ever.
Thanks, also, for all the Eli love. I cannot believe I have to actually type the following, but: Charlie did not kill Eli. Got a lot of Qs about this. They lived together for nearly a decade; if that can’t squash the cynicism, what can?
To end on a more frivolous note…. my latest Netflix binge is The Great British Baking Show. It’s the antithesis of Top Chef (which I also love). It’s so friendly and polite, though the matriarch judge makes a spectacular WTF face, and she makes it often. It’s full of strange bakes such as three-tiered pork-prune pie. The tiers, here, not meaning layers within one pie but three giant stacked pies, like a wedding cake of savory pie. Sounds disgusting to me, but it’s fun to watch.
Comments
51 Responses to “This, That, & the Other”
Leave a Reply
MY NEW BOOK!
More, Elsewhere
- No Tweets Available
October 27th, 2015 @ 8:14 am
Oh, this sounds quite a scary procedure! I Don’t mind needles, just don’t ask me to see as they poke my skin. Best of luck.
Great British Bake off: Careful, it is seriously addictive! We were shouting at the screen during the finals!
October 27th, 2015 @ 8:31 am
My oh my – I’ll be sending you strength to get through that procedure & hope it does the trick.
So sad to read about Eli. Always loved seeing photos you shared when Charlie was young w/ Eli. My favorites were when they’d share a bed napping. Precious.
October 27th, 2015 @ 8:44 am
I am so sorry to hear about Eli. My old kitty is being euthanized tomorrow – she has a nasty bone cancer eating her up and she is just miserable. It’s awful to have to face this and make these choices for her. Sometimes animal ownership is rough, when you have to say goodbye.
I’m so sorry. Eli was such an integral part of getting you to truly feel at home when you first moved here, and he’s been such an important part of the family ever since. I’ve always thought of him as Charlie’s father-figure, personally – like the older brother that steps in to be your father when you need him.
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:09 am
Wow! It never crossed my mind that Charlie would do anything untoward to Eli. I’ve been more worried if he (Charlie) missed him (Eli), although I know animals deal with loss very differently from humans. You’ve been in my thoughts. Good luck with the procedure. I hope it’s wildly successful and as untraumatic as possible.
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:11 am
Wow, it never even entered my mind that Charlie killed Eli. Y’all made me a believer in the farmily from the get-go.
Still, hugs to you all. And especially for your procedure tomorrow…yikes.
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:15 am
Sending positive vibes for your procedure – certainly doesn’t sound pleasant, but hope it does the trick.
Gosh, I never thought Charlie was involved in Eli’s death. I thought they were like brothers.
And yes, I love watching the Great British Baking Show on my iPad! You’re right on about Mary’s face expressions.
Take care of yourself.
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:21 am
i too love the great british baking show. there is also a british version of master chef, i suspect it preceded the american one, that’s terrific
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:33 am
Your procedure sounds awful! I went in for a dental crown and needed valium, novocaine and nitrous oxide (I’m kind of a baby about dental stuff). But get your voice back, it will be worth it. And isn’t nice to have the unconditional love of the farmily?
October 27th, 2015 @ 9:38 am
Oh god, that sounds dreadful…I hope they have you well sedated for that procedure and also hope that it is successful in restoring your voice…especially after having to endure that horrid treatment.
Can’t believe people would actually ask you if Charlie killed Eli. :( Don’t they think you would of mentioned that in the post about him.
I’m so sorry you lost your beloved kitty, then had to read those kind of questions.
Take good care and have fun watching The great British baking show while you heal….
October 27th, 2015 @ 10:07 am
I’ve been around since the beginning, and pics of Eli and Charlie are some of my favs. I’m quite sure Charlie would have protected Eli if it had been in his power. I don’t know what happened, but life on the range is….well, life, which includes death. Doesn’t make the heartache any easier though.
Good luck with the procedure, know you will sail through it! I get laryngitis about once a year for a week, so I do know how difficult it is without a voice. Footstomping, clapping, handwaving….all these things become essential to life LOL!
Be well, and continue your brave life journey. It has been a very difficult year for many of us as well.
October 27th, 2015 @ 10:41 am
Hope all goes well with your procedure… and I LOVE the Brits baking as well!
Still thinking about Eli and how fabulous he was~
October 27th, 2015 @ 10:52 am
Shreve, just wanted to send a supportive message. During medical stuff, I like to picture a “happy place” in my mind. Usually, it’s me galloping on a horse in a large wide open space far far away! Haha Seriously though. I also take Bach Rescue Remedy and usually carry a turquoise stone in my pocket for protection and strength. Turquoise would be great for your throat chakra.
Hope that might help!
And my sympathies for Eli. He seemed like a real cool cat. Eli lives on in the spirit world! :) And his pictures live on! Thanks for sharing them!
Take care and good luck tomorrow! Hope your voicebox heals up good!!! :)
October 27th, 2015 @ 11:34 am
as a few others have already said —can’t imagine *and didn’t even think that thought) that Charlie had anything to do with Eli’s passing…must have been from those who did not read you from early on. Or even the beginning. I hope that that first question posed did not shock you. And then the resulting ones you just kind of passed off as from people not really “knowing” you, or read you. But still. Sorry.
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:07 pm
Sheesh I would have never even considered that Charlie would hurt Eli!!!!!
Good luck with your procedure Shreve and hang tough!!!!
xox
Penny
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:08 pm
I’m so sorry that you lost Eli. It never even crossed my mind that Charlie would do anything Eli was a free-roaming cat in the country, and there were other hazards out there.
My son lives out in the country, and had one cat disappear when he went out one evening. And a couple of years ago he lost three goats to a mountain lion, which really worried me because of my granddaughters.
Good luck with your procedure. It’s no fun having anything like that, but I hope you are sufficiently medicated. I think a little Versed is very useful, and I’m a retired nurse.
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:16 pm
The thought of Charlie hurting Eli never crossed my mind. Anyone who has read your book and followed your page, here, would know that. I’m sure Charlie misses his bestie.
Hope the procedure(s) go well for you and everything turns out alright. xo
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:18 pm
so yeah, scary medical procedures are the time to show yourself that your brain is capable of focusing on two things at once. it’s important to be there and aware of what’s happening to your body, but if you can put your mind to reciting a few favourite poems , or doing a tai chi form, or going back to relive a special horseback outing, your body will be way more relaxed, and the procedure will be over in no time. peace and love.
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:27 pm
so glad to “hear” you again. I hope to read another book by you one day…so take care of yourself :)
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:48 pm
Frivolous comment for the frivolous note. We loved the GBBS, too. So much fun. It seems that there are many seasons, so now we are trying to find out how to watch more of them. Did you have a favorite baker? I really liked the guy with the dimples (Richard, the builder). And I was sad when the cute Irish guy threw his dessert in the bin, bc he was fun on the show, too. Oh, and Martha. We loved Martha. And Chetna. Actually, we loved them all. Great show!
October 27th, 2015 @ 1:49 pm
Ugh. Oh no. I should have had a spoiler alert. Too late to add now? ***** SPOILER ALERT ABOVE ****. Shoot.
October 27th, 2015 @ 2:05 pm
good luck with your proceedure, shreve. xo
October 27th, 2015 @ 2:08 pm
Good luck with your yucky medical procedure. You will get through it. I have had several awful procedures myself and I always think to myself: “if others have gotten through this, I can too!” It builds up my courage to get through it, as nasty as it is! I’ve just recently been through a long and painful knee replacement surgery recovery. No fun, but better now! And you will be too! Blessings to you. I will never forget the photos of Eli and baby Charlie, the thought of them still makes me smile and warms my heart. Thanks to you!
October 27th, 2015 @ 2:23 pm
Hope all goes well with your procedure tomorrow Shreve and that your voice returns to normal quickly. Add me to the list of those who never thought for a moment that Charlie did anything to harm Eli. I will miss Eli pictures and stories. Eli lived the life our house cats can only dream of.
October 27th, 2015 @ 3:01 pm
I’m not normally squeamish about medical stuff, but reading your post made me gasp! Sending best wishes for tomorrow’s procedure!!!
I can’t even imagine anyone thinking Charlie could possibly hurt Eli. If anything, I believe Charlie would defend Eli against any and all comers!
Sending hugs and warm thoughts!
October 27th, 2015 @ 3:50 pm
Sending you love, prayers and tranquil vibes. I hope the procedure passes quickly, with good results and less strain than you have imagined.
It never occurred to me that Charlie would have harmed Eli, but I did worry that Eli’s comfort with Charlie might have caused him to relax a little too much while out wandering in the coyote-strewn wilds. I sincerely hope that wasn’t the case. Whatever it was that took him to the rainbow bridge, he is over and in good hands now.
My 17 year old kitty is now fading before my eyes, and he’ll probably be in Eli’s realm in the next few months. I hope that one day he’ll sweetly go to sleep and wake up over there, but I am prepared to help him over if the situation warrants it. We love and then, inevitably, have to part with loved ones some day. These sorrows just come with the territory, but the territory will bring new joys, too.
Hope you wake up on Thursday morning feeling MUCH MUCH MUCH better.
Wishing you the very best,
Barbara
October 27th, 2015 @ 4:43 pm
Good luck tomorrow Shreve. We wish you all the best. A big HUG .
October 27th, 2015 @ 6:26 pm
I suppose I’m the only who did consider the possibility of Charlie harming Eli.
But as horrible and sad as that would have been, there isn’t any shame in thinking that, and had that been what happened, it would have been an instinctive (and natural) response. Sad, but something I would have been able to understand with no judgement.
Charlie is a pet, but he’s also still a coyote, and that’s why Shreve has to carefully protect him. He could be hurt, too, by people who fear him. So the protection goes both ways.
Some deaths are more tragic than others, but the loss of an animal friend, no matter how it happened, is always heart breaking. I’m so sorry to hear Eli has died. You take such loving care of your farmily.
October 27th, 2015 @ 6:46 pm
My nasopharynx was deflowered last week: this made me laugh out loud! Although that procedure sounds like no laughing matter!
October 28th, 2015 @ 6:02 am
Glad you’re doing well. Cannot believe, however, that anyone thought that Charlie had anything to do with Eli except be buddies. That hurts my heart (and probably yours as well).
Here’s to a successful procedure and more Shreve voice.
October 28th, 2015 @ 8:25 am
I was deflowered as well years ago but thankfully it was a one night stand and I didn’t get a second time like you are having. Good luck, we’ll be waiting for a video of you singing. Be careful watching that wonderful cooking show or you’ll start talking with their accent lol.
October 28th, 2015 @ 9:38 am
Medical procedurs just suck. But blessed we live in this time where such things are more advanced. Good luck and think happy thoughts during the probing.
When my animals have passed the remaining morn for a couple of days. Especially the cats since they are so vocal. How’s Charlie doing?
October 28th, 2015 @ 10:30 am
Shreve, I hope your medical procedure is as quick and painless as possible, and most importantly successful! Please take good care of yourself and allow others to do the same.
October 28th, 2015 @ 3:19 pm
Hi Shreve and good luck tomorrow. So sorry to hear about Eli, terribly sad.
You may like to give The Great British Sewing Bee a go after GBBO, that too is addictive. Enjoy x
October 29th, 2015 @ 7:43 am
You will be in my thoughts all day. Tough stuff, this medical “procedure.” Cosmic calm and strength going out your way.
October 29th, 2015 @ 1:31 pm
I don’t like pork pies (either figurative or literal) but prune and bacon, now you’re talking, so the prune in the pie probably makes it more tolerable (unless it’s the figurative pie and then the prune makes no difference whatsoever). It’s Friday morning, I need coffee.
I can understand people asking about Charlie, in San Diego there have been issues with pets being taken by coyotes (workmate’s neighbour cat for one) and recently there haven’t been posts of the two of them as there were in the beginnings of the blog to understand their relationship. Coyotes and cats, as a stereotype, don’t mix well. You break the mould, Shreve.
All the best to your deflowered nasal cavities!
~F
October 29th, 2015 @ 8:02 pm
I love the great british baking show too!
October 30th, 2015 @ 3:04 pm
May the procedure go off without a hitch! May you heal quickly and effortlessly. Positive vibes to you… and hugs :)
October 31st, 2015 @ 12:48 pm
Anyone who could even question if Charlie killed Eli is a recent follower. Those of us who have been here a very long time know that Eli was pack leader to Charlie. Which was the most amazing thing EVER.
October 31st, 2015 @ 5:17 pm
LOL. My latest binge has been Murdoch Mysteries.
But I think I have The Great British Baking show on PBS so I’ll have to check it out.
Are you being given any vocal exercises to do to help your vocal folds heal?
November 1st, 2015 @ 4:09 pm
Best wishes for a successful procedure and healing. Hopefully, one more big owie and you are all better.
As to Eli and Charlie, add me to the group that never imagined Charlie would harm Eli. He too obviously adored that cat.
November 1st, 2015 @ 10:15 pm
hope the procedure was a huge success!! i’m looking forward to the calendar :) october’s for this year just made me giggle when i turned the page – so much joy and energy on that photo
November 1st, 2015 @ 10:46 pm
Deepest sympathies on Eli’s passing. You all must miss him so much.
The Great British Bake Off is WONDERFUL! I’ve watched every single episode. I love how nice and supportive they are of each other! I also love Sue and Mel! All around fantastic show!
November 2nd, 2015 @ 4:44 pm
just catching up. still praying for you and sending lots of love as well. healthy thoughts, too!
thanks for the tip out the british bake off. sounds like my kind of show.
November 2nd, 2015 @ 5:28 pm
YOU are NOT alone in your love for the BBS! My mother is the beneficiary of my new found love for baking – I always loved cooking but now I take her better and better loaves of whole wheat. I occasionally sample. ;)
I get ideas for other flours (I use almond, coconut etc) and other methods of proofing.
November 2nd, 2015 @ 8:27 pm
I hope this medical procedure helps you regain your full voice power. I send my prayers your way. I cannot believe that anyone following “Daily Cayote” could possibly believe that Charlie would hurt Eli!
November 3rd, 2015 @ 5:49 pm
So sorry to hear about Eli – I always enjoyed seeing pictures of him. He reminded me a little of a big orange cat my mom used to have, totally in charge of his world (including whatever foolish dog was in it). No one who “watched” him and Charlie, when Charlie first came, could have thought Charlie would hurt him – I think we are all more worried about how Charlie is handling losing his big brother. Hope you all can comfort each other through his loss.
November 3rd, 2015 @ 5:52 pm
OH, and the Great British Baking Show is _fabulous_. It’s just so…..British, what with all the tea cakes and things with French names (somehow that is very British), and everyone is so NICE to each other – so, so wonderful to see competitors cheering each other on, rather than figuring out ways to sabotage each other! Plus, who ever knew there were so _many_ kinds of things to bake!
November 4th, 2015 @ 3:08 pm
Back a gazillin years ago I had to have a similar procedure. Can’t for the life of my remember why. The thing I DO remember was our middle daughter going along as the “responsible adult”. She had just gotten her driver’s license, and was quite amused to be “in the driver’s seat”, so to speak.
November 10th, 2015 @ 6:12 pm
Good Lord, this is 2015…So, I have to wonder why you are expected to be awake for such a horrid medical procedure. I expect that they need your cooperation or feedback at some points.
Yes, the British Baking Show! My husband lived in England as an Air Force Brat in 1959ish…..He says it was back when they made Shepherd’s Pie with real shepherd. (Rimshot.)
Someone mentioned earlier here that their favorite photo of Eli was him asleep next to furry young roommates……..My thoughts exactly! So sad for you.
January 13th, 2016 @ 9:12 pm
Just catching up on your blog and so, so, so happy to hear that you found your way into the laryngology office and have recovered your voice! After 10 years of working with people with voice problems, I have witnessed the relief that comes with regaining the ability to communicate in a more comfortable way. I hope that things have continued to go well for you into 2016!
March 9th, 2016 @ 10:27 am
So sad to hear about Eli! We have lost so many noble internet cats lately… Hamish McHamish, Super Stationmaster Tama, and now Eli. (and mayor Stubbs is pretty old too…)
I hope you are comforted by the fact that he had a great home and lots of love for many years… we should all be so lucky! Thank you for the wonderful photos that bridge modern life with the glory of nature…