Toby Comments on Thanksgiving Dinner

The strings in these string beans are so tough they're more like guy wires.

You know "guy wire" yet you still sometimes forget and poop in the house?

I do NOT poop in the house. Don’t listen to her.

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While waiting for an appointment with a neurologist, I may have accidentally stumbled onto what’s been wrong with my arms and hands. Mind you I have described these symptoms to half a dozen doctors yet no one brought this up as a possibility.

In the mornings, I wake up with what I refer to as “Barbie arms”. They are paralyzed – frozen in one position. I can’t move my hands or bend my arms. It makes things difficult because I need to use eye drops as soon as I wake, but I can’t pick them up. Also, trying to use the bathroom is quite challenging. Sometimes my arms and hands hurt badly, sometimes not as much. My arms are weak so that I can’t hold them up unless I concentrate it. Last year I had to buy an electric jar opener (not can opener) because I could not grip a lid.

Each doctor I’ve talked to has thought this to be MS, but of all my symptoms, I thought this one was a bad match because the pain and paralysis depended on what I was doing.

Finally my pain started localizing on my upper arms. Out of curiosity I looked up that part of the arm and learned that the ulnar nerve is located there. Compression of this nerve can cause cubital tunnel syndrome – a very common relative of carpal tunnel syndrome. So why did no doctor recognize it? I’ve told everyone to the point where I’m sure they are sick of the sound of my voice.

I found some stretching exercises online that are supposed to help with this syndrome. I know that the root of my problem is related to sleeping position, and I don’t know how to fix that, but maybe these exercises can give me some of my life back.

Yet another thing to be grateful for this Thanksgiving!

Hope all of our Bitey World friends had a nice Thanksgiving too (even if it wasn’t technically Thanksgiving in your country)!

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The holidays are coming! Don’t forget to pick up a copy of Dream Our World for all those you love. Not only will it be a gift of love and laughter, but you can say that you know the author. (Toby and I can sign the copy, if you’d like.)

Dream Our World is available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Snowman Aftermath

What happened? She's too old to build a snowman. Owie owie owie owie!

Yeah, I’m too old to build a snowman.

I could have told you that.

So what are we grateful this Thanksgiving? Advil.

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The weather might might be mild this week, but it will soon be cold again. Protect yourself against chilly evenings and rising fuel costs with this colorful, handcrafted Bear Paw Quilt. Bear Paw Quilt is large enough for a full sized bed but could also be used on a twin or as a throw for the couch. The geometric designs and earthy colors make it a perfect gift for the man in your life.

Bear Paw Quilt and many other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Mommy Eats Worms

What happened? She was turned down for two jobs this week.

She says nobody loves her, and she's going to pretend that plate of spaghetti is worms. Should she really be eating if she's not working?

I earn my keep. You need to earn yours.

It’s funny that even with a worker shortage, I can still find plenty of places willing to say “no” to me.

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Christmas is right around the corner! Make shopping for the men in you life easier by picking up hand knit merino wool sweaters for everyone on your list.

Sandstone Handknit Tweed Cardigan for Men

Handmade olive green tweed cardigan for men.

These sweaters and other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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The Snowman

Look, it's snowing! I think I'll build the boys a snowman while they're sleeping.

Yay, a pee man! If I give him my hat, can I bring him to life?

Yesterday was the first snow of the season. I took Toby outside to play, and we decided to build a snowman. As I rolled the snow across the ground, I picked up pee spot after pee spot after pee spot. When I was done, I had more pee than snow. Toby was thrilled and even kicked the dirty snow into my face. (Thanks, Toby.) It was one of the grossest experiences I’ve had.

After some of the pee melted off, we decided that the snowman looked like a despondent cat.

You didn’t like my pee snow? I don’t believe it.

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Looking for a gift this holiday season? Consider giving the gift of warmth with this hand quilted Bear Paw Quilt! Heating costs are projected to be 28% higher this winter, so a nice, cozy quilt could help keep utility bills down. Plus, what is more fun than snuggling up together with someone you love on a cold, blustery evening?

This Bear Paw Quilt and other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Toby Makes Dinner

You're making dinner tonight? Sure am! What are we having?

Poo Helper. And mommy is OK with that? She said she's tire of cooking and whatever I make will be great.

Earth Chocolate

Cairn terrier puppy stuffs himself with all sorts of chocolate.

Toby! You're not eating dirt again, are you? Nooo....?

I went to the store the other day to find that the cost of a loaf of my bread has risen to $9.19. Needless to say, on top of everything else I have to prepare from scratch, I’m now baking my own bread as well.

Before you wax nostalgic about the tactile joys of kneading dough, I eat a rice-based diet. The less you handle it, the better. Baking bread with a non-glutinous grain is more of a series of science experiment than something you remember doing by your loving grandmother’s side.

If I could get Toby to do even part of the cooking, it would make life so much easier. Sadly, he just eats the ingredients.

Cook whatever you want, I’m taking a nap.

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If you’d like to see what else my boys have been up to, pick up a copy of Dream Our World. Inside the boys visit the museum of their dreams and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun.

Dream Our World would make a great holiday present for someone you love without breaking your budget. Order a copy for everyone on your list!

Dream Our World and other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Walls

Real me or virtual me, I look great on a wall!

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To see more of what Bitey and Toby have been up to, pick up a copy of Dream Our World. Inside the boys visit the museum of their dreams and enjoy a day of unsupervised fun.

Dream Our World is available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Castor Oil

Do you guys have any idea what happened to my castor oil? Haven't a clue. No idea what you're talking about.

My aunt told me about this nearly a year ago, and I have been using it ever since. That is what I credit for my dandelion fluff new hair.

This secret is why my fur is always so thick and luxurious.

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Boy's Purple and Blue Argyle Sweater Vest

Encourage your child to combat covid apathy by dressing sharply in this hand knit Argyle Vest! Size 3-5 Argyle Vest is made of 100% merino wool, so it is both incredibly soft and very warm. Studies have shown that children who dress for success are more likely to achieve it. Why not give your young person every advantage starting today?

Argyle Vest is available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Does Mommy Still Love Me?

Do you think mommy still loves me even though I barked all day?

Of course she does. She has to. It's like, in her contract or something.

Just look at her. She's smiling. She must be happy.

I should sit here for my picture? OK! Free to a good home. Are you sure there are biscuits in here? Woo hoo! i can't wait to see what my surprise is!

No, I never think such things.

You’d better not. I know where you live.

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Last night got cold enough for frost for us. If you are in a similarly global-warming-challenged climate, and your single puppy dog on the bed isn’t enough to keep you warm, consider adding this rustic Bear Paw Quilt to your nights. By adding an extra layer of bedding, not only will you save on heating costs but by conserving fuel, you won’t be contributing to next year’s unbearably hot summer. (Unless there’s a volcano, then all bets are off.)

This Bear Paw Quilt and many other fine gifts are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Dandelion Fluff

Hey look! A closed door. Let's open it. Absolutely! Do NOT open this door!

Don't look at me! What happened? You always look normal when we see you.

Last August my hair fell out again. I have been drawing myself with a wig ever since. Why didn't you just draw yourself with hair?

Hmm, why didn't I draw myself with hair?

Did you know that psoriasis can make your hair fall out? Well it can! After falling out (again) last August, mine has finally started growing back and is maybe four or five inches long. When I stand in the light, I resemble a dandelion gone to seed.

I have a friend who is facing chemo and is rightly disappointed at the thought of losing her hair. I wanted to let her know that she is not alone. When I lost mine, I spent a good bit of time looking at chemo hats, and I found a company that I liked. It’s called Headcovers Unlimited, and it has a lot of options other than traditional chemo scarves.

Of course all their models have a healthy glow to their cheeks and don’t have tired eyes, but it is nice to imagine that I might look this cute in one of their hats. Some of the hats and scarves have hair in the back to protect your neck from the sun. (The hair is attached to the hat in this picture. )

So, if you are dealing with alopecia, you don’t need to send your husband beat up comedians. Instead splurge on some soft hats to make yourself feel better. And chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.

Not my image, but I wish it were!

Mommy gets lots of compliments on her pink sunhat

…but she gets even more compliments on me!

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Self conscious about the state of your hair? Then consider this dramatic hooded cape/cloak when you go out for the evening.

Made of light-drinking black pinwale corduroy and lined with soft as silk red acetate, this cloak is sure to make a bold statement wherever you go.

Ladies Cloak/Cape is available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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Sweet (Potato) Dreams

A friend of mine said that my sweet potato looked like a dinosaur.

Oh wait, maybe she said it was as big as a dinosaur.

When digging up the garden, I had been giving Toby the tiny little potatoes that never fully developed which made him a pretty happy guy. Then he watched me pick up this behemoth, and you should have seen the expression on his face! I don’t think his eyes could have gotten any wider nor his tail wagged any faster. I couldn’t let him have it, though, lest I have to write another poem about yark.

Who are you to judge the yarkworthiness of my adventures?

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The local paper had an article about how allergies are being mistaken for covid symptoms. Whether you have ragweed issues or a virus, these earth-friendly, reusable cotton hankies are perfect for keeping your nose clean and dry.

Cotton hankies come with different pictures or phrases painted on them to make extra special gifts for those you love. Hankies are available from my shop at L Bowman Studios.

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