Living with a Senior Cat-izen

Dozy turned 14 just before her annual checkup in May. The vet has a chart on the wall converting cat years to human years - it's not the same as dogs - and Dozy is apparently 73. She's a very active and feisty 73 (as the vet and techs discovered during the exam!).

Despite her apparent good health, Dozy's blood tests came back with high-normal thyroid levels. Since she wasn't showing any other symptoms of hyperthyroidism, the vet recommended coming back for a recheck in 3-4 months.

So earlier this month we went back for another round of tests. Dozy's thyroid levels appeared to have dropped, but so had her weight - a full 8 oz. Which, for a cat who has been on a diet for years and only lost about 4 oz., was kind of a lot. So they ran a second set of tests, and they came back with elevated thyroid levels.

The vet recommended one of two treatment options: medical management (not a cure) or radioactive iodine (a cure). The radioactive iodine has to be done at a place in the 'burbs and requires a 3 day hospital stay, as well as a number of tests beforehand. The medical management involves pills, a check after 3-4 weeks, and checks every 6 months thereafter.

Dozy sez pills.

So, we'll be embarking on this new adventure once I return from next week's business trip. I've already scouted out the Pill Pockets and gotten the pill popper ready...

Boulevard Lakefront Tour

Yesterday, Team Crusty (PolkaGrl, Crusty Bill and Crusty Marcia) cruised the streets of Chicago on a gorgeous, sunny September day as participants in the Boulevard Lakefront Tour. This is a great ride for getting to know Chicago - the route follows, for the most part, the boulevard system and goes through a variety of neighborhoods, from Hyde Park to Logan Square and pretty much everything in between. And to make sure riders get the whole Chicago experience, the final leg followed the lakefront bike path - Lake Michigan looked so gorgeous and deep blue yesterday, it was tempting to jump in for a quick swim!!!

As a reward for completing the 35 mile ride, we received Goose Island-catered lunch, which was actually pretty tasty. Or maybe I was just starved. We were also able to purchase some fine brews from the caterers, which was nice.

Crusty Bill and PolkaGrl are now looking forward to their 50 mile ride through southwest Michigan in a few more weeks. Go Team Crusty!!!!

The Friendly Giant

No, this entry is not about the television show. (Although I did like that show, along with Mr. Dressup. Canadian children's shows were so great!) Last month I bought a new bike - a Giant Cypress. I am really enjoying riding it!

Today I rode up to the North Branch Trail - unfortunately, the north end is under construction, so I didn't get up to the Botanical Garden. But I did get a nice 31.5 mile ride in. I spotted a lot of restaurants to try someday as I rode in the city.

Next weekend: the Boulevard Lakefront Tour!