Now that is a fabulous birthday party!

Neither does vodka! Doritos and vodka it is then! 😁

Since you asked about no sugar ideas, you might want to check out Sami Inkinen and his wife’s rowing feat from California to Hawaii. They ate high fat, moderate protein and low carb the entire way. Many people believe that you need carbs to fuel yourself but Sami did not and found he didn’t bonk like he did when he ate high carbs when competing in triathlons. (Sami is a triathlete and guinea pig for Stanford researchers studying the effect of diets and competition and health.) If you are interested, there is a documentary of him and his wife rowing to Hawaii explaining how they felt on the diet. They discuss foods they ate and maybe you could try some for yourself.

Her kitty bed resembles her. I suppose that is how it must be. 😸

It's more that the ratio of omega 6 fatty acids to omega 3 fatty acids is thought to be out of balance which can lead to health problems. The ratio should be around 4:1 and in the US it's much higher. So reducing omega 6 fats and increasing omega 3s can bring the ratio back into a healthy range. The reason why a healthy ratio is important is because cell membranes are made up of omega 6 and omega 3 fats and too many omega 6 fats cause problems with the structure of the membrane. The membrane has a lot of mechanisms embedded in it that need to be properly built. Same goes for mitochondria which have two membranes. There is still a lot of research going into cell membranes and fats so what is thought to be true could change somewhat. Personally, I avoid seed oils high in omega 6 oils and also grain-fed meat and certain kinds of fish which also can be higher in omega 6 fatty acids. Rhonda Patrick talks about omega 6 and omega 3 research quite a bit and has interviews with researchers on her site if you're interested. https://www.foundmyfitness.com/topics/omega-3 You can test your fat makeup with the OmegaQuant tests (sometimes cheaper at Life Extension). They're just simple diy finger prick blood tests that you send in to get analyzed and then about two weeks later, they will post your results in your account. This is the test we take once or twice a year. It's the Omega-3 Index Plus Test and sells for about $80. https://omegaquant.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/OmegaQuant_O3plus_v15Dec2020.pdf

If you do the Sky Deck at Willis Tower, they also have a 5-story shopping and food court as well as a small museum called Color Factory that might appeal to tweens. Millennium Park: Crown Fountain, outdoor Boeing Galleries, The Bean Michigan Avenue: Museum of Ice Cream Navy Pier: Chicago Shakes, Shakespeare Theatre, is very engaging. Ferris Wheel and other rides. Food court. Water tours. Chicago Children’s Museum. John Hancock has The Tilt and a Cheesecake Factory in the basement. Lincoln Park Zoo. RJ Grunts is nearby if you're hungry. Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is just north of the zoo. For food ideas, there’s a new Ed Debevic’s on Ohio just east of Michigan. Cheesy but fun. Dove’s Luncheonette in Wicker Park is fantastic.

I was just wondering how little Chloe is doing. She is looking good and healthy, ready to rule the world. Let the mischief begin! And how wonderful that she has Havoc protecting her. 💕 They are clearly best buddies. eta: I agree wholeheartedly that you have done a superb job helping her get through some touch-and-go times. Well done, @Kela! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Serrapeptase, an enzyme that can break down scar tissue into amino acids, could be helpful. It is used mostly in Japan. There are pros and cons and you’d want to read more about it and then decide. Ray Sahelian, SelfHacked, Reddit might have more info. I used it years ago to help break down scar tissue caused by Dupuytrens Contracture. It seemed to help. Another idea to improve lung health is to measure his omega 3 index using a diy finger prick blood test and then if necessary, tweak his diet to move the index into an optimal range. Test every six months. You might already be doing this but I’ll throw it out there since the omega 3 index seems very important because of how it affects the make up of cell membranes including the mechanisms that control certain pathways that are on the cell as well as mitochondria on the inside of the cell. OmegaQuant makes the tests but you can often find them for less on the Life Extension website. https://omegaquant.com/what-is-the-omega-3-index/

If you are concerned about making dreamcatchers, you could always contact leaders of tribes and ask what they think. They are people like anyone else and appreciate when people do ask.

I am part Lakota and grew up on a reservation where both sides of my family lived for several generations. My NA side came from South Dakota. (It's not just Native Americans who live on reservations, btw. Some of them are very large.) People have co-mingled for generations working through differences and problems eventually finding common ground, respect, admiration and appreciation for the other. Anyway, no, I would not see it as cultural appropriation at all to make a dreamcatcher. Who knows nowadays, though? Someone might take issue with it.

George Michael had such a beautiful voice. His Ladies and Gentleman album showcases what he could do. The emotion, phrasing, range, etc. all come together. I like his pop songs but they don’t compare to his lesser-known songs.

Okay. I got part of what I told you wrong. We bought new door handles/locks and got new keys. That’s not rekeying. In the past, though, we have had the locks rekeyed. You take the locks off the door and then bring those in to the locksmith. Then the locksmith does something to the pins inside the lock so that only new keys will work. Dh says some of them might come out to your house to do it. So, make a house call but that’s more expensive. We just searched for locksmiths and our town’s name and then went with the business that had the best rating. Replacing the deadbolt would work too and be easier. The less hassle, the better when you’re moving.

I agree with seeing if you can just rekey. We got our exterior doors rekeyed just the other week. Dh, who lost his keys (ahem), took the two doorknobs in to a locksmith to get rekeyed. They suggested we upgrade to more secure locks/doorknobs, which we did. Total was about $300. However, I think to just rekey would have been about $25 per lock, dh said. And it doesn't take long at all. Dh said maybe 5-10”. Then, after all that, dh found his old keys the next day. Of course.

I ordered a 3’ extension garden hose. Isn’t that exciting? 😁

I’m waiting for suggestions, too. C’mon, people! One thing I need is a 5-10’ garden hose. Not the stretchy kind. I will have to look. Last year expanding hoses were on sale for a decent price, so if anyone needs one, Prime Day might be a good time to get one.

I was wondering how Chloe was doing earlier today. She appears to be much better! And her ears look a little bigger, too, so growing! Maybe you can enlist Havoc to help with kitten finishing school. I wouldn't be surprised if he pitches in somehow. What a sweetie.

I think you mean Browning in northwestern Montana? It would be a bit of a drive from Wyoming but if passing through Bozeman, Montana, the Museum of the Rockies usually has Native American exhibits worth checking out as well as the dinosaurs, planetarium and other exhibits. https://museumoftherockies.org/exhibitions/enduring-peoples The Crow Agency is just north of Wyoming in Montana, and they will be having the Crow Fair and Rodeo in August. It’s one of the biggest powwows in the US. I don’t think it coincides with the travel dates but it would be an excellent way to experience different Native American traditions. https://www.visitmt.com/things-to-do/events/2023/08/crow-fair-rodeo

Buying cars is one of my least favorite things to do as well. My advice is do not buy a Subaru Outback. We have a 2021 and it has a parasitic battery drain meaning the battery drains willy nilly. The crash collision brakes have also started to engage unexpectedly at times when we’re stopping and something is going on with the revving where it revs but barely chugs along. It is the most lemon-y car we’ve owned with the exception of a Fiat I drove for one summer. Even my husband’s old Gremlin was more reliable! On the other hand, Toyota has been our favorite. We’re going to be checking out the Sienna this fall. Can’t wait. Hope you find something that fits what you want.

What a scary ordeal. Nothing is worse than having a very sick child. I’m so glad that he is recovering well. I hope everything continues to go well for all of you, Melissa.

That is so good to hear! It’s scary when they’re so touch and go and you have to try to figure out what’s going on. Sounds like she’s over that big hurdle. On to growing. Then kitten antics. Beware! 😸

What a cutie pie! She looks pretty comfy all snuggled up in her little blanket. That's great the antibiotic is helping her appetite. Now she just has to keep eating and growing big. Fingers crossed! 🤞🏼

Oh, no. Prayers for you and your son, Melissa. 💕

If she’s not nursing much, could she be dehydrated? The harder poops might be a sign. And maybe also the loss of appetite? I’ve watched Kitten Lady give kittens IVs which perked them up. If she’s still not eating much, I’d probably take her to the vet to get checked out. I think animals know when their buddies are struggling so if Havoc is worried, then he could be sensing something is off. What a sweetie. ❤️

Oh, they are so cute together! Your German Shepherd is gorgeous, btw, and so sweet to be concerned about Chloe. I am not surprised. German Shepherds that I’ve known are such incredible dogs. Very loyal and protective. 💕 Maybe nce Chloe got everything out, there was more room in her tummy. She doesn’t appear to be fully tabby, maybe a little Russian Blue or Korat? Not that it matters. She’s adorable.

Great news! On to phase 2… selling your house. Sounds like you have it all figured out. I think you will sell fast.