When I am nervous or worried or excited or happy, I have to make things.
So, I guess, whenever my energy gets a little zippy in either a good or bad way, you will find me baking, cleaning, making, doing. Keeping my mind busy busy.
Baking being one of my faves.
I am finding that I have this sort of natural adrenaline. My whole life I have felt something that feels like shots of caffeine surge through me, at random times. No wonder when I drink caffeine I get terribly jittery and nauseous. I am already boppy on my own.
Sure, I like to relax too.
But mostly, I like to do do do.
When I was a little girl, I used to tell my mom that I felt fast.
Then I’d speed around in circles, jumping about, out of control.
Fast.
I told her this week that I still feel like that very often.
Just full of energy.
She said she does too.
So there you go, I get it from her.
Point is, with Matty seeming to feel a tinge better every day (although he doesn’t want his picture taken), I find myself doing a little bit of everything.
The relief in me, that he is doing better and not worse, is so huge, I can’t even tell you.
So, as of today, he is a little bit better.
Everyday is a better day.
Yay!
(collective prayers and hopes, I just know it!!)
So, with the family feeling a little less stressed, I decided that the cinnamon rolls I am talking about on my Pastries and Sweets blog needed to become a reality.
This is the recipe I used.
While Mister Lovee went out to play his instruments, I got to baking.
Slowly.
Thoughtfully.
First I sat down and read all the directions carefully.
Then I made my dough and put it inside my oven to rise.
(in a bowl, on a cookie sheet, covered with a damp flour sack towel)
That’s my rising trick from time to time.
I put my oven on the lowest setting, way below where numbers even start (below 200’F), so it’s just very warm and not hot.
And voila, the dough rises beautifully every time.
The directions were easy, and I followed them step by step.
The dough was supple and lovely, and I kept lots of extra flour nearby for rolling out.
(sorry, the making photos are hideous night shots)
I had never made cinnamon rolls from scratch before.
It was quite easy.
The only time spent was waiting for the dough to rise, which I love the waiting time.
It’s like, free magazine reading time to me.
Or, see if you can get the kitchen totally sparkly clean before it rises time.
With the music on.
I really recommend giving these a try.
You will be so pleased.
Mister Lovee got home just as they came out of the oven. So, I let him choose between the sugar or maple frosting/glaze. He chose the maple. He loves maple syrup, so we went with that.
The recipe says to immediately turn your buns onto a wire rack, so they are now upside down.
Alas, we thought they were prettier right side up.
So, I flipped them back over.
I had started to drizzle them in a very lovely fashion.
However, Lovee is a sweet tooth, and he was adamant not one drip of glaze be wasted.
So, in the end, I just poured the glaze on in heaps.
Mister Lovee ate so many, he stopped counting.
And, the next morning, they were just as good…
There is half of one left.
I ate one too many myself.
Not something I had planned.
But hey, we had a rough week.
Cinnamon rolls were needed.
Yumm.
Make them, seriously.
You will feel so proud and happy you did it.
Plus, you will make your household smile.
As for us.
Like I said, Matty is taking it easy.
He was not interested in me taking his photo at all.
Tomorrow I will talk to the vet, and, make some plans as some of the pills are coming to a finish.
In the meantime, Miles wants extra love.
Poor baby.
The day we took Matty to the doggie ER hospital, Miles had to stay home alone for the first time ever.
I told him, you be brave my big boy.
When we got home, he was sitting right at the gate.
As though he had not moved all the hours we were gone, late into the night.
He’s pure love that one.
Matty has not felt like playing yet.
Understandably.
So, Lovee and I have taken turns playing with Miles a lot.
Which we do anyway.
But you can tell, he is desperate for some gazelle running and tumbling with his big little brother.
(they LOVE the Snuggies my dad gave us 🙂
Sometimes I wonder what they think about their little worlds, or if they do? Matty came to live with us at about 6 weeks (from a very rough home, and was totally untrusting and mean at that little age), and Miles at 4.5 weeks (too young, but they had to put the pups in homes due to a family emergency).
We are the only home and family they have really ever known.
I could never just throw them outside and treat them less than family members.
They are so integrated into our lives, we all wouldn’t know any other way.
I didn’t grow up with pets really.
We tried.
We tried for cats, and tragedy struck with them all the time.
(poor Butterscotch)
Then…
I got a cat, who I named Casey when I was little, and she lived until I was in college.
She was a whiny old calico gal.
But, I could never play with her or love her, because I was so allergic.
I tried, but I broke out in hives and wheezing fits.
With a huge swollen itchy lip.
Isn’t that the saddest thing ever?
I think about her alllll the time.
Casey.
Then I got a big huge fat black cat Moschino, but he ran away into the desert behind our house.
Then I refound him on the road, and brought him home…
And he ran away again, into the wild where we lived.
Then I went to college and tried a few cats, but they got stolen.
One by a neighbor across the street (Fatty was his name), and one (Zalik) quite blatantly by a neighbor down the street.
(I used to bathe Zalik, za-leek, but would still sneeze and wheeze all day and night)
Who gave him back, and then moved and stole him again.
I tried to get a rabbit.
(I am year of the rabbit btw)
But, I had the same reaction as to cats.
When I was little, I had two ducks.
A white and a black, but they were sooooo mean.
We had to give them to the local duck man who had a pond.
And I had a white cockatiel bird named Ginger for 1 day, but my babysitter fed her the wrong thing.
Once I was in high school, my brother and sister got baby dalmatians.
But, I never really got to know them, as I moved out of town for college.
Why did I just type that whole pointless tale?
🙂
I guess, point maybe, I feel really lucky I am not allergic to dogs.
For sure.
Well, I need to get back to work.
Packaging delightful orders, so they arrive sooner than soon.
Everyone’s in their places.
Miles under me, Matty behind me.
Oh one last thing…
My uncle’s dog was in the hospital and his bill was something like $7,000.
Perhaps more, I can’t recall.
I was talking to my neighbor and she was telling me she has health insurance for her dogs.
She says it is very reasonable.
Like $15-30 a month.
And, I was considering it.
Because no one is prepared for thousands in pet care when an illness strikes.
And I was wondering, do any of you have health insurance on your furs?
And if so, can you share any info. you might have about this?
Okay, off for now.
Back soon.
Love, Vanessa
ps: Hi there, it’s Tuesday night, and I have been busy cutting canvas, printing prints, packaging cards and getting all the orders shipped out. Woo hoo!
But I wanted to give a quick Matty update, in case you were wondering?
He is okay, not great. Not back to normal, just holding steady.
We will see his vet (not the ER place, but his regular vet who sent us to the ER) tomorrow and assess things.
For now he is sleeping under my feet, and we are about to cuddle up for the night.
Thank you so much for your well wishes, e-mails + tips and thoughts.
Beyond lovely, thank you.
Love, Vanessa & Matty 🙂
Hello my blog sister
I have wanted to comment before but I look and see so very many that I figure I’ll try again next time. I am stunned that no one has commented yet and I get to be the first!!! I am honored… must buy a lottery ticket, luck must be good today : )
I have thought of you so, so much these last few day, terrified to check in for fear of bad news, hugely relieved when I see only good! It is THE hardest thing when your furry family is ill. You can’t reassure them, you don’t always know where it hurts or how to help them. They are true, raw, unfettered love and it always feels so horrible and totally unfair when they hurt. I have been sending you love and light, thinking positive thoughts. It is so funny how I have never met you, don’t know that much about you but feel a very close sister thing (I don’t even have a sister do I don’t really know how that would feel, but I like to think you and I would be great sisters : ) So all this rambling is to tell you, i check in on you often, always send you love and light, and hurt for you, and your family when your fur members are ailing. Just know that even though I don’t comment a lot, I am out there, your huge cheer leader and fan. Keep on baking sista!!!
TONS of love and faerie magic,
From my furry family and me,
Tricia
Dear Vanessa, what GREAT NEWS that your boy is making a slow but steady recovery, he is clearly a strong soul and loves his life with you all too much to fade away. I will keep sending him healthy loving vibes, indeed sending them to you all.
As for those cinnamon buns, you look so yummy, I’ve never made them either but you are very much tempting me to try! Some comfort baking and eating is just what you all need.
p.s. I do recommend getting pet insurance – we’ve always had it for our kitties and it’s so worth it for not just the bills but the peace of mind…
I agree with peace of mind for sure. The worst thing is when you want
to do anything possible to help and save them, and what if you just cant?
I dont want to be in that position ever.
I am definitely going to do this. I wonder what companies would be
good to go with?
Dear Vanessa! I am SO delighted to hear that Matty continues to improve. I have heard about pet insurance but have never signed up for it. Maybe I will reconsider it in the future. Our scare with Neo was almost more than I could take. Thankfully, we were able to pay the bills for his care. Wish I could help you more with that. Do let us know what you choose to do. I was thinking of Matty all this morning, so I am thankful that you provided an update. I will keep thinking good good thoughts for him.
Those cinnamon buns look amazing! I love baking, too – and it is VERY therapeutic. To create something luscious from scratch. Thank you for sharing the recipe. I will have to try it sometime.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday…and keep thinking positively. I am hoping the vet has good news for you. xoxo
So glad things are improving! You have to know that I think baking is theraputic!
xo,
Lisa
What a relief!!!! Also, those cinnamon buns look dee-licious!
Yes, all my kitties have been insured. So is my brother’s dog, and most of the other pets I know. Though I think it’s much more common in Sweden. It’s a HUGE relief when something happens. We don’t have any savings, and when my little furry boy needed help last autumn our 150 USD deductible was reached within the first hour. I was very grateful we had insurance!
Great to hear that Matty is doing better!
Been waiting on pins and needles here for news of how your baby is doing. So happy, and hoping the news continues to be good! Those cinnamon rolls look delish! I know hubby would be thrilled if I made him some. As well as astonished! HA No health ins. here on our fur babies. We have always been very lucky with their health. (knock on wood)
I’ve not been reading so many blogs recently, for no other reason that it’s just been busy. All I can say is I send wishes and wishes and hope and hope to you and Matty. I truly hope he continues forth on the road to recovery.
Hi Vanessa!
I’ve never heard of pet insurance, but our horse shoer has a credit card designed for big emergency vet bills. You can only put pet medical expenses on it. It’s like a line of credit or something and she got it through her vet. (Her pooch got horribly ill and it took thousands of dollars to make him well.) I don’t remember what it’s called, but it worked good for her. It was low interest and small payments over a resonable time. If you want, I can ask her.
So glad to hear Matty is improving. Isn’t it awful when your best buddy is sick and can’t tell you what’s wrong? My horse has been lame these last couple of months. At one point, was so awful he has hobbling even with the pain killer. It has been horrible. But we learned to celebrate even the tinyist improvement. And be patient. Even when we had some setbacks, we just had to be positive and know it takes time. Sounds like you’re giving him the loving atmosphere he needs to heal 🙂
Those cinnamon rolls look awesome 🙂 I’ve never made them from scratch, but I might have to try!
Thinking of your boy and sending lots of healing love 🙂
Yay Matty! A little better and better is good. I don’t have pet health insurance, but I have thought about it since Mal seems to have this perpetual stomach problem. I just haven’t gotten it because I don’t know much about it or anyone who has it so I don’t know where to begin!
I think what Carlene is talking about is Care Credit. I worked in a vets office for 20 years. Care Credit has become very popular. It seems like some people qualified for 6 months no finance charge ( maybe longer) it is worth looking into for sick furs or people. People Dentist take it too. We did not have very many clients with insurance.
So glad Maddy is feeling better. I will continue to say doggie prayers for him and poor Miles as well, and of course you. I am not a big blog reader, but yours I really enjoy. Thank you for sharing your life as it makes mine brighter.
All the best,
Beth
Dear Vanessa,
Oh, hurrah for Matty feeling a little bit better! I have been thinking about him, and all of you, often, hoping he would continue to improve. (I mentioned the situation to my husband, and he has asked every day, “Did she post anything? How is Matty?”)
It must feel good to get things even a little bit back to normal, and be cooking and creating. Those rolls look delicious…thinking about getting ambitious and trying them one day soon.
I’ve no experience with pet insurance, but it’s definitely something we’ve talked about for when we get our next dogs – seems like something that could be really helpful.
Anyway, so glad that Matty and everyone is feeling improved, I’ll continue sending good thoughts and healing energy your way!
~Jennifer
Oh, P.S. – This is the Jennifer who sent an e-mail a few days ago and mentioned she’d always been too shy to leave a comment (don’t know at all why, everyone is so nice, including you, of course.) Well, anyway, taa-daa, here I am! See? You inspire us all to big and little acts of joy and nerve! : )
P.P.S.- Love the image of little Vanessa running around in circles… whoosh!
Hi Vanessa! Love your blog but never comment, sorry.
But I wanted to give you my feedback on pet insurance, it is great! I had a huge scare with my little french bulldog Francesca, unfortunately at the time we had just cancelled her insurance, and of course, Murphy law never fails, so almost $5K later, we went back to insure our babies.
So far so great, we have ASPC and there is various types that you can choose from. Also other kinds of insurance, but after a long research, i think this one covers the most. There is a deductible like every other insurance, but that is yearly, so not too bad. I hope that helps!
Big hug!
Alessandra
Sorry Vanessa, so many mistakes, had to come back.
1 – The insurance is ASPCA
2 – Deductibles are annual, not yearly… 😉
3 – We a pay a little over $100 for 2 dogs, ages 5 and 6 (french bulldog and chocolate lab)
Thanks again! 🙂
All our furry children have been insured, it gives peace of mind especially when one of your children get seriously ill…… we pay around 40.00 pounds (UK) each month and as our gorgeous girl is well into middle age, it gives me peace of mind. Insurance is so worth it. Advice is to shop around and make sure its life term and not annual insurance. I’m so sad that Matty has been in the wars but thrilled he is on the mend. hugs Olive xxxxx
Oh yay, I am so happy that Matty is doing better each day. 🙂
Side note, Mister Lovee is right…the more maple glaze you drizzle on the cinnamon, the better it tastes. Hahaha!
I am so glad that things are improving…’Slow and steady wins the race” I hope that it continues. Still sending good and positive thoughts to all of you. I love all of the amazing photo’s of Matty and Miles, wonderful close-ups.
Your baking is amazing. I can almost smell and taste them from here.
Alessandra, just the info I was hoping for, thank you thank you!!
Will look into it today. I know, when it gets into the thousands, it gets
sooo scary for everyone. Including me. And with insurance, then if
anything goes wrong, you can always do everything possible, no matter the cost,
to save your furs. That is where I want to be, for sure. Love,
V
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/3/2013 11:26:52 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Jennifer, hellllooooo there, there you are!! Massive hugs 😉
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/3/2013 10:49:45 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I hope he stays on the mend.
Those look delicious!
Cats are funny; they just adopt people. One showed up here, and he is the sweetest guy, but I know he is two timing, because someone clipped his nails. We feed him and plan to get him fixed.
So happy Matty is slowly getting better. What a scare!
Now those cinnamon rolls look so tempting. I want to make them really a lot, but then my doctor says to lose weight and I try to resist. Will I weaken? I can almost smell them.
I also am glad you are not allergic to dogs. That would be so sad, as they do make your heart so happy.
i’m not sure if the insurance would work the same but in England if you try to get insurance AFTER some health scare has happened they will not cover you for that particular health problem, ot it will be hugely expensive. When i had my doggie this happened to us and we worked out that even though he had 2 big operations, the money which we would have paid out each month for the insurance would be the equivelant to the amount we paid out anyway, you just have to work out which is best for you
Glad to hear he is a little better 🙂
Claire, I figured as much. I was thinking more for the future.
And I agree with you too, it sort of comes out the same over time, money
wise. Good food for thought.
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/5/2013 12:42:38 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
I am glad to hear that Matty is doing better! ^-^
I’m sorry that he’s not feeling well… and that it was so scary for you all! Not knowing what’s wrong with one of the fur babies is awful. The absolute worst. I’m glad that your docs were able to give him medicine that’s making him better, bit by bit… even if they’re not sure what is causing his illness.
All you guys & especially Matty will be in my thoughts & close in my heart. I am sending you guys great big bear hugs & lots of love. ^-^
XOXO
XOXOXOXO
Thanks for the update. Will continue to send healing thoughts your way. Good luck at the vets office. Maybe they could send his symptoms to Cornell Vet. College for ideas and suggestions.
More good healing wishes headed your way. I am hoping the vet visit was reassuring and that Matty is continuing to improve and feel better. Hugs to all of you-I know how much a furry one being sick can take out of you, so please keep taking care of yourself too!
It’s not insurance exactly, but I got a Care Credit Card and it has changed my life! You can use it for all sorts of things like dental, vision and VETS! (but check first to be sure that your vet accepts them) What I love about the Care Card is that they give you 6 months interest-free to pay off each bill. Now that my dear Otis the cat is in renal failure, his vet trips are more frequent, and this card has been a Godsend. I recommend them to everyone.
Oh my goodness…those cinnamon buns look amazing. I’m about to drool. This post was torture for someone that’s trying to cut out sweets!
Glad to hear the Matty is on the mend. I know that you are giving him the best kind of care. Give him a squeeze for me. And those rolls look delish. We made cinnamon rolls for the slumber party girls for my Tiny Dancer’s 12th birthday party. They were frozen from a local shop that sells great baked goods. Not nearly as yummy as yours were! And your Lovey Dovey owl should be winging its way to you! Be sure to let me know when you get the package! Enjoy the day! Erin
I stopped by to check on your family. I’ve been up to my ears in work (yay!) but I’ve been thinking about you and Matty. Glad to see he’s getting better, even if it’s only a little at a time.
Still hoping for and thinking of a happy and healthy recovery.
I’m so glad Matty is doing better. One day at a time. Prayers for him to feel much better soon! Hugs, Alessandra
Great news.
And the cinnamon rolls look so good. I am going to try making them again. I tried an orange roll recipe but they were too “doughy”. Need to go back to the recipe I used years ago.
I’m hoping that the news from the vet was positive and that Matty is back to his old self again! Please plant this kiss upon his head: X
And one for Miles too: X
Ok my sweet boo sister… getting nervous, its been a while since your Tuesday update. How is Matty? Holding love and light in my heart for all of you.
Love,
Tricia
Didn’t proof read my comment, that was supposed to say “sweet blog sister” Spell check gets me in trouble sometimes, so much so that I can’t even write here some of what it has auto “corrected” my writing to!!!!!
Lovely lovely Tricia,
It is Thursday, and Matty is hanging in there. He has ups and downs,
and today he doesnt seem to be feeling so great.
The doc said we should keep some of the meds up for about 2 weeks, and see
where we are.
She says whatever did happen to him is neurological for sure, and valley
fever can affect, and does affect neurologically. And even though he
didnt test positive for it, anything is possible.
She does not think its inner ear, although I was leaning towards that
myself.
They tested everything under the sun, and so, they are pretty certain that
he didnt have a stroke, that he didnt eat poison, that it isnt inner ear, and
that it is something affecting the left side of him.
Some inflammation in the brain or some sort. Be a lesion, valley
fever, or perhaps even an injury that isnt visible.
If he doesnt keep getting slowly better, then we will delve in
deeper.
Today Mister Matty isnt feeling grand, and he doesnt want to eat
either.
I am like, the pup chef, making this and that, all sorts of exquisite foods
that are dog liked and dog friendly. And things he used to gobble
likea mad man, he is snubbing. But i got a little down him
today.
He also lost 3 pounds in less that 2 weeks. So, thats pretty not
fun.
But he isnt getting worse.
Just staying in a not horrible bad zone, but not great zone. I hope
the zone it is, is the healing zone.
Love, Vanessa xoxo
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/7/2013 3:46:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
ps: (he did not pass the little neurological exams on the left side
of his body yesterday, so there is weakness in the left side still,
evident).
Blog: http://www.aFancifulTwist.com
Website: http://www.VanessaValencia.com
In a message dated 3/7/2013 3:46:00 P.M. US Mountain Standard Time,
Hello Vanessa Dear! Mattie isn’t worse, that’s good news! The weight thing sounds about right, if he isn’t in his usual hunger mode! So, I think that You are right about the healing zone! I worked for a Dr. years ago and he was from the older generation and he always said that the body heals with sleep and resting!
Keep up the good nursing and stay strong! Prayers and love continue your way!;)
I remember many a sad time when I’d have to let a pet go because my parents couldn’t afford to get them medical care at the time.. ;_; Insurance is definitely a must since they are your furbabies!!!!
Made these yesterday!!! Delicious! Thank you for breaking the recipe down to manageable steps w/photos to match! Intimidation factor that kept me from making cinny rolls for years vanished. Husband loved them, too. Will make them for my girls when they come home! Thanks! God Bless.