i have been really impressed with riley’s new vet. i switched in the fall of last year because after we moved, our old vet’s location would have been a logistical nightmare, and i didn’t love her anyway.

i spoke to him on the phone this morning and he explained the inconclusive results from the blood test riley had last week for possible ovarian remnant syndrome [not as serious as it sounds — it’s basically a botched spay job, leaving portions of the lady parts intact, which leads to exactly the symptoms you’d guess]. we decided on the next steps and i went on with my day.

he called me again this afternoon and said that after he saw riley last week, he brought up her case with a group of veterinarians that specialize in animal reproductive systems to get additional advice, since her symptoms and data are a bit convoluted at this point. they discussed it today and one of the colleagues explained her method for reaching a diagnosis [or not] in the past that tends to be more definitive than the additional blood testing we were going to do.

he explained her idea to me, why he agreed with it, and what the process would be if i wanted to go that route. it made a lot of sense to me, and even though it might involve getting some samples and making cytology slides at home [!], i am on board. and he is staying late today so that i can bring riley in after work to get started.

i really appreciated him going the extra mile to put some thought into her case and seek advice from those more experienced. i’d love to get this all figured out and it’s nice to have riley’s vet be pro-active to help that happen for us.

[we go to southpoint animal hospital, if you’re local and looking for a good vet. so far, the whole staff has been wonderful]

i took today off work — for much needed rest and a delayed sick day [though my voice is slowly coming back!] it’s amazing what a good night’s sleep will do for your outlook.

but sure enough, by the time i’ve finished my coffee, i have a to-do list 13 items long of what i’d like to accomplish today.

the life of a type A personality: do not pass go and do not, under any circumstances, find yourself in complete relaxation and/or without a list.

-riley’s vet visit last night was…interesting. her symptoms did not turn out to be what i expected and she endured the additional poking and prodding like a champ. $300 later, i had started the process to find out if she has this [which would apparently not be a big deal, just need to know] and i needed a hefty glass bowl of wine.

-i woke up this morning with no voice. those pesky allergies must have turned into something. but i’m sounding less like a man as the day goes on, so that’s a plus.

-hopefully i’ll be up to keeping our friday night plans: picking up some wine at cave taureau and spending some time at the american tobacco outdoor concert — the first of the season and only a stone’s throw away. then dinner [oven roasted tomatoes served over toasted bread and herbed ricotta] at home. and an early bedtime to prepare for work tomorrow.

-i started re-reading the great gatsby so i can see the movie soon

how’s everyone’s friday going?

Anonymous asked: What type of camera do you use? I love your photos!

thank you! i have a canon rebel xs and i usually use a 50mm f/1.4 lens — which is the part that actually makes the photos look good. if you can deal with the fixed focal length, it’s a great lens to have!

burritosbrosandbooskis asked: Where do you buy Triangle Brewery in Durham? (non saturday tour time)

hi! sorry for the delayed response on this. 

i know for sure that alivia’s, james joyce, motorco, tobacco road, and dos perros have triangle brewery beers on tap.

to bring it home with you, check out sam’s quik shop. i’ve also spotted it at a couple harris teeters in the area.

and for anyone who hasn’t done triangle’s brewery tour yet, i recommend it.

cheers!

after thinking about my food-centric, non-existant twittering yesterday…

i decided to start fresh with twitter. mostly because FOMO.

does that even mean anything if you don’t have a smart phone? probably not, but wish me luck.