Not Feline Fine

Isla has had surgery today after we found a matted bit of fur on her belly last night that it turns out was hiding an open wound. Picked her up in the afternoon, cone of shame and all. Within 5 minutes in her box on the way home, emboldened by no longer being in unknown surroundings with unknown people, she had got the cone off. On putting it back on at home she went nuts, and frankly was going to do herself more of an injury, and possibly burst her (many) stitches. Alternative attempts of a newborn t-shirt (after a baby grow suggestion from the vet), which looked cute, but she hated, and wouldn't walk properly with it on, then a bandage that wouldn't cover the wound, proved fruitless.

Mel has butchered an old t-shirt of mine into a covering that might be better than the kid's top, but for the time being she's hiding from us under the clothes horse (after being so happy at being home, which has just added to the guilt).

She's not supposed to go out for ten days, but given her total reluctance to go to the toilet in her litter (indoors at all, we think she's got some psychological scarring from a previous owner), that in itself could bring about some stress cystitis (the veterinary nurse admitted I could let her out 'a bit'). What we do to stop her scratching out her stitches I'm not sure, though she's being good (if hiding) just now.

Really has been a busy time of it lately...

Didn't win the Flora section of the Seabird Centre photo comp that I got shortlisted for. At least the shots that won the judges' and public vote were decent ones.

Getting put forward for an interesting job. Back in private practice, but much more flexible than previous roles.

Launched my new 'professional' website in case of contracting roles (note to self, get some business cards).

Had a very interesting discussion about a 'writing-about-cycling' potential opportunity that I'm REALLY excited about.

An article I wrote about Greece for Inntravel is going to be in an upcoming issue of their monthly magazine, together with some photos I took.

Biggest thing I've been working on recently is almost finished (just as well, given the deadline is tomorrow, when I'll head out on the bike to deliver it). A children's novel, written specifically for a competition. But once it's had a read through by a friend I'll be reworking it to send off to some publishers as well. though it'll be a late one tonight finishing it...