Christmas 2020 and New Year Celebrations - Seeing in 2021
With all the restrictions brought about by the new strain of the virus, only Wendy could come over for Christmas Day as she is in our "bubble." It meant there were just three of us, but that was enough, and Wendy was very happy to see Pushkin as well.
We might have been only three celebrating Christmas this year, but we had a lovely time; having Pushkin home was such a blessing, and she was well.
Wendy could stay only for the day, but we absolutely made the most of it. I was jolly glad she could come over, because she was the one who had ordered the fresh turkey and without Wendy, we would have had no Christmas dinner! As soon as she arrived, it was all hands to the pump, preparing the turkey and into the oven for a slow roast.
I can never understand why some people get panicky about the Christmas dinner; yes, it is a bit more work, but not that much more, and it's the oven doing the cooking, not me! I make a few checks on the bird over the time, but that isn't onerous, and a few extra minutes peeling a few extra veg is not too difficult, either. Wendy loves fresh Brussels sprouts and bought two "trees" of them - I just pulled off what we wanted. I am not that much of a fan of Brussels sprouts myself, but if I am to have them at all, these very fresh mini cabbages are the ones to choose.
We had time to exchange gifts and open presents from all our loved ones, and lovely friends from all over the world. People are so kind and thoughtful and then, for the first time in a very long time, we actually watched the Queen's speech when it was broadcast at 3.00 p.m. She had such pertinent and moving words for everyone; a very inclusive speech, emphasising our Christian faith, but encompassing all faiths as well, and reminding us to have hope.
Pushkin fared well over Christmas; we were so happy she was still with us.
The days following Christmas were gentle; I rang friends and relations, or wrote to them, thanking them for the lovely presents they had sent us, and we simply pottered through the week to New Year's Eve.
There have been other years when we could not be together on 31st December - either because of work, or distance - but this year was the first when we could not be together due to the outside influence of the virus, and it needed some imagination to get the best out of it.
Most people who know me, are aware I am not the most computer literate of people, but Al and Wendy came up with the great idea of linking us all together on a video call.
At about 11.50 p.m. on New Year's Eve, Al rang me on one of Wendy's old mobiles, that she has given to me, as it has a WhatsApp facility. Once we were connected and could see each other, Al then rang Wendy and voila! there we were, in our three separate areas, but all linked together through the wonders of modern technology. It wasn't quite as good as being together in person and linking arms at midnight for Auld Lang Syne, but we could still sing, and it made such a difference to be able to see Wendy and Al, albeit in their different locations. We talked until half past midnight, making a good start to the New Year.
Friday, 1 January 2021
We had had an imaginative start to the New Year at midnight! After our phone call, I stayed up a while longer, giving Pushkin a love and a brush whilst she sat on my knee, and she was contented. I also rang two friends abroad, and wished them a Happy New Year, before I went to bed.
During the day, we noticed Pushkin's problems had returned, with wheezing and open-mouth breathing; she looked like the Metro Goldwyn Meyer lion roaring, so heavily was she breathing. I rang our local vet and they said we should bring her straight to the surgery, where she was given another session of oxygen therapy. We felt we were lurching from one day to another, but again Pushkin proved her mettle by improving to be well enough for us to bring her home later that afternoon.
Another 48 hours went by, and we were back at the surgery once more. This time, because we could not get her to take any pills, Pushkin was given an injection of antibiotics, and another injection to stimulate her appetite, as well as another session of oxygen therapy
The vet also told us something that we probably should have realised all along, but somehow or other had passed us by: Cats won't eat if they can't smell their food, and if Pushkin's nose is all clogged up, she won't be able to smell anything much. The vet suggested we try some really strong-smelling food, like pilchards or sardines, and see how Pushkin takes to it.
How is it, we didn't think of this earlier? It makes so much sense, for even humans go off their food if their ability to smell and taste is compromised.
Once she got back home, Pushkin immediately seemed perkier. She jumped out of her carry case, and had her tail up. The next stop was to buy tins of pilchards for her; there was nothing available in brine, only tomato sauce, which we washed off. and the minute Pushkin got a whiff of a delicious aroma coming her way, she was right into her dinner. We kept the portions small, because as she had not eaten anything much for some days, we didn't want to overload her tummy. We kept up a steady stream of "a little and often," and it was a great moment to see not only the fish, but her prescribed pills disappearing as well. She drank more water, and we were so grateful for this change in her.
She was also able to jump up onto the sofa of her own accord, which showed she must have been feeling stronger, and her breathing was quiet and normal.
It made us glad we hadn't taken the decision too quickly to say an early good bye to her; we know the improvement may not last, but right now she is having a nice time, with so much love and cuddling. She has been sitting beside me, under the ironing board, and close enough for me to take off my shoes and tickle her ears with my toes, which she really loves - strange pussy cat! and as much time to lie on Bob's knees as she wants. Quite the best New Year's gift for us all.
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