Principles and Pocketbooks

Today, I read an article, How many U.S. schoolchildren will learn that 14 U.S. presidents trafficked and enslave people for profit?, that got me thinking. As I read the article, it became apparent to me that many of the Presidents mentioned in the article displayed a behavior that is still with us today: “I have Principles. Until I have to pay for them.”

Frankly, everyone I know displays this behavior, myself included.

I abhor unfair labor practices and believe that everyone deserves the dignity of a job that pays a living wage, but I shop at Walmart and eat at fast-food restaurants.

I know, based on scientific evidence, that Climate Change is real and most likely driven by human behavior, including carbon pollution, but I still drive a gas-fueled car and use an air conditioner in the summer.

I know that our food chain depends on the labor of people who are exploited and severely underpaid, but I continue to buy cheap food and produce, because I can stretch my small food budget farther.

I know that the inexpensive production of meat, eggs, and dairy products depend on inhumane, cruel and unhealthful farming practices, but I don’t buy local, humanely-raised and slaughtered meat, eggs, and dairy products.

I know that the pharmaceutical industry preys on the desperate and dying, charging thousands of dollars for relatively inexpensive life-saving medications and making research decisions based on possible profit, not the needs of the ill, but I still buy my prescriptions and support this corrupt industry.

I know that China is one of the leading nations in pollution, but I still buy products from China.

The truth is, when living on the margins (a fancy way of saying I am genuinely POOR), sometimes principles have to yield to the pocketbook.

But I don’t try to hide from reality, or pretend that I am not a hypocrite.

And there are some areas where principles can triumph over the pocketbook.

For me, that area is clothes. I know that most clothing is produced in factories staffed by exploited and under-paid laborers who are forced to work in unsafe conditions. Because of this, I do not buy new clothes. I am 1.5 years into this resolution, and I have suffered no lack. I buy clothes on the second-hand market and alter them as needed, I make new clothes myself, I repair what I already own. So far, my decision has been good for both my principles and my pocketbook.

Nonetheless, I am saddened by the fact that I simply can’t afford to correct all my behavior in this way.

Happily, I will be planting a garden again this year, and so will be able to depend less on food produced via the exploitation of the vulnerable. I also hope to add chickens to my life this year. Not sure if that will work out, but we’ll see.

My recent projects

Well, now that the Solstice gifts have all been given, I can finally show you what I’ve been up to for the past few months! This year, I went all hand-made for my gifts to those family members who celebrate the season. And here they are!

This hat and neck-warmer set was a gift for a woman who likes bright colors and whimsical things. I believe this was the 3rd hat I made, and I followed the pattern pretty faithfully.

This hat and scarf set was given to my brother-in-law. It’s the first gift I’ve given him – acknowledgement that he’s here to stay, and not so bad. Still following the hat pattern pretty closely…

This set went to Niece #1 – Purple is her favorite color. I’ve left patterns far behind at this point, and the hat is my first attempt at my own design. I’m now making textile art!

This set went to my nephew – orange and brown are some of his favorite colors right now. The hat is my own design, showing off my newly-learned ability to switch colors without fastening off. All the scarves are my own “designs” as well, and I’m especially pleased with how this one turned out.

This set went to Niece # 2. I call it the Lollipop set, because the medallions in the scarf look like lollipops. All my own design, including the flowers. Everyone who saw this set loved it, and I will probably make more of these scarves in the future.

This hat went to my sister. I have a similar hat in different colors, and she liked it, so I made her one. This is my own design and wears really nicely. I’ve made three hats in this design and will probably make many more.

So there’s a quick sampling of what I’ve been making lately.

Syringe Feeding and Medicating Your Cat

Last weekend, my beloved cat, Alice, was so lethargic that she had to be carried from place to place in the house, and when she did walk a short ways, she looked like she was drunk. We were so concerned that I immediately began syringe-feeding her small amounts of (homemade) pedialyte every 20 – 30 minutes in order to prevent dehydration, as she was not eating or drinking. I got her an emergency appointment on Monday, and they immediately sedated her (she hates vets, often trying to bite them), hydrated her, and did blood tests. They decided that she had a bacterial infection in her pancreas and her liver was failing for going so long without eating anything. The veterinarian kindly informed me that if we could not get her to eat something IMMEDIATELY, one way or another, there was nothing more they could do to help her. They gave her an anti-nausea shot and I brought her home, determined to get some food down her, by hook or by crook. Additionally, she had a 21-day regimen of antibiotics to take to fight the infection, but the first dose I administered was a failure: she drooled it all up immediately.

Fortunately, I was able to figure out a successful way to get both food and medicine into Alice, thus saving her life. She is recovering, although she’s still not eating as much as I would like her too.

Since I’ve been using my regimen for about a week and I’m in the mood to write a tutorial, I thought I would share my process.

Supplies:

• Grooming bag – this is essential, I could not have saved my cat without it. Buy it now and get your cat accustomed to it – you never know when you will need it!
  Here’s the one I have:
  
  (Image from Amazon.com)
• Blender – any will do. Or use a food processor, immersion blender, etc.
• Can of quality catfood (I use Merrick’s Before Grain)
• Syringe for feeding (mine is about as thick as my thumb – I wouldn’t go much larger).
• Syringe for measuring liquid medication (if needed)
• Pill Shooter for administering pills & capsules (if needed) – I bought mine from the vet for $4.
  Here’s one similar to mine:
  
  (Image from Amazon.com)
• Jar or other container to store pureed catfood mixture in.
• Shot glass or other small, narrow container to mix medicine in.
• Paper towels or washcloth for cleanup.
• 15 – 30 minutes.

Steps:

1. Prepare the feeding mixture: put the can of catfood into the blender and puree, adding just enough warm water to get things moving. Mixture should be thick and smooth when finished, like a melted milkshake or a thick gravy.  Test it by pulling some up into your feeding syringe and then pushing it back out: it should flow smoothly with no blockage. Pour the mixture into the jar and store in the refrigerator when not in use.

2. Mix medication (if needed): If the puree is straight from the frig, microwave for 15-40 seconds to soften, or place the container in a pot of hot water until mixture has softened and re-liquefied.  Once the puree is softened and warm (like you would give to a baby, no hotter), pull out about a feeding-syringe full and place into the shot glass. Return remaining puree to the frig. Measure out the dose of liquid medicine prescribed by your veterinarian and add to the shot glass. Use the feeding-syringe to stir it in thoroughly. If giving pills/capsules, load the pill shooter.

3. Bag the cat: Place the cat in the grooming bag, following the manufacturer’s directions. Do this on the floor if possible, so your cat doesn’t have to worry about falling off the edge of something (and neither do you). You can practice this with treats and praise when kitty is not sick; it makes everything easier when you really need it. 
Here’s Alice in the bag – she’s not very happy, but she is calm:

(Excuse the mess, vacuuming up litter was not my top priority at the moment!)

4. Pill the cat: If giving a pill, do it now. Aim to get the tip of the pill shooter just behind the back teeth and then depress the plunger. If your cat spits the pill out, just try again. Approach from the side of the head, not the front for better success. Be patient – the pill shooter means you don’t have to worry about your fingers. If the pill is very large, ask your vet if you can cut it into smaller pieces to make it easier to go down. Or ask for smaller capsules or for liquid medication instead.

Immediately after pilling the cat, follow up with a syringe of puree or warm water. NEVER dry pill a cat (see Pilling Cats and Erosive Esophagitis). After all, how would you like it if someone shoved pill down your throat and didn’t give you any water to wash it down with?

5. Liquid medication/Feeding: Here’s how to give the syringe of medicine mixture, feeding puree, or warm water:

A. Pull a little into the feeding syringe. NOT TOO MUCH! The control on most syringes is not very good and you don’t want to choke or drown your cat. Besides, a little at a time is much less messy. Here’s about the amount I usually pull up, maybe even a little less:

(No medicine for this feeding session, so I am drawing directly from the puree storage jar, and not from the shot glass.)

B. Gently place the syringe tip into the cat’s mouth, coming from the corner. You are aiming for either the tongue or for the pocket in her jaw, between her skin and her teeth. You do NOT want to place the syringe as far back as you placed the pill shooter.

C. Slowly depress the syringe in little bursts, removing the syringe after each burst to allow the cat to swallow. Repeat until you can’t draw up any more from the shot glass if giving medication, or when you feel the time is right, if feeding without medication. Don’t over do the feeding – better several small sessions than one big one. Pet and praise often during the process (unless kitty doesn’t care to be petted – don’t force it on her just because she can’t get away). Make sure kitty is situated as comfortably as possible and be patient. Immediately clean up any spills, drips, or dribbles. DON’T RUSH! If kitty aspirates (breathes in) the puree, she could develop pneumonia, which will only make a bad situation worse.

D. Release kitty from the bag, removing neck fastener last.

E. Clean up.

All Done! Until next time, anyway. Yes, a little bit of the medicine dose is lost with this method, but most of the medicine ends up IN the cat, not ON the cat (or you, or the floor), which is a big improvement over the unmixed method! If you are worried about the loss, ask your vet to recommend a dose that takes the loss into account.

Once you do this a few times, it becomes routine and mostly stress free, for both you and kitty.

And if this isn’t working to get food into your kitty’s stomach, ask your vet about a feeding tube (see Feeding Tubes Save Lives/Feeding Tubes For Cats).

The Skills Test Outfit (aka The Pink Sweater)

I know it’s been awhile, but life happens. Anyway, I recently applied for a job at a local community college, and I have a pre-interview skills test I need to take this week. This is just a test, so I’m not going to wear a suit. But, I might encounter someone who has some control over whether or not I’m hired. So, I need to dress nicely. Time for a new outfit!

I recently took up crocheting again, and made myself a cute hat and neck warmer in brown and pink. Since it’s cold, I decided I want my outfit to match my new accessories. So pink and brown are the theme. I already have a lovely brown moleskin skirt, although it’s a little big on me since I’ve lost a bit of weight. But I have nothing suitable for the top of my outfit. So off to Goodwill I go. I found a lovely dark pink sweater for just $2.70, but as you can see in the picture below, it’s a bit big on me!

The sleeves are too long and the neckline is definitely too low! I can’t wear it anywhere like this…

So I got out the scissors and started cutting! I cut off the sleeves, then raised the neckline at the shoulders by sewing the shoulder seams about an 1” deeper from neckline to armhole. I cut off the excess fabric, and then tried on the sleeves. I estimated about where I wanted my cuffs to fall and then cut a chunk off the top of the sleeves to make it happen. I then sewed the sleeves back into the armholes. After trying on the sweater again, I discovered that the sleeves were still too long! I didn’t want to take them out and recut, so I just re-sewed the armholes with a wider seam allowance. And then I tapered the sleeves at the cuff end so they hugged my wrists more tightly. Problem solved.

Finally, I checked for snags and put the sweater in the wash. I washed exactly how I plan to treat in the future: only my suits get special treatment at my house, everything else is wash and wear.

Maybe I should have washed it before I altered it, because when I pulled it out of the dryer, it had shrunk! Lucky, lucky me, though. It had shrunk the perfect amount and now fits me perfectly!

Here I am dressed up: I’m even wearing heels and stockings! Forgive the picture quality.

And guess what? Those stockings are another remake! I’m wearing a garter belt, but the stockings came with a nasty, heavy elastic top that hurts, the very reason I bought a garter belt in the first place! So I cut off the tops, sewed a lip for the belt to grab, and tada! Pain-free stockings. Yay!

And I promised pics of my new hat and scarf, so here they are:

Hmm, the scarf really brings the outfit together! Maybe I’ll just leave it on…

So what you think? Looking professional for tomorrow?

DIY SAD Light Therapy Box

As I become more aware of my state of mind, now that I’m awake and living most of the time, I quickly noticed that sun effects my mood quite a bit. No sun = No energy or motivation. My anti-depression meds are a lot less effective when it is overcast and gray. And now that winter is coming and the sunlight that reaches us is weaker, even sunlight doesn’t help as much as it should.
So, I need a light box for light therapy, one of the most common treatments for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).  But a commercial one cost $60 or more, like this one on Amazon. What?!!
It’s some light bulbs. In a fancy lamp. I don’t have $60+. And, you have to factor the cost of replacement bulbs into the equation. Bet those things are expensive too.
Internet Time! Some research on the internet brought me to this handy page, where I got the general idea. By reading the follow-up article, I realized that I probably didn’t need fancy light bulbs, just a lot of regular ones.  But sticking nine or ten 60 watt bulbs into a wooden box didn’t sound like a good idea: incandescent bulbs get very, very hot. So the bulbs would have to be fluorescent, which is what Boris (author of the previously linked page) recommends anyway. So the idea was planted in my mind.
But there were some obstacles:

• I had a very tight budget. The light fixtures Boris used cost about $5 each here. $5 x 10 = $50. Way too much.
• I am not an electrician.
• I do not have any hole saw bits, and they cost at least $15, depending on size.

In order to overcome these obstacles, I needed to get creative. The answer to solving all of the above problems came to me as I was browsing the lighting aisle at Fred Meyers: I found a light bulb socket you can plug directly into an outlet. No lamp, no cover, just the socket you screw the light bulb into. Hmmm. If I plugged a bunch of these into a power strip or two (or three), I could have lots of light with no need for an electrician or a hole saw.
I would still need a box, though. The box focuses and directs the light, making sure you get the most out of it. No problem. I have wood. I have power tools. I have a Kreg Jig.
The only sticking point left was the cost of the light bulbs. Sure, florescent light bulbs really aren’t that expensive anymore. Unless you are buying 9 of them. So off to the dollar store I went. I’ve bought light bulbs there before and was pretty happy with them. $9 is better than $15 or $20, right? Right. But instead of a $1 each, the bulbs were 2/$1! So I got 10 light bulbs, for $5 and change. Project Lightbox was a go.
Here’s the cost list for my lightbox:

• 9 light bulb sockets @ 2.19 each =  19.71
• 1 can flat white spray paint @ 3.00 = 3.00
• 9 fluorescent light bulbs @ .50 each = 4.50
• 1 small package 11” zip/cable ties @ 1.59 = 1.59
• 3 power strips: On Hand
• Pocket Hole Screws: On Hand
• Wood for box: On Hand
• Tools: On Hand

Total for Project: $28.80 + tax
Here’s the finished product with the lights on. Each of these bulbs is rated at 900 lumens:

The light is pretty bright, but not so bright that it’s uncomfortable to be near it. Of course, you aren’t supposed to stare into it, just have it nearby. I put mine about 2 feet from the side of my face, next to my computer desk, where I spend an hour+ every morning anyway. Sitting in this light for about 30 minutes a day is supposed to be enough.
Here it is with the lights off, so you can see more detail:

I used my largest drill bit (that fits my drill, anyway) to make the holes along the edges for the cords. And yes, the power strips did have holes on the back for mounting with screws, but I used zip ties instead because I have found they are more reliable, and I felt they would hold the power strips more snugly in place. I drilled holes through the back board,  above and below each power strip, and threaded the zip ties through the holes.
Here you can see it from the side, but keep in mind that the front box is about 1 & 1/2” shallower than it appears here, because of the way I assembled the box. And yes, I know the sides tilt inward. I could have built a perfectly square, perfectly aligned box, but that wasn’t my main concern.

Finally, here’s a picture of how I did the back of the box. I wanted to be able to mount this on a wall or ceiling if need be, as well as sitting it flat on a table.

Here’s where the extra cordage went. And with the niche in the bottom of the frame for the final cord to slide through, this can be mounted flat against the wall. I put the power strip with the longest cord on the bottom, and this power strip plugs into a wall outlet, controls the other strips, and provides an on/off switch in the front. Here on the back, you can see the pocket holes I used to assemble the box. If I need deeper sides later, it can be easily disassembled.  I only had enough paint to paint the inside of the box, which I did before assembling, so the outside remains unpainted. It’s not unfinished, however, as this box was made from plywood that had been previously finished on one side. I painted the unfinished side.  I could make it a little  nicer by placing another board over the back, to hide the cords and such, but I think it looks fine as it is. (The little cord you see along the top of the box is for charging my Kindle and isn’t attached to the light box in any way.)
The nice thing is, when I can afford it, I can use more powerful bulbs, or even LED bulbs, without re-working the box. Yay!
Is it a beautiful piece of home décor? No. Does it work? So far, yes.
Not bad for $30 and a little ingenuity! Let me know what you think. Have you done something similar? I’d love to hear about it.

Lazy Update

Well, I know it’s been awhile since I’ve updated this blog. I’ve been busy being Lazy…!

Here’s a picture of my garden, it’s doing pretty good, despite the late start. My tomatoes especially are doing well.

Yes, it’s a big picture. I have 13 boxes and it was hard to get them all in one picture.

Gardening is a lot of fun! And pretty easy, too.

This fall, I’m planning to buy a couple of yards of compost/manure mix to spread over the boxes to prepare them for an even better season next year.

I’ve already spread several bags of the stuff, but buying by the truckload is  cheaper.

I have several plans for next year, based on stuff I’ve learned this year:

• 1st, I plan to start everything earlier. Way earlier. I got a pretty late start this year.
• More beets. Mom loves them when they are about the size of a radish, so I need a lot more.
• More broccoli. I hate it, but mom loves it.
• More spinach, chard, kale, and some types of lettuce.
• More carrots, they aren’t growing very well this year. Perhaps they will like next year’s soil better.
• More peppers, mine aren’t doing so well this year.
• More tomatoes. Mine are doing well, but I need more!
• More cucumbers.
• Lots more onions! We eat them as scallions/green onions, only letting a few get big. And we use an average of 1 per day, so need more.
• Radishes also very popular.
• Plant the garlic very early.
• Purple onions!
• Peas!
• Basil: mine just won’t sprout this year.
• Compost: need to start making my own.
• Start flowers (flower bed couldn’t fit into the picture) indoors. Plus spread compost over the bed. Most of my flower seeds didn’t sprout this year.

And my big dream project for next year: a proper watering system! Maybe with a timer!

Now, I’m off to be lazy in the kitchen….

Low Sodium Cinnamon Rolls

These are the very best cinnamon rolls I have ever eaten. No commercial cinnamon rolls can compare!
Cinnamon Roll Recipe
Dough:

• 2 c. lukewarm whey (or water)
• 3 tbsp. mild olive oil
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 ½ tsp. (2 pkgs.) rapid/quick rise yeast
• 5-6 c. flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Filling mix

Combine whey, egg, oil, sugar, and yeast in a bowl. Mix in a little flour and let stand a few minutes until bubbles start to form.
Stir in flour until thick batter forms. Then add flour slowly until dough starts to come from sides of bowl.
Turn onto floured surface, round into ball. Cover with bowl. Let stand 10 minutes.
Knead, adding flour if necessary so it isn't sticky. Dough should feel smooth and soft.
Put into well oiled bowl. Turn so it is covered with oil. Cover with towel. Allow to rise for about 30 minutes in a warm, draft-free location. Dough should double in size.
Punch down and divide into 4 sections.
Place each section on a lightly floured or oiled surface. Roll out into a rectangle. Spread softened butter across dough (hands work best for this). Generously spread filling mix on top of butter, leaving a 1-inch strip on one long edge of the dough. Lightly tamp the filling into the butter using the back of a spatula or spoon.
Roll up the dough toward the un-sugared edge. Seal edge gently. Cut the roll into 2-inch thick pieces and place on a greased baking sheet cut side down.
Cover and allow to rise for about an hour.
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Bake at 350°F for 15 - 17 minutes, or just until tops start to brown. Remove immediately.
Transfer to cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before storing.
Filling:

• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

Sources of sodium in this recipe: whey, egg.
Thanks to these recipes for inspiration:
Salt-Free Bread, Lauren’s Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls.