Saturday, August 2, 2014

Time Out!

The week ended on a pretty good note for Gus and I!  Friday began early with a holistic vet coming to our house to do acupuncture and laser treatment on Gus. Dr. E also gave me her thoughts and suggestions to help make and keep Gus comfortable, happy and content.  She and I both agreed that despite the progression of the DM (degenerative myleopathy) Gus is in an okay place right now.  It felt really good to have another set of eyes see Gus and validate that we're doing all the right things for him.
It was also so thoughtful of Dr. E to be concerned about how I was personally doing in carrying the load of caring for Gus. Her advice to me was the same as many of you have given me, which was to remember to take "time out" for myself and have some fun.  It was well timed advice because a friend and I had bought tickets a few weeks ago to see the musical, "The Lion King" at the Kennedy Center.
The evening began at a restaurant near the Kennedy Center with "Nana Sue's meatloaf," scalloped potatoes, bacon braised green beans with sweet onion mushroom gravy.
My friend and I couldn't and didn't finish our big dinner and so we had room for dessert.  I had warm fudge cake with milk chocolate caramel topped with a scoop of passion fruit ice cream.
We enjoyed a nice walk back to the Kennedy Center, noticing a 7-Eleven that seemed a little out of place.
We found our seats and waited for the show to begin.  It was an experience that no words can accurately depict. The beautifully decorated actors transformed to jungle animals proceed down the aisle.  The costumes and puppetry transform elegant actors and dancers into giraffes, graceful leopards, leaping antelopes, an elephant, strutting zebras, as the air above fluttered with flying birds all moving toward Pride Rock to meet the new lion prince, Simba. The show closely follows the story that we all were introduced to in 1994 (yes, that long ago!!) and seeing it literally come to life truly is amazing to see. (Taking photos during the performance is strictly prohibited--The below photo is from the internet).
From start to finish, the entire night was perfect -- And it was the perfect chance to not think (too much) about anything other than what a really fun and memorable evening it was with a good friend!  
~View from the Kennedy Center Terrace~

41 comments:

  1. we saw it in dallas years ago. my mother-in-law talked about it for years thereafter. :)

    your meal looked SO good! and glad to get good feedback on gus for you and him, too!

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  2. Kim,,
    And when the song came on about the calm surrender,,, did you feel the peace? And when the song came on " Can't you feel the love tonight" Did your heart swell with that very love , and did your eyes have tears? I have a feeling you both said yes! And I know you truly saw the "Circle of Life"
    This really was your time to let the calmness sweep around you like a giant hug!! I am so glad you and your friend got to enjoy this together, Oh how I wish-- I could have been there too!

    And Kim,, having that special visit from Dr E-- to help with Gus- and to reassure you,,,, I know made you feel more and more at peace,,,,
    your on the right track Kim,, you really are,,,,
    Now let the memorys linger from the special time with your friend, the yummy dinner,, and desert,,,,and beautiful evening.
    We are happy for both of you,,,, treasured memories,
    love
    tweedles

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  3. Crikey ..... what a good night you had. You mightn't have eaten all your dinner but I bet you ate ALL that great lookin' dessert. Mum saw the Lion King in Sydney a long time ago now. She loved it too.
    Gus is lookin' great in that picture, aye??

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  4. Ice cream!!!! Darn, I can't have it at all anymore because of my extremely low fat diet. That's more for you-I'm glad you enjoyed it.

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  5. The value of caring vets ....

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  6. Good to hear you took some time out. It is VERY important.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  7. What a beautiful time-out you had! So glad the Dr. was able to help you with your decisions regarding Gus. Your night out sounds perfect!

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  8. What a wonderful night out, leaving Gus at home with the crew, knowing he is doing OK, as everyone has noticed, Let this continue in huge amounts, and for you, more of your own TLC, just time to enjoy the laughter and sunshine, and be yourself for a few hours. Drs and vets who understand, a real bonus these days, bless them. Hugs, Jean.

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  9. Glad to know that all is going well for Gus. It is right, you should take time out and sounds like you had a wonderful time seeing the Lion King.

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  10. Kim your I'm you deserved a night off

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  11. What a wonderful night out! I LOVE Lion King and have seen it a few times in London. The costumes and imagination just blow you away, right?!

    Great news about darling Gus :)

    xxx

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  12. Wow, the meatloaf looks amazing. Too bad you couldn't do a doggie bag.

    I expect you run with your "gut instinct" a lot in taking care of your senior crew. Getting that reassurance was no doubt a big sigh of relief for your stress level.

    You go girl!

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  13. My BFF chose similar options to treat her dog. Those same options extended Bunny's life by two years!...:)JP

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  14. Caretakers must take time to care for themselves as well. Sounds like a great evening!

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  15. Morning Kim, so happy for you, looks like it was wonderful. Yummy meal and that dessert, oh my....love that Gus face, adorable, Hugs Francine.

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  16. Kim, what a wonderful time out.. I would love to have seen the Lion King. I am so happy there is good news about Gus, I wish him the best..He is adorable.. Happy Sunday and wishing you a great week ahead!

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  17. What a great night out. I loved how the dinner description sounded home made but what you had looked very gourmet.

    Cindy

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  18. Good news about the new pup...I'm impressed that the vet came to your house. As for the Lion King...oooh la la. Aren't the costumes absolutely amazing? The choreographer, Garth Fagan, used to teach here at the College and is still located in Rochester. He is brilliant. As for the food....wow. I am a foodie and that looks off the charts.

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  19. Omg loving your commitment to those special older dogs in need. Really wonderful and amazing xxx

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  20. Glad you found some time for you. I know it will make you a better caregiver for Gus and all the pack!

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  21. Catching up with your blog,you are always so inspirational & so giving,glad you took time to be away for a little while.
    I`m always amazed when people take a 13-ish dog to the shelter,how can people be so cruel? thank the dear Lord for you.Gus has my heart already,phyllis

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  22. I bet that was an amazing show and to see it at the Kennedy Center...how cool!! Best wishes to you and Gus and the rest of your beautiful creatures too. God Bless you all!!

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  23. Sounds like you and Gus are doing alright. Glad you took some time for yourself.

    Aroo to you,
    Sully

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  24. So glad you had an evening out with your friend. A great show AND a marvelous dinner. Good for you.

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  25. so happy to read you're taking time for yourself, even if it's only a bit, and it looks like you had a wonderful time and a fabulous meal!!

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  26. OH YUM !!!
    what a fabulous evening dear heart!
    i'm so glad you did this. and that you shared it with us.
    cool !!!
    XOXO♥
    wish i had a vet for ME like the one you have for gus!

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  27. I'm so glad you had a chance to do that!

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  28. Sounds fun! The Lion King is incredible, I bet you loved it. We have just taken on a Westie and renamed her Elphie from Wicked......we are big musical fans! Lots of love to you, Gus and the rest of the gang xx Ps, any advice on stopping a westie from chasing one of our cats?x

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  29. I hope the acupuncture helps Gus...I think that's what my husband needs for his sciatica; will show him brave Gus! And what a beautiful day you had. I know; I loved that play and, oh my, what a special and pretty dinner! Yum!

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  30. Time out for a little fun does wonders for everyone. The dogs are less stressed when Mom is less stressed.

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  31. And when you "take time out" life kind of rebalances a little
    even for a short period of time, and you feel refreshed,
    love
    tweedles

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  33. You had a perfect musical for a time out! My peep loves costuming for the animals. Truly amazing artistry!
    oxox
    Daisy

    {{{double post}}}

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  34. Dinner, Dessert and Theatre??? What a wonderful evening! And you deserve it Kim. Glad you took some time for yourself and I hope you do it again soon!
    Have a most enjoyable August friend!
    xo Catherine

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  35. By now everyone has probably heard of the "Helen Rich adopts black lab" story . . . when I read about it, I thought of you. You don't have to be a Wrigley's heiress to make a difference in this world and you are making a difference ~ and certainly deserve a time out.

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  36. Glad you took some time for yourself for a change! Looks like you had a great time :)

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  37. So nice to hear you've had a good night out Kim. Definitely deserved! x

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  38. I'm so glad you got to get out! I'd love to see the Lion King and your dinner looked fantastic.

    Monty and Harlow

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  39. wow! Looks like a great time!!!! : )

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Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!