So the past week has consisted of taking care of my parents' cats, waiting for good weather - didn't come, getting ready for the trip to Italy, and trying to do some art.

The weather stinks - too cold to swim last week and then nothing but rain. I had to try to vacuum the pool today in the rain. There is green algae on the bottom and I am just annoyed with it. Chlorine switch next year.... This has been the summer of slime... At least there won't be slime in the Mediterranean at Paestum...

Taking care of the parents' cats is a job because they are both special needs kitties. And I always try to undo the damage my dad does spoiling her, knowing full well he will ruin my efforts when he gets back. Gimpy is dangerously obese and that aggravates her arthritis (which is partly a result of her long ago broken leg). If she was lighter, that would put less stress on her bones. If she was given herbal medicine that might alleviate the pain, she may be less depressed and grumpy. So, I put her on a diet and give her herbal medicine at each visit. What do I get? A ferociously loveable cat. She purrs nonstop, walks faster, drooled on me and even lets me pick her up. Hmmm.. perhaps I know what I am doing?

I have been working on small sculptures with bones and bugs. The final part involved felting. I tried it last week. I can't do it. The bottom of my right palm hurts too much to apply the pressure I need to apply while rubbing the wool. I got 6 pieces and one flat piece done, but not without pain. There is also swelling. The wrist where the incision is fine but this is a new development. Back to the doctor on the 26th....

I leave for Rome tomorrow, so that is a bright spot. I fly in overnight, get picked up by the parents, and we drive back to the apartment they rented in Zuppino. I am nearly all packed and just glad to have been able to get the ticket for the price I got it at. I am bringing the Holga, the Diana mini and the T2i. Lots of b&w 120mm and just a few 35mm. May also bring a sketchbook and some pens...

I developed the film from Paris with some Acufine from work that would have been thrown out. I took one can home to test if it was still good considering it is most likely older than me. It is a bit weak so I extended the development time by a minute or so and great results! Once the school year starts and it gets darker earlier, I plan to print in the basement more. Of course, that has to be done while the hubby is home. Millie cries too much if we are not on the same floor and the basement is a no go for her...

I think she and I need some cuddle time before I leave... time to put the red blankie over me on the couch...