Thing is...wolves are model parents and community members, and they wouldn't put up with that kind of shit from a cub for one furry second. What the hell. And then "DEAR." I would have been tempted to knock her phone out of her hand. Then I would have spoken to the manager. And ended up on a TikTok reel myself, 'Karen at the grocery store.' That said, you've written a beautiful post, and yes to everything, and sorry about all the sickness.
This is hilarious--and so entirely true, including the bitchy teen at the checkout counter for whom I predict a dreary future that she so clearly deserves. You and Susan are just beginning the Patch-up Years but i hope they continue long enough for more good morsels like this one.
Thank you Nancy! If you ever drive by me walking down Elm Street muttering to myself, it's because I just came from the grocery store! (See you soon-ish)
This month, for the first time, my cholesterol is high (just turned 59). This essay is the literary equivalent of comfort food. Thank you so much for making it for me.
Thank you for capturing the ever-present, reedy frustration of patching up pets and people who have bodies that are sliding downhill. Aging is requiring a huge psychological adjustment for me and my wife. Reading your essay is like nestling in the folds of a comforting blanket. And now I want Fettuccine Alfredo, my beloved comfort food.
Gorgeous piece - how you infuse humor and tenderness along with the cadence of your longer sentences. I sink right in!
And acupuncture - it was the only thing that helped me back when I had ferocious unexplained vertigo. I’m glad it helped Susan. It’s a modality I am always suggesting for pain management.
Yet again a brilliant piece. Brilliant because it’s true, terrifying, funny, sad, philosophical and totally relatable. This is what it is to be a couple - you just know when kindness is doing something you know is right, despite it being ‘bad for you’. Enjoy the roller coaster.
What a brilliant read that cheered me up SO much and made me laugh out loud tonight after a really shitty day - thank you. 🙏 And losing a lovely Maine Coon too 😿 I now only have three of my four 12 year old Maine Coone siblings left, after one died suddenly in December so I know how you feel and I’m treasuring every day with them all, sneezy snot as well! Thanks for all the links and especially the air fryer recommendation. Been sitting on the fence about buying one of those! After reading about everything you’ve been through I really wish you both a much better 2024 and as always look forward to your posts.
As usual, fine writing with an edge of humor. I read it empathizing with you and Susan all the way. Especially the Maine Coon part, because we also had to say goodbye to two Maine Coons 14 and 15, within months of each other and that was way harder than dealing with my own body's temperament. Miss them every day. Glad you had the Chicken Parmigiana. Wouldn't be life without your favorite food.
Oh Elissa! I swear you continually outdo yourself! I must confess I laughed at your expense. I promise that I plan to upgrade to a paid subscription this year. I actually put it into my budget. I’m sharing this with “everyone.”
At the line, “Were you raised by wolves?” I spit my coffee across the breakfast table and laughed for five minutes...the clean up was worth it!!!
Thank you!
I'm thinking of having tee-shirts made.
Thing is...wolves are model parents and community members, and they wouldn't put up with that kind of shit from a cub for one furry second. What the hell. And then "DEAR." I would have been tempted to knock her phone out of her hand. Then I would have spoken to the manager. And ended up on a TikTok reel myself, 'Karen at the grocery store.' That said, you've written a beautiful post, and yes to everything, and sorry about all the sickness.
The openness of your writing feels like home!
Yum. I turned 71 last summer. Radically changed my diet. And began a Substack. Every other day I want to hide under the bed.
This is hilarious--and so entirely true, including the bitchy teen at the checkout counter for whom I predict a dreary future that she so clearly deserves. You and Susan are just beginning the Patch-up Years but i hope they continue long enough for more good morsels like this one.
Thank you Nancy! If you ever drive by me walking down Elm Street muttering to myself, it's because I just came from the grocery store! (See you soon-ish)
This month, for the first time, my cholesterol is high (just turned 59). This essay is the literary equivalent of comfort food. Thank you so much for making it for me.
Thank you for capturing the ever-present, reedy frustration of patching up pets and people who have bodies that are sliding downhill. Aging is requiring a huge psychological adjustment for me and my wife. Reading your essay is like nestling in the folds of a comforting blanket. And now I want Fettuccine Alfredo, my beloved comfort food.
Thank you. MAKE THE FETTUCCINE
Do what you have to do... especially when advised not to.
Gorgeous piece - how you infuse humor and tenderness along with the cadence of your longer sentences. I sink right in!
And acupuncture - it was the only thing that helped me back when I had ferocious unexplained vertigo. I’m glad it helped Susan. It’s a modality I am always suggesting for pain management.
Vertigo is awful! Hope you’re better!
Thanks - it’s very infrequent these days. Here’s to a healthier and lighter February for you & Susan.
This is glorious and I’m now hungry.
Next time you’re here, I’ll make it for you!
We all need comfort right now. To hell with January.
Yet again a brilliant piece. Brilliant because it’s true, terrifying, funny, sad, philosophical and totally relatable. This is what it is to be a couple - you just know when kindness is doing something you know is right, despite it being ‘bad for you’. Enjoy the roller coaster.
What a brilliant read that cheered me up SO much and made me laugh out loud tonight after a really shitty day - thank you. 🙏 And losing a lovely Maine Coon too 😿 I now only have three of my four 12 year old Maine Coone siblings left, after one died suddenly in December so I know how you feel and I’m treasuring every day with them all, sneezy snot as well! Thanks for all the links and especially the air fryer recommendation. Been sitting on the fence about buying one of those! After reading about everything you’ve been through I really wish you both a much better 2024 and as always look forward to your posts.
Owl's Head is heaven on earth. Kinda like chicken parm made with love.
As usual, fine writing with an edge of humor. I read it empathizing with you and Susan all the way. Especially the Maine Coon part, because we also had to say goodbye to two Maine Coons 14 and 15, within months of each other and that was way harder than dealing with my own body's temperament. Miss them every day. Glad you had the Chicken Parmigiana. Wouldn't be life without your favorite food.
So sorry about the cat snot. Pipster, cover you mouth....
Now I'm really getting hungry for chicken parmesan anyway👍🏻
Oh Elissa! I swear you continually outdo yourself! I must confess I laughed at your expense. I promise that I plan to upgrade to a paid subscription this year. I actually put it into my budget. I’m sharing this with “everyone.”
Thanks so much June -x