Octopus of Bloom

Feeling grumpy. I slept badly last night, and woke up with a headache. Which actually receded somewhat after I practiced a meditation CD that my friend Dragonfly wanted me to try. I then went for a longish walk, followed by grocery shopping. Then I edited stuff for awhile. Then I put the sheets in the laundry. Then I was so tired I fell asleep and was out for two solid hours! Good grief. The meditation had a portion about taking care of yourself, so I guess I was just following orders from my subconscious, but I had PLANS for those two hours. I then had a somewhat troubling conversation with my mother. The Duchess went to pick her up today for a blood draw. Mother had forgotten today was the day, and wasn't ready. She got ready, and they did go, but then it turned out there were no orders on file from the doctor, because he didn't want it done until next week. Oy. Mother referred to him as "Dr. Rink," which is not his name. I've made two trips to the drug store this week, once for a clock and again for hearing aid batteries. Now she needs Benefiber, too, so I will be revisiting the Rite Aid tomorrow. There were a lot of other odd things, too. I sometimes worry about her state of mind. I guess it's good we're going there on Sunday.

The swans are still on patrol by their nest, and I think I may know why! Near the path, I first saw some painted turtles basking on logs. They were very cute. But then--I saw an immense carapace just peeking above the water's surface. It was a huge snapping turtle. This would explain why the swans are worried. I hope that old monster doesn't eat the baby swans. Snapping turtles are remarkable creatures from before the dawn of time, but dude, please not the cute little cygnets. Eat something else.