Tags
It was a very non-materialistic Christmas at casa az this year – mostly because I’m broke. So I wasn’t able to get gifts for anyone, although I did get myself some Elixir perfume early in December and also made a couple of nice festive meals for me and Nog (though we didn’t end up with bogavantes).
But I did get a few nice gifts from friends, including the amazing Night Before Christmas book from Teuchter and these two surprises – some fab Simon’s Cat fridge magnets from Sara & Steve and a lovely set of Japanese toiletries from dragonqueen in a happy green box (she also threw in a stripey catnip sardine for Loki – click on the pic to enlarge) which I opened up in a neighbourhood octopus bar, as you do.
Last but not least, I also received Paypal gifts from Sledpress and Mudhooks, which I was told to use on anything special I wanted. Thanks guys – you covered this week’s vet bills and helped me take care of Azar, which was a very special gift indeed.
I actually think this was one of my best Christmases ever.
How was yours?
casa azahar 
Well, I only had one melt-down so I guess it wasn’t so bad.
LikeLike
Glad it helped, Az!
LikeLike
I’m looking out for the day when all necessary expenses are covered because you’re a sought-after tour guide and travel writer, and you really can splurge with a gift like that. But in the mean time I am just so, so glad that it worked out so that the dosh was there for Azar when he needed it.
LikeLike
I’m so glad I didn’t panic and take Azar to the emergency vet service on Sunday. They charge 70 euros just to walk in the door! And while I was on the phone with the guy on call he talked about the battery of tests they would have to run to figure out what was wrong with Azar when I was sure that he only needed a blood test to confirm or rule out kidney disfunction. But I have to admit that I only arrived at this conclusion after five phone calls to this guy (he was very patient) as various symptoms came and went.
Meanwhile, Yolanda is a real cat-specialist vet and does a lot of “hands-on” stuff that often eliminates the need for an x-ray or other expensive testing. Also, she’s met Azar before and has some of his history on file. And I’ve never been to a vet’s where the assistant kissed my cat on the head and told him what big ears he had. Plus it turned out that, even after two visits with the second one lasting over an hour, Yolanda only charged me for the tests, food and meds – whe waived her consulting fee. Amazing.
So yes, that was a fantastic gift because aside from the stress of getting a cat to the vet’s – and finding a taxi driver who doesn’t want to put the carrier in the trunk (seriously)! – the thought of ending up with a massive bill just makes it all worse. But thanks to you guys and Yolanda I had it covered.
And Loki LOVES his catnip sardine.
LikeLike
A very non-commercial, relatively cheap Christmas for me and mine. Canning as per usual but no *extras* in the bags/baskets. No one flew anywhere to visit but most of my family managed to get everyone together at my sister’s place on Denman Island for a brief 36 hours.
Glad to hear everyone helped those that needed it and no massive problems reared their ugly heads.
Cheers!
LikeLike
Ooh, you can get Simon’s Cat magnets?!
Very glad Azar is sorted 🙂
LikeLike