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This is one of the fastest growing hobbies around the world right now and I'm wondering who else enjoys coloring as a grown-up? I always colored with my children and then my grandchildren, but now we closet colorers no longer have to stick to the kiddie books. There are hundreds of incredibly detailed coloring books available for adults these days. Johanna Basford's "Secret Garden" and "Enchanted Forest" books are the leaders in the field. I believe she was the first to publish a coloring book aimed at the adult market. Her images are lovely!

Share something unique or cool about yourself. For instance, I'm a lion tamer - well, sort of. I was bored to death while staying at home during the height of the pandemic, so I taught a tiger (orange tabby), a lion (floofy tortoiseshell), and a panther (black cat) to do circus tricks. Our act was the entertainment during work Zoom breaks and the highlight of the day. I'm happy to be back in the office, but I do miss all those extra cuddles. Let's hear something about you.

I don't know about everyone else, but I really crave good news these days. It helps keep me going during this time of crisis in our world. So, I thought I'd share some good news we received a couple of weeks ago at the vet. As some of you already know, Carmine was diagnosed with diabetes back in January. We were pretty sure it was steroid-induced. Long-term prednisolone use in cats is linked to the development of diabetes, and Carmine had been taking prednisolone for more than five years for his chronic pancreatitis. We made the decision to take him off the prednisolone in hopes that this would resolve the issue. He has not had any pancreatitis flareups in about three years, so we felt pretty comfortable that he would be okay without it. In the meantime, though, he had to go on insulin to help control his blood sugar. Unfortunately, the first dose we tried was too much for him, and he kept going into hypoglycemia, which was incredibly scary! My vet and I worked closely and figured out that Carmine needed the very tiniest dose of insulin possible - 1/2 (about one drop) of insulin only once a day. This dose allowed him to remain stable without going into hypoglycemia. He has his glucose tested at the vet once a month right now. About a week before his last appointment, I noticed that he was much livelier. He was running around like a young cat again (he is 15 years old!). He was eating more, too. He was even chasing Tylan around the apartment, which he hardly ever did before! So, I wondered if he could be in remission. Sure enough, he tested in remission at his appointment!! His sugar was still slightly high at 178 (normal ends at 170), but he is in remission. It was a piece of news I really needed. Things have been so tough for everyone, including me, lately. It felt great that something good happened. He will continue to go in once a month for glucose tests for the time being. We are hopeful that he will stay in remission, but it is not uncommon for cats to go back into diabetes from time to time.

Notice that I did not say "junk food." We're not judgmental here! I am a lifelong fan of snacks, but instead of scarfing down cookies and candy like I did when I was a kid, I try to stick to nuts and fruit these days. The one thing I can't seem to give up is good old Fritos, yes, those plain corn chips! How about you, what is your favorite snack food?

One word: El-Nino. This is a weather pattern in the Pacific Ocean that pops up every 5 years or so. Some patterns are stronger than others and, so far, this year is shaping up to be a strong one. This pattern directly affects the U.S. more than any other simply because of the geographic location of the country. Living in Arizona, I feel the impact of El-Nino every time it comes around. From this first-hand experience I can tell you that it's going to be a wet El-Nino season in Arizona. (Some people joke that we have a 5th season in Arizona........El-Nino.) It has been raining more than usual ever since our monsoon season was supposed to have ended a roughly one month ago. It was raining last night where I live, at an elevation of roughly 5,000 ft. above sea level, with more expected today and the cooling trend to continue. At this rate we are going to see a lot of snow out here as well as other parts of the western U.S. I can't begin to tell you how much of a good thing that would be. Here's a link that can explain more: http://www.weather.com/news/climate/news/el-nino-outlook-strong-possible-may2015 So how do you think El_Nino will affect your neck of the woods?

Dear Sir/Madam,I just hit my Seventh and pray that you admit me into your programme. I promise to do my best.Thanks,Robert.

I moved earlier this year from a house that I hated to a house I love, so I am very grateful to be in a better place. Christmas last year was difficult because I just wasn't comfortable, but now I feel warm and cozy, and I've really been enjoying the whole holiday season.

That's both fantastic and hilarious, Nickel. It sounds like you'd make an incredible contestant on Jeopardy! Pokcare, way to be an overachiever without losing too much of yourself. I'm glad you're working on your social relationships. Unfortunately, the pandemic probably isn't making it easy.

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Name one (or more) thing(s) for which you are thankful, in the spirit of the season. I'll start! I'm thankful for life, health, and family.