I finally got to see where Mom & seester are living in Wisconsin.
Evidently, I took some Austin temps with me – highs of low 90s – for a few days. Totally manageable for me, but then, I had to take into account my 87 yo mom is not accustomed to being out in it. We visited the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, took an overnight trip to Door County which included a boat tour to Pirate & Plum Islands, and then I went solo for a trip to Taliesin for a magnificent 4h tour, immersed in Frank Lloyd Wright’s world.
I did have 2 mornings where it was 60 upon waking (sunrise at 5a), and those were just glorious.
After dinners, I’d read parts of Outing the Cat Lady: Embracing Your Feline Addiction with Style to mom, and we’d have great memories of cats past. Did I need to read to her? No. But it made for better conversation and entertainment.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Door County
Pirate’s Island, Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal Pierhead Front Lighthouse, and the Green Bay Packers stadium
Taliesin
Interesting note, this place was FLW’s personal lab, and was never intended to be permanent. Picture are: The stables, the residence, and the main courtyard.
Zoe’s ER visits
While I was away, Zoe ended up in the vet ER for 3 days.
Diagnosis: pancreatitis, chronic kidney disease, and a UTI.
Needless to say, it did add a little stress to the overall vacation, but I also knew she was in good hands, and my kitty sitters were beyond amazing. I got calls & pics daily from the vet. After we were both home, she took another week to finally start behaving & moving normally, but we ended up back at the vet ER on Saturday, 7/5, as she was puking her food. We’ve got that calmed down, and are working to keep her hydrated. She goes back to our regular vet again on Tuesday, for a bladder prick & more kidney labs.
Zoe also turned 16 on July 4. Please extend her positive vibes for a long, spoiled life, & optimal health for years to come.
Zoe’s Ear Floof fundraiser
In combination with my shoulder surgery & rehab, this beyond what I can financially handle at the moment. I’ve started a GoFundMe to help with her medical expenses (currently on a 0% CareCredit card for 6 mo), as well as ongoing care. Of the ~$6,000 in current bills, I’ve raised $3,125. Please consider donating if you’re able. Any amount helps.
Donations can also be sent via Zelle, Venmo (@sharon-boon), or PayPal (please message for my personal account name, ie no fees on my end). Please note “for Zoe” so funds get routed correctly on my end. Thank you!
If you’ve been following along on social media & already donated, thank you so much!
If you prefer a more indirect form of donation, please help keep my schedule full! Summer is a bit slower than normal, and while I create work for myself, I still have openings. See below for Austin & Taylor openings.
I’ve been debating a rate increase for a while. I’m hesitant to do it, but the passage of the new taxes, and increasing costs of basic necessities (groceries, cat food, etc), I’ve decided it’s time. I am only increasing the rate on 1 service though: Custom massage. Both locations will have a $10/h increase (Taylor becomes $100/h, Austin $110/h), and since all session rates are based on the hourly rate, your session rate increases in proportion to this. Effective August 2, 2025.
Yes, you CAN pre-pay if you want to stay at the current rate for a bit longer. Links below for each of the session lengths & locations offered. There are 2 sessions per package. Prepay for as many as you like. I can adjust expiration dates (at the rate of you using at least 1/month). These links are only available HERE. This discount is for those who actually read my updates!
Please note, sessions already booked after August 2 will be increased to the new rate.
Upcoming openings in Austin:
- Tues, 7/8, 10a (contact me to schedule), 30 min only
- Tues, 7/22, 10a (contact me to schedule), 30 min only
- Tues, 8/5, 12n
- Wed, 8/6, 2p
- Wed, 8/13, 330p
Upcoming openings in Taylor:
- Fri, 7/11, 1215p
- Thurs, 7/17, 3p
- Fri, 7/25, 11a
- Thurs, 7/31, 3p
- Fri, 8/1, 11a
Summer running continues thru 8/1, then cross country takes over, and my schedule will shift for August, then again in September, so I can keep my sanity, manage early mornings, and stick mostly to an 8h work day.
Thanks for reading all this way. I’d love to hear if something inspired you!