If she makes it, our matriarch will be seventeen years old in May. I’ll lay odds she will. She continues to defy the Fates.
ISO 6400 / f/2 / 1/1000s
23.0 mm (35.4 mm in 35mm)
JPEG – SOOC
Film simulation: ACROS STD
Category Archives: Home Life
Fujifilm X100F/Day 39 – Heartbreak
Not something we thought would happen when we woke up yesterday, but Buddy took a turn and the reality of the discussion we’d been having for months was staring us in the face. It was time. Our hearts are broken.
Buddy on September 22, 2018 (Canon 5D Mark III)
Fujifilm X100F 365/Day 5 (and some background)
I was checking the window light with Bibi, when Maya decided to step into the picture.
ISO 1250 / f/2 / 1/125s
23.0 mm (35.4 mm in 35mm)
JPEG – straight out of camera
Film simulation: ASTIA/SOFT
Just a little information on this project. I wanted to shoot a 365 project this year. Why? First and foremost, I wanted to rekindle my love for photography, which has sort of devolved into shooting events I happened to attend (or was asked to shoot), and doing a few head shot sessions here and there, mainly because I was asked to, not because I sought them out. Photography for its own pleasure and escape, as something that was totally MINE, had vanished. I wanted that back. The question: How was I to make this project a joy, rather than a chore? I knew I wanted to put some parameters on it, but I struggled with what they would be. I didn’t want to feel I had to lug a heavy camera around, but I didn’t want this to be an iPhone challenge either. I’d purchased the X100F several months ago, and every time I’ve had it in my hands, I’ve felt happy. To make it better, I was really pleased with the quality of images I was getting, its strength and clarity in low light, and the film simulations that come with the camera. I thought a year-long challenge, where I could really get to know this camera, was the way to go. So there you have it.
While I am shooting both RAW and JPEG, for the beginning days/weeks of the challenge, I’m just exploring the camera, so my first images will be jpg straight out of camera with no edits. When that changes, I will let you know in the post.
I hope you enjoy the journey with me.
2017 365 #59
#59
“It’s Dad! Hurry up! Get in the house!!”
Maya Update
Maya is holding steady. It is a balancing act between her hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, but with the able guidance of Dr. Sara Hogle at Baring Boulevard Veterinary Hospital, Maya has not only gained weight (1.5 lbs!) but is doing well. We are continuing her thyroid meds as before and doing sub-q fluids twice a week. While it would be nice to get her thyroid number down a bit more, it has been cut in half from her original numbers and to try to bring it down any further by upping her meds could create more issues for her kidneys. So, for now, we continue as we have been. We are so very grateful to modern veterinary science for keeping our girl alive and well, given all her challenges.
Lensbaby Jezzie
We’re off to the vet this morning. I’m not looking forward to the caterwauling on the ride over, though. She does NOT like the carrier. At. All.
Buddy at Dusk
The sun was just about down when I slipped into the yard to capture my big boy with his usual worried face. He really does worry too much, but I don’t think there is any changing it at this stage of his life.
Nursing Maya
Maya is nearly fourteen years old, and in the past months she’s started to show signs of disease. I suspected kidney disease as she began to lose weight and interest in food and was wasting away. She was down to skin and bones and weighed less than six pounds. So off we went to the vet for an exam and blood work. Turns out not only does she have kidney disease, but she has hyperthyroidism too. Not wanting to leave her at the vet hospital, we started with sub-cutaneous fluids and an appetite stimulant to see if we could get her interested in eating again. In addition, the vet supplied a thyroid diet for her. Well, the sub-Q fluids and appetite stimulant did their job and she started showing an interest in food again, just NOT the thyroid diet. So, not one to give up, we bought her canned cat food (the kind that comes in the tiny cans), and gave that a go. She loved it and began to eat (like a boss), and has put on weight. After a couple of weeks of this, I reported in to the vet, and we started Phase II: once daily thyroid meds. Luckily, these come in a fishy-flavored chew which she finds quite the treat, so I don’t have to subject Maya to getting ‘pilled’ daily. In a week or so, I’ll take her back for blood tests to see how she’s doing.
So, for now, she’s holding on. She’s still affectionate, and is not isolating herself. I know that when the time comes, she’ll let us know. For now, however, she’s not just hanging on, she’s doing pretty well.
