Sukkahblog

I'm posting from a new location tonight, all snuggled into my sukkahbed. So is Angel, who clearly assumes that it's her bed, too. (That may be because I'm using "her" old quilt --washed, of course-- as a bedspread. She doesn't get on my regular bed unless she is very frightened.)

Hold on, I think a bug is crawling on me.

Sleeping in this rickety structure is really improving my commitment to prayer! Even as I write, I'm praying that it won't collapse on me in my sleep.

Two more mosquitoes are visiting.

I don't know how they put up with this for 40 years. Unless I'm mistaken, they didn't even have air mattresses back then. Or Advil. I have it so easy comparatively. Still, G-d really knows how to bring a lesson home! I mean, who else could have come up with such a multi-faceted holiday?

It's also fascinating to me that those who were part of the original desert experience were exempt from keeping succot. That shows His trademark lovingkindness.

These mosquitoes seem to be on a vendetta. They'd better stop biting me, if they know what's good for them. The word vendetta is about to take on a whole new meaning if they don't watch out.

Big subject change, with no segue:

I haven't written much about my mom's upcoming visit. She will fly in tomorrow with her dog, Truffle. This is a very big and complicated situation, which is why I haven't delved into it before.

Here it is: Truffle, her 10 month old chocolate labrador retriever puppy, needs surgery. I feel very conflicted, because I'm not sure surgery is really in Truffle's best interest. It may actually show more compassion to have her ...you know... But it's not my decision to make. She has severe hip problems, and is coming here because there is a special veterinary facility near my home. There are only 2 places in north and central Florida that perform the surgery she needs; a total hip replacement on one side. On the other side, they will break her leg in 3 places, then screw it all back together. The thought of putting her through all this is very, very difficult.

She needs to remain here for the recuperation period. So Mom will stay here to care for her for almost 2 weeks, then she is going to Kenya on a (pre-scheduled) safari. Truffle will live at my home through December 19th, and I will see her through the second surgery. I will then fly her home to Mom at Christmastime.

Like I said, it's complicated. I know she's "just a dog," but still... please keep her in your prayers.