Tuesday 12 November 2019

Let's Be Frank - Cat Sitting & Other Stories




 Thank you so much for all your kind words and messages about Frank, the last ten days have been pretty hellish. We're still awaiting the results from Thursday's biopsy which really took it out of him, in fact we were so worried about leaving him that we had to cancel the fair we were due to trade at over the weekend and, other than a couple more vet visits, hadn't left the house since I last posted. We've been taking it in turns to get up and check up on him during the night and neither of us have slept for longer than two hours for almost a week. Last night Jon finally tempted him with a saucer of mackerel and he's managed a couple of small meals today. 


If you're not a cat person you probably won't know just how caring felines can be. Stephen Squirrel has been babysitting him today, gently chirruping to encourage him to get better. Stephen's 15 and Frank's about 5, they're not related but they stick together.


Jon had a call earlier from a neighbour asking if Frank was alright as he hadn't seen him for almost a fortnight. Unbeknownst to us, Frank can be found sitting on their doorstep at around 7am each morning waiting to be let in for treats and fuss. Poor Layla (the silver tabby who made an appearance on my blog a fortnight ago) is pining for him.


 On a plus note, having been unable to leave the house and has meant that it has never been so neat and tidy, that saying about people with dull lives having the tidiest homes must be true. Apart from dusting, mopping and scrubbing everything in sight, I've been decluttering like a women possessed, halving my earring & bangle collection as well as parting with a significant amount of bags, scarves and hats.


But never fear, I'm not turning into one of those freaky minimalists, I'm simply refining my wardrobe. This 1970s tooled leather bag, for instance, replaces both a larger vintage tooled leather bag I love but proved cumbersome to use and the Rajasthani leather & fabric cross body bag I've travelled to India with for over a decade but is now so stained and filthy it's an embarrassment. You may remember that I bought a similar hat to the one I'm wearing for £2 from a charity shop recently, a month earlier I'd fallen in love with this one online but it was way over budget.  Randomly checked the website last week I saw that it had been reduced by 30% so I went mad, ordering it in both orange & plum...and subsequently getting rid of four other hats in my collection. 

As most of my wardrobe is vintage, when I have a clear out I simply put my discarded belongings in the stockroom where I'll eventually find them a new home. Non-vintage stuff like cast-off costume jewellery and paperback books go straight to the charity shop and today we allowed ourselves an hour off nursing duties to drive down to the charity clearance superstore with a bag of donations. Needless to say I didn't come back empty-handed....

Clockwise from left: American-made 1980s tweed bomber jacket by Braetan; 1990s-does-1970s revival platform boots (with the maker's tags still attached); Crochet bellbottoms; 1960s Donegal wool coat; 1980s pure new wool lined maxi skirt; 1970s C&A lined wool midi skirt; 1970s BHS chambray lace-up midi skirt (Click to enlarge photo)

Of course, it's all destined for the stockroom although I'm rather tempted with the Gunne Sax-inspired denim skirt. It fits me, 24" waist garments are generally a hard sell and it would look rather cute in Greece. See, I've talked myself into it already!

WEARING: 1970s wool housecoat (present from our friends, G&T back in 2016), 1960s suede and sheepskin trimmed coat (2017, Second to None), Banjara coin pendant (Goa, 2008), 1970s tooled leather bag (eBay), Orange fedora (new, retail!!!)
Thanks again for being so kind, caring & supportive. It means the world.

See you soon!

74 comments:

  1. Hope frank gets better soon ,I know its a worry , i go through all the worry with my daughters cats , you look amazing in the orange outfit xx

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  2. I've always found that my cats have been amazing if I've been unwell...they sense it and stick to you like glue. I do hope it's positive news for Frankx
    Arilx

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    1. They really are amazing, aren't they? xxx

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  3. Hope Frank continues to improve, and that the biopsy results are good. Recently had a nasty fright with Mum's 17-year-old Maine Coon - Lily. Two very stressful days whilst she was an in-patient at the vet's and a £1,200 bill later, and she is back in tip-top form - thank goodness. Pets are such a worry but are so worth it.

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    1. Oh dear, that was a painful vet's bill. I'm glad Lily's okay now.
      Frank's a lot better now, it's been a tough few weeks. xxx

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  4. Awh I still know what it feels like when our little family members are poorly, it’s heartbreaking and worrying as they can’t tell you what’s happening with them. So us two are very tuned into what you are going through and hope Frank’s results are good and he is on the mend soon.
    Lots of love to you all xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Lynn! It's so horrid when they're ill, isn't it? xxx

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  5. oh poor Frank! He is soo lucky to have such a loving family, poor old Stephen must be so concened I totally feel for you and Jon our pets are so precious. I hope the test results are OK im sending love and hugs to you all xx

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    1. Thanks so much fro your kindness, Shelagh! xxx

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  6. I love all animals but prefer cats to dogs. You and Jon must be amongst the most dedicated pet owners I know; getting up in the night, only 2 hours of sleep - it's easier with babies let me tell you! I do hope Frank makes a good recovery. Eating some mackerel sounds very promising. And as for Stephen Squirrel keeping him company how sweet is that?

    You are so good at pruning your wardrobe. I do try really hard but I'm sure my wardrobe's dimensions have shrunk...

    I love your outfit. I can't believe that's a housecoat! Fabulous and I love the red coat and the hat.

    Fingers crossed for the biopsy results...

    Stay warm!
    xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Vronni!

      Your wardrobe shrinking? That's a good excuse! xxx

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  7. Poor Frank. I know exactly how you feel. We never left Buddy alone for 4 weeks after his hip dislocated. My house was super clean....not now though. Now we are at 2 months and still treat him like a china doll. I hope you get some answers soon.

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    1. Thanks, CC! Housework is definitely a great way of taking our minds of stuff! xxx

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  8. Get well soon, Frank! You look fabulous on that outfit.
    xoxo

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  9. Sending healing thoughts for Frank.....bless him. I hope the results come back good.

    Absolutely love the jacket you are wearing.

    Hugs-x-

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! Every calls me Mother Xmas when I wear this jacket ! x

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  10. Hi Vix Very sorry to hear Frank is still so ill - sending healing thoughts to him. You look brilliant (as usual) in your outfit. Hoping Frank has turned a corner and will be better soon.

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    1. Thanks, Alli, your comment is much appreciated! xxx

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  11. Oh, poor Frank and poor you. I do hope he pulls through. I'm sure the mackerel was a positive sign. They are such a worry and I'm exactly the same about my two.

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    1. Thanks, Fig! We progressed from mackerel and pilchards to roast chicken and prawns! He's loads better this week. xxx

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  12. Hope Frank feels better soon! Looks like he has a friend for life in Stephen Squirrel! That color looks great on you.

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  13. Hang on, let me get the patented Good Vibes Machine (TM) going again...cranking...in about 8 hours you should be getting them (time change and all that). Have been whispering to Vizzini about Frank and empathizing with you and Jon. I've been in that situation and it's just the worst. I'm glad Stephen Squirrel is taking such good care of your little bud. (((((HUGS)))))

    Cleaning and clearing out stuff is a good way to keep yourself busy. I've got 3 boxes of kitchen stuff from L and I doing the same kind of clearouts, and any clothes I cull go into the giveaway pile. I will never be one of those minimalists either - maximalism for the win! Take care, Vix.

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    1. That Good Vibes Machine did the trick - a million thanks to you!! xxx

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  14. I do feel for you Vix.I don't have any cats but I do have 3 dogs( soon to be 4) and whenever they have been poorly my world seems to stop.Sending you my love x

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    1. Thanks so much for your kind words, Flis. I do hope doggie number 4 is settling in well. What a lovely person you are. xxx

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  15. You always look so lovely. YOur coat looks so fitting for up coming holiday season.
    Coffee is on

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  16. Sending caring thoughts to you all. Hope the results are good ones.Well done on putting your at home time to such good use with your cleaning and sorting. On another note your house coat is quite a stunner. xx

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  17. the photo of frank and stephen melts my heart! how lovely stephen is with frank..... cats are such gorgeous creatures. lisbeth is sending some purrs and big healing wishes too!
    good to distract yourself with some labour - an being still around house. i think that chambray skirt is a keeper - perfect for summer und the greek islands and the blouses you already have :-D
    wish you all well! we think of you! xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Beate! they are lovely together - it's strange as Stephen Squirrel has always attacked any cats that dare enter our garden but from the first day he say Frank he chatted to him and sat beside him! xxx

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  18. It's so touching that Stephen has been taking are of Frank. And poor Layla missing him. I do hope he's feeling better soon, and back to visiting neighbours at 7am! The secret life of cats, eh?
    My friend got really upset when she came over a few weeks ago and Socks the Boy Cat was straight on the sofa nuzzling her arm, bless him.
    Oh, and you should definitely keep that skirt!
    xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Hazel. Isn't it funny how cats can be so caring? Non-cat lovers seem to think all they do is dig up flowers and kill wildlife, they don't know what they're missing, they're brilliant company. xxx

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  19. Poor wee Frank. Sending healing vibes. Your Afghan coat reminds me of when I had mine and jaunted happily around the place wearing it until my Mother in her infinite wisdom decided to machine wash it in her twin tub! Of course, it came out stiff as a board and was completely unwearable after that, not to mention the smell it generated!She washed everything that stood still, back in the day!

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    1. Nooooo! You must have been devastated when your mum chucked your beloved Afghan in the wash!! xxx

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  20. Despite all the worries and the awful weather, you look fabulous, totally like a ray of sunshine and I'm loving all those glorious colors!. Love this wool housecoat, it's something too good not to be shown outdoors! and it looks warm and cosy!. And also loving your coat, hat and the cute bag (perfect size and fab embossed details!)
    Sending lots of hugs and kisses to you, as nobody has too much of these when taking care of sick people/pets. And I understand that having to stay at home means lots of cleaning and decluttering (I also do this kind of things, it helps with anxiety). Anyway, I don't care if my home is undusted and messy if I'm busy having an interesting life!. Wish Frank get well soon (even if it means more mess, but it will be a lovely mess!)
    besos
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! It's crazy to think they designed clothes like that to be worn indoor, that's when people used to have some pride in their appearance unlike now when it's not uncommon to see shoppers in toweling dressing gowns and slippers in the supermarket! xxx

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  21. Sending Frank some healing vibes from us both. xx

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  22. Holding my fingers crossed for Frank. Cats are strong creatures, I hope that he will make a full recovery. It is very sweet that your other cat Stephen S. is keeping him company. It must have been lovely to hear about that call from the neighbors and to know they are worried for him and miss him. Cats always have such secretive lives, they often socialize more that we think. I'm sure Frank will put in extra effort with so many people caring for him, animals sense it just as people, love gives us strength and good vibes are a real thing.

    I really like your outfit. That maxi dress is gorgeous and such a fab pairing with that coat. You look fantastic!!!

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  23. Stephen squirrel is lovely, I so hope Frank is going to be ok. I totally get why you're so worried, our animal family members are much loved.
    You included lots of good buys and a great outfit at the top of the post - love the colour- but most importantly I'm just hoping things go well for Frank. xxx

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    1. Thanks so much, Sally! Stephen Squirrel was so sweet to Frank while he's been ill. xxx

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  24. I'm sending more love and healing thoughts for Frank. How wonderful that Stephen Squirrel is also nursing Frank. Furry friends make our lives whole.

    Hugs
    Suzanne

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    1. Those healing thoughts were much appreciated, Suzanne! Stephen Squirrel is such a kind-hearted cat, it makes my heart melt! xxx

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  25. You look so cute! I hope Frank gets better soon <3
    Your clear out is inspiring!

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  26. How lucky is Frank to have such dedicated parents and Steven to watch over him. Wish there were more people like you guys on this earth being more responsible about looking after their pets. And how cute is little missy, Layla, patiently waiting for him to get better. Sending him some healing vibes.

    I do love a good clear out of wardrobes and accessories. I try to do it at least every 6-8 months. I feel better passing things on to someone who can wear them rather than things sitting idle and unused in my wardrobes.

    Now I don't know if I read this properly - you have a 24" waist! How is that possible? WHO ARE YOU!!!!!! My gosh, you can add another million and you might get close to mine!!

    As for your outfit, you always look great. Would never have guessed it was a housecoat. Love how you've paired it with that gorgeous coat and hat - such beautiful colours for autumn/winter.

    Also loved the tooled leather bag, chambray skirt and wool maxi skirt.

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    1. Haha! I am a bit of a freak! It's great to fit into stuff very few other people can though, I often get stuff at a knockdown price at vintage fairs as the other sellers have been trying to sell them for years! xxx

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  27. Sending good thoughts for Frank and for you two dedicated cat parents.

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  28. I've just caught up with this post and your previous one, and I do hope Frank will be okay and the vet bill not too hideous. It's so worrying when they're ill. When Ziggy was in the vet with chemical burns in his mouth, it was a packet of M&S poached salmon that got him eating more... cats like their luxuries!

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    1. I won't mention the poached salmon to Frank, he's already obsessed with prawns!
      xxx

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  29. I do hope Frank perks up. He is way to young to be this sick. I don't think non cat people really know how cats bond to each other and care for their non-litter siblings. Whenever we've had two cats, one was undoubtedly a self appointed care taker. We will be sending out positive thoughts and love to the universe to heal your dear boy. xxoo

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    1. Thanks so much, he's definitely picked up now. Phew!
      I agree, non cat people have no idea how loving they are. When I was bedridden with pneumonia a few years ago Stephen never left my side. xxx

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  30. Your post made me chuckle, Vix. You're quite a funny writer.

    Poor Frank! How sweet that his cat friends are looking out for him and anxious to see him.

    I love your orange outfit. There's nothing like a good declutter and resale. I'm glad you haven't turned into a 'freaky' minimalist. Haha! X

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  31. Poor Frank, he does look quite miserable, doesn't he? I'm so glad to know it's nothing serious, and I hope he's feeling better now. Aww, isn't it sweet how Stephen Squirrel's keeping him company! You, on the other hand, are looking fabulous in your orange/red based outfit. Can't believe that dress is actually a dressing gown! They don't do dressing gowns like that anymore, do they? I never for one moment thought you were turning into a minimalist, but it does feel good to refine one's outfit now and then. Now that you've finished scrubbing Stonecroft, can you come and do Dove Cottage? xxx

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    1. Poor Frank, he does look grumpy at the best of times but he looked so sad when he was poorly.
      I think I've done my quota of cleaning for the year now! xxx

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  32. You are such good pet parents! I was so happy to see the good news about Frank on your IG; I feel like I can now say how glorious you look in this outfit without feeling guilty.

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    1. Thanks so much, Shelley! I felt very fancy and ready to celebrate Frank's recovery. x

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  33. Meghan said. Very glad that sweet Frank is on the Mend. Our little fur babies truly give us unconditional love. I hope that all is normal (normal?) smile, I mean going well for you all again soon. That beautiful coat makes Father Christmas Very Envious. You are a very beautiful Jolly gorgeous sexy elf yourself. SMILE I hope you are feeling happier.

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    1. Thanks, Megan! Our fur babies do give us so much joy, it's truly awful when they're unwell. xxxx

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  34. I've see the good news about Frank on IG. It must have been such a worrying time for you, I hope you've been making sure you're topped up with treats! The orange is gorgeous on you. I fell in love with an orange fedora in Lock Hatters in London back in January but it was close to £300!! Not much chance of that turning up in a chazza. Xx

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    1. Thanks so much, he is a lot better now!
      I didn't realise I needed an orange fedora until I saw one on-line. Lock Hatters make fabulous hats (Jon's got one of their leather baker boy caps) but £300? That's a week away! xxx

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  35. I somehow missed ALL the Frank related news but I haven't really been online much. I am so sorry he has been ill and I hope that the mend-trend continues. Poor lovely him! I can imagine how kind Stephen is being. Cats can be wonderful!
    Glad you managed to find some bargains in your charity shop warehouse trip- you clearly need that skirt! I love your new hat- it is lovely!x

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    1. Thanks so much, Kezzie! Frank's a lot better now, getting us up at 6.15am for prawns! xxx

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix