February

[February pic in my 2013 Calendar; taken 8/4/12 in Boston Harbor]

The year toddles on into February. Work remains slow. My placement client reminds me that corporate clients are still planning their budgets for the year. Many clients have mentioned things upcoming in the vague future. Potential virtual teaming opportunities have have been floated with other free agents. All of this lies germinating in the cold winter ground, waiting for the spark of funding. Meanwhile, speaking of funding, the payables person with the client who kept me busy in December tells me a check will be in the mail on Thursday. Another larger check from another client, for work done over the summer that couldn't be invoiced until early January, should come... sometime soon. I will be relieved to replenish my dwindling accounts. I am lucky that my former employer, who has been keeping me afloat with small bits of projects so far this year, although paying little pays directly into my bank account every couple of weeks, just as when I worked for them full-time.

[The inimitable Ingrid in June 2009]

This weekend my former housemate K texted me with sad news that she had to put down Ingrid, who had to be nearly 100 in dog years. I haven't seen her since K and her husband moved away in 2010 (they've since had a baby, who is now a year old!), and I very rarely saw Ingie since I moved to this apartment in 2008. So she's been out of my life for years now, but I spent a lot of time with Ingie during the four years K lived with me at my old condo. I was working from home then and Ingie was my office mate every day while K was in vet school. I lived with K and Ingie for another year when we moved to our apartment in Belmont. She was a feisty little beast, full of personality, both vinegar and sweetness. She had a good long life and will be missed.

Comments

[Lorianne]

Ingrid was a huge personality in a tiny body. It's sad to think she won't be pestering anyone to play tug-of-war any more.

I hope work picks up soon, and the influx of checks. One of my blog-reads, "Writing as Jo(e)," claims that February is the year's longest month, and I think she's right.

[Roberta]

The slow payment process you are going through makes me cringe. Money things, in general, make me cringe especially with my medical bills and the VERY INTENSE DESIRE for a new camera. I can't seem to shake it. As for Ingie, the best we can do is give them a most fantastic life. In the past, when I've had to let a dog go, I could always tell myself that they had a great life. Sometimes I thing my little old decrepit Italian Greyhound hangs on simply because he is so happy here. No matter though. When the end comes it is always painful.

[Relatively Retiring]

I feel as if I know Ingrid - that's such a great portrait.

How's the SAD lamp going?

[Leslee]

Lori: You nailed Ingrid - big personality in a tiny body. I miss her. And yes, I think February may be the longest month, although this year January sure dragged on.

Roberta: Yeah, slow payment seriously sucks, because I dug my way out of debt but have no savings to speak of. (Good luck with the new camera! What are you looking at??)

K's Aunt Peggy posted a great thing on her FB wall: "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are." ~ Cheryl Zuccaro ~

RR: The SAD lamp (sadly) takes some time to take effect, so I'll have to let you know. I should remember to take it with me on weekends so I don't miss my morning doses.

Alas, one to two *feet* of snow are predicted this Friday-Saturday! Arghhh!

[Beth]

Hi Leslee, slogging along here too. I hope the payments show up soon, along with some of that vaguely-promised work. It's just a difficult time of year: dig some colorful clothes out of the closet, is my new resolution and self-help plan! I'm sorry to hear about Ingrid - that's a great portrait of her, and you obviously have a lot of happy memories of her too. Sending you a big hug!

[Lucy]

I remember Ingrid well from your blog, sorry to hear of her passing but glad she had a long and happy life.

Best of luck with the germination process!

[Leslee]

Beth: My winter wardrobe is way too dull! I think your painting summertime scenes is a perfect idea. Maybe I need to revisit my photo collection from summers (or Mexico trips) past...

Lucy: Thanks - and Spring will come to all of us before too long. :-)

[Sky]

Hoping work projects come in soon. Also hope you guys are not buried fully under this blast of snow expected. Stay safe and warm and enjoy your white playground. Maybe you will have some great photo ops to share. We've yet to have a real snowfall - only one dusting and a few frosty mornings. I have a little snow envy, but a few feet of it is too much for this aging body that can't be trusted to stay vertical!

[Leslee]

Thanks, Sky. I'm hoping things pick up soon, too. Will post some snow pix in a bit!