@sueinmn, @loribmt, @johnbishop, @gingerw, and all...oops, Sue. In my experience with mice and rats, where there's one there may soon be lots more. Our entire building in my condo community is having mice/rat problems. I've written about my huge mound on my patio in the garden area, from something, probably an armadillo or such. I understand rats don't burrow tunnels but will take over tunnels for themselves. I've had 2 tiny babies inside!!!! Just inside my sliding glass doors, possilby from outside??? They didn't have open eyes yet, were so precious, but I scooped them up with the broom and pan and tossed them outside. One I put into the tunnel in my patio as it was pouring. I still have guilty feelings about them, as I'm sure I killed those babies, which is ok, but I'd rather not and hate to think I killed an animal.

I've done everything possible other than taking down my feeders. Not doing that. So, there are several entryways from outside under the roof in a couple of places, the association is working on closing them which will help. But, we still have them in the attic and walls.

Now, my wonderful kitty, Samantha, broke the neck of a mouse in a spare bedroom. At least she left it there in sight for me to dispose of and didn't bring me the gift, as a dear beagle mix I loved. She killed a rat outside and brought it to me so proudly, laying at my feet and sitting wagging her tail so pleased. I freaked. First personal encounter!

But, covered my scream, got the broom and pan, and thanked the doggie for the present as I tossed it in the garbage. Nightmares always follow these occurrences.

I have my son's precious little white furball, Buddy, a Havanese. She's staying with me now as he can't care for her and is having seizures that frighten her. She's been quite traumatized, so I've been helping her heal and giving her lots of love. Love having a dog again, but can't do the walking she needs.

Rob's home now. Was on a ventilator for several days after stopping breathing in Rescue after EMS pushed Ketamine and he has a Dilaudid pump. They diverted to the nearest hospital, not one I like at all, to ED to get him breathing again. They put him on a ventilator and it's been a horrid experience for him and for me.

He begins seizure testing at Mayo next week and consults with a seizure neurologist. Finally! Then, neuro palliative care and some help, maybe. I'm so tired of the medical community's mistreatment of this man. Dystonia has about 60,000 patients in the US. So, it's quite rare, doctors have no idea how to diagnose and certainly don't know how to treat. It's been a terrible struggle for 18 years to get help...finally, Mayo is doing research and helping him. However, until we get information out and funding in, it's a lost cause. No cure as no one knows the cause. I'm hoping to help the Dystonia Association/Foundation with this after he is settled if it happens and I'm still breathing!

He's being evaluated for Deep Brain Surgery. It's a dangerous, difficult, surgery, awake...and a long recovery with no guarantee it'll help. But, it may well stop the seizures caused by Klonopin withdrawal and help reduce pain levels. If so, that's a huge win for us.

My poor birds and plants have suffered during his hospitalization. I've spent the last 2 days cleaning, filling feeders, bird baths, etc.

I am exhausted from the inside out but will recoup and get stronger. I'm beginning work now on an estate sale, emptying finally my storage unit, and including a lot from my son's home in the sale. Big job, but I will get this done and finally simplify this life! I hired a cleaning service to deep clean his place and begin regular weekly cleaning for both of us. I lost my housekeeper last year and really need this service.

Be well, my MN friend. And all. Be blessed. Elizabeth