So we were supposed to take this sweet-looking cat to the vet on Friday.

Just a visit to check out the power puffs he still carries, get a booster shot, nail trim, chip. The last time we took him to the vet, we had to trick him into the pet taxi. This time he remembered the trick and would have none of it. Long story short: he got away from us and ran high and low through the garage, doing anything he could think of to avoid us. We tried to outwit him … hahahaha.

Eventually he wound up in a corner of the garage, on a fleecy bed we had put there for his comfort. He seemed to be slowing down, giving up on getting away from us. I had a small bowl with a pasty treat and dropped it near him. He started licking it and I thought, “Good. Now I’ll just grab him.” My husband was watching and said later he had two thoughts going through his head as I approached Raji: “NO!!” and “Maybe she can do this?”

I’ve never been bitten by a cat before although I’ve been scratched numerous times. Cats have nipped at me without breaking any skin so I was unprepared for the overwhelming pain I felt when Raji clamped his strong jaws on the fleshy part of my right hand. He had flipped over as soon as he felt my touch and latched all four paws on my hand. Somehow he also scratched my left hand but I don’t remember how.

My husband had had a similar experience with our first cat many years ago, and so he knew exactly what to do. I’m embarrassed to admit this, but I couldn’t stop crying at first. Huge sobs of anguish, shock and fear. We got me cleaned up with running water, iodine, ointment and bandages. It took a few hours but eventually I saw my doctor and got antibiotics.

Now my right hand is swollen (it started swelling before I even picked up the antibiotics), movement is limited and it throbs painfully at times. I can type though. From what I’ve read online, swelling isn’t unusual and could last a few days. It’s Sunday as I’m editing this post so hopefully by Monday as you’re reading this post, the swelling will be going down.

Lesson learned: never try to pick up a cornered, frightened cat. I don’t blame Raji. The pet taxi terrifies him apparently. He’s also fast, strong, and smart. Our vet will give us medication that might calm him down enough to get him to the next visit … whenever that is. Frankly, I’m happy to put the visit off until next year.

I had taken this week off work, and a high point was a bike ride we took to the St. Mark’s Wildlife Refuge and adjoining wildlife management areas. Here’s some scenes from our ride.

The light was so interesting. It started off bright, with few clouds, and then they started rolling in, making for a hazy perspective. And, of course, I found a small lovely plant to photograph.

The following photo is a panoramic I took of a favorite spot: the bridge over Pinhook River.

I’m not sure how well this will show up on your screens, but it represents a 180-degree turn.

Here a few photos of the view.

I love how my husband’s eye always gravitates to any insects that might be about, and my eye finds the flowers that possibly attract them.

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This next photo was taken from our car, just as we were leaving.

No matter how often we go to the refuge, I’m always in awe of it’s beauty.

Last but not least, here’s a cat who missed us so much that day, he couldn’t wait to hug Greg’s leg.

We have hopes that Raji might be the same with us someday. Yes, we still hope because after we left Raji alone for awhile, he started to relax into his old self. Yup, we’re back to heavy petting before his meals and playtime after. He is resilient.

Thanks for reading! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday, however you choose (or not choose) to celebrate.