Hemi has turned into a mighty mouse-catcher. No, I'm NOT going to show you the dead mouse, in fact he didn't seem proud of his catch at all. Kind of looked at it and shrugged to say "what's that?". The above photo was taken not long after we brought him in the house, as he doesn't like to have his picture taken. I can sympathize, as I don't like to have my photo taken either! haha
My daughter and I went to Galax, Va last Saturday to the Project Linus meeting. I had finished one large afghan blanket and made sweaters for several build-a-bear sized stuffed animals. It was a cold and windy day, but we ate lunch at Shoney's and had a good day. I am taking one day at a time these days, and am missing my two little friends terribly (so is my son and Hemi). Christmas will be here before we know it! Have a happy one. God Bless.
Once upon a time there were three little calico kittens born in Ei-cho, Japan. Their names were Kaoru, Kenshin and Shizuku. When my daughter moved home from Japan, she brought her cats with her. Shizuku-chan outlived the rest and became my best friend. When my daughter moved into her own home several years ago, Shizuku stayed here. It was her choice to stay here. As I have told previously, she became ill at the first part of the summer, and became steadily worse until last Friday, when she passed over the Rainbow Bridge. She was eighteen years old. This is so hard. I am thankful that Hemi-cat is with us.
We lost our dear little friend, Earl Grey yesterday after a brief, but fatal illness. He suddenly came down with FIP (Feline Infectious Peritonitis). We decided not to let him suffer, as the Doctor said that he could not last over two months, and there was no hope for a recovery. We are shocked and saddened by his passing, and are reminded of how fragile life is. Rest in Peace, pretty kitty.
I have been reading a lot of Amish fiction this summer. The author I like the most is Beverly Lewis, my next favorite is the Guideposts Amish Mysteries. They are sent to me every month, and have the same cast of characters, but different authors every month. I like the Amish fiction because it is clean. No smut, or "sex scenes". I like descriptions in a book, not "mushy-stuff". Some of the Amish books are even set in Ohio, where I was born. I remember seeing Amish buggies every summer when we would visit my Aunts and Uncles. Wow! Anyway, after reading a lot of Amish books this summer, I decided to switch back to my most beloved mysteries. The books, Scottish Highlands Mystery by Hannah Reed caught my eye on Amazon.com and I ordered one. I loved it!! So I ordered the other two. The only bother is that they are only in paperback, and the print is small. (Break out the magnifying glasses that my daughter bought me, haha.) The above photo is from Amazon.com. Great reading!! Have a blessed day!
Due to the fact that my daughter's two male dogs prefer to run away and play at the park with visiting kids & families at the waterfall (they have done it several times now, with complaints), my daughter had to install fencing around about a third of her property to keep them in (hopefully). It took a lot of hard work on her part, and the volunteer work of a co-worker, relative, and kind Mormon volunteers. Even as I write, I bet those two devil-dogs are plotting and planning how to escape. I'm afraid I don't have any more patience or sympathy for them. I pray this is the end of the story. (Photo is of her house on the hill taken by my son Donald.)
Yesterday morning my daughter called me from her home (about an hour away). Her two male dogs were missing, and she was quite upset. Her girl-dog, Lucky, was at home. I am showing a photo of Hoshi, above, but I don't have a photo of Oreo (who is black & white). Later that morning, the park ranger from Hanging Rock State Park (about a mile from her home) called to say that he had her two fugitives in "lock-up" overnight & to please come get them. Hehehe. Those rascals. There had been an accident at the park on Sunday afternoon and a hiker had fallen from the trail. The dogs must have been drawn by the excitement. When she called me back later to tell me that all were home and safe, they were ALL very excited. I'm glad I don't have dogs. My kitties stay indoors, and the worst I face is Earl and Hemi using the house as a "race track"! No word on the condition of the hiker. God Bless!
This is Oreo!
I must report that Shizuku-Chan is feeling quite a bit better!! Thank God! We are keeping a watchful eye on her, but she doesn't seem to be in any pain, and her eyes "tell" me that she's doing better. Don't count the old girl out yet! Thanks to all who contacted me with encouragement, prayers and good thoughts.
This weekend has been beautiful here. Lower temps and humidity have been the order of the day. I want to wish a Happy Father's Day to all the Fathers in our lives and a very Happy Birthday to my son, tomorrow. Too bad he has to work all day.
Blessed Sunday to us all!
Several times this spring I have read on blog-friends blogs about their losing their older cats, for one reason or another. I hoped and prayed that it wouldn't happen to us. Yesterday we received the bad news from our Pilot Mountain Vet that Shizuku-chan is in kidney failure. After discussing the future with him, he made several good suggestions, and we will keep a watchful eye on her. I will not let her suffer, but I love her too much to let her go too soon (to meet my convenience). Your good thoughts and prayers for her (and us) will be appreciated. She is my best friend, and is now eighteen years old! God Bless!
Photo by Donald, taken about two years ago.
At long last, my daughter Kathleen has received her Doctorate of Philosophy in English. (I hope I said that right!) She is an English teacher at our local community college, and before that she taught English in a two-year women's college in Kagoshima, Japan. We are very, very proud of her.
Just think, the last time I posted, I was saying "Merry Christmas" ! Mother always said that "if you don't have anything nice to say, you should say nothing at all". I have lots of intentions, but don't get much done, that's for sure. I am doing some better, though. I thank God for that !
The above photo is of some sheepies that I watch for when we take the trash off on Saturdays. There were three new dark babies last Saturday. My son took the photo with his cell-phone through the car window. Click on the photo to enlarge it!
Am still making some Prayer Shawls for the hospital, but no quilting yet. Hope that will be possible when it gets warmer out. The cats are doing fine. Earl grey and Hemi like to race up and down the hall at least once a day. Shizuku turns 18 this month. She and I celebrate our birthdays together (although I am not turning 18). She is doing good for her age, but she does complain a lot.
It looks like Spring here, and I am thanking God for the flowers (not the pollen) and warmer temps. God Bless us everyone !
