The Best Exotic End to January

We believe that we already mentioned the fact that in our home January is the month to be endured. Well, good news:  we endured it and lived to face February. So, we celebrated the eve of February by watching The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  We loved watching the keeper laugh and grin and cheer her favorites, Dames Judi Dench and Maggie Smith, and the incredible set of actors.

Heavy Fog

 Today it was all about fog and mist hanging heavy over our home.  The keeper didn't notice until she came back from downtown this afternoon late and had to use the fog lights in her new fancy car. It was thick, but she told us that this was nothing.  It was not as thick as San Francisco and certainly not as thick as the fog that surrounded her home every winter years ago along the Columbia River, when they needed to run alongside their mother's car to make sure she was still on the road. Today Cecil was he only one wanting to go out so he could drink from all the new puddles. I found it too damp and chill.  He knows the keeper will wrap him in a towel and warm him up when he comes in. I am not that desperate.

Holding Out for Roast Chicken

A day off, she said. But it didn't mean that she would let us sit on the lap all day.  Whatever errands are, she had them. Then, of course there was the gym. Now she is home and has a pile of projects, whatever projects are. We know they involve books, the computer, and writing. They don't  include us.

We are trying to send her ideas about slices of roast chicken.

Downton, Again!

Okay, we are all breathing again. Could Downton get anymore heartstopping?

Agghh!!!

5th Grade Iconography

We are all now back in our nest.  The keeper left us for Mass at the Cathedral early today and then learned she could have gone to the evening Mass because the anniversary party she was to attend  tonight got cancelled because the hosts had the flu. Well, she came home early to us tonight instead.

But she was in Bothell this afternoon for Spanish Mass and more and noticed the art show from the school in the vestibule.  The Fifth graders were writing icons.

We approved and liked Mary's wistful look.

Unusual Parish Office Reception Area

The pastor of this parish celebrated a birthday, and the reception area contained a few odd gifts.

The Littlest Intern

 In West Seattle the keeper reconnected with the littlest intern's mother.  But since the littlest intern couldn't join them he sent this photo and greeting! She was charmed.  We have to admit that he is very very cute!

Whirlwind Saturday

We are glad that we could all hang out together with the keeper last night, but good things must always end. She flew out early this morning for points eastward and then southward and westward. She and L started up the second round of Parenting Classes in Bellevue this morning. The response was wonderful.  Then they ended up heading to West Seattle to do it all over again. A lot of good people, a lot of great enthusiasm.  We had a quiet day at home and are looking forward to a another night of hanging out with her. he has calmed down considerably since yesterday, we think.

Moonrising

The keeper decided to stay home tonight from the opera and calm down. We supported her wise choice. Maybe we can spend time contemplating the moonlight together while we eat three day old pizza and listen to beautiful music.

The Mantra

With Wednesday came  considerable increase in activity--not ours, of course.  Yes, hers. And there was rushing, rushing, ringing, ringing, buzzing, talking, one  set of folders being taken up, another set placed on a pile.  Our food was taken up and placed before us, not on schedule, but it arrived. We didn't want to get in her way or complain much.  Meetings, people, problems, crises.  For what purpose, all this fuss, we ask? We are simply happy to be cats.  She can keep her mantra.

Rest in Peace, Jack

Sad news. Today we heard that Jack, the cat which Whisker City was trying to save, died yesterday after giving all he had. But instead of dying in the street under a bush, he died in the arms of two angels who did everything they could to save him. After many vet visits, x-rays, drugs, they learned he had been shot in the head, had cancer, and an enlarged heart on top of everything else.  We all shed tears here today for Jack's sad life, and for the little bit of love he found at Whisker City these last days of his life.

Radical Hope

We tried to get the keeper to come outside with us so we could show her that January would end soon.  We had evidence: the daphne has many buds; pansies are still blooming, and the primroses are coming back.  She seemed happy to see this, and then went back inside and read all day.

It Arrived!

We had visitors early this morning.  They came to take away our old stove and give us a new one. Here it is. She was tempted by the stainless steel models with the convection oven. She was tempted by the stainless steel models without the convection oven. She decided that she would never use a convection oven, and that stainless steel was over the top. So, tonight we are cooking our long awaited frozen pepperoni pizza. We mentioned that for the price of this stove, she could have had pizza delivered twice a week for several years.  Oh well.

Back to Ordinary Time

This afternoon the keeper came home with way too much energy to stay inside  So we all went outside with her. The fog was hanging over us, a filmy dirty batting hovering over the trees and houses. The branches in the backyard were dripping wild rain. So we moved to the front yard where the remaining Christmas lights were waiting for the keeper to remove them. No rain in front. So for several hours she rolled up strings and strings of lights, with few bad words, until Christmas disappeared for another year. It looks pretty bare and bleak.

So, our front yard has entered Ordinary Time with all of its sadness, dimness, and struggle without much illumination. Lead kindly, whatever light comes our way.

I Didn't See It

Cecil didn't seem to care, but I wanted to watch the inauguration. I couldn't get my paw into the spot where the remote is stored. I figured it would be easy since I have now learned how to point the paw and touch the IPad to make things happen, even when the keeper asks me no to. But, I wasn't sure how to spell "inauguration" on the I Pad search box. So, while Cecil slept, I fumed because the keeper was at the gym watching it from her elliptical trainer, and here I was, stuck at home with the black and white dullard who isn't interested in current events. Perhaps I will be able to catch it on the news tonight, if she even turns on the tv this eve.

Whisker City Rocks!!!

Hello, Friends,

We want to share a story which we just received from Whisker City, the cat shelter which saved both of our lives.  They are incredible. And we hope Jack can pull through! Warning: the video is sad.

Alice and Cecil

Saving Jack.

Last night I met Jack - an adult Tabby in very bad shape. Jack is a "neighborhood cat" that nobody is particularly responsible for. One of those neighbors called me and asked me to take him. She didn't want him and she said nobody in the neighborhood wanted him. She was worried about the freezing temperatures but added she would not be making a donation or paying any vet bills.  Even though the shelter is still not completely renovated, I asked her to bring "Jack" to Whisker City before nightfall. I had this feeling I might be his last chance.

This little guy was starving to death. He is bone skinny. His ears are packed with wax, mites and crud. He could barely walk. Moreover, his claws had grown into the pads on his paws. His breathing is labored and difficult. It is obvious to me that his eye swelled from an infection and exploded. The socket is weeping with red watery fluid. He is miserable. Weak. Sad. Tired.

Our volunteer Vet Tech, Brenda Anderson took him to the vet last night for blood tests.  She brought him home and he spent Thursday night on the heated floor of my bathroom. I'm glad he is safe now but he is so very sick. This morning he ate his breakfast and then fell to floor gasping for air. Something is very wrong. Yet he is so sweet and needy. He purrs. He just sinks into my hands when I hold him. I can sense he is relieved. We took him back in today for X-rays. By tomorrow we will have a full assessment of Jack's physical issues. I hope now he can recover and we can find him a great home filled with love and kindness. And if he can't recover, I will hold him, cuddle him and love him while his life is ending. This is our mission. We serve cats like Jack.

I'm so thankful to all of you for supporting Whisker City. Because of your help we are here for the sick, injured and lost. Because of you we just might be able to save Jack's life.  I will keep you updated on his progress for the next few days until he is out of the woods.

VIDEO OF JACK http://youtu.be/uYn3dKtsedc

What We Are Doing Over the Long Weekend

Lady Alice and I have big plans for the weekend.  The keeper will probably work, but earlier this week she brought us a big gift from Costco.  A new box to shred! We intend to do just that over the next few days.  The keeper sprinkled organic catnip over it. I claimed it as my own, because Alice already has the old one. When she tried to jump in, I pushed her away. I am covered in catnip and loving it. I hope all of you have a great weekend too!

If Today You Hear God's Voice

We did not appreciate the fact that she threw us out of our shared bed quite early because she had to drive to Tacoma early for immigration court at the Tacoma Detention Facility.  From the pictures she shared, it seems more forbidding than the Pound. And we were grateful to return to our cat beds after she left.

You all recall Francisco, the nice man who likes cats. She drove with her new car to her old town, stereo blasting Bach, so Francisco would see a friendly face at his hearing. She thinks he was grateful. He has a new hearing date thanks to the prayers and letters of many.

Francisco at the Burlington Migrant Camps

So, where did she hear God's voice today?  In the fairness of the judge, in the terror of the many detainees up for their hearings, in the kindness of the bailiff, and of one of the guards, and most especially in the integrity, dignity, and self- possession which Francisco demonstrated in the face of those who would enclose him behind barbed wire for seeking a life worth living.

Cure for the Common Flu Shot

 Guess who stayed home today? Well, at least almost all day. She had to go out and buy us a new stove and some food. She finally decided to get the stove because she couldn't cook pizza. And between us, that's what the oven will be used for! She decided against stainless steel.  We approve her decision. So, yes, the flu shot after effects are almost gone.  Thank God. She is fretful when sick. But we are not complaining, really.

So here's the real story.  Inspired by a friend who had just taken down his Christmas lights this morning, our keeper let us go outside with her for the official de-lighting of the house and the passage into true Ordinary Time.  We only got the back lights taken down. But the squirrels won 9-8. The pile on the table represents 9 strings of lights which the squirrels ate. We only put away 8 out of the 17 we took down.  We found all kinds of evidence of how the squirrels bit off lights, chewed through cords, and stole whole sections.  Pity their poor families this spring when they dig up the wiry, glassy mess and find it is a killer meal.

While She Was Out

As you all know, today is a day off for the keeper. When we woke up this morning it was snowing ever so lightly. We had looked forward to a leisurely day at home, with treats, and opportunities to venture out.  You guessed it.  Not to be. Well, we had a leisurely day at home. No treats. No venturing out.  The only one who ventured out was the keeper who spent the afternoon in Seattle at CCS and her favorite parish. She told us we missed an amazing sunset. She took this shot from 23rd Ave, and just couldn't stop on James for the wide angle panoramic vista of  the sky on fire in the depths of mid-January. We have grown to learn that this is her least favorite month and she needs to catch consolation as she can.  Let's pray for more fiery skies.

And Yet, Good News

Lord Grantham receives news from Matthew Crawley and thus they begin a new business together.

Thank God, some good news at the end!

Poor Old Sir Anthony. Poor Lady Edith.

Oh, the drama of the wedding!  It started out so well. But did Sir Anthony love Lady Edith as generously as he was able?  Does sacrificial love leave the beloved at the chapel? Or, was Sir Anthony only Lady Edith's "nursing project"?  Was his choice one of liberation for both? The keeper told us that this would be a fascinating marriage case. Whatever.  We were still in our bed sleeping while it aired.

Good News

Lavinia's father knew the truth.  Daisy had posted the letter.

Back to the Abbey

Oh, the drama of it all! What a night we had with Downton Abbey!!! The tortured unspoken relationship between Carson and Mrs. Hughes. The loving support of her dear friend, Mrs. Patmore. Oh my!  We thought it was a little over the top and Alice and I left the keeper to her sighing.

Flu Shot Remedy

Our keeper realized this past week that she had forgotten to get her flu shot. So on Friday she took herself to Group Health to get a shot.  There were others like her who had forgotten   Eventually she got the shot along with the sheet explaining all the side effects  Usually the only side effect she feels is the sore arm.  But this time she started sneezing, her eyes became all red, and her allergies kicked in. Not a happy camper.  After being at two churches today, working on immigration and faith formation issues, she headed at last to the Cathedral which was a balm for her ragged spirit.
She was caught up in absolute awe approaching the Cathedral as the sun set over the city. The liturgy was quiet and comforting. A fitting end to Christmastide.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

We think this frost is a bit harsh on the paws.  You can quote poetry all day long, but it is still too cold out for our taste. We are ready for summer.  NOW!

The Announcement of Easter

Today, January 12, the Witch Hazel tree was already proclaiming the coming of Spring with its sunny fragrance of hope. 

". . . the Holy Ghost over the bent

World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings."

A Not So Bleak End of Christmastide

The keeper stayed home, mostly, with us today.  She had to work on somethings called annulments. She finds it to be very sad work as she reads and translates stories of love gone sour.

So, she took a walk around lunchtime all the way down to the water and found the sun, the frosted grasses, the swollen creeks all quite consoling. Indeed, GMH is right, " for all this, nature is never spent;"

"There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;"

Going Home

The keeper says some of the best times at her work are near sunset when she gets to come home to us. Tonight, as you can see, was incredibly gorgeous.  The colors just bled all through the horizon, and we are grateful that she did not try to capture the exquisite sherbet peaches and pinks of Lake Washington.  There was so much traffic she couldn't slow down. Because she made a good choice we are all at home together tonight, safe, warm, and watching Young Goethe in Love.

Ruffles for E

The keeper works with a young woman who works with youth.  This young woman is heading to Dallas and hopes to spend time with a certain young man.  She wanted to wear a dress to church there.  She is not known for dress wearing.  She brought a fluffy blouse and a skirt which she brought for the occasion  and showed the keeper, who couldn't believe that she chose ruffles.

Special Masked Visitors

Life at our home is pretty dull.  The snow melted, the keeper left us all day for her office and all kinds of appointments. So we passed the day playing with our toys and napping.  When she came home she told us of the eagle she saw at the north end of the lake--this one was smaller and younger.  Tonight we all stayed home.

Cecil wanted to go out later after dinner but a few minutes later the keeper found him just sitting in the doorway. He wouldn't budge. Then the keeper stuck her head out and saw three fat raccoons. They filled the side yard, stood on their hind legs when the keeper tried to chase them away. Cecil was smart enough not to try to chase them,  They would not have been impressed by his big furry body. And he would have been their snack.