Back Home to Celebrate Lillian

Yesterday the keeper went back to preach at a place I never knew.   She was assigned there 25 years ago this year.  It's hard to believe she says because although lots of things have changed there, it always feels like yesterday. Other cats who preceded me knew it well  and were well known there. They lived in the rectory. A wonderful matriarch name Lillian died and the church was full, and the testimonies and the lives and accomplishments of all of her kids and grand, great grand kids were pretty impressive. A great great grandchild was in attendance as well. She lay in state wrapped in beautiful Pendleton blankets, with Husky team mementos. 

The keeper said she saw lots of people I do not know but she does,  and she talked a few into visiting the cathedral. I hear two showed up today.

The New Gizmo

She bought herself a Christmas present.  Not as massive as in past years, but it is a fitness tracker that she wears on her wrist 24/7.  It measures steps, hydration, sleep activity, caloric intake, weight, and tells her to get moving every ten minutes during the day.  It's a bit like a nanny, I think, or a very naggy keeper. We will see how long until the thrill wears off for this new toy. According to the numbers, she is already behind!

Home again

Finally, she came home to me, put the cat bed in her lap with me in it. She sipped her tea and reflected on 2014 and her hopes for 2015, and then read about social sin and migration. I had no lofty ambition and snored away while she pondered.

New Year Surprises

On the long walk she spied balloons out for a stroll, the creek turned gold in the cold sun, and some bright yellow witch hazel which was blooming early.

New year in LFP

The keeper came home from the morning liturgy via the route around the lake. She encountered hundreds of people rushing to the Polar Bear Swim at Matthew's Beach. She was drawn to it, but kept driving.  Instead she dressed warmly and headed down to the northernmost part of the lake.  It was a crystalline day. She found the mountain, the rippling lake, ice crystals on the ground.  She walked five miles and loved every inch of it.

A Home for Chez Janou

One of the keeper's travelling companions gave her a poster made from the business card for the best bistro in the Marais. Today we found a spot for it overseeing all the work in the kitchen. It looks great and seems to bring back some fine memories.

Gala and Mil Gracias

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Last night I crossed over to 2015 alone.

She left me for dinner with friends and then a gala concert at you know where.

I don't know where "you know where" is, but everyone else seems to. If they would have a pet blessing in October like other places, then I would go and have  look.  But that would take a miracle. 

But I digress. She told me that at last eve's gala  they celebrated Jim Savage who is leaving as Director of Music after 33 years. The ovation was was sustained and heart felt.