Message from the Cat Herders in New Immigrant

The mischief makers have all passed their phlebotomy tests. Any of them can draw blood sufficient for an annual exam. A couple are giving serious thought to circus performing, flying through the air without a trapeze sort of thing. All bony long legs and tail Nisa ranks highest in those efforts, earning herself the nickname "Spider Monkey." You'd have reckoned the mordacious Spot would be top place in blood letting but he's actually vying for Best Licker. He will help out people and pets who need a good bath. Never met anything he didn't want to lick. Una has turned into a little sausage so she'd like to be a feline Weiner Mobile.

Just as there is never a dull day here at the ranch, there is also never a clean day. Please let me know immediately if you learn of a litter that doesn't stick to paws.

So life is good, even if I am still in the city, the luxury of spending days and nights with Tom still hasn't worn off.

Actually though, Tom is gone at the moment. Our brother-in-law Jack (who has dementia) has been on a steady decline since he fell about three weeks ago. Although a CAT scan revealed nothing, he has been more profoundly delusional ever since. When his fears involve gangsters, he has become quite fearful and manic. Penny has managed it but the kids took him to the ER where Jack was given powerful anti-manic drugs and he's been either sleeping or off the wall since then.

Finally everyone (Penny and the three kids) agreed nursing home care was needed. That is until Penny decided otherwise. Tom was called in to "mediate" a potential crime scene. Kidding, but the accusations and shouting had become brutal.

Arriving last night, Tom was stunned and saddened to see how seriously ill Jack is. At the moment he is unable to walk, is incontinent and mostly sleeps. Tom was shaken and disturbed to see him in such a state. We are wondering if he doesn't need hospice although the kids talk in terms of "getting him better," so we know they aren't psychologically ready for palliative care.

Anyway, that is the sad state of affairs right now, making invasive kitty litter tolerable.

I am thankful: for this place to come to roost with friends for my marvelous, fascinating feline herd for the "off" button on the TV remote

Carpe Diem, Friends!