Whatever in Packrat

I can't think of a great title, so there ya go.

Sad. I haven't felt like writing here or in my paper journal because it means facing that my little dog is gone, and I don't want to do that. I miss her every day; she was so much a part of my life. In the mornings when I got up and around I'd pet her; she'd either be docile and let me or she'd roll around kicking her legs in a playful mood. When I came home from work she'd trot out to greet me, wagging her tail. She liked to be wherever I was. Sometimes I'd fall asleep while "watching" tv with my hand on her. She didn't want to leave me when I was sick. Running around on the bed trying to stay with me, she ran across my face and scarred me. It's hardly noticeable now, but it's my badge of honor - that little being loved me.

All that, and I was actually second best. From the very second she stepped into the house she and my mother fell in love with each other.

As much as we hated losing her, we feel blessed that we were able to be there with her all the way through. She left this world surrounded by love. Had it happened the next day, she would have been alone while we were at work.

Old. She had some medical problems, but they were treatable and in the beginning stages had it not been for her age. Age is the only malady my cat has. I mentioned to the Wordsmith that the only thing really wrong with them was old age "and you can't cure that!"

He just turned 61 and bellowed, "Thanks for reminding me!"

Cat. My cousin who-still-doesn't-have-a-decent nickname-here (maybe I should just start calling him Nameless) had just moved in with us when my cat showed up as a tiny kitten. An opinionated, fearless, demanding kitten. I've taken in kittens before and the MO is that I chase them down, bring them in, feed them on a high surface (counter, top of the washer) away from the dogs, and keep them segregated until they and the dogs get used to each other. (One cat and dog adored each other so much they curled up together every day with Cousin Nameless screaming at them that they were unnatural! haha)

THIS kitten meowed at the door, and when I opened it she rushed in. I fed her on top of the washer; she ate and then jumped down, marched into the living room where the dogs were, and plunked herself down right between them. She's always had catitude.

She has a slight underbite that makes her look pouty and she's the only cat I ever knew to frown (before I got on the internet and pre Grumpy Cat). She has large eyes and a fluffy black and white coat; I sometimes sing to her a few of the Big Bopper's lines "ain't nothin' in the world like a big eyed girl, makes me act so funny, makes me spend my money" - because she does!

She's the first animal I ever kissed and I haven't stopped.

She early developed a reputation for the meanest thing in the house with an unpredictable mood, always demanding. Once, when as a slightly older kitten, she had committed some wrong against Cousin Nameless. He confronted her, towering over her, and she sat staring at him, definitely with the upper hand, swishing her tail, until he finally gave up and told her, "It's a good thing you're pretty!"

See, pretty girls can get away with anything!

All this is just to say Cousin Nameless knows and loves our furry household. I had to tell him about my dog. I had earlier told him about my cat's mini-stroke, and I reported that she was doing fine and back to her bossy self.

"She's going to outlive us all," he said.

My counterpart is my cousin married to my cousin (should I say one of my counterpart cousins married to a cousin? There are several!) and met my cat over a decade ago. He's familiar with her reputation, saw her antics for himself. He agreed with Cousin Nameless and said, "She's going to be living off the insurance she gets from the rest of you."

She might speed our exits from this world for that insurance. I wouldn't be surprised.

How to Woo a Woman. S bought me a new book about Abraham Lincoln. Last year the Wordsmith gave me a painting of Abraham Lincoln.

My cousin said nothing says love like Lincoln!

Toldja I was a geek.

Geek Out. We were part of the War of 1812. I started researching this of my own volition recently, but then it's come crashing in on me. Now I have several sources and will be visiting a battlefield for a commemoration. Once I decided to go a man called and said he wanted to help us protest - I had no idea what he was talking about, and as it turns out development could endanger the very fort that was part of the battle being commemorated! So I called some friends who work in the Offices of the State Archaeologist and State Historic Preservation; now we're going to have a meeting with them, other archaeologists, and local heritage associations at the original site of the fort.

The Wordsmith is an expert on the War of 1812 and sent material. He didn't know about the commemoration and made other plans, so I won't be seeing him, but I didn't think I would anyway - when so close I normally go to see him, but it's over two hours away and this time I just didn't want to drive that far.

My friend from the SHPO is from the area I'm going to, and he's very involved with families from the settlement, including some of my relatives. Not only will we be going to the site, but he's involved in the Underground Railroad, which is also fascinating, so we'll be seeing some of those sites as well. I think I actually squealed when he told me!

"Labor" Day. Not only that, but another out of state relative called and asked about a pow wow in the area. It's only five miles from where I'll be, so I'm staying an extra day to go. I'm in mourning for my aunt and I can't dance, but I can see relatives and take pictures for our paper because my tribe helped to coordinate and will participate. I'm working on the story now.

Free Spirit. I think he's back with his wife. He didn't say he was, but statements he's made seem to indicate that he is. He's planning to come here in a few months.

Other Duties as Needed. This week my office has been more of a help center. I did a lot of research for and 1) wrote a complaint for an employee; 2) got someone in touch with people who could help with rape crisis intervention; 3) assisted an elder wanting in a job training program; and 4) reported a mold problem (already! my building is just over a year old!). It all sounds simple but each took up at least half a day; the complaint took two days and some after hours.

Snake. The dead, dried, headless snake is still out there. He has become a permanent fixture in the parking lot. I still won't park in that spot because he may revive while I'm out there.

That's all, folks!

Last updated August 23, 2014