If you're one of those people I stay in close contact with then you'll know that you haven't heard much from me the last couple months. If you aren't then you didn't miss me anyway. :-)
But... did you notice the blog posts stopped as well? If you had asked me a few weeks ago why, I would have replied that I've been busy. That is true.
Six weeks ago, in spite of knowing better, I volunteered with McKamey Animal Center to train a dog. It turned out to be a great little puppy named Howler. I did this because a local dog training company donated 4 classes to McKamey who then asked for volunteers. I was one of four people who took a dog to class each week and also went to the center each day to spend time training. Howler was a very shy (apx) 4 month old mixed breed pup who blossomed with the training. I loved it but it took a lot of time out of each day. It was a challenge to complete my commitment but I did enjoy doing it. That's why I thought I hadn't had time to do much else.
But... it was more than that. It seemed that my life was completely out of whack and whatever it is that turned my life upside down happened in June. I had to ask myself "what happened in June?". It wasn't because Mom passed away (that was May) and it wasn't because Dad moved here (that was August). I don't think it was training Howler - at least, not in and of itself. That's when the lightning bolt struck me. It was Lincoln! I got Lincoln in June!
It was time to admit it. This lovable cat was driving me crazy with his lovable needs. I adored this kitty. He was there to greet me when I woke up in the morning (so much so he often woke me at 4:45am - my alarm doesn't wake me until 5:30). He hung around me the whole time I got ready for work right up to when I left. When I was in the bathroom he would use his litter box, when I was in the kitchen he would eat, when I was in the living room he would climb his tower, when I dared sit at the computer he would play with Larry's papers, the computer wires, climb on my lap, then climb onto my keyboard, etc, etc. It appears he slept all day but then be waiting for me when I arrived home and despair when I left again for McKamey or small group or whatever. When I was home for the evening he would be on my heels. In fact, he heeled better than Howler! He needed company! I would change into my kitty clothes (because his lovely soft fur would fly while being petted) and snuggle into my recliner with my kitty who would purr and hum and cuddle for about 2 minutes. Then, he'd jump down and lay down near my feet. Does this mean his needs were met? Noooooo, not by a long shot. He wanted to be close all the time! If I got up to work in the kitchen he would be right there (though he almost never jumped on the kitchen counter). He wouldn't leave me alone! I tried playing with him - dragging his kitty toy around the floor. He would pounce and jump for 30 seconds or a minute and then lay down and watch me entice him. I was getting more exercise than he was! I'm sure he enjoyed it.
When I opened my eyes to his needs, it was plain that he needed much more companionship that I was able to provide. Even with Larry working at home different portions of the day it was not enough for him. He either needed a playmate or a home where people are home all day. We weren't about to get another cat or a dog so I finally decided it was time to give him back to the organization I got him from (it was stipulated in the contract that way). It was a tough phone call to make because I loved Lincoln and enjoyed his company.
They came and got him the same day. Really, they were too hasty. I didn't even get a chance to say good-by (though that would have been for me, not him). He ended up going to a home of one of the rescue cat people that I also am not happy about. She has about 100 cats (no exaggeration). He needed some company but not that much. But then, I had no say in the matter. He was no longer my cat when I made that phone call.
I won't miss the cat hair and I won't miss the cost (equipment, toys, food, vet bills, etc) but I will miss Lincoln. (The violin playing will fade out soon.)
You should be seeing more posts now. I can sit at my computer again for as long as I want without too much interruption (it depends upon if Larry is home or not). :-)
There are some things to catch up on which I will post soon. Check back again soon!
Hot Springs is about an hour SW of Little Rock (capital city of AK). The area is wooded and there's a big beautiful lake there. Also, as you can imagine, there are hot springs. Check out this fountain. It's steaming and we were there at the end of August! There is a rich history surrounding the hot springs and, as you may know, we love seeing history in person. Believe it or not, there is a National Historic Bath House from the late 1800's/early 1900's. Here are a few photos. I left out the pictures of tubs and showers because there's nothing exciting there but there were a few surprises. First is the exterior of a couple bath houses in Bath House Row. Then, a fountian in the mens steam room. There was an exercise room as well as a music room Who knew?! Back in the early 1900's (before modern medicine as we now know it) there were lots of experimental and alternative therapies going on here. It may be the beginning of chiropracty too (don't quote me on that). All sorts of "machines" and contraptions were used to stretch, twist, and otherwise manipulate people in an atempt to ease their various aches and pains.
