Friday, April 16, 2010

" Oh What A Beautiful Evening ! "

It is a gorgeously cool evening here in Southern Illinois. It was so warm and sunny here yesterday which would normally be fine but my son had to come over and dig a grave for my cat "Midnight". However while he is young and strong and barely broke a sweat, I on the other hand got quite over heated finishing the grave. But I just couldn't let it go undone. In the photo there are four graves. The one on the far right still doesn't have the cross up. That was "Spookys" grave from last year.




Midnight's grave is in the front and center. My husband will make a cross for her when he comes home next weekend. Katie and I will paint both Midnights and Spookys crosses then. When I woke up this morning my Carpel Tunnel was really bad from finishing the cemetery and cleaning house.

I am still cleaning house for one of our church families every Thursday. I really don't need to do this any more but have been cleaning for them for over three years now and quite frankly, I enjoy doing it. I know it probably sounds crazy but I do like cleaning and it's always more fun cleaning someone elses house. At least it is for me!


So I sort of gave my hands a break today. I didn't do any work but I did have several errands to run. I also had a bit of office work at church to do. For some reason my phone in my office isn't working and I can't figure out why. All of the other phones work except for mine. So I had to make a few calls in the kitchen! I left a note for Pastor, I tried troubleshooting it myself but didn't get anywhere. Hopefully he'll be able to figure it out.

Katie and I went and did a bit of grocery shopping after school and then she drove to her friends house to spend the night. So I am enjoying this beautiful cool air with my windows and doors open. The neighborhood is so quite this evening I suspect everyone is downtown eating out and/or at the theater. I am just enjoying the quite!

Kate and I had fun yesterday evening trying to get photos of these two cats that are now hanging out in our yard. Yes I said two! Noir, which is what I named the black one has a friend. And I do believe his friend is pregnant!




And while I have been calling him Noir, Katie is calling him Dakota! Why Dakota I haven't the faintest idea. We have both been calling the other one Patches. They are both very friendly (of coarse) and they keep trying to trip me as I walk through the yard. Look at this cats face....




I don't know whats going to happen. We have had outdoor cats before. But if that little one is pregnant as we suspect, I just don't know what I'll do with all of those kittens. I have three indoor cats that are still with us. All three of them are around ten years old and I really wouldn't want to introduce any new cats to them. As it is they don't like the dogs and for the most part live upstairs. 




So for now I guess we are just going to feed them. My husband discovered that Noir has been declawed so we don't know how well he can hunt. Little Patches has already gotten a couple of birds which doesn't make my husband happy but it is the circle of life.




Little Patches is very friendly but won't let us get to close. Katie managed to pet her and gently felt her belly. Kate said that she felt pregnant but she isn't a vet so we really aren't sure. Katie loves Noir/Dakota and really wants him inside. But I do know for sure that I don't want anymore indoor cats.







 So for now I think we'll just have a couple of outdoor kitties! For all I know they may belong to someone already but they seem to be living in our basement window wells. Anybody want a kitten?

 
 
 

21 comments:

Tranquility Speaks said...

Oh dear! I really really wish and pray that the pain that you've been experiencing for so many days now is cured immediately like a miracle!

You are one hardworking soul and I feel inspired by you!

I'd agree with your decision about keeping them outdoors! Katie looks really really cute in that picture :)

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Sounds like God has sent you some furry comforters! :-) So glad! I hope you get a chance to relax this weekend...you've been working so hard! I do so hope the pain subsides soon! Will pray! Love you, Janine XO

Anvilcloud said...

It's really good of you to take care of those cats as best as you can. Here's to a good weekend for you.

anupama said...

Dear Di,
NAMASTE!
Good Evening!
Here I too have two black cats outside and the kitten frightens me!
May God Bless You to work harder!
Wishing you a wonderful and cool night,
Sasneham,
Anu

Maria said...

Hi Diana!
Your pet cemetery is very nicely done... Ours is in the back under some trees... I won't forget each goodbye...
Jason was only 4 yrs old when our guinea pig died ...he cried crocodile tears and said: "it's going to be such long time before I see you again" I can still tear up just remembering it.

Your "new" cats' names are great! I like both Noir and Dakota... and Patches is PERFECT for the other cat!

When our two ole ladies {Muffin and Misty} pass on... we will be pet free for a while. Muffin is so much work right now! {she's 16}

I hope you have a wonderfully restful weekend, Diana!
Now it's off to go do some housecleaning of my own...it gets pretty cluttered here during the week!
♥ Maria

Gail said...

HI DI-

I pray you are pain-free soon. And your cats are amazing and kittens coming too??!! :-)
You are sovery strong. phew

Love you
Gail
peace......

Rebecca said...

I THINK I've caught up with you. Am so sorry to hear of your sadness (Midnight)...and I'm concerned about your carpel tunnel pain. (Having been aggravated by leg pain due to too much trail hiking, I am more sensitive to the pain of others, I think.)

I'm loving your perennials! G & I worked quite in our yard quite a bit Thursday. I am just dividing all kinds of hosta, mums, sedum, etc. And SO far, no stray cats!

I'm really getting quite "pumped" to see your walls! You should SEE what Gary has started today! Quite a project. I'm not sure where it will end. (But his vacation ends Monday. I don't know if he realizes this or not!)

Take good care of yourself and your domain, my friend.

Lynilu said...

Oh, that little Patches steals my heart, making me very glad I'm wa-a-a-ay too far to consider bringing her into my own mix of house-buddies! Just adorable!

Isn't is interesting how these two show up just when you lose your Midnight? I think Fate is speaking to you, Di!!

;D

Rae said...

Those kitties could have a home with me anytime if I wasn't so allergic. That little patches is so cute. It would be hard not to bring them inside and provide them a safe haven, but I understand your position too. I hope you are feeling better soon.

Barb said...

Heavens - between Noir/Dakota's eyes and Katie's eyes, how can you resist? You're working too hard again - but, you don't listen to me...
Have a good weekend, Di - spend some time sitting on the blue chair.

Lois Evensen said...

Hi,

More kitties on the way? Oh, my. :) My cousin has the same thing in Florida. She made the mistake (not really, she did it on purpose) of feeding a neighbor cat who turned out to be pregnant. Now she has darling little kitties she is feeding, too, and is trying to find homes for them.

I hope you are feeling better soon.

Lois

Bernie said...

Who am I too say but I don't think you need more cats....now if didn't already have 3 indoor cats I would say go for it.....you know Di you will do what is best for you and your family and you are one of the best people I know with animals......I do hope your hands are better and you are not in much pain, my heart aches for you every time........:-/ hugs

All Dolled Up Doll Clothes said...

HI Di, I'm so sorry to hear about Midnight. I know all to well how difficult it is to lose a pet. Somehow, I think that Katie is going to get her way and get to keep Noir...and Patches too but who better to take care of them than the both of you!

Hugs to you
Terrie

Wanda..... said...

Hi Di, sorry about your painful hands, mine are a little dry and itchy at the moment, we've been working on a small garden fence today, a little rough on the hands.

I guess you were so good to Noir, he brought back a friend. Your pet cemetery is nice. We have 2 dogs, a hamster and 2 cats buried on the property here.

Try to rest and enjoy a peaceful Sunday, Di.
♥...Wanda

Dee said...

I would have a hard time not bringing them inside but with it being summer they will be ok as long as they are fed and watered and it looks like Noir needs affection. My heart goes out to all the little kitty's and puppies that are homeless. Odd how cat's know who the softies are!

Arlee Bird said...

Ah yes, Spring-- what a wonderful time of year, especially back east where you can tell the seasons apart with more distinction.

I enjoy having someone clean my house. Whenever I start a cleaning project I frequently get sidetracked looking through stuff. I usually sort them into two piles: save and put away for now until I can decide what to do with it.

Lee
May 3rd A to Z Challenge Reflections Mega Post

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Just came by to check on you and your outdoor kitties!! Love you! Janine XO

Wanda said...

Your little Pet Cemetery is perfect. Simple and sweet. When I was growing up, my dad helped me with a little pet cemetery. It had everything from a gold fish to a dog.

I think of timing of the new cats is good. Cute picture of Kate and the black cat.

Eileen said...

I love your pet cemetery! And it's nice to still feel that they are close by. Very sweet.

You are going to become the 'cat lady' soon! We have a few cats that hang around on our back deck and front porch too. I feed them but I don't let them in the house because Jayden is so allergic! My two cats are similar to yours, one is black and the other has coloring very much like Patches.
I haven't named the ones that hang out by us. And I won't tell anyone in my family that I feed them, they want to be rid of these cats, between allergies and the mess they have made of our outdoor furniture! My double lounger is in shreds! First they tore up the cover, and now the cushion is destroyed and I can't find a replacement! Oh well.

Nice photos, Di!
And glad you took some time off.

Jayden is back to school, still suffering with his allergies, but no fever anymore. I've been busy cleaning next door for my Aunt, she's been down South for the Winter but will be home today.

Love to you,
Eileen

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness! are you insane! LOL did you other cat have 9 lives and has come back as Noir aka Dakota? you are hilarious! CRAZY but hilarious! yes I think they too belong to someone else but have found a safe place to get an added "snack" when needed! You had better get a basket put on the front of your bike and put Noir in it and take a ride through the neighborhood asking around....some poor child is devastated cause their kitty didn't come home last night! lol....nice pics by the way Di! and I love your tribute to your sweet kitty.

Jenny said...

Your pet memorial is really touching. I'm glad it gives you comfort. You sound like you're burning the candle on both ends, girl. Don't you need a rest?