Cats in the Mist

The Mystery Cat first appeared on our back deck during a winter storm several years ago. We didn't see him again for quite some time, but almost a year ago, not too long after the dog who used to sleep on the front porch died, Mystery Cat started to appear more regularly. Since the resident cats no longer go outside, we count on Mystery Cat to take care of mice, moles, and other small visitors. The only contact he has allowed so far is eye contact.

Who Would Have Thought It?

If you had told me 35 or even 30 years ago that I would count "mom" as the most challenging and fulfilling job I ever held, I would likely have laughed in your face. Yet here I am, in my 56th year of life, saying exactly that. They're good kids, grown, yes, but still kids at heart. I'd like to think they get at least that much from me.

Yeah, But Can You Fry an Egg?

It's by no means an expensive, high-quality thermometer, but ... Suffice to say it was only 10:30 in the morning when I took this photograph on the shady side of the house. It might really be hot enough out there now, in mid-afternoon, to fry an egg on the right surface, but all things considered, I can do without finding out.

Great Minds Run in the Same Direction?

My stepmother and I independently had the idea of scattering at least a bit of Dad, in the form of his ashes, in Montana on the first anniversary of his death. Dad always spoke fondly of his years in Montana, so I hope he'll be happy resting there. It will also be interesting for me to wrestle with overlaying childhood memories with current appearances. I expect there to be some discrepancies in size.

You've Got Mail!

That's today's haul minus the two magazines and one letter I'd already set aside for older son. To the far left are coupons, bills, and other things requiring action. To the far right are two magazines and a catalog requiring look- or read-throughs. The middle right pile is destined for recycling. The box of silk ties came from friends in Chicago who were going to send them to Goodwill or the local equivalent until I put in a Facebook yell that I love working with ties. I'm not sure what I'll use these for, but I'm sure I'll come up with something.

There's Just Something About a Card Catalog

I did not buy another card catalog today, the one available being in noticeably worse shape than the one I already have. It also cost four times as much as the current one did while being only twice as large. There's also the issue of where to put it. If I'm lucky, it will no longer be there the next time I visit my favorite hodge-podge store.

Can Blood Be Straight?

I donated platelets today and got this coupon in return. Not being all that assertive a person, I did not hand it back to them while explaining that I am boycotting Chick-fil-A until they accept that all people are created equal.