My Heart Is Broken

In the summer of 2008, a beautiful tabby kitten came into our lives. A co-worker of Dave's at the time found him wondering around the parking lot of the bank. She's highly allergic to cats, so she couldn't keep him herself, but she also couldn't just leave him there. She decided to bring him to us, and even though we had five indoor cats, we just couldn't say no. We named him Max. We loved him, nurtured him, and watched him grow into the almost 17 pound mega cat he is today. He was always happy, playful, and very affectionate. I loved to call him my gentle giant, because that's what he was.

Then, after two years, a horrible thing happened. Annie, one of my original two cats became fearful of him, after he decided he liked to chase her. At first, I didn't think much about it, because she's always been more skittish than my other cats. I never, even for a minute thought he'd actually hurt her, and I still believe if she'd just learn to stand her ground, he'd grow bored and leave her alone. She never did get past her fears. We took her to see our vet to make sure she was healthy, and she was put on valium. She has been on valium going on her third week with little progress. She has come out a few times, only to be chased back in. I really don't understand this, because Max gets along fine with the other cats.

We made an appointment for Max to get a full check up, and discuss the possiblility of drug therapy for him. I don't like the idea of pumping my cats full of drugs to make them get along, but I didn't see that I had another choice...Then a strange thing happened. I was on the phone with Norma, and during the course of the conversation, she told me that her sister-in-law had offered to take Max. She had been looking for a companion for her cat with no luck, and was willing to give him a try. I sounds like a no-brainer in hindsight, but at the time, all I could think about was how much I would miss my big lug of a cat. We took Max in for his appointment today, and after discussing everything with our vet, Dave and I decided to forgo the drugs, and give Max to Sis Jo Anne. She came and got him around noon, and I'm sitting here missing him more than I ever thought possible. Please, don't misunderstand me. I'm not worried at all about how he'll be treated. I've known Sis Jo Anne all my life, and if he had to go, I can't think of a better home for him. She'll take excellant care of him...I just miss him. I feel his absence so much it's like I can actually touch it. I know we made the right decision, but I just wish it didn't hurt so much...

Dear, Father, I need you so much right now. I'm completely broken, and can't understand why this had to happen. I know you could have healed the rift between Max and Annie, and turned things around. You chose not to do it that way. Please, don't allow me to let bitterness set in. Thank you for Sis JoAnne, and providing this new home for Max. Please, cause him to settle in quickly, love her, and befriend her cat instantly. Please, cause him to be happier than he's ever been. Please, take care of him, Lord. Father, I ask for peace and strength for the days ahead. I just gave up one of my cats, Lord. I can't believe I just gave up one of my cats. Please, Father, I beg you... Please don't let it be for nothing...

Eight Years Ago, On This Day...

I married my best friend. Dave and I met at Unique Image, the salon where I used to cut hair. We always had fun visits, and I used to smile whenever I'd see his name in my appointment book. After six years of being my faithful client, he finally asked me out. We like to joke about that first date, because I, being stupid like I am, told him I just wanted to be friends. He must have believed me, because I didn't hear from him for two weeks. What? This isn't how it's supposed to happen. In the movies, when a woman tells a man she just wants to be friends, it makes him want to see her even more. After a torturous two weeks of berating myself, I was surprised by a call from him. From that point on, things just fell into place. Six months later, at the small church we still attend to this day, we got married.
Now, after eight years, we're happier than ever. I honestly can't remember what life was like before, because it just feels like we've always been together. We've supported eachother though loss of parents, job scares, illnesses, and issues with my cats. He has never treated any of my worries like they are trivial or unimportant (even when they were unimportant). These may not have been an easy eight years, but they've been wonderful just the same.
Dave, I hope you're reading this at work. I love you. :)

An Urgent Request

I don't know how many readers I have, who believe in the power of prayer, but my family has been dealt a terrible blow, and needs you. I don't want to go into details, and tell her private business, but I do want to request urgent prayer for my sister, Norma. She has to consult with her Doctors today, and I'm praying for some hopeful news.

Dear Lord, I just ask you to keep your healing hand on my sister. Please, give her peace of mind, strength, and a complete miracle. Father, I don't have to tell you what a faithful servant she is. You already know she loves you with all her heart, and is happy to serve you. Please, give her a complete healing. I just can't ask you enough...Amen

Didn't Wanna Do It

Last week, I started knitting a washcloth, which I was going to pair with some pretty soaps I'd bought from Tuesday Morning, for a gift. I have a pretty hefty stash of Rowan Handknit Cotton I purchased during a clearance sale at The Woolie Ewe. Since the colors are so beautiful, and the cotton is softer than Lily cottons, I decided to use it. Oh, I was so proud of the way it was knitting up. About half way though, I decided to read the care instructions. According to the lable, this yarn is supposed to be either dry cleaned or handwashed in soap flakes. No soaking, no wringing. Not very practical for a washcloth, so I felt I had no choice but to frog. I must say, I don’t think frogging a project has ever broken my heart more. A word of advice to all knitters out there...Read your yarn lables before you start your project.

I Shouldn't Be Driving...

Ok, here was the plan...
Saturday was the last day of the fair. Dave and I were to go over to the fair grounds today, so I could pick up my stuff, and he could pick up the radio van. I was to follow him over to the station, where he'd leave the van, and then we'd drive to the sonic for a coke. Simple, huh?

Well, here's what actually happened...
Dave and I went over to the fair ground, picked up my stuff, then loaded it all into the car. He then jumped into the van and headed for the station. I, on the other hand, got behind the wheel of the car and headed for home. I was about half way there, when I remembered I was supposed to be headed to the station. I turned down 20th street, toward Cherry st. Because I'm not used to going to Cherry from that direction (and because they don't seem to think street signs are necessary on that side of town), I passed it. I turned down tudor and drove, seemingly forever, until I managed to find a street that would go through to Fairfax, where I doubled back, returned to 20th, found Cherry, and finally made it to the radio station. Wow, talk about the long way! I parked, got out, and told Dave he'd better drive the rest of the way, because I apparantly can't be trusted behind the wheel of a car.

Arts & Crafts Pictures

I just got back from the fair. Dave doesn't think it's good for me to stay holed up in the house too much, and he was the dj on duty tonight, so I went with him. While there, I managed to snap a few pictures to share...

These are the green socks I feverishly knitted so they'd be finished in time. It was worth it, because they won a blue ribbon.

Here is my striped Booga bag. This happened to be my first real felted project.

My crocheted afghan, and underneath it, my bigger Booga Bag. I was surprised this was the one that won the blue, because I like the striped on better.

And finally, my Kool Aid dyed wool yarn.

This has been such a fun, exciting experience. In fact, I'm already wondering what to make for next year...

Dave, The Mediator

My husband was asked, and accepted, the job of mediating a local political debate between the candidates. He came home so excited, telling me of all the compliments and "thank you's" he recieved for volunteering his time. For him this was an exhilerating experience. I'm serious, he loves being involved in these things, and does an excellant job. I, on the other hand, would do a terrible job. I would be rolling my eyes and saying "Oh, come on! Really?" every time I caught one of them in a lie. And with politicans, I'm sure there were plenty of lies...Oop! I guess I shouldn't have said that. I hope none of them read this...Yeah, right. I'm sure they stay absolutely glued to my little blog. lol