And then it snowed

The view ahead on the way home 11/15/18 at 10 AM

November 15, 2018

I've been MIA for the last ten days. It seems like everything in my sphere needed a spin or a brake applied. Just when it seemed I was getting control back, it snowed. A lot. Don't misunderstand me - I like snow days. It's just I've got a lot to do at the moment.

Last week the spousal unit had a consultation at the University of Maryland. His surgery is scheduled for December 14. Happy Holidays, anyone? He'll be there a week and then go to a rehab facility for at least a week. I've promised Deuce ice cream to ease our separation anxiety. 

We've been apart some over the last twenty-five years. He's had other surgeries. He's gone to visit his brothers while I stayed home to take care of the dog. I've attending writing conferences and such on my own. I guess I'm not looking forward to this because of the time of year. I'll be alone for Christmas for the first time since 1992. I think I've gotten used to the man being around. But if it snows for Christmas, I'll be fine. Between the pickup and the John Deere, Deuce and I won't be stuck. 

My work-in-progress languishes. I've not opened the file in two weeks. Perhaps I should be working on it now, but I've decided to pursue those things I can complete this day. With the snow falling, everyone at the day job loaded up what work could be done from home computers and headed out. My four tasks are saved and emailed back to myself to retrieve tomorrow morning. I've updated my checkbook program and taken Deuce for a snowy walk. And since my blog is as much for me as for you, dear readers, I've blogged. 

Now I think I'll take a moment to enjoy a cup of tea and watch the snow fall.  Loki insists he wants to give the snow another look-see. I'll open the door for him and see how it goes. I predict he'll back up instead of step into the snow. He's not a stupid cat. 

Forward we go. I suspect this snow will melt quickly, but it's not a good sign for this winter. I may be blogging about snow a lot. 

KC
www.kckendricks.com

A cat's a cat and that's that

September 10, 2018

Having acquired a kitten earlier this year, I've set about making sure the little munchkin has plenty of toys and such to occupy his active mind. Jingle balls, foil balls, catnip mice. feathers on a stick, froggies that croak. Yes, I've spent some money on the little shithead cat. 

I could have saved the money. I've finally found what really hits Loki's hot button - little fuzzy glitter balls. They cost maybe twenty-cents a piece. 

I just ordered a bag of fifty. That should keep him off my desk for an hour or so. 

KC Kendricks
www.kckendricks.com

Best to wait another year

September 2, 2018

Many moons ago, my mother and I enjoyed making decorative ceramic pieces. This was precipitated by a woman my mom worked with opening a ceramic shop in her basement. Mom wanted to support her endeavor and since we did all sorts of crafty *stuff*, off we went. I made a pumpkin patch. 

I enjoyed every moment of making all those pumpkins. Mom was busy making flower pots and a mushroom patch. (It was the early 80s.) We kept all the tools of the trade at Mom's house and generally spent an evening a week sitting at her table, happily sanding, painting and glazing. Every Saturday morning, we took pieces to be fired and to pick up completed pieces. 

In years past, the pumpkin patch and the three wee ghosties I found at the old five and dime store came out of storage around the first weekend of September to welcome the approaching autumn. Some years it went on the hutch and others on the dining room table. It remained until the day after Thanksgiving when it was carefully packed and the box put back up in the attic. 

This year, the pumpkin patch is staying safely packed away. I can sum up the reason why in one word - Loki.  Don't let that sweet little face lull you into believing he's a good kitty. Loki is a one kitten wrecking crew, ergo, ALL the breakables have been tucked away. He goes for his "operation" this coming Wednesday. He's full of fresh, young male hormones at the moment and poor Deuce is paying the price with a shortage in his nap times. 

We'll give Loki another year and see if he settles down as an adult. I suspect this will be another season without a Christmas tree, too. We do what we must to accommodate our little furballs and live in harmony. 

KC Kendricks
www.kckendricks.com

Another rainy holiday

July 5, 2018

Sometimes I think the gods of weather have too much fun at my expense. Yesterday was a holiday here in the United States - our Independence Day observance. I had such high hopes of a perfectly grilled center cut pork chop, a hope that quickly died when the dark clouds rolled in. 

The day started with promise. I actually slept until almost seven a.m. That's quite a rarity for me. I'm usually up by six. Deuce was ready to go do all his outside activities, so I slipped into a t-shirt and went with him. Doggie-mommies need to monitor some of these things, you know. 

While Deuce was busy sniffing the perimeter of his yard, I went into the shed and shot the last coat of gloss paint on the second platform rocker - mark one more item off my to-do list. The rocker was quickly followed by tidying my financial empire and cleaning Loki's litter box. The spousal unit was up by then and we decided to check out purchasing a new recliner for him. 

We're now the proud owners of a power lift recliner. It's going to be a big help to him. Not only will it not move when he attempts to stand, it will lift and help him get his feet under him. With any luck, Bob's Discount Furniture will deliver it next Tuesday as promised. As we were leaving the store, the heavens opened. We managed to drive out from under the rain and beat it home. There was just enough time to let Deuce out for a quick pee-pee before the rain caught up to us. It rained for the remainder of the day and there went my grilled pork chop for dinner. 

It must have put a damper on local firework celebrations, too. I didn't hear many "booms" echoing off the mountain after dark. 

For some time now I've wanted to swap my dining room table with a smaller breakfast table I've used in my sewing room. I won't go into the particulars of it. Suffice it to say it was just a notion I had and today was the day I acted. I texted Cousin Dave to help me move the bigger table. As it turned out, he said his oldest daughter was looking for a larger table. He texted her and my problem of what to do with a formal dining room table with two leaves and four big chairs is solved. I'm delighted I can help her out and she didn't have to spend any more than what it will cost her to get a bottle of furniture polish and put a shine on the table and chairs. 

And so goes another holiday. It wasn't the quiet day I'd planned. It was a lot better. 

KC Kendricks
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We have a new family member - Loki

June 24, 2018

After two years, we finally have a new kitten. He has some pretty big paws to fill but I think this one can do it. 

Meet Loki! Loki is the Norse god of mischief and misadventure, and so far this critter has lived up to his name. We considered calling him Screech, for obvious reasons (he can screech), but decided it wouldn't be very dignified when he's a mature feline. Loki does fit him and he's already responding to it so I'd say it was a good choice. 

Like Shooter, this one is a Tuxedo. They are known for having personality. If this one is even half the cat Shooter was, we'll have something special. It's going to be a joy to watch him grow and mature. Equally fun will be watching him and Deuce develop the dog/cat bond. It's starting to happen which I think is very cool. 

I'm sure Deuce and Loki will provide me with plenty of blogging material in the coming years, most of which will be on Deuce's Day. Deuce does have a unique perspective on cats. 

KC 
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