Colors and Matt

Colors is so happy that Matt is home.

Sleepy Wonder Cat

The Wonder Cat and Matt

Owen has really missed Matt this summer. Since Matt's been home, Owen has been pretty much camped out in his lap.

Toy Story 3

Today we saw Toy Story 3. We'd both been looking forward to seeing it for more than a year.

Apparently we are both still quite raw - because we sobbed our eyes out at the end. It was intense guys!!!!!!!!

First - it is so stinking hot in the summer here!



Lights in the movie theater


Toy Story 3


Matt and Colors enjoying a quiet moment

Home again

Our first full day back home. The first time my husband slept in his bed in more than a month. The first time he saw our cats in a long time.

It feels good, but it doesn't. It feels wrong for feeling good.

The grief is strong, real and ever present.

Death

Today, early in the morning while she was resting, Joan Parets died.

My husband's mother, my mother-in-law, my friend died.

We found out when Linda, my sister-in-law, called this morning.

This wasn't supposed to happen. She was getting better. We were actually getting ready to go home - the first time a month for Matt.

But things change.

Today has been a day. There is no go to "how to handle with a parent dies" list. The practical stuff was already in motion - most of those decisions she helped make a long time. Thank you for that Joan, not having to worry about if you wanted a funeral or where you wanted to be buried took away some of the burden.

But there was still much to do. Flights to arrange, plans to make, clothes to buy, tears to shed, meals to eat and family to meet and grieve with.

I only touched my camera for a few moments today. I went outside a few hours after hearing the news to get some fresh air. Squirrel met me outside and spent a few moments with me. My mother in law loved animals, so I took this a message from her. Some love and comfort on an impossibly hard day.









Rest in peace Joan.

184/365 David's House and other stuff

David is making progress on his house. He tore down the wood paneling in the master bedroom and has his office painted.










Awwwwww



Matt and Squirrel had some lap time tonight.





Flowers I bought for my mom





Dinner

179/365 Another day in Miami

Today was a very emotional day. I'll write more on that later. For now - the pictures.

Miami on the drive home from the hospital.











Matt and my parents kitten Sundae

The Wonder Cat 153/365

Owen the Wonder Cat enjoying some ear rubs






Then having dinner

Colors 135/365

Just a relaxing Saturday at home.

Colors and Matt hanging out

101/365

Finally done with the nightstand and it is safely back in place



The Wonder cat was not impressed. He was tired however.

75/365 Owen and his new friend

We have a neighborhood cat who comes to visit us nearly every day. He's very sweet and lovable, but not fixed. He really just wants ear rubs and love - so I got out to visit him. Unfortunately our indoor cats don't know what to make of his existence.

I have named him Clementine - or Clem for short.

Owen the Wonder Cat really is not sure what to do with Clem.

Owen stays on alert though - even though they will never really meet.

A quick book run