The Garden of Proserpine

From too much love of living,
From hope and fear set free,
We thank with brief thanksgiving
Whatever gods there be:
That no life live forever;
That dead men rise up never;
That even the weariest river
Winds somewhere safe to sea.
by, A.C. Swinburne

I didn't post this yesterday, because I just couldn't. Yesterday was a year without our dear sweet Horton. I always thought those people who mourned their pets "forever..." were weird or something. Then we lost him.

Love you sweet Horton. You were part of us for so long. For the beginning of us. Thank you for your love. I am so thankful that we had you for as long as we did. Hope you're enjoying Heaven!

Happy Troy-day!

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss


First, I would, on behalf of my whole family, like to thank everyone who sent well-wishes, had(have) us in their thoughts and who supported us through the past few days. Losing Horton has been one of the hardest things we have done as a family and knowing there are people out there who care so much really touches our hearts. Everyday is a new struggle, from not wanting to walk in the front door because he won't be there to washing his food bowls. Thank you all and thank you for the upcoming time that we know will continue to be hard.

(I felt like the quote above was very fitting for this time...Love me some Dr. Seuss)

OK. On to...dahdahdahdah! Happy (37th) Birthday Troy!

Is this not one of the cutest babies you have ever seen? I am sure my mother-in-law would say yes.

Look at that smile!

I love this picture of Troy and Horton. It is so true to their relationship. Horton was most definitely Troy's cat (he - Horton - was just kind enough to spread his love around). Horton was a snuggler and this picture was taken on one of those many times where Troy way laying down reading and Horton was probably trying to crawl on his chest, but settled for laying down next to Troy.

This birthday is going to be a hard one for Troy being without his furry friend. We will attempt to celebrate. Celebrate Troy and who he is and celebrate Horton and our memories.
I am not going to spend a lot of time gushing over how wonderful I think my husband is in this post (you are welcome) because I think that anyone who knows us knows how much I love Troy and how special he is to me. Troy is funny, serious, goofy as heck, opinionated, he can drive a person crazy (huh Tami?), and he can make you feel like the best thing that ever happened to the world.

So, today I am thankful for Troy. I am thankful for our speed dating/marrying/family making - we didn't waste any time and look...it turned out great! I am thankful for having a husband that knows me so well - sometimes better than I know myself. I am thankful that we can talk, about anything, and agree, disagree or just discuss...I love our discussions even though sometimes, after awhile, I have no idea what he is talking about (nod and uh-huh). I am thankful for his kind heart and his wise mind (please don't tell him I said he is wise...please!). I am thankful that he can talk me down off my crazy ledge and that he rarely goes on the crazy ledge. I am thankful that Troy is such a great dad and a wonderful husband. I am thankful for Troy.

On September 25, 1994 Troy and I got a kitten. He was tiny, black and white, and full of life. He traveled from Burlington to Bellingham crawling all over our old Subaru. He really thought his spot was under the clutch - not the best place when someone is driving. Troy named his new friend Horton, I called him the little moo-moo. I take no responsibility for the size he became however. As a kitten Horton was very energetic. He bounced more than walked. He loved to crawl onto people's shoulders preferring our heads to our feet I suppose.

Horton was a people cat - loved to lay on our backs or chests while we were laying down, sat on our laps when we were sitting, and followed us around frequently. His favorite place was in the middle of the floor so he could be a part of everything and make sure he was fed as often as possible.

Horton grew into quite the cat. Large. Large in size. Large in personality. Large with love.
Today was a sad day in our home. This afternoon Horton took his last breaths. His health hasn't been good lately and our friend has been fighting. He is done fighting now. He isn't in pain. He doesn't have to worry about anymore pills, blood draws, or any of the other indignities he has had to endure the past month or so.

Today I am thankful for time. Time that our family had with our dear friend Horton. Time that has been precious to us. Time we will treasure forever. I am grateful that Horton chose us to be his people. We were honored to have share his life.

Don't be surprised if you see more posts about the first member of our furry family. Horton will forever be in our hearts and we will be working through our grief and celebrating his life.

Thank you to our friends and family who have loved Horton and who have been supportive through this difficult time.

With this and many tears I say goodbye my dear friend. We love you always. We will miss you always. Rest in peace.

"Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful that you did." - Sarah Caldwell

Tonight, in addition to catching up on some shows on my dvr, I am cozy in bed with a few holiday magazines and my Merry & Bright book. I am loving reading, ok, looking at pictures in the magazines right now. I am getting excited about this holiday season. Family. Friends. Decorating. Food. You name it I am ready...well mentally. When it is time for it all to come together it will. I usually make way more plans than I actually do and that is okay. Part of the fun (most of the fun) for me is the plan, the creativity, the we could do this...or that. 

Today I am thankful for:

1. Archer who loves the holidays as much as I do. He loves having the family over for Christmas, it is his favorite part of the season - according to him. While he doesn't like to decorate as much as he use to he still loves the decorations and has definite opinions about what should be where, what food should be made. I love that he knows the true spirit of Christmas, that he likes to focus on family and friends at this time of year. Makes a mom's heart sing.
2. Music. In particular Christmas music. I have a playlist on my iTunes which has been played several times already - only when no one is at home at this time...the guys think I should wait a bit - well except the Stump song which Archer listens to year round.
3. Troy, who has the biggest heart of all. He is struggling right now with the health of Horton, his beloved 14 year old cat, and all he wants is to do what is right for Horton. Troy loves his cat and knows that he is ultimately responsible for Horton's well-being. 
4. Jen and the kids arriving home safely. I so look forward to spending time with my cousin and baby cousins. I have missed them since they've been away.
5. my stack of magazines, my dvr, and my pile of to be read books...

Have a great week. 

"I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new." - Ralph Waldo Emerson





Today I am thankful for:
Our wonderful vet, Dr. Berry - there is no one I would trust more with the health of our dear furry family.

Gingersnap lattes and Eggnog lattes start tomorrow at Starbucks! and a text from my dear cousin, Lorinda, to meet for a latte tomorrow morning before work!

Yummy smelling Yankee candles burning while I work on a new scrapbooking project.

Snow Boys

Archer really wanted Calob to come over today - he wanted someone more fun than mom and dad to hang out with evidently! So, after much convincing I gave in and went to get Calob as his mom didn't want to get stuck in the alley - whatever. So, in my jammies (I said it was jammie day) I braved the streets and the other drivers so the boys could hang out.

They went out to build a snow fort (and throw a couple snow balls). I, while I love the snow and snow days, do not enjoy being outdoors in the snow. I usually only venture out to take a few pictures and occasionaly pick up or drop off a kid.



And the cats finally mellowed out enough to slumber their way through the day. Ellie May is quite upset about the snow - she really wants to go out, but this snow is making it difficult. Jazz has been sleeping most of the day with a few moments of being tempted outside, but stopping short when feeling the snow on her paw. And Horton...Horton isn't really interested in the snow as he is a fully indoor cat (oh, he does like an occasional jaunt out with us in nice weather, but that is unusual)...He has been sleeping the day away.


By the way - I did finish cleaning my room - picture to come! :)

Hiding Horton and Shiny Snowflakes

Yesterday I looked down as I was walking by Troy's desk and noticed an odd sight. I actually had to do a double take. It was Horton in and among all Troy's stuff! I am not sure how he got in there, but watching him get out was interesting. If you have ever seen Troy's desk area you know how messy that area is - I just ignore it, evidently Horton decides to cuddle down in it.
This morning I hung these snowflakes from the curly willow that is hanging in our living room. We have had the branches for about 9 years (moved it from our apartment to the house even), so it may be a surprise to you that this is the first time I have decorated it for the winter holidays (I have done cobwebs at Halloween - or maybe the cobwebs were already there...hmmm). I always think about hanging bulbs or stringing lights, but have never done anything -until now!!!! I think I am need of some new branches - quite a few have broken this year.

Home and Healthy

For those who didn't know Horton had a bit of a health scare this week. He went to the vet on Wed and had to spend the night. Poor thing had to have three (count 'em 3!) enemas! How awful. He has lost 8+ pounds since this summer (which is good because he has a weight issue, but kinda scary because he hasn't been feeling well).

Diagnosis as of Thursday he is okay. Not constipated anymore. He has to have monthly enemas (yuck!) and we have changed his diet. He is a senior now (old man) so the vet thinks his diet food may be to dry so we are mixing it with senior - which both the kitten and Ellie May want!

Anyway...I am sure everyone wanted to hear about Horton's health (especially the constipation part!). We are just glad to have him home and healthy!

This isn't a new picture (I'm too lazy for that right now), but it is a cute one (and Cheryl's favorite) which I think I have shared before, but it is worth another post!

WE LOVE YOU HORTON!

Weekend Update

Okay...This was a lazy weekend. It was very nice, beautiful sunshine both days.
I finally got my digital camera in the mail. Yippee! Troy spent the weekend sick. Horton was used for "kitty healing power." But Troy is still feeling down...Horton needs to work harder evidently. Archer was not happy with the arrival of another camera in the house. This has definately become the year of no Archer pictures. He used to humor me at least. Not so much anymore. Okay onto another note. For those of you who can help me out with plant/weed identification. What is this? Is it a weed? I am claiming complete ignorance in this matter.... Thanks for your help!
Until next time...