It has been a sweet summer… One that started off very busy with an important and special wedding for daughter number two, but otherwise devoted to resting up and regrouping after a hard year. All the usual life stuff — illness, busy lives, and little time for R&R. Hate to see it wind down, but the recent hurricane that rolled through has the air smelling a bit like fall, even though it is still pretty hot and humid.
Perhaps one of the the significant happenings from this summer is the spontaneous adoption of two feral kittens at 4 weeks of age gathered from a nearby neighborhood where good friends live. Had it in my mind that we needed cats around again after losing our last one two years ago, and I really did think that having two was best (and these two from the same litter clearly love each other!), but this opportunity presented unexpectedly, and I went with it. The kittens are now about 12 weeks old and very active and cuddly and fun. Having them has made me realize how much I enjoy occasional cat naps with little buddies. Relaxing…
The kittens were named by the granddaughters. Emma is the female. Izzy is the male. Strange name, Izzy, but we were told this second kitten was a female, and the selected name was Isabella, or Izzy for short. About a week later a trip to the vet confirmed that Izzy was a male, and the name suit him so it remains. Both critters are all black, and other than careful noting of their personalities, it is very hard to tell them apart! Have suggested that the granddaughters dress as Emma and Izzy for Halloween this year… They haven’t seemed excited by the idea. We shall see. Having the kittens also prompted more visits from daughters and husbands and granddaughters to meet and enjoy the “new” family members. That has been fun.
Another good thing about this summer has been hanging out at the nearby local outdoor pool that I have joined the past few years. It is simple, quiet, clean, and a place where really nice folks just go to enjoy exercise and relaxation. Have quite a few neighbors and friends who also join this pool, and each year I meet new people. This year as been no exception. Valuable conversations while doing something we all enjoy. Sweet. Doesn’t get any better. But alas, the pool is now closed for the season. I look forward to next summer. 🙂
Relationships with family, friends, and pets are such an importing part of our lives. We must all make them a priority. Too often we don’t, and I think that gets us in a bad funk. I was reminded this summer that devoting time and energy to those relationships is what matters more than anything…
Aren’t they cute?!
