An Update in Three Parts

Part The First: A Catbox Disaster

This weekend I decided to get a new catbox for our cats. The old one was just pretty crusty and smelly, despite my cleaning. Time for a new one. So off I went to the store on Sunday morning and collected a new one. I wanted a sifty one (like mom and da have) but couldn't find one with a top, which we have to have since Barley does not pee squatting down (nice, right?) so I settled on one that was pretty similar to the one we already had. With one minor difference...or so I thought....the new one has a little swinging door over the entry hole. I thought nothing of it, got it all set up in the afternoon and went about my day. Sunday night we were laying in bed, thinking ahead to our next day, and the cats were acting really weird. Roaming around, yowling, scratching at our bathroom door...all very strange. I talked to them a little bit, expecting them to settle...but they didn't....And then it hit me. They had no idea how to get into the litter pan. They could not figure our the swinging door concept. I flew out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Sure enough Barley has pooped right in front of the litter pan and once I took the door off Rye ran right in and started to pee. A lot. Once he finished he jumped out...right on to Barley's poop. Then Barley came in and went too. When she was done I grabbed Rye (who had run away, making a trail of poo footprints) so I could clean off his foot...or rather feet. Then I cleaned up the poop and replaced the towel. Then, finally back to bed. What a disaster.

Part The Second: A Wonderful Memorial

Monday our friend Don Krebs was interred at Willamette National Cemetery. It was a very moving memorial service. We were very honored to be able to attend. There was a full honor guard presentation and three gun volley, a very heartfelt eulogy and lots of sharing of good memories and love. It was a rather cold day and gray, but the rain held off until after we left the cemetery. Everyone gathered at a nearby restaurant for wine and dinner and more sharing and honoring of our dear friend. The National Cemetery here is very peaceful and very beautiful and I know Don would have loved it very much.

Part The Third: The Return of Oregon Winter

The past few weeks it has been very clear, sunny and cold here. Almost like Denver weather really. It was a bit odd having so much cold, but the sun was wonderful! Now we have had a complete return to normal. Lots and lots and lots and lots of rain. And I mean RAIN. *sigh* I guess that is what we get for living in Oregon.