How do you know when it’s time?

I’m not sure. For me, it was a gentle pull about two months after Deadeye died…and one day, a constant nagging to check out our Tampa Bay Shelter site.

So one day, I did.

There was a small, 3 and 1/2 month old Lilac Lynx Point Siamese named “Suki” in the slammer, there.  I was drawn to her picture.

Mom and I went to see her on a Saturday.

By Sunday, and a second visit to ensure she had, indeed, picked me, she had a new home…

…and a new name!

Her name is Quatre, which, for those of you who do not speak French, is the French word for “Four” – and since she is my fourth cat (Dosie, our other cat, was Number “Two” – hence “Dos” – the Spanish word for Two…and by the way, “Tres-ie” was killed in an unfortunate circumstance in Korea…) Anyway, it seemed appropriate.

And, for those of you who do speak French, you know that there is sort of a double entendre at work – because, you see - Quatre is pronounced “Cat”.

I love it.

So She is Here.

It’s so funny, though. I haven’t had a kitten in 15 years. She’s active, and lithe, and very curious. I’ve had to buy toys and suppress laughter when she climbs the curtains and gets into the sink.

She’s cuddly, and lovely, and beautiful and very welcome.

But there is still the Queen Bee: my 15-year-old Grande Dame, Miss Dosie.

She reigns.

Look what I found tonight in the old tree we refused to cut down! (Yet more proof that you should always trust your Little Voice, y’all.) I saw him peeking out at us when Spectre and I came back from our walk tonight. I think this little new resident is an Eastern Screech Owl. If you know better, let me know!

I called the Extension Service, and they told me I’d be surprised how well these owls do in the suburban landscape. As long as I have a birdfeeder (where rodents feed under cover of night…Yick) and some “rough areas” in my lawn – i.e. bushes and heavy growth, my tiny tree-dweller will have plenty to eat.

He’s another reason to keep my bird bath clean, too.

I love having a little raptor in our treasured old tree! I consider him good luck while my John has to be gone.

I said goodbye to my wonderful, persnickety, beautiful and loyal friend this morning.  I had him with me for nearly half of my life, which is a long time.  

He laid claim to a piece of my heart, and it will always be his.

Deadeye
30 April 1992 – 3 May 2010

* French Proverb.  And so true.  This is my favorite picture of us together – taken by John just before John and I were married  – a very happy memory.