I did the math. I have lived 22, 995 days. Somehow, when you say that in years, it doesn't seem so bad. But over twenty two thousand days! Yikes! I have been (in order) a daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin, aunt, wife, mother and grandmother. I can count my really good friends on one hand, because I don't let too many people in. I read once that people come into your life for a reason, a season or for life. I just got off the phone with a "lifer" who called to wish me a happy birthday. He and I have worked together; laughed and cried together; and supported each other through many of life's travails. While he sees the beauty in life, he has helped me to see the humor in it. In my opinion, it is better to have a few really good friends than a hundred acquaintances.
My day started out with the love of my life bringing me coffee and two presents - both books. One is a book about cats and the other is Blogging for Dummies. Does he know me or what? You see, this is how I know my life has been blessed. I have loved the same man for almost forty five years. I have two wonderful children and two incredible grandchildren. I have a few really good friends and family members I love. Sure, there have been some bumps and hurdles along the way. No one would appreciate life if it was all smooth sailing. There are respites in between events that allow us to reflect and regroup. It's a good design. But enough wool gathering.
Andy and I were laughing last night about the craziness that goes on around here. He gets a hint of it in the evenings and on weekends. For example, every evening, Jack and Rooney vie for couch time with Dad. If Jack gets to the couch first, he plops his giant head on Dad's lap, then stretches out so there's no room for Rooney. She gets very upset. First she looks at the couch, then sighs and goes to get her bear or her duck. They are her comfort toys. Then she drags herself to the living room, looking back to see if anybody is paying attention. In the living room, she dramatically throws herself onto that couch, with another louder sigh and proceeds to cuddle with her toy. The whole time, Jack pretends to be in a deep sleep, but periodically opens one eye, enjoying his sister's suffering.
Every once in awhile, there will be a blood curdling scream. It sends me shooting out of my chair; running to see who's hurt or dead. I can always tell the instigator by the amount of somebody else's fur sticking out of their mouth. Like Sylvester the Cat with Tweety Bird's feather's in his mouth, it is an instant tell. Also, the guilty party is usually lurking somewhere while the victim can't wait to tell me what happened. Nine times out of ten, Eli is the predator and Fancy is his prey. This makes no sense to me because Fancy could inflict some serious damage if he wanted to. I know he holds back. He will look at me and say, "You do realize, I'm gonna have to kill him one of these days." At which point I say, "I know and I appreciate that you don't."
Another development - Andy is starting to recognize the uniqueness of Dash, and to appreciate the qualities of an Aby. He thinks it's hilarious the way Dash flies around the house, looking for things to get into. He likes to watch him stalk his "prey." And he likes that he looks like a tiny Mountain Lion prowling around. I like that he lets me hold him. Abys aren't usually cuddlers, but this guy is. He purrs so loud his whole body vibrates.
Well, the little guy has learned his lesson about Jack. He gives him a wide berth and pays very close attention to his body language. Jack has already moved on. He did his thing and can relax now, knowing the little guy will not bug him anymore. That pecking order thing really does apply.
As I sit here typing, there are a variety of sounds going on around me. Dash is batting a ball - the one he took out of the track - all around the house. The little plastic ball with the bell inside has noisily gone from the family room to the living room, dining room, back to the family room, then kitchen, laundry room - and is now silent. That ball has been busy and needed to take a rest. Everybody is resting, as I shall be soon. My present to me.
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