Day Three Hundred Sixty One

Tick Tock

The days are counting down. I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I started this project. I hope I don't get hit by a bus on day three hundred sixty four...

I've learned a lot this year - about myself and life in general. For example, I learned that I really like lizards. Who knew? There is something about their energy that calms me. No, they aren't fuzzy and cuddly, but they have a presence that is just as appealing - to me.

I also learned that Abyssinian cats are small in stature but larger than life in personality and sheer determination. Those same characteristics can get them into trouble and give their humans lots of headaches. But they are vastly entertaining, and smart.

Last night at bedtime, Dash ran into the front bedroom, ready for the night. Miss Boo! has caught on to our nighttime ritual and figured out our bag of tricks to catch her. There we were, with all of the lights on, running the icemaker, tossing her favorite toy, offering treats, trying to corner her - nothing worked. 

I finally got the cricket keeper and placed it on the floor in front of the bedroom door. That was irresistible to her. Those bugs get her every time. Well, until tonight when, I'm sure, we'll have to think of something else.

For the rest of my life, I will live with an Aby. They are good for the soul.

Another lesson is that our animal companions pick up on our moods. When I am feeling good and upbeat, they are too. When I'm grumpy and mad at the world, ditto. And they watch me very closely for subtle (and not so subtle) hints as to my mood. At any point in time there can be up to nine pairs of eyes watching me for signs as to how the day is going.

I will feel someone looking at me and, sure enough, there will be Jack judging me from his place on the couch - or the Rags huddled together asking each other if the old lady is in a good mood or not. Dash cares, but Boo! seems to have the impression she can change whatever mood I happen to be in by waving her magic paw.

It's all good...because the most important lesson I learned is that even especially those things that make us want to scream or tear our hair out eventually become the best stories.