The nicest cat you never saw

She was another of the many that wandered out of the woods and into our lives - this one a dozen years or so ago.  For many days we knew she was out there as she'd sing from the fringes.  We'd call back and be rewarded with a quick and enthusiastic response.  Then one morning the calls came from the red maple next to the deck.  From there the path was straight and quick - from a high branch, across my back (with claws fully extended for maximum traction), down the ladder steps and straight into our family. Although she was wishfully dubbed "Little Outside Cat", when we discovered that she was "with kitten", she moved inside and became Lily in honor of Harry Potter's mother.

For a dozen years she slept on the pillow over Sharon's head or slumped against my chest.  Each evening she would race down the hallway at bedtime, to ensure that she got a prime spot and plenty of attention.  She was pretty, clean, and polite.  But when visitors came a calling, she would quickly disappear - always a challenge when folks would house-sit.  They never knew if things were OK in Lily's world or not.

The end came quickly for Lily.  A routine annual exam begat a tooth extraction which revealed a more ominous problem.  So now she has crossed the rainbow bridge, where all good cats grow opposable thumbs and have unfettered access to tuna and can openers.  And there to greet her were Arthur, Marmalade, Pumpkin, Mother Kitty, Jack, and all other good pets that have gone before.  And Woody is keeping a friendly, yet respectable distance.  Thanks Lily - you were a joy.     

Youtube DJ

It all started when I walked into Scott's office at CLV.  Security Randy was with him and they were listening to music form Scott's computer - a bit unusual in my world for "grown men" to be spinning mp3s during the work day.  Allison Krauss then a Nanci Griffith - they were definitely in my neighborhood.  After a few comments on the music, I answered a couple of questions and left.

Fast forward a couple of hours.  Sharon is out on a work event, leaving Obie and I to fend for ourselves.  Obie and me, a glass of vino and YouTube.

YouTube is an amazing invention.  Artist or title in... a dozen versions of whatever out.  And I have yet to stump it.  One of the best aspects is that, if I just want to hear the sound of my son's voice (either one), YouTube will provide.

So, on to the DJ part.  What to play...  Defying Gravity from Wicked.  You're the Luck One by Allison Krauss.  Needle and the Damage Done by Neil Young.  Boots of Spanish Leather by Bob Dylan and sung by Nanci Griffith.  Happiness from You're a Good Man Charlie Brown.  The Donut Song sung by Burl Ives (watch the donut not the hole!).  Nancy Sinatra singing "The City Never Sleeps at Night" (B side of "These Boots are Made for Walking).  They even have Tubby the Tuba.  And one of my very favorites is "I Shall Be Released" by The Band.

As I sing at the top of my lungs, Obie just looks at me with that adoring look of "good one Dad" (or is it "maybe if I bite him, he'll shut up" - honestly, the look is all the same on a Golden)

So, go ahead and sing along with the late great Levon Helm.  It'll do you good.  It sure did me good.

 

A greenhouse supreme

We had a great Saturday.  Started with a trip to the landfill, ridding ourselves of stuff that really needed to go.  Then to Home Depot to buy four half-old-whiskey-barrells to use as flower pots.  Then to the biggest flower store I've ever seen.  Catoctin Mountain Growers is located between the metro areas of Keymar and Detour, and has acres of greenhouses filled with bedding plants and flowers of all varieties.  Automated watering systems, radiant heat, automatic roof, ski lift type conveyor for hanging pots... they have it all.  Something you just have to see.  Retail Saturday only.  Really, you have to see it.