Thankfulness

As I went to bed last night, tired and stuffed after yet another Thanksgiving Day, I kept thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for. As I was thinking, it occured to me, "WOW! I have a blog now where I can share ." So, here goes:

1. First and foremost is family. My husband of 52 years has stuck with me through the good times and the bad, and has dealt well with my independent nature. I'm sure it has not always been easy. We have three daughters and a son and their spouses/SOs. Some live nearby; some do not. But all eight of them are always close to my heart and much loved. Among the blessings they have given me are six grandchildren; four girls and two boys, all now grown as well, and finding their way in this huge world of ours. The eldest has gone on to give me perhaps my greatest gift so far; a beautiful, funny, wonderful great-grandson, now three. He lights up my life!!

2. Next comes friends. The "old" ones are the best. One I have stayed close to since high school days in NJ and she's still my best friend here in TN where we both settled. Another who was our best man at our wedding now lives with his wife right around the corner. And others from different phases in my life still remain close, thanks to email. New friends also are a blessing. One in particular who lives a world away in Australia and who I have never met in person is especially dear to me. We "met" on the internet several years ago and have come to know and love each other. Many of the friends that I worked with for 26 years remain friends even though I have now retired. Then there's the one who recently stepped in to help with a family crisis. I will forever be grateful to her...

3. Good health is next on the list. In spite of my advanced age (LOL), I feel very well most of the time and am able to do and go as I wish. The cancer that threatened me nineteen years ago is not quite forgotten, but is just one of the insignificant hurdles that I have overcome. Hopefully, I will pass this healthy outlook on to my family.

4. America!! I am SO thankful that I live in this country; the home of the free. It has its problems, many of which are frightening at times, but there is no where else on earth that I would rather be. And all those brave and selfless young men and women who fight and sacrifice to make it all possible, for them I am eternally grateful.

5. A warm home on a cold day and a cool home on a hot one are also on my list. As is good food, good company, the 4-legged kind included, and good sense, which I sometimes lack. And, I must not forget a great computer (son built) and a more than adequate internet hookup which make it possible for me to run and enjoy my internet business, SimplySuzula. I know I could go on and on listing everything I'm thankful for, because I am truly blessed, but this will do for now...

The Cure

As most of you know, I have been very sad for the past week or so because my beloved Cassie was hit by a car and killed. I cried and moped and felt like I had a hole in my heart. Finally on Wed. I decided enough was enough. Surely there was a cat somewhere that needed me; a cat to fill that hole. After a phone call or two, I got a lead and headed off to see what I could find, and I found this!!

This little orange furball was left in a box by a dumpster with its two litter mates. Luckily someone good picked them up and took them home and I got first choice. I had some misgivings when I saw how tiny it was. I have not had a kitten in so many years. Most of my cats have been rescue cats; already grown when I took them in. As soon as it started purring in my arms, though, I knew I was hooked.

I had the vet check it out and he was unable to determine its sex as yet, so "it" has no name. It weighs 15 oz. and he thinks it is about 7 weeks old. It uses the litter box and eats Purina kitty food and plays with shoelaces and sleeps and purrs. When I am at the computer, it climbs up my leg and curls up in my lap and purrs. It also shows great interest in the monitor, following the movements and purring.

I was somewhat worried how Bella, our 75lb. dog would react to such a tiny creature, but I did not have to worry for long. She loves it!! The first day, kitty hissed every time Bella came near her, but now they are the best of friends. I hope to get some good photos of the two together in the days to come.

I will always miss the years of love and comfort Cassie gave me, but somehow the pain no longer hurts so much. I think this little one and I were meant to find each other.

Hopefully in a week or two, he or she will be given a name. Let me know if you have any suggestions. :)