Trixie's Citrus Submarine

No blog'd be complete without a photo of the children; we've always had cats.

Bonsai came to us eight years ago when she was rescued from under a dumpster. She still greets me each morning with a wet hiss as I pass by on my way to the indoor plumbing (the one thing Michelle can laud about urban living).

Recently, culling our ornament collection, she commandeered this submarine.

The Conning Tower

She's a one-woman cat and although she deigns to let Michelle pet her, she steadfastly refuses to be handled, let alone picked up or "cuddled."

Something about her cattitude prompted me to nickname her Trixie; it stuck.

Touring the foredeck.

We never imagined she'd grow up.....

to be such a....

Wad of Fur

Welcome Delay

There's something innately exciting about departures. I can recall standing on the deck of the U.S.S. Buckner in Bremerhaven waving to the crowds in 1962. 

Not yet ten years old, the thrill of travel -- we'd already moved 22 times -- was, once again, upon me!

I woke this morning bright & shiny. We, Smith and I, were gonna hit the road. The leaden-gray, Clevelandesque clouds did nothing to dampen my spirits. And when One El called to say she had a doctor's appointment at 2:30 and could I chauffeur her, I was delighted at the chance to spend more time with her.


One El with Bonsai, Double El's tortoiseshell furball, on her left. This year is our 30th anniversary. (Once a vibrant redhead, her hair turned blonde after chemo.)

UPDATE - 1-10-17 - Double El sent this great selfie.