Farewell Lutsen Cat

We had to say goodbye to a good cat soul today... Lutsen-cat, a patient, friendly, "involved" cat, aged 12. She had been battling diabetes for a while now, but was still patrolling the yard for mice and voles until a couple days ago. She took a turn for the worse rather suddenly last night, and we had to make the final vet visit this morning. She's at peace now, but we will miss her so much.

She came to live at this rural home about 11 years ago, shortly after WF moved in. She'd been a starving stray, and once she got here, started eating voraciously. Turns out she came with 5 free, bonus cats inside! She gave birth here and was a good mother to Schroeder (her spitting image) and 4 others who went to live with friends.


Lutsen has really been WF's shadow for a long time. She's always been here, longer than I have, sleeping on WF's chest or following him around, "helping" with projects. She would even follow us far into the woods while hiking; a bit like a dog in that way! I imagine she was a bit surprised to find herself in a household with a Baby Bean years later, but she was so patient with him. He loved her... his first real word was "Caaaaa" (he still doesn't pronounce the T) and his face just lit up when she'd appear. She never once scratched him, only mrrrr'ing in protest occasionally as he flattened her with his attentions or pulled her around by her tail. Poor Lutey; we tried to teach him gentleness, but especially since she didn't do much in return, it was hard. She was brave.






Lutsen was also our social ambassador; she'd jump into any available lap, stranger or no. She'd help repairmen if we didn't keep her away. She waited at the door each evening and rocketed out into the yard most days, or greeted you carside (or jumping INTO the car to say Hi). She was a great vole hunter. Yeah, I know, outdoor cats... but she was specific to her vole/mole/mouse prey, not going for birds, and her work helped save WF's beloved fruit trees. Leftovers went to the chickens. She loved being outside, and was patient with us forgetting to let her back in some nights. I fretted about predators, but she was pretty street (or woods)smart. She was very much part of the spirit of this place.



So farewell, dear Lutsen. Thank you for your patience and love. WF will especially miss you; I thank you for being there for him through some hard times, and for showing me that he was likely to be a good daddy (and we were right!)...he was so smitten and gentle with you. You were Bean's first cat, and have showed us that the long line of cat-loving men in this family will continue. We'll take good care of Schroeder.




Peace and purrs to you...

Hallo-was

So, yeah. There's this thing in November, when some people try to write a novel in one month (NaNoWriMo) or make a blog post every day (NaNoBloMo). In the interest of being contrary, I am almost doing the opposite; writing NOTHING all month! Ahem.

Anyway. We are still here, occasionally wearing costumes, occasionally not. It's the dark time, sun-wise, so that makes life just a little more interesting when living off the grid.

For instance, we spend Halloween evening at the laundromat! Wheee! We had sheets and blankets to wash, and this is the only way. Luckily, Bean is young enough that Halloween doesn't mean much yet. So, we did get dressed up, attended the co-op party (Bean's highlight was either the music from Terrance and Kelly, or "sweeping" the empty aisles afterward. The boy does love a good broom!) and then headed out to wash. We don't get trick-or-treaters at our house, anyway, so we were not missing that part of the day. It was festive, in a laundry sort of way.





We did also visit with cousin A at the mall... an crazy thing, but fun to see a cute little ladybug. Bean wasn't quite sure what to think, but she liked him!



We've also survived a nasty round of stomach flu (worse for the adults than Bean) and... it was sunny yesterday, so I celebrated by having some toast... an extravagance not usually seen all winter.




Life is good.

Vocab-boy

So, as WF said the other day, "He's learning the language!". I followed Bean around today with a pen in hand, and by the end of the day we had over 50 words! This includes "Zoop!" when looking at a big stew pot (who taught him that?), "Bear" when looking at a plastic honey-bear, water and bath when, well, taking a bath. We have juice, cup, spoon, fork, yogurt, corn, meat, booh-beh (blueberries), PEES (please) and pumpkin. We have cat, hat, boot, shoe, sock ("zock") and shovel. Shovel is quite emphatic while we are outside, or when Dada has been spotted carrying a shovel outside when Bean has not been invited to help. He loves to help with outside chores. Inside chores, too...he recognizes the fly swatter (runs around yelling "fwies!" (flies) and the "boom" (broom) is quite a hit.

I'm not sure what's average at this age, but it's fun to have this record right before he turns 18 months old. There's definitely some gears turning up there these days, and it's so much fun to watch!

Talking pictures

Another little sneak peak for the grandparents... and anyone else who cares to listen in. Adding new words every day!

Sneak Peek

So, we found this Tigger and put him to work raking leaves (at a friend's birthday party in town)...


A frog came along to help (a friend of a friend's son, not sure of his name...)


Luckily his tail didn't get in the way!


He had enough energy left over to do some reading afterwards...



And talk to a friend!!

Yep, I'm revealing Bean's Halloween costume early, but I thought the Grandparents who missed out on a visit today due to germs might like a sneak peek. He's too cute not to share. Very cuddly in this second-hand suit, too, I might add. He doesn't really seem to notice his new tail, etc, but did say "Cat!" when he first saw the costume. Yep, a few steps ahead from this first halloween!

This party was for a friend who is exactly 6 months older than Bean, turning 2 years old! That means in just 6 months, we'll be....Oh, my. Time flies!

10-10 = Snow Start

So this was a suprise! I got home late last night to clear and starry weather (was out for a rare night with other moms sans kids; whoo!), and woke up to WHITE! SNOW! EVERYWHERE! Not the normal first snow for the year. A bit early (!!!!) but beautiful nonetheless. It took me a minute to figure out why it looked so strange; green leaves and white ground usually do not mix!

We went out before breakfast for a quick visit; Bean's first snow while walking and more aware!

First tromp through snow; didn't even stop to inspect it first; nothing phases this boy!

Oh, wait! Something's different, mom!

And what are these silly things you managed to sneak onto my hands? I'll take care of that!

Ohhhh... cold! Do not like this!


Oh, well, never mind... I'll just get on with clearing it for you....

The snow is mostly melted by now, but the forecast calls for more this weekend. Yikes. It's been such an odd weather year, but I guess we best embrace the cold. We're pretty well outfitted through fortutitious garages sale, Grandma shopping gifts and wonderful friend hand-me-downs (thanks for the snowsuit, Mary; great timing!). We're ready for more winter now; but maybe some true Fall, first?