With a Heavy Heart

My heart is heavy tonight.  After coming home from dinner in town we found our dear, dear Dudley lying by the deck.  We immediately knew he had passed away.

Although he was getting old, we had chosen to believe he would be with us always.  Certainly he had that kind of attitude.  He was kind of fat, lazy when he wanted to be and aloof when he thought you needed to be ignored.

But, he always came and sat with us anytime we were outside.  He was my escort when hanging out the laundry.  Keeping my legs wrapped up with cattail was his mission and he did it well.  He loved to be rolled on his back and have his belly rubbed and when I rubbed his ears, he became almost ecstatic!

His full name was Dudley Dooright, although we often called him Duds.  I fondly called him Studley Dudley even though he'd been neutered years ago.

I've had many cats through the years and some of them for many years.  But, I've never had a cat that was so much a friend.  Even my non-cat-person husband adored him.  Nobody better mess with Dudley.  Joe would line you out if you did. 

I've cried like a baby and although I also know that time will heal, I will always fondly remember that chunk of yellow tabby called Dudley.

Dudley Dooright 1999-2012

Renaissance Festival and Blooms

 It's been quite some time since I've had the chance to visit.   To say it's been busy around here would be an understatement.  Of course, with that being said, I know everyone is busy.  Seems like we meet ourselves coming around the bend and frankly, I just don't know how to slow things down.  Seems like I'm just too tired after everything that needed to get done got done to stop long enough to take a few moments to breath and visit with you.

If any of you have any suggestions for time management, please, don't be shy about sharing!  It seems that I'm not the only one that feels like a hamster on a wheel.  My art has almost slowed to a stop and because of that, I'm a little grouchy with those that deserve it least.  Am I the only one that gets in a not so stellar attitude when creative time is snatched away?  Somehow, I think a lot of creative people are the same way. 

(At least, I hope so!  I'd hate to be the only creative-time-starved curmudgeon!)

My roses have been a bright spot though and the Joseph's Coat bloom above is an example.  It's amazing to watch how the colors change from bud to bloom!

Got this shot of a swallowtail butterfly on my lilac earlier in the spring.  I miss the delightful smell of the lilacs on the breeze.  Spring was entirely too short!!

My hubby and I did take out time to go to the Renaissance Festival at the Castle at Muskogee, OK. It was quite an experience!! I'd never been to one and there were people that were so totally in character, it was amazing. There were also people dressed in things I just don't think they wore then. Some really strange stuff. But overall, it was a lot of fun and if you live near the Muskogee area take the time to go. It runs every weekend in May.

This lady was so delightful to watch.  She was totally in character and having a great time!

I think this "lady" embarassed my hubby just a little!!  She winked at me behind his back and started flirting with him.  His reaction was priceless!

Gotta' run for now and hope it won't be quite so long 'till next time!!