Cats & Kids

Did I mention that we have 2 cats here? We were some concerned since Sage thinks that cats are simply "kitty-snacks" for her, or perhaps a really fun flight-less bird to chase. Anyway, she seems to be hard-wired to chase them - we canNOT break her of it! And, it can become extremely annoying to us having to listen to her bark & whine & stress - and she drags Josie into the game also. But, surprisingly enough, she's hasn't chased them that much -that we've noticed. They typically hang out in the barn & she can't get in there, so it's worked ok. HOWEVER - we are starting to wish she WOULD chase one of the off. The youngest - and friendliest - has taken to getting under the lodge floor and then meowing INCESSANTLY! And if it's not under there - it's wandering by my bedroom window at night - "MEOW. MEEOOWWW. MMEEEOOOWWWglflr" I'm starting to WISH the wild animals (or not so wild) would get it! (Does my lack of sleep show?)

Today, Bendigo is filling woodboxes while I clean the lodge floor. He actually kind of enjoys this job, believe it or not. Of course, the fact that he has to use the Rhino to bring the wood up, probably doesn't have ANY impact on how much he enjoys it, hmm? Which is probably a good thing since we go through a LOT of wood here in the lodge, especially with it being so cold these last couple days. And, of course, last night is when Bendigo's propane for his little wall heater ran out. So, it was very cold in his room this a.m. Jeff got the propane replaced and all the heaters re-lit except for one. He's been fighting w/ that all day. It's been unclear whether it's a thermocouple (NOT thermocoupleR as we've always called them - you learn something new every day) or the thermostat or the gas line...

On my "observation" for the day - you ladies can probably relate more to this than the guys - but, have you ever noticed the pull your loved one puts off when they are absorbed in something they truly love? And for each of us, that is different. For Karen - I'll bet you've noticed it when E is involved in his radio / electronic stuff, right? And for Jennet & Millie - I'll bet there is a particular job at the ranch that just brings our your man's inner glow (not that I think guy's would particularly like that phrase - haha). For me, it's when Jeff is standing contemplating this place and his role in it. He is truly loving this job already. I pray that it will only grow with time. I have noticed this in the past, but came to a new awareness of it yesterday as I poked my head around the corner into the great room and saw him standing w/ his coffee staring out the window at the surroundings. I was wishing I had my camera to capture that look - although I'm not sure they always capture that aura real well - it must be as much an electricity as a look.

And, on that note, I am happy to report that we DID find my camera this morning!! I had really wanted it yesterday (as noted above) and also last night since there was a gorgeous moonrise over the mountains. And, you know where it was hiding from me while I searched high & low, every place I'd been, everyone's pocket - EVERYWHERE??
It was buried deep, down in a dark, dank place - it's impossible to say how it found it's way - to the middle of the kitchen table!!

Well, tomorrow the plane is still scheduled to arrive!! WOOHOO! So, we looking forward to mail, junk food, milk, science supplies, and hopefully some stuff from the storage unit!! OH - that reminds me! I need to go and get some books ready to send out w/ the plane!