Finally, an Explanation.

We have big oak trees and in the fall they drop multiple wheelbarrows full of acorns, no exaggeration. Ya gotta shovel 'em off the lawn. It follows that we have the fattest, sassiest squirrels I've ever seen. Now I know why. Hajime!

Goodbye, Mr. Vonnegut

"I've had a hell of a good time. I tell you, we are here on earth to fart around and don't let anybody tell you any different."

Kurt Vonnegut

I was very sad to see that one of my favorite writers passed away today. His books influenced me profoundly in high school (Mr. Veitenheimer's English class, to be exact). Player Piano was his first book, the first of his works that I read, and perhaps the start of my political awakening. Not that George Orwell, William Golding, John Steinbeck and others hadn't started the process. Kurt Vonnegut spoke to me with a different resonance. His way of making the most absurd and tragic circumstances emit blinding flashes of insight or white hot irony, reflected something I feel inside myself. That swirling paradox of experience and emotion... it seemed like we had the same tipping point where heaving sobs turn into laughter, similar funny bones triggered by the most unlikely things.

Like so many others, his books made me feel like I knew him, although of course I didn't. Any time he spoke publicly or gave an interview I always tried to catch it. He was the old codger I dream of becoming one day... blunt and insightful, funny and profound.

So long, Kurt.

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The Boston Red Sox

Michael is upstairs right now, glued to the television! Tonight is the first time new Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka is playing at Fenway. I would be willing to bet my orange stripey cat that somewhere, Rafael is also mesmerized by tonight's historical game. Those two aren't alone, millions are tuned in. However, Leo is watching the game from Michael's lap and he seems less than impressed...

Yeah, I know I said no more cat pictures for a little while, but you know what a sucker I am for a cute pose.

A Belated Happy Easter!

Cynthia, this photo is dedicated to you, my dear.

I know you're wondering how I got Erica to willingly sit for a picture...
usually she is harder to capture on film than the Loch Ness Monster.

I threatened to delay the steamy hot dinner you see -- unless everyone played nice and posed. What the heck, look at me all goofy looking because I'm cooking! AND posed weird because I was setting the timer and joining the picture. If I'm willing to be captured on "film" looking like that, she couldn't protest too much.

So when you called to wish us a "Happy Easter" and you could hear pots and pans clanging and the oven timer going off this is what it was: Hickory Smoked Ham; Wild Rice Pilaf, Green Beans and Sweet Potatoes in Garlic, Sherry and Butter; and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

We were thinking of you, kiddo. Especially during the pre- and post- dinner card games.

Oh, you would have loved it. Jason was such an Evil Monkey during multiple hands of Boom-O that nobody was feeling very nice during Mille Bournes. Julie told us a childhood story about her and her brother conspiring to make their dad "The Biggest Loser" at Rook. We decided to pass the Biggest Loser crown to Jason, who spent most of the road race card game sitting at red lights! Har, har, har!

Think of Bing Crosby's Voice...

"I'm dreaming of a Whiiiiiiiite... Easter, would you just look at all this snow."

Here's the view outside our house this morning. Probably 5-7" of snow and lots of downed limbs (look at our driveway). The power went out in the middle of the night and was back by this morning. I'm going to wait a while before I go push the slush/snow around. It's getting warm enough for the snow to fall out of the trees in great big clumps -- and I'd rather not get bombarded while I shovel!

Was that crocus picture REALLY only four days ago?!

Ah yes, Springtime in New Hampshire, it's full of surprises :o)

Boneless Cat $1.99/lb.

Karen, this post is for you.

However, this will be my last post about anything four legged and furry for a while. Too much cats! But just look at this puddle of varmint...
His hind legs were facing one way and his upper body was facing the other way. He was absolutely asleep and didn't care that I was messing around taking pictures. Look at those suspended paws... he looked hypnotised. I should edit the top photo and put him floating on a background of blue sky and clouds... and maybe a little red cape flapping in the breeze! Ta-da! It's a bird... it's a plane... it's ElastiCat!

First Crocuses and Punk Update

Aren't these lovely? Spring is officially here... the crocuses and daffodils are coming up, and we were able to go for a walk today without wearing jackets.


Punk update: He's doing great and back to his usual playful self. Here's a shot I took while he was having some dinner, and a closeup picture for Dr. Zulueta.