hi moon_beam

it is lovely to hear you taking care of yourself and resting. i sometimes worry about you because you give so much of yourself, i just hope you get what you need too. i hope too that you know what you give has an impact and makes a big difference. one more hope ... i hope that you would ask if you needed anything.

have a lovely evening snuggling with your precious noah.

take gentle care

ps - we don't have daylight saving here, which actually puts us out with the rest of the world and makes it quite confusing figuring out time differences (especially when not everywhere that does change does so on the same day).

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I'm glad to know you were able to enjoy your visit to NYC yesterday. Your precious Victoria is so proud of you and is doing the "Happy Dance" saying, "Yea!! Mom - - I'm so o o HAPPY, too!!"

Hi, Rainbohdi, thank you for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I'm chuckling at your comment about Daylight Savings Time. This change twice a year is so aggravating anymore. I'm not really sure what the benefit is to the agriculture industry in this country anymore - - since farmers are having to sell their land or it's being re-possessed by bankers for one reason or another. Yet another example of our elected officials "wisdom." Please - - don't get me started.

The one saving "grace" for me is that I do come from "pioneer stock" - - and was raised with simple means. This, in addition to my learning how to be "creative" in doing for myself as a result of my physical injuries pretty much enables me to live "independently" - - thank goodness. But yes, I do recognize when I need help and I do seek out assistance from folks who can do that.

Juturna, Rainbohdi, this past weekend was just the very thing I needed to rest - - including my back. It is feeling ever so much better. Thank you so much for your caring concern. I'm not bashful about "doing nothing" when that is what I need to do.

I hope today has been a peaceful one for you both. Juturna, I hope you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your precious Victoria's sweet Living Spirit for company and comfort. Rainbohdi, I hope you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your precious Bohdi's sweet Living Spirit for company and comfort. I do understand how painful the evening's and night's are when the busy-ness of the day is done and we are faced with having to cope with the painful reality that our heart's are missing the precious physical presence of our beloved companions. Please know you, Juturna, Rainbohdi, are close in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you so much for your comforting, cherished friendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Glad to learn that the rest this past weekend was helpful to your back.

I'm sorry that I haven't been writing, but I'm dealing with a work suicide, and it has been overwhelming.

Please know that you and your precious Noah are in my thoughts. Hope you and he are getting lots of snuggle time.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome note. I am so o sorry that you are having to deal with such tragedy. Of course this is very difficult and competely understandable that you need time to "cope" with additional loss. Thank you for keeping my Noah and me in your thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Thank you for understanding and for your compassion.

Hope you and precious Noah have a peaceful night.

With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your thoughtful note. It's Friday evening, and it has been a gorgeous "spring preview" day here in Virginia - temperatures flirting with 80 degrees and bright sunshine. When I got home from work I opened the big basement door and have it gated off so that Noah and I can enjoy listening to the woodland critters chirping and conversing, and get some fresh air into the house as well.

I thank you, Juturna, for your cherished friendship. I hope today has been a decent one for you. I am so glad today is Friday, and am looking forward to the weekend with my precious Noah.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest Oslo, today I worked outside for a couple of hours starting the task of cleaning up the yard from the winter leaves. You were in my thoughts and heart, my handsome man, all the while I was working. My handsome man, although your feet never touched these leaves, your sweet Living Spirit is here wrapped around me and this home we shared together like a warm blanket. Thank you, my love, for sharing this day, and every hour of every day, with me just as you always have and always will.

It's getting time for me to get your kitty brother, Noah, his dinner, so I guess I need to close for now. I love you, my handsome man, my precious love. Please give Eli and Abbygayle a kiss for me and Noah.

I love you, my love - -

Forever and all eternity,
mom

Dear Moon_beam,

I love the heartfelt letter to your handsome Oslo. I'm so glad you were able to feel his Living Spirit with you while you were clearing out the yard. And I'm sure you could picture your precious Oslo having fun in the leaves.

Hope your day off from work was a pleasant one and that the weather cooperated. (It was raining and then snowing here in PA.) I know your sweet Noah loved having his Mommy home for the day.

May you and your precious Noah have a peaceful snuggly night together.
With gratitude and serenity,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome note. Yesterday while I was outside bagging and raking leaves, Noah was inside stretched out on his bathroom window table enjoying the sunbeams. When I came back inside, he greeted me as if to say, "oh, you're back inside now?" He kept me company while I took a shower. He is such a sweetie.

Today was more cloudly than sunny, and the wind has been quite gusty, so no outside work today. Noah assisted me in paying bills and looking over my tax returns that will go in the mail next week, and is now taking a nap next to me as I'm writing to you. Last evening we had tornado watches for the entire region but to my knowledge nothing materialized locally. We did get a couple of thunderstorms over the homestead that woke Noah up from a sound sleep, poor little fella. I told him everything was okay, and after keeping a vigil out the window for awhile he was finally able to come back next to me and settle down again for a peaceful night's slumber. It is so o o nice being home with my little Noah.

Pretty soon I will need to take a hike to the mail box. Haven't been there for a couple of days now. Since I get most of my important mail through e-mail now, most of what is in the mailbox - - when there is something in the mailbox - - is mostly junk mail now. It has been a difficult adjustment getting used to going to the mailbox without my Oslo accompanying me. So it's nice not having to make the trek every day.

Juturna, thank you again for your always thoughtful and most welcome note, and for your cherished friendship. I hope you have a very peaceful evening tonight, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

moon_beam,

I'm soooo glad that you felt your sweet Oslo's spirit with you while doing the yard work. I know he'd be so proud of you for having the strength to tackle this without his physical presence by your side. Whenever your heart felt heavy, then you felt a sudden 'lift' -- this was your Oslo, guiding you through, "Come on, Mom. You can do this. I'm here; I'm still with you." Just as he will be with you when you decide to make your hike to the mailbox. He is with you wherever you go, whenever you need him.

I hope the weather remains fairly settled for you. It's been like summer here in the UK over the last few days. We've had some lovely sunshine, and I've been enjoying long walks home from uni, instead of taking the bus.

You and Noah and your angels are in my thoughts; always.

Cheryl x

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so much for your most welcome note. The last two to three years of Oslo's earthly journey he did not have the strength in his legs to manage the walk to the mailbox. So he would wait at the gate for me and watch for me to return to him. I knew this was a "transition" time for us. The last two weeks of his life he had a "rally" - - he was able to manage a walk to the mailbox and back to the house on his birthday. Although tired when we got back to the house, he did not feel the need to lay down and rest until we got back inside. On the day after Thanksgiving, he wanted to go with me again, and he managed it but not quite as strong as he had two weeks before on his birthday. This was our last walk together, and I think he did it because he felt something in his body telling him his "time" was very near - -as it turned out to be that Sunday, November 29, 2009.

That still brings tears to my eyes - - his overwhelming love for me to give me this last gift of his company. I do miss his physical presence. I still look for him at the gate - - it's such a part of me I don't know if this will ease over time - - I"m not sure I really want it to. I do feel his sweet precious Living Spirit with me, my friend, - - even 16 months down the road there are still some challenging moments.

Thank you so much, my friend, for the gift of your comforting, reassuring words to help me through this "adjustment" journey. I hope you will have a very peaceful evening, that your Freddy and Franky will be kind to one another for their mum's sake, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Reading how your handsome Oslo rallied during his final 2 weeks is so loving. I know he was watching you go to the mailbox today and his spirit was with you. Missing his precious physical presence at the gate sounds embedded in your soul. How beautiful.

I'm glad the tornado watch did not amount to much. And little Noah had to make sure the thunderstorms did not hurt you. I love how he kept you company when you showered.

I've started looking again for another ##er spaniel. There is one that I'm interested in that reminded me of Oslo. She is being fostered in the role of a therapy dog at a men's homeless shelter in NH. I wish she weren't so far away. There are a couple other girls I'm interested in, as well.

Hope you are enjoying your time off from work. I trust that the night will be peaceful and snuggly for you and your precious Noah. Your friendship is a gift.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most thoughtful and welcome note. As with humans who are in their final stages of terminal illness, so it is sometimes with our beloved companions. They, too, can experience a "rally" close to their physical departure from this earthly journey. I am just so very glad he was able to join the angels here at home.

While I was working outside again today with the ongoing leafe cleanup, I was remembering my handsome man, and how the wildlife never felt concerned with him being in the yard. I listened to the birds and squirrels and watched them forage for twigs and other things to take to their nests. And I said to them that as they are rebuilding and straightening up their nests for their families, so I'm also straightening up my "nest" for the spring and summer. And I felt Oslo's presence so close to me. He would always inspect the bags before I closed them to make sure that they were full enough and giving his approval.

And when I came into the house this time Noah was stretched out on the sofa next to the window looking out - - he had been keeping faithful watch over me this time. And he kept me company as I took my shower and washed my hair - - what a sweet, precious little soul he is. I have been so blesed with the most amazing little souls in my life to take care of and cherish.

It has been a much cooler day than Wednesday, but decent enough to continue the spring clean up. I only raked 5 bags today, as opposed to 10 bags on Wednesday, but I got done what I wanted to. I still have the lower grassy slope to do, and then I can finish up with the upper end of the slope around the back and side of the garage. And then there is the space under the deck that is ALWAYS the very last - - whenever - - . I need to get more trash bags, though, before I can continue the project, and I will do that when I get groceries next week. Today will be the last opportunity for about a week that I will be able to work in the yard. Our temperatures are supposed to be only in the 40 something range for the weekend, and Sunday we're suppoosed to have some winterish type weather - - snow, sleet, freezing rain, - - but it will be short lived, thank goodness. But the temperatures are supposed to remain chilly next week, so we'll see what next weekend is like.

Thank you again, Juturna, for stopping by to say "hello" and to share your news about renewing your adoption search. I will look forward to knowing how things go for you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

You did a lot of yard work filling 10 bags then 5 bags! Appreciating nature while working makes the task more spiritual. I'm so glad you were able to feel your handsome Oslo's presence. He is forever by your side.

I love how precious Noah keeps his faithful watch. And he is even present when you shower. What a loyal little boy!

The weather here has taken a step back to winter, as well. And Sun. is supposed to be messy. We will probably go into NYC again for a quick trip tomorrow. Then I will need to work on my tax prep on Sunday.

Hope you and your precious little Noah are having a snuggle filled night, and that your weekend together is peaceful.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your always thoughtful and welcome note. I hope your trip to NYC will be a pleasant one today.

Today is very cloudy in preparation for tonight's and tomorrow's last gasp of winterish type weather. The region is under a sleet, freezing rain, wet snow advisory. Since the temperatures have been warmer over the last several days whatever happens is not supposed to last long, thank goodness.

I"m glad it is only Saturday afternoon, and that I still have Sunday with my precious Noah before having to go back into the trenches on Monday. I do so enjoy being home with him.

Juturna, thank you again for your always welcome note and your cherished friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Just wanted to stop by and say good night to you and your precious Noah. I hope the sleet and snow did not materialize.

I've been involved today in my canine companion search. A couple rescue groups seemed to come through with sweet little ##er spaniels this weekend. So, I have lots of questions and need to trust that I will be led in the right direction.

Hope you and little Noah have a restful peaceful sleep. Thank you very much for your heartfelt friendship.
With gratitude and serenity,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most thoughtful and welcome note. The more slippery weather stayed west along the I-81 corridor, which is okay with me. My area got some steady snow showers this morning that started after I got to work but were long gone before I started for home. We actually saw some sunshine during the afternoon. It's that time of year when "anything" can happen as the seasons change.

It was hard going back to work today leaving my little Noah. I so thoroughly enjoy being home with him. After I got home and got some veggies on the stove cooking for an early dinner for me Noah and I looked out the big basement door window together and there were so many robbins in the yard looking for bugs to eat and a few squirrels looking for their winter staches to raid. Noah had so much fun watching them, his tail twitching back and forth in excitement.

Thank you so much for stopping by, Juturna, and thank you for your cherished friendship. I hope this evening will be a pleasant one for you, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My precious Oslo, today is your 16-month "Angelversary". I cannot believe it has been 1 year and 4 months since you joined the angels, my love. This is our second spring that you and your baby kitty sister Abbygayle have shared together now in heaven's perfect garden.

Well as you know I have begun the annual spring task of clearing up the winter leaves in the back yard. Last year there was a heaviness in my heart as I bagged the leaves for the sorrow was deep in my heart not having your precious physical presence with me, and mourning the additional loss of your beautiful baby kitty sister. It truly was a very challenging spring and summer last year. This year, though, the spring is a little brighter because I am now able to feel your sweet Living Spirit keeping me company as you always have. My precious love - - my handsome man - - you are forever in my heart and memories. The robbins are plentiful in the trees singing and serenading me when I work outside, and all the woodland critters are busily tidying up their nests for the new season of family rearing.

It's time for me to get your little kitty brother's dinner, so I best be tending to it. Noah is our precious joy, our little nurturer, our comforting caregiver. I know he misses you, Eli, and Abbygayle, but I am so glad he is here with me - - for as long as we can be together.

My Oslo, my handsome man, I love you with all my heart, and look forward to seeing you at my appropriate time. Please give Eli and Abbygayle a hug and kiss for me and Noah. We give you our hugs and kisses, too. I love you with all my heart, my precious son, my handsome man - -

Always and eternally,
mom

Dear Moon_beam,

I love your 16th month Angelversary letter to your handsome Oslo. I'm happy for you that this spring is somewhat brighter, and that you can feel your precious son's Sweet Living Spirit.

Being back at work this week and missing your precious Noah is an adjustment. I know little Noah loved having his mommy home with him last week.

I hope that you and your precious Noah have a peaceful night's sleep with sweet dreams.
With gratitude and serenity,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your most welcome and thoughtful note. I am always glad to get home to my precious little Noah.

Life here today is wet and dreary. Noah is enjoying a nap next to me under a soft throw. Every once in awhile I hear a little snore coming from under the blanket - - what a wonderful sound to my ears!! In a little bit it will be time to get him his dinner, and he'll be ready serenading me with his sweet songs of anticipation all the while I'm getting the food in his bowl.

Juturna, thank you so much for stopping by to say "hello" and check on Noah and me. And I thank you most of all for your treasured friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_beam,

Listening to the sound of snoring from our animal companions is music to the ears. I'm so glad you enjoy it.

Hope the weather is better tomorrow for you. We have wet weather predicted for tomorrow night through Fri.

Hope you and your precious Noah have a peaceful night together. Your trusted friendship is a gift.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most thoughtful and welcome note. Our weather continues to be dreary and dampish. March certainly did leave like a lamb, though, for which I am very thankful. The higher elevations would challenge that assessment, though, as they have had forecasts of winter type weather - - which is okay for the ski resorts.

Just one more day to get through and then I have a weekend home with my precious little Noah. It's hard to believe that it was just a week ago that I was enjoying being home with him for three days and a weekend. He has had his dinner and is now snuggled next to me as I'm writing to you. It's almost 8 p.m., and it's getting time for me to get him his evening treats and enjoy some snuggle time before it's time to call it a day.

Juturna, thank you so much for stopping by to say "hello" and for your treasured friendship. I hope you have a very peaceful evening, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

It sounds so cozy when you describe precious Noah snuggled next to you. I'd love to see a pic of him if you have one to send.

The weather has been dreary and rainy here today, as well. Tonight and tomorrow rain/snow is predicted. Maybe it won't amount to much. I need to continue working on my tax prep tomorrow.

Thank you for your cherished friendship. Hope you and your little Noah love have a peaceful night and a warm weekend together.

With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your always welcome and thoughtful note. Actually if you go to Abbygayle's forum "Abbygayle's Journey" you will see pictures of my beautiful baby girl with her loving brother by her side. He's the gray kitty with white on his face and paws and tummy. They were seldom far from each other throughout their earthly journey together, and I think he still feels her presence here with him, at least I hope he does. It does break my heart sometimes, and will continue to do at times, that he has had to suffer through the loss of each of his fur family members. It's hard on the heart and spirit to always be the one "left behind." I just hope he knows he is loved beyond any words can describe in my heart, and I try my very best to let him know that frequently every day.

There won't be any yard work this weekend, as the wind is supposed to be blowing quite gustily - - trying to work outside with winter clean up would be an exercise in futility. Sounds like you have a plan working on your taxes tomorrow.

Thank you so much for stopping by to say hello, and I hope you enjoy looking at my beautiful baby girl with her sweet brother on Abbygayle's topic. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you for your most cherished friendship.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

Abbygayle is sooo beautiful and Noah is exceptionally handsome. They look so content together. I did enjoy seeing their pics. Your precious Noah knows that he is loved beyond words. And I'm certain that he feels Abbygayle's and Oslo's presence.

Your yard work will take a break this weekend. I was able to finish my tax prep for the accountant today. So, maybe we can both relax some this weekend.

Hope you and your sweet boy have a peaceful night and weekend together. And please know that your friendship is a gift in my life.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your always welcome and thoughtful note. My Noah and Abbygayle were so devoted to one another, and I always worried what would happen to the one who was "left behind" - - but I was not expecting any of us to have to find out quite so soon.

Today has been a V E R Y windy day here with gusts as high as 50 mph. At one point this afternoon it temporarily shifted my satellite dish which lost the signal which resulted in it having to search for the signal and re-program itself. High technology at work!!! It took maybe 5 minutes for the whole process to finish.

I have recently ditched my hard wire telephone land line because it was costing too much to keep and went with MagicJack. This has been a good decision. However, it has been a month now, and I just realized a couple of days ago that I need to get Noah a new ID tag for his collar. So, I found a website that had tags for a reasonable cost, and one of the tags they offered is registered with a pet find organization. So I got him a regular tag with his name on it, and then I got him a pet finder ID tag that will have a registration number just for him on the tag along with the 800 telephone number. I think this is better than having a tag with my telephone number on it - - which can change if I decide to do something different from MagicJack. And I can update the information free of cost on the pet finder website if I have to, so their records will always be current for contact information without having to change his ID tag.

Recently I ordered a turntable to replace the very ancient stereo system that died on me a very long time ago, and I received it on Wednesday evening. I hooked it up this morning, and enjoyed inaugurating it with some very nostalgic music from my vinyl record collection. I wish you could have seen Noah's face when he heard the music: He turned and looked at me with the biggest eyes and ears twitching as if to say: "NOW what??" I have played CD's on my computer, which has been met with a "ho hum" response. The sound from the vinyl records must have a different wavelength. His sweet face is sooo expressive!!

And speaking of his sweet expressive face, he is letting me know that it's time for me to be getting him his dinner. Thank you again so much for your most welcome note, Juturna, and for your cherished friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

The new ID tag with the pet finders organization for Little Noah sounds like a good idea. Most of the adoption rescue groups are now using micochips whether you want it or not.

The new turntable sounds wonderful. I've often thought about getting one to listen to my old vinyl records. And I love precious Noah's reaction. What kind of music are you both listening to?

Glad the satellite dish is back working. Hopefully there was not any other damage from the hight winds. The weather here was windy, as well.

Hope you and your precious little Noah are having a peaceful evening, and that your work week begins with serenity. Many thanks for your trusting friendship.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your most welcome and thoughtful note. Noah has had his dinner, and is now settling in for a nap while I'm writing to you. Today was warm - - around 80 degrees here, - - and gusty winds again, but we have been enjoying having the big basement door open and gated off for fresh air and listening to the woodland critters as they busily gather their dinners and go about collecting nesting articles.

I have a variety of records - - all of The Beatles' original released recordings, some Herb Albert and Tiajuana Brass, various classical recordings, etc.. All of my John Denver tapes are on the very outdated 8-tracks, so I have had to replace them with buying CD's. I also have CD's by Petula Clark, Elvis Presley, and Bette Midler. And, a very good friend of mine who joined her ancestors last year shared a selection of Native music performers with me including Joanne Shenandoah, who has a truly beautiful voice. Even though I did not inherit my mother's musical talent, I still have most of the sheet music she acquired through most of her life which includes show tunes from Showboat, Oklahoma, The King and I, and other "oldie but goodies." So, I have enough to keep me and Noah quite content. The only thing I really search for on the internet now are just the instrumentals to songs that I like. And not all instrumentals are "equal" so sometimes it's almost like a "treasure hunt."

I had thought about chipping both Noah and Abbygayle, but I'm glad I never did. Not all scanners can detect a chip - - they are manufacturer specific. The pet finder is always monitored 24 / 7 365, and the 800 number is right on the tag. So, if anything should happen beyond my "control" anyone who would find Noah would be able to contact the pet finder organization who would in turn contact both me and his vet office. For me this is a much better option than chipping.

Well, I guess I need to start getting some evening chores done so that I can have some snuggle time with my little Noah. Thank you so much for your always welcome note, Juturna, and for your most cherished friendship. I hope you will have a peaceful evening, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_beam,

The warm weather is such a welcome treat. It was up to 72 here today. And the woodland creatures seem very active. Chirpping birds woke me up early this morning.

The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Bette Midler are some of my favorites, as well. I saw John Denver in concert around 1973. I will have to look up Joanne Shenandoah. And I love that you have all the old Broadway sheet music. I wish that I had saved mine.

Please know that I wish you and your precious Noah a serene snuggly night , filled with sweet dreams. And many thanks for your trusted friendship.
With peace and gratitude,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you so much for your always welcome and thoughtul note. It can be very sweet music listening to the woodland critters sing and talk to us. And a much sweeter way to start the day than a screech of an alarm clock.

Today is about 25-30 degrees cooler than yesterday, and the wind is very gusty - - again, still. We were under a tornado watch this morning during the morning commute but to my knowledge nothing developed. We had a few strong thunderstorms come through in the wee hours of the morning. Noah was sound asleep laying next to me until the first loud thunderclap, and then he climbed in between my legs (I was sleeping on my back at the time). He stayed there until the last storm passed through and I had no choice but to turn to my left side to get off my back - - then he nestled close to me in the curve of my back. As I'm writing to you he's snuggled next to me taking a nap. He is so o o o precious. Pretty soon it will be time to get him his dinner.

Thank you so much for stopping by, my friend, and for sharing this day with me and my Noah. I hope you will have a very peaceful evening, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon-beam,

Just stopping by to say good night. Hope the weather has calmed down for you and your little boy. The gusty winds and cooler temperatures are a dramatic change from yesterday.

Just arrived home from work and it is cold here. I have to get up early tomorrow to go to the accountant in the morning.

Please know that you and your precious Noah are in my thoughts, my trusted friend. Wishing you both a peaceful snuggly night.
With gratitude and peace,
Juturna

Hi, Juturna, thank you for your always most welcome and thoughtful note. The wind has subsided quite a bit for today, a welcome respite from the 50 mph gale winds we have been having of late. The sun has been shining brightly today which has given us about a 20 degree increase in temperature from yesterday. By the weekend, if the forecast holds true, we may be in the 80 something range again.

Noah has had his dinner and is now performing his "spit and polish" clean up while keeping vigil at the big basement door window on the woodland critters now foraging for their evening meals. He never ceases to fascinate me in his routines and wonderment of his home and environment.

Am looking forward to getting some evening chores done and then snuggling down with my little boy for awhile until it's time to call it a day. I hope your meeting with your accountant went well today - - no negative surprises. I hope you will have a very peaceful evening, my friend, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moonbeam,

I hope you and Noah are doing well and that life has been smiling on you both. I apoligize for not being around the past several weeks but hopefully work is slowing down to a more normal pace and I can logon a few times each week. You have been in my thoughts and prayers while I've been gone. I've missed communicating with you. Your gentle, compassionate heart reminds me of my Peggy (and you know I mean that as a huge compliment!).

Take care,

Peggy (the human)

Hi, Peggy, thank you so much for your most welcome and thoughtful note. Life has been busy here, too, cleaning up the back yard from the winter when the weather and energy permit, as well as the daily grind of employment. At my age it takes a heap of energy just to keep up with the work routine. It is always wonderful to get home to my little Noah and just be able to enjoy his company.

I thank you for your kindness, and most importantly your friendship, Peggy. To be compared to your precious Peggy is indeed a very high compliment, and I am deeply honored for you to think so.

It sounds like life is keeping you busy. Sometimes when we have to narrow our focus to other daily matters other equally important aspects of our lives - - such as adjusting to the physical loss of our beloved companion - - becomes suppressed. I hope in all your busyness you have been able to reserve some private, personal time for yourself, Peggy, to do whatever helps you in your grief adjustment journey.

Thank you again, Peggy, for stopping by and for keeping my precious Noah and me in your thoughts and prayers. Plesae know you also are in my thoughts and prayers, and hope that life is treating you and your mom kindly.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam,

Good to hear that you and Noah are doing well. Hopefully your yard clean-up doesn't involve too much heavy lifting and hauling. I'm in Central Massachusetts so between the massive amount amount of snow and all the high winds we had over the winter and into the Spring, I have many large tree limbs I'll need to drag off. So far I haven't had time and to be honest, when I finally had some time yesterday, I found other things to do instead of working outside. I know I'm going to feel Peggy's absence very strongly when I perform that task and just work around the yard.

It's funny how you can adapt to not having them in one area but every 'first' is so difficult in another area. Even in the house, I'm not completely adjusted to her not being here. When I'm tired or distracted, I catch myself unconsciously making a great effort to not allow the utensils to 'clink' against an empty plate when I circle back to clean the kitchen if I left a plate on the counter- that little clink noise was enough to cause Peggy to bolt upright, out of a dead sleep, in an upstairs bedroom with Mom, so she could fly down the stairs in order to share in whatever was being eaten. If the plate didn't have any scrap for her to eat, I always tried to not make any noise since I would feel bad that I hadn't saved even a morsel for her and she'd look so disapppointed. That would usually prompt me to pull out one of her snacks, even if she had already had some that day. I admit to being enough of a 'sucker' that if she ran down for an empty plate and I didn't want her to have another snack, I'd scramble her an egg so at least her snack was healthy. With my schedule, there were times when she was getting me to cook eggs for her at 1 am. She was so expressive, she'd give me this look like 'I undertand if you're too tired and I'm disappointed but I guess it's okay cause I won't starve to death before morning, I was just hungry and wanted to share but it's okay.' And the wagging tail would slowly decrease in speed as it went from waving like a banner to slowing dropping toward the ground and her smile would fade and her eyes would get sad. It was like watching her deflate. I swear, if there's anything to reincarnation, that dog was a Jewish mother in her last life. She could evoke emotion in others, where you KNEW she felt left out but was forgiving you . And then you'd fold. I'd say that I knew she was manipulatiing me but based on her first 2.5 years of life, always deserved to have us go out of our way to make her feel loved, valued and included. Her reaction was so sincere, it even worked on friends who weren't really animal people. Even they'd be watching her and telling me, 'aw, give it to her, you're hurting her feelings'. Too funny.

Anyway, I hope you're able to get some help with any of the heavy outdoor work that's facing you. If I recall, you're on the east coast so I'm sure you had a pretty severe winter down south as well. My business travel has taken me to Charlott N.C. several times over the past month and they've told me winter took a toll on them as well so I guess nobody escaped unscathed this year. Today is a glorious, sunny day with a gentle breeze so I think I'll head out and face what needs to be done. I hope you and Noah have a day filled with joy and fellowship and I'll be sending happy thoughts your way.

Take care!

Peggy

Hi, Peggy, I know what you mean about how things change in the course of our routines without our precious furkids' physical presence with us. A year ago this time I had no enthusiasm at all for any of the seasons. Although our summer was so dreadfully hot - - new record hot - - I was actually grateful that the grass didn't grow so that I didn't have the frequent mowing to do. The only reason why I do it is to keep the place looking lived in and tended to to the best of my ability, which in itself is a good enough reason - - but it wasn't always that way - - because I used to have four furkids who did enjoy being outside, and I kept the back yard cleaned and spruced up for them. This spring, however, is a little easier, although I'm another year older and the patience for the work involved isn't at a high premium anymore. Noah has transitioned to being an inside kitty now, and so at least he has a nice yard to look at as the woodland critters go about their daily routines. I remember when Eli was outside on his tether before Noah and Abbygayle came to live with us. He truly was a Houdini specialist - - he could wriggle out of anything, including a straightjacket I believe if I had tried that on him. I knew when he was "free" of his tether because the squirrels and birds would send loud calls through the woodland, and I learned to listen to them. Thank goodness he would never go toward the busy road - - he always headed for the thicker wooded areas. I would call and call and call for him, and eventually he would come back home, and I was always so thankful for his safe return. Oslo would usually hear him coming through the yard before I saw him and would go outside and "herd" him toward the door - - my precious Retriever.

Peggy, I hope today is being kind to you and your mom, and thank you again for your thoughtful, always welcome notes, and your cherished friendship. Please know you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam,

I know exactly what you mean about the 'patience for the work involved isn't at a high premium anymore'. I enjoy gardening, when I have time (as long as excessive weeding isn't involved!) and spend whatever time I can spare in the spring, planting flowers and trimming hedges. I did spend some time cleaning up yesterady and when I came in, informed Mom that I really don't like yard clean-up. In my case, not sure if it's an age thing (could be since the years are starting to creep up) or if I just didn't mind it so much when I had Peggy out there to distract me by interjecting comical moments. Either way, not fun at all anymore and I'm not enjoying how physically demanding it is.

Thank you for sharing your story about your 'Houdini specialist'. I know how scary it can be when they get free and there's a busy road out front. When my mother sold her house, she and I moved into a condo for a few years while I was looking for a house to buy. We inherited my brothers cat since he had moved into an apartment that didn't allow animals. She was a mean little thing! I felt bad that she went from being a rual-ish, outdoor-at-will cat to being stuck in the condo all the time so I went out and bought her a cat harness. The very first time I brought her out, she somehow managed to wriggle her way out of it before I could stop her - that taught me to not have a cat on a 30 foot lead. The condo complex was located in between 2 busy highways and I was terrified she'd manage to get herself killed by a car. Turned out, once she was free, she ran away from us but eventually circled back and was content to lie under our balcony. To this day, I have no idea how she managed to get out of that harness. When I put it on her, I was concerned about it being too tight but was too concerned about her getting free to loosen it. And I wish I had access to your Oslo to bring her back - catching her to bring her in was a serious workout! I am glad that your Eli was wise enough to head for the woods to excercise his heavy-duty exploration option and never headed toward the busy street. I'm betting your heart was in your throat the entire time until he came home! And what a wise animal Oslo was, knowing to shepard his errant sibling back into the safety of the house! How wonderful that he acted as a true help-mate for you and I can understand why you miss him so much (again, I'm so sorry about his loss).

I hope you were able to get a little work done but mostly got to enjoy some time relaxing with your beautiful Noah over this past weekend.

You remain in my thoughts and prayer, my sweet, gentle friend!

Peggy

Hi, Peggy, thank you so much for your thoughtful and welcome note. My Eli had many descriptive names, including my "challenge child." He taught me so many things through his short life, as well as his adopted siblings Noah and Abbygayle - - like how to use Oslo's doggy door - - without mommy's approval. When I would tell him not to do something he would turn his head and look at me as if to say, "You are NOT my mommy - - you can't tell me what to do." And I would say to him, "I know I didn't give birth to you, young man, but I AM YOUR MOMMY." I tell you he would give a huff and walk away from me. Yes, my "challenge child" - - and I cherish those days - - those memories - each and every one of them - - and I know that he and Oslo are laying together enjoying each other's company in heaven's perfect garden.

Oslo is responsible for Eli joining our household. Eli was barely 7 weeks old when he was rescued from the drainage pipe at the end of our driveway at the street. In the evening when we were all snuggled together, Eli would curl up against Oslo's tummy and would try to nurse from Oslo. Oslo didn't object - - but of course that was an exercise in futility. So, I offered Eli my thumb, and he would suck on my thumb until he fell asleep. When Oslo would be stretched out on the bed taking a nap during the day, Eli would bring him his toys and would settle down next to Oslo's tummy and would fall asleep next to Oslo. Eli LOVED his big doggy brother, and he was THE BEST big kitty brother to Noah and Abbygayle.

I am eternally blessed to have these precious memories in my heart to cherish - - and to share with all my friends here in this forum.

Peggy, thank you again so much for your always thoughtful and welcome notes, and especially your friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and hope this week is kind to you in all your endeavors.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Moon_Beam,

Thank you for sharing your sweet stories of your furbabies. They warmed my heart while reading them. The love you all felt for each other is apparent. Isn't it funny how sometimes the 'problem child' of the group generates so many more funny memories than we realized?

God bless and please share more stories, if you feel comfortable and have time!

Take care,

Peggy

Hi Moon_Beam,

Thank you for sharing your sweet stories of your furbabies. They warmed my heart while reading them. The love you all felt for each other is apparent. Isn't it funny how sometimes the 'problem child' of the group generates so many more funny memories than we realized?

God bless and please share more stories, if you feel comfortable and have time!

Take care,

Peggy

Dearest Moon_Beam,

Thinking of you and your precious Noah on this beautiful spring evening. I hope you both enjoyed a peaceful weekend and are doing well.,


Take care,

Peggy

Hi, Peggy, thank you so much for your most thoughtful and welcome notes. It is hard to believe that this Friday will be 17 months since my handsome man joined the angels. Like you posted, I cannot believe almost 1.5 years have passed - - the time has passed but it doesn't "feel" like it has been 1.5 years already. For that matter, it doesn't feel like it has been over 50 years since my little William Ferocious joined the angels on Thanksgiving Day. It doesn't matter how much time passes or how many years we continue on in our earthly journey - - our beloved companions are always always always always - - forever - - with us in our hearts and memories.

It was a quiet weekend, thank goodness, and yesterday the weather was warm enough to have the big basement door opened and gated off so that Noah could listen to and watch the woodland critters, and I could have the pleasure of watching him watch the woodland critters. It is another pleasant spring day here, and once again the door is open and gated off for Noah's pleasure, and mine.

Peggy, I thank you once again for your most thoughtful and welcome note. Thank you for thinking of me and for checking in on me. I hope you and your mom will have a vey peaceful evening, my friend, and please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dear Moon_Beam,

I apologize for just now getting around to posting on your thread. I am so sorry for the loss of your precious furbabies and I enjoyed your stories. I think we all could write a book about the cute things our furbabies have done.

Moon_Beam you are so kind and thoughtful to everyone. You always have the right words to make us feel better. I like what you said about our furbabies being in Heaven's beautiful garden. I can just picture my little white furball Mickey running around there.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

God Bless.

Hi, LoveMyMickey, thank you so much for your most thoughtful note, and for your most kind comforting words. And I am thankful that what I share with you is comforting to you as well. We are here for each other, and this forms a very special friendship. Even though we do not "know" each other face to face, we are not strangers - - for our beloved companions have brought us together, and when we see each other in our appropriate times in heaven's perfect garden there will be no need for introductions - - for we will already know each other.

I am so glad you have a vision of your precious Mickey happily playing in heaven's perfect garden. This vision has helped me a great deal when each of my precious furkids joined the angels. Knowing they are free of their failing physical bodies - - restored to their former youthfulness - - standing proud and strong - - is comforting even when the heart is painfully longing to hold them again. One day this will happen again - - at our appropriate time - - and the good news is there will be no more separation. Until then we must continue on in our earthly journey in honor of our precious companions' earthly journey with us as we hold them close in our hearts and memories.

LoveMyMickey, thank you again so much for your kind and thoughtful comfort and encouragement. And equally important, for your friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam,

Just wanted to stop by whilst I have the chance and say "hello" How are you and Noah doing? Did you have a nice Easter weekend? I do hope so.

Before I logged on to the computer, I went to check on "the boys". They were both snuggled up together in a little ball under their wheel. Freddy lifted his head and gently started to lick and groom his brothers' fur, before settling back down into their snuggles. They are so cute to watch.

Thinking of you and Noah and sending you both well wishes,
Cheryl xx

Hi, Cheryl, thank you so o much for your most welcome note. Easter was quiet here with Noah and me, which was okay. It was a pretty day outside so we had the big basement door open and gated off so that we could enjoy the woodland critters. I hope your Easter was enjoyable as well.

I'm smiling at your boys - - I am so o oo happy that they are able to continue to be together. I know how concerned, worried, you were about their rough play. I can hear you smiling when you write about them - - and this warms my heart tremendously.

Noah is doing well. He has had his dinner this evening, and is stretched out next to me on his back legs stretched out - -completely content. It makei my heart smile to see him so contented.

My friend, it is so good to hear from you. I have been thinking about you so much today and hoping that you're doing okay with your studies and upcoming exams. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers, and thank you again so much for stopping by.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi moon_beam,

Haven't been able to be here as much as I would like. Between work and the holidays I have been exhausted. I ahve been thinking of you and all my friends here on this forum. I have read that you had a nice quiet Easter. We had a noisey one at my son's home with my grandchildren and several of my son and daughter-in-law's friends who brought their little people to celebrate. The dinner on the grill caught fire but ended up to be delicious after the fire was out.

Things here are quiet at times when Zack is not trying to teach Kasper that he is the boss. Kasper just keeps going back for more.

I can picture you and Noah relaxing, snuggled up. Sounds so peaceful. I wish you peace always.

Hi, Joanne, thank you so much for stopping by to share with me how you're doing. Wow - - I have to confess that I'm laughing at your Easter dinner - - "The dinner on the grill caught fire but ended up to be delicious after the fire was out." That must have been a sight to see, as well as caused some anxious moments.

We're under a tornado watch this evening for a good part of the region, including in my location. When I stopped off at the store after work to pick up some supplies it was raining very hard - - wind blowing the rain horizontally - - quite like what you would see in a hurricane. I waited in the car for several minutes until the hardest fury let up long enough for me to wade through the streams in the parking lot. When I left 30 mintues later the sun was shining bright. But now it is cloudy again and the weather bug is chirping another "alert." If a tornado made it over the mountains there woud be nothing to stop its course once it would make its way through the open farmer's field across the road from me. So far we have been protected in this area by the terrain. Several areas in this region have been hit hard by tornados already during the past month. My heart goes out to these people - - and all the beloved companions and wildlife who are adversely affected by Nature's fury.

My precious Noah is also letting me know it's time for me to get his dinner, bless his heart, so I need to get this note finished and tend to my little precious furbaby. Thank you again so much for thinking of me, Joanne, and for your cherished friendship. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend, and hope you will have a peaceful and pleasant evening.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

My dearest, precious Oslo, I cannot believe it has been 17 months since you joined the angels. Each day seems to have passed filled with every day things to do. Sometimes it is still a challenge to realize you are no longer physically with me and Noah, but I assure you, my sweet precious son, you are always and forever in our hearts and memories.

As you know I have been working on the back yard - - your yard, which you gladly shared with your kitty siblings and the woodland critters. I remember the wild rabbits would notice you outside but they wouldn't run away from you - - for they knew you wouldn't hurt them. I have this picture in my heart to cherish forever. I know all the precious cottontails are gathered around you now, my love, enjoying your company knowing they are in your gentle care.

I have shared how you rescued your kitty brother, Eli, and how much Eli adored you. Well, my son, I am going to share the picture of you and your baby kitty brother here on this forum so that people can see for themselves what a gentle soul you are and how much your baby kitty brother adored you. I know our Eli is staying close by your side now, and is telling everyone what a wonderful big doggie brother you are, and I know your kitty sister, Abbygayle, is right there nodding her head and saying, "Yes, Eli, tell everyone what Oslo did when . . .. "

My handsome man, I know you know you are always in my heart and memories. You are with me wherever I go and whatever I do, and I am so very grateful for your sweet Living Spirit to comfort and encourage me on my continued earthly journey. Thank you so much, my precious son, for honoring me to be your earthly caregiver, and for the privilege of your company and your unconditional love.

I love you, my Oslo, my son, my handsome man, my love, always and forever - -

For all eternity,
mom

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Dear Moon_Beam,

Oslo is such a beautiful dog. That is a beautiful letter you wrote to him. I am a person of a few words, but you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless you always.