Sweety

My Sweety, wonderful feline, has engaged in a startling behavior pattern of late. First, his personality. He's named Sweety (to my sons' chagrin) because he's so sweet. He has a wonderful sweet nature. Occasionally he'll get feisty and attack gently but for the most part he is sweet. He doesn't take any crap off anybody, though, or so I thought!

We have a trio of very aggressive mockingbirds. They hate Ryder and Sweety. Sweety is a hunter, and I've seen numerous creatures about the yard or taken from his special hiding place under the deck by Ryder. Yuck! Occasionally we will notice a scabby place on his head. Well, I finally know what causes them. I thought this was a possibility but I actually saw a mockingbird swoop down and peck him on his head! He seems strangely oblivious to it, though. He doesn't fight, he just sits there.

He's much more visible than he used to be, too. I see him across the street or around the yard. He used to hide all the time. This makes me wonder if he's tantalizing them.

When I hear the mockingbirds squawking I know Sweety is probably at the back door ready to come in. When we walk Ryder Sweety follows us and the mockingbirds follow him! Tim was letting Sweety in the front door the other day and the bird almost flew into the house.

It is the oddest thing. I don't think Sweety is hunting much right now, either. I haven't seen anything around the yard and Ryder isn't nosing around under the deck. I am thankful for that. I just can't figure out Sweety's passivity about the birds picking on him. Is he afraid of them? He doesn't flee, which is is usual fear indicator. I just don't know. It's like he seems almost resigned to it, just tolerating it.

Hmmm...

Sad anniversary

This is the 10th anniversary of the death of my babies' mother and Tim's wife. Her Mom emailed today and thanked me for keeping her memory alive. That means a lot to me. I told her she'd been on my mind and I wanted to call her but I knew we both had such a propensity to cry and I didn't want to upset her.

We've talked a lot about it with the boys so I hope they are okay. We went to the grave Sunday. It can't be just one day anniversary. She collapsed on the 16th and died on the 18th. So all of those who loved her are remembering 'just what they were doing' ten years ago for the past 3 days.

It's very sad. I'm thankful for the faith of her family, including Tim & the boys. I love them so much and wish they never had to deal with such a loss. If that was so I wouldn't be their Mom and Tim's wife so it's a little weird too.

A joyful day

This morning Lynnie was named Teacher of the Year for Hanover County, VA. Lynn is my oldest sister. I am so proud of her. Betsy was able to be there, as were Mom, Dad, David, Hunter, Tim, Barrett & me. It was just incredible. She burst into tears when she saw us. The superintendent of schools for the county gave a speech, & the principle and then Lynnie spoke very graciously. It was a blessing Betsy was here visiting from IN. We are all so proud and happy. Betsy made it safely home to IN. Lynn couldn't believe I kept the secret from her since I'd known since Thursday. When Mom told me I said "you know I can't keep a secret!". I knew I would though. I just put it out of my mind. I'm so proud of my Sissy!!!!