The Big Thaw!

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It happened! Chachi, the cat, decided that it was time to “thaw” and get things moving in the right direction. He has spent the last two weeks going back and forth between normalcy and FROST!

The ice was so thick that I could feel the blast of cold air in the other room! He was upset that I had left him with a cat sitter for four days while I was in the hospital and that to this spoiled brat was a no go. Mommy was his and how dare she leave him all alone with a stranger!

Anyway, around two in the afternoon he walked in with a curious look on his face. I ignored him. He moved closer and brushed up against my legs. Still, I made no move, just sat silently and watched him. He went back and forth a few times and then a loud MEOW followed.

“What do you want? No, I can’t pick you up. I’m sorry.”

“PICK ME UP!”

I know he has been craving to be picked up and held close, a sign that all is well in his world. Unfortunately, it is against doctor’s orders. No bending and no lifting heavy objects. The little snort is heavy enough and believe me, I WANTED TO!

Then he jumped on the bed and the lovefest took off! Lots of kisses followed, purrs, and staying close to mommy was the name of the game. Then he jumped off, ran downstairs and a few minutes later walked back in with a stuffed mouse in his mouth. Dumped it at my feet and looked at me. He wanted to play like we used to. This was a NO GO as well. How do you explain that to a cat?

The poor mouse had lost all its innards and just the shell remained. Did he care? I suppose this is what bullies do. Pick the one that shows least resistance! Anyway, I kicked the mouse with my foot and he went after it. After a few rounds, the ICE was completely thawed by now. He was all lovey dovey again and it has stayed that way.

Evening saw the old Chachi emerge. He was in his element. Sleep was forgotten and he was running riot around the room. By morning, the curtains were skewed, the office door had been opened, the little box next to his toilet was on its head and then he decided it was time to dash across the bed!

This morning, he stood watching me knowing full well he was in trouble. His legs were crossed in front and his green eyes were suspicious.

“I see you had a fun time last night?”

He stood silently eyeing me.

“C’mon let’s go downstairs.”

Was that a sigh of relief? It could have been but he dashed downstairs and took his spot by the window.

We are back to being best buddies and ALL is well in his world.

Have an amazing day.

20 Hours and Counting!

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I’m not sure if the trip to Hawaii was around 20 hours, it could have been more or rather it felt like forever!

It was supposed to be a second honeymoon trip and my ex did all the planning. We were going to touchdown in Maui, check into a nice hotel, fly first class no less, and have a great time. The problem, my ex decided that our preschooler should tag along. A big mistake! Never take a young child with you on your honeymoon.

You guessed it. It was a horror trip. The little brat decided that he was going to call all the shots and to add more fuel to the fire, he was made to feel like the little prince all along the journey. The flight was more than comfortable, I think we had a stopover in New York before heading to Hawaii. The minute we boarded the flight at New York JFK Airport, the trouble started. It was too long of a flight for the little guy and he started acting up royally. I tried my best to quiet him down but it was a no go. The other passengers had to put up with his antics although they thought he was very cute.

Once we arrived in Hawaii, he gave us more of the same. He didn’t want to do anything! Anything we suggested was met with an absolute NO! Then he perked up when his dad told him about this defunct volcano high above the clouds. It meant a harrowing drive up there but the little brat was into it. Once there, he walked around collecting volcanic rocks with a grin across his face!

Needless to say, it wasn’t a honeymoon at all. The trip was a long one and that was the longest trip I’ve ever made. I’d opt for time travel when flying with a young child. Someone should design just that. Any takers?

Elon?

Oh, I forget that yours rides shotgun on your shoulders!

Daily writing prompt
What’s the longest trip you’ve ever taken?
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Traveling Frugally

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Sounds like a great idea if you don’t have the cash to splurge on extravagance but want to go places anyway. Unfortunately or fortunately, I don’t have much experience with this mode of traveling.

When I started traveling, I stayed at good hotels, went to really nice restaurants, and never had to worry if I was staying in a good location or not. I don’t think in all my years of traveling, I had a shoestring budget.

However, it is not hard to figure out what budget travel entails. It means, “exploring the world while keeping your spending low and intentional through smart choices.” It also takes work and careful planning to put a trip together but things can still go wrong.

Pay careful attention to these four items when planning your trip.

Accommodation:

No fancy hotels here. Look for hostel rooms, and or guesthouses. Pay careful attention to the ratings as well.

Food:

No fancy restaurants, instead rely on street food or cook your own meals.

Transport:

Public buses, trains, and or depend on your own two feet to get you places. No rental cars or taxis.

Activities:

Hiking trails, low-cost or free things to do like visiting public parks, beaches or other similar activities that cost very little or next to nothing.

Budget travel will take you places but I would rather stick with the normal variety or mode of travel. I’d rather be safe than sorry so I stick to traveling the way I do it. Book flight, get there, check in at hotel, know I’m safe, and take off from there!

Not everyone can afford that so my best tips for budget travel is, pay attention to details, look at the ratings carefully before booking anything, be aware of your surroundings, AND stay safe!

Daily writing prompt
What’s your best tip for budget travel?
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Favorite Cartoon Character?

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Are we doing a loop again, seems like I’ve answered this question before. It is hard to come up with a character because I don’t have a particular favorite, just watched for the sake of watching something!

One character that pops up and pops in is Scooby-Doo. He is a cartoon character created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears for Hanna-Barbera. The Great Dane had bowed legs, a sloped back, and a chin that looked too small for his size. Scooby-Doo was also the perfect scaredy-cat. He had a massive appetite, is loyal to his friends and for all his fears, he stood up or rather protected them from danger when danger showed up. He loved being goofy and engaging in light-hearted teasing with his friend Shaggy.

Whenever he does something brave, this catchphrase comes into play. “Scooby-Dooby-Doo!” His trademark giggling, “Hehehehehe,” is used whenever he does something silly and “Ruh-wher?” is the question he uses when a monster vanished from sight.

All in all a lovable character and I wouldn’t say my all-time favorite cartoon character but right up there. By the way, I’ve outgrown cartoon characters!

Daily writing prompt
Who is your favorite cartoon character?
View all responses

Beautiful Souls

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I’ve mentioned many times that I live in a small village that time forgot. Each day flows seamlessly into the other without much excitement or noise. It is so quiet that you can hear a pin drop all day long!

Just recently I’m realizing that there is more to this village than meets the eye. I had an operation two weeks ago and even though I didn’t tell any of the neighbors except one, word has spread and the kindness that has been shown is unbelievable. They also have a gossip mill going and it seems to be working really well!

Anyway, the neighbor I told about the operation is someone I like and love talking with. I also bring her flowers now and then and her eyes light up each time she gets a bouquet. She is well into her 80s but is very active and loves working in her garden plot every chance she gets. Yes, the same lady who gives me a jar of homemade cherry jam made from cherries she had harvested from her garden each summer. She also brings me a beautifully wrapped bowl of baked cookies at Christmastime and they are delicious. This time around, she called after I got home from the hospital and promised homemade oatmeal cookies. That was a week ago and then nothing. I thought she had forgotten.

Today I got a call from a frazzled person apologizing profusely saying, “I’ve been so busy! I didn’t forget about you. I’m getting on it right now and I will bring it to your back gate!”

ME: ” I wanted those cookies yesterday!”

I was just kidding but the beautiful soul with the kind heart to match put a smile on my face. I will pick up a bouquet of flowers when I can and will watch as her face lights up again.

Just little acts of kindness but you can’t get this kind of caring from big cities. You become invisible there and get swallowed up in the hustle and bustle. Here it is different and I like this cozy atmosphere and the PEOPLE who make it HOME here.

I don’t miss big city life anymore. I love the peace and quiet, the feel that life is moving along perfectly, the fields, and most of all the “beautiful souls” who live here.

Time for oatmeal cookies! Just right with a cup of green tea.