Scary Moment

Norma scared herself (and me) yesterday. She choked on a morsel of dry food. It took her more than a few seconds to spit up the food. She skipped the rest of her meal and acted as timid as I’ve ever seen her act for the next hour. Later, I fed her some wet food and she snarfed it right down.
 

Dream

I had a dream about Theo last night. I still am grieving and missing him, surprisingly more than any of my other late cats. He had such a unique, steadfast, quirky, and idiosyncratic personality. He was the last steady part of my life pre-pandemic. Theo had such a sweet soul.

 

Tempting Me

It was hard to go to work yesterday morning. Just as I was about to leave, Kenta plopped himself next to me on the couch and lay on his back exposing his belly. I rubbed it and he deeply purred. I don’t think he likes my new work routine.
 

The Best Bro

If Alias was a mean brother, he’d pounce on Norma’s exposed belly. But he’s a mellow brother and calmly enjoyed his sister’s every day quirkiness. 
 

Obeyer

We had an excessive heat warning over the weekend. We were advised to stay indoors. Norma obeyed and was glad she did. I, on the other hand, went to a Twins baseball game. It was as advertised, hot and humid and kinda unbearable. 
 

Their Brother

Either Alias has a serious hygiene problem that my limited nose can’t detect OR both of his siblings love taking care of him. He definitely is a lovable fellow.

Attention Here Please

Alias decided not to let me work on my iPad. He was quite adamant about it. 
 

The Birds

 A couple of months ago we had three large crows in the backyard that absolutely drove Norma crazy. She squeaked a little peep every five seconds. Yesterday we had five very large crows in the backyard. Norma was still concerned about the invasion but she was a little more calm. Alias was curious about the crows but not as agitated as his sister. Kenta really couldn’t have cared less…

When Your Little Brother Outgrows You

Kenta loves to smother Alias with love. I think the key word might be ‘smother.’
 

Gilbert

 I met Rep. Hortman serving on a board together. She was a tremendous leader, humble and dedicated to making our state better. And her love for Gilbert shines through in these pictures. This has been a horrible few days.

Daredevil

Kenta enjoys a life on the edge.
 

Daredevil

 

Norma’s life is a high wire act that all of us appreciate.

New Routine

I started my new job last Thursday. I worked half days both Thursday and Friday. Monday was the first day I worked a full day. I didn’t get home until after 5 p.m. My housemates were used to lunch being served between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. So they were pretty wound up when I got home. Kenta was extra friendly. I guess he missed me.
 

The Student

Kenta is learning a lot from Norma. That it’s important to stretch before and during a nap.
 

Norma and Me

I had a nice day with Norma yesterday. I woke up and she was sleeping by my side. It made it hard to get out of bed. When I did lift the sheets, her little nose poked out. We sat like that for another five minutes. Later in the morning she sat with me again. She loves to lick my chin and she did that several times. We’ve been spending more alone time recently and I think we both enjoy that.
 

Perfect Fit

It was like this bed was made for Alias.
 

I’m Impressed

Norma is very smart. One example is I have to carry Kenta upstairs when he’s done with his meal so he doesn’t help himself to his siblings’ meals. I close the door behind us. Norma has learned the door doesn’t latch shut so she can push it open. But she also knows it doesn’t work the other way around. She can’t push it open from the other side. And she can’t push other doors in the house open. 
 

Tolerance

Norma doesn’t seem to mind Kenta’s foot in her face.
 

Teamwork

Alias urped up his breakfast yesterday. I got most of it cleaned up but went to grab a rag with soap water to deep clean the carpet. When I got back Kenta had taken care of the rest as he sat there licking the carpet. Teamwork I guess.
 

Changes

Our routine is about to change… I’m ending a one year medical leave and starting a new job that’s located within walking distance of our house. Norma, Alias (and Kenta) have never lived through a time when I wasn’t home most of the day. I’m sure they’ll do just fine.