Hello everyone, When I am working on the farm by the end of the day I am tired and dusty.  But I am satisfied knowing that everyone is safe for the night…. What I am really looking forward to is being inside with Bob, Tony and Cleo.  For some reason, when we are all home together, I feel complete and content.
~♥~
While walking up to the farmhouse’s front door I can see either Tony or Cleo silouetted in shadow in one window. As I push the door open to go inside I usually start off by calling out an enthusiastic, “Honey I’m home!”  Which of course is totally unnecessary (Q – Did I ever mention how I trained these two to always be by the front door when I get home?) since Cleo and Tony are already there, pacing with pent up energy and demanding my immediate attention and affection! My goddess, i really love these felines! ♥ ♥ ♥          🙂
~♥~
I am usually greeted with a blended mix of meows, purring and endless twisting around my ankles. So I stand completely still, not wanting to step on anyone, and talking endlessly.  Tony is the most vocal so he usually starts with a prolonged, “Meyowwww”, that gets deeper the longer it goes on, and somehow becoming plaintive.” purr ….  I respond with my typical answer,

“Really? Are you sure you did not get enough napping time?”
~♥~
Tony responds with what I imagine to be a sarcastic “Meow”.  The “O” sound drawn out until it fades away.
~♥~
“Okay, okay, can I put these things down first, your majesty?” As I head toward the kitchen, bags in hand  They continue twinning around my feet so I am still stepping carefully.  I continue my side of the conversation with a placating, “Okay, now who wants to pick out dinner…?”

Tony is, as usual, determined and persistent and gets to me first. “Meow” is his clear demand, but I need some more details…And now Cleo chimes in with a somehow more stringent voice “Meow”! I don’t know how but her voice seems to have a bit more of a “twang” to it.  They are still eager for affection and I have two hands, so I get busy with petting both of them until they seem content and are leading me into the kitchen…

Once everyone has been fed and are chowing down their food. I head to my bedroom.  After a quick but heavenly, rinse in the shower, I change into my comfy “Iris” clothes.   Black tights under a roomy chocolate brown skirt, my long hair up in a french braid so it is off of my neck, some “curves” in my newest burgundy bra and a light peach long sleeve top.  Of course I ruin this outfit with my ugly but still comfortable dusty work boots.

As I head to the front door I continue our conversation as if it never stopped,”Okay, okay, but I need to go back out and bring in more groceries, and then check all of the gates with Bob.”  Who of course raises his head, turning towards me at the sound of his voice, and rising from his usual napping spot near the stove in the living room.  Bob’s voice is low and deep, “Woooooof, wooof, woof” trailing off as he pushes open the front door with his shoulder.  His tail is always seems to be wagging when we are together… seeing it so makes me smile even more.  🙂

Things have been going “okay” for a while now…. not great but not bad either… At times I feel like I get”stuck” in my head, and this is never a good thing.  I have a tendency to get gloomy, blue…. you know, feeling down about myself….  Feeling critical about my continuing efforts to reduce my drinking, which, due in part to my stubborn nature, has been somewhat successful.  🙂 I am down from about ten drinks a day to two a day…  That is better right?  You know that when I mention how much I used to drink, I am not bragging, it is amazement at how bad my drinking got!  It was a slow and gradual decline and I imagine the return climb to living in sobriety will also take a while….
~♥~
Sending all of you a “thanks” for being supportive and offering words of encouragemenr!  I really need some “cheerleaders” to keep me going.  As always, I extend my invitation to send me a message, I would love to hear from more of you…. And I promise a quick response within a day or two…..
~♥~
I am still feeling depressed, but less so with the latest adjustment to my meds.  Tonight my mood improves as soon as I am under a light blanket, a book and cup of tea at hand.  I know that soon Tony, unless he is sleeping in a different room, will be stretched out between my knees.  He is great at keeping my legs warm.     🙂