THOUGHTS ON SANDY AND OTHER DISASTERS

The tri-state area is still reeling from super-storm Sandy. Here in the 5 boros we inch closer to normalcy. For some everything has been lost; for others it is the start of the rebuilding and cleaning-up process while some of us rode this through with all our possessions intact. Sadly, some of us lost our lives.

Now is the time for us all to do what we can to help our less fortunate neighbors. Donations of food and clothes are the first needs that come to mind. As people rebuild their lives, home furnishings will be needed. Give blood - I'm sure that is needed as well. Volunteer your time and talents where they will do the most good.

Don't forget children. A book to read, a toy or a coloring book and crayons will go a long way to brightening  the day of a child who is experiencing displacement and loss of their home. This is a very scary time for children. Their world has shifted on its axis; their security shaken.

There are many animals who will need help. Donate food, blankets and toys to displaced pets and shelter animals or volunteer time to help families reconnect with their pets. Foster an animal if you can. My first thoughts are of family pets and shelter animals but others need us as well. The great New York Aquarium in Coney Island has been flooded. Monetary donations can be made through the Wildlife Conservation Society website.

Every little bit helps...

A SURPRISING DEVELOPMENT

Since Sandy left the area all the cats with the exception of 1 or 2 have shown up for meals. We seem to be back to our routine. Charcoal Grey turned up Friday evening for her first meal since the storm. Brother came through the backyard earlier today looking for food.

Friday evening, Artie served dinner for me when he returned from work. Afterwards, he happily related that he had his first 'conversation' with the Norwegian Forest Cat. Apparently, while Artie talked to him the cat stayed put and kept answering everything Artie said with a meow. He also ate with his back to Artie as Artie went through the process of changing the water and filling the other food dishes.

A real surprise for the both of us! At least he seems to be getting comfortable with us and what we're doing for him and the others. I'm curious to see what develops...

MONTH SEVEN WITHOUT BUDDY

Another month has come and gone yet there isn't a day I don't think about Buddy. Lately, I've been ruminating on his personality traits. All the little things he did that made him uniquely Buddy and endeared him to my heart.

As I've mentioned many times before, Buddy was an incessant talker. The house was never quiet with him around. He talked constantly about everything. First thing every morning, he would be sitting by my head talking to me, no doubt telling me to get up and feed him breakfast. Whenever you passed him, he would have a meow for you. Never could I ever conceive of getting the last word. Whatever I said to him was met with another meow which would go on forever until I gave up and let him have the last meow.

Somebody once said cats only like what they ate yesterday and that kinda pertained to Buddy. His food of choice was Deli Cat; that was all he ate unless he had an opportunity to snag some turkey or tuna stealing both out of your plate. After his diagnosis of renal failure, his eating habits changed. He preferred wet food, going off dry food completely. He remained picky eating only one kind of renal food fresh from the can but not after it was refrigerated. He ate pouch food and people food. Buddy also craved Chinese roast pork and bok choy gobbling both down with relish. His favorite meals were punctuated by a cacophony of grunts and chomping noises.

Buddy loved to find a comfortable lap to snuggle in at the end of the day. If you had a blanket or throw so much the better. Many an evening Artie or I would watch TV with Buddy on our stomach both of us snuggled under a blanket. Even Annie would find herself a convenient 'cuddle companion' for Buddy if we were busy or not around. On more than one occasion, Buddy would squeeze himself onto the recliner next to Annie. Artie or I would find them together asleep when we returned home.

Mostly I miss his warmheartedness. He loved to be held close to your chest, face-to-face. Sometimes he would reach out with both paws, clasp your cheeks, pull you close and lick your nose. I miss playing tip-your-head. I would say "give me a kiss" Buddy's response would be to lick my nose, then I would say "tip your head" and Buddy would bow his head so I could give him a kiss between his ears. I could cuddle him, cradling his head in my hand, pressing his cheek to mine all the while listening to him purr and purr.

Another month starts without him...

AFTER SANDY

Sandy was THE biggest storm I've ever experienced. The tri-state area (New York, New Jersey and Connecticut) sustained unprecedented damage. Thankfully, loss of life so far is minimal. My heart goes out to all who lost loved ones as well as to those who experienced loss of property.

Our little area of Brooklyn weathered the storm without incident. No flooding or loss of power affected us. We did, however, have 3 downed trees on our block alone. Cleanup is ongoing. 

My cats are starting to re-appear with Silver Grey and baby showing up 2 nights ago. The number climbed to 4 last night with the addition of one of the black cats and the Norwegian Forest Cat. In any event all of the food was gone by late evening yesterday.

Artie took photos yesterday during our cleanup and again early this morning.

First morning after the storm.

Waiting for food.

Early this morning.

I always have to wait.

Where's breakfast?

Can I have my meal, pretty please?