Farewell Cyndi

Cyndi, my beautiful calico matriarch, left us this morning.  It was not unexpected, yet it was still a shock.  She did know when I was near, and she loved to cuddle.  . 

It is a bitterly cold day.  At least to me.  Perhaps because on top of other health problems I have been going through these past months, I now have a respiratory illness and a fever.  I am in layers with a winter coat and freezing.  It's been quiet here today except for Percy occasionally crying. 

Just 5 days ago, I learned Barkley had passed away.  (Farewell Barkley)  He would have been a Funny Farmer if we hadn't already had the city limit of dogs (3).  Merci left us the end of June and Rusty in September.  Percy is now the only original furry sibling and he will turn 15 in July. 

Our numbers are dwindling.  I knew the day would come when they would most likely start passing away closer together.  It's one thing to think "someday", another to arrive there.  But I wouldn't trade my time with any of them for anything.  Each one has been special.

Mr. Doug dropped by to pick up something of his today and very kindly took Cyndi's body to bury next to Merci.  As with Buddy, Cyndi was returned to where I first saw her.  She was such a tiny kitten with a huge wad of long, fine fur, living in Mr. Doug's engine hiding from his self-appointed " hunting" dog that wanted to make her the next meal. 

Sorry, but today there is no pretense of fun with this post.  I am sick and sad and hurting. 

I hope you all have a great week.  I'm going to continue our break and have no idea when or even if we will return. 

Jan
with Percy, Micah, Marcus & Taylor

Farewell Barkley

Cyndi:  Farewell, Barkley.  Most of you guys won't remember remember him.  He was before your time.

Percy:  I remember meeting Barkley.  He was a pup trapped inside a local mill being torn down.  The building was inside a locked gate, but the foreman at the time helped Jan rescue him.  She brought him home and the local Humane Society helped with his vet bill.

Cyndi:  And then Jan found him a home.  He had a large fenced area to run and other dogs to play with. 

Percy:  Jan used to visit him occasionally, but after her old car died, she had no way to go by.  Mr. Doug would often see him, so she was aware of how he was doing.

Cyndi:  Mr. Doug called today to tell her Barkley died this morning.

Percy:  He did have a good life.  I'm sad for his loss and also because at that time the Funny Farm was in it's heyday.  You and I, Cyndi, are the only funny farmers left from that era.

Cyndi:  Do you remember how jealous angel Sam was when Jan brought Barkley home?  He was so afraid she would keep him.  Sam always had to be the center of attention.

Percy:  I understand Barkley was a good dog.  He once lived here for a few days, so it's only right he should have a memorial post.

Cyndi:  I know so many believe in the Rainbow Bridge.  We don't, but if we did, wouldn't it be ironic if Sam was the one to meet Barkley and show him around?  


Jan:  Sorry, we're still on hiatus.  I have been unable to do much of anything for a while and need more time to get back on my feet.  

Merry Christmas 2018

Merry Christmas to all our blogging and non-blogging friends.

Cyndi:  We should probably mention the big, brightly lighted and decorated house on the card is not our home.

Micah:  Why would you tell everyone that?  It was supposed to be our secret.

Marcus:  You know Cyndi.  She always tells the truth.

Percy:  Perhaps some of her honesty will rub off on you one of these days, Marcus. 

Taylor:  Or perhaps some of the wonder of the Christmas story will transform him.

Marcus:  Do you think Jan would read it to us if we ask her nicely?

Cyndi:  I think she would be happy to do so.

Percy:  Especially if we fix her some hot tea.

Marcus:  With a few cookies on the side?

Micah:  How is Jan going to read to us with a mouthful of cookies?

Taylor:  I'm guessing Marcus isn't planning on Jan being the one to eat the cookies..


Jan:  We are grateful for all the lovely cards, both snail mail and email -  we have received.  I have been having a hard time sitting at the computer for long periods, but I've tried to help the Funny Farmers send out our card.  If yours didn't arrive, please grab it here with our love.  (Click on it to enlarge.)  We will be taking a break for a week or so.  See you in 2019.

Happy New Year!

Cyndi Is 15

Taylor:  It's Cyndi's birthday.  Our sweet girl turns 15 years old today.  This is an important date for our furry matriarch and Jan forgot to read the calendar again.

Percy:  If it wasn't for Pipo, Dalton & their mom Ingrid, we would have a hard time doing a last minute post.  We thank them so much!  We do appreciate them taking the time to make the graphic, especially since they are trying to learn new software on a loaned computer after their computer was stolen.

Micah:  We really need to hire a secretary who can read a calendar.  And dispense more treats. 

Cyndi:  Thank you, guys, for remembering me at all.  I know how frustrating it can be when our secretary is old, forgetful, and has trouble putting on her shoes.  Perhaps we should cut her a little slack, though, since these past few years have been even more hazardous than usual for her.  Her last aborted flight was just two months ago when she flew through the air from behind Marcus' crate and landed in front of it.  She has barely been able to do anything since, but she does keep trying.

Marcus:  You do know that wasn't my fault, don't you!  I wasn't even near her when that happened.  You always point a paw at me when strange things happens.  By now you should know I'm always innocent. 

Taylor:  Of course you are.  We can all see that invisible halo over your head.  But this post is not about you.  It's about Cyndi and how thankful we are she has been with us for so long.

Percy:  So let's enjoy the day.  Even if we aren't prepared, perhaps Jan can find a few interesting tidbits around the house for us to party.

Marcus:  **mumbles** You guys better stay away from my Pup-peroni! 

Micah:  What did you say, Marcus?

Cyndi:  He said he would be honored if we share his Pup-peroni for the occasion.  Didn't you, Marcus? 

Marcus:  Uh... okay. I guess I did.

We are celebrating Cyndi today and joining Brian's Thankful Thursday blog hop.