Lydia, the cat we found pregnant in the woods a few years back, seems to have gotten out somehow the Sunday before last.  No idea how, but I believe I saw her on the steps last week, but she ran away when i got to the door.

We put out flyers to all the neighbors within a block or two, as well as a couple businesses on Seneca Street.  She probably still has her collar with tags, but no one called except a neighbor suggesting I pray to St. Anthony.

{sigh}

I’ve been busy with lots of projects, personal and professional, and I’m taking a few moments to clean up my computer’s desktop, nearly full to the brim with shortcuts and files as always.

I came across things I meant to post, including a poem I wrote while traveling without Merry earlier this year … http://www.kentropolis.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=1559#post1559.

I was supposed to help out again on the Richard A. Smith (www.ExcaliburLS.org) but the nasty wind we had last night after a party at the house wreaked havoc at the small boat harbor and all the boat owners are being asked to move out.

Other than that, I spent over 12 hours over the course of the week painting a friend’s apartment.  I grossly underestimated the time it would take, forgetting the higher ceilings and lack of a squeeze roller.  But a promise was a promise so to speak, and I was happily exhausted for days, still working on the farm on Thursday, going to BNI leadership training, and doing things around the house before the party.

Amy (Mer’s sister) & Brian came over for a cookout, after giving us an awesome gas grill as a housewarming present. We have been so blessed with such gifts this last month, such as all the appliances and moving costs taken care of my parents-in-law.  Di (Mer’s Dad) even gave me an old chop saw and table saw, the latter of which I have used many times — it’s heaven on wood projects such as all the shelves I’ve been building for my office closet.

We also got our first parking tickets today, just minutes after the alternate parking changed.  On a happier note, I put our second volley of empty boxes on Craigslist (as free) and within minutes they were gone. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

I don’t think I ever did that before. I might have one if I’m out, or on rare occasion someone will bring some to our place, but I never actually went out to buy beer. Corona light, 6-pack of bottles, probably last me a week minimum.

A beer just tastes so good this hot summer, and I had a few left over from the Schola Cantorum reunion with choirmaster Jean in town last week. I especially like one in the morning for some reason.

And I think I deserve a cold one now and then with all the work projects nestled in between dozens of fix-ups on the new house. It’s my new obsession, and my toy store is Home Depot and anywhere else I can find stuff I might need. While on the subject, I discovered Len-Co Lumber on Seneca near Bailey, and love the place, right down to the perpetual hot dog stand out front, conveniently on the way home from Tai Chi or similar errands.

Jenn Stuczynski took the Silver at pole vaulting at the Olympics, being one of only 3 women in the world to ever breach the 16 foot height. She’s my second-cousin’s daughter, whom I have never met in person, but I’m really proud of her, especially having only started in the sport 3 years ago.

I made a celebration a couple weeks ago in Fredonia (the second one that week, as I missed the first one where she signed autographs before she left for Beijing), where I got rained on a lot, but bought a t-shirt, got to see the distant family I knew (her father and grandfather), and hunted down the very last lawn sign with her name on it. There was even a marching band, dignitaries, etc.

Now I have to find out when the return party will be, as I only hear about such things these days from associates in BNI who live out there.

I’ve finally taken the time to get back to my journal here, as today I walked from our old home to our new home. We officially moved two weeks ago, but now we are settled in for the most part. Merry dropped me off at Fisher Park, I surveyed the land, and Koala in backpack (along with some water, a Gideon Bible, and a copy of “The Long Journey Home“), I twirled my prayer wheel for the nearly two hour journey.

I met Merry walking Ladybug, and we crossed the threshold as if for the first time. We had our first sit-down dinner together — chicken (my favourite) — right after I put up the PaKua over the door. We never did have a house blessing or smudging, as the house seemed to welcome us, eager to be lived in. We may do so anyway, but not to exorcise past memories or lingerings. Roman came over and I ended the day by setting up my scripture stand in my office and taking a sponge bath, as the shower isn’t fixed yet.

A lot has happened over the last month or two, and getting the house and moving in is a story for another time. perhaps soon.

I actually have a list of the most beautiful songs ever written, which includes Greensleeves, Pie Jesu, Chuaigh Me ‘na Rosann, and Shalom Aleichem.

Here is a truly moving version of the last one … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfdUG5ht4Xk.

A flower is growing, unplanted in one of our planters, my most beloved kind.  Again I ask, “What are the Odds?”

Also had a wonderful lunch with Christina at the Orchard Inn followed by a visit to Caz Cafe and newly opened bookstore within.  It was even her idea, which surprised me because she always indicated it was “her” place (meaning with her friends) and it would seem an intrusion if I went there.  A pleasant and honorific surprise.

Monday evening I drove my friend Patrick to Rochester, which is father away than I recall, and the city just felt … strange.  But last night, I came home from some late night errands and got pulled over for speeding on Langner Road near my house — for the first time since I moved here over 11 years ago.  Merry said they patrol it a lot, but I never saw them … or at least almost never.

That was one of the themes of Kung Fu Panda, a (great) movie Mer and I saw tonight.  And just before the show, my daughter shows up with a couple friends, making them the only other ones in the theater.  What are the odds of that????

Other than that, we had a lazy day and saw enough fireworks over the last few days to not bother going out anywhere in particular.

I ran to the living room a moment ago to share my elation with my wife that the number of discovered extrasolar planets has broken the 300 mark. My wife noted a discovery of my abdominal midriff when I raised my arms, and sharing additional astronomical facts with her about the mass of the planet, etc. brought further observations on her part about the visibility of my FTL in the anterior quadrant.

It seems we can clearly see what relative significances are placed on the various experiences of mankind.

For my birthday, Mer and I finally went to the restaurant around the corner called the Dove.  (It had changed hands twice since we moved here 10 years ago, originally “Pony Post” then the “Golf Club” with some periods of vacancy between.)  A bit expensive, but the food was amazing.  We’ll have to come back some day.

Today, I also wrote what was likely to be the last rent check I ever write.  More on that when the time is right, hopefully soon.  :^}

In the last month, we established a relationship with an Amish family in Little Valley, down the road from the farm.  I asked Noah what to do if I couldn’t make it a particular week, and he said, “Send me a letter.”

So now we have fresh milk and a new source of eggs.  To top it off, Merry skimmed the cream, etc., and actually made butter.  As I’ve said many a time, Welcome to my world.

Also, I’ve fallen behind, so I’ll be backdating a few posts, so glance backwards to catch them …