Extras

Friday after work, I made time to Zoom with a teacher friend of mine in Mexico. Rosario and I have been friends for many years, and we always make an effort to connect with each other’s students during the hectic school year.

Friday’s meeting with Rosario and her students only lasted about 20 minutes, but it somehow energized me. Her classroom is a bit different from ours, but students are students. It was interesting to hear the questions they had for me. They were so curious about Nebraska, our weather and (surprisingly) my age. I think the best question I heard was, “What does snow feel like?” The best I could do was compare it to the “raspaditas” in Mexico. (Raspaditas are snow cones.)

We hope to Zoom again soon. Maybe one day Rosario can Zoom into one of my classes. My students would love it.

Honey Pie

Honey Pie has moved in to Brian’s place. She is sometimes known as Honey Badger instead. Moving Honey Pie to Brian’s place was what I call an accident. I did not get another cat on purpose. It was totally NOT MY FAULT. Let me explain….

I went to the shelter to donate some fleece blankets. I had a bunch at home that were just taking up space, so I was trying to do some good. There was a couple in front of me with a small cat carrier, a bag with treats and vet records and a sad story. They planned to turn the cat over to the humane society because it’s a no-kill shelter. The couple came from out of town, so the shelter would not take the cat. I was standing there waiting to drop off the blankets, but I heard the whole sad tale while the cat was periodically meowing. She was obviously NOT happy in that crate.

I had to open my mouth—I asked if the cat was male or female. The lady said Honey Pie is young, spayed, microchipped and sweet. That was the beginning of the end for sure. I couldn’t stand the thought of her going to a kill shelter. We walked out of the shelter together discussing options. They waited until I finished work and gave me the cat, crate and all. They were relieved she would be safe, and I was super stressed trying to figure out a plan.

I knew my boyfriend was going to have some stern words for me….when he found out. I had her at my place for over a week trying to integrate her into my little clowder. She was hissy to the others, so that did not work. The ONLY other thing to do was foster her at Brian’s house. I really did try to find a home for her. I asked coworkers and friends, but nobody had room. And that, my friends, is how Brian got a cat.

He came home from work one evening and there she was, waiting to greet him. (I told Honey Pie that she had to strike quickly and win him over as soon as he got home.) Brian explained the “house rules” to Honey Pie in his stern mechanic voice—stay off of the bed, don’t climb on the counters or the fridge, for example. She listened politely, then did exactly what she wanted to do.

Foster fail….now she rules the house with an iron paw. She gets in the shower with me in the morning, then she repeats the process when Brian is preparing for work. Honey Pie is really quirky, but she’s great company.

Horse Shenanigans

My friend, Jeannette, came down to my neck of the woods this weekend. She got all three of my horse girls dewormed, haltered and fly sprayed! I was so excited! She is awesome. I came out of the experience with renewed confidence since I haltered my baby, Smoke, on my own—FINALLY! I should have been working harder on this before, but I will do better now.

Jeannette versus Smoke
I did it!
The halter hug