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Hello, Dear Readers. What is with this weather? We had our “First Spring” for about a week, then a big snowstorm yesterday. Today it’s sunny and calm. But tomorrow we’re supposed to get a blizzard. I guess we just roll with it, right?
I have to replenish some firewood in my frames that are on the deck, because I finally went through all of that wood. No worries, though. The other wood is right next to the deck, so I’ll just move it over.
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After crying over the loss of my beloved CharleyGirl for a couple of weeks, I started scrolling through the pet adoption sites. I thought about getting a bonded pair of cats, but when I saw Freddy, I knew he was the one.
So I worked with Louise at TC Paw, went to meet him at his foster mom’s place, and brought him home later that day.
I’m still so sad over the loss of Charley, but it’s good to have another creature in the house. There’s room in our hearts for both sadness and joy, and I know both Charley and Tim would want me to have another furry friend.
Freddy is a big orange cat who came to TC Paw as a stray in Traverse City. At 14 pounds, he’s twice the size of Charley. He came with the name Freddy, and I think it fits him so we’re sticking with it.
He moved into the house and seemed perfectly at home right away, hanging out in the cat bed on my desk, in the cat condo by the window, and pretty much wherever he plops himself down. He’s hungry all the time, so I’m feeding him a few cans of food every day, and also keeping his dry food dish full.
I still have to make an appointment at Oakwood Veterinary Hospital to get him checked over, but the good thing about working with a group like TC Paw is that they do a lot of the healthcare stuff ahead of time. He’s already “fixed,” caught up on shots, and seems generally healthy.
One interesting thing is that when he first came into the house, he explored a little bit, then went over to where Charley passed in the living room. He sniffed the area and sat down there for a few minutes. I like to think they were communicating, with Charley telling Freddy that it’s ok for him to be there, and Freddy telling Charley that he’ll take it from here.
He doesn’t spend a lot of time in my lap yet, but likes to sleep next to me at night or when I’m on the couch. He’s a good boy, full of orange-cat personality. More pics at the bottom of this story!
An Eye Update
My left eye – where I have the vitreomacular traction (aka wrinkle) – seemed like it was getting worse, and the anti-inflammatory drops weren’t really helping. So the Retinal place in town was able to fit me in for an appointment this week. Turns out, it IS getting worse, so they were able to move my vitrectomy eye surgery up a couple weeks. It’s now scheduled for March 31 with Dr. Fiander.
I’ve talked with more people who’ve had the surgery, and everyone has had a good outcome, in that they see better than ever after the surgery and followup cataract surgery. It’s all scary, but that’s good to hear. I’ll get through it!
After the vitrectomy eye surgery, I have to spend most of the following three weeks “looking down” to let the gas bubble settle in there (I think that’s how it works). I’m not sure I’ll be able to work much during that time, so I’m going to try and write/pre-schedule some stories on the Gazette to roll out during that time — probably some history stories, vintage school photos, recipes, etc.
Also, it will take a while to get my vision back in that eye, but hopefully I’ll be able to see well enough out of my right eye to get by. Even now it’s a bit of a challenge because my vision is distorted, so I’m trying to work in bits and pieces here and there.
If you have Old Mission stories you’d like to send in, feel free to send them to me, [email protected]! I would love to post stories about your family history, how you ended up on the Peninsula, your life growing up here, working on a farm, family recipes, vintage photos, that sort of thing.
It doesn’t matter if you just got here last week or have generations of OMPers before you. I’d love to hear your stories, and it’ll help me keep fresh content on the Gazette. Just attach the stories to your email as a Word doc, or paste the text right into the email.
Here’s a few more pics of Freddy. I’m really glad he’s here.
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Jane, Happy to see you and Freddy found each other. A very handsome cat and look forward to seeing more updates. Good luck with the surgery!
Oh my house super exciting, a big beautiful red cat in your life. Congratulations! He looks like a super dude.
I love that he and Charlie had a moment to commune there. That sounds like the kind of cat thing we’ve seen with our kitty kiddos
Hi Jane, So very happy you have a new furry family member, and an orange one to boot! You know I love those orange kitties and they do have the greatest personalities. Seems he’s fit right in with you and your home. Good luck with all the eye surgery and the downtime involved. I know it’ll be hard to keep you down long. Janis Haine
So glad you found Freddy! He will help you recover from your eye surgery! And good luck with that, you will do well I’m sure! Nancy
Hi Jane
Loved the story of your new friend.
He looks like he is loving his new home.
So glad you found each other.
Just know we are right down the hill should you need
Anything after your surgery
Sending higs
So happy for both you and Freddy. Our furry friends are important in our lives.
Congratulations to you and Freddy. He’s adorable and very grateful.
I’m really glad he’s there too Jane 🙂
Love that you knew he was the one. It’s amazing how that connection happens. And Charley approves.
See you at Oakwood – I’ll be there with our own recent 14 pound orange adoptee! (but canine)
Jane, Freddy was waiting for you. If you ever feel stress just look at Freddy❤️
So glad you have Freddie now. He looks like he will be a great companion and take good care of you!
I love that you have an orange cat, and he’s fitting in. Best wishes for your eye surgery and recovery.
You brightened my day when I saw Freddie.
I have never been without a cat or dog for very long in my life. I am happy you did not wait too long.
Good luck with the eye surgery. I have no doubt Freddie will be a great companion in the recovery.
Freddy looks like he is fitting right in with your life. What a beautiful cat! So happy u have him. I will be keeping u in prayer with your upcoming surgery. Love ya! Connie
Two gingers! He looks like he belongs with you Jane! So happy you found a new companion ❤️! He is adorable and looks very comfy already 🐾❤️
Really happy for you that all is working out with you & Freddy. He must have had a somewhat happy early life to settle in with you so easily.
He looks like a charmer and a great companion.
If an OMP story falls into my lap – will be happy to share it with you.
I have had only one orange cat which we inherited after my father-in-law died, Jason. One of my sons has an “orange” and it’s a purrfect cat. I do believe deceased cats communicate with live ones. I’ll write up a proof for you, a possible article to use during your recovery. Freddy knows he is in a good place.
Whoo Hoo! I’m glad you could give Freddy a Forever Home.
So happy you have a beautiful new cat to love, Jane. He is beautiful ! All the best on your upcoming surgery. We will all look forward to any updates.
Welcome, Freddy!🐾❤️
He IS a Big Orange Cat!! What a handsome boy!!
It’s awesome that he’s already settling in well at his new digs – Freddy! You’ve hit the proverbial cat Jackpot!!
I look forward to reading about his antics, as Freddy shows his personality. 🐾❤️
Way to go, Jane! Glad that you didn’t wait too long b4 adopting a cat. This is a very familiar situation for me as well – my sweet Huskygirl Kamala passed on January 19 at nearly 13 years old. Such a huge loss – especially since I live solo. And now today, my new Huskygirl Mishka’s is my new companion, sidekick, entertainment and fills the silence in my home & heart🐾💗🥰
We will look you up when our wanderings take us to OMP. Altho, Freddy may not be in favor our visit – we won’t invade his territory 😂
For now, hello to you & Freddy across the icy East Bay!
Glad you have Freddy to share your life with. Enjoy your big orange guy!
Oh Jane,
I’ve only had dogs, but this new “buddy” looks adorable, with a peaceful countenance…so perfect for you. He “chose” you, just as our pup (Frankie) chose us!!! I am so very happy for you, and your new adventures with Freddy will undoubtedly keep you smiling. You’re right about room for grief and joy, so kudos to you for taking this step.
Hoping your surgery goes smoothly, and you can rest appropriately. It will be wonderful to have it behind you, and perhaps you’ll enjoy Spring even more!!
Hey Jane! So glad you have a new companion and I bet Freddy is grateful to have a caring human to live with too. Good for you both!
And best of luck with your surgery.
Just a note, so glad to see that the Old Mission Bay has finally opened up again, and just in time for the annual whale migration. I was getting a little worried.
What a gorgeous boy! So glad you found each other. And as you know, I have no doubt that the two animal spirits conferred and approved your transfer from Charley to Freddy. Is there room in the house for a third?
What a happy story! It looks like Freddy found his forever home! Good luck with your eye surgery!
I am so happy you opened your heart. You chose each other! He certainly looks happy………moved right in! Speaking from experience……orange fur can be so much fun. Best wishes to you!
Winston Churchill and Lincoln were both cat lovers. Who knows maybe they helped calm their minds during their respective wars. So he will calm your mind duing and after the surgery
Hi Jane, Very cool new pal you have there in Freddy. He looks familiar to me. Does he like lasagna by any chance?
He actually DOES like lasagna, Harry! I gave him a little of my Costco lasagna the other night, and he gobbled that right up. 🙂 Freddy, aka Garfield.
Haven’t read the Gazette for the last month, been in Arizona ‘suffering’ the 80,90 & 100 temperatures. Glad to see you got a new cat especially an orange one. We just put down our orange tabby in Febuary and that was tough. Had him 18.5 years. Orange cats have quite the personality. Also, my wife had the same eye surgery as you are having. Hope you have someone to help you. Keeping your head down all that time gets old fast. Hang in there.