We still have four cats. Mrs. Gaines survived being at the vet for six days and may actually have gained some weight from inactivity. She certainly seems quite chipper and VERY happy to be home. Maralton and Miss E sprang her out of captivity yesterday while Weatherdude and I were traversing Canada, NY and PA for 11 hours. Goliath had clouds of fur coming off of him yesterday. I think he hasn't been petted in a week. He's now curled up close to me on a side table much too small for him. Thomas keeps cooing. PD is in a snit, but then he often is. Someone hawked a mighty hairball this morning. Life with cats.

I got out of the car at about 8:30pm last night, just as dusk was settling in. A wall of noise hit me. The mighty roar of many, many insects. I didn't hear any in Montreal and I missed them. I take all the life surrounding me here for granted. (And it's far more than I ever heard in the suburbs, let alone a city.) Soon it will be time to let the chickens out. Mrs. Gaines is walking the counters again.

I have tax work and writing work and house work to do. I have unpacking to do. All my pretty con clothes need to be put away. Meals need to be planned, bills paid. Worldcon was a whirlwind. The Dude enjoyed seeing that side of my life for the first time, meeting friends he's only heard of and having his ears singed by a group of erotica writers.

The Dude left for work about 20 minutes ago. I don't envy him. He's going to be hit by a wall of office stuff today that may require working late the remaining days of the week.

Meanwhile, I'm listening to quiet. Not many birds yet and most of the insects are sleepy now.

Frog Out