Buck the Blue-eyed Siamese: in Memorium

I was awakened by my wife with tears in her eyes. "I think Buck died during the night," she said.
Buck has been a part of my life since at least high school, coming to live with my family after his previous owners moved away without him. Originally named Teddy Bear, my dad decided on a more masculine name. So Buck became a part of the family.

For years Buck woke me up in the middle of the night by scratching on my bedroom door to be let out, and then hid from me. I eventually moved out on my own, and many years past.
My nephews had a genetic tendency to be allergic to cats, so Buck and Molly were effectively booted out of the house by my slightly neurotic [now ex]sister-in-law.

I moved close to my parents with my wife and step-daughters, and was sad to see Buck gimping around the yard. My dad would carry him around on his shoulder, Buck's favorite place, as he worked in the yard. But I thought it would be good for Buck to move in with us, and so I brought him home to live an easier life.

Buck, being old, didn't care if he had to have a bowel or urinary movement; he just did it wherever he happened to be standing. This resulted in his being barred from the house unless he was under supervision. I set up a dog house equipped with a soft, sheepskin pillow for him just outside the back door. I often carried Buck around on my shoulder, and we would nap together on my hammock. My wife, already less than enamoured with him, found Buck one morning locked inside her car. Apparently he had snuck in the night before, and it having been some 14 hours, he had of course pissed all over the leather seats and carpet. I found this amusing. Diane did not. Buck just shrugged it off.

Even though well aged, Buck continued to walk Hannah to the bus stop every morning for school, and as I worked on the computer, or read a book, I would see him making his rounds as he walked around the house, just checking that all was right with the world. Sami used Buck for her exercise regime, running circles around the cat while Buck whacked at her.
2 days after Christmas, Buck did not wake up. I tucked him into his carrier one last time, and Diane, Hannah, and I said goodbye to one of my oldest friends. Needless to say, there were many tears. Even Diane was quite saddened by this tragic event.

But we smile as we remember Buck, and think hopefully that his gimpy little walk is now replaced by bounding after snakes and small birds in kitty heaven. Hannah cries that she wants Buck back. My heart too is heavy. But I am glad the he was warm and full of food, and hope that he knew how much he was loved.

I miss you buddy.

Thanksgiving et al.

Thanksgiving was a much needed time of slowing down for us. Michaela & Sami came down from college & Diane, Hannah, and I got a 4 day weekend. Sami is going to stay with us until at least Spring term, as Michaela has exciting Christmas break plans that don't include a small, energetic dog. Wednesday the house was full of the aroma of baking pies and slow-cooked ham.
Thursday was the all impressive Thanksgiving feast. We were joined for games and food by Hannah's dad, James. Hannah & James played video games while Hannah sat in her little yellow, Oscar Meyer edition, Radio Flyer wagon. Michaela taught us all a new card game, where we each used a deck... Hannah, once again, ate both drumsticks, and a good time was had by all. Friday found Kevin writing a paper for school, and the girls at the movies. It was actually a pleasant time. and then Sunday Cecilia, one of Michaela's roommates, joined us for the drive to Seattle in the new Prius. I love driving that thing. The whole 60 mpg thing is very nice, indeed! It was a long drive up as the 1000's of other drivers had a really hard time with the whole "merging into 2 lanes from 3" thing. But we made it, had good food up there, and Diane and I drove back down and got home at like 1:30am. Then the vacation was over, as we were up at 6am again the next day.