Squeeker

Yesterday we had to put our cat Squeeker down. I made an appointment to see a vet on Tuesday, because he had stopped eating, and hasn't been looking very well for over a month now. I meant to do it sooner, but gave myself excuses. The money really wasn't there for an unexpected visit. When he started drooling I knew I couldn't put it off anymore. He was looking bad.
What the vet said: He was showing signs of renal failure (the result of a kidney disease). The drooling, not eating, which was from ulcers down his throat, weight loss. He was in bad shape. To know for sure we would need blood tests. At a cost of 200$. He also had an unrelated heart murmur. She told us that even if the blood tests came back clear the medication for his heart would be at least 500$ a year, and we knew right there we just couldn't afford it. If we could have, he would still be dying, just slower. Ultimately it was Greg's decision. He was Greg's best friend. It was really sad. I wasn't prepared. I brought our cat there, and I thought I would be leaving with him. I really did.

The house is quieter. Our other kittens perch in the places he's left empty. They look unsure, meep for food. And I think "who will clean their coats?". He was a cat who's personality you could feel even when he was up sleeping on the kitchen cupboards. He owned our house, to us. We'll be missing him.

Dusting

I just want to share with you the joy that is having three cats. Look at that dust pile! I swear I sweep our house every other day. If not every day. Greg does too. That's makes it for sure every day! Disgusting.
We're only even because they are so soft and cuddly. 
I moved some furniture today too, and came across some mighty messes. Its a little late for spring cleaning.

Rhubarb-Strawberry Pie!

Making a dough for pie crust. Greg and I found A LOT of food in the dumpster a couple of days ago. Including some strawberries and since I am keen on improving my crust (which has been frustrating, getting increasingly crumblier with the years despite being the EXACT same recipe!), I'm going to make a rhubarb-strawberry-tapioca pie tomorrow. Hopefully the berries aren't all fuzzy by tomorrow. The rhubarb is frozen since its obviously not the season yet. (But soon!)
Our cat's been insane trying to get outside, and today toppled over a giant plant into my bed, aaaaaaaaand broke 2 out of 3 of my pumpkin seedlings. I am sad. And mad. And he's a cat. So there isn't much I can do right?
Wrong, he's going on a leash on our clothes-line!
Besides that Olive and I went for our first Mum and Babe Yoga class today. Much fun, minimal crying.