I'm Just Visiting This Planet

What are we nuts? I guess so, but the three little kittens have stolen our hearts. Our house has seemed empty ever since we lost Snapdragon and Bee Balm. They had good, long lives and we loved them dearly, and now we have Luna, Kali, and Shiva. We wish them good long lives and we love them dearly! Shiva in the farmer's market basket Luna in the gallon bucket We haven't had kittens in, oh, 18 years. And when we last had kittens we lived in an apartment--much easier to keep track of where the kittens have gone to. Oh, and our kitchen had almost zero counter space, so keeping the kittens off the counter was easy.  Kali in the cat bed But now we have lots of counter space and we haven't figured out how to encourage our cats, especially Kali, to stay off the counter. We tried yelling "no" until we learned that the cat will just associate the yelling with the person yelling; as soon as we leave, she'll just jump on the counter.  Shiva, K

After a very challenging year I can happily say that I am cancer-free, and now ready to start enjoying my retirement. And my wife Anne has two new knees (say that fast!) and one sore ankle (long story) but at least surgery is behind both of us. Soooo.....it's September again. The second September that school is starting and I'm not going in. Last year was a whirlwind of surgery and coping with a diagnosis of cancer--I didn't actually get to feel what it is like to be retired. This year I'm getting to enjoy it. Here's what I've got lined up (so far!) I'm taking Reformed Worship and Sacraments, online at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. It's my seventh course; one more and I will have earned a Certificate in Congregational Leadership. I'm taking Drawing I with the amazing Laura Gould. I've taken art journaling with Laura but it's time I really learn to draw. I'm teaching the Thursday morning Adult Ed class wi