And so it is August! The garden is producing, the cicadas are singing, the grass is browning, and we are back in the swing of things after vacation. We had a fantastic time in Maine, as always. The lake house is our happy home away from home. When we returned home, things were good. The garden survived, the pets were happy to see us. But then this week, our cat Chickpea started going downhill. He had been losing weight over the past several months and his stomach had been looking distended. We decided on Thursday that it was time and so our wonderful vet came to the house and put Chickpea to sleep as he laid beside me on the floor. Then we hacked back the weeds in the pet cemetery under the hot August sun, tried to remember what pet was buried where, and then my husband started to dig, hoping that it would only be chicken bones if he did find something. We were in luck (no bones at all). The little babe found a pretty piece of cloth to put in with Chickpea. I wouldn't be honest if I didn't admit that the cat drove me crazy. I cursed him almost every day for the past couple of years. He was slightly neurotic and had bad bathroom habits - he would not pee in the litterbox, but on a pee pad beside it and then sometimes didn't hit that - but he was a friendly cat who kept to himself with the exception that he would greet me in the bathroom if I got up in the middle of the night. Without fail, there would be Chickpea purring and seeking a couple minutes of love.
So now we are a "normal" household with only one cat, though we do still have the four dogs, one indoor very fluffy rabbit, chickens, and one horse. It is strange to only have one cat and I think he is a bit glum and out of sorts now. The rabbit would be friends with him, but he is afraid of her I think and runs as quickly past as possible.
On another animal related note, we have been viewing a Sandhill Crane in a marshy cornfield on our way to the barn. I also think there is a Glossy Ibis, though I am not so certain about this. The crane is definitely recognizable with the red on its head. If you are unfamiliar with them, check out this link.
During vacation, I finished the knitting project that has been on my needles for over two months (a long time for me). It is the Alanis Sweater by Elizabeth Smith. I used DK weight yarn (Quince & Co Chickadee) instead of worsted so that it is more 3 season friendly. It was not my favorite knit; I just couldn't get in a groove with it. I wanted it done, because it is a practical addition to my wardrobe, but I think the lighter weight yarn just felt like it was too slow going for me. The neckline is not perfect and it is different from the pattern. I had a difficult time with the short rows and couldn't get it to look right, so I went my own way. It works.
I now have nothing on the needles, no yarn in my stash that is calling my name. We'll see where the knitting spirit leads me! In the meantime, the garden is keeping me busy and I have a painting project - there is always something to do.