Monday, May 21, 2012

Cat Naps

Dear Friends,
I know we have been absent for a while now. In 2009, I returned to school and found most of time was being taken up by the classes I was attending. I think a part of me had also come to realize that my passion for blogging had faded. There were also some big changes that happened in our lives, changes I was not ready to write about.

Yesterday morning an earthquake hit not far from where we once lived. Some of our friends have already been asking if Ollie and I are okay. So, I thought now might be a good time to write a quick note on our blog to let everyone know that Ollie and I are doing just fine.

This past summer Opus, Olive, and I returned to the States. Our time in Italy had come to a sad and unexpected end. I flew back in June, first with Opus. He was able to fly in his soft cage under my feet. But the people I was sitting with didn't mind that I put his cage on my tray table (he wasn't allowed outside of the cage). He was able to see better from there and get a bit of air. In July, I returned to Italy for the last of my things and for Olive (you can only fly with one pet in-cabin at a time). Ollie was a bit more vocal about the journey home, but after an incredibly long (and messy) trip, we landed in Indiana. The cats both quickly adjusted to their new home, loving the central air conditioning we never had in Italy. Our home is filled with large windows that offer up enormous pools of sunlight, which both cats enjoyed immensely.

Opus lived with us in our new home for nearly five months. We look around now and can see memories of him in every corner. Olive has adjusted nicely. When Opus was here, she often stayed alone in another room, but since his departure Olive has turned into my girl. I can see now that she was just a passive cat who always let Opus have the lime light, but now that he is gone she is taking her turn to shine. I thought I might have to get another cat to keep her company, but she seems happy to not have the competition.

Though we no longer blog, we think often of all the friends we have met over the years because of Cat Naps in Italy. Thanks for stopping by now and again and checking in on us.You will never be forgotten and will always hold a special place in our hearts.


And who knows, maybe one day there will be Cat Naps in Indiana? Until then friends....

40 comments:

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We are very glad to hear from you again and to know what has happened to our friends. It is hard when people just disappear. Our good wishes and we hope that we shall be around should you decide that Cat Naps in Indiana is worth writing-

Mickey's Musings said...

Thank you for the update. We agree with Chey, it's nice to know what happens. WE purr you all remain happy and enjoy the new direction your lives have taken you. Until next time...
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Tiger,Treasure and JJ

The Island Cats said...

We are happy to hear that you and Olive are doing well. And we agree with the others....it's nice to know what are friends are doing rather than to hear nothing more from them again. We hope things continue to go well for you, and maybe someday, you'll write again.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue
oxoxox

Asta said...

How wondewful to find you hewe

Life shoowe takes some not so fun tuwns, but I'm so happy to heaw that you have found a lovely home and settled wif sweet Olive and memowies of Opus. I hope the sun shines on you aways fwom now on and pleez don't fowget us..ouw lives have taken a big tuwn too, Mommi is tewwibully homesick fow NY, but it's impawsibull fow us to wetuwn..we'll just have to get used to this new place
smoochie kisses
ASTA
pee ess..that is a most contented and bootiful pictoowe of Olive

Isa said...

A journey ends, another one starts. Good lucky girls!

Carolina Cats said...

We're very glad to know that you are alright. Also sorry about the sad changes in your life. It's hard to present a happy face to the world (or cat blogosphere) when you're having troubles outside of there.

Please know that you are in our thoughts often. We hope that you will keep us updated on your adventures with new changes in your life.

Lots of hugs & purrs as always,
from Mom Nora, Finnegan, Buddy & Jazzy

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

I am so happy that I got to meet my wonderful nephew, Opus, and spend time with him. I feel I know Olive but have not met her. She likes to be alone from other kitties so it is best I don't visit for real.
The family and I are happy to have you living close to us and having you visit. We are so proud of you with the things you set out to do and accomplish. I am hoping that Olive will start a blog some day but until then we will keep in touch via email. Seems like the gang is no more but when Olive is ready a new gang will be formed. Love you bunches!!!!

Just Ducky said...

Goodness, we hadn't been by in ages to see any updates. We are sorry Opus went to The Bridge, Derby had so much fun with Roscoe and Opus with the Super Bowl party and all.

Purrs and hugs to you.

The Florida Furkids said...

It was nice to see you at Gracie's birthday party today!

The Florida Furkids

pee ess - please tell Olive we loved the portraits of Tamir and Mom and Tamir that Gracie had made for us.

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

Dear Olive know that I am so worried that you had to go to the emergency clinic and that they are keeping you over night. I am waiting to here from your human, my sister, as to what is going on. I am sending good thoughts, plenty of prayers and love to you. Please get better soon so your mommie can bring you home. Love, Aunt Graccie

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are sending Purrs to Olive.
Please post a little to let us all know how she is doing.
Love from the Tomcat Home
Timmy Dad and Family

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Just wanted to send you love and purrs for Olive. We are thinking about her and praying she gets well.
We loved Roscoe and Opus so much and know they will be looking over the safe welfare of sweet Olive as she is ill.
Take care.xx

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

Purrs and purrayers for Olive.
Charmee

The Lee County Clowder said...

Sending healing purrrrrrrrs to Olive. Hang in there, kittie.

The Florida Furkids said...

We've got our purr machines on high for Olive.

The Florida Furkids

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are purring hard for Olive.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Karen Jo said...

We are all purring hard for Olive to get well.

Spyro and the Gang

GLOGIRLY said...

We're so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Olive.
(((purrs))) to you...
xo,
Katie, Glogirly & Waffles Too

Spike William and Angels China Cat and Willow said...

Oh, dear... we were so sorry to hear that Olive has run off to the Bridge. We know that along with many others, our Sweet Willow was there to greet Olive. We are sending over soft purrs for all of the family.

Purrrrrrs, China Cat & Spike William

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Olive we didn't get to know you for long, but you hold a very special place in our hearts. We will miss you very much. Purrs of comfort for your family.

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We are very sorry to hear about Olive

The Florida Furkids said...

We are so sorry that Olive has gone to the Bridge. We feel like she was part of our family.

Love,
Raz and The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

John Bellen said...

I'm very sorry to have read about Olive's passing. Please accept my condolences. I know nothing helps at such a time, but know that many others understand your grief.

Forty Paws said...

We are so very sorry that Olive has crossed over. Hugs and purrs to you at this time.

Luf, Us

Mariodacat said...

I'm so very very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful girl, and I know you miss her terribly. Hugs

Team Tabby said...

So sorry to hear the news that Olive has passed on to Rainbow Bridge. We send you purrs of comfort at this sad time.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

Our Purrs of Comfort to you for Olive...

The Lee County Clowder said...

Sending mournfull purrrrrrss and gentle headbumps to you all.

wildcatwoods said...

We are so sad that Olive has gone to the bridge but she is waiting for you with her two beloved brothers, watching over you until then. With deepest sympathy,

cats of wildcat woods

Samantha & Mom said...

Lots of purrrs and prayers to you on Olive going to the Rainbow Bridge!!
Hugs from your TX furiends,

Charlemagne and Tamar said...

We're so sorry to hear that Olive has gone to the bridge. We're sure that Roscoe and Opus were there to greet her with headbutts and purrs.

Gentle purrs for her family left behind.

Charlemagne, Tamar and Mal

Chesney Cats said...

We are so very sorry for the loss of your precious Olive.

Cats Herd You said...

We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Olive. Our thoughts and purrs are with you.

Scout and Freyja said...

Sending tender thoughts on the passig of Olive.

Maggie May said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Olive. You are in our thoughts and purrayers!
XOXO
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry that Olive had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. We were so hoping that her problems would turn out to be something treatable. I know that your heart is breaking and all I can offer is hugs and comforting purrs from the kitties.

Karen Jo and the kitties

The Cat Realm said...

we are so sorry and heart broken beyond words.... sending all our love and lots of purrs.

Bernadette said...

We just met you and we're so sorry to hear about Olive.

Pip said...

I am sending gentle purrs. I know how your heart is hurting.

You have brought so many smiles to so many, over the years through this blog. I hope you know how special that is, how lucky she, and her brothers are to have shared their lives with you.

You are in our thoughts!
TK, Pip and Dee

World of Animals, Inc. said...

We are glad to hear from you again. Looks like you were very busy with school over there in Italy. Sorry to hear about Olive. We have seen many photos of her and hope you are all doing better since than. Great to see you back in the states. Have a wonderful day.
World of Animals