Journey to 1000 Paper Cranes

  Day 23:  This day was one of my college best friend's birthdays.  We became fast friends our first year in college and she is one of the most loyal, fierce, friends I have ever had.  She lives in Virginia with her spouse and two sons, my heart aches that I am not able to visit them now with COVID restrictions because I'm in a place financially and have the freedom with work to work remotely if need to.  Something to look forward to.  I've been wanting a kitten for awhile.  Our kitty Sensei ran away in September, I'm fairly certain she isn't living any longer.  I love young animals, not thinking we'll have four dogs again but a kitten - that would make my day.  In the mean time after checking in with my Aunt Gayle and hearing how my cousin Micah got a fish tank and is enjoying watching his play I decided it was time to get one myself.  Last night the tank arrived.  The rock should come tonight so I'll be able to get everything set ...

Day 21:  We woke up at 6:30am, our first day without Ming.   On this morning I was going through a box of dog toys/supplies and found his baby collar.  This was a comfort and I am saving it because a bought a black stuffed dog that should arrive today that will get to wear this.  A quiet morning but sweet time with the other three boys.  I got chores done and asked Jeremy when we should start making our Thanksgiving meal.  He was open to anything.  After about an hour he asked if I had decided, I looked over and said - well I'm hungry now.  So off I went to start cooking probably a little past 9:30am.  We were eating by 11:00am and boy was it tasty!  The rest of the day was folding cranes, doing my new stickers by numbers workbook, playing with the dogs, playing games, checking in with family and a couple of friends, and watching shows.  Night time was hard, right before Ming's bed time routine the tears just started flowing....