new homes

Among all of the other changes, several fixtures of our lives recently found new homes. One of our cats, Minnie, headed off to a new owner three weeks ago. We talked for months about paring down our inventory of cats from three to two, but we hadn't had the heart (held back by affection, inertia and, at least for one of us, guilt) to go through with it. Before the cross-country move to Colorado seemed like as good a time as any.
So why Minnie? I've had Mac for over 13 years, so he's got seniority on his side. Our other cat, Rocco, might not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but he's incredibly tolerant of June's less-than-gentle petting and tail pulling. Minnie just wants to be petted, and she's one of the softest cats you'll ever feel. She didn't interact all that much with Mac and Rocco, she fled when June was near, she's declawed, and since June arrived on the scene two years ago, she hadn't gotten nearly the attention she deserves and desires. She went to live with an elderly lady who recently had another cat pass away. We think it's the perfect situation. We miss her greatly, but it's comforting to know she's providing loving companionship for an appreciative owner.

A happy update: Minnie's new owner's daughter graciously emailed us with photos and an update. Look at them gazing at one another! We've been assured that they suit each other and Minnie sleeps on the bed each night. Isn't that just sweet?

Also off to a new home: the old Volvo S70, a trusty old friend for 10 years, a bit shopworn and cosmetically challenged to be sure but a good old car nonetheless. Not, however, up to handling the snow, ice and thin air of Colorado. So, we decided to donate her to a great local Durham organization, TROSA. It will be very much appreciated and used well, so it's a win-win for all; if you donate a car to a charity, like TROSA, that actually uses rather than sells the car, you can take the full Blue-Book deduction. Someday soon we'll have a new (or new-to-us) horse in the stable, one with all-wheel drive and some grit to get us where we need to go in our new state.

Last, and least, we donated my old trading computer (not the one I built earlier this year) to the Teaming For Technology branch of the United Way. They were thrilled to get it, as it will be used immediately to replace a failing server of theirs.

Although we're sad to see them go, it's nice to know that Minnie, the Volvo, and the old computer are safe, sound, and helping others.