My One and Only Mittens

During my second R & R I met the most sweetest cat one can ever come in contact with: Mittens.  He was so sweet, he loved being held and being around people, he is the most "gentle non-giant."
I hope his personality never changes.  He's also made a little girl happy and a grown man, comforted at night.  I always thought his purpose was a noble one -  born to be a companion.  He also hates being alone.  I recorded him meowing when Jason and I kept him in a room while we were working on home renovations (doors open, SAW buzzing away).  The worst thing that can happen to him is be away from humans and all the action.  This is not your average cat!!

I bought him toys and he plays with EACH and everyone of them.  This is not only a comforting cat, he's an appreciative one as well.  From the cat dancer, to the catnip circle and the little springy mice, he played with each toy. 

They say second kids are much easier to take care of -- This is so true for Mittens.  After the second week, he's learned to sleep on his own in the living room.  He wakes up on the clock at 6:30 AM.  He's very well trained.  Dad plans to train him to use the human toilet.  We'll see if he is successful.  He's a social cat and as my mother-in-law says, "he's found the perfect home."

Back to the Quiet

The first time I landed in Baghdad, I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore.  This time when I came back, I felt good knowing that I am coming home to a little bit of peace and quiet time.  I love being in my own apartment and not sharing with anyone.  Sure, I do like the company of people but it's that meditation and quiet that re-energizes me.

The flight was as usual, two long days.  From Friday afternoon at 3 PM, to Sunday afternoon at 3 PM I came home.  The reason for the delay had to do with the usual layover in Amman.  Flights are limited going in and coming into Iraq.  After I read what happened in Jordan just the day before my flight, I started having jitters about traveling to the country.  I trusted in God to keep me safe and He did.

The scenery changed from Fort Lauderdale to Italian alps (had no idea where we flying over) then the pilot announced that we were crossing over the alps into Greece and Cypress.  Amazing...I guess because I flew through France, it offered me a different view.  I've never seen so many mountains.  Going though the Paris CDG airport to grab French Macarons was worth the trip!! Yummmm.

It's back to the salt mine tomorrow.  Hopefully the wait for my next vacation will not be as long (although I need a vacation from my vacation) hehehe!!

 '

 

Italian Alps (flight from Paris to Amman)