The Empty Kitchen

Until three days ago I had a morning routine with my Pomeranian, Zuzu.  I came downstairs around 6:30 am, dressed and ready for work and there she would be.  She was confined to the kitchen at night and would be standing at the barrier looking for me.

The kitchen would have that wonderful smell of fresh coffee which I had made the night before and set the timer for 6:00 a.m.  But each morning when I picked up Z and cuddled her, I always thanked her for making the coffee.  Then I would carry her outside to do her business.

During the months of June and July she got carried a lot.  Breathing was labored for her, due to a tumor the vet found in her chest shortly after we adopted her in January.  She was expected to live less than a month    I had asked for an older dog from the Humane Society since I didn't want to housebreak a puppy.  Be careful what you wish for!

Where she came from, no one knew. She was a stray.  But she walked into the house and claimed our family as her own.

While we were waiting for her to die, she was occupied with the business of living.  

Here she is charming my dad on a visit to his home.  She visited him three times in all, which was fun for everyone. She loved to ride in the car and he enjoyed spending time with her.   When I carried her around the assisted living facility, we were met with many smiles and petting  hands.

This past winter, spring and summer, my family and I had the pleasure of an adorable little Valentine...

a shamrock cutie for St. Patrick's Day...

and a really sweet Easter Bunny.

Zu went to Pine Mountain State Park with us in May along with a group from the Audubon Society of Kentucky.  She dressed in red roses for the Derby Party.  

Sadly, her horse did not win.

We lost Zuzu three days ago.  Last week we bought her some diapers because she was becoming incontinent.  Then she began to have trouble walking.  It was time.

We had her for a little less than 8 months.  But she was funny, smart and so much fun, we feel blessed.

Such a lot of life in such a little body.  Such a lot of heart. Such a joy.

Such a lesson to us all.

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”

 

I stole this quote from my daughter.  She borrowed it from F. Scott Fitzgerald.  And I assume he came up with it originally, because he is, after all, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

I think it was by design that God wove new beginnings into our lives.  These are some of my favorite new beginnings.

 

Mornings..  Even when they come with the 5:30 a.m. alarm.  The smell of coffee and the wag of Bella's tail make it a happy time for me.  Right now I'm waking up to pumpkin flavored coffee - it's almost like pie.  Almost.

Birthdays.  Don't be a grumpy cat.  Might as well love them!  Embrace your age...it is who you are.

 

A new job.  I have a new job this fall!   Actually, I've had a new job every fall for the last three years.  I always make friends and learn new skills.  But this time I think I have found a home until retirement.  Of course, there is always the saying, "Man makes plans and God laughs".  I will try to keep my hands off the steering wheel.

The first day of a new school year. Back when I was in school, that meant a trip to Louisville (the BIG city) with mom to get new school clothes. We rode the Greyhound bus. Mom didn't have a license. She got one when I was about 15. Then I turned 16, got my license, and she pretty much never drove again.  She was an excellent backseat driver, tho!  I miss her alot.

So, I hope this is a time of rejoicing and new beginnings to my friends and family.

 

A quote from one of my all time favorite movies regarding this time of year.  As Tom Hanks wrote to Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail....