Our Furry Heartbreak

With heavy hearts, we made an unexpected farewell to Quincy yesterday. After five visits to the vet and animal hospital in five days, he passed peacefully overnight. It was a seemingly sudden end to us, but I remain grateful that it ended quietly and at home.

Quincy was the best cat we could have asked for, and truly a member of our family. We are blessed to have had nine years of warm memories with him. I like to think the heavens are relishing his company now.

Halloween 2017

I don't know if it was all the rain the weekend of our mountain trip, or the general busyness of life these days, but we never got around to buying pumpkins this year. And with Halloween falling on a Tuesday, and high school students for whom activities do not halt for this holiday, our plans were a bit haphazard. Yet, the Francos managed to pull off another stellar evening of fellowship - and BBQ!

Since Gabrielle invited a friend to join her this year, Danny (dressed as soccer star Ronaldo) did as well, which expanded our merry band. Laura, the fierce black kitty, fairly graciously conceded to accept Daddy as her partner, fortunately. 

Lastly, Clare and Isabella dressed up as Wonder Woman and Cat Woman, but proceeded to spend the evening doing homework, like the diligent students they are. Never fear, there was *plenty* of candy to go around!

We can't help wondering what next Halloween will look like, as the kids get older. But for now, we'll treasure these sweet gatherings!