15 July, 2020 - The Animal Edition & Upset with Neighbors

Dear, Mom -

I was so happy to talk with you today. It was super nice of Joy to let us talk over our limit a bit. I know she is very busy, but she is really making such a positive difference in people’s lives at Revere Court. I don’t know what I would do without our video chats. It makes me very sad not to be able to come see you in person. We just have to hope that that will all change soon. The world outside of what you are used to has changed a bit so we have to all adapt with it. There are some very hard sacrifices, but if it means keeping you and your friends and the staff SAFE then that is what I am will to do; sacrifice my time with you in order to make sure you absolutely do not get sick. As long as we have a means to communicate, then we can both stay strong and make it through this with our family and friends at a distance.

I am upset that there are still numbskulls in my neighborhood that won’t stop setting off fireworks every stinkin’ night. Every time that Elsa starts to get comfortable, so dummy has to ruin it for her and make her scared. I know she is not the only animal in the neighborhood that is adversely affected by the noise, but some people just don’t care and have no concept of how to be considerate. Anyway. I’ll move the discussion forward.

I have some cute pictures of animals that I have taken that I want to show you. Now, I know you aren’t crazy about animals, but usually when you are around them you warm right up to them. Just like the kitty that used to live with you and sit on your lap. What was her name? I can’t believe I don’t remember. I believe it started with an R? M? S...argh. It’s on the tip of my tongue. Josie! That’s it.

She used to be your pal. She would sleep on your lap in your recliner chair and keep you company. She would walk around the house and terrorize the dogs that would come over. She was such a sweet kitty. The caregiver Otter that worked there adopted her and took her home because she needed more structure and people to consistently play with her. She was still quite young. Plus, she was able to explore outside at Otter’s house. Such a pretty gal. I wish I would have brought her home for Elsa, but I want Elsa the dog to be able to pick out her own kitten because I know she will treat it like her own pup.

These are some of the marvelous insects that I saw at an exhibit at OMSI. You never knew insects could be to brilliant and beautiful, did you? I sure didn’t. This art exhibit was so amazing that I went to it twice. I took a lot of pictures, which I was glad we were able to. All the bugs and creatures were humanely resourced. That was kind of the point of the exhibit. It brought awareness of nature/ ecology and living and working native peoples while harvesting deceased bugs for art purposes. There was a lot more than that, but that is the gist of it. 

This is our neighbors’ dog Rusty. He has been a part of our family since we used to have our sweet boy Oliver. He and Oliver used to spend a lot of time together because Rusty’s family work long hours, so comes over to hang out with us. He LOVES to nap in the sun. It can be so hot out and there he will be, cooking in the sun, happy as a clam. He is getting older now. He has a hard time walking getting around like he used to, but he will still go for long walks with Rob and Sam and be glad for it. Mainly because he leads his family to places he knows he will get treats and loved on. He’s a good boy.

This is Millie. She is Kim and Ward’s kitty. She is a grandma kitty now, too. She is going on 14 years old. As you can see, like you, she really likes to watch The Rockford Files with James Garner. I took this picture when I was over visiting her and Kim and Ward. She is a fluffy gal and very loving.

I wonder if you remember this guy? He was one of your favorite people at Kenton House. He was the house manager and had Yoko Ono, his chihuahua dog. He always had her in little outfits. He still has her. Now he is a dog walker as a profession. Once he was no longer able to work with you, he decided to move his career in a different direction. He still continues to be one of my favorite people and we keep in touch. He often asks about you and how you are doing. If it weren’t for quarantine, he would come out to see you. We will have that to look forward to in the future!

This little guy’s name is Bowie. I don’t know him, but I meant him on a road trip last year in Mitchell, Oregon. He has two different colored eyes and a gentle disposition. We became fast friends, but only for a few minutes. What a handsome guy!

This was Elsa the dog’s first time visiting a quiet beach where she could really be a dog without having to worry about being judged by other dogs :) She loved walking along the shore line and dipping her paws so elegantly in the water. We had such a nice time that we hope to go back again soon. This was at a part of the Columbia River that I had never been to before on the Washington side. It was close to the beach, but not really close. We would of had to drive another hour or so, but only because this place was very isolated and you had to take a back, country road to get there. We stayed in an RV on a couple’s property overnight. This was a year ago, but a pleasant memory.

That’s all for now, Mom. I sure do love you. I sure do miss you, too. Stay strong and please know I will be there to see you in person as soon as it is possible! All my love to you —- Your Daughter, Sally Ann