New kitten.

My older daughter really misses her cat that was run over, so she already got a replacement kitten that looks very much the same. This one is a girl and is very affectionate and sweet. Our cat hates it. Maybe they will learn to get along and play some day.

I call it 'Tiny Bubbles'.

Christmas 2023 decorations

This is Destiny being funny wearing the new jacket I bought her at the Titanic Museum in Branson. 

I didn't decorate this year. I wanted to encourage my mother to decorate. Destiny helped. 

Mom's TV.

Christmas village. 

Mother made and painted these nativity pieces in a ceramics class when we lived in England. 

She also made this Christmas tree in the class. For those who don't recognize it, this is my office. 

These are some souvenirs we bought in Branson on vacation to give as Christmas gifts. The bear and key chain are for my older daughter, and the rest for my mother. 

House Sparrow

I was watching TV when 'Baby', our cat, came in through the pet door with something in her mouth.

She finally caught a bird. Destiny got it away from the cat and it flew into the bathroom.

She kissed it goodbye and we put it outside to fly away. Catch and release.

Waiting for her next victim.

To date, she has caught and brought us several small birds, some of which she has eaten, and some we have managed to free. She also has caught and brought us two shrew, a rat, a skink, and a small bunny.

You can just see Baby to the right of the bird bath under the dead potted flowers; yes, my mother doesn't have a green thumb; watching the bird. She has caught several and keeps bringing them into the house, leaving just a small pile of feathers after eating them. Sometimes the birds get loose and fly around the house before we can get them outside.

You can see Baby at the bottom watching the bird in the kitchen toward the ceiling on the left.

1st fall camping trip for 2023.

My younger daughter, Destiny, and our cat, Baby. 

We only stayed two of the three nights for several reasons. First, deer season started, and we like to camp in the peace and quiet. There were neighbors shooting their guns, and riding ATVs all the time. Second, the cat wouldn't stay in the tent at night. She kept escaping into the forest. Third, I fell the morning of our second day and hurt my shoulder. I thought I had a torn rotator cuff,but it's just bruised. 

Baby

Our cat, Baby, loves when her brother, Coke comes over to play. 

She also likes it when I share my tea.

She has many different napping spots, such as on top of my office bookcase. 

Or my desk.

Or me.

Baby showing off her new collar and bell. Now she can't sneak up and attack us anymore. 

Two babies and me taking a nap. 

She's waiting for the birds and then she jumps up to try and catch them. 

Trying to catch something. 

I took Baby for a walk. She had a wonderful time. I think she's ready to go camping and hiking. 

UPDATE

Our cat's brother in these pictures has died. He was hit by a car out front of his house. My older daughter brought him to our house and buried him out back. He was a very sweet kitty and will be dearly missed. 

His cat tower is now here for Baby to play with. It smells like her brother. 

July 4th, 2023

 My older daughter and my grandson came over to spend the day with us.

We didn't do anything special. I cooked out, just as I usually do on July 4th. 

Here are some pictures from this year. 

Our new kitten who I call, 'Baby', likes to climb trees.

Of course I put the flag out, like every good American should. 

I grilled broccoli, Brussel sprouts, and asparagus. 

I also grilled shrimp, hamburgers, and smoked sausage. 

I thought I would also share some pictures from last year's July 4th meal. 

Grilled steak and different kinds of sausages. 

Barbecued chicken.

Roasted potatoes, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and carrots. 

Barbecue baked beans. 

Macaroni salad. 

I am enjoying some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream at the moment while watching a movie, and thinking about taking a nap after. Happy 247th birthday United States. 

I'm a grandfather.

On Thursday, November 21st, my older daughter went into labor. It was late at night, about 11:30 pm when I was woken, and I drove her to the hospital. At 12:04 am, on Friday November 22nd, she gave birth to my grandson, Bowden Everett, weighing only 3 pounds and 13 ounces.

Because he was so small, and our local hospital is not trained or equipped for such small babies, he was transferred by ambulance 90 miles away to a hospital in Little Rock, our state capitol.

He is receiving the best of care, and we pray he will thrive and be able to come home by December 5th, which was his due date.

UPDATE 

Nearly 4 years old.