Mama Jane - A Very Unique Cat

                                   

All cats are wonderful, but there was something very special about Mama Jane.  Her final years were spent with my daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Reg.  Her age and early life are unknown.  Erin met her at RAPS (Richmond Animal Protection Society), a shelter for feral cats where she volunteers.

http://neko-raps.blogspot.ca/2009/11/mama-jane.html

Erin fell in love with Mama Jane and decided to bring her home, knowing that with her age and many ailments, she did not have much time left.  And Erin wanted to make those final days as happy, pain free and comfortable as possible.  

She became part of the family immediately.  Running to the door when Erin or Reg (or anyone for that matter) came in, vocally greeting whomever and asking to be picked up.  There were many trips to the vet to help with her mouth ulcers and respiratory problems, surgery to remove her abscessed teeth, and medications to alleviate the symptoms of her ailments.  She was a trouper during all of this.

I have mentioned what a good hostess she was - when we would visit, she made us feel very welcome.  Sleeping with us - on one of our heads, her favourite spot.  

She even made friends with Nibbles, the family cockatiel.  Well, she didn't attack him.  I might be exaggerating about the "making friends".

Mama lived for five more years with Erin and Reg.  She was loved by everyone, and had a good time wherever she went.  Here she is at Urban Tails, being babysat while Erin and Reg went on a trip.

A month before Mama died, it was discovered that she had cancer.  Erin was as determined as she had been all along to make this stage also as comfortable as she could.  And religiously made sure she had enough pain pills to be able to eat.  Mama still was as cuddly and loving as ever.  Even during the last days she didn't hide away but seemed to draw comfort from being with Erin and Reg.  

Finally, on April 7, 2014, Mama passed away, peacefully, lying on Reg's chest, with Erin beside her.  They were fortunate to find a vet, Dr. Susan Hetherington, who makes house calls.   She was very sensitive, explaining the process as she went along.  Many tears and prayers.  

And Mama Jane will forever be with us.  She gave as much to Erin and Reg as they gave to her

And I will never forget her.

Cariboo Winter - 2013 - 2014

This has not been my best winter - for various reasons.  And I do know that winter is not over yet!  Some wonderful events, but disappointments as well.
Lots of snow...



                                                                                    

As usual, we stayed with Christmas craft shows close to home.  They were all fun, good to reconnect with our summer customers and fellow vendors.

I had a day off at the Arts Council show - Ron and Jan held down the fort

Tina organized a Christmas craft show for the 100 Mile House farmers market vendors

Jeri-Lynne

We are so proud of Reg's Theatre in the Country.  It is a dinner theatre located in the Fraser Valley, but serving patrons from all over the Lower Mainland.  He and Erin are partners in this venture.  We made a quick visit to the coast to see "Sleuth".

A quiet moment for Reg.

We really enjoyed the show - and the dinner was great, too!

We came home to a visit with our grandkids.   The card table for the kids' projects was only up for a moment before Lucy found a favourite spot.

Snow fun

Christmas trip to Vancouver.  But first, a stop at the Abbotsford General Hospital, to meet Piper Louize.  She had been born the day before, to Kirsten and Liam.  Beautiful baby.

Christmas Day, at Erin and Reg's

Boxing Day at Dave and Debbie's, with Alexander

Reg invited us to Improv Night at the theatre - which would have been sooo much fun.  I couldn't go, but Erin and Ron went and had a great time.

Before we headed home, we had an enjoyable visit with Holly and family, and Louize.  Amanda gave us a lovely bag of goodies - we are set now for soap, creams and laundry soap!

Winter Continues

Back home, and winter projects begin.  This is the time of year when we embark on larger projects.  Once the markets begin in May, we are too busy keeping up.  I have made the mistake of not making enough paper for the season - I have already made a batch and January only has a couple of days left!  Also starting to colour flowers that were pressed over the summer.

new craft table

Ron made patterns for three large panels, now he is cutting, foiling and soldering.

Crow panel for Dave

Is Spring around the corner....