Finally....

Finally got enough money to get a memorial plaque for Marla, the image of which is here. I went through my photos, and saw that one caught a really nice framed picture of her - and was in a brief state of panic wondering where it was, because I had moved so much.

Luckily, I found the photo I want to use, which is on my nightstand. The poem reads:

There's something missing in my home,
I feel it day and night.
I know it will take time and stength,

before things feel quite right.
But just for now, I need to mourn,

my heart - it needs to mend.
Though some may say its's "just a pet,"

I know I lost my friend.
You've brought such laughter to my home
and richness to my days...

A constant friend through joy and loss

with gentle loving ways.
Companion, pal and confidant,

a friend I won't forget,

you'll live for always in my heart,

my sweet forever pet.

I'll pay for this first. I saw a grave marker for Marla. I wanted something nice but not too nice, since unfortunately when we do move we won't be able to take Marla or the marker with us. I'm also on the lookout for a nice wooden box, a little bigger than the Rollerblade box Marla was placed in. When I get that box, I'll also get a nice tag to place on top as well.

The other day I had my first Cosmoism.

I've been trying to bond with Cosmo and Moo; it helps that I have treats. So they've been doing the "up" command and Cosmo is starting to talk a little now.

I've always said that if the three of them were to have beds (with their names engraved at the footboard, of course), Marla would be sleeping with a paisley mouse; Cosmo, a teddy bear, and Moo with a stuffed hoagie. When Cosmo sleeps on his back with one of his paws curled you could swear he really does have a teddy bear.

The other night I was pondering what Cosmo would name his teddy bear. He'd give it some strange name like George or Duck, and then it occurred to me: Duck is the perfect name for it!

You see, the other cats would make fun of Cosmo. "Ho ho ho," they'd say. "What kind of a name is 'Duck' for a teddy bear?" And then Cosmo would say, "Duck!" The other cats would go, "Huh?" and WHAM! they'd get hit on top of their heads with Cosmo's teddy bear.

Marla would be so proud of him. And it fits right in, since I envision The Three New Cats always in the principal's office.

"OK," I sighed. "What happened this time?" as if I didn't know.

"The other cats made fun of them...." the principal began.

"I bit one of them on the ankle," said Cosmo.

"And I smacked them on the side of their face," said Marla.

"Moo?" I asked.

"I ate their lunch," said Moo, patting her belly and moving a toothpick in her mouth.

"They're excellent students otherwise," the principal said.

"I know, I know," I said. "Let's go home, guys."