I didn’t write anything while we were on the road. Mom said that she rarely had a WIFI signal, and that posting from her phone wasn’t the best option. Technology is not part of my vocabulary. I really do my best work sitting on Mom’s desk and pointing at things on the screen or walking on her keyboard to see the letters appear. Now, however, it is time for me to update you on our trip. It was a good one for me because I got to sleep all day while we traveled, and then snuggle with Mom and Dad in the late afternoon/evenings. Missy, Miko and I also got to play outside in the early evening while Mom cooked dinner and in the early morning while she made coffee. Some days it was cold in the morning and later we saw way too much rain, but overall, we had fun. I’ll try to post some pictures over the next few days to catch up.

One of our 1st sightseeing stops was in Mitchell, SD at something Mom said was the Corn Palace. Dad & I weren’t impressed. She was the only one who got out so she could take pictures. We still love her, but she can be weird. If they decorated the building with cat treats or catnip branches, it might be great. Corn stalks and grains just aren’t exciting.

I don’t usually spend a lot of time talking about my dad. He is very special in my life. He always stops whatever he is doing to pick me up. He talks to me and pets me. Granted he is not the one who fills my food bowl, but he will share whatever he is eating if I ask politely. He is a steady constant for me.

This week, however, he has not been here. Mom told me that his heart is giving him problems. She took him to the ER again on Monday. This time he agreed to be admitted. Mom explained that his normally slow heart rate has gotten even slower. Because he tends to be laid back like me, I thought the slow beat was just fine. I guess like anything else, there are limits. The doctors have finished lots more tests, and Dad has consented to let them put in a pacemaker. Mom said he thought about it a long time, but decided that it is probably the best option. The procedure is scheduled for Thursday morning, October 31, Halloween. I’ll take having it on this holiday as a good sign. I wish I could be there to keep him calm. I know that is my job. The doctors just don’t understand how important cat therapy can be. Now if we were talking about Miko, I could understand any hesitation, but I’m not a young terror like her. I guess I’ll just have to sit quietly all morning sending my silent purrs off through the miles so he knows I’m here waiting for him to come home safe and sound.

Dad is still in the hospital. Mom said he is getting better, but still not well enough to come home. For two weeks now, Mom leaves as soon as it is daylight, and usually isn’t home until it is dark. When she does get home, she gives all of us a pat, and then she takes Missy out for a walk. I almost feel sorry for the silly dog since she doesn’t have a litter box to use like Miko and I do. Then Mom fixes her dinner and gives us extra treats. After dinner, she walks Missy again before washing dishes or doing laundry. Last night, she sat down at the computer to pay bills and give people updates on Dad. I really wanted to sit on her desk to help, but I don’t think I could do what she needs done. Miko has decided to lay just under the monitor. She likes to watch the letters on the screen as Mom types. I did that when I was younger. Now I’d rather pat people on the TV screen when Mom finally sits down to put her feet up. That never seems to be for very long before she walks Missy again and we all go to bed. Missy, Miko, and I all snuggle close to her because we know she must be missing Dad.

I don’t want to complain, but I miss having both of them here all day long. I normally alternate between Mom and Dad. They pick me up when I ask and let me put my front feet on their left shoulder. Mom has told me that Dad won’t be able to pick me up for a few weeks. She also said that I may use his right shoulder but not the left. That is the side with his new pacemaker, and it has to heal. I know I just want him home. I am sure my kisses and silent purring will make him feel all better. That is my job and I can’t wait to do it again. Tell the doctors.