Zen, I'm supporting what Shir said, about trusting instincts, and also what others have said about people's lives moving at different speeds. I hope it becomes clear which one this is.

Yay moving, Cass! I hope it's a great change for you.

Merlin has suddenly decided, over the last few days, that he's willing to get closer to the house (and me) in the pursuit of food. He's coming into the back garden to ask for his dinner now, rather than waiting till it's there and sneaking over the fence. Also not running away when I come out to give it to him. Now if I can just get close enough to run a brush through his ridiculously long fur.

Merlin has suddenly decided, over the last few days, that he's willing to get closer to the house (and me) in the pursuit of food.

Cats are more likely to be willing to get close to you the less you seem to want them to. As long as you bring food with your indifference.

Oh wow. I didn't realize it was happening that fast!

I left Portland a week ago today. Weird. I have a lot of bruises to show for it though. And so many more to go before I am finally settled.

This coming from a person who loved to pretend her cell phone doesn't exist on weekends

I like to pretend it doesn't exist a lot. But that trick hasn't worked in a while. Still, it's a great trick.

And maybe-friend has emailed me back. She seems laissez-faire about keeping in touch. I'm totally cool with that, being of a similar inclination. She suggested lunch again, so I guess I was just letting my insecurities get the best of me. Thank you all for helping me deal with my sudden flare-up of neurosis.

Cat people, I need some advice.

The company I consult to was charged with pet sitting two cats who just moved here from a significant distance.

There is a window in the house that is non-functioning in some way. One of the cats has escaped...jut two days after coming into the neighborhood.

I'm trying to help the group...everyone feels terrible...with advice on how to attract a lost cat.

I don't have anything other than putting food out, but this is not useful in an area where cats/rats/possum/bats/squirrel, etc. are rife.

The folks will be back tonight, but is there anything you can suggest?

The folks will be back tonight, but is there anything you can suggest?

Are they willing to call Sam and Salsa in to track?

The shelter we volunteer for is facing a similar situation, bonny. Sadly, I don't have a lot more to offer. We're sending a human out with the food and hoping Alex (he's on the shy side, but a snuggler at heart) decides he's gone long enough without snuggles. Plus flooding the area with flyers (which didn't really survive Sunday afternoon's storm, so they're going up again).

You might want to check area shelters. And hope and/or pray that the cat has a microchip. If the cat is turned in to a shelter or vet, the first action should be checking for a microchip.

My doctor's appointment went well other than being essentially told by my doctor to step away from google.

Are they willing to call Sam and Salsa in to track?

Sparky, this didn't even occur to me...which is terrible. I will pass along their contact info right now.

If the cat is turned in to a shelter or vet, the first action should be checking for a microchip.

I don't know if he is chipped or not, tommyrot, that's another good reminder. I know the company has already called the nearest shelters.

Fingers crossed.

Fingers crossed.

Mine too.

other than being essentially told by my doctor to step away from google.

This is very often good advice. I'm glad your appt went well.

I finally found my mailbox! This really was harder than you'd think. Also going into the Post Office to ask? Will get you your carrier's name and phone number but not an actual location.

So I loitered and checked every box in three clusters until one worked. And it's one I'd tried before but the lock is a little sticky so I thought it just wasn't it.

We have thunderstorms. The rain smelled amazing and I went out to dance around in it. Puppycat is not at all pleased with the continuing thunder. She'd be hiding under furniture if I had any furniture to hide under. Poor scone.