The Last

Dear Mom,
I put off reporting this until 2012 was past us for fear of something happening to Olive. Happily, she is laying near me as I write this.
On December 14, our intrepid, adventurous guinea pig, Oreo, was laid to rest. Long-time blog readers may remember Oreo's escape and the hours she spent living in the wild. Oreo's blog posts can be found here and here. As it became obvious that her end was near, I was morbidly making plans to dig her grave before the ground froze. Thankfully, Oreo's last was a warm, sunny day. Again, I played the roll of grave-digger, pall bearer and officiate (the Young Lady choosing to remember Oreo in life), and laid Oreo to rest next to the hot tub, near the spot where she was finally captured after her hours of freedom.
Over the years, this family has been home to 7 guinea pigs. Oreo is The Last. I've disposed of all small animal accessories so NO ONE (including me) will be tempted to bring another one home. I've cleaned that cage for The Last time. I do miss the squeaks that greeted me in the morning, and I've caught myself reflexively gathering up raw vegetable scraps to feed her.
Oreo's was The Last animal death in a year that was burdened with them. (And this is why I waited to report  her demise. I couldn't risk jinxing Olive.)

These are the last days of Christmas break- school starts in for both kids on Monday. For the Young Man, that means getting his laundry caught up and sorted, books, boots and winter clothes packed for the trip back to school. The Christmas things are packed up and stored away in the attic- the house always feels bigger when everything is put back, and I feel a renewed motivation to keep things in order after the clutter and business of Christmas.

And with the quiet hours, I've had time to sit and watch some DVD's. Last night I began a marathon review of Seasons 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey in anticipation of Sunday's Season 3! Such is my anticipation, I've joined a Downton Abbey Mystery Knit Along, and await the arrival of the yarn specially dyed for the project! Surely I am not the only person who watches those shows and yearns to wear long skirts and aprons, beautiful hats, calico prints and lace?

I hear Mr. Bosch alerting me that a load of laundry is done and ready for Mrs. Bosch. I think I will listen to the Downton Abbey soundtrack as I tend to the housework. I can still wear an apron over my wool sweater and denim.

Love,
Kim