But then there was September...school starting back for Willow, job searching for Michael, back to normal work schedules, etc.
Halloween was unexceptional this year--and frankly, uninspired and just...well, not comparable from other years.
Then there was loss. Lucifer, the companion that helped Willow the most during her worst times...he got a kidney stone/tumor. We nursed him the best we could, but he slowly stopped eating and we held him and cuddled him, let him know we loved him...and he died November 3rd. It hit us hard--and Willow was able to use her coping mechanisms...but it made November a hard month.
Late November, we got another companion, because poor Knight needed a friend....so now we have Pumpkin. I can't lie, it took me a while to actually like Pumpkin. But...now I cannot see how we cannot but love the little guy.
December actually felt more...happy, warm and relaxing. We had a good holiday season....and then there was...JANUARY.
Oh boy. What a long month that was...and now, we are just trying to get through the winter/cold and the fascism with some resistance and kindness to ourselves and others.
Now, random pictures...
Pumpkin
15 inches January 2026...


































