When life closes a window, a door opens... And you should probably watch that door to make sure no one gets out

I'm just going to warn you, Bubbleland. This entry is going to be animal story heavy. So get on board and don't bust my bubble. Ha. Bust my bubble... How'd it take me so long to make that joke?

Monday night... Was awful. And let me tell ya why. Sunday night, I was cooking Sunday dinner. One of those pre-marinated pork tenderloins on the stove top grill.

Said tenderloin on said grill.

Whenever I use the stove top, it generally smokes up the whole entire house. Like, bad. So I opened up a window or two and the back door. During this time, the dog is policing the perimeter, enjoying the open door freedom. And Claudey the cat is no where to be seen.

My little hairy princess

I thought she was in the guest room closet. Her spot. You can tell it's hers by all the hair on a pillow. But it's her pillow and who am I to judge how she decorates and keeps the place? Sometimes dishes stack up. She doesn't judge me. Well. I don't think she does... Hard to tell since she often seems disdainful.

Anyhoo, at some point the cat got out. And I didn't know it. Cats are illusive creatures that are prone to introspection. Her absence in the house, I assumed was due her somewhere Hemmingwaying it up.

Monday, no cat. Quite the bender, I assumed.

Monday night. The food wasn't touched. And that's when I knew.

Claude is the only being alive (other than my dad) that likes to be fed more than me. She would NEVER leave her food.

So I go outside. Claude has gotten out before and she busted in the crawl space to the basement. She's gotten out once or twice and shown up in the closed basement. It's like a magic trick. Last summer, one of the neighborhood ferrel cats found the same entrance and there was a tussle so The Husband closed up the crawl space.

Outside was the hard evidence. An animal had tried to bust in through that crawl space. And then I was sure... Claude was out there. Out THERE. And had been stuck out there all day through the torrential downpour that hit Memphis Monday. *Sniff*

I spent Monday night walking up and down our street, calling the cat, and making "here kitty-kitty" mouth-noises. No Claude. Jumped in my car and perused the neighborhood in case she was out in plain view, injured or something. No Claudette.

What do you do? I can't imagine having a child wander off or something. I felt so helpless. I began to make plans for obtaining a non-electric staple gun to nail up missing signs.

– I do in fact have a staple gun. Electric. And it is terrific. If somewhat limited in range.

So I began dinner. I left the back door open as I randomly would yell her name towards the open space. This confused the dog who thought Claude was actually around and would look around wildly and run around in confusion.

Then I began to get angry. That stupid cat was messing with me. Obviously, she was mad I didn't want to pet her the day before when she head-butted me repeatedly with her petting demands. What. A. Jerk. She knew how to push my buttons and she was doing it. Am I going to buy into that? Heck no. Jerk-cat.

But the anger soon faded.

And then I started to cry... My baby! My anti-social pet that I only I truly understand. My sweet friend of 7 years. For who could call such a delightful free spirit a pet?! She could be hurt! She could be stolen! I could never hear her sweet meows again!

My tears flavored the turkey picadillo I was making.

Just kiddin'... I used regular flavoring like garlic, capers, and stuff like that

We ate dinner. Watched a show. Started to realize that this is what life could be like. Quiet and catless. But then The Husband said – and I have no idea how he heard it – "Was that a cat?"

I sprang from the couch to see what was the matter. When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer!

Wait, no... That's wrong.

IT WAS CLAUDETTE!!!! She was trying to get in the (now open) crawl space. She gave a big ole meow, ran to me, and I scooped her up in my arms!!! My kitty cat was home! Phew.

I poured her the biggest bowl of cat food ever. And hugged her and put my face in her coat while she ate. She was pretty dry and in one piece.

My dainty lady was home.

The girls in all their glory

Stinkin' cat. I love her stupid lots.

So that was the short version of our ordeal. Phew. Hate to hear the long one...

Little food pic catch-up...

Chicken Francese

Garlic shrimp salad with toasted almonds and cranberries

The aforementioned evil, smokey pork tenderloin.

Good times.

So last Saturday was the Second Annual Puppy Party. Little Miss Sugarbear and her friend Nellie were both born in April. Good excuse to get some friends together and have some snacks and watch the dogs rumble.

Next year, I think we should put visors & cigars on them and set them up at a poker table. That's a pic you put up on the mantle, yaknowwhatI'msayin'?

This year we had to settle for a couple of birthday scarves on the birthday girls.

Sugarbear was full of party smiles

The birthday girls share a birthday moment while waiting for their guests to arrive

Guest #1! Bear & MJ

And the rest of the party

Nellie kisses new pack puppy, Diane

Rumble & tumble time

Too hot... Need air

Snacks inside for us?

The Hubs getting some puppy love

The weather was great and the company was better. Awww. Thanks to the Os for hosting. Lady B brought it as always.

This weekend should be packed with fun. The Farmer's Market opens back up Saturday. I'm going to take my cute polka dot picnic basket my mama got me and get some fresh produce. I'm very excited. I just love going. Look at all the food. All the plants. All the people. Sometimes a dog. And you take home delicious souvenirs to enjoy.

Then, we're going to the hot wing festival! I am so excited about a day of wing eating and it all goes to a good cause. The Husband went last year and had a blast. But I need to make sure I don't fill up TOO much because I'm meeting a couple girl friend downtown for dinner and a show. We're going to see The Barber of Seville. You know, just a nice night of opera. Paired with the hot wing festival, it should be a classy day. And 61º and clear. Hopefully.

Speaking of weather, last night was gorgeous. We enjoyed it with our friends, Hanndy, at the Redbirds game.

You can smell the bbq and hear the clink of the bat just looking at this, can't you?

Gotta enjoy it before it gets hot and painful.

Couple random thoughts in closing –

• I have some pants that grow as you wear them... Why don't I wear a belt? Why is the only belt I have one I've had since high school?
• How is it I've got a belt from high school but can't hold onto a chapstick for the life of me?
• There should be more perfumes that smell like soap. Just clean, you know?
• Smiling makes my face feel nice.

Alright, Bubbleland. That was a long one. Kudos if you've made it to the end. Have a great Wednesday! Enjoy the weather but don't leave your doors open.