First, let me offer purrs to everyone in need. Its as if this week
things fell apart for everyone. I'm trying to keep up but I'm doing the
weekly migraine things we discussed last week so its difficult.  But
I'll try:

Vickie, Joel, Carey and the furry ones: Purrs, gentle headbutts and
thoughts just don't seem adequate right now. I wish there was some way
of gathering you all in my arms and making everything all right.  I'd
wish you past this time in your life but then you'd miss some special
part of Cary's development so I shouldn't do that.  Just know that we're
here for you and hoping that things straighten out soon.  Please let
Joel know that we all know he's an excellent father and that kids get
hurt, its part of their learning process.  I think someone made an
excellent suggestion when they said to find someone to watch Cray and
let Joel go out with friends (probably not to dinner so much as to a
gaming evening).

Pam purrs and gentle headbutts from the Pride of Stone Mountain. You
know you'll get a gentle lecture from me.  When I went to the ER after
Lacey bit me (24 hours later) they immediately admitted me and began
talking about surgery to clean out the joint.  Lacey had bit me on the
second joint of my right ring finger.  The doc suggested that the
infection can get into the joint and work into tendons and muscle as
well as vessels and veins and require surgery.  Fortunately I responded
to 3 days of IV antibiotics.  I hope that you'll be able to avoid that
Merlin will forgive you provided he gets to use the computer for the
next 3 weeks.

Chris, purrs, headbutts and tears for poor little Mikey and you and your
family.  What a sad thing to have happen but it can happen so quickly.
When we put in a garage door with opener Hobbes (then a 3 mo kitten)
managed to duck under the motion beam and got his neck caught under the
door.  I had my fingers on either side of his neck and was pulling the
door up while DH ran to the remote to open it.  It just happens so very
fast. But the knowing doesn't make anything easier.  We'll light a
candle tonight to help guide Mickey on his journey.

Patti, Morgan deserved a long, carefree, happy life with you but he made
the journey to the Bridge having experienced love and considering the
circumstances of his birth that might not have been.  You can be proud
to know that you did everything you could to help Morgan but most
especially you gave him love. Nobody can take that away from him.  Purrs
and gentle headbutts for you and we shall light a candle for Morgan to
guide him on his journey to the Bridge.

Gordon, 5-fold purrs on the way for Pericles that the diagnosis for his
problems can be easily treated and responds quickly to the treatment.
Purrs as well for George's family.  We'll light a candle to help guide
him on his journey to the Bridge.

Susan, Chester and Otis, purrs and gentle headbutts to all of you for
your scary experience.  Otis was so brave to come to the rescue of
Chester.  I agree with you that he found his buddy in trouble and he
came to his rescue.  I hope that Otis doesn't sulk for too long.  He is
a hero and shouldn't have his feelings hurt by a mean ole Tom.  Purrs
for the Tom as well (expecially from Sam who BTDT).  I hope that someone
comes along and falls in love with him, gets him neutered and teaches
him about love and cuddles and indoors.

Special purrs for Speckels and you.  I know how hard it is giving meds
to a cat that doesn't want to take pills.  I told my father yesterday
that if any of my cats had to present with asthma and require various
medications that I'm glad it was Sam because he's so laid back and
willing to be treated.  Hopefully Speckels will decide you're helping to
make her feel better and let you treat her this time.

Job purrs (Dan, Victor, Marina) and health purrs (Jill) on the way as well.

I was going to include new lyrics to the old Charlie Brown song but I
think I'll do that in the next post since this gone has grown a little
long.  Take care all of you and keep us posted on how things are going.

Julie and The Stone Mountain Pride