Sitting in the dark, baby, it's an art

[sovay]

Earlier this evening spatch informed me of the tradition of drinking a health to Tolkien on his birthday, so we toasted the Professor with elderflower tonic water, which seemed like something that hobbits will like when they get around to inventing cocktail culture.

Autolycus remains a beautiful cat, stronger than his failing body. He purrs so loudly that he can be heard over the phone even when he's not specifically on the call. I woke this morning to find him lying in my arms like a kitten nestled into a mama cat. Things mostly are cat hospice around here. As long as he wants it, we are supporting him. In the meantime we reassure Hestia of how loved she is even as everyone's schedules go to hell.

I understand that the film version of Russell Hoban's Turtle Diary (1975) is highly regarded and it does have a terrific cast, but when one of the novel's protagonists is described by the other as a "tall hopeless-looking man with an attentive face and an air of fragile precision like a folding rule made of ivory," I can't help wishing it had been filmed in a year when Bill Nighy would have been a shoo-in for the part.

I am having a lot of trouble acclimating to the year.

Comments

[kore]

Please give him some skritches from me.

Are you reading Turtle Diary? I love that Hoban book, altho it's not my favourite of his (that would probably be Kleinzeit).

[thisbluespirit]

Things mostly are cat hospice around here.

Awww. Glad to hear he still sounds happy, whatever may be going on (and very very audibly so!) ♥

is highly regarded and it does have a terrific cast

I had to go look it up, and although I don't know which character is the one you would have had be Bill Nighy, you're right, that really is a particularly awesome cast nevertheless.

[theseatheseatheopensea]

I am having a lot of trouble acclimating to the year.

Me too. Hugs for the kitties (and for you as well, of course!)

[princessofgeeks]

Yeah, I'm looking around going "2024? Bzuh?"

[konstantya]

so we toasted the Professor with elderflower tonic water

Just chiming in to say I LOVE elderflower tonic water. On a similar note, one of my local groceries has a store brand lime-mint-elderflower sparkling water which is great for cocktails, lemonade/limeade, or even just by itself.

I am having a lot of trouble acclimating to the year.

Same. Part of it's the hangover from the holidays (I am not built for such heavy, near-non-stop socializing!), but part of it, inevitably, is just the new year. A favorite quote from Rachel Field's 1942 novel And Now Tomorrow has been running through my head, simply due to how very accurate it is: "One grew used to years, like garments. At least one knew where the holes and patched places were; one had learned not to strain threadbare folds past endurance. A new year felt stiff and semi-fitted as one tried to move in it without self-consciousness. It was like dresses that used to be made to allow for growth, too sturdy and voluminous and reaching to boot tops. Only time and hard use would accomplish the fitting, and I did not look forward to that inevitable process."

I'm glad to hear Autolycus remains happy, despite his decline. Being surrounded by comfort and love is what we should all hope for as we get ready to go. <3

[chanter1944]

Given my inability to provide a lap for kitties to snuggle in over distance, please cuddle both fabulous cats for me, if you would? Oh my goodness, Autolycus of the world-rattling purr and the people-seeking nature, you are melting my heart yet again. And yes, Hestia is a dear of a hearth-protecting creature. I'm still hoping for a feline miracle or two.

Hmm. I confess, I tripped over the idea of Bill Nighy acting as a hopeless-looking man for any length of time. The rest of the description does suit him excellently, though!

[movingfinger]

Ear rubs and pettings to Autolycus the nimble-toed.

One of my friends picked elderflowers and made syrup from them. It was easy and delicately delicious.

[umadoshi]

*sends love and scritches*

[gwynnega]

I'm glad that you and Autolycus continue to have time together and that he is still purring.

[selkie]

Hugs to both of you, and gentle skritches to noble Autolycus.

[nineweaving]

Skritch both sprites for me.

*hugs*

Nine

[asakiyume]

I imagine Autolycus curled on a bed with one of you curled around him, and the other of you curled around the first, and Hestia on top of one of you. All the warmth, all the love.

That description sounds of the tall hopeless-looking man sounds like someone you would write. The attentive face, the sense of being foldable.

[oracne]

Sending hugs for you and Autolycus.