Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

My photo
I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Friday, December 29, 2023

Get Ready, Set..Wait, Where Are We Going Again?

Hi folks and fans,

I'm exhausted.





I can't get enough naptime, it seems. Too much hustle, bustle and baking. Today, the housekeeper touched up the baseboard heat registers with fresh paint even though we don't use the oil from our tank except for heating water. We have a mini-split heat pump and it's been keeping Bridgie and me toasty warm.

Hope you all had a nice Christmas. I know there were those who wish it could have been better, but I  was thinking: We have the holidays every 350 days or so and sometimes, our hearts just aren't ready. We were ok this year, but can't help but think of family members gone and others who've lost those close to them through unexpected tragedy. It's crazy. You ever see a cat with an Uzi? Or, an AK 47 assault rifle? We don't gang together and start wars, either. We grow into feral colonies, but like peaceful Indians, we don't make trouble and we don't want it. 

Sigh. Please excuse my ramblings. 

Anyway, this time of year, we're always trying to look to a future that is positive and at the least, makes sense. We're supposed to have a new president or keep our old one. I am not politically inclined, so I don't know. I just watch. Nod when appropriate and shake my head when not. 

We're keeping our tree up until the Wise Men get here. They texted and said they would be late..
Hahaha...our old wise men with today's technology. Anyway, they'll be welcomed with open arms.
Penny's never seen a wise man, maybe a wise cat (like me), but she won't ever because she's lost
her sight, but is amazingly tuned in.



We all love you, pretty girl!

Friends, once again, for another year, we extend our hopes and our best wishes for all of you. If the road gets rough, you know where to find us. We're always ready to give a hug.

Lots of love and Happy New Year!

~Tom, Bridget, Penny and our very own author Julie Mackenzie who makes up all kinds of stuff.
  And, our angels, Tinker, Anastasia, Frasier (Tom #1), Fishie (Tom #2), Vinny, and Trapper, our Golden.











9 comments:

Kea said...

A very happy New Year to you all. I really hope that peace, tolerance, and common sense prevail in 2024, but overall humans are rather short-sighted and stupid, IMO. Thank goodness for all those who spread kindness, compassion, and Light!

I'm wishing you all the very best in the new year!

Kim and her angels

Kea said...

I hope my comment went, I'm never sure when on my phone! 🤔

catladymac said...

So good to hear from you again Fr. Tom ! One of our kitties, Buzz, went blind too a couple summers ago and he still does well - gets around the house, uses the litter box, eats and sleeps comfortably. Like Penny, we are just glad to still be with him.

Happy New Year to yo and yours !

Eastside Cats said...

Oh, it's good to see you!
Happy Holidays, and wishing you all the very, very best.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am sorry Penny has lost her sight but no cats are amazingly good at adapting. Happy New Year to all of you. My wish is for a more peaceful New Year, but I won't hold my breath!

Brian's Home Blog said...

It's nice to see you all and we send hugs to sweet Penny. It's sad, there are no wise men left anymore. Happy New Year from all of us!!!

Zoolatry said...

Nice to hear from all of you ... keep the pews dusted, and the candles lit. The "Mew Year" may be a bit tougher than the one now ending. Sigh. But just the same we'll wish you all the very best.

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

Our hearts hope for peace.
Happy New Year.

meowmeowmans said...

We are sorry to hear about Penny's eyesight, but glad she is still dialed in without it. Thank you for your lovely and thought-provoking post. We, too, are hoping for a year that makes more sense and is more positive than the last one. We are so grateful for you, dear friends. Happy New Year! XO