Saturday - Farewell Soxy

I had been planning to swipe our cards in at The Big House when I went in this afternoon to watch some table play; but plans change and S and I came back to Latimers instead. So, we entrusted our cards to Mi who was planning to go to see the Lumiair show there today. When her plans changed, she said she'd ask Az, who was going in for the Food Fantasy buffet - using points/vouchers they'd won in the current promotion. We should have questioned why Az and Mi were going tonight - rather than just thinking it was because they are leaving on Wednesday. If we had, we may have realised that it's Az's birthday tomorrow. Mouse realised tonight - too late for us to suggest joining them - but in time for something (cake! and a gift) to be organised for the Markets tomorrow. We still aren't sure why Az didn't say anything. Although, to be fair, she hasn't in previous years either. And we don't rely on other people to remind us when their birthday is (that's what FaceBook is for!).

Soxy

The nest building continues which may explain why Tinka and Maggie were camped out there for most of the afternoon. I know because I was there too - reading "The Cuckoo's Calling" and watching and waiting for the photo opportunity with the birds and the nest which never came.

Sadly, Mouse and M took Soxy to the vet today. It was his time as he has not been well for a while. They took him to M's vet at Nerang where, as we know from Emma and Beasley, they do a very good "seeing off"! Understandably Mouse was very upset as she and Soxy have been companions for years - since he moved in from the neighbour's place. That's the good thing about cats - they know what they want and who they want to be with. We were able to say goodbye to him at dinner last night ... he spent the time while we were there outside, near the back door, and not straying far. Soxy (or Schnitzel as little Hamdi used to call him) was a great cat, a huge presence ... and he will very much be missed. RIP Soxy.

Mouse and Soxy

Afterwards we met up with them, and Mi, at Zarraffa's at Benowa. Mouse was still very upset and even though she tried to take part in the conversation, she was ... distracted. M took her home and spent some time with her this afternoon; and she went back in to have dinner with her this evening. S and I suggested Pearl might like to go in and spend a few days with Mouse before Prince arrives - his "parents" are just about to jet off and Mouse is going to mind him in their absence.