BREATHE!


After spending a much-needed, relaxing weekend with our family in Dallas; I am home briefly--churning the laundry around as fast as I can as I am leaving for Orlando this afternoon. When I booked this flight a couple of weeks ago, I thought this was a workable plan. Breathe! What was I thinking! Youngest son is home sick with a sinus infection, can't fly the cat to my prodigal in Orlando because the temperature is too high; did you know that? You can't transport a pet on an airplane if the temperature at either location (departing or arriving) is higher than 85 degrees????? Well, let me just say--this is gonna be a problem! Can't imagine the temp's are lowering this time of year in Florida!

Wait--what cat am I talking about? Did I forget to mention that a few days back while I was trying to look happy as my son pulled out of my driveway-heading south to Orlando, he left his cat behind? The one that HE is responsible for, the one that I said would NEVER set foot in my house? Yup--that DARN cat! (Breathe!) To be fair, I must tell you, he had the cat all packed and ready for the long road trip south, yet, while traveling the 6 miles to my house to say good-bye--the cat nearly went crazy. He yowled, he growled, he jumped, he clawed--all in the travel sized kennel. "Mom, how will I EVER drive 1600 miles with Racer acting like that?" I must confess, with the emotions of the day--I LOST MY MIND. "Son, don't worry about Racer--he (yes, that cat) can stay with me and I'll bring him to Florida when I come down." Smile......breathe!

"Are you sure Mom--I don't want him to be a problem for you." (Sigh)--"No, my beloved son, Racer won't be a problem--you just get on the road--drive safely---I'll see you soon! I love you!" Smile! (Someone, quick, hit me on the back--I can't breathe!)

O.K...here's the deal on cats traveling. Need a health certificate--must see a vet for that. Cat needs valium or some sort of sedative to travel--who doesn't! I need prozac to travel with this cat--need to see the Doctor. Or can I buy prozac on line? Must check! (short-shallow breathes!~)

So now, 45 minutes before I leave for Orlando, the Airline calls and says, "M'am; proud owner of Racer? Yes? The temperature is expected to exceed 85 degrees this afternoon in Orlando, Racer will not be able to travel today." (hyperventilating now!) "However, M'am, proud owner of Racer, you may travel with the cat under the seat in front of you. The kennel must be no higher than 11 1/2 inches and the total weight of the cat and kennel may not exceed 15 pounds." (Where is that brown paper bag--I can't breathe!)

Needless to say--I'm gonna need more than prozac to take that cat with me under the seat in front of me. If the cat doesn't like to travel in a car--he had the entire back seat for crying out loud--what will he do under a seat? I don't think the Vet has enough sedative for the cat, for me and the surrounding rows of happy travelers to Orlando this afternoon! (Breathe--) Executive decision--I am not taking the darn cat. Yes, my son will be disappointed; yes, my husband may leave the house--he doesn't like living in a zoo! He's a firm believer that ALL animals thrive best in their natural habitats--outside of our house--not IN our home! (Breathe) Maybe--just maybe, when my husband flies on Friday evening to Orlando--the temp will be less than 85 degrees? (shallow breathing again)--Yeah--like THAT will ever happen.

Hang on; (putting my head between my knees now--taking a deep, cleansing breath!) O.K., I'm back. :) So I'm having a little problem breathing today! Smile :) Seriously, how does this happen? While my son is enjoying his new home in sunny Orlando, I am sweating bullets on a chilly Spring morning in Minnesota? Yes, b-r-e-a-t-h-e.....this is a mother's life.



And how can I complain really--I am loved, cherished, and followed by my new best friend, Racer. He loves me! I feed him! I may even miss him when I leave here in a few minutes. So I am going to post a photo of him so upon my arrival in Orlando--I can visit him! Maybe I'll find the strength to call my husband (from Florida) and let him know that Racer will be traveling with him on Friday night (when the sky is dark and the temperature is cooler)....maybe he'll sigh and say--"Of course, dear, I'd love to bring Racer." (Rapid breathing now!) Well, a girl can dream, can't she!