Wrapped in rain and quiet, the night folds itself around me like a lullaby.

I sent Peacock a text, told him we’d just keep his dog until Friday or Saturday.
I figure if she’s been here this long, she may as well finish out the week.
He didn’t seem to mind.
I have to say, Turtle does take up a lot of room. 
She’s even bigger than Lady.

I just about regretted my decision-it’s rained off and on all day.
This morning it was especially heavy, and Turtle had to go.
I mean, really had to go.
She gave me this “you cruel woman” look as she finished her business and shook off her wet fur.
I told her it was payback for all those 5 a.m. wake-up calls-and it’s not like she’s litter box trained.
I had a sulking dog glaring at me all morning-and yes, dogs can sulk.
I’d say a little rain never hurt anyone, but her fur kinked up like a poodle.
She’s got St. Bernard in her.

Cowboy went out and turned on the new light.
He hadn’t tried it before.
I went out tonight-and we have light!
I doubt Old Store Neighbor’s thrilled; our houses are close.
I don’t think it’s shining into his windows, though.
If he’s smart, he’ll wave his arms under it—quietly—when he wants to get into the shed.
He doesn’t need a flashlight anymore.
He likes to putter around out there after midnight, and it used to be pitch dark.

The day moved along the usual way, just a bit soggier.
Around 2 p.m., everything stopped.
The TVs clicked off, the water fountain sputtered to a stop, and the security cameras blinked out.
We lost power.
It didn’t come back until 6.

We got lucky-it wasn’t scorching hot.
Early morning showers cooled things down, and though more rain was promised, it held off until late.
We stayed dry.

With the windows tinted inside, it was pretty dark.
So Badger and I went out to sit in the she shed, where it was brighter.
KUB said power would be back by 4:30 p.m., but by 4:25 the mosquitoes were unbearable, so we came back in.
Once we got inside, KUB changed their tune-now it was 6.
We were already settled, so we just curled up with our books.

Let me tell you-there’s nothing like using the bathroom by flashlight.
Well, not a real flashlight. 
It’s this travel-clock-sized battery light we used to take camping.
It’s got a short in it, so the brightness jumps from dim to way too bright every few minutes.
My bathroom’s tucked in a corner off the kitchen with no window.
Even in the daytime, it’s dark enough to trigger a solar light.

Thankfully, at 6 on the dot, the power clicked back on.
We turned the A/C on right away-it had gotten a bit stuffy.
Then we called Pizza Plus and ordered a sandwich for delivery.
Neither of us felt like nuking a TV dinner.
It was 7:30 p.m. before they made it up here.

We had supper and watched a movie, then Badger headed to bed.
Heron spent the evening working on the catio.

I hope it’s fixed-while he’s in Colorado, Badger and I are in charge of the cats.
I really don’t want to lose one.
He wrapped up, cleaned up, ate his supper, and headed back to the RV.

Raven sent me a text-he’ll be moving things out soon.
The other parent got the keys to the house.
I’ll be the bigger person and admit I misjudged.

He said it’ll still be a while before he can afford an RV to put in her backyard.
I’ll miss having Raven around, even though he’s a Badger.
He keeps to himself.

I guess this is final-we’ve lost Raven’s littles again.
For all my griping, complaining, and venting-I still love them.
I just don’t want to live with them.
Visit? Absolutely.
Live together? No.

I’d better be heading off.
No idea how it got to be 11 p.m. so fast.
Tomorrow’s store day-again.
The last one for September.😱