The photo you see to the left was taken in Fayette County at Dutton’s Cave, a favorite place to go and remember Serena, my “baby girl”.
I had taken a picture after she had to be put down… and she did not look any different than when normally sleeping. It can be viewed here… Due to the content, I didn’t want to share it unless someone wanted to see her in this peaceful state. Seeing it was comforting… and Jesse and I are feeling better these days.
Jesse was a mess the first couple of days after Serena died. So was I. But time marches on. We’re building new habits and rituals. I’ve been cooking some of our favorites and spending some bonding time and he’s been equally good in return. Jesse has always been a “needy” cat, always clinging to Serena or I in the past. He’s doing great though and accompanied me on a visit to this special place…
Often we hear the story about a rainbow bridge and one day being reunited with pets. I didn’t see a rainbow bridge but sure saw a rainbow… and it was comforting.


Daddy’s thigh is a perfect perch
Wednesday night was spent primitive camping with Jesse. The weather was warm and no electricity was required. The cool air felt great. Jesse seems to be doing a lot better with riding in the van and camping as you can see to the left. He just needs a “play break” now and then. Jess seems to like sitting on my leg and watching things go by.
Thursday was to be a day of angling. We tried two different streams but the weather was odd – the wind was very strong and the water was high. The fishing was lousy this trip and my heart just wasn’t into it. The trout were not biting, and there were a zillion people angling. Nobody was having any luck. No biggie… There will be other, quieter times to go.


Jesse says “Have a Hart”
Jesse and I are back home after the short but fun little outing. There will be more times to fish this summer and hopefully, there will be better luck next time. At least when you don’t catch any fish, there is nothing to clean.
As for how Jesse is fitting into the van thing… well, the picture says it all. Wednesday night we were watching an old episode of “Hart to Hart” on the laptop.
So what’s on the horizon? Before long, my sister and brother-in-law are coming for a visit. I’m scrambling… Because of the necessary pre-visit housework, there probably won’t be any longer trips for a while. For having few possessions, why is there so much work?
In the meantime, there’s a mushroom hunting class coming up tomorrow. If it is possible to go, this would be a great time to learn some more about an activity that many of us enjoy doing – gathering and eating tasty fungus. Hopefully, there will be some photos on Saturday night.


RIP Princess
Take care and thanks for visiting!
Brad and Jesse James
Jones County, Iowa
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