Kitty Jennifer Brings A Lot of Happiness

Hello and welcome to the blog today.  According to Aristotle, “Nature abhors a vacuum.”  (Spock also said it in the movie “Star Trek VI – The Undiscovered Country”).  Human hearts seem to abhor a vacuum as well.

On Saturday evening, buddy Tony let me bury kitty Van-Van at the farm.  We dug a hole, placed him and a favorite cat toy in the bottom, and covered Vanse with soil.  A lilac bush was planted where the little guy rests.  That way there will always be a reminder of my tiny buddy… Before his sudden illness, the kitten had made such a big impression on us and melted our hearts.

While mourning yesterday, I texted Cathie, my old boss from McDonald’s.  Cathie, by the way, was one of the best folks a fella could ever work for.  She caught me snitching Chicken McNuggets (and french fries) more times than a person could count and occasionally would laugh and pike a few as well.  Her kindness was beyond measure.  She and her husband are typical of the good people you’ll find in Iowa.

Cathie had some kitties on her farm, one of whom looked a lot like Serena.  Initially, I declined the offer of a tortoise shell colored kitten for that very reason.  But today I decided to take her up on the offer and ended up bringing home another little fur ball.

Pictured with Cathie is the new little friend, Jennifer Stefanie Harris.  I wanted a classy first name for this beautiful girl who will live a pampered existence.  Buddy Johnnie and I are big fans of the old TV show “Hart to Hart” (which starred Robert Wagner and Stefanie Powers).  “Hart to Hart” ran from 1979 to 1984.  The lovely wife was named “Jennifer (Edwards) Hart”.

In the show, Johnathan Hart was a self-made millionaire.  His wife, Jennifer, was a photographer and reporter.  Somehow in their travels they were involved in crazy adventures investigating where someone was murdered. The Harts had a dog named “Freeway” (found on a freeway) and a gravelly-voiced butler named Max (played by Lionel Stander).  I chose the name “Jennifer” and Johnnie added the middle name “Stefanie” (for the actress Stefanie Powers, aka “Jennifer Hart”).  It’s a fitting name for a beautiful, inquisitive, and most pampered little girl.

Kittie Jennifer looks a lot like Serena… and just as fiesty!

Jennifer is a pistol.  Within a few hours she had already warmed up and taken over.  “Jen-Jen” is very active and loving.  If I don’t give her all the attention she demands, Jen cries until she is petted, usually climbing body parts while administering kitty accupuncture.  Jennifer reminds me a lot of Serena in her possessive mannerisms.

Jesse has already accepted her.  I’m willing to give up the post-work nap tonight and accept a few more scratches in the name of bonding with the two of them.  Jen is not having it any other way this evening.

Robert Wagner and Stefani Powers as “Jonathan and Jennifer Hart” in “Hart to Hart”

What a difference 24 hours makes… When an animals dies, it’s often difficult to want to adopt so quickly again.  For whatever reason, I felt compelled to this time and have high hopes that this little princess will bring lots of happiness.  She has already amazed us with her outgoing personality and affection.

For now, it’s time to relax a bit and start daydreaming about the next camping trip.  The weather is beautiful and I’m hoping to visit a spot close to home… perhaps even taking Jesse this time.   In another two weeks, it’s likely there will be a journey north to a magnificent place for fall leaf viewing and trout fishing.

Thanks for stopping by today!  Give your cats and dogs a hug for me!

Bradford, Jesse James, and Kitty Jennifer
Jones County, Iowa