Fading in and out again like I said I wouldn't. Ah well, I think I have to accept that I live up to my name (which means 'of the sea') and I'm always going to be tidal.
Partially this is because I am now writing and podficcing and trying to fit in signwriting practice, and really this is one creative activity too many in a day. I suspect that if the writing carries on, the podficcing will have to go.
Went down to the boat again on Saturday and accidentally discovered that the bilge pump had been disconnected and there was water in the bilges almost up to the base of the engine. DH managed to get it connected so we could use it on manual, and we pumped the water out, but it still isn't working on auto, so keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't fill up and sink before we can get back to it this Saturday.
On the plus side, Daughter got a cat!

I didn't think I would like a hairless cat, but I'm smitten. She's called Ember. She's two and had been used for breeding, but was being bullied by the other cats there, so the owner decided she needed to go to a better home.
She's so small and delicate, and very affectionate. She'll climb up to rub her head under your chin and purr all the time. And she does have a slight fuzz, so stroking her is more like petting a cat than like petting warm leather.
no subject
Date: 2023-03-03 05:21 am (UTC)From:I've long wanted a hairless cat... I feel like it might be better for my tragic (though tolerably mild-moderate) cat allergy. Dogs don't bother me - cats, rats, and horses do. Though not badly enough to completely keep me from having them.
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Date: 2023-03-03 10:47 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2023-03-03 11:26 pm (UTC)From:She really is! I have only ever known really aloof cats before, so it was a real culture shock to meet a cat who seemed to actually like humans. I worry a little that it was her trying to get the strange humans in this strange place to love her because she was scared, so I'll be interested to know if she's changed now she's been there for a couple of weeks.
I do think that hairless cats are suitable for people who are allergic to cats, but they're also quite delicate and can't go outside, so I don't know whether that would suit you either.
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Date: 2023-03-03 11:29 pm (UTC)From:I know! I think they're the biggest part of her. They compensate for her tiny rat tail :)
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Date: 2023-03-04 06:16 am (UTC)From:I'd definitely want an indoor kitty anyway! But I know they do require some extra care to make sure their skin stays clean and healthy.
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Date: 2023-03-06 12:09 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2023-03-07 09:17 am (UTC)From:Son-in-law also got a cat a few days ago, and this one is a furry kitten, so Ember is going through a bit of a snit because she's no longer the only cat in the house. She's no longer purring constantly, but Daughter said that might have been a self soothing behaviour anyway, but she's still very affectionate and happy to be held, so that's encouraging for the long term.
Voidstar, the kitten, is going around biting everyone, so they're keeping the cats apart for now!
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Date: 2023-03-07 09:18 am (UTC)From:She really is lovely, and she'll need to be energetic because they've also now got a kitten to keep her company, and the kitten is a black furry whirlwind :)
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Date: 2023-03-08 01:46 am (UTC)From:And lol, bitey kittens! That seems to be relatively common, too. Hopefully s/he settles down soon and learns to nibble a bit less.
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Date: 2023-03-08 11:06 am (UTC)From:Yes, I went round on Monday with a jumper I'd made for her and she was very happy to doze on my lap.
They wanted to get two cats because they're out quite a lot at the office, and they thought a single cat might get lonely - particularly as they're going to be indoor cats. I think Void just hasn't been fully socialized yet and they're working on that. There's also going to be a mass neutering event, which no doubt neither of the cats will appreciate!
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Date: 2023-03-09 04:08 am (UTC)From:I think it is often a good idea for cats to have a potential friend around - they really can get bored or lonely without anyone around to give them something to do. It sounds like Void does just need some more socialization and a chance to learn his manners.
Lol, I'm sure that won't be their favorite, but it's definitely a good thing!
Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-10 09:57 am (UTC)From:Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-10 10:15 am (UTC)From:Yes exactly :) We're having snow at the moment so I've made her some fleece coats, but she does prefer just to sit on someone and get warm that way, which so far no human has complained about.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-10 10:35 am (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2023-03-10 10:03 pm (UTC)From:no subject
Date: 2023-03-11 09:45 am (UTC)From:LOL! Yes, exactly :) That was very much my experience too - much more like petting a cat than like stroking someone's bald head and therefore much less weird :)
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-15 10:01 am (UTC)From:That's a good plan :) Their house is not particularly warm, which is extra hard on a hairless cat, so a place she can go to reliably warm up sounds grand.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-15 10:13 am (UTC)From:These are some locally available options; check stores in your area for similar things.
https://www.chewy.com/b/heated-beds-1474
Also, look for warm areas in the house, like near a heating vent or a spot on the floor where the sun falls. You don't need a thermometer, just follow the cat! She will find them all. Then place a fuzzy cat bed in that spot.
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-16 09:45 am (UTC)From:Oh those flat heating pads are not too expensive. They could have a few of those around the place and then the two cats could choose between them depending on their mood :) Thanks!
Re: Yes ...
Date: 2023-03-16 09:47 am (UTC)From: