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I'm not Lindarielwen, whose passing still grieves me, but I will do my best to honour the friendship with which she honoured us, and the many other members of this site whose lives she graced with her compassion and thoughtfulness.

I am so sorry for your loss, especially because you weren't there to say goodbye. It seems a small thing to many, but I've felt the sting of that particular regret, and know it's anything but a small thing. I know a virtual hug isn't much, but I hope it helps a little bit.

I'm much older than you are, and animals have been a huge part of my life since childhood. Over the years, I have had to say goodbye to many of my feline and canine companions. Each time it happens the pain is immense, but it fades with time, as I'm sure it will do in yout case . Does that mean you will forget? Absolutely not, I remember everyone of my companions with the joy and love they deserve: for having them in my life, and for having the honour of being a part of their lives.

My next comment may seem insensitive to you during this difficult time, but it's definitely not meant to be. After a period of mourning (which only the mourner can define), I begin to think about all of the cats and dogs sitting in cages waiting for that one person who will come along and rescue them from the nightmare in which they find themselves.

Currently, I have four 'rescues' consisting of 3 cats and 1 dog. Specifically, there's a 19 year old black male cat (Seamus Kilmouski); two 2 year old black male 'twins' aka litter mates (Conor and Finn Kilmouski ... they come from a long line of black toms) and a 5 year whippet/dachshund X (Oscar Banana ... don't ask) who joined my blended 'family' this past May.

It should be noted that I am very particular about rescuing black cats because they are always the last to be adopted. Superstitions persist about them being 'unlucky', or witches' familiars.

Finally, remember you are capable of loving many, and much, in your life. One day, perhaps when you least expect it, you may be blessed with another four-legged companion who will remind you why you loved your previous companion so much.

My heart goes out to you. May your griefs be few, and your joys be many.

*sips coffee between bits of the muffin*

Is anybody dressing up for Halloween? I usually do but I can't think of anything to dress up as. I don't get any children trick or treating any longer. They're all grown up. My one cat and my dog will be freaking out if there are any fireworks.

*stands and takes mug and plate to kitchen and puts them in the dishwasher*

I must run as I have a few errands to do. Have a safe Halloween, and enjoy the rest of your week.

*sits down after getting a nice hot cup of coffee, and takes a sip*

Boy, that sure hits the spot. It's pouring rain with gale-force winds where I live. A thoroughly nasty day.

Unfortunately, we people letting off fireworks in the neighbourhood which freaked out my poor dog. I spent most of the night reassuring him that all was well. The cats, on the otherhand, pretty much slept through it all. LOL

I'm now thinking about my outdoor Christmas decorating. I won't start the actual decorating until after Veterans' Day, but I need to test the strands to see what needs replacing. I do minimal indoor decorating most years. It depends on how I feel, but we're very competitve in the neighbourhood when it comes to outside.

*gets up and gets a chocolate chip muffin*

mmm ... that's good! Did you bake them?

Song! Arveleg! How's it going? I'm in Christmas mode now and have just finished putting up my lights outside. Bit of a challenge this year because of the persistent rainfall.

Stands and gets a coffee and a muffin, then wanders back to the table in front of the fire.

Boy, does this hit the spot! I was starving. I've been out shopping with a friend who loves to shop, and didn't have time for lunch.

What are your plans for Christmas? Staying home? Travelling?

That coffee smells really good Arveleg. Do you mind if I help myself? They're supposed to be getting one of those new-fangled single cup thingys in here, but I don't know when it will arrive.

As for Windows 10, I've sorted quite a bit of the stuff out, and decided to live with the rest. Overall I like the programme, but it has it's quirks. Did you know you can't attach files for some reason? Very odd. I discovered that when I tried to attache a letter I'd written to my Uncle to an email I was sending him. Apparently, the email feature is a major complaint.

Sips coffee and leans back in chair.

The new year has started off pretty well. The weather has been excellent, if cold, and a full recovery has been made from the end-of-year festivities. I'm waiting to receive a cookie in the mail that 's being sent to me from Prague. It was made especially for me and has a picture of Morgoth on it. I'm looking forward to seeing it in person. Bye for now.

Stretches and stands up, finishing off the coffee

I must be off as I have a few errands to run. It's been lovely seeing you. Hopefully we'll see each other again soon.

Unfortunately my new laptop came with Windows 10 installed and, overall I don't find the programme too bad. I've got my email working fine now by fiddling around, and finding what I wanted. As for Yahoo, apparently, it's a common problems. Lot's of complaints about it on various sites. I use Comodo Ice Dragon as one of my browsers and Chrome as the other. Both work fine with W10.

Sits back and takes a sip of coffee.

Sorry to hear you've had issues logging on. I don't know why it's affecting some people and not others. I think we've lost cirdaneth because she can't log on which is a pity. There are a few other issues floating around which don't bear discussing because they won't get fixed. I have been amusing myself with one of them. The HTML colour coding for the text of my signature. Put in a colour code, and then check and see what has actually shown up. I call it "fun with colours".

Stand up and takes her empty plate and mug to the counters.

Speaking of dogs, I must go take mine for a walk. I'll be back.

Puts on coat and departs with a wave.