my free moment

At the end of this year I am considering what to reflect on.    This year has been full.  Full of memories and full of "new".   

The cat.   She was diagnosed to probably have diabetes last Feburary.  At the time, she wasn't eating, and I was told that I would probably have to put her down in a few weeks.  I grieved, I cried, I wept.  She was pretty much in the grave and I was counting our last days with her.  Seriously people....I have mourned this cat!
Then... she started eating.   I started a high protein diet recommended by the vet.   Three cans of the fancy stuff a day.    $45 a month to feed a 5 pound cat.   
Over the past months, there have been three times that she had a 'set-back' in which I planned to "give her a few more days, and then I'll make the appointment to put her down".  I grieved again... hating to make end of life decisions.  EACH TIME.... she started eating again.   And EACH TIME she started another cat life... and seemed to get more mentally crazy each go-round. 
To make matters escalate, her appetite became so insatiable that she bummed food off of the neighbors and even ate the food intended for other neighborhood cats.    I really have no idea how much food she consumed each day. .... until we moved.     (and now we're having to supplement with tons of dry food.... because she is CRAZY.)
 We've got the new house (which I'll write about soon) with tons of land for her to roam.     She has been an outdoor cat for months.... and it's been a challenge to keep her inside during these cold winter nights.  I am eager to get her transitioned and back outside during the days.
To transition homes properly, we kept her inside for several days, then Lucas assisted her with walks around the property.  After she got her bearings we allowed her outside on her own. 
The first day unattended she was gone adventuring for HOURS... and Greg was determined that she was dead.   (I figured we wouldn't be that lucky.)
(My friends say that I'm so cold hearted towards the cat..... and I am outwardly.... but let's keep in mind that we do EVERYTHING right by this cat.)
Yesterday, a van pulled into our driveway as we arrived home.  It was our new next door neighbor, who introduced herself and then asked us if we have a cat.   I was SOoooo expecting for her to inform us that the cat had been hit by a car. 
BUT.... she said, "It's in our house and won't leave".
You have got to be kidding me!
Blueberry had made her way through their doggy door and was chased Grand Prix style by the three resident dogs... through the neighbors house!    She ended up on the back of a chair and wouldn't budge. 
The neighbors were good sports about it... but this has thrown a major kink in everyone's routine.
Blueberry is "grounded" for a few days until we can figure out what to do with her.    She needs to be outdoors.... but we can't allow her to surprise the neighbors again.   I REALLY hope the run-in with the dogs will deter her from entering their home again.
Just when I thought things were getting settled, I feel like the cat is holding us hostage.     This cat will be the end of my sanity at some point. 
I've known since February that our time is short with her.   (or so we think).
And I know that when she's gone that there will be tears.   (mostly tears of relief). 
I've never owned an animal that has caused so much drama.     Blueberry is certainly one of kind.

Photo cred to the new neighbor.   This appears to have been taken shortly after the chase.   Look at how big her tail is!!