I really enjoyed September’s live streams with those of you who attended. I expected to do more in October, but we had a plot twist, so to speak. 

Right in the midst of busily processing the harvest from the garden, it became clear that we would soon have to say goodbye to our beloved elder cat Cinnamon, who has been with my family since the kids were small. He was a very special cat, in Aidan’s words “the best listener I ever knew.”

His sweet purr and affectionate headbutts will be missed, as will his nonchalantly badass way of protecting our house. Pesky chipmunks and mice learned to fear his ways, and the mangy young fox that tried to take up residence under our back porch learned a thing or two. The family of wild turkeys gave him pause, but then he was an intelligent cat. He knew how to stare down one raccoon, but understood enough to stay out of the way when one raccoon became a posse. 

His favorite spot to hang out near the end of his life was a spot in the middle of our garden, by the catnip I’d planted for him. He lived a long and full life, and when the meds stopped working and it was clear that it was his time to go, he faced it with the dignity and courage of a little lion.

Cinnamon passed away in the wee hours of October 3 under the loving care of family who adored him.

I’m grateful that we took the time as a family to grieve and celebrate his life together.

Cinnamon, we love you and miss you dearly!