Let the fun begin (Day 1, with Otto)

We (the happy team of workmen, actually) started the renovation projects this morning. Strange to come home to the house this evening. No more wallpaper in the kitchen. Our bathroom upstairs is down to the studs. And with any luck, the carpet in our bedroom will soon be gone. Otto doesn't know this part yet -he loves the carpet, thinks it was put there just for him. Best scratching post ever.



This evening was rough enough for our dear cat without this news. There was another big orange cat who came for a visit. You know who would have liked to go outside and meet this fellow furry friend.



But I had another plan for Otto. Clearly, he had gotten into the basement today - he was filthy, our boy - full of cobwebs and crawl space dirt - in need of a bath. Pronto. Cat baths are not my favorite. His either. Oh, Otto.

We did it anyway, then he spent hours pacing around the house. I'm just hoping the the cellar door stays closed next week. Repeating this little bathing exercise wouldn't be very interesting for either of us.



Here's our boy, almost dry, still looking for his new orange friend out there by the barn. Notice the paint swatches (still adorning most window sills here) - not much time left to decide now.