Tragedy

I am still so shook up I do not even sure where to start. My kitty, Lavender, was attacked by a dog yesterday. I spent the whole time at Mac's just waiting for Rex to take a nip at her, but he never did and now she comes home and gets attacked in her own backyard.

Lavender is mainly an indoor kitty, but we let her out in the morning to get some sunshine. Papa, Daddy, and I were eating breakfast when we heard her start screaming. Daddy nearly broke our screen door in his haste to save the cat. We have a low fence and a dog had jumped it. Daddy had to use a shovel to get the dog away from Lavender. There was blood everywhere. It was just horrible.

Casey Sullivan, our neighbor, heard the commotion and came outside to help. He called animal control and said he would wait for them while he rushed Lavender to the vet. There was so much blood covering her it was hard to see where she was injured. She no longer howled in pain, but was limp wrapped in a blanket in Daddy's arms.

Papa called the vet as he drove and they were waiting when we got there. We were told we would be updated as soon as the vet knew what was wrong. It was an agonizing wait. I cried and prayed she would be alright.

At last a vet tech came and told us that Lavender had severe facial injuries. Her skull was cracked, she might be blind in one eye, and her nose was damaged. But he said he was certain she would pull through. I cried even more after that in relief.

We went home after that since there was not anything we could do just then. Animal control was still at our house and Papa talked to them for awhile. He said the dog had been found and would be taken to a shelter. Sadly it was probably going to be put down if not claimed and properly monitored.

We picked up Lavender in the afternoon. Daddy and I both started crying; she looked just awful. Her head was swollen and most of her fur had been shaved off. She had scratches all over and her right eye was bandaged. But she was alive! She even gave a pitiful purr when I pet her.

Lavender is not allowed to leave the house now, I do not think she will want to anyway. Daddy and I are keeping a close eye on her and making sure she is comfortable. That was the worst day of my life and I hope to never go through something like that again.

*Angelica*

Play Date

First off, some good news: My family is together again! My dads got back for good a few days ago and we are now at home. It feels very good to sleep in my own bed again. I do miss Mac; it was nice having a 'sister' for the summer. I may have to talk Papa into adopting. Daddy is already on board.

Since we are officially moved in, Daddy thought it would be a good idea to meet our neighbors: the Sullivan's. I really only know Emily through friends (she being Mac's cousin), but I know her mom is dating Mr. Sullivan. I am sure I will see a lot more of Emily due to that. Daddy set up a play date for Jess Sullivan and myself since we are the same age. She arrived 15 minutes late and in a terrible mood. How can you be late when all you have to do is walk next door?

"Do you like to bake cookies?" I asked her. "I thought we could make chocolate chip."
"No," Jess said.
I forced a smile and asked what she liked to do. Her answer was that she wanted to go home.
"Maybe we can make cookies anyway," I suggested. "I have everything ready."
It was like pulling teeth to get her to do anything. She never once smiled. I am going to have my work cut out being her friend. Luckily I like a challenge.

Jess barely stayed an hour. She was more excited to go back to her nanny. I am intrigued by Jess. I cannot wait to find out more about her. I know she will open up to me eventually.

*Angelica*

Pompey's Pillar

My parents came for a visit this weekend. It was so great to see them again. Papa said we will be together before I start school whether everything is taken care of in NYC or not. I was very glad to here that. The first say of school is always hard for me and this year it will be a new school in a new state. Plus I do not want to have to ride the bus for an hour with Mac. I get car sick and I do not even want to think how miserable it would be on a bus.

While my dads were here we visited Pompey's Pillar. William Clark signed his name on the rock and it is the only remaining physical evidence of his and Lewis' journey. The rock was named after Sacagawea's son whose nickname was Pomp. Clark's signature was covered with a glass case and it did not show to well in a picture. It was really neat to see.

 

It was a short hike to the rock. This is me at the top. The sky is always so blue. The rails were awkwardly spaced for a short person, like myself, and it was hard to get a good view picture.

 

 

I am excited to learn more about Lewis, Clark, and Sacagawea. Daddy loves history and art and he is going to help me find some good books.

Mac's Birthday

Yesterday was Mac's 13th birthday. I find birthdays to always be bittersweet, whether it is my own or someone else. Mac was excited, I do not think she shares my feelings. Her party was a lot of fun. Her cousins were there and the food was delicious. Except Mac made the mistake of saying "who doesn't love hamburgers?". Daddy is a vegetarian and Mac's dad had to get in a snide comment about that fact. Not to be stereotypical, but her dad is one of those closed-minded, silent cowboy types. I am quite sure Brokeback Mountain is not his favorite movie.

Mac's brothers and sisters made the birthday cake. It was a chocolate pudding cake and oh so rich and moist. The Scarlatti siblings are talented in the baking department. That is something I have loved while staying with them. I also love to bake and it has been a lot of fun to try new recipes for cupcakes and cookies.

After cake and pictures Mac opened her presents. I must be spoiled. I usually get a fair number of presents. Usually one expensive gift and several smaller ones. Mac received a saddle and a bag with "Nicki", the name of her mare, printed on the front. But she did not seem to want for anything else. I do not think I could have picked a family more opposite than my own to stay with.

I was tired by the time the party was over and feeling a little sad. I helped with some of the ranch chores and then went to see Mac. She knew instantly that I was down and let me snuggle in bed with her and Rex. I think she is the most caring out of the Scarlatti family. She has always had a lot of responsibility for her younger siblings and the many baby animals on the ranch.

I was glad she let me sleep in her room that night. To be honest, Cameron's room scares me. He is very into bones and hunting.

*Angelica*

Life on the Ranch

I must confess I am not entirely cut out for living on a ranch. Papa needs to rescue me very soon and get me back to the city. Plus I miss him.

But Mac's family is very lovely even if her father has an occasional negative opinion about my family. I love being part of such a big family. There are six Scarlatti children (you will meet them soon when Mac starts her own blog) and so many animals. I have only been around cats and dogs before.

Every morning I help the siblings with farm chores. Well, some of the chores. I enjoy feeding the chickens and collecting eggs. But mucking stalls is too hard for me and their Angus cattle scare me a little. Those things are enormous!

Living with the Scarlatti's is a little bit like going to summer camp. I get to try new things and live in a different environment. The best part is that it doesn't last forever and soon I will be back in my own bed. And poor Lavender will stop being teased by the dogs!

*Angelica*

My First Post

I never had a blog before and I might be a little rusty at first. I suppose the first place I should begin is, naturally, at the beginning.

My name is Angelica Gracielle Murciano-Green. I am nine-years-old and an only child. I do have a cat. Her name is Lavender Praline and she is just a little bit over a year old. Sometimes she is very moody, but most of the time she is sweet and likes to snuggle.

 I am originally from Miami, Florida but moved to New York City when I was three. I do not mind it here, but I do miss my friends. Papa is still in NYC getting all the paperwork finished and all that stuff I do not yet understand about selling a house. Too much paperwork for me! I am more like Daddy in that aspect. We would both rather create than go completely by the books. That is why Daddy is an art teacher and Papa is a lawyer. Right now I am staying with a family friend who also just moved here from NYC. Papa worked for her in the city and she got him a job here as well. They live on a ranch and I have been having fun letting the oldest girl, Mac, show me how to be a farm girl. I will be glad to get back to my new room, though. It is very pink, which is my favorite color. I already had it decorated before my parents had to go back to the city.

One last thing you should know about me is I like to figure out how things work and I always have to have a project to work on. And I already figured out what my first project is. My new neighbor is also nine. Her name is Jess Sullivan and I know we are going to be best friends.

*Angelica*