A pre-Halloween Saturday

Charles spent time this afternoon at community events with a Halloween-theme. Checking in at the Hy-Vee trick-or-treating event, he enjoyed watching the kids roaming around the store to find the stations with the treat. He then went to the fairgrounds for the Okotberween event that is sponsored by the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Saturday paintings

Sammuva sainio maan 
(The Fading Thoughts of the Earth)

Vänskapens blomma (The Flower of Friendship)

 Charles got in some quality painting time in this morning as it looked to be the last warm/dry morning we'll see for a week or so.

The black/white painting will be part of the exhibit Charles will be having January - March here in Albert Lea. The second painting will be given to one of the administrators at Thorne Crest.

Autumn on Garfield Avenue

Autumn on Garfield Ave.

Wesley takes an afternoon break

It takes a lot of work being a kitten

Gracie & two makes for a pleasant afternoon nap

Fridays are our errand day and today was much the same. We enjoyed being out and about, Charles had time in the studio, and we had quality time with the cats. And of course, there were naps all around the house!

This week in cats

 

With five cats in the house, life seems to revolve around their needs and wants. Gracie and the three kittens have adapted to life in the Cat Room, and we spend a couple of hours each day with them. Food, water, two litter boxes, and "pudding" is part of the routine in their life.

Wesley seems to be handling the change in the household routine including not being allowed in the three-season room. He is still the senior cat and as such, is very much the symbol of all things feline!

Candidate Forum

The Chamber of Commerce's Candidates Forum at the City Hall in Albert Lea last night was a unique experience for us. Here is the link to the segment of the recording of Charles' exchange with Joey Neely, who is running for the same position, City Council - Ward 4.

It's a blessing!

Today was a big day at the Alkula house: Gracie and her three kittens are safely confined in the three-season room, otherwise known as "the cat room."

We've spent much of the past few weeks, after mistakenly thinking Gracie was on her own, trying to gain the trust of the kittens. Getting them used to a consistent, safe place to eat and rest was a big part of the effort.

Today, Connie, one of our neighbors, noticed all four cats going onto our deck and into the cat room. Connie was able to quietly, and quickly, close the sliding glass door, thus securing the cat family in the house.

The process now will focus on getting the kittens acclimated to human contact (Gracie already is content to be petted though not held). 

It's Clergy Appreciation Day

B&B Cafe 'offered a treat for area clergy this morning, a free breakfast! Charles took advantage of the opportunity and enjoyed a nice meal before going to work.