One of the things that I've been curious about is how Clara and Inky would (or wouldn't) welcome back E.B. after a two month absence. Do cats remember that long? Would they recognize her or would we need to start all over again in acquainting them with her?
When I pulled up into my driveway on Saturday afternoon, George was out in the yard, waiting for us. He carried E.B. into the house and deposited her in the living room. Clara and Inky were there, ears pointed, eyes wide alert. Sniffs, hisses, and growls were exchanged, after which, E.B. went straight under our bed; Clara and Inky took up their former positions on the couch. Luckily, my Universal Translator was working and provided this transcript:
Clara: Well, look what the human dragged in!
Inky: So you're back? I thought we got rid of you for good.
E.B.: Can't get rid of me that easily. Besides, I got to see all sorts of cool stuff that you--ooo-uu didn't!
Clara: Yeah, like the underside of a lot of box springs!
E.B. Well, I did see some of those. But I got to see badlands, lava flows, mountains, big rocks, tumbling rivers. I got petted by a bunch of cute Navajo children. I saw lots and lots of cows and horses and even some llamas!
IInky: Well, at least you took good care of Mom and brought her back safely.
E.B.: Somebody had to look after her. You wouldn't believe the places she took me! But she wouldn't even let me drive!
Two days after our return, everything and everybody is back to normal. There were a few more hisses exchanged, but now all felines are back together as a cat family. E.B. reclaimed all her favorite spots and eats side by side with Clara and Inky.
As for me, I'm missing New Mexico terribly, but I'm so glad to be back home. I did have a panic moment last night, however. I woke up in the middle of the night and didn't know where I was. What's more, there was this STRANGE MAN in the bed beside me! I honestly got real scared for about two seconds, then I remembered: I'm back home in my own bed and this STRANGE MAN is my husband!