a near CATastrophe

We are trying again to get the perfect barn cat. We want a cat that is a good mouser, content to be outdoors and friendly but not too friendly with our bed and breakfast guests. Our first attempt is well documented in a previous post titled "That Darn Cat."
While Kelley was home for Thanksgiving, we took a trip to the county animal services and adopted another adult cat named Sunshine. (We have nicknamed the cat Sunny.) This cat seemed approachable but was not vocal and came with a good recommendation of the staff. It is about a 30 minute trip back and throughout the journey, the cat was very affectionate. We could hold and nuzzle him and he seemed very comfortable with us.

When we arrived home we made a BIG mistake. Kelley was carrying him from the car when all of a sudden, a noise spooked the cat and Sunny leaped from her arms. He dashed at top speed across the yard. Simultaneously, an enormous owl swept down seeking dinner. We were all screaming which scared both the owl and the cat. The owl fled to the fields and the cat sought refuge in a giant oak tree on our property. This cat climbed up nearly 50'. When we placed the extension ladder against the tree, the clanking scared the cat up even higher, well beyond our reach.

It was getting dark and we had dinner plans, so we resorted to setting the "Have-a-Heart" trap purchased during our last cat encounter. When we returned from dinner, we were successful in capturing Sunny, our now really pissed off and frightened cat. We released her in the garage with food and water and watched her disappear amid the clutter. It's been a week now, and she will not let us hold her. We aren't quite sure what our next steps should be. Any advise???

John Lennon said it best -"I get by with a little help from my friends."

For the past two weekends, I was lucky to have two of my dearest friends from Minnesota visit and I did not realize what I missed most about leaving Minnesota. Don't get me wrong, I am really happy to be in Paso Robles and challenging ourselves with the wine and B&B business. What is missing is girlfriends.

Two weeks ago, Mary came as a belated birthday gift. We had a ball. The highlight was spending the day on the coast visiting Hearst Castle, watching the elephant seals (hundreds of them) wallow on the beach and sharing a beer at Taco Temple in Morro Bay. We both agreed it was just what we needed in our busy lives full of other distractions. She got to see a glimpse of my life here and I think better understands why we are here.

Last weekend, Kris came with some of her girlfriends and we crammed in all there is to do in Paso. This was my first time to host 8 people at the B&B. I think all agreed it went very well. Celebrating Fondue Friday, wine tasting with the handsome Frenchman, barrel tasting at Cass, cooking class in my kitchen with Nanette, a full day at the coast and a memorable dinner in Cayucos, exploring Judy's vineyard, winemaking 101 with Bob - I really don't think we could have added one more activity into the weekend. The best part, I now have 7 new friends! Granted, they are in Minnesota, but I did get invited to the girls ski trip this winter!

I know it takes time to make friends and for now, most of my "new" friends are just passing through while wine tasting and staying for the weekend at Creekside B&B. I will start my strategy of joining and volunteering in local groups that has worked well in past moves. So for all of you reading this, treasure your time with girlfriends.