The few weeks before a big trip are always the worst.  Things seem to pile up from nowhere, emergencies unfold, and then there’s still the dreaded packing.  Not to mention the unknown element of travel plans within the trip.  But that’s the routine of a nomad, and as chaotic as it may seem, I secretly enjoy the uncertainty. I’ll surprise you with where I end up once I’m there!

What is certain, however, is a new visitor of the four-legged kind in the last couple of weeks. He first made an appearance on my front doorstep, scurrying up the steps from who knows where as soon as I came home. Then he became bolder and darted into my garage every time the door opened. And while I’m not the type to take in strays, I can’t bear to look at skinny animals and not do something about it. Especially if they come around the patio and look at me like this:

 

My furkids don’t know what to make of this visitor yet…

 

but one thing is for sure, he wants in. Now!

 

After further inspection, I am thinking he might be a stray (no collar) and most likely flea-infested. But he’s so persistent in his visits that I can’t pretend he’s not there. Today I left a bowl of cat food for him and he inhaled it in seconds.  I know I’ve only encouraged him by feeding him, but could you say no to this face?