Oliver

We decided on Oliver...Ollie for short. It just seems to fit him. (We're keeping Wayne as his middle name). He's such a love. Today, when I got home, he grabbed my hand with his paws (no claws) and made me pet him (I had stopped temporarily). He seems to be getting used to Ramona...he still growls at her but is willing to hang out in the same room as her. It's only a matter of time until he figures out that she'll play with him.

Name indecision

Update: we're not sure if Harvey suits him...now we are thinking Oliver...what do you think?

If you are so inclined, put your choice in the comments: Harvey, Oliver, or Wayne.

Meet the Newest Stuckey-Spalt

We really didn't intend to get another cat so quickly, but then we just kinda sorta ended up at the Indianapolis Humane Society, where we met this adorable little guy. He came with the name Wayne, but we think that Harvey suits him better. He's really sweet and loves to be petted. He's not so sure about Ramona yet, but we think that they will end up being pals. He had actually been adopted twice and returned twice (apparently, he bites when he gets excited and that doesn't go over well with little kids). We are used to feisty cats.

Wild Indiana

I've held off posting this because I bought some copies for gifts and hadn't yet distributed them. One of my coworkers recently published his book, Wild Indiana, which is a guide to the best natural areas in Indiana. If you like hiking (or just checking out nice scenery) and you are a Hoosier resident or visitor, you must check out this book. Mike has visited most of the parks, forests, and nature preserves in the state and has chronicled his favorites. He is a great writer (I should know---he frequently peer reviews my work!). His writing is simple and to the point but has enough detail and style to keep you interested. If you like nature and you ever come to Indiana, check it out! It is available on amazon or locally at Big Hat Books in Broad Ripple---buying it here has the double bonus of supporting a local author (and all-around cool guy) and a nice independent bookstore (with a very friendly owner). I also have an inside connection and can get you a little bit of a deal (that still gives Mike a fair cut). For all of you Hoosier natives that live outside the state, spread the word with folks back home!

Good News

I got some good news at work yesterday! I've been invited to sit on a national panel related to risk assessment. I don't want to provide details here on the blog, but I am really excited. It's not a done deal yet because I haven't gotten all of the approvals, but it should be a fantastic opportunity for me.

Sydney

It sucks to share this news, but since I've blogged about Sydney's lymphoma previously, it seems to make sense to share that we put Sydney to sleep on New Years Eve. She seemed happy to the end. We are both really sad, and I in particular am having a hard time starting out 2010 without my cat of 14 years. We are really glad we decided to take her with us to NC, where she lived out her final week in a queen-like manner, lording over her personal studio apartment (above my parent's carport) with frequent visitors stopping by (including my brother who gave her milk a few times a day). She was a fantastic cat and is missed.