Chapter 23

July 2^nd 2043

That blessed time of the month arrived. I don't know whether to be relieved or not. I suppose I am because that means nothing permanent was done to me by those phallic flowers but ... uhn ... I really hate cramps!

July 5^th 2043

Wolfie's doing a lot better. I'd been checking on her every day and playing with the Stooges. Her wounds seemed to be healing well. I had to leave the bandage off today because she wouldn't let me put a new one on. I think she was grateful for my help and for taking care of Larry, Mo, Curly, and Shemp.

It looks like it may rain tomorrow. I'll get a chance to test out my new fireplace. I built it at the opening of the front middle window on the front deck. I also put my little barbecue grill in it to hold the actual fire. I might even be able to cook in it but it'll be awkward as there isn't a lot of room to work. We'll see.

Thinking back I'm surprised by how the pups and Wolfie seemed to listen and understand me. I'm also surprised by how quiet and well behaved they've been. Sure they've played around but they quiet down when I tell them, come when called, and even go to the bathroom off by the trees where I won't step in it. It's pretty remarkable really. It's also a little spooky. Sometimes when I'm talking to them they don't seem to be looking at me but behind me. Maybe Anna's translating for me? If so, thank you Anna.

July 6^th 2043

I'm kind of worried about Wolfie and the Stooges. They were gone when I woke this morning. I guess they went home. I miss them. I'm hoping they'll be okay. Especially since it's raining outside. I hope Anna doesn't mind me not taking her flowers. I think she'll understand my reasons though. It's pouring out there. I suppose I could still go out but I can barely see the end of the drive. That makes it a little too dangerous to me.

For good news, my fireplace is working. It's only a small fire and doesn't really heat the place up a whole lot but it does provide some heat. And it makes me feel better. I guess its a psychological thing.

OH! Fur feels absolutely delicious under bare feet. It feels delicious everywhere really.

July 20^th 2043

I think I'm in good shape for winter. I've got lots of food stored up. Mostly dried but I have made some preserves and done some canning. That's thanks mostly to Anna. I got a lot of the empty jars from her. I've also got lots of meat in the freezer. I even have some set aside for Wolfie and the Stooges. They're getting big but they're still playful pups. They come around every so often. Mostly when I've been hunting as they know they can get free food.

I've been alternating, hunting, fishing, and foraging. I've been doing them on the odd days and wood chopping on the even. I've got a pretty good pile of firewood stacked up inside the cave and a small pile stacked up on my deck. When I haven't been doing that I've been making furniture. Mostly on rainy days, which seem to be happening more and more often. I've managed to build a small table and chair, a wardrobe, a pantry, and a seat for the cave's toilet.

In addition to furniture I've also got some doors installed. They're not exactly level but they work. That's the main thing. I've also built a cover for my deck. That was pretty hard since the wood had to be round at the top but thanks to power tools I got it done.