On this weekend post, a little of life lately… My cat Marlo and also my son’s college graduation !
A lot has happened since last week, and so my plans for graduation outfit ideas, and also a few other things just didn’t get done and I hope to have them for you next weekend.
Marlo
This week has been tough. We said goodbye to our beautiful Marlo kitty. We loved her nearly 19 years. She was my shadow and constant buddy and always sat next to my desk in my sunny office. When we adopted her she had stretched her paws and arms out of the cage to touch us, as if to say don’t leave without me.
Her foster mom said that she may not be as cuddly as the other kittens, but she will follow you and be at your side all the time, and that was the truth. She was my shadow and constant companion. Her favorite things were any sun ray, sitting in front of the fire, and sharing a turkey sandwich.
She was on many meds, and after a visit to the vet last week, she went rapidly downhill. I just had no idea how fast that would happen and I did not want her to suffer. She has been the best girl and deserved at least that from me, but still I feel so sad. The house is so much lonely without her little face around every corner. I know how lucky we were to have her for so long.
With all that happening I did not get to blogging.
Griffin’s college graduation!
Wednesday we were due to leave for Salt Lake City for our youngest son Griffin’s graduation from University of Utah. In a way, it was a good to be away from the house for a while and be busy with graduation festivities and focus on Grif..
Max’s sister Amara and her husband Brian drove all the way from Seattle to be there, and his grandma Marguerite came from Humboldt. We also had his older brother Jackson with us.
I still cannot believe Griffin is done! I am really happy for him as he graduated from high school in 2020 at the start of the pandemic, and had no graduation ceremony or prom. College was up in the air, as he could not visit any schools that spring due to Covid. He considered just staying home and doing community college. At the last minute he changed his mind and choose site unseen, University of Utah in Salt Lake City.
We knew little about the college, except that it had a great reputation, was easy to get to, (under 2 hour flight and 10 minute drive) and was a WUE School. That means if he came from a western state and kept a B average he could pay in-state Utah tuition, which was so great. Other friends had said good things about the school and the community and they were right. The school is 30 minutes to ski areas and right near hiking, which he loves. Griffin is a total outdoor guy and has done so much skiing, hiking, and camping since living there.
He started as an Environmental major, but then later changed to Civil and Environmental Engineering as that gave him a lot of options. Grif had never been a strong math or science student in high school, but ended up thriving and loving his major. He has been lucky to get an internship job and works 20 hours a week the past two years.
If anyone is interested in Utah, I would highly recommend it, as the school and the fun town is under the radar, but getting more popular. These kids that graduated high school in 2020 year- and even after, have had struggles, and some still are. It’s been a weird time to navigate school, but all these things make them more resilient in the end hopefully.
Next week I am going to share all about Salt Lake City and my pretty hotel I’ve been staying in, plus the cool things we did in our three days here for the graduation. If you haven’t been to SLC it’s a gorgeous spot with a thriving young cultural scene, great restaurants, parks and so much to do. I love all the charming neighborhoods and we’ve eaten some amazing meals.. I can’t wait to tell you more about it next weekend and also share the beauty!
My new travel page
I get a lot of requests for my UK travel itinerary, Hawaii rentals, and Carmel recommendations and what to pack, so to make it easier, I added a link to my travels on the top of the main page. It’s got all my UK trip posts, Hawaii’s Big Island, and Bora Bora, and more. Some of them are packing guides too. I will add more my other getaways as well.
Other Cool Stuff
Serena & Lily Sale- S& L is having it’s Spring Favorites sale with 20% off everything using code SALE. It ends on Tuesday, so if you have had your eye on anything for the house, this is the time to get it. I love so many cute picks they have here like these wall baskets (50% = extra 20%), Como scalloped lamp, and Beach Club pjs.. SO many pretty things. Towels are on this sale too!
Next week Emily Joubert is hosting two wonderful people Caitlin Flemming and her mom Julie Goebel this Thursday, May 9 at her Woodside store! They have written some of my favorite home books-the last being A Sense of Place, and will be signing books at the beautiful Woodside store.
On last week’s post, how to create an easy and luxe looking floral bouquet affordably, all about California Poppies and how to grow them, our new bluebird family in the yard, and some pretty things on my radar..
Next week I’ll be back with a regular full post.
Wishing you a good weekend!
Kim
Please stop by Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Congrats KIm!!! I know tho how you feel as we lost our sweet Dolly, cockapoo this May will be two years, so hard to believe and she was 17 years old and very sick with seizures at the end and i could not stand to see her in pain..the most painful and hard decision and I miss her dearly every day. She would move one of her beds so close to my desk when i worked to be close by always, I have her asked on a beautiful Vase my grandmother gave me and she is on our kitchen mantel…awe, I talk to her all the time….hang in there!!!!
Xxoxooxox
Julie
You’ve had both sides of the coin, heartache and joy. Sorry to read the loss of Marlo. Congratulations to Griffin on his graduation, wonderful achievement.
Thank you Rita so much… I know what a week.
Congratulations to Griffin on a job well done!
My heart hurts for you over the loss of your precious Mario. When our sweet shadows disappear they take a bit of us with them. I am still numb from the loss of my Rex, my photo bomber.
Mario enjoyed a wonderful and well-lived life with you and the family❣️🐾🐾
Rosemary, Thanks so much..
Aw very true. I do think she had a good life, I hope. You just never want to say goodbye..I am so sorry about your Rex too.
Kim so sorry about Marlo. Graduation time again. Congratulations on your son graduation. Such a special time. I’m off to Phoenix for my first grandson’s graduation from Arizona State. Looking forward to visiting the area, also. I’m sure it will be very warm. Can’t wait to read your latest travel recommendations. Regards
Thank you so much Sheila.
Hope you have fun in Arizona and congratulations to your grandson! It’s son special to have family there at those special milestones.
xo
Thank you for mentioning The San Francisco Designer Showcase and SF Fashion at the De Young. The gals and I just returned and we had a fabulous time. Also, my husband and were in Carmel last week and dined at IL Fornaio, good recommendation. Have you been to Tommy’s Wok in Carmel? The best wor wonton soup ever and great cashew chicken.
I feel your pain for Marlo.
I’m so glad you had a good time at the Designer Showcase and the De Young!
I am glad you like Il Foranaio too. It’s an original one and still so good. I have not been to Tommy’s Wok. I will have to check that out. It sounds delicious!
Thank you about Marlo.. xo
Congratulations on your son graduating, Kim. That is fantastic. I’m so sorry to hear about Marlo, but 19 years is a long life for a cat. We’ve had many cats, but the oldest only lived to 17. You did your best for her, and she knew it. It’s so hard losing a pet, though. It’s bringing tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
Lisa thanks so much about Griffin.
I know 19 years is a long time to have a cat. We were very lucky. How nice you had one of your cats until 17. It’s never easy is it, especially when we have had them so long.
Beautiful post. My puss Mickey lived to be 22. Years of comfort and joy. And a graduation, too! Thanks for the happiness.
Elle, how amazing your Mickey lived until 22. ( By the way, love the name..We had a cat named Mickey growing up!)
Thank you so much.
I loved the posts that featured Marlo, your oh so special buddy. She added a warmth to your lovely home decor. My favorites were the lazy pics of her by the fireplace and enjoying sun moments. Maybe be comforted when you consider those moments your Marlo era. When reading about the challenges of education experiences, it pulled at my heart. The graduation pictures were so special. What a lovely family, Kim. Thank you for sharing, we care.
Rosalie, Thank you. She was always such a good model!! Aw I know what will I do? I can’t even think of putting the fire on without her.
You are so sweet. Thank you so much. xo
Kim, I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful Marlo. As a cat lover, I know the joy they bring. I also know the tremendous heartbreak when a beloved kitty crosses the rainbow bridge. The first cat my husband and I had looked a lot like Marlo. Her name was Kimba and she, too, lived to almost 19 years of age. We then had Domino and India who left us at 16 and 12 years, respectively. We now have 7 year old, Heidi and Gisele. Warm hugs to you.
On a much happier note, congratulations to your son, Griffin, on his college graduation. I don’t have children, but can imagine how proud you and Max are of Griffin’s accomplishments.
I haven’t yet checked out your travel recs, but appreciate you taking the time to do that. I know i will find them helpful. I love London, Hawaii and Carmel!!
Best,
Cindy
Cindy, Oh wow I love the Kimba name- and she lived to 19! All your kitty names are so good. They bring so much to our lives right?
Thank you about Griffin and your message here. Means a lot. xo
I’m so very sorry about Marlo. She was a beautiful girl. Black cats are so regal, aren’t they?
Kim thank you! I know love black cats! They really are special.
Kim, I’m so sad about Marlo. It was a privilege to meet her after hearing about you talk about her loving for years. I think I have a cute little video of her on my phone. I’ll look for it. She was lucky to find you, and you her and what a wonderful, long life she had. Your house will feel a little empty without that precious girl louging around. It’s a good thing you got out of town. And for such a happy occasions. Well done, Griffin! He is class has been through a lot and to get through college in four years without skipping a beat is a pretty big accomplishment. I know he’ll continue to do great things in the world. And I’ll be looking of that SLC guide. Love your travel page … and will consult it frequently. S&L is having a sale?! I missed that so thanks for alerting me … never sleep on a good S&L sale. Hope you enjoy the rest of the weekend with your family and safe travels home. xo
Juliet, Thank you so much. I am sad to get back home. I know it’ll be lonely.
Thank you SO much about Griffin too. xo
Hi Kim,
So sorry to hear about Marlo. As a cat parent myself l know how hard it is when they pass we have lost many over the years and it is always very tough. My husband has buried past beloved pets in our garden, so we now think of them in their patch enjoying the sunshine and the bird song. Strangely it helps.
On the flip side how fantastic is Griffin!! Congratulations to him!! His degree sounds really exciting, bankable and very hard. Wow, that is terrific. And congrats to you and your family; l like to think getting a child through college and into adulthood is a real family achievement. Happy weekend:)
Francesca, Thank you about Marlo. I can understand having your cats in the garden. Lovely memories in a beautiful spot..It’s like where you think they would like to be, with the birds and sun rays…
Thank you about Griffin! I know one part to check off. Hopefully, his next chapters work out!
Hope you have a lovely week. xo
Kim, I am so very sorry for your loss. Our fur kids take up such a large place in our homes and hearts for such little things. Their unconditional love, company and companionship are invaluable. Our vet says the kindest thing you can ever do for your pet is let them go when it is time. IT is the hardest thing to do though. Cherish your memories my friend.
Congratulations to Griffin, so many exciting things of him in the future. And congratulations to you and Max! How wonderful to have Max’s sister, brother in law and mom come to celebrate with you!
Salt Lake City and Park City are some of my all time favorite places to visit. There are so many fabulous places to explore and I love the little beehive symbols everywhere. Looking forward to hearing about your favorite places.
Have a wonderful weekend and a safe trip home.
xo Elizabeth
Hi Kim — A week of highs and lows for you. My condolences on the loss of your sweet Marlo. It is always so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet. And congratulation on Griffin’s graduation! It sounds like it was a wonderful celebration! Have a great week!
Hi Kim, I’m at my daughter and SILs to break up the trip to SF to the Designer Showcase House today. I don’t have pets at this time of my life but they have 2 cats so they are my grand-cats and I will feel bad when they go. One is so smart he can open doors to the bedrooms and they’ve had to do things to outwit him. Thanks to you, I learned about this years showcase house (although I’ve gone in the past). We’ll stay the night in SF and do some fun things that my daughter has in her agenda. Congrats to your son for graduating in 4 years. That’s not very common at Cal Poly SLO.
Kim,
I’m sorry to hear about Marlo’s passing. She had a beautiful black coat, and I enjoyed seeing her in some of the photos you posted. Pets are a source of great joy and companionship. I hope your heart heals soon.
Congratulations to Griffin and to you and Max on raising two successful young men! Well done!
The photos of Marlo are precious. I loved your comments about her. I am very sorry. 😮💨
Aww, fellow cat/animal lover here. So so difficult but the sad price we must pay to have such beautiful creatures in our lives 💖 I’ve had a few cats live to 19-20 and it’s still not enough…my vet once told me that we wring every last bit of life out of our animals which makes us good pet parents. And when it’s time, to pass that love on to another generation of beautiful animals, in honor of those we’ve loved in the past. It can help with the healing…
Congratulations on your son’s graduation, quite an accomplishment for this generation of young people. As you say, resilience will be the benefit they’ve earned to help them in life…
Hello! We had kids later in life so ours were young during the pandemic which was challenging in a way, but have friends who had high school and college age kids during the pandemic. According to them it posed many challenges. I love the story of your son finding his way and hope so many others do too! Congratulations! I am very sorry about your cat. We have a 17 y.o. and we know we are on the home stretch. Hang in there.
So hard to lose a beloved companion cat. Marlo was a beauty! We miss them and remember the unconditional love and devotion that enriched our lives. Congratulations on your son’s graduation. I love a family that rocks their white sneakers!
Deanna, Thank you about Marlo. I think she was beautiful! She really was the best buddy these last few years..
Gosh I know .. guess we all got the white sneaker memo.. We did not coordinate! xo
It’s been a bittersweet week for you, losing Marlo then watching your son graduate a few days later which I’m sure was a welcome distraction from your sadness. Our son also graduated from the U but we lived in SLC during that time. It’s a great city and we still miss the physical beauty and outdoor lifestyle. I’ve been rereading your UK posts from last fall as we’re headed there at the end of the month, three weeks visiting family (my husband is from England) but also sightseeing and traveling as far north as Edinburgh and as far south as The Cotswolds. I’ve been stewing about what to pack for the last month already, wanting to pack light but needing to be prepared for every weather eventuality. Wish me luck!
Barb, the graduation was a nice distraction after everything.
How nice your son graduated from the U! The city is so charming to me. I love all the vibrant and cool neighborhoods and the amazing views and nature. Must have been fun living there!
What a fun time to go to the UK! I would love to go back to Edinburgh and Cotswolds in the summer. I think it’s so hard to to pack light and yet bring all you want right? You never know the weather. I guess you can shop. Have the best time!! x
Hi Kim,
What a joyful time to have many of the family members present for Griffin’s graduation. The University of Utah sounds so special. To have the mountains for hiking and skiing and being surrounded by such beauty was a huge bonus.
It sounds like Griffin is off to a good start. You must be so very happy for him and proud too.
Going through the pandemic was extremely taxing on everyone in school. Griffin especially missed out on meaningful and significant events
during that time. Many kids never fully recovered.
My thoughts continue to think of you with the passing of your beloved Marlo Kitty.
Warm hugs and love to you.
Katherine it was really special .. and thank you so much about Marlo.
Oh, Kim, my heart breaks to hear about sweet Marlo. I have loved seeing her peek in on some of your photos. It will take some time to grieve her and miss her companionship. Our pets are just lovable parts of our families, and it is so hard to have to say goodbye (even though we know that will happen). You were both blessed to have one another.
Congratulations on Griffin’s graduation! That’s such a happy accomplishment for him, and you and dad. It sounds like it was an excellent choice of school for him. ‘Covid kids’ have had challenges, for sure, but I agree that it will hopefully make them more resilient.
Your travel page sounds like fun and I’ll enjoy looking at it.
Please take care.
Janet
Janet thank you so much. I know she was such a good girl and my house model. Thank you about Griffin too!
Hi Kim,
Sorry very sorry to hear about Marlo, but 19 is a long time! It’s so hard to make that decision to part with our pets, it’s exactly 2 years ago today with had to go through that with our dog Jenni. She had a condition called degenerative myelopathy the last couple years which causes muscle deterioration and she lost a lot of weight, even though we were feeding her plenty. And she had constant UTI’s. I think she couldn’t fight them off anymore. She made it to almost 16 1/2. She originally was brought back as a puppy from the Persian Gulf by someone in the military and they had to find another home for her when she was 2 years old. I told myself that we gave her a great life and who knows what would have happened to her if she hadn’t been picked up off the street. We decided to wait until after the remodel to think about getting another dog. I really do miss having one although I must admit I don’t miss the responsibility! But the love and companionship make up for that.
Congratulations to Griffin! That’s pretty cool about the tuition, out of state is so expensive! You must be very proud.
I bought the Como lamp at Serena and Lily awhile back for our new kitchen. I had a $100 off coupon and when I saw the lamp I had to buy it! It’s just the right size for a corner and pairs so well with the rattan bar stools.
Have a great weekend. 😊
Linda
Gosh Linda I am so sorry to hear about your dog too. That’s wonderful you adopted a vets dog and what a good life she must have had with you. She lived a long time too. You just hate to see them suffer at the end after being such loving pals. Ugh it’s never easy is it?
Yes the tuition at Utah is a great bonus and it’s been a really good school. We feel lucky he found it. I bet that Como lamp is adorable in your kitchen! I love that size .
Hi Kim, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve lost your lovely Marlo – I’ve never had a live-in pet, but I have friends who have lost theirs and I know how sad they all were. Wow, 19 years – that’s amazing, she had such a good life. I hope you don’t feel too down once you get back home again.
Congratulations to Griffin! It sounds like he had the most wonderful time at university, and SLC sounds like an amazing place to spend those years. Will he be heading home again, or staying there for a bit? The world is definitely his oyster!
Thank you so much Patricia. I know I will try and remember being almost 19 was a good life. Griffin will stay there for a while as he has a job in Civil Engineering fortunately.He’s also studying for the civil engineering test. I hope he get back to California at some point!
Dear Kim, oh what an emotional week you’ve been through. I’m so sorry about Marlo, as I read your post on IG. These losses are so hard, I am glad you could get away and celebrate the joy of Grif’s graduation. Wow, it sounds like he made an excellent decision about his college and career choice. I’m sure that you and Max are proud parents! Looking forward to your next posting. Xo
Thanks so much Karen 🩷
I am so sorry to hear about Marlo. It’s amazing how attached we get to our fur babies but 19 is a terrific age and testament to your love and care of her. The story of how she put her paws and arms through the cage made me cry. She knew good people when she saw them and wanted to be with you. Love all the photos of Griffins graduation! You must be so proud of him and his achievements! xx
Thank you so much Lesley. You are so kind thank you. I know I like to think she picked us. Thank you about Griffin too.