[Papi]

My friends sadly the Patticake train ends here, I have enjoyed the journey with each and everyone of you, thank you for chugging along with me.
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To travel on, remember it's approximately 8:30 pm. and I am returning now to New Jersey only 102 miles from Elaine's, Patticake Station, nothing in comparison to the miles Lori had under her belt, nor could I have done, a few minutes after leaving I pulled over to take Patticake out of the carrier, see how she would react, I put her in my lap, and much to my surprise, she didn't fuss and remained there for almost half the way, for what ever reason, she kept trying to get in back, she now became a safety issue, so put her back in carrier till I arrived home, the trip back wasn't very good at all, for one it was now dark, and had hoped I could have left the Patticake Station early enough to avoid driving in the dark,as Papi is numerically up there years, though no disappointment leaving later than expected, it was more time with the friends, in any event it wasn't a good move, when I got on Rt. 78 in Pensylvania, I entered it much sooner than I had coming, instantly there's a sign construction next 3 miles, mind you 78 is 3 lanes, well it's one lane now, that's all right in itself but this one lane is enclosed with high concrete very narrow wall's, just enough room for a tractor trailer to pass through, there could have been no more than a foot of play on either side, it wouldn't have seemed so narrow if it was light out as, thankfully I had just got my new prescription glasses the week befor, if I hadn't, I don't believe it would have been happy motoring for Papi, Ok, I thought it's only for 3 miles, I'll manage, true enough after 3 miles it opened up to 3 lanes, ole Papi as the trucker's say, put the pedal to the metal, hey Papi was cruising along now, uh oh what's this, after about 10 miles lo and behold another construction sign, one lane for next 2 miles, my friend's without exaggeration this was my dilemma until I was close to the Jersey part of 78, it would open to 3, down to 1 lane construction on and off the whole distance practically, it was and becoming a little more dangerous, stressful for Papi, my eyes began playing tricks on me, thinking at times I was going to swerve into the wall, I did nervously slightly over react with the steering wheel a few times, thought for sure I was going hit the wall, and all the time I'm thinking if I'm going to get my Patticake home safely, thankfully when I hit the Jersey side of Rt. 78 it was smooth and safe driving till I reached home which was some where in the area of 10:45pm or maybe 11:15pm not sure, though the trip obviously took me much longer than it should have, now the moment arrived, how was Patticake going to react, well for one she was very skiddish, resistant, didn't want to leave carrier, after some coaxing, some patience I finally got her, she was a bundle of nerves as we climbed the 2 flights of stairs to my apartment, I was feeling so terrible for her, I opened my door and when we went in, I gently set her down on my couch, took my eyes off her for a brief moment, I noticed she is beginning to widdle, I took hold of her, put her on a wee wee pad, she was so upset she just ran about aimlessly, I tried to get her to come to me but she would run and attempt to hide, I put out her water and food thinking she might go for that, be more at ease, no that didn't work either so I let her be, and decided to clean the couch where she had widdled, as I'm doing so I happen to notice a dark object in corner of couch, wasn't sure what it was but upon a closer investigation there wasn't any doubt it was poop which she must have done befor she widdled, yes indeed Patticake's first act of love was a christening of my couch, ok her couch, it was quite late now, I was exhausted, after showering I decided i would take Patticake to bed with me, seee how this would turn out, for one I thought for sure she would be crying all night or perhaps leave another gift or widdle in my bed, I put her up against my chest, and couldn't believe she didn't fuss, well my friends was I so surprised she neither cried or had any mishaps, in the morning she was still by my chest, I was just amazed after the way she acted her first night home, the first morning was even more surprising, she came to me, for whatever strange reason her fears were gone, we have been attached since, it appears we were meant to be, the Papi/Patticake saga begins.

May I sincerely thank you for the unbeliveable and amazing gift you lovingly gave to Papi by bringing me togeather with Patticake, a match made with the approval of Kassie Kisses, Patticake and I are perfect togeather, I love this precious little furball so much, I'll be forever grateful to all of you my friends, and if I may, a special thank you to Patti, Corinne, Connie, Lori, Bre for making all this possible, Elaine and Butch for hosting the Patticake Train, I'll be forever grateful, and appreciative for the love and kindness you dear friends have shown me, true I've voiced these words befor but will it ever be enough, I don't believe so.

Gratefully a humble Papi