For the first time since I can remember, I just came home to an empty home. With the loss of our cat, Frankie, last week and the dogs at the spa for the day, I have the place to myself…temporarily. Soon, my wife will be home for the day following her meetings and I will have to share. I was joking with an old friend last night who is allergic to cats that he was now free to visit us again. About 18 years ago, he spent a miserable  night at our house in anticipation of a flight out of Indianapolis. Dickel drinking was not the cause of his red eyes! (See Post #260). I think we had three cats at that time, and I don’t believe he’s ever been back after that bout of itchiness!

It’s been odd the last few mornings not to have to clean out the litter box or wake-to the nagging “NOWS” of hunger. (See Post #1035). Plus, the only “red-eyes” I’ve ever experienced have been overnight flights. In fact, I’m on one later this week to New York City. While we were in Austin, I had trouble with cedar allergies, but beyond that I’ve had little trouble with the associated sneezing and itching. My wife has constant issues with perfumes and related products that give her uncontrollable sniffles. I’m admittedly not as sympathetic as I should be when she struggles with an open faucet of snot. I sometimes think that she is allergic to me or at least my lack of empathy!

“Red eyes” are too often associated with getting high. I was once taught to keep the Visine handy – “it takes the red out.” This was because I wore contacts for many years and so my eyes were often irritated, perhaps mistaken for the effects of smoking pot. Now that it’s legal, I no longer smoke it. Excessive sniffling can also be associated with cocaine use. Say no to snot! The fact of the matter is that “Red Eyes” could all come down to cat allergies. Frankie’s Sinatra-like blue eyes were frequently red in photographs, revealing the allergic demon within her. Have no fear my friends, Frankie is sadly no longer near.