In about twelve hours it will be official: Hubby and I will be well on our way to becoming empty-nesters.

The Girl and Son #2 have been occupying the other two bedrooms since our move here in 2000. (Son #1 moved out for university and never looked back. He now returns for short visits.) They are both adults, well past the age that Hubby and I were when we married. A few months ago, the Girl rescued a mama cat and her four kittens who had given birth under our house. They’ve been living in her room ever since. So she’s been looking for a place that will allow her to keep not only her grumpy old lady cat but also as many of the kittens as possible. Unfortunately, in our area, rent is too high for her to afford by herself. So, she and her brother are pooling their resources. Historically, these two have been oil and water. But adulthood–and working opposite shifts–should minimize conflict. Her requirements, at least two bedrooms and two full baths, along with the generous pet policy, have put a lot of properties out of reach.

Well, she found a place. Two bedrooms, two full baths, and four-pet limit. It means she can take the grumpy cat and two of the kittens while her brother takes another. Mama cat will become part of our clowder and kitten #4 will stay here until the Girl can find a good home for him. (Difficult, because it’s kitten season here. I think she’s hoping we’ll take him on ourselves; we’ve had four cats before.) Unlike where their oldest brother lives, it’s not far away. Still in the county; maybe a 15 minute drive away, depending on traffic.

They sign the lease tomorrow morning. Son #2, who is on vacation, will immediately move in with the cats, sleeping on an air mattress and hopefully doing some cleaning, too. The Girl is going to DragonCon with Son #1 (who’ll spend the night tomorrow) on Wednesday, so she won’t be back until next Monday. The big furniture move will take place the following weekend.

And we will have two empty rooms.

For which I already have plans…. bwahahaha!