It's all about the cats!

Back to work, and pinata head!

2012-02-14T08:23:00.000-06:00

I'm dragging today, but am back at work. Early this morning, Jim and I released Bella back outside. I'd given her some food last night, which she ate. I had planned to take a video, but the skies were dark and cloudy. She stayed in the carrier about 20 seconds after I'd opened the door, then took off. I hope she does well out there.

In other news, I recently made two pinatas for my niece and nephew. Tucker decided that the flour and water paste was good to eat, and he'd lick the wet pinata! He got a blob on the top of his head, and it stayed there for more than a day. He had pinata head!

Please meet Bella

2012-02-13T15:38:00.000-06:00

This little girl's name came to me as I was driving her home from the shelter (and no, I'm not a Twilight fan). Bella means "beautiful and diminutive," which she is both. She is resting inside our largest carrier on our enclosed porch. I gave her a bit of food and will keep her overnight, then release her in the morning. I got a few photos:

It's a girl!

2012-02-13T13:31:00.003-06:00

The animal shelter called a little while ago--the cat I brought in had no microchip and did not match any reports of missing pets. (Plus, it was obvious to me that she wasn't used to humans.) They spayed her and said she's recovering well. I'll pick her up later this afternoon.

Now I have to wonder if this girl has been the one who's been coming to feed instead of Graystripe. The paw prints I'd seen were small, and she's a small cat.

I feel good knowing that this girl won't have to have kittens constantly. Now I need to name her--anyone have a suggestion?

Good news, bad news

2012-02-13T05:14:00.002-06:00

Good news: I caught a cat sometime during the night! Bad news: It's not Graystripe. She/he went into the trap sometime after 11 p.m., after we stopped checking for the evening. She/he is a small brown tabby with white feet, very small, and very upset. I'm going to bring this one into the shelter to be scanned for a microchip and checked. She/he has no collar and it's not a good sign if she/he is out wandering that late at night. I'll keep you posted.

I've also caught the head cold that nearly everyone in my office has (it's just after 5 a.m. here and I can't sleep). I'm going to stay home from work but drive to the shelter to bring in this cat.

Friday flashback and more updates

2012-02-10T08:27:00.000-06:00

Today's Friday flashback is from December 2006. I had forgotten Jim had taken these photos of Tucker. It was the Christmas he'd had pancreatitis. He was a very sick boy that month and spent weeks in the animal hospital. I will never forget that time, but I'm so thankful he pulled through.

In other news, my father-in-law is finally home from the hospital, after staying there 12 days. Sadly, they couldn't give a diagnosis, so they left there with few answers. My mom is slowly healing. Her wound is healing "ok," according to her surgeon.

Lastly, I'm going to borrow a live trap tonight from the local animal shelter and try to trap Graystripe for spaying/neutering next week (I still don't know his sex). They have an outdoor feral program and he will be altered, given a rabies shot, and have his one ear clipped (as a sign that he's been altered). I know some of you have done this before, but this is my first time, so I'd appreciate some purrs. Graystripe is an elusive cat, who won't be happy to be trapped, but it's for his/her own good, so it needs to be done, especially before the spring kitten season.

Can I get a little closer?

2012-02-09T08:29:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, Benny wants to cuddle in close. And he wants you to pay attention to him!

You can't ignore me!

(Who would want to?)

Sleeping by Dad's feet, continued

2012-02-08T08:05:00.001-06:00

A gift from our friend Amy

2012-02-07T08:34:00.000-06:00

An unexpected package arrived from our friend Amy yesterday. Benny was so thrilled to rub on the box that I could hardly get a photo that wasn't blurry.

I opened it, and found several goodies, both people and cat type, inside.

I set everything on the floor, so I could take some photos, and Tucker came up. He was curious about the fuzzy catnip yarn balls that were inside.

I started videotaping him, and he went nuts over those toys. It made me very happy, and I immediately called Amy to tell her what was happening.

The cats and I say thank you. I look forward to enjoying the Dove cocoa mix and bubble bath soon.

Sleeping by Dad's feet

2012-02-06T08:40:00.004-06:00

Tucker was so cute, sleeping away by Jim's feet. I have more photos of this that I'll share tomorrow.

It's a toy AND a treat

2012-02-03T08:34:00.001-06:00

Sadie has long loved green olives. I was making a salad the other day, and the minute I took out the jar of olives, she came running. After she's done playing with it, she eats it. Tucker could not resist what I was doing, and had to sneak into the video too.

Triple kitty pile up on the couch, Jim's edition

2012-02-02T08:09:00.002-06:00

You've already seen me with the three cats. Well, recently they piled up on Jim too.

One. . .

Two. . .

Three!

Excuse me . .

2012-02-01T08:38:00.000-06:00

If you're finished with that lap, I'd like a turn.

Updates: My mom's surgery went well and she's back home. She has a follow up appointment next week to check on things. I am driving there on Friday to clean/cook/help with whatever.

In other news, I'm sad to say that Jim's dad has been unwell lately. He's been in the hospital with a bowel obstruction, and now has developed pnuemonia (sp).

Lineup at the snow pants

2012-01-31T08:50:00.002-06:00

We've had several lineups at our house, at the office window, and at my lunch bag being examples. This was new--a line up at my snow pants.

What do we have here? These smell interesting.

Benny gets in a smell.

Tucker is king of the snow pants!

Raised donut recipe

2012-01-30T18:29:00.000-06:00

I never imagined anyone would actually be interested in the old recipe I photographed. . .so here is the donut recipe from my grandma's collection. She noted it was from Farm Journal magazine, and wrote "excellent."

Filled raised do-nuts

2 packages dry or 2 cakes fresh yeast
1/2 c. water
3/4 c. milk, scalded
3/4 c. shortening
1/3 c. sugar
1/4 t. salt
2 eggs
5 c. sifted flour (oddly enough, she had written salt, but that is obviously an error!)
24 cooked pruned, pitted

Soften yeast in warm water. Combine milk, sugar, shortening, and salt. Stir until dissolved. Cool to lukewarm, add yeast, eggs, and 1 c. flour, beating well. Add remaining flour. Deep fat fry.

The recipes are finally typed in

2012-01-30T08:27:00.000-06:00

About two months ago, I started typing in my grandma's old recipes. This weekend, I finally finished--7,600 words' worth of oldies but goodies, like this one for raised donuts.

I emailed a copy to my sisters and cousins (all the grandkids). I need to make a copy for Grandma too, as I'm sure she'll be curious about what I've done.

Now that you're done, can you please make these donuts? I'll help by taste testing.

A package, and some updates

2012-01-26T17:21:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the late post today. I've been feeling unwell since Tuesday, and stayed home from work today. Tucker (as always) and Sadie slept close by as I rested.

Mom update: She saw the surgeon today and will have surgery #3 on the 31st. I had initially planned to visit this weekend, but am not going. She doesn't need exposure to any more germs, and I'm not up to it anyway.

Tucker update: He is doing well overall. Soon, I will schedule his follow up x-rays for early March.

Our kind friend Roberta sent us a package that arrived today. She sent a cat stamp set (that we don't have, oh joy), some litter box bags (we can always use those), and an adorable cat embroidery piece.

She also makes us a mini calendar each year. I love receiving these and use them at work. This year's includes photos of three special kitties. Thank you, Roberta. We all appreciate it.

But, there's plenty of room in that bed!

2012-01-25T08:03:00.000-06:00

Sadie stretches out her paw while inside the cat bed. Unlike Tucker, who fills up the bed completely, Sadie has plenty of extra room. Did that stretch feel good, baby girl?

My computer buddy gets a new comfy spot

2012-01-24T07:57:00.000-06:00

Since Benny enjoys hanging out with me near the computer, I put a fleece cover on part of the desk. He loves it, especially when the sunbeams come in.

Monday, Monday

2012-01-23T08:11:00.000-06:00

Tucker was being adorable this weekend. We took this video of him rubbing on the kitchen chair.

Friday flashback: Sadie in Tucker's carrier

2012-01-20T07:54:00.000-06:00

I haven't done a FF in a while, so I hope you enjoy. This is a tiny Sadie, about 6 weeks old. She sneaked into Tucker's large carrier, which we leave out all the time, to take a nap.

A belated Christmas gift from Kata and family

2012-01-19T09:11:00.000-06:00

Some of you may remember our friend Kata and her family. They live in Hungary and we met through Facebook. We did a seed exchange this winter. I sent a variety of flower and vegetable seeds from my garden, and they sent me some back.

A few of the packages have "?" written on them, so they will be a surprise.

Kata made me a new drawing, with both our cats and her cats on it.

They generously included some gifts--earrings and this perpetual cat calendar. Both Benny and Sadie checked it out.

We thank them for their package and thoughtfulness!

Tucker in the Menards box

2012-01-18T08:09:00.000-06:00

I had a posted a little video of Sadie in the Menards box. Not to be outdone, Tucker was in the box too!

He just keeps on smiling

2012-01-17T08:08:00.001-06:00

Benny loooooves being pet while I'm on the computer.

I can do pretty much anything to him, and he still keeps on smiling.

Yep, he's still smiling. Our sweet boy.

A sweet moment with Tucker and Sadie

2012-01-16T09:46:00.000-06:00

I'm back from my weekend. Mom is in pretty bad shape, and her wound is much worse than I imagined. I spent the weekend running errands, doing chores, and helping mom to the bathroom and etc. It was exhausting but I'm glad I was there to help.

Here's a sweet (and rare) moment with Tucker and Sadie.

Lookit the great sleeping place I found

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000-06:00

Benny found a little nook on the bed. I almost didn't see him there!

My mom is coming home from the hospital today (but will need to return in two weeks for more surgery). I am driving there tomorrow, so I won't be updating the blog for a few days.

This sweater pleases me

2012-01-11T08:40:00.000-06:00

No news yet on my mom's surgery. However, we did learn last night that one of Jim's aunts died yesterday. Tucker is also not feeling well. He has a giant pustule on his chin (it's a severe form of kitty acne, like a giant sore. I've been to the vets and done research but can't find much information). I feel so bad about it; it must be quite painful and there's nothing I can do. He puked his breakfast this morning too. Purrs that he's feeling better soon. :-(

A couple of weeks ago, I made a bed from one of my sweaters and put it on the futon. Tucker was quite happy about that, and scrunched away.

Sadie and the Menards box

2012-01-10T08:58:00.000-06:00

Thank you all, again, for the continued support. I got emotional yesterday afternoon, thinking of everything. I usually lean on Tucker for kitty support and thinking of him as sick made me more sad. My mom is getting her second surgery tonight. I tried to call her this morning, but did not reach her.

Jim bought an after-Christmas Menards structure (Menards is a chain of hardware stores in our area, similar to Home Depot). The cats adored the box. Here's some Sadie and Benny fun in the box.

Don't put away the Christmas tree!

2012-01-09T08:49:00.000-06:00

Mom update: She had her surgery last night, but will need three more this week on her leg. She will most likely be in the hospital until Friday.

Tucker update: He is doing fine, taking his supplements and being his usual self.

We put away the tree this weekend, and Tucker did not want to get out of the tree storage bag.

The 8th of the month, sigh

2012-01-08T17:59:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone, I am beginning to wonder if I should start to dread the 8th of the month. Last month, I had the sad news of Tucker. Today, I learned my mom was hurt by her horse (I don't know what happened, but most likely she was riding). She was trampled and is in the hospital, awaiting surgery on her leg. She was also kicked in the head and has a broken nose, but thankfully she was wearing her helmet. I don't know if she has head trauma.

I am planning a trip to visit next week, after she is out of the hospital. If you are the praying type, we would sure appreciate some prayers and good thoughts. Both Tucker and Benny have been close by today; I think they sense my distress.

Adorable Tucker on the couch

2012-01-06T08:23:00.002-06:00

Some shots that Jim took of Tucker sleeping on the couch recently.

Something is off

2012-01-05T08:29:00.000-06:00

I have this sudden urge to. . .

Clean my tail!

There's plenty of room on this chair for two

2012-01-04T07:58:00.000-06:00

Benny squishes behind Jim on the computer chair.

I love how Benny's head peeks through Jim's arm here.

A giant bottle of fish oil

2012-01-03T08:52:00.001-06:00

Jim and I got a membership to Costco recently, and I've discovered they have great prices on supplements. This is a giant bottle of fish oil, 375 capsules, for around $15! Tucker was kind enough to serve as a size reference.

This bottle says fish oil. Where are the fish?

Christmas tree kitty

2012-01-02T12:11:00.000-06:00

Tucker has always like the Christmas tree, even when he was a kitten. It's so hard to photograph kitties under the Christmas tree because of the lighting, but I took a few of Tucker anyway. The last one is my favorite.

Benny and the Christmas cookie

2012-01-01T15:53:00.000-06:00

Benny has long had a (bad) habit of trying to grab food from your hand. He usually does it with Jim, but he recently tried it with me while I was eating a Christmas cut out cookie. I got a little video of it. I didn't realize he was purring so loudly at the time.

Oh, hello

2011-12-29T15:16:00.000-06:00

I didn't see you coming.I am guarding your fresh banana bread from introoders. So far, I've kept the loaves safe from two other kitties! Aren't I doing a great job?

We are enjoying our week off here. The cats have been spoiled and liking the availability of laps. Tucker is doing well. We think the two supplements we are giving him are making him feel better; he's been more energetic than usual.

My computer buddy

2011-12-28T17:13:00.001-06:00

Benny has become my computer lap buddy, sitting on my lap purring away.

A special package for Graystripe

2011-12-27T11:45:00.000-06:00

Our friends at Pip's mailed us a special package for Graystripe (the feral we feed)--warming discs for his shelter! I had no idea they were so nice. They are heated in the microwave and stay warm up to 12 hours. They are called Snugglesafe and have nice fleece covers that are removable for warming. I tested one on Tucker, and he gave it two paws up (especially when I put it under the Christmas tree skirt)!

Thanks so much, Pip!

Benny had to inspect the package.

Peace and holiday wishes to all

2011-12-22T07:54:00.001-06:00

We thank every one of you for your love and support. We're traveling for a few days this holiday and will be taking a break from blogging. Our friend Susan will watch our gang, as she has several times before, so they will be in good care.

Another cute Sadie's tail photo, and a request

2011-12-21T08:21:00.001-06:00

I could only get one photo before she moved.

Her tail was inbetween her front paws, its little orange tip sticking up.

On an unrelated note, we just read a post by our friends Bailey the Pug & 3 Kittens. (They recently rescued a stray mom cat and her babes.) They are having hard times and can't pay for their heat. It breaks my heart, especially this time of year. They have a Chipin fund set up, and we just gave a small donation toward their heat. If you can afford anything, I know they would appreciate it

A special Christmas card

2011-12-20T07:48:00.000-06:00

Our friend Roberta surprised us with a special Christmas card that I just have to share with you. It's especially touching given the recent news about Tucker.

I will treasure it always.

Triple kitty pile up on the couch!

2011-12-19T08:06:00.000-06:00

We had a rare event this weekend--all three cats sat on me! Fortunately, I had my camera nearby so Jim was able to sneak over and get a photo.

As for Tucker, he's doing just fine. Both of his supplements arrived on Saturday and I'm now giving those. He is getting spoiled every day and we are treasuring every moment with our special boy.

The saga of the stuck glitter ball

2011-12-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

What do we have here? One of Benny's stuck glitter balls!

Our person and the Magic Stick to the rescue!

The ball was retrieved and harmony was restored upon the land.

Sadie takes on a side job

2011-12-15T08:35:00.000-06:00

Recently, Sadie jumped on my lap. I was organizing coupons, and surprisingly, she let me use her back as a sorting area. She did an excellent job and I would hire her again.

Sadie meets an Angry Bird

2011-12-14T08:44:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all who had suggestions for Tucker's immune system support. I am waiting for the mushroom mixture to arrive, and I also started giving him fish oil. Thanks to Fuzzy Tales for the suggestion to email Cheryl at Cats of Wildcats Woods, and she confirmed that Tucker's diet (grain-free canned) was good and the mushrooms would be helpful.

Again, we truly appreciate all the support we're getting from the cat blogosphere. It means so much to know you care and know the pain and hurt too.

On to the fun stuff for the day--Sadie meets an Angry Birds plush!

An early Christmas present, and a question

2011-12-13T08:07:00.001-06:00

I gave Tucker one of his Christmas presents early, a Pawbreaker mouse. He really likes it!

I also have a question for those of you more experienced with feline cancer. Can anyone suggest holistic or herbal treatments to support Tucker's immune system? I was going to search the Only Natural Pet website, but am at a loss otherwise.
UPDATE: I've ordered a mushroom herbal blend, designed for immune support.

A cuddly Saturday night

2011-12-12T09:20:00.000-06:00

We stayed home on Saturday night and watched Christmas movies with the cats. The boys climbed up on me and cuddled. It's moments like this that I'll treasure always.

Tucker and the sock game

2011-12-11T09:58:00.001-06:00

I've been taking tons of photos and movies of Tucker, while he is still the way I want to remember him--a happy boy with a big personality. He has always loved laundry baskets, and when he was about six months old, I played with a sock in a basket. He loved it, and still loves that game.

Here he is playing the sock game in a more sedate way.

Here is a more active version.

Wonderful support

2011-12-09T17:01:00.000-06:00

I want to thank everyone who has left us a comment. It means so much to us. This news came out of the blue, and I (Rene) am not handling it well. I left work early because I was crying so much. Tucker was mine before Jim and I married, and he got me through a difficult divorce and many lonely nights. He is so devoted and always in the same room I am. I never imagined it would hurt this much.

Our friends at SASS made this wonderful graphic. Thank you so much. All of your support means the world to us.

Devastated

2011-12-08T18:59:00.000-06:00

I am very sad to write this. I took Tucker in for his annual checkup today and asked the vet to do a chest x-ray. I'd felt he'd had more than his usual number of "off" days and thought his asthma might have worsened.

The vet was shocked to show me two spots on his lungs, deep and inoperable, near his heart and spine. Her concern is that a cancer has migrated from another spot in the body, but she could not find from where.

She also could not give me an estimate of time. Her hope is that it's slow growing, but I'm not sure about that. We will enjoy each day we have with him until he's no longer comfortable. We may have a few months or a year, but each day will be precious.

My heart is broken.

I will be taking some days off from the blog to adjust to this news. I want to encourage all you pet owners to follow your gut when it comes to your pet. Jim had thought a chest x-ray was unnecessary, but "something" told me he needed it.

It's that time of year again

2011-12-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

This is quality control. I must inspect each Christmas decoration to make sure it's kitty worthy.

This pile of lights is ready to go.

Thanks, Benny. I appreciate your help.

Old recipes

2011-12-07T08:37:00.000-06:00

My grandma asked me to type in her old recipes to share with the grandchildren, so I'm compiling them into a future cookbook. It's been interesting reading them and deciphering the language.

Tucker wants to know if there are any recipes for kitties.

You might enjoy the chicken booyah, but the recipe makes enough for 35 people, so I won't be making it anytime soon.

Welcome Tiny!

2011-12-06T08:28:00.000-06:00

I have happy news. Our friend Roberta (who recently lost Romeow) has adopted another cat. His name is Tiny and she rescued him from her vet's office. He's about six months old and a bundle of energy.

Lookit that face, adorable!

Roberta says he's settling in nicely and sleeps on her tummy at night. Welcome, Tiny!

Tucker's adorable tail

2011-12-05T08:29:00.000-06:00

Tail cuteness is usually Sadie's thing, but recently Tucker showed me that he too could have a photo-worthy tail.

Operation Occupy Your Couch

2011-12-04T13:44:00.000-06:00

There's some fun going on at Pip's place. He is protesting until his people get him a new couch. We submitted a photo and it's up on their blog now (scroll down, there are a number of good submissions)!

Friday flashback: Benny-in-a-ball

2011-12-02T08:26:00.002-06:00

From December 2006. Benny balled up tight for a nap on a Christmas blanket.

He is, after all, the World's Most Adorable Napper!

Sadie and the mirror

2011-12-01T08:32:00.000-06:00

First, thank you to all who left comments about Graystripe's shelter.

I appreciate the advice, and will keep everyone updated.

Sadie was sitting near a mirror in the office and looked so photogenic in the sunbeam.

A shelter for Graystripe

2011-11-30T09:42:00.000-06:00

This past summer, I noticed a gray tabby lounging on our patio chair. Then a few days later, I saw him eating some stale bread I'd put under the bird feeder. It broke my heart to see this cat reduced to eating bread. . so I've been feeding him.

I named him Graystripe, after a cat in Erin Hunter's series of Warrior Cat books. I'm not sure of this cat's sex; he is so elusive and I've never gotten very close. I'd see him maybe once per week.

With winter on its way, I was concerned for his safety, so I bought a plastic storage organizer to make a shelter. I removed the shelf and tipped it on its side.

I used a brick to make an overhang, and put a blanket and food bowl inside. To my delight, he is using the shelter to access his food daily. It gets dark early here, so I don't see him much, as he comes at night. Tucker inspected the shelter before I took it outside.

I know several of you have trapped and spayed/neutered ferals, and I hope to eventually do this.

I'll just cuddle in . . right here

2011-11-29T08:22:00.002-06:00

Benny has taken to being my computer buddy, sitting on my lap and purring away. He tucked his head into my hand. I can't stand the cuteness; he looks like he's smiling.

Turkey is for kitties

2011-11-28T08:54:00.000-06:00

Tucker and Sadie here. Did you kitties get some turkey for Thanksgiving?

My person wouldn't let me have raw turkey. She said I had to wait until it was cooked.

We did get an extra treat--cooked turkey heart (see right of photo)! Yum!

Happy 90th birthday, Grandma!

2011-11-23T11:01:00.000-06:00

My maternal Grandma (and only living grandparent) turns 90 today! I visited her last weekend and brought her lunch (she lives in a nursing home). She told me she "didn't know how she got so old," which made me laugh.

We are blessed to celebrate another year with her. Happy birthday, Grandma.

Romeow is at the Bridge now

2011-11-22T08:34:00.000-06:00

We have sad news today. Our friend Romeow went to the Bridge yesterday. He was a beautiful young boy who battled cancer in his hip. His mom Roberta and their vet decided to end his suffering yesterday.

Rise up slowly, Angel. It's hard to let you go.

What is this Facebook thing you keep visiting?

2011-11-21T08:43:00.002-06:00

You seem to like this Facebook thing. But where are all the faces? I don't see them here. Nor do I see any books. Sometimes people are strange.

Friday flashback: Tucker tries to open a present

2011-11-18T08:11:00.001-06:00

Christmas is creeping closer, and Tucker wants to remind all you kitties to watch under that Christmas tree. There might be something for you, and you need to open it. Just make sure to do it when your person is NOT watching you.

Note: I hope this plays for you. YouTube seemed to be acting up this morning. :-/

This year's profit sharing costume

2011-11-17T09:52:00.000-06:00

If you've been reading this blog for a while, you might remember that my company does an annual profit sharing party. Each year, there is a theme and you can dress up. Last year, a co-worker and I won as Sonny and Cher. This year's theme is the Wild West, so I am wearing a leather skirt and wrap. (I'm on the committee this year, so I'm not really eligible to win our costume contest.)

Finally, a package for ME

2011-11-16T08:19:00.000-06:00

Our friend Roberta sent us kitties a package--some B.G. and Wellness canned food! All right, dig in everyone! You're all invited for dinner.

Just checking to make sure the box is empty.

Triple kitty figure!

2011-11-15T08:33:00.000-06:00

First, to answer Natalie's question, yes, Sadie is quite small compared to the boys. She weighs about 7 lb 10 oz. Tucker weighs 14 lb 10 oz., and Benny about 12 lb.

On to today's post. Jim loves Schleich brand figures. They are a German company and produce many plastic figures of animals, fantasy figures, and even Smurfs. We recently found this cute new triple kitty figure.

Rene's favorite part of the figure is the underside. The kitty is fully detailed under the rug, complete with painted eyes!

We bought ours (yes, we bought two, so we would each have one) at Target, but we've seen them at farm-supply and specialty toy stores. Amazon even sells some.

Chillaxin' on the bed

2011-11-14T08:58:00.000-06:00

Another rare triple kitty photo of the cats on the bed.

Good night all. We're all taking naps now.

How's about a little snack?

2011-11-11T08:58:00.000-06:00

I usually make up a couple of days' worth of food bowls ahead of time for the cats. One day, Jim opened the fridge and Benny went right in to help himself! He was so absorbed in the choices that I had time to grab my camera and shoot a few shots.

A kitty finger puppet made from paper

2011-11-10T08:55:00.001-06:00

Our friend Roberta saw Sadie with the puppet post, and sent us a handmade kitty finger puppet! It's made from paper.

Benny and Tucker admired it too.

Another sale on cat food

2011-11-09T10:03:00.002-06:00

Our person said there was another sale on cat food, and she bought four cases. I (Sadie) was checking them out. You can hardly see me because the food is stacked so high!

I'm comfy. How about you?

2011-11-08T07:53:00.002-06:00

Benny all cuddled in on the beloved red blanket.

You ate WHAT?! #14

2011-11-07T07:49:00.001-06:00

#14 is pumpkin seeds. I had roasted the seeds from our Halloween pumpkins. I'd snacked on a few, then went to the computer. I heard this crunching sound, and well, see for yourself.

Sadie sits on her tail (again!)

2011-11-04T08:04:00.000-05:00

A while ago, Sadie was sitting on her own tail. She did it again, this time while sitting on top of some water bottles. Sadie, you are just so cute and funny.

Computer assistant

2011-11-03T08:16:00.000-05:00

Benny wants to help Jim while he's on the computer.

We are happy to report that Benny's eye check up went well. Everything is stable and checked out fine. And, as usual, he was a great patient.

Time for a relaxing nap

2011-11-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

Ah, the sunbeams are out, and the cat bed is available. Think I'll take an afternoon nap.

The sunbeam coverage is very good today.

Now, if you'll just stop with the flashy box, I can snuggle in and get some sleep!

Before I doze off, my people are asking for purrs today. Benny has his regular six-month checkup at the eye specialist today. He seems fine to me, but our people worry about his eye health.

More fun carving pumpkins

2011-10-31T08:44:00.000-05:00

To answer Katnip Lounge's question, Tucker loves pumpkin guts. This year, he was quite insistent about eating any part of the pumpkin he could, and I had to have a garbage can nearby to stash the insides.

Getting ready to carve.

Tucker is in position, waiting for a snack.

What happened to the insides?

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-30T18:03:00.000-05:00

I always carve a cat-themed Halloween pumpkin. This year I chose the Cat-O-Lantern.

For fun, I also carved an Angry Birds pumpkin.

See what I carved last year.

A sideways faceplant, almost

2011-10-27T09:14:00.000-05:00

Tucker was getting in position to do a sideways faceplant into the side of the couch. . .

Hey, why must you photograph my every move?

Answer: because you guys are all SO CUTE and I can't help myself!

It's Benny's 11th gotcha day!

2011-10-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Eleven years ago, Jim adopted a tiny Benny from the local animal shelter. He's such a sweet boy--affectionate and always purring. Last night, as I threw a ball for him to chase, I was amazed as his energy level. We are thankful for our little boy.

Is the popcorn ready yet?

2011-10-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

I was making popcorn, and Sadie was asleep on the kitchen chair. She suddenly popped up and looked at me (you might remember that she loves popcorn). This photo makes me smile.

Your back is a nice pillow

2011-10-24T08:18:00.000-05:00

Tucker decided to tuck his head into Benny's back. Since Benny was closer to the beloved red blanket, he stayed.

Close up!

This year's Halloween flag

2011-10-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

Cat and Halloween just go together. I found a new Halloween flag to decorate with (see last year's flag, which will become our "Thanksgiving" flag instead.)

Tucker and Mr. Bones

2011-10-20T08:28:00.000-05:00

Some of you might remember we decorate big-time for Halloween here. We have a skeleton that we hang in our porch. Tucker was curious about this strange fellow.

(Ignore the bag of recycleables nearby. . .)

Bummer

2011-10-19T08:32:00.002-05:00

Snapfish is acting up this morning, so I can't upload the photos I'd planned on sharing. :-/ Instead, I'll share a recent cat Halloween card I made.

Sleeping with my dad

2011-10-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

I found Sadie sleeping next to Jim while he was sleeping. She was so adorable and looked so happy.

Do you take requests?

2011-10-17T08:32:00.000-05:00

Tucker surprised us by sitting next to Jim while he played guitar recently.

Do you know Stray Cat Strut? How about Alley Cat?

Friday flashback: Sadie in the backpack

2011-10-14T08:19:00.000-05:00

Did you know we have a YouTube channel? Visit us, and subscribe to be notified when we upload new videos.

My secret hiding spot

2011-10-13T08:13:00.000-05:00

The cats each get one dental chew daily. Sadie loves hers and will often run away and hide while eating it. The other day she went inside her cube and ate the treat!

Nom, nom, nom!

Can I have another one?

Nothing like a good roll in a sunbeam

2011-10-12T08:14:00.000-05:00

The bug gets a bigger home

2011-10-11T08:17:00.000-05:00

I recently found a bigger cage for our bug at a thrift store. Here's a size comparison of old cage versus new cage.

I replaced the mulch, gave her a fresh toilet paper roll, and added two sticks for climbing. She seemed happy for the extra space (well, as happy as a cockroach can be).

Our photogenic little girl

2011-10-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

Friday flashback: kitten Berries from 1989

2011-10-07T08:19:00.000-05:00

This is my childhood cat, Berries, when she was about five months old. I'd originally named her Jasper, but changed it to Berries. I painted the play box for her.

Benny gets his turn in the cat bed

2011-10-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

Fall has arrived, and warm cat beds are attracting the cats. Benny gets his turn in the softest bed. He almost looks like a loaf of bread.

I wish the days were warmer again

2011-10-05T08:48:00.000-05:00

I miss the open windows and warm sunshine on my furs.

And I like how it highlights my whiskers. My person says this week is warming up and she will open a window again for me. I'm going to hold her to that!

It's Tucker's 13th gotcha day!

2011-10-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

Thirteen years ago today, Tucker came into my life. Every day with him is a blessing. We love you, Tucker boy.

I must get this bug

2011-10-03T08:41:00.002-05:00

Sadie has an ongoing fascination with our cockroach. (Read about how we got this bug.)

I WILL get this bug yet. I just don't know how.

A better shot of the bug.

We've had this bug for 14 months now, and I have to say she's growing on me. She has a little personality, and will watch me as I wash dishes.

Friday flashback: Tucker from October 2009

2011-09-30T08:27:00.002-05:00

Halloween is just one month away, so I'm reposting Tucker in his handsome Halloween bandanna.

Sadie has "tuna can head"

2011-09-29T10:07:00.000-05:00

Sadie got into an empty tuna can, and for two days, the top of her head smelled like tuna. I told Jim she had "tuna can head." Here's what her fur looked like:

Sadie and the puppet

2011-09-28T08:20:00.001-05:00

Jim bought me this puppet a couple of years ago--it's three kittens in a basket (I love puppets).

Sadie was only mildly interested in it.

Why would you want these fake kittens when you have three REAL ones?