All posts by Twilight & Sushi

About Twilight & Sushi

Hi! I'm Twilight! Champion Mouser, purrsonal (human) trainer, hypnotist, and sleep therapist. My new sister, Sushi and I are always up to no good, but we have a lot of fun. Join us for all things cat! We will soon be starting lessons for you cats to teach you how to master the humans around you and have them wrapped around your little paws! Every now and then our Can Opener takes over our blog- but we stop her when we can!

She’s taking over again…

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Remember what your grief counselor told you, Mom.

Mom has some things to say-

Last Monday the internet went out (heavy rain & winds). Tuesday I was hit with the worst migraine I’ve ever had – (and I don’t get them often). It started with sudden visual disturbances while I was helping my sister with some things- and within an hour it felt like my head was in a nut cracker. This went on until Saturday night – accompanied by a stiff neck (which still hurts).

Saturday also marked one year since my husband passed, and when I woke up I was flooded with all the memories and feelings that accompanied the events.

Wednesday, Jan.18 (continued from previous writing)…

The kids had decided we’d all get together and call it “Dad plaid day” – we would all wear plaid shirts in his honor since he loved wearing them- and then spend the day together having fun and doing “dad” things, then go to his favorite restaurant before heading home to play games and do manicures with the little ones.

That part I was excited about- (although I’ve never had a plaid shirt in my entire life and would have to get one).

We also collectively decided that from this time forward, we would no longer remember and refer to January 14 as the day of his death, but as his “first birthday in Heaven.”

But when I woke up that morning I found myself sitting on the bed thinking how unreal it was that it had been a year- yet it still felt like it was only yesterday. As I opened the curtains and looked out the bedroom window, I remembered again the sight of the funeral directors taking him away for the last time and I felt the wave of sorrow hovering again. But immediately I began to feel something else that overshadowed it. A gentle, comforting nudge from the Lord reminding me of His Presence – and this scripture;

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NLT

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so that you will not grieve like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.

We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. For the Lord himself will come down from Heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words.“

With this I was asked to give my grief to him- and receive the joy of the Lord in its place- (Nehemiah 8:10). I realized then that I was going to be able to go forward that day and enjoy the day with my kids by leaving behind the shadows of death – and rejoicing that I am alive – and I am not alone- or abandoned!

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

I also am mindful that I am not the only one grieving a loss of a spouse- or child (God forbid), or other loved one. So many are in this place of sorrow as well- and for me a year has now passed – and yet the pain, sorrow, and effects of grief still try to hang on. For others it is more recent- but I’m sharing these things with you all to let you know that whatever it is you’re facing- there is someone who understands what you’re feeling -(even when you can’t express it)- and there is light to be found- even in this darkness. You are not alone.💚

Come unto Me, you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

– Matthew 11:28 –

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The Sushi Diet Chronicles

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Oops. She CAUGHT ME!

It started out good today- the Can Opener had a busy morning and after getting home from work, she fed me. Then she gave me love and saw that I knew she was about to get on the computer and I wanted to be on the desk on my fat pillow next to her, so she put me up there.

Then she went in the kitchen, washed her hands, and I climbed up on my pillow, got all comfy, and went right to sleep. A little bit later, I woke up to a heavenly aroma and saw the Can Opener walking back into the kitchen- and right in front of me was a delicious roast beef and ham sandwich she had made just for me!

So I did what any cat in her right mind would do- I dove into it! I certainly didn’t want her think I was ungrateful-

I was wondering though, why she would put that funny green stuff and that brown funny- smelling stuff she calls ‘mustard’ on my sandwich- but nobody’s perfect, right? I was just glad she didn’t put the red pepper on it (this time).

Then suddenly she comes back to her desk with a PICKLE in her hand- did she really expect I’d eat that thing?

Then all of a sudden she noticed how much I was enjoying her sandwich, and she said “Sushi! NO!!”

And all of a sudden she jerked up the sandwich and cleaned up the mustard and green stuff off her desk, and there went my great sandwich -(well, the ham and the other stuff anyway- I’d already eaten the roast beef) – except for 2 pieces that she pried out from under my paws and threw away! How rude can you get?

Now she’s going to be watching me like a paranoid hawk again because I’m
on a diet– But she gave it to me! And anyway, I’m not the only kitty that “steals” food!

These guys do it too!

And I thought she was just being super sweet today….HMPH! 😿

We’re telling!

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Hurry up and tell them Mom- people need to prepare! Then get OFF OUR COMPUTER SO WE CAN POST!

Some worsening (or) upcoming shortages

Some of you may already know of a lot of the current and upcoming food and goods shortages- but I ran across some videos yesterday quite by accident that goes into detail about what exactly is now in short supply, and what is very likely to become much less available over the next few months- the videos also explain the how and why.

Since I have a lot of neighbors who have quit watching the news, I felt like I needed to pass this along in case a lot of you may not be aware while you still have time to plan ahead and hopefully stock up on some of these items you may use on a regular basis.

Some of these things really surprised me- Tylenol, Amoxicillin, and Augmentin, Hershey’s chocolates, hamburger patties, potato chips, bread, cream cheese, butter, vegetable oil, flour, tomatoes- and much to my personal dismay- popcorn -(and other corn products)!

This is not all of the items- some I expected- like beef patties- but who would expect chicken wings, fish sticks and PICKLES! These videos explain the items that are currently in short supply, and other items that are likely to be even harder to find in the months ahead.

Please watch the videos to understand the how and whys. If anyone is interested, I will post more on this topic if I find out more information.

I recommend stocking up on Tylenol if you can- It is available now on Amazon- (I do not get paid for recommending this)- I’ve used this and it’s every bit as effective as the brand name.

Please share so your friends and family can prepare!
Glass jar and canning supplies shortage too?

I recommend stocking up on your pet’s food items and treats as well. Also bottled water- this is just as important as other items, and something a lot of people may not think about!

In the days ahead, be ready to help those you know who are in need whenever and wherever you are able. Remember you can make a huge difference in someone else’s life by showing a little kindness – which seems to also be in short supply lately.

Don’t be afraid- just do all you can now to prepare so you and your families, friends and pets will have what you need! ❤️

"Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
Philippians 2:4 NLT

Sushi’s Wednesday Whackies

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No, Mom- you can’t wash this rug. It’s my favorite napping spot. Get over it.

I need some laughs! This lady is Annoying!

The Can Opener is annoying the whiskers off me today. I was curled up all cozy on the nice furry rug and she decided to wash it and yanked it right out from under me!! HOW RUDE.

Then she proceeded to further annoy me (and scare the heck out of Twilight)- with that thing she calls Mr. Dyson – I wish I could chew the cord off that thing. I think it’s time for some nip and some laughs before I do something to get myself grounded from treats from now til eternity.

Chances are somebody might be annoying you too- or worse yet, making you sad. Kind of like when Mom spends $175.00 at the grocery store and the bags only have 12 items. No- that’s not sad- I think she calls that “depressed.”

So if you’re going to the grocery store today too, maybe you should join me in a few laughs and get your blood pressure to a good level first…Unless you’ll need it more when you get home!

Is anyone interested in some (video) links to let you know things that are reported to be in short supply soon so you can stock up now? If you are, tell me in the comment section, and I’ll post them!

And thank you for stopping by!

A not-so-tiny Critter now!

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Twilight and I are happy the littlest Critter is getting BIGGER!

The littlest Critter had a birthday yesterday!

The Can Opener has been flying all over the place since before Christmas preparing for birthdays, Christmas, New Year stuff, and the littlest Critter’s birthday. That’s why she kept saying, “I need a few more minutes sweetie” every time Twilight tried to play with her – (ALL DAY LONG EVERY DAY)- or I demand brushing. This is also why she hasn’t been posting for us, the lazy thing!We’re thinking of trading her in for a not-so-busy model. But where the heck can we find one these days?

I tell Twilight we should be grateful she always remembers to love on us and feed us, but Twilight’s miffed. She timed how long it took the human to get around to our snuggles this morning, and can you believe it took an entire two hours after she finally woke up? Disgraceful!

She fed us right away- but before she did anything else, she worked out, got dressed, did an online grocery order, called the vet for my pain medicine and flea treatment, and did laundry, and cleaned the whole kitchen. The whole time Twilight was giving her dirty looks from the living room and I was bored stiff. Actually, I’m always bored stiff. It’s a necessity for getting prepped for a long nap.

Okay, Sushi- get back to the Critter- she’s turning into a great cat slave!

Anyway- the tiny one turned 6 yesterday and now isn’t as scary to us as she used to be -(although she’s still just as loud)- now when she comes here, she pets us softly instead of scaring the whiskers off us- gives us our proper amount of adoration, and even looks for treats to give us! And she likes to get our wand toys out and play with us- (when she’s not tying knots in the dangly part).

Here she is in the new birthday dress the Can Opener bought for her- and playing at the park- and then at a different park (burning off the birthday cake)!

We want her to grow up- then we’ll have a new Can Opener to train! 😹😹

We’re Noticing a Pattern here…

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It happened again. And Twilight and I know why.

We’re grounding the Can Opener.

Twilight and I have finally put it together and now we know what makes the Can Opener leave us alone (suddenly) for the whole.flipping.day twice every year. And we are grounding the Can Opener.

They call it Thanksgiving and sometimes Christmas.

I think this time the excuse was “Christmas.” Twilight noticed that when the Critter’s parents’ car pops up (without the Critters)- it usually means the Can Opener is going to disappear for the day and we’re going to be stuck watching cat tv and that means I’m not going to have my warm snuggly lap or the Can Opener to feed me treats and cover me up with my blankie- and Twilight will be smashing into the tv all day trying to get mice from inside the screen until she’s dizzier and dumber than normal.

Of course, the Can Opener doesn’t ask our permission first- she just feeds us (our ‘last meal’) – then flies out the door and comes home forever later smelling like C.A.T.

NOT like me and Twilight!

Last night she got home really late- (we were almost starved to death by then- I could see the BOTTOM of my bowl)! She also came home loaded down with presents and food- but it was all the kind of stuff she says we can’t eat. Nice thing to do to two starving cats who are moments from starving to death, huh?

And this is is why….

Serafina…. the Critters’ heart stealer.
Abby- Serafina’s co-conspirator!

Our cheating human calls them her grand-kitties.

Wait- What did you say, my head still hurts from all that mouse hunting yesterday- what does she call them???

That’s right- she calls them her GRAND-KITTIES! HOW INSULTING! We’re way grander, aren’t we Twilight? Well, anyway, I am…. and here’s proof!

I looked in her phone when she fell asleep last night and saw THIS!
Serafina- (and the biggest Critter). Serafina was in full on STEAL HEARTS mode! Outrageous!
And these two were helping Serafina and Abby steal hearts! No wonder Mom got home so late!
The tiniest Critter made her stay for dinner (pasta she made with her Play Doh pasta maker).

No wonder Mom said we can’t eat what she brought home. She can’t either.

Okay, Sushi- give it a rest for now. I’m still recovering from all those head slams at the tv.

Merry Christmas!

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Twilight helping me wrap gifts

Update From the Can Opener

The last time I posted, I had hardly published what I had written when my sister called again, crying, and saying -“it’s happening again!” I dropped everything and went to her house immediately, and this time I knew it wasn’t going to just pass on its own.

I had been taking care of her when these things happened, but this time I could see how hard her heart was pounding from the front door. I pulled up the heart monitor on her Apple watch and knew we needed to call 9-1-1.

Within minutes this was confirmed as EMTs loaded her into the ambulance and whisked her off to the hospital. I plunged into action, to take care of the mess left behind in the house, and to take care of Sheba and Smokey until she got home from the hospital.

That didn’t happen until a week later, and things looked scary. The doctors had said she’d had a massive heart attack and had got there just in time.

It has always hurt me to see how painful and afraid she was, so I spent a lot of time praying for her healing and safe return. I’m so relieved that now, over a month later, she is doing better than she was before those sudden attacks started happening. It turns out those “attacks” weren’t from a pinched nerve, or stress and anxiety- they were mini heart attacks!

Because of being sent back and forth and languishing so long in the ER waiting for care the first two times she went, she had decided she wasn’t going to bother going to ER again. She was just going to ‘wait them out.’

Every time she’d had an attack, I’d known this was a possibility- but the doctors were saying otherwise, and she is not able to just sit in a chair in a waiting room for over 8 hours (to only end up going home in tears from pain with no diagnosis). Every time this happened I would ask the Lord to give me wisdom for each situation and to protect and preserve her until she got a correct diagnosis. I’m so thankful He did.

While she was in the hospital, I was looking after her house and taking care of Sheba and Smokey, and the realization hit me that this Christmas was going to be my first since my husband passed and that I could have very easily lost my sister and best friend if she had decided to ‘wait out’ this attack also.

With also watching my grand-daughters, helping them with school, and the usual responsibilities, my blog had to fall by the wayside because I simply felt too overwhelmed with everything else. There were times I sat down at the computer to begin a post, but my brain refused to co-operate. I simply couldn’t think of where to start- being so preoccupied with everything else that my mind just got stuck.

It took me weeks to realize when I finally went to the Lord and asked Him “What’s wrong with me!?” and He showed me, that I hadn’t been taking care of my own needs. Still grieving the sudden loss of my husband last January, it occurred to me that I had neglected calling my grief counselor, I hadn’t gone to church (because of the pain of the IT band issue)- I hadn’t been getting enough sleep, I hadn’t taken time for the things that I enjoy because I felt I couldn’t afford to take the time, and I had neglected my normal workouts for the same reason (which didn’t help my IT band issue).

Without realizing it I was experiencing a sort of “Brain fog” that happens sometimes in grief. I learned this by emailing my grief counselor who informed me of ways that grief changes your brain. Thank God these changes are reversible.

This Christmas and all the activities surrounding the festivities became a lot easier for me once I realized after praying what was happening to me.

I’ve learned to give the grief and the things it brings with it to the Lord and to take the time I need to heal. He tenderly and beautifully healed and protected my sister who is now doing better than ever before and is doing all she can to protect her health- He also beautifully and tenderly keeps and guides me and I’m grateful for all He’s done. Instead of focusing on who has been lost, This Christmas is about all that has been saved.

Merry Christmas Everyone! Twilight and Sushi will be back tomorrow!

The Cat Scoop

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So here’s the scoop on what’s been happening with us neighborhood cats lately…

We’ve been away for a while, so I’m here to give the latest cat update!

Our Can Opener has had a lot of bumps in the road lately that has slowed her down a bit when it comes to typing for us. For one, she has been trying to take time to prepare for upcoming birthdays (not to mention, Christmas). October would have been her hubby’s birthday- which he now is celebrating in heaven and not here on earth anymore. One of their daughters’ birthday was the week before, and knowing that he was not going to be here to celebrate with them had a way of putting a literal “shadow of death” over the festivities.

She was excited about their daughters’ birthday- but knowing she would be alone the following week on his birthday made things difficult. But as it turned out, the Critters’ parents knew that day was going to be hard for her and they had some surprise plans up their sleeve for her! So it turned out to be a day full of love, fun, and games and just being thankful that he is no longer suffering, and that helped a lot.

We are finding that just because weeks and months pass, doesn’t somehow make the pain of loss disappear. It has a way of sneaking up on a person when they least expect it.

But back to us cats- Smokey now owns the Can Opener’s sister, and has wasted no time in informing Sheba that she has been dethroned. You could say they had an election of their own, and there’s a new boss in town. Sheba is protesting LOUDLY.

In fact, she gets so mad at him getting snuggles from her human, that she storms out of their house, and comes into ours, just to protest! She walks up to our human, rubs against her leg, and then when our Mom bends down to pet her, she hisses and scratches her ankle just to make her pay! She knows it’s because of our human, that her Mom has adopted Smokey!

King of the house
Sheba pouting at our house.

Of course, our human spoils Sheba when she comes in, because she understands that Sheba is jealous and upset- but that still doesn’t stop Sheba from taking a swipe at her ankles and hissing at her!

Meanwhile, Twilight stays at a distance but when I see Sheba hiss at the Can Opener, I growl at her and she turns and runs outside!

What the heck just happened?

An Important Message

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The Can Opener is going to let me post today! But first- this message- (she says its important)!

A Message from Prophet Dutch Sheets:

VOTE TODAY!

Regardless of where you live- make sure you vote! Pray for your country- pray for those who love freedom, justice and righteousness. Stand up for your freedoms! Remember those who have laid down their lives for the freedoms you have enjoyed- don’t sit silently by and let it be for nothing while our freedoms are stripped away.