Just in case your Monday is a little rocky, here’s some cuteness to brighten your day!
Are you CAT-ified today?
The Can Opener has had a lot on her mind for the last year and a half. Sushi and I decided she needs more CAT-ification, so we’re tag-teaming her to get her mind off all the other stuff going on. I started by climbing up on my favorite box to swat at her when she walked by on her third trip to the bathroom putting away fresh towels from the dryer… while Sushi yelled at her for walking too close to her tail as she lounged in the carpet.
Watch out for that speed bump, Mom!
She started laughing at us and then thought about all of you and realized she’s missed a few days typing for us- (AGAIN). So after generously rewarding us with treats and tuna, she finally decided to do some typing for us. We’re going to take advantage of it before she can think of something else she needs to get done!
So we want to put some smiles on your faces today and remind you that if you’re feeling stressed, depressed and oppressed, it’s time to get OBSESSED (with cats)!
There’s all kinds of benefits to (thinking you) own cats…
We’re great therapists- and we don’t interrupt you when your bawling your eyes out-(but we may fall asleep).
We also help you with your grocery shopping, making sure you don’t buy spoiled produce or get charged too much per pound.
We support you when you fall off the diet wagon. As long as you share…We greet you when you come home from a long day at work- even if it is to remind you we’re hungry!
We help you stay alert when you’re working those long hours at home on your computer.We also help protect you from temporary insanity.
This is MINE. You can’t open this package, Mom. This box is my toy perch now.
I know it was sent to you- but it’s MINE now.
Yes, Mom. I know my big bag of food is inside- but I’m not hungry- and besides, I haven’t finished the first bag. So that means this is my new play perch, and you can’t open it. It’s just the right size for me to perch on so I can swipe at you when you walk by- and the best part is, Sushi can’t get up here!
Just buy me another bag because if you open my box It’ll fall when I try to jump up here. But hey- why don’t we play while you think about it?
By the way, Mom- don’t tell Sushi I said it, but you need to give her the eye treatment now….while I go hide!
And after that, maybe you can tell me why you left me and Sushi alone yesterday —ON EASTER— and came back smelling like Serafina and Abby??
This better be good….
Before you answer, just remember who I’m related to….
The Can Opener knows we don’t like change. I’ve been hitting the silvervine like crazy to cope!
Sushi and I are fighting back. With Claws.
A lot has been going on around here, and Mom’s schedule has changed again, so she has pretty much screwed up our whole routine. We don’t like it one little bit. So now for some updates…
A neighbor moved in two doors down with one of those big barky things- a big black barky dog who keeps running loose in our back yard- he keeps eating the food that the Can Opener puts out for my (still feral) Mom- even though she keeps watching for him so she can stop him from getting it. Sheba and I are trying to chase him away- because he’s not supposed to be loose in our neighborhood anyway- but the girl who owns him just lets him roam when the management around here goes home for the day.
Mom doesn’t like it at all, because when the Critters go outside, we never know if that dog will suddenly be set free to fly all over the yard while they’re playing- and he’s big enough to knock down either of the Critters if he was inclined to. Also the boyfriend of the girl also is cruising around in our backyard every evening trying to find the dog or chase him home. One day she opened the back door and the dog (wearing a leash) was standing there alone- just about to try to get in our back door.
Mom has also been busier with her Sister- who just got some bad news from her doctor- and the Critters are here more often as well because of their schedule changes- they’re both doing great- the not-so-tiny one is in gymnastics now and was just admitted to a class that is more advanced and prepares her for competition! They both are also doing great in school – and The Can Opener loves teaching them- but I don’t like that she chases me off their books and makes me let go of their pencils!
And now a word from my sponsor….(the Can Opener)
The Critters’ Dad has been unable to eat much for a couple of months and had to sleep sitting up- and after several visits to the Doctor and ER, finally someone actually made it a priority to do some tests and discovered that he has been suffering from an ulcer! We are all relieved that now he finally has an answer to what’s been causing him so much misery and I am so relieved that no cancer was found.
Nobody said ‘cancer’ – but after what we went through last year, It was constantly on our minds- (especially since symptoms and pain reminded us so much of what my husband was enduring for the last year and a half while the doctors kept passing him around like a tennis ball). When my husband finally had developed a blood clot in his leg and was rushed to the hospital- that is when finally (the doctors at the hospital), after hearing our story and how long he had been suffering, decided to find out for themselves what was wrong and finally we had the diagnosis – stage 4 cancer – (and an ulcer).
We are so grateful that he has an answer and can begin healing now and to know that no cancer was found! To those who have regularly followed this blog- I apologize for the long absence- thank you for stopping by and for your prayers for our family! Hopefully I can get a routine going again soon- you are all loved and appreciated!
So she started doing some research. She asked Mr.Google what is the most talkative cat- and my name was in the list. Along with these other breeds of cats:
Siamese are listed as the most talkative and that we talk all day! (I thought that was a good thing- because otherwise, this dim-witted Can Opener will never figure out what I’m asking for).
Sphynx These guys are vocal too, and have a raspy voice that insists on being heard- they sing and chirp too! Looks like this one met up with a vacuum cleaner in a dark alley.
Burmese These guys are talkative too, and also have a slight raspy voice, but they aren’t as loud as the rest of us. Apparently they’re very affectionate, too -(like me).
So, what does this have to do with me being on a ‘naughty list?’
Well, my breed (Siamese) was also mentioned in other lists of cat characteristics….(along with other cat breeds).
Besides being on the list for the most talkative, I was also mentioned on the list of friendliest cat breeds, the cats with themost personality, most intelligent cat breeds, the breed of cats that want the most attention, and the Naughtiest Cat breeds!!
I had no idea that trying to open the microwave was being “naughty-” The Can Opener does it all the time, and nobody complains about her!
I sure hope Santa hasn’t seen that list!
Well then, I guess I’ll just be adorable AND naughty!
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 4:13-18NLT
“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!
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.
The Can Opener has had her paws full – with helping her sister- and a bunch of other stuff. I decided enough is enough!
This lady needs some new brakes.
If you thought we all got abducted by aliens, we didn’t- and we’re not sitting someplace in the Bahamas sipping coconut water, either (yet). But we’re pretty sure that if that was an option for the Can Opener, she’d be on it like a flea on Sushi.
She’s been up at 4:30 most mornings serving us – (after Sushi takes a few bites off her nose)- and taking care of the Critters, plotting gifts for birthdays and Christmas -(no waiting til the last minute around here)- and of course, getting called in to work.
But for the last few days she’s been spending a lot of time looking after her sister who has had some trips to the ER – things seem to have settled down now, so the first thing I meowed to Mom this morning is to take time to relax and do something just because she wants to (like typing for me). For once, she actually listened! 😹
So, before something else happens to make her too busy again, I’ve noticed there’s a dark, handsome, male siamese who has been coming to see me every night! I think I like him! 😻
Last night I was sitting on the doorstep and noticed him lurking around in the neighbor’s garden drinking from her sprinkler…
This is like one of those puzzles where you have to find a hidden object...Can you find him?
I think I’m going to stay out tonight so I can follow him and find out where he lives!
I guess this is why I have to go to the vet today- I feel fine- and I told Mom so- but for some reason she is insisting I have to go. I’m eating as usual, I’m playing as usual, picking on Sushi (as usual)- and chasing away all the would – be Can Opener stealers that keep showing up around here.
I’ve protested – but she’s not having it. And Sushi seems to be gloating that I’m going now. I’ll deal with her later!
NOOOOOOOOOOO! I’M NOT LEAVING!
I don’t wanna come out!
Well,… I like the tech and the vet- so MAYBE…
Well I’m glad I went now- (but I’m not letting Mom know)- the tech and the vet were so sweet to me and they didn’t poke me with any needles- and even offered me treats!
Best part is they told Mom I’m a very fit, healthy (and beautiful) little girl- and that my teeth look great! So, aside from them clipping my claws and recommending the Can Opener get me microchipped -(since I love to go out)- it wasn’t so bad. And (unlike Sushi)- I still weigh the same I did last year- 9.7 lbs of cuteness!
I just may forgive Mom- especially since she surprised me with a new dangly toy! 😹💚
It’s a NEW BOX – just for me! (Sushi get your own)!
A Sunny day, a new box, and the Can Opener!
When I heard the knock at the door, I darted under the bed, because it was a hard, loud knock- but a few seconds later after the Can Opener answered the door, I smelled something delicious coming from that big box. It was more of my favorite food! But then, when the bag came out, there were big sheets of pawsome brown paper inside (I LOVE CRINKLY PAPER)- And before the Can Opener walked away with the food, I pounced into the box to try it out!
I claimed it immediately! Then I hinted at the Can Opener to put some more tissue paper in it and the next thing I knew, I was having the time of my life!
Sushi, however, isn’t impressed with the box- (she has her own favorite)- So I had fun circling under the flaps of the box and swiping at my favorite wand toy (with all the pretty bows that I just can’t seem to untie- yet) … Give me time, and I’ll untie every one of those pretty bows!
Sushi on the other hand, was just watching the show. And bathing. And bathing. And BATHING…
And barking at the Can Opener to come brush and cuddle her. Now I’m all played out. But I informed the human that the box STAYS.
It’s been a while since you’ve had some Twilight therapy-
What’s more therapeutic than cats?
There’s a reason we cats have taken over the internet (and the world)! We are adorable, cute, funny, full of purr-sonality, great for insomnia, great for stress relief, great exterminators (delicious!), and we not only can be trained, but we actually train our humans! Yep, that’s right.
But, did I also mention that we’re loving and sweet and cute?? Here’s adorable little me being cute…
Taking over the desk chair to force my Can Opener away from the computer (demanding playtime).
Wiped out after playing kitty golf with the Can Opener last night.
Here I am not only being cute but being sweet- grooming Sushi to console her after the Can Opener put medicine in her eyes. (Also helping her secretly plot revenge).
Oops- caught in the act! Hey, at least I didn’t pounce on her afterwards – (THIS time)! 😹
Okay, I guess Sushi is cute too- that is if you’re into crazy cats …
I think Sushi gets a little too excited about her grooming…Sometimes she gets a little- well, STRESSED.
Make the rain STOP!! There’s birds out there that need caught!
This rain really cramps my style!
It has been raining all. day. long! I tried to be a patient kitty, just watching the raindrops incessantly falling from my perch on top of the Can Opener’s desk- but after counting over 156,700,439 (and a half) raindrops, I finally gave up and decided to pick a “fight” with the Can Opener’s toes. Unfortunately, she never sits still long enough for that to be effective, so I have to look for another victim…. and here she is- all cozy on the couch, covered up with the Can Opener’s robe…
Thanks for my new robe, Human. You’re not allowed to use it anymore.
So, like any other cat in its right (bored) mind, I crept up to the couch, right up to the spot where Sushi’s tail was hanging (uncovered) over the edge of the couch, and gave her a quick, SWAT! (FOUR times in rapid succession).
Unfortunately, neither Sushi or the Can Opener had a sense of humor about it, and Sushi got mad and actually MOVED! Wow. Never thought I’d see that happen.
So finally, (probably just to save my life)- the Can Opener finally stopped messing around in the kitchen, got her 13th cup of coffee, and that dang phone of hers, and sat down and played with me in the rug.
It went something like this… (with Sushi glaring at me for daring to wake her up)….
After I went psycho for twenty minutes (Mom said I made Sheba look sweet and calm)- I was finally tired enough to eat a boatload of fancy feast and half a bag of treats. But again, the Human spoiled my day by saying “no- you don’t need that many treats.” I said I did. She said I didn’t.
I think we argued. She won, this time. But not for long…
How to Train your Humans 