Why does 4:30 am come so early? I’m going back to sleep!
Memes to kick-start your week!
It’s that time again- time to start another week! Did you know your mindset when you first wake up every morning -(not just on Mondays)- will determine the rest of your day?
There are two things the Can Opener starts her mornings with regardless of how she feels when she wakes up- the first is thanksgiving. She thanks The Lord every morning for a new day to know His goodness, love and grace-
She thanks Him for getting her safely through this last year- (with sanity intact)- she thanks Him for the fact that she was safe as she slept, for the ability to see clearly, to breathe without need of assistance- to take care of her own physical needs, and for all her mental and physical abilities that so many even younger than she have lost.
Then, she thinks Him for humor! For us kitty girls, because we give her lots of love and snuggles and make her laugh- and we keep her company.
The Lord showed her that no matter how she feels emotionally or physically when she wakes up in the morning, there is great power in giving thanks and choosing joy.
So this morning, we want to encourage you- no matter what may be going on in your life, to focus your thoughts on the good things in your life- to voice thanksgiving that you woke up today- and to expect that something GOOD will happen in your life.
Then- LAUGH. There is strength in joy. And here’s a few things to get you started in case you’re having a hard time today! Enjoy!
I think it’s time for some therapy around here. I’m bored out my mind.
Sushi’s losing it.
Not that she wasn’t already crazy- but now she’s crazier. She’s started doing things that don’t make any sense for a cat- like trying to help the Can Opener while she’s doing sewing projects (making cat toys) with the little Critters.
I kept telling her if she really wanted to help, she should turn around and attack Jazlyn’s foot. But she doesn’t have my acute sense of humor.
Sushi’s idea of helping was to lay on all the things they needed for the different cat toys the Can Opener was designing. And she started licking the sewing basket – weirdo.
This didn’t stop them from working on their project, but it did make it last 2 hours longer than they wanted. I guess even Sushi can get something right now and then!😹
In other news- my Mama (cat) brought her boyfriend over for dinner the other night. The problem is, he’s staying.
Meet “Owl.”
Now the Can Opener needs to buy stock in Purina to be able to keep us all fed. He likes our food – and the tuna, but if he touches my Redi Whip, I’ll smack him so hard even Google won’t be able to find him!
I don’t mind Mama having my Redi Whip- but I want to wait and see how he treats my Mama before he gets my favorite thing in the whole world. He’d better be good to her!
In other news, we’re sad to report that Smokey is no longer with us- he didn’t die or anything, but The Can Opener’s sister let him out the morning before Thanksgiving, and he never came back.
Some of the neighbors say they’ve seen him way down on the other end of the bike path behind our house (with his brand-new Seresto collar on that he’d just gotten). So apparently he’s fine- but found another place he likes better. We think Sheba chased him off- for good.
She comes in my house and tries to chase ME OFF!
UNTIL she sees this…
Sheba’s full time job
Maybe “helping” with sewing projects isn’t such a bad idea.
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! 😹😹
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.
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!
It isn’t my fault like Twilight says. (I heard that little brat)! I’ve been doing my part to make sure our Can Opener remembers to type for us. I mean, if planting myself on her lap within 60 seconds of her sitting down – (and informing her I’m not moving) – doesn’t tell her to sit down and blog, then I don’t know what does. I mean, what else does she have to do if she’s planted for a couple of hours while I get my beauty sleep?
But do you know what she says? “I can’t do that with you on my lap, Sushi- My computer’s on the desk!” EXCUSES!
I see no reason why she can’t hang the laptop from the ceiling or something (without it resting on my belly while I’m asleep on her lap)- she’s always up for a challenge, but for some reason she insists on yanking me off her lap and plopping me on the couch like her bathrobe or something when we want her to type for us. I think she’s just being stubborn.
But, she has been working a lot lately – and her sister’s health problems keep coming back- (all the more reason to sit down and snuggle me when she gets home)- so maybe I’ll cut her a little slack- as long as I get my snuggle time.
Meanwhile, she has been taking time to play with me more often. I just wish she didn’t always schedule my playtime during my naps when I want to be sleeping!
Well, that was fun- now I’m ready for a nap. That stretching is hard work!
Mom- can you let that second cup of coffee wait? I just got all comfy and your knee makes a great pillow…
Just Thinking…
I’m sitting on my couch with the best cat in the world cuddled up warm and cozy with her head on my knee as I write this. And I can’t help but consider for a moment how life would be today if we had to stumble through every trial with no comfort or encouragement whatsoever.
With no friends, no warm hug when we’re feeling down, no smiles from passersby- no squirrels playing in the trees, or baby ducks in streams, no children playing outside- no one to care if we’re struggling, or in pain- or even dying. Life has always had it’s trials- but none more than the year 2020- 2022.
This year began for me with the loss of my husband of 40 years to a sudden stage 4 cancer diagnosis. I’m still struggling with the reality of it. A couple of nights ago I had a dream that I’m still trying to get out of my head- the first of it’s kind up until now.
In the dream, I was sitting on the carpet in the living room with two of our grand-daughters having a “tea party” with oreos, and goldfish crackers and playing a game. Then, my husband walked in the front door (looking normal and as he did before)- and looked down at me with his left hand on his right shoulder as if it was bothering him.
He said with a pleasant smile, “I know you’re busy, but…” And before he could finish the sentence, his face changed in front of me- to the way it looked seconds after he died. Ashen, with lifeless eyes. I remember the shock, and in the dream, I said- “but you’re dead!”
I woke up wondering why I had such a dream, and I still struggle to forget it.
As I remember this now, Sushi is snuggled sweetly next to me, purring and it’s so comforting. I’m thankful that I have her and Twilight to brighten my days, and the love of my family and friends. Thankful that I woke up this morning with my mental and physical abilities intact and that God has beautifully sustained me and provided for my needs. He has kept me from losing heart and falling into despair and lonlieness.
I’m aware that so many are also struggling with loss (still) or maybe will soon. And if not the loss of a loved one, or a beloved pet, just the constant anxiety of isolation, or fear for our future is more than most can bear.
I try when I post to make it lighthearted because our world is engulfed in sorrows and anger (insanity!) – and some are doing their best to pit us all against each other- and against our Savior. But I’m tired of ignoring the ‘elephant in the room.’
I have to let you all know -(whether you recieve it or not- which is of course, your choice)- that the same God and Savior who created our pets that bring us comfort, joy and laughter- and who sends rain on the just and the unjust, provides us sunshine every morning, and rest at night- is still alive and well and reaching out to all who are hurting, grieving, and afraid. He is not the one causing all this misery. He gave mankind authority over the world- and what we are seeing is not the work of God- but of evil people who think they are God.
Take heart people of God- Know that He holds you in His hand and no-one can snatch you out of His hand. Guard your hearts. Forgive those who hurt you so that You Heavenly Father can forgive you. If you feel like the hurt is so deep, you can’t forgive- ASK the Holy Spirit to empower you, and believe me, He will. He delights in those who love Him. And He will see you safely through. Hold fast your confession of faith. He is Faithful!
And to all who follow this blog- Thank you for not giving up in my absences. I love every one of you – believers, or not. And I pray for you all to prosper in the middle of it all. If you have a prayer request, Please let me know in the comment section.
This is just my way of guaranteeing I get the Can Opener’s immediate attention! 😹
She’s busy with the Critters today- those loud things that eat everything in sight and leave a trail …. and she loves every minute of it. But that means I don’t get the attention that the Queen of the house deserves. So I decided to amuse myself while she’s occupied with the loud things.
This is how I cheer myself up, when my crown gets brushed aside…
I would tell the Can Opener I want to hang out with her, but with my luck she’d do this!
At least this cat warned his human. No warning from me!
Our Can Opener does the same thing! Every. Flipping. Day! Outrageous!
I think I’ll pack my bags- as soon as I find one that fits….
It finally quit raining ash, and the smoke cleared up, so a couple of days ago the Can Opener finally let me go out again and lay in a sun puddle on the doorstep in the center of her flowers. It felt so good- my own purrsonal heating pad without that annoying cord.
But a few hours after my belly-obsessed Can Opener called me in, I started scratching and pulling at my belly, and she kept trying to get me to stop, but of course, I didn’t, because DUH! I’m a CAT. I do what I want.
She was busy (what else is new)- so it took her a while to actually sit down for a few minutes and look at my belly. When she saw I had pulled some fur out, she had a catniption fit and the next thing I knew, she reached inside the kitty kit -(her evil bag of tricks she keeps all my meds and brushes in)- and out came a bottle, and she picked me up and sprayed my belly 4 times with that vile thing!
Before the spray…..
Today! After 3 sprays twice a day since Saturday.
She had called the vet, who told her to put a cone on me- lucky for me she hasn’t been able to get one yet- but she’s still looking. Meanwhile, she’s been watching me like a paranoid hawk, and on the few occasions I’d start to pull at my fur again, she’d shake the treat bag- and my head (of course), immediately popped up and I forgot what I was doing!! 😹
You know, I hate to admit it, but now I don’t mind that spray- I just sit now and let her spray me. I’m not going to tell her, but it makes the irritation go away instantly!! Don’t tell her I said that, though- I kind of have a good thing going here… If I just pretend to start chewing at myself, out come the treats!! 😻
She’s been licking at her belly so much she has pulled off her some of her fur! The Can Opener called the vet, and they said for her to buy a cone to put on her! She has a vet appointment on the 26th – but she just had her checkup a month ago!
We both have a brand new Seresto collar, and there aren’t any fleas- we think maybe since she likes to lay outside on the porch in the evenings that maybe an ant or bee stung her or something- (it didn’t start until the day before yesterday when ash and smoke from the nearby wildfire finally cleared up and we got to go out again). And Mom’s been spraying this stuff on her (Vetericyn Plus Feline Wound and Skin Care (spray)- and already it’s looking better- and she’s pretty much stopped chewing at herself now.
But hey, Sushi- look on the bright side…. that cone could really come in handy at feeding time!!😹
See? You’ll be able to scoop more food faster!
Well, I see you licked off your sense of humor, too-
How to Train your Humans 