Category Archives: Morning Coffee with Sushi

Morning Coffee with Sushi

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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.

💚☕❤️

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Why cats don’t like dogs

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People ask my Can Opener why she doesn’t get a dog. I’m here to answer that question.

Some cats live with kids AND dogs. Crazy!

I’m surprised at how many cats have the misfortune of living not only with those tiny, loud creatures that turn a house upside down, but also with dogs. I agree with Twilight that there’s just something messed up about that. As she would say, what self-respecting cat would allow it?

Just in case you’re wondering why it’s such a big deal, let me first point out the obvious – we’re cats. We cats are calm, chill, (smart), love to sleep, and love to play. Dogs are loud, boistrous, noisy, and barky, and jumpy, and neurotic, and eat our food, and tear up our beds and toys, bark and wake us up, dump fleas on us, and steal all our attention from our Can Openers. What cat is going to be okay with that?

But in case that’s not enough to clear things up, let me express it another way.

They plot against us and spoil our hunting and fishing plans.
They eat money- which takes away from the cat food fund.
They pick on us until we get mad and let them have it, then they
whine and cry and get us in trouble.
They’re idiots. They should be hoping for cat food.
They make big messes and we get blamed for it.

Geez. I’m exhausted just thinking about it.

Morning Coffee with Sushi

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LET ME AT HIM, MOM!

WHAT IS HE DOING IN MY HOUSE?!

A couple of mornings ago, The Can Opener sat down in the living room rug to play with Twilight – (Twilight loves to hide under big pieces of paper and attack the toys the human teases her with)- and when she was done playing, she went outside while the Can Opener made a fresh cup of coffee, then sat down and put me on her lap to brush me.

It was heavenly. I was purring as she brushed me, talked to me and rubbed my ears – then I smelled something that alerted me (and the human) that something wasn’t right- we both looked up and there was THAT!

A strange cat had just cruised right in the backdoor and helped himself to Twilight’s paper roll and started making himself right at home!

Hey- word on the street is, You’ve got great cat food here. How about a sample? And thanks for the toys!

I think I scared Mom when I reacted to him, because I made my hot displeasure known- not only because an intruder had invaded my castle, but because on account of that THING, Mom picked me up and moved me off her lap to go deal with him! NOT FAIR.

He looked at me as if to say, “deal with it, sweetheart- I’m not going anywhere.”

Mom went to him to chase him out of the house, and noticed he didn’t have a collar on- and he came right to her immediately, plopped down at her feet and rolled over, wanting to be petted. She realized then, that this was clearly not a feral cat- they will always run away and definitely don’t want to be handled by a stranger.

He also is very healthy- but, she noticed a wound under his “armpit”- a small wound, but it was definitely open. As if someone (or something) had sliced him – (about a 1/2 inch long). He also was covered with burs (meaning he most likely had been hanging out on the bikepath / stream behind our house). He was starving – and it was really hot outside (100 degrees). He seemed relieved to find a cool spot and a dish of cool water.

She said she knows the neighbors and their pets around here – but he doesn’t belong to any of them – but a lot of people have moved out (or been evicted)- recently – and since he doesn’t behave like a feral cat, and is begging for love (as well as food) everytime he comes around, she says she thinks someone moved out and left him behind.

So being that she saw a wound on him and that he was covered with burs all over the place, she put a blanket in the carpet and got the kitty kit out, and decided to try and clean his wound and remove the burs and see if she could help him. Thanks a lot, Mom. Wait til I tell Twilight!

He actually seemed to welcome the attention-
Burrs removed, (with only growling, no resistance)- Neosporin applied, burshed, ears and eyes cleaned, and even allowed Advantage to be applied!
ShA

After all she did to take care of him she started looking to find an owner- no one seems to know anything about him. But he won’t stay away. When she put him outside after tending to his needs, he growled- and turned around before she could shut the door and came back in! He refuses to leave!

And (of course) the Critters (and everyone else) love him.

So the Can Opener is planning to take him to the vet as soon as she can to get him checked and see if he has a chip so If he’s lost, he can be returned to his owners. And if not, she wants to get him fixed – (but he doesn’t look broken to us). Our fear is that after all that, she may find out he’s not chipped and keep him! But, the Critters’ parents just may adopt him- because he’s “SOOOOOO CUTE AND LOVEABLE!- AND, He’s a Russian Blue!”

Oh yay.

Until then, it looks like we’re stuck with “Mr. Smokey!” *tail flap*

Morning Coffee with Sushi

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The Can Opener left me all alone to go to work. She’s going to hear about it when she gets home!

The Can Opener cut my grooming short

She said she had to go to work- I know she won’t be gone too long, but the problem is that she’s leaving at all! I don’t like it. She finally finished all her classes yesterday (which is why I couldn’t get her to type for me)- but today she still has too many distractions (like work, baking, important calls and appointments to make, and getting ready for the Critters to come tomorrow for the day). The usual unimportant stuff.

In other words, everything but poor, abandoned, adorable me. I’m going to pout now- but boy, is she going to get an earful when she gets home today! I’m going to realign her priorities whether she likes it or not!

Until then- I’ll be busy plotting….

Mornings with Sushi

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I’m still waiting for my coffee human. Why are you on your third cup without serving me?

It’s all about me, human. Move it.

And please quit telling me I need to lose weight. I know what the vet said- but look at me – I’m not even 20 pounds yet! You and I both know that I exercise regularly- It’s hard exercise walking from the bedroom to the kitchen every morning, and it’s even harder to jump up on the couch for my grooming. And anyway, I’m sure I lost almost a whole pound just trying to get away from you and your nail clippers!

Besides- Look how huge Twilight looks! I think you should put HER on a diet!
Nice try, Sushi- that’s not going to happen!
Fine. I’ll just take a nap. Wake me for lunch!

Morning Coffee with Sushi

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One of these days, human. One of these days!

That Lunatic Can Opener did it again-

I’m really getting tired of this- every time I so much as sneeze the Can Opener takes me to the vet. Just because I’m older. I protest, but she does it anyway. I’m not sick, but again the other day she took me in for a shot. She said I was “due for a distemper booster” – and in spite of all my objections, she whisked me away anyhow- and on top of that she had them trim my beloved claws!

I don’t know what a “distempter” booster is, but it must have worked- because it definitely boosted my TEMPER! And this morning I’m still sore from that shot and yet the Can Opener still insists on picking me up to groom me. I smacked her a zillion times with my tail this morning, but that didn’t stop her from grooming me anyway. And now I’m exhausted and need a nap.

Actually, I do feel better since she groomed me, but I’ll never let her know it!

Leave me alone Mom. Wake me up when you buy sardines.

Morning Coffee with Sushi

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Okay human, I can sit up by myself now. How about that coffee?

I don’t like Mondays. They make me get up.

I hate it when the Can Opener wakes me up on Mondays for no reason at all except that she thinks I’m cute. Of all the nerve! If it’s not that little Albino Flea swatting me on the head to make me play, it’s the Can Opener saying, “Come on, Sushi- It’s time to groom you!”

What the flea! I’m a CAT – I can groom myself- well, okay, except for my belly and my lower parts that I can’t really reach myself because I’m so beautifully upholstered… and that spot at the base of my tail that I can’t quite reach…but still. Those two are seriously disrupting my normal 18 hour a day sleep pattern. I’m going to disrupt something of theirs, too. Right after I get some coffee- extra cream, hold the coffee.

While I’m waiting for my coffee, I think I’d better read some comics so I can forget how irritated I am at those two lower life forms.

I feel better now. Unfortunately, it’s still Monday.

The Pets of War — The Chester Chronicles

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Soul Mates According to the National Institute of Health, various studies show that owning a pet, particularly a cat or dog, can have many benefits for people. They include; decreased stress, lower blood pressure, reducing loneliness, increasing feelings of social support and improving one’s mood. There are also other aspects that bond a person with […]

The Pets of War — The Chester Chronicles

Not my typical post- But I have to share!

Our Can Opener saw this post and started to cry. Being the sweet cat I am, I of course, had to investigate and find out what made her cry and then get up from the computer and start praying for a place called “Ukraine.”

It’s a downright disgrace what’s happening in Ukraine- and it’s happening to their animals too.
Please help them if you are able!

Please take a few minutes to read (and follow) The Chester Chronicles- and if you are a person who believes in prayer, please take a few minutes out of your busy day to pray for relief for the people (and children) and animals of Ukraine! Pray for healing of Ukraine and its people- and click the link below (or one of the links on Chester’s page) to help if you are able! So many people and pets (and wild animals) are suffering and need care.

Let them know they are not alone!

Humane Society International (animal rescue/ vet care / supplies/ food /shelter)

Care.org (emergency food aid- your gift tripled!)

Core (thermal blankets, hygiene kits, emergency cash assistance to help refugees resettle

Convoy of Hope (baby food, mattresses, shelter, generators, emergency lighting)

Thank you, Twilight & Sushi (and Can Opener)

Don’t give up on us!

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The Can Opener needs rest.

A CT scan yesterday revealed something new

The discovery on last Wednesday night was a huge blood clot. The Backup Can Opener was rushed to the hospital and the blood clot was taken care of in time. But many others were also found. They had to be taken care of too.

They discovered another problem besides the extra (old) clots. A hernia they didn’t know about. The clots had made him anemic because they weren’t allowing the blood to go where it needed to go. The other clots and hernia were putting pressure on the main artery in his stomach.

Then yesterday they did a CT scan. It revealed an even worse problem. It’s not looking good.

Waiting for biopsy results. Human needs me to love on her a lot. She’s bouncing back and forth to the hospital and is barely eating. And not getting much sleep. She hasn’t been able to finish the Christmas gifts she was making for the Critters- because she can’t concentrate. Please pray for our family because I’m a cat and that’s not my department. My department is cuddles and purrs.

She’s about to take off again. Don’t give up on us. We’ll be back.

Sushi (the Cuddle Queen) -and Twilight (The smartest one).

The Return of the Can Opener

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Oh my goodness! My cat slave is home where she belongs!

I missed you, human – now where’s my treats?

Did you realize that you were gone for 4 days and 3 nights? Didn’t your mom teach you how to tell time? What were you doing all that time? Wait- WHAT!!?? Watching WHAT cats?

Oh, Nevermind- Just pet me!

(But tomorrow, we need to have a talk)….You have a lot of explaining to do!

A NEW FURRY BED FOR ME?? Oh! it’s so soft and cozy!
Okay, maybe I’ll forgive you-just this once. Maybe.

I’ll think about it overnight and give you an answer after my morning coffee. Meanwhile, DON’T GO ANYWHERE.

(Sushi)

Twilight & Sushi