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.
I have noticed your narrowed eyes glaring at me from the cat tree, the windowsill, the top of the refrigerator and the kitchen counters -(by the way, you’re not supposed to be there).
I’ve also noticed your refusal to come to me when I call, or to play with me since I left you and Sushi home on Easter Sunday. Then there’s also the tell-all revelations from “sleepy Sushi” that you didn’t think she would tell me when I got home.
Thanks for ratting on me, Mom- I think I’ll go visit my friends in the jungle….
“Tell- all revelations” from Sushi, huh?
But Twilight, my dear sweet girl- it was Easter Sunday! I didn’t abandon you and Sushi – (I came back home, right)? And the reason I smelled like Serafina and Abby is because I spent the day with the Critters and their parents and Serafina and Abby live there!
Hey Twilight- we’re cousins!
Yes Twilight- we’re not trying to steal your Mom- we love OUR MOM!
So, what will it take to make you feel better?? Another thousand belly rubs? Another boatload of treats, and more whipped cream? Or an open refrigerator?
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!
I knew there had to be a good reason for adopting humans!
Feb. 5-11 is “Pay Your Bills Week”
While I was ordering my treats a little while ago I discovered that today marks the start of something called “Pay your bills week”– I guess the whole reason they made this a National holiday is to make people remember to pay for everything. So how is this a holiday? “Pizza day” is a holiday! “Spoil your cat” is a holiday- I thought holidays were things people looked forward to?
This just makes me glad we adopted the Can Opener.
Sometimes it’s hard to get along with humans with their loud critters, their weird diets- (not a bug or mouse in the house), their strange habits of getting wet on purpose every day, their love affair with vacuum cleaners, and loud tvs and noisy cars- but the fact is, they pay our bills!
They buy our food and treats- (okay, so maybe sometimes they don’t know they are if they walk away from the computer, but still)…. they pay our rent, they pay our vet bills, and buy our toys- and on top of that they think we’re adorable.
So I guess they’re worth the headaches after all, because really, could you see me working? Neither can I!
Glad that’s settled- now, how about those treats, human?
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!
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.
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.
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
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! 😹😹
How to Train your Humans 