Post Christmas

I hope everyone and their fur people enjoyed their Christmas. 

Not much happened here, except the usual catly antics.

Which, even though they are just normal parts of living with cats,

never cease to be entertaining. Even when they are frustrating.

Lately Miss Sarah has laid claim to the chair in my room, the one

I often use to be on the laptop. She's so attached to it that if I'm in it and she wants to be,

she slips into it. That gray is me. You see she didn't let me sit in her way. In fact, as she slid
in behind me, I kept having to shift forward. I'm sitting on the very edge here.

I'm pretty sure she is wondering when I'm going to do the decent thing and just get up.

Speaking of laptops, sitting on mine is a popular pasttime,

especially with Princess Raji. She was doing catloaf when I got the camera but moved.

She is just the prettiest cat. She and Sarah enjoy chasing each other.

Finally, a cat is using Leia's bed ! I was very happy to see this.

Mattisse has been in it several times over the past week.

Speaking of, he's getting a tooth extracted next week if his health allows.

He's 18, so I hope he comes through this well. He has other health problems too.

Three Out of Four...

Tombo is on vacation, so there are currently four cats in the house.

Three drifted into my room, as they will.
I'm reading in bed, which has the electric blanket on. This drew Oliver.

Which means Miss Sarah can't get in that space. So she settled for the chest by the bed.

She wants it known this does NOT please her. 

Christmas Thanks

Christmas is almost upon us. Another year, hard to believe.

For me, this has been a rough year, too many changes.

 The first anniversary of my cats' passing is next month.

My first set of holidays without them. I haven't talked about this

because I didn't want to depress anyone else during this season.

They are in my thoughts every day, but I've learned to live with their absence from my daily life.

However, I have had one constant throughout this year, and that is my fellow cat bloggers.

I appreciate your company, your comments here, and your own posts that I follow.

Thank you for your company this past year. 

May you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

About that Face

I should have explained why I knew it was Ollie that attacked the innocent Christmas cookies.

He was born feral, and lived outside for the first 3-4 months of his life. My roommate was determined to get him inside for a safe life, and he accomplished that by luring him in with food.
He placed the meals further away from the back door each time, eventually getting the door shut before the orange boy could make it back out again, at last.

I'm told the aftermath wasn't pretty. He ran straight into the glass door at full speed;
then hid for days inside. Adjustment was difficult. He was absolutely terrified,
but it was the beginning of a life of safety and plenty.

However, Oliver didn't quite get that memo, and ever since (maybe three years now) has been highly food insecure. He has to be fed in a crate so everyone else can eat, or he will get their food too.
He's right there for every meal eaten by humans. Food left out will get assaulted, as you've seen.
He will lick pans and cups and cutlery. In fact, forks and spoons left in the
sink will get dragged out onto the floor for intense cleaning. 

I've stepped on quite a few forks in the mornings!

So yeah, it was totally him.

PS: though no one suffered any kind of chocolate poisoning, I was told that there were aftereffects. Let's just say that 1. the litterbox situation was NOT pleasant, and 

2. I'm very glad I wasn't the one to clean up after that.

Lies, All Lies

This face:

categorically denies commiting these crimes:

and

I, however, do not believe his protests.

While this is the ultimate fate of holiday cookies, it should not come at the fangs of felines.

(yes, that's chocolate but as far as I can see, the cats are ok).

Comforter: saved! Three nights of treatments with Nature's Miracle and one trip to the laundromat this morning to use the big washer resulted in a very clean comforter. It really was for the best, since it hadn't been washed in a long time anyway.

In other news...

I have to move by end of January. I just found out last night. I'm very sad that the fur people
and I will be parted, but they are moving to Wisconsin, and I'm not. 

I'd really like some time to just settle and recover from this past year. 

It's a Good Thing I Love Cats

Because Sarah just peed on my down comforter. 

Her back to me, full bladder release, while I was reading in bed. 

I almost didn't realize, but she was in THAT position, and I'm thinking... no... she can't be...

I'd say that's a major sign of feline disapproval.

I hope I can salvage my comforter. I can't afford to replace it, 

but I can't keep something that smells of cat. 

Tonight it's soaking in Nature's Miracle while my duvet cover is washing.

Now what would SHE meow about this?

She was deprived of chips, that I ate in my room, while she and Tombo were elsewhere.

I did not share, as I often do. And she was hungry, because her human hadn't come home yet.

I'm pretty sure she feels completely guilt-free, vindicated.

Happy Caturday

Just some random pictures of the fur people.

The window is always a popular attraction.

Sarah is warning off other kittehs from HER space.

Sometimes I think her personal space lines get bigger every day.

She is, however, besties with Tombo. 

Everyone enjoys open windows. Just can't beat fresh air.

This is actually Leia's blanket. I hesitated before putting it down but...

A Caturday Naming Party

I found this little guy today at a thrift store.
How cute is he, with his little suit and walking stick??

I was just thinking recently how I'd love to have a troll doll again,
I had a few when I was younger.

Now, normally I would not bring any troll, goblin or gnome figure in my house.
I'm very much on #teamfairy, and they don't get along well with others, but he's an exception!

He agreed to make an appearance with Oliver here.

After he got whapped, he decided once was enough.

(and yes, I did see it coming, because... cats.)

I need a name for him now. I'm open to suggestions, 

so please toss your choices out in the comment section.

Enjoy your pre-holiday weekend, guys!

A Warm Cat

So, my roommate prefers to keep the house chilly to save money. I do not prefer this. However....

Sarah slept on my bed the last two nights.

It's toasty warm with my electric blanket.

And she's smart.

Once she realized it was warm, it was an easy sell. Last night she got on the bed without coaxing. 

Also, it's free of other fur people. 

She has strong personal boundaries and prefers to not have other cats around. Tombo is acceptable, apparently, 

due to his canine origins. 

Happy Friday. Stay warm.

It's Friday, Y'all

We made it. All hail the great and glorious Finally Friday!'

I found this guy on the Publix Halloween clearance table last night.

Only one eye... I had to take him home. No one wanted him. He looked so lonely
just sitting there among the sad remnants of a holiday past.

This isn't new. When my grandmother died some years ago, I passed by a stuffie that had some damage. I can't remember what now; but I bought him because I knew no one else would. There should be a place in this world for those of us who aren't new and shiny and perfect.

Miss Raji loves her hiding places, more than any cat I've known.

She moved faster than my camera, but when I found her,
she was being a catloaf looking at me between my shirts.

She is also very attached to this warm blanket.

I put it out in the chair because it was getting cooler outside.

Tombo Has A Message

He wants our readers to know he is not jealous of the cats who visit my room too.

Not at all, not even the littlest bit. Just because he gets under my arm and leans against me when I was petting Sarah, means nothing at all.  Perish the thought.

Also, he likes the new bed I bought him.

I had to, I couldn't stand seeing this anymore.

** to be fair, Tombo is my constant companion when I'm there. Cats wander through periodically, but the dog stays with me. He's earned some right to feel like that's his special place. 

Serene Sunday

Ah, what a peaceful, serene start to the morning! My furry roommates gently 

making their presence known after I awoke from undisturbed - 

Ha. Nope, not how it was at all!!

1. Oliver hopping all over my room furniture trying to get my attention to wake me up to FEED HIM.

2. I get out of bed and see it's 7 am, so I try to get Tombo out the door for a walk. His human wasn't here last night so I know he has to go. Does he want to go outside? OF COURSE NOT! I practically drag him out the door, to the accompaniment of wailing cats also trying to crowd around the door while I attempt to get the dog out of it. Don't ask me why they crowd the front door when they are hungry, I have no idea.

3. Return to my room to see Miss Raji taking up residence on the chair, like the polite young lady she is. (not sarcasm.)

I get on my knees and we have a short conversation, during which she meeps and because my head is so close to hers, I realize she sounds congested. ::cue worry. for this cat that is not my cat::

4. Ready to leave for my own breakfast when Tombo decides he MUST go outside RIGHT NOW. I struggle to get the leash on the prancing pup while three cats wail like banshees because they have the hungrumblies, and are also crowding the front door. 

5. Sarah, the three legged cat, zooms out the front door! MOUSES! MOUSES ON STEROIDS! I drop the leash that is still attached to the dog that really wants to go out NOW, and rush outside. Thankfully she's just sitting on the porch so I'm able to scoop her up and bring her back in. 

6. Go to the bathroom to brush my teeth and realize Ollie is standing on his hind legs licking the sticky tape that keeps my Gazelle Glider parts together. AND it looks like he's chewed through part of it, and may have ingested some. I then have to remove the tape he can reach. 

Now ask me if I'd trade any of this for a sterile residence free of anything furry. 

The Meeper

I swear Raji looks like a tiny mountain lion with her markings. 

I've never once heard her meow but I have heard many, many meepings.

I've started calling her Meeper, and sometimes Meeperette. 

She doesn't seem to mind. Tonight we had a very sweet, extended discussion about life.

She plopped down and exposed her tummy; there were even air biscuits!

She prefers to be petted like this - head down, elevator butt.

I do not know why but if it makes her happy, then sure.

Oh, Tombo! My canine furiend, you are a ....lot... too big for this bed.

The first time I looked over at him and saw he was in the bed,

he had managed to tuck all four legs under him but looked like the ultimate muffin top.

It was made for a small dog. Even Toby could only fit half his body into it.

I put it out in the hopes of snagging a feline.

Happy Friday to all.

What Monday Looks Like....

The Window of a Princess

Being the food person for a week did a lot to help my relationship with Raji.
She now considers me a friend, though of course we are still working on trust.

This morning she came into my (her) room and discussed her special feelings for this place.
She meeped; I listened, with a few words here and there. It was decided that I would make some space in front of her cherished window for some sun time, though I did stipulate that she would only be allowed in while I was here. This did not entirely please Raji, but cleaning up marking spots is not much fun. In time I will try again to leave my door open, but for now...

I still have to refine the arrangement, but you see she is pleased with my initial offering.

Goodbye, Noel

https://15andmeowing.com/2019/09/rest-in-peace-sweet-girl/

Ellen had to help her beloved Noel go to the Bridge today. 

Please visit her if you can.

Pet Sitting

Can it be called pet sitting if I live here too?
My roommate is on a Bahamas cruise so I agreed to take care of the feline herd. Tomba is on his own two week vacation.

They are all quite different, though they all agree on being hungry. And it's a little complicated. Three different foods, different feeding places, Matisse gets meds.

Oliver eats in a large dog crate, otherwise the others would get no peace - or food. 

Little Raji is a meeper, not a meower. It's so cute to hear her! Being the food person for a week is helping our friendship tremendously, though she is still shy. 

However, some kitteh has marked the carpet doorway of my room twice. I strongly suspect Raji, protesting the loss of her room. 

There was also a lizard incident. Sarah knocked it off the glass door, Oliver got it, and when I found them again, seemed very confused when it wasn't moving anymore. Apparently playthings lose much value when they are no longer.... Interactive, shall we say.

Part B of the Sleeping Cats Rule

I'd really like to get comfortable in my room, and read in bed. And I would except...

I have to entertain my guest, Miss Sarah. 

My roommate has a guest of his own over, 

so she came in here where she feels safe.

So I'm just waiting. 

 Waiting.... Waiting... 

We Have a Sarah

Here she is, finally investigating the cat smells I brought with me. I have carefully cultivated a relationship, speaking softly when I see her but no grabby hands.

Tomba and Oliver also made an appearance. I suspect the football game get together in the living room drove them in here for some quiet. 

Furry folks always welcome.

May I Present...

My new roomies.

Matisse,18 years old and the leader of the pack. Very self assured and chill. 

Tomba, 14 year old corgi. Very handsome, and sociable. He's started hanging out with me. I enjoy his company. Very calm.

3 year old Oliver, born on this street. Today's escapade was dragging the plastic colander out of the sink and into the living room. Only an orange knows why.

Raji. Young ladycat. 

My room was hers until I moved in. 

She's been exploring the cat smells I brought with me.

Not pictured: Sarah. 

She's a three legged short haired tuxie not willing to be photographed yet. 

This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

** Thanks to my sister for sending this!

Some Good News!

On Friday, by the grace of God, I was offered a permanent position. I'll be working for a really big insurance company, data processing homeowner's insurance paperwork, and also as a back up receptionist. The salary is acceptable, and my medical, dental and other insurance is 100% paid.

I am so, so happy not to be a temp anymore. I was grateful for the work, but it's dead end until you get picked up permanently somewhere. No benefits. 

And... I found a room to rent. Next weekend my furniture goes over. Just what I can fit in a bedroom, and a ton of boxes, cuz I'm keeping as much of my life as I can. My nice washer and dryer (bought new in 2016) has found a foster home with someone I know. She will use the washer and store the dryer until I can get them back. I'm told washers go bad if they aren't used.

And now for the best part.... !!

I knew the guy*** had animals, it was in the ad. He has a corgi named Toomba and four cats.

I was greeted on arrival by a welcoming committee of Toomba and 18 year old male tuxie Mattise,

and 3 year old orange mancat, Oliver. Ollie has the cutest wrinkled little nose.

There are probably not that many people wanting to room with four animals not their own, but I think folks here will understand how pleased I was to see them. I get their company without having to pay the vet bills. And... Oliver is actually available for adoption. His person took him in because he was a kitten born on the streets but wants him to find a forever home.

I'm not saying I will adopt Ollie - that is entirely dependent on my future finances -

but he is ever so cute. He doesn't really remind me of my Toby at all though, except for the color; Toby had a massive bone structure and just a totally different vibe than little Ollie.

So begins a new book in the story of my life.

*** I would have preferred to room with a woman but after five tries, I just ran out of time. 

Marbles!

Yep, marbles! Today I was in a parking lot, looked down and there was a very nice marble on the pavement. And it instantly took me back to the days when I loved them.

I don't think I actually played much with them, I just liked collecting the pretty ones.

Moving on to other stones..

Diamonds or pearls?

Today for an interview I wore my real pearl necklace. They are real, from Steinmart, only cost about $12 but they are real. Freshwater, cultured for probably a day, but still real pearls.

 And you can tell just by touching them they are. I can only imagine what the high end pearls are like.

If I ever had any real money, I'd buy a top shelf pearl necklace, over any diamond necklace anyday. There is also a certain mystique to pearls that I don't think any other gems have.

Click below to vote for your fav.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MCPQRXY

(I think I have the link fixed now)

Men can answer what they think their female loved ones prefer.

Endings and Beginnings

By end of August, I will be leaving my duplex. I don't yet know where I'm going;
so far I've only been able to find a short term temp assignment. If nothing else presents itself,
I will be living with a sister for a time. I don't mind that, it's just that she lives the next county over.

I couldn't stay even if I hadn't had my job stolen from me. I knew this place was being sold;
turns out the new owners will live in my unit and continue renting the other. My feelings about all this are mixed; this is the last place I lived with my cats. But also, perhaps that's a good thing,
to leave that behind. As you see, it's very emotionally complex. 

I just wish that what was happening was my choice.

Something Old, Something New

I'm cleaning out closets and donating stuff to Goodwill. Yesterday I took a load over and found....

these gorgeous silverplated serving dishes on the cart. They also have the glass dish inside.

And they were FREE. I was admiring them and the attendant told me twice 

I could just take them; it's a donation only center, so there was no way to buy them there anyway.

I couldn't resist! Yes, I know the point is to get rid of items, and I do no entertaining at all but still.

Pretty tarnished, but baking soda has done a fine job cleaning them up. 

And for the new:

Cracker Barrel is putting out their fall and Halloween items. 

These were NOT free, but worth buying.

They remind me of some of the props Summer used on her blog post for the Day of the Dead.

Speaking of... her human is having a birthday today! 

Wordless Wednesday

... because who doesn't love kittens?