Samoa Says

No Whine with this Cheeze!

Woo hoo - we have reached our first goal with the Calvin Collars! Thank you to all our pals who have purchased one. More will be added to the Etsy shop soon.

Thank you to my sweet dreamboat, Rufus, for being the 25th purchaser which allows us to sponsor our first cat at Best Friends Animal Society.

And in Calvin's memory, every cat we sponsor will be an orangie! Meet Cheeze - doesn't he have eyes that remind you of Calvin?

We'll be purring that Cheeze gets the courage to feel loved, and will hopefully one day find his forever home!

Have a safe, happy Halloween!

Help Us, Please!

Oh my cats . . . . . . . Newman thinks he is taking over Calvin's job as Head of Household!

Who says a girl can't do the job?

I, Samoa, do solemnly swear, that I will faithfully execute the office of Head of Household, and will, to the best of my ability, preserve protect and defend one litterbox all to myself, so help me God!

I'm missing Calvin already . . . . . . . . .

Dear Diary Gal

Well, let's just see how much pull you really have at HQ! I've been spending time voting on cats who have entered the World's Coolest Contest. I like to click on the link at the homepage to get to the site.

Today, it was removed from the front page. So, I thought to myself, Samoa, look at the tabs across the top and you'll probably find it.

So, I clicked on Contests, Promotions, and Fun under the More tab, and was disappointed that it wasn't there!

It seems rather silly to me that we've got this annual contest going on, and yet there isn't an easy-to-find link on the homepage!

I don't memorize all the URLs I visit, and I sure hope that some link can be put somewhere so that I can finish voting for pictures.

Sincerely ~


Samoa - you remember me, I used to be the top diary pick moons ago!

For those of you who have not entered the contest yet, or need to vote, Here is the link to the contest!

Happy Birthday!

I am the family spokescat today. We want to send our Daddy happy birthday wishes!

Mawmee put an afghan on the bed since it has gotten cold, and in the afternoon, I like to take a catnap on it. Last night, I even slept in the bed with them for awhile. I knew it would be a pawsome birthday gift for Daddy even though I slept on Mawmee's side of the bed!

We all chipped in and bought Daddy a few gifts. Even Vivien got him something . . . . . a black cat Pez dispenser. Won't he be surprised? And Rocky's portrait was painted by Terry over at Dog Days of Painting. The picture arrived in time for Mawmee to frame it, and it will be a big surprise for Daddy too. Rocky will be on The Dog Days of Painting blog sometime in December.

Mawmee is surprising Daddy tonight with tickets to the Louisville Orchestra. They will be joined by a rock band and singers and will perform the music of The Eagles.

Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

Diamonds Can Be Dangerous!

Have you seen the Royal Flush? The rest of the family picked the suit of hearts, but I wanted to stand out, so I chose the Queen of Diamonds for my Halloween costume this year.

I told Mawmee I wanted to wear a diamond necklace, so she went in her jewelry box and found a necklace that belonged to Grandmaw. She whispered something about it not being real diamonds, and that is why I had to bite them to find out for myself!

Well, in my first photo shoot, I was not happy with the crown. Everytime the stylist put it on my head, I would look down at my necklace, and the crown fell on the floor. We played this game about 20 times, and then I started getting annoyed!

The diamond necklace slipped down over one leg, and it was quite a predicament. My stylist was afraid if I jumped down, I would hurt myself because of the necklace's placement around my leg. However, I did not want to take the necklace off, and each time the stylist attempted to remove it, I would bite at her hands.

Panic set in and we were both very upset with one another. She very quickly grabbed at the clasp and was able to unhook it just as I jumped down from the table.

Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but only if they don't slip down over your leg.

Now, where is my King of Diamonds?

Tough On Your Cats

Have you seen the funny ad on Catster for Cat's Pride? There are two cats - wearing party hats and sunglasses. The ad says that this is tough on your cats, but Cat's Pride is tough on odor, and gentle on cats.

I personally don't think that wearing a costume is tough on me, however, I wasn't very cooperative in my Halloween photo shoot the other day. Of course, we are attempting a theme again this year, but the costumes are pretty lame if I say so myself. Mawmee decided that dressing up Gleek and Newman was pretty much next to impossible, so we went an easier route this year.

However, if you haven't visited The Wizard of Oz family yet, let me just say that they have outdone themselves this year! Of course, Mercy is Dorothy, and the rest of the family is absolutely adorable and hysterical at the same time! I especially think Pixie makes an outstanding Flying Monkey.

I know a monkey around here that I would love to send flying . . . . . .

Dear Diary Gal

It has come to my attention that I am now receiving comments on any diary that I have commented on.

I'm not saying that I don't care what others have to say regarding the diary I have already commented on, but as you can imagine, we already receive quite a few emails with comments on our own diary entries.

The newest improvement that I really like is being able to see the comment in the email rather than having to click and go to the diary comment area. However, I still have to do that if I want to see who left the comment.

Now, if we could combine all of the above and have this happen, I would be most appreciative - and I'm sure others would be too. After all, they are now receiving the gazillion comments on Calvin's diary entries, and I'm sure they are not too happy about it!

1. Give us the option in the Comment Preferences account area to either receive or not the additional comments on friends' diaries in which we have left a comment.

2. In addition to showing us the comment in our email, please let us know who left the comment.


Thank you so much for fixing this, and while you're at it, could you talk to Techno Cat about getting back our field height boxes which I hear disappear the next time changes are made. We have Halloween pages that will be put up soon, and we don't want to have our pages messed up because of this.

Thank you in advance for choosing this diary entry as a diary pick tomorrow. I'm just saying a diary entry as informative and helpful as this should be picked.

Sincerely,


Samoa
Previously known as the #1 Most Pawpular Diary

In the News

I'm so sorry for the people of my island, and the destruction and death that was caused by the tsunami.

On another sad note, our local friend, Jack, just made his journey to the bridge this afternoon.

His surgery was called off because of being dehydrated and having bad kidney values. His Mommy got a call from the hospital that he stopped breathing.

We're purring for his family during this sad time. May you rest in peace, Jack.

My Show

Well, well, well, I must say that my new television show that started last week - Survivor Samoa has some very bad boys on it.

One bad boy emptied the water containers of his team last week, and threw their socks into the fire.

Another bad boy played rough with a girl last night and tripped her in a challenge.

Wait a minute . . . . . . . . . this sounds more like my life than some television show . . . . . . . .

Error 3

Well, I don't know what Errors #1 and 2 are, but I'm not liking Error #3 one bit!

I wanted to leave a little note of encouragement to our friend, Leo, and when I left a comment in his diary, I got a message saying it couldn't post with Error 3!

Okay, techno cat. Fix it!

Here is what I wanted to say to you, Leo:

We're sorry your legs are still not working correctly, but according to my list of the best places to live if you're a cat, Phoenix is #2 on the list. Hopefully, you can find a specialist that will be able to determine exactly what is going on with your legs! We're purring for you.

Cat Friendly Cities!

On one of Mawmee's several trips to the vet last week, she picked up a newsletter called Pawprints. There was an article about the most cat-friendly cities.

These cities were picked because of the number of tabbies in town, the number of Cat Fanciers' Association cat shows, the number of internal medicine specialty veterinarians, the number of American Animal Hospital Association hospitals, emergency and critical care specialists, boarded veterinary behavior specialists and members of the American Association of Feline Practioners per capita. They even took into consideration if the city's Mayor owned a cat - MOL!

Do you live in one of these cat-friendly cities?

1. Tampa, Florida

2. Phoenix, Arizona

3. San Francisco, California

4. Portland, Oregon

5. Denver, Colorado

6. Boston, Massachusettes

7. Seattle, Washington

8. San Diego, California

9. Atlanta, Georgia

10. Minneapolis, Minnesota


I might have to move because I don't see my city on the list!

Absurd!

Cat-free Internet Day? Whoever heard of such rubbish? Apparently, our very own Cat's Meow Blog is participating in this stupid holiday!

Some cat hater named Urlesque (what kind of name is that, anyway?) decided that there should be one day of cat-free web surfing!

To be honest, I am quite ashamed that a site that promotes and celebrates cats would agree to opt into this ridculousness! After all, we are Catster - and we should celebrate cats 365 days a year!

It's a sad day when we have to ban cats and their cuteness from the internet for a day! If you agree, then write about it your diary today. Let's get the Diary Gal and The Cat's Meow's attention!

Pee Ess - Be sure to hiss over at The Cat's Meow - we need to make our voice heard!

While the Mawmee's away . . . . . .

Our Mawmee is going on vacation with her Red Hot friends next week. They are leaving on Thursday the 10th and won't be back until the 15th. They are going to Destin, Florida, to see the brand new house of one of their Red Hot friends. They are having a 60's theme night dinner one night and Mawmee is in charge of all the games. I've been supervising her by sitting on the bedside table and watching.

Now, the bad part. Daddy will be in charge. Oh, he will do a great job, but I plan to take over when he is at work! I might have to get Gleek to help me lock Newman in a closet!

We might be able to check in occasionally because our assistant is taking her mini laptop with her, but I can't make promises because she plans to spend a lot of time sitting around a pool and talking!

Of course, I'll be keeping a close eye on Diary of the Day just in case the Diary Gal plans to honor me!

Have a fun holiday tomorrow . . . . . . . .

More Page Fixes!

In the midst of whatever Catster is working on, it has messed up some of our coding.

Here are some other fixes to help get your pages back to the way they looked.

Regarding your top banner - you need to add px in the code right after the height number of your top banner. For example, our top banner is 125 pixels, and before it only had the number. Once I added the px behind the number (125px - no spaces inbetween), the top banner came back! Thanks to Pansy for pmailing me about that fix - she is one smart gal!

Regarding the right scroll bar - Here is what Callie Jean (one of the pawsome admins in the Pawsome Pages group) had to say:

Those of you using Internet Explorer, they are no longer setting the color of your scroll bars. The color will be whatever the color of your window frame is which is how it should be since scrollbars are really part of the browser window and not your page.

So, it looks like we can remove that code to make things less confusing.

Regarding colors on your page (text, etc.) - According to the pawsome Flicka who is also very knowledgeable:

You now need to add a # before all your HTML color codes.

Example ... this is your code with added #)

tr{background-color: #6699CC ;}

ul{background-color: #6699CC ;}

td,p, a,span,font.label,h2,{color: #000000 ! important;font:10pt Comic Sans MS;font-weight:600;}

So, go through your code, and make sure you have a # sign in front of the HTML color code numbers.

As I find out more, I will update my diary!

Page Woes!

I wanted to let all my friends know that in the Pawsome Pages group we've been discussing problems with our pages tonight.

Apparently, Catster is making some changes that are messing with our top buttonbars - if you use the codes that change your buttonbars to pretty colors.

Here is the latest scoop from the experts at Pawsome Pages on what to do to correct the problem for now:

1. You need to refresh your page. The easiest way to do this is to give yourself a treat!

2. Go to the buttonbar page and select your color again. Next copy the code and put the new code into your style sheet. This will get your custom color buttonbar back.

Go here for the buttonbar colors.

3. Your font color in the buttonbar maybe off. I will get this fixed soon. You may have to come back later to get the corrected font color.

Now, I have done this, but my top frame is missing. So if I find out more, I'll let you know!

Thanks to PJ, Callie, and Icebox for always being on top of things in the Pawsome Pages group!

She Has a Name!

Okay, we all know the rule about naming a stray and how they become yours, yada, yada, yada.

But, Mawmee said the little black kitty shouldn't be called little black kitty. And Diego's Mommy said a stray has a better chance of finding a home if you give them a name.

So, she has been given the name Vivien - after the actress Vivien Leigh - star of Gone With the Wind.

Vivien Leigh had eyes that were green (or blue) depending upon the lighting. And Vivien Leigh had dark hair, and she was a southern belle in my Grandmaw's favorite movie of all time. And the other nice thing about Vivien Leigh? She liked cats!

So, there are enough connections there that Vivien seems to be a great name for this kitty.

Now, to find her a home . . . . . . . . .

It's About Time!

My dreamboat friend, Diego, informed me that they have finally named a television show after me!

Survivor: Samoa starts September 17th! Here is how my show is described:

In one of the most beautiful Survivor locations yet, 20 castaways will be left to fend for themselves among Samoa’s white sand beaches, lush green valleys and towering waterfalls. Despite the picturesque landscape, the castaways will face exposure to elements and wildlife living in the mysterious rainforests that cover rugged volcanic mountain peaks. For 39 days, they will endeavor to outwit, outplay and outlast one another in order to win the title of Sole Survivor.

Well, I see they got the most beautiful part correct! I do have a picturesque landscape if I say so myself! And we all know that it is not an easy task to outwit, outplay or outlast me!

I'll be doing a critique of my show each week! Stay tuned . . . . . . .

Katrina Pet Remembrance Day

Four years ago today changed the lives of many pets in Louisiana and surrounding states. Hurricane Katrina and the flooding that occurred afterwards was such a sad time for the people and animals.

Mawmee and Daddy used to live in New Orleans, and so when Katrina happened, Mawmee wanted to help in some way. For almost two years she worked on-line helping people whose pets had been given to animal shelters across the United States. She worked with a lady in Virginia, and they concentrated on cocker spaniels. Believe it or not, there were hundreds of cocker spaniels who had been separated from their owners. Many of these pets had collars and identification, but when they were processed at various areas, the collars were taken off, and no one knew who they belonged to. It was a huge mess, and people were so desperate to find their beloved pets.

There was not a good tracking system on where the animals went, and many shelters did not put the pets on Petfinder like they were supposed to do. They would post pictures on their individual websites. Hundreds of volunteers like Mawmee would search the internet and find those photos. Then they would try to match them up with the lost reports that were at Petfinder. It was a matching game that was very difficult!

Mawmee and her friend were successful at finding several doggies, and their owners were so thrilled to get their dogs back.

So, today, please purr for all those Katrina pets who journeyed to the bridge, and for those who never made it back to their original owners. Some of the strays in the area got rescued too, and a lot of them ended up in homes, so that was a good thing.

Many of the cats were difficult to capture, and even to this day there are volunteers who started four years ago helping the cats, and they are still feeding them throughout the city. It makes me feel very lucky to have a good home.

A lot of good change came about because of Katrina. Now, people are allowed to take their animals with them in cases of disaster. It's important to have a disaster plan in place at your house. You never know if fire, water, wind, or other situations might cause you to have to leave your home in a very short period of time.

If you don't wear a collar, make sure that you have one ready to go with identification on it. If you are microchipped, make sure your parents' information is up to date at the company that supplied the microchip. Get identification on your carrying cases, and have those carrying cases in a place that can be accessed quickly.

I'll be purring for all those Katrina animals today . . . . . . . .

Oh Brother!

First of all, please ignore any hogwash you read about me in Calvin's diary entry today. It is totally false information. I happen to think that the term making clay is perfectly acceptable because I do not like any other words that can be used to describe it.

However, I am a southern belle, and as such, I only make my clay in approved receptacles. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Now, concerning my white brother. I don't know why he gets the urge to bother me after the lights go out. He likes to play games at the oddest hours. He forces me to hiss and swat at him when I should be getting my beauty sleep!

I have been very busy studying and contemplating our Halloween theme this year. A girl can never start too early on that project. I have come up with another brilliant idea. Execution will take some advanced planning, but I'm very excited about it! Of course, I will be the featured player, as well I should be! I'm sure you all remember my wonderful portrayal of Snow White last year.

Stay tuned . . . . . . . . .

The Newest Angel at the Bridge

It is with so much sadness that we heard our friend, Sammie, made his journey to the bridge yesterday.

We have been friends with Sammie, KiKi, and Ember our entire Catster life, and we will miss him so much. Sending purrs from all of us to his Mom and Dad during this sad time.

Rest in peace, Dreamboat #12 . . . . . . . we love you, and will miss you . . . . . .

WWSS? (Kiki and Chester ask?)

Kiki asks:

I hope you can give me some advice on how to deal with unwanted houseguests that outwear their welcome in your house.

Last fall, four new cats showed up at my house. I thought for sure they would only be here for a short time. It's bad enough having to share my home with Mouse and then Catsy. But Catsy stayed in her own room, so I was ok with that. She knew how to be a polite guest.

But these other four guests are quite impolite. For example, they sleep on the sunporch all day on MY CHAIR. And the little orange one, the one they call Gilmore, he is always being pet and fussed over by MY MOMMY AND DADDY!!! When this happens, I run over to break it up immediately, but it does get tiresome, and I don't like to appear too desperate.

But the worst one of all is Butters. He follows me all over the house! If I go on the porch, he follows. If I try to get some sleep on the guest bed, he goes up there too. I used to be the only cat allowed in the basement, but now Butters and Gil go down there too. The only place I can truly escape to is the attic, and it's too hot up there!

Please advise on how I can get these horribly rude guests to take the hint and move on!


And Chester asks:

I sat down and had a talk with mommy this morning. I showed her how much fun Newmie and Gleek have wrestlting. How Pooh and Joey get to play all day together. I want to do that. I want to play all day with a cool brothercat. I try to play with Winna and all she does is get all girl whiney and act like I am trying to kill her. I just want to PLAY!!!!! I want a brothercat.

But mommy said no *kitty sad face* she said our house is only big enough for two cats. So I suggested we send Miss Chunk a bunk to someone else and she told me no again. *sigh* I thought about going on a hunger strike til she gets me a brother, but well, I'm Chessy and food is my life.

Anyone know any good tips for convincing your mom to let you have a brothercat?


Dear Kiki and Chester:

I decided that both of you have similar problems, and I would address the problem that a lot of us have in our homes:

Can't we all just get along?

Wouldn't it be nice if we could swap our siblings with some of our friends' siblings, so that just the right combination could occur?

Chester's sister could be swapped out with one of Kiki's brothers! But, I'm afraid that even if we could do some swapping, we would still not totally live in harmony!

In Kiki's case, Butters reminds me of Newman. The young learn from the more mature in the home, so he is following you because you clearly appear to be in an alpha position to him. It sounds like you need to search the house for something you can claim as your own. For example, I have discovered that the end table with the Hello Kitty clock is perfect for napping. It is too small to share with any other cat. You need to either get to the chair first, or find another place to nap. Just like sharing toys, if you show an interest in something, the annoying sibling will check it out, and then you can return to the previously favored spot. It's all a game of outsmarting the youngsters!

Chester, you need to sit down and have a good talk with your Mom. Emphasize these three important points to her.

1. Room. How big does a house really need to be to accommodate one more cat? We sleep most of the day, and three cats can definitely fit on an extra bed in the house. Or three snooze sacks from The Cat in the Clover or three Morgan's beds will clearly fit in one room! As you can see, sleeping accommodations should not be an issue.

2. Food. Parents will use this as an excuse for not getting another cat. I mean, come on, how much more would one extra cat eat? Besides, if you cut back on your portions, you could easily feed another cat, and you would be getting in shape at the same time. Not that you're fat or anything (*cough cough*), but since food is your life, you might have to decide what is more important - food or a new brother?

3. Less stress. By getting another cat, your Mom will become healthier. They say that petting a cat brings down your blood pressure, and you live longer. Dang, that is a great reason to get another cat. My Mawmee is gonna live until she is 90, and think about Mercy's Mom - she will be 100 or older with all the stress she has removed from her life by having cats!

If all else fails, you always have the but there are so many strays in the world story. I did a Petfinder.com search in your area. I see plenty of boy kitties that could use a good home!

You're welcome . . . . . . . . . .

Well, well, well . . . . . . .

There is a first for our family at Diary Central today! I don't think we've ever had two of us as diary picks in the same day. I guess the Diary Gal loves wrestling, and also loves good advice!

I know Newman would be happy to wrestle with her if she ever came through Kentucky, and I'd be happy to give her advice. If fact, I can give her advice in my diary - I don't need to see her in person.

Dear Diary Gal:

Bring back the Pawpular Diary List - you know, the one where I was shown in the Numero Uno position from March 29, 2007 to April 8, 2007 and then again from May 10, 2007 - July 24, 2007 after I stole it back from Boogers! It's been two years, and you know what they say: What goes around, comes around, and it's about time it came around again!

We need something to stir up Catster and get the excitement flowing. I can't do it all on my own with my WWSS? advice column. Well, I take that back, I am doing it on my own right now, but we need more - a contest or something fun! When was the last time we had a Photo Picture Party? I'll tell ya - too long ago!

Speaking of contests, let's add some new categories to the big World's Coolest Contest that will be coming up later this year. We've seen the same categories for the past three years - surely you can think of some new, original categories to add to what is already there - for example, Best Use of a Boa, or Best Wrestling Video!

Summer is about over, so put on those thinking caps, and let's shake this place up!

Kisses ~

Samoa

WWSS? (Scooter asks)

Scooter writes:

I need advice. I don't like kisses. I think I have made that quite clear. Nevertheless, my Mommy and Daddy INSIST on kissing me. It's not that I am not an affectionate cat. I am! I LOVE my pawrents and show that by cuddling with them at night and kneading on their faces and backs while they sleep.

I purr and purr, and I also sit on laps sometimes. I just don't like kisses. My brother Nikko loves kisses, so everybody assumes I should too. Mommy and Daddy say I am just too cute and handsome, and they can't resist giving me a smoochie, but I find it so darned embarrassing. It's just not macho. Is there anything you can suggest? How can I convince them that I would prefer bonks to kisses?

Signed,

Over-kissed in Albuquerque


Dear OKIA:

While it is true that you are definitely a kissable dreamboat, I must address this fear you have of kissing.

It sounds like most of your affection comes at nighttime when you are in bed with your Mommy and Daddy. Perhaps you prefer the dark, and maybe your parents could try kissing you only when there are no lights on in the house.

It may be possible that your Mommy is wearing lipgloss or lipstick, and you don't want that greasy mess on your beautiful white fur.

There is a gradual method that I studied in my psychology class when I decided to start my advice column. Here is how it works:

Your parents start out by blowing you kisses. After a couple of weeks of that, they can then begin to kiss their hand, and gently plant their hand on you. You will not realize it, but this method is a form of hypnosis to get you used to the idea of kissing. It has been very effective in recent studies.

Other methods your parents can try include:

Flirting with you
Petting your soft fur more often
Smile at you - smiling is always good
Talking - the more they talk about kissing you, the more comfortable you will become with the actual kissing

Now, I realize that the advice I have given is geared more toward your parents. As a dreamboat, you must realize that asking them to completely refrain from kissing you is an expectation that is not attainable by humans.

You need to change your thinking. Kissing is macho. It will not hurt you, and if you allow a few kisses every once in a while, then they won't be so quick to try to smother you all the time. Why don't you demand a treat for a kiss? Then you both win!

Sending you kisses through cyberspace . . . . . . . .

WWSS? (Arnold P. asks)

Arnold P. writes:

I have a concern. I had to go to the emergency vet on Sunday, and she violated me in the worst imaginable way. Then, yesterday, my Mom plunked me in a sink full of water and washed my b*tt!

Today, she is telling me I smell beautiful, and keeps calling me the Neutrogena Kitty. Is there any way for me to get back my mancatly manliness and dreamboatness?

Ashamed mancat,

Arnold


Dear AMAP:

I recall a song from the show Friends called Smelly Cat. Here are the first few lines of the song:

Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
What are they feeding you?
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat
It's not your fault

They won't take you to the vet
You're obviously not their favorite pet
Smelly Cat, Smelly Cat,
It's not your fault.


Arnold P., it can all be summed up by using logic.

If A = B, and
If B = C,
Then A = C

Let's break it down:

A = Arnold
B = Beautiful Smell
C = Cuddles from Mom

If Arnold = Beautiful Smell, and
If Beautiful Smell =Cuddles from Mom,
Then Arnold = Cuddles from Mom!

I could do the whole reverse logic, but I don't want to be going over any cats' heads with too much technical stuff!

As you can see, smelling good does not take away from your mancatliness or dreamboatness. It only gets you more attention, which should increase your confidence and studliness.

Leave the stink in the litterbox . . . . . . . . not on your butt . . . . . . . .

WWSS? (Lucy asks)

Lucy writes:

About two months ago my mom brought home TWO boy kittens. At first it wasn't so bad because they lived in a bedroom and I still had the rest of my house to play in without kitten interference.

But now that they have the run of the house, I never get to play with MY toys. As soon as I touch the ball-in-the-track toy, I am surrounded by kittens! If I even think about going in my tent cube, they rush in there first. I haven't even been able to play a decent game of fetch in over a month! If I pick up a mousie, they swat it right out of my mouth. Sometimes the feisty kitten even carries MY toys around in his mouth and growls at ME!

How should I assert my kitty sister Diva-ness and reclaim my toys?


Dear Lucy:

Oh, we all tried to warn you when your Mom was contemplating getting a kitten. And then when she thought about getting two of them, I knew your life was going to never be the same!

I think the first piece of advice is to realize that the boys are looking up to you as the big sister to figure out how to grow up. They knew nothing about track balls, tent cubes, and mice before coming to your house. So, in a small way, it is flattering that they want to be like their big sister!

However, they can take over before you know it! I've seen it happen at my house, and thankfully, I only have one kitten to watch after.

Duplicates . . . . . . I'm telling you, duplicates! You need more than one tent cube, more than one track ball thingy, and mice must be in every room of the house!

And you need assistance from your Mom! Everytime one of the boys grabs a toy you start to play with, your Mom should pick up the little stinker and show him a duplicate so he realizes that your toys are yours, and you shouldn't always have to share!

Kittens are easily distracted - don't we know that - so by directing them to a different toy, you will be allowed to play by yourself. Just saying that makes me laugh outloud because we also know that what you don't want them to have, they want even more, and they will go after it with every squirm in their body!

Good luck, sistah, I feel your pain . . . . . . . . .

WWSS? (Hilda asks)

Hilda writes:

Prior to a certain someone joining my family (for the sake of this question, she'll be known as Not So Cute), I was always known as the cutest and the prettiest. And my humans made sure to tell me this several times a day.

Lately, though, I've overheard my male human tell Not So Cute on several different occasions that she's the cutest! My female human has already reminded him that I'm the cutest, but it doesn't seem to have the appropriate effect. My female human is obviously useless here, and Not So Cute is starting to get a bit too big for her very not-so-cute britches. What can I do to secure my spot as the cutest/prettiest of the family?


Dear Hilda:

Well, obviously your humans need to realize that there can only be one Cutest and Prettiest title in the family! And since you've reminded them about this, and they appear to be old and forgetful, then you must take the following steps:

1. Advertising is key! Everytime one of them uses the words cutest and/or prettiest, you need to come running to them.

2. Try to get some signs made and post them around the house: Hilda is the prettiest!, or Hilda is the cutest!.

3. Somehow you need to ugly up the Not So Cute one - suggest a furminating job and hope that too much hair gets taken off so that there is no doubt who the real pretty and cute one is in the family!

4. Try to hog all the photographer's attention the next time the camera comes out. Get the cute and pretty proof in print!

You can always help the Not So Cute one come up with her own title! There are plenty to go around . . . . . . . .

WWSS? (Diego asks)

Diego writes:

Is it OK for a boy cat to be a Diva? I like to dress sharp, keep very clean, and I love to pose for photos. Along with that I am top cat in the house.

Your dapper friend, Diego


Dear Dapper:

One look at my Top Twenty Dreamboat list (Dreamboats #1-9 and Dreamboats #11-20), and I think any girl would agree that a boycat can be a Diva!

However, I think a more appropriate name for a male diva would be Divo. A Divo exudes confidence, attitude and style. A Divo knows he is handsome and isn't afraid to show it! A Divo will wear pink without complaining. A Divo is proud of being a Hello Kitty fan!

A Divo has unusual features or markings in his fur that say, I'm bringing sexy back. Since that is your forum motto, Diego, I think it screams volumes about you!

One look at your crossed paws in this photo, and I can see that you are very confident!

One look at this photo indicates you aren't afraid to show it all off!

A Divo can be comfortable chillaxin on a bed or hunting wild game in the woods!

A Divo can even share the spotlight with a Diva!

Keep up the good work on perfecting your Divoness!

WWSS? (Allie asks)

Allie writes:

I am a diva, but I feel I'm overshadowed by my older sister who's had a lot more practice at it than me and of course, has her own room as her diva castle.

I don't want my own room because I like to play with my brothers, but I want to ramp up my diva-tude. Have you got any suggestions for me?


Dear Allie:

The first criteria for being a Diva is recognizing it, and since with confidence you said, I am a diva, you are well on your way to full divaness!

Being a Diva doesn't mean you can't play with your brothers, but remember, if and when you play with them, it is on your terms! Sometimes you should ignore them when they are playing and yelling for you to come join in the fun. Don't always be willing to get off your throne to appease them.

When it comes to showing your parents that you are a Diva, you can do several things.

1. If they are sitting on the sofa and want you to come to them so they can pet you, get about 2 inches away from their reach, and then start to walk away. It will drive them crazy, and they will come to where you are to pet or comb you.

2. If a photo session is going to take place, act all excited and cooperate, but then at the last minute close your eyes or turn your head!

3. I see you heart pink. That is very good!

4. I noticed in one of your pictures that you are supervising Harry's groom time bath. When he is finished cleaning himself, you should go over and let him lick your face and give you a bath. Let others do the work for you!

5. If you eat any wet food, demand it a certain way. I only like my wet food cold from the refrigerator. Your staff should comply with all your eating demands.

I think you have more Diva in you than you realize! I see a beautiful portrait as your main picture. I hope that is hanging in a prominent place in your home. That will guarantee that everyone who walks in your house will know right away that A Diva Lives Here!

And remember, always say yes to diamonds . . . . . . . . . .

WWSS? (Henry asks)

Henry asks:

My hummin just doesn't always understand what I want when I want it! How do I make her understand my kitteh needs come before hers always....
Oh yeah, and how do I land a pretty kitteh girlfriend??

Lost in Yonkers
King Henry


Dear Lost in Yonkers:

As much as I hate to admit this, I have found that the boys in this house know exactly how to get what they want when they want it! So, after observing their behavior, here is what you should do:

1. If you are trying to get your hummin up in the morning, then you need to do as Newman does - mess with the mini-blinds, knock stuff off the dresser. Or do as Violet does - walk on their pillow, sit and stare at them in bed and start crying. Or do as Calvin did at 6:30 this morning - flojectile on the carpet. All of these are very effective strategies for getting them out of bed!

2. Are you hungry and want fed right now? Then you do as Calvin does - lay on the carpet in front of the refrigerator, waiting for someone to come into the kitchen. When someone arrives, you get up and repeat the following phrase, right now. Say it over and over until it gets on their very last nerve. You will get fed. I've seen it work brilliantly every day!

3. Are you wanting attention? Then do as Violet does - go find your human and see what they are doing. If they are in the bathroom getting ready to go somewhere, jump on the counter and stare at them. Staring is a very good tactic to use. Rubbing against your hummin is also good. I see you have light colored fur. Be sure to wait until your hummin is wearing dark clothing before you rub all against them. You will get lots of attention!

4. Do you want your hummins to play with you? If you still have your front claws, then you need to find a good piece of furniture. Start sharpening your claws on the furniture, and this will get you some good attention and playtime!

Unfortunately, I see that you don't have any siblings. You need a sibling. I happen to have an extra one I can send you. Then you won't need the hummin around as much because you'll have a playmate! The hummin will only show up when your wrestling becomes loud!

And now, for your last question:

How do I land a pretty kitteh girlfriend??

Let your personality come out through your pictures and diary. The fact that you consider yourself a King will be very appealing to a girl! Royalty attracts royalty, so start looking for a diva and begin flirting with her. You should always start out as friends, and not rush into anything! I've seen too many Catster marriages end in divorce because they rushed into marriage (MOL!).

In my personal opinion, it is best to play the field - be a good friend to many girls. That way you don't break anycat's heart!

WWSS? (Shadow asks)

Shadow asks:

I truly need girl advise.... I know you are so wise and I think you can help me. I eat on the bedroom dresser, and often times my stinky brothers go in there to eat my food, even when they have their own food in their bowl which is in the kitchen. What can I do to stop them from eating my food?


Dear Shadow:

This problem is a very common one in multiple cat homes. I am going to assume that maybe you eat different food and that is why you are fed in one location, and the brothers' food bowl is in another location?

If that is the case, then one of several things might be tried.

1. You could all try eating the same food. Sometimes that isn't possible if one family member is on a special food.

2. If your food is different, then you might have to be given special times during the day to eat. You could be locked in a bedroom or bathroom and given enough time to eat your food. Then your Mommy could pick up your bowl.

I think the cat food bowl and the cat toys are similar in that whatever one cat has, the other one wants it! Do you eat out of their bowl? Maybe you should try that sometime!

I know we all like to share bowls - we have four bowls for dry food in various places in the house. We even have names on our bowls, and my siblings seem to ignore the name! So, I feel your pain, sister!

Hopefully, some of the comments on this entry might give some other insight on what could be done to keep those boys out of your food bowl!

WWSS? (Ambro asks)

Ambro asks:

I have a sibling, who for the sake of this public letter shall be called Little Miss Lotta Pink. Little Miss Lotta Pink is constantly taking off in my piratey ship without asking my permission. Mama thought it would help things by getting her a car, but...no. It's not that I mind if she uses my piratey ship, but I would like for her to ask in case I have plans. We've been all through this, and even had some fights over it. How in the world do I get through to this "diva"?

Sincerely,
"Grounded" Ambro


Dear Ambro:

I'm glad you realize that your sister is a Diva. That is one issue we don't need to discuss, but if you have questions regarding divaness, refer to my previous diary entry.

Now, regarding the use of your pirate ship. It seems to me the reason Little Miss Lotta Pink is using the pirate ship is because she wants to find herself a pirate.

Now, why do you want the pirate ship when it is mainly full of pirates? Wouldn't it make more sense for you to use her car? You can catch a lot of chicks in a car, not that you are looking for a lot of chicks, but I'm just sayin' it makes more sense for you to be in the car.

And, I think you'll find that if you start using her car, she will wonder what is so great about the car, and the next thing you know, you'll have your pirate ship back!

You're welcome . . . . . . . . . .

Pee. Ess. - Asking before using is not really part of a Diva's life. Get used to it!

WWSS? (Lulu asks)

Lulu writes:

Dear Samoa,

Although I have my own personal petite catflap which is too small for my fat brofurs to use, I prefer to use the boy's big catflap or sit on the windowsill and howl until Mum comes out to carry me me indoors. Mum says I am 'capricious', is this a bad thing and should I care?
Many thanks for your help.


Well, Lulu, for those who don't know the meaning, here is the definition of capricious:

1. Subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic.

2. Obsolete, fanciful or witty.


I prefer to use the term Diva, and for those who don't the meaning, here is the definition:

1. A distinguished female; prima donna.


Your brothers should be flattered that you are using their catflap. Haven't they heard that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?

By looking at Jaffa, there is no way he would fit through a petite catflap. Your use of their catflap shows a sensitivity that I'm sure is not being appreciated!

Regarding howling and wanting to be carried back inside - well, that is your role as the head Diva in the house. I'm sure the afternoon England heat makes a cat tired, and therefore, calling for your staff to take care of you is something they expect! Continue the good job you're doing - all of us Divas are proud of you!

Very Unexpected!

Well, what a day it has been!

1. We got 6 inches of rain in an hour - a new record!

2. We had no power for 5 hours - luckily Daddy got home and fired up the generator to keep the Fancy Feast cold in the refrigerator!

3. The building where Daddy works at the university got flooding in the lower level. His office is on the 3rd floor, but all the main computers are in the lower level along with a completely redone advising area and all the student records! He was working in his other downtown office today, but he said the faculty are supposed to have a meeting tomorrow to assess all the damage. It is going to be bad based on what we saw on television!

4. We didn't have flooding at our house, but it was really windy and stuff blew out of the trees, so there will be a lot of cleanup when it dries out.

Now - are you ready for the worst, most unexpected thing that happened today? I had my yearly vet visit! I got scooped up and taken to the vet's office, and we got out of the car just as the second round of storms came through. It was thundering, and I do not like thunder one bit!

Our favorite vet tech, Sarah, came in to chat with me first. Of course, she admired how beautiful I am, so I gave her one of my whiskers that had fallen out and was on the towel in my carrier. We had a discussion about Rocky Ann and her pink party hat muzzle. Sarah has never seen a pink muzzle before.

Then my vet lady came in and we talked about Mawmee's cute purse and how my bladder appeared to be full. All of a sudden, Mawmee had a flashback to Calvin peeing all over her last week, and she hoped there would not be a repeat of that event!

I've slimmed down to 9 pounds - I think from my traumatic week at the resort where I was probably stressed and didn't eat as well as I do at home. My teeth look good, and I won't need a cleaning until next year. I got my shots, and we headed home.

And no . . . . . . . . there was no peeing in the car! Girls don't do disgusing things like that!

WWSS? (Gimme and Isis ask)

I'm able to answer two inquiries today dealing with the same topic.

Gimme asks:

Oh Wise One,

If a very kewl guycat wanted to give a special and purrsonal gift to his very wonderful (P-prissy) girlcat, what recommendations would you make so that the very kewl guycat didn't give something that might be interpreted as **ahem** "too presumptious"? It would be pawful for the very kewl guycat to make a fool of himself.

and Isis asks:

Would I look good in a Boa with my naturally curly hair?


As you can see, Gimme, a boa makes a purrfect gift for any girl! It says to the girl, I like you, and want you to feel special and pretty, but it doesn't scream, Marry me, which could scare off a girl who isn't ready for a commitment.

I find boas to be the right accessory for any photo session. It doesn't bother the ears, it fancies up any backdrop, and it gives cats that star quality.

The great thing about boas is their ability to complement any type of fur - curly, straight, or wavy. The difficult task is choosing the correct color for your boa!

You need to look in the mirror and determine which season best matches your fur color. Are you:

Spring - with gold or red highlights in your fur and blue or green eyes? If you answered yes, then you want to stay with clear, bright, warm colors as in spring flowers - greens, corals, yellows, reds.

Summer - with blonde or brown highlights in your fur and blue eyes? If you answered yes, then you want to choose cool pastels like pink, baby blue, seafoam green, slate grey, or violet.

Winter - with blue highlights or black and white fur? If you answered yes, then choose boas in jewel tones of cherry red, royal blue, emerald green, or magenta.

Fall - with red, gold, or brown accents in your fur? If you answered yes, then you need boas in colors such as pumpkin orange, avocado green, teals, golds, mustand yellow, and beige, brown or rust.

The key to remember is choose a color that will not make you look pale or washed out. The boa is to accent your natural beauty!

Footnote: An excellent place to purchase boas is your dollar store (they go by various names), any craft store (Michaels), the toy department, or the holiday section of stores (in October, December).

WWSS? (Nikko asks)

Nikko writes:

I have very long fluffy ear fur that Mommy says is lovely. How would you suggest I groom it in a very masculine way?

Well, Nikko, I have this to say to you:

Gimme an ear with hair, long beautiful hair
Shining, gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen

Give me down to there, hair!
Shoulder length, longer (hair!)
Here baby, there mama, everywhere daddy daddy

Hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair
Flow it, show it
Long as God can grow it
My hair

Let it fly in the breeze and get caught in the trees
Give a home to the fleas in my hair
A home for fleas, a hive for bees
A nest for birds, there ain't no words
For the beauty, the splendor, the wonder of my. . .

Hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair, hair
Flow it, show it
Long as God can grow it
My hair

I want it long, straight, curly, fuzzy
Snaggy, shaggy, ratty, matty
Oily, greasy, fleecy, shining
Gleaming, streaming, flaxen, waxen
Knotted, polka-dotted; twisted, beaded, braided
Powdered, flowered, and confettied
Bangled, tangled, spangled, and spaghettied!


Okay, now - does that give you some ideas?

WWSS? (Miz Rose asks)

Miz Rose asks:

Why do nastee ole boy cats hassa Cooties? Ana why do they deny it?

Dear Miz Rose:

I see that you are only one year old, and therefore, have not taken Biology class yet. There is a simple answer to your question. It's all in the genes!

We all start out the same, and then we are given a special gene. Depending upon which gene you receive will determine if you are a boy or a girl. Boys have the Oooty gene, and girls have the P gene.

The Oooty gene produces these traits in boys:

Cooties
Tooties
Big Booties

Since you live with Chef Rooster, I'm assuming he has the Cooties Oooty. I live with Gleek, and he is a perfect example of the Tooties Oooty gene. And Reebok's picture clearly indicates that he received the Big Booty Oooty gene!

The P gene produces these traits in girls:

Pink
Princess
Pretty
Prissy

Perfect examples of this P gene include pink-loving Rocky Ann, Princess Rachel, pretty Cinderella (who obviously has the P gene by being named after a princess), and prissy Phoebe. By the way, boys will try to make you think that being prissy is a bad thing, but don't believe a word they say! It's in our genes - we were born with it!

As to why boys deny it? They obvioulsy were acting up in Biology class and didn't realize that there is no denying the Oooty gene!

I hope you can find ways to cope with your male siblings who have this Oooty gene!

WWSS? (Ele' asks)

Question:

What have you found to be the best solution that a kitty can use to get bubbly gum out of their silky fur?

Love,
Bubblehead Ele'


WWSS?

First of all, I don't even want to know what kind of party you were attending where you ended up with bubbly gum in your fur!

There are several solutions I have for you, Bubblehead Ele'!

1. Freeze it!

2. Oil it!

3. Jiffy it!


1. Apply ice cubes until the gum freezes and gets hard. Then break the gum out of your fur.

2. Massage olive oil into the peanut butter stuck fur, and leave it on for 13-20 minutes. Then easily comb out the mess.

But then you look all greasy like you haven't bathed in weeks, so you will need a bath after this treatment - ugh!

3. Use peanut butter - any brand will do - smooth, not chunky. The easy way to remember this is to think of your body, not Boogers (you know, smooth, not chunky) - MOL!

Massage the peanut butter into the fur and then comb out the tangled mess! This method is similar to the oil. You may look messy when you're done, but you will smell fabulous and may attract dogs!


Thanks, Ele', for coming to the BQ for advice on a very sticky situation!

The 411 on the BQ!

Rocky Ann had a mystery on her hands. She was trying to figure out what Mercy meant when she said, Dear Samoa BQ. She finally figured it out, but in case you didn't, BQ stands for Boa Queen!

I thought a good title for my advice column would be either:

Dear Samoa BQ which is similar to that babe Dear Abby. I like to be original, so I might go with this other idea:

WWSS? - which stands for What Would Samoa Say?! Since my diary is titled Samoa Says, I think I'll go with that.

So, if you have any burning questions - remember to KISS (Keep It Simple Silly) - then send me a pmail with your question and whether you want to remain anonymous or not.

Then, if you see WWSS? as a diary entry, you'll know that I'm answering some cat's question.

Thanks, Mercy, for the great idea! I needed some new diary material to catch that Diary Gal's eye!

Dear Samoa BQ (Mercy asks)

My friend, Mercy, has suggested that I have an advice column for simple, yet thought provoking questions.

She wrote about it in her diary today.

Well, when my fans say build it and they will come, I have no choice but to build it!

Now, let's get to Mercy's question:

Q to the BQ: Would it be okay for me to use chapstick?

A from the BQ: Regarding the use of chapstick: as long as the boy is cute, I see nothing wrong with using a stick to keep him in line!


Oh, I definitely see my future calling . . . . . . . . .

Trophy-less!

Well, well, well, what happened to the Gold Trophy in the Gift Shop?

I wanted to give Guido one for being the new Cat of the Week, and it is no longer around!

Calvin will be very upset about this because he uses that trophy for his Pal of the Week honors!

Come on Catster, we want our trophy back! You just can't take stuff like that away without consulting with us cats first!

Going Where No One Else Went!

Mawmee has been staining our deck, and this morning she went out on the upper deck to work on the railing.

She said I could be out there with her. So, I supervised while she worked. All the others were watching us from the window and from the door. They so desperately wanted to be out on the deck too.

But sometimes, only girls are allowed to do things. We didn't want the boys out there with us!

Hey . . . . . . . wait a minute here . . . . . . . why were us girls out there doing work and supervising work? Isn't that what the boys should be doing while the girls sit in the cool house sipping lemonade and getting pawdicures?

Tomorrow the boys can do the work!

Let's Review!

Okay, friends, let's review the past week:

Daily Diary Picks

7/11 - Sugar
7/14 - Sugar
7/21 - Calvin
7/22 - Newman
7/23 - Spunky


Hmmmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rainbow Bright!

Well, well, well, it's time for me to speak up, as you knew I would do! I see we have some beautiful new rosettes in the shop, and how cool that they were designed with a specific topic in mind by Dogster and Catster members.

I've also seen that somecats are not too happy about the Hero Rosette because of what they believe it represents outside Catster. That is fine if they want to request that cats don't give them one - they are entitled to their beliefs.

But, I think it is sad that something like a beautiful rainbow can't represent many different things. I don't care if the rainbow is in a ribbon shape or in the sky, a rainbow is still a thing of beauty, and we should respect the intention of the rosette and not try to turn it into something it is not.

Why, look at the Rainbow Bridge for example! We all know that the Rainbow Bridge isn't intended for only one kind of animal - it is for all animals!

Remember Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz? She knew that over the rainbow there existed a world of peace and harmony.

Remember Kermit the Frog and his Rainbow Connection? Kermit's idea of a rainbow is something to wish on - a symbol of hope.

So, let's remember that we are cats - cats who don't have to take life too seriously. Cats who can enjoy rainbows . . . . . . .

The Cat in the Clover Blogoversary!

Today is the 1 year anniversary of The Cat in the Clover blog! The blog was started to have a place to show our friends and items they have purchased from Mawmee's Etsy shop.

So, to thank all of you for being her customers, she is giving away some pawsome things. All you need to do is go to the blog and leave a comment.

Be sure to include your contact info - either your Catster ID# or an email address so that we can get in touch with you if you win.

Calvin is going to help pick the winner next Sunday on his birthday, so you have a week to leave a comment, but don't forget!

Thanks to all of you for being pawsome customers, and repeat customers! We love you bunches . . . . . . . . . .

I'm Just Sayin'

There was white fur between two of my left front toes. It wasn't fur belonging to me.

Hmmmmmm . . . . . . . . .

Yes, It Beez!

It beez yer day!

The Diary Gal likes you today!

You are DDP today - FINALLY!

I had your creditials checked by out my friends in Italy - you all right. You have street credit and credentials!

Looks like you've got Diary Gal's attention!

Fake Detective? That spammer sure didn't know who he/she/it was messing with!

Congrats on being a "Diva Diary Pick"!


Ahhhh, truer words were never spoken like they were today from all my friends!

Thank you, Diary Gal, for my third pick this year. I'll forgive you that we are in our 7th month, and you have failed to choose me at least once each month. Please mark on your calendar to remind yourself that I must be chosen every month. I see you are on an every other month schedule with me, and this, while nice, is highly unacceptable to my diary fans.

I'm happy to share the diary spotlight today with Hooch, who we purr will continue to improve!

Happy 10th birthday to Violet. We are all enjoying your new catnip toys!

Have a fun, safe holiday, and stop by Wilson J. Scooter's pawsome 4th of July bash at the Statue of Liberty in New York City!

Fake Detective?

My friend, Rocky Ann, commented that the spammer called me a fake detective! MOL!

What nerve!!! Has that spam creep never heard of the Samoa Detective Agency? Why we've solved more Catster crimes and put more ARGs in jail than Nancy Drew! How dare he call me a fake detective!

Thank you, Rocky Ann, for pointing that out to me. I didn't even notice at first. Looks like Techno Cat has erased the creepy spam! I hope that is the last of it!

Gobble De Goop!

I've been spammed! Spammed in my diary! Spammed with spammy comments!

The spammer only spams on one of my diary entries. You can click here to see the spam.

I've got Techno Cat working on the problem. He got rid of one spammer - I think it was abcdefghijk, but as you can see, spammers like hanging out together. As soon as you get rid of one, another one pops up. Have you ever heard of such weird names like

lytxcetxhihuwl

or

etijgsow

What was their mother thinking when she gave them names like that? I'm glad my name is easy to pronounce!

If you ever get spam like this, be sure to report it to HQ so they can take care of it!

Home Where I Belong!

Well, I'm finally getting rested up from my spa vacation. Let me warn you, friends, when your parents try to talk up a visit to the resort, don't fall for it!

Oh sure, I had my own condo with a view of a fishtank, but there were some perks missing from my vacation.

First of all, no one at this place knew who I was - it took me half the week to convince the staff that I needed time on the computer to make diary entries. They kept rolling their eyes at me when I told them I was the boa queen and the Diary Gal would be missing my wonderful diary entries!

And then there was all the other residents - a bunch of no names who knew nothing about Catster! What losers! They didn't know anything about zealies, pawmail, or cat blogs. I felt so sorry for them!

Of course, when I had my ten minutes of freedom each day while they cleaned my condo, I went to all the other cats and tried to explain the concept of being in a group, being a diary pick, or being Cat of the Day. There is only so much I could do in a week's time. I'm sure when they got home, they told their parents that they need to join Catster ASAP. Catster can thank me for the spike in membership that I'm sure will occur next month!

I have slimmed down some since my spa visit. Mawmee says I look like I've lost some weight, and she has been giving me a little extra wet food which is fine with me!

Of course, all my siblings were so happy to see me when I got home! I'm sure the place did not run smoothly without my supervision, but I've got everything under control once again. I'm happy to be back home!

Return from the Spa!

Well, friends, I am back!

I have much to say about my so-called spa experience, but I am busy today getting my top cat position in the household back.

I'll definitely let you know more tomorrow! I need some chillaxin time - you know how it is after you get back from vacation . . . . . . .

My Resort!

My friend, Ivan, pmailed me and asked the name of my resort so he could check to see if he has any in his area.

I thought I'd post it in my diary so all my fans can see where I will be next week. It is called Pet Suites.

Here is a picture of the area where my condo is located. If you look on the left side of the picture, that window near the fish tank is my window!

I'm getting excited about my vacation!

Checking Out My Spa Room!

Today Mawmee made a visit to see where I will be spending my vacation next week.

She has been there before, but only to take Rocky, and she wanted to see exactly what my accommodations would be. At first I was going to be by the window so I could look out at the bird feeders.

But after thinking about it, she knows I don't like storms, and in case it storms while they are gone, I would be scared. She called them last week, and they gave me another room at the inn.

All the cat condos are in one room. Each condo spa room has four levels. I'm in the middle of the room at the end. I face the big glass window that looks out to the lobby. I also have a side window that looks right at a big fish tank.

Each level is a shelf, and the lower level is where they put the litter box. It is hidden behind a little wall so other cats can't watch you pee, which I really like because I like doing my business in private.

They will put down rugs on each level, or you can bring your own bed or rugs which, of course, I plan to do! I'll be taking my own food too. They change out and give you fresh litter every day.

This place is beginning to sound better than home! While they clean out your room every day, you get to walk around the big room. You can have playtime too, but I have no interest in playing with strangers!

I'll be going to the spa on Friday evening, and Rocky will be going too. Of course, I had Mawmee ask if I could have a laptop so I could get on Catster, and they aren't too crazy about that idea, so I will be computerless for an entire week!

But, I will also be Newmanless for an entire week, and that sounds positively heavenly . . . . . . . . . .

How Soon She Forgets!

Two years ago today . . . . . . June 9, 2007 . . . . . . the best day of my Catster life.

I was Diary of the Day. My Catster Dream had come true.

And it has been all downhill since then. The Diary Gal has barely noticed me. Even Daddy mentioned the other day that I haven't gotten any diary honors in a long time.

Do you remember the time when there was a Diary Pawpular List? Of course you remember, because I was at the top of the list - right where I should be. Oh, yeah, you'll say you remember Boogers being at the top of the list too. Well, get that image out of your head because when that list was ripped out from under us all, I was at the top.

And now . . . . . . fast forward two years . . . . . . . here I sit with two stinkin' diary nods the whole year. Apparently the Diary Gal has forgotten who made her famous. She didn't even have a gender or a name until I gave her one back in my August 16, 2006 diary entry. Everycat knows her and calls her the Diary Gal. And she snubs me on my two year anniversary!

How soon she forgets . . . . . . . . .

Oh, What a Night!

Here is how it happened. It was late - around 11:30 p.m. We were all getting ready for bed. All of us except Newman! He decided, as he had done all evening, that he wanted to torment me.

He kept getting all in my face, and I would hiss and smack him, and he kept coming back for more. Finally he chased me down the stairs and all of a sudden the loudest cat fight started.

Gleek and Violet were running for cover. Mawmee came flying down the stairs with her flashlight. Calvin was watching from his cuddle bed in the dining room.

It was ugly. Really ugly.

By the time she got downstairs, there was gray fur in the hallway. I was in the living room with white fur in my mouth.

He was still on the loose!

Mawmee decided after trying to go to sleep and still hearing hissing that I should be locked in the bedroom for the night. So, she got a litter box for me, and a bowl of food and water. Of course, each time she opened the door to bring in another item, white boy flew into the room. One time he ran straight into the litter box and just sat there looking out. He thought it was a big game!

Finally - time for sleep. But, ohhhhhhhh, noooooooooooo, Newmie laid outside my door and cried, and cried, and cried, and whimpered and it was pathetic!

So, Mawmee caved, and opened my bedroom door and moved the litter box back, and moved the food bowl back, and moved the water bowl back. Geesh, how can a girl get any beauty sleep around here?

I can't wait to go to my pet resort in a couple of weeks! I won't have to put up with him! We have been good this morning, but who knows what tonight holds in store . . . . . . . . .

Don't Tell Daddy!

OMC - I just saw on the homepage that June is Adopt a Cat Month.

Daddy is having fear and trembling over their volunteer day at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary when they go on vacation this month. Mawmee overheard him telling someone at the graduation party they went to last weekend that he hopes Best Friends doesn't have airline approved carrying cases as you walk through the door!

Maybe they should work with the dogs when they go, and stay clear of the cats!

MOL . . . . . . . .

Pause for Sympathy

Could we all take a moment and pause for a little sympathy for my friend, Lucy.

You see, her mother has totally lost her marbles. She has decided to adopt two kittens. Lucy is going to be forced to deal with a NEWMAN CLONE!

Take a look at this!!

Oh, sure, you're going, Ahhhhhhhh, how precious - won't it be wonderful? I'm here to tell you that those blue eyes and white fur are nothing but trouble!

Lucy's life is about to change, and there is no going back! The only plan that is going to work is for her to come live with us, and we will send Newman to Arizona to live with those kittens.

What are we going to do with all these Catster mothers that follow their hearts instead of their heads ????????

A Trivial Matter!

Mawmee decided to see if she could answer some questions on the new Catster Trivia Game.

Let's just say that starting at the Expert level was a big mistake! She quickly jumped down to the Intermediate level, and after only acquiring 35 points, she decided she is only a Beginner when it comes to cats!

I think I'd better take over and get some correct answers because I see so many of our friends in the top 50!

It's a fun new game with photos of Catster members, and you can submit your own questons too, so be sure to check it out.

I think I'll submit this question:

Who is the Queen of Boas on Catster?


MOL . . . . . . . .

Edgar's Best!

Our friend, Edgar has a weekly series called Edgar's Best. It is a very clever idea where he chooses different categories and finds a friend that best fits the category.

His category this week is Best Kiss Me Here Spot (brown/orange), and guess what? I'm his best pick!

Of course, you all know that my orange/brown kiss me here spot is the cookie shaped spot above my eye! And yes, it has been kissed many times.

Adorable Bobbie was a first runner up for her kissable spots at each whisker poof and the spot on her cheek!

Don't you love the word whisker poof? I think it sounds very pawsome!

Thanks so much, Edgar, for choosing me as one of your bests!

Thanks Diary Gal!

What a day! I was so surprised to see that I was a diary pick today. I haven't been very good about updating my diary because I felt the Diary Gal was snubbing me. I guess she has a soft place in her heart for stray cats in the woods, and that is why she picked my last entry - MOL!

Thank you to everycat who has left me fun gifts and nice pmails for being a diary pick today - I love you all, and you make my life so special.

Daddy was working outside this morning, and he saw the black cat that visits our hotel. Then he heard some cat hissing and fighting, and he thinks the black and white cat had a little quarrel.

Later I saw the black cat at the food bowl that was near the hotel, so he was probably jealous that the white cat was invading his territory. Who knows, but all I know is they are both staying outside!

As a treat today for being a diary pick, I was allowed out on the deck today while Mawmee cleaned the table and swept stuff off the deck. Our deck is up on the second level, and there are no stairs, so she trusts me, and Calvin to be out there. She is afraid Violet and Newman would slip through the slats and try to jump down to the ground which is a long way down!

I went back inside, and Calvin went out for a few minutes. Newman was watching the entire time through the window. He desperately wanted to go out there! Instead, he helped Mawmee paint in the dining room today.

Tomorrow is our Mawmee and Daddy's 23rd wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary!

One White Boy is Enough!

Daddy cleaned out the garage today while Mawmee painted our dining room. Of course, she had a supervisor - the same boy who helped remove the wallpaper border in the dining room!

Later, they were outside attaching a weathervane to the fence - it has been in the basement, and Mawmee wanted it outside. All of a sudden she saw something white run down toward the back of our property.

She hightailed it down there to see what it was, and sure enough, it was a white cat! He looked a little like Victor Gibbs - white with orange spots in various places of his body.

He was super duper friendly, and she wanted to see if he would follow her toward the backyard so she could get him some dry food. Of course, every cat looks starving to Mawmee. He was a little thin, but she thinks maybe he lives around here because he was so friendly and clean looking.

When she petted him, she felt a tick on his back, so she removed it. He followed her right up to the fence. Daddy was on his way in the house, and Mawmee asked him to get the dry food and bring it to her.

He said, No, no, no, no! MOL! She went and got the food herself, and put a big bowl of it on a stump near the hotel. He ate, but not a lot, so that makes us think he belongs to someone too.

All I know is that he is not going to belong to us! Daddy has spoken, and so have I!

A New Record!

Right now there are four of us on the bed sleeping together:

Me

Gleek

Calvin

Newman

We all have a different corner of the bed! Mawmee said she would take a picture, but she doesn't want to turn the light on and disturb us!

Speaking of disturbing, Newman has a new habit of doing a flying leap and landing on me! There is nothing humorous about it, and I have done my best to hiss at him everytime he attempts this foolishness.

I heard Mawmee talking on the phone today. Our neighbors are going on vacation in June, and we watch their two cats. Then the interesting thing I heard was that Mawmee and Daddy are also going on vacation the end of June.

The interesting part is where I heard her tell the neighbor that Samoa is going to the resort! Well, resort wasn't what she called it, but anything that gets me away from Newman for a week has to be a resort!

We had a discussion about it later, and she told me that Newman and I shouldn't be left alone in the house for an entire week with only short visits from our non-Catster catsitter. She is afraid one or both of us would be a bloodied mess by the time they get home!

Daddy has offered to take Newman with them, and conveniently leave him at Best Friends Animal Society when they go there to volunteer for a day. I think that sounds like a wonderful plan!

Unfortunately, I don't think that plan is gonna fly . . . . . . .

Sharing My Birthday!

First, let me thank all my wonderful friends who have already stopped by and left me sweet birthday presents - I love each and every one of them!

Of course, tomorrow I must share my birthday with Mawmee's Day, but that is okay with me cause we are the two upstairs females, and we need to stick together to battle all the boys in this house.

As I type this, Newman is hanging upside down by the stair banister and is trying to get me to play with him! He is such a pest, and he won't leave me alone!

I think I saw my birthday present come in the house tonight. It appears to be a Kitty Hoot Fishing Pole! Now, you might think that a fishing pole is not a very feminine gift for the Queen of Boas, but you are wrong!

This fishing pole will be used to keep one white boy super duper busy and out of my fur! I can't think of a better gift!

Tomorrow Mawmee and Daddy are taking a little road trip to meet Ohio Grandmaw, her sister, and our uncle at the half-way meeting point. They are going to have lunch and give Grandmaw her Mother's Day gifts, and also her birthday gifts. She has a birthday on Wednesday.

That means I won't be around until early evening. I plan to spend the afternoon chillaxin and bossing around anycat that will listen to me!

Happy Mommy's Day to all the Catster Mommies! We love that you spend time playing with us on Catster! And Happy Anniversary to Lancelot's parents!

Love you all!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Hola!

I see several friends are all festive for Cinco de Mayo! If you have a photo for today, tag it:

Cinco de Mayo

and get in our stroll!

It's just one big celebration after another . . . . . . . .

Pretty In Pink!

Thanks to all the cats who participated in today's Pink Out! The Pink Out stroll can be seen here, and there is still time to tag a photo of you with something pink. Tag it: Pink Out to be included in the stroll.

The Kentucky Oaks horse race was finished about an hour ago. Rachel Alexander was the winning horse, and she was way ahead of all the other horses!

It was fun to see all the ladies at the track in their pretty pink outfits, and big floppy hats full of feathers and ribbons!

Tomorrow Mawmee and Daddy are attending a Derby brunch with about 22 other people - mostly friends of Grandmaw and Grandpaw. They have been doing this for quite a few years. They go to one of the nice hotels in town that was managed by one of Grandpaw's friends. The hotel was recently changed to a Crown Plaza, and they dedicated and named the board room after this gentleman who passed away last year.

He and his wife used to do a Derby type quiz each year, and Mawmee is doing it this year. She has a nice basket full of Derby goodies for the winner.

Of course, we will all be attending Wilson J. Scooter's Derby Extravaganza in the forum. The party goes on all day tomorrow, so be sure to drop in for a few minutes and have some fun with us!

Tonight I will be attending several of the Derby Eve parties where all the celebrities will be seen. You know, Paris will be there, and Kim Kardashian is hosting a party. They all wanted me to attend!

Happy Kentucky Derby weekend . . . . . . .

Pink Out Stroll!

My bestest pink friend, Rocky Ann, had a pawsome suggestion to do a Pink Out photo stroll!

So, look at your pictures. Surely you have a picture of you with something pink - either wearing something pink, or sitting with something pink, or like Newman, a photo of your pink nose!

Tag that photo

Pink Out

cause we're having a stroll! Thanks Rocky Ann!

And don't forget to tag a photo of you with your Derby hat:

Derby 09

because Skeezix is judging the stroll, and the winner will receive 50 zealies!

Pink Out on Friday!

Friday is Kentucky Oaks day at Churchill Downs race track. It has become known as the locals day at the track.

This year they are doing something really neat for Oaks Day. It is going to be a Pink Out! They are encouraging all the ladies to wear pink on Friday in support of breast cancer!

As the horses make their way to the track on one of the special races that day, a parade of 135 women and men cancer survivors will lead the way!

Then in the winner's circle where the winning horse gets the garland of pink star gazer lilies, the cancer survivors will form a big horsehoe!

Dang, I wish Rocky Ann could be here because we would definitely go in style all dressed in pink!

Let's have a Pink Out on Friday by wearing something pink for your main picture!

Happy Derby Week . . . . . . . .

Hot and Bothered!

Well, friends, it has been very warm here for the past few days, and guess whose air conditioner is not working?

You guessed right! How is a girl to maintain her fresh and youthful appearance in this sweltering heat?

And to top that, the air conditioner fixer guy shows up at 7:45 this morning! Dang, we are still sleeping at 7:45!

The air conditioner fixer office gal called this morning to say they were coming here first. Mawmee looked at the clock and thought it said 8:00 a.m., so we all got up.

Daddy fixed us breakfast, but I didn't eat - mainly because it wasn't 8:00 a.m. - it was 7:00 a.m.!

My cats, what is this place - the army? It is 8:10 a.m. and the air conditioner fixer guy has already fixed it and left - it only needed freon and the visit was less than $100 - woo hoo!

Now, let's get this placed cooled off - I'm going back to bed!

The Bridge Calls a Friend~

We were so very sorry to hear this morning that our friend, Kashmere, made her journey to the bridge.

Kashmere, like her siblings, was deeply loved by her family, and we know that she will be missed by them and all her Catster friends.

She was to celebrate her 8th birthday in a couple of weeks, and we know she will be celebrating with the angels and her brother, Picasso.

Rest in peace, sweet friend . . . . . . . . .

Two Brothers!

Not only am I searching for a home for Newman, I am now totally mortified by Calvin's diary entry.

I don't know if I can take one more day with all these disgusting brothers!

It Makes Census!

Some man just knocked on our front door. Mawmee never opens the door for people that she doesn't know. He was an older dude, and he had some fancy nametag around his neck that he showed Mawmee.

He said he is just verifying our address for the 2010 Census. He didn't need to ask Mawmee anything - so why did he knock on the door? Doofus.

He left her a piece of paper with info on it. She told him to leave it in the door and she would get it later.

I tried to get to the guy to tell him that we have too many cats, and could he take a white one with him, but he left before I had a chance to tell him.

I'm sure when they do the Census in 2010, they are going to count how many cats and dogs are in this house. I'm sure we are way over the average, and the head Census guy will tell us that somecat has to go.

Don't worry, I've got his bags packed, and he will be ready. I just don't know why I have to wait until 2010 to get rid of him!

She Kissed a Girl and She Liked It!

I got kissed by a girl today. Did you?

Rocky Ann kissed 42 girls today! She is a good kisser - MOL!

Today you're supposed to go to Starbucks and kiss someone of the same sex!

Well, I don't drink coffee, so I didn't want to go to Starbucks, but I told Mawmee she could kiss me - and she did!

It's not like we don't have a car - someone took Calvin's car for a spin today. It was parked under the dining room window, and right before dinner we all noticed that it was in the hallway! I'm thinking some little underaged white boy took it for a joyride!

I'm glad it's not Kiss Your Little Brother Day . . . . . . . .

Easter Grossness!

You all know how I feel about dogs, and how disgusting they can be at times!

Well, Rocky got a special treat today - Mawmee and Daddy took him for a walk down to the bottom of our property. There is a garden down there, and it is big and flat and surrounded by trees.

And the deer left hidden Easter eggs all over the place! And Rocky found one and started eating it! Mawmee said the deer poop Easter egg was round and looked like a chocolate egg - MOL!

Of course, you don't dare put your hand in Rocky's mouth, or you won't have a hand left. He only ate half the egg, but his walk was over!

I told you dogs were gross . . . . . . . .

Go Orange!

I had a photo session today to get ready for April 7th. April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month sponsored by the ASPCA.

And April 7th is Go Orange for Animals day! So, look around the house, find something orange, get your photo taken with it, and then tag that picture:

Go Orange 09

to be included in the stroll!

Come on, we all know how important it is - Go Orange!

Plump Lips!

Have you seen the ad at the top of the Catster page that asks:

Do lip plumpers work?

Doesn't it crack you up? The lips on that Angelina Jolie look-alike are about twenty times the normal size!

I'd have to answer a big, fat no to that question! And speaking of lips, you wouldn't believe what Mawmee has taught that little white monster to do.

She has taught him that when she says, kissy, give me a kissy, he leans in toward her and she kisses him on the nose.

Oh brother . . . . . . . I could do that anytime I wanted . . . . . . if I wanted . . . . . I'd only want to if one of my twenty dreamboats were around.

Badges!

Oh my cats - have you all seen the new badges we can put on our pages?

Right below where you click to write in your diary is a link to your badges. There are badges for:

1. Reading the Cat's Meow

2. The Together Tag

3. Snuzzy

4. The Cat Breed Game

5. Trupanion - insurance

All you do is click on which one applies to you, and a cute little badge shows up on your page!

I'm not fooling you - check it out!

Thanks, Catster . . . . . . . . .

Basketball Fever!

Mawmee and Daddy got home really late last night, but they were in a good mood because the U of L Cardinals won against Daddy's alma mater, the U of A Wildcats.

They were cheering for the Wildcats last night, and tomorrow afternoon they will go back up to Indianapolis to cheer for the Cardinals.

If you want to see some pictures, you can visit Mawmee's blog!

Mercy Me!

Did you see that Madonna is going to adopt a little girl from Malawi? Her name is Mercy!

She is cute, but not nearly as pretty as the Mercy we all know and love!

This afternoon we are being abandoned in favor of college basketball! Can you believe it?

Mawmee and Daddy are going to Indianapolis to watch the University of Louisville Cardinals (yummy bird) play the University of Arizona Wildcats.

They are sitting in the U of A section because they have friends in Rocky Ann's birthstate who go to the U of A games. They were able to get tickets because Daddy couldn't get them from the U of L. You have to be season ticket holders to get tickets.

Now, here is the funny part! Daddy graduated from the U of A with his masters and PhD and when he was in school, Mawmee and Daddy attended the basketball games. So, they have always been U of A fans.

But, Daddy works for U of L! Whoever wins tonight will play on Sunday, and they will go back to Indy for that game too! Mawmee is going to wear her U of A shirt today, and hopefully wear her U of L shirt on Sunday. Mawmee said he wouldn't be at U of L if it wasn't for U of A, so it is okay to cheer for U of A today even though they probably won't win - but, you never know.

They will be gone for quite awhile, and I have been put in charge. I plan to lock Newman in a bathroom and get some beauty sleep - MOL!

Have a pawsome weekend . . . . . . . . .

One Quarter!

Well, well, well . . . . . . the Diary Gal decides to finally throw a pick my way today!

It sure has taken long enough! This is my first pick of the year . . . . . and we are already one fourth of the way through the year! I'm either losing my touch, or she is losing her marbles - MOL!

I'm so happy to be on the pick list today with a couple of brothers and also a friend who is Diary of the Day!

Speaking of brothers, I have been spending way too much time running from, hissing at, and swatting one little white boy. He has absolutely no fear of me, and he likes to get on my every last nerve! I can't tell you how much beauty sleep I have lost because of him.

I'd like to thank the many diary fans who have showered me and my page with beautiful signs of spring. I certainly appreciate every one of you.

A quick update for you on our black cat visitor. You know the one - he uses the hotel on our woodpile in the winter. Mawmee has been able to go up to him and pet him. He seems very friendly and probably lives around here somewhere. Although we saw another black cat in our woods tonight who looks a little fatter than the one Mawmee has petted, so who knows - there may be two of them!

Anyway, last weekend Daddy was out of town. The black cat was snooping around next door. Mawmee decided to do the thing she knew she shouldn't, but her love of cats made her do it. She took some dry food out to him. He ran right over. She left it in the side yard and went inside. We all watched him from the window. He ate, and ate, and ate. Then he strolled down into the back of our property.

She went out and picked up the container. Guess what? The next night he was sitting in the same spot waiting for her to bring out more food. Of course, when Daddy came home and we told him what was going on, he just rolled his eyes.

And no, Mercy, he is not going to live here! We are at our limit. We are beyond our limit, believe you me. Newman took us completely over the limit and over the top!

But, we'll feed him if he is hungry cause that is what you do when you are a cat lover!

. . . . It Was A Very Good Year!

The year was 2006 . . . .
How in the world would
I
Realize the
Direction my life would take by joining

Catster!
A plain, boring life -
Transformed into
Stardom!
Thousands of friends,
Every dream became a
Reality (Diary of the Day)!

And a Detective Agency where
No ARGs go free!
Now, you know
I am
Very grateful for
Each and every
Rosette and
Special gift!
And
Remember, there are many more
Years of fun ahead!

Have a piece of Catster anniversary cake on me . . . . . . . .

Toy Week!

Over at moderncat, it is Toy Week!

There will be lots of fun giveaways - and The Cat in the Clover is giving away a set of Rat Pack toys!

I see Jake and Micah will also be participating in the giveaway with their very cool toys!

Be sure to sign up at moderncat's website to receive their email newsletter so you are always in the know!

After all, you are a modern cat, aren't you?

Ode in Memory of Dr. Seuss

I am Samoa

Samoa I am

Do you like that little Newman?

I do not like him, Samoa I am
I do not like that little Newman!

Would you like him on your bed?

I would not like him on my bed
I would not like him that I've said!

Would you like him on the table?

I would not like him on the table,
I would not like him if named Mable!

I do not like that little Newman
I do not like him, Samoa I am!

Would you? Could you? Cuddle with him?

I would not, could not, cuddle with him!
I'd rather go work out in a gym!

You do not like him, so you say,?
Try him, try him, and you may!
Try him and you may, I say!

If you will let me be,
I will try him
You will see!

Nope, still don't like him, little Newman . . . . . . . . .

Stage Name!

My friend, Nikko informed me last night that I need to change my name.

You see, his Mom got her Girl Scout cookies and she didn't have any Samoas . . . . . . they were called Caramel deLites.

Being knowledgeable about Girl Scout cookies like I am - dang, I'm knowledgeable about everything - I informed Nikko that the Caramel deLites are made by the ABC Cookie Company, and the famous and delish Samoas are made by Little Brownie Bakers! Little Brownie Bakers makes the Samoa cookies in our hometown.

Nikko said if I ever decide to go into stripping, I could use Caramel deLites as my stage name! Well, I can tell you right now that I will not be doing any strip teases, but I do think that Caramel deLite would be a perfect name for me when I hit it big in the modeling world.

After all, I am quite deLiteful . . . . . .

The Final Dreamboat for 2009!

Oh, I know, ladies, you're as sad as I am that the list of dreamboats must come to an end!

I promise every year as Valentine's Day rolls around, a new list of 10 dreamboats will be created. And I encourage all you single gals who don't want to be tied down to one boy to create your own Top Ten Dreamboat list. There are plenty of Catster dreamboats, and the decision is never easy.

This year, the Norwegian Forest Cats caught my eye. I guess it is their stunning beauty that makes them dreamboats in my eyes. I have a thing for facial markings, and plush, full fluffy hair!

So, let me introduce Dreamboat #20. His brother is Dreamboat #10 - good looks and good taste in clothing runs in the family.

A feast for the eyes - Gordy!

I realize he is just a youngster when it comes to being a dreamboat, so you can imagine how much more handsome he will be as he matures.

You know how I admire bravery, and Gordy loves things that make noise or move - snack wrappers and bugs, for example! A good bug catcher is a wonderful dreamboat trait.

As you can tell from his pictures, he knows how to wear a sweater, and isn't afraid of the color pink. Real men wear pink. I think boys that wear collars are very handsome, and his collar has a heart dangling from it which shows his sensitive side!

Gordy also has a beautiful white candy kiss around his nose which is so attractive! I also like boys who aren't afraid of water - you know, in case I ever need rescuing from a water situation. Gordy isn't afraid to get his paws or face wet as you can see in his video.

I'd like to also congratulate Gordy and Ruben's Mommy as she just recently got married. What a beautiful bride - you can check out Ruben's diary for a link to the wonderful slideshow from her wedding. Weddings always make me cry!

I hope you enjoyed drooling over Dreamboats #11-20. They are a fine bunch of cats!

11. Arnold P.
12. Sammie
13. KiKi
14. Ember
15. Merlin
16. Smudge
17. Nikko
18. Scooter
19. Mr. D
20. Gordy

Dreamboat #19

Well, ladies, you're in luck! Dreamboat #19 is looking for love.

And when you take one look at him, your heart will melt! Meet Dreamboat #19 - Mr. D!

The D stands for Darwin, but I think it also stands for Dreamboat!

He is from way far away - New Zealand. I'm sure he has a very cool New Zealand accent, which is a nice trait in a dreamboat. He reminds me of a New Zealand James Bond with his fancy necktie and his exotic adventures!

Mr. D was gone for 6 months - which must have seemed like 6 years to his family! Wouldn't we all love to have a good dinner with Mr. D and hear about his adventures during his time away from home? I'm so thankful that he is back with his family.

I know, many of you are thinking that Mr D looks like Calvin, but Mr. D has golden eyes. And he has very pretty markings on his fur!

Be sure to stop by the Kissing Booth on his page, and plant a big one on his cute face!

Thanks for being one of my dreamboats, Mr. D!

Brotherly Love!

The next two dreamboats in my top twenty list are brothers. I was first introduced to them back when the first rosette mystery surfaced on Catster. They were the sneaky Blue Brothers.

And now they are Dreamboat #17 - Nikko, and Dreamboat #18 - Scooter!

Nikko and Scooter are ragdolls, and as much as I dislike Newman, I think an older, more mature ragdoll is the perfect dreamboat.

They like chillaxin, and who doesn't love to chillax with a good looking boy?

Let me tell you about Dreamboat #17 first. Nikko is kind and sensitive - a good trait in a dreamboat. Oh, sure, he may be afraid of thunder and occasionally sucks his armpit, but don't hold that against him. Being vulnerable is very attractive to girls!

He loves to talk, and I can't think of anything that is more attractive than looking into a boy's blue eyes while he talks about how pretty he thinks I am!

Dreamboat #18 - Scooter - has the same beautiful eyes as his brother. I like the fact that Scooter has a job. Dreamboats should be employed, and he is a plumber by trade. He is fascinated with water, and he checks out the toilet to make sure things are working correctly.

I think Scooter is a Diva Dreamboat because he wants all the attention to be on him! He loves affection, but he isn't fond of being kissed. He will have to get over that because lots of girls will be drooling over him now!

The Dreamboat Blue Brothers have always called me Cookie, and I like boys that come up with cute nicknames!


Two more dreamboats to go, and hopefully we will not lose our power when this windstorm comes through in a few hours!

Dreamboat #16

Well, there is a funny story about Dreamboat #16. I had him on my list, but I think he might have been campaigning to become a dreamboat when I received this beautiful poem in a rosette:

Roses are Red
Violets are Blue
No one could look more beautiful in boa feathers
Than you

Meet Dreamboat #16 - Smudge!

Now, at first glance you might think Smudge is a girl because he is so beautiful! Yes, handsome describes him too, but beautiful seems to fit better!

You all know I have a thing for boys that have unusual white markings on their face, and Smudge is no exception. His white marking looks like half of an upside down heart! I guess he needs to find a girl with a matching white mark on the other side - MOL!

I love a boy that occasionally breaks the rules - a real rebel is one of the traits of being a Dreamboat!

I also like a boy who knows what he wants and knows how to get it! This is the kind of dreamboat you need in your life!

Smudge is so photogenic, and has been on television which should help my modeling career. It's true what they say, it's not what you know, but who you know!

Stop by and meet Dreamboat #16 if you don't already know him! His page is always decorated so pawsomely . . . . . . . . .

Dreamboat #15

How could I not make this boy a dreamboat when he sent me a rosette that said:

Mwah! You are so delicious! Happy Valentine's Day

Yes, there are many words to describe me, and delicious is one I'll be adding to the list!

Meet Dreamboat #15 - Merlin!

It seems the name Merlin and dreamboat go together because Dreamboat #8 from last year is Merlin the Cat Wizard!

This Merlin created some magic too when he came into the hearts of his owner. He and his brother, Felix, were strays, and after finally gaining some trust, they became barn cats at their home. But then the family moved and no longer had a barn, so Merlin had to learn how to live on a porch instead!

He comes inside, but sometimes you can't convince a cat that being inside is best, so he spends time outside too! He sleeps in a dog house and cuddles up to Lucky Luke, the dog. Bravery is definitely a trait of a dreamboat!

And check out Merlin's eyes - they are dreamy pools of green! And of course, I always love a boy who knows good fashion when he sees it!

Thanks for being a dreamboat, Merlin! All the girls are gonna love checking out your page!

Brotherly Trio of Dreamboats!

It's time for Dreamboat #12, #13, and #14 - these boys are all brothers! Can you imagine living in a house with these three handsome hotties?

Meet Dreamboat #12 - Sammie! Sammie is so photogenic - gotta love that in a cat! And check him all decked out - droolworthy! I love his purrfect white bib and white gloves. He is always ready for a formal event!

Meet his brother, Dreamboat #13 - KiKi! KiKi reminds me a little bit of Gleek in that they both have that hunkiness factor going for them! And who doesn't love a dreamboat with a sense of humor? An important asset of dreamboatness is a cat who likes to laugh, or act silly at times!

Meet his brother, Dreamboat #14 - Ember! His name oozes dreaminess! You've got to love a cat who can survive in the wild until he finds just the purrfect home! Having pawsome eyes and a silky black coat rank among the best qualities of a dreamboat! Looking good in a tie doesn't hurt either!

There you have it - three-in-one - the tri-fecta household of Dreamboats!

Dreamboats 2009!

Move over,

Rufus
Diego
Stash
River
Lancelot
Captain Morgan
Rico
Merlin the Cat Wizard
Raymond Maxpower Nelson Festa
Ruben

My Top Ten Dreamboat List is expanding to include ten more dreamboats!

After all, there are so many handsome boys out there, who can limit it to just 10? I'll be featuring one a day for the next 10 days.

One of the requirements for being a Dreamboat is having a feature that makes the girls swoon.

This first Dreamboat has very dreamy eyes. Meet Dreamboat #11 - Arnold P.!

I've always thought of Arnold P. like a brother, but after thinking about it, he would make some girl a good Valentine catch. In fact, he has a special girl in his life - his Mom!

A dreamboat should bring presents to you, and he has the knack of capturing mice in the garage and bringing them in the house for his Mom - how thoughtful!

A dreamboat should be a church-going cat, and every year Arnold P. goes to get blessed with Holy Water on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

A dreamboat should do things only a boy would do - like drink from the toilet, or sail in a boat. Arn has done both!

A dreamboat should be a globe trotter - Arnold has taken many road trips.

And if you're not convinced that Arnold P. is a dreamboat - stop by his page and listen to his romantic music. Now, that is definitely a sign of a dreamboat - a cat who likes romantic music!

There you have it, gals, Dreamboat #11 - Arnold P.!

Go Red for Women!

Today is Go Red for Women Day!

The American Heart Association has chosen today as the day all ladies should wear red to bring attention to the #1 killer of women - no, it's not cancer, it's heart disease!

I'm wearing my red boa today, and I encourage you to do the same.

And if you have a photo of you wearing something red, how about tagging it:

go red

to support all those women who have heart problems. And if your Mom shops at Macy's over the next few days, and she wears red, they will give her a discount! Woo hoo!

Let me see some red out there in Catsterland today . . . . . . . .

Wooooooooooo Hoooooooooooo!

We have power!

Woooooooo Hooooooo!

It came back on around 1:00 p.m. - Mawmee was in the shower at the time and started screaming for joy when the bathroom light came on!

I'll be back later, but just wanted to let you all know - and again, thanks so much for the purrs!

We are all warm and toasty now . . . . . . . .

Thawing Out!

Well, friends, the sun is shining and has been for the past couple of days. Slowly, all the ice is melting off the trees.

It looked like a fairy tale forest yesterday with the beautiful glistening trees. How can something so pretty be so destructive and cold at the same time?

But, we are still in the dark!

Primitive living is not for me! Wait a minute, did I say that, or did Mawmee? MOL!

We wouldn't be alive if our Daddy wasn't around cause I sure don't see Calvin and Gleek out there splitting wood for our fireplace! We are going through wood like crazy. The coldest the kitchen area has been was 52 degrees - that was yesterday morning when the outside temperature said 2 degrees! It is 60 in the kitchen today, but much colder upstairs. Sugar and Rocky's room is comfortable because we have a space heater down there.

However, it was warmer yesterday, and supposed to be even warmer today, so we hope it helps heat up the house. The sun is shining so brightly through the window that Calvin even left his permanent spot by the fire and went back into the dining room to lay in a sunbeam. He put a Reserved sign on his bed before he went in there!

Mawmee and Daddy alternate sleeping spots. The person who sleeps upstairs stays warm, but has to get up and stoke the fire. The person who sleeps downstairs is cold, but they get to stay under the covers - of course, with Sugar sleeping at their feet!

The best part they say is that we have hot water. So they are able to take showers. However, Mawmee says there could be major problems today if the lights don't come back on because she might have to actually wash a dish - the dishwasher is full!

She was able to run some errands yesterday, and she felt like she was among the living. Someone has to stay home to keep an eye on the fireplace.

Man, have we had fun watching the birdies! Newman finally discovered them, and he is enjoying it too. He is one big static ball of fur, and he can't wait to explore each time a pile of wood comes into the house!

Thanks to all of you who have sent us pmail. Due to the slowness of dial-up, we won't be responding until the power comes back. Keep your paws crossed that the workmen get alot done today. We are all very tired of living in one room! The house looks like a tornado went through it with clothes. boots, and extension cords everywhere!

We have a lot of tree limbs down in our wooded area. Luckily, nothing hit the house, and we are thankful the ice is melting so no more trees are damaged.

Hope to get back on later today with good news!

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Just a quick note to give you an update on our situation. I'm on Daddy's laptop with a dial-up connection, so you know how slow those can be!

We still don't have power.

The generator died in the middle of the night.

It was 53 degrees in most of the house except the living room where we have a fireplace.

Of course, there are no generators to be found. And Daddy worked on trying to fix ours, but no luck. And he spent a lot of time splitting wood too. We don't know what we would do without our great Daddy!

All the purring we know our friends are doing created a miracle today!

Our neighbor had left town when he found out the power was out. They put the dog in the kennel and went to Nashville. We called him to see if we could borrow his firewood cause we are running out of that too - it takes a lot of wood to keep Calvin warm - MOL!

Well, guess what? The neighbor was driving up to the house. They were only staying for an hour or two and then going to a hotel. Mawmee asked if they had a generator because we thought they shared one with another neighbor.

Sure, he had one, and said we could use it! And it is a giant generator - so we can run our refrigerator and the heater for Sugar and Rocky - and a lamp - all at the same time!

Talk about good luck!

Calvin and Violet have permanently established a place in front of the fireplace. Newman thinks the whole thing is one big slumber party!

Gleek and I have spent a lot of time upstairs, but we venture down to the warm room every few hours.

And the biggest adventure has been watching all the birdies Mawmee is feeding. One of our birdbaths is right outside the living room window, so we can practically touch those birds - what fun!

They are saying it could be up to 10 days before everyone has power. Luckily, they have crews from othere states here helping. We are just so thankful that we can stay in our house, because packing up six cats and a dog would not be much fun!

I'll try to update you when I get the chance. We are sorry to all our groups that we haven't been around to announce birthdays, and other honors. We miss you all, and keep purring the power gets back on soon!

Just in Case!

We want our friends to know that we're having a bad ice storm today and tomorrow. We have around four inches of snow, but the ice causes problems.

And sometimes those problems means the power goes out, so if for some reason the next few days we are not around, it is possible we have lost our power. Hopefully that won't happen, but we don't want our friends to worry.

We live out of the city a little ways, and it takes longer for those electrical guys to come fix us whenever the power goes out.

I know alot of kitties are in the same situation, so stay warm and be safe!

My Turn!

Well, friends, it's Week 3 in the Bissell Pet Photo Contest. I've entered this week's voting period.

If you would like to cast a vote for me, you can click here!

The winner from each week moves on to the next round. The top winner gets some prizes, and more importantly, a $10,000 donation to their pet cause!

The first week's winners can be seen here. It was very exciting to see that a Catster member came in 4th place in week 1. Congratulations to Chai-Latte! It looks like some stinky dog came in first place, and a weird looking pig came in second!

Week 2's winners will be displayed tomorrow.

We got some snow and ice overnight, and it is supposed to get icy tonight too. I plan to stay cuddled on the guest room bed and take a long nap today contemplating my next ten dreamboats!

Toodles . . . . . . . .

Shadow

I know that times are hard for a lot of people, and cats, and if you aren't able to help, that is fine, but I thought I'd pass this along to anyone who has a dollar or two to spare.

This is HQ approved.

Meet Shadow - a handsome fellow who reminds me of a male version of myself!

He was a feral barn cat who earned the trust of his owner, and was eventually captured, neutered, and released to live in the barn again.

Well, he broke his leg and not wanting to have him euthanized, his owner had surgery, which of course, was expensive!

You can read more about Shadow in this forum thread, and then if you want, you can head over to this site to donate.

Good luck to you Shadow, and we hope your Mommy raises the money she needs!

Attention IE Users

The Pawsome Pages group just got an important email from one of our admins in the group. I thought it would be helpful if Iposted it here for others to see.

To all users of Internet Explorer,

If you have not applied a patch from Microsoft recently, please check to see if you have notice from Microsoft. If you do you need to apply the patch now!

If you do not want to do this update, use another browser other than IE.

There is a trojan on the lose through IE. It seems to be attached to a widget and was probably created to attack myspace and facebook sites. This trojan looks for your passwords and once found can log into your account here at Dogster/Catster.

And do I know this? Well, Dakota and Icebox ran into it. The good news their security stopped it before it could do harm. The bad news is they are locked out of Dogster/Catster for the next 48 hours by their security system. They will be back sooner if they can figure out a way to do it.

So, be careful out there.

Thanks, Callie, for the important info!

Gift Shop is Back!

Thanks to all the cats who let me know that they were having problems too. I noticed there was a thread in the forum, and Catster was on top of things because the Gift Shop is back to working correctly!

Thanks Catster for fixing all our problems. Now, has anycat seen that Diary Gal wandering around my page lately . . . . . . . . . .

Gift Shop Problems!

Well, that is a fine howdy doody! I'm trying to give out some rosettes to birthday boys Andre and N'bikay, and the gift shop won't load!

We tried rebooting our computer thinking maybe that was the problem, but it is still occurring.

Is any other cat having this problem? The message at the bottom says wait until gift shop loads, but then it never does!

I might have to contact the Top Computer Guru - surely they have one! One of our stores calls them the Geek Squad. I guess at our house we could call it the Gleek Squad - MOL!

Let me know if any of you are having this same problem, so I don't think it is just us!

Get in Line

Well, I see love is in the air! Cats are getting their Valentine pages up and professing their love for a girl or boy.

As usual, I will not have one special valentine this year. My beauty is way too much for just one boy, and I hate to break hearts and choose only one from the thousands who would love to be my special valentine!

Oh, I can hear the crying already. Calm down, I'm thinking about reinstituting the Top Ten Dreamboat List. I'm sure I can find at least ten more attractive boys and turn it into a Top Twenty list.

I'll be working on that to present in February. I saw Newman get his official valentine photo taken today. It was dreadful. He acted like a monkey when the collar was put around his neck!

I had one of several photo sessions today. I like my photographer to take a series of photos so I can choose the purrfect one for my page. You know, the lighting has to be just right to show off my fur.

Gleek's prize package arrived, and a furminator was one of the prizes. I'm really the best candidate in the house to be furminated. Boy, does that comb do the job! If I would only sit still, I'm sure we could get more hair off of me.

So Fitting!

The little twit is on Twitter!

Who has time for that nonsense?

I've got bigger fish to fry, and supermodeling to do, so I will not be on Twitter! But, I may tell the twit to twit something about me every once in awhile. I think that gives me a good excuse to bop him upside the head!

I'm helping Mawmee design a beautiful collar with yo-yos and jewels, and no, Arnold P., they aren't the yo-yo's you are thinking about!

Boys know nothing about fashion . . . . . . . . . .

Enough Idols!

I see that American Idol starts up again tonight. I think we have enough idols around. I'm bored with that show. I didn't watch it last year when those two boys with the same name were competing.

And to think that Project Runway is on hold until the networks figure out who is going to own it and show it! There is something all wrong about that show not being on! Being the supermodel that I am, I can never get enough of a show about fashion and catwalks!

I do watch that Bachelor show with Mawmee, but those girls need to learn a thing or two from me. I mean, come on, they throw themselves at the guy and act like they are in love after just meeting him!

A girl needs to play hard to get. Boys are always gonna be around, and you don't need to show so much skin to get one! I try to never show my private parts around boys! It's just not ladylike! I think I should send a few boas to those girls so they can cover up next week!

It Won't Work!

Newman is trying his best to annoy me. He runs and gets all in my face, and I have to hiss and smack him occasionally.

You won't believe what he is doing right now! I was on the guest room bed trying to get my morning nap in, and he jumped on the bed and got too close. I told him to go to the head of the bed, and leave me alone.

So, he started to do that, and then he went completely under the big square pink bed that sits in the middle of the bed.

And then it started . . . . . . .

he inched closer and closer to me. It reminded me of the cartoon when the wolf hides in the tree trunk and slowly takes steps to sneak up on the rabbit!

He is definitely the comedian in this house! I'm going to try to get along with him, but it isn't going to be easy!

Oh My!

As Pansy would say, oh my, oh my!

I looked to my right and saw an ad for pink panties, a pink bra, silver earrings, and polka dot high heeled shoes. It was for a website called Honeyshed.

I'm not going to link to it because when I got there I saw a category with a bad word, and some weird stuff.

Wowza, what kind of advertising do we need on Catster? Surely, not something like this!

I mean, I do love a good boa, but I'm not sure I need polka dot high heeled shoes . . . . . . . .

Oh What a Year!

Oh how the years go by
Oh how the love brings tears to my eyes
All through the changes, the soul never dies
We fight, we laugh, we cry
As the years go by

The Year in Review

How the Love Brought Tears to My Eyes

Diary Picks - 5 times
Catster Newsletter - Top Five Pet Profiles
Skeezix's Halloween Costume Contest - Spicy Vixen!
Muppet's Auction
Mr. D's Homecoming
Tess, Aldo, Noelle - Operation Rescue
Kitty Rescues - Diego's Mom, Catsy's Mom, Sampy's Mom
Receiving zealies from friends
A fun year in the Samoa Detective Agency
The Catster Marketplace/The Cat in the Clover Etsy Shop
Converting the guestroom to a cat room!
Selling Grandmaw's house in 10 days!


We Fight

My new brother, Newman!

We Laugh

Newman
Pansy vs. Boogers
My Talk Like a Pirate Name - Queen Dynasty Mortimer
Halloween - My seven dwarfs!
The Catster Blog
Our spaceship litterbox
The Febreze rosettes
The stupidity of dogs
Voki messages

We Cry

Spunky's journey to the bridge

All the new angels at the bridge - Alex, Annie, Ashley, Bagpuss, Bear, Buddy, Catsy, Cole, Cybil, Dexter, Edie, Emmett McGee, Felix Mendelssohn, Flinders, Isaac, Jesse James, Jazzi, Lucky Boo, Maggie Moo, Mama Kitty, Merlin's creature Gibbs, Micah, Mr. Sam, Penn, Picasso, Simba, Sir Sonny Bono, Smokey, Squeakers, Stormy B. the doggie, Sweetie

Twix's disappearance

Tess, Aldo, and Noelle's Mommy passing away

Being flagged by somecat

All the cats who are euthanized each year due to overpopulation

The Febreze rosettes



. . . . . and the year went by . . . . . . .

Here's to a Happy 2009!

Drats!

Just when I thought the mature cats were going to have a few days of peace and quiet, the trip to Ohio Grandmaw's house got postponed!

I told you about our leaky ceiling in Mawmee's bedroom - well, thunderstorms are predicted for the weekend, and the roofer can't come out until Monday!

So, they didn't think it would be a smart idea to be away and possibly come back to find the ceiling on the floor - MOL!

Daddy went in the attic and devised some plan like only Daddies can do. He bought these super duper shammy suck-up-water-like-the-ocean cloths and tacked them to the boards where the water is coming in.

You see, it doesn't drip into the attic . . . . . . . no, that would be way to easy to simply place a bucket under the drip! The water slides along against the wood and settles down onto the ceiling where it has dripped completely through to the bedroom floor!

Luckily, they were home when all this happened. Can you imagine the mess had they been gone on Christmas Eve and Christmas day? I shutter to think at the clean up on aisle 4 that would have taken place when they got home - wet, smelly carpet and possible dry wall damaging furniture!

Tomorrow they are meeting Ohio Grandmaw and Uncle Dave half-way so they can exchange gifts.

Then next week, if the roof gets fixed on Monday, they may go to Ohio for a couple of days. . . . . . and take Newman with them!

It's always something . . . . . . . . . .

When It Rains, It Pours!

OMC, you can't even begin to imagine the excitement around this house today, and none of it involves Christmas!

Daddy's first job this morning was to replace the kitchen faucet that was leaking and leaving water under the sink area. They started that project last night, and let's just say there seemed to be a lot of talking and a few bad words trying to get the old faucet off!

So, that project got finished, and Daddy went upstairs in the bedroom, and heard: drip, drip, drip. He looked up and guess what? Their bedroom ceiling was dripping water. Did I forget to tell you that it has been raining like dogs and dogs outside all day?

Mawmee is in the kitchen getting cupcakes out of the oven when he yells for her to bring up a big bowl. She said she can't leave the cupcakes unattended (we all know why, don't we?).

She comes upstairs with a big bowl, and a pan of cupcakes that need to cool, and she glances in the dining room and saw where somecat left a flojectile!

1. The cupcakes are cooling in the bathroom with the door shut.

2. More cupcakes are in the microwave cooling.

3. Newman is playing in the bowls that are supposed to catch the water from the ceiling.

4. Daddy is bringing in a ladder to go in the attic to see where the leak is coming from.

5. Mawmee is cleaning up flojectiles.

6. Calvin is screaming for his lunch.

7. Gleek is taking a nap - my cats, how can you sleep with all this commotion going on?

Daddy is upset because the roof is leaking around the chimney, and we had someone out this summer to fix it. And now it is leaking again! So, they are going to wait and see what the weather is supposed to do over the weekend. If it is going to continue to rain (it has stopped right now), they might be changing their travel plans.

After all, if the catsitter is non-Catster, you can bet she is also non-roof fixer, non-ceiling water changer!

On a funny note - as if all of the above wasn't funny enough - we got a Christmas present from our friends Ele, Gimme, and Ambro! Guess what they sent us? A whole bunch of bags! Poop bags! Man, was the timing on that purrfect - we were getting sooooo low. Thanks!

I hope you all have a pawsome holiday, and that 2009 finds my face on the front page a lot more often! MOL!

Merry Christmas . . . . . . . . .

Snow!

Hey, did you check out our Catster logo - it has snow on it! Woo hoo - just like Google does - adding fun things to the logo!

Thanks, Catster, cause I know you don't have snow in California, but it is fun to see snow on the logo!

Oh, Diary Gal . . . . . . there are a few days left in the year . . . . . . .

Any Chance is Out the Window!

Well, if only that Diary Gal had to live here, she would realize that picking Newman for an honor is totally undeserving!

Santa will definitely fly right over our house this year!

Gleek and I were snoozing on the guestroom bed, and Mawmee was on the computer. She had brought upstairs with her a full glass of Diet Coke. She pondered where to put it now that the monster can jump like a kangaroo.

So, she saw the ironing board set up in the guest bathroom, and decided that would be the best place to put it while she checked email, and cleaned out litter boxes.

Can you see where this is going?

Sure you can, you're not stupid! You've been reading his diary.

All of a sudden . . . . . . . yep, you guessed it . . . . . . loud bang, crash, kaboom, Diet Coke everywhere!

He jumped up on the ironing board!

OMC - nothing is safe now!

Luckily, it was a plastic glass. As Mawmee is cleaning it up, he returns to the scene of the crime! The boy is nothing but stupid! You never return to the crime scene! Might as well write guilty on your forehead when you do that!

Will he ever grow up?

Catster Marketplace!

Thanks to Chester and Winnie for starting a new group called Catster Marketplace - a place for those who make items to share their shop and wares. A gathering place to find cool stuff made by Catsters!

We're honored to be part of that new group, and we hope you'll check it out - you're sure to find something just right for you!

Let the shopping begin . . . . . . . .

The Right Decision!

Mawmee decided to put out a few Christmas decorations today since we're not having a tree.

We don't have family to come see any of it, but it looks pretty blah around here without something festive.

So, she brought up a big container from the basement that has these fancy Santas that used to belong to Grandmaw. And she also brought up a basket type sleigh that is filled with holiday greenery.

Within 2 minutes, you-know-who was in the sleigh and the greenery was all over the kitchen floor.

Within another 2 minutes after all the Santas were out of the container, you-know-who was in the container messing around with the tissue paper.

Mawmee said we made the right decision in not having a tree this year. OMC - can you imagine what you-know-who would have done to it? It gives me a headache just thinking about it! In fact, I'm not sure that the Santas are safe - even on the mantle!

To You Know Who You Are!

Wowza, we've been so busy helping with the Muppet auction and spending so much time with it that we didn't realize other cats had a beef about something we had on our page.

Funny how certain things offend cats. We never intended for anyone to feel like we have pushed our Etsy items on you.

So, the offensive language that made some cat flag us has been removed! OMC - we're now on the Catster bad cat list? There goes any chance I have in the future with the Diary gal picking me!

I guess the way we handle things at our house is to go directly to the cat we have a beef with, and talk about it instead of jumping straight to the Top Cat. But we know others would rather do things anonymously.

Excuse me, but I've got to go straighten out my boa feathers . . . . . . . . .

Spicy Vixen!

If you'll remember, I won the Spicy Vixen category of Skeezix's Halloween Costume Contest.

My prize was a handpainted squillion done in my image! Well, it arrived today, and let me just say that it is fabulous.

Daisy Mae Maus's Mom is the one who painted my likeness.

Be sure to check it out on her blog.

I'll be finding a very special place of honor in the house so that everyone can admire it during the holidays. I'm thinking the middle of the fireplace mantle would be purrfect!

Thanks, Daisy Mae Maus!

Bidder Up!

Come on, cats, we're having an auction, and it has started today!

Check out the ten items - that's right - we already have ten items up for bids!

The auction for those ten items is only lasting for two days, so get up and get over there and place a bid to help fill Muppet's bucket!

Here is the auction site!

Thanks for helping Muppet!

Muppet Auction!

Are you a Muppethead? If not, then you'd better get over to this group and become one soon!

With HQ's approval, we are helping to fill Muppet's bucket. She needs about $5,000 in her bucket to help with a life-saving surgery on her ears.

You can read all about Muppet's story on the Catster blog.

And you can help fill Muppet's bucket in several ways:

1. Donating a buck or two or three or twenty.

2. Donating an item to be auctioned.

3. Bidding on an item in the auction.

Yep, we're having an auction next week, and all the auction action will take place on The Cat in the Clover blog!

So, check the blog daily and look for some cool items that you can bid on - you can do your holiday shopping and help Muppet at the same time!

Be sure to spread the word about the auction by writing in your diary or mentioning in your groups!

Let's show Muppet what Thanksgiving is all about and fill her bucket to overflowing!

Apronmania!

I have been so bad about not writing in my diary. I spend a lot of my day either getting away from Newman, supervising what Newman is doing, or making sure Mawmee sees how bad Newman is being!

I'm also the head designer over at The Cat in the Clover. Mawmee has added pet lover aprons to her shop, and I wanted you to know about it.

Now, these aprons are not nearly as stylish as wearing a boa, but they come pretty close. I'm thinking I need an apron. Not because I plan to do any cooking, but I just think they make a nice fashion statement. And I'm all about fashion!

Also, be sure to check out Etsy for all your holiday shopping. There is cool jewelry, purses, pottery, and other unique items that would be purrfect for anyone on your list!

Have a fun weekend . . . . . . .

Thankful?

I love that new quirky turkey that HQ sent us! And there are lots of other new Thanksgiving rosettes too. Spunky got a cool pie from Isis that he said he would share with us!

Now, originally there was talk about Mawmee and Daddy going to Ohio Grandmaw's house for Thanksgiving. I was quite excited because I heard they were taking Newman with them! And Rocky was going to the pet motel - I'm sure he wasn't very happy about being replaced on the car trip by Newman!

Finally . . . . . . some peace around here!

So, the pet motel called today to confirm Rocky's room, and I overheard Mawmee cancelling it.

WHAT? You're not leaving . . . . . . and taking Newman with you?

Well, I'm thankful that we won't have that non-Catster catsitter during the holiday. And I'm thankful that Mawmee and Daddy will be here to spend the holiday with us.

But . . . . . . . . . that means Newman can't be accidentally left in Ohio with Grandmaw!

Drats . . . . . . . . . .

Cat in the White House!

Have you seen the new poll on Catster? We're thinking that the new President and his family should adopt a cat instead of a dog.

You're supposed to vote on why you think a cat would be better than a dog. Of course, I voted for Superior Intelligence, and that selection is currently in the lead by 46%.

As my loyal diary fans know, I have written several diary entries on the stupidity of dogs.

There was this entry about how uncivilized they are when guests come to visit. I shudder to think about some diplomat visiting the White House and getting peed on by the First Dog!

Then there was this entry about how stupid Rocky was last year around the holidays! We can't have the First Dog dragging muddy paws on the White House carpet!

And then we all know how annoying it is when this happens! Who needs a yippy dog making all that noise in the White House?!

And friends, it goes on . . . . . . .

and on . . . . . . .

and on . . . . . . .

So, I think there is no doubt that the White House needs a cat. And, I'm thinking what better for a White House than a white cat!

And, I just happen to have a shedless, non-allergy, white cat that I could send to the Obamas ASAP . . . . . . . . . .

Gotta Love It!

Diego gave a link in his diary to a website called Modern Cat.

As I was looking around the site, I found my new idol!

Not only does she have a personal seamstress, her photographer is pretty pawsome too.

Now, if I could only have her gal call my gal . . . . . . . .

An Election of a Different Kind!

I certainly wasn't very smart when I said Newman could stay. I should have waited until Election Day, and then we could have voted.

I know my vote would be different after seeing what he did to me in my video debut! I was minding my own business getting ready to talk to my fans on camera, when he came over and videobombed the whole thing!

The video is now on my page, and I'm sure you can tell it is entirely his fault! Of course, you have to wade through a ton of footage of him before you get to my measly 20 seconds!

And I think I need to hire a new videographer. My photographer thinks she can do both jobs, but clearly after seeing her big fat thumb in the way, she has a lot of learning to do!

You can't get good help anymore . . . . . . .

What a Morning!

Newman is in rare form today! Mawmee was trying to add some weatherstripping to the front and back doors. Of course, she was extra careful that Newman didn't try to slip out. Not that I would be spending the day crying if he did!

So, when she was doing the back door that leads to the deck, Calvin, Violet and I were right there - waiting to go on the deck. We're allowed because we are older and wiser.

Calvin tried to sneak out first. He got brought back in. Violet was next. He made it out and hid under the table on the deck. See, we are all trying to get away from him.

She finished the job, but I decided to stay near the door and look out to the deck - just wishing I could escape! All of a sudden, the video camera was on - time for me to shine!

And then guess who decided to videobomb my session? That's right - Newman!

So I did what any diva spicy vixen would do in a case like this! I hauled off and beat the beejees out of him! And it was all caught on tape - sort of like a bad run in with the paparazzi!

I'm sure it will be out for the world to see sometime before the night is over. I hope my reputation isn't ruined!

Spicy Vixen!

We entered Skeezix's Halloween Costume Contest and the winners were announced late last night.

Our group effort of being Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs gave us a 3rd place in the Funniest Category! We won a $25 gift certificate to Petsmart! Thank you so much to Grrreta for sponsoring that category and awarding such a pawsome prize!

And now, the best news of all!

I won the Spiciest Vixen category sponsored by DaisyMae Maus! Daisy Mae is quite a vixen herself, so I guess she knew I fit the bill the minute she saw me all dolled up as Snow White! For the prize, I will get a personalized painting of me as a squillion - I can't wait to hang it in our room!

Congrats to Calvin for being a diary pick today. We had quite a few trick or treaters last night. If you would like to see some pictures of the cuties who stopped by, you can visit Mawmee's blog.

November is starting out good . . . . . . .

Another Halloween In The Books!

I watched out the front window tonight as the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1, Thing 2, Dorothy and Toto, storm troopers, Harry Potter, a bride, a couple of monsters, a ninja, and some teenagers came by!

What's with kids these days - they don't even say trick or treat! They don't even say, thank you!

Mawmee was dressed up like a witch. Daddy was dressed like a cowboy. None of the kids even commented on how they looked!

The weather was super duper nice, so they sat on the front porch and we all looked out from the living room. I tried to have them put Newman in somebody's treat bag, but dang, those bags are too small.

I did see some boys with pillowcases, and I think Newman would have fit purrfectly inside one of those! The older boys always carry pillowcases. It must be the cool thing to do if you're an older boy.

My photographer shot my Thanksgiving picture today. I laughed as I watched her try to take Newman's Christmas picture. The boy is unbelievably wild when it comes to getting his picture taken.

Hope you all have a spook-free Halloween . . . . . . . . .

Here a Contest, There a Contest . . . . .

We always love Skeezix's contests. Again this year, we entered his Halloween costume contest.

It appears that we are finalists - I'm sure because of my stunning beauty as Snow White!

So, if you have time, and you want to vote in the contest, stop over and do so.

And, please, don't feel like you have to vote for us. You'll recognize a bunch of our friends who also made it to the finals - oh my cats, there is even a bunny rabbit!

Happy Halloween to all our friends! And be safe . . . . . . .

Hotel is Open!

The backyard cat hotel got winterized tonight, and it is open for business!

The container has been on the woodpile all summer in case the neighbor's black cat wanted to get out of the rain, but tonight we are supposed to get our first freeze.

So, the hotel manager went out and added the door and put the fleece bedding inside. We don't have room service at the hotel, but the room is ready for the kitty to check it whenever he wants!

In Newman news, he has decided that it is okay to chase me. He is one brave cat, and my hisses don't seem to affect him anymore!

Gone!

Grandmaw has gone back home to Ohio.

Now, I can have my bedroom back, and I won't get locked out of there at night. She had to shut her bedroom door at night so she wouldn't get a little white visitor in the middle of the night.

And I'm not talking about Casper the ghost . . . . . . . .

Here a Cat, There a Cat

As Pansy would say, oh my, oh my - all my friends have stray cats they are trying to capture before the cold weather sets in.

KiKi has this black kitty hanging around!

And Diego has this black kitty hanging around!

And then ambitious Catsy Angel Princess is helping her Mommy with a bunch of kitties - big and small - wandering around her workplace. This buff colored kitty was the first one captured, but the little kittens are harder to catch. We know all about that because of how difficult Newman was to grab!

I hope all those black kitties are captured or find a safe place to hide for Halloween. Some kids are mean and do things to black cats on Halloween, so we'll be purring that KiKi, Diego, and Catsy's Moms will be able to help those cats!

On another note - a big happy 20th birthday today to our friend, Scooter! May all your birthday wishes come true.

Related to Rufus?

I think little Newman is related to my #1 Dreamboat, Rufus! You see, Rufus loves to sit in front of his Drinkwell water fountain. It is soothing to him, and probably helps him fall asleep.

Today, little Newmie fell under the Drinkwell trance and is taking a nap in front of it! Oh, sure, it makes him look cute, but that doesn't change anything! He is still a little nuisance! But, a cute nuisance.

And, I'm very proud of him for becoming an ARG at the detective agency. He didn't want to join the agency until he had sent out some anonymous rosettes! He was caught by four smart detectives, but he had them going for awhile. He was First Boo!

I think you've earned your detective's badge, Newman . . . . . . . .

Grandmaw's Visit

Grandmaw is here for a week. Gleek and I like to sleep on her bed during the day, so she better not kick us out of the bedroom!

I had to sit her down and tell her all about Newman. Of course, I told her that I'm in charge of slapping him around when he gets unruly. And this morning, he ran across the end table in the living room sending a crash to be heard throughout the neighborhood.

Grandmaw wanted to know if anything was broken. It wasn't. Good thing, or I would be put into duty.

My work is never done around here . . . . . . . . . .

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Today is our Daddy's birthday. I think he is having one of those golden type birthdays because he is 54 and was born in 1954. A golden birthday is when you are turning an age that matches the day of the month - 11 years old on the 11th. So, whatever - Happy Birthday!

We had a family meeting and decided that Newman still needs to call him the Driver. He hasn't paid his dues yet - when he gets those two grapes removed and has gotten us deeper in debt - then he can be official!

All of us chipped in and bought Daddy the coolest gift ever. We thought it was so cool, we bought him two! We got him Leak Frogs!

You put a frog near something that could leak - like the washing machine, or the hot water heater. Then if any water gets near it, that frog starts croaking loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear!

Our Grandpaw always told us to turn off the water to the washing machine after you use it because he heard too many stories of people who didn't do that, and the hose to the washer gets old and bursts. Then you get a ton of water and everyone starts floating!

Since Mawmee isn't good about turning the water off each time, she thought this was a neat thing for us to get Daddy! Oh, he got some other stuff too like a new lawn mower, but that is boring.

We can't wait to hear the frog croak! Actually, I think it is probably a very loud, annoying sound that will scare all of us to pieces . . . . . . . .

DG on Vay-Cay!

Well, I think the Diary Dude is in charge today. The Diary Gal has gone on vacation, and before she left, she changed her address and phone number. She got wind that I was sending a special delivery her way!

But, it's going to be too late now because my special delivery is eating so much that he won't fit into a priority mail envelope! I'm not about to spend the extra bucks for a box, so it looks like she missed out on a great opportunity!

I see Doofis cleaned up his act. He is Diary of the Day today, and he had some bad words in his diary. That is another reason I think Diary Dude is in charge today. Some dudes like using bad words, but Doofis should know you're only allowed to put in your diary what a 10 year old would put. Hmmmmm . . . . . . maybe we should change that to what a 6 year old would put. Kids are learning way too much too early.

Okay, back to me! I am thrilled to be #2 on the diary pick list today. I'm sure the Diary Dude was blown away by my Snow Whitish beauty! And what purrfect timing for the new rosettes to show up! I especially like those sunglasses, and Calvin's Pal of the Week, Chelsea Louise, sent me a pair! Thanks to all my friends who honored me today with pretties for my page!

I have been so busy around the house supervising. I must keep a watchful eye at all times on Newman. He can't be trusted, and he is a running wild man! Daddy noticed that I was sleeping on the living room floor last night - very close to where he sleeps under a table that is covered with a tablecloth.

The photographer is quite upset that she can't get any cute pictures of him sleeping. He likes to hide when he sleeps. He needs to sleep more!

OH MY CATS - I've got to run - you'll never believe what he has gotten into now! We have a very cute curtain that hangs in front of our litter boxes. It has pom pom tassels on it . . . . . . . . enough said . . . . . . .

That Does It!

My mission today is to find the Diary Gal's address. On Tuesday, she will be receiving a special delivery, overnight mail.

I know she will love him . . . . . . . . . . .

She Noticed!

I'm glad to see the Diary Gal noticed I had something important to say yesterday! Thanks for picking me today, and for all my friends who have honored me with gifts!

Now, let's talk about that Catster Conference. Surely, the Diary Gal will pass along the idea to Top Cat Ted!

I've had several friends say the Catster Conference is a pawsome idea. Each year it could be held in a different region of the United States. Hopefully, some of our Canadian and friends from other countries could attend if they were travelling in the U.S.

Different animal groups - stores, specialty shops, shelters, etc. could have booths. Perhaps, some of the Catster people in the city where it would be held could arrange a tour of something in the area. Catster could offer workshops with either their employees hosting it, or a specialist in the area.

I can see it starting out small, and growing each year as Catsters find out how much fun it is!

Another thing I hope the Diary Gal tells HQ about is getting the new Catster blog - The Cat's Meow on the homepage! There is no link to be found, and how can we support the blog if we don't have an easy way to find it! I've written the Top Cat purrsonally, and hope to get an answer soon! After all, the dogs have their blog on the main page - aren't we a gazillion times better than dogs?

Of course we are . . . . . . . . . .

Meeting Simba's Mommy!

Guess what? Simba's Mommy was in our town today attending a conference!

Mawmee met her downtown for lunch. She said it was a pawsome time, and she wrote about it in her blog for any of you who want to read it!

Simba's Mommy even brought us a present! A very cool string toy that has two different feather toys that can be attached to the end. And some yummy treats!

They talked about how cool it would be to have a Catster conference where Catster/Dogster people could meet in person. Wouldn't that be the most pawsome thing ever?

I think I'll have my Voki secretary, Paulina, contact HQ and and put that idea in the suggestion box. I guess HQ should have a suggestion box for stuff like this! I'll have Paulina suggest a suggestion box so we can suggest a Catster conference!

MOL . . . . . . . . . .

Puhleeze!

His diary isn't that good!

You're Either In or Owt!

I see the Diary Gal felt sorry for squirt and made him a diary pick today! Congratulations, Newman, on your first Catster award!

When Daddy owned his first big dog and took him to training classes, the teacher told Daddy that using the word out is more effective than the word no when correcting the dog. It makes a louder noise or something stupid like that.

Anyway, Daddy suggested that Mawmee use that word with Newman. Oh my cats, can you believe he even thinks telling us no, out, owt, or stop it is going to mean anything??? MOL, MOL, MOL, ROTFMOL!

So, this morning Mawmee had to take Spunky to get his chemo treatment. Daddy stayed home to grade some papers, and he thought it would be a good idea to do that in the kitchen to keep an eye on you-know-who.

When Mawmee got home, she was told that Newman had already:

1. Been on the kitchen table twice!

2. Been on the dining room table eyeing the spider web halloween decorations on the chandelier!

3. Wrestled with Calvin while Calvin was in his green bed.

4. Chased each one of us in the living room.

5. Tried to play with Mawmee's reading glasses on the kitchen table.

Looks like we're gonna be saying out a gazillion times a day around here . . . . . . . . . .

You Can't Make Me!

Well, it's a fine time for my photographer to get my halloween picture taken.

Just because she is ready doesn't mean I'm ready. We got locked together in the bedroom so we wouldn't be disturbed by you-know-who!

She was trying to get my costume on me when all of a sudden somecat was at the door pulling on the throw rug.

I got all distracted! I can't work under this pressure! I may be a professional, but I need quiet on the set!

So, I gave the photographer a nip on the hand, and I told her my people will call her people when I'm good and ready!

Halloween is Nearing!

Well, we are entering the first full week of October, and I'm still waiting for my photographer to shoot my Halloween pictures! Dang, you can't get good help any more!

She had to make costumes for the rest of the group. However, my costume was purchased. I'm not about to wear some hand-me-down thrown together costume! After all, the paparazzi will be checking me out, and I have to look my best!

We are doing a theme again this year. And of course, Newman is not cooperating one iota! And Sugar isn't much better - she can't sit still and doesn't like wearing her costume.

I need new siblings. I want to live with Mercy and her family! They pose, wear hats, and look professional in their photos. I live with a bunch of nincompoops!

Any guesses on what our theme is going to be?

I'm Not Your Mother!

Newman decided he wanted to sleep next to me tonight. I was on the floor next to the computer. He has spent a little time on the bed in the guest room sleeping near Gleek.

Apparently, I looked like a better sleep partner, and he kept inching closer to me.

Oh yes, I got the story from Mawmee that he thinks I'm beautiful and wants to be near me. I'm not buying it.

Oh, I buy the part about me being beautiful - it's the being near me because I'm beautiful that I'm suspicious about.

I am not going to be his substitute Mother. The last thing I need dragging me down is a baby trying to suck on my ear, or even worse - on my lady parts!

That is why I got fixed in the first place! A kid ages you instantly! I can't have my modeling career with a kid in tow! I gave him my low growl.

He didn't give up - he is sleeping about two feet away from me right at this moment! I'm feeling nauseous . . . . . . . . . . .

The Cat's Meow!

Have you checked out the new Catster blog written by Skeezix and his Food Lady?

I was confused when I saw that the entries go all the way back to the summer. Wonder why we are just now finding out about it?

Congratulations to Skeez - we can't wait to read the blog, and we hope Catster puts a permanent link to it on the main page.

Meeting Her Mommy!

Guess who my Mawmee is going to meet in person?

Go ahead, guess.

Well, since that is practically impossible, I'll go ahead and tell you! Simba's Mommy is coming to Louisville for a conference in a couple of weeks.

She and Mawmee are going to meet and have lunch! I wish I could go too because I'm sure that she wants to see how beautiful I am in person, but it looks like that won't be happening!

Mawmee has a surprise for her, but I can't tell . . . . . . . . . .

Litter Box Blues

I've got another boy using my litter box! That little squirt, Newman, has decided that he needs to use the big kids' boxes!

I know he is the one using it because his pee wees are the size of a quarter! And his poopies are finally starting to take shape!

These boys are gonna drive me crazy . . . . . . . . . .

OMC!

Take my advice, and run, cats, run! Catster is being taken over by cute ragdoll kittens.

Check out this new baby named Porkchop!

Had we known they wanted another kitty, we could have boxed up Newman and shipped him to them! We could still do that if they think Porkchop would like a pal - MOL!

Newman is wearing us down, and even Gleek has gone into the same room with him and eaten while Newman was right next to him drinking water!

There is no where to run . . . . . . . no where to hide . . . . . . . .

The Queen is Here!

You'll never believe my pirate name from one of those pirate name generators that Boogers mentioned in his diary.

Are you ready?

Queen Dynasty Mortimer

That's right - I'm the queen, and don't you forget it! Giant Elmer Blythe has been a pain in my side today.

He can jump like a grasshopper, and he got all in my face while I was chillaxin' on the coffee table. Of course, the photographer was right there. He seems to have taken over my photographer too!

The scurvy bilge rat . . . . . . . . . . . Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr . . . . . . . . .

Crazy Kitten!

Well, let me tell you that Newman is seriously crazy! He doesn't realize that hissing and growling are not signs of affection and endearment!

He wants my tail, and he isn't getting it. And he also isn't getting the message when I hiss at him.

Somecat get him a dictionary . . . . . . . quick . . . . . . . .

I Am Not His Mother!

Why didn't anybody give Newman the household handbook when he arrived?

He obviously hasn't read the chapter about me. He is supposed to be afraid of me, but he comes right up and gets in my face! When I run, he chases me.

Hold on here! No one chases me in this house!! You got that straight, little pirate?

Daddy thinks Newman knows I'm a girl. He better not try to get milk from me, or I might have to smack him . . . . . . . . .

Just So You Know!

Our power went off again today at 11:30 a.m. and just came back on six hours later!

So, if we disappear and re-appear, that is the reason!

She is a He!

We're back after two days of no electricity! Wowza, hurricane Ike decided to take a right turn from Texas and blew through Kentucky!

Over 300,000 people lost their power, and they said it might be 2 weeks before it all gets back on. Mawmee said it is a good thing it only took 2 days because living in the dark ages is not for her!

Okay, guess what?

She is a he!

Just what I need around here - another boy to bug me! I've been checking him out through the baby gate, but the door can't stay open long because that stinker can climb the gate and he is over it in no time!

Yes, he has a name, but that doesn't mean we're keeping him despite the number one rule:

If you give 'em a name, they're yours!

Although, Daddy has a little soft spot in his heart because he said we could keep him. Mawmee really wants to find him a nice home, so that is still the plan.

Wait until you see him - you're gonna want to add him to your family - MOL! He is pretty cute, and he loves to play, and he went to the vet today.

And, yes, he is going to have his own page, but that doesn't mean we're keeping him despite the number two rule:

If you give him a Catster page, he is yours!

And he is only 1.08 pounds, but the vet said he is probably 8 weeks old, but Mawmee thinks he is younger, but what does she know, she has never owned a kitten before. I'm sure once you all see him, you can let us know what you think!

You'll Never Believe This!!

Well, friends, I've got an update to the kitten Mawmee and Daddy saw last night that I wrote about in my previous diary entry!

They went out for dinner tonight, and on the way home, Mawmee asked if they could stop at that daycare and see if the kitten was around. Now, you must realize she was very brave in asking this, and Daddy was very kind in saying yes.

So, she got out and looked around the bushes in the front of the house. She called out and heard a tiny meow. She looked under the bushes and didn't see anything.

All of a sudden, she saw the kitty in the middle of the bush! She reached in and petted him/her, and out he/she bolted and ran around to the back of the house, with Mawmee in hot pursuit!

The kitty went under a section of the house. Mawmee got on the ground and looked in - the kitty was meowing and meowing, but wouldn't come out. So, she left a bowl of water under the house with the kitty with the intention of going home, getting some food, and leaving it under the house so at least the kitty could eat.

Of course, all the way home, you can just imagine the conversation in the car!

She came back and as she pulled in the driveway, the kitty was back in the front of the house and ran into a bush. Mawmee was very brave to reach into the bush and grab the kitty - she wasn't letting go this time - Mawmee and the kitty - the kitty was holding on to the bush for dear life!

She got in the car and put the kitty in a xerox box (with no lid). The kitty jumped out of the box and was scared! She finally got the kitty back in the box with some small dry food and he started eating it.

She hightailed it home, and called Daddy when she got in the driveway. She took the kitty to the guest bathroom and started checking him over.

She decided to rinse him off, and then discovered he was covered in fleas, and I mean covered - they were eating him alive! She has spent the last several hours getting fleas off him. Luckily we had some flea spray that said it was safe for kittens. She sprayed it on a washcloth and wrapped his body in it. That seemed to help, but there were so many fleas on his face, it almost made her ill!

Daddy came in to help, and again, you can imagine the conversation that was going on!

Mawmee washed her in the sink, and her poor little body was almost bloody from all the fleas biting her. She took the flea comb and got more off. I'm telling you it was like nothing we've ever seen before!

Of course, I came in the bathroom once because the door didn't latch - I got booted out very quickly! We're just praying that those fleas didn't escape into any other part of the house. All the towels and Mawmee's clothes are on the front porch - MOL!

Okay - are you ready for this?

We think (but can't be positive because we've never had a kitten before) the kitty is female.

And, sit down for this one . . . . . . . we think she is a ragdoll! OMC - she has Rufus' blue, blue eyes! She is mostly white with darker ears, and patches of a light tan on her back legs. I think her feet are a couple of colors.

Tomorrow all of us except Calvin and Spunky are going to get Frontline on our backs just in case some loose flea decides to take up housing on us!

Now - here is what we need from any of our local friends reading my diary. We have to find this kitty a home. And I am very serious about this. We can not keep this kitten. We do not particularly want to take her to the no-kill shelter because we aren't sure they will accept her, but we will try that if we can't find anyone who would like her. Of course, none of this will happen until after she gets a visit to the vet.

Any helpful advice from those experienced with kittens would be greatly appreciated.

OMC - what a night . . . . . . . .

Stepping Up On The Soapbox!

Since my sister, Sugar is shy and not as many cats read her diary, she said I could do this diary entry.

On her page banner you will see this:

GIRL CAT+ a BOY CAT+ 7 YEARS = 420,000 cats

That is the number of cats that can potentially be brought into this world if left unspayed and unneutered. No, the original girl and boy cat don't have that many kittens, but each kitten they have can also have kittens, etc., etc., etc.!

Last night Mawmee and Daddy were coming home. It was dark outside. Daddy was driving, and he said, oh, look it's an opposum crossing the street.

They looked closer as it got to the other side, and no, it wasn't an opposum, it was a baby kitten!

Mawmee insisted they stop. Of course, they had a long discussion about the number of cats we already have. Mawmee said she would take the kitty in the morning to the no-kill shelter. So, after they got home and got stuff out of the car (they had to do that first), they went back to look for the kitty.

Sure enough, he was there. Sitting all alone in the grass in front of this house that is a daycare - on a very busy street. He was very, very tiny.

Mawmee approached him and he was scared. He mewed very sweet. He started to run every time she got close. She was finally able to get close enough and she petted him once. He was very skinny and bony.

And then he darted. Luckily, toward the daycare house. And with flashlights for the next half hour, they looked for the kitty. Occasionally Mawmee heard him, but the loud noise from the cars on the road made it difficult. He must have been in bushes and shrubs around the property because they never found him.

And that broke Mawmee's heart. She thought about that poor kitty all night.

I always check out the Diary of the Day. Yesterday, the cat (whom I don't remember now) that was DOTD wrote in her diary that she just had 8 kittens. I noticed she was only 1 year old, and one of her picture captions mentioned this being her second litter.

Now, if I lose anycat's friendship over this diary entry, I am truly sorry, but THIS HAS TO STOP!

Responsible pet ownership includes spaying and neutering. If you can't afford to have your pets spayed and/or neutered then:

1. You shouldn't own a pet!

2. You shouldn't let your pets outside to potentially get pregnant.

3. You should only own cats of the same sex and keep them inside!

According to the Humane Society of the United States - 3 - 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized each year.

3 -4 million euthanized!!!!!!!!!!!

If that number doesn't impress you to do something, I don't know what will!

PLEASE help control the pet population and have your cats and dogs spayed and neutered! We owe it to our pets!

*steps down from soapbox*

I Discovered the Trick!

Well, I finally figured out how to get that Diary Gal's attention - don't write in my diary! It's been a week since I wrote anything, and I get attention - go figure!

I'm sure it will be a day of all attention on me, and I totally deserve it! My photographer has been busy with all this silly pirate stuff, and I am not about to wear dreadlocks and a pirate hat! And don't you dare call me a pirate wench. It sounds so . . . . . . . mechanical.

I might insist on a photo session today because it has been forever since I got real attention around this house!

Thanks, friends, for all your lovely rosettes. I'm going to have a shrimp salad for lunch, and then maybe one of those juicy steaks for dinner.

And, God forbid anything be wrong with my blood pressure, or kidneys! I'm the glue holding this house together . . . . . . . . as usual . . . . . .

P.S. I notice I'm the last pick on the list . . . . . hmmmppppfff . . . . . . .

Halloween!

I read that Mercy and family had their Halloween pictures taken already! Wowza, is their Mom on the ball or what?

We have our theme picked out, and one costume is ready - the most important one - that would be mine! Of course, the theme will revolve around me again this year - are you surprised?

We need an addition on the house! I want my own personal photography studio! Mercy says they have a room that gets all ready for their photo shoots, and they go in the room one at a time - just like the pros do it! Their Dad even got one of those photography umbrellas.

I'm tired of being photographed on the bed! I need a studio! I need an umbrella! I want backdrops and great lighting and no interruptions . . . . . . Gleek, I'm talking to you!

There is so much to do around here, and I guess if you want something done, you've got to do it yourself!

Calvin . . . . . Violet . . . . . . Gleek . . . . . . . . move this bed out of the way . . . . . . I'm going to build a photography studio . . . . . . . . . .

DWTS

No, I'm not giving you some new lingo like Calvin does - I'm talking about Dancing with the Stars!

I'm glad that it will be starting up again soon. There is another interesting line up of stars on the show this season. And don't you think it's interesting that they went into the cellar of obscurity and dug up Cloris Leachman?

I mean, come on, the gal is 82 years old. Do you really think she wants to dance? She probably can barely walk at that age - MOL! The producers of the show had to go dig up some olde furt dancer for her because they knew the young dancers would kill her before the show ended.

So, Mark Ballas' Dad, Corky, will be her partner. Can you imagine having a father named Corky? They better pick some really slow music for those two!

Look at this picture - she has to hold a stick to even keep her balance!

While they were in that cellar, they could have at least dug around for somebody like Paul Newman or Robert Redford!

Remembering Before Catster

Three years ago after Katrina hit and left the New Orleans area a disaster, we spent the next year and a half helping Mawmee reunite owners with their cocker spaniels who had been sent to shelters and taken out of the state.

All of that was before Catster - in fact, the reason Autumn joined Dogster was to pmail an adopted Katrina cocker spaniel who was a member.

When Mawmee was mentally drained from all the sadness and frustration in not being able to find dogs, or finding dogs but not being able to find their owners, we decided to turn to something happy and we all joined Catster.

And now, here we are waiting to see what Gustav is going to do to the New Orleans area. We send out purrs to all the Catster families who are in line to possibly be affected by the hurricane or storm.

Many things were learned after Katrina concerning pets and what should have been done.

Please - if you ever have to evacuate your home - remember these important items concerning your pets:

1. Take your pets with you!

2. Have identification on your pet - the best ID ever is a microchip!

3. Put identification on the carrying case - not something that can easily come off - use a permanent marker if you have a hard case. Write the info on the inside and outside.

4. Take important papers with you - vaccinations, vet name and phone number.

5. Take the pets' medications with you.

6. Don't forget food and water - bowls, and leashes.

It is a good idea to have a duffle bag with some items ready to go. You never know if you'll have to evacuate in the middle of the night, or not have much time to gather everything together.

Don't assume that you will be able to come back to your house within a day or two. That is the one huge problem that Katrina caused - people left pets with food and water, but then couldn't get home.

We think about the Mitchell family and their doggie,Chloe. We think about Shalanda, and the dog she spent three years fighting to get back - Jazz. We think about Cedric and King.

We hope they will all be safe from the storm . . . . . . . . .

Electrifying!

I have been a good girl for waaaaaaay too long. Therefore, I am now experimenting with my bad side.

Would you like to know what that entails?

I am fascinated with the computer wires that hang down at the back of the desk. I've been gently feeling them with my mouth and have been very tempted to bite down on them.

Of course, Mawmee is going ballistic and pushing me out from under the desk anytime I venture under there.

I'm not too interested in the big fat cords, but instead, I prefer the thin wires that are grouped and held together with a twist tie.

Do any of you have this same fascination? And if so, what is your Mommy doing to prevent you from getting electrocuted?

A girl has to do something to get attention around here . . . . . . . . .

Killer Bee!

The guest room/computer room where Gleek and I like to nap has a room air conditioner in it. We have central air in our house, but on days that are really hot and humid, Spunky, Sugar, and Rocky would turn into icicles in order for us to be comfortable upstairs.

So, because we have this room air conditioner, there must be some small cracks where an occasional moth can get in the bedroom.

Last night we had the most ginormous killer bee in the world right in our bedroom! Because it was dark outside, and the lamp was on in the bedroom, that killer bee was attracted to the light.

Mawmee was on the computer and heard a buzzing noise. She looked behind her and on the wall was a bee about 3 inches long - I'm telling you he was ginormous!

She ran out of the room, shut the door and yelled for Daddy. He said, I just saw that bee outside when I took Rocky out!

He got a flyswatter, put on his hazmat suit - MOL - and went in for the kill!

Lots of swatting, a few nasty words, having to get a chair and take the overhead light down, more swatting, more missing, and then he finally took him down!

Luckily, we were on the other side of the door. I don't think I'll ever be able to step a paw into that room again . . . . . . . . .

Tree Hugging?

Have you hugged a tree lately? Have you seen the tree hugging ad on Catster?

I like to keep up with all the hip and happening stuff, and this tree hugging movement involves using some new cat litter made from recycled newspaper.

Somehow I don't think my Princess Palace for Peewees and Poopies would seem very royal with shredded up newspaper!

I suppose it would make good reading material while I'm in there, but since I'm not 100% sure I want to use the Princess Palace, or as Calvin calls it - the Spaceship - I think I'll stick with the litter I'm used to.

I also don't think it looks very feminine to climb a tree . . . . . . . .

Not Exactly!

I'm sorry, but there is no amount of talk that is going to convince me that the Litter Robot is a Princess Palace for my pee wees and poopies!

You can try and try, but if I don't want to step a paw in that contraption, I will not do it . . . . . . . . .

Busy as a Bee!

I'm very sorry that we haven't been around much the past couple of weeks. That whole ordeal with Daddy threw us all in a tizzy. But, he is better and will be itching and scratching soon when all his chest hair grows back in - MOL!

I've also been busy helping Mawmee get her Etsy shop open for business!

She has been making a lot of kitty beds to put in her on-line shop. Of course, I am approving all the designs of the beds in the Diva Catalog. They are adorned with boas, but I wouldn't let her use any from my personal collection!

For some reason, Violet and Calvin are featured in the shop's banner. I need to find out why I'm not on there - hmmpppfff!

If you have a chance to stop by her shop, please look around and let me know what you think!

Have a pawsome weekend . . . . . . . . . .

His Heart Will Go On!

Daddy is home from his stress test. He did great, and only felt a little lightheaded when it was over. The doctor said that is normal - especially since he had not eaten or had anything to drink since last night.

She said if he had had a heart attack, he wouldn't have lasted 10 minutes on the treadmill. He said he could have gone another 10 without any trouble.

They did an echocardiogram, put some dye in his veins, and did a PET test twice. Hey, he doesn't need a PET test to tell him he has pets! We can tell him that everyday and it doesn't cost him a penny!

So, we're not sure exactly what happened to make his blood pressure drop and make him feel so bad, but we're glad he got things checked out. Now, they don't have to wonder if there is a problem.

Thank you all for your concern and support through pmails, rosettes, and purrs. Your friendship means a lot to all of us!

Now, I've got to get ready to meet my fans - Gleek and I are going together to our annual vet visit. Why do I have to share important moments with him?

Oh well, I'll show him how you are supposed to act in the car . . . . . . .

Trip to the ER!

This morning Daddy woke up Mawmee by telling her he thought he was having a heart attack. He felt pressure on his chest, and it wasn't Calvin or Violet standing on him! He started sweating like he was standing out in the 100 degree weather.

Mawmee called 911 and a big truck with lights and a firetruck drove up to our house. Alot of men and one woman came in the house. We were all standing around wondering what was going on.

Calvin was on the bed with Daddy screaming in his ear for breakfast! When those men came in the room, we all went into the living room to wait.

Daddy went off in the truck with the lights, and Mawmee was running around taking care of us, letting Rocky outside, and throwing stuff in a bag for Daddy.

They spent 5-6 hours in the ER. The EKG and x-rays came back okay. They did blood work twice to check for some elevated enzyme in the blood that indicates a heart attack. All the blood work was normal. At the house, his blood pressure was 70/52 - that is why he felt like he was going to pass out and why he was sweating so much.

So, tomorrow morning he is going to see a cardiologist and do a stress test. Mawmee said she doesn't need a stress test to tell her that she was stressed today - MOL!

Everyone got home late this afternoon, and everything is back to normal. Except one thing . . . . . . . . Daddy said it was so painful to pull off those electrode thingies on his chest. He knew they would put more on his chest tomorrow . . . . . . . so, he shaved his chest!

MOL . . . . . . . . Daddy has a bare chest . . . . . . . . .

Remembering Grandmaw

A year ago today our Grandmaw left to go to heaven. We all miss her so much. Even I miss her, and I was not really crazy about when she came to visit.

That always made her mad because she loved kitties so much. I think I used to smell her cats, and I didn't want anything to do with them. But, it looks like I've got lots to do with them now because they are living with me - MOL!

Mawmee wrote about Grandmaw in her blog today, if you would like to know more about her and see a picture of her when she was in high school. That is our Mawmee's favorite picture of when Grandmaw was a young girl.

We love you Grandmaw, and think about you all the time . . . . . . . .

A Friend Journeys to the Bridge

Tonight, our friend, Alex made his journey to the bridge.

Alex was such an inspiration to so many friends on Catster. He was 23 years old - can you say Wowza!

How lucky his Moms were to have him in their lives for such a long time. I know our Mawmee wishes we would all live that long.

We know his family is sad, but we also know that one day they will see him again. Until that day, he will be shining down on them from the bridge.

Rest in peace, sweet Alex. We send purrs of love to your family . . . . . .

Double Double Take!

This morning when I checked Catster, I had to do a double take because for a minute I thought I was Cat of the Day!

Am I in the movie Groundhog Day?

But then I realized it was another male version of me - River sure has a face that resembles mine. I guess that is why he is one of my Top Ten Dreamboats - #4!

I'm sure he will go far in life, and I'm also sure the Cat of the Day Gal was thinking about me when she chose him for the front page . . . . . . . . . .

Double Take!

This morning when I checked Catster, I had to do a double take because for a minute I thought I was Diary of the Day!

But then I realized it was the male version of me - Binky sure has a profile that resembles mine.

I'm sure he will go far in life, and I'm sure the Diary Gal was thinking about me when she chose him for the front page . . . . . . . . . .

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

I'm loving that new sparkly diamond rosette! Thank you, HQ, for recognizing that we are gems.

Hey, where are the rubies, emeralds, and sapphires . . . . . . . . . . . .

Is It Just Me?

Am I imagining things, or did our pictures on our page get smaller? It seems to me that once Catster gave us the ability to add 100 pictures instead of 50, my 10 pictures on my page seem smaller to me.

I need my pictures as large as possible because talent agents and beauty pageant scouts will be checking them out.

I'll bet that diary gal is behind this . . . . . . . . . .

Alaskan Pictures!

For all our friends who want to see some of the pictures Mawmee and Daddy took on their wonderful Alaskan cruise, you can visit my Mawmee's blog!

I'm still waiting to see what she brought me from the trip. I didn't see a whale come through the door, so it doesn't look like we'll be getting another sibling!

Happy Birthday to our friend, KiKi, who becomes a teenager today!

And happy birthday to our local friend, Cleopatra, who is celebrating her 12th birthday today!

We also continue to purr for Cole who we hope is on the upswing! Keep on fighting, Cole, we're pulling for you.

Staycation is Over!

When I got back from my staycation and had time to check my pmail, I thought maybe I had been awarded Feline of the Year because I had a gazillion pmails and a trazillion blue f's floating around on the homepage.

I was positive that the f stood for Fabulously Fine Feline. You can imagine my disappointment when I saw that all my siblings had a trazillion f's too. I knew they weren't fabulous, so it had to be something else!

We must be the stinkiest family on Catster! It's true that no cat can stink up a litterbox like Gleek, Calvin, or Violet!

And, it's also true that we should own stock in that Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator Air Effects Air Freshener! Oh, now I get it! Febreze is looking for their next spokescat! Well, you've come to the right place.

Let me show you my resume . . . . . . . . . .

J.I.T.

Well, well, well . . . . . . I see the diary gal has finally come out of hiding and chosen my diary today - just in time because I'll be on staycation starting tomorrow!

Have you cats realized that is has been 192 days since the last time I was chosen as a diary pick? That is absurd!

Has she not been absolutely fascinated with the spaceship alien story?

And what about Cattitude Week - wasn't that diary-pick worthy?

And my feelings about the Kroger bag contest - didn't that impress her?

I guess she was curious about me being an Astronautte or as Rufus said, Astronette - which reminds me of Annette Funicello which is another diary entry all in itself!

Thanks to my diary fans for showering me with rosettes today! I'm glad my fans haven't deserted me.

Until next week . . . . . bon voyage . . . . . . . .

Astronautte!

I have officially been seen in the spaceship! I like to do my business when no one is watching, but this morning Mission Control saw me go into the spaceship!

I did use the step on the way in and out, so I cannot be the alien! I think the term astronaut is so masculine, so I'd like to be called astronautte, or some other cute title that Rufus will call me!

Happy 13th Birthday today to Spunky! We hope he stays around a long time and can beat that nasty cancer!

In other news, we will be on staycation starting on Friday! I know, can you believe it is our second staycation this year?

Of course, Karen, the non-Catster catsitter, will be stopping in twice a day. We had to call her last night and tell her all about our new spaceship, Spunky's collar, and not to feed Calvin so much Tiki - MOL!

We'll miss you while we are gone, and we'll try to do a few diary entries before we leave. Last night we had a bad storm and our electricity was off until late. It was so primitive around here with the flashlights and candles.

Have a pawsome week . . . . . . . . . .

Aliens Among Us!

Well, friends, the mystery deepens. I think we have aliens living with us - invisible aliens!

Another phenomenon has occurred! While Mission Control was watching last night, Calvin went into the spaceship. He used the step, so the red light came on.

When he was done, he jumped out and didn't touch the step! Mission Control couldn't wait to see what was going to happen in seven minutes. Precisely at the countdown minute, the spaceship went into orbit! So, it appears the step does not have to be used on the way out in order to send the craft into orbit.

This weightless alien who is using our spaceship must not be using the step on the way in or out! There is no other explanation for the box having a deposit, and the green light being on!

If any of you have spaceships and know what might be happening, please let me know. Maybe all spaceships come with invisible aliens, and when the shipping box is opened, they invade your house!

I might need an alien buster . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Mysterious Case of the Weightless Cat!

There is a new mystery to be solved, but this mystery isn't a case at the Samoa Detective Agency. This is a mystery in my house!

Everyone knows that Calvin is using the spaceship. The proof is in the pictures! He steps on the landing pad, goes into the spaceship, does his business, steps out onto the landing pad and runs down the stairs!

For those of you who don't have a spaceship, here is what happens.

1. You step on the landing pad, and the green light turns to red. That means STOP - no other cats can enter because the spaceship is only big enough for one astronaut at a time!

2. When you exit the spaceship, you step on the landing pad again, and then there is the countdown to blast off.

3. The countdown goes for seven minutes.

4. The spaceship goes into orbit and removes all deposits made by the astronaut.

The Weightless Cat Mystery involves one of the remaining astronauts who have access to the spaceship: Violet, Gleek, and yours truly!

It appears that one of the three of us enter and leave the spaceship without using the landing pad! Mission Control will find a deposit in the spaceship, but the green light is on. Countdown was a failure because the astronaut was weightless and floated out of the spacecraft!

Mission Control must then manually push a button to start the spaceship's blast off.

What you fail to realize is that Mission Control is loving the no scoop feature of the spaceship, and even pushing the button is too much trouble - MOL!

Now, if you have read Violet's diary, you can be 100% confident that he is not the weightless cat! And Gleek is still doing roman numerals, letters, and numbers in the old fashioned litterbox.

Hmmmmm, that leaves one astronaut! It proves the point that I am not in anyway overweight, fat, plump, rotund, or any other term you might have heard my brothers use!

And it also proves that my ballet lessons have come in handy . . . . . . .

Picture Mania!

Calvin just told me that LuLu told him that HQ has changed Plus so that we can now have 100 photos in our account!

I'm sure HQ did this because they want to see more pictures of my beauty.

Your wish is my command! Now, where is my photographer?

In? or Owt?

Tonight one of my favorite shows returns to television for its fifth season! Project Runway is a fave among a lot of Catster friends, so I wanted to remind you to tune in to the Bravo channel to catch the show!

Look at the picture and you'll see that Nina is still on the show! She got the ax from Elle Magazine, so it will be interesting to see how Heidi introduces her tonight.

If you haven't watched the show before, you're missing a good one. It's fierce . . . . . . . . .

Guarding the Castle!

As the upstairs princess, I have yet another duty added to my list of responsibilities.

I must guard the castle, or as Calvin likes to call it, the spaceship! Tonight he came upstairs to use the spaceship, and I was laying on the towel in front of my castle.

I asked him if he knew the secret password. He said, is it Rotunda?, and when I told him no, he went in to use the other litter box.

Rotunda? - what kind of password is that . . . . . . . . . .

Checking Out My Castle!

In a desperate attempt to get me in the castle, Mawmee turned it on today. She didn't know it was going to cycle, and she was afraid I would run from the room never to return!

I was fascinated by my moving castle! I watched it do its thing, and then when she left the room, I walked very gingerly over and looked inside.

I'm still not too sure about going inside the castle yet. I don't see Prince Charming anywhere around to help me up the step!

We're going to start taking bets on who will be the first one to actually do something inside it.

If you have a prediction, let me know, and I'll start a tally sheet . . . . . .

I'm Not Buying It!

I was told today that the spaceship in one of my rooms is my own private princess castle.

I'm thinking this is a hair-brained ploy to get me to do my business inside the castle.

Not gonna happen . . . . . . . . . . .

Kroger Bag Contest!

My friend, Cleopatra, just won first place in the Virtual Cat Show on the Cat Channel!

She asked me about the Kroger bag contest. I knew we had not won, but I had forgotten to go check out the winners, so I'm glad she reminded me.

Here are the top ten winning designs. I sure don't think there is anything special about the first place bag!

I see the winners of the top two bags are from Georgia. The third place bag says, All About Tomorrow - that sounds like a bag Calvin would have created!

Congratulations to Cleo - she is from my hometown! Stop by and make friends with her . . . . . . . . .

Proverbial!

You cats have heard the proverb:

Train up your parents in the way they should go; and when they are old, they will not depart from it.

I've been doing some training lately. I've read all these diaries about litterboxes being sanitized and scrubbed weekly. Our maid has fallen short on her duties.

So, last weekend, all our boxes got scrubbed and sanitized. And the maid is doing a much better job of cleaning up the mess that gets stuck to the box when the boys pee against the back or front of the box!

The reason the maid must keep the boxes super clean is because I refuse to use a dirty box. Yes, I have been known to pee on the carpet. Sure, I'd love to have my very own box, but my brothers feel the need to pee and poo in all three boxes we have. We could have six boxes, and they would still spread their stink in each box!

There isn't a problem keeping the boxes clean when the maid is around because she gets the stink out the minute it hits the sand. The problem happens when the maid goes on vacation. And since the maid is going on vacation in a couple of weeks, we are getting a surprise!

I won't tell you what the surprise is until it arrives! I'm sure you can guess what we are getting . . . . . . . . . .

Fireworks!

Here is the dictionary's definition of fireworks:

A combustible or explosive device for producing a striking display of light or a loud noise, used for signaling, or as part of a celebration.

Here is my definition of fireworks:

Neighbors who have nothing better to do with their money but buy cheap, noisy explosive devices that can burn your hands and that disturb all the animals in the neighborhood just so their kids can hear loud pops.

It has already started and it isn't even dark here yet . . . . . . . . . .

Visiting the Step-Siblings

Today I went downstairs, and I noticed the door to Daddy's study was open.

I peeked in and saw Rocky laying on one of his beds, and Spunky on a chair in his cuddle bed.

Mawmee was quite surprised to see me actually stick my head all the way in the room. She told me I could come in, but I'm taking this one step at a time!

When I went back upstairs, I saw Gleek. He asked me what I was doing down there.

I told him a dog lived down there and two more cats. So, he went down to check it out.

The door was still open so Mawmee invited him to come in. He wasn't scared at all of Rocky, but he decided not to venture in the room either!

I hope you cats have a fun holiday weekend. Stay away from the loud firecrackers . . . . . . . . .

Odor Alert!

Does any other cat think that lady in the Arm & Hammer Clumping Cat Litter ad is creepy? You know - that ad over on the right of the page. I think it stinks - get it? It says Odor Alert- MOL!

I don't like seeing her move around while she is holding that cat. The next thing you know, she will be talking to me at the computer. That will be super freaky!

I don't think that cat she is holding likes her either . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weathering the Problems!

First it was my Voki - on strike! And now my weather gal has gone missing!

Did they take a vacation and not consult me first? I've got bigger things to think about than the weather.

I'm remodeling my new bedroom. The painting did not get finished over the weekend - something about wanting to take a break!

You can't get good help anymore. If you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself.

Now, where is that paintbrush . . . . . . . . . .

Mooooooooo!

You probably think this diary entry is about Lancelot because he moos like a cow! Nope - sorry, Lancelot!

We saw a link on some cat's page one day to a website called Moo.

It's a cool site where you can have things made. So, we decided to make one of their sticker books.

What we liked about the sticker book is the fact that you can upload as many pictures as you want for the book. The book doesn't have to be all of the same picture. Since there are seven of us, including the dog, that was an appealing feature.

Our sticker book arrived today! It is so pawsome. The stickers are glossy, and the stickers of me are hollywood quality!

Check out their website when you have time . . . . . . . . . .

Where is Candice Olson When You Need Her?

OMC - there is a lot of activity in the house today! I saw paint cans come in last night, so I smell a project.

I finally got Mawmee's attention long enough to find out that our guest-room-that-nobody-comes-to-visit-and-sleeps-in is going to be turned into more of a cat-friendly space.

It's our litterbox room right now. And you're probably saying, well, no wonder nobody comes to visit if they have to sleep in the room with the litterboxes! When Ohio Grandmaw comes, she sleeps in the other guest room which is also the computer room. If we have more visitors, then the litterboxes get moved out of the other guest room. We don't make our visitors sleep in a room where Calvin and Gleek do their poopies - MOL!

The cat room which hereinafter will be called Samoa's Room, will be painted, and so will the guest bathroom. I'm pleased with the color for Samoa's Room, and I know Violet will love it too. It will be a few shades lighter than the current color - the new color is called lavender lace. The bathroom is a taupe color called hazelnut cream.

The bed will stay in the room, but a lot of other stuff is getting moved out. Our cat tree will be relocated to Samoa's Room!

The coolest thing I saw is the ceiling paint. It goes on pink so you can see where you are painting. Then it turns to white. If you remember when we painted the other guest room, that ceiling paint went on purple, and then turned white. Wouldn't a pink ceiling be way cool?

And guess what else? The carpet is getting pulled up and Mawmee and Daddy are putting down a wood floor. They've been working for so many months at Grandmaw's house, and now they want to do some projects at our house.

I may need to move out during these projects so that I can get my afternoon naps in without disruption! Better yet, I think these projects need a supervisor, and I'm just the cat for the job . . . . . . . .

Oh Deary Dear Deer!

Daddy cut the grass in the front yard this afternoon. He takes the grass clippings down to the garden and spreads them out to help with the weeds.

The garden is enclosed and has a gate. He went through the gate and went to one corner of the garden to spread the grass.

All of a sudden a baby deer jumped up from the other corner of the garden! OMD - that's oh, my deer, not oh, my dog what should he do now?

He stood still hoping the baby would go out the gate. He wondered how the baby got into the garden because it is too high for him to jump in.

The next thing you know, the baby deer ran through a hole in the chicken wire that encloses the garden and ran into the woods.

Daddy didn't know there was a hole in the chicken wire. The Mommy deer must have made that hole and told the baby to get in the garden where it would be safe.

Of course, when Mawmee heard the story, she had to go down to the garden and make sure the hole in the wire was big enough for the baby. She bent the chicken wire so no sharp edges would cut the baby deer.

She had the camera with her just in case the baby showed up, but he was hiding safely in the woods until his Mommy comes to get him.

First the snake (read Violet's diary today), and now this - what a nature-filled day . . . . . . . . . . . . .

All Decked Out!

Today I helped Mawmee get our deck ready. Violet came out for a few minutes, but he likes to stick his head way through the railings, and it makes Mawmee nervous that he will try to squeeze through and jump. So, he had to go back inside.

Gleek watched me from the sunroom window. I helped sweep the deck and wash off the glass top table. Then the umbrella and stand came out. I love the umbrella because it shades the table and deck, and I don't get so hot.

Our deck is on the second story right off our sunroom. It doesn't have stairs going off the deck, so we can be out there supervised with no worry about running away.

While I was out there, I heard a helicopter overhead. I'm sure that was the paparazzi trying to photograph me for the tabloids.

I was very excited to see Dreamboat #2 as Diary of the Day today! Way to go, Diego! Have a pawsome day, and tell that Diary Gal she picked a good one . . . . . . . . .

Watch Out Hollywood!

Tonight I've taken the next step to becoming world famous. Who needs that Diary Gal anyway?!

I'm sure you cats read different blogs - Skeezix and Jeter are our two favorite cat blogs.

The lovely Luna's Mommy started her own blog. She has been asking my Mawmee when she was going to start a blog.

She told Luna's Mommy she didn't have much time for a blog, and the next thing you know, she started one! I was not happy about this because I'm sure it's going to cut into my diary time, my super model posing time, and my grooming time!

However, once I saw her blog and realized I was on it, I had to rethink that maybe this will be a good move for my career as a super model! You know the exposure will be fabulous! I should insist on at least one entry a week entirely devoted to me.

I know, you cats are probably thinking I should have my own blog. That would be entirely too much work for me. I do need my beauty sleep . . . . . . . . . .

Photobucket Hackers!

Somebody with nothing to do but cause trouble has hacked into photobucket's site. They call themselves Net Devilz. I think evil people like this should get a life!

All our pages are missing their backgrounds and all our other photobucket images.

I hope the photobucket devil busters are working overtime to get this problem corrected . . . . . . . . . . .

F in Father's Day

We had a family meeting and decided to each take a letter in Father's Day and describe our Daddy using that letter.

I'll go first - of course!

F stands for

Funny, Friendly, and Fantastic!

My daddy is fantastic because he lets me buy as many boas as I want. He also likes to rub my belly when I lay on my back, even when he knows I'll probably bite him!

Happy Daddy's Day and thanks for telling me I'm your favorite! I hope all the Catster Daddies have a pawsome day . . . . . . . . . . .

Vacation Pictures!

We don't have any pictures from our staycation because Karen, the non-Catster catsitter, didn't bother photographing us while we were chillaxin!

However, Mawmee and Daddy did take pictures on their vacation, and I've added a few of those in a slideshow on my page if you'd like to take a look.

Mawmee says she wishes she was still there, or could bring the Mexico weather back here!

Happy weekend . . . . . . . . . . .

It's A Lucky Day After All!

Oh my cats, are my friends the greatest in the world, or what? I got zealies as a gift from Ele', Gimme, and Ambro, and also from Winnie, Chester, and Taz!

You guys are so pawsome, and I can't thank you enough! I'm off to give Miou-Miou a rosette!

Have a pawsome Flag Day/Father's Day weekend . . . . . . . . . . .

Zealie Bummer!

We always run out of zealies. I think when you have more than four pets, you should get more zealies each month! It is very difficult to share zealies when we have so many friends we need to send them to!

So, off I went to Paypal to get more. Usually the minute I purchase the zealies, they show up in my account. Today those zealies didn't show up!

So, I went back into Paypal and found out that the payment status is uncleared, and it will take several days for the echeck to be processed by the bank.

I've never had that problem before! What a bummer! We wanted to send Miou-Miou a rosette for being Cat of the Day.

And there are some friends having birthdays this weekend . . . . . . and Boogers is getting married . . . . . . . . . and tomorrow is flag day . . . . . .

It really is Friday the 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Men Oh Paws!

Tonight Mawmee is going with her Red Hot friends to see Men Oh Paws, The Musical.

I didn't realize men had paws. My Daddy doesn't have paws, and I would hardly call Calvin, Violet, Gleek, or Spunky men, but they do have paws!

And who would even think about writing music about men's paws? Being a cat is so much easier than being human . . . . . . . . . . . .

It's Her Party . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . but she said she isn't gonna cry today - MOL!

Happy Birthday to my Mawmee! I asked her how old she is today, and she said this is the year you start counting backwards!

She got a nice birthday surprise this morning. There was a whole family of deer in our backyard. There was a tiny baby deer that was probably only a few weeks old. He was very small and very cute.

Mawmee's Arizona friend sent a picture of her two girls holding a platter with cupcakes in the shape of an L!

Some of our friends have also sent rosettes, special gifts, and pmails to wish Mawmee a happy birthday. She really appreciates those thoughtful messages.

Yesterday, she treated herself to a manicure and pedicure, and today she is getting her hair cut. She said pampering yourself is a good thing!

Have a pawsome birthday, Mawmee - I love you . . . . . . . . .

One Year Ago Today!

Ahhhhh, it was June 9, 2007 . . . . . . . . a day I'll never forget as long as I live . . . . . . . . . surely you remember it too . . . . . . . . . . the day my big dream came true . . . . . . . . .

Diary of the Day!

2007 . . . . . . . the year the Diary Gal had her act together! What has happened to her this year?

She must have been given other Catster duties because she has fallen short on handing out diary kudos to me. I've only been on the pick list once - waaaaaaaaaay back in January!

I remember the good 'ole days . . . . . . . . . when there was a Diary Pawpular List . . . . . . . . . when Boogers and I battled it out for that top spot . . . . . . when we finally took over top honors from that Mary Magdalina chick. Hey, I wonder what ever happened to her?

2007 . . . . . . . it was a good diary year . . . . . . .

Better Than Botox!

Mawmee and Daddy got home around 1:00 this morning from their vacation.

We were all very excited to see them. I almost didn't recognize Mommy. She looked like Angelina Jolie! She told me her lips got too much sun on the last day at the beach.

Daddy didn't look anything like Brad Pitt . . . . . . . . . .

Pooch and Purr Kit!

Daddy went downstairs this morning and looked out and saw a box on the front porch. He yelled upstairs to Mawmee that someone got a package!

We all sat around as she opened the box. Inside was a cat carrying case, a doggie toy, bandana, and a can of Febreze Air Effect Pet Odor Eliminator!

Woooooooooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooooooo!

We had joined this group a long time ago, and those who joined early could sign up for some type of freebie. We had no idea at the time what the freebie was going to be. Mawmee was hoping for at least a can of the odor removing spray because we have plenty of odor producers in this house!

What a great surprise! Thank you Febreze! Mawmee told Daddy that we now have a carrying case for each one of us in case of emergency and needing to get out of the house fast. He laughed and said it would take half a day to get everyone in a carrying case and out of the house!

MOL . . . . . . . . . . .

100 Years Ago Today!

Do you know what happened 100 years ago today? Well, I'll tell you!

A lady named Laura was born. She grew up and got married. She and her husband became good friends of my great-grandmaw and great-grandpaw.

Laura became a non-relative aunt to my grandmaw when she was a little girl.

Then when my grandmaw had a little girl, she named her after this non-relative aunt.

That is how my Mawmee got her name. Today is Aunt Laura's 100th birthday. She is no longer living, but she and Uncle Johnny were very important people in Mawmee's life. They never had children, but they were Aunt and Uncle to several families.

Happy 100th Birthday, Aunt Laura . . . . . . . . . . . .

Ice, Ice, Baby!

Now, I'm not talking about the song . . . . . . . and I'm not talking about the stuff in your freezer . . . . . . . . . I'm talking about

ICE - In Case of Emergency!

In light of everything that has happened regarding Aldo, Tess, and Noelle, it is a good thing for your parents to have an Emergency Plan for you.

Remember when cell phones first came out, and they told your parents that they should enter an ICE number into the phone? Then if an emergency situation came up, someone could check the cell phone directory under ICE and contact the right person!

Eventually, I think Catster will help us by creating someplace where we can store emergency information, but I have an idea too! Here is my idea:

1. What if you told one really good Catster friend that you trust some of your emergency information - your vet, a local contact, your catsitter's name, etc.

2. Then you put that friend's badge on your page as your ICE!

Wowza - how simple! Another good idea is to make sure your vet is listed at Catster Local. Then, mark that vet as one of your spots, and it will show up on your page!

Mawmee is putting together a fact sheet on each of us and putting it in a binder so that our catsitter and her friends will have all the information they need in case of an emergency. Of course, we are going to list our Catster URLs on our fact sheet! This fact sheet is especially important if you are in our situation - we have no family in town!

Don't delay - get your ICE plan ready today . . . . . . . . . . . .

Counting on the Holiday Weekend!

First, let me thank Arnold P. for starting off my holiday weekend on a good note. He was my 20,000 visitor to my page - wooo hooooo! Glad to see my friends still love me even when the Diary Gal has completely ignored me. I refuse to talk dirty in order for her to give me a nod. She seems to like poopie talk - MOL!

Secondly, I'm enjoying those cute waving flag rosettes! A Boy Scout and his mother delivered our holiday flag to the front yard this morning. For $30, one local troop brings a flag on a pole and puts it in our yard on every holiday. They pick it up when the holiday is over, so we'll have that flag for several days!

Thirdly, today is my Mawmee and Daddy's 22nd anniversary! They celebrated by going out to dinner last night because Daddy drove to Ohio Grandmaw's house today to visit her. Daddy's Ohio brother is gone for the weekend, and Daddy felt like he should be there to take her to the cemetery on Memorial Day.

Our Ohio Grandpaw was in the Marines during WWII. He was stationed on Iwo Jima, and got a purple heart for being injured. All of his brothers were in the military too. One of his brothers is buried in Punchbowl Cemetery over in Hawaii. So, Memorial Day is very important to Daddy and Ohio Grandmaw.

Fourthly, please forgive us if we don't have time to send out individual thank yous for our lovely rosettes and special gifts. Thank you so much for being so generous to our family! Mawmee and Daddy are leaving next Saturday on vacation, and there is so much to do before they leave.

Fifthly, one of those things to do is put together fact sheets on all of us with detailed information. Hazel Lucy has a great example here that you can follow in making up your own Emergency Contact card for the house, wallet card, and card for your parents' vehicles.

Sixthly, my Emergency Contact information will not be on a card, but it will be bound in a leather book - required reading for anyone coming to our house. I plan to have a whole section devoted to photos. Not only will this be an Emergency Contact Book, but it can be used as my portfolio when booking modeling jobs in the future.

Seventhly, I can't believe Spunky has to wear a plastic collar. Give me some jewels and a glue gun, and I'll have him looking fine!

Have a pawsome Memorial Weekend! Honor the brave . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Bell is Ringing Today

Another angel enters through the Rainbow Bridge gates today. We all purr that Simba's journey will be peaceful.

Looking around Catster today you can see how many lives Simba has touched. Besides all the photos that cats are using as their main picture, I have been reading some beautiful diary entries about Simba.

We loved the parties we attended with Simba. Watching her and Gordy act so silly - it brings a smile to my face to remember how funny they were together!

And of course, Simba's diary entries were both informative and amusing. She had a great sense of humor even during her illnesses.

We purr for her family today as they deal with the sadness of sending her to the bridge. It is never easy to see them leave, but it is always done in love. Simba and her Mommy had a wonderful love that will live on forever in her Mommy's heart.

We'll miss you, Simba, but we know the parties at the bridge will be even better than before. You'll shine and make the rainbow brighter. Glompity glomp glomps to you - we'll never forget you.

Rest in peace . . . . . . . . . . .

Make An Offer We Can't Refuse!

Woooooooooooooooooooooooo Hooooooooooooooooooooo!

Mawmee and Daddy got an offer on Grandmaw's house today! Ten days on the market - it has to be a record! MOL!

They made a counter offer, and hopefully it will be accepted! The person wants to close in 30-45 days. They are already approved for a loan! Mawmee says, pinch me - is this for real?

And, she found a four-leaf clover when she was cutting the grass this afternoon!

And, Aldo got in the trap and is at the vet's office!

Today is lucky Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . .

So Much Sadness!

In addition to the sadness of Tess, Aldo, and Noelle losing their Mommy, we found out today that Simba will be making her journey to the bridge on Friday, May 23rd.

We send our purrs and love to Simba and her Mommy during this very sad time. Hold on to the 20 years of wonderful memories, and make these last days special - as we know you will.

Purrs . . . . . . . . . .

What Can Brown Do For You?

Wasn't that the most exciting Preakness today? Of course, we were all cheering on Big Brown, and there was lots of high fives and hugging when he won the race!

Good luck, Big Brown, in winning the Triple Crown! We sure hope you can do it . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Show and Tell!

Woo hoo - our realtor called and said Grandmaw's house is being shown on Saturday and Sunday!

OMC - wouldn't it be pawsome if we got an offer the very first weekend it is on the market? Chances are that won't happen, but if it does, then we'll have a winner in the contest because some lucky cat chose May 17 as their pick, and another lucky cat chose May 19!

Keep your paws crossed . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sign of Our Times!

The For Sale sign went up yesterday at Grandmaw's house!

On Sunday, Mawmee and Daddy went over to finish a few little things. What was only supposed to take a couple of hours took more like five hours, and ended up with a call to the plumber on Monday morning! You don't even want to know the details! Let's just say nobody was very happy Sunday night because dinner out didn't happen!

So, the plumber guys came yesterday, and fixed the bathroom sink problems while Mawmee cleaned up stuff that had blown out of the tree in the front yard.

The house is ready for a new family! Keep your paws crossed that it sells quickly!

And, you still have time to enter Gleek's contest!

Midnight tonight is the last chance to get in your guess . . . . . . . . .

It's In The Bag, Baby!

Kroger has approved my reuseable shopping bag design!

If you have time, and you want to vote for my design, I sure would appreciate it. After all, I'm sure you'll want to see my lovely face in your very own Kroger store! You can vote once a day.

Hey, why don't you design a bag too? Let's overflow the Kroger stores with Catster cats . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Real Gift

I know it's Mother's Day, but first I want to talk about me! Yesterday, my birthday was like the Twelve Days of Christmas!

13 party hats
11 cupcakes
7 tulip bouquets
4 champagne glasses
3 balloon bunches
3 red roses
2 gerber daisies
2 rainbow stars
1 vase of flowers
1 butterfly
1 pinwheel
1 ladybug
1 heart
1 pink rosette
and 1 golden star

52 ways that you made me feel so special! I hope you all know how much I treasure your friendship - which is the best gift of all! Thank you!

Now on to today's special day! Happy Mommie's Day to all the Catster Mommies.

We got Mawmee a real gift too - not just the re-gift that Calvin mentioned in his diary. I make enough from my part-time modeling job, and the advances I know I'll be receiving from Kroger when I am pictured on their resuable shopping bags, that I told Daddy to get something nice from us.

So, we got her one of those portable GPS map thingies that goes in the car so she can figure out where she is going!

I do love her, but her sense of direction stinks! We don't have mountains in Kentucky. When she lived in Tucson, she new north was toward the mountains. What is she expected to do when there are no mountains?

Happy Mawmee's Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Saturday - My Birthday!

Today is my last cattitude posting from my wonderful book. I particularly like this one for my birthday:

Hang out exclusively with cats who adore you!

That is the reason I had to join Catster! None of the cats in this house appreciate and worship me the way my friends do!

Seven was so odd - I'm so over seven - it's so yesterday!

Ahhhhh, eight! It's gonna be great! I'd like to thank all my adoring fans for making my birthday so special. First, I noticed one of my dreamboats wrote the most wonderful haiku in his diary. There is something so appealing about a cat who writes poetry!

Thank you Rufus for the sweet haiku:

Fair is the cat who
wears boas and hats in shades
of every hue.

I received some very fine toys, cards, and even pink Tiki in the mail from Boogers and family, Sammie and KiKi, Mercy and family, and Oly and family. I can't wait to enjoy the entire can of pink Tiki!

I love you all for my special gifts and rosettes - my page is overflowing with cupcakes, balloons, party hats, vase of flowers, champagne, gerber daisys, pinwheels, I Love Mom, tulips, roses and stars! Thank you sooo much for them and for the birthday shout outs in my groups!

I guess the Diary Gal didn't get the memo about my birthday today. I must check in with Paulina, my secretary, and get to the bottom of this! I just wish my Voki was working! I guess if you want a job done right, you have to do it yourself!

Oh, I must tell you about the most wonderful gift my Mawmee and Daddy got me. Well, of course, I got a new boa - light purple. I've already had a photo session this morning! And from my brothers and sister, I got my own Speed Racer compact mirror and comb. I thought it looked very expensive, and then I noticed it came from McDonald's - MOL!

My bestest gift is one that will spread my face across America. No, I won't be starring in my own reality show - those are so lame! I will be plastered across Kroger's resuable shopping bags! Mawmee designed one with my picture - in a green boa, of course. It will be a couple of days before they post it on their site. Then, you can vote for it, and if Kroger loves it as much as I know they will, I'll be in a store near you soon.

Then even more cats can adore me . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Friday!

Understand a pretty face isn't a gift, it's a tool!

'Nuf said . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Thursday!

Unless you made the rules, ignore them!

Well, I don't know who made the rule about me having to do my business in a dirty litterbox after 3 boys have left their stink behind.

So, to protest, I peed on the rug!

It's my birthweek, and I can do what I want . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Wednesday!

Don't be afraid to show a little leg!

I'm not afraid of showing my leg!

Not at all afraid . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Tuesday

Realize a tiara is a state of mind!

And nothing compliments a boa quite like a tiara . . . . . . . . .

Cattitude Monday!

I will be celebrating my birthday all week because that is what you do when you're turning eight!

Last year for my birthday, I received a wonderful book called Cattitude - The Feline Guide to Being Fabulous! It has very cute pictures of cats and a quote on each page about having cattitude. Each day this week, I'm going to share with you one of the quotes. There are quite a few, but I'll pick my favorites.

Today's Cattitude:

Remember, good lighting is more important than good genes!

I insist on good lighting when I work with my photographer. It makes all the difference in how regal I look in my photos. Besides, genes are so informal, and really should be avoided by a princess!

Happy Cinco de Mayo . . . . . . . . .

Weep No More, My Lady . . . . . . .

Mawmee gets very emotional during the Kentucky Derby. It all starts when the first horse steps out on the track, and the band plays My Old Kentucky Home.

It is tradition in our house that if you were born in Kentucky, you have to stand up during the song, and put your hand over your heart! Daddy wasn't born in Kentucky, but he always stands up! Mawmee cries during the song - she does it every year, but this year was especially difficult because of all the work she and Daddy have done to get her old Kentucky home ready to sell.

Then she gets nervous before the race because she doesn't want any horses to get injured. When there are 20 horses in the race, it is scary because they are so cramped together coming out of the chute.

So, a big sigh of relief was felt when the race was completed without problems . . . . . . . until we saw Eight Belles down on the track.

As you know, Sugar and I had picked Eight Belles as our choice to win. She sure ran a great race and finished an impresssive 2nd place!

What a tragedy that she broke both ankles and had to be euthanized right on the track. More tears were shed. We are so sorry for her trainer, the jockey, and her owners.

Rest in peace, Eight Belles . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A Red Red Rose!

Ahhhh, there is no flower more beautiful than a rose! Today one lucky horse will get a beautiful blanket of red roses draped over her back for winning the 134th Kentucky Derby! You notice I said her because I'm hoping Eight Belles - the only filly in the race - will win today!

Just like the Lilies for the Fillies, the rose garland is created by the floral designers at Kroger.

The rose that is used this year is called the Freedom rose which was named as a tribute to those who were victims of 911, as well as those serving in the armed forces. It takes about 80-90 hours to complete the beautiful garland of roses.

The roses and greenery sit upon a light green satin moire' which contains an embroidered seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky as well as an embroidered logo of Churchill Downs.

Each rose is in its own vial of water, and it is hand sewn into position on top of smylax which is a southern vine. The border of the garland consists of boxwood, camelia and coffee leaves.

The middle, or crown, of the garland consists of 20 roses - one for each horse entered in the race this year.

Keep your paws crossed that the rains are gone today - there was a downpour for yesterday's Oaks - and that all the horses have a safe run for the roses!

Happy Kentucky Derby Day . . . . . . . . . .

Look No Further!

Nigel Barker from America's Next Top Model is in town.

He is riding in the Pegasus Parade today.

Well, that's his story, and he's sticking to it. We all know why he is really in town.

Oh, Nigel . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Other Horse Race!

Saturday is the Run for the Roses - the 134th Kentucky Derby! All the celebs will be in town, and I'll be very busy mingling with them at the fancy parties.

I wanted to let you know about the special race tomorrow - it is called the Kentucky Oaks! Oaks day at Churchill Downs has become known as the day for the locals.

It is almost impossible to get tickets to the Kentucky Derby - well, you can get them if you want to go to the infield, but you wouldn't catch me out there sitting on grass!

However, it is easier to get tickets to Oaks day. They even cancel school tomorrow because so many teachers want to go to the track - MOL! All the ladies wear their hats - just like on Derby day.

The big race tomorrow doesn't involve roses - it is called the Lilies for the Fillies because all the horses that run that race are girls, and the winner gets a beautiful garland of star gazer lilies - white and magenta.

One of our local Kroger stores makes the beautiful garland that is placed around the horse that wins the race. The garland contains 134 flowers and each one is in it's own vial of water and is hand sewn onto a blanket made with white moire' bengaline. Apparently that fabric is finer than the finest satin. It has the seal of the Commonwealth of Kentucky embroidered into the fabric. The entire garland is edged in greenery and also contains a magenta ribbon edged in gold. The garland is 18 inches wide, 116 inches long, and weighs 19 pounds.

Just like with the garland of roses, you can visit the Kroger store tonight and watch the florists sew the flowers to the blanket. Mawmee has seen the rose garland being made several different years, but has never seen them sew the Lilies for the Fillies. She said she might talk Daddy into going tonight!

Happy May Day . . . . . . . . . . .

P.S. I just looked at the horses running in the Kentucky Oaks tomorrow, and I'm going to pick Awesome Chic!

Frito Feet?

Just when you thought you've heard it all, along comes Frito Feet - sometimes called Popcorn Paws - MOL!

Well, I can guarantee you that I don't have frito feet! It appears that dogs have it more than cats because we are the civilized pet, and we know how to keep our paws clean! I'm glad they don't have Cheeto Feet because the orange left behind would be such a mess!

I suppose dogs that have frito feet also have toe jam . . . . . . .

You Can Call Me S-Mo!

Wow, your cat is Jennifer Lopez!

Jennifer Lopez
Dressed to Kill

Una bomba inteligente autentica, Samoa is super-fly girl Jennifer Lopez!

Curvaceous and sassy and always more than willing to pawticipate with a few moves on the dance floor, Samoa moves and grooves with the best of them. But that doesn't mean it's all fun and salsa for Samoa—discipline and structure are key ingredients that have helped to put Samoa on a fur-lined fast track. Family is of utmost importance for Samoa , and she takes care of her brothers and sisters with the same dedication that she gives her little 'uns. To see and to be seen are significant parts of Samoa's daily activities, and the real-life Cleopetra makes her rounds with confidence and flair, always preferring to hang with the more bold and beautiful members of the pack.


Why, of course, I am . . . . . . . . . . . .

Flower Slideshow!

I've added a slideshow on my page of all the blooming flower pictures Mawmee took today.

All of these flowers and trees are from our yard. Most of our backyard is a wooded area, so we get pretty wildflowers that grow.

The bleeding heart is my favorite - it is a plant in our backyard flower bed. It blooms very early in the spring and then turns green. I sure wish all those pretty hearts stayed on the plant all summer long!

Enjoy the show . . . . . . . . .

Beautiful Blooms!

Ahhhh, spring is so beautiful! All the pretty trees are blooming. Today I told Mawmee that we needed pictures for a spring slideshow.

The tree that Mawmee's friends planted last year for Grandpaw is blooming - it is a pink dogwood and it is so pretty! I think about Grandpaw everytime I look out the front window and see it.

Near the dogwood tree is a cherry tree - so pretty with it's pink blossoms too!

And not far from cherry tree are three lilac bushes that came from our Aunt Foo-Foo. Aunt Foo-Foo was Grandmaw's twin sister. Her real name was Phyllis, but Mawmee couldn't say Phyllis when she was a little girl, so she gave her the nickname Foo-Foo. Anyway, before Aunt Foo-Foo died, she gave us three tiny lilac bushes. This is the first year they have bloomed. Mawmee took a picture of the pretty blossoms, and she said they smell absolutely delicious!

The sun is shining . . . . . . the birds are singing . . . . . . it couldn't be any more purrfect . . . . . . . . .well, if I were on the diary list, it would be more purrfect . . . . . . . . .

The Search!

When Mawmee was cleaning out Grandmaw and Grandpaw's house, she came across a framed piece that our Great Grandpaw had written back in 1911.

It is in his handwriting, and it consists of three quotes from different poems. One of them is about the earth, and I thought it would be nice to put it in my diary for Earth Day.

However, she had trouble reading one of the words. So, I helped her search - we went to dictionary.com - nope, the word didn't exist. We googled the word - nope, couldn't find it. We googled the poem and found parts of it, but not the part with the mystery word.

Finally - success! Our search found the poem - it is called Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

Here is what Great-Grandpaw had written:

Smile and the world smiles with you
Weep and you weep alone.
This good old earth has need of your mearth
It has trouble enough of it's own.

Now, here is the way Ella wrote that part of the poem:

Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep, and you weep alone.
For the sad old earth must borrow it's mirth,
But has trouble enough of its own.


It looks like Great-Grandpaw wasn't too good at spelling - MOL! So, do you want to know what mirth means?

According to dictionary.com:

Gaiety or jollity, especially when accompanied by laughter; amusement

For Earth Day today, be full of mirth! Thanks Great-Grandpaw . . . . . . .

Beauty and Brains!

Not only are my Dreamboats good to look at, they also provide valuable information!

Rufus wrote all about the Furminator in his diary today. I should have known that a ragdoll would own a cool comb like the Furminator!

Now, if you remember, I wasn't too crazy about that masculine name - Furminator. Rufus has given a new name to the Furminator that I hope to own in the future - the Furminatrix!

How purrfect . . . . . . . now, if we can get the company to change the name and offer it in pink, I'll be first in line to get one . . . . . . . . . .

Shake, Rattle, and Roll!

Early this morning we were all asleep and all of a sudden the house started shaking!

Mawmee has lamps on the bedside tables that have glass shades. The shades started rattling!

She rolled over to Daddy and asked, what was that?

He rolled over to her and said, the wind!

This morning she was talking to him about it again. She said the wind has never shook the house like that before! He laughed and said - it must have been an earthquake!

So, I'm reading some friends' diaries this morning, and OMC - Hazel Lucy felt the earthquake too!

I've got to tell Daddy right away . . . . . . . . he probably won't believe me, but when I tell him Hazel Lucy felt the earthquake, he's got to believe me . . . . . .

To Furminate or Not To Furminate?

I've heard all about The FURminator, and Mawmee is trying to decide whether she should get one for me.

I have that very fine, soft fur. The kind that sticks to Mawmee's lips when she kisses me on the head - MOL!

Here is what their website says about the cat deshedding tool:

This tool is recommended for all shedding cats.
• Helps to eliminate hairballs in cats
• Reduces shedding up to 90 percent
• Guaranteed to reduce shedding better than any brush, comb or rake
• Works great on all shedding, long and short haired cats
• Brings out the cat’s natural oils, promoting healthier skin and a shiny topcoat
• Reduces the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people

I love to be combed, and I'm all for having shiny beautiful fur, but can we call this tool something else besides Furminator.

It's way to masculine for me . . . . . . . . . . .

Word Up!

How many views does Calvin have?

dk; dc

Don't know . . . . . . don't care . . . . . . . . .

Death and Taxes!

They say the only thing certain in life is death and taxes!

I don't particularly care for either of those, so I'll say:

The only thing certain in life is Catster and boas . . . . . . . . . .

A Fish Named Perot!

I finally have my very own fishbowl and fish on my page! One of my diary fans, Trouble, gave me the beautiful fish today.

He said the fish is named Perot.

Not Wanda!

Perot!

Hmmmmm, I wonder if his nickname is Ross . . . . . . . . . .

Take the Pledge!

Are you orange today?

Well, if you aren't, you still have plenty of time to Go Orange for the ASPCA!

Mawmee says there is a special place for people who abuse animals. They'll probably spend their after-life cleaning up litter boxes and dog poop, and they'll be chained to a dog house and it will be raining! Wouldn't that be purrfect!

So, in honor of the ASPCA's Go Orange Day, you can take the pledge to set a good example for others and recognize and report animal cruelty!

It only takes a second to take the pledge - and you'll get a cool badge you can add to your page like I did!

Let their be peace on earth and no cruelty to animals, and let it begin with me . . . . . . . . .

P.S. I think I'm still allowed to swat at Calvin, Violet, and Gleek, but I promise not to do it today!

More Proof!

I have dedicated several diary entires in the past to the stupidity of dogs. Once again, they haven't disappointed me! I noticed that some lady asked Dr. Barchas why her dog licks the air when visitors come to her house.

Look what the vet man said:

First, count your blessings. Many dogs urinate or bark incessantly when visitors arrive. Some dogs are very territorial, and may actually attack guests.

There you go . . . . . . . more proof! Why can't dogs learn from cats? When a visitor comes, you run to the top of the steps or you hide under the sofa or the bed. Then when everything calms down, you go check out the strangers that came to visit.

How uncivilized to pee on a guest!

How silly to lick the air and look like a complete nut!

Friends - be glad we're cats . . . . . . . . . .

The Biggest Loser!

I'm not talking about that show where all those people lose weight, I'm talking about Dancing with the Stars!

Mawmee lost in the pool because her pick got the axe last night! Did you see Adam ride his unicycle? OMC - no wonder he got booted!

I think the only thing worse than that was his fake mustache! MOL . . . . . . . . .

Big Deal, Who Cares!

So, Violet is in the Catster newsletter . . . . . . . big deal . . . . . . . . and Gleek is on the hompage . . . . . . . . who cares . . . . . . . . if it weren't for my extensive boa wardrobe, those boys would be naked for Go Orange Day!

Now, let's talk about me - I'm much more interesting!

I've finally trained Gleek to be fearful of me. When he first arrived here, he was a little too buddy-buddy for my tastes. Oh, sure, I'll still sleep on the bed with him, but he needed to know I'm the princess of the upstairs.

When Mawmee and I are in the computer room, and he wants to come in and sit under her legs, he tiptoes around me, or he gets really close and then runs as fast as he can to get by me!

It's great to be me . . . . . . . . . even if the Diary Gal has been slipping on giving recognition to what used to be the #1 most pawpular diary . . . . . . . . . . .

Paint Catster Orange!

Well, wouldn't you know it?! Violet was the last hold out on getting his picture taken for Go Orange Day, and he ends up in the Catster newsletter!

And of all places to have his picture taken - the bathroom! Daddy saw the picture and said it looked like Violet was wearing an orange skirt - MOL!

Remember I told you that we didn't have any orange props except for the orange in the refrigerator that Daddy ate? Mawmee found an orange tablecloth in the closet that belonged to Grandmaw. She draped it over a basket in the bathroom and that is Violet's skirt!

Come on cats - get on your orange - and let's have a photo stroll. The dogs are doing it over on Dogster - we can't let them outshine us kitties!

Tag your photo:

GOFA 08

and join in the ASPCA's Go Orange for Animals Day stroll! You can find out more about Go Orange Day at the ASPCA's website. Thursday, April 10 is the day - spread the word in your groups too!

Let's paint Catster orange . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cat Manual

When did this Cat Manual show up?

The Table of Contents has some interesting items. For example:

1. Intelligence of Cats - that chapter must be about me!

2. Where to Find a Cat - well, all you have to do is look out in our backyard - that is where most of us came from!

3. How to Hold a Cat - none of us are crazy about this because it usually involves getting our nails trimmed!

4. Interacting with Babies - you've got to be kidding! Keep those crying, slobbery kids away from me!

5. Clicker Training - ????? You think you can train a cat? Who wrote this book anyway - MOL!

6. Reproduction - As Bob would say, get spayed or neutered! And see #4 above!

I'm disappointed that there are no chapters devoted to proper cat attire or photographing a supermodel.

I guess I'll have to write those chapters myself . . . . . . . . . .

The Wait is Over!

Tonight we find out who America wants to make into a super model!

There is only one girl left. She is up against three boys.

Hmmmmm, if the competition was to occur in this house, we would have the following:

Samoa - the natural beauty who knows how to own the catwalk. Get in her way of becoming America's Next Top Model, uh, I mean, Make Me a Supermodel, and you'll be sorry!

Calvin - the blonde bombshell - spends all his time sleeping or eating Tiki Cat. Fat and lazy never wins the race!

Violet - the competitor who sucks up to the judge. Sleeping on the judge's pillow at night won't make you a better model!

Gleek - the purr machine - who has to eat after he purrs. Chunky is not a size in the modeling world!

Move over boys, the girl is gonna win . . . . . . . . . . .

Up On The Roof!

When it rains, it pours, and we're planning to have a lot of rain in the next few days! Mawmee noticed that the ceiling in the bedroom has a water spot. Daddy has been in the attic, but he couldn't tell where the water was getting in.

So, today some man came to our house and got up on the roof to check it out. Daddy was hoping it was going to be something simple, like the flashing around the chimney.

No such luck!

The roof guy said the chimney topper thingy that keeps animals out of our fireplace needs replaced. Of course, those chimney topper thingies don't come in a standard size - they all have to be hand made by some guy who charges a fortune to make them!

And he doesn't work fast, so we won't be getting it tomorrow before the big rain comes.

Like they say, when it rains . . . . . . it pours . . . . . . . .

Daddy Ate the Prop!

April 10th is the ASPCA's Go Orange for Animals Day! I asked my photographer if we could have pictures taken for the occasion.

Our photographer doesn't own much in the way of orange items - no tablecloths for backdrops. I think it reminds her too much of the ugliness of the 70's - MOL!

I reminded her that I saw an orange in the refrigerator. We could use that as a prop!

So, I got out my orange boa and was ready to have a photo session. The photographer went to the refrigerator to get the orange.

It was gone!

Daddy ate our prop . . . . . . . photo session cancelled until a trip to the grocery . . . . . .

Whisker Dirt!

Do you love rubbing your whiskers on the door frames? I do! I also like rubbing my whiskers on the bookcase next to the computer - it's white too. I try to mark as much territory as I can in this house.

I noticed when you rub an area over a period of time, it gets dirty - whisker dirt, I guess.

I'm pretty sure that the dirt comes from one of the boys in this house. They like to whisker rub over my original whisker rubs. They have dirty faces because they're boys.

Whisker dirt takes some scrubbing to remove. It's not my job, but we have to keep Mawmee busy . . . . . . . . . .

Stars that Dance!

Mawmee and her friends each put in $5 and picked a couple from Dancing with the Stars - winner takes all.

Let's just say Mawmee shouldn't go spend that money - MOL! Her pick-out-of-the-hat was Adam and Julianne! I'm 100% sure it won't be a 3-peat for Julianne!

Here are some random thoughts I had about tonight's show:

1. What's with that jewel on the forehead of one of the singers? Is that some new fashion statement I should know about?

2. Being able to play tennis doesn't necessarily mean you can dance!

3. I thought ponytails were for 10 year old girls!

4. Sometimes you should just say no to botox!

5. Bald can be very beautiful!

6. Adam - don't quit your day job!

7. Being deaf doesn't mean you can't dance!

8. Hand over the trophy to Kristi right now - pawsome!

We all know cats can dance too . . . . . . . . . . . .

Rosette Math

6 cats = Me, Calvin, Violet, Gleek, Spunky and Sugar

2 dogs = Rocky and Autumn

6 + 2 = 8

8 x friends who have given us rosettes and special gifts recently = A LOT

A LOT x personal thank you pmails = TIME

TIME = 24 hours in a day

24 hours in a day = Sleeping, eating, painting at Grandmaw's house (remember, we fired the painter), Catster groups, writing in our diaries, watching U of L in the NCAA, ordering a Calvin Cat Bed from Morgan's Mommy, answering pmail - OTHER STUFF!

OTHER STUFF = not enough time to send out personal thank you pmails.

So, what I'm trying to say is how much we appreciate all our friends and the beautiful rosettes and special gifts that you send us! Please accept this diary entry as a huge thank you until Mawmee's life settles down and we can get back to thanking you individually!

We hope you all had a pawsome Easter . . . . . . . . . .

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

Looking at the cute kite rosette that Calvin got from Arnold P., all of a sudden I started singing a song about kites!

Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height
Let's go fly a kite
And send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

Hmmmm, where did that come from?, I said to myself! I know it sounds familiar!

Thank catness for Google! Good 'ole Mary Poppins! Well, I'll be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious . . . . . . .

Let's Play Jeopardy!

Samoa: I'll take Fixing Up Grandmaw's House for $3,000, Alex.

Alex: The answer is: Not covering the newly finished hardwood floors with a dropcloth, taking forever to finish, not listening to your Mawmee's requests.

Samoa: What is: The reasons Daddy fired the painter tonight?

Alex: You are correct!

So, friends, if you don't hear from us for the next few days, we'll be napping while Mawmee paints . . . . . . . . . . .

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Wowza, today is our 2nd Catster Anniversary! What fun to see two candles on our Catster cake!

So many wonderful things have happened since we've been on Catster - our life-long friendships with other kitties who are adored by their families being the most important!

Well, maybe second in importance to my Diary of the Day on June 9 last year! It has been two months since my only diary win this year, so I'll take this anniversary opportunity to remind the Diary Gal that she needs to wake up and smell the coffee . . . . . . and read my diary while she has her breakfast in the morning!

Thanks, Catster, for the anniversary candle, and thanks, friends, for making it a pawsome two years . . . . . . . . .

Rocky Rabbit

Well, well, well . . . . . . . look who is Diary of the Day on Dogster!

I guess the Diary Dude felt sorry for Rocky having to wear those bunny ears! I'm suprised he even looked at the camera - he is such a scaredy cat - MOL!

Congrats to you, Rocky! This is your first honor over at Dogster, and with over 45,800 dogs writing diaries, you can be proud that the Diary Dude likes dogs who look like rabbits!

Can you put in a good word for me with the Diary Gal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Moving Day for the Tower!

We have a tower of fun that was in Mawmee and Daddy's room. I used it a few times, and at night Calvin, the only one without claws, will scratch on the sissel rope.

Yesterday, the tower got moved into the computer bedroom. It is now by the window, and within 5 minutes, I was stretched out on the tower looking out the window at all the snow.

Gleek likes to sleep on the bed, and I'll sleep there with him, but now that I have the tower, I am spending all my time on it instead of the bed!

It's also a good watch tower where I can see who is coming and going. After all, I have to keep the boys in line . . . . . . . .

Snowstorm!

You can barely see Trixie, my weather pixie, today because she is in a snowstorm! And she is even wearing her cute embroidered jeans!

It started snowing this morning and we might get up to 12 inches! All the kids were going to be out of school today anyway for an in-service day, so they are probably crying that they didn't get a snow day out of this!

Mawmee is getting a break from painting closets! And Daddy is working from home. His university has spring break next week!

I'm sitting on the bed looking out the window to see if the black kitty is anywhere around. The hotel got cleaned yesterday in anticipation of the big snow. Mawmee said it was nice and dry in the hotel. She replaced the towel that sits in front of the hotel room, and shook out the linens. The black kitty is very good - he has not peed or pooped in his hotel room - MOL!

Have a pawsome Friday . . . . . . . . .

OMC - An Artist Among Us!

Catster has its very own artist - Elisabeth Ann is a cat painter!

Now, you've all seen my Masterpees artwork that I do in the litter box, but this is real art - I think this piece is entitled Emerging Spring because I definitely see a tulip in bloom!

Can we talk for a minute about Elisabeth Ann?

Here is her favorite paintbrush! Not only is she an artist, she is an accomplished pianist!

She needs to get a manager . . . . . . . . . . .

What is This World Coming To?

Egads, apparently cats do paint!

Diego informed me about the Oregon Humane Society's cat made art gallery called Pawspectives!

Maybe I should reconsider this unique art. I would have to use white paint on a dark canvas because I don't want to get my white paws all dirty. I'm sure my art would go for big bucks.

Hmmmmmm, I'll have to think about what I would like to paint . . . . . . .

Coming Out of the Closets!

Mawmee has spent the last 3 days in closets! She has been painting closets at Grandmaw's house. She has a painter dude that is painting the rest of the house, but he didn't include the closets in his estimate, and she thought, how hard could it be to paint closets, anyway? She has painted almost all the rooms in our house before.

Well, apparently closets are not much fun to paint! They are small, they have shelves, and they were painted darker colors originally, and she is painting them white, so it takes more coats of paint to cover.

I'm glad cats can't paint. I've heard of elephants that can paint - I think the elephant at our zoo paints. I'm sure that other animals paint too.

The only thing you'll see me painting is my pawnails . . . . . . . . . .

It's That Time!

My friend Busby told me that he thought of me today when he saw some Girl Scouts selling cookies outside one of the stores.

Ahhhhh, a Samoa Girl Scout cookie . . . . . . . . is there any better cookie around?

In case you all didn't know this, there are two different cookie companies that make Girl Scout cookies. The company that makes the Samoa cookie is located in our city!

Our Mawmee used to do consulting work with Little Brownie Bakers, and was a Girl Scout volunteer for many years.

A long time ago, they used to give tours of the factory where they make all the cookies. Mawmee has been on that tour, and she said the best part was watching the Samoa cookie go under a waterfall of caramel.

Be sure to support your local Girl Scout troops by buying some cookies this month! Some of the proceeds from selling the cookies goes directly to the girls' troops so they can go on trips, go camping, and participate in other activities!

And, yep, I was named after the cookie because of the little caramel spot over my eye . . . . . . . . .

Bird Chirps in the Bedroom!

I've been hearing birds chirping . . . . . . in the bedroom! It doesn't happen all the time, just occasionally.

And it comes from the box sitting on the floor next to the computer desk. The box is part of the computer. It usually makes a soft humming noise, but lately it has been chirping.

So I asked Daddy why the computer box was chirping. He said that sometimes the chirping means your hard drive is about to give up the ghost!

OMC - you never saw Mawmee act so quickly to back up our photos! We have a ghost in our computer box, and it is about ready to come out!

Who knew that ghosts chirp like birds . . . . . . . . . . .

The Hidden Cat!

I heard this very loud mrrrauhhhhh coming from the computer room. I ran in the room and started searching everywhere!

My tail got three times it's size! I looked left . . . . . . . I looked right . . . . . . I saw Gleek out in the hall, and I ran over to him to see if he was making the noise.

I ran back into the bedroom. It came from in there. Maybe under the computer desk . . . . . . . nope, no cat under there!

I was told that the noise came from inside the computer! To show you how smart I am, I went over to the hard drive and sniffed it. Yep, the noise came from in there!

Guess who it was? MOL . . . . . . . . . .

Voki Madness!

Okay, so Calvin has a Voki! He has been driving all our friends nuts by leaving messages on their Vokis.

He wanted all of us in the family to have one. I told him I've got too much detective work going on in the agency - I was not going to have a Voki! Then I got the brilliant idea - like I usually do - to hire a secretary to be my Voki.

After interviewing several secretaries, I have chosen Paulina to handle my Voki messages. She is doing a good job!

Calvin kept hogging the computer because it took him forever to find all his Voki friends and leave messages. He decided to form a group - Voki Madness! so that all our friends with Vokis and those who like to leave messages on Vokis could be in one place!

So - come on, what are you waiting for? Get your Voki here, and then come join in the madness!

He promises to have very minimal pmail messages - it's more for finding all your Voki friends!

Not only are cats invited, but dogs are too . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Samoa and Violet's Excellent Adventure!

Today I was sitting next to the door that goes to the dungeon - where Spunky, Sugar, and Rocky live.

Mawmee opened it and decided to leave it open to see what would happen. There is a baby gate at the bottom of the steps, so she knew Rocky couldn't come upstairs and scare us.

Violet came over and we both looked down the stairs. He said, are you going down there? And I said, I'm not going down there, are you?

Mawmee was at the bottom talking to Spunky and trying to get us to come see him. Violet went down three steps and laid on the step. I heard Spunky meow, so I decided to venture down and see him.

I waited until Mawmee went to the laundry room. When she came back to see what was going on - I was at the very bottom step! I'm soooo brave. When I saw her, I ran back up to the top. I was afraid she was gonna lock me in the dungeon too!

Then Violet decided to show off, and he went almost to the bottom step. Just about that time, Rocky came running over to the baby gate to see Mawmee and Spunky. Violet took one look at Rocky and flew back up the stairs!

So much for any introduction to Spunky or Sugar! Maybe we'll try again tomorrow . . . . . . . .

Guarding the Bills!

After the bills get paid on line, Mawmee puts them on the floor next to her desk until she can take them downstairs.

I'm protecting those bills right now - some cat has to do it, and who would you entrust the bills to - Calvin? Violet? Gleek? I'm laughing at the thought of one of them being responsible enough to protect the bills!

You're probably wondering what is involved in protecting the bills, aren't you?

It's very simple.

1. Lay on the bills.

2. Protect them from any other cat or person that wants to look at them.

After all, nobody but Mawmee and me need to know what we spend on zealies and boas . . . . . . . . .

TattleTail

That big mouth Calvin has been telling cats that I smacked his tail and gave him an abscess . . . . . . . well, he didn't use the word abscess because his vocabulary isn't that good!

How dare he ruin my reputation! I did not smack his tail, and there is not a hole the size of a silver dollar in it!

Believe me, when I smack him, he will know it!

Now, what is my theory on his bumpy tail? The boy is either eating or sleeping. I think he sleeps too much. The blood from his head drains to his tail and sits there. When he gets up, the blood is too lazy to go back to his head. Too much blood in the tail causes bumps.

There you go . . . . . . . lazy blood . . . . . . . . . .

Elephant in the Attic

We were all fast asleep last night, and some elephant in the attic woke us up! Well, it wasn't really an elephant, but when you are fast asleep, any little noise like a mouse walking around and chewing on who knows what will wake you up.

And then it freaks you out because you hear those little noises, and you imagine that Mickey and all his friends are up there chewing on the eletrical wiring and throwing the insulation in the air and having a big party!

So this morning, our Mouseman - that would be Daddy - went up in the attic to catch Mickey! He was armed with plastic gloves and peanut butter!

*flashback several years ago*

We had not put one of those chimney topper thingies on the roof. In the cold winter months, mice were looking for a warm place to live . . . . . like our attic! So, after putting mouse traps in the attic, and then the mice would trip the trap, and the trap would fall in the insulation, and Daddy couldn't find the mousetrap with the dead mouse until summer came and the attic stunk from dead mice in traps . . . . . . . he took a piece of wood and nailed four mousetraps on strings to it. Then when the mice got trapped and the trap flipped and went into the insulation, all he had to do was pull on the string and find the trap! He's an engineer, and they live for stuff like this!

*back to this morning*

He put peanut butter in all four of the traps.

And now we wait . . . . . . . . until we're all asleep tonight . . . . . . . . and we hear the elephant walking above our heads in the attic . . . . . . . and all of a sudden . . . . . . . . .snap . . . . . . . we got 'em!

And tomorrow morning, Mouseman will go up in the attic armed with plastic gloves and a Kroger bag!

Living in the country is full of adventure . . . . . . . . . .

The Way I Am

If you were falling, then I would giggle.
You need a light, I'd tell you cats shouldn't smoke.

Cuz I love the way you say Samoa.
And you take me the way I am.

If you are cold, here take my boa.
Your tail is aching, it's because I've smacked you.

Cuz I love the way you call me princess.
And you take me the way I am.

I'd buy you zealies when you start losing all your hair.
Tell Mawmee about all you tear.

Cuz I love you more than I love the dog.
And you take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.
You take me the way I am.


We'll see if the Diary Gal is a fan of Ingrid Michaelson . . . . . . . . .

Lowering her Standards!

I see the Diary Gal has lowered her standards and has Violet as a diary pick today!

Okay, I realize that two entries in a day may get you in good graces with the Diary Gal, but bad poetry and sucking up to friends???

Anycat can do that!

I watched Regis and Kelly this morning and heard a song that sounded pretty ridiculous to me, so it looks like bad writing is the way to go!

I'll be spending the day coming up with something silly for my second entry . . . . . . . . .

The Best Holiday!

Valentine's Day has got to be the best holiday of all! There is so much love, and pink, and red, and flowers, and candy, and boas, and diamonds going around that it makes my heart happy!

Love is in the air - I've been reading diaries this morning about engagements and wedding proposals!

We've got roses in our living room - 2 dozen - red, pink and white! It's a big deal because Daddy is an engineer, and anycat that lives with an engineer-type knows they don't usually do flowers - MOL! Oh, they'll do cards, and presents, and candy, but flowers are not their first thought! Mawmee was very excited because she loves flowers!

A big thank you to all our precious friends for the many valentine rosettes - we love you all, and our lives have been blessed since we became Catsters!

Happy Valentine's Day . . . . . . . . .

Congratulations to the Sister I've Never Met!

Well, I see that my sister, Sugar is the new Cat of the Week!

Now, I've been told she lives down in the dungeon area of the house, but I have not really seen her or Spunky! Maybe they are figments of Mawmee and Daddy's imagination!

I know there is a dog living downstairs because I've seen him through the window when he goes out to the backyard.

I hope Sugar doesn't think this special honor will allow her to come upstairs into my territory! I don't need another female borrowing my boas and trying to take over my photographer, my bed, or my toys!

Hey, wait a minute . . . . . . I could use a sister to help me keep these boys in line! I'm going to see if we can sneak her upstairs. Violet is pretty good at opening doors. Maybe somebody can talk to the dog about knocking over the baby gate at the foot of the steps.

Geesh, if I get her upstairs, does that mean Spunky comes too? Another boy using my litter box is the last thing I need!

I've got to do some careful thinking on this situation . . . . . . . . .

The Valentine Shoe Box!

There was discussion the other night about being young and having that first special Valentine crush at school. Apparently, Daddy's first crush came a lot sooner in his life than Mawmee's - second grade!

Then I heard the story about the Valentine shoe box!

It was 6th grade. Everyone in the class brought a decorated shoe box that had a slit cut out of the top. It was put on their desk. Then during Valentine's week, kids would drop off their Valentines in their classmates' shoe boxes.

Most of the Valentines were those cute, flat, cards that had fun messages and pictures of cats, dogs and bears.

Mawmee had one card in her box that was extra special. It was a real, card - one from Hallmark! It had a plastic heart glued on the front. It was from Tommy. Ahhhh, Tommy . . . . . . . . he was Mawmee's first crush. Or was it Bill in the 5th grade?

We all know who her special valentine is now . . . . . . . . . .

Make Me A Supermodel!

Puhhhleeeze . . . . . . . . how do they expect them to walk the catwalk if they aren't cats?

Bring a cat in to show them what a real supermodel is all about.

Enough said . . . . . . . . .

Make It Work!

My fave show is on TV tonight - Project Runway! I'm especially looking forward to tonight's episode because when I saw a commercial advertising the show, a light purple boa could be seen.

Oh, it gives me chill bumps just thinking about that beautiful boa . . . . . . .

Super Duper Tuesday!

I'd like to thank the Acatemy for recognizing me in the Catster Newsletter:

This Week's Top 5: Pet Profiles
See pawsome pages decked out in honor of St. Valentine!

1. Toby, Domestic Medium Hair
2. Skeezix, Oriental/Siamese
3, Samoa, Domestic Medium Hair
4, Zoe, Breed Unknown
5. Lancelot, Domestic Long Hair

I was very pleased to see Skeezix and Lancelot in the list too! You all know Skeez, and Lancelot, as you may remember, was #5 on my Top Ten Dreamboat List!

Okay, enough about them, let's talk about me! I am honored to accept this recognition, but in no way does this let the Diary Gal off the hook for taking away the Most Pawpular Diary List at Diary Central. As you all remember, I was at the top of that list when it got swept under the carpet back in July!

I've also been waiting for my 100th corral, and it just happened! Thanks to my new British friends, Oliver and family!

I'm also loving the new Valentine rosettes and gifts! Thank you sooo much to my friends who have showered me with roses, hearts, smooches, and cupid!

Tomorrow is another day . . . . . . . . .

P.S. The accolades keep pouring in - My friend Raymond Maxpower Nelson Festa - Dreamboat #9 said it was about time I got recognized for my fabulosity! Now there is a word I want to hear more often . . . . .

P.S.S. The thing about dreamboats - they never disappoint - thanks to Dreamboat #10, Ruben, for the ruby red smooch!

Super and Fat!

Apparently tomorrow is Super Tuesday. And it's also Fat Tuesday!

I guess Super Fat Tuesday means bring on the Fancy Feast . . . . . .

Lady in Red!

Drag out your red boas on Friday cats because it is National Wear Red Day to remind women to keep their hearts healthy!

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women each year in America. There are three things we can do to prevent heart disease, stroke, and heart attack - as simple as A-B-C:

1. Avoid tobacco

2. Be more active

3. Choose good nutrition


I've already got the first one under control since I've never smoked. I plan to climb the stairs more this year to be more active, and I will also demand to only be fed cat food that has good ingredients - none of that stuff with corn or wheat gluten!

I'll see you in red on Friday . . . . . . . Go Red . . . . . . . Love your heart . . . . .

Remembering Grandpaw

A year ago today our Grandpaw left for heaven. So much has happened since he left us. We think about him all the time, and miss him so much.

He always said there were two things he dreaded hearing Grandmaw say:

1. Where 's my purse?

and

2. I wonder who that cat belongs to?

Mawmee said he always told Grandmaw no more cats! They all laughed when he said it because everyone knew Grandmaw could never turn away a stray cat. And Grandpaw could never really turn them away either.

We love you, Grandpaw . . . . . . . . . . . .

I'll Take It!

I see Shutterfly is offering us a free 16 x 20 photo for Valentine's Day! There is no need to have a family meeting on this.

I'll pick the picture.

I would like it framed, please.

Do they have anything bigger than 16 x 20?

I want it hung in the living room.

Thanks, Shutterfly . . . . . . . . .. .

Big Bullies!

The quiet of the snow day morning was rudely interrupted by Calvin and Violet chasing me up the stairs! There was some hissing and huge tails involved in the ordeal.

Apparently they thought I did something that was worthy of them acting like total fools. Considering Calvin had the entire household up 3 hours earlier with his flojectile on the bedroom rug, I'm pretty sure that one more strike, and he is out on his butt in the cold freezing snow!

If there are any takers, and I can convince him to get in a box, I might be shipping him out later today . . . . . . . . . .

Do You Feel My Pain?

Just rub it in, Diary Gal! You know the pain I've been feeling since the Pawpular Diary List got the axe!

And now this!? The Catster Newsletter arrived.

I'm sure all my fans did a double take too because they couldn't believe their eyes:

This Week's Top 5: Kitty Diaries
Peek at the innermost thoughts of some of Catster's most active diary-keepers.

Sweet as a Biscotti Cookie
The Princess Purrs
Strollin' Boo's Journal
Writings of the Divine Miss P
Grimalkins Grimoire


I sure don't see Samoa Says at the top of that list!! I'll be spending the rest of the week in bed crying . . . . . . . . . . .

Boy Crazy!

Forget what I said about boys being gross! All it took was a little pity party, and all the boys came running! I knew my Valentine pictures would attract them like bees to honey. Ooooooh, they had the sweetest things to say to me:

From Diego - Dreamboat #2:
. . . . . you look so pretty and elegant in your new red dress. Your page is fantastic!

From KiKi - my little chopped cavier:
. . . . . I think you look FAB!

From Mystery Tom - whose identity is a mystery:
. . . . . I didn't make your Dreamboat list, Samoa, but I think you're darn purrty.

From Arnold P. - my stand-in dreamboat should one of the top 10 be unable to fulfill his duties:
. . . . . I think you are beautiful in your dress. Almost as beautiful as when you are in NOTHING!

From Rufus - Dreamboat #1:
. . . . . . You are the loveliest and most talented girl at Catster! You're a great dancer! You look so lovely in your assortment of boas -- all chosen with impeccable taste!

From Gimme - gimme a kiss:
. . . . . . . you always look lovely! And your red dress is no exception.

From Gimme - the boy who got flustered by my beauty and gave the rosette twice:
. . . . . . . you always look lovely! And your red dress is no exception.

From Ambrogino - the Italian stallion:
. . . . . . the fashion role model for all of Catster!!!! You're setting the bar for the Valentine's 2008 Runway!!


You like me . . . . . . . . . you really like me! Thank you so much, boys . . . . . . .

Love is in the Air!

Well, it's not quite in the air, but on my page! I'm ready for Valentine's Day, and so far, not one boy has stopped by to tell me how beautiful I look in my red dress.

And to think I have a Top Ten Dreamboat list!

Where are those dreamboats? I guess they are too busy admiring how handsome they are instead of checking out how beautiful I look!

I knew I didn't have a boyfriend for a good reason! They spend way too much time on sports and gross stuff instead of showering me with accolades!

Calvin's got the right idea . . . . . . . . single forever . . . . . . . . .

BIG TIME FLEA PROBLEM!

Oh my cats! What has happened to Catster tonight?

One of the groups I belong to has completely disappeared!

My page is a complete mess!

Our corralled cats are gone!

Did I mention my page is a complete mess? Look at the rosettes - eeeks!

Get out the flea powder, Catster has a serious infestation . . . . . . . . . .

Fabulous!

Dear Diary Gal:

Thank you for coming to your senses and realizing that 13 days had passed in 2008 and you had failed to recoginze what used to be the #1 most popular diary on Catster until some dumb decision was made to eliminate that column from Diary Central.

I will forgive you for completely ignoring me since August of last year. Now, my advice is to have my page as your homepage, so that every morning you wake up to seeing my beautiful face. Get a cup of coffee and while you have breakfast, read my diary. Then when you get to HQ and make your picks for the day, I will be fresh on your mind.

I would like to be chosen at least once a month, and I need to be Diary of the Day at some point in the year - preferably around mid-year.

Oh, yeah, and while you're at it, tell that Diary Boy over on Dogster that Samoa is a girl's name. He can contact that boy dog named Samoa and make him change his name!

Have a purrfect day . . . . . . I know I will!

Sincerely,


Samoa


P.S. Thank you to my wonderful fans who have showered me with special gifts, rosettes and pmails today!

Call You Samoa?

Oh my cats, or should I say, Oh my dogs?

Check out Samoa SunnyBear Bell's diary! He is a daily diary pick today over on Dogster.

He?

Why is a boy dog named Samoa? Doesn't he see the a on the end of the name? That indicates female . . . . feminine . . . . . . girly girl!

Dogster must have a ditzy Diary Boy because he picked Samoa's diary today and it's all about a stick! Geesh, a stick makes it to diary central, and I get ignored by the Diary Gal for my brilliant entry about cat mood collars! What's this world coming to?

Geesh . . . . . . . . . . .

Measure My Mood!

Mawmee was sharing some of the great fashions she had back in the 70's. She used to have a mood ring. It changed colors depending upon what mood she was in, or how cold her hands were - MOL!

Since I am on the cutting edge of fashion, companies like to pmail me about the latest and greatest on the market. I received one today about the Purrfect Cat Mood Detector!

I would like to give you a review of this mood contraption.

1. The color is good - pink! However, does that indicate that only girl cats are moody?

2. It seems a little chunky around the neck. If I'm going to wear anything other than a boa around my neck, I prefer a delicate flower made from expensive silk rather than a hard plastic apple!

4. It's on sale - $9.95. Hmmmm, I wonder if that means this mood collar is a big bust and nocat likes them, so they are trying to dump the inventory?

5. The sales pitch says, Takara's proprietary technology allows you to detect when your cat is in a good mood!. Now, just who is Takara? And what's so proprietary and technological about detecting my mood?

All you need to do is look at me to see what mood I'm in. If the other cats walk around me squinting their eyes . . . . . . . then I'm in a fiesty mood. If I'm laying on the bed with a boa draped across my neck . . . . . . then I'm in a fashion model mood.

Who needs that stinkin' mood collar anyway? Save your $9.95, and go by a few good boas . . . . . . . they will put you in a good mood every time . . . . . . .

Proof is in the Pudding!

Check out my new background . . . . . . . does it look like something you've read about?

That's right - it's the dreaded 70's wallpaper from Grandmaw's bathroom. Oh my cats, what were they thinking back in the 70's?!?!?

Everything old is new again . . . . . . . . . NOT! . . . . . . . . .

Demoltion Demons!

For the past couple of weekends, we've been abandoned for several hours each day! Mawmee and Daddy are working at Grandmaw's house to get it ready for selling this spring.

Grandmaw and Grandpaw lived in this house for 40+ years, and the big thing way back then was to put paneling on the walls!

They have a big family room and bathroom that is paneled. The demoltion demons have ripped out that paneling and some other guy is gonna put up drywall for them.

I know I usually hand out fashion advice, but today I'm giving you some A+ advice on WHAT NOT TO DO when it comes to decorating your home:

1. Hang brown and orange wallpaper in the bathroom.

2. Years later cover it with paneling.

3. Don't realize that at sometime or another you have a leak in the basement which is right up against the bathroom.

4. Remove the paneling to discover that some of the old wallpaper now has mold on it.

5. Remove the paneling on one wall to discover that at some point you decided to paint over that wallpaper making it impossible to remove without a sandblaster and a big burly guy named Bubba.

6. Always use 8 inch nails and space them 4 inches apart because baseboards do have a tendency to fall away from the wall if you touch them.

That's my take on this weekend of This Old House . . . . . . . . . .

Hannah From Montana?

I've been wondering if this Hannah Montana girl is from Montana, or if Montana is her last name? She seems to be quite popular, and I thought I could learn something from her. After all, she has a gazillion fans!

Now, I realize my diary fans know me when they see my one name . . . . . . . Samoa . . . . . . . . but I'm thinking when I become really famous, I'll need a catchy, longer name.

Hmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . Samoa Kentucky just doesn't do it for me.

Hmmmmmm . . . . . . . . . Samoa Oklahoma! I think I like it! If that Diary Gal doesn't come through this year with more honors, I might be ditching her for bigger and better things.

Did you hear that, Diary Gal . . . . . . . . . . . .

The World is My Oyster!

Calvin is a member of the Hello Kitty Fan Club. They've been mailing a Hello Kitty head to all the members and they each get their picture taken in the head, and it's put on the group's page. When the head visited Kentucky, of course, I wanted to wear it too. Rocky Ann was nice enough to put my picture on the group's page even though I'm not an official member.

Fast forward to today.

Rocky Ann gets an email from the guy who runs Hello Kitty Hell. His wife is a huge Hello Kitty fan, and he likes to complain about all the Hello Kitty stuff that is out in the world.

He asked Rocky Ann if he could feature the Cathood of the Hello Kitty Travelling Head on his website! And guess whose picture made it on his website!

Woo Hoo! 2008 is starting off great! Congratulations Rocky Ann and the Hello Kitty Fan Club . . . . . . . . . . .