November 21st 2008 7:21 am
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Mom got the copy of my pathology report today and it was amended. The first one said the margins were not clear of tumor.
The amended report says the margins are free of tumor cells. Now Mom wants to know which is true.
It seems that the second report is better, but how can it be "not clear" one day and then "clear" a few days later, when it's the same tumor?
So we are still going with the original plan, which is to contact my old vet next week. We will keep you posted as information comes in.
We love you all for all the love and support you have shown Mom and me. You have made this bearable!
November 19th 2008 5:10 am
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Mom is very unhappy with the vet who didn't take my bump off with a big enough cut. So she has been thinking and thinking. One thing that she told the vet to do was have the pathologist recheck the margins. That report should be in either today or tomorrow.
Last night she wrote a letter to my old vet in a town 45 minutes from here. She told him the whole bump saga, and asked for his advice. (He is out ot town this week, or she would have called.) She is gonna call him on Monday.
So, we are in a holding pattern until Monday. I may have to go to the far away town. That guarantees puking in the car, but Mom feels like she can trust my old vet and she definitely does NOT feel that she can trust the one who did my surgery last week.
As for now, I am getting lots of love and kisses and cuddling. I like THAT! Mom is kind of getting my fur wet sometimes, but she's trying not to really hard.
We can't express adequately how much all your support and encouragement helps us. When Boomer was sick, Mom felt all alone. She doesn't feel that way now, and it means the world to her, and me! Thank you, all my dear friends!
November 17th 2008 8:39 am
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The v-e-t called with my pathology report. The bump was a mast cell tumor, and the margins are not clear. That means I have to have another surgery. Mom doesn't know when yet.
Mom is pretty unhappy with the report and my needing another operation.
November 15th 2008 11:55 am
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I wasn't selected in any of the categories I entered in the World's Coolest Contest. I guess that means I am totally un-cool... :~((
November 14th 2008 1:07 pm
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Some of you have seen the picture on my page of my shaved butt where I had the biopsy. It's SOOO em-bare-azz-ing. One of my pals suggested a butt toupee! MOL!
Anyway, this morning I was licking the right side and then I licked the left side of the bare place. Of course, my tongue kind of raked the hairy edges and moved them into the bald spot.
Mom started laffin' and laffin'. She said "Arnie! You look like you're trying to do a butt comb-over!"
What is a butt comb-over? Is it good?
November 12th 2008 6:54 pm
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Hi, pals! I am home from my surgery. Mom and I have been doing SERIOUS snuggling and fell asleep together. I am on drugs, I don't know her excuse.
My incision is VERY small and I haven't even tried to lick it. Mom took pictures and will post them soon. The pathology report will come next week.
Thank you to all my precious friends who have been supportive and sent me sweet messages of support. I love you all and treasure you to a degree you cannot imagine. You made Mom's day bearable while she worried about me.
November 12th 2008 8:58 am
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She brought me to the v-e-t at 7:30 this morning because they said I would have my sir-jur-ee early in the morning. She was gonna pick me up at Noon.
So she just called and I haven't been done yet and it is 11:30. Now I can't go home until 5 PM! And I was starved for no reason.
ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
November 11th 2008 3:13 pm
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I have to have this operation tomorrow and I am SKEERED! I think Mom is more skeered than me...
I think I am gonna run away!
I probably won't have computer access while I'm on the run.
Bye, pals!
November 9th 2008 5:26 am
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I went to the v-e-t yesterday. She said I am a little... um... overweight. I'm 15.6 pounds. SO I am NOT overweight. My weight is 15.6 and I'm exactly 15.6. I don't get how they figure that "overweight" thing.
She also said I am all talk. That's 'cause I hiss and growl and spit, but don't even try to bite. I hope she doesn't tell any girls that I am all talk. That would be bad for my rep.
She also said I need to have something called Sir-jur-ee for that thing on my back. I'm gonna have that on Wednesday, I think. I don't know what it is, but Mom does. I trust Mom and think it will be OK, eventually.
Mom said I will be able to be in the NEKKID stroll! Yippee!
November 7th 2008 6:09 pm
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I was tagged by Diego, who was tagged by Margo, who started the tag!
Here goes:
1. How mene toes duz yew hab? 16
2. Is yew marreed? *gag*
3. Duz yew hab short, medium, or long hairs? Medium, except in private places.
4. Duz yew likes tew dress up? Absolutely not! Clothes make me paralyzed.
5. Hoo gots da stinkeeeest gas in yore house??? NOT me!
6. How mene toys duz yew hab? More than 16, but I ran out of toes after that.
7. Is yore tale straight, kinked, curly, fat, thin, or jus rite? My tail is straight and always in the air.
8. Hab yew eber killed a reel mousie?? Heck NO. I'm a pacifist!
9. Is yew beeyooteeful, hansum, or uglee?? Ugly
10. Is yew da King ob da house, Kween ob da house, or da Serbint????? I think the servant, 'cause Mom used to drag me all over the country to work with her.
Thanks, Margo and Diego. This was fun!
November 7th 2008 1:34 pm
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Mom made me a v-e-t appontment for tomorrow at 10 AM. It's about the stupid wart. I'm a guy, for Pete's sake! We're SUPPOSED to have warts. And you girls are supposed to love us, warts and all. So why do I have to go to the v-e-t?
Please purr for the v-e-t that I don't bite him.
November 6th 2008 6:02 pm
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Remember back in the summer when my wart fell off?
http://www.catster.com/cats/283073/diary/ask_arnold/497040
It's Backkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!! And bigger than ever!! RATS!
November 4th 2008 6:04 am
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This morning, Mom and I were snuggling. I was laying on my side and she had her hand around my chest. She had her ear against my chest so she could hear my purring. Boy, was I purring!
Then, all of a sudden, Mom sneezed. Right into the bag of groceries! GROSS! Then she did it AGAIN!
Now I'm contaminated. YUCK!
I wonder if I am gonna get sick now and have to whine and groan and make hacking noises like her. Ewwwwwwww!!!
November 2nd 2008 7:00 am
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This morning, Mom woke up and said: "Good Morning, Sweetie boy". But the voice that came out was something I had never heard before and it was SCARY! It was like a frog and Elmo, combined! FREAKY.
I am so scared by this voice thing that I am putting myself up for adoption. I don't want to live with someone that sounds like that! YIKES!
Will someone come and get me? I'm too young to drive...
November 1st 2008 8:42 am
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Here's my voting page.
http://www.catster.com/show08/vote_pet.php?i=283073
I f you didn't vote for me, would you, please? Mom thinks my funny face entry is a winner!
Thanks, everyone!
October 31st 2008 5:08 pm
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Two weeks ago, Mom had her flu shot and the pneumonia shot. Both were given in the left arm at the same time. The next day she had a fever and felt really bad.
So today, she has a fever AGAIN! This is gonna RUIN our weekend. RATS!
I better hurry up and get a refresher course in nursing from my friend Margo R.K.N. (Registered Kitty Nurse!) I have a feeling I have a lot of work ahead of me.
October 28th 2008 5:02 pm
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It is C-O-L-D here! We had a new, record low high temperature today! It was only 64!
Tonight it is gonna be 36! Duluth is gonna have 33.
Tomorrow the high will be 66. Duluth's high will be 41.
Okay! I guess we are NOT still in Duluth... But it IS C-O-L-D!
October 25th 2008 11:27 am
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It's probably just because my Mom is old, but that new ad on the side of the page kind of freaks her out. It says Big, Bold, Brave, Brash. And there is a picture of Steve McQueen!
Mom is not even sure what the ad is for. Don't get me wrong! There is no doubt that Steve McQueen was big, bold, brave and brash. But he has also been dead for 28 years!
So it kind of freaks her out every time she opens a page and sees one of her all time favorite actors (after Paul Newman) staring out at her. Especially since he has been gone 28 years!
YIKES!
October 21st 2008 3:15 am
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Mom was really crazy about all the bridges in Duluth. So today I decided to recreate the scene for her.
There I was at 4:45 AM with my front legs by her left ear and my back legs by her right ear. The bag of groceries was in her face. I thought she'd LOVE it!
So what did she say? "ARNOLD! CUT IT OUT!"
Now I'm confused. Only bridges in Duluth are good??
October 20th 2008 5:45 pm
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Mom passed her board exam! Way to go, Mom! Now go and earn us money so I can get some fresh kibble... Oh, yeah. I forgot to say: PLEASE!
She PASSED!
October 20th 2008 3:09 am
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Nine kitties responded
Five were right but admitted they cheated.
Three were wrong.
Spunky was wrong, but made me laugh.
Sissy was right, but not specific enough. She said the music was a violin, and made me laugh.
Spot was right when he said the music from a Sargento Cheese commercial. And he also knew it was from Vivaldi. Then he recognized the clues on my page. (My doggie Sisfur, Autumn and the autumn background on my page.)
Congratulations to the winner, Spot!
October 14th 2008 2:09 pm
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WOW! I am the first ever "Navin and Buds" Bud of the WEEK!! What an honor! Thank you to the Admins and all the buds for the recognition!
OK. Quiz time: Do you know the name of the new music on my page? (There are 2 clues on my page.) Send me a pawmail or a shout, and I will give a gift and name the winner in my diary! (A SMALL amount of specificity IS required!)
GOOD LUCK!
October 13th 2008 10:05 am
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Mom just explained to me the difference between egophony and whispered pectoriloquy. If she doesn't take this Board Recertification exam soon, my head is gonna explode. It is SOOO boring!
I'm not LISTENING!
(Note from Mom: The exam is tomorrow!)
October 13th 2008 7:06 am
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Thanks, diary gal! And thanks to all my pals for noticing! And thanks, diary gal, for letting me share the honor with my pal Edgar! I think you like my travelling stories.
Since we have been home, I have been trying to convince Mom that I need to continue my hallway inspections. So I stand at the front door and bellow.
Mom says: "Arnold! There is no hallway out there!" I KNOW that! I wanna go out and eat grass. But she's not giving in.
Except Saturday. She went out and dug out some shrubs. And I went out too. In my D-O-G cage! (It's a collapsible nylon thing. It's huge, but it's like I'm in PRISON!) I didn't like that one bit.
I want things the way I want them, when I want them. Why can't she understand that?
October 10th 2008 6:05 am
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Mom has found a wonderful job right here in Ocala! It's 12 miles from the house, has reasonable hours (8AM to 5PM instead of 4PM to 2 AM, like her old job!) and has great benefits. She has been trying for 6 years to get into this company, but they never had an opening before because no one ever leaves!
The best benefit? I get to stay home! Woo-Hoo! No more car, no more airplanes, no more hotels! Life is GOOD!
October 9th 2008 3:49 pm
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...in the cool cat contest. Mom usually doesn't enter me in contests, but there's one picture she thinks is good.
So, if ya wanna, you can vote for ME! http://www.catster.com/show08/vote_pet.php?i=283073
October 7th 2008 7:30 am
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My name is Arnold PALMER. That's what the "P" stands for in my name. I think Mom has forgotten that.
Ever since we have been home in Florida... (Wait! OK, it was going on in Duluth too!) She has been calling me Pretty, or Precious.
This is SO NOT manly.
October 5th 2008 12:18 pm
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We have been home for 4 days and there is a flood in the bathroom! One of the bolts that holds the water box above the human litter box is leaking like a sieve. Mom turned off the water and emptied the water box, but she has no idea how to fix it.
And there's no telling how long it has been leaking, either. The toilet was replaced last summer when the big tile debacle happened. Oy!
It better not make me wet!
October 3rd 2008 4:57 pm
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This afternoon, I was feeling bad. I had just made poopies. I was crying and crying. I went in the litterbox and back out in a second. Then I threw up.
I went back to the box and peed one drop. Then out. Then in, and another drop. Then out. Then in and another drop. All this happened in about 10 minutes.
Mom sat me on her lap, but I got up. Then she sat by me in my pink saucer bed. I slept for a little while and then I got up and peed without a problem, and now I am fine.
I don't know what was wrong, but I am glad it's over!
October 2nd 2008 9:36 pm
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You tell them that you had a toileting accident (due to no fault of your own!) and they all say you are brave and it wasn't your fault and that it is O-K!
I have the very best of the best friends on Catster! Woo-Hoo!! Thanks, friends!
October 2nd 2008 4:22 pm
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I did not feel like travelling yesterday. I kind of liked the motel in Minneapolis. So I was an even bigger pill than usual, Mom said. Is being a pill a bad thing?
I cried in the car to the airport. Mom gave me some kind of a pill, and I became a saliva factory! I had the stuff running out of my mouth and dripping on my chest and I shook it all over... It was UGLY!
I cried at the airport. I cried on the plane. I cried waiting for the second plane. (Mom thought she knew what was wrong, but there was nothing she could do about it.)
Do I dare say? Well, I guess so, 'cause it was NOT my fault. Finally, on the plane into Tampa, I peed in the carrier. I had to GO, BAD! But I was mortified once I did it. I was embarrassed. I've NEVER had an accident before.
(Note from Mom: I don't think it was an accident. He had to go and I think it was perfectly O-K!)
We got in the car to drive from the airport to our house and I immediately fell asleep. I was exhausted and ashamed.
We got home and I was a HAPPY GUY! MY house. MY room. MY bed. MY window seat. MY ceramic bowls. MY toys. It ALMOST made the trip worth while.
But not quite. I don't want to go away EVER again.
September 30th 2008 7:48 pm
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We drove from Duluth to Minneapolis tonight. I cried for 2 hours. That's not the first! MOL!
The first is: I PURRED the last 15 minutes! I have no idea what THAT was about!
September 30th 2008 10:08 am
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Mom packed up everything that we needed to live in the hotel. That means ALL my toys, except my catnip banana and catnip strawberry. They're my favorites. They go in the suitcase.
I'm acting weird, because I FEEL weird. I know she's gonna sweep me up any minute and carry me off somewhere I don't wanna go.
She told me this morning, as she was leaving for work: "Tomorrow night we will sleep in our own bed, Sweetie!". I don't believe it...
September 28th 2008 1:42 pm
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Not me...Mom! She is in total panic mode. She is packing up our stuff and freaking out.
But, Moose's Mom gave us a statue of St. Gertrude, the patron saint of cats, and travellers and gardeners! Moose's Mom is a serious gardener, and I am a cat, and we are going to travel.
So, we think we are gonna be OK. As always, the process will be difficult, but I know I will be happy to see my house again. And my trankie blankie, and my Morgan's bed.
But in order to get there, I have to go in the big silver flying germ tube. I hope I don't catch a cold...
September 27th 2008 6:43 pm
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Mom took out some boxes that were hidden behind the dresser. She taped their bottoms shut and started putting things in them.
What can this mean? I'm scared!
September 20th 2008 3:19 pm
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Mom went out today to get some cat food. When she came back, she said: "Arnold, this is NOT good". She said the trees are becoming red and orange and gold.
Since I am grey, I look GOOD in red and orange. And I thought gold was a good thing. Why would she hate that the trees are turning red and orange and gold?
I'm very confused....
September 17th 2008 5:10 am
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Last night when I was doing my hallway inspection, we met up with a lady. She looked at me rather quizzically. Mom told her I was the hotel inspector.
She got a shocked look on her face and said: "They (the hotel) have MICE?" Mom said: "Not with him around!"
HUMANS! Talk about stereotyping! Just because I am a cat does not mean I am restricted to inspecting for mice! I inspect for activity under doors, and stray threads on the carpet, and I have even found MONEY!
Mice? RIGHT! Pffffttttttttttttt...
September 15th 2008 8:20 am
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Et haz jest cume to my attenshun thet mie laim Mothur did noet writght thanx youse nouts fer me afder I waz Dairy uf tha Daz. Sew, I tuk controol of tha 'pooter thingie to due it myselv.
Thanx yu to oll mie firneds whu rote me noets, and gaev me presnets and shoutde on my shout boks. I red evry won and laffed and laffed and hugged yu all! (In mie mined, of coarse!) Et waz a grate dey, manely becuz yu all shareed et weth mee.
Thank yu ALL!!!
P.s. Et iz veri hard to tipe withoot fengirs! Butt I em verry glade to be a gud spellir!
Me, slaving away
September 11th 2008 4:55 am
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Last night when I was doing my hallway inspection, a man came off the elevator. He was walking toward me, but I kept inspecting. It's my job, and I am very serious about it.
So, this guy walked right up to me and reached down and scratched my head and said: "Aren't you a nice kitty?". Well, yes I am, but I am also the hotel inspector! Can I get some respect here?
Mom said the man was from a place called England. Maybe they don't have hotel inspectors there....
September 9th 2008 5:09 pm
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Mom went for her last care -giving visit to Moose and the Captain and Sparkman this afternoon. When she walked in the door, there, on the stairway, was Sparkman! He didn't even look very scared.
She gave him some potato, but he only licked it. Then she got the Zoom Groom and slowly approached him. He didn't look scared, and actually almost looked interested. She went up 2 stairs and reached out to brush him.
He flopped over on his side and rolled and rolled and grunted. He put his head in Mom's hand and got brushed AND got his ears scratched. He didn't purr, but he was a happy boy!
TRIUMPH!
Their parents will be home this evening, but we'll see them again! We love them!
September 9th 2008 6:38 am
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This morning, when Mom went into Moose and Captain Morgan and Sparkman's house, Moose and the Captain met her at the door, as usual. But it was COLD here last night, and Mom thought Sparky might be hunkered down someplace warm. So she quietly walked into their parents bedroom, and there he was! On the bed!
She spoke very softly to him, and approached quietly. She expected him to bolt at any second, but he DIDN'T! She petted him, and scratched his ears. His eyes were wide as saucers, and after a few seconds, he DID bolt. But she SAW him and actually TOUCHED him.
I think it's a landmark event!
September 9th 2008 4:16 am
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I'm the DDP for today! Thank you headquarters!
Thank you Wally, for sending me a star with my honor in it. I wish I had computer skills like yours.
But mostly, thank you Sparkman! If Mom had ever laid eyes on you, I wouldn't have had anything to write about!
September 8th 2008 4:55 pm
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Six visits, no Sparkman sightings. Mom has heard him, tho. And he's still eating the potato.
What a silly boy. My Mom is so NOT scary! MOL!!
September 7th 2008 11:53 am
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Mom has been to visit Moose and Captain Morgan and Sparkman three times since their parents left. Moose and Captain Morgan come to the door to greet her. But she hasn't seen Sparkman.
Don't worry. She knows he's there! The first time she was there, she put out potato for him. The second time, the potato was gone! (Moose and the Captain are smarter then Sparky...They don't eat potato! MOL!)
Unfortunately, at the second visit, a chunk of kitchen towel was gone too! At the third visit, the piece of green towel was barfed back up.
So we know Sparkman the potato eating goat-cat is there, but he's hiding from Mom. What a goof! He's missing out on some great ear scratches! My Mom's great at giving them!
September 5th 2008 7:25 pm
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Mom and I are taking care of important celebrities this weekend! The parents of Sparkman, Captain Morgan, and my bestest bub, Moose, went out of town. And they are trusting us to take care of the boys!
We know what everyone eats and how to give Moosie his medicine. We know how to get to their house from our house, too. But the biggest responsibility is MINE!
I have to kick Mom out of bed in the morning and get her going! I'm not sure if Mom can keep up her end of the deal, but I'll keep up mine!
September 4th 2008 7:28 pm
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I just added my first shoutbox. I'm excited to get my first message. Who will it be?
*waits with baited breath*
(*wonders* Does baited breath mean I have a worm on my tongue?)
September 2nd 2008 8:02 pm
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A lot of you don't know a secret about me. I have a very best DOGGIE buddy. I met her thru a group called "10 Years and Older, Dogs and Cats". She actually coined the phrase Power of the Paw.
She is kind and supportive of all the group members. She is always first to offer the PoP. And she has the best smile I have ever seen.
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Recently, she wrote this to the "10 year" group: "While I'm getting older and my issues have progressed (blind, deaf, alzheimers and tinkle issues), my human, my sister Gwen and I have reached a new stage of our being together. I am a happy pup. My mom's friend of many years has identified "Mamie's amazing life force." Mom and I have reached a new way of communicating...with both of us loving each other more. Gwennnie guides me when I get lost outside and inside. What used to seem obnoxious behavior, Mom has now labeled resilient behavior. I have come to appreciate every kiss, every walkie, every treat, every night on the Big Bed. Mom has come to appreciate every 4:00 wake up call, every cuddle, every accident, every sloooowwww walk down the street. I am aging but still very much alive.
I wish this for all of my friends here, and thank all of you who have helped me be the wise old lady that I am. This is who we all are...the over 1o pets. I and my pack, are greatful.
Thanks and bless you all. And to quote what I coined a couple of years ago...PotP for you all!
Miss Mamie"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LET' S RAISE A RUCKUS FOR MISS MAMIE
September 1st 2008 3:13 pm
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Mom is STEAMED! She left our room and was gone for four hours. When she got home, she found me LOCKED IN THE BEDROOM! She was p*issed!!!
She stormed downstairs and wrote an official complaint. "My cat was locked away from his food and water and litterbox." She thought, (but didn't say) if there is any damage to the room it's not our fault!
She was all apologetic, but I didn't think she had to apologize, because she didn't lock me up. But I DID get extra treats, so I guess guilt is a good thing, eh?
August 31st 2008 9:06 am
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Mom and I went to the Lake Walk yesterday. I got brushed with my Zoom Groom, and saw a HUGE ship come into the harbor. We met a man who was nice, and a horsie stopped to see me, and a lot of people said "OOH" and "AHH" about me.
We got back to the hotel and when we got off the elevator, Mom let me out of my stroller, because I know where my room is. So I ran around the corner toward my room. I heard Mom saying something, but I was running, so I didn't quite catch what she said.
The door to our room was standing open, so I ran right in. I ran thru the living room toward the bedroom. Then I heard Mom say: "ARNOLD! We got off at the wrong floor!".
I looked around me and there were SIX people in the room, and I didn't know any of them! I was in the right room, but on the wrong floor! I was shocked! I turned right around and ran to Mom.
Mom picked me up and said: "I'm sorry, Baby! Mommy got off at the wrong floor." She apologized to the people whose room I ran into. (She was apologizing for HER, not ME!) She carried me to the elevator, and we went to the correct floor.
I ran to my room again, and this time it was OUR room. Boy! Did I ever need a nap! Fresh air, horsies and strangers. It's enough to wear a guy out!
August 26th 2008 4:06 pm
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Auntie Beth's doggie Xena had an illness. (No one hurt her.) She got very sick very fast. All her blood was going out of her. They don't know why her blood was going out or what exactly was wrong with her.
But Auntie Beth knew that Xena was suffering and helped her cross the Bridge. Now Xena is young and healthy, running at the Bridge, and only Auntie Beth is suffering.
Purring and praying for Auntie Beth.
August 25th 2008 1:02 pm
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My Mom asked Dr. Barchas about my put-the-toys-in-the-food-bowl fetish. And he ANSWERED! It doesn't say MY name but it's from Ruth in Ocala, Florida, and that's my Mom!
Thanks for telling me about it, Sissy! You're the BEST! NBLFY!
August 24th 2008 1:47 pm
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Auntie Beth's doggie Xena went to the Bridge yesterday. Auntie Beth is too upset to tell Mom why Xena had to leave.
I am praying that nobody purposely hurt Xena and made her go to the Bridge. And I am purring for Auntie Beth today.
Bye-bye for now, Xena, until we meet again. We love you!
August 21st 2008 7:35 pm
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I have had a little wart like thing on my back near my tail for years. Mom makes every vet I've ever seen look at it. They have never been impressed. The vet in Duluth offered to biopsy it, but I was sick, so Mom said "Noe".
Monday, she decided to show my wart to Mrs. Moose's Mom. Well, it was way bigger than it had been before. Mom decided we would go to the vet in Ocala when we get back there, but she was worried.
Last night, Mrs. Moose's Mom was here again and Mom made her look at my wart AGAIN, because it was even bigger than Monday. So while they were parting my hair and looking at the wart, it FELL OFF! The WHOLE thing!
Woo Hoo!
August 18th 2008 9:33 am
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...but before she left for work, Mom rubbed my nose. She starts at the tip of my nose and rubs gently upward to between my eyes. It feels SOOO good. I shut my eyes and purr and purr, and then I fall asleep.
So, instead of Pie's wonderful breakfast, I had cat food and an eye rub. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...
August 16th 2008 8:58 pm
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When I patrol the hallway every night, it takes quite a while. You see, I have to headbonk every doorway and every column on the floor. There are 45 rooms on the floor and a column after every other room.
Mom is afraid I'm gonna get a concussion from all that bonking. MOL!
No other cat will ever come to this hotel and think it is THEIRS!
August 14th 2008 8:36 pm
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Today, it is 6 months since Valentine's Day, and 6 months until Valentine's Day. Lest you think I forget what a joy all of you are to me, I have changed my music to honor ALL of you.
Please go to my page to read the rest of this entry and listen to the music. Enjoy!
When I wake up, yeah I know Im gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to you
When I go out yeah I know Im gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you
And If I get sunk, yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who gets sunk next to you
And if I haver yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you
But I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
When I'm working yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's working hard for you
And when the money, comes in for the work I do
I'll pass almost every penny on to you
When I come home yeah I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home to you
And if I grow old well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's growing old with you
And I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
Surrender
Surrender
When I'm lonely yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonna be the man who's lonely without you
When I'm dreaming yes I know I'm gonna dream
I gonna Dream about the time when I'm with you
When I go out, yeah, I know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who goes along with you.
and when I come home, yes I know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonna be the man who comes back home with you,
I'm gonna be the man whose comin' home with you.
And I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door
Surrender
Surrender
Cuz I would walk 500 miles
And I would walk 500 more
To be the man who walked 1,000 miles
To fall down at your door.
August 7th 2008 8:02 am
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Last night, when I was inspecting the hall, I met up with a man. He was fascinated by me and my skills. He asked Mom if his wife could meet me. Mom said yes.
So she carried me over to this man's room, and when he opened the door, I stuck my head in to start my inspection. (I was on Mom's shoulder.)
His wife said: "Is that a cat?"
Don't I LOOK like a cat? What DO I look like? Oh, NOE!
August 2nd 2008 6:20 pm
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Mom and I went for a walk last night. There was one short back street and then the main street.
While we were walking on the short street, a man came up to Mom and said: "We're gonna drop some acid and smoke some weed. Ya wanna join us?"
At that moment, I said "NOE!" (I usually NEVER talk in my stroller... There's too much to look at.)
Mom said : "NOE!" too. (Mom was thinking: Do you honestly think a 60 year old woman pushing a cat in a stroller would wanna do that stuff???)
I put my ears back to improve my aerodynamics and Mom kicked it into overdrive. In 30 seconds we were on the busy street with lots of friendly people, so we were safe.
But it kind of freaked us out...
August 1st 2008 9:16 pm
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Tonight, I got on the bed with Mom while she was reading and laid down with my back to her. She said: "Arn, you have a dingleberry hanging from your butt." A WHAT??
So she immediately reached over and pulled a little piece of litter from my butt. Actually, it was the back of my thigh. But this was MAJORLY embarrassing.
You really CAN be TOO close to your Mom, if she's pulling dingleberrys off your butt!
July 31st 2008 8:04 pm
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Mom woke up this morning to the dulcet tones of ralf...ralf...ralf. It was me, of course.
I don't know exactly what was wrong, but my tummy was upset. I ralfed up a little foam, but no hairball and no food. (It was 5 AM!)
Then, as quickly as it started, it stopped, and I was fine. I ran to the kitchen and asked for my breakfast and wolfed it down, and didn't throw up again.
Mom was terrified that I was sick again. But I'm not!
Woo Hoo!
July 31st 2008 7:52 pm
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This weekend is the 150th anniversary of Minnesota's statehood. To mark the occasion, 3 tall ships sailed under the Aerial Lift Bridge today into the Duluth Harbor.
Mom was at work, but I watched them from my window. They are MAJESTIC. Mom went down and looked at them up close, and watched the crew trim the sail. THIRTEEN men stood on a rope about 2 stories up in the air. Thye sang a chant and pulled the sail up in unison. WHILE STANDING ON A ROPE! It was impressive!
Since Duluth is surrounded on one side by Lake Superior and the other by a ginormous canal and harbor, this is a sailor's town! And I am a sailor. So I am in seventh heaven here.
Duluth ROCKS!
July 29th 2008 8:27 pm
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Three weeks ago, on the night I got sick and went to the emergency vet, Mom and I took a little walk to the lobby of the hotel. She carried me, like she always does. I sit on her left elbow, she holds my feet, and my arms kind of just hang there, or I put one arm around her shoulder. I could jump down, but I never have, because she is my Mom and I love her best. That's how we go to the vet, too.
Anyway, three weeks ago, we just got back to our room and I started puking and didn't stop. Since that time until a few days ago, I was still acting sick and not eating very well.
Mom was afraid all this time that I got sick because the way she holds me squished my tummy, or something. So, except when I asked to go in the hall, I haven't been out of our room in three weeks. Until tonight. She thought that since I have been acting and eating normally, I should go on a SMALL adventure.
She picked me up and I immediately said "NOE!"
But she said "We have to try it, Arnold".
So out we went, into the elevator, and down to the lobby to see the desk people. They LOVE me. We talked for a minute, then we came back upstairs and I found my room back. Then Mom watched me like a hawk all night.
And I really am well. And Mom didn't make me sick before, she just timed the trip right as I was getting sick. Now her guilt is resolved, and I DID IT!!
Kitties are powerful!
July 28th 2008 7:01 pm
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For those of you who read my bridge diaries and couldn't see the pictures, I have been taught how to make links in my diary so the pictures show! Please try again to see these impressive pieces of architecture.
Thanks you to my pal and bro Wally for teaching me most of what I learn about doing computer things!
July 28th 2008 5:47 pm
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Today, I was a Daily Diary Pick! Yippee! Thank you headquarters and all my pals for noticing.
But you know what made me and Mom even more happy than that? This weekend I began to really act like ME again. I'm playing and asking to go explore the hall and eating like an elephant!
I am finally, all, really well! Not laboratory numbers well, but acting like ARNOLD again. I am so glad to be back! And I know I couldn't have done it without all my catster pals purring for me.
Thank you, all my friends. I am well by sheer force of will, and I am eternally grateful! You all are the BEST friends a guy could ever have!
July 26th 2008 7:17 pm
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The coolest and most famous bridge in Duluth is the Aerial Lift Bridge. It controls entry to the canal and the St. Louis River.
The entire bed of the bridge lifts up when a ship wants to enter or leave the canal. The boats might be small sail boats or huge iron ore ships. When it is not up in the air, it is part of Lake St!
It is very cool to watch the bed go up and down. It is the major tourist attraction in Duluth. It has to be seen to be believed.
Aerial Lift Bridge at night
Aerial Lift Bridge with bed raised
July 26th 2008 5:51 pm
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The second bridge that connects Duluth MN to Superior WI is the Richard I. Bong Bridge. Richard Bong was the "Ace of Aces" of all the fighter pilots in World War II. He was from this area and won the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was killed in an accident while test piloting an aircraft 9 days before the end of the war.
This bridge is 12,000 feet long.
Bong Bridge
July 26th 2008 5:44 pm
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Duluth is on the western shore of the enormous and beautiful Lake Superior, the largest inland lake in the world. West of the lake shore is a ginormous canal that separates Wisconsin from Minnesota. To get from Duluth MN to Superior WI, you have to take one of three bridges.
The Blatnik Bridge is named after a state representative who got the bridge built. It is 8000 feet long. Some people call it the "high bridge".
Blatnik (or "High") Bridge
July 25th 2008 10:48 am
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Thyroid: Normal
Liver: Normal
Bllod count: Normal
Kidneys: MILDLY elevated
So, the doctor thinks I am eating less because my tummy was still a little tender. But last night, I ate my WHOLE can of food. And this morning I was crying for Mom to get upand give me a new can.
So, it looks like, whatever was wrong with me is over! I couldn't have done it without all of you, my pals! Thank you for all the purrs and gifties. I love you more than you know!
July 24th 2008 7:07 pm
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1.) Overcome your fear of the pattern in the carpet.
2.) You MUST look under EVERY door.
3.) You must inspect EVERY piece of paper and debris on the floor.
4.) If loud talking is coming from the room, RUN!
5.) If you encounter a crowd of children, either run or make Mom pick you up.
6.) Find your own room back again.
7.) Have a snack and a drink
8.) Take a nap.
July 23rd 2008 7:10 pm
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I got swept up and taken to the v-e-t yet again! He's not a bad guy. He's kind of a giant, but he's pretty gentle.
He did all the usual stuff. Look in the ears and eyes, listen to the lungs and heart. Poke and prod the tummy. Take the temperature in a place that can't be mentioned in polite company!
I have lost 1/2 pound in 2 weeks. That is TOO fast. So he stuck a needle in my NECK and took out my blood. I think he took ALL of it! He said it was for a liver, and thyroid, and CBC and kidneys. Since it was after 5 PM, the results won't be back until Friday morning.
So, the agenda for tomorrow is to worry. OY! Mom already does enough of that! So I am just gonna worry about Chrissy!
July 23rd 2008 7:00 am
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My buddy Moose is going to the v-e-t today. So am I.
Moosie is going to have his yearly check-up. His brothers, Captain Morgan and Sparkman are going with him. I am going to find out why my appetite is so bad and how much weight I have lost. And I'm going ALONE!
Moosie thinks this is a great adventure. Even tho I am a brave explorer, I think it's the PITS! There are corridors that need exploring and doors to sniff right here in this hotel. I don't have time for the v-e-t.
*Stomps paw*
July 23rd 2008 5:12 am
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YES! I'm a DDP today! Thank you HQ, Wally (for announcing it and the gold cup), and Hazel Lucy (for the early morning conCATs).
Woo-Hoo! I think I may become famous!
July 21st 2008 10:25 am
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I have gone for a walk in the hall every day since I mentioned it the first time. One night I ran into a lady who smiled at me, but stayed on her side of the hall.
Then, last night, I met up with two other adventurers. I think they work at the hotel. They were wandering around looking at the walls. They thought I was very brave and handsome. Meeting them was such a chore, I had to lay down for a little rest.
This hotel is BIG! On the Lake side, there are suites with 2 rooms. Then there is a corridor that runs behind them. Then there are the suites in the middle, also with 2 rooms. Then another corridor. Then there are the suites on the canal side, where we are, and they have 2 rooms too! There's 45 suites on each of 3 floors!
So, if you were gonna walk from the front to the back, you would walk thru one room, then another room, then the corridor, then another room and another room and then a corridor again and then another room and then the last room before you got to the back!
I've explored both corridors, and one of the rooms in the middle section. We only stayed there one night, because Mom said she couldn't take 4 months without a window, and besides, it wasn't fair to me. And, of course, our regular room where we have been every night but one.
It's nice here, and quiet. But if you ever go to a hotel, be sure to ask if your room has a window! It's really dark if there's no window!
July 20th 2008 8:53 am
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I have another Catster pal in the Duluth area, besides Captain Morgan and Moose and Sparkman. His name is Tobey, and he lives in Two Harbors, about a half hour up the north shore of Lake Superior.
Yesterday Tobey's parents came to Duluth to meet Mom and me. And they brought Tobey's doggie brother, Afro Ken, with them! Afro Ken is the Dogster Dog of the Week!
Afro Ken came to my room and got on the bed with me and we talked for a while. I wasn't scared of any little Bishon dog! In fact, I thought he was kinda cool!
We talked about what it is like being Cat of the Day, and Dog of the Week. We both think it is totally cool and fun!
WOW! I met the Dog of the Week!
July 19th 2008 3:26 pm
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Mom was awakened today by a very strange noise. She looked over the side of the bed, and there I was, chewing on the cap of a water bottle she had put down by the bed last night.
She said: "Arnold, you are astonishingly odd".
That's good, right?
July 17th 2008 11:38 am
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My dear friend Hazel Lucy, who we all know and love, read my diary and knows all about my explorations. She suggested my official explorer name and I think she got it right.
So, from now on, when I am exploring new places, or hotel hallways or anything, I will be known as:
Arno Polo!
July 17th 2008 6:28 am
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No, not my poopies, silly! My whiskers. Whiskers shed just like our fur. I found out since we have been in Duluth that Mom saves my shed whiskers whenever she finds them.
What she is saving them for, I don't know. Truthfully, Mom doesn't know why, either. But she says she wishes she had saved Boomer's, too. Boomer's were all white, but mine are black and white.
Anyway, she found one yesterday and said: "Look, Arn, a whisker!".
Then she put it in a little container.
I said: "I've got a million of them!".
July 16th 2008 11:00 am
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Last night, I told Mom, in no uncertain terms, that I wanted out of the hotel room. So she opened the door, and out I went.
(Note from Mom: I tried to get him to go out before and explore the hall, but he wouldn't.)
So I get out in the hall and jumped about 3 feet because the very loud pattern on the rug scared me. But I got used to it FAST.
I walked half way down the hall and sniffed every room. I couldn't find mine again! Finally, Mom said: "I'm going to bed, Arnold. Let's go!"
So I followed her and she knew where the room was. I think it's because of the numbers on all the doors, which are too high for me to see.
I'm an explorer! And Mom said it was the first time I had acted like myself since we've been here. Maybe I wasn't feeling good for a while before I got real sick last week. I don't know... or, I know and I'm not telling.
Either way, I'm an explorer. Maybe I should change my name to Arnold de Leon. Or Arnold Magellan. Or Arnold Cousteau. Or Arnold Polo...
July 14th 2008 2:15 pm
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Where we are staying in Duluth is 1/2 block from the main entertainment center in the city. It's called the DECC. (Duluth Entertainment & Convention Center. That's where the car-knee-ville was, and there's a IMax theater, and a 10 Plex, and an aquarium, and an arena. And that doesn't even touch the Aerial Lift Bridge!
This weekend there was a D-O-G show. And this hotel was crawling with dogs. There were giant Great Danes, and little hairy weiner dogs and a English Springer Spaniel. The Spaniel was wearing a leopard print sweater, even tho it was 83 degrees out. I don't know why.
Since I had colitis, Mom said I didn't have to go out. No Lake Walk, no strolls, just scoping out the dogs from the 4th floor. I heard them barking in the hall, but I didn't see even one up close. I saw all of them from the window in my room.
And you know what? They all look small from up here!
July 12th 2008 6:08 pm
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I woke up this morning and felt really good. I have only eaten canned food since Wednesday; no kibble. I've had 2 cans of Fancy Feast a day, and I haven't thrown up at all. I made poopies and didn't have any problems.
Today, Mom drove a million miles (Note from Mom: 80 miles each way) to get me Tiki Cat food. Tonight for dinner, I had TIKI! Ahi tuna flavor. BOY! Does it STINK! And my buddy Calvin was right. Tiki ROCKS. It is yummy in the tummy!
And today, I played! It was just for a second, but I played! And I'm not hiding anymore. I think I am well! I couldn't have done it without all of you!
Thank you, dear and precious friends!
July 11th 2008 6:59 pm
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All my life, I have eaten hard food with Fancy Feast on Sunday. Yesterday, when I wouldn't eat, Mom gave me Fancy Feast on Thursday. I ate it...slowly.
We only had one can in the house, so when Mom went to work today, she gave me treatsies (Temptations) and I ate them, and some tuna flakes. Hard food was available.
When Mom got home from work, she discovered that I hardly ate anything all day long. She gave me another can of Fancy Feast, and I ate it.
Now she is confused. She doesn't have any idea how much Fancy Feast I should eat if it's ALL I'll eat. She thinks I should lose some weight because the vet scared her about my...um... size.
Anyone out there eat FF? Mom is going to drive an hour tomorrow to get me Tiki Cat, since Calvin swears by it. In the meantime, how much FF do I get? And are my beautifully clean teeth gonna suffer from eating canned all the time?
Yikes! Amazing how many questions a little colitis brings up. But I haven't thrown up, and I'm not hiding. I am acting a little stand-offish, but I'll purr very easily. I think I'm gonna b | 
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