Days in the Life of a Princess

It Wasn't A Bad Day!

I thought I was going to have to look after the house all by myself yesterday while Mam 'n Da were out for dinner. They were gone 'n I was sitting in my climbing tree, looking out the slider onto the back yard when I heard someone at the door. Can you imagine my surprise when I opened it 'n there stood.................Wilson J Scooter! There he was, came to keep me company 'n brought a turkey drumstick for us to share. *blush*

Being Thankful on Thanksgiving Day

Mam 'n Da are going out for dinner 'n I will be spending most of today alone. It really isn't so bad....they will turn on the radio for me 'n will make sure my lunch is out. In fact, it's much better than it could be. I mean, I have my furever home here. It's safe 'n it's warm 'n I have room to run 'n play 'n lots of places for nappies 'n hidin' out. I have pawrents who think the world of me 'n let me be the boss. Well, sometimes I'm the boss. mol! All of us kittehs who have been rescued from outside know my situation is the bestest it can get for us 'n I am thankful.....'n I am thankful for all the people who can find a place in their hearts 'n their homes to love 'n care fur us.

This is a good Thanksgiving. I hope yours is too.

prrt 'n meow,
Ollie Poppis Popoki-Dokey
(that's what Mam called me today)

Being Thankful: Day 12

Today Mam 'n I have been sorting out my basket of toys. Mercy! I have so many! I get a lot of toys. Mam can't help but buy me something every time she/we go to Pet Smart 'n I always get either a catnip knot or a krinkle ball when I go to the v*e*t. "N then sometimes peoples come over 'n bring me a toy. Mam 'n Da have been decluttering their stuff 'n giving things away to various groups, individuals 'n charities so I have decided to do the same. I have many toys that have never been played wif. We gathered all the toys I haven't played wif 'n we are taking them to the animal shelter so the homeless kitties will have something to play wif. Mam says she going to stop at Pet Smart on Black Friday 'n see if she can get some other things to take too. I am so thankful that I have a furever home where I have enough to share wif others.

Happy Thanksgiving and blessings to all the Catster fambly!


prrt 'n meow,
Ollie Pop

Being Thankful: Day 11

Yesterday a package came just for me. Mam had to help me open it 'cuz it was a taped shut 'n I don't have thumbs. Thumbs! Now that's something I'd reely like to have, I thinks! But I digress!! Do you wanna know what was inside the box? Well, I am going to tell you. I got an Undercover Mouse!!! Mam said because I have been such a good girl, I could have an early Christmas present. mol! It's more like an early Thanksgiving present! I wasn't too sure about it at first. I started watching it from about two feet away for about 10 minutes. Then I started to circle it, getting closer 'n closer with each round until I was next to it. I laid down 'n watched some more 'n after a while I put my paw on it. Oh my whiskers! That's when the fun began! I started jumpin' on it 'n battin' it 'n having just the funnest time! I played wif it steady for half an hour. Mam says nothing has ever held my attention that long before, except maybe watching birds outside. When Da came home I showed him how it worked too. This morning after breakfast I laid on it while it was sleeping. Then Mam came over 'n woke it up so I could play some more. She took a pixter 'n is posting it. Now I am all tired out so I am going to go take a nap. *yawn*

Being Thankful: Day 10

Today I am thankful to "getting to know" you surveys. They are always fun to read 'n I hope others enjoy mine.

QUESTIONS FOR DAIRY

Purrrlease put this in your diaries.

What is your name? Ollie Popoki

What other nicknames do you have? Punkey Munkey, Baby Girl, Olivia You Naughty Girl and our dear sweet Calvin who has gone to the bridge calls me Olivia Pickles.

What breed are you? Persian 'n probbly Domestic Long Hair

Where were you born? We do not know.

Where do you live now? Sterling Heights, MI

What is your favorite toy? Peacock feathers, milk bottle rings, bendy straws

What is your favorite store? I only go to Pet Smart so I have nothing to compare.

How many toys do you have? Too many.

Wet or dry food? Wet low ph.

What is your favorite color? Pink. Any shade of pink.

Are you bad when nobody's looking? I'm good girl 'cept when bugs get on the slider screen. Then I climb up the screen to catch them.

Are you friendly? I am unpredictable, but I am never mean.

Are you overweight? I'm not fat....I am fluffy! Why do you ask?????

Do you eat people food? No

Do you eat bugs? I used to like silverfish, but a man comes now 'n the silverfish are gone.

Do you live with other animals? No...... *sigh*

Do you like to exercise? Jus' about effury morning after breakfast.

Do you like car rides? Not really, but I do not complain.

Do you get into stuff? No.

Do you like to swim? No. Eeeeeeeeew!

What is your favorite treat? Greenies, when I am in the mood.

Do you shed? Oh yes! Effurryone who comes into the house takes a little bit of me home wif them. mol!!

What's the funniest thing you ever did? Whenever Da sits down on the sofa or the recliner in the fambly room, it doesn't matter where I am or what I am doing......I come running to sit wif him. All the time.

What's the bravest thing you ever did? Convincing my now Da to take me home from the trucking terminal where I found him.

Are you neutered? I’m a girl I am spayed you silly

Are you a social animal? Only on my own terms.

Collar or harness? I wear a collar wif a bell all the time. I wear a harness when I go outside on the leash.

Retractable or regular leash? regular leash

Ceramic, Metal or Plastic bowls? Ceramic. My food dish is a pink ceramic heart wif paw prints all around the outside. Then in the bottom of the dish it says "Princess." My water dish is ceramic too. It has a paw print in the bottom of it.

Do you sleep in a crate? Goodness no! I sleep where I want to!

Do you have a dog bed? No dogs here.

Do you have a doghouse? I think we might...sometimes I hearMam saying that's where Da is.

Do you belong to any dog clubs? No.

How does your owner describe you? Very sweet 'n loving. prrrrt!

Beiing Thankful: Days 8 & 9

We missed putting what I am grateful for yesterday, so today I am going to be thankful for something that is big enough for two days and that is Mam 'n Da's great big bed. I keep telling them there is room for three or four more kittehs on it, but they aren't listening, at least not right now. They said maybe after we move we will find me a sisfur or brofur, but not now.

But I digress. It's a kingsize bed 'n I love it!! During the night I move up and down on it, between them. Sometimes I get up on Mam's shoulder 'n start kneading 'n purring 'n Mam puts her arm around me 'n kisses me. Early in the morning I like to try to Da up by giving him head butts. During the day I can lay on it 'n look out the window. There is a bee-u-ti-ful big (for a Japanese maple) Japanese red maple with the most amazing red leaves all summer that is in front of it. The birds like it a lot 'n I like watching the birds. The leaves are all gone now, so I can see the front yard and the street. I see the squirrels 'n the birds in the yard now. Sometime I jus' run around on it 'n jump on maginary critters or on Mam's feet if she's still sleeping.

Today I was layin' on the bed, sound asleep wif my belly showing. Mam came in 'n zerberted me 'n I started purring. Then she laid down beside me for a while 'n I cuddled up right next to her. *purrr*

Being Thankful: Day 7

Today I am thankful for sunshine. Here in Michigan we don't get as many sunny days as other parts of the country. Sometimes we even count the days between when the sun doesn't shine. But when the sun shines into the house it comes through different windows 'n doors during the day 'n I kinda follow where effur it is because I love to lay in the sun! Mam says maybe at one time I was more orange than I am now, but I faded from the sun! mol! One of my favorite sunning places is in our front door. In the summer there is a great big screen there 'n I lay on the warm tile floor. In cooler weather Da puts in a big window 'n if the day is mild 'n sunny enough, Mam opens the inside door so I can still enjoy the sun. Then there's Mam's big bed. The sun shines there in the middle of the day 'n then in the afternoon I head to my climbing tree in front of the sliders in the fambly room where I can watch the sun go down behind the fence. On the days the sun doesn't shine, I try my best to bring sunshine to Mam. She says I do a good job.

Being Thankful: Day 6

Today I am thankful for Greenies, those delightful little crunchies that come in several assorted flavors. Those little morsels of kitteh gourmet heaven all wrapped up in a strange fishy-like looking shape. Greenies, the highlight - and endlight of my day. At the end of each day, I lead Mam to her big bed where we bond. While she combs, I purr 'n purr 'n purr. There's always a little battle about combing my chest hairs 'n the backs of my legs. I sometimes hit her wif my paw 'n sometimes I bite the comb, but I never stop purring. When Mam is satified that I am suitably groomed, she brings out the bag of those devine fragments of manna which have been put here on earth so to give me supreme delight. One, two, three. Crunch, crunch. Nummis, nummis, nummis. Four? No, three's the limit.

Soooooo grateful 'n appreciative, but a little embarassed!

Being part of the Catster family is a very special experience. When Mam tells friends about me having my furry own web page, they look at her like she is a "crazy cat lady" 'n they roll their eyes. A person just cannot unnerstand the dynamics of the Catster/Dogster famblies unless they are part of them, I guess! Which leads me to the purpose of this little homily. Earlier today I mentioned that I was out of zealies 'n was going to get Mam to buy some for me. But before I knew it, some kittehs had deposited 25 zealies into my account! Mam 'n I got a little teary when we read that Kittanna, Tigger(In Memory), Taillee, Zilla, Lilly *PAWS*, Henry(In Memory), The Porch Kitties 'n Gaia Rose *Needs Purrs*, had given us this wonderful, generous gift! To be honest, we weren't soliciting a gift when I mentioned it, 'n I don't think this wunnerful fambly interpreted it that way, but.....well, anyway, it was soooo thoughtful! What nice kittehs! What good furriends!! Thank you Kittanna, Tigger(In Memory), Taillee, Zilla, Lilly *PAWS*, Henry(In Memory), The Porch Kitties 'n Gaia Rose *Needs Purrs*.

Can someone tell me.......

Didn't somefur say you earn zealies when you vote in the Coolest Kitty Contest? I been votin' for my furs, but I don' see zealies. It wouldn't matter much, 'cept mine are all gone 'n I jus' love givin' zealies.

Are me 'n Mam doing somefing wrong when we votes?

Being Thankful: Day 5

Today I am thankful for breakfast. During the week Da goes to work 'way too early in the morning to give me breakfast, so it is up to me to let Mam know when it is time for her to get up 'n feed me. FEED ME, MAM!!! That's what I say to her. I walk up to her while she is still sleeping in her big bed 'n I start purrin' reeely loud, right in her ear. Then I poke my nose unner her elbow. The I poke my nose unner her hand. Dat's when she starts to pet my head, but she's not reely awake. She's just doing dat to put me off. But I do not give up that easily. I get in her hair! "n I push my nose into her ear. That usually does it. mol!! That's when she gets out of bed. But wait! Nooooooooo. She puts on her robe 'n goes to her litter box 'n I haf to wait 'n wait........*sigh* I am waiting....... I go half way down the hall 'n wait in the office doorway. That will give me a little head start to the kitchen when she finally decides to come toward the kitchen. Yay! She's coming! I am going to get my breakfast! Not yet? Why is she so slow!?!? Wash my pink princess heart dish......get the can out of the fridge.....crush my allergy pill 'n put it in.......add a little water.......stir. Too cold? Give it a little nuke. Hurry up, Mam, I'm hungry! Finally she asks "Are you ready?" Can you believe it?!?! She actually asks me if I am ready. So I act reely cute (because she likes this) 'n I say "reh-eee!" those are the magic words because that's when the dish comes down to the floor. Sometimes when she asks if I'm ready I don't answer her.....I just look at her like, are you stoopid or something? Why do you think I have been sitting here all this time.

Being Thankful: Day 4

Today I am grateful that I do not haf to take any more pills, at least for a while. Mam gave me my final one last night. I was chillaxin' at Da's feet on the recliner when I saw her movin' around. I popped my head up, watchin' her real close like, thinkin' that she was going to come strangle me wif a pill at any moment. I waited 'n watched. I was vigilant. When I couldn't see her, I was listening wif all my ear power. "N den it happened. Da picked me up into his arms 'n I knew the moment had come. She swooped down on me, stuck her fingers into my jaw 'n popped open my pretty little pink mouf . In went the pill popper with a Zeniquin tab on the end of it. Den she held my mouf shut. But I didn't swallow. "N I still didn't swallow, even though she was stroking my throat 'n talking to me (she wasn't very nice, she said "Swallow, darn it!" or something like that.) So she let loose a little 'n I started to push it back out. "No way!" she says 'n clamped my mouf shut again. By this time the Mexican standoff was getting to be a little too much for either of us, so I swallowed. Den she kissed me, but I didn't kiss her back. What does she think I am, happy to let her shove a yukky pill down my froat? sheesh.

Swine Flu 'n Kittehs

I dunno if you saw it or not, but a week or so ago there was news about a kitteh who got the swine flu. He was a big handsome orangie who reminded me of my bodacious orange furriend Aedan who lives in Connecticut. I read the article closely 'n learned the kitteh in question is from Iowa. phew! *sigh of relief* I mean, it's too bad this kitteh got the flu, but I was glad to learn it wasn't Aedan. There were words of warning and I would like to pass them on........ if you have the flu, do not kiss your kitteh on his/her lips 'cuz kittehs can get the swine flu!!! (Aedan says he wouldn't let his dad kiss him on his lips anyway! mol!!)

Jus' tryin' to do my part in passing the word.....

prrrt 'n meow,
Ollie P

pee ess
Upon giving it more thought, maybe you shouldn't kiss your kitteh at all if you get the flu, because s/he might pick up the germ while cleaning him/herself.

Being Thankful: Day 3

Today I am going to be especially thankful for chairs. I love chairs, especially upholstered ones. Those are the best because I can mark them as my territory....I just leave some hair on each one just in case some know-nothing comes along 'n thinks it is ok to sit in it. Mam is somewhat of a problem, tho. It seems just as soon as I get it looking reely good 'n furry, she comes along wif a damp sponge 'n wif a couple of swipes, the hair is all gone 'n I haf to start all over again. *sigh* So many chairs, so little time.

Being thankful.....

Today I am thankful for all my furriends on Catster. They make me laugh, sometimes I cry..... I even blush at times. They send me hugs 'n kissies 'n teases 'n pressies 'n advice 'n encouragement 'n compliments 'n sometimes I go "out" to parties, weddings, motor cycle rides, baseball games 'n wunnerful trips. I try to be a furriend too. I care about my Catster furs, because if it weren't for them I would truly be an "only kitteh."
Thank you, Catster! I love you 'n all my furpals this BIG!!!

On Being Thankful.....

Mam 'n some of her furriends on FaceBook are posting one thing they are grateful for effurry day until Thanksgiving Day. I think I am going to do the same thing. So here I go:

Today I am thankful for Mam 'n Da who have given me a forever home.

Comments on my latest portrait.....

When me 'n Mam decided to post my latest portrait, we didn't expect to receive so many wunnerful comments! I blush wif pleasure to think my furriends like it/me so much! Mam wonders if it may become iconic... you know, like the poster of Farrah Fawcatt in her bathing suit. mol! Imagine me an icon! Thank you dearest furriends for all your bee-u-ti-ful comments. I loves you all this BIG!!!

2009 Get to Know Your Pals Tag

I've been tagged by my delightful friend Midnight.
This is the "2009 Get to Know Your Pals" Tag.

1. What color is your collar?
My collar is made of pink freshwater pearls with Swarovski crystals placed intermittenly, finished off with a pink heart id tag 'n bell. (Can you tell my Mam is a crafty-type person? mol!)

2. What kind of food do you eat?
I am on a low ph diet due to crystals in my urine. My diet consists of Iams Low pH/S, Hill's c/d seafood 'n Hill's c/d chicken.
.
3. What are your favorite treats?
I used to be reely crazy about Greenies, but since some of my toofies were pulled I am kind of indifferent to treats. Sometimes I will eat a Greenie, sometimes not. I turn my nose up at any other kinds all the time. (It drives Mam nutz 'cuz she can't bribe me wif anything!)

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?
No fur in particular. There are a number of furboys whom I like as furriends. I don't think I'm ready to settle down.

5. Do you get table scraps?
Nah...whenever I get fussy 'n don't want to eat, Mam tries to entice me with table food, but I just turn my nose up at it.

6. What is your favorite toy?
I have a couple of things.....peacock feathers, milk bottle rings 'n bendy straws.

7. When is your birthday?
Mam just chose a date, based on what the vet estimated: March 10, 2006.

8. How many times a day do you eat?
3 times - breakfast, lunch 'n dinner. Then if I feel like it, I'll have a couple of Greenies after Mam combs me just before going to bed for the night.

9. Do you have a favorite color?
Absolutely! I call it "princess pink!" mol!! Is there any other color for a princess????

10. Do you hope all your pals put this in their diary?
It would be nice, but if they don't, I will unnderstand.

Now it's your turn! Copy these questions and type your answers - then post it on your diary!!! Please, don't forget to tag 6 of your friends!

I tag:
Hannah 67163
Mathis der Meowler 526501
Milo 1032799
Orvis 589324
Pia-Zadora 1049409
Tate 919476

Catch it if I can....

Today Mam tied a long string to a milk bottle ring 'n tied the other end to her belt loop. I spent a lot of the morning chasing her 'n the ring all over the house while she was doing her chores. It was so fun and funny!! Every so often I'd lay down to rest 'n then I'd be off 'n running again. When she sat down for a cup of coffee she made sure it dangled from the chair so that I could bat at it. "N now I'm going to go take a nap......*yawn*

The purrice one pays....

Mam has been on a cleaning tirade lately. Gotta keep the house shining while it is up for sale. So she has been washing windows. Now that isn't something she does routinely. In fact, I'm surprised she even remembers how to do it! Maybe it's like riding a bicycle. MOL!!! So anyway, to show you how much out of character it is for her, she now has rotater cuff tendonitis in her left shoulder. I'm not sure what the lesson is here.....should she had stayed on top of the cleaning all along, even if the house wasn't up for sale; or should she have just left things (i.e. windows) the way they were. Better yet, should she have had someone come in 'n do it all for money????

I'm just a sittin' 'n a watchin'.......

prrrt 'n meow
Ollie P

It's a good day today!

I'm having a lot of fun this morning. I've been running through the house, playing wif my milk bottle rings and peacock feathers.....but most of all I've been having fun pestering Mam. mol!! Every time she sets to get something done, there I am, either in her face or doing figure eights around her ankles. She was trying to make her big bed so I got on it. I laid right on top of everything she was trying to straighten. mol! She would tug on the sheet 'n I would just roll over! She was laffin' 'n so was I. So then we played a game we call "sheets" where she wiggles her fingers under the sheet 'n I chase them on top. She had me going in all different directions until I finally just laid down 'n told her "no more." She just finished washing the window where my window seat is, so I think I'll go in dere 'n leave my nose prints on the glass now. I hope effury fur is having a fun good day today too. prrrrt 'n meow.

Shoulda thought about that!

Mam is pretty disgusted wif herself right now. She considers herself a more than reasonably intelligent individual, but this time she has fallen short! She was reading Muppet's diary entry about the fog machine 'n the comments that others had posted 'n it dawned on her why maybe I haven't been feeling quite up to part lately. You see, our house is for sale 'n we haf to keep it reely clean 'n orderly 'n smelling nice all the time. Because I have litter box "issues," I have two big litter boxes 'n a pee pee tray. Wheneffur someone comes to look at the house, Mam sprays Fabreez in my potty room to make sure nofing smells bad. Now she is wondering if dat is making me feel so blah. Ok, no more of dat stuff, jus' some vinegar in a saucer out of sight.

My Outside Walk.

This morning Mam 'n Da were taking advantage of one of the last nice days of the year 'n were outside doing yard work. They left me in the house where I laid in the sunshine coming through the big window. I kept calling to them to let them know I was in the house all alone, but they just kept working 'n working. After a while, Mam came in, put my leash on me 'n outside we went. I climbed on the wall around the porch and warmed my tummy on the cement. Ate some grass 'n wandered around a little. Said "'hey" to Da, who was still cleaning up. Walked around to the back of the house, checked out the contents of the shed 'n decided I wanted to go in the house through the slider. But I couldn't because it was locked from the inside. I sat there, pouting but it did no good. Finally Mam got tired of my obstinance 'n picked me up. She was carrying me around to where Da was, 'n when I saw him, I decided I would rather walk than be carried. But when I started walking, I went right past him, onto the porch straight up to the door. I was finished with my trip outside.

Men in Blue Booties

We have been experiencing interrmittent transmission failure wif our tv 'n 'puter lately. Mam was getting pretty steamed when she couldn't watch her favorite shows so she finally called Customer Support. Today a man came to our door 'n before he came in, he put pretty blue booties over his shoes. Mam 'n I were furry impressed wif dat. He had to make some resets to our modem, so I decided I'd watch so that maybe if it happens again, I'll be able to fix it 'n we won't haf to call Customer Support. I talked to him, asked him a few questions 'n let him know we appreciated his courtesy.....especially his blue booties.

Mam's Happy Day

Today Mam took 3 large boxes filled with fabric 'n 1 large box of trim to the local high school's Department of Performing Arts. She 'n Da came back all choked up 'n teary 'cuz the kids were so excited to get the stuff. One girl in the costume department said they hadn't been able to make any new costumes this year because they didn't have fabric. Mam said she just about cried right then 'n there. She's reely upset to think that people would consider cutting out the arts when it comes to school budget issues. Football gets a lot of outside support, but just about the only support the arts departments get is from the students' parents and the students themselves. She used to do a lot of amateur theater 'n still gets yearny about it from time to time. I wonder if I could get a part in one of their plays.

Much Better

Today I feel so much better 'n when Mam 'n Da took me to the v*e*t yesterday. Mam says there must have been some magic in the air to make me recover so quickly. My age prolly helps too. I been reeely pestering Mam today. I want more food, I want to play, I want to cuddle, I can't make up my mind which to do when! Mam just laughs 'n says it is so good to have her Punkey Munkey back 'n gives me a hug.

Dr Bedore says I have a big medical history for a kitty as young as I. Mam says she's glad I found them because someone else might not be able to manage the cost. So am I.

V*e*t 'n a wunnerful surprise

This afternoon I was scooped up 'n put in my "short trip" carrier. Yup, Mam 'n Da were taking me to the v*e*t. I've been laying back reely lots lately, not eating....mostly sleeping. Not playing with my feathers or bottle rings. Mam decided it was time to get me checked out. Oh my whiskers! First they gave me a kitty poo poo platter to see if there was anything on it that I found tasty. Friskies grill was pretty good. Then they took blood 'n urine samples 'n dey reely reely hurt! I cried 'n cried while they had those nasty needles stuck in me. It turns out I was a little dehydrated so I had to have some IV fluids... not much, just enough to help me feel better. My lymph nodes are a little swelled, so gave me an appetite stimulant 'n antibiotic, 'n Mam brought more home wif her. She got a Pill Popper to help give them to me - she didn't know about them until she read somefur's diary - she doesn't remember whose, but she says "thank you so much!"

When I got home, Mam gave me a little bit of some different food 'n I ate it. Then she 'n Da went out for dinner 'n left me home alone with an empty pink heart-shaped food dish that says "Princess" on the bottom. Not fair!! They were going to be eating enchiladas 'n fajitas 'n I had nothing!! By the time they got home, I was starving!!! "N I let her know loud 'n clear when she came in the door 'n didn't stop 'til she gave me some more.

After I ate, we checked our e-mails 'n to my surprise, we learned that I won a purrize in a Hallowe'en contest held by my Canadian furriends, Callie Rose, Tom Tom, Miss Goldie 'n Handsome! I am so, so honored that these kitties, who live in Nova Scotia, would choose little ol' me to win their contest! prrrt! I think that's just about the nicest thing effur! They gave me zealies too! That is reely supreme because I have started to run pretty low for this early in the month. I jus' love giving zealies......

It has been quite a day! Even tho I do not like going to the v*e*t, I must confess that Mam 'n I are so pleased that I am feeling better so quickly. I am so lucky that Mam keeps such a good eye on me!

Mystery Punkin

Some fur(s) named Anony Mouse crept up to our house 'n left a punkin at the door. We didn't see or hear a thing..... I can't decide if it's a trick or if it's a treat. hmmmmmm......

Big Sign

A man came 'n put a big sign in our lawn. It says "For Sale." That splains all the bizzy bizzy around here. Mam 'n Da, they been sorting 'n having people wif trucks pick up stuff to go to needy folks 'n packing boxes for storage. Effury time I take out my toys, Mam puts them back in the basket. She says she's doing something called staging. I say she's getting to be a nuisance. She says when somebody buys this house we will be going to Florida where the sun shines more often than it does here in Michigan.

Mam fooled me!

Last night while I was taking my evening post-supper catnap, Mam went to bed early. She 'n Da have been working really hard getting stuff sorted 'n packed up 'n given away so we can move to Florida, so she was reeelly, reeelly tired. Well, I didn't know she went to bed 'n when I woke up she wasn't in the fambly room where she usually is. I confess I panicked. MAM!!! MAM!!!! MAAAAAAM!! I cried while I sat in the middle of the room, not knowing what to do. Then she came around the corner 'n I was so relieved, I ran straight to her so she could cuddle 'n kiss me. She said she was sorry she diddin say goodnight to me, but she was so tired it was all she could do to get to her 'n Da's big bed before she passed out. I'm forgiving her this time, but she really needs to understand that we have a schedule in this house 'n if any changes are going to be made, effurry one in da house needs to know. Especially me. I am, afterall, the princess here!

Satin Pillows to Sleep On

Today Mam put the "winter quilt" on hers 'n Da's big bed. I jus' loves it 'cuz it is silky satin. I loves it sooooo much that I napped on it all day, only leaving it to eat 'n to use my litter box. I feel so very royal when I am on that satin quilted bedspread. Mam took a picture of me so you can see just how much I like it.

Can't stop cryin'

Here I got this wonnerful CalPal collar from one of the bestess guy furs I have had the pleasure of being furriend wif, 'n Mam tells me he has made his trip to the bridge. She was cryin' 'n she held me while she broke the news to me. I let her rock me in her arms while we tried to comfort each other. We knew the time was going to come, but....well, it's one of those things we chose not to think about. Effurry day has been a gift for him 'n his fambly - 'n for his Catster fambly too. We have been so fortunate to have him in our lives! He sure knew how to live, didn't he!?!?!? Yup, CalPal, you are one of a kind 'n I loves you this BIG!!! My heart is in your basket.

CalPal Collar

When I got home from my quick trip to Venice, Italy, for the Catster wedding of Baci 'n Redd Catt, I had a package! "N in it was my bee-u-ti-ful yellow CalPal collar. It is soooo soft 'n comfy, 'n it has such special meaning. The only thing is I have a furry short neck, so I kinda look like a turtle. mol! Neffermind though, I loves it!

Mam has posted a picture so you can see how bee-u-ti-ful the collar looks on me.

It has been said that it takes one day for each time zone traveled through to recover jet lag. That must be true, 'cuz I'm ready to take another nap. *yawn*

Thank you CalPal 'n bizzy fingers mom for my special collar.

prrrt 'n me*yawn*ow,
Olivia Pickles

*yawn* I've got jet lag

Whew. I am exhausticated. Caught the red eye from Venice after attending the wedding of Baci 'n Redd Catt. The bride was bee-u-ti-ful beyond words. Redd Catt was beaming like the Cheshire. What a wedding, what a day, what a party!! Chef Rooster surpassed expectations with his culcatinary presentations. The guy furs were all spruced up ' n the girls were...well, they more beautimous than you can effur imagine. Yolo was soooo dapper in his high-shine cowboys boots. They really sparkled when he 'n I did the Texas Two Step together. They sparkled almost as much as my party tiara. A bunch of us took a gondola ride. Someone....I won't say who.....convinced the gondolier that he was qualified to operate the gondola. We are lucky the Bridge of Sighs didn't come down on us. "N the singing! You Should have heard the fellas singing "O Solo Meeeeeeow!" All in all, is was a wonderful event. One that I shall never forget. *yawn* Sorry, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I think I need to take a nap.

Bizzy, Bizzy.....Exciticating Weekend is almost here!

This is going to be short because I am off to Venice, Italy, for Baci 'n Redd Catt's wedding shortly. For the uninformed, they are getting married tomorrow, Saturday. This is going to be oh! so special...isn't it sweet that these two old furts have found each other? Never too old to fall in love, as they (who's that?) say! I got my pedicure 'n bottom trim so I won't have any embarrassing decorations on my backside (Mam calls them dingle berries), 'n I've been furminated so that shedding will be kept to a minimum. Oh! The things a girl has to go through to keep lookin' good enough to keep the fellas lookin'. mol! I have it on very good authority that Yolo is polishing his cowboy boots.... so I guess the guy furs are doing a little sprucing themselves up a little bit too!

So wif my pawsport 'n my Eyecatalian dictionary in my carryon, I bid you airy de vinchey!

World's Coolest???? Not!!!

Ok, I have to get my meow in about the World's Coolest Cat & Dog Contest too! Mam hasn't gotten around to entering any of my pictures, but now that we know about that eligibility rule - the one that says you must be a legal U.S. resident in order to enter - we've decided that we would prefer not to participate in an "world" event that discriminates against our furriends living in other parts of the world. If the eligibility rule is one of those legal fings, we needs to know that 'n change the title of the contest! Otherwise, the contest needs to be open to effurry fur. Yeah, 'n if effurry fur is payin' a membership fee 'n buyin' zealies, shouldn't effurry fur be equally eligible for effurryfing offered through Catsters? Or is it one of those legal fings we should be knowing about. I like to think we are one big fambly here on Catster. Pleeze, Catster HQ! Pleeze clear this mess up!

Where are the indians?

Mam says Indian summer is here. What puzzles me is, where are all the indians! The weather has been much nicer these last couple of days. I've been enjoying my little corner of the world from my climbing tree in front of the slider. This morning I found a wadded up piece of red tissue paper. It makes a nice soft crinkling sound when I play wif it. I jumped on it 'n scooched around on it 'n den I layed on it for a little nap. Mam thought I looked so cute she just had to take a picture of me! mol! Mam 'n her camera! I know a lot of us fursters haf to put up with the Mr DeMille stuff, but don't you think they get carried away sometimes? Mam says she just needs to make a record of my cuteness. *blush*

I am getting a Calvin Collar!!

I am soooooo excited!! I have the honor of buying the furry furst Calvin Collar 'n I am waiting for the mailperson to bring it. It's yellow 'n I just know it is going to be the most bee-u-ti-ful 'n special accessory in my wardrobe! I told Mam that as soon as it comes, I will need her to take my picture 'n put it on my page so you all can see my beautious self in the furry special collar honoring CalPal. It was kinda embarrassing when Mam thought she had paid for it with Paypal and it hadn't gone through. CalPal 'n I got on the project 'n got it straightened out. Some things are better left to us kitties. mol!

I thinks CalPal's mom is going to be kept furry, furry bizzy makin' all those collars for kitties who are wanting them! I see that some are even requesting special colors....mol! I already asked for a pink floof collar too! In typical Calvin fashion, he has asked his mom to save $1 from the sale of each collar 'n when they have $25, he wants to sponsor a kitty at the Best Friends Animal Society. Now isn't that just the catliest thing effur? That's my CalPal!

Happy Go Lucky Me!

Happy Go Lucky Me - that's my song these days. 'N you know why? Even if you know I'm gonna tell you anyway! mol!!! I have been getting all kinds of pressies and messages for being DDP and for just because these days and aren't I lucky!! 'N of course, being so lucky makes me happy. So many furriends 'n so much fun! So, why not be a "Happy Go Lucky Me?!?!?"

So, in no particular order since effuryfur is number 1, I want to acknowledge 'n thank the following:
Sugar Bear
Morris & Family
The family of Oliver & Dewey
Izzy & Gang
Oliver Winston Parsons
Aeden
Callie Rose
Edgar
Tweety McGee
Flufee Bush & Bush Babies
Jerry & family
Toby Aragorn
Calvin
Sophie
Little Bit
Luke & Tully
CalPal
Nakita
Elise
Morris & family
Oliver & Dewey
May
Reddie
Rizza
Tate & Tonka
Sophie & the rest of the Bunch


mmmmmwah, mmmmmwah, mmmmmwah!
I loves you! Effurry fur!!

Quite a Day!!!

When we woke up this morning, everything outside had frosting all over it. What??? It's only the middle of October!! What is this anyway?!?! Pretty depressing, I say! 'N then Mam called me "Olivia You Naughty Girl" cuz she thought she heard me scratching on the boxspring of the bed when I was really scratching on my board. Da told her she was wrong 'n said I was a good girl. Mam was wrong, wrong, wrong! Then just as I am kinda just slouching around feeling kinda low, Mam tells me that I am a DDP of the day! Oh boy! Who cares if it's cold outside! I have been honored as a DDP! To make things even nicer, I have been receiving pawmails 'n pressies 'n concats. I got some Greenies 'n I hadn't even had my combing. (You see, because I am on a special diet, I can't have lots of treats.) It sure is interesting how some days start out pretty awful but turn out so nice!

Tomorrow Mam 'n me will go through my pawmails 'n stuff 'n we will acknowledge effurryone then. OK? I hope so. In the meantime, I want effurryone to know I luv you all! Especially you, Diary Gal! mmm-wah! I blows kissies to effurryone! mmmm-wah!

Da's still frowning

As you may recall, Wilson J Scooter picked me up on his brand new shiny Harley the other day 'n we went riding, riding, riding. It was a wonderful time, so wonderful we quite lost track of time 'n when Da left for work at 3:30 am - he has to get the produce to the store before it opens - I wasn't home yet. So by the time he got home from work, he was givin' me the ol' fish eye, wondering what we, WJ 'n me, had been up to. I have been trying to assure him that we didn't do anyfing out of line 'n that Wilson J 'n I are just furriends. But I'm his little girl 'n it's hard for him to unnerstand that part of my life doesn't include him. Hooooo boy! That's really hard for him!

Oh! Oh! Oh! That Wilson J!!!

Yesterday afternoon I was jus' hangin' around the house when Mam 'n I heard varooooooom! vaaaaaaarrrrrrrroooooom! varooooom! outside. I went to the door wonderin' who effur could be makin' all that noise 'n there HE was! Wilson J Scooter was at my furrunt door on a brand new, shiny Harley 'n he wanted to take me for a ride! Oh my whiskers! Thank goodness I had already given myself a good grooming so I was looking pretty close to my best (best is after Mam combs me). I put on the helmet he was holding out to me, climbed on the back 'n waved 'bye to Mam. Lemme tell ya, that furboy Wilson J is enough to make my little pink pawpads tingle! But I digress. There I was, behind WJ, holding on to him wif the wind blowing through my whiskers 'n fluffing up my tail real pretty-like as we rode over the roads, up 'n down hills 'n around curves 'n stuff. We stopped for sardine milkshakes at a really cute catafe, 'n had a chance to get to know each other a little better. He really is quite the cat-about-town 'n so sophisticaticated. Suave. Manly. Knowledgable about so many things. The time passed so quickly that we were surprised when we realized the hour. Being the gentlecat he is, WJ insisted that I have breakfast with him at Denny's before going home. He is sooooooooooo sweet, he is. Mam left the door open for me so she doesn't know it was 5am before I got home. Or maybe she does 'n she isn't letting on, cuz' when she got up this morning she had an all-knowing smile on her face as I was telling her about my adventure - did I tell you it was with Wilson J? Oh yes, of course I did!! Da, on the other paw is frowning. He noticed I wasn't home yet when he left for work at 3:30 am. Uh-oh. That might mean trouble.

Grumpers.

It has been gray 'n raining all day. No sunshine. Dull. Boring. To make things worse, I was scooped up 'n pushed into my carrier and tooked to the v*e*t. After I was subjected to a pawdicure, my bottom was pinched, cleaned 'n trimmed (I'm really fuzzy back there). Then I had to list 5 things I like about Halloween for the Halloween Tag game. I was polite and listed 5 things, but they are more for the time of the year than for Halloween. Ya know why???? I do not like Halloween. For one thing, Mam makes me wear silly costumes. Undignified fur shur. Not even close to being princess-like. And then, there is the night when scary little kids come on the porch shouting and banging on the door. I don't like it at all. I go to my "secret" hidey place 'n do not come out until it is all over.

So anyway, I hope the sun shines tomorrow so that I feels better.

Halloween Tag

Thank you, Oliver, for tagging me for the Halloween Tag game. I have been thinkin' 'n thinkin' about 5 things I like about Halloween 'n you know what??? Dat's kinda hard. But I'll try. I think my things are more for fall than just for Halloween.

1. I like watching the squrrels running around the back yard trying to find places to bury their acorns.
2. Now that the weather is cooler, I like snuggling wif Mam in the big bed.
3. I like to lie down on company's coats when they put them on a chair. MOL!!! They are gonna take a little bit of me home wif 'em!!!
4.I like looking the pots of mums Mam has put on the front porch. Good-bye geraniums.
5. I like sitting on Da's lap in the evenings while he is watching TV.

Tag, you are IT!
Elise
Soda
Simba
Copy
Meatball
Lancelot

prrrt 'n meow,
Ollie P

Whadda mess!

Boy oh boy, you should see the floor in our fambly room!!! Actually, I wish I could. Mam is "sorting" and giving away. There are all kinds of tubs 'n wrapping tissue 'n bubble wrap 'n tea cups 'n candlesticks 'n dishes 'n figurines 'n all kinds of things that are blocking my way to some of my favorite sleeping places. Then just when it looks like there's a path to my bestes chair, out comes another tubful of stuff 'n out it comes, stuff all over again. So I just lie down in the middle of effurrything so I can visit with Mam while she is working. *sigh* Then to make things worse, Da is painting a wall on the eating end of the kitchen. He is blocking another one of my paths. They have told me to stay away from the wet paint. Didn't appreciate my efforts to help one bit. At least I can get to Mam 'n Da's big bed, so I think that's where I will go right now. *yaaaaawn*

I'm one of Mam's blessings!

Mam went away last Friday 'n Saturday. I missed her. Effurry so often I would walk through the house callin' for her 'n then I'd settle down wif Da for a while. "N then I'd go looking for Mam again. Boy was I happy to see her when she got home. She was happy to see me too! I guess she was purrrty happy to see Da too. She said she was with some ladies 'n they were all together to count their blessings. She says she is blessed with blessings, 'n I am one of them. That made me feel so good that while she was still sleeping, I crawled up on her so I could put my face near hers. I was purrin' and droolin' so much I woke her up, but she didn't get angry. She kissed me 'n rubbed my chin. *haaaaaappy sigh*

Pumpkin Hat...Head?

I should learn to worry when Mam goes to the pet store! She thinks it's funny to try to turn me into a punkin..... 'n it isn't even midnight! I tolerate the nonsense because I know it will get me treats if I behave nicely.

I'm going to a wedding!

I am soooo honored and soooo excited! Baci has invited me to go to Venice, Italy, to attend her wedding wif Redd Catt Oct. 24. This is double exciting for me 'cuz I have never been to a wedding before 'n I have never been to Venice, Italy. Not Italy even! Yolo 'n Guido are going too. I wonder if they would give me some eye-talian lessons. I know only a few words such as "Chow" 'n "Ari DaVinci." Mam can't help - she only knows a little spanish. I have asked Mam to make sure my passpurt is all up to date so that there are no travel issues. It would be horrible if something like that prevented me from being there for this so very special moment in Baci 'n Redd Catt's lives. I think it is soooooo sweet that they found each other! I confess! I am a romantic thru 'n thru! I just love havin' love aaaaaaalllllllllaround me!

My New Bed

I have been receiving some reely nice comments about my new bed. It's just my size 'n I reely like it. Mam says she has some appropriate kitty-type fabric that she is going to use to make it more suitable for a kitty-princess. I can't wait to see what she's going to come up wif! mol!!

I have a new bed!

Wheneffur it was too warm or too noisey or whateffur too too anyfing this summer, I used to go to the basement 'n take a nap on an office chair which was tucked away in a corner. But now that Mam 'n Da are doing something called "de-cluttering," the chair has disappeared. Come to think about it, a lot of things are missing. Hmmmmm. I'm going to haf to be watching a little more closely. Maybe they will get rid of my carriers. Now that would be nice 'cuz then there wouldn't be any safe way to take me to the v*e*t. Ah but I digress! Anyway, my chair is gone so I had to find another place where I could chill in the basement. I looked around 'n lo! 'n behold! I found it. It looks like a little baby crib wif a mattress 'n blanket 'n effurryfing. Mam says it's a doll bed. I say it is mine! Mine! Mine! I looooove it! It is purrrrrrfect! I like it so much that Mam has promised that is won't go away. 'N when we move, we will take it wif us. She promises to post a picture of me in it da next time she finds me there.

Some more thank you's and kissies....

Mam is not very adept at keeping up with my correspondence these days. *sigh* Where can a princess get decent help without pay??? mol! You-all know I adore my Mam, but sometimes......

Anyway there are some more wonfurful furriends I need to acknowledge for their kindnesses:
Henry
Edgar
Elise
Izzy & the rest of the gang at "The Zoo"
Jaffa, Lulu & Rusty

I just loves all um you! In fact, I kvell when I think about my furriends on Catster. Do you know "kvell?" It's a yiddish word for a happy happy feeling coming over you. *kvelling over you*

*purr*

Greenies!!! Nummis Nummis Nummis

For da furst time since I had toofies pulled last February, I can finally eat greenies again! It took a lot of surgery to take out my lower left canine 'n it took a long time for that 'n da other gone toofies to heal, I guess. Until last night I been tastin' them 'n then spitting them out. I haf a little trouble chewing them..... sometimes haf of it falls outa my mouf, but I am enjoying what I manage to eat! Mam is furry pleased 'cuz we hafen't been able to find any substitute treat that I like. She thinks she has bought effury soft treat there is on the market, but just I sniff once 'n turn my head away on effury one. Even those that say "for the most finicky kittehs." Hah! They haven't tried those treats out on me! "N cuz I haf to be on a low ph diet, hooman food treats are a no-no. I don't really mind 'cuz this way she can't bribe me wif treats for when I am under the bed 'n won't come out or somefing like that. MOL!!! I gots da upper paw there for shure!!! Now Mam has a cupboard full of kitteh treats that I won't eat.... gotta find a kitteh furriend to gift them to.

Happy happy happy!!

Have you ever awakened one morning 'n just be so full of joy 'n happy that you cannot sit still - 'n for no particular reason? Dat happened to me today. I've been trotting all over the house wif my tail straight up in da air all day long. Well, wheneffur I wasn't taking a nap, that is. mol!! Da sun been shining 'n it's jus' been one of those bee-u-ti-ful early fall days that make you wish it would never end 'n I been enjoying it.

kissies to effurrycat!!

prrrt 'n meow,
Ollie P

happy happy happy........

Pee Ess

Oh my whiskers! I missed someone!!

Thank you, Oliver Winston Parsons, for the cuppy-cake. How did you know how I adore that frosting! mol!

On being a DDP

Mam has had a furry bizzy day today 'n didn't let me come online until just a little while ago. 'N what to my surprise, I found out I am a DDP! Wow! How speshul is that!?!?! My mailbox was full of messages 'n pressies. Have you seen the bee-u-ti-ful picture Milo made honoring this day? *swoon* I cannot tell you how much fuller my life is now that I am a Catster!

Thank you to
Gibbs & Cash, Angels: Buddie, McKenna, Mookie, Angel & Recki
Skippy
Hazel Lucy
Aeden
Sugar Bear
Toby Aragon
Lancelot
Wilson J Scooter, Morty Angel Kitty, Hallie Baloo
Raven & Mercury
Calvin
Agnes, Babykins, Josey Wales, Augie, August Max & more
Tate & Tonka

I hope I haven't overlooked anyone, but in case I have, I want you 'n effuryone on Catster - you too, Catster Lady - how much Mam 'n me love effurry single one of you!!!

Last hours of summer

Today around 5:00 pm, summer is going to end. *sigh* I have been watching da squirrels trying to find places to bury nuts. One was tryin' to put one in one of Mam's big flower pots on the patio. Effury spring she has to pull little oak trees from the buried acorns. mol! So anyway, fur some reason da squirrel decided he wanted to bury his treasure in da neighbor's yard. Instead of going over the fence, he decided to go under. mol! It was a tight squeeze! We were laffin' while dat silly squirrel was wiggling his butt 'n tail as he was tryin' to get into the next yard. If I had been out there, he woulda moved a whole lot faster, dat's for sure!

Good-bye summer, I wish you could hang around a little bit longer.

TCOB

Yesterday some ladies came to visit Mam. She brought out all kinds of beads 'n crafty stuff 'n they were talkin' about makin' someting called prayer beads. I wasn't quite sure where all this talk was going, so I jumped up on my high chair next to the table so I wouldn't miss a word. 'N I stayed right there until the ladies went home. I tink Mam has a project to work on now.

Den later last night, it was about an hour before my supper time, I decided I was hungry. I went to Mam 'n asked her to feed me 'n she said it was too early. So I went to Da 'n asked him to feed me. Yup! The ol' soft touch fed me! mol! I knew I could get him to do it. Wheneffer dat happens, he defends himsef by tellin' Mam that dey eat when dey are hungry so why shouldn't I. MOL! Boy do I have him trained!!

Helpin' Da the furry best I can

Today Da washed the outside of our windows. I was furry helpful, from da inside. Wheneffur I saw a spot he missed, I put my nose on the glass!! MOL!!!

I been keepin' a weeley close eye on him since he had dat heart attack on July forf. Wheneffur he sits down in his recliner chair, I come running 'n jump up between his legs so he kin scratch my back. Mam 'n Da laugh about it 'cuz it seems no matter where I am in da houze, effen if I am deep asleep in another room, as soon as he sits down, I am dere in a wink of an eye. He's my bud, my Da is, 'n I gots to do effuryfing I can to make him smile. We all know we are furry lucky dat he got da care he needed furry quickly so dere weren't much time needed fur recovery.

Oh, by da way, dat definition about da pirate bath came from da Urban Dictionary. It came to Mam's emailbox today 'n we thought dat was a good co-in-cidence.

Pirate Humor In Honor of Pirate's Day

Do you know what a "Pirate Bath" is?

It's the process of washing just the arm pit area 'n the private area wif a washcloth or a pawful of water. If enyone asks you to define Pirate Bath you say "pits 'n privates!" MOL!!!

Calvin

Oh my whiskers, I am so so sad. My whiskers are draggin' on the ground cuz Calvin is bad sick. It was just a few weeks ago he made me his Pal of the Week 'n nicknamed me Olivia Pickles. So in return, I call him my CalPal. *sniff* I know we are all trying to prepare ourselves for what's going to happen, but we will never be ready. All we can do is purr 'n pray for CalPal 'n his wonfurful fambly. 'N let them know how much we love them all. *sigh*

On Being a Pirate....

Mam 'n I gave it a go, but I don't fink I wanna be a pirate. I refused to cooperate when she tried to take my picture. She took just one picture 'n I was gone. 'N den my sweet furriend Yolo said I should try some pirate talk. Ummmmmm, ahoy? Aaaargh you scurvey bum? Yo ho ho 'n a bottle of nip? Not furry good, I tink. It's really, really great that so many are having a bunch a fun wif dis, but, please forgive me for not being able to relinquish my princess crown for a hat wif a skull 'n crossbones one it. I tink I will watch all your cat-antics safely from my shore....er, my climbing/nap tree where I can input my observations and comments while I oversee all the action.

Helpin' Animal Rescue

One fing me 'n Mam do effurry single day is to click onto www.theanimalrescuesite.com (sorry, Mam doesn't know how to set up links!). Anyway, if you aren't already doing this, all you haf to do is click on the purple button 'n we are helping homeless animals. "N if after you click on the big purple button you will see a box at the top of the page that says "Help your favorite animal shelter win a prize Vote Today." If you click dere, you can vote for your favorite rescue. 'N it is all for free!!! 'N then you can go shopping for some of the coolest fings, like a teapot all covered wif paw prints, just as if I did it my beautiful self! MOL!!! 'N then, as if that isn't enough, you can click on other buttons to help other causes get stuff from big corporations...free!! So while you are dere, click on Rain Forest to save trees, Literacy for books, Child Health for immunizations, Breast Cancer for mammograms and Hunger for rice. All for free. Are you doing it? Huh???? Mam went over to the left had side of the page 'n clicked on "Daily Click Reminders" so that she gets an e-mail wif a link effurry day. I think she might forget if she didn't do dat.

End of dis public service announcement. MOL!!!

Got a Wake-up Call Today

There are strange men in our house today. I hear saws 'n hammers 'n I see ladders 'n they are covering up some of my favorite nap spots wif big blankets. Mam says they won't be here furry long....prolly only for today 'cuz they work really fast. When dere done we will haf new bafroom sinks 'n the cracks in the livingroom ceiling will be aaaaaallll gone. I told Mam no problem, I can still nappy on my tree in front of the slider. *yawn*

First Day Home Again

This is my first full day home after being at the spa for 10 days. For security reasons, the spa's only windows are in the reception area, so I didn't get many peeks to the outside. I'm trying to make up for lost time. I even stepped out on the patio to Mam's surprise. She didn't expect me to slip between her feet and run out. But I was a good girl and stopped when she called my name. I let her pick me up 'n take me back inside. Since then I have been spending a lot of time sitting up next to the screen 'n lookin' out. There's a little chipper-monker that's been teasing me. He's lucky I'm not out there to show him who's boss! When I'm not looking out the slider or taking a little nap, I've been following Mam all over so that she knows I have forgiven her for leaving me and loving her so that she doesn't do that to me again any time soon!

I'm hoooooooooooommmmmmmme!

Mam 'n Da came straight to the spa to pick me up this afternoon. They didn't go home furst or anyfing! They called ahead so that the vet tech could pack up my stuff 'n get me ready for when they got there. I was in the back 'n I heard Mam talking 'n I started calling to her 'n she heard me 'n was calling back. I was sooooooo excited. I think Mam was too. Then when we were at home in the driveway, I started talking 'n I was really anxious to get in the house. When I got out of my carrier, I ran straight to one of my scratching boards 'n scratched 'n scratched 'n scratched, I was so happy. Mam 'n Da brought me pressies - guilt pressies, I think. I got a pink nip-filled pink felt flamingo and some new kind a treats that I will taste tonight after Mam combs me. Mam says they shouldn't be going away again any time soon. I hope not. The spa gave us a frequent visitor discount 'cuz I've been there so much this summer!

Travel Update

I got a hold of Mam tonight 'n found out she 'n Da are on their way north 'n will try to be in town early enough to pick me up before the spa office closes tomorrow night. If they don't get here then, Da will pick me up early Monday morning 'n then I'll be home even before Mam is out of bed. If that happens I'll be able to jump all over her 'n kneading her arm! That will be so cool! prrrrrrrrrrr.

Holiday weekend ending...

Well, here I am at the spa. It has been pretty quiet around here today because of Labor Day, so I am able to get a little time on the computer. Mam 'n Da are kicking back on Sanibel Island in Florida. Mam says they're having a great time just hangin' at the pool, playing dominoes and drinkin' margaritas. It's hot 'n steamy, they say, just how they like it. Me? Oh, I've been hangin' in the playroom. There are ladders 'n shelves 'n lots of toys. That's where I go to play wif my peacock feathers. I have decorated my suite wif my quilt 'n toys that I brought wif me so I don't feel too homesick. Efferybuddy here treats the guests really fine 'n it's not too bad, but it still isn't home.

Guess where I am......again

There was an almost major crisis at our house late Monday night. Mam's laptop got a really nasty, ugly, disgusting virus. This kind of thing is upsetting at any time, but it is even worse when it is hours before you are leaving on a trip 'n you are planning to take your laptop with you because you just cannot survive for 10 days without being connected to the internet. Personally, I keep asking what did she do before the internet days 'n laptops, but she never answers. Fortunately the place where they just took Da's desktop a little while ago stepped up to the task 'n got it all cleaned up for her before they had to leave. Boy am I glad for that, because if it didn't happen, I think Da would be pretty fed up with Mam's grousing!

Mam 'n Da are out on I-75 pickin' up the miles 'n layin' them down toward FL. 'N here I am, back at the spa. Yes, the spa is nice, but three times in just over a month is really more than I care for. When they were waiting to have me checked in at the spa Tuesday night, Mam had the nerve to let the house kitties play with MY peacock feathers! There I was, stuffed in my carrier while those kitties were chasing my favoritest toys! Cruel. Cruel, I say. Then Megan, the receptionist, announced that I was the queen whenever I was there 'n that made me feel a little bit better. At least they understand just who I am!

So anyway, if I fall a little behind on my notes 'n stuff, you will know that I am here at the spa fulfilling my queenly duties 'n I am not sure how often I will be able to get someone like Megan to type for me.

What should I do today?

Hmmmmm. Another day. Got Mam to play peacock feather on her big bed already today, ran a couple of loops through the house, ate all my breakfast, gave myself a bath, climbed onto my tree 'n looked outside for a while.... maybe a catnap is in order. *yawn* Gotta build up my strength for when Da gets home.

Time Outside

Today Mam 'n me went out to snoopervise Da while he paints the shed. I was on my leash because our yard does not have a fence. I thought Da was going to put Mam back in the shed again because she wasn't sure she liked the color, but she recovered quickly 'n said it looked OK. Whew! I thought there for a minute that things were not going to go well, but the moment passed 'n Mam made up for it by making Da a yummy lunch. I often wonder how they would get along if I weren't around to monitor all the situations. I am the great peace maker. MOL!!

AAAAAAAARGH! I am sooooo disgusted!!

I just read that Michael Vick (remember him?) played in a pre-season NFL game in Philidelphia last night 'n every time he came onto the field the stadium erupted with cheers for him. Sick! Sick! Sick! I'm about to toss up a hair ball!! For not only that the NFL has allowed this man to play football again, but that the public forgives this animal abuser for the sake of the game! What kind of example does that set for our children?!?!?!? aaaaaaarg-ack-ack-ack.

We've got music!

Mam has finally had the time and the initiative to add music to my page! She's not furry tek-ni-cally inclined, so it took a while for her to figure out what she was doing, but she 'n I are rejoicing in her success. We chose our songs to reflect our feelings about our relationship 'n hope you enjoy them.

I have been having a pretty busy day. Aside from the music, Mam 'n I have been spending time on her big bed playing wif a peacock feather. I was turning summersaults 'n flipping over 'n flying all over the bed. I nearly rolled off, but while I was hanging half-way off, I jumped 'n ran into the other room 'n came back so it looked like I did it on purpose. MOL!! I was playing pretty hard 'cuz I started huffing 'n puffing, so Mam decided it was enough for the time being. So I just stretched out 'n took a nap in the middle of the bed. *yawn.*

Oh My Whiskers! Mam's in trouble now!

Boy oh Boy! Mam's gone an got herself in the shed today. I know people usually say dog house, but we don't have one. We have a shed, so that's where she's gotta go. MOL!!! Today was her's and Da's wedding anniversary 'n she forgot!!! To make things worse, Da remembered!!! Yesterday he hinted and hinted, hoping to get her to catch on, but nah..... she was too obteuse (how's that for a word!) to catch on. So Da called her this morning from work 'n asked her if there was anything special going on today. Can you believe she still didn't remember!?!?!?!? I don't know if she's gonna get out of the shed early enough to sleep in her big bed tonight or not (that's just my observation). MOL!!!

Knock it off, puh-leeze!

Mam is being a major nuisance. This morning I was giving myself a bath (now I think this is a furry private time 'n I should have it to myself) 'n what does she do? She whips out her camera. She did the same thing to me last night when I was just chillin' on Da's legs when he was kicked back in the recliner. Well, I ran. Fast. Furry fast 'n didn't come out until I was hungry. Must have been at least 5 minutes. Now I know how annoying it must be for movie stars being stalked by papparazzi. I have a papparazza right here in my own home. She defends herself by telling me that she needs more pictures to post here 'n on her FaceBook page.

Cover Girl

My oh my!! Just look at that! I am on the cover of Cat Fancy magazine. Well...... not for really, but Mam thinks I look really pretty 'n that I should oughta be on the really one. She says I AM the Kitty of the Year... that's in her estimation, of course! *purrrrrrrrr* She agrees that all of us kitties are Kitty of the Year in the eyes of our pawrents. "N that's the way it should be!!

Whatta Life!

Today I am reflecting upon how many wonfurful new furriends I have made in the last couple of days just because Calvin made me his Pal of the Week. Being Cal's Pal is a real honor but seeing that all these kitties read about me in his diary 'n sent me messages 'n pressies 'n furriend requests.... well, that is the mostest bestes part! Today I am so happy I've been playing wif my peacock feather 'n just hanging out in front of the open slider because it is such a bee-u-ti-ful, low humidity day here in SE Michigan. Don't haf to go to the basement for heat relief!

Calvin is cool!

Calvin has named me as his Pal of the Week! His diary entry about me 'n my life was so nice. Mam 'n me, we laughed when he renamed me "Olivia Pickles." That is so funny! If that's what Calvin wants to call me, it's OK wif me. I think it is a supreme compliment when somekitty gives another kitty a "pet" name. As a result of being "Cal's Pal" I have received furriends requests 'n pressies from Sam, Nakita, Chico, Lil' Muppet & Fosters 'n Nikko 'n Scooter. It is soooooo nice to be so honored. *purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr*

Home from the spa

Ahhhhhhh! It's nice to get away for a while, but it is always wonfurful to come home! I was at the spa for a week while Mam 'n Da were in a cabin at a resort in the woods with other fambly members (absolutely no pets allowed, management said) . The spa even gave Mam 'n Da a "vacation report" on my experience. They reported I love to eat. Well, duh! That's not news. I got to stay in one of the designer houses and decorated it with my quilt 'n toys from home, so it was quite comfy. A couple of days they even let me roam 'n run through the whole office when there weren't a lot of clients around. That's 'cuz I'm one of the regulars now 'n if we are good, we regulars get to have that extra privilege. That's a new status for me! I also go to the playroom 'n play with one of the techs effury day 'n that's fun too. But the furry furry bestes part of going to the spa is the coming home part!

They are doing it again!

Mam 'n Da are at it again 'n I'm not too happy about it. they are packing 'n packing 'n packing. Even more than for a weekend getaway, as they call it. They are going to spend a week in a cottage with my hooman aunt 'n uncle 'n the 3 grandies. The resort says "absolutely no pets!" I'm insulted. I don't think I would be such a bad guest. I bet it's the dogs that are the reason. So tomorrow I am off to the spa for a week. I don't know if I will be able to sneak into the office 'n use the 'puter or not. If I can, I'll check in. Otherwise, I won't be around for a week.

What is a thatching?

My furriend Orkney is wondering what I mean when I say I was "thatched." It's not really a regular term for a process, it's just one that me 'n Mam use when I get a grooming at the spa. As a long haired kitteh, I need to get rid of a lot of the undercoat. The vet tech uses a tool different from the furminator but it does the same thing- gets the extra undercoat fur out before I lick it out 'n get a furball to cough up!

This is my second day home from the spa 'n I am really enjoying it. Because it is so warm outside, Da has turned on the AC so we are comfortable as long as we stay inside. It's perfect for taking catnaps. *yawn*

Home from the spa

After being at the spa for 4 days, Mam 'n Da finally picked me up last night. While I was there I got a pedicure and a booty trim as well as a thatching which is furry similar to being furminated. So I was looking quite pretty wen they furst saw me. I was so happy to see them that I forgot to be a diva-princess 'n gave 'em head butts 'n purred. Since then I haven't much let Mam out of my sight. My biggest chore for today is to help her unpack the suitcases 'n wash the durty laundry.

It's Spa Time

Well it's starting. Mam 'n Da call it baycation time. That means it is spa time for me. It starts tomorrow when they are going to go stay by Lake Michigan for four days. They are going to drop me off on the way out of town. I just hope they remember to pick me up on the way back into town. MOL! I'm just being silly. Of course they will remember to pick me up! I just like to add a little drama to the situation because I'll be at the spa again in two weeks for a week 'n then again (!) in another two weeks!

I am NOT for sale!

Thank goodness that gol-darn garage sale is over 'n done with! It was such a disruption in my well ordered life. I sat by the door, trying to tell Mam 'n Da to come in 'n be wif me, but instead they brought me outside 'n put me in my stroller so I could see what was going on. There were just too many people to suit me. I dug 'n pawed at a gap in my stroller 'n was on my way out 'n into the house when Mam saw what I was doing 'n took me inside. I tried to be so helpful pricing things. Some got stuck to me 'n Da laughed 'n teased me. Somefing about what if someone wanted to buy me. I was a little..., no I was furry upset. I didn't see anyfing funny about that. Mam kissed me 'n told me I am priceless. At least no one bought our garage. Please Mam! No more garage sales!

A Bird in Our Yard

A furry sad fing happened in our back yard this morning. A boy cardinal 'n his two sisfurs were flying around, having a great time . I was having a great time watching them from the other side of the slider. Suddenly one of the girls flew into the slider 'n fell down on the step. I wanted to go out 'n help but Mam wouldn't let me. Her brofur 'n sister were sitting on top of the fence calling to her, but she didn't get up. She just laid there. Mam was upset, I was upset 'n her brofur 'n sisfur were upset. Da finally went outside 'n took her away so me 'n Mam wouldn't see her any more. Her brofur 'n sisfur are still waiting for her. It's furry, furry sad. *sigh*

Does Mam Know what She's Doing?

Mam has been real busy lately 'n hasn't had furry much time for me. She is selling our garage. I don't know how she's going to do it. 'cuz it's attached to our house 'n if it sells, our house is going to look pretty strange. I have really been wondering about this 'n then last night I heard Da ask her if she had any idea of what she was doing, so now I know he is wondering too. If she sells the garage, what"s next.... the room where my litter boxes are!?!?

I Got a Package!!

It's the furrrst time ever! The mailman brought me a package today! I was really excited 'n kept getting in Mam's way while she was opening it. I was so surprised!! Mam went online to this place called ebay 'n bought me peacock feathers! A whole bunch of them. Fifty, I think she said. The ones I have been playing with are all broken 'n chewed up, so these came just in time. Whew! I don't know what we would have done if they hadn't come. I prolly would have been one depressed kitty. MOL!!! But now we won't haf to find out. (Mam says "thank goodness!")

So anyway, Mam even took a picture of me and is posting it so you can see those big ol' feathers! Yowza!!!

Can You Imagine?!?!?

Today Mam 'n Da took off in their red convertible with the top down. I was left behind, but that's no big deal because whenever I get to ride it's because I am going to the V*E*T. The big deal is that they didn't come back for my lunch time. Huh! By the time they got home, I was steaming. When they got home, I was standing at the door with my paw on my hip 'n let them know this was not acceptable 'n that it shouldn't happen again.

Thankfully Da put my lunch together right away, but I was still so peeved that at first I just tasted it 'n then sat by the open slider until he was out of the kitchen 'n then I went back to eat. I was determined that I wasn't going to let him know how hungry I really was!

P.S. My supper had better not be late.

I Was Meow-Less!

When I found out I was a DDP again today, I was meow-less!! 'N that was something! Just ask Mam. She'll tell you that my being meow-less has been previously unheard of! I don't quite know what to say. Being a DDP three times this month is.....well, such an honor!! I know I have said that each time I have been chosen, but I don't know how else to say it. I think of this diary as an opportunity to express 'n share wif my fellow Catsters 'n to know that someone actually reads it is well, really nice. It's nice to think that what I have to express 'n share is interesting to somekitty else. *blush*

I showed Mam how excited I was today by stopping at the scratching board which is midway through my racing route in the house 'n scratching on it effury time I went by it. "N she scratched my ears (mmmmmmmmmm !) 'n gave me kissies 'n told me how proud she was. When Da found out, he said "What???? Again???? Are you our super star?" Yup. That must be it. I'm Mam 'n Da's super star. OK Da, let me get in your lap so you can rub my back at the base of my tail. You know how much I like that.

Putting Faces wif Names

Me 'n Mam really enjoyed looking at the latest Cat's Meow Blog 'n seeing pictures of some of my furriends' moms. Meow wow wow wow! They sure are purrty ladies! Boy oh boy are my furriends lucky to have moms who aren't only nice 'n loving ' caring, they've got moms who as purrty as us kitties. MOL! Maybe a really nice trend is starting wif kitty moms getting together. Mam says she wouldn't mind. Maybe we will be able to do it someday too.

On Being Chosen DDP

You cannot imagine Mam's 'n my surprise this morning when we found out I was a DDP again today! I am so honored! Afterall, I was just chosen earlier this month. Da teased me 'n asked me how many of my nippy mice I had to give up to the Catster Diary person to get chosen again so soon! MOL!!! I was really clever 'n told him it wasn't nippy mice, it was the milk bottle rings. MOL. (I am so witty! MOL MOL MOL) But I want to assure you, I haven't really bribed anyone. Honest! *Mam! You tell 'em, ok?*

I read all the comments to my Ribbons diary. Thank you, dear furriends for taking the time to let me know how you feel too. 'N Zack 'n Harry 'n fambly - they actually gave me a rainbow! Isn't that just the coolest?!?!? I have a great big bubble full of love 'n happiness inside me. I feel like I am floating.

I am celebrating by hangin' wif Mam, who has promised that we will spend as much time as I want playing wif my peacock feather 'n cuddling on the sofa. She has hurt her back again so we won't be going for a stroller stroll. *sigh* Actually, I get treated like effurry day is a special day, so we really do not have to do anyfing special.

Rainbow Ribbons

Mam 'n I have read several entries which indicate there is some controversy about the new rainbow hero ribbon 'n have decided we had oughta put in our two cents worf too! At the risk of repeating what others have said on this subject, we believe it is important to express our support for this be-u-ti-ful rosette!

Rainbows represent hope - isn't there a pot of gold at the end of each one? They represent the magic of nature - look how the sunshine creates that beautiful prism of colors! Effury time Mam 'n I see a rainbow, we get excited and if just for a moment, we are distracted from our daily life and problems when it takes our breath away. As many of you probably know, there are many rainbows in Hawaii. We think maybe that's one of the reasons it is sometimes called Paradise. Do you know that the Hawaiian license plates have a rainbow on them?

To those who find this rosette objectionable, we wish they would take the time to examine their motives a little more closely. Narrow mindedness sucks out the joy nature has bestowed upon us.

I have a new furriend!

This past week Mam went to lunch wif some of her girl furriends. They are so funny! Once a month they get dressed up in purple 'n wear red hats 'n then they go someplace to eat 'n chat 'n have a good time. So anyway, Mam was sitting next to a lady who just got a new little boy kitty who she has named Louie. I already think of him as "Louie Loo-eye!" MOL! Mam told her 'n another lady who has 2 girl kitties all about Catster. They seemed furry interested 'n wanting to join. I think it would be terrific. Mam 'n the other mom's have already been talking about playdates in Key West (I'm already thinking about purrgaritas at Purrgaritaville) 'n taking the train to Chicago. I will keep you posted so that when they are all on board 'n ready to rock 'n roll, anyone else who wants to come wif us can.

My Diary is a Pick of the Day!

Mam 'n I just realized that my diary has been picked to be a Pick for the Day. What a nice surprise! It's kinda like a celebration of a new start for us - Da is doing so much better since his heart attack 'n his sciatica is hardly bothering him at all. "N Mam had a significant birthday this week 'n didn't even get depressed about it, my fat lip from suspected allergies is nearly normal again, 'n it is a beautiful summer day here in Michigan. Thank you for all my wonfurful Catster furriends - Mam 'n I love you all! Thank you, Diary Person, for choosing me - er, us, since Mam is the one who writes this as I dictate!

Stretching

Newman has written in his diary about how when he stretches his Mom says he looks like he's doing yoga. Efurry time I stretch my Mam laughs because I keep my hind feet in one place 'n I walk forward until I have stretched so far that I haf to take steps. She wonders why I am in such a hurry instead of "luxuriating" (her word, not mine). 'N when I walk, I walk like I have to get somewhere for an appointment. I put my head down a little 'n I go pit pat pit pat like a little soldier, so Mam says. MOL!!! The onliest time I stroll is when I'm riding in my stroller. "N I run like a rabbit. Bofe of my hind feet go out behind me at the same time. Mam thinks it is "adorable."

Someone has been visiting me

Almost effurry evening or night lately, I have had a visitor at the fambly room slider. A furry good looking black 'n white kitty wearing a collar comes up on the step 'n looks in. We wag our tails at each other 'n kinda touch noses through the glass. I make these funny sounds in my throat. Last night when the mystery kitty came to visit, it was furry dark out so Mam turned on the outside light. Kitty didn't run away or anyfing for a while. Then left reluctantly. We have no idea where kitty comes from, but we can tell it isn't feral. I'd like to meet this kitty face to face, but Mam doesn't think it is a good idea.

Cats control their humans!

Mam found an article online about a study which reveals that cats control their hoomans. duh! I wonder who funded that study. We Catster kitties could have saved a lot of time - and money that could have been better spent on catnip, yummy treats and pressies - if they just asked us.

If anyone is interested in reading about this study, here is the link (Mam isn't very computer literate, so you will have to copy and paste):
http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/20090713/sc_livescience/ catsdocontrolhumansstudyfinds

Now that I have had Mam put this in writing for me, I think I will have her fix my supper for me. After that I think I'll have her take me for a walk in my stroller and after that.....

I Can't Believe I Almost Forgot!

Oh my whiskers! With effuryfing else going on, I forgot to have Mam acknowledge that I got an honorable mention for the picture we submitted for the Summer Tabbies with 'Tudes contest. Acktally, we almost forgot to submit one!

Thank you Little Bit, Sugar Bear and Mom (ok, you too Chai - I know you must have had something to say about the choices!) for having the contest.

Life going back to "normal"

Well, they are gone. Just when I thought they were going to be here forever 'n I was beginning to let them be my furriends, the little girls went off with their Daddy 'n took their dolls 'n suitcases 'n noisey chatter wif 'em.

Mam, Da 'n I are just kind of laying back.... sort of dazed 'n exhausted, but so happy we could have them wif us for a week. Well, two of us are happy anyway. I'm not really. I'm more happy they aren't here any more. MOL! Mam says that's not furry nice, but I like being the "only" 'n I don't like sharing her.

Da, You Can't Take Short Cuts With Me! MOL!!!

The little girls are still staying with us 'n Da is home recovering from his heart attack 'n sciatica, so effurything is turned upside down. At least that is what Mam says, but I do not see anything that is upside down, except if I lay on my back and open my eyes.

Mam took the little girls to the $1 movies this morning. That gave Da 'n me opportunity to have some quality time together. When he gave me my breakfast, he didn't crush up my Claritin pill 'n mix it in like Mam does. He just buried it in my food. Well, when I was all finished eating, guess what he found in the bottom of my otherwise clean pink heart dish? MOL!!! I'll bet you know!! It was the Claritin pill, sitting in the bottom of the dish all by itself. Mam 'n I keep telling him that he shouldn't take short cuts, but he doesn't listen!

There is Chaos in the Castle

Oh My Whiskers!!! I am ready to run to the basement and hang out in my secret hidey place. Ever since the 4th of July it has been a little crazy around here. The doctor let Da come home from the hospital yesterday 'n that was really good, at least that's what we thought at first, but besides the heart attack, he has a pinched nerve in his back - and is furry uncomfortable with sciatica in his leg. In fact, it is making him a little crabby. The little girls are also here for the week because their regular daycare is on vacation. Mam says they are furry good little girls, but I'm not used to having little people hugging me all the time. Emma took me outside on my leash this morning 'n that was fun. Mam is putting a picture of us on my page. The worst part is that Mam is furry busy 'n can't give me my usual amount of attention 'n that is a problem. I keep walking around telling her I need some loving 'n she picks me up 'n kisses me 'n then puts me right back down. That's not the way it is supposed to be.

I know we have a lot of acknowledgements and thank yous to make, but it may be a little while before we can personally thank each of you. Please be patient with us.... we love you all 'n when things get settled down a little, we will be back on track.

Bad News 'n Good News

Me 'n Mam 'n Da had so many plans for this holiday weekend and for the week to come. Mam 'n Da were going to go to the Fireworks Saturday night 'n then to a fambly picnic on Sunday. I was going to NYC with Scooter J Wilson 'n furriends. Then I was going to go to the spa for a couple of nights while Mam 'n Da took the two little granddaughters to the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth for a birthday celebration. But then something scary happened Saturday morning. Da had a heart attack 'n Mam had to rush him to the hospital. Within half an hour he was having what they call a cardiac catherization. The doctor cleared out two blocked arteries! Da felt much better almost immediately, but had to stay in the Intensive Care Unit until this afternoon. Now he is in a regular room where the hoomans can visit him, but they won't let me come in. I don't think that's fair 'cuz I miss him real bad too 'n I want him to know I love him 'n want him to get better real soon. So effurything has been put on hold until Da is well enough. The good news is that Mam told me that the doctors say Da is doing furry furry well 'n might even be able to come home as soon as tomorrow. That would be the bestest news we've had for the past few days.

I'm a Catster Central Daily Diary Pick!

I woke up this morning to discover I'm a Catster Central Daily Diary Pick! Thank you, Catster people! This is just the kind a pick-me-up I need this holiday weekend 'cuz Mam 'n Da are going to be leaving me here alone alot 'n I'm going to haf to tolerate alone the booms 'n bangs that idiots in our neighborhood think are so wonfurful. Last year it sounded like we were in a war zone - it was that bad. Yes it was!!

We think the allergy pills are really helping. I am not making what Mam calls "that snorky sound" so much, even tho I am still overgrooming myself, which isn't good. Dr C says I overgroom because my allergies are making me itch. I have almost licked my belly bald. It's a good thing I have pretty pink skin. MOL!!

Have a safe, sane 'n happy 4th of July, dear furriends!

No More Poofy Icky Lip

Well, I guess I have to forgive Mam 'n Da for taking me to the V*E*T the other day when my lip was all swolled out and icky-oozy, 'cuz today it has cleared up. Dr C called today to let Mam know all the blood and urine tests came back lookin' good and that makes us all furry furry happy, even though I still haf to take pink antibiotic pills until they are gone. Also, I haf to take Claritin effury day now for my allergies, but Mam 'n Da grind it up 'n put it in my food. They think I don't know, but I do 'n I am still eating my food anyway. That's 'cuz I'm waiting for just the right moment to drive Mam crazy by refusing to eat. MOL!!!

I am not going to cooperate!

*sigh* This afternoon I got swept up off the floor, into my carrier 'n off to the V*E*T. Since I did not want to be there in the examining room, I put my feet on either side of the opening 'n refused to come out, even tho they tipped the carrier on end. I forced them to dismantle the carrier 'n lift me out. I was not going to make it easy today!!! Some days a girl just doesn't feel like being her usually sweet congenial self.

The reason for my trip was because I have a boo-boo on my lower lip. It's all puffy 'n yucky. Dr Callahan thinks it might be allergies. So now I have to take an antibiotic 'n an allergy pill. "N then to make fings worse, Mam 'n Dr C decided that my urine needed to be tested 'cause of the crystals 'n blood for lab work. Geeze! Hiss! Wahhhhh! Enough all ready!!!

Ain't life grand?

The heat wave has broken 'n Mam has opened up the house today. I am having a great time looking out the front door 'n all my other favfurite places in the house. Whenefur I see one of the ferals outside, I go from one lookout (windows, slider) to the next to watch them. I think it would be fun to play wif 'em, but of course, that isn't going to happen. I think they might be afraid of me - they run away when they see me.

This morning Mam brought out a toy I hadn't played wif for a while - a red tomato filled wif 'nip. Oh boy! It was like finding an old furriend! I licked 'n licked it 'n chewed on the leaf. After I got it all soggy wif drool I used it for a pillow 'n took a nap! MOL!!

When to know to come out of the rain

Chapter 2: Yesterday I wrote about how Mam went to the beauty parlor 'n got her hair 'n feet done and got caught in the rain. To continue, last evening she, Da 'n another couple decided to go to an outdoor concert at the community park. The rain had stopped, the sun was shining and the temperature had cooled down, so it seemed like a great idea. They took their underbrellas to keep the sun off them. About 30 minutes into the concert, it began to rain, as they say, "cats 'n dogs." It was a really heavy downpour so they decided to stay put beneath their 'brellas. It rained until the final song, 'n then the sun came out. All four of them were soaked to the skin. Mam is going to get really, really pruney if she doesn't learn to come in out of the rain. MOL!!!

Ice Cream Tag Game

My pal Moonpye has tagged me. I am supposed to say what kind of ice cream I look like and tag 5 other kitties.

I look like a Dreamcicle because I am creamy orange and white.

I have tagged these furriends:

1. Oliver Winston Parsons
2. Cow!Cat
3. Meatball
4. Chai-Latte Capone
5. Delilah

I really shouldn't laugh.....

I really shouldn't laugh, but MOL!!! Mam had an appointment at the beauty shop today. Had her hair 'n feet done, but you wouldn't know it. While she was getting "cleaned up" there was a big storm with thunder, lightning, hail, high winds 'n heavy rain 'n threats of tornados. She waited 'n waited to see if it was going to let up, but when it didn't show any signs, she braved it and went running to her car to go home. She was running across the street 'n her wedgy flip flops got real slikkery 'n her feet kept slipping off them 'n she couldn't hurry while kind people had stopped to let her cross. Her hair? Oh my whiskers!! At least there aren't any more gray roots! MOL! When she got home she was soaked clean through. She looked like something a dog would drag in! That is, if we had a dog. MOL!!!

I am a Diary of the Day Pick on Catster Diary Central!!

Oh my whiskers! I have been chosen as a Diary of the Day on Catster Diary Central. Whew! What an honor. It's so nice of the Catster people to recognize me.

I am a little disgusted with Mam right now. I've been a little off my appetite and slept through suppertime the night before last. Mam was busy working one one of her projecks and forgot to put food down for me. By the time Da got up (furry early) to go to work, I was ready to eat. He didn't realize I hadn't had supper until he saw it in the frigerator. He couldn't believe I didn't come in 'n let them know I was hungry. I guess I wasn't that hungry yet! Mam has been trying to make it up to me -playing with my peacock feather, wiggling straws, giving me kisses on the top of my head and rubbing my tummy, but I think I'm going to milk this a little longer. Maybe that way she won't neglect my needs any more.

Thoughts on wearing a fur coat during summer heat.

It is starting to get pretty warm here in Michigan. Mam laughs because when it gets into the 20's 'n low 30's we complain about the cold 'n when the temperatures are in the 80's or more, we complain about the heat. Go figure!!! But the fact is, for me anyway, the summer heat is kinda hard on me 'cuz I am a big hair cat. The air is on so that the it is 78 in the house... it still makes me furry, furry lazy. I guess this is what is known as a "lazy, hazy, crazy day of summer." *yaaaawn* Let me know when my lunch is ready, Mam.

Someone else's diary

Mam asked me if she could insert a kitty diary that is being sent around the internet. I thought about it 'n decided she could, but only with the understanding that it does not reflect my feelings and has nothing to do with me. Nothing whatsoever:

Excerpts from a Cat 's Daily Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity...

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded..

Ollie says: this is NOT my diary. I love my Mam. She is not my captor.

It's not the heat... it's the humidity!

It looks like maybe summer has finally showed up. Mam gave in 'n turned on the air, but not 'cause of the heat. It's the humidity that's knockin' us out. MOL!!! I like watching the ceiling fans go 'round.

Mam 'n Da have been working at cleaning out our basement. I am having a lot of fun going through tunnels and finding neat hidey places. Sometimes I come out 'n check what Mam is doing.... want to make sure she isn't frowing out any of my stuff! Sometimes I help her make up her mind when she doesn't know what to do wif something.

Because of the bad economy here, the lady at the DAVA (Disabled American Veterans Auxillary) has started having a totally free flea market about once a month where people can drop off stuff they don't need/want and those who are in need can come 'n get for free. Mam 'n Da really like that concept, so they have been donating a lot of clothes 'n household stuff to them. They have also "adopted" a girl scout troop that they give crafty stuff to because the parents do not have money to give for troop activities. I might even give up some of my milk bottle rings if someone wants them for a projeck.

Am I supposed to smile for the camera?

Mam has been really pestering me with her camera lately. I can't seem to get away from it! You would think that she would at least let a lady have her bath in private, but no, not her! There she is, snapping pictures...flash going off in my face. *sigh* Of course, I AM a terrific photographic subject, if I do say so mineself. MOL!!!

I'm ready for mine closeup, Mr. DeMille......

Mam's little "helper"

Mam has been busy sorting stuff.... some of it is being put away 'n other stuff is going to different places like the grownup kids, grandkids, Salvation Army. Decluttering, she calls it. She has a big bag full a bubble wrap 'n wrapping paper... or at least she used to. It's all over the fambly room floor now. MOL! I've been pulling it out for her to use. Then I run through it. Wheeee! Look at the tissue paper fly all over! Den I pounce on it 'n den I dig at it 'n bite it. Raff, raff, snarf. Den I gotta stop 'n go to the slider 'cause my little chipmonk pal is sitting on the step calling for me. He calls my name 'n waits for me 'n when I get there, he runs away 'n I go running through the house to look out for him from other windows. It's a shure sign I am feelin' reeeeeeeeelly reeeeeeeelly good these days. Mam is all smiles 'n laughing! When I'm trying to catnap, she picks me up 'n gives me love. We are purrin'!!

Color coordination

Mam added a new picture of me today. I'm in my new favorite place to take a nap. Notice how color coordinated I am with the chair 'n cushion. Mam says I have very good fashion sense! MOL!!! Notice also how comfortable I am. It's just the right size for either stretching or curling up a little. *yaaaaaaawn*

Rain, rain.....

Rain, rain, go away! It's gray, cool 'n wet. Yuck. Yeech. Wah wah wah! Mam says we cannot go outside today. I am so crazy about getting my paws wet... not!!! Mam is kinda bummed today too because she 'n Da were planning on going to an outside concert with furriends tonight. *sigh*

The dampness does not bother our resident backyard chipmonk. It is running back 'n forth across the patio. I have been occupied watching it from my spot on the other side of the slider. I wonder what keeps it so busy. *sigh*

Maybe I'll go let Mam know she should start thinking about giving me lunch... it's not for an hour yet, but it gives me something to do 'n maybe she'll give in if I annoy her enough. Like I did at breakfast time. heh heh heh.

My diary is featured on Catster's Diary Central!

How about that! My diary is featured on Catster's Diary Central today! What an honor! At least that's what Mam was telling me this morning. I said "ho-hum, let me finish my nap 'n then we can talk about it later."

Then later me 'n her worked on straightening up her crafting area. Oh my whiskers, Mam can be so messy! I played in the ribbons, sat on the scrapping paper 'n let her know that the bag of feathers opened 'n was all over the floor (do you really think I had anything to do with that?!?!? MOL!!). All the while she was busy sorting 'n putting stuff away for another time.

About my diary being featured on Catster's Diary Central, I think that is really, really a big honor 'n I am blushing for being so recognized. Well, I feel like I'm blushing.... but no one can tell because I'm orange! MOL!!! Thank you for the congratulatory e-mails, dear furriends!

A Fresh Air Day

Today I got lots 'n lots of fresh air. First Mam 'n me strolled the neighborhood for a while. Checked out what's going on. Didn't even flinch when dogs across the street were running up 'n down their fenceline acting like the fools they are. Yap yap yap. *sigh* Such silly animals.

One of Mam's furriends told her he wouldn't embarrass his pet(s) by taking them out in a stroller. Too bad for his pets. He just doesn't understand. Mam thinks maybe he is embarrassed for himself! MOL!! Yes, that sounds more like it.

Later when Da came home, Mam helped me put on my leash 'n the three of us went out on the patio where I splored 'n chewed on grass 'n warmed my tummy on the bricks some. I am getting more adjusted to the leash now, 'n accept that iffin I want to go out wif my feet on the ground (not in the stroller), I haf to wear my harness 'n leash. Mam is going to put a picture or two on my page.

My appetite has returned. Mam is guessing that those few days of pain meds 'n/or a change in food was what I needed. Now I am back in the clean plate club 'n back to reminding effuryone when it is about an hour before my feeding time. MOL! I love being annoying. It's my duty. I am an in-your-face kitty!

Mam says "no more tonight!" The Red Wings are playing 'n she doesn't want to be distracted wif any more dictation. Woo-hoo! Cuddle time!

Do I feel great or lousy?

Had to go back to the v*e*t for a post operative toofie checkup. My mouth looks very good, but I'm sending mixed signals about how I feel 'n Mam 'n the Doc are trying to figure out what I am trying to say. I really like playing..... a lot, but I am not eating. Sometimes I kinda act like I want to, but other times I just ignore my food. I am usually a clean plate girl, so this is worrisome. So after talking it over, they decided to change my food and give me some pain meds (I had a real bad time with pain following my spay, so they are thinking maybe I'm having trouble now too.). Eooooo! I do not like that pain stuff. Twice a day, yet. When I was taking the antibiotic it was only once a day 'n that was bad enough. Mam 'n Da have to put me back into the burrito wrap for this, oh yes they do! Yeeech. Ptooey! I'm not doing this the easy way.

Meatball Madness

This is just what I needed to get me to start eating like the clean plate girl I used to be before my toofie surgery. Yesterday the v*e*t said I could eat anyfing I wanted, just so I eat. "N num num num nummis! Meatballs!!! Oh boy! Oh boy! Oh boy! This is sooooooo much fun! Hey Scooter, you aren't throwing that perfectly good meatball at me, are you? Watch out, my legs may be short, but I still have a purrrety goood pitching arm. MOL!!! Guido, can you help me here?

I've never been to the city by the bay before. It is furry lovely here. The cable car is pawsome! Dusty, you make a furtabulous grand marshal, if I do say so mineself. Let's put San Francisco on it's kitty ear, pals!

The Wheels are Made for Strollin'

Yipee! Today we finally got to go on a stroll, Mam 'n me. She has been promising me all week, but she kept coming up with excuses like it's going to rain, or it's too cold, or her back was hurting. *sigh* Then today she scooped me up while I was waiting for her to play with me 'n my peacock feather (oh, do I just love that peacock feather!), 'n took me out to the garage (that makes me a little nervous) 'n popped me into my beautiful pink stroller which was waiting for me. We took a walk around the 'hood 'n I got to see a lot of birds. When we were by the school, the busses were coming.... they are furry frightening 'n I turned around 'n watched Mam out the back window then, but we just kept a rollin' along. You know how a train goes clackety-clack? My stroller goes clickety-click over the cracks in the sidewalk.

Mam says we are going to be doing a lot more strolling... somefing to do with her getting more exercise. Mam has posted some stroller pictures on my page so you can see how darn cute I am.

Yak-kitty, yak!

It has been nearly two weeks since I had those last two toofies extracted. Mam is totally amazed at the change in me. We have been together for about 2-1/2 years 'n she has never seen me this sassy 'n playful. When I adopted her 'n Da, the v*e*t told them I was going to need a cleaning 'n a little dental work, but nobody knew the extent of my dental problems at the time, but effuryone was kind of dragging their feet on getting it done. I mean, like, they could see that the tip of my lower left fang was broken off, but they couldn't see the holes in it... that showed up only on x-rays. But I digress....

I have become a pest, Mam says, about wanting to play, play, play! I just love playing with the peacock feather. I have just about destroyed it, so Mam is going to have to find another one for me. I follow her around yakking (her words, not mine) a mile a minute. I tell her when I've used the littler box, I tell her when Da is taking a nap, I tell her when I want to play, I tell her when it is time for lunch. Yak Yak Yak. MOL!! I FEEL GRRRRRRRREAT!!!

Which brings me to another point. A couple of days ago Mam was having breakfast with some of her girlfriends 'n she was telling them about my toofie issues. The initial reaction was that the ladies felt that although their v*e*t's had recommended their pets should have their toofies cleaned, they always felt it was a come-on to have to pay for more services. (If Mam 'n Da hadn't made arrangements to have my toofies cleaned, they wouldn't have found out about all my toofie problems) After hearing my story, Mam thinks they may be thinking a little differently. At least she hopes so.

OK, I'm going to go chase dust bunnies now (don't tell Mam - she doesn't like people to know that we have those bunnies living in our house).

Litter Box Issues

Mam 'n Da got me a new litter box. It's a big oversized one with low sides 'n even lower place where I kin walk into it without any problem. The tag said it was for small dogs, but that's OK, because it is much easier for me to use than the high-sided ones. Now I have two of them 'n I pee in one 'n poop in the other. OK, OK, I know you might think this is a little over the top, but it is how I like it. Fortunately Mam 'n Da unnerstand too. MOL! Acktally, it took em a lot of money 'n trips to the vet to figure it out. I dunno why they didn't just ask me!

Is anyone looking for a litter box? We have a nice selection in our basement. MOL!!!

Livin' the good life.

Yesterday Mam found a peacock feather 'n shared it with me. We had such a great time playing on the big bed (one of my favorite chillin' out places). In fact, a couple of times during the day, I went to Mam 'n led her to the bedroom so we could play sommore. After two times she told me she had to get her work done before we could do it any more. So I waited until this morning 'n we played with it sommore.

Yesterday we also went for a walk on the leash. Well, kind of a walk. I was content to sniff stuff 'n take a chew on a piece of grass quite often 'n warm my tummy on the patio bricks. Mam says it was a painfully slow "crawl." mol!!

Last night we had thunder 'n lightning storms. I cuddled up real close to Mam 'n kissed her face effurry so often just to make sure she knew I appreciated her holding onto me good 'n tight. When I'm not scared or worried 'n it gets too warm, I sleep at the foot of the bed, even though I risk getting kicked off sumtimes!

I live a good life!

I dunno what happened!

Today the big thing Mam calls a piano left. I am going to miss sleeping on the bench that went with it. Mam hasn't played it in a long time 'n wanted it to go to a home where there was someone who wanted to learn to play. Well, it turns out that Da's great nephew Nicholas who is nine years old is very anxious to take lessons, so they came to get it today. We thought Nicholas was going to insist on sitting in the trailer 'til they got it home, but he knew that it wouldn't be a very good thing to do.

While they were moving the piano 'n taking all the other stuff, Mam put my leash on me so that I wouldn't slip out the door unnoticed. She should know better. I don't do things like that! Anyway, Nicholas was walking me around the yard 'n suddenly I started running real fast around the front of the house. Nicholas finally picked me up because he was afraid I was going to run away. Actually, I was running to the front door. I got really nervous outside today, dunno why, but I just wanted to go back inside where effrything is safe 'n comfy for me.

A Walk in the Sun

Yesterday I finally got to go outside just for the fun of it for the first time this year. Mam helped me put on my little green harness with the red lady bugs on it, then attached the matching leash 'n off we went, her 'n me, with Da for a walk first around the patio, just to get the feel of things. The people next door are putting a new roof on their shed 'n the sound of the saw made me nervous, so we went around to the street side where we visited with neighbors 'n I got to chew on some grass 'n sniff around. I really do not care to walk on the sidewalk, but the grass feels good on my feet 'n on my tummy.

I've already been pestering Mam to take me outside again today. She is going to have Da bring my pink stroller up from the basement so we can walk around the block. Mam says she has to maintain her reputation as the neighborhood's "crazy cat lady." I say "lucky me!"

Toofies Update

Mam says she is amazed at the change in me. She knew I had discomfort before these last two toofies were extracted, but she didn't realize to what extent it was affecting my behavior. I was sleeping a lot, sometimes eating, sometimes sniffing and walking away from the food I used to gobble up like a pig. I would suck on my Greenies 'n other treats 'n then spit them out.

Today I am a totally different kitty! Mam isn't sure she likes all the sass I am showing, but I am much more alert and in tune with what is going on around me. I kinda dance around, looking out the front door 'n the windows, playing with my toys more 'n I keep looking in my food dish to see if there's anything there, just like I did when I first moved in with Mam 'n Da. "N I love 'em.... lots of kisses, rubs, 'n nibbles on bofe of 'em.

Having toofies extracted can be a costly procedure, but what a difference it has made for me! Hopefully other kitties do not have the problems I do, but if the v*e*t says toofies need to go, moms 'n dads should do it. In order to ease the cash flow, Mam 'n Da opened an account with Carecredit. If the expense is over $300 'n you make payments on time, there is no interest charged. Since Mam 'n Da are retired, it helps their budget a little. We found out about it right at our v*e*t's office. They even helped us apply for it.

Feeling better

Mam guessed right when she thought I wasn't feeling good before I had my toofies pulled! Today I feel great! I am rolling around on the floor in the sunshine, giving my nippy tomato rabbit kicks, 'n chasing shadows 'n imaginaries all over the place. I haven't quite forgiven her though - I punished her last night by refusing to sleep in the bed with her like I usually do..... I slept on the sofa in the livingroom instead. Hehehe. That oughta teach her!

Post Surgical Update

Well I'm back home from the v*e*t, less two toofies, including my lower left canine which has been chipped ever since before I came to Mam 'n Da. Dr Cindy said I did very well, but getting that one toofie out was a big job. My mouf is sore 'n I'm a little cranky, but by tomorrow I should be feeling better (Mam hopes). Mam says I'm really beginning to look snaggle-toofed. *sigh* I guess that is better than being in pain. Mam says she can't stand the thought that I have pain 'n she would love me even if I didn't have any toofies at all! prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Thanks, Izzy, for the purresent. A bandaid. Mol! Now dat's cute.

More toofies need to be pulled

Mam has noticed that I haven't been real eager to eat my more crunchy treats lately. I just put them in my mouth for taste 'n spit them back out. "N sometimes I seem to be a little fussy about my food. She considers these signs of something not so good, because I am usually a very good eater 'n I love my nightly treats. When I had the last group of toofies pulled, the doc said to come back in May so they could get the rest of the bad ones, so Mam has concluded that those bad ones have gotten worse. So off to the v*e*t I am going. I am going tonight so that I will be all ready for my surgery early in the morning. The sooner I have it done, the sooner I can come back home. Mam is packing my furry own quiltlet and my favorite catnip toy for company, hoping that I won't be too angry with her for this. I know, I know, a little pain now but I'll feel better later. I would just rather stay home. *sigh*

Recycling.... stay on top of it!

Mam believes in recycling just about efurrything. If we are done with an item, she assesses it and determines whether or not it has use for someone else. Sometimes the item ends up in the basement "for now." Which brings me to the point of this entry. Mam has spent the better part of the morning breaking down "good" cardboard boxes to take to the recycle center. Oh my whiskers!! Did we really save that many? Some of them had styrofoam peanuts in them. She put those in garbage bags and posted to her group on freecycle.org that they are available - for free (efurrything on free cycle is free). Gardners use them in the bottom of those big flower pots for drainage and to save on potting soil. Da complains when we have to go to the recycle yard, but I know that deep inside he really thinks it is a good idea. He just likes to give Mam a hard time about it! She recycles for me too. Puts catnip in the toe of an old sock or in a scrap of fabric left over from her sewing. They are some of my favorite toys.

My Furriend Zacky

Today my furriend Zacky crossed the bridge. He had been so sick, so brave. Mam 'n I are so sad, especially for Teri, David 'n the Texas Wild Bunch because Zacky has left a void in their lives, but he will always have a place in their hearts. They are all so special, that Texas Wild Bunch. Teri is the bestest Mom any kitty could ask for...

I can't write any more right now. It's just too hard.

A Trip to the V*E*T

Today I had a pedicure. Mam told me all about it before she put me in my carrier to go the the v*e*t, but it really didn't make any difference. It didn't change a single thing. Effurrything was going ok while Tabita cut my toenails, but then, she lifted up my tail and started pinching me "back there." Now that's when I put my paw down. Not only does it hurt, it's downright undignified to have one's bottom pinched. Thank goodness it is done behind closed door. I would have been so embarrassed if the resident boys had seen what was going on 'n I let Tabitha 'n Mam know I was not pleased a bit. But now I am back home 'n effurrything is good again. prrrrrrrr.

Love this weather

Mam is busy digging through stuff and making big piles - she calls it "decluttering." I call it taking time away from me. Mam 'n Da are really anxious to get the house listed so that maybe the three of us can move to Florida sometime soon. Da's niece was here last Saturday 'n asked what was going to happen to me when they moved. My feelings were really hurt. Afterall, I AM the princess of my domain 'n very much part of the fambly. Mam was quick to come to my defense 'n said I go wherevfur they go. That's one of the reasons I love her soooooo much!

In the meantime, I try to get Mam up early effury morning to open the doors 'n windows so that I can have a choice of where to sit 'n look at my world. A flock of robins were eating their breakfast of dried crabapples still on the tree from last year this morning. Yesterday the blue jays were taking their turn. I just sit there 'n watch them.

Well, Mam says it has warmed up enough outside to open up the house 'n I need to snoopervise this operation, so I'll close for now.

Pink Snow!

I looked out the window today and saw snow! Oh my whiskers! I thought we were finished with winter for a few months anyway! It was pink! But when I looked closer, I saw that it was flower petals. The breeze was blowing the flowers off the pink flowering crabapple trees in our yard. It was beautiful! It's the nicest kind of snow because it isn't cold 'n it isn't wet. 'N it's pink, my furvorite color!

Speaking of whiskers, Mam found one of mine that had dropped. She couldn't believe how long it was, so she measured it 'n it was 4 inches long. Now, I'm not sure what that means. As I understand it, my whiskers are measuring things so I know if I can fit through a space or not. If that's the case, I must need an awful lot of room, which means I must be pretty big.... like fat? Well, Ize not fat! Ize fluffy.

I Feel Pretty

Last night I was chillin' on my chair when some new visitors came into the house. When they saw me they went "oooh!" 'n "ahhh!' 'n said how beautiful I was 'n wanted to know my name 'n effurything about me. I just layed there 'n took it all in, knowing I was looking really fine 'n elegant, if I do say so myself. I really do like it when people coo 'n drool over me, as long as they aren't babies (yeeech!). Afterall, I AM the princess of my domain, as I keep reminding effuryone around me.

Today I chased a squirrel. Well, sort of, anyway. I was in my climbing tree in front of the patio window when this squirrel started dancing along the top of the fence. He kinda looked like a beginning tightrope walker, trying to keep his balance. He kept bobbing 'n wiggling his tail from post to post. When he got to each post, he would stop 'n take a little rest. Meantime I am up 'n hunched, watching his effery move 'n ready to pounce if he got close enough. Then he disappeared around the end of the house, so I jumped out of the tree 'n went to the bedroom window 'n then to the livingroom window, 'n then to the screen door, looking 'n looking for that darn squirrel, but he didn't stick around.... I guess I scared him off, because the last I saw of him he was running across the street.

Tent City

Da is in the process of repainting the living room. Most of the furniture has been pushed into the middle of the floor and is covered with a big blue thing he calls a "tarp." I have discovered that if I go under the tarp, there are all kinds of hidey places. Mam walked in earlier today and saw the tarp moving. I was walking across the sofa! MOL!!! She was laughing and called my name, but I pretended not to hear her 'n just kept sploring in my new tent city.

Mam has finally wised up!

Mam has been busy and having fun making quilted wall hangings lately. I want one of my own to nap on, so I have been laying on the ones she is making for other people. I especially like the one with the big pineapple on it! Today it finally dawned on her that I should just have one of my very own, so now she is working on it. I will show it to you when it is finished. In the meantime, I'll just keep sleeping on the pineapple. MOL!!!

Going Outside

Today was like summer. Mam was busy transplanting some flower seedlings she started in the house 'n Da carried me outside on the patio so I could watch. Other than going to the v-e-t in my carrier, this is the first time I have been out of the house since last fall. I had quite forgotten what a biiiiiiiig world it is, and after a few minutes I began to get nervous, so Da took me back inside where I promptly went to my scratching board and started giving it a workout, my sign of being happy to be back inside. I guess it's going to take a little time for me to adjust to being outside from time-to-time again. Can't let my pretty pink stroller get too dusty. MOL!

I feel good!

What a beee-u-ti-ful day here in Michigan. It's the kind of day that makes us endure things like the sleet and hail we just had three days ago! Mam has the windows open and Da put the screen in the front door so I can sit 'n watch the world go by the front of the house instead of the patio for a change! I spent a few minutes running back and forth through the house today, getting rid of some of my surplus energy (whew! that felt good) and I've been hangin' around Mam not so much because I've been busy watching the birds in the trees 'n bushes in front of the house. Maybe I can convince Mam that we should go for a walk.... she can push the pretty pink stroller while I sit inside it and give her directions.

The hat is the clue

Today Mam went out to lunch with a bunch of her lady friends. She didn't tell me that, but I knew anyway. And exactly how did I know? She was wearing her purple pants and her red hat. Once a month she and these ladies get all dressed up in purple and red with red hats and go some place to eat and visit with each other for a couple of hours. Mam says they are called the Red Hats. Duh. I coulda figured out that one.

Bug Bites

I am very concerned about Mam. She says a bug bit her. I have been looking and looking to find the bug 'n I keep trying to find out if she's OK. I sit on the paper when she is trying to read it, I try to get in her lap when she is sewing, I nuzzle her when she is trying to sleep, I follow her all over the house "meowwwww, meowwww, meowwwww (what's wrong, Mam?)?" It took several days of persistence, but I finally heard her talking to my auntie Sue on the phone 'n she said, "The quilting bug has bit me." Ah hah! that's the bug she has! I guess that 'splains all the fabric I've been laying on!

I am the guard cat?

I guard the house. I am a lion. ROAR!!! I stalk the dust bunnies, I chase down the pencils after they roll off the table! I hide behind the chair 'n reach out to grab an ankle as it passes by. ROAR!!! I bat at the sunshine coming in the window, I snarl and hiss at the feral cat on the patio, hssssssss! I long to pounce on the squirrels on the fence, grab 'em by the tail and shake, shake, shake! If I lived on the patio, birds would not poop on Mam's table and chairs. No sirree! ROAR!!! They would be gone! What? Someone new has just come into the house. I do not know this person! I am GONE!!!!

Just exactly who is in charge here?

I love it when Da isn't working because he is such a softie! I know I can get him to feed me early just by giving him head bumps over and over again. When I want breakfast, I start out staring at him when he is still in bed, then I walk all over him, and then I start giving him head bumps under his elbow and his hand. MOL! He gives up and gets out of bed and feeds me. I can't get away with that kind of stuff with Mam in the morning. It would take a..a....a... I guess I really don't know what it would take to get Mam out of bed in the morning! MOL!! I bother her at supper time. It's especially fun when she is working on her quilting or sewing. I get up on the table and head bump her hand or elbow. MOL! She sure gets annoyed! The best part, though, is after I have pestered and pestered her and she puts my food down for me, I just walk away and don't eat it right away. That's how I remiind her of exactly who has the upper hand.

April is for Rain Showers - not Snow!

Oh my whiskers! Whenever is it going to be spring here in Michigan. It is snowing. At one time predictions were for 6-8 inches. The people here from North Carolina for the NCAA Final Two basketball tournament are furrrrrrreeeeeezing! Because of my be-u-ti-ful coat, I am very comfortable, thank you. North Carolina is playing against Michigan State tonight and the region (except for U of Michigan fans) is going bonkers, including Mam. You see, this is mostly U of M territory and the MSU folks are usually outnumbered. There's a big rivalry between the two schools.

While we are waiting for the game to start tonight, I am looking out the window, wondering if Spring has forgotten us or if Winter just can't give up peacefully. There's a saying here in Michigan, "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes."

OK, five minutes are up and it is still snowing.

Why Don't We Call This Place Grand Central Station?!?!?

What a day. I am a girl who likes her privacy, her peace and quiet, and everything her way, but I sure didn't get it this morning. Mam called it a "service day." But I can think of a few better names like - "don't ever do this again day." I had trouble getting Mam out of bed to get me my breakfast. I talked to her "get up, I'm hungry, get up I'm hungry," then I took a running start from down the hall and jumped up on the bed and bounced onto her, then I put my little pink nose in her ear, and when that didn't work, I got on the floor and dug at my scratching board as hard and as loud as I could. She kept saying "not yet, not yet!" And then, as if by magic, the box beside her bed started singing. I saw her hand go out and the music stopped. Oh boy! She's getting up!! Oh no, it can't be! She's snoozing! No fair, no fair, no fair! Ize hungry!! Ooooo! There goes the music again. This time she sits up and turns it off. That's a good sign.

I was just finishing my breakfast 'n Mam goes to open the garage door. That means someone is coming into the house. Yup, it is the stove guy, here to fix a burner. He's a talker and he stays a chats a bit while I am waiting for Mam to give me some attention. Just as Mr. Stove is leaving, the bug man comes. Now I'm upset. He's going to get rid of those cute little black bugs I like to play with. To make matters worse, he's all over the house, spraying 'n spraying.... I can't keep ahead of him. I heard him assure Mam that there was nothing that was going to make me sick. I sure hope so, but if I do, I am going to make sure I get sick right in front of her so she knows how miserable I feel. I thought Mr. Stove was a talker... Mr. Bug actually sat down 'n talked 'n talked.... yak, yak, yak. While Mr. Bug was talking on and on, the lawn feeder man came to the door. At least Mr. Lawn stayed outside and didn't come in to chat.

Finally, all the service people were gone and I was getting ready to have some quality time with Mam. It wasn't to be. She started rushing around and getting ready to go out. She said she had to go to the dentist to have a crown prep. I don't know what that is, but I know I don't like going to the dentist. As she was going out the door, Da came home. That was good, or was it? He got busy right away working on his project in the basement when the man came to deliver some drywall. At least Mr. Drywall didn't stop and chat like those other guys. but Da was all geeked up and ready to go on his project, so he wasn't about to give me any quality time either.

Here it is, after supper, as I'm still waiting for some one-on-one with Mam - or Da, I'm really not that particular at this stage of the game. I think I will go see if I can find one of them. Maybe I can find a lap to cuddle in.

Hey Spring!!

Hey!! Wait a minute!! The sun is shining and the snow has melted all gone. Where is Spring? Are you coming back? You can stay at my house...

What happened to Spring?

Mam told me Spring was here and now I am confused. Who is Spring? Now Mam says Spring is hiding under the snow all over outside. It came down in great big flakes yesterday afternoon and there it has stayed. It doesn't act like it's going anywhere any time soon. I wish Spring would stop hiding and take all this snow away.

Doing Penance

After I posted that information about Mam snoring yesterday, I felt so bad that I have hardly let her out of my sight since then. I have been stuck to her like glue so that she knows how much I love her.... even tho when she snores it sounds like a tornado roaring through town. Oh darn, there I go again! Anyway, last night she was sitting at her craft table working on a quilting project, so I laid right in the middle of it. Every time she moved me, I'd just move back. And then I'd roll onto her hands, or push my head under her wrist 'n sometimes I just put my face right into hers. I finally let her do her work, but I was right there at her elbow. Then during the night I woke her up a couple of times so that we could have quality cuddle time. prrrrr!!! This morning I sat there, watching every single bite she took for breakfast and then chased the blankets while she tried to make the bed. I'm gonna make sure she knows how much I love her aaaaall day today! prrrt & meow......

I do not, do I?

Mam says I've started snoring. I don't believe her, but I can't stay awake long enough to find out for myself. She should talk. Da says when SHE snores, the blades on the ceiling fan move even though it isn't turned on.

Spring Cleaning Bonanza

Yesterday while I was taking a delicious cat nap, laying in the sunshine coming through the windows, dreaming of chasing butterflies, I heard Mam and Da laughing and laughing. Not that I am curious or anything, I just had to go find out what was so funny. They had pulled out the refrigerator to do some cleaning, and guess what they found?!?!? Thirty (that's 3-0), yes thirty milk bottle rings! I hope they don't think I had anything to do with that. Well, there shouldn't be a shortage of milk bottle rings around here for a while. yaaaawn.

Today is the first day of Spring!

Yee-hah! The first day of spring. Does that mean beautiful Michigan spring weather is far behind? The sun is shining, crocuses are blooming, but..... it is only 28 degrees outside! It's a little early to expect everything, Mam says, but I am haaaaappy aaaaanyway. I have been running though the house, up on Mam and Da's big bed 'n back to the fambly room 'n just having a good time. I whacked at Mam's soduko pencil 'n it went way under the fridge. MOL!!! I tried to get the morning paper out of Mam's hand. I bothered her so much she finally put it down! MOL!!! I've been batting around my green toy mouse 'n a straw Mam gave me, but they are under the chair in the fambly room now. I feel grrrrrreat! Whew. Time for a catnap. prrrrr

My Furbuddy Zack

I haven't known my furbuddy Zack for very long, but Mam 'n I, we have a special place in our hearts for the whole Texas crew and Teri. Zack is slowing down. He has cancer and it is taking a toll on his quality of life, but he is such a fighter 'n Teri, she is such a good mom. Mam gets weepy thinking about it. How fortunate Zackie and his fambly are to have each other and to live in a place filled with so much love and kindness. 'N you know what? They keep sending US gifts!! Now how loving is that!?!?!
http://www.catster.com/cats/64970

Being Orange on St Patrick's Day

I have been pondering (who-eeee, what a word!) a problem I have with St Patrick's Day. St Patrick's Day is for wearin' the green. No orange - it just isn't done! But I am an orange kitty, so I'm always wearin' orange.

I am sooooooo embarassed!

I have been feeling really good lately 'n have been running from one end of the house to the other (Mam calls these "kitty flashes.") Tonight I had my mojo on and I was flyin" - like a flash! I came out of the bedroom, down the hall past the livingroom, through the dining area, across the fambly room floor 'n went under the coffee table before jumping on the sofa where Mam was. I was going across the fambly room 'n I went under the coffee table 'n then it happened. THONK!! I miscalculated 'n jumped too soon. I hit the top of my head on the edge of the coffee table 'n never made it to the couch. It was kind of hard acting non-chalant about it, pretending that I intended for that to happen. I was a little stunned - just sat there for a moment, trying to figure out what went wrong. Next time I don't think I'll go under the coffee table before jumping on the sofa. I'd rather look at the stars in the sky.

Such Bad Manners Not to Say Thank You!!!

This past week we observed my guessed-at birthday. Like so many of my furriends, as a rescue, no one really knows just how old I am or when I was born, so the v-e-t just chose a date. 'N a bunch of my Catser friends took time to send me birthday gifts!!! I am a little slow to let all of you know I thank you for your thoughtfulness 'n how much I enjoy receiving them. Thank you Alfie & family(isn't that just the dandiest birthday picture card - the cat's pajamas, I'd say!); Ciao, Jean Louise "Weezer" and gang; Edwina "Eddy"; Mile Montgomery; Alfie McKneady; Mittens; Zowie Cowie and his gang; Raven & Mercury; Cai, Little Bit and Sugar. I hope I have remembered efferyone... if I missed you, it is an accident 'n I apologize. I wuvs you all! It turned out to be a great day. In fact I even got a couple of extra days out of it!!! prrrt!!!
Ollie Popoki

This is my recovery day.

OMW! (Oh my whiskers!) The last couple of days have been more than a princess like me should have to endure. First, Friday night my human uncle was coming to sleep over while attending some meetings 'n Mam 'n Da had to get the guest room all tidied up for him. I got kicked out of my secret hiding place. Then on Saturday Mam had 9 of her girlfriends over to make "Little Dresses for Africa." You never heard such yak yak yak! "N there were sewing machines sewing 'n scissors cutting 'n all kinds of stuff. Some of the ladies wanted to make furriends with me, but all I wanted was Mam to stay with me on her big bed. No such luck! She came in a couple of times to make sure I was OK, but she was something called a "hostess" and had to stay with her company. I guess it was a pretty good day tho, 'cause they got 13 dresses finished and another 12 ready to sew up.

Then to top it all off, who should appear in the middle of the sewing party but Mam and Da's little granddaughters! Whew!! What a houseful!! They are 6 'n 8 'n they want to be my furriends, but they are noisey 'n run a lot 'n that makes me nervous. Today things are pretty much back to normal. I took a wonderful long nap on Mam 'n Da's big bed.... 'n I knew I wasn't going to be bothered with strangers in the house. Yaaaaaaaawn! Mmmmmmmm boy! Time for a good stretch!

Hey! It's my birthday!!!!

Today was my birthday. More correctly it's my designated birthday 'cause nobody really knows my actual birthday. Mam didn't even mention it when she fed me breakfast. Then she started to get ready to have breakfast with some girlfriends ( hey! What am I, chopped liver?). She was muttering something about cat hair all over her black sweater. hey! I can't help if I shed! But I certainly did not lay on her black sweater. I guess I have to remind her that she picked me up! sheeesh. Then she goes off with her hotsy-totsy friends and leaves me here all alone. On my birthday.

Later, after lunch, she and Da went out together. Nothing said about my birthday. Just left me all alone in this big ol' house. By the time they got back I was havin' a major attitude. Hid from them. Yup. That serves them right. They didn't get to see me 'til suppertime.

By suppertime, I was madder'n I would have been if I had just had a b-a-t-h. I marched into the kitchen and glared at them.... and then they shouted "Surprise!!!" There were new toys and a selection of soft treats for me to try. I sure was surprised. They didn't forget! They still love me! I am purrrrrrrrrrin'! Let the good times roll!

Reflections on being Diary of the Day

Yesterday was a wonderful day. In addition to loving every single wonderful gift 'n furriend request 'n pawmail I received (thank you efferyone), I took advantage of the honor and didn't let anyone forget just who was the DOD! When Mam was sitting at the table doing her Sudoku puzzle, I jumped up and laid down, right on top. When she asked me what I was doing, I said, "meow, meooow, mowow! (Hey! I'm the DOD!) I got on Mam's Facebook and told efferyone there, 'n then when Da was trying to read the paper, I had to bat it out of his hand and remind him too! I think Mam was a little annoyed with me when I messed up the piles of paper she had laid out for something called taxes 'cause she said something like, "DOD or not, you cannot be making a mess of these papers!" *sigh* Well, OK, so I took a little catnap on my climbing tree.

When good things happen, they just don't stop!

Hooooooo-eeeeeee! yeeee-ha! Prrrt, meow and MOL. I am rolling on the floor and kneading the air. First I got to come home and now my diary is Diary of the Day. I am getting so many pawmails and good wishes and friend requests, this is better than Christmas. Mam is kind of rolling her eyes at my behavior, but she is very happy that I am feeling so good and happy. Gotta go run through the family room 'n down the hall now... prrrt & meow! ..... whish.................................

I'm sooooooooo haaaaaaapppppppy!

I have hardly stopped purring ever since we got home yesterday. I pester Mam until she holds me or plays with me. Sometimes she rubs my chest and tummy and I knead the air with my paws. Purrrrrrr!!!!Oooooo I just love being home! I am even swallowing my medicine like the good girl I am most of the time. purrrrrr. Gotta go find Mam and climb into her lap.

We are finally all back home!!!!! Yay!!!!!

Yesterday afternoon at the spaw one of the techs put me in my carrier, took me into an examining room and put me on the floor. Pretty soon I saw a pair of black shoes and I heard a voice I recognized. I started calling, "Mam! Mam! Here I am, Mam!" So she put the carrier on the examining table 'n took me out 'n held me 'n kissed me 'n told me she missed me 'n told me how much she loved me 'n it was so wonderful I purred 'til I squeaked! I never say much when I am in my carrier, but when I saw our house, I started in again. I was sooooooo happy to be home I started pushing on the carrier door with my head. When I got inside I went to all three of my scratching boards and gave them a workout. Since getting home, I haven't let Mam get very far out of my sight. I call for her when she disappears and she answers back so I can find her.

Things are a little different now because of the teeth the kitty dentist pulled. I cannot chew my Greenies any more so Mam and Da are trying to figure out another way for me to get my treat - or if they should look for something new and different. If any one has a suggestion, I know they would appreciate it, 'cause I really look forward to my nightly Greenie reward after I have been combed.

Mam didn't have an opportunity when she was picking me up to thank Tabitha for her thoughtfulness while I was at the spaw. Tabitha took really good care of me while I was there. Mam 'n Da felt just a teensy less guilty about leaving me there when she e-mailed pictures of me in the playroom - 'n I was lookin' pretty darn good, if I do say so mineself!

I Wanna Go Hooooommmmmme!

Here I am, still chillin' at the spaw while Mam 'n Da are kickin' back in Florida. I hear they are doing a lot of talking about relocating there from Michigan, which means there's gonna be a lot going on to get ready. I don't like chaos and confusion. I hope Mam can get her ducks in a row 'n be a little more organized than usual. They might be here to pick me up Monday. I sure hope so! I wanna go home!

Life at the Spaw

The office is closed here at the spa, so I was able to sneak in and use the 'puter while efferyone is gone. Mam and Da called from Florida to check on me after I had my oral surgery. I have a mouf full of something called sutures, but they arent too bad. Because my teeth are dissolving from the bottom to the top and from the inside out, they are vurrry fragile and are difficult to get out so they had to open up my gums so that they could get efferything out. I'm eating and using my litter box "appropriately." I have an upstairs suite on the end where I can watch what is going on. The people here always tell me how much they love me, and even gave me a kiss from my mam. purrrrrr.

Taking a bite out of life!!!

I just snuck into the office 'n am on the 'puter here at the spa...

Well, I got back from a pawsome trip to Paris, Furrance with Wilson J and the gang and went straight to the spa where I will be staying 'til Mam 'n Da get back from Florida. Mam didn't warn me that I was going to have something called a prophylaxis while I was there. Yesterday they gave me something to make me take a nap 'n then they x-rayed my little mouth and found some very disturbing stuff that they couldn't see by just looking in my mouth. Many of my teeth have big holes in them 'n will have to be pulled out. They pulled out four yesterday, but didn't want to keep me under anesthesia any longer, so I haf to have more done in about 3 months. Mam was so upset because she thought maybe it was something with my diet, but the kitty dentist said it is genetic and that orange kitties are prone to these problems - so orange kitties keep this in mind.

Uh-oh! Here comes the office boss and I am busted! Oh no! She says I have to go back to my suite! Byeeeeeeeeeeee!

prrrt & meow,
Ollie Popoki

Travelin' Time

It is clear here that someone is going some place soon. Suitcases are all over the place 'n Mam is using that hot ironing thing more than usual. She won't let me sit on the table she uses so I know she means business. We haf reviewed what has to go into my luggage for the trip to Paris Furrance: my comb n' brush, portable scratching pad (I just love it) my red 'nippy apple - when I'm not "cleaning" it, I use it for a pillow. I know Wilson J will haf pulenty of food and snacks on his plane, so I don't haf to bring my Greenies.

Meanwhile, Mam 'n Da are going to Florida. They changed their minds about flying and are driving instead. (I coulda gone wif them, but I convinced them to let me go to the pawty in Paris, Furrance, and then to the spa 'til they get back.) I hope the weather is good for their trip down I-75. Right now there are heavy winds, left over from the OK tornado in the region.

Watching the Westminster Dog Show

Last night Mam and I were kicked back, watching the Westminster Dog Show. More HER choice than mine, but since I wanted to cuddle with her, I had no choice but to watch it too. So there I was, curled up in Mam's lap when the face of a big ol' dog filled the big screen. Well! Let me tell you! I jumped up and onto the floor, fur sticking out all over with tail straight up, looking like a big ol' bottle brush. I was headed for the TV when suddenly the dog was gone. I know I chased him away because he never came back. Mam is so proud that I protected her an' our home from that ol' barker. She says I was weely weely brave.

Get to Know Your Pals Game

Welcome to the new edition of "2009 Get to Know Your Pals"

Copy this diary entry, and paste it into your diary. Read then delete my answers. Then you can fill in your own! We can get to know our pals better!! Have fun!! Then send a rosette to 4 pals and ask them to post it in their diary!!!!

Here we GO!!!!!

1. What color is your collar? Pink freshwater pearls with a bell and ID tag

2. What kind of food do you eat? 1 can of prescription IAMs low ph wet food a day

3. What are your favorite treats? Greenies, any flavor

4. Do you have a Valentine or significant other?? no, but there are a couple of vewwy sweet fellows I pmail with.

5. Do you get Table Scraps? Oh no! I have a chronic crystal problem and cannot go off my diet.

6. What is your favorite toy? milk bottle ring

7. When is your Birthday? sometime in March, 2005

8. How many times a day do you get to eat? three times - I get 1/3 can mixed with water to make soup in the morning, midday and night.

9. Do you have a favorite color? Pink. Of course it's pink. Princess pink, that is.

10. Do you hope all your pals puts this in their diary? It would be kinda nice, but it won't hurt my feelings if they don't.

Pawty in Paris, Furance

I am so excited! It took a little tail wiggling, prrrting, head butting and a whole lot of cuteness, but Mam and Da are going to let me go to Paris Furance with Wilson J Scooter, Baci, Yol0, Guido the Italian Kitty and the rest of the gang for the Valumtime's Day weekend. I had to make a furrry big compromise, tho. Mam and Da are leaving for Florida on Valumtime's Day and were talking about taking me with them. They were thinking about letting me stay at my honorary aunt Miss Peggy's new house in Orlando, but Mam is nervous about my irregular toilet habits (sheesh!) and what I might do to Miss Peggy's new carpeting. So anyway, in exchange for being allowed to go to Paris, Furance, I have agreed that when I return I will take the limo straight to the spa. All by myself because Mam and Da will be gone. They call it the "spa" but it is really my suite at the vet. Don't misunderstand me, it IS nice; I have a nice big double enclosure to sleep in while I am not chilling in the playroom or hanging with Tabitha, Samantha, Megan or Sue, but it isn't the same as being Mam's shadow all day.

Paris... so exciting. Do you suppose they make plaster there?

Now I am in Catster Plus

Mam enrolled me in Catster Plus today. I am sooooooo excited. Now I have bunches of Zealies to give to my purrrster friends! She's going to help me "fancy up" my page too. It might take a while tho, my paws are kinda fat and have lots of tufts, so I have trouble with the keys on Mam's laptop. Mam, on the other hand isn't too literate with a lot of this technical stuff, but it looks like Catster/Dogster has made it pretty easy. We will be trying soon.

I had no idea I was going to the vet today...

There I was, having a wonderful late morning cat nap on Mam and Da's big bed when out of nowhere I was swooped up and put me in my carrier. They put me in butt first, but I have learned to stick my hind legs out so that I don't slide in easily and the carrier slides all over the place unless one of them holds it. MOL. It is just too darn cold out to go anywhere, especially to the vet (+11 at 4 pm today). Well anyway, Tabitha gave me a pedicure and thatched me. Wow! Even tho Mam combs me every night, I sure had a lot of fur come out. Then she took my pee and Samantha analyzed it. And wouldn't you know, there were some crystals in it! Dr Taylor isn't too concerned because I do not appear to be in any discomfort, but she wants Mam to start adding more water to my prescription wet food so it is more like soup than gravy, just to make sure I stay "flushed." On the upside, Dr Taylor said I can still have my 3 Greenies every night. prrrt!

Busted!!!

Ho boy, am I busted! A few weeks ago I had a scratch on the cornea of my left eye so Mam had to put ointment in it every morning and night. I did not like it one bit. One day Mam couldn't find the tube of ointment. She was a little suspicious because she knew exactly where she had been keeping it. As it turned out, the day the ointment disappeared was the same day Dr Taylor said my eye was all better and that I didn't need further treatment. *yipee!* Well, today Mam was doing a little cleaning and she found the ointment along with some milk bottle rings. And a catnip mouse and a string, all in a little pile, tucked under a chest in the corner, next to the wall. She laughed when she found all my treasures. Now I'm going to have to find a new hiding place. *dang!*

Cat Hat Club

Mam has her Red Hat club. The ladies put on their red hats and go out for lunch together. Da and his buds are talking about having a Knit Hat club (they all wear knit stocking caps when they use their snow blowers). They plan on going out for breakfast and then hanging out at Lowes, Home Depot or Harbor Freight looking at tools. So, why shouldn't I be in a club? I was thinking of calling it the Cute Cat Hat club. Members could get together for sandwiches at some place like The Cattery and then go to PetCo, Pet Supplies Plus or Pet Smart to look at the birds and gerbils, and to test out the new toys. It is good to have something to look forward to. prrrrrrrrt!

Pawprints on the velvet

Mam got a little upset with me last night. I was hungry and wanted to eat. Just because it was still 2 hours before suppertime did not make any difference to me. Mam, on the other hand is quite determined to keep me on a schedule Dr Taylor at The Cat Practice recommended. Anyway, she was busy making velvet throw pillows for one of her friends and I wanted to eat. She was steaming wrinkles and marks out of each piece and laying them flat on the table. Totally ignoring me. Hey Mam! It's ME!!! Mam, I h-u-n-g-r-y! She didn't pay any attention to me. So I walked all over the velvet, leaving my paw prints on the damp pile and then I wrinkled them all up and sat on them so that some of my furrrrrr stuck to them. Suddenly WHOOSH! I was airlifted and put on the (ugh!) floor! Even worse, I still didn't get anything to eat. Not even a puny ol Greenie.

I'm wasting away!!!!

My Whiskers are Drooping Real Bad

We have just learned that our very dear friend Madison, the teeniest, tiniest miniature schnauzer we have ever known, went to the bridge today. She was so sweet and gentle. Her Mom and Dad have been nursing her for quite a while now, but in their hearts they knew when the time had come. Madison and her humans moved to Florida last year and it's hard to console them from way up here in Michigan. I hope they hear my purrs for them.

Naming Pets

Mam got a real kick from this guy talking about how a lot of humans "humanize" their pets by giving them human names, like mine, for instance. I am not offended. I have some purrrrrty nice friends who bear human names, like Hazel Lucy, Guido the Italian Kitty, Elliott, Wilson J Scooter, Calvin, Gabriel, Esther and Teddy, to name only a few. Mam found it so funny that she had to call her two human boys and tell them all about it. Their names are Fido and Rover. prrrt! mol!!!

Why I am called Ollie Popoki

I think my name is "cute." No, my given name isn't "Cute" (but I'm called that a lot). I have a cute name is what I mean. It kinda rolls off the tongue, doncha think? Mam and Da called me Ollie as soon as they agreed that I had adopted them. They weren't quite sure if I was a boy or a girl, so they figured they could call me Olivia or Oliver, depending on which way the sex determination went. Well, they only call me O-livia when I am n-a-u-g-h-t-y. I adopted them just a few days before they were leaving for a nice vacation in Hawaii, so I had to stay boarded at The Cat Practice while they were having such a good time away from me. While they were on Kauai, they found out that the Hawaiian word for "cat" is Popoki. They thought it sounded "cute" so they made it my middle name. I have an awful lot of "cute" in my life.

Whine Valley Pawty

Well it took me a little while to get back home. California is a long ways from Michigan, you know. But I gotta tell you, it was so nice to get away from this winter weather for a few days. And it was soooo wonderful to meet so may of my new pmail friends. Wilson J Scooter is the most gracious host! He even made sure that my meatballs were low ph so that I didn't have to go off my diet. And I think I might be in love with Guido the Italian Kitty. Yolo and Baci and Tao and everyone were just the best party-goers ever. I have to admit I let my fur down a couple of times, but was very respectful during the inaugural. Well, I have to go unpack my quad-kini and sunscreen. It was very nice to be away for a while, but I am most happy when I can crawl onto Mam's bed and lie down next to her. purrrrrrr

We Played a New Game

Yesterday I taught Mam a new game. There was a pencil laying on the table, so I got up there and hit it to her. She rolled it back to me and the game had begun. We had so much fun! Sometimes it would go under a paper and I would jump on top and push the paper across the table until everything fell on the floor. One time when the pencil fell out the floor, I jumped down and chased it around 'til it rolled under the fridge. End of game for now.

Mam was watching me really close while we were playing because my vet (The Cat Practice, Birmingham, MI) told us that cats can be right pawed or left pawed. Can you imagine that? Anyway, Mam was curious to see what I am. I am right pawed. I think she's a little disappointed because she is left pawed herself and thought it would be cool if I was too.

Tag! You Are"IT?"

Tag rules: Write 7 facts about yourself in your diary. Then tag 7 friends by pmail or by giving them a rosette to let them know you tagged them. Be sure to tag someone who hasn't been tagged yet.

1. I wear a pink fresh water pearl necklace with a bell and name tag

2. When the weather is nice, I like to go for rides in my enclosed pink pet stroller.

3. When Mam is busy writing and I want her attention, I push the pen out of her hand.

4. I like to sit on my window bench early in the morning and watch the birds.

5. When my grand sisters come over I sit on their coloring book pages so they can't color. (Sometimes I bat their crayons around too.)

6. I like to talk to Mam alot. If I don't see her when I am finished eating, I call for her.

7. I AM the Princess of my domain!

I am going to tag the following friends:

Newman - with those Paul Newman eyes
Guido the Italian Kitty - the mighty meowster who in is the Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Sugar - the sweeter than sugar girl
Tao - that handsome fella with catitude
Elliott - he looks so dignified - he's not going to let his public see him looking foolish
Little Bit - the kitty contortionist

Lost and Found

Yesterday Mam was reading a letter in response to a previous letter in the paper to me. It was about a wonderful stray kitty a kind woman took into her home. The letter was from the person who thought the kitty might belong to his family. The writer went on about how truly special this kitty is and how devistated they were when he disappeared. They put out flyers and ads and did everything they could think of to let the public know kitty was missing, but never heard anything. Mam and I talked about it because it worried me that even though I am an indoors cats, sometimes things happen and humans and kitties (dogs too) can end up separated. Mam assured me that she and Da have taken the best steps possible to make sure if that should ever happen, that we would be reunited because they had me microchipped as soon as I adopted them. I wear a name tag and a bell on a pink freshwater pearl collar, but I think that's mostly for show. Mam says the bell is to let her know where I am, so I have learned to walk without it ringing. Meowowowowowowow!

New Hiding Place

Heh! Heh! Heh! I have found a new hiding place and Da and Mam have no idea where it is. After I am finished with this, I am going there and am not coming out 'til it's time for my lunch. Meowowowowowow! I think it's sooooo funny when they come looking for me and I'm right there, but they can't see me. They call me but I don't even pay any attention because I know there isn't any food in it for me. They probably want to take me to the vet or something stooooopid like that. prrrrrrt!

Diary of the day

I was soooo excited to learn that mine was actually chosen as a Diary of the Day. Whoooooo-eeeeeee, now that's an honor. But I haven't let it go to my head. I remain the cool, sophisticated Princess at least most of the time. I mean, there are moments when a girl just has to let loose and run through the house, pull up a corner of an area rug and let it fall back with a flap or hide under the table covered with a cloth. Mam says I'm not really hiding very well tho, because my tail always sticks out. She calls it "The Tale of a Tail." meowowowowowow!

Earlier today I got hold of a spool of satin ribbon. Oh boy did I have fun with that! I wrapped it around the legs of a couple of chairs and got it all slobbery and chewed up. Mam explained to me that it was dangerous to play with things like that because the barbs on my tongue face toward my throat and I could have trouble spitting out ribbon, thread, yarn or other stuff because of that and I could choke. I guess that happens to kitties sometimes. Mam promised me that the only time she would let me play with ribbon is when she is supervising me. My Mam! She loves me soooooo much!

Christmas Clean UP

Today Da brought in a whole bunch of plastic tubs so that we could start putting away all the Christmas stuff. I love playing hide and seek in the tissue paper and I love to run through it, scattering it all over the place. Da goofed when he put one of the tubs on "my" chair. Do you understand "Not a happy camper?" But I want you to know I was a real good girl this year and didn't mess with the tree even one time. Mam says she is really proud of me.

Daily Combing

Mam and I are having issues with my daily combing. She is very religous about combing me every day so that I don't get mats and look all messy. It also eliminates the litter that sometimes sticks to my "pants" after I use the litter box - otherwise I might be known as "Claybottom," and it really helps reduce hairballs (ugh! I hate those things!) . But I digress. For the most part, I really enjoy being combed. That's because before we start, I get a Greenie and when we are finished, I get two more. Boy I sure do love those things and will put up with just about anything to get them. Almost anything except to have my "pants" or the back part of my hind legs combed. Being the sweet girl I am, I do not hiss or snarl, but I let her know I am not happy by hitting her with my paw and gently biting her combing hand. Sometimes it gets to be a real standoff, especially if I am pretty messy "back there." I know she just wants to keep me looking pretty and beauty does not always come easy, but why does it have to be such a pain in the butt!?!?!

Happy New Year 2009

Well here we are, Mam and me, sitting at the laptop. I'm actually sitting on the desk next to it, dictating to her, as it is most appropriate for a Princess. After those terrible holidays, it is a relief that a calm and quiet has descended on my castle. There were just too many people too often to suit me!

Mam and Da took me to have my nails clipped at the vet. Mam and the vet assistant were talking about me and about how I don't like to use the litter box some times. I've been using the big boot tray lined with papers more and more, so the vet assistant suggested maybe a bigger litter box is the answer and she showed us the kind they use for their bigger guests - it is actually designed for little (ugh!) dogs! Mam and Da, being the manipulated humans they are, went right out and bought one for me. It isn't bad at all. It definitely is a little larger - I don't have to stand on the sides to cover my mess, the walls are a little lower which is great for my little stubby legs, and it even has a lower section where I can almost walk straight into it. I use it mostly now, but every so often I pee on the paper in the tray, just to make sure they don't take it away.

Well, I feel a kitty flash coming on. I really must let loose and run a couple of circuits through the house before I take a nap.