Memory Cats

I have a wonderful memory. I know where the toys are, I know where the kibbles are. I know not to go outside. I remember to get butter every morning, and to get treats and brushes later on. I know not to bite Her and to be sure and use the litter box. My memory is fine. Casey has a good memory, too. She remembers where to go for treats, how to help Him with his computing and how to find the coziest places to nap. The one with the worst memory is She. Now if you ask her what She had for dinner on a Sunday in 1945, She can tell you - plus who was there and what they said. She remembers her high school mascot and who took Her to the prom. I know that She remembers, because She tells us about all those things. Oh, sure, we yawn, but She keeps telling us what kind of stove She learned to cook on and about Her lunch with Her dad that time.  But ask Her what She had for lunch. She can tell you it had eggs, but not what it was. Ask Her what TV show She was watching, and She can tell you who is in it - sort of - you know the guy with the....but She can't tell you the name of the guy or the show.  He and I laugh at Her, but She worries that She is getting a brain problem. He says that if she worries about it She doesn't have it. That's what His doctor says. You know, even if She does get a brain problem, She won't forget her friends. She thinks about them all the time. She won't forget to give snuggles and pets to me. I know how to remind Her. And She won't forget Eddie. She knows almost every word he ever said.
She had lunch with Rocky'sMom today, and brought something home for His dinner. She just can't remember what it is. Bye now.

Older Cats

Casey and I are older cats. That is, we have been around a long time, and neither of us has any kittens, but we know lots of things. Casey knows that she can trust Him and tolerate Her, and I know I can't trust anybody. If someone new comes in, I generally go and hide. She was astonished the other day when I didn't hide from His helper, because when the door opens, I run to my closet, even before I know who it is. Of course we all know that She is older, too.  In fact, She is a Crone. Here is what that means. When She was a little girl, She was a Maiden. She had not yet been married. After She got married, She was a Mother. No, it so happens that She didn't have children, but during those years She might have had them, and She taught children and loved children, so that was Her Mother stage. Then She got too old to have children. That was when She became a Crone. Here is the magical thing about Crones. They have wisdom. They have had experiences, and travels, and interesting work and stuff like that, and the Crones learned a lot from all these things, so that they know things younger people don't know. For instance, younger people don't always know to get advice from Crones. In the Crone stage, She joined with other Crones, and they have regular meetings to talk about wisdom things.  People who don't know the story of Maiden-Mother-Crone stages used to think that Crones were wicked ladies, because they had the wisdom to solve problems that seemed like magical ideas. When She says She is meeting with Her Crones, it is really a good thing, not a wicked thing. In fact, almost nothing cheers Her up more than some time with Her Crones. She is meeting with some of them tonight, and we all feel good about that.. Except Casey - who doesn't really care. Talk to you tomorrow.

Fat Cats

One thing where She and I are alike is that we are both fat.  Casey is slim and sleek, and He is regular-size. We were thinking about fat just the other day. I like to have plenty to eat and lots of rest, and it turns out that She does, too. The funny thing is that Casey eats and sleeps as much as I do, and looks slim. When Kate was here, she was slim and sleek when she moved in, but Kate was a butterball when she ran out.  Maybe that's why Kate ran away. It is not a good thing to be fat. For one thing, it is harder to move around. I think She would move around better if She were not so fat. When She falls down, it would be easier for Her to get up if She were slim. Don't think I haven't tried, Cofs, She told me. I learned that She had tried things called diets, and they only worked for awhile, so She decided that since She was on Her way to being 100, She would just eat whatever She wanted. Her doc says She is in good health for an old lady, so She eats Her cookies and pizza. Another thing about being fat is that you are not always as healthy as She is. The numbers on Her testing machine say 96/53. A lot of people wish they had numbers like that. She does not have sugar in her blood like He does and the number that tells if her blood is oily is around 200. It would be lower if She took Her medicine. A lot of younger, thinner people like numbers like those. But the worst thing about being fat is that it is OK for people to not like you because of it. She just shakes Her head. She bets there are thin people who wish they had a nice person like Him to be their  best friend. And I love Her best of anything. So did Kate. Casey doesn't care. She told a funny joke. In this joke, someone who was fat lost a lot of weight. Her friend said, how wonderful. You lost so much weight. What did you do to lose it? The lady said I have cancer.  I don't know why She thinks that is funny, but She laughs and laughs.  Too much talking about being fat. I'd rather go see what She is planning to fix for our dinner.
Toodles.

Rich Cats

Casey and I see people on TV talking about how this country is running out of money. Luckily, Casey and I don't need money. There are a few things a cat must surely have, but not one of them is money. We are glad to have a nice cozy place to sleep - or even several nice, cozy places. We are very pleased with the kibbles and treats, too. He and She take care of those things for us, but we do pay our way. You see, we are adorable cats. It makes them happy to just look at us. But in case that isn't enough, we give them affectionate snuggles, and sometimes a nice massage. He and She need to have some money. They need it for their food and clothes and presents for people. For a lot of years, They got Their money from going away to jobs that paid them money, but now He and She get money for staying home and playing with us, or working on projects. She says they earned it for working for a lot of years. There are guys on television that say it isn't fair. She is baffled about why they say that.  Some people have so much money they can hardly count it. She is glad for them, but think that if He and She have to chip in to pay for things, so should the people with lots of money.  Here's what I think. There is only so much you can have. After you have all the things you need, like we do at our house, and some things you just want, like the people with a lot of money, you should not mind sharing part of the rest. That way, everyone has a nice, cozy life. It is what Casey and I would do if we were in charge.
I am kind of interested in what She is fixing for dinner. It has noodles. We like noodles, especially with nice, creamy gravy. I hope you have a nice dinner, too, my friends. Oddy-ose.

Family Cats

The show She was looking at was about Her beloved Eddie and how he searched for his family, way back in the beginning of people. Naturally, She watched it because it was about Eddie, but She became very interested in the idea of tracing your family and how they can do that now. Science has come so far, She told Him, and said He should look at it, too. If She had a gazillion dollars, She would get that info and go on that trip, just like Eddie. Casey and I must have begun in the same place that people did, because there were huge cats there, too. So She and I might have come from the same place. Casey said she came from royal cats somewhere, and not big lions, like me. Casey says cats used to be worshiped. No wonder Casey acts like a pill sometimes.
Some people know who all their relatives were, and  all their cats' relatives.  I seriously don't think it matters. If one of my long-time-ago relatives was a lion, I may have some of the looks, but not the bad temper. I don't have to go out and catch my food. I am just a nice cat. Casey doesn't need to be a goddess. She should get over that and just be a nice, sweet cat. And She should not care who her old family was. She is a nice lady with an adorable cat, and She should be happy with that. It makes Her laugh, though, when She sees that all people started with black skin. She thinks there are people who would really be mad about that.
Here in my family we will be having some nice fish for dinner and watching to see who gets the prize for the best movies. That is what I like about my family. Cheers.

No Gun Cats

Today I want to talk about something that has been on TV almost every day. It is about guns. I have learned a lot about guns in the last few weeks, and Casey and I have decided something. We don't like guns. I have learned that guns are machines that you put a little metal thing in, and the way the machine is made, you pull a trigger and a little hammer that pushes the metal thing out so fast that you can't see it. When it hits something, it makes a hole. Someone thought up the idea a really long time ago, and our country put it in our rules that regular people could have them. Just like other machines, they have improved the guns until they can shoot out the little metal things and kill animals and people by the gazillions. Casey and I agree that certain people could be allowed to have them, because there are some bad guys out there. Police learn to point them carefully in case they have to stop a bad guy from doing bad-guy stuff.What we don't get is why everyone should have them. She doesn't get it, either, but She says it is in the rules, so there you are. He learned to shoot guns when He was a soldier in the Marine Corps. He doesn't want any guns now. She doesn't want any guns, either, and I am glad about that. Our President wants to fix it so that people don't get enough guns and metal things to kill a lot of people at once. Just like always, the guys who must vote on the rules don't like any of our president's ideas. Here is my advice for you. If you have a gun, be sure you know how to use it. Keep it hidden so children and cats can't have an accident with it. Also, if you feel like shooting another person, go see a doctor first.
I am ready for my dinner now. I can smell onions. That's all I know. have a peaceful night.

Different Cats

Things are very different around here today. Kate is still missing, and He has convinced Her not to keep looking for her. It isn't that He doesn't like Kate, but our house is so much more easy to live in for cats, and that makes it nicer for Him and Her. Casey has actually started to wander around, even more than she used to. It is because she has been wary so long. Kate and I could get along if we had enough room, but Kate and Casey would hiss and yow even when they were far apart. Of course, She  still thinks Kate will return, but He and She haven't seen her on their look-for trips. I will wait and see, but meanwhile, I am enjoying life without Kate.
Another nice thing is that He seems to feel better today. He does not seem so angry or loud, and that is a good way for a house to feel. He and She had dinner with Rocky'sPeople last night, and He seemed to have a nice, relaxed time He even brought home some of His dinner and all She brought was cake. I can't remember the last time that happened. Rocky'sPeople are very good friends.
I am calling this a good day, because She has been here for pets and snuggles, and because She is going to fix something nice for our dinner. He is going off to a meeting first, and we all hope he doesn't come back all stressed out. I am not a gambling cat, but I bet he will be just fine. Toodles.

Worried Cats

Everything here is mostly OK, but we are worried about Him. So is She. He got up very early this morning, while She and I were still asleep. Pretty soon we heard Him yelling loudly at someone. She guessed something wasn't working right and He called to get help fixing it and they didn't help. Soon He was yelling about something else. She thought of going in and giving Him a hug, but decided it would just irritate him at the moment. I thought of going into the closet, but I didn't want to leave Her alone. It makes Her so very sad when He is in this stage of His ups and downs. She is sad that it doesn't help a person's health to be so angry.  After awhile He seemed to feel better, and off He went to a meeting about His projects. She had a chance to hug Him then. Hug are like snuggles for people, and they always make a person or cat feel better. He did not get home when He expected to, and called to tell Her so. That made another worry. He has to eat at certain times or He gets upset. When He finally got home, She made sure He ate some good stuff, and He went to lie down for a nap. I recommended that. Naps are excellent medicine. She is hoping He will feel chipper this evening, because They are going to have dinner with Rocky'sMom and Dad and Boy.  It will be more fun for everyone if He is not grumpy. This looks like the last Birthday Party for this year, and that is OK with Her.  She has had a lovely time turning so old, and will save Her strength for next year. That will be another big one, I hear.
If there is no need for Her to fix dinner, it will be kibbles for me again. Luckily, He gets us good yummy kibbles. TTYL

Accomplishment Cats

This morning She yawned and started to take a few minutes more before She got up, when suddenly She remembered Her appointment to have lunch with Hana'sGran, and She hopped right out of Her bed. It has been so long since She saw H'sG, and She was very lonesome for her. Plus She wanted to hear about H'sG's latest adventures. She really loves H'sG. They always go to a place they really like, and where the meals are so big that there is always something left to take home. It was the same this time. Hana'sGran looked very rested and bright, She told me.
When lunch was over, She wanted to go right home, but She realized that She had better get Her hair cut while Her hair-cutter still remembered Her and how Her hair is supposed to be. It was a good thing, because She found out Her haircut lady might be moving her cutting place. Imagine if She had gone there one day and Her haircut lady was gone. She might even cry.
Maybe you know that He sometimes feels very cheerful and happy and other times He feels sad and tired. That is the kind of way He feels now. She wishes He felt chipper, but there is not much She can do. He just takes Hiis medicine and starts to feel better after a while.
What I saw defrosting was some round meats. She calls them ground steaks, but She kind of snickers when She says it, so it may not be the right name. If She fixes orange potatoes with it, I will like that just fine, and so will He. O-revwar for now.

Madcap Cats

Since Kate has been gone, I have been acting a little ditzy. That is what She calls it when I run around, play with a string, jump up on a chair and meow very loudly. I thought I had forgotten how to run and play with carefree abandon. I don't know when Kate will come back, but I am making full use of the time while she is gone to act free and funny and ditzy. I lay on Her computer this morning and snuggled Her just enough to keep Her from doing Her checking up. I stepped on the letters so that She had to make the words blue and hit del to make them go away. I think She just pretends to be annoyed, because She doesn't make me get down, and She pets me when I pretend to be asleep on the letters.  In case you think that it is wicked of me to have so much fun while Kate is gone, please remember that I used to be like this all the time until Kate came, and I have been holding it in for ever so long.
I knew She would be in the present buying business before too long. She has already bought three things for people who don't have birthdays for a long time from now. It is hard for Her to resist things that She knows someone will like. She sent Mazie a bunch of things for her hair that light up when you put them on, She couldn't wait for a birthday for that. And He went to mail a package to my Uncle John, but it's OK, because his birthday is Friday.
Yes, dear readers, I am a madcap guy today, and there is pink fish defrosting in the kitchen. I will enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow until it comes. She says cats who can do that are clever. Good night and good luck.

Presidential Cats

The name of this special day is Presidents' Day. It turns out that the guys who are in charge of running this whole country are named Presidents. That's what that big election was all about a while ago. I guess there have been a lot of presidents since this place got started, and two of them have birthdays this month. Instead of a day for each one, somebody decided to pick one day and just celebrate once. It is kind of a low-maintenance special day. Most things are just the same. Some schools get out. There is no mail, and the bank is closed. He and She are acting just like it is a regular day. She will enjoy a rest from the catalogs, and They don't need to go to the bank. All the regular programs are on, so I am not too excited about this day.  Still no sign of Kate, and She drove all over, looking for her. She is convinced Kate will be back. In the meantime, I am having lots of fun and playing with Kate's toys.
She is fixing some of that chili for our dinner. She makes it nice and warm and puts it into a potato for some reason. When you put cheese on that, He loves it. I am not sure if I like it. I'll try it, at least. I am so glad She is being home all day that I think I'll go give Her a massage. She and I missed those when I stayed in the bedroom. Chow for now.

Missing Cats

It might be because the weather got nice, or it might be because the outside was familiar and she was lonesome for it, but Kate has scampered away again. He and She don't know how or when she got outside, but Kate is definitely missing. Of course She is worried, but He is thinking Kate must have wanted to get out, because as hard as He tries, He can't think of ever seeing Kate go out when He went out, and She never goes outside unless She is in the car. As far as I am concerned, I think Kate should find a new family. Even though we have learned to get along, it has been a relief not to have to check to see where she is. And even though She knows I feel this way, She is very certain Kate will come back, because that little kitty loves her comfort.   It certainly was bad timing, because She was all tickled about Her birthday and celebrating, and now She is kind of sad. Oh, well.  I guess you will just have to keep reading my stories to see how this turns out.
We are all set for another week of birthday celebrating, whatever happens with Kate., Almost all of Her leftovers from Her lunches and dinners are eaten up, so I guess we will have something new tonight. I heard Her tell him something about stew, whatever that is. I guess I'll have to try it and see how I like it. So long, everybody.

Family Cats

When I was born, I had a cat-mom. She was very nice to me, and taught me stuff, but then she had to go on with her life and I went to live with people. They were nice at first, but then they took off my claws, which was very owie. I got good food there, but those people didn't have time for a cat, and they gave me away to the Esspeeceeay. I met Kasey there, but Kasey did not feel like being friends. That's OK, because I heard the people talking there, and found out Kasey had the same experiences I had. I was very scared when I lived at the Esspeeceeay. I lived in a cage. The people were nice, but they didn't have time, either. One day, He and She came in. They looked at Kasey. They looked at me. She liked me the most, and He liked Kasey. It ended up that They took us both. It was so scary in Their house. I stayed under stuff until I realized They were going to take care of us. Kasey told Them right away that They were lucky to have her, and she took over Him and His space. Both He and She took good care of us. They love us and feed us and pet us and give us snuggles and treats, and I feel very safe here. At least I did before They brought Kate here to live. After awhile, Kate and I became sister and brother, and I wasn't scared anymore. Kasey didn't change a thing. Anyway, now She is my Mom, and He is my Dad, and we have lots of cousins and aunts and uncles. I learned what it means to have a family. It means someone loves you and cares for you and is glad you are part of the life they live. Even if they don't live near you, they keep you close in other ways. I love my family. It is made out of love. Bye for now.

Happy Birthday Cats

I am sure you remember that today is Her birthday, because as soon as New Years Day is over, She starts talking about it.  For all I know, Kate got tired of hearing about it, because that little mischief sneaked out of the house again. She will be back when all the cake and cookies are gone. Or maybe that will be too long, because She has a lot of cake and cookies. I think She has enough to last a regular person a month. That means they will last Her a week.
Smudge'sMom took Her out for lunch at a favorite place and gave Her the funniest present in the world, He laughed, She laughed and I laughed. She will have to tell you about it, because I don't quite know how to explain it. Just that what it said on the box was peculiar, and not what was inside.
Tonight He and She are going to Cleo'sPeople, and She will party some more. Do you think that the birthday fun will be over? No, it goes on through next week! So many people wished Her happy birthday today that Her head is spinning. Her family members called and sent stuff.  She is going to feel very special.  One thing She really loved is that I gave Her a huge snuggle this morning, and a massage. She knows I wish Her a happy day.
All I get for dinner tonight is kibbles, but I bet He and She get wonderful stuff at Cleo'sHouse. That place is full of good cooks. I'll talk to you tomorrow.

Lovey Cats

You guessed it - Today is another one of Their special days. It's OK, because the mail still comes on this one. The reason for this special day is to make sure people and cats know you love them.  I am kind of in favor of a day like that, because I am a really lovey cat. Kate is very lovey herself, and Kasey - well - if it is Him, she is kind of lovey, but anyone else? She doesn't care. He and She are lovey, too, but in different ways. She is lovey like a person and a teacher. She sees the child-influence on this special day, and since She came from a lovey family, She is used to telling people and cats that She loves them. It doesn't require a special day for Her, but She does like this lovey day. He did not have such a lovey home, and at first He was like Kasey, only lovey with Her. Now they  both agree that love is the best thing. It can solve problems and make you smile a lot., and you can improve almost anything with love.
To celebrate today, She had a BBQ lunch with Rocky'sMom, and brought home some of their favorite meat. It is the kind with bones in it. Kate and I like that kind, because we can help lick the meat off the bones. Rocky'sMom surprised Her and paid for that meat, as well as the lunch. She has loved Rocky'sMom for a lot of years, and they are very good friends. I would like them better if Rocky wasn't a d-o-g. Everyone here, except maybe Kasey, hopes you have a lovely day and that someone gives you a nice surprise. Oddy-ose.

Cookie Cats

The meeting with Her beloved Crones set the stage for a lovely day. She really enjoyed seeing some of the people She hasn't seen for awhile.  The nice food and conversation had Her smiling.  It was fun to tell them that He has gotten Her some delightful cookies for Her birthday. They will come in the mail, and She is tickled pink. You see, He told Her that He would get Her whatever She wanted.  He was thinking about clothes or something, but He was not surprised when She picked cookies. She absolutely loves cookies. If She could eat pizza and cookies every day, She would not want anything else. But the joy didn't end there.
When She came home, DeeDee'sMom and Girl came over and they had even more fun. They are real favorites with Him and Her, and DeeDee'sGirl reminds Her of the fun She had with Mazie. They talked and laughed and He told them about His ideas. They would not need a reason to visit us, but today they had a reason.  DD'sG  belongs to a group that sells cookies, and naturally She had to have some. It was nice of them to deliver the cookies, and it gave Her something special to eat until Her  birthday cookies come. I gave Her some snuggles while She ate some of the cookies for Her dessert, and they smelled very good. I do not care for sweet things, so She didn't have to share.
He wanted some of those little pies that have meat and gravy inside, so that is what She fixed for Their dinner. She said it goes good with cookies. That made me laugh. Everything goes good with cookies in Her opinion. I believe I'll have some kibbles, myself. Nitey Nite.

Handicapped Cats

To be handicapped means that you don't get around very well. I think My little sister, Kasey, is a little bit handicapped, because she only goes  two places -  one is on the bed, and the other is in His office, where she sleeps in a box that is way too little for her, but she squushes herself into it. The one who is handicapped is She. If you saw Her sitting down in Her chair and just talked to Her, you would see that She seems just like everyone else, but when you see Her stand up and move around, you can tell that She would not do well outside in the regular world.  When She goes out, She uses a cane, or sometimes a thing called a walker. That gives Her something to hold on to. Still, She mostly stays inside and He goes to the store and stuff. I love it when She stays home all day, personally.  I just got through a long nap on Her chest and arm, and only quit to come in here to write my story.
There are only two things that make Her go outside. One is to have lunch with Her beloveds, and the other is to go to Cleo'sPeople's house. She did go to get Her toes painted last week, and She had better go and get a haircut pretty soon, or She will look pew.  Oh, and to go to the doc, which is every few months. The doc knows She has these problems, but She doesn't want to take any more medicine,so She just does Her best. The sad thing is that She didn't know She was handicapped until She went with Him on that boat ride. She thought She was just having some normal aches and pains. On the boat ride She found out She was old and handicapped. She will never go on another boat ride ever again.
Do you know what I saw Her fix for dinner? Shrimp. I am the luckiest cat in the world! Cheerio.

Arrangement Cats

When you are on your own, you don't have to make arrangements, but as soon as someone else is involved, then arrangements are very important. Arrangements means plans. If you happen to be a cat with two sisters, you have to make arrangements as to where you are going to nap, who is getting pets and snuggles, and when to get out of the way. We have ways of telling our plans without a lot of talking. A hiss will work most of the time, but sometimes, all it takes is the way you sit or stand. That can send a message.  If you happen to be a person, it is more confusing. You have to talk to each other, or send a computer message, or talk on the phone.It is even harder to change something. He wants to do something for Her birthday, for example. Trouble is, He thought it was tomorrow, and it isn't until Friday. I was afraid She would be mad, but she just laughed, because  that's the way He is. For most of their years together, He thought it was on Valentines Day instead of the day after. The main thing is, He always makes arrangements to do something She would like. Lots of times He brings Her flowers. She has already made arrangements with some of Her friends for this week. She was sure to make arrangements with Kate, Kasey and me, because She says we are Her best Valentines. No matter how lucky people are to have thumbs and be able to drive cars, it is much simpler to be a cat. Not so much talking, easier to tell your thoughts, and no need to go out into the world where dogs and mean birds live. We don't have to make arrangements for our dinner, either. There is always kibble, and treats, and whatever is on Her plate. I'm hoping for fish. We'll see.
Chow for now.

Holiday Cats

There are two days this week that are special days. One is called Valentines Day, but I don't know why. The point of it is to let everyone know you love them. I am fine with that. She hardly goes out at all, but She will go out on Valentines Day with Rocky'sMom because those two ladies love each other. I am guessing They will not go out for dinner, because She says everybody and his cousin goes out for dinner that day and They already know They love each other. The next day is Her birthday, which is not a special day for all the rest of the world, but it is special for us here because She just loves Her birthday. She is full of plans about that day, and I bet He will give Her a present. She would rather give presents than get them, but it is what people do on birthdays, so She will be nice about it. There are lots of days before Valentines and Her birthday, so I will keep you posted on what happens on those days. Today She is fixing something for our dinner that is made of meat and that lovely sauce that Her PoetryGirl sent Her.  She made some before, and it smells heavenly while it cooks. I am prepared to lick some of that off Her plate. Toodles.

Hungry Cats

Today I want to talk about the kinds of things we like to eat.  Our bowls are always full of delicious kibbles, so Kate, Kasey and I are never afraid we won't get enough to eat. They are very good about seeing that there is always something there. I think it might be why Kate has gotten such a round belly.  But We get other things as well. Kasey likes treats. Those are little snacks that come in a special bag. When Kasey feels like having a treat, she stretches and jumps up on the shelf where She brushes Her teeth, and there is always a sack of treats there for Kasey.  Kate likes treats as well. When Kate hears Him coming, she jumps up on a chair and He puts treats down for  her. Kate also likes the kind of food that He fixes. It is a kind of fish in a can, and Kate likes the stuff that He pours off the fish. He puts it in a little bowl for her. Kate is very interested when she Hears Him in the kitchen. My own specialty is what I can get from Her plate., I like anything that has a little sauce on it. I like gravy.  I like the red stuff that is on noodles. I like the red stuff that is on pizza. My favorite is fish, so She knows to cut off tiny pieces for me. She says not to tell anybody that I get to lick Her plate. Some people don't like that, I know.  LW'sMom would probably gack.  One of the things I missed during my time in the bedroom was helping Her eat Her dinner. She gives me butter from Her bagel, too. but I lick that off Her finger. When it comes to good things to eat, we sure have them here. We always know what to do if we are hungry. Someday I'll tell you what She likes to eat. In the meantime, just remember cookies.  She really likes cookies. TTYL, friends.

Delighted Cats

This was a much nicer day than yesterday. She stayed home all day, so I got plenty of pets. I had to laugh when She tried to give Kate some of my butter this morning, because Kate almost sprained her tongue trying to get it all off, and then she ran away, afraid She would give her some more. It was so funny that when Kate got up on Her lap while I was there, I didn't even hiss or yow. I just thought of Kate licking that butter and laughed some more.
Besides computer stuff, She got packages ready to mail and a birthday card for one of the new nephews. She likes doing stuff like that. He stayed home as well, and did his work. It was a pleasant time. What made it super fun for Him and Her was that Cleo'sGirl stopped by to visit. They just love that. C'sG is going to a school to study how to do work in the law, and He and She are so proud of that. They could talk about real stuff with this smart young woman, and I was very cozy on Her chest until I heard some funny noises and had to check on things.
I managed to see what She got out of the freezer, and it is pink fish and little green trees. I can't believe my good luck. It is as if someone asked me what would make a happy day for me, and then had everything I wanted. I hope you had a nice day, too. Sy-o-nara.

Waiting Cats

This morning was very peculiar, because She didn't have any coffee-the-drink, or any toast or bagel, or anything at all to eat. The reason is because She had to go and see Her doc. When they examine your blood, it can't have any food or drink in it, and She was very brave about it. He had made a pot of fresh coffee, and She could sniffle it. Off She went to the doc, and got a good report on stuff, and then She went to have them take a sample of Her blood.  She wished that they had some coffee right there when they were done, but they didn't.  That is over for at least a couple of months. If all the blood is fine, She can skip one of Her big pills forever.
Later, She treated Herself to some painted toes. She cannot reach Her toes, you remember, so She goes and has some sweet girl fix them nicely for Her. She says it is like a vacation to have the person massage Her feet.  It is almost worth waiting for the coffee, Cofs, She told me. I massage her arm and shoulder and tummy each day, but I never thought of massaging Her feet. I will have to check into that. It does cost some money, but not as much as a real vacation.
Her beloved Eddie has his birthday today, and She thinks it is a perfect time for it. It is kind of like the gateway to Her birthday. For a person as old as She is, She sure likes Her birthday. Especially since the doc told Here that She would probably have a lot more. I was glad to hear that.
She is kind of tired - probably from not having enough coffee-the-drink. She doesn't know what She wants to fix for dinner. Hmmm. How about fish? Later, Gator.

Teacher's Cats

The best thing She likes about Herself is that She is a teacher. She is quite old, so She doesn't go to work in the schools  anymore, but She says being a teacher is like being a Marine. You're never an ex-teacher.  For a long time after She stopped going to Her teaching work, She still went sometimes, to help children and parents get what was the right thing for them.  She doesn't do that anymore, but you can't keep Her quiet about what goes on with teachers.
For instance, today She went to have tea with Smudge'sMom and Smudge'sGrandma. It turns out S'sGM is a teacher too. That lady is even older than She is, and still She helps others. The dear lady has lots of children and grandchildren, and ever great-grandchildren, so she couldn't escape teaching even if she wanted to. It was such fun for Her to talk with these ladies about schools and teaching and how to make it better for everyone that She can't stop talking about it. It is nice to have a day like that.
Some of the other things they talked about while they had their tea were their future plans.  Kasey, Kate and I have been thinking about our future plans as well.  Kate plans to keep on being a mischief, I plan to keep claiming my place in the front room, and Kasey does not plan to change a single thing.
Another thing I plan is to coax Her to give me a taste of Her fish when we have dinner tonight. I'll let you know how it turns out. O-ree-vwar.

On Guard Cats

It seems as if the tax paper crisis is over, since everything worked today, and everything is done for another year. We don't have to be on guard against Her today. The bothersome tax thing is out of the way, which makes Her smile. She is also smiling because Hana'sGran is having a nice time, and the two ladies can talk or send messages more often than She thought they could. But I am the one who has to be on guard. Here's what happened. While She was relaxing in Her chair, an adorable cat (ahem) was on her chest, giving Her snuggles. Suddenly, an intruder tried to get on Her lap at the same time. Of course there had to be hissing and some kind of quiet yows, You can't just interfere with a snuggling cat.  Naturally the little mischief named Kate jumped down. But where did she go? The snuggles had to wait, so I could stand guard and check in every direction. It seems Kate just disappeared. I turned to go back to give snuggles when Kate jumped up on Her lap again. Kate must have tickled Her, because She laughed out loud and almost seemed as if She were enjoying the madness. Finally Kate ran away and I watched her go into the hall. By now I didn't feel snuggly anymore. But I have been on guard all day. Honestly. One day I am going to biff that little.......Only She wouldn't like that. So I'll keep my guard up and try to be patient.
For tomorrow She is going to visit Smudge and his family, so I will be able to have as much nap as I want. I am looking forward to our dinner, because She is fixing meat with noodles and gravy. I like gravy almost as much as fish, so it should be a good night. Have a pleasant evening, dear readers.

Taxing Cats

All three of us are hiding and staying out of Her way. She has gathered a bunch of papers from a file marked Tax 2012, and sorted them into various piles.  So far, so good. She put in the address and got the right screen to put in information.  She was still smiling. She started out not particularly worried, because She keeps careful records, and She waited for all the papers that She needed to come in the mail. The computer asked her a bunch of questions, which She answered easily. Then She came to a page where everything went down hill.  The computer asked Her to copy some numbers. She did that. It asked a few more things, and She thought She was done with that page. Here is what started the squealing. They kept telling Her to correct Her mistake. She couldn't see where She made a mistake. She erased everything and started over. Same result. Correct your mistake. She called Him in and they did everything all over, checking at each step. At that point, Kate crawled out from under the desk and sidled out the office door. She asked Him to teach Her some of His Marine Corps words, which was a joke, because She already knows the words, and would never yell at the computer. She was really mad, though, and thought She had better walk away before She really lost all of Her patience.
That is when She got a glass of tea and went into the front room. I decided to come in and write my story before She threw the computer out of the window. She will probably come back and put the papers into a neat stack and file them away until tomorrow, when She will try again.  Meanwhile, I will give Her some snuggles, Kate will get on Her lap, and Kasey won't care.
I am having much better luck, because She got pink fish out of the freezer. Mmmmm. Buh Bye for now.

Odds and Ends Cats

One thing that Sunday is good for is being a good time to clear up odds and ends.  We check on all the things we need to do and answer mail, balance checkbooks, and put plans on our calendars. Mostly, it is He and She doing that, because we cats only have to search out unfinished treats and catch up on naps. We love it when She stays here at home with us, but sometimes She simply has to go out. She also has to make sure She has the number where She can call Hana'sGran  during that lady's vacation. She loves that H'sG will be enjoying her time away, and has big ideas for when she gets back home.  She also has to visit Smudge'sMom. Here's why. S'sM is a brilliant sewing master, so She got her a thing about sewing. It would also suit Smudge'sGran, who is visiting from cold places. It is just like Her to buy something on sale, even if it is too big for anyone in Smudge's house, but She said, oh, look, Cofs.  Isn't it cute? I have to admit, it is a good match for either of those ladies.
I wish I knew how to do some of Her shopping for Her, so She wouldn't have to spend a lot of time looking at catalogs on Sunday.
She is going to make that funny meat again for dinner. It looks like chicken but it tastes like beef. Nevermind. Just call me when we are ready to fix fish again.  It is nice and sunny now, so I will go and lie in my sun spot and have a nice nap. Hope you get all your odds and ends finished up and still have tiime for a nap. TaTa for now.

To Do List Cats

In the evening, She plans on what She will do the next day. She doesn't write down about breakfast, or playing with us, or seeing the news. Those are not things to do. Those are things that are. As soon as She sits down, Kate is ready to pounce on the thing she thinks is a mouse. I have to have my butter, of course, and these things are a natural part of the day. The things that go on the To-Do lists are things like clearing off the table, which is usually full of boxes and papers and stuff that got left there, like scissors. Almost every day something needs to be dusted. She hardly ever gets to cross that one off. She has to write down what She needs to do to prepare for our dinner, in case something needs to be unfrozen or found in the cupboard. She always means to clean out the main refrigerator, and often gets to the front of the shelves, but She can't get the back because it takes bending, and She doesn't bend very well. Ever since we have lived here, She has planned to take things out of the pantry and cover the shelves with some paper that sticks to the wood and looks like wood.  I just shake my head when I see it on the list. Everyone but Her knows that She will never do it.  Her appointments always get crossed off, like Her plans for lunch with friends and Crones, or going to see the doc.  Once He told us that She used to be quite good about doing things, but when it got hard for Her to walk, it kind of bummed Her out. A good example was when He and She went on that boat and everyone could see how hard it was for Her to get up and down and around. It took the starch out of Her, I guess. One thing that is on Her To-Do list every day is to check with Her friends and family on the computer. That gets crossed off every day.  Even when She is bummed. Cheerio, pip pip.

News Cats

I believe He and She need to take a vacation from watching things on the news. Every day They watch shows that tell about things that make Them upset. Since He and She both like the President, They are tired of people giving him a hard time. It looks to Them as if everything the poor guy does is picked on.  Even the people the President chooses to help him run things get a hard time. When the news quits talking about that, they start talking about whether people should have big guns that hurt people. She says it makes perfect sense to make guns safer, but there are guys who say people should have all the guns they want, and as big and bad as they want. He and She think that is just nuts. She is tired of all the fuss over some football games, when there are young people who can't get enough teachers, books and computers for a good education.  She is very particular about education. It isn't much better when They read the paper.  I wonder if they would skip the news and just watch shows about questions, or families, or jokes, or those English guys who solve murders They would not be so sad. Maybe They shouldn't watch TV at all, but just play with their cats.  They are very pleased that we are getting along better, you know. That cheers Them up.
Also, to cheer Her, especially, this is the beginning of a new month. This  is Her favorite month, because it has lots of beloveds' birthdays.  It is far enough after Christmas that people are ready to have celebrations again. Poor Him - His birthday is the day before Christmas, and people are very busy. Thank goodness for Cleo'sPeople, who make Him feel special anyway. To  Them, that is very good news. Bye now.