Sumac Stories

Mancat Monday~ Christmas Edition

2011-12-19T05:21:00.000-04:00

Christmas is just around the corner and things here are at a constant hum. The family is going away to Nova Scotia in a few days and they won't be back until Christmas Eve, I am looking forward to having some peaceful naps with The Nanny while the rest are gone!!

I have been doing a lot of thinking the past few weeks on Christmas cards. The PM scoured through our iphoto pages looking for the perfect holiday pic to transform into our card. So this is how it turned out.

Not too bad, but let me tell ya, Banshee rarely walks around surrounded in a golden mist.

It just doesn't ring true to how things really are around the holidays.

So I've taken some time to compile some examples of what I think our card should be.

~Go Wild! Enjoy glitter glue this holiday season.~

~Best Wishes to the "king of the castle"!~

~Jealousy abounds this festive time~

~May you find peace this time of year and a fancy bathing mat.~

~Shake things up this Yule!!~

And my personal favorite...

~Remember to clean your eye this Christmastime!~

What do you think?

I bet the PM will be happy that I have things lined up now for many years to come.

From our home to yours, have a very joyful holiday!!!!!

Joyeux Noël!!!

A Banshee Holiday Tip

2011-12-11T04:35:00.000-04:00

I've been accused of being a little too relaxed this holiday season.

I say, there is no such thing as too relaxed.

Hope you get some too relaxed time too!!

Mancat Monday~ Cool Weather Wanderings

2011-11-21T05:48:00.000-04:00

Now that the weather has taken a turn towards the cooool side, I am allowed out without being tethered to that bone stealing, elbow/knee walk producing hardness!!!!

How exciting is that???

Shade came out with us but headed for the hills.

For the first couple of runs I stay close to the house in case I need to make a quick re-entry.

Very neat smells around the cedar tree. The grass by the bird feeder was all dug up so I know some furry beast has been prowling. The PM thinks it was the vile and menacing SKUNK!!

Scary stuff my friends.

I am well camouflaged out here in the fall.

Can you see me?

I spent about 11 minutes scouting the area then had to go in for a nice roast by the wood stove.

Banshee's Gotcha Day!!

2011-11-05T04:58:00.000-03:00

Hello, hello, HELLO!!!!!

Yes, it is my 3rd Gotcha Day out here in the woods!!

Wow! Time has flown! I remember when I came here, how nervous and freaked out I was. I am feeling pretty secure now and right at home. I've also gotten a little bit "floofier" since I arrived but it's all good.

The PM dug out her knitting as she is working on some Christmas gifts.

(Note the Harley mug!)

She said the ball of yarn was not my Gotcha Day gift.

I said I knew that, what I want is to get back to visiting my friends and showing up on this darn blog some more!!

She said she is never going to have any extra free time just suddenly appear so we are being put on the weekly to-do calendar! Yippee!!! Once a week is not purrfect but I'll be happy with that!

Garden Visitors

2011-09-08T06:25:00.000-03:00

I was just minding my own business, having a snooze, when this beast lumbered by!

Excuse me, sir, I think your home is across the barbed wire fence there.

The PM and wee ones went out to investigate but the wanderer just stopped and stared.

This must have been the mama as she was not happy and kept hollering at him.

I didn't take any chances and called for some back up.

The next morning, the PM went for a stroll to try and find the hole the fella came through. None was found and everything seemed serene.

An hour later we were joined by one...

two...

three escapees!

There was another black one clomping through the PM's shade garden so she dropped the camera and went out. When they saw her they all took off across the yard.

You know how THoE is a funny and exciting experience? Well, THoC~ not so much.

The reinforcements were needed once more.

Goldie

2011-08-25T07:10:00.000-03:00

Today we are wishing our floofy fella a wonderful~

7th Gotcha Day!

That also means that he is 7 and a half years old. Wow! Pushin' the double digits there.

Goldie would like to spend his day running with our foxy friends but he is content to lay in his bed by the window and watch. Those foxes do some silly things!

(click to biggify)

Munching Monday

2011-08-01T07:17:00.000-03:00

We have been getting a CSA half share for about a month now and I wanted to check out what all the excitement was all about.

OK, lots of organic greenery.

Wait! What is this huge thing? It is almost as big as I am.

A leaf lettuce you say?

I may have to sample a leaf tip...

or two...

or three!

Tuxie Tuesday~ Brothers...

2011-07-26T07:27:00.002-03:00

Even though he gets on my nerves.

I have to admit....

I am rather fond of that apricot fool.

Wordless Wednesday~ Overflow

2011-07-20T05:40:00.001-03:00

Tuxie Tuesday~ He's like a cushion

2011-07-12T07:44:00.002-03:00

Sometimes you just need a little "leg-up"!

Hi Friends!

2011-07-05T08:58:00.001-03:00

We are finally back!

The PM has been so busy with her secular homeschooling group that she has had no time for anything. It is the only one in the province and the PM can see why; it's a lot of work!

We are all fine though and happy summer is finally here in all it's glory.

Shade has been hanging out with the Blue Jays.

Banshee has been hanging out with the cardboard.

Goldie is always busy eyeballing the crows.

Our furry pals have also been by for continued entertainment.

Those fox kits have really grown quickly this year. They are so cute. The PM wants to pet one but knows it is a no-no!

Confession

2011-04-15T07:04:00.000-03:00

I have something to get off my floofy chest.

It's not pretty my friends.

The wee lass was sitting in the chair with her head on the arm rest.

I bounded up the arm rest on route to the window ledge.

Her face got in the way.

She went to her swimming lessons and everyone was asking what happened. They asked if I was a tiger or a bear. I shouldn't feel proud of that. No, I won't feel proud of that.

Did I do it as a protest of our lack of blogging?

Did I do it as there was some wild beast outside and I was racing towards the window to protect my family?

Did I do it as I was all doped up and crazy on catnip and Valerian?

yes

It was totally an accident. The wee lass said she'll forgive me if there are no scars.

On a brighter note, check out this year's kits.

Happy Gotcha Day Shade!

2011-03-20T08:42:00.000-03:00

Today is Shade's 11th Gotcha Day!!

She has been with the family for 11 years which means she is now 12 years old!!

Wowie, wow, wow!!!

It's has been cloudy and rainy so we have been hanging around the wood stove again.

The wee lad took these photos of Shade yesterday.

Still looking good!!!

We love you Shade!!!!!!!!

Mancat Monday~ some green

2011-03-14T07:42:00.000-03:00

I am happy to report that our snow is slowly melting and some of the greenery is revealing itself. I had to take a little walk in all the squishiness.

Our road turns into a dirt road for about 3 km and it becomes a playground for idiot truck and ATV drivers. They make me nervous with all their noise. The PM and the wee ones were on the side of the road, the kids playing with little boats in the melting rivers, when the PM heard a bunch of trucks turn the corner. They started driving on the edge of the road, tearing up the grass and little streams. The PM got the kids up on the snow just as the trucks came over the hill. The PM stayed on the road with a disgusted look on her face. The trucks had the good sense though to move back into road and passed my family crawling. There were five trucks in all, each one packed with idiots, probably drunk too. The PM is a pacifist but during these times she feels like a mother bear and she sends silent curses through the mud hoping for stuckage and ruined truck parts.

Here I am listening to all the ruckus about 1 km away.

I continued my snooping, checking out all the birdie smells. The melting is revealing tons of hidden bird food.

Hmmm.... What do we have here? A squirrel hole? I wanted to go investigate further but the PM told me to get going.

I smell you, you little red devil.

Miss Shady Lady had to make her appearance too but she didn't last too long. Too soggy.

Spring is just around the corner.

Sweet Angel

2011-03-12T07:09:00.000-04:00

We just heard the bad news that our dear furiend, Mickey has gone to join those who came before at The Bridge. He was one of our first blogging friends and a wonderful sweet mancat. We send purrs of comfort to his Mom and his fur sisters. He will be greatly missed.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there... I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow...

I am the diamond glints on snow...

I am the sunlight on ripened grain...

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you waken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of gentle birds in circling flight...

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry—

I am not there... I did not die...

~Mary Frye

Mickey, may you be romping through fields of your beloved green grass.

I purr it is forever Spring .

This is for you.

Tuxie Tuesday~ I am Brave too

2011-03-01T05:25:00.000-04:00

It snowed again last night and they are calling for more snow, about 20 cm over the weekend.

OK, I think that's enough now.

I know Goldie is the Snow Cat around these parts but I too went out on Sunday to see what all the complaining was about.

Lots of white for sure! I should have brought my Shade Shades.

That bank is like a wall for Pete's sakes!

A tad nippy on the toes.

I needed a cleaning break too and I don't even have toehawks!

Yep. It is a little isolating.

On a more positive note, I have to say that us Tuxies look rockin' out in the Great Whiteness!!!

Mancat Monday~ Frozen Toes

2011-02-28T07:51:00.001-04:00

Greetings from the cold North!

We did get about 40 cm of snow over the weekend. Spirits were fairly low. The MM had to stay in the city so it was just the PM, wee ones and us cats at home. The PM tried to go out to start shovelling when it was all over and she couldn't open the door more than 8 inches! The back door was the same. She made up her mind to crawl out the front window into the rose bushes but the screens were frozen and wouldn't even thaw with a hairdryer.

A wave of claustrophobia panic descended. I offered to go out but the PM said I was too small to handle the shovel. Rats!! Then the PM thought the wee lad could try. He donned all his snow gear and squeezed through the opening. He couldn't handle the big shovel too well so he dug out the door with a Tupperware cover.

What a production, I tell you!!

Yesterday was a beautiful day so I went out to check out all the whiteness.

Really pathetic! The banks are so high I could only see blue sky!

I felt like I was in a little mouse trail!

The snow was really powdery and really did a number on my toehawks.

I had to stop for a cleaning four times!!!!

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)

I feel like an explorer on the deserted Arctic Tundra!

Here are some photos from around the yard.

There is about 5 feet of snow in the side yard.

Our lovely Snowdrops are under there somewhere.

Are you guys ok?

Not Fair Friday

2011-02-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

If I hang out in the west window.....

... he's there.

Then if I move to the east corner...

... he's here too!!!!!!

I really can't take much more of this teasing.

The PM says she really can't take much more Winter.

We are getting a blizzard today, could be up to 50 cm of snow. Probably lose our internet and maybe the power. At least the wood stove isn't electric!!

Thursday in the Garden....sort of... a day late

2011-02-11T08:40:00.000-04:00

I know this is a day late but our internet was down last night so we'll pretend it is Thursday.

Well, Thursday is gardening time with The Society of Feline Gardeners. Up here in Canada, my gardening experience in the Winter amounts to litter box diggage and sleeping on new Seed Catalogues.

Quite pathetic really so I thought we'd tour the white grounds. See how our greenery sleeps.

I know I am an ice peeing Canuck mancat extraordinaire but I have to say I did take pause before venturing out of doors.

The snow is deep.

The ice teeth a wee menacing.

I took the plunge and padded down the path.

Wow! Snow, snow and more snow my friends.

A little hole dug out of the pergola .

The bird feeder seems adequate.

No feathered friends around unfortunately.

A word of caution to those of you who are thinking of exploring your Winter outdoor spaces. If you have high banks of snow and you are the owner of a particularly plume-y tail, you may end up like this.

Don't let that bother you.

Become one with the flakes.

Do not jump and twist like someone just dropped a centipede on your back.

Breathe through it and continue your tour.

Here we have our ground feeders area. The Crows and Mourning Doves enjoy this spot.

I wanted to check out the other two feeders but the PM said I'd have to don some feline snowshoes to get to them as it is too hard to keep the path to them cleared so she just snowshoes out to them.

I decided to pass.

Before I went back inside, I stopped for a nice roll and some lovin'.

I was so distracted by the love that I missed a Downy that was right next to me!

I will have to be more alert next time.

Hope you enjoyed the White Walk with me!

This is where it all began....

2011-01-31T09:02:00.000-04:00

Today the PM turns the big 4-0 and we thought we'd dedicate this post to her.

Awhile back The Nanny gave the PM a box of paper and pictures she had when the PM was a wee one herself. They had a cottage on the lake and the time there was spent surrounded by nature and lots of love.

The Nanny, the PM and The Duck.

The wild loving Penny.

In the box of papers, the PM found evidence of "blogging behaviour" way back then.

When it was a rainy day by the lake, the PM would engage in her animal sayings hobby. She would go through the wildlife magazines and cut out her favourite photos. Then she would make up little notes on what she thought was going on with the animals which she'd tape to the photo

Here are some of our favourites.

We took the liberty to translate as apparently they did not have spell check way back then.

"Where is that little devil?"

"Help around"

"He looks familiar"

"The King!"

"Let's buy Mom a gift for Mother's Day"

Happy Birthday PM!!!

We are so very glad you were and still are a little weird.

Cold, Cold, Cold

2011-01-25T06:37:00.000-04:00

Things have been wild inside and frigid outside here out in the woods.

The PM is having a crazed sorting and organizing fit this month and no one is safe. Each wee one had a room redo, every closet is scoured, the school stuff has been gone through and the MM's music room is getting thinned out. The PM wants to be able to have one tiny corner of the house for her wool/fleece as she has everything in bags in her closet and says that does not promote creativity. Even our toys were cleaned out!

We have been staying out of the way by either being by the wood stove, in a bed upstairs or by the windows downstairs. The fire has been on daily as it is way to cold. This week it has been -20 with a wind chill of -38. The PM runs outside in the mornings to feed the birds and that's it! At least the sun has been shining so we get lots of passive solar rays.

I spend my time between the side window and the front one. The feeder is closer to the house on the side so I enjoy the close and personal view.

We have three furry friends around this year who are very fun to watch.

They don't get along so we see lots of scampering and swearing!

The PM keeps her rug hooking frame on the side of my bed in the front and I LOVE it! When the critters arrive in the morning, I like to stay in the bottom of the frame.

I feel undercover and well protected. Some of those Mourning Doves are huge!

Then I gather my nerve and head topside.

Good morning my sweets.

There's another red devil.

He is pure badness that one.

Stay warm furriends!

Wordless Wednesday~ First 2011 Storm

2011-01-05T04:18:00.001-04:00

Christmas Wrap Up

2010-12-30T06:25:00.004-04:00

We had some wacky Holiday weather the past few days!

A huge rain storm with quite damaging storm surges brought wet weather.

This is a eco-centre by our house on Christmas Eve. It has a 2km boardwalk and the surge ripped boards off like they were matchsticks!

The wee ones were upset that it was a green Christmas but it was pretty Christmas-y inside!

Then on Christmas Day they went down to the cottage to spend the day with the whole family. It is only an hour away but it was a gorgeous winter wonderland. Each tree was draped in a white coat. The sun was shining making everything sparkle.

Then on Boxing Day, The Nanny came to stay with us while the family went to Cape Breton to spend a few days with the MM's family. There it was green and stormy the whole time.

We have a new member in the extended family and she was there!

This is the puppy Hola!

Pretty cute. The wee ones loved her.

Then they came back home yesterday and saw we were now snow covered!

The PM is just glad to be home.

I am glad she is home too!

Best Wishes for Christmas

2010-12-24T00:14:00.001-04:00

From our home to yours....

Merry Christmas

and

Happy Holidays!!!!

Put your paws up and relax!!!!

Woolly Wednesday

2010-12-22T05:20:00.000-04:00

The PM had a Christmas Open House for her homeschooling group and they made these neat wreaths from recycled felted wool sweaters.

She cut out about 2000 inch squares.

Of course I had to check it out.

It felt DIVINE!!!!

I made a couple of batches of woolly biscuits!

Very relaxing.

This is a stressful time of year, if you can find a box of wool I suggest you give this a try!

Out in the Snow

2010-12-17T06:19:00.001-04:00

I used to run the fields outside all the time but add into the mix~ foxes, coyotes, bobcats and a cougar and I am now inside all the time. I go out in my harness but I tend to be nervous now. For some reason though I am not nervous at all when snows on the ground. The PM lets me go out with her in the Winter

She had been out all afternoon collected boughs and doing the outside decorating. I asked to go out and she said OK.

Good variety of greenery for inside.

Not a whole lot of snow, just a dusting really.

The wind smells crisp and delicious with woodsy aromas.

I give the cedar a look see.

I check out the pergola display.

Well done, PM, nothing too fancy. We are in the middle of the woods you know and I don't think the wildlife appreciate anything to garish.

A quick sniff around the bird feeder...

... and a whizz in the grass then it's back inside to warm up.

Mancat Monday~ The New Addition

2010-12-13T06:12:00.000-04:00

Last month the Grampie made us a new wood box.

The one we had before was just an open storage box, not very kitty friendly.

This new one fits double the wood and has a nice solid top!

Thanks Grampie! I approve. I really really do!

Foxy Friday...literally

2010-12-10T06:59:00.000-04:00

I was doing some snoopervising out the side window a couple of weeks ago, looking for the weasel.

Everything was very quiet. Nothing moving except a few cows.

Then I saw her.

The vixen was back having a snooze by her Spring den.

There were cows wandering around and they didn't seem to mind her.

The PM worries about the fox family so much in the Spring but she loves having them around. She hopes they will be back with a new family next year as the PM had mentioned it in passing to a naturalist in the region and he wants to come visit us next year to watch the new kits.

Wordless Wednesday~Not our best side

2010-12-08T05:48:00.000-04:00

Santa Came Early

2010-12-06T16:39:00.000-04:00

We were contacted by Shoppers Drug Mart and informed of their new line of pet products, Amigo. They asked if we wanted to try out a few of their new cat toys and we said yes, yes, YES!!!

They sent us these two cute mice...

and these cool rattle balls.

Goldie had the first go.

His favourites were the balls, purrfect for bunny kicking!

Banshee tried out the catnip mice but did not have much energy to play. She has had some sneezes over the weekend so she may not be feeling 100%. She is also used to homegrown fresh nip so she has quite a refined nip palate!

She came to investigate a little closer and the PM was sure she was getting ready to pounce but a distraction came into the room.

Miss Shady Lady

Shade escaped under the tree and actually batted some of the toys around!

She became nervous though as she could feel beady eyes spying through the branches.

We would like to say thank you very much Shoppers for these great toys! The Rattle Balls were a big hit and we hope Banshee will give the mice a going over when she is feeling better.

A good stocking stuffer idea for our Canuck friends!!!

So it Begins

2010-11-29T06:06:00.000-04:00

We had our first real snow over the weekend. Pretty but chilly.

Also the decorating has commenced...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T06:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Thanksgiving to our friends south of the border!!!

We had ours last month and enjoyed our display of Autumn bounty next to our bed.

A month later, the bounty has turned rather crispy.

We are happy that the Holiday Decor will be making an appearance soon.

Enjoy your weekend all!

Wordless Wednesday~ Caught Snugglin'!!

2010-11-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

(This note is for all the folks out there~ read any good books this year? Jackie Morris, mum to the The Gingers is asking for book lists over on her blog Drawing a Line in Time)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-11-22T05:51:00.001-04:00

We are back for good!

The PM has finally realized that things are not going to slow down anytime soon and she is feeling the pains of not having any me time. She's running a secular group for homeschoolers up here that includes a yahoo group, a new blog she created and more work than she first thought.

So she has decided to make things a little more simple, instead of trying to visit all of our friends each day we put up a post, we are going to try to visit 10-20 friends each day no matter if we have a new post up or not and try to post three times a week. Does anyone else have any tips on managing your blogging time?

We asked about our blogaversary in December as we normally have a giveaway or two of homemade goodies. We also like doing a few Christmas kitty swaps but she said we can blog and we'll do our Christmas cards but that's it.

**sigh**

We'll have to make do.

Our friend, the wood stove, has made dealing with all this frustration so much easier.

Yes, I am talking about you, big fella!

You and all your radiant goodness.

Sometimes I get too hot and have to air out the belly.

My bed is normally on the guitar cases off the rocks but I rather enjoy being so close and personal!

Wouldn't you?

Banshee's Gotcha Day!!!

2010-11-05T06:08:00.001-03:00

Happy Gotcha Day, Banshee!!!

Hi furriends! It has been way too long! The PM has been super busy but at least she had the sense to remember my special day! It has been two years that I have been living here and I am still lovin' it!

I invite you all to come over and celebrate with me!

The PM changed the upstairs around as the wee lass wanted her own room. It is pink and purple and very cosy! Purrfect for a nice nap pile! The wee lass even has a Maggie May print on her dresser!!

Us calicos are so very pretty.

After our nice nap we can do some hunting! We are having some rodent issues here out in the woods and it is causing a bit of stress.

First off we have the regular mice. We thrash around after them during the night and the PM hears them in the walls. Awhile ago the PM smelled "death" in the dining room and the MM was sent on a search while the PM was out with the wee ones. He found a corpse under the sideboard. I was wondering where that little devil went. Then we had a nest in the car! Every time the fan was put on, bits of fluff and grass flew out! The MM took it apart but nothing was found. Then one morning, while the MM was driving home after a night shift, a mouse crawled out through the vent and sat on the dashboard!! The MM thought he was hallucinating! He tried to get him out but he squeezed back into the vent. The next evening, the MM went to leave for work and the mouse was sitting beside the window so he opened the door and he ran out!

Now the PM has found some rather large droppings in the attic and it is not mice! So, we have either rats or a squirrel living in there. We have seen both in the yard. The MM had to get all geared up and clean out the poo and we have some live traps set out to try and catch whomever is coming in.

Our friend, Mr. Weasel, has been around too, probably after all the rodents. I wouldn't tango with him though, he's a tad vicious. He's pretty quick too! The PM tried to take his photo but he's wild!

Just yesterday the PM noticed someone has chewed a hole in the screen in the wood room. We keep that open to air out the wood we just put in there. Not anymore!

Come join the chase!!!

A sad day

2010-09-28T06:56:00.000-03:00

We just found out that our dear friend, Yuu-Chan from the wonderful Poupounette family has left for the Bridge. We are so very sad for the whole family, especially #1, with whom Yuu had bonded so lovingly.

He was a wonderful cat, full of life and spunk with a gentle soul.

He will be greatly missed.

Our favourite bloom for you sweet Yuu-Chan.

Tattle Tail Tuesday~ Dino Edition

2010-09-28T06:37:00.001-03:00

We have been having an interesting Dino study around here and us girls don't know what Goldie was all freaked out about.

Do these things look fierce?

One flick of my tail and the little one went flying.

Shade got down to the bare bones of the matter .

No three storey high monster lizard here.

Really Goldie, you niphead, you have quite the imagination. Maybe you should write science fiction.

Trying to Help

2010-09-20T05:55:00.001-03:00

Hello furriends!

Things are really busy here with both wee ones being homeschooled now. The PM is doing her own science and history curriculum so most of her free time has been taken up with school work. I offered to help with the planning to give her a paw and get things moving a little but I wasn't much help. Did you know that huge creatures like lizards on mega growth hormones walked around millions and millions of years ago?

Really they did.

Don't think about it too hard. Kind of made me dizzy.

Had to take a long nap.

Tattle Tail Tuesday

2010-08-31T04:48:00.003-03:00

The PM is in hot water now!

Last week she did a lovely 5 year Gotcha Day post for me and I truly am thankful but it was my 6TH Gotcha Day not fifth.

O sure, she has her excuses but she has to make it up to me now.

Nip on demand and tuna juice parfaits are just the start!

To get in my good graces again, she has taken some gorgeous photos of my handsome apricot self this week. Please enjoy while I get her to debone my salmon.

Happy Gotcha Day to ME!!!

2010-08-25T05:00:00.001-03:00

Hello furriends!!!

Today is my Gotcha Day and I have been out here in the woods for five years now.

I have nothing major planned for the day but having a nice, lazy snooze.

Fall is coming very quickly up here and some of the trees are turning red. Way too early I think!!!! The PM thinks so too since they are still painting the house!

The good thing about Fall arriving is the position of the sun. Since our house is passive solar, we haven't seen the sun at all for months! It is now crawling in, bringing with it many wonderful hours of warm nappage.

Feel free to come join us for some prime relaxation, plenty of room left!!

Back for a few days...

2010-08-09T08:02:00.002-03:00

My family made it home finally!! They are home for only a couple of days though, then they are all off to Cape Breton to visit the MM's parents. The Nanny is coming to stay with us so we'll be in good hands.

Apparently they had the best week ever on Prince Edward Island. They were on the beach daily and travelled to other sides of the Island so they were in white sand, brown sand and red sand! I would have loved to have had a whiz in all those sands!!

Here's the PM on the red sand side. She didn't want to go too close to the cliff but there is a limit PM!

The PM saw only a few felines while she was away. Once when they were over at Dalvay by the Sea, they saw a couple taking their cat for a walk on a leash. They also found this cutie and her kittens at The Great Canadian Soap Shop.

That's quite the 'stash ma'am!!!

Her kittens got to spend the day outside in the fresh air.

Of course they had to visit the goats.

I want to thank everycat who sent me their virtual fur for my re-fuzzing project.

I hate to say it though but I may have done too good of a job on the floof as the day the PM was coming back I had a not so virtual hairball on my stripey bed. The MM had to wash the whole thing so now it is floofless and smelling way too fresh.

Oh well, I am just glad my lovelies are back home.

The Nerve

2010-07-30T05:34:00.001-03:00

The PM is getting ready for their PEI beach vacation. They leave tomorrow so she's a little wild. The MM has to work so at least we'll have company.

She is insisting on doing a big clean before they go. I don't know why, it'll just be a disaster upon her return.

I tried to stay out of her way and have a nap by the window but she came over with her mitt. You know what she did? She manhandled me and brushed all of our lovely fur right off of the bed. She even picked up my rumpus and got right underneath it!!

I am currently ignoring her.

All that floof... gone to waste.

I know what I'll be doing while they are gone, refuzzing!!

Strange Girlie

2010-07-26T06:23:00.000-03:00

I know you like to observe me while I do the dishes, Banshee, but you are too close.

No, I'm not!

Your tail is in the water.

So it is.

It's just the tip. I'll let it drip in the rack for a few minutes.

Really Banshee, unless you are going to start drying the dishes, you have to move!

Just a sec, seems the tail will need some work.

It'll just take me a few minutes to get this all spic and span!

**Sigh**

Your tail is back in the water again.

Oh jeepers!!! That really is a soaker!!!

Hold my calls, I will be busy for the afternoon.

Four Minutes

2010-07-23T05:27:00.001-03:00

Mancat Monday

2010-07-19T08:21:00.000-03:00

The PM had a wonderful time all by herself. Apparently she can survive without a herd of cats and children for a couple of days. How odd. She met #1 from the Poupounette for a wonderful lunch at The Dunes Gallery at Brackley Beach. A place to check out if you ever find yourself on The Island. They had a great meal and fine conversation.

When she returned, she had a gift for us from #1!! How exciting!! I waited on the bed in anticipation!

Now what do we have here?

Luvs, yum-yum!

Some toys from France!!

Glow in the dark toys, a wind up cat and a yarn thrasher!!!

The PM decided I could have a wee snack and Banshee tore up the stairs. She didn't want to miss out.

A bedspread picnic~ how nice.

Miss Shade had some Luvs on her own in private.

Thank you so much #1, The Chans and sweet Tommy!!

I think next time #1 is over in this corner of the world she should come stay with us for a night, I can charm her with my apricot mancatliness!!

Sumac Saturday

2010-07-10T06:15:00.001-03:00

Things are still busy over here and the heat is driving me around the bend. We are getting rain this weekend so I am hoping for some nice and cool napping possibilities.

I have to say that I am having mixed feelings about the new Mac. It is much bigger than the old one thus my area on the desk has been greatly diminished. One the other hand, anything with an operating system called Snow Leopard can't be all that bad and I am having a hard time staying mad at a face like that!!

We also got some special mail out here in the woods, Housecat Confidential, the super exciting book written by our witty furriend Fin and her Mom!

We are so anxious to read it and get the real scoop!!

We will have to wait to read it though as the PM is taking it to Prince Edward Island for a small getaway. She is going over all by herself and staying in a hotel all by herself. I think one of us cats need to go with her as I have never seen her go anywhere all by herself, I don't know if she'll be alright. She seems to think she'll be OK. I think she's actually looking forward to some time all by herself. Very strange. She's going to meet #1 from The Poupounette for a visit while she is there. #1 is over for the month from France. I really, really think I should come too. I'd like to personally pass on some purrs for Yuu-Chan, who is still battling an infection. Get better little fella!!!

Tuxie Tuesday~Busy busy

2010-06-29T06:22:00.000-03:00

Hi furriends! Things have been crazy busy over here at the Casa De Sumac.

The new computer is up and running but it now has two computers on it, the old and the new and the MM has to make it into one. Some things work in one part but not the other and the PM is confused. Also the photo program is different and the PM can't figure it out as quickly. Our internet is also acting up, slowing down to a turtle's pace for hours or shutting down. We've been waiting for over a week for it to be looked at.

They are painting the outside of the house now too and it is not pretty. The weather is not cooperating so this may end up being a Summer long project. The MM had the last 12 days off but they could only paint three of the days.

Needless to say, the folks have been a tad stressed but us felines are fine, relaxing the days away.

Goldie has been showing some signs of stress though.

Hope you all are having a relaxing Summer so far!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-16T07:50:00.000-03:00

Our new iMac is arriving today so gooood-bye to our ancient nine year old model.

You have served us well, dear Mac but we are happy to be having your rather large friend coming to stay.

The PM is stressed about the whole transition business but the MM says it'll be a snap.
We are going to post and visit our friends today just in case there are problems. Paws crossed.

Weekend Round-up

2010-06-14T08:09:00.001-03:00

We have had some Sumac TV changes this weekend and we are not happy.

First off, the wee lad's grass allergy is back and will be bothering him for the next six weeks or so. That means no more windows opened. None. Well, there are two open but they have these pollen catching fans in them. I tried to look through them but it's a no-go. I can still hear the birds, I guess.

Then we had some trouble with our feeders in the side yard and they had to be moved to the pergola out front. So that channel is gone.

This is the reason why the feeders had to be moved.

Yep, a rat has been eating the fallen seeds. The feeders were hanging close to the house where the weeds/grass/shrubs are huge so it was a little too secluded. The PM can't figure out how a big rat like that is hanging around with a fox family in the same yard!!

Then we noticed that one of the foxes has been eating fallen seeds too, these ones from the big bird feeder out front.

Yes, Miss Foxy! We are talking about you!!!

So the PM is going to stop filling the feeders for awhile. The birds have lots of wild food this time of the year.

I think I am just going to enjoy some long naps in the sun. At least we still have the beams!

Also, we wanted to pass on that the PM made a few things for the CB auction and they are up this week. There is a set of Disc-o-Nips included so go check it out. All proceeds go to help kitties in need, this week it is to help Miss Praline . Shipping is included to anywhere!

Leave it off PM!!

2010-06-11T06:22:00.000-03:00

The PM normally has this chair covered but she has not put the blanket back on after we had visitors a couple of weekends ago.

I wish she'd leave it off as the chair is much better as is.

It makes a wonderful toy arena.

Goldie also likes how the blanket is put with his regular pile making him king of the castle!

Maybe I can start a petition.

WW~Bored

2010-06-09T07:01:00.001-03:00

Thursday in the garden~ The BIG Reveal!!!

2010-06-03T04:21:00.000-03:00

It has been so rainy and cool, we've taken to observing the greenery from here~

Not that Banshee ever got out anyway, she too cuckoo outside.

Remember this big egg thingy from a few weeks ago?

Well guess what came out? Not a dinosaur or a body snatcher.

It was a Cecropia moth! The largest moth in North America!

Isn't she a beauty?

You can get the scoop and more pics over at the PM's new blog, Verdant Wilds!

For more green fun check out The Society of Feline Gardeners!

Mancat Monday~About time

2010-05-31T07:47:00.000-03:00

Finally we get to post something. The PM was gone with the wee ones for half of last week then she was busy getting ready for yesterday which we had the whole family up for The Grampie's birthday. She said to get used to it as they are getting ready to paint the house and that apparently will take forever! We will be lucky if we get to blog once a week for the next while.

I love having company for two reasons. The first is more attention and hearing things like, "Goldie, you are such a handsome fluffy boy!". The second is that the PM always sets out these nice blanket thingies so we can truly relax while waiting for the company to arrive. She's so thoughtful that PM!

Yesterday was a busy day as we had plenty feather friends over too.

A wonderful way to spend a few hours.

Our Finch friends~ Goldfinch and Purple Finch

The View

2010-05-21T10:20:00.001-03:00

Our wild friends have been keeping us busy.

The majority of the time you can find us like this.

Or like this.

Watching critters like this

and this

or this.

We leave you with this video of the vixen and the two kits. They love our mulch pile in the front yard and are normally frolicking there in the early morning and evening. The video shows Mom fox bringing over some *breakfast* for the kits. They seem to like to have a little play before they eat!

The tune is The Valley Town by Canadian Alt. country/folk rock band Elliott Brood. This is the PM's favorite song right now and we thought it suited those leaping foxes!

Tuxie Tuesday~Shade hanging out

2010-05-18T05:40:00.002-03:00

When the PM takes a leisurely soak in the tub, I like to join her. It's calm and relaxing. I enjoy partaking in some sips of warm, bubbly water. I have to pace myself though as if I drink too much, I end up having sickish wet burbs which cause the PM's face to fill with terror. Apparently she is worried I'll end up *adding* to the bath water.

Ahhh... maybe I'll have a little nap, pool side.

I should have locked that dumb door!

Gardening Thursday

2010-05-13T05:00:00.002-03:00

What PM? You are outside for some Society of Feline Gardeners photos? I'll be right out!!

Foxes. Huge egg sac still hanging from tree.

On second thought. You're on your own PM!!

Our Rhododendron is in full bloom.

Forsythia are looking bright and cheery.

Our poor magnolia is still going. Only one bloom this year. It was here when we bought the place and is in a horrid spot with lots of wind. There was a beautiful purple one too by the clothesline but we think it died this winter. No wonder the previous owner lost his landscaping business, he's a total gardening twit!

Wordless Wednesday~ The Bake

2010-05-12T05:09:00.001-03:00

Wild Tracking

2010-05-10T07:05:00.000-03:00

We had lots of outdoor action to keep us occupied this weekend.

The papa fox took one of the kits out hunting with him and the other little one did some tracking of this own in our front yard!

What does he spy in that tree?

A bird?

A few minutes after he left, a dark figure started down the tree.

A prickly critter!

The kit came back a few minutes later and tracked the porcupine through the berm.

This one has what it takes to live in the wilds we think!

Feathers on Friday~ Sort of

2010-05-07T06:25:00.001-03:00

The joy of Spring brings with it the irritation of birds in our woodstove. The first one of the year flew down the chimney while we were in the house by ourselves and the PM groaned as she walked in to the telltale claws scraping metal distress signal.

The wee lad went to investigate and said "I see something oval in there!"

The PM peeked in and was shocked to see there was an EGG laying there in the ashes.

The PM got the Starling out then went to see the egg. Yep, the poor Starling was probably ready to lay the egg and it just popped out as she was all flustered being in the stove.

When the wee lad saw the egg, he was sooo excited as he thought we could keep it warm and we could take care of it until it hatched. He said "It's our lucky day!!" He really loves birds, and not for the same reason I love them.

The PM felt horrible having to tell him that the egg had become too cold and it would not be able to grow anymore. They took the egg outside and made a little nest for it in the field so it could go back to nature.

I did get a chance to give it a little inspection before it left. Very interesting indeed.

No fev-vers though. Maybe next time.

Shade in the Garden

2010-05-06T14:46:00.000-03:00

The foxes were no where to be seen so the PM took me out for a walk.

I did keep my eyes peeled for them.

I checked how the Music Man was making out with all the pruning.

Not too bad. More work to be done though. Chop! Chop! MM!!!

Time for a nice roll in the garden.

I then spotted something weird.

This huge odd looking egg sack.

I'm not sticking around to see what comes out of that thing!!!

For more green fun check out The Society of Feline Gardeners!

New Toy Tuesday

2010-05-04T09:30:00.000-03:00

The family and the extended family all went away for a long weekend to celebrate the wee lass and Aunt C's birthdays. Aunt C and the PM went to some specialty pet stores while they were away and Aunt C bought this new toy for both her city cats and us country cats.

It is supposed to be heavy duty. It consists of a length of wire with some beads and wooden pieces. I think it kind of looks like a dragonfly.

It also has a handle on the other end.

The PM thought she'd try it by Goldie and Shade first.

So much for that idea. Goldie thought he was under attack and Shade got nervous.

Next it was my turn, the Queen of toys.

Hmmm....

Not too bad.

Good for a nice chew.

The PM's technique needs a lot to be desired but I still give it two paws up!

Thanks Aunt C for thinking of us while you were away, on your birthday weekend!!

Wilds Report

2010-04-30T05:04:00.000-03:00

The fox family is doing very well. The vixen took the kits over to our berm for a little playtime. Seems like it is their big woods practice run.

They then ran back to their den through our garden.

The kits played in the sun for hours. They are just like puppies, chasing, pouncing, rolling and wrestling!

While the kits were playing, papa trotted down our lane, off to get some grub.

The kits are really early this year. Normally they are just brown fur balls in April. The PM figures they will head to the woods sooner than mid June. We'll enjoy watching them until then.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T05:24:00.000-03:00

Make Up Monday

2010-04-26T07:21:00.000-03:00

The post Friday left me looking a tad silly, I must admit. To make it up to me, this post will highlight only my calico sweetness!!

Bathus Interuptus

2010-04-23T05:29:00.000-03:00

Why are laughing?

What is so freakin' funny?????

Something outside tickle the ol' funny bone?

How NOT to take a photo

2010-04-21T05:06:00.000-03:00

The PM crept up to us very quietly, trying to take a snuggle photo.

Next time PM, look where you are going!!

She hit our hanging folk art llama and the moment was lost.

Best Way to be a nurse.

2010-04-19T07:51:00.001-03:00

The wee ones have come down with yet another bout of the sniffles. I have come up with the best set up ever!! This move is for when you want to provide some comfort yet not be too close to the dripping, sneezing, coughing mess.

Blanket Hammock!!!!!

Friday in the Garden~Feathers and Foxes

2010-04-16T05:48:00.000-03:00

We were supposed to post this yesterday but the PM came back from the city with and the wee ones and a migraine so she went right to bed.

We'd like to thank everyone for all their help and suggestions on our last post. Aunt C has read them all and now hopefully she'll find something to help Sister. She asked us to clarify poor Sister's name. Many of you commented on a he being a Sister and it all started when he was a kitten. When they first adopted him, they thought he looked like Sissy Spacek, the actress. They then called him Sissy, which is what he goes by most of the time and that morphed to Sister which is what the PM normally calls him. He seems secure in his mancathood.

So it looks like Spring has finally come (even though there was flurries last night and more on tap for the weekend.)

We have a few green sprouts in the garden.

Poppies

Early tulips

We have a chickadee pair that are making their nest in a dead tree. The mom and dad take turns digging some pieces of wood out and flying away a few feet then spitting it all out.

We are excitied to see what their babies look like.

The PM was doing laundry on the weekend and spotted our old friend, Foxy. She had just told The Nanny the day before that she didn't think the foxes were back this year. Wrong, PM!

Two little kits made their debut.

I kept my eye on them too.

The PM is very worried about them and was hoping they would not come back again this year, even though they have come here for the last four years to have their kits. They either have their dens in our berm or in the hills beside our house. This year they are in the hills. Even though they are close, they are not on our property as the hills rest just past our lane. The farmer who owns the property has anger issues and everyone knows to stay out of his way. His wife and his son moved out last year as he punched his son in the face while they were haying. Not a nice man. The PM worries he will hurt the fox family. He has been over daily hauling manure and she knows he has seen them but they are still there so he must be going to let them stay. They only stay here a few months then move into the deep woods come Summer. Last year the cougar came to check out their den too and probably would have eaten some of the kits had the PM not scared it away. PM is worried now about that. Even though she loved actually seeing the cougar, she doesn't like the idea of one scoping out the place. Everyone keeps telling her not to get too attached but the PM's, the PM and is already attached and will be heartbroken if anything happens to this perfect wild family.

A Question...

2010-04-13T05:44:00.001-03:00

Hi furriends!

We have a little question from our city cousins. They are having a little trouble with this fella here~

His name is Sister and he is having peeing and pooping outside of the litter box issues. He is a nervous guy and tends to swat people when they walk by when he's agitated. He has had some of these bathroom problems before but never to this extent. He has quite a few places that he is peeing and he poops in only one spot. These *could* be some of the reasons why he is upset.

Spring thaw and he is going outside more (harness).
Crazy dogs next door that run over to see him and he doesn't like it. They are not on a leash.
Used to be cats with kittens upstairs in the apartment but they have since turned the upstairs back to being part of their home. It was been cleaned thoroughly.
Two tomcats hanging around and spraying outside. The people maybe bringing the scent inside.

Aunt C has bought some diffusers and they have been running for about a month now, not helping. She has ordered some Feliway Spray and it should be here this week. Sister has been peeing in weird spots too like on the counter and in Aunt C's fruit salad. He must have exquisite aim! He doesn't have any health issues.

Any suggestions on what they could do? They are trying to give him more attention but that's not helping either.

Checking out the damage...

2010-04-08T07:34:00.002-03:00

First off we'd like to send out big purrs to our friends Daisy and Jonesie as they are feeling under the weather. Get better soon furiends!

We have had a busy week out here in the woods, with our snow almost all gone. With that also goes the calmness of a Winter's day when everything is wrapped in white. Now the anxiety of Summer Plans begins. This was a week of lists, lists and more lists.

I was very happy though that the PM decided to take me around the property for a Spring Inventory.

I had my first roll of 2010 and it was SPLENDID!!!!!

We were surprised to see how many trees have been damaged this year. We will have a busy Spring, pruning and cutting things down.

Goldie came out for about five minutes. He was nervous and sat on the PM's rainboot. He likes it better when the PM has a chair outside and he sits on her lap. She told him she has something in the works for him and the rest of us felines.

He seemed real happy about that.

Happy Easter!!!

2010-04-04T07:11:00.000-03:00

Happy Easter everyone!! We hope you all have a wonderful day. The weather here is absolutely gorgeous!! We had so much rain all week and were preparing for a wet weekend but yesterday the temperature was 24C which is 75F and sunny. We still have snow but it was t-shirt and shorts weather. It was great to have all the windows open!!

This is our last April Fools Week slightly embarrassing PM story. We saved it for today as it has a bunny in it and a bunny on Easter is purrfect!

This happened when the PM was in her late teens. All these stories happened in her teens. We are surprised she didn't develop some type of complex!

The PM and her sister each had a bunny who were sisters too. There was Shankar and Pandora and they lived in the house just like one of the cats. They stayed in their hutch at night but in the morning they would be let out and they'd spend the rest of the day out, running around, sleeping on beds, laying across the back of the couch watching tv and playing with the cats.

Here is a picture of a picture of the PM and Shankar one Christmas morning. Shankar loved Animal Crackers and would get them as a treat. She was a great bun!

The embarrassing story happened while the family was at their cottage. The bunnies enjoyed travelling and they would come too for a weekend away. It was pouring out so the PM was sitting on her bed going through magazines. Her Mom had opened a bag of Bridge Mix.
The PM took some and put it in a pile on her comforter. Her dark coloured comforter.

She was eating some when Shankar jumped up for a cuddle. Sometimes when the bun was happy, she'd run around in a circle and this was what she was doing , doing laps around the PM and her pile of Bridge Mix.

Sometimes when doing laps, a small bunny poop or two would slip out. If you have never seen a bun poo, here are some.

Do you know where this is going?

Well, Shankar jumped down and the PM kept on reading and snacking. Only one of the last treats turned out to not be a treat at all! The PM took the chocolate (aka rabbit turd), popped it in her mouth and crunched it between her molars!!!

Ahhhhh!!!!

She ran around, trying to tell her Dad but she couldn't really talk as she was holding her mouth wide open! He tried to help but was laughing too hard to do much. It took her hours of brushing her teeth, flossing and rinsing her mouth to get everything out. It was really lodged in there.

The moral of the story~ look before you chew!!!

Happy April Fool's Day!!!

2010-04-01T04:40:00.001-03:00

Hope you are all having a fun April Fool's Day!!! We are getting pretty water logged out here in the woods! At least the snow is melting.

Time for another sweet pic of me and a story. Some of you have shared some stories of your own, they were great!!! You have to laugh about these things.

This is another window press pic. I enjoy fitting into narrow places, especially when there is sunbeams involved!!

This second story happened when the PM was a teenager and they had three cats at that time. Her Grandmother had come over to spend a couple of days and was sleeping on the couch in the livingroom. The PM had previously had some sleep walking and sleep talking episodes but this night was the best!

Her Grandmother told her that during the night she woke up and the PM was walking through the livingroom, in the nude, sound asleep. She went through the house and turned on all the faucets. She stood by the couch and looked outside then went and pet all the cats. She then went back to bed. The PM was horrified beyond belief but she thought it was sweet that she stopped to give all the cats some attention.

Laughs This Week

2010-03-30T07:44:00.000-03:00

The PM is sick and it is going to rain and/or snow all week so I decided to try to lighten things up. Goldie has been telling me stories that he has heard about the PM and I thought it would be fun to share the laughs. Since it is April Fool's Week and the PM and her Dad used try and get each other when they lived together, I thought us felines would get her this week.

These stories are all slightly embarrassing pet related tales, purrfect for a week of laughs.

I am also going to be sharing some gorgeous photos of moi.

Here I am enjoying the beams with a traditional window press move.

Now onto the story.

This first story happened when the PM was about 17 and had just adopted her cat Sydney. Her sister had drug her into the pet store one day after school to look at the kittens. They had one cat, Mimi at home. The PM saw this kitten who looked cross eyed, wasn't able to focus, seemed to walk with a stumble and was much bigger than the other kittens there. He cried at the PM and purred up a storm when she picked him up. The PM spent the next day thinking about this little tuxie and was worried he wouldn't be adopted as he seemed to have sight issues, maybe some mental issues and had already been there awhile as he was so much bigger than the others. She talked to her mom about it and they all went over to look at him. They ended up taking him home as they wanted him to have a good home even if he had all this disabilities.

Well, seems that he was putting on quite the act as when they got him home, his eyes brightened, he ran like lightening through the house and was a normal, happy little fella. The PM said she must have had a big S for sucker on her forehead when she went into the pet store that first time. He was quite the character and was well loved.

The funny part happened a few days after he came home. The PM was having a bath when she heard him race through the house, there was a crash and then he started crying. The PM grabbed a towel and ran to the livingroom. Sydney had knocked over a lamp, climbed the curtains and was stuck on the top of them. The PM got a chair and was in the front window trying to get him down. His claws were really stuck in the fabric so the PM had to use both of her hands to get him free. The exact moment that she had him loose, her towel fell down and her neighbour walked by the front of her house, staring in. He got quite the eyeful that day!!

I wish I could have met that Syd, he seems like a fun feline!

If you have any embarrassing Mom and Pets story, please feel free to share!!

Fun on Friday

2010-03-26T09:07:00.000-03:00

I need a break from this Haus of Sick! Time for Fun Friday!!!

First off, I want to reveal the new name of our *pucks*. Thanks so much for all the suggestions and it was a very hard choice. The PM enlisted the help of her friends and family in voting and the new name is~

*****Disc-o-Nips*****

What fun!!! Thanks so much to Glogirly and Katie for the suggestion!! A set of Disc-o-Nips are headed your way!!

The PM finished the Disc-o-Nips this week and I was the only one allowed on the table to observe.

Nothing feels better than a good roll on the kitchen table.

I wasn't there just to watch, I had a job to do. I had to inspect the nip.

Yep, very yummy.

I then waited patiently for my tester.

OK, is it ready??

Oh, yeah.

That's nice.

I took it for a test ride around the table. It passed!!!

Then I felt some eyes on me, burning holes of jealousy in my lovely fur.

Banshee complained and the PM gave her the tester too.

She is such a sook.

Here they are!

Filled with our home grown nip and Valerian sent from our dear friends Siena and Chilli.

The wee ones each picked a number and our commenters from our 400th post that will each be getting a set of Disc-o-Nips are~

Cory

Grrrrreta

Thanks furriends!!

The PM is also giving a set to Hans's Auction which will be up week 3 or 4 and a set to sweet Hans himself.

Now I better get back to keeping guard over the sickies. The PM and MM both have sore throats too now so the couches might be very busy this weekend!!

Shade's Tuxie Tuesday~Our 400th POST!!!!

2010-03-23T04:06:00.001-03:00

I would like to welcome everyone to our 400th post! We are very excited about this.

I have to admit though that I am not as excited as I could be. I am sure you realize that something is amiss. I am, for the time being, boycotting the use of my likeness in this blog. The PM has disappointed me greatly and she is required to use this reasonably made facsimile.

Why, might you ask? Well. The PM forgot about a certain tuxie's birthday this weekend. A very special Gotcha Day. On Saturday, I turned 11 years old and I have been living with the PM and the MM for 10 years. That is cause for celebrations with all the bells and whistles.

What did I get? Nada. Zilch.

How did she find out it was my birthday you ask? Was it a huge colourful reminder on the calendar? No. Was it a gift that came in the mail addressed to me? No.

It was the stupid TV. Yep, the PM had turned on the Wii to do some yoga on Saturday night and the flippin' Wii told her that it was my birthday. It said "It is Shade's birthday today! Hope you had a great day together!" The PM felt pretty bad, I must admit, but I am still quite upset. She even said she was going to take me for a walk outside on my leash the next day but she didn't. I....

What are you doing Goldie? This is my tirade.

I thought this looked like fun so I wanted to try it out.

I also wanted to say I think you are being a little hard on the PM. The wee lass has been sick since Thursday, the wee lad got sick yesterday and the PM has been having a bout of migraines all weekend.

She was going to take you out but it snowed. Remember?

She also played throw the crushed up paper ball with you and let you sleep under the covers with her that night even though she was too hot. Too hot!!!!

OK. I might be able to forgive her. Someday.

From both of us and Banshee, we'd like to thank you all for sharing our lives with us and for being our furriends!

As a Thank You, we are going to give away one of our homemade Puck Packs to a commenter on today's post. We are also going to reveal the puck's new name!

Stay tuned!!!

Hide and Seek

2010-03-19T05:21:00.000-03:00

The PM does a cat search before she leaves the house. She needs a visual on each feline. When I first came here, the playroom was converted into my apartment for a few weeks while I got used to the place. It still holds some special memories for me and I like to hang out there.

I had decided to take a nap on the bean bag chair. It was half covered by an overturned hedgehog but it just made it cozier! It was also the perfect hiding spot.

After looking through the house for about 20 minutes, the PM finally found me.

OK! OK! You've spotted me! Gooooooood bye!

Wordless Wednesday~ The Evidence

2010-03-17T05:19:00.000-03:00

Plans For the Week

2010-03-15T05:11:00.000-03:00

The PM has a busy week ahead. She is in town today to take her dad to the hospital for tests and then she and the wee ones are away both Wednesday and Thursday. We'll be visitng our friends when we can.

It'll be just us cats...

some sunbeams...

and a little friend.

Crafty Friday with Litter

2010-03-12T05:33:00.000-04:00

No, no we are not talking about used litter or the actual litter itself.

We are using TWB litter now and it comes in a bag but before, our litter came in these big jugs. The PM kept them as she thought they would be useful for something and she figured that something out!

She was organizing all the craft supplies as the MM just put up some shelves in the playroom and thought these would be perfect. She gathered up all the jugs, took off the labels and washed them out.

Then she gathered up a box cutter and scissors.

She took the jug and cut a big opening around the spout. This is very tricky and you have to be very careful as the box cutter is super sharp and the plastic isn't very stable. We really couldn't watch that part.

Then you are left with great container for small items!

She then used some Sharpies to make a label for each one.

Label it.

Then fill it up!

Here they are on the shelves. Very handy and cheap too!!!