Our little ones dreaming of Santa Claw’s arrival…

Twas the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, especially a mouse. It may be the holidays, but this isn’t a Disney movie folks – we have seven cats – what mouse would dare stir about? Our feline children were nestled all snug in OUR bed, while visions of catnip and sardines danced in their stress-free heads!

So, as we wait for the eminent arrival of Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, and Comet and Cupid, and  Donder and Blitzen, I just wanted to take a quick minute to check in with all of you while I still have my wits about me! The next few days at our house are going to be a bit hectic – we’re going to have lots of family visiting and are very excited about seeing everyone! Well, at least Dan and I are very excited about it – the cats will be properly offended that their routines have been disrupted with all our merriment and will most certainly take to hiding the majority of the time, despite that these are family members that they have seen numerous times. Zee and Peanut will be the social exceptions and will mingle with the crowd, Zoey will zip by and glare on occasion, Rolz will hide under the bed in the guest bedroom (he’s not always the brightest bulb), Mia and Jazz will stay on the bed in our bedroom, and Harley will magically vanish, not to been seen again until everyone is securely out the door heading home again.
 
Until tomorrow, sweet dreams dear readers…

Snow is what the humans call the white powdery cold pieces that float down from the sky, landing on anything and everything,  The pieces seem to gather together and cover things that aren’t used to being covered, like the lawn, driveway, and trees.  Sometimes the humans have to go outside and move the pieces because they’ve gotten in the way.  Other times, the pieces just go away on their own.  

Even though I look out the window often, and pay very close attention to everything, I never see the pieces go!  They always leave when I’m not watching! Read more

The holidays are not the time one wants to be alone, especially when children and grandchildren live many states away. As was my habit, I left work early one Friday afternoon in 1994, heading straight to my friend’s home in New Hampshire for the weekend. From Schenectady, NY this was a three hour trip but, not as the crow flies!  Traveling through Vermont, most of the roads are through mountains and, given the time of the year that it was, following plows as they spread their gift of salt and sand was the preferred method of forward motion.

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As I mentioned in an earlier post, having seven very active and curious cats dramatically affects how one (meaning me) decorates for the Holidays if one wants to keep fragile collectible and keepsakes in tact. Having seven cats also dramatically alters how one (meaning Dan and I collectively) can come and go freely in our household. Just like when you have children, with pets there is an enormous amount of responsibility and commitment to their well-being, as they rely on us completely to take care of them and even leaving the house for a few hours requires a bit of foresight and planning. Read more

What? Too subtle? You’re right, I’ll be back in a second with more lights!!

Hi Everyone! You might not want to admit it, but we all know its true – it’s that time of year when we humans can’t help but involve our pets in the holiday festivities and our over the top, compulsive behaviors. You know what I mean – how many of you have tried to put a Santa hat or blinking reindeer antlers on your dog or cat, hoping to take that quick and blurry photo as they instantly try to take it off?  Or how many of you have a stocking hung for your pet with his or her name lovingly bedazzled on it or buy special toys and gifts for them to open on Hanukkah or Christmas morning? Any of this ringing a bell? Do you buy holiday cards with a pet theme, or do you take the family holiday picture and include the furry gang? Do you sign all your pets’ names on your holiday cards? Are they included as topics in your yearly family newsletter? Maybe you buy them that adorable sweater to wear, ignoring the look of embarrassment and disdain from them as they valiantly struggle to take it off. Or maybe you have a specially themed tree or ornaments devoted to your precious pet/s. Or perhaps it’s that special treat you cook for them – their favorite turkey and giblet dinner, cut in just the right bite sized pieces, served in a cut crystal glass bowl. Read more