Uh Oh.

She must know she's on Teh Internets. She's got that "I iz Godz gift. Warz mah bow?" look in her eyes.

 

Morgan jealously guards the tree skirt.

Or perhaps she is casing the joint for a midnight topple.

Either way, her presence at the base of our Christmas tree is unsettling.

 

Top Cat and Obliviousboy

Our cats have their own many versions of the "cat & mouse game". There usually are no mice involved... Sometimes they even get the dog in on their schemes!

 

Dear President-Elect Obama: about that puppy...

...have you considered the APL?

If you haven't, please do. It would be a wonderful example to set for the watching country WORLD.

I realize that the chances of anyone really seeing my humble blogpost are slim to none, but it's an issue that is near and dear to my heart.

There are millions of dogs (and cats) in shelters and protective leagues and foster homes all over the country that need a home. They make such excellent pets! I might argue that they make even better pets than a dog you could purchase, even from a reputable breeder. (I have nothing against reputable breeders!) Certainly from a "puppy mill" -- and you must be wary of those!! Bear in mind that a "mutt" is often and generally healthier than a purebred dog because it has fewer inbred and genetic physiological issues.

Here's an emotional reason why I hope you'll hear my plea: a rescued dog seems to know somehow that you reached down and lifted that dog up by the paw, and will express gratitude for the rest of his or her life. You'll see in his or her eyes a double dose of "doggy" gratitude. You will learn so much from this compassion!

Here's a socially responsible reason, though: whatever you do will be the example that is followed by countless of your followers. Not just here, but all over the world! You have the opportunity to make a great impact on so many lives -- human and animal alike.

Petfinder is another wonderful way to find a good pet for your family. I have friends who have used this service, and their lives have never been richer. I can't think of a better endorsement!!

This issue is more than "near and dear" to me. It's very deeply personal. I am adopted, too; I guess that makes ME a rescue.

I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk too: ALL of my pets throughout my life have been rescues or adoptees! This is why I can say with considerable experience, the gratitude expressed by a rescued dog welcomed into a family is a special gift.

Please, Mr. President-Elect. I wish for you and your family that same, special love of a rescue dog. Please consider the Animal Protective League when you start your search for your dog!

Respectfully submitted,

Rebecca, a citizen proudly owned by her dog and 3 cats.

 

BERT!

BERT!
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

She's apparently sorting printer ink and writable CDs. I don't think she's going to be any help.

I wonder what the neighbors think when they hear me use her name ephithet-like. Like I did just now.

Like I probably will again in another 20-25 minutes.

 

Good Morni--- eeewww.

What is it about early morning bare feet and slimy hair balls that inevitably drives them to find each other? And why can't I have some method of immediate, fresh, hot, strong coffee delivery right at my bedside?

And as long as I'm at it, I've looked at the calendar: where's my hovering car????

 

Bert takes over Cleo's station & duties.

Sometimes we have one dog and three cats.

Sometimes, however, there are role reversals.

The Thin Line Between Curiosity & Fright

Today we got the perpetually leaky and now finally deceaced dishwasher replaced in the kitchen, and (as I txt) (ooh! they're done!) the Shakespearean-death-throes washing machine replaced. That's 2 different delivery-installation crews, *each* comprised of 2 guys, tools, and big, boxy, clunky things. All of which bring along smells and sounds and who-knows-what-else a cat may sense.

(Interesting and creepy: BOTH crews were guys younger than I am -- and therefore should know better!! -- yet BOTH crews each had one guy with terminal butt cleavage. Do they not watch movies? Are they completley insulated from stand-up comedy? Or is it an ironic statement? First crew? Yeah, maybe that's their excuse... but not the washing machine bozos. If I saw them handling a long plank of wood (and by "long plank of wood", I mean "long plank of wood"; work with me here), I'd stand well away and watch the inevitable Laurel & Hardy comic replay.)

This was taken of Bert 2 seconds before she freaked out and couldn't take anymore. Poor kitty. Yet so entertaining.

CyberCat

Mirth, caught red-pawed, using the laptop.

 

It's a question we ALL ask, eventually.

A very sad Cleopatra begs to know WHY couldn't the Cubs beat the Sox? It had the feeling of an Indians game, except with more hitting.

Scant 5 hours later, Rick returned from the Indians game to report a dismal score, and even worse: a deadly boring game.

Let's hope both the Tribe and the Cubs fare better today. Interleague play has been brutal for my two beloved hometeams.

Crazy Silly Bert

She's having a post-supper bathe-&-roll. *I* don't understand it. Seems a bit counterproductive. (points to spot on rug to the left of Bert's head; housekeeping's not one of our fave pastimes...)

 

This is ALL the sun that's left for now!

We are gonna get ZONKED. Oooh! Confirmation recieved in the form of thunder! NICE. I love summer storms.

The air is thick with the intoxicating scent of ozone, damp soil, and lush foliage. Mmmm.

I'm sitting between opened windows with my 2 most attentive pets, a cup of green tea with honey, some knitting, and Cubs v. White Sox (GO CUBS!). Bring it!

Oooh-there was just a BIG lightning strike. And it was very close. Bert 'Shaggy-&-Scoobyed' off the back of the couch even before the strike was done. Poor, freaked out kitty. Cleo did the opposite, hopping up onto the couch for some power snuggling.

The drama, the smells, the companionship... I just love summer!

ALL My Cats Are Crafty, Apparently!

Hey, Bert! I'm knitting with that wire!

Yeah, um. And I really want to talk about what I'm knitting. Or why I'm knitting with telephone wire, but I'm afraid The Guardian has first dibs. YES. THAT The Guardian.

More info once it hits the stands in London. I hope I get a copy.

Oh. I can say this: there's a Time Lord involved. So there are a couple very catchy ear worms running through my head right now... particularly the Gary Glitter send-up... (I sure do wish we had cable, but all I have is cable needles.)

 

Sun Dappled Puppy

Our patio and 'new' patio furniture is a popular hangout for critters of all types!

>PHEW!< Especially on a hot, humid day like this.

photo credit: Rick Garcia

 

Pee or get off the grass... (?)

CLE!YO!PAT!RA! You have to do your *Outside*! (for those keeping score at home, why YES, that IS a euphemism!)

Wet grass will not melt you. You are neither that sweet nor that eeevi-i-il. Just do the deed and we can go inside and snuggle. If you refuse to empty, I don't feel comfortable trusting either your tiny canine bladder or brain.

Don't want to deal with wet grass? Fine. Let's meet at the toilet for purposes other than kleenex shredding (Olympic trial phase, apparently) and personal hydration purposes.

Goofball.

 

Criminy. Not AGAIN. Not TWICE in a Day.

Criminy. Not AGAIN. Not TWICE in a Day.
Originally uploaded by sunspotting.

Well, now we know why I don't EVER pick the flowers from our yard for interior flower-strewing: they really WILL be strewn. Note the tasteful and artistic reflecting pond that cascades down the face of the dresser and moistens the table linens within.

Arrangement by Rebecca. REarrangement by Anonymous F*c%ng Cat.

 

MY Fault, Really...

Morgan. Not only are you NOT SUPPOSED to be 7' in the air, you are REALLY NOT ALLOWED in my studio. But darn it, you are just sooooo cute! I can't 'bad kitty' you. I just hope you're not stuck. I'm sure you'll come down when you're hungry, I just hope you don't come down into wet paint or hot tea... (How the screaming heck DID you get up there, anyway?!?)

Congratulations, by the way. You gave the world its first glimpse into my studio. And true to your mischievous nature, my beloved and ridiculous Morgan, you had to show them the unloveliest part. AND knock down 2 boxes of Crayons when you came down, too. Thanks.

 

Wordless Wednesday: Beautiful Lady Bert