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Happy New Year!!!

On January first I will turn 13 years old, and Mom will turn 34-teen (sounds much better than 44, huh?). To celebrate I'll be showing off my New Year Baby Pictures.

You wanna play too? Just post about anything baby related at your place on the first. Don't have baby pictures? No worries, maybe you can give examples of baby-talk you hear directed at you, or how you are treated like a baby, or just younger pics... humans welcome too. Anything you like. Please come on by, we will have e-goodies for everyone.

Thanks for a great year friends! We're really excited about 2010. We already have things planned, the second annual Acatemy Awards at the H.C. We had a great time last year.

We have a couple of really big things planned too, but we've decided to hold off a bit on those announcements. Okay I can't contain myself fully... one of them rhymes with Look.

Spam

Mom and I have recently noticed an increase in Spam at the site. The first time I got Spam I was so excited thinking it was the hammy treat. Alas it was the mail version. Mom was ready to delete them when I realized I had to give these items some thought.

As a ladycat I really didn't think I needed anything for erect tail dysfunction. Then I noticed that in many of my pictures, my tail does have a bit of a S curve.

I do like it looking that way though, so no need to send samples. Thanks for thinking of me though.

I also really didn't think I needed car insurance... till Mom mentioned that I'm a car owner now. She had a great point. So I'd like a quote on the following:

• Two Hot Wheel Cars - One Brown Terarro, and One Chrome Dark Rider Power Piston 
• I'd like a multi-car discount... I may need a bigger garage.
• Must be covered against nibble and claw marks.
• Must be willing to accept payment in rejected dry kibble. 
  

Oh and my round track makes the cars go so fast I can't really whap them. So I just sit in the pit area and watch them zoom. I only lay on that track when the cars are just resting. On my long track that requires human intervention. I am a whappin and a laying on the track.

The Best Part...

Of having guests over? The arrival of guest soap.

 Hello my little friend. I love this guy.

As you might be able to see here, I've licked his little face (and hair) off over the years. Each time an angel soap gets a lick an angel gets it's wings, right? I'm just doing my part. Till we meet again little fella.

Hot Wheels! x 2

Sandy Claws was good to me. I used to have one Hot Wheel track, and now I have two.

I also have this little machine that makes my cars go zooming around the track. I have a new car too, a nice sporty chrome number. I can just sit in the middle and watch my cars go around. I like to imagine I'm the pit crew. When I am tired, I like to sprawl over the track.

Course there are times when I have to take a moment for an ear scritch. Sandy Claw hats can chafe.


Kidding, I would never sit still to wear a hat.

Guess what? Friday is Mom's Birthday and it's mine too! She wasn't exactly sure when my birthday was but she thought it was around this week, so she offered to share her birthday with me. We've decided to celebrate the same way we did last year with a little game called "Show Your New Year's Baby." If you wanna play too, you can post baby pictures, or talk about how you act like a baby, or are treated like a baby, or insert your own creative idea here. Anything baby-like is great. You can expect to see some Mini-Fin pics and probably some babyish behavior by Mom over here.

Happy Holidays - Mom Edition

A couple of weeks ago we blogged about my sister Jenny's idea of celebrating the holiday and spreading the joy to others by doing small things in public, or for strangers, in what she calls Guerrilla Holiday. She did an awesome job and you should check out all the fun things she did at her blog http://blog.jenniferlorton.com/.

Well I did it too! At the crack of Christmas Morning dawn, I Guerrilla Holidayed the Charlie Brown tree by the house. It was pretty dark and cold out so Hubby was taken aback when I got the sudden urge to make it happen.

We had all just watched a story about a town that had decided to forgo the expensive town tree and decorated a random tree in the town square. I was so touched by the sight of that Charlie Brown tree in all it's cheerful glory. The story of making the best out of what you have and celebrating the joy of the season. Even when you are down, you can bring joy to others and that will bring joy to you. I decided it was a commitment to myself that I needed to keep. It isn't perfect, but that wasn't what was important to me. I hope it brings a smile.


Ornaments - $6.00 from the dollar store

Lint roller to remove glitter from… everything… including hair - $2.00

Self Manicure to fix sap covered nails - $1.00

Embarrassment as neighbors watch the crazy lady in slippers decorate random tree – Unknown

Giggling as I channeled the spirit of my Gramma Boss and my Sister – Priceless

Happy Holidays Friends of Fin!

Sandy Claws

Mom! Mom!

What Finny? We have guests.

I need to see you ::gestures with head down the hall and whispers:: in the litter room.

Coming. ::Following Fin down the hall:: What's going on?

I'm gonna need a lot more sand.

I just changed your box... ::Sees sand all over the floor of the laundry room:: What is going on, this is a mess.

I'm just getting ready for Christmas.

bgggggggggggfddddddddddddddddddgt02+66poooooo (Fin's actual typing on keyboard) What does Christmas have to do with your litter being on the floor?

I'm making a Sandy Claws Lane. I need to make sure I'm back on the Nice List, although my friends assure me Sandy Claws is very understanding and liberal with his list. I wanna be sure though so I'm making things nice and sandy, I think the reindeer use the Sandy Claws Lane to get traction.

Sandy Claws Lane? What are you talking about?

Hello! You know. Come on, that song you sing - "Here comes Sandy Claws, Here Comes Sandy Claws, right down Sandy Claws Lane?" Now if you'll excuse me I need to nap before I hang by the fire and stalk you with great care.

Happy Holidays to all my friends, and may all your wishes come true.

Tummy Tuesday

I know you'd normally see a cute floofy tummy here, but I'd like to give a little love to my favorite tummy right now. Mom's. Don't worry, I won't be showing a picture of that lily-white fur-less wonder. Mom is hot, but not in that way.

Our heater seems to be a bit broken and Mom is currently the warmest spot in the house. I can't get enough of her. Where she goes, I go. Where she sits, I lounge on top of her.

Mom is known as "The Furnace" here in the house. Her hands always feel like she was drinking cocoa. It makes her extremely popular in the winter. As we request that she puts those "Thermo Paws" to good use. Course in the summer, this same quality makes her lonely as we abandon her.

Dad thinks he has fixed the thermostat in the house thank Cod, but right now I'm sure glad he can't fix her thermostat.

Now on to the cutest tummy in the house...

In this cold, I'm a baller not a sprawler, so enjoy this till spring.

Sandy Claws

Dear Sandy Claws,

I know I've been an awesome cat all year, so this should be easy for you. I broke my Cat Quest toy, and I really need a replacement. This is, in no way, a sign of my naughtiness. It could, and did, happen by accident.

Did I whap it? Yes, but clearly it was made for whappin, so again no fault of mine. Did I nibble it? Yes. I don't know that it's encouraged, but clearly it's not out of the realm of possibility for a nice cat to nibble her favorite toy. I mean it looks like a bug.

I think it was just the standard wear and tear of aggressive, err, normal ladycat business. I still loved it when it lost half of it's wings, but now that it's lost the other wings and no longer flutters, it's not as much fun.

So to recap - I was an excellent kitty (hardly any naughtiness, err, no naughtiness, err, very normal amount of playful Mom nibbles) all year, and I'm requesting yummy treats, catnip toy(s), and a replacement Cat Quest.

Nosetaps from a polite, and respectful senior kitizen,

Finny Da Floof

P.S. I've enclosed a photo of the toy in question. You can see that I was a perfect lady with it. Do you see the restraint?


P.P.S. I don't know how this other photo made it in here. Clearly this is a look-a-like cat.

Hunt Week - Floofy Friday

The Fin Edition

I stalk my prey, as I slink along the bathroom counter. It lies dormant and quiet, as it glistens in the bright light. It thinks it can fool me, but I know what it's capable of. Luckily The Great White is nearby and she can always wake it up.

I mew impatiently for her to come and lure my prey from hiding. She tickles it's handle, and like magic it comes to life. A slow steady stream, and it has to be just so - not too strong and certainly not a drip.

I go in for my kill, slowly and stealth-like. Victory is mine as I lick the wet bounty off the porcelain. My prey tries to strike back with it's only defense, I feel it drizzle on the top of my head. I laugh at it's weak attempt and shake it off. Oh was that Mom's toothbrush? Ah well. I go back in for a double dip.

The Mom Edition

I see my furry prey waiting impatiently on the bathroom counter, a perfect distraction. I turn on the faucet, and like magic I'm rewarded with a perfect view. Yes, it is a knot a the edge of those floofy cataloons I thought I saw earlier. It's the perfect moment to strike - safely away from the skin - one quick nip and it will be mine. If I lose my kill now it will only get bigger and more elusive in the future.

I quietly pull the special dull-edged knotectomy scissors from the drawer as I am showered by droplets from Fin's shake-off. Have I lost my opportunity? No. She heads back into the stream. I try to move quickly and steadily - grabbing the knot in one hand and positioning the shears with the other.

I'm not quick enough. My floofy prey plants herself down. I see angry reproach in her eyes. I have broken the rules of sippy-sink. I offer neck scritches with the empty hand, but she is wary of the hidden hand. She has been fooled before, but not this time.

I move my scritches down the spine, slowly the elevator butt scritch and the steady stream of water running beside her works it's magic. Behold the floofy cataloon. I grab the knot, and with one quick cut, I'm victorious. A successful knotectomy.

The End

Well friends this brings us to the end of Hunt Week here at the H.C. (but the week isn't over if you still want to join the hunt at your place). We hope you had as much fun as we did. Have a great weekend and Happy Holidays! See you next week.

Hunt Week - Seeing Red

From across the room I spot my prey. Like the red of the matador's cape the color of my prey mocks me and demands my attention. My prey is cunning, as it's heavily guarded by The Great White.

A full frontal assault will only get me banished to the other room. I must finesse this situation. I make sweet kitty face at The Great White. She falls for it and begs me to sit on her lap. I act casual-like, as if I am only mildly interested. She pleads - yes, I have her.

I leap onto her lap and allow her to pet me, lulling her into a state of false security. After a few minutes I stretch innocently and slowly make steps toward my prey. Oh no, she sees me, and moves my prey just out of reach. I settle in for more lap time and act as if I didn't notice the movement. A few minutes more of petting and purring, and I move with lightening speed. She didn't see it coming this time. I reach my prey and dive in.

Victory! Bonus, it's milk!

Note: I'm willing to share, but she says my cat spit ruins her drink. Whatever, more for me.

Hunt Week - The Phane

Today's hunting ground might be called the dining table by some, but for me, it's the Cellophane Hunting Ground. Oh how I love my crunchy prey. It tickles my gums.

The Dining Table is Off-Limits for reasons I don't understand, but I love it up here for so many reasons. I rarely stay off, if I can help it. One of the many reasons I love it up here is that it's the drop off spot for fresh purchases. Have you ever noticed how often fresh purchases are wrapped in fresh cellophane kill?

As a kitten, I would nibble on regular plastic, but as I've grown into my grannyhood, I've realized it's best to hold out for the good stuff - true Cellophane. The very finest is beef jerky bags (with jerky inside) and the extra crunchy variety.

Sadly, my prey is whisked away quickly. I would be more upset about it, but if swallowed it can cause some gastric distress. For this very reason I suggest two things:

1. Don't eat the aluminum foil, it tears easily and isn't very tasty.
2. Make sure your human sees you crunching the Phane. They'll sprint to remove it from your jaws and that's half the fun. Cellophane covered in cat spit is a real turn off to the humans. Think of their disgust as a little bonus.
   

Hunt Week - Ham Safe

Mom stands at the doorway, viewing the bounty within. As soon as I hear her in the kitchen, I get very excited as I know she'll be opening the doorway to our hunting ground. Many of you know it as The Ham Safe.

I run from any corner of the house as I join her for the hunt. I can always tell it's her, and not him, by the tentative and joyously slow way she lingers, surveying her possible kill. The cold wind blows through my floof, as I rest my paws on the bottom edge. I catch the smells of all the possibilities.

"You hungry?" She asks.

"Mew! (Yep. How about a snark of ham lunchmeat?)" I reply.

"Nah. Too... meaty. What about cheese?"

"Mew! (Perfect! I prefer the string cheese.)"

She dives down deep into the meat drawer. Her mighty paws thrusting away the rejected options. She holds her prey up to the light. Victory. She places her foot under my belly and unceremoniously drags me gently back from a kill of my own. The door shuts, cutting off my own hunt.

I lament the cruel injustice of it all, as I watch her try to rip into the plastic wrapper like a bear with a picnic basket. Wait, there's still a chance of victory for the small floofy huntress... will she make a drop? Which do you think I want more? The cheese or the wrapper?

Hunt Week - Great White

Hunt Week is here!

Any housecat can tell that it can be challenging to find things to stalk and hunt on "The Inside." Movement is critical for a truly satisfying kill, so I hunt the only acceptable big game in the house - Let's call her The Great White.

The Great White is delightful prey. Sure a tasty bite is always enjoyable, whether it's during a petting session or an occasional nibble on the calf if she takes too long to prepare my meal, but it's the hunt that's the most fun.

I sit poised in the darkened hallway bathroom, waiting to hear the lumbering steps of my prey. I spot my kill as she walk by, tasty white cankles. I run in front of The Great White, startling her and causing her to yelp in surprise. As she continues to walk past me, I throw my front paws around the cankles and hold on tight to try to slow down her progress. A hard bite isn't likely to bring her down, and it's been known to end the game right where it begins, so I resist the urge.

Will she be able to break the hold of my paws of doom? Yes - she breaks free and scurries to the bedroom doorway. The Great White turns to face her furry opponent. I reach up to my full height on my back paws as I hug the doorframe with my front paws. I slide, menacingly, down the doorframe to a pounce position.

"You think you can take me, little cat?" The Great White asks in a mocking tone.

"Mew!" I answer with confidence.

"Let's do this." She says as she darts and weaves toward me her hands waving about.

I make an unexpected break for it, and run through Dad's office. I hear her chuckle as she thinks I've run in defeat, but she has forgotten that the office feeds into the living room and then back to the same hallway which now lays behind her. She is still taunting me, as she waits for a frontal attack, when I leap onto the calf from behind. I flip onto the floor and twist to give some light bunny kicks to the leg.

"You got me!" The Great White squeals in horror. She reaches down and defends herself the only way she can now, a hearty neck scritch. All is forgiven in the happy hunting ground.

If you wanna play just post about hunting anything you like at your place this week. Happy Hunting Friends!

Floofy Friday

Gratuitous Tummy Shot. Go ahead, you know you wanna.

I'm so looking forward to this weekend. It's been a hard week. Mom was really busy and worse than that I had to go back to that Crackpot VET. My parents lied right to his face when he asked if they were giving me those pills for my so-called Hypothyroidism. My weight is still good, although Crackpot thought I could lose a smidge. At least he seemed to be positive about my continuing to enjoy my Fin Pockets twice a day.

Next week is Hunt Week! We are so excited. If any other readers would like to participate, here are the rules:

• There are no rules! Well other than you should post sometime next week and it should be related to Hunting... something.
  
• If you want to post this little badge at your place in honor of Hunt Week, go ahead. Mom made it herself with clip art so if you don't want to use it, that's fine too.
• If you can avoid closeups of grasshoppers or deaded things because Mom is squeamish that would be good, or she will have to read your posts through her fingers.
  

Have a great weekend everyone, and get hunting.

Looking Good

My great friend Katie recently reported on the preparations going on with her girl for an upcoming holiday party. I thought you kitties might like some advice on how to help your humans get ready for any holiday festivities (naturally you look perfect exactly as you are).

First for those of you whose humans wear makeup, you don't need to look any farther on tips on how to line an eye. We invented the cat-eye. I don't recommend taking the lining down your cheek as I have here, you really need fur to rock this look. I also wouldn't go for a smokey-eye. If you're like Mom you'll spend a good portion of the night rubbing your eyes and you'll get smokey enough. No need to start off the evening that way, you don't want to end the evening as a raccoon.

If you think hosiery needs some tabby-like runs, well, you have claws, use your imagination. Note: Take this step before the hosiery is put on the leg.

New shoes? Nothing says holiday like a little hairball remnant. Aim for an edge, you don't want YOUR shoes ruined.

New outfit? You know what we say "No outfit is complete without cat hair." Roll around on all the chairs so they get it on the rump when they sit down. They won't remember to look there.

Just think of all the great icebreakers your humans will have...

"Was that a hairball on your strappy sandals?"

"Is that raccoon hair on your butt, or do you have a tabby?"

"I see you have pets, do you have a lint roller for these tuxie hairs on my leg?"

No need to thank me. It's all in a day's work.

P.S. Don't forget next week is Hunt Week. All you have to do to play is post something Hunt related on your blog next week. Her Cheapness is not putting up a prize so it's just for fun.

Treat Tuesday

Ever since my parents discovered Fin Pockets they've become obsessed with my enjoyment of said treats. You'd think they have stock in the company or something.

Twice a day, all my parents can talk about is my treats and if I have eaten them. Did I already have my treat, did I eat it, and on and on. I can't tell you how worked up Mom gets if I don't feel like eating one!

I wanted to see how far she'd go, and I decided to see what would happen if I refused it. She tried to stick it in my food, and I ate around it. Then she brought it to me where I napped and petted me till I could resist no longer. You would think I typed my own post with how pleased she was. She even called Dad to tell him I finally ate it and not to give me another one till she got home.

Honestly with the way she gets worked up it's like she is with Dad and him taking his pills... Hey wait... you don't think?... Nah!

Guerrilla Holiday

My Aunt Jennifer has an idea over at her blog that we were so taken with, that we decided to join in and pass it on. Back when I was a kitten my parents used to put up a tree, decorate the house in festive holiday fare, and make a huge dinner. I did my part by snoopervising, and once everything was hung, whapping each and every decoration for quality testing. I also offered my tasting services for any holiday food.

A few years after I arrived at Casa De Housecat, Mom lost her beloved Grandmother. Her Grandmother was the very spirit of Christmas and always made the most wonderful holiday for her family. Once she passed away Mom lost some of the spirit of decking the halls. She still loves this time of year but getting all caught up in the stress of making the "Perfect Holiday" makes her a bit sad too.

Aunt Jenny seems to feel the same way, and came up with an idea to shake off the holiday hum drums. She is suggesting that you think about the things that make your holiday special to you and then find a way to spread the joy to others in the world. She is calling it Guerrilla Holiday, in the tradition of Guerrilla Artists who anonymously spread art in the world. She is going to spread anonymous holiday joy into the world. Well semi-anonymous, as she will be posting about her joy spreading.

Mom and I loved the idea so much we decided to play and to blog about it. We aren't sure what we will do yet, but I'm sure we'll think of something. So friends anyone else want to spread holiday cheer?

Here are some ideas, post about Guerrilla Holiday, put decorations in a public place, give something to kitties or humans in need, or anything that will bring you holiday joy and bring it to others. Now, go make merry!

Floofy Friday

Flashback

Mom found this old picture and since it was semi-seasonal (it's a poinsettia behind me) she decided it needed to be posted (despite the semi-laser eyes). See all my tabby stripes? I hardly look floofy at all. This was taken right before my first birthday, and Mom jokes that it was the golden moment - after I grew into my kitten floof and before my adult floof grew in.

Little known fact, I barely shed my first year. My parents thought they'd dodged a bullet in the shedding arena. Shortly after this photo, the floofing and shedding really kicked in. Heh, heh.

So what are you planning for this weekend? It's finally getting a little cool here, so lot's of naps are required. Maybe Mom will go get a nice book and curl up with me. She is like a nice toaster.

I wonder if we will put up a tree? Back when this photo was taken I was a tree destroying machine, ornament whapping with the paw of doom. Would I still? Time will tell, if they dare to try. I hope your weekend is filled with all the best things, whatever you have planned.

Less Wordy Wednesday

Mom claims she is very "Busy" for the next two weeks! Two Weeks? Something about "Work" yada, yada, yada. There better not be a blog slacking Mom. I could pull that recent Purformance Review right back.

I think we are going to have Hunt Week the week after next. Anyone can play, just post about something you like to "hunt" (examples: food, shoes or bargains - if your human, etc), being creative and having fun are the only rules. I think I'll make Mom create a little badge. Yes lady, there's work to be done here too! Now find a cute picture, good job.

What Mom? Sandy Claws is watching? Already?

Soap Lickers Anonymous

Yesterday I revealed my love of soap, and I see that many of you were torn between soap loving and soap leaving. For those who love, or for those who'd like to try, I thought I would give you all some tips from an expert.

• I highly recommend Glycerin Soap as start. It's mild but flavorful. I think of it as a "Gateway Soap." Do make sure the plastic wrapper has been removed, both are slick and it's hard to tell if you're a beginner. Just nibble through the wrapper, it's thin.

• I don't like liquid soap as a rule, but I'm a big fan of Trader Joe's Honey Hand soap (it's imported and not too heavy on the soap). Just lick it off the spout.
  
• As for the bars, I don't care for any of the "pedestrian" soaps, and neither should you. You're a cat, and you deserve the best.
  
• I highly recommend the fancy imports (French and English are my favs), or go local with a handcrafted artisan soap. Something with low detergent and high fat.
• I enjoy oatmeal as an exfoliant, as it's a tasty bite when it finally comes loose.

Please enjoy, but don't overdo it. Just a couple of quick licks and it's tasty, a few more and it will make you a bit nauseous. I only indulge when Mom is watching, and I use how fast she scoops me as an indicator of when to stop. If she thinks I'm hitting the soap to hard, she takes it away for awhile.

Rewarding

It's always so nice when someone passes on an award or meme to me and in recent weeks I've been graced with two.

My friend (who's a human!) Carrie Blogshaw at Sex and the Shtty gave me the Kreativ Blogger Award (blows kisses with paws). Carrie Blogshaw is very funny and writes about human relationships in a way that a cat can laugh at (just the title makes Mom laugh!).

Below are the steps that I must follow, now that I have earned the award:

1. Copy and paste the Kreativ Blogger picture onto your blog. Check
2. Thank the person who gave you the award and post a link to their blog. Check
3. Write 7 things about yourself we do not know. Check - See Below
4. Choose 7 other bloggers to award. Well here is where things start to break down... I hate to leave anyone out, so I will pick seven but all of you are very Kreativ and deserving (see below).
5. Link to those 7 other bloggers. Check
6. Notify your 7 bloggers. Check

Here are the seven things:

1. I'm a soap licker - yep it's true. I enjoy licking soap. I prefer one with a sweet bouquet (lavender, almond-cherry, honey, glycerin). I'll lick the bar or the spout of the soap dispenser if given the chance. Over the years, I've licked the face off the fancy angel guest soap.
2. I also like a soap chaser after I've nibbled on the toilet paper, while it's new on the roll - I'm not an animal. Roughage is hard to find on the inside.
   
3. I don't like my parents to see me playing with my toys, so I usually wait till they leave the room... or do I?
4. I'm trying to talk Mom into getting me a garden for the spring so I can be a true gardening cat.
5. I miss Mom being crafty as I enjoyed getting my fur in each and every project.
6. The big bed is too tall for a floor jump, so I have to jump onto the chair and then walk across Mom's nightstand to get to my spot. It's okay though, because I like to stop for a quick drink from her water cup and to knock her glasses onto the floor, along the way.
   
7. I was adopted.

Well that was harder than I thought. I will save my other award for later. Now onto the lucky winners (you know I love you all).

1. My Aunt Jenny - she's very cool and a very talented artist. Even if she wasn't my aunt I'd like her blog.
   
2. Mr Dutch of Aunt Jenny's blog - Oh boy does this little cat have stories to tell!
   
3. Katie of Glogirly - This cat always makes us laugh.
   
4. Banshee at Sumac Stories - I sense some cool secrets here.
5. Any cat(s) at Cat of Nine Tails who wants to play. I think should count for 6-7 too, there are nine of them. You didn't think I would follow all the rules did you? I have street cred to protect.
   

Floofy Friday

The day after Thanksgiving is a big tradition here in America. Crazy humans get up at the crack of dawn and go to malls where the push each other in the back to get the best deals. I prefer a leisurely nap or three, but to those that are brave enough...

Happy Back Friday!

What Mom? Oh, it's Black Friday, well that hardly makes sense.
You should just stay home on Floofy Friday.

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thanksgiving here in America, and there are so many things to be thankful for. It can be easy to focus on the things that are wrong in the world, but when you look around there are so many things to be grateful for. I thought I'd make a short list:

• My family
• My friends
• Turkey
• My house
• My parents having jobs that keep us all in kibble and turkey
  
• Gravy
  
• My own work - houses don't run themselves
• Mousey
• Turkey - Oh did I already list that, sorry I'm a little distracted by the smell... where was I?
• I'm feeling better and my parents holding their own
• My toys
• ::Sniffs:: Oh my Cod, is that sausage in the stuffing? It is! I have to go.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. We hope you have a very long list of things to be thankful for.

Ghost Story?

I reported yesterday that Mom hurt her hand on their trip, and I'm happy to report she's just fine now. I was a bit worried about her though (as it was her typing and petting hand), but other than some swelling and slight bruising she is all good. How it happened was odd so I thought I would put it out there for your review.

My parents went to San Diego to meet up with Dad's family for Pre-Thanksgiving. They all had a great time (apparently with no worries about their abandoned pets at home), and enjoyed dinner in Old Town. They decided to walk down the quaint street and do a little window shopping. Mom was quite taken by the gaslights on the old street. She was walking past this cool old house, when she noticed a candle glowing in the window, and felt herself drawn towards the house. She was wondering, as she was wandering, what the house was used for, because it looked preserved.

Suddenly she felt herself falling forward, and realized she was going to fall flat on her face. The next thing she knew, her hand and wrist landed against the brick planter wall in front of the house, and she managed to brace herself from a full fall.

She sat on the edge of the planter as Dad ran to get ice and his Mom went to get the car. As Mom was catching her breath, she realized she'd walked right off the sidewalk and into the small patch of dirt in front of the house. She's a klutz, but even for her it was odd to be so distracted.

Just then a group of people walked by and a woman looked right at Mom with an odd look and asked "Are you doing the haunted house thing tonight?"

"Um, no. I'm just waiting for someone." Mom responded as the woman moved on down the street passing a historical sign which was pointing to the house. It was called the "The Whaley House" and it turns out Mom fell in front of the most haunted house in America (cue Twilight Zone music).

Did a ghost push her? Did a ghost guide her to fall into the planter so she didn't hurt herself too badly? Is she a massive klutz?

She's decided it's a cosmic push to not allow her own ghosts hold her back. I think it might have been the ghost of the Whaley dog, irritated because of my abandonment, but you decide for yourselves.

Duped!

You might remember that on Friday I reported there would be visiting with family and that I'd be back on Tuesday. I was under the impression the visiting would be happening here (at the center of the universe). Imagine my horror when I saw the hated rolling boxes with zippers coming out of the closet (Suitcases my parents call them, oddly named, as neither pack suits).

It all became horribly clear that there was a misunderstanding. I was being abandoned, so my parents could Visit with family in another state. I was left alone in the house for three full days! Here is how my weekend went friends...

Hour One - Two - Meowing by the back door at the injustice of it all.

Hour Three - Six - Napping

Hour Seven - Eight - Purraying that they have someone coming to feed me.

Hour Nine - Ten - Inspecting under the bed as the neighbor puttered about the kitchen making my treat and meal. I know what some of you are thinking, but I was not scared, I just thought under the bed needed a serious look over.

Hour Eleven - Eating all of my food including licking the bowl. I was very hungry! I even nibbled my dry food.

Hour Eleven & 1/2 - Unmentionable

Hour Twelve - Grooming (my fur is extra soft now)

Hour Thirteen - Trying to turn on the laptop to report this travesty.

Hour Fourteen - Fifteen - Wishing I could turn on cable and watch Animal Planet.

Hour Sixteen - Twenty - Napping

Hour Twenty-one - Twenty-two - Bored

Hour Twenty-three - Mousey and me time

Hour Twenty-Four - Inspecting the closet while the neighbor made my breakfast. Wondering if he was given proper petting instructions?

Rinse and repeat x2. They're back now, and they had fun. Mom's right hand got a bit messed up (don't worry she'll be fine), I'll report on that tomorrow. For now it's alternating snuggles and the back of disrespect. They better not be planning any other outings anytime soon.

Floofy Friday

I look rather pensive here don't I?


Ah, this is more like it for a fine Floofy Friday...

We have some family visiting this weekend, so I'll be back with a post on Tuesday.
I hope you all have a great weekend!

Gardening Cat

My great friend Jonesie from Cory Cat is a Master Gardening Cat and has started the Society of Feline Gardeners for other gardening cats. I was so excited to join. Jonesie let me in of course, but I think she might have wondered what I would be gardening in my desert oasis.

We have some plant life here at the house of the pointy rocks. Here is a little fella at the back of the yard. It takes a lot of bravery on my part to cross over to inspect his growth, but a desert garden cat does what she needs to.

Smells right, good job.

I'm not completely pleased with this little plant as you can see here.


I'm not too worried though, I know it's doing it's best.

Fin Pockets

As promised, here is a photo of my new treats.

As you can see, they're called "Fin Pockets" by Greenies. What a coincidence, right? Mom says it's why she bought them for me from Petsmart. I like the Chick-Hen flavor.

My parents always seem so excited when I eat them too. I have no idea why. Humans can be so odd. Hope you enjoy your Fin Pockets friends.

Dinner

Num-a, Num-a, Num, Num

Beef!

It's what's for Dinner!

Here is another example of Mom's elusive humor. Something about this being the tag line for some meat commercial.

For me, I'm just excited that my Fancy Crack with Gravy is back on the menu. I was so tired of that senior kitizen food in chick-hen flavor. I'm still enjoying my special treats twice a day. I will get Mom to show them tomorrow. I feel better all the time, and without any silly pills I might add! What are you eating for dinner friends?

PurrFurmance Review

My clever friends at Zoolatry have suggested that all blogging cats give their human staff a Purrfurmance Review.Review Of: Mom
Reviewed By: Fin

Quantity of Output: I really can't complain here. Most weeks she manages to get in four to five posts, and everyone needs a little time off. Four Paws

Quality of Output: I would give her a good mark here too. Naturally the photos are good, she has quality to work with in her muse after all. Sometimes even I think she's funny, but then other times she giggles away while typing and I have no idea why she thinks something is funny. You'll see what I mean on the next few posts she's planned this week. Four Paws.

Participation: We do share an email and allow comments... all good there. She did get me a Twitter account and a Catster page but her update of said pages is spotty at best. Three to Two Paws

Participation II: Mom is pretty good about participating in fun activities on the web and even comes up with some fun ideas for our blog. I will give her Four Paws.

Client Satisfaction: Well I hope all of you are pleased, but if you feel she is slacking in any way please comment.

Bonus Category: Commenting - She does a solid job reading my friends blogs. She has tried to keep up with commenting over at my friends places but I may need to have her cut back a bit. The holidays are going to be busy and I need to make sure my snuggle and chin scritch needs are met.

Overall I think I'll keep her. I can be a tough task master at times but it's for her own good.

Floofy Friday

Hi Friends. It's been a busy week here at casa de housecat. I think we're all looking forward to the weekend. I'm looking forward to some quality porch time. I plan on working on Mom's Purrformance Review.

I think she is a bit nervous because she called a little meeting to start planning some of the fun things we want to do in the next few months. I have to admit they do sound like fun (but I won't be giving her a free pass). What's first?

• Hunt Week - A week highlighting all the ways a housecat can still hunt in the suburban wilds. I am a pacifist, so my prey is a bit different than what you might think. Mom is squeamish and also a pacifist, so there won't be any killing. If anyone has a preference for when Hunt Week might take place, please let us know.We are thinking early December?
  

My Car

Coming...

And going...


Yesterday I mentioned that Dad has sold some Hot Wheels on EBay, but I didn't tell you that I bought one from another seller. Dad had been looking at a car on EBay and had the mouse hovering over the Bid button as he decided if he should make a bid. I really liked the little car, so I distracted him and then ran on top of the mouse, placing my winning bid. At the time Dad had no idea why I wanted the little car, but he sure does now. What car would a grannycat want for her own, you might ask?


A metallic brown Hot Wheel Torero. It's very sporty.

Hot Wheels!

So the other night I was chillin in the hallway when I heard Dad making noises in the living room. I decided I needed to investigate and look what it was friends.

Hot Wheels with a snappy orange track. Dad laughed and laughed when I ran from the hallway and started a whappin. We even made a little game of it. If I whapped the car off the track, I won the round. We kept playing well into the night. It was so fun.

Dad called this cheating...

I call it clever.

Dad has been selling some of his old Hot Wheels on EBay, but I'm glad the Titan of Tiny Cars kept this track and enough cars to keep a grannycat busy for hours of fun.

Monday Mystery

Can anyone guess what this is all about?

Here's another hint...

I will tell you I am having fun, see more tomorrow...

Floofy Friday

Because I think so much of you all,

here's another glamour shot

I hope you have an excellent weekend friends. I plan to lounge in my yard at every possible turn. A few minutes on the hot rocks and then a cool off on the shady ones. Oh, and the flock of Tweets that disturbed me the other day will not be welcome.

Dona Nobis Pacem

Today, all around the world, bloggers will post the title listed above and a globe shown below and write about piece. I'm not sure what we're all trying to get a piece of, but it's got to be something great right?

Alright I am kidding... I know it's not piece, or peas, it's Peace. Peace is something every living being should want a piece of. So on this day, and then on the one after this, and so on, please do what you can to bring peace to the world. We can't always change the rest world, but we can change ourselves.

Wordless Wednesday

Bird? Plane?

Tummy Tuesday

Sass-O-Meter = High


Floof-O-Meter = Higher

The Queen of the Porch has retaken her throne.

Please enjoy.

Conspiracy Theory

Dear Pill Guys,

I’m on to you… and that Dr. VET too. Last week I was carted off to Dr VET for no apparent reason. Sure I wasn’t feeling my best, but there was no need for ALL of that. That crackpot VET took samples of things that no self-respecting human or cat should ever want... but I digress.

Dr VET suggested I needed to take a pill twice a day, for forever. I wonder who makes money when a poor kitty is forced to endure daily pill taking? I think we all know the answer is the Pill Guys who make said pills.

I did want to take this moment to thank you for making your pill so obvious that it couldn’t be missed, fluorescent pink was a master stroke. I avoided that pill in any food prep and sharpened my claws at the ready if my family made one false move towards me. I think my message was clear. Lucky for them they stopped trying to force that pill down my throat or hide it in my food. Instead “Her Cheapness” a.k.a Mom bought me delightful new treats to make it up to me.

Here is where my real issue comes in, even without taking your pills I am feeling much better. So in the future, when you try and dupe humans into giving poor innocent kitties a useless pill, perhaps you can make it easier on everyone by doing the following:

• Make the pills brown or tan, I might not have even noticed it lurking in my Fancy Pate.

• If you are going to coat the pill to make it more palatable (as if) I suggest tuna or chick-hen would be more acceptable than Bubble Gum (what is that anyway – gross)

• Better yet, maybe you could make your pill come in a tasty and delicious treat? Hey… wait a minute… you don’t think… Nah!

I've got my eyes on you,

Finny Da Floof

Floofy Friday

Don't worry friends, I haven't shrunk. Mom wanted to show another baby pic... or two.

We are busy getting ready for Dad's favorite holiday on Saturday, Halloween. Dad will carve his special Cyclops Pumpkin (it's got one big eye and it's a neighborhood institution). Mom will make the traditional dinner of Worms in Blood Sauce (not really it's just spaghetti).

Dad will wear his traditional costume of "Middle-Aged Dude Who's Way Too Excited to be Carving a Squash and Opening the Door for Candy Grubbers." Mom will wear her traditional costume "Middle-Aged Lady With No Makeup in Her Nightie Who Lurks in the Dark Living Room." I will wear my costume "Darling Cat Who Hides Under the Bed."

My Sass-O-Meter is still rising but not yet to full. Your kindness and support has meant the world to us. Have a great weekend everyone.

Pill Popping

Hey Friends of Fin (or FOFs),

Mom Meg here ::shakes off furry voice:: I wanted to thank everyone who stopped by and gave us advice on how to get a pill down a kitty throat, and information and experiences with hyperthyroidism. We really appreciate all your kind words and well wishes. It's so nice to know so many love our girl almost as much as we do. I know Finny will be on the road to wellville very soon. The Sass-O-Meter is still low but there are signs of returning sass.

I am happy to report that Pill Pockets seem to be a hit so far, so paws crossed (er, fingers) that she will keep liking them. There are options for a cream that goes in the ears (less reliable dosing, but will work if she swears off pills) and a Radioactive treatment, but first we are trying the medications.

I am giving food and snuggles on demand, so I am busy. I guess Fin wants me to turn off the computer for the night, as she somehow turned off my cursor and I can no longer scroll. Gee I hope it turns on again when I reboot? Maybe she's afraid I might like talking like a human... Nah.

Meg

VET

Well friends it has been one of the worst days ever. I was kicking back enjoying my nap when suddenly I was scooped by Dad and shoved into the Carrier (PTU - Prisoner Transport Unit). I think we can all agree that no good ever comes from the carrier.

Dad took me to a new VET so I thought maybe it would not involve the usual treatments, but I was wrong. Mom had recently noticed that my Sass-O-Meter was down again and that I have been a bit on and off lately. So when I had some gastric distress over the weekend, coupled with some weight loss she conspired with Dad on a plan to remove me from my happy home.

I don't think I can even go into the horror that was my visit. Sure the new VET was very nice and the gave me a little gas to keep me calm but really, I Never! I am still a bit groggy now.

Turns out I have Hyperthyroidism. It's pretty common in older cats and it's very treatable the VET said. Unfortunately I need to take a pill twice a day and although they are small, I will search and refuse that pill out of any treat they try to hide it in. My mission is clear!

Mom Meg Edit: If anycat or human has a kitty with this issue or any ideas on how to sneak in a pill or two a day please let me know.

Fall is Coming... and Going

Can you guess my Halloween Costume?

Yes, it is my same costume from last year. I also thought it might be fun to re-visit my Frisky Fall post from last year as Fall is expected to arrive this week and depart immediately after. We are all pretty excited about it and anticipate it might arrive and depart on Wednesday. Fall is Mom's favorite season so she may not be commenting on too many blogs this week so she can soak up the season while it lasts. Winter is expected on Thursday as we drop from 80's to 60's.

Fall means my fountain gets shut down for the season. I may feel frisky in the fall but the fish sure don't. Don't worry though, I don't have koi breath, they'll be back soon enough. For now they are safely tucked in the fish tank, where I can keep an even closer eye on them.

Fall lasts for only about five hours here in the desert - when we wake up in the morning it's summer, in the afternoon we all gather by our TVs to watch the one tree (held in a secret location) change colors, and by the end of the day it's winter.