The winning smile

"Howdy"  from my grandson, Bradley.

 He wants to tell you something very exciting.

His big sister, Riley just won a photo contest today hosted by the Kentfield Kids store in Almonte, Ontario.
We are all very happy for her.
Here's her winning photo.

                                              I think it's that winning smile.

Congratulations, sweetie!

hugs, Deb

Nearing the end of the week.

Yep, she's still giving me the cold shoulder. But, sitting on the steps today, we carried on quite a conversation. I would talk, she would meow or blink. When a cat blinks at you they are conversing with you. It is a nice way to connect with a timid feline.

She was tempted by some treats but decided that the stairs were where she felt most comfortable so that's the way we left it this morning. She's eating, using her box, drinking her water and probably checking out every spot I stepped this morning. The squirrels and birds are very active today so she will have lots of entertainment from the windows.

Another black beauty is one of my regulars and she is a very 'cool' cat.

I always find her in the dining-room. She must be a dish-lover.

The tabby boys are doing great. They are impossible to photograph unless they are sleeping. I guess they think these are their best sides.

They are big at window-lounging and have the best windows facing the woods.

Male Cardinal

 I don't worry so much about my charges when there are more than one in the home. They are great company for one another and don't become so lonely while their owners travel.

Buddy enjoyed his regular brushing this morning and that will please him now for the rest of the day until I see him again at dinner time. He'll spend most of his day in the lacy window well.

These two beauties are adorable.

They are known as a Vibrant Calico and a Tuxedo.

They love people, brushings and their squeaky toys. They are good company for each other and spend lots of their day on the cat-tree.

Well, this has been a rather eventful week. Tormorrow many of my clients will be heading home. The weather has been horrible for anyone who is on the roads but as I look out the window, I have to admit that it is a beautiful sight to see. It's the end of another wintry month here in Ontario and March is coming in like a lion. We'll get through it as long as we keep our sights on the 'lamb' at the end.

hugs. Deb

Baby steps

The roads yesterday were *NUTS*.
                                                                 My driveway

Snow and ice bits falling, slush everywhere, dull, dark and windy. . I did get to all the cats but it took longer than it should have. They are fed, watered, cleaned up and told to be happy and thankful that they are in-door cats.

This has to be the 'in like a lion' for March..

One good thing to take note of on this snowy day, scared kitty surprised me with a kitchen visit. Her owner told me not to expect to see her at all. I would most likely be looking under beds for a glimpse of her. Well, this is what I have been seeing for three days.

Conversations have been one-sided, me with a guarded, calm voice and her with saucer eyes and a low growl. BUT...while dishing out the stinky goodness, she appeared behind me with a look that said, "Despite loathing you, you are my meal ticket so here I am."

Me...(in a calm, quiet voice) "Well, looky here. Your curiosity has finally got the best of you. I'm sure if you just sit there and watch you will see I am not an ax-murderer.  I  am your friendly, feline aficionado."

Her..."HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS"

Me..."That will be enough of that. You have abused me since Sunday so let's just get along now, ok?"

Her...*stare*

Me..."Did I mention how gorgeous you are?"

Her...*blink*

Me..."Okay then, here's your breakfast"  I move one foot towards her dinner spot.

Her..."hiss", she stomps off.

Baby steps. I really do believe we are getting somewhere.

I'll be adding time to my visits today just with the snowbanks I'll have to climb over.
How we all long for Spring.

hugs, Deb

#3

The snow has covered our town. Once again, it is a winter wonderland out there.

Now, if it was December I would be enjoying the beauty of it all.

But it is almost March and I have had enough of this weather.

Everyone is grumbling and shaking their fist to the sky.

I'd be out there joining them but I am sitting here with a hot chocolate and feeling like the most blessed human being on this planet.

I am about to become a Nana again.

This gorgeous young lady, my first born, 

is about to become a mama.

I doubt there is a snow-storm out there that would wipe the smile off my face.

This will be #3 for us. The gift that just keeps giving.

We are so excited to meet our new grand-child this September.

Congratulations, Mike & Jess.

hugs, Mom & Dad

A busy morning.

What a fun day I had with all my kitty-clients. First the beloved mug of coffee,  and then I started my day with a senior black beauty who was so shy just a year ago and now sits on my lap for attention. Then two sister cats that wait in the window for me to arrive and then meet me at the door when I enter. They dance around the kitchen while I prepare their breakfast. Two male tabby boys, both off the street, once abandoned or lost and now living together with a cat-loving bachelor.
I am still working with the little scaredy cat and I really have not accomplished much. She was feral and she is older so both those factors come into play. She is doing ok though; eating, using her box and staying comfy in her bed.Tomorrow's another day.

Buddy, on the other hand, is a real mush-ball. I leave his home covered in white hair. Luckily, any smart cat-sitter has a good clothes brush in her bag. He loves to be brushed and he's a real fan of Victoria Magazine.

When I don't comb him, he combs himself. Really!

hugs, Deb

Friends sharing Tea

It's time to join Bernideen with a tea post.

This is my latest tea-pot. Thought it was time to show it off as soon it will be put away for the Spring and Summer.  

I loved the gold spout and handle and thought it would go so nice with my black tea-cups.

There are no markings on it. It has splashes of apricot, yellow and green throughout the body. 

 I filled it with ginger peach tea today and it was mighty fine. So was that muffin. ;-)

Don't forget to add the honey.

I'm Springing up the cupboards now and look forward to the creams, yellows, pinks, greens and blues.

Doesn't this cup just make you want to sing? 

OK, I'm getting ahead of myself but I sure am looking forward to warmer weather.

Oh yes, and I have company again.

"Audrey, don't be so rude."

I'm joining Bernideen at http://bernideensteatimeblog.blogspot.ca/ for Friends Sharing Tea.

hugs, Deb

Kitty in a window

My kitty client, Buddy watches me arrive at his home 

and doesn't seem to mind posing for a quick pic. Quick...because in a flash he was waiting for breakfast at the door when I entered.

What's this? Another window pose. Buddy, you are spoiling me rotten.

Oh, now you're just showing off.

I'm joining Cats on Tuesday at http://gattinamycats.blogspot.co.uk/

hugs, Deb

The help

The house smells amazing. The muffins are done. They are healthy ones (made with blueberries, whole wheat flour and brown sugar) and I believe they have no calories.

Thanks for your help,  Sierra.

I love cat-sitting in the country. Once the cats are cared for I spend a bit of time watching the wild-life that dine at the feeders. So beautiful.

 This is the same home where I showed you 6 wild turkeys feeding last winter. I'm hoping to see some again.
Look how cute this guy is. He looks so grateful for his breakfast.

hugs, Deb

Cats are NOT all the same

Yesterday was an interesting day for this cat-sitter. I had 5 houses to cover, 3 of them required 2 visits daily. The snow started late in the morning and went all day. It was annoying to drive in but I didn't have to go on the back country roads. One of my new clients was notably shy so I tread softly, talked calmly and did not have eye contact for the first few minutes. Her eyes were round as saucers but she strolled up to me and sniffed my arm. I smiled at her and said "Hi". She hissed, raised her tail and stalked back into the bedroom. If she could have, she would have slammed the door. OK, then. This one will take some time so duties done, a weak and damaged "See you tomorrow, Sweetie"  and off to the next one.  This one I couldn't find. He's a regular and is always there to greet me with a purr and a rub on my leg but he was no where to be found. At first you just peek around, call their name,  look up, look down, look sideways, but then you start to worry. I looked everywhere and no cat. I decided to sit on the floor and wait. I shook the treat bag. Nothing. That should have worked. So up I got and started looking again. I noticed a closet door partially open. I called his name and looked in. Suddenly, a white head poked out from a cardboard box tucked way in the back of the closet. I got a look like "what do you want? You ruined my nap."    "Phew".

The rest of the day was quite predictable. They were all regulars and knew me well.  Once all the 'duties' are done,  feeding, cleaning dishes, litter & the odd hairball, my favorite time with them is to sit on the floor and just spend time together. Once you have won their trust, cats are so appreciative of 'bonding' time with people, that is one thing I know for sure.

Some cats prefer to be brushed than to be played with and others just love to be petted while we look at a book together.  Each cat is very unique and it takes time to get to know what they love to do most.

I know they love to be read to. The sound of your voice is very soothing and rhythmic and in no time you may notice kitty is sound asleep. Others love to be played with and the cat-dancer is the 'toy of choice' amongst my kitty clients.

Of course, they are all very vain and love to have their photos taken. Well, all but Audrey. I guess when you don't have a 'bad side' you are guaranteed to be happy with the results.

Some say cats are all alike. Au contraire! They are all individuals and very unique. I say to them, "You don't know cats."

hugs, Deb

Planning ahead

Shhhhh...Audrey is sleeping...

so I'm playing in the dining-room again and I am getting the Easter itch. I was shopping yesterday and the stores are filled with bunnies and chicks, pretty Easter baskets and hanging Easter tree ornaments. This has got to be the best time for decorating. We are all so sick of the drab of winter and now we can bring out the colours of Spring.

I've been planning the Easter table for this year. I don't do anything fancy, just some fun.

Last year's table was covered in little Easter critters that kept our grand-daughter, Riley very amused.

It's funny to see my china cabinet in these photos. It's now at my daughters' house and it looks great there. I've replaced it with the step-back cupboard.

and the year before it was chocolate bunnies and daisies

There was a bunny for everyone and the little wee one was for Riley.

and of course, some little chicks.

This year it will be very different. Unfortunately, we still have some winter to get through.

Oh well, the sun is warmer and the temperature is rising once again. We'll have to be happy with that for now.

First a big cup of coffee and then I'm off to cat-sit. Lots of kitties waiting on 'the lady with thumbs'.
hugs, Deb

cat-care tips

Here are a few cat-care tips for around the home.

It is best that you do not use litter with chemicals added to keep down odour. Every time something is added to litter the cost goes up and the cat is subjected to something that is negatively going to affect its' health. The companies that produce the litter do not care about our cats as much as they care about the almighty dollar so use your head and do not be influenced by the funny cat on the box holding its' nose. Instead, buy the regular litter with baking soda added or add a teaspoon or two of baking soda every few days to absorb the odours.

 This is much healthier for your cat and baking soda costs pennies.

If you have a pail next to the litter-box that you use to place the waste instead of flushing it, add a new bag daily and a sheet of static guard to keep the odour down.

If you are tired of seeing cat food cans in the fridge, open a few cans at a time and place into a well-sealed container.

 That way, you can add a little pumpkin to the soft food to keep kitty regular by adding extra fibre.

Label and date the dish and it should stay fine for a week in your fridge.

And if your cat seems bored and is starting to scratch the furniture or hang from the curtain, it's time to dig out a box, fill it with tissue paper and sit it in the middle of the room. Problem solved.

                                                                     Sierra


hugs, Deb

Cat business

It felt warmer today and the sun poured into the dining-room.
Sierra soaked it up while I did some organizing. I always have one of the cats as company when I am anywhere in the house. They seem to seek me out for attention. It's nice to be wanted and nicer still to spend time with them individually. Sierra is such a sweetheart.
"Sierra, did you know that Spring is only 24 days away?"

"That IS grand!"

She loves to just sit and listen to me yap away as I confide in her my deepest secrets. She bats her eyes and meows softly and listens so intently with both ears forward. She is a wise cat; a no-nonsense gal. I believe she has taken the role of top cat now that our beautiful Cali has left us. I know she deserves that status and I hope she enjoys it. We always end our conversations with a hug and a kiss. She would not have it any other way.

I collected up some of my tea and cat books to decorate the  cupboard but also to remind myself to actually look at them once in awhile.

When they are put away in the book-case I tend to forget all about them. Tea and books go so well together. It's the thing to do when you finally sit down to relax; make some tea and enjoy a book.

I'm quite busy right now with cat-sitting as people head to warmer climates. From now until March break the deals are on for flights and lodgings. I have loaded up the cat-bag with treats and toys and brushes. I have so many gorgeous cats to enjoy in the next few days. Some are regulars and a few I will enjoy getting to know.

I know my service is very appreciated in our area as I have had many people tell me how happy they are to have found someone who will come into their home and care for their cats while they travel.  The cats are happier and more relaxed than they would be at a cat kennel and they can hire me to come in up to three times a day. Most clients ask for one or two visits but I have had many that require more because the cat is alone and on medication. I'm happy to provide the service that is tailored to the needs of the cat. It's hard to think of this as a 'job' as it is such a pleasure to visit and care for each of them but I know it is a service that is needed and the business is growing every month.

 I'll have lots of photos for you next week. Drop by to meet the little charmers.

In our local shelter today, sits a little female, orange-tabby who finds herself homeless at the age of 13.

Melody

She is good natured and healthy. She was picked up as a stray. If anyone in our area could give her a good home,  please contact LAWS.
http://www.lanarkanimals.ca/cats1.asp?page=3

Saturday update - Melody is now in a foster home until she is adopted. Please contact shelter if interested in adopting.

Stay warm.
hugs, Deb

The rabbits are escaping

I'm tired of winter. I was de-cluttering again and came across a box of little Easter critters and decided to add them to my diningroom cupboard for Riley to enjoy.  I know it's early..." I don't care."

We are all longing for Spring here in Canada. Seedlings and flowers, lambs and bunnies come to mind.
                                                        Like this little guy.

Bunnies are everywhere right now and they are very hungry. When I feed the feral cats at night there are always lots of rabbit tracks at the food sight. I am feeding them now too, I guess. I know they don't eat meat but there is lots of grain in dry food so they probably are devouring it.

It's early to be thinking Easter but bunnies are a year-around love of mine. So, the little white and cream ones are now appearing in amongst the tea things. I'll save the big, colourful bunnies for Easter.

We still have weeks to go of winter but the sun is warmer and the days are longer now. So much to look forward to.

Sierra, Audrey & Annie spend most of their time together. They have become quite a happy family. Ed & Lily are by the wood-stove most of the day as their old bones really appreciate the warmth of the fire.

These cold days put me in the mood to bake? Are there brown bananas in your freezer or on the counter?
Here's one of my favorite cookie recipes. These are called Banana Bread Cookies and I think you will love these.                          

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup butter

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

3 ripe bananas

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup walnuts

Oven 375 degrees

Cream together butter and sugars. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Add flour, baking soda & cinnamon.

Mix well.  Mix in bananas, oats and walnuts. Drop by spoonful on a greased or parchment paper lined cookie tray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes.

These are delicious!

and they go great with tea.

Which brings me to...

It looks like Roslyn has a new home.

Sandi from 

http://sandimyyellowdoor.blogspot.ca/ will enjoy her tea now in this pretty tea-cup. I know she'll love it.

It will fit in lovely with many of Sandi's tea things.

I'm still de-cluttering so check back again soon.

hugs, Deb