Welcome to Just Cats In-home Cat Care

Happy February

2012-02-01T15:04:00.001-05:00

Happy February! A new month has rolled in and we are now in the depths of winter.

I guess to welcome in the month of red I should show you a new thrift store purchase I made recently.
Red is a colour that is hard to find in my home but this little baby was comin' home with me. It looks pretty spiffy with all my cream and white dishes.

It's a Heron Cross Pottery (1876) piece made in England.

I'm not only a cat-sitter these days, I am also a bird-feeder. During the winter months I am always asked to keep bird-feeders filled for people who regularly feed them but will be travelling for awhile. "No problem, I'd love to." I'll be showing you some of my kitty clients and birdy clients during the cold months of February & March.

Around our home, we are mostly seeing Blue jays, Cardinals & Chickadee's. I'm looking forward to what comes around the feeders out in the country. I won't know what they are called but I'll enjoy them, anyway.
Audrey has picked out her Valentine already. She will spend her time wiggling her way into the heart of the retired-guy.

We were out for breakfast with grand-daughter, Riley today.

then we went Valentine sticker shopping.

Good way to start off a new month.

Hugs, Deb

Tea with Gran

2012-01-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a photograph can grab you and transport you back to a familiar place. Perhaps a place that was so full of love that you knew, even as a child, that you would someday have vivid memories of that time.

Tasha Tudor

My grandmother 'taught me' to drink tea at an early age, perhaps seven. She was not as fancy as Tasha Tudor with her lace ruffles and all, but she always wore a dress and an apron. Her name was Mary.

I can still feel the tea-cup in my hand, warmed from the wood-stove and filled with 1/2 tea and 1/2 milk and a bit of honey. She taught me how to pour tea, to let it steep for 5 minutes and never clean the pot with soap.

"Just hot water and some lemon will do the trick", she'd say.

Along with the tea was fresh bread, toasted on the wood stove, with her home-made strawberry jam. She always kept the cookie jar filled with home-made cookies.

As I type this I can see her face and feel the heat of the stove on my face. I remember her little brown tabby-cat, Maggie always snuggled in her apron. I can hear the laughter of my cousins, who sat around the summer kitchen making these same memories. We shared stories and listened to music on the old record player. We teased each other and made plans for the next morning; what we'd do and where we'd go.

Everyday was an adventure at my grandmother's home.

Such wonderful memories of childhood. Summers at the old farm.

My new tea-pot is the prettiest one I own.

It pours perfectly.

When I saw it I thought of my grandmother.

We are going to get along just fine.

Freezing rain is on it's way.

Audrey is watching for it.

She'll let us know when it's here by batting at the window.

Thank goodness her days of climbing the blinds are over.

Hugs, Deb

We all need sun

2012-01-30T23:13:00.000-05:00

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You'll never know, dear

How much I love you

Please, don't take

My sunshine

away.

At 17 years of age Lily would be 84 (human years)
At 22 years of age Mr. Ed would be over 96 (human years)

It's obvious that Lily goes for the 'older guy' :)

I'm longing for the hot days of summer with long walks & sandals, gardens & picnics and cold beer (not for me, thanks) iced-tea and fresh picked fruit.

"Hey Deb, crack me open another cold one, will ya."

Ah yes...I remember them well.

Here is my favorite picture of our dog, Kane enjoying a sunny day. All four off the ground. :)

Is that a happy dog? You betcha.
Another one of my sun-worshipers. This face speaks volumes.

Sierra

Stay warm. It's reasonably cold and dark and slushy here. It's been a really wet winter so far. Blah!

hugs, Deb

Another beautiful gift and oh, so many cats.

2012-01-29T22:34:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a beautiful day to walk in the bush. Mild, sunny and the snow was packed down well for Kane to run. Oh, he'll suffer a bit for it but really, he does think it is all worth it. He gets his vitamins and glucosamine and plenty of rest.

Here's another gift from Peru for a 'worried' mother.

Lighting not great here but oh my gosh this is so cozy. I'll wear it out in the Spring but for now it feels great just to wrap yourself in it and watch a good movie on the couch.

Such beautiful gifts from Peru.

Lots of my clients are feeding birds and I caught this little one on camera this morning.

A Cardinal. I had to take this from inside the car so as not to scare it away.

Someone inside was so busy with her toys she missed all the action at the bird-feeder.

Dominique
Little Audrey has discovered the heat of the wood-stove and has decided on how to spend her afternoon.

"Sweet dreams, Audrey"

Spirit & Snowy are sitting at the Lanark Animal Shelter right now waiting for a home.

They are 2 months old. And look at little Wanda. She's only 6 weeks old.

They just melt my heart.

Right now there are 155 cats on their website.

http://www.lanarkanimals.ca/cats1.asp?page=8

Please spay or neuter your cat.

hugs, Deb

Something new to show you

2012-01-29T09:32:00.001-05:00

I have something new to show you.

I got this for Christmas 'cause I am a spoiled momma.

Allie brought me this back from Peru.

"I LOVE IT" and will be having a dinner party soon to show it off. All my family are afraid of spilling wine on it so I have to find a clear cover for it first.

It looks great with or without the leaf in the table.

One of them even said he thinks he might eat on the porch when I have this on the table. Cute!

I guess Allie figured I worried enough to deserve a beautiful gift.

She bought this in a market from the woman who made it.

"She said, You have a momma?...you buy this for your momma"

Yes, I deserved it.
Thanks, Allie.
Ed loves it, too since it has all his colours.

But that's not all....show you tomorrow.

12 year old Lumina still waits at our shelter for a home. Please pray she finds one soon.

Off for a walk before I get 'blogger's butt'.

Have a great Sunday.

hugs, Deb

Riley love & why I cat-sit

2012-01-28T08:48:00.002-05:00

Just needed to show off my grand-daughter, Riley. Love this girl! Her mommy's friend is a professional photographer and we are enjoying her talent.

I have been asked many times why I chose to be a 'cat-sitter'.
I am a full-time, 7 day a week cat-sitter. Not everyone would want to do what I do because first off, you have to adore cats and not mind working every day. The up-side of cat-sitting is the actual caring for the cat. First, the introduction and the time it takes to be accepted on 'their' level. The feeding, watering, grooming and sometimes medicating of the cat is essential. Keeping kitty amused and making the best of the time you spend together can be a lot of fun for both of you. I often lie on the floor with a magazine and have kitty sprawled out in front of me, half covering the reading material while I give one of my famous 'kitty massages'. Boy, they love that. Brushing and combing helps form a bond between us. I love every minute I spend with these cats.

On the down side, the knowledge that YOU are responsible for this cat now that the owners are travelling can be a little nerve-wracking for some, but being organized and having a file on each cat with all the pertaining information that is needed can put your mind at ease. And yes, you do have to work sometimes 7 days a week, in all types of weather, but you can plan your visits (unless medication is involved) so that it leaves you with plenty of time to do your errands and socialize.

More coming on 'being a cat-sitter'.

hugs, Deb

Nasty day and memories of knitting

2012-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

I wonder if I'd look this good

with a face-lift?
It has been snowing all night and a little bit of freezing rain has fallen. The roads are a MESS! I won't be cat-sitting until later in the day so that is good for this scaredy-cat driver on ice. I HATE WINTER driving! Right now it is blowing like mad.

The cats are all finding their spots already for the day. Lily has no shame. She loves her man.

"I'll just settle down right here."

Audrey likes to hide and jump out when you least expect it.

GOTCHA!

Because of the nasty weather I have been cleaning and purging again. In the process of looking for some documents I went throw my wicker chest that holds many treasures from years past. In the chest was a bag of knitted items that my mother made in her later years.

She was a beautiful knitter. But then, everything my mom did was done with perfection. In amongst her gorgeous knitted mitts, sweaters and vests was a sweater I lovingly knit for my first daughter, Jessica.

It had a little hat, too.

After she grew out of it we put it on her biggest doll.

Because of a busy life, I have not picked up knitting needles for years. Looking at this little sweater makes me want to start again; to create again. I know I wasn't very good at knitting but practice makes perfect, right.

I am following some blogs that are based on 'knitting' and I love what these women can do. Such beautiful and unique sweaters, shawls etc. done with a steady hand. I just want to reach in and feel the texture of the colourful wool. For instance, Tanna at http://thebrickstreetbungalow.blogspot.com/. Just look at how talented this woman is.

Now that I have a beautiful grand-daughter who looks adorable in wool I think I need to pick up the needles again. Something to think about.

hugs, Deb

More, please

2012-01-26T21:03:00.001-05:00

We walked on a trail in the bush today.

I'm studying tracks and he's studying deer poop

This dog is happiest in the bush.

It was above freezing and sunny and we took advantage of it. This old dog ran like a pup again. He may be a bit sore tonight but I'm sure he'll think it was worth it.

More of this, please.

This little guy's name is Badger. He and his siblings were at the Lanark Animal Shelter until they were taken to a foster home in Carleton Place. If you are interested in Badger, who is 2 months old, please contact me.

Here he is in his foster home

Unique looking, isn't he?

There are158 cats on the shelter web-site today. That means there are approximately 200 there as some will not be ready to be adopted yet. This number, although there are adoptions every day, never seems to change. One goes out and 2 come in...2 go out and one comes in ..and on and on.
They need your support if you live in our area. They rely totally on public donations.
Smarties neuter...Dummies don't.

Many of you commented on how much you loved the photo yesterday of Lucky peaking over the table. She is very quick to disappear when I get out the camera but I was able to snap a fast one for you so you can see how lovely she is. This little girl was once a stray cat. Her present owner fed her along with others at her back door. She was able to win over Lucky and bring her indoors. She is a lucky cat indeed having a wonderful and loving home now and I'm lucky, too to be her cat-sitter.

Lucky
I bought myself a new tea-pot yesterday. Yes, I know I needed one. It was only $12 at a thrift shop.

May I just say it is the 'Grace Kelly' of all tea-pots. Prettiest one I have. It is made of Fine Porcelain and will hold 4 cups. The tag said $20.00 which I was willing to pay, because I would have kicked myself if I didn't, and then at the cash the owner smiled and informed me it was on sale. Yes! You are all still invited for tea, by the way.

This is the face that wakes me up earlier than need be every morning.

When her tummy is a rumblin' the world must take notice. Did you notice she has a tabby tail? Oh yes, she's a beauty, too.

hugs, Deb

good recipes and off to kitty-sit

2012-01-25T18:38:00.000-05:00

What could be more relaxing than a good hot cup of tea.

Mrs. Tiggy Winkle loves tea. I guess we have something in common.

And how about some cinnamon sugar toast to start your morning. Nothing better! Or is there?
Have you made these Pumpkin Muffins yet? WHAT!!!! You haven't.
I'm having one right now with some pineapple slices. I think this is what they serve in heaven for breakfast.

Woops! Looks like the walnuts rolled around a bit on the muffins. Oh well, they still taste great. Not too many Applesauce Oatmeal cookies left ( recipe at 'let's talk dishes'). Don't you just love muffin cup holders. Some of them are over-the-top cute. I'll have to give some of these to Riley.

I can't do a thing in the kitchen without my assistant

"You couldn't boil water without me"

Pop over to 'let's talk dishes' for the recipe if you so desire.

But if you still want that cinnamon sugar toast, here is how you make it.
It is 3 tbsp. of sugar to 1/i2 tsp. of cinnamon. Make as much as you want. Put that in a little jar and *shake*
This is a big favorite in my family. I make it ahead and keep it on the counter.

I'm off to cat-sit and spoil some kitties left in my care. This can't be a job...it's too much fun. They were both very shy when we first met. Here is Lucky the first day I cared for her.

But we are good friends now. Lucky & Addy....here I come. (photos comin')

hugs, Deb

A big tea-party & a cat-care tip

2012-01-24T21:09:00.002-05:00

It's mild temperatures but stormy today. Lots of snow blowing in the faces of passers-by. Kane and I got pretty wet on our walk. Now he smells like a wet dog which is exactly what he is.
The cats love this weather and like to watch the snow fall.

And watch the birds and squirrels have their breakfast, too.

Or it's nice to just nap through the whole thing.

The oldies are 17, 18 and 22 years old

Especially when you

have your bed looking 'just right'. This is 1 week of 'nesting'.

Her box is almost the way she likes it.

I wish you could all come for tea.

Wouldn't that be a blast?
All of us here to meet each other. Oh ya, it would be very crowded but think of the laughs we'd have. And yes, I'd need to buy more tea-cups (love to) and bake more cookies but...hey, that's fine with me.

The cats would love to meet you all and have a nap in YOUR lap.

Wishful thinking.

Cat-tip for the day=^..^=trimming nails.
There are many fine cat nail trimmers in your local pet stores these days. I have bought different ones but I always go back to using the regular nail trimmer that I use for myself.

It's a personal thing to choose what works best for you and your cat. I am most comfortable with this one and I find the nails trim very easily. My cats are used to it and don't even flinch when it comes to 'nail trimming' day. I trim my cats' nails twice a month. I only cut the point of the nail. There are also wood blocks at the fireplace for them to use and a cat-scratcher post. With all that, they seem to keep their nails in good condition albeit I have wood shavings flying around the room sometimes.
A cat's nail, if left un-trimmed, can curl and grow back into the skin. This is very painful for the cat. Prevention is best by having a day marked on the calendar to trim Fluffy's nails. Treats can also be handy if you have a cat that hates having nails trimmed or filed. A second person offering treats while the other trims the nails can work very well. If your cat is terrified of the whole procedure, trim one nail a day.

hugs, Deb

Top cat

2012-01-24T08:45:00.000-05:00

It's lonely at the top

Audrey loves to sit at the top of our stairs and look down our 13 steps.

I suppose she imagines herself a lioness looking down from a hilltop over a herd of gazelles. Watching...waiting.

or she just thinks it's comfy.

Good news at the Lanark Animal Shelter in Smiths Falls, Ont.

Handsome found a home today.

He is 4 years old and has been at the shelter for a couple of months. I've been praying for someone to find him because this is the same shelter we found our Siamese, Ed and I know how much he loves us and we love him. Siamese cats are amazing animals and get very depressed when their lives are uprooted.

Mr. Ed

I wanted the same happy ending for Handsome.

"Good luck, buddy. Have a long and happy life with your new family."

Well, I'm off to pick up keys for this weekend's work. I call it 'work' but really I'm just having fun with other people's cats. And lovin' it.

hugs, Deb

add a flower

2012-01-23T14:31:00.001-05:00

It's time to pretty up the bathroom with a flower.

on my new white shelves. That's all it takes.

This one makes me smile every day

'cause that's little Riley after her bath. Love..love..love this girl.

I also love this little lady.
Annie is weighing in at 7 lbs now so she still looks very thin. She was under 6 lbs. when I brought her here to care for her babies. She eats 3 sometimes 4 times a day and is on a Holistic Select and Natural Balance chicken soft and a dry called NOW. Her little body is still very thin but I am not worrying about that. She has been through a lot and in the last six months has been seized from a home of almost 30 animals that were abandoned, given birth to 3 kittens while full of parasites and infection, helped through her ordeal with our love and good nutrition and now recovering from her spay. That's too much for any cat.

I think it will take a long time for Annie to look like a pampered house cat. She is just over 1 year old. A mere kitten herself. One thing that has not changed and I hope never will is her beautiful personality and love of humans. Her chin acne is better and her stitches are all healed up. She just needs to gain some weight now.

Talk about a soft place to fall.

hugs, Deb

gift & a recipe

2012-01-22T20:57:00.001-05:00

Here is little Riley modelling her new hat from Peru. This was a Christmas present from her Aunt Allie.

I will soon be showing you what Allie brought back for her lucky mom. It absolutely took my breath away when I opened it. I haven't taken a proper photo of it yet but wait 'til you see.

No matter how you try to make a cat comfy they sometimes just want to stretch out in the most uncomfortable of places; right next to a blanket.

Our Lily

On my walk today, I stopped by a real estate window to look at recent sales of homes in our area. We have to put a price now on our home of 23 years. The next step is to pick up permits to begin the building of a home on our lot.

Am I anxious? Youbetcha. There is just so much to think about.

I hope you follow along on our adventure.

It's time to make cheesy scalloped potatoes for dinner.

That's comfort food around our house.

Here's what you need.

Enough raw potatoes sliced thin to fill your roaster or casserole dish

Put a bit of butter on bottom of dish

Then a layer of sliced potatoes

salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle with cheddar cheese

Add another layer of potatoes

Add chopped onion, more cheese and a dab of butter

Repeat

Pour milk over this dish 3/4 of the way up the side

salt and pepper and sprinkle more cheese on the top

Easy-peasy!

Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until the potatoes are tender

I use Yukon Gold potatoes.

Enjoy

Deb

hugs, Deb

a spoonful of sugar

2012-01-21T23:21:00.001-05:00

The recipe I posted 3 days ago, I am posting again. Where it says 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar change that to 1 1/2 if you like a little sweeter cookie. These are not sweet at all.

Everyone is enjoying the fresh flowers.

Even our man, Ed

Annie does a double-take

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies...mmmm

1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups brown sugar or 1 1/2 for a little sweeter cookie
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 pure applesauce
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup raisons
1 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter cookie sheets
Cream butter, add sugar and beat until light and fluffy
Add eggs, vanilla and applesauce.
Mix remaining ingr. together in a large bow and gradually add to creamed mixture and beat until blended.
Spoon teaspoons of batter onto prepared cookie sheets
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Cool on rack. Just try and only eat one.

Before I leave a client's home each day I write up a little report on how the cat was doing that day. Here is Indy on our last day together editing and verifying each daily comment I wrote. I'm going to miss this darling cat. She was a joy to care for. Never have I seen a cat enjoy being groomed like this gal.
I hope to see her again soon.

So happy Sunday everyone. Enjoy the day.

hugs, Deb

Taking the edge off winter

2012-01-21T15:20:00.001-05:00

Winter is hard on the wild-life around here so many people help by feeding the birds and squirrels. I often sprinkle seeds on dry bread and peanut butter, cut it all up and place this outside a window for the cats to enjoy the excitement.

Birds love a bit of fruit, too. With the squirrels, this will be gone in minutes. After they eat, they scamper around our property and delightfully entertain the cats. I have watched them take a corner of the bread, eat the seeds and then lick the peanut butter off. Yes, I too, am easily entertained. ;-b
I always have an assistant in the kitchen.

If she's not cuddled up on the couch in front of the wood-stove.

Beautiful cut flowers were added to the dining-room today. I am anxious for Spring and having them to look at softens the winter.

This vase was my mothers. I remember as a child looking at the fresh cut flowers that would fill it from my mom's garden. It always made the house more a home.

It is so sunny today and the wind has died down. Much more tolerable. I think it's time for a walk.

hugs, Deb

Let's play

2012-01-20T22:21:00.003-05:00

Two things I know for sure about the average house cat. One, they are usually over-weight. Two, they are some-what bored.

To entertain your cat, there are feathers on sticks, jingly ball, fuzzy mice and the favorite...the ping pong ball. These are all wonderful toys for your cat but they are more fun and the cat will play longer if YOU are at the other end. Cat toys can lie around the floor and hang out in baskets for ages without the cat even noticing sometimes. And we wonder why they won't play with them. It is because these toys are more fun when two play.

There is nothing that will knock off the inches on your cat faster than to have it exercised. A stick with a string and feather on the end pulled around the house can have your cat doing somersaults. A ping pong ball thrown down the hall sometimes up to 100 times a day will keep Fluffy happy and svelte. Add stairs to the picture and the weight will come off even faster. Another helpful hint is to put kitties treats in a treat ball and make it fun to get those treats out.

A good diet, lots of love and plenty of exercise is what your dog needs. Well, guess what? Your cat needs it, too.

So have some fun with your cat. You'll both benefit from it.

(our tubby-tabby model tonight is our 10 year old Sierra whose weight loss is a work in progress)

"I am just fine..

thank you very much."
This is a busy weekend for cat-sitting. Some clients are leaving and some are returning to very content kitties.
The little scared Torti, Gracie and I became the best of friends this week. No more hiding and now she lets me groom her and we play. Boy, do we play.

I love when the house plants just suddenly bloom for you when you don't expect it.

Shamrock

Simple things like a sunny room in your home is so nice when it's -20 C outdoors.

Add hot chocolate to that and life is good.

Best part of dinner out tonight...fresh, hot bread in a basket (oh mama!)

hugs, Deb

Just a fact

2012-01-20T08:33:00.001-05:00

Being a cat-sitter, I am often asked questions about cats and their behaviour. I have come to learn over the years that the one thing that will get a cat a one-way ticket to the animal shelter is aggression. The second and third most often reported reason is that they spray the home or urinate outside the litter box. Hands down, the 3 things that people will not tolerate from a cat. And I can tell you from experience of visiting and handling many of the cats at our local animal shelter that most come in there over a year of age and they have not been spayed or neutered. The female should be spayed. The male should be neutered. Once they reach 6 months, all cats should be fixed. Our local animal shelter is a 'no kill' shelter so the kind people there work with these cats and do their best to find that forever home for them. But, every one of the above behaviours can be caused from not sterilizing the cat. That's it....no getting around it. It is the answer to the over-population of unwanted cats and will provide you with a much happier cat in your home.

Right now, our shelter houses almost 200 cats that are up for adoption. That is not counting the cats in foster homes like our Annie and little Audrey. That is one little shelter in the middle of no-where. Multiply that by tens of thousands in this country. People have to wake up. People have to become more responsible. Sometimes I just want to scream.

I have many homes where I am cat-sitting this week. Two of those homes have asked me to also put food out for the stray cats that come to their door every day. One lady has a heated water dish for them to always have fresh water with their generous portions of cat food. Caring, loving people trying to help cats that at one time lived in a home in this town and have been lost or abandoned.

Where do they stay to get warmth? It is winter here. The shelters are packed and really, there are so many in this situation around these parts that it is mind-boggling.

So you do what you can do. I put food out for them and fill up the water dish. They are no where to be seen because they are scared of people. God knows what their story is. Then I drive to the spot where I feed the ferals and place more food there. I haven't seen a cat there all winter but the food goes every night. But then, everything is starving, right?

I can't see them starve.

hugs, Deb

Moments from the day

2012-01-19T16:35:00.003-05:00

Keeping the birds fed

on this cold, icy day

Ice on the trees and the sun pouring in the windows

to keep this cat happy

while someone else is mischievous

"AUDREY!!!!!"

while the cat-sitter is busy cat-sitting

Boink!

In answer to Gina's question fromhttp://catnapinnprimitives.blogspot.com/, the applesauce used in the cookies from yesterday's post is unsweetened applesauce. You're right, they are pretty healthy. Eat three with no guilt.

hugs, Deb

Love eyes & a recipe

2012-01-18T22:03:00.002-05:00

How do you communicate with your cat? Looking over at Lily standing on the kitchen stool today, I slowly blinked my eyes and smiled at her. She immediately noticed and blinked her eyes repeatedly. We were giving each other a hug with our eyes. Now, I have a very special relationship with this cat and I think she is more in tune with me than the others but when she does this, it always floors me.

Love-birds

Try this on your kitty ... Sit across from your cat about 2or 3 feet. Have eye contact and smile. Now blink your eyes once slowly and keep staring at the cat. Blink 3 times slowly. Sometimes it works immediately that the cat will blink back. If it doesn't it may still approach you for a pat as this is a very welcoming gesture. If it doesn't respond the first time, try again later. If you think I'm crazy...then don't bother. :-b

This freezing cold morning was spent in the city (Ottawa) gathering up documents and applications for a building permit to begin building a home on our lot this Summer. I hope you follow along as this exciting??? adventure unfolds for us. I think the 'retired guy' is going to have fun with this. Me, I just want it up and ready to be decorated. The construction part bores me silly but I know I'll get into it once it starts. I know for sure I will learn a thing or two about the process.
If our marriage holds out ;-) and all goes well, we should be on the lot by Fall.

I promised you a good cookie recipe yesterday so here it is. Don't make these if you are dieting because these are two-fisted cookies. And you do need tea (or coffee) to go along with them. It is a match made in heaven.

honey

Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies...mmmm

1/2 cup butter
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 pure applesauce
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/4 cups quick cooking oatmeal
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup raisons
1 cup walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. Lightly butter cookie sheets
Cream butter, add sugar and beat until light and fluffy
Add eggs, vanilla and applesauce.
Mix remaining ingr. together in a large bow and gradually add to creamed mixture and beat until blended.
Spoon teaspoons of batter onto prepared cookie sheets
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Cool on rack. Just try and only eat one.

Enjoy!

hugs, Deb

Newcomer

2012-01-18T08:48:00.000-05:00

Look who I got to have breakfast with on Sunday.

She loves it when Nan has toys in her purse.

My daughter, Allie, who just returned from South America

Peru

has adopted her first dog and stopped by to tell us all about him. He is a Lab/Burmese Mountain Dog mix.

So, mix this

with this

He's 9 months old and his name is Forest. We'll be meeting him soon and I'll show him off to you. She didn't bring him over today because Kane has a knot in his knickers when it comes to big black dogs. And, I can just imagine what her cats Joey & Rae-Rae think of this intruder. I doubt he will be their 'cup of tea'. I expect to see them at my front door with their suitcases and their cat beds. And you know I'll take them in, you just know it.

hugs, Deb

We want to show you...

2012-01-17T18:26:00.001-05:00

I want to show you my beautiful, blue clay soup bowl

I would love to have a dozen of these.

I love to show off favorite dishes

and Audrey wants to show off her big feet

and her big rump with the luscious fur

and her lion face

"GRRROWL"

Isn't she spectacular!

Old habits die hard with this little one. For her own health, she cannot nurse from the mother anymore but will try to sneak in a meal once in awhile. Her mom is all healed up now from surgery and is allowing her to nurse. I'll be separating them when I am not home so Annie can dry up. Annie's chin is looking much better now thanks to peroxide and serving her dinner on a plate instead of a bowl. Thank you for all your helpful suggestions.

It is freezing rain here. A little milder temperatures but an absolute mess outside. I am back from cat-sitting (all is going well with the scared little torti. She was out playing with me again today and I just heard from her owners so they are so relieved that she is finally out of her hiding spot. They really never thought she would give in) and the ferals are fed. It's a good afternoon to either sleep in a box or make applesauce oatmeal cookies.

I chose to make cookies

She chose otherwise

Recipe tomorrow.

hugs, Deb

She loves me...she loves me not

2012-01-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting here tonight thinking about how it's not always easy and quick for me to win over a cat in my care. I hate to admit it but sometimes the cat NEVER leaves it's hiding place and I end up sprawled on the floor having chats with it while it stays safely tucked under a bed or even a dresser. But it doesn't happen too often and in a case like that I just remain calm and peek in on the cat each visit knowing that it is ok by the food intake and the litter box action.

One of my charges (funny word, right?) this week has a perfect hiding spot. It is a hollow step that sits on a carpet at the end of a bed and is comfy and cozy. This little torti has been hiding for a few days and only tolerating my charm and wit and a few songs I have painfully sung to her. A feather wand has been my lure but she would have nothing to do with it.....until today. It was just too tempting and she began to play with it. All of a sudden, I didn't look like the bad monster anymore. After a good long time of play, I walked into the kitchen to get her lunch ready and felt someone following me.

"Turn around, don't look at me"

Now we are great buddies and she will hopefully look forward to each visit with me. Maybe I'll turn that frown upside-down.

Meanwhile

others can't get enough of me.

"I love you, cat-sitter"

Is it wrong that every white cat takes my breath away? They get me everytime. I can't take my eyes off them. I am putty in their paws.

She had me at "hello"

A bit of cat trivia (since I have a bit of an issue at home. Don't I always?)

Did you know...that kittens begin to lose their ability to digest the lactose in their mother's milk when they reach 10 weeks old. Continuing to nurse from their mother after that age can cause diarrhea in the kitten. Are you guessing where I am going with this?

Someone gets the occasional bout of diarrhea and yesterday I found her with her momma...nursing. I was starting to worry about Audrey's loose stools again but now I know why. Annie is feeling all better since her spay and started nursing her again. So, I have to keep an eye on them. This has to stop now as it is getting a little silly.

"You big baby, Audrey."

hugs, Deb

A wintry walk with a heavy heart.

2012-01-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

The cats always have the right idea

as it was one of those days today

It was cold but we headed out for a short walk. We walk by this bed and breakfast every day. Isn't it beautiful! It's called Rosenhof B & B.

Dreary looking, isn't it?

Snow blowing in your face as you walked

Freshly fallen snow

This is all part of being Canadian.

If you have followed my blog, you know I love my work. I care for cats in the comfort of their own home while the owner travels. I have expanded the area that I will travel to clients and my business has grown. There is nothing I would rather do than this. It, unfortunately has a down-side. I fall so in love with these cats in my care and I am so saddened when I hear of one passing away. Today, I was told that Baby had been very ill and passed away from liver disease. I was scheduled to look after her again this February as I always do while her owners travel south.

My heart is heavy today and I feel sad to know I won't see her again. I cry a lot with this work.

She was a pudgy, grumpy-faced little ball of love. She always had a big wiggle when she walked and would almost stand on her head to greet me. She was an indoor-outdoor cat and I remember the day she brought me a gift when I arrived

Yes, a worm. I was so flattered. I guess she loved me, too.

I thanked Karen for letting me be a part of Baby's life. I felt priviledged to have been asked to be her care-taker while they travelled. I told her that Baby was very special to me and that I am very saddened to hear the news and that I will miss her funny little face.

"Godspeed, Baby girl"

I will miss you

hugs, Deb

cat meets cat blog

2012-01-15T07:51:00.001-05:00

"Hey, there's a kitty cat."

"Oh my cod, is that my mama?"

It is -23 C in Ottawa today. The streets are empty and the trees stand frozen. The wood-stove will be working over-time today.

It is a good morning to dress warm and meet the family out for breakfast.

Have a good Sunday and stay toasty warm.

hugs, Deb

hunkering down

2012-01-14T16:42:00.010-05:00

Audrey & Annie photographed this morning

"It's such a hard life for us pussycats."

It is so cold here today. It is -18 as I sit warm and cozy in the house.

Cats always know how to plan their day, don't they?

I had some cat-sitting to do this morning, put food down for the ferals and then home to stay put. This weather will only last a day or two and then above freezing temperatures are expected again.

There goes Ed heading for his blanket. Lily has it all warmed up for him. I'll have to add a few more cat beds in front of the fire tonight.

See the little love-birds back there.

Kane gets the couch. I know....but he's old & spoiled.

I think this is a popcorn and movie kind of night. That is, after I play with my cupboard again.

Cats are most playful when they are kittens

But healthy cats play all their lives.

Stay warm everyone.

hugs, Deb

No doubt...it's winter in these parts.

2012-01-13T22:09:00.003-05:00

You should see the snow outside.

Oh, it's a mess out there. Add blowing wind and slushy roads to thispicture....ugh!

But getting to see my client's kitties and rub their bellies makes it all ok. We are the best of friends, we are.
I like the snow but I am so anxious for Spring. I'm already thinking about the garden and the cats sun-bathing on the deck.

And all the beautiful colours that will be everywhere.

and Tulips.....oh yes. We will find them in the oddest places as the squirrels move our bulbs around. They are very busy squirrels.
After cat-sitting, it is so nice to enjoy some tea and a cookie or two or three or four...and play with little Audrey.

"I'll play with you all day"

These cups are so pretty but to be perfectly honest I usually use a mug. I like LOTS of tea.

Yes, that's more like it.
Off to walk Kanie in the snow and try my darndest to appreciate the season.

Stay warm & if you enjoyed the art work in this post please pop over tohttp://hopalonghollowgazette.blogspot.com/ to meet Jeri and be amazed at her talent. I love this blog so much. Always leaves you feeling like a little kid again.
hugs, Deb

Wakey, wakey & let's meet Eric

2012-01-13T07:59:00.001-05:00

Waking after a long wintry nap

Audrey and I had to have a long talk today. Since Annie has been spayed and has had to deal with chin acne (of all things) she has been a bit out of sorts. Luckily, today I did see a positive change in her outlook but she has not wanted Audrey to be close to her for a week now. The problem is mostly that Audrey thinks that she can still nurse from her mom. Uh! Uh! Mom is not interested in that ANYMORE. I have had to stand back and let Annie put Audrey in her place a few times. It has hurt to watch but that is how they learn. A low growl, her body stiffens with a scolding yowl and if Audrey persists, Annie would give her the boot. Ahhh! Hard to watch this because Audrey gets her feelings hurt but that's life. Today, Audrey showed signs of 'getting it' (she's a bit of a knot head) and slowly worked her way into Annie's bed just to cuddle and once this was evident, Annie accepted her. It's obvious that Audrey misses her mom's affection. It was nice to watch and they slept for many hours together. I really hope this is the start of a new relationship for them.

Did ya know...
Winter can present special health risks to cats. The antifreeze we use in our cars, if ingested, can be lethal. Cats are attracted to it's sweet taste and can die from sampling it. It can immediately put them into renal failure if ingested. Renal failure is a progressive and irreversible deterioration of kidney function. So, if you use antifreeze, please keep it stored safely away from your cats and any outdoor cats as well.
Winter ice salt can create similar risks with your cats. If your cat is an outdoor cat, it will lick its' paws after being outside and ice salt can cause severe internal problems. If your cat must wander outside you should wash its' paws when it returns home.

Oh my gosh, how many days 'til Spring?

I met an intact male cat yesterday by the name of Eric. He resides in a thrift store and there is a sign on the entrance door that reads "Do not try to pet this cat". Thank you.

Sir Eric

(I took this photo of him before meeting him)

I walked in and came face to big-jowelled face (his, not mine) with his lordship, Eric. The fellow, who Eric owns, was dusting his merchandise and I asked him why Eric could not be petted. He replied "OH GOD, DON'T TOUCH HIM ...HE'LL BITE YOU AS SOON AS LOOK AT YOU"

"OK, THEN." Big head, Eric was a stray cat that this kind man took to helping and eventually allowed in to his store. He fell hard and fast for this big guy and when Eric bit him the first time, he obviously forgave him. The second time was a bit more disturbing but his love for Eric continued and now he calls Eric the boss man and never touches him. Eric prefers it that way.
I noticed the big guy was wearing a pink collar. The song 'Boy named Sue' jumped into my head. I couldn't resist..."Do you think maybe he is a bit pissed about the pink collar he is wearing?" He laughed.."No, it was a freebie and I put it on him so fast he didn't even have a chance to see what colour it was." I liked this guy.
I wished him luck with Eric and after discussing possible ways to keep Eric's nails trimmed (Oh Lord help us), I went on my way.
I think I'll drop in again sometime and maybe bring Eric a bright blue collar. :-)

hugs, Deb

keep kitty toasty warm

2012-01-12T16:41:00.001-05:00

Be careful when you walk around at night. You never know who may pounce on you.

How to make a 4 month old kitten...

look spooky

She tries to scare me in the early hours of the morning

We have freezing rain today (the thing I dread the most) and it was no picnic being out on the roads. But along with a few other charges, I have a new best friend for the next few days. Isn't she a beauty!

We hit it off right from the get-go. She looks a little leery of my camera so I only took this one very quickly.
Back home, Sierra is a happy girl with her brand new Campbell's soup box. Oh, the fun she'll have making it just right. There was nothing left of the last one.

"C'est Bon! eh Sierra"

It's one of those days to play with your dishes and I did just that.

I added a bit of lace to the china cabinet

and added a few bird dishes

since I am enjoying all the birds at our feeders.

and last but certainly not least...

Cat-tip-for-the-day =^..^=let's warm up kitties bed on these cold, wintry days.
Take a soft old sock and fill the toe part with dry rice. Tie the top of the sock with a knot and place in microwave for 1 minute. Test it's heat and put the warm sock under a blanket in the cat bed. This should stay warm for an hour. Kitty will be so comfy in her warm little bed and maybe admit, once and for all, that she loves you.

Stay warm!
hugs, Deb

Frenchy Quimper Pottery?? Not sure.

2012-01-11T19:36:00.002-05:00

"Good evening. Sierra here.

If you have stopped by to get your 'cat fix' please do yourself a favor and move on as the 'ol gal' has a new passion (gag!) and just has to go on and on about it. I swear if she calls me "Pierre" I'll scratch her. So please just humour her."

One of my favorite blogs to visit regularly is called CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT. We share an interest in dishes and Deb from http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/ has many beautiful ones on her blog. She also has 4 feline friends she refers to as her 'staff' and her home is beautifully decorated. Deb's blog was the very first blog I ever looked at. I can't remember how or why I came across it but I did and I'm happy I did because it launched me into this fun world of blogging. It's also the reason that I am behind in many things on my 'to do' list but no complaints here. I am having fun with this and picking up many wonderful ideas for the home. Speaking of which, I was at one of my favorite antique/thrift shops today when I spotted this bowl. Is this a piece of Quimper, I wondered? I turned it over to find the stamp with France and the artists' name on it. SOLD!! I loved it even if it did have the name Pierre painted on it. I asked the owner if this was a piece of Quimper and he said he thought it was but it is one of the more recent ones and not an antique. Well, I knew it was not an antique by the condition of it (no cracks) but I was so happy to hear him say those words. He told me his wife collects the antique pieces and has a beautiful collection. OK, I'm green with envy. but I have a blogging friend who has a Fabulous collection, so there. I paid the $15.00 and hoped he was right.
I came home to check Deb's blog and see if this resembled her pieces. "Ummmmm.....nope." Don't recognize this little man at all.
" So, Deb, am I a silly dish collector that needs to read up on things or did I actually purchase a Quimper dish?"
Please drop by Deb's GORGEOUS blog and check out her post on these dishes. They are so beautiful and fun and colourful and cheery and just plain 'addictive'. Here's the post...http://confessionsofaplateaddict.blogspot.com/2011/03/frenchy-quimper-potteryat-goodwill-can.html

So here sits my new dish. The retired-guy asked why I bought a dish with Pierre painted on it? He says "We don't even know anyone by that name, do we?" I could have really played into this one but told him about my love for Quimper and not to worry, I would name our next male cat, Pierre. His reply..."yah, great."

hugs, Deb

Mr. & Mr. Ed

2012-01-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

Buddies

thru & thru

Ed will be 23 years old this year. He wears the clear blue eyes of royalty. His blood is ancient. His sleek and elegant body was once worshipped through history. Now the world is silent for him but he still commands attention.

He can be bold; he is always loving.

He has owned us since May, 2009 when I found him at our local animal shelter. He loves us and Lily with all his heart.

She loves him, too. (again)

He has healed well since his leg injury last Fall. We are so thankful for that and hope to have him for years to come.

After cat-sitting, I am off to an antique shop in search of some tea-cups. "No, I don't need more cups...just want them. What I am really hoping for is to come face-to-face with another little french country cabinet. Now that would be a find. We'll see. :-)

Hugs, Deb

Can't stomach this

2012-01-10T19:30:00.004-05:00

Maple Lodge Farms meat company is in court right now with charges of cruelty causing death to animals during the transportation to the slaughterhouse. It was broadcast on our local news today. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has laid 60 charges against this Canadian company. Thousands of chickens died in two shipments last year. 711 hens in one and 1,181 chickens in the other due to exposure to cold conditions on their way from the farm to the slaughterhouse. Frail and fragile after de-feathering and a life-time of laying eggs, spent hens are especially susceptible to cold conditions.

The charges raise the question; "How cold is too cold when it comes to transporting poultry?"

Liz White, Director of Animal Alliance in Toronto said the chicken processing system, with its focus on the bottom line, is inherently inhumane.

She said, "For the system to work, it has to ignore the humane aspects. At the end of the day, the brunt is borne by the very birds we bring to our tables."

This is why I don't want to eat meat. I cannot support these companies, like the one above, who are so flippant about the cruelty they cause to animals to make the almighty dollar. So, they follow regulations so the 'kill' is humanely done (questionable) but it's ok for the livestock to freeze to death in the truck on their way there.

Veggie pizza

How do we know what other acts of cruelty go on in the meat packing plants. The transportating conditions for pigs and cattle are in question, too. No, it's not for me. I love all animals including those destined for our dinner plates.
I can't stomach this stuff.

hugs, Deb

i vant to be alone...

2012-01-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

I spend quite a bit of time in my office and it's always nice to have company. Annie & Audrey love to hang out with me as I post and work on the computer. I think they like to listen to music.

I'm moving furniture around again today. You can see that it is pretty tight for space in the office.

I added flowers to the house today.

It raises your spirits and makes the day brighter to have fresh, cut flowers.

I love them.

Since Annie has been spayed I have seen a big change in their relationship. She doesn't cuddle Audrey and wants her company at a distance.

She seems less tolerable of the kitten and I know that her chin acne is painful.

I have been applying peroxide with a soft cotton ball to try to dry it up. It seems sore to the touch. I have never had a cat with acne and am a little baffled as to how this came about. I clean their bowls after each meal and rinse thoroughly.

So, with the stitches and the sore chin she has little time for the antics of her kitten.

She puts Audrey in her place numerous times throughout the day. The kitten will hopefully 'get it' soon and not try to cuddle with her. She just doesn't understand. I am working over-time keeping the kitten occupied and happy.

What all can cause acne on a cat? I know plastic bowls can be the culprit but I never use them. Poor Annie.

I hope they can be close again. It's all up to mom. I don't want to separate them.

hugs, Deb

The old granite cup

2012-01-09T17:57:00.001-05:00

We are having higher temperatures than normal for this time of year in Ontario but it's still time to get out the hot chocolate mugs.

Yep, playing with the cupboard again. It's just so much fun to change it up all the time.

Keeping a mug or cup in mind, I can't believe how fast time goes. I was reminded by that today when I found something special in a box.

Many years ago, my dear, sweet grandmother's home was destroyed by fire. It was a little white clap-board house that had 2 kitchens; one for summer and one for winter. There was a front room where she entertained the family with wonderful dinners and a little sitting room with an organ and the old wood stove in the center of the house. That's where I remember spending lots of time coloring at her table and reading books. She taught me how to drink tea properly and make the best toast on the old stove to be smothered in her home-made strawberry jam. I remember her cat, Maggie sitting in her apron while she rocked away her evenings. Her home sat on this piece of property and she owned many more acres behind it. The property where her home sat has been empty since that fateful day. My grandmother was staying at my aunt's home the day of the fire. Her little Maggie cat had already passed away years before. My grandmother never returned to the property and died at age 93.

I have owned the piece of land where her home was for a long time but while the kids were in their teens and not interested in living 'on the moon' as they would call it, we decided to wait and build once they were on their own.

It is almost 2 acres (1.9 to be exact) and it is waiting for a new home.

Kane loves it out there. He runs around like a puppy again.

I have posted this picture before but thought I would show it again. This is my mom and her barn kitten taken at the end of the above driveway (it was always dirt and gravel) when she was in her early 20's. That would make it the early 1940's. You can see the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

My mom (Edna Fox)

We have been purging our home and going through lots of boxes in our basement. We came across this ancient granite cup that was in a box labelled ( Keepsake-cup from farm) This cup was sitting at the well the day of the fire.

It is the only piece of history I have now from my granny's home. As far as I know, everything was lost that day.

This little cup brings back sweet memories of my childhood days playing out at the farm. I can still taste that clear, cold water from the well and picture my cousins and I running around taking full advantage of the freedom from our parents . I would spend much of my summer holidays there.

We'll find a special place for this old granite cup and when we finally get this new home built it will sit on a mantel as a wonderful memory of my Grandmother and her sweet, little country home.

hugs, Deb

lioness, I am I am

2012-01-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

"Hi Audrey"

"Audrey, show us those big paws you own."

"Yes, you will be a big girl some day. You will be a lioness.
You already have the nose...

and soon your paws will match.

And Lord knows your 'meow' is growing.

"Go on..."

"Can you leap from tall cliffs and surprise your prey?"

"You betcha"

Remember...
If you can't be with the cat you love, love the cat you're with.

The sun shone today and it felt good to feel it's warmth on your face.

I'm just back from a walk with the dog and fed the ferals.
I haven't seen one in ages but I know they are there. I see the prints in the snow. It's getting cold again so I can only leave them some dry food. They'll love tonight's feed. I stopped in at Tim Horton's for a coffee and sandwich after picking up client's keys today and they mistakenly put ham on my veggie sandwich. Are you ready for this....Kane won't eat ham. HA! This dog cracks me up. There is no more spoiled dog on God's green earth than this guy. So, the ferals got the dreaded ham slices with their dry cat food tonight. I tucked it in the middle of the dry piles to keep it from freezing. They'll think it's Christmas again.

Hugs, Deb

RIP Frankie

2012-01-08T09:21:00.001-05:00

I'm off to pick up keys for new clients today and meet Grace & Indy. From January 12th on I will be very busy once again caring for travelling owners' cats. My board in the office is FULL and that's the way I like it. This is the stuff that gets me through the winter and makes it go much quicker. I am filling up the cat bag and updating some cat client files.

I got word not long ago that little Frankie has passed away. Do you remember Frank from last summer?

He was 17 at the time and such a sweet, funny little guy. I knew when I left him on the last visit that I may never see him again as he was deteriorating at that time. I gave him lots of hugs that day and felt sad as I drove away. He was a lucky boy and had a very loving, attentive family.

I loved this little guy. May he rest in peace.

Have a great Sunday everyone. It looks colder here today but I'll be cuddlin' new kitties in my care. Not a bad way to spend a wintry day.

Wait.....Ed says "howdy"

Hugs, Deb

Rails, a river and memories

2012-01-07T21:28:00.001-05:00

It felt like spring today. No wind, higher temperatures and overcast. The streets were wet as the snow melted. I was over-dressed and Kane was freshly bathed. I knew by the time we got back his coat would be wet and smelly. It was.

I saw one little cat in a window today and managed to get a photo.

I was quite far from it and Kane would not stay still for a moment. He had the 'jimmy legs' today and was not willing to co-operate. When I walk this guy it is his walk...not mine. I stop when he stops; I let him lead. I have walked this dog every day for 10 years and I have watched him slow down and his prance change to a saunter. I remember thinking to myself years back, "when will this guy stop pulling so much?" I tried many leads, did what the books told me to do and still he would want to be ahead of me, pulling. He is a herding dog so they are hard-wired and it was only natural for him. Now, I find he is by my side and sometimes lagging behind. On one hand I love it and on the other hand, it makes me sad and afraid of losing him.

I stopped to photograph the river running through our town in the winter. The Mississippi River.

I have enjoyed walking along this river for 20 years now.

I will have a lot of good memories when we leave this town someday and walking Kane along the banks of the Mississippi will be one of them.

Another will be our afternoon walks on the rail-line. These photos taken 2 years ago.

Here's my favorite photo of Kane and Gary on the railroad track.

I came across this photo that was taken the weekend we brought Kane home from the shelter. He was an abused dog and was labeled a fear-biter but he bonded with me instantly.

Once again, this pic was taken along the Mississippi River. We both are over 10 years younger here.*sigh*

So, that's a little about my Kanie and the Mississippi River.

Then it was home to bake some Branana Bread. (Banana and Bran Bread)

Allie dropped by and I sent her home with half of this loaf. It's a favorite of mine.
Pop over to 'lets talk dishes' if you would like the recipe.

hugs, Deb

Time to feed the birds and squirrels

2012-01-07T12:16:00.001-05:00

After the Christmas season, I leave our tree on the deck for the winter and fill it with food for the squirrels and birds.

It was filled with apple pieces and bread and this is all that's left this morning.

We have lots of snow now and it's staying. I always have our 11 year old dog, Kane as an assistant.

I always put some down low for the squirrels

Fill those bird feeders. Everything is so hungry now and the squirrels make great entertainment for our cats.

That is if they aren't doing this...

This box is on its' way out now because she spent much of this evening ripping the &%#@ out of it.

She customizes all her boxes but unfortunately she gets a little carried away and there ends up very little left of it for her comfort and pleasure. Silly Sierra.

Have you ever seen carnival glass? I picked some up from the Log Farm antique shop last year.

First produced in the early 1900's. You can google it if you want to read all about it. I liked the apricot coloured glass and love how it looks with white dishes. I'm playing again with this cupboard.

It's getting ridiculous. ;-)
I added a little porcelain knob to the cupboard in the kitchen. Now it looks complete.

Sierra sits in her chewed-up, ripped to shreds cat can box.

Update on Hugo...
He has found a new best friend in Mike as he has proven in 4 days to be a very good mouser. 2 mice in 4 days. Really? I didn't know he had it in him. Jess's new home is in the country and they knew they had a mouse in the basement but were surprised to find out they had even more. They are doing great with Hugo's injection daily and Hugo and Ruby are slowly becoming friends. So, all's good with the big guy.

And it's all going well with little Annie.

I think this girl is so beautiful.

She is healing nicely (as long as kitten doesn't bother her) and looking much more chipper.

Do you notice her chin? It was discovered before she went in for her spay that she has feline acne on her chin. They wondered if I feed them with plastic bowls..I don't. So, not sure what or why but after she heals I will take some peroxide and a warm cloth and clean them up. Nothing to worry about.
hugs, Deb

a teeny cupboard, a tiny nurse & a little bathroom diva

2012-01-06T13:04:00.000-05:00

I added a little cupboard to the kitchen wall today. It's just a little cupboard that was used as a medicine cabinet in a cottage once.

I'll use it as a tea cupboard. I guess you can say it's shabby chic as it looks like it needs paint but I'm keeping the original look.

I think it's rather cute. I just need to find the right piece of hardware for a handle and it will be complete. Now when I have a tea-cup to show you I have a place to stage it. Oh, you know I'll be playing with this.

I'll be picking up keys for cat-sitting again this weekend. A few clients are heading south for some r&r so I get to care for and pamper their kitties. Time to fill up the cat-bag. 2 new cats to show you soon.

Annie is doing well and there have been no complications so far with her spay.

Her nurse (Audrey) has been by her side since allowed to be with her mom again.

She thinks she is tricking me and not allowed with her mom so she tries to hide sometimes.

She is a very intelligent kitten.

(2 sad looking sacks)

I have a bed all set up in the kitty room for Annie but she prefers to be in our bedroom. I just let her be. In this photo, Annie is just home from the vet and I let Audrey sit with her for awhile before secluding her in a room. Annie is still feeling the effects of the anesthetic here.

Annie was weighed when I picked her up and she now weighs 7 lbs. She is so little but has gained almost 2 lbs. since I brought her home in September. She was just over 5 lbs. then and trying to nurture 3 babies. I'd like to see her gain a bit more now.
Did you know that carrying a litter of kittens may slightly stunt the growth of an immature cat? I have read this in the book called Wholly Cats by Faith McNulty written years ago. I'm afraid this may have happened to Annie as her kitten, Audrey, who is 4 months old, is quickly reaching her size.

We were out for breakfast with our favorite grand-daughter, Riley. I hope Shelia from Note Songs sees this post as I have just photographed the newest and maybe smallest 'bathroom diva' for her collection.

We had some fun but Ry couldn't figure out what her nan was doing. She just humoured me and played along.

Drop over to visit Shelia at http://notesongs.blogspot.com/.

hugs, Deb

NOWNESS.com presents: Advanced Style

2012-01-05T14:39:00.003-05:00

I'm looking 60 right in the face and one of the hurdles for me is to feel good about how I dress. I'm not fancy, glamorous or showy but I do like to look 'pulled together'. There are days that I double check to be sure I have pants on and then other days I feel 'good' and wear my leopard sun-glasses. With the work I do I never wear black and I tend to be in jeans a lot. I like to wear jackets, scarves and bobbles & bangles and that's my idea of dressing nice. I still have to meet new clients and feel comfortable about how I look but to wear a suit or dress with heels for an evening out is rare. When I stumbled across this video and enjoyed the comradery of these ladies, it made me laugh. I want to embrace getting older and I think these gals have done it. I hope you enjoy this.

I love the attitude. I love the feistiness & can appreciate the disregard for what anyone thinks. I just love these women. These ladies must be cat-owners and have learned a thing or two from their feline friends. "Right, Cali?"

"And you, too Sierra. Thank you for the suggestion to always accessorize to accent your eyes."

Sierra loves this. It's attention and she's a hog for it.

"I do wish I could wear head pieces well but I will leave that to Lily"

Lily only tolerated this because I let her play with the scarf after the photo-shoot.

Remember this little cupboard? I play with it constantly. Change it up, as they say. Those are my 2 daughters in the photo. I love black & white photographs.

This gorgeous kitty Christmas card arrived lately from Carm at http://cclcarm.blogspot.com/and I wanted to share how cute it is.

Better late than never, Carm. Blame the Canadian posties. Thank you so much.

I have another little white chippy cupboard to hang and play with. I'll show you later.

Annie is doing great. She's sleeping lots but when she's up.....she's up.

hugs, Deb.

Oddly enough...

2012-01-05T09:32:00.000-05:00

Yep, I think Brenda from http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/ is right, Audrey. You do look like a tiger. If you haven't met Brenda, get on over there and enjoy her beautiful blog.

It was cute to see Audrey's face when Annie came home last night. Not so cute trying to keep her away from her but we managed. Annie is doing fine. She ate this morning, used her box and is gone back to bed. She was prescribed Metacam for pain once daily. This stuff has many side-effects so we have to watch her closely for vomiting, diarrhea & lethargy & depression. Worse than the ailment, I think. She will be on that for 5 days, no more. Audrey slept with me last night.

hugs, Deb

I want my momma

2012-01-04T19:45:00.000-05:00

It's been a little stressful lately. Annie was spayed and Hugo went off to live once again with my daughter & Mike last night. If you remember, Hugo came to live with us when Jess was sharing a home with someone who became allergic to cats. She was in the midst of re-locating when it was discovered that Hugo had diabetes.

It has been a learning experience for us and we had hoped that he would beat this but he is still on one insulin shot daily and needs to have his blood tested each evening. That is done on the ear. It's tricky but practice makes perfect. Hugo is very patient and as long as he's having his meal he barely notices anything going on. Jess loves him and he loves her so that makes it good. The fact that he is diabetic and now Jess and Mike have to deal with all the stress of managing his diabetes stresses me out a little. I know I will be ok once I am sure they are comfortable with all that goes with it. He will be living with little Ruby. Again, an adjustment there. Lots of change for him. He's such a sweet boy and we want him to be happy. I'll post about him again.

It has been very cold here the last 3 days. I am still putting food down for the ferals but limiting it to dry as everything freezes in minutes. I add a few other food items in the middle of the piles for the raccoons so they won't eat all the cat food. I know they are out there, the cheeky buggars and they have to eat, too.

How are we doing after Annie's spay?

I think this girls' face

says it all.

Audrey would like to *raspberry* the world right now.

She wants to bug her mom and her mom is resting in a quiet room.

I've been ***trying*** to keep her busy and not think of her warm and loving momma. (who ain't so warm and lovin' right now)

She helped me put stuff away today.

and she listened so intently while I talked to her about patience.

She wants no part of it.

She's not listening.

Are you so full of sugar from Christmas that you just can't eat a sweet thing again? I am. It's back to eating well and nourishing this neglected body. You know that s.u.g.a.r is another spelling for 'poison', right?

So I've read.

Cats don't need sugar...they are sweet enough.

"You got that right."

We have 6 cat beds and this box wins hands down every time.

While waiting for the vet to call after Annie's spay, I

cooked up a healthy lunch, no meat.

Can't beat this on a cold, wintry day.

hugs, Deb

White Wednesday

2012-01-03T21:44:00.001-05:00

I wish I was the old lady who lived in a shoe. A really BIG shoe. I'd have so many rescued cats, I wouldn't know what to do.

But in reality, I live in a 3 bedroom house and my home is full. We have 1 dog and 6 cats living here presently and that's all I can do.

I want to feature this little cat by the name of Lumina that sits at our local animal shelter. She came into the shelter the same day that Annie and her kittens were brought in. She was part of the seizure of many animals from a home where the owners left behind 28 cats, 5 pregnant, more nursing their kittens & kittens of all ages and 4 dogs. There was a foreclosure on their house so they just up and left.

When I heard about this I went to the shelter to see if I could help by fostering a mother and kittens. That's when Annie came home with me along with her 3 2day old kittens. Lumina is 12 years old and is still sitting at the shelter. I saw her the day I was there picking up Annie. I talked to her and I petted her head and I wished her all the luck in the world. I told her she was beautiful, so very beautiful, and someone else will think so, too. I told her to be patient and someone will find her.
Well, it has not come to be as she sits there waiting for almost 4 months now.

So, this being White Wednesday I thought I would show her beautiful face and perhaps someone will fall in love with her in our area.
She is at the Lanark Animal Shelter in Smiths Falls, Ontario. http://www.lanarkanimals.ca/cats1.asp?page=6

"Good luck, Lumina. I hope you soon find your new home."

Drop by http://fadedcharmcottage.blogspot.com/ to visit some beautiful blogs on White Wednesday.

hugs, Deb

Separating the inseparable

2012-01-03T15:01:00.002-05:00

if only for awhile

"OK, Audrey, listen up now. Momma is going in to be spayed in the morning so you will have to give her some space for a few days."

Tricky situation it will be. With stitches and healing to be done, the kitten will have to leave her mom alone for awhile. This will not be an easy feat. It will mean keeping them apart. "YOWL" Wish me luck.

Hugs, Deb

kickin' back

2012-01-02T19:35:00.002-05:00

I had a lot of help taking down the decorations on the stairs today. Yes, Audrey did a great job helping and then fell asleep on the 5th step.
I baked muffins once again today and because I am 'cutting back' ha! on calories I will basket some up and deliver them to my daughter. These are so good for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you'd like, drop over to 'let's talk dishes' for the muffin recipe.

We had a little bit of sun this morning and now it is cloudy and grey. (or is it 'gray')? Maybe Claudia can help me out here over at Mockingbird Hill Cottage http://www.mockingbirdhillcottage.com/. She hates incorrect spelling as much as I do. If you want to get to see the real Claudia, pop over today to enjoy her and Don making dinner. They must do this a lot because I don't think the dogs look surprised at all. They even joined in. Good dogs!

Ed and Cali soaking up the rays.

This is a day just for relaxing, kickin' back and chillin'. Or maybe you'd rather dance in the kitchen.

hugs, Deb

Just Wondering

2012-01-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

What made you smile on this wintery day?

The sun shining while I take down Christmas decorations

A gift of glass jars to fill on my dresser. (thanks, retired-guy)

Sleepy kitties

Annie & Audrey

my two favorite love-birds

& Mabel's pumpkin pie...actually it's all gone. *sigh!*

Mabel is my mother-in-law who gave me the recipe for the best pumpkin pie in the world.
If you want to bake this pie just pop over to my link that reads 'let's talk dishes'.

Did you have a fun New Year's Eve? I am not much for partying and bringing in the new year, lately. I barely ever stay awake to see it arrive. The week before this celebration is always the busiest for me and I am flat out exhausted by this time. I just want PJ's, popcorn and a bubbly drink. This year was no exception.

So carry on, have a great day. It's a new year......

hugs, Deb

Starting fresh

2012-01-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

Today I spent most of the day cleaning up the kitten room. I called our spare bedroom the kitten room because I fostered a mom and her 3 babes last September (if you're new here) and still have the mom, Annie and Audrey with me. The other 2 kittens went off to their new homes. The room, no doubt, took a beating and the retired-guy and I have decided to rip out the carpet and fresh paint the whole room. Then I will have fun decorating. So, that's a little project coming up in the next few weeks. He wants to call it a 'den'. Fine, who cares.

I have had no 'bites' on Annie and Audrey being adopted together. Of course, Christmas is just over and no one has time or the extra money to adopt at that time so I really didn't expect to hear from anyone. They are doing well in our home and have become quite the newest members of our clowder (a group of cats collected in the same place) of cats. The word 'family' really suits my 4 cats better than 'clowder' but it is a term used sometimes. I think it is mostly for feral colonies.

Audrey loves to eat with the big guys now. She just works her way through their legs and throws her face into the first available bowl.

And they don't mind. Imagine! I have such a great little group here and Mr. Ed has even taken a fancy to Audrey and likes to touch noses with her.
Annie is a little more cautious but then again she is the momma and a little smarter.

I have made a few resolutions for the new year. One, eat healthier. What can be more important than your health. Two, de-clutter my life. I have been working on that for a year now and it feels good. I'm not done and this year I will stay at it until everything that I have no use for has found a new home. It's exhilarating!
Three, help our animal shelter in any way I can. This year was the worst I have seen in the numbers of cats and dogs being given up or abandoned. I have no answers for this except for everyone to spay and neuter. It sounds simple but for some reason it is not heard. I enjoyed my time fostering for them but I won't be fostering again in this house. We discussed it over Christmas and we now have to get our home ready to sell. If and when it does, a new home will be welcomed and if possible, I will plan to do more fostering there. Right now, I have to concentrate on a good, loving home for these two beautiful girls.

Audrey is 4 months old now. Annie is just over a year old. They really cannot be separated at this point.

So, I have this yummy pumpkin pie sitting on the shelf (go to 'let's talk dishes' for the recipe) and it will be my last indulgence for the season. Back to eating right like the good Lord intended us to do.

hugs, Deb

Smile

2012-01-01T09:36:00.002-05:00

The Christmas decorations are put away for another year. All but one little, colourful bundle of ribbon.

It seems to have found a very important duty to fill. To keep one little mischief-maker happy and content.

"It brings out the gold in my eyes, don't you think?"

"Well, don't ya?"

I think I will, too, try to hang on to some of the excitement and joy of the past season. Remembering all the smiles on people's faces and the extra little acts of kindness that were done.

Let's try to carry that on throughout 2012. Lord knows, we can all use a smile everyday.

hugs & *smile*

Deb

Saying goodbye to a busy year.

2011-12-31T09:07:00.002-05:00

As I look back over 2011, it was an exciting year with our grand-daughter, Riley's 1st birthday, our son's wedding, my husband's retirement, my daughter, Jess & Mike's purchase of their new home and my daughter, Allie's trip to South America. Of course, there were losses too, this year. We said "good-bye" to a friend, a relative and our little Burmese, Ginny. They will all be missed so much.

Also, the busiest year for cat-sitting has come to a close. These photos were taken throughout the year.

I am so happy to have met many new clients and their beautiful cats and to care once again for some of my regulars. Their coats are shining and silky smooth from our grooming sessions and they enjoyed their time with me over the holidays.

The owners have all returned from their travels and been met with very contented cats.

Do you see the giant shadow cat?

I look forward to another year of providing the best care for their home-alone cats in 2012.

So, soon it will be a new year. Hasn't it gone fast. Life is moving along so quickly.
My wish for the world this new year is for us all to have compassion towards animals & to strive for peace amongst us all. Without these two things we really are a sorry mess.

I wish you all your best year yet. Whatever it holds for you, I hope it makes you happy.

Looking forward to a great year.
"Happy New Year, friends "

hugs, Deb

quiet time

2011-12-29T13:13:00.004-05:00

I love the quiet after the Christmas rush.

When the frenzy is over and the mind returns to its' familiar place.

The calmness before the New Year begins.

Time to enjoy all the 'pretties' from Christmas. "Thank you, Martha..my friend".

Sierra
I have 2 homes to finish up today and bid the kitties farewell. I will miss them a lot but most I will see again. It was a season of no 'catastrophes' and all the kitties were a joy to care for. I tried to get a photo of every cat but was not too successful this time. It's hard to stage a feline.

It's time to work on the blog now and try to make it more fresh and interesting.

See you soon.=^..^=
"Happy New Year"

hugs, Deb

Feed me, please

2011-12-28T20:29:00.000-05:00

How was your day today? I fed lots of little mouths and played many games of catch the feather and follow the laser light.

I had help from this guy.

Simba

Simba always helps me prepare breakfast for he and his 2 buddies.

Snowy & Emmi & Didi

Sweet-pea & Albert

It was a snow-packed and fun-filled day and other than white knuckling it on the highway, I enjoyed each and every kitty today.

Most of the owners are home now. Tomorrow the last of them return.

I hope they all take a winter vacation so I can once again care for these gorgeous cats.

I'll miss them. I know that, for sure.

Back home, Ed enjoyed the winter sun through the window.

Ed has a strong constitution and has enjoyed many meals of turkey this week. No problem for him.

But, perhaps your cat had a bit too much turkey this Christmas.

Cat tip for the day=^..^=calming the constipated cat

"I need some pumpkin"

To keep kitty 'regular' add a half of a teaspoon of pumpkin daily to it's soft food. Plain pumpkin in the can will do fine although I noticed you can buy organic pumpkin in the can in some pet stores now. If kitty loves it, great. If kitty hates it, try a bit of cooked yam (sweet potato) instead.

No one wants a constipated cat.

hugs, Deb

Misao & Fukumaru

2011-12-28T08:42:00.002-05:00

I have many beautiful gifts from family and friends to now enjoy since the holiday season is winding down. After taking a look at a post this morning, I decided I may get myself one more little Christmas gift to enjoy in the New Year. A book...a special book that I thought you, too, may enjoy. Please pop over to http://thepoupounette.blogspot.com to read about Misao & Fukumaru (meaning the circle of good fortune) and their amazing relationship. Beautiful photographs to enjoy with your coffee this morning.

It is a winter wonderland in our parts. I have 10 homes to visit today to feed and care for home-alone cats so I must get on with it. Driving will be slow on very treacherous roads.

Have a restful, beautiful day.

hugs, Deb

snow at the sugar shack.

2011-12-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Dec. 27th and I want to take down all the decorations and bid adieu to another Christmas. Once it's over I am back to wanting less around me. Back to purging all that I don't want or need. That includes weight, too. This is the year to 'clean house'.

But before putting Christmas behind us, the family and I took off to a local pancake house for brunch today.

Hot coffee and hot pancakes were plentiful. I'm tired of the holiday food and ready for something different. I know....CALORIES..but there are trails to hike on in the bush so with all the sugar-overload and heart-burn it sounded like a great idea. The trails were packed with snow and the temperature was mild. Perfect day.

We decided on a 3km trail after breakfast and took off with Kane. Kane always leads because he is a herding dog, after-all.

He may be going on 12 but he is like a puppy when he gets out in the snow in the bush.

Riley had the best seat and a huge smile on her face 'til she conked out.

I had some great subjects for a few photo opportunities.

Seeing I had little time for pics at the Christmas dinner I grabbed the opportunity to have a 2011 family photo taken. ok...it's a little crooked but I like it. The blue pipes behind us are used when the trees are tapped in the spring for sap that is then boiled and made into maple syrup.

Jon, Allie, Jess, Mike, Riley, Brit, John, me, the retired-guy & Kane.

My favorite photos are out-door ones and this turned out to be another wonderful memory. See my little blonde baby...I'm so glad she's home now. She's just returned from an 11 week tour of South America.

A sweet little girl woke up just in time to give us all a kiss goodbye.

"Bye Riley, see ya later"

After our outing I had houses to visit for cat-sitting so off to Almonte and then a few in our town. Tonight I am vegging-out along with many of you, I'm sure. It was a fun Christmas once again and now I look forward to an easier pace and visiting with some of my kitty clients who will be home-alone a few more days.
I'll have lots of pictures of kitties to show you by the end of the week.
Have a great night, everyone. It is snowing here right now and the flakes are the big, fluffy ones. :-) I just want to show you one of my favorite pics from last year of my kitty-client, Josephine. She is the queen of her residence and was very accommodating when asked to sit nice for a photo.

hugs, Deb

a few of my charges and why I must hike

2011-12-27T08:44:00.001-05:00

"You may never see her. She will hide in her crawl-space if she is scared. Don't worry, she'll still eat and use her box, though."

See the hole in the floor. That is where this cat hides whenever someone comes into the home.

As you can see, she's not hiding.

Hmmmm....I never like to hear that I probably won't see the cat the whole time I am caring for it but I would never refuse a cat because it is scared of strangers. So, off I went to pick up the key and meet Jetta and within a few minutes of talking to her she approached my hand and let me pet her. I'm pretty sure I even heard a "prrrt". She walked toward the crawl-space but changed her mind. I even got to say "good-bye" to her. End of story. I love this cat, Jetta.

We are friends now.
This photo is blurry because Sammy never stands still. He is a new client who is a senior and my 2 days caring for him was just the sweetest ever. He is such a little doll and would paw me for me to keep petting him. "Hope I see you again, Sammy"

Off to see Bailey and Winston in Almonte. 2 big boys who were shamelessly friendly.

"Just a bit more to the left, cat-sitter"

Beautiful Bali, how I have missed seeing you. You and your strikingly, glorious coat.

Then off to the river I go

to visit with Maggie

and the big bully, Calaus who's picture I took outside last summer. He likes to roam the neighbourhood and yes, he is a bit of a bully but with me he was like a kitten. I guess he knows not to bite the hand that feeds him.

and Lola

and Otis

and Rosie

who are like my own because I have cared for them for so many years. Christmas wouldn't be the same without spending a few days with these three scalliwags.

So that's a few of my charges this Christmas. I'll be showing more as the week goes. Today the family is off to a pancake house in the area for brunch. We are hoping to get in a hike after since we are all suffering from sugar over-load and heartburn. Awwww.....Christmas.

hugs, Deb

The quiet time on Christmas.

2011-12-26T18:24:00.005-05:00

7 am Christmas morning before company arrived...

The love-bugs are tired after their visit with Santa. There are plenty of cat beds but they always share one.

Sleepy Kane & Audrey watching the snow fall. Annie waiting by the fire

It's always so peaceful very early Christmas morning.

Hope your Christmas day was wonderful. We had the whole gang over for breakfast and most of our family back for the Christmas dinner. I was so busy I didn't take any good photos. Hectic but lots of fun. Drop by tomorrow to meet some of my kitty-clients. It was the busiest Christmas yet for cat-sitting.

Hugs, tired and covered in kitty-hair, Deb

ribbons and bows

2011-12-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

I'm just taking a little break from cat-sitting & last minute preparations to enjoy some hot chocolate

and my little friend, Audrey.

and her momma who just woke up.

She has been such a help with the wrapping. She's not much on co-ordinating colours but she's all about ribbons and bows. To her delight, I love to add tree ornaments to the bows. She just thinks that is all that and a bag of cat treats. "Thanks Audrey"

We finally have just a bit of snow to give us a white Christmas. Christmas has to be white or we Canadians feel cheated. Just enough snow, no need to shovel; just enjoy the beauty of it all.

Food was delivered for the ferals tonight and I could see the little cat tracks so I know they are still around. I have only seen 1 in many weeks.
Extra food was put down tonight because it is getting cold. I won't let Christmas celebrations stop me from feeding the homeless cats. It's just another day for them.

Oh, it's getting exciting, isn't it? This will be a Christmas to remember for us as it is the first one that our grand-daughter will probably remember. We will see Christmas once again through the eyes of a child. I think we all have a little of that still in us on Christmas morning. I know I do.

Off to bed. Tomorrow is my busiest day for cat-sitting this year. I hope they're all NICE and not NAUGHTY.

Hugs, Deb

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

"Are you tired yet?"

Right up to tonight I am still getting calls for cat-sitting. I never say no. I understand that sometimes during the chaos of Christmas planning and travelling the pets needs are the last to consider. It's never intentional but it happens. Christmas 20ll will be recorded in my books as the busiest cat-sitting time ever for me. I don't advertise my service and each new client is from 'word of mouth' in our area. I so appreciate when people recommend me to their friends and families. It is the biggest compliment I can receive as a trusted care-giver to their beloved cats. I look forward to each and every visit.

Audrey has enjoyed all the Christmas preparations. She even sings along with me. This is her first Christmas and thankfully she is now feeling better. Isn't she a pretty girl?

Our little Riley wants to show you her picture with her daddy and one of her Christmas tree

She wants to be a soccer player like her dad.

and her friend, Ozzie who feels the same way I do by this time.

Finally, Christmas is near. I have a tin to fill with Christmas cookies and squares to take over to the vet clinic for Dr. Anne who I have loved for 20 years. She has helped me through many ups and downs with my cats and I never forget her at Christmas. I have another tin for her wonderful staff.

The rest will be devoured at our home. Boy, I wish all of you were closer so we could sit down and enjoy some Christmas treats together. Can you just imagine all the talkin' that would be going on? It would be a fabulous time. "Are you ready for Christmas? Is all the baking done and the dishes selected for the table?
Are the presents wrapped and under the tree? And all you people with cats, have you re-wrapped the presents yet and put them once again under the tree? Is the house shining and free of cat hair? Oops, I think I see some.;-b Are you ready to fall into a bubble-bath and de-stress. Oh ya! Well,
ready or not...here it comes. "

From my family, along with our ever-so-faithful dog, Kane and cats Mr. Ed, Lily, Sierra, Cali & our foster family Annie & Audrey I want to wish you all A Very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year.

Lily

You have been a joy in my life these past two years, each and everyone of you. I have felt very blessed to have the opportunity to come in to your homes and share your lives and I look forward to getting to know you even better in the new year. Let's have the best year we've ever had, shall we.

Well, off to kitty-sit...."Merry CHRISTmas."

hugs, Deb

Simon's Cat in 'Santa Claws'

2011-12-22T08:23:00.000-05:00

Call me the Christmas cat-nanny (really, I don't mind)

2011-12-19T22:46:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken 17 years ago. It was my first Christmas cat-sitting and I was just beginning to build up a little business. At that time it was called Comfy Cats Petsitting Service.

My first client was Mookie and I will never forget this wonderful cat. He was a kitty client of mine for 12 years until he died at the age of 20. I can still feel his little head against mine as he gave me a kitty head-butt when I would arrive. He was a gem of a cat and his owners were wonderful people. I cried when he left us. It was like losing one of my own.

Now, 17 years later, I changed the name to Just Cats Cat-sitting Service and I have over 100 homes where I periodically cat-sit. This Christmas will be another joyful experience getting to know many new cats and enjoying the company of my regulars.

We are now into the home-stretch so I will make my list and check it twice, stuff the cat-bag and add little red mice, pick up some cat treats shaped like bugs & prepare myself for kitty hugs.

Let the Christmas cat-sitting madness begin.=^..^=

I won't be posting this week but will pop in to visit all of you. Have a fun week preparing for Christmas and be sure to keep your pets safe throughout the holidays. I'll introduce you to some of my new friends soon.

hugs, Deb

Ginger bread & all is calm

2011-12-18T17:43:00.001-05:00

For those who are concerned about Annie & Audrey being separated, I thought I'd better make it clear that they will not be separated. They will be kept together and have a home with us until the right family come forward to adopt them.

So, after Audrey had shredded a roll of paper towel that she found in the cat room (now, that was fun!) she settled down for a long, winters' nap).

They are getting along fine with our 4 cats and they keep their distance from Kane. It is best that way. They join us on the main floor of the house all the time now. That little Christmas tree is a magnet for both of them. I'm sure Annie had never seen anything like it in her former home. Their health is improving daily and they have a love for each other that cannot be tampered with. It touches my heart to see the bond they have developed with each other.

Unconditional love.

All is calm...all is bright!

Now, who's up for Ginger bread?

Doesn't this cake look scrumpdillyishus?

Before our family breakfast we will have this with coffee on Christmas morning.

and I know I'll have help baking it.

Hope she remembers to wear her hat.

hugs, Deb

winter sun worshipers

2011-12-18T07:44:00.000-05:00

The ferals are fed extra food now that it is cold. I feed them every night but I don't see them anymore. I caught a glimpse of one a few weeks back but Jack, who I named, (the one that I saw every night for awhile) is never there when I arrive. I pray he's ok. Today, after the snowfall, I could see their tracks. They are definitely cat tracks and they head back to the bush. They have the winter ahead and hopefully it will be a mild one.

I'll be wrapping more and watching old Christmas movies tonight. I wish I'd seen the train that hit me. Still feel the effects, that's for sure.

I'm surrounded by good company today. My beautiful sun-worshipers make resting an art. If I could just get them all up to help dust their favorite spot.

Another Christmas with Mr. Ed. How thankful we are for that.

I hope the sun is shining in your neck of the woods.

Annie & Audrey are inseparable.

The little lion

If Audrey doesn't see her, she goes looking. They play together like two kittens. There have been no takers for Audrey through the shelter website and I have had one offer of a good home for her but she was not ready and still needs time. You can see by her eyes she is not 100% but she's doing well. Unfortunately, the longer they are together the harder it is to separate them. We'll just carry on and perhaps someone will want them both. Time will tell.

back to wrappin' & fillin' candy jars (yum...)

I've been saving these jars for something good. Classico Sauce Mason Jars are perfect for displaying Christmas candies.

GUMDROPS

hugs, Deb

Mrs Brown's Christmas Sing-A-Long - Mrs Brown's Boys - Christmas Special...

2011-12-17T21:30:00.002-05:00

If you're tired from shopping and need a laugh, here ya go...

hugs, Deb

Let's celebrate and Yah! it snowed.

2011-12-17T09:09:00.002-05:00

The sun is shining today and there is snow and frost everywhere. It really looks and feels much more like our December weather. We Canadians cannot accept a green Christmas. Snow is the icing on the Christmas cake.

We celebrated last night at my daughter's home. I have a few pics but spent most of the evening listening to the kids and enjoying the excitement of little Riley. Ruby was right in the middle of all the action and spent much of her time snoozin' on laps.

Allie enjoying those home-made salads again. Brittany brought an amazing brocolli salad.

Riley looking at Ruby's tree. (yep, she has her own tree)

I'm still under the weather but feeling better. A 24 hour flu, I suppose.
Annie and Audrey are improving day to day so I think we are on the road to recovery. If we are, for them it was a bacterial infection all along.

We drove home in a snow storm from Jess's but happy to see the white stuff.

"Happy Christmas from Jess & Mike's home"
(Hey Jon, we're over here) hee! hee!
hugs, Deb

Lucky Dutch & Shirley Temple

2011-12-16T08:25:00.002-05:00

After a dinner of toast and coca-cola, I felt like I had cheated death. I couldn't eat a thing during the day and slept along with the cats. Whatever this was, it was short and nasty. I can't remember the last time I had the flu but I recognized it.
All our cats are curled up in their beds sleeping away the cold, rainy day. Annie and Audrey eat on the second floor where they also have a room where they sleep and I keep their boxes in there, separate from the others. I kept Audrey close by today and I do see some improvement in 36 hours. Annie is improving too but Audrey is my biggest concern. Her health seemed more in jeopardy.

I received an email today form Natalie at Knatolee's World http://knatolee.blogspot.com/ asking if a fella by the name of Dutch had been a resident of the Lanark Animal Welfare Society, our local animal shelter. A friend of hers had adopted him and Natalie was pretty sure that he came from the area.

Sure enough, I knew this guy very well from my frequent visits to the shelter. He is one of those big teddy-bear cats (18 pounds of love) that you instantly fall in love with. I was so thrilled to see that he had been adopted and now is living with a loving family. The shelter is full of kittens right now and it is hard for the older cats to be noticed. The news on Dutch filled me with joy. "Good for you, Dutch. You deserve to have a happy, long and love-filled life."

Still playing around with Riley's surprise train under our table tree. She loves to ham it up in front of the camera now. She's our little 'Shirley Temple'.

Shirley Temple

A little video accompanied by annoying humming. "Sorry"

hugs, Deb

The nurse is down for the count

2011-12-15T12:19:00.001-05:00

These cute little ornaments belonged to my sister-in-law, Diane who passed away over 10 years ago now. I cherish them and sit them out at Christmas.

It's starting to really look like Christmas here.

The little train was smaller than I thought but it still goes round the Christmas tree and will be a big surprise for Riley. She'll find the switch quickly, I'm sure.

Audrey played for almost an hour with me tonight. We tested out a few new toys and she loves the cat-dancer. She's had her anti-biotics and ate a big dinner. Now, we'll see what she presents in the litter-box. Annie has stayed close to me as she is happy to be home from the vet.
Late in the evening, the kitten got her first real look, up close and personal, at the Christmas tree.

It's all so amazing to her.

This little snowman sits in the china cabinet. We have no snow at all here. It's mild and raining. I bet that surprises a lot of people who think that we are surrounded with snow by now. Well, I'm sure it's coming.

Have a good day preparing for Christmas. I'm down with what seems like the flu. Chamomile tea and crackers are all I want. I'm wondering if I've picked up some South American whacky bug from my adventurous daughter? Bite my tongue.

hugs, Deb

Less stress, please

2011-12-14T15:51:00.002-05:00

I moped around after dropping off these precious cats to the vet clinic. They were scared but they were together. Here's what I told the vet staff:
1.They are happy, playful, enjoy their food and purr when petted. They love to chase each other and disembowel all toy mice.

2. Annie and Audrey sleep together. Audrey still tries to nurse once in awhile. She usually gets a swat from mom.

3. When either one of them uses the litter box it is not solid. Audrey sometimes has blood in hers. When she poops she cries loudly sometimes, not always. She goes from one box to another crying before she settles in one. Sometimes her poop is runny. Annie's tummy rumbles at times like it is full of gas.

4. I had them on Performatrin kitten dry first. The mom started with Eagle Pack Holistic Select chicken moist food. When the kittens were ready to eat moist food I put them on Performatrin kitten soft. Everyone had loose poop but I put that down to being teenie and nursing.

5. It was suggested by the vet because of Annie's runny stools that she be de-wormed again and change food to no-grain. So, test came back clear of parasites and she started on only dry. No difference to speak of. I now have them back on soft food. Audrey just had her booster and another de-worming last week. She was down for 5 days. Eating but no play and warm. Loose poops and blood. She perked up on day 5 and plays like a lunatic now and eats fine, drinks water and I have added plain yogurt to their soft food for help in any stomach bacteria. This morning, loose poop, a little blood.

Needlesstosay, I had to have them observed by the professionals.

"Please help these kitties get better"

Here's what the vet tells me... They now suspect bacterial infection and have put them on antibiotics for a week. Annie was given a Vitamin B shot and her hair-loss on her legs is due to over-grooming and that is stress so they think her going in and out of heat is adding to this problem. While Audrey was at the clinic she had a bowel movement so they were able to agree with my findings.
They are stumped really. Not sure if this is only a bacterial infection but one of the techs mentioned that a lot of kittens from shelters are coming in with this.

So, another week of observation and let's hope the meds will do the trick. I want these girls better and I want less stress at Christmas. And that's that!

hugs, Deb

Tea and more tests

2011-12-13T20:23:00.002-05:00

Our snow has all disappeared again. It is actually very mild for December. It's wonderful to have Allie back in Canada and although she does not live at home anymore, we will be together this week and hear more about her travels and adventures in South America. Tonight I will sleep like a baby.

I'm playing with dishes again.

and although I don't use my mothers' tea-cups too often, I like to display them at Christmas.

She was a real pro at tea-drinking. The pot itself had to be heated, it must steep for 5 minutes, pour tea before adding milk (she took hers black) and never, I mean never, put soap in the tea-pot to clean it. Her and her mother always said it changed the taste of the tea. Just scalding hot water and a little lemon to rinse the pot was good enough.

So I don't.

oh yes, and she believed that a cup of tea needed a cookie.

I need to tell you about my fostered cats...

Annie's surgery for her spay has been post-poned. I am taking her and Audrey in to the vet tomorrow to be observed. The shelter has given me the go-ahead because we are all at a loss as to why these 2 cats and Ruby (just heard from Jess) have blood in their loose stool. They are eating well, playing like lunatics, sleeping normally, look fine but something is not right. On top of the poop issues, I noticed tonight that Annie is losing hair on the back of her legs. They have been de-wormed 'til the cows come home, stool samples put under the microscope with no parasites found, taken off grain with no lasting change and now I am adding yogurt to their soft food to help with any stomach bacteria that may be there. Today, same results in the litter box. So off they go for the day to the vet clinic. I'm completely baffled about this. I will be contacting Nigel's owner tomorrow to see how that little guy is doing.

Please send out some good thoughts for this little family.

hugs, Deb

An early Christmas present

2011-12-13T11:58:00.001-05:00

2 tired girls happy to be home for Christmas.
Back from South America. A 10 week adventure.

"Can you hear the *sigh* of relief, world? That would be me" They travelled through 5 countries, Equador, Peru, Chile, Bolivia & Argentina. The ride home was very interesting to say the least. This is my favorite Christmas present.

hugs, Deb

hugs, Deb

Gorgeous girls and the cat-dancer

2011-12-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

My emotions are running amuck. Funny, I've never said those words but they are there, in my head. My baby, now 25, plants her feet on Canadian soil tomorrow. We'll be at the airport bright and early. We will celebrate her home-coming and birthday this week.We also have a family funeral to attend. Highs & lows. Christmas shopping is winding down now and I have only a few presents left to wrap. A bit of baking left to do.
We picked up the little train & tracks that will run under our tree. I can't wait to see Riley's face when she sees it.
This will be the first exciting Christmas since last year she was just a babe. So fun. Here she is with her beautiful mom, Brittany having a photo-shoot.. I have so many of these photos to choose from and will post more throughout Christmas. Wait 'til you see one of Riley and her daddy. I almost cried.

Now on to the cat stuff...

Having trouble finding the purrfect Christmas gift for your feline?

Get your kitty the 'cat-dancer'

This is Dominique and she loves the cat-dancer. We play with it each time I cat-sit her and it is something she looks for in my magic 'cat-bag'. I can really get her going. She'll jump high for this but it's impossible to get a photo at the same time. Just take my word for it.

It will help take the pounds off but only if YOU are at the other end of it.

The cat-dancer can be purchased at most pet stores for approximately $4.00.

POUNDS BE GONE!

hugs, Deb