Getting ready for the Big Guy

There are apples hanging on our tree for a reason. My husband's uncle Ralph owned and operated a company called Jantzi Apple Butter Factory in Wellesley, Ontario for many years. Gary has wonderful memories as a kid hanging around there and lending a hand when necessary. Gary's uncle died at the age of 56. He was in the prime of his life when he passed away from a heart-attack while vacationing in Arizona. We all miss him and at Christmas he is in our thoughts.

I added a couple of new ornaments to my kitchen tree

There is a lot of washing up around here in the morning. While I have my coffee the kitties eat and then an hour of grooming begins. They know something is in the air.

I think they are getting their coats ready to meet the BIG GUY. 

Hugs, Deb

"Hello" at Christmas

Don't you just love Christmas cards? It may be one of my favorite things about Christmas. Especially hearing from old friends or people you haven't seen in awhile. I just love them.

For some reason lots of lovely cat-themed Christmas cards make their way to my home. I wonder why? :)

Little Max is doing well while his owners cruise. He is just so happy to be in a warm bed while the winds blow around his house. He is such a sweetheart & a chatter-box.

I'll be looking after Jessie this weekend. She's a lovely short-haired white cat and she looks just like my Lily.

I'm just back from feeding the ferals and tonight I saw 2 of them. They look good although they were obviously in need of food. I don't recall seeing either one of these before so I am at a loss to think of how many are actually out there. These that I see are all adults. The weather should be warming up soon and for them mostly, I am thankful.

Another favorite thing at Christmas..........wrapping.  I know it sounds crazy but I LOVE IT!

What I don't love is the waste of wrapping paper so....I will use some paper but I also use pretty tea-towels, festive socks or Christmas magazine pictures to wrap with. Another idea is to buy new oven-mitts and stuff the gift inside and tie with a bow. 2 gifts in one.Your wrap can become a gift. Use your imagination and less waste.

hugs, Deb                    

White Wednesday

Are you having fun decorating? I'm just heading out for a full day of shopping with a special friend today. The stores are filled with eye-candy in these small, surrounding towns. I'll never grow up at Christmas.

What you are looking at is the most precious bundle of white I have ever known. We have a bond that I cherish. A little starving, white barn kitten has grown into a forever friend & confidante. Little white Lily.

I am just loving all your Christmas posts so keep 'em coming.

hugs,

DEB

Our memory tree.

Our tree is loaded with family ornaments. Some our children chose and some were gifts. I hang them all.

 The tree is up again so we'll see if it stays standing. I really thought our cats had outgrown their shananigans but maybe not. 

3 of our long-gone kitties are in this photo. Sassy (background), Tina & Patches

Little Maggie we lost this year at 18.

Our tree is never fancy and it doesn't have a theme but it is full of memories and that is what Christmas is to me.

hugs, Deb

"TIMBER"

First off, a very Happy Birthday to Mike. He is my daughter Jess's partner and we just think he's the 'cat's meow'. :)
It is so cold here today. Something like -14,  I heard. I worry about everything that is struggling outside and try to keep some ferals close by fed at least.  I pray for these little guys.

Here are a few more decorations that dawn our tree. I'm really lazy this year trying to finish the tree up and on top of that, last night I was upstairs when I heard "OH sh**, DEBBIE" ...Our 3/4 of the way decorated tree fell down. Nothing broke but oh! what a mess. Still don't know why it fell so now it is tied to the window. All 5 cats and 1 dog looked guilty.

This little snowball is my 2010 ornament addition to the tree.

I miss this little lady every day.

Enjoy your decorating.

Hugs, Deb

The 'ol Christmas books & a kitty book too

My 3 children are now in their 20's and I love buying them books for Christmas but there is nothing more delightful than looking through all the children's Christmas books in the stores. I love them! I saved a few that were lovingly read to our kids and will now be enjoyed by our grand-daughter, Riley. I tied them with a ribbon and have them now as a decoration on the coffee-table. That way with all the excitement at Christmas we will still remember to bring out the old, worn Christmas books.

Ry is loving our fresh, new snow that fell yesterday. Imagine this is her FIRST winter.

Cat-tip-for-the-day - A good read on CATS  

If you need one more gift for your cat-loving friend this comes with my recommendation. William J. Thomas is hilarious and any cat-lover will find his books unforgettable. 

Max says "Howdy" and wants you to know that he has a flair for designing homes. You see, Max convinced his owners to redo their kitchen floor in the 'Max' pattern.  Isn't it lovely and isn't he wonderful? ;)

hugs, Deb

Winter is here.

I'm looking forward to a busy day of cat-sitting, picking up keys from new clients and finishing up the tree. I have presents waiting in our spare bedroom now turned 'wrapping room' along with all the embellishments waiting to be wrapped so "NO 'OL SENIOR CATS ALLOWED" in the room.   My cats like to root through paper.....hmmm, not a good thing right now. Even at their ages, 24, 21, 18, 15, & 9 they love to play with paper, bows and ribbon. Of course they do, they're cats.

I hung Riley's little stocking that I embellished to make it more personal for her. I believe it will be BURSTING at the seams Christmas morning 'cause Santa knows she is the best little girl ever. 4 more stockings to be hung by the wood-stove with care.

The roads are slippery today and I hate driving in this but nothing keeps me from getting to my hungry, home-alone cats. Little Max is doing great and welcomes me with a leg rub and then falls on his head on the floor. I can't say anyone has ever been that happy to see me before.

Still trimming the tree.....

Lots more trimming to do and I'll show you tomorrow my latest ornament.

I hope everyone is enjoying getting ready for Christmas. If you slow down, take a deep breath and remember what we are celebrating, your preparation for Christmas day will be filled with joy and love of family & friends and you will be counting all your blessings. 

Have fun!

hugs, Deb