Kitty Love

I woke up very early this morning with pain in my knee again. Nothing new there - but I reached over and Princess was in Queenie's place next to my ear. Fluffy was on the other side of my head. Beasley was at my hip near Princess, and Queenie was near my feet there. Bugs was on the other side of my feet.

This was not a first, but pretty close! All five on the bed when I woke up.

The cats have been working really hard to make their personalities come out, lately.

Bugs is no longer just "cute" but cute with a purpose. She has an agenda. She wants to be noticed and cuddled. I changed the sheets on the bed & she had a total fit! She couldn't play with me while I made the bed - by the time I was making the bed she was long gone. She just didn't like me stripping the sheets! She growled & moaned. You could see it on her face. Afterwards, when I cuddled her & put her on the bed, the purrs were much louder than usual.

Queenie is not just Beasley's favorite and a velcro kitty, but a little girl who wants to be loved and appreciated. She is still a little afraid if I move too fast, but she's getting better. She doesn't care for the "pudgy cheek" scratch, but she puts up with it because she gets to lay on my lap as long as she wants to if she lets me give her a little of that.

The biggest change has been Princess. She is "pawing" my arm in the morning when I get on the computer. She is taking over the chair next to the computer (it has the cats' pillows on it) and so she is just below eye level. She is very proactive about cuddles in bed, but now she isn't waiting for bedtime. And when I go into the bedroom in the evenings, she no longer looks at me with that wild-eyed stare. Boy! Three solid years of this & she's finally getting it that I love her and want nothing but the best for her. I go and sit next to her and snuggle on her a little bit. Then, she gives me that "why'd you stop" look, instead of getting up and going into her hidey hole box.

Fluffy is a total snuggle bug. She waits till I put up the footrest on the chair and then jumps up. She wants to lay in a special spot where she can straddle the arm and my knee at the same time. Yes, my sore knee. She seems to understand my pain. Her fur is all matted again, but it's like she just refuses to let me trim them off or brush them out. I might be able to get 3 strokes with the brush, or isolate a mat with my fingers and grab the scissors - then she's off! If I just let her be, she sleeps like she hasn't had any sleep in days. I actually caught her stealing food this morning. She finished her bowl & went over to Beasley's bowl & picked the food up & dropped it on the floor. I stopped her & put his food back in his bowl, but she didn't like that so she left the kitchen. When I walk into the bathroom, she has to meet me at the door & go into submission pose. Head down & turned almost upside down, hiney up & leaning on the doorframe. She's asking for a cuddle, of course! A quick scratch & stroke & she's happy. She doesn't come closer or follow me in, but stays there looking longingly at me like she wants more cuddles. What a card!

Beasley has been pouting a little bit. He wants to play so badly! If I could cull him out long enough and keep his attention long enough, I think he would benefit greatly. He's been hopping up on my lap when I'm on the computer & otherwise ignoring me. He comes for cuddles a little bit, and puts his whiskers forward when he talks to me, but I can tell he's not getting understood. I can see his frustration. I understand, but there isn't anything I can do to help. He needs to ignore the girls long enough to get some quality play time. I guess I'll just keep trying. Meanwhile, he head-butts me when he comes for cuddles, so I know he still believes in me.

Yeah, the holidays & all the time I've been able to spend with the cats has really helped. They are better for it. Maybe Beasley is missing special time with mom, but he's happy the girls are with us, too. He loves them. He and Fluffy have a deal. He sleeps on one side of the chair, she gets the other side. They protect each other against the girls - Bugs and Queenie. If either of the girls come up, they get chased off - with a look, nothing else.

I look forward to more love from all of them. We are looking for a larger abode. My business activities are growing and our space together is more squeezed. I guess it's time to move on a bit. I look forward to a dishwasher, and a washer and dryer. I look forward to being able to walk through a room and not have it do double or triple duty.

Well, Happy New Year! Hope you get all the things you want. I hope you have prosperity and health. And may there be peace on earth - if only for a little while. It's been too long since there was peace.

SBI Special Extended!

Extended till January 4th! Wow! I knew it was still going on, but I hadn't checked until just now - and it's January 4th.

That gives everyone time to get back to the office & check email, I guess.

Get your site - split the 2-4-1 with a friend or family member to reduce costs - whatever you need to do! If you are thinking of joining 5-Pillar, do it now, have your friend buy the sites in their name, you get the commission and reduce the price even more! Truly- this is an amazing special. I'm working one site of the 2 I bought now.

Go for it! You owe it to yourself.

Holiday Kitty Contest Winding Down

This section of the Holiday Kitty Contest is winding down. Five entries were received and voting will continue till December 31st.

Contest prizes are impressive! I got a fabulous prize from Only Natural Pet Supply and another one from Entirely Pets. I have still another coupon for $2 off wet or dry food. Pretty good! All because my suppliers (your suppliers, too!) love what happens on For the Love of Cats.

So, for the next leg of the contest, get those photos uploaded & get ready to submit your entry January 1st. Hey - if you want to submit now, go ahead! Reply to the newsletter and attach your photo. The next leg is "new years hijinx" and new Christmas/Hanuka/Kwanzaa photos from the current season.

Hope your Holidays were amazing! Mine sure were!

You Like It!

You folks sure seem to like the new Hidey Hole Beds page! They are so nice for a kitty to curl up in, to snooze, stay warm, feel safe & yet be part of the family!

If you got a new dog or puppy for Christmas, chances are that the pup has poked his or her nose into the opening & been swiped or hissed at.

Hey - it's cat turf! No dogs allowed! :)

I've been having trouble getting some books for you. I want to put up new breed picture books and books on cat breeding, but I can't seem to get the links right now. Stay tuned. They will come.

I've finally got the first of my pages done for Flea Fighters. The homepage & main lead off pages are done. The contact form is currently on the "Army" page and if you want to comment, you can do so there.

OH Boy! What a Deal!

This is the best time of year to get a site! You can buy one for yourself & give one to your sweetie. Or to your child - or one for each child!

At the same price of one site, you get 2! This is the only time of year this happens! What a fabulous gift! A future! A life more secure!

Click on the title of this entry or the picture above, and it will take you to the "case studies" section so you can see if this might be for you - or your kids - or your spouse - or your parents......

The special expires on December 25th at midnight. That's the last possible minute of Christmas itself... Don't be a scrooge! Give your family and yourself a more secure life!

I don't expect you to buy something I don't believe in - well I'm in the middle of my own right now! I'm building a new website - and have one in reserve thanks to this deal. I have the first bits up on the internet already (having been through the process recently for a client, I was prepared for the special) and I invite you to look at the website. Any comments about what you see there you can post to the contact form on the site....

Anyway - it's www.flea-fighters.com (you will need to copy/paste)

Enjoy!

Grieving Our Pets, Pets Grieving Pets

I was listening to the radio this morning and heard a story from our local Veterinary School and grieving our pets. There is a grief counselor/social worker who runs a grief support group at the Vet college for folks who have lost their pets. They discussed how close we get to our pets and how it's normal and natural to grieve their loss.I was glad to hear about the group. I haven't recently lost a pet, but I know how hard it is on me when I do.

The discussion included stereotypes about losing pets and how it's harder for men to grieve the loss and how they can be less tolerant of those around them. I think that it's true not just for men, but for all adults. As children, we lose a pet and a part of our world is gone forever. As adults, we've learned to live with loss and don't want to feel that poignant pain again.

Men, as a stereotype anyway, don't like to feel emotions visibly. They feel them - some are deeply affected by them. But most of the men I've known don't want to show it. The deepest loss I ever felt was for Napoleon. I don't know why that is. Oscar was much more loved and lived with me longer. Perhaps it was the times we lived and the things we lived through... Anyway, my husband was very short with me during that period of grief. He didn't stay with me very long, but the grief did. It's still in me today.

And to be brought to our knees by the loss of a pet is degrading! Come on - it's one thing to lose a parent or child - but a pet?!?! So, to hear the piece on NPR was comforting. It's nice to know that there is a study of grief over our pets. Maybe your local vet college will have a course of study in their social services curriculum.

It made me wonder, though. How can we help our pets to grieve the loss of a litter-mate? I remember when Fatty died. His litter mate - Oscar - wanted nothing to do with the empty carcass. "He" - Fatty - wasn't there. I discuss some methods that have worked for me in the past, but they may not always work. A grieving animal is not "in it's right mind" and that is true whether two- or four-legged.

A mother cat losing her litter by placement of the kittens is no less mourning their loss than if they died. She has an advantage of seeing them and saying goodbye, but not all the people taking a kitten will be good to it. She has to trust us, her caregivers, that we have chosen a good home for her offspring.

Remember to help your cat to grieve. Allow the pain and loss to show. It puts all of us on a higher plane of existence to remember, honor and love those we have lost. Two- or Four-Legged!

Cats and Holidays

There is so much hubbub during the holidays, that sometimes we forget our pets' feelings and needs. By thinking ahead and anticipating your cats' needs, you demonstrate your love.

Read the full article:
http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/CatsandHolidays.html

Holiday Kitty Contest Submissions Disappointing

To have a contest, you need folks to submit photos, right????

Well, folks aren't submitting photos. I don't know if they are too busy or what, but if I don't get photos, I can't put them up for voting.

The nice thing is that those who did enter will automatically win the prizes I've garnered to award to winners. The bad thing is that no-one will come to vote on the photos.

So, that's the dilemma. I need photo submissions!!!

http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/HolidayKittyContest.html

There's a link near the top of the page to submit your photo.

Fluffy and Bugs

Fluffy and Bugs have changed.

Fluffy has achieved "Fur Person" status and Bugs is working on it.

What is a Fur Person? Read the book and find out. The book is amazing. It helped me to refine my articulation of my attitude about cats. Basically, it's the story of an adopted stray male cat who gets neutered & loved by little-old-ladies. Told from the cat's point of view, no less! The book is available here:

The Fur Person


Anyway, the book is amazing & I hope you read it whether you buy it or not.

Fluffy achieved the "Fur Person" status by her continued expressiveness, her hugging my legs or belly, and basically just being herself. She's a total mess, you know! Her fur just won't stay unmatted, no matter what I do. I comb and brush all the time. I have to cut mats about once a week. She loves to lay by my knees and will come up to check what I'm doing about twice an evening. She comes over to my chair while I'm on the computer, and she herds me into the kitchen.

She asks for food all the time! I think she may be diabetic, so I feed her on a schedule, and I'm trying to reduce her weight. When she came out of that cage, she weighed about 14 pounds. She's down to 11, so that part is working.

When it's bedtime, she will walk into the bedroom and sit on the headboard, looking cute, rubbing her cheeks on the top of the headboard with her hind end up in the air. She's begging for snuggles... She gets them, of course.

So, that's miss Fluffy.


Now for Missy Bugsy Bear.
Bugs really changed after she got spayed. She turned into this loving kitty who just won't quit. She'd been in heat for over 4 months by the time I could get her in. The shortage of vets and the cost of having a cat spayed while in heat conspired to keep her (and the rest of us!) in misery. That all changed in one afternoon.

She became this loving kitty who is passionate about whatever she is doing. She is all play or all loving. She prefers play, but loving is right up there. Put a feather wand in her vicinity and she won't quit until you finally put it away - 2 or 3 hours later! She is a demon!

For loving, she is about the same. She tires of loves after about an hour, but she'll come right back in a few minutes. It's like she needs to patrol and see what the others are up to and then decides it's time to come back to you. She jumps on the top of my chair and washes my hair. She still has trouble with her claws, but she IS learning.

When she came, she was the first to get shots. I didn't have a good hold on her and she attacked out of fear. She got my face pretty bad. Yep, my face! She almost got my left eye, and I had to take antibiotics to clear the infection. I think she knew that it was bad, because she always steered clear and ducked whenever I stretched out a hand to her. I still see that reaction, but most of the time it's putting ears back for a scratch on the head!

Anyway, she reached out a few days ago and raked my hand. She doesn't understand that she can grab without using her claws. I tell her and tell her when it hurts. I gently squeeze her paw and tell her no. She seems to get it. She is much better now (after 16 months) than when she came. It's just that she gets excited and all the training goes out the window.

Bugs' favorite game it to help make the bed. I put the pillows up and fluff them. She comes running. I pull up the sheet and blanket on one side, she's meowing. I pull up the coverlet, and she comes up on the bed. I then go around to the other side of the bed and do the same thing. She is now waiting for the "cover" which is a sheet to keep the cat hair from obliterating my breathing during the night. It's just a sheet I use over the rest of the bedding. Anyway, that comes up and OVER Miss Bugs. She's started to purr, now. I go to the other side and pull it up - then I lift it and she comes running, purring all the while. She hops out and onto the sheet, and I finish up. She's so cute! She does this every morning. After I've got the sheet up, I have a half-quilt I use for the foot of the bed. It's for the cats to sleep on and it collects cat hair. I pull this up, sometimes over her, sometimes she jumps onto it. She likes that, too. I tell her how cute she is, give her a scratch and a cuddle & I'm off to the shower.

She loves this morning game.

So, how did she become an almost fur-person? I was sitting on my chair watching TV with my legs crossed on the chair (not hanging down, more like lotus position, but I'm not that limber). She jumped up and stood on that narrow strip between my feet and the edge of the seat. She didn't come up to me or climb onto the back of the chair like normal. Instead, she leaned into me and rubbed her chin on my toe. She watched the other cats playing all this time, and just stood there for about 20 minutes. I reached and scratched a bit, and rubbed her back, and she responded, but didn't move. Finally, she jumped down, checked the others out and then got up on the back of my chair. She was just being my baby, I guess.

I could understand her wish to be involved in the other cat's games, but at the same time she was seeking my approval. Like I said, her first love is play, and the second love is cuddles.

Poor little Bugs is still at the bottom of the pecking order. She gets it from all sides. I ignore her quite a bit, the other cats pick on her a bit and she just wants love. She really needs a home full of love where she can be only cat, but for now, she's our Bugsy. We love her and would miss her terribly if she ever left us.

Well, that's my post for today. I've been remiss in posting. I guess I got involved in other things.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving means food for most of us. Turkey, ham or tofurkey. There are places in the world that fish would be appropriate. All these are favorite foods for cats.

Well, maybe not the tofurkey ;).

Anyway, our cats love this stuff! The smells and company tell our pets that we are loved and give us all a warm feeling. How many of us have had our cat in the sink or interested in the sink, while we defrost that turkey??? Put a plate over it. If you have to run water then put a towel over it.

Ham is very salty & not good for cats. Mr. Beasley loves ham above all other foods. He can smell it a mile away! Seriously tho, he really does like it. I'll give him a tiny bit just to make him happy.

I had a cat who could smell poultry frozen! Now that's some good sniffing! Other cats love fish most of all & all the commotion of the holidays just sends them into hiding.

Take a cue from your cat. Take a nap when you feel sleepy - throw a blanket over your feet & snooze in front of the TV if you need to. There's no shame in that on Thanksgiving. Blame the turkey, it's OK.

Hope your holiday is filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.

Time to Vote!

The voting form is up! There are 2 kitties in the first showdown. Get your cat photos in for the next round.

YES! Photoshopped photos are acceptable! Just don't paint your cat ;>)

When I have at least 2 photos, I'll start getting them up for the next round.

Remember! This contest goes into January 2008, so keep the pictures coming....

New Contest!

Bring 'Em On!

Holiday Kitties, Too Much Catnip, Christmas Tree Follies, Ornament Bowling, Turkey Theif - Whatever!!!!

Bring the photos on! Click on the title of this article to get to the page. Upload a photo by email with a 30-word or less comment & I'll get the voting form online by the 6th. (Tuesday).

Voting for the first batch ends 11/15, prize to be determined.

This contest will roll on until January 10th or so.

Final entries accepted until January 4th.

Prizes will be discount coupons for suppliers on the site. At minimum, winners will get $20 in discounts.

Do Cats Feel Pain?

I think they do, or why would a cat respond to teasing, taunting and cruelty they way they do?

Princess is very loving right now, but obviously "under the weather" after her surgery.

So far, she is not expressing a desire for the meds, but I will give them to her anyway. She has allowed some soft scratches and admiration. She is out of hiding.

I just hope all this doesn't send her back into hiding and scaredy-cat behaviors.

She has to go back in 2 weeks to have the stitches removed. There don't appear to be as many stitches this time, and the ear seems to be standing up a bit better than the other one. The vet did NOT give me the anti-fungal ointment this time, just some pain drops. I will probably put some antibiotic ointment on it to keep the area soft and keep the itching down for her. The antibiotics in the ointment will help her heal, too.

I'll keep you posted!

Princess and her Ears

Princess is at the vet's today. Very expensive!

Princess has a hematoma in her ear. Basically, this means the ear swells up and fills with fluid. A cat's ear is mostly cartilage, with fine blood vessels and some skin and fur to cover it. Cats move their ears in all directions by using fine muscles at the base of the ear that pulls tendons and swivels the cartilage.

Well, one or more of the blood vessels broke and the space between the skin (usually very thin) was over 1/2 inch thick. I noticed a problem Friday, so took her in and had it drained on Saturday morning. I've been watching it fill in again, since. So, she went back to the vet's today to have it fixed.

What they did to the other ear (over 2 years ago) was to drain the fluid and put stitches to hold the layers of ear tissue together. She ended up with a cauliflower ear, but the swelling didn't return. The vet was very upset when she looked at Princess, so I figured it was pretty serious. When the other ear developed the same problem, I figured I'd better get her in as soon as I could.

Well, my beautiful Princess will have two cauliflower ears, but she will be fine. My pocketbook won't recover for several months, however.

I know we have to help doctors, dentists, vets and lawyers pay for their education by paying their fees, but it just seems to unfair that people who make so little have to pay for those who make so much. You would think that after 20 years of practicing veterinary medicine, the education expenses would be paid off.

The "itemized" bill was also for a lot of supplies. Paying retail sucks! I'm so used to getting things on the internet at wholesale prices, that the price they are charging for stuff is just highway robbery!

So, get used to paying very little & buy your supplies on the internet, too. They want over $20 for ONE flea treatment at the vet's office!!! Goodness! You can get 6 for $50 on the internet.....

Plastics and Rodent Ulcer

My Princess had a rodent ulcer on her chin from a flea collar. The collar was plastic. I took off the collar and watched the sore spot. It took about 4 weeks, but the hair grew back and she's good as ever!

I believe that "rodent ulcer" can be caused by irritation. Whether from plastic or something else, it looks like a rug burn would if we had fur.

Why Do Cats...? (Unexplained Cat Behavior)

Why Do Cats Sleep on Their Litter Boxes????

Well, I think it has more to do with security than anything else.

Cats - particularly indoor, domestic cats, equate their litter boxes with security more than a child does their blanket or thumb! A cat having control over it's litter box means the cat is safe.

Food may or may not be forthcoming, but a litter box means it can urinate or defacate without worrying. Cats normally bury their waste, so they are not sleeping directly on the soil. In some situations, control over a litter box means control over other cats; place holding in the pecking order.

My lady-kitties from rescue: Fluffy, Bugs and Queenie, were all raised and living in cages when I got them. They all slept in their litter boxes. Especially Fluffy, who was in a cage by herself, and had no room to move or lay down except in the litter box.

If your cat is sleeping in the litter box, perhaps you should look at how secure your cat feels in her home. Is there a child or other animal threatening or pestering her? Is she being prevented from access to the box? Address these problems and your cat will feel more secure. Provide a quiet place for the litter box and a bed nearby. You should see a positive change in behaviors in a day or so.

Kitty Trust Issues

A new page has been added, regarding older, or full-grown cats. In all these cats, trust issues can cause problems for the cat owner. The new page is called Kitty Trust Issues, and is found here:
http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.co/KittyTrumstIssues.html

Enjoy!

Supplier Dropped

I've had to drop a supplier - a major supplier. There are lots of changes because I'm de-listing pages until they are updated. Any pages that are listed are up to date. At least I hope they are.

Meanwhile, I'm busy getting links for you with new suppliers for a whole new group of products! Cat safe chemicals, supplements and shampoo are all represented at ONP:
http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/ONP
Even if I'm not recommending a particular item, their stuff is good. If you have any questions about use or whether something is applicable to your situation, get hold of the cat whisperer.

So, until I get links for individual items up, use the ONP link here. As I get more links up, you will see the pages listed in your RSS feeder.

Thanks for your patience!

Your Cat Made Famous!

Make your cat famous!

http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/StorySubmit.html

Submit your story and photos online right now!

My host company, SiteSell! has created a new module, or capability, for sites on their network and in their plan. This makes the submission of your cat stories much easier! You can even include your cats' photo. The program can only accept one photo at a time, and if you want to add more, just let me know. I'm glad to accept them.

Now, if you don't have a cat to tell me about, but you just want to make a comment on the website in general, you can also do that. This module makes things truly interactive! I'm really excited about it. You should be too!

If you are interested in getting an interactive site of your own, they can make it happen! Click on this link and you can get a free e-book that tells you how to get started.

With a company like SiteSell!, you can't go wrong. It's the only hosting company I trust on the internet.

Sign up for CatLover Magazine

You can get my eBook, Cat Urine Odor Solutions (a $7.99 value) just by signing up for the newsletter, CatLover Magazine.

CatLover Magazine is an online magazine with lots of training tips and news about cats, published at least once monthly. Best of all, it's FREE! I try to always include specials for you, too. I don't always get that many, but some times, I get really good deals!

You always need the newsletter to get the specials, so you want to sign up NOW. The publishing schedule means that the next issue will be going out in a few days, and you don't want to miss out on anything!

Common Cat Illnesses

Recently, a visitor was looking for some information on common cat illness.

The most common cat illness is sands, or crystals in the urine. This is caused by the foods we give our babies. If left untreated, the waste can back up in the system. This is potentially life-threatening. Any cat having trouble urinating should be seen by a vet immediately.

Next are parasitic diseases, such as fleas, worms and other nasty things that come from parasites. Best way to handle that is to control the flea population - meaning eliminate it.

The most usual reason for a cat to die before their time is dehydration. Cats may stop drinking water if they can't smell it. An older cat is particularly prone to this because of confusion and loss of the sense of smell. If you see your cat is not drinking or the skin is losing it's elasticity, get some children's unflavored pedialyte into your cat if you can, and get the baby to the vet to be seen. The vet can hydrate the cat to keep it alive and try to figure out why the dehydration is happening in the first place. Be sure to tell the vet how long ago you noticed it and how much pedialyte you got into your cat.

There is FeLV and FIV, both scary cancer-type disease. FeLV is feline leukemia. Treatment is blood transfusions and medication. The other is FIV, or feline immunodeficiency virus - kitty aids. Both of these are very contagious. You need to keep your cat away from other cats. Wash your hands after handling your cat so that you don't pass these on.

I've had experience with something called rodent ulcer. This is a condition where the skin is raw and fur falls out around the mouth and face. Prednisone helps. I recently had something that looked like rodent ulcer, but was an irritation from a flea collar.

Rabies has a vaccine, and you should get your cat vaccinated. I know that it's something about the brain and water, but other than that, I'm not a doctor. I know that it used to be very bad. Many wild animals carry the disease, and if you allow your cat outside, you must vaccinate your cat.

There is something called feline distemper, but I have never seen it. Maybe all those vaccinations really work!

So, that's what I know about diseases in cats. I hope this helps you with your search.

Scoop-N-Smooch Technique

The "Scoop-n-Smooch" technique is used to promote a cat's well-being and to allow a cat to feel special in a household of many cats. It promotes bonding with the human elements in the home. It can be perpetrated on the cat by one or all humans in a home, depending on the needs to the cat.

The actual technique is simple:
Pick the cat up and hold like a baby. Kiss the cat on the head, shoulders, chest, face or cheeks - where ever you feel comfortable kissing the cat. Then gently place the cat on the floor on his or her feet.

Now, the timing is what makes this technique work!
The human will do this to the cat each time the human returns from outside. It is very important that it is done each and every time the human returns! It doesn't matter if the human was at work for hours, went to the mailbox, or just to check the sprinkler in the back yard. Each and Every Time!

The cat will resist, particularly at first. This is to be expected. Even later, when the cat expects it, the cat may well resist. This is to show the other cats in the house that the subject is "above that sort of thing" but don't believe it! The cat will expect this treatment and will actually pout if the treatment is not given.

Why would a human servant of cats do this? Well, if a cat is grieving, or having other emotional issues that cause stress; or if there is a recent change in the household that causes the cat to feel left out, such as a new pet or baby. The Scoop-n-Smooch treatment helps the cat to feel special, and lets other animals in the house know that the cat getting the treatment is special to the food-givers.

How to Introduce a New Cat to an Existing Cat

When introducing cats, you might want to think about the existing cat and how it will respond to the new cat. The new cat will deal, but the existing one will have some problems.

First off, your cat thinks it is being replaced in your affections. Doubly so if the new cat is a kitten - or just smaller. This makes your cat insecure, and it may have problems accepting the new cat. Your cat that formerly had fastidious litter habits may begin to soil all over the house in frustration, making everyone miserable.

You will need to add a litter box at the beginning, whether your cats decide to share or not. Don't expect your new cat to be comfortable using the existing litter box, and don't expect your existing cat to lightly share his private potty!

Bonding play is extremely important, too. Get your existing cat used to play and then offer the toys to the new cat. Usually, this is the way things need to be done, but sometimes, you might offer the toy to the new cat first to get the scent on it. Another way to get started is to get each cat their own toy and then a new one for joint play. After your cats are playing individually, you can begin to help them bond as a team.



Don't forget that love and cuddles are your best training tools when introducing cats. Your existing cat needs a lot of love right now. Later, you can cuddle the new cat in front of your existing cat, but at the beginning, don't you dare!

The "scoop and smooch" is a great tactic to help your cat accept the new littermate. Be sure to do this each and every time you come in from being outside. More on that, later.

The existing cat may have other problems as well. If the new cat wants to play all the time and your baby isn't used to that, your existing cat may feel that s/he is being attacked all the time. Time-outs are very important in this situation. If the new cat can't or won't leave the existing cat alone to potty, sleep or eat, put a belled collar on the new cat. If nothing else, it will give your elder statesman warning when the new cat is coming, and perhaps time to prepare or hide.

Feeding Time!

I've been working with Beasley for over 2 years - he eats too fast and then regurgitates his entire meal.

When it was just Beasley and me, way back in the beginning, I would heat his wet food (kept in the fridge) to room temperature and he would eat it. Dry food was no problem. He ate well, didn't gorge himself, and didn't vomit, even with hairballs.

However, for over 2 years, he's had a real problem. Ever since Princess came to us. She doesn't eat at the same time, doesn't eat wet food, and was a virtual ghost for the first 3 months - she hid under the bed all the time. This didn't matter to Beasley, though, because he began to gorge himself when food was put down. Poor Princess became the problem, and she was no problem at all.

I treated him with hairball treatment, and sometimes that would work. I began to restrict his access to food. I put down 1/2 teaspoon at a time and allow some time to go by before he got any more. Between the two treatment methods, he seemed to get better. Then the girls came.

Now, with 5 cats, it's pandemonium every time I walk near the kitchen. Fluffy was severely overweight when she came so she needed a special diet to reduce her girth. Bugs is allergic to all wheat products and gets terrible smelly diarrhea if she eats any, so all the dry food is specialized and wheat-free. Queenie will eat anything she can get, especially since she was spayed. Bugs hangs in the kitchen for meat, but won't eat it - she's just underfoot.

Beasley comes in, sees the crowd, and leaves. I have to bring him back in. Lately, I've been using the hairball remedy again. He sees me coming toward him to apply it and he leaves the kitchen. By the time he gets back to the kitchen, Queenie or Fluffy have finished what was in his bowl.

So, I'm trying a special food: Wysong Feline Archetype which is a meal where you add a little water and it becomes a soft food. It guarantees nutrition for a small amount of food. You can use it as a "seasoning" to other foods, as well. I've been impressed with Wysong for a long time now, and this will be my first venture into the archetype food - which is not available around here. I have to get it online, just like you.

I'll let you know how things go. I hate to see the upset Beasley goes through every day. At least it's only food-related! I'm grateful he's not sick, just high-strung.

How to find the stuff I talk about...

If you ever have trouble finding something I talk about - this blog is set up so that if you click the title of a post, it will take you to the page I'm talking about.

This post for instance, will take you to the marketplace - the page changes at least monthly and gives a good overview of anything you might want to check on. All items I talk about are on at least one of the pages there.

Hotmail & MSN Down?????

Well, MSN and Hotmail seem to be down this morning. I won't be able to get to my email to counsel until they resolve the problem. I've tried from two (2) browsers, so the cookies aren't the problem.

If you submitted a contact form, give it a little extra time. Sorry about this, out of my control....

Voting Concluded

Well, voting is concluded. Interesting results, and here they are:

By sheer clicks, Katie won by a landslide. By IP address, or individual computer address, Rohan won but not by a landslide.

There were several people who came by and voted more than once, for more than one kitty. That's to be expected.

So, since I didn't say that it would be by IP address or sheer clicks or any other criteria, what I've decided to do is to split the winnings between Katie and Rohan. This might seem unfair, but I don't know what else to do. I've asked for help, and no one has stepped forward with an opinion.

So, if you are either Katie's or Rohan's owner, please send me your mailing address by the same way you entered the contest (remember how you did it?) and I'll confirm by email. You will get a bank certified check/money order for your winnings.

Help Needed - Voting Results :)

I've been analysing the results from the pretty kitty contest. It seems that some of my visitors have pretty good programming skills, or they paid someone to click a certain button - or perhaps its just a glitch someplace.

However, on analysing the results, it seems that Rohan is the actual winner by IP addresses. By sheer number of clicks, it's Katie.

By IP address, the results are: Rohan #1, Rebecca #2
By sheer clicks, the results are: Katie #1, Rohan #2

Several folks clicked their kitty more than once, which is to be expected. Several of the IP addresses picked more than one kitty, coming back for the second click. However, there were over 900 clicks and only 181 visitors. That told me the results were terribly skewed. The strange results are in 10-second increments, so I know something isn't right.

Now, my dilemma is: Who is the winner???? Should I go by clicks or by IP address?

Post your opinion and I'll keep a tally, voting on this issue closes at midnight EDT, 7/11/2007. In this case, IP address and identity count, so only vote once - give your reasoning - I need the help.

Happy 4th!

I hope you are all having a wonderful 4th of July holiday.

Remember to keep your pets safe from harm - away from that enticing smell coming off the BBQ and please don't tie a firecracker to your cats' tail! As a matter of fact, please don't play with fireworks of any kind - go to a professionally put on show of fireworks this evening, instead. Keep yourself and your pets safe.

Eat some watermelon (if you like it) and have some BBQ for me. I had to stop eating meat because of a tummy upset.

Pretty Kitty Contest Is Up &

Voting has Begun!

Boy! We are off rockin' and rollin' on the pretty kitty contest! Make your vote count - get there and vote!

There were 12 submissions, and the photos are set up to be thumbnail on the page - if you click on one, it will get bigger in a new window. You can vote right on the contest page. The prize is only $10, and, boy!, I can't believe the response! This is truly amazing!

The voting will continue till July 15, when the voting form will come down. I'll put up the results, so everyone can see them.

Now, for next month, what do you want to see????? If it's another contest, can you/are you willing to donate for prizes???

Talk to me...
Morgen

There is new history

There is new history reported today on the origen of cats. I found it interesting but not earthshaking. They did mention how kidney disease in cats is similar to what happens in people, though.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/29/science/29cat.html?em&ex=1183262400&en=f6e4d0ed5218dd70&ei=5087%0A

What surprises me is that more people aren't interested in how cats can be affected by disease and the link between cats and humans. With more information coming out of China regarding tainted foods, and what happened to our pets recently, you would think more people would be interested. Maybe they will be soon.

Meanwhile, use the best quality foods you can for your cats and yourself. Only Natural Pet has an article this month about the importance of supplements and good quality food for humans as well as pets. I suggest you read that as well.

http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/KnowledgeBase/knowledgebasedetail.aspx?articleid=96&Keywords=

And don't sweat the small stuff! Our bodies are amazing, and God's creation contains all the cures for all the diseases - some we just don't know where they are yet. So, take a clue from your feline friend and stretch out in the sun and have a siesta, you'll feel better about everything afterwards.

Been Getting Submissions!

I've been getting quite a few new stories! Please check out: Scruffy, Charlie, Baby, Cody and Cruiser. These stories were all submitted by readers.

In the middle of getting all those stories, I also got a special supplier of Cat Furniture, Burt Elias. He and I are very happy to join up to offer excellent cat trees and climbing surfaces for low prices. The quality is excellent and because Burt uses recycled materials, the cost is low enough that even shipping them, you will spend less with Burt than at your local pet supply store. Truly a find!

There are great things coming up in July, so stay tuned...

Been Quite a While!

My, it's been a while! Things have been a little strange in the home so I've been working on that instead of the internet. I got a client to develop 2 websites, so I got started on that. I had some trouble with the computer, mostly because I don't know anything about Mac or the Tiger OSX system. I've had to learn.

I have posted some reader stories on the site, and I've been working on some articles for future posts. I've put out a newsletter special issue, but it isn't saved as an archive because I didn't want non-subscribers to have access to it. It's about submitting photos for a photo contest, but only the recipients of the newsletter issue are eligible to enter.

So, more stuff coming up, and I'm just working on things the best I can. Subscribe to the RSS feed from the site if you want to keep current. The "blogs" do not duplicate, but between this one and that, you will be pretty up to date.

I'm not working outside the home, and all the "temp work" dried up right after I made the change. Then, because I wasn't technically fired - but could not work in those immoral conditions - I can't collect unemployment. I'm praying really hard right now for some opportunities to come my way.

I know that God has us all in the palm of his hand, but I always have doubts. God provided 2 small bookshelves so I didn't have to go out and buy them, but I still have doubts! Why? God takes care of me in so many ways, but I never trust Him to provide for me. He always does! I just need to increase faith and believe in all of me that He will provide better for me than I could ever do myself, and it will be that way. "Ask and it shall be given" Matt 7:7, but still....

Well, I have work to do so I can accept all those photos! And I sincerely hope that I can reduce the file sizes or they might not get uploaded! So, pray for the US postal system and pray that my finances don't fall apart, that I have the faith to hold strong - things are getting pretty tough and I'm getting scared.

You know, fear is the biggest problem.

New Goodies!

I have been very fortunate to find a new supplier for cat furniture. Burt Elias is local, uses recycled and reclaimed materials to keep costs low (no toxic materials!) and his designs are cat-friendly! I've put up a page of some of his designs. He does a lot more, and I have more to put up, but I'm waiting until the page gets a little bit of traffic. I may put up a second page of the other items, since they are more for cat shows and breeders.

Anyway, Burt is really friendly and his prices are excellent! The end product is attractive and sturdy. He doesn't have a website right now, so I'm selling directly from the website for some "stock" items, and his email address is posted for custom orders.

Hope you enjoy! I certainly do!

More on Foods...

I've broken into the chub of raw food for the cats. I actually like the way it smells. It smells good enough for me to eat!

The cats seem to be very full, and while they aren't attacking it when I put it out, they are eating it. Beasley is not regurgitating it as fast as he takes it in, so he's actually getting nutrition, too. I think that I'm feeding them more at one time, too. I don't want to leave it out to get to room tempertature, since it was frozen, so I keep it refrigerated. I'm feeding about a tablespoon in the morning and a quarter cup in the evening. They also have their crunchies, Innova EVO, and I'm putting the supplement for taurine in their water.

No complaints so far! It's been about 3 days, the food still smells good and they are still eating it.

I have a new goal for the website, too. I'm going to be really working it and trying to make it better. I have a reason, and I'm pretty sure there is another website coming as well, but probably not for a few months.

Later, gator!~

I had a dream....

No, not the grand, social kind of dream (apologies to MLK!). I had a dream overnight that stayed with me and I want to share it.

I was in line at a bank or some place with a high counter. There was a young woman I didn't know with a misbehaving young child - perhaps the child was 2-3 years old. Running around and hanging on mom at all times. She looked very tired and was confused. She was very pretty, dressed well and was barely able to transact her business for being so distracted.

For some reason, I walked up and wrapped my arms around her and gave her a hug. I offered her a place to be safe, to rest and to be worry free for a little while so she could be strong enough and rested enough to deal with her child. She looked at me like I was crazy. I gave her a kiss on the cheek and released her and she left.

As I reflected on her response (still in my dream) I realized that she might be put off by such a direct approach and she probably was very uncomfortable being singled out for help and charity.

Since in dreams, our subconscious is telling us things, and we are represented by all the players, I think that my dream is telling me that I feel very vulnerable, tired and over-taxed (stressed) by the business of my life (the bank) and the other pulls on my time (the child). I think the child represents my internet activities and other efforts at self-expression, pulling at me and wanting attention. It is also telling me what I need to do - offer myself safety, comfort and time to recover from the stress of life and recharge my batteries, and that I can do that - I am in the position to do so. My reflection, that I am uncomfortable being singled out and that I don't like my vulnerability to show, is very true. I hate to be vulnerable or less than strong in any situation (which causes no end of trouble!) but I need to admit this to myself before I can address things. I need to be vulnerable to myself.

Anyway - this was my dream today. May you find the insights you need from it. I hope my analysis shows you a little of me, and perhaps you will learn (in your own life) what you need to learn from your dreams.

However, I thought the dream was interesting and wanted to share it.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you Mothers! If you've ever raised a kitten into a cat, you are a mother sure as any other mother. It takes love, nurturing and patience for children of all kinds.

Happy Mother's Day!

New Story Up

I got a submission of a story and put it up for you. It's truly heartwrming. It made me cry! I was so sad that Charlie isn't with us any more.

Woo Hoo!

Wow! Apple is So Kewl! I got this computer set up in no time flat! I'm still copying files and applications in, so things aren't exactly how I want them - but they are very close.

The photos were instant! No problem at all! Read my CD and they are all on the computer - and I was so worried!

Still can't figure out some things - like how to add someone to the address book, how to undo an action, stuff like that. I have to set up the accounting program. I'll run April & May on both systems and take reports from the old computer for the first quarter. Thank goodness it still boots up!

I hear it chugging away over there, and there is absolutely nothing running except a text file up on the screen. It's off the internet - probably for good. It might even have another virus, so I'm glad it's over.

Anyway, the newsletter went out and there were some deals in it. I didn't do too much because I've been so sick and tired for the last month. One thing after another! They are all stress related, too. I have some stuff to do this afternoon to fix that, but I'm "over it" with getting so stressed and tired all the time. There are lots better ways to live life.

Anyway, wanted to check in. It will take a while to get all the stuff done that needs doing, so bear with me.

I'll get some pages up pretty soon. I just got a fabulous story about a cat named Charlie that made me cry! The person writes beautifully, and I'm sure you will love it, too.

What's Going On?

I've had another computer glitch - I've lost part of the mother board and I'm afraid to use the computer much. The computer does not recognize the CD drives. I ordered an Apple Mac Mini, but it hasn't arrived yet.

I'm trying to save the photos right now. Everything else is OK. If there are any apple geeks out there, please comment & leave your email address. I really need help with the conversion. I have several friends with apples, but we can't figure out how to make this thing work and get the photos off.

Will a disk written on Nero software be readable on Mac? If so, I'll only lose 4 cat photos, and I should be able to get those back looking at my emails. I'll also lose my "spring" photos because they weren't backed up before the controller went out.

Anyway, the ezine may or may not go tonight. I'm not sure if I can deal with this thing that long. It's really tough right now.

Computer Is Dying!!!

My computer is dying! It doesn't recognize that there are 2 CD readers (one that writes), and the virus protection won't scan the thing anymore. I've done what I can to protect myself. It's the IDE controller - it died.

So, I may go offline for a bit. I'm asking for a loan at the bank (I hadn't planned on a new computer till at LEAST December!), and I'll just "go for it" and get a Mac Mini. I'll have a learning curve, a new computer operating system and CSS/XHTML at the same time. Not what I wanted at this moment, but I guess it's what I need.

In any case, I'm not doing ANY surfing, only tending to the barest essentials and trusting the process on the website. Most of the time, the internet is unplugged, and I'm doing the work I need to do offline.

So, don't concern yourself. I'm working on the newsletter issue right now.

The kitties are good. Queenie was spayed on Thursday and she's still upset about it all. She's doing better and the hissing has stopped. At least she came out from under the couch last night. I should probably dedicate some space to that issue - what to do for her after she's been spayed... that kind of thing.

Anyway, getting offline before my "static IP address" attracts attention.

New Messages!

OH Boy! I got 2 letters today!

I'd had a problem at the post office (a lot of that going on lately - maybe some planet in transit????) and got it fixed today. They handed me 2 letters from readers. I contacted the senders to see if I got the email addresses correct and asked that if they'd sent payment if they would please put a stop payment on the checks - both letters had been opened and resealed.

The guy who had access to my box was taking a lot of liberties! I hope he gets what he deserves!

Anyway, there are 2 new topics to discuss, so I feel better. It gives me something to do besides the re-coding that I'm learning for next year.

Keep 'em coming!

Telling Tales...

Well, now for some kitty tales...

I got sick with a sinus infection and had a lot of trouble breathing at night. I started keeping the kids out at night and they didn't like it any better than I did. As I got better, I would allow one or 2 in the bedroom with me at night - the kitty had to let me sleep and not sleep too close to my face.

So, the first night was Pretty Girl (Fluffy) because when I was chasing everyone out, she hid. She snuggled until I got fitful and then slept in her hidey-hole box. She was pretty cool about it the next day, but everyone was upset with her anyway.

The next night, it was Beasley and Bugs. Bugsy likes to sleep at my knees, and she is very clingy otherwise. She was easy. Beasley was really cute! He had to be in front of my face (with enough space so I could breathe) and getting strokes and cuddles every time I turned over. He was head butting me, purring loudly and very snuggly. I hadn't realized how much he missed cuddling in bed. He's had trouble since Princess came - the first few months we lived here. He's SO jealous! He hates to share!

All the while that night, Princess was out in the living room crying and jumping against the door trying to get it open. She'd been locked out of the bedroom for 3 nights at this point and was really in a cuddle withdrawals!

The next day, she came right up to me and rubbed my legs (first time ever!) and the next evening, I was working on the computer and she actually jumped up on the desk between me and the keyboard!!! She really loves cuddles! So, she's come through it all just fine. AND, she's more cuddly and trusting than ever before.

The exclusion started because Queenie went into heat again along with my trouble breathing. She chirped and yowled quite a bit this time. I finally have an appointment for her to be spayed, but not where Bugs went. THAT vet is another story for another time. I'm waiting to hear from her....

Anyway, Queenie will finally get spayed this Thursday. We are going to the HSUS Fix-a-Pet in Seymour. She'll get her shots and be spayed.

A friend of mine told me about something for ear mites, and I got it yesterday in Sevierville at Tractor Supply Co., but haven't used it yet. She said one drop of "Ivermectin 1%" in each ear would stop them, and I could use it again in a week to get RID of the ear mites for GOOD. I've tried several "Pyrethrin" preparations and don't like them. The Ivermectin is for cattle, and I got something that can be used as a pour-on for cattle. I got some droppers, but I just haven't used the preparation yet. I guess I'm waiting for Queenie to get back from her adventure before I do. I'll let you know how that goes.

Meanwhile, we ran out of Innova EVO and went to Natural Balance - DOG food of all things! I guess I didn't pay attention when I got it. Since the food doesn't provide the taurine they need, I'm adding that to their water and they seem to be OK.

More next time......

Updates - oh boy!

I updated my browser (mozilla Firefox) and it's causing a lot of trouble right now. I added a bunch of "add-on" features and I'm training the program to work the way I want it to. It might take a few days, with the amount of browsing I like to do and the little time I have available to do it!!

I want you to know that I'm "dealing with" the employment situation, too. Life is too short to be angry, lonely and tired all the time because of a job I don't really enjoy doing that much. The money doesn't pay for happiness, only bills and to keep the internet working. But with no time for internet, cats, and friends, what good is money?

A group of us are getting ready for a weekend in Akron, OH in June for "Founders Day" celebrations. If you are a friend of Bill W., you know what I'm talking about.

The efforts I've put in so far to get a college signed up for SBI-University have just about died. I need to get moving on that, but I feel so drained, that I haven't been pursuing it. I have the name/number of a lady at my next attempt, but no time to call her when she might be there. I'm tired of phone-tag and leaving messages - it just shoots down all my efforts. I need f2f meetings with these folks.

Well, pray for me that I get a new position with less hours, doesn't rub my morals the wrong way, allows me to feel that my efforts count for something, and pays enough to stay there. Something that gives me enough free time and energy outside of work to be able to re-design the website the way I want it to look, to be able to go forward instead of stagnating, (or dying?) like I am now.

"All organisims are in motion - they are either growing or dying. If they appear stagnant, they are decaying."

It would be nice to begin taking requests for help from my website visitors again, too. That whole set-up is changing again. Not to confuse you or charge very much ($5-$7 - haven't decided exactly - post a comment if you have a preference), and it will be interesting to see how things go.

BTW - I'm re-designing the website and I started doing it the "old" way and have to re-do my work. Not a real big deal, because I didn't have that much coded yet, but it is really revolutionary for me. The new concept L&F should be easier on the eyes, and I hope that you can find your way around quickly, too. I have to go back to paper & pencil, though, to get it laid out correctly.

There will be a newsletter issue in May, and some of the changes will be talked about there. I might even put up a few pages in the new format and allow folks to get a peek at what things will look like. I don't expect to put out a newsletter in June at the moment, as I plan to convert the entire site to the new format that month instead - but that's still up in the air. I might just put out a notice email instead of a newsletter issue. At least this is my HOPE - there's a LOT of work to be done and my time is extremely limited, as you know.

Anyway, the cats are good, and I have some stories to share, but I'll get that next time. I have things to do at the moment that are pressing on me, so I have to leave the computer......

Back later with more...

OK -OK - UNCLE ALREADY!!

I've been trying to "make it" with a job since the end of February. I'm VERY unhappy! I've realized that I know what it takes to run a business. I have a business but I had to step back from it because there weren't enough hours in the day and my head couldn't handle both. So, my business is suffering.

One main component had to be dropped (email counseling) so my income got slashed. I've been able to do the ezine, but it wasn't as good as I'd like it to be. It could be longer, more in-depth and link into a page about the topic - but instead I tried to squish it all into the ezine.

There just aren't enough hours in the day! My head can't go from A to B and back to A then onto D without touching C and all over the place all day and then come home and do my favorite thing - email counseling & putting up pages and articles on CATS!

So, I'm in a dilemma. I've contacted some trusted friends to talk to & get some ideas about how to survive the switch back to my web business. Also, I've been completely taken off a project to teach classes here on web business building. That's a complete heart-breaker! I've been certified as a teacher, but I can't do anything about it because of my difficulties with "W-O-R-K" and yes, it's becoming a 4-letter word.

So, if you read this blog regularly, any comments on this topic would be appreciated. I'm really struggling right now. I know there are a few of you out there, so make yourselves known, OK? I could use the support.

Smart Kitties!

Wow! Beasley is so smart! I got home from work yesterday, changed into jeans and put on socks - then my sneakers - and he figured out that I was going out. He made sure that for the hour I watched TV, he was getting his cuddles....

Cats are so smart! Do you notice how that your cat moves the water bowl around the kitchen floor???? I bet you think it's because your cat is "strange" too.. Well, not really.

Your cat can't see the clear water and tell the level in the bowl. So, your cat will jiggle the bowl to get a reflection from ambient light on the surface of the water, thus not getting a wet nose (he can drown) and getting a drink for his trouble. A nice thing to do for your cat might be to put a drop of food coloring in the water. Some color that contrasts with the bowl would be nice. Just something so your cat can tell the water level in the bowl. Try a water fountain, too. There are a couple of good ones on the market. The sparkling water helps the cat "see" it.

Another example of how cats are smart:
Cats figure out what we are about, even if we don't tell them. I tend to start packing for a trip several days in advance. There's nothing worse than getting to my destination and find that I've left a crucial item at home - several hours or states away. I either have to buy a new one or do without. Some things, like medication, you have trouble replacing and if you don't you could be in very serious trouble. And the expense of replacing things really cuts into the enjoyment of your trip! So, I begin packing several days in advance. I make a list of things that I need to bring with me. I start putting the clean clothes in the suitcase, the "extra makeup bag" and so on. My cats figure out right away - as soon as they see the suitcase - that I'm leaving them. They begin to act out right away.

Now, after all these years, and several trips a year, you would think my cats have it figured out that only when the suitcase is full, zipped up and by the front door, am I really leaving, but NO! They never seem to get that part.....

They act out - get clingy and aloof at the same time. Some get really clingy because they know I'm leaving, They ask for extra food, cuddles, time. Then, the others who are really attached to me but don't like the others to know it, they begin to act aloof and like it doesn't hurt that mom is going away for a few days. They want no pets, no cuddles, no attention at all. I become invisible to them.....

Then, the day comes when I actually leave. They all ignore me as I leave. It's like I'm heading off to work or something. They don't make a big deal about it.

While I'm gone, they sleep, play and eat just fine. I always have someone come in to care for them, (too many for a kennel) so they always have the front door opening and closing. Maybe this is why they ignore me for a few minutes when I come home. They are used to someone coming in.

When I come home from work, I have 5 kitties at the door to greet me, nearly every day. But when I've been gone for a few days, they ignore me completely. I catch them asleep & yawning when the door opens, or picking on each other, or playing - if one is fully asleep when I return or my neighbors have been particularly active while I was gone, going up & down the stairs a lot, all of my cats just ignore all the stair sounds until the front door opens. I catch them doing all kinds of things. But within about 5 minutes, when they realize it's me, they all come for cuddles & food.

I start with my usual, scoop-n-smooch for Beasley, then food. I work my way through them all for a cuddle while I begin to unpack and sort out my suitcases. By the time that's all done, they are comfortable, fed, loving and sleepy. We snuggle down for a few hours and the trip is forgotten - until next time.

May your cats always love you when you come home. Give them snuggles for me.....

I had another Foster Cat --

I had another foster cat last week. He was a persian, but he had the coloring of a himalyan cat. His whiskers were curled up and threatened his eyes, but he didn't seem to mind it. He was SO cute! He was on his way to his furrever home in SC. His name is Otis. He did very well with the resident cats. I'd tried to keep him isolated, but they would have none of it! They broke the barriers and invaded his space. He apparently didn't fight them, but was equally curious. By the time he left, they were almost friendly to each other...


The network transportation chair called me out of the blue on Monday night, 3/26. The person who was supposed to connect in Knoxville and take the cat to Johnson City had been involved in a car accident. She was at the hospital. Could I take the cat? What can you say to a plea like that? The person who brought the cat from Indiana was a student on her way to her dorm and there was no way for her to keep the cat. So, I said yes.

My friend, Cat (really - her name!) and I worked it out to meet somewhere in the middle and she took Otis down to a meet with the new owner on her way to Myrtle Beach for easter break with the kids.

It's funny how this stuff works out. I didn't want to have another cat anywhere near me. I sometimes hate that I have 5 cats and can't even move unless I buy a house. But, I got to see Cat, and that was nice. Even if only for a few minutes.

Ramblings...

I did my semi-annual stint at the local public-radio station last night. I go in and answer phones -taking my pledge with me so I don't forget to mail it in later. Afterwards, some of the folks asked me to go out with them for beverages. I did! It was fun! I haven't had a "social" evening in quite a while and it was nice to do that.

I left early - about 10pm. I'm not comfortable driving at night and I don't go out much, so being out at night it's hard for me to stay late. But, I DID have a good time!

While doing my "fund raising," I again talked about the website and what I do. I was able to help a radio staffer with a cat and I networked to several really nice people. I even got myself involved in costuming again! That will be a LOT of fun, but I'm not sure how it will all fit in my busy life. There just aren't enough hours in the day!

I tell folks I'm a cat whisperer - that I can help you with your cats. And I can - but I don't have time for all the emails right now. I ask that you mail your question and I will answer it by email - but I can't take all the "frivolous" questions that take time. There aren't really any "frivolous" questions to the cat owner, but I had to figure out a way to slow the email. I need to be able to sleep as well as work and do email. I was getting really tired and grumpy, and that doesn't make for coherent or friendly interactions with people. I end up getting short and terse. Not a good way to deal with a cat owner in need! So, I had to slow it down. Working full-time is not conducive to an online business of this type. But until the website can pay me enough to not work for others, this is what I have to do.

I plan on adding more content and PLEASE, if you can't find your answer, do mail me!

If it works out, I'll try to get another book put together or something. Meanwhile, I plan on an article about BEHAVIOR issues, not fleas or other stuff this month. That's what I'm good at, after all.

Pet Food Recall

The pet foods involved have pretty much been removed from the shelves at your local store. They were all wet foods in cans and pouches. The "cheap" wet I use was not part of the recall, thank God! I use both Friskies and 9-Lives along with the Innova EVO canned.

The Innova has emerged as the dry food winner, too. If I had the money, I'd use the EVO canned all the time! But, with 5 cats, it's too expensive.

Just wanted to update you.

Stuff Not Available-Spring Cleaning

I had another incident of a supplier pulling their line this month. The register filters, ceiling fan dust catchers and the over-the-door cat activity center all disappeared this month. The supplier apparently went out of business or otherwise pulled all online efforts to reach customers. The products are no longer available no matter the reason.

This is the second time this has happened to me/us! At first, about a year ago, it was an odor control measure that I was promoting heavily, but now - right in the middle of promoting spring cleaning, the products go unavailable! I'm so angry I could spit!

The odor control measure was replaced by a much better product, Microbe Clean, but it was a shock and a blow at the time. So is this, but we will survive.

AND, I'm working very hard to provide alternative items. I'm also looking for ways get additional sources or go to the manufacturer myself, much as I did when I temporarily lost the HAV-A-HEART trap supplier I originally found 2 years ago. Over 100 people checked out the trap during that time, and I'm sure that all this is confusing for the general customer/reader.

I know, as a small businessperson, that if I lose supply for an item, I have an option of finding another, comparable product, or looking for that branded product from another supplier. Sometimes, the item is not available at all no matter how hard I look - the manufacturer might have stopped making it or gone out of business; or perhaps their supply of some crucial raw material has dried up or become scarce. This is all part of the global economy. It's the ebb and flow of business.

So, bear with me and I will find comparable products to reduce the allergens in your home. I promise I will. I have several folks I'm talking with right now who are working with me on this. Some of the best allergy sites on the internet used the same stuff I had, so we are all in the same boat. We need to get to the manufacturer, and I'm not in a position to do that - so I have to wait for them to do so.

It's a business thing - classification of business - so don't worry about it. It just means that the manufacturer won't work with me as he might with another website with another focus.

Anyway, stay with me & we'll get it fixed. We'll get a replacement.

In the mean time, try using a light mist of water and a damp towel or sponge to wipe up the allergens. If nothing else, you will be cleaning the house. Don't use a dry cloth to dust, always use some substance to catch the dust - water or furniture polish, it doesn't matter. Just use something to keep the dust from flying around like what happens with a dry cloth or broom.

Check here and the newsletter for notification when the new products are available.

Taking My Own Advice

I'm taking my own advice and getting ready for spring. I've been brushing, combing and FURminating the cats for the last couple of weeks. Even though they are wearing the Breakaway Collars so that there are no fleas, I found a flea. So, I went to Entirely Pets and ordered some Advantage drops.

It looks like Bugsy has graduated to the purple, but Queenie is still in the orange. I ordered 12 purple and 4 orange. There is a new formulation I'd like to try, the "Advantage Plus" but you need a prescription from the vet to order it. It takes care of ear mites as well as fleas. I'll talk to my vet and see if I can get a prescription FAXed over to them.

My order was just under $130 so I got free shipping and took advantage of a $3 off coupon from the newsletter.

Pet Food Recall!!

Several of the boards I read have been talking about a pet food recall in the last day or so. I got on and read this, and then I clicked the link below to find out more.

http://www.menufoods.com/recall/

PLEASE go to the site and check. The ingredient that's involved has been taken out, but the stuff causes renal failure in cats AND DOGS so it's very important. I'm not happy that this isn't being released to the new agencies in the US since it mostly affects the US. We can handle that by taking our money out of their stock, but meanwhile, check your cupboard to see what you have in the house that is on this list. Some very expensive brands as well as store brands are listed.

Adding my other networks

I added my Tribe.net contact info to the blog. I don't know how to get the care2 stuff on here, but check them out. Care2 is cool because you can click to donate or sign petitions world wide.

Anyway, that's it for the moment.

Contact Changes

I had trouble with getting too much email and not being able to keep up. Plus, I got resentful that nobody was paying for the service so I felt I was being taken advantage of. Not a good combination! Especially when I was getting so much email --

So, I took the contact form down for about a week, but I missed the contact with my readers. I put up a form as a guideline to writing to me at the PO Box. I advise on the page that this is not a free service, and that I expect $8.50 USD in check or money order with the request for help.

I also found a great video that I plugged into the page that gets sent around on my business cards: http://www.for-the-love-of-cats.com/About.html
It's something fun and fits right in with a home-based business and the website. Go see the video! Have a little fun this morning...

Well, the new job keeps me hopping, so I gotta go. Still working on bringing classes to Knoxville and teaching people who want to work from home all about websites and get them thinking about how to go about it.

New Job &Changes

I started a new job yesterday. I even stayed late! I was so tired after I got home that I was falling asleep during a weekly book study with a friend. I was embarrassed, but she was understanding. But, things are looking up. I know that I'm needed and that I will be making a positive contribution.

Working full-time again means that I won't have as much time to devote to the website. I can't "hover" over the emails like I used to. I'm thinking about pulling the contact form and making it so that if someone needs to consult with me they will have to pay a lot more than the email counseling is set up for now, or just making it much more difficult to do so. The purpose would be to deter "fluff" questions and keep it to really tough issues. That would free up my time from the questions that are already answered on the website, and still give me some issues to address. I haven't done anything yet, but I will review that over this week. The new job is quite demanding of both energy and thought, so I don't have as much left over when I get home.

Beasley and Princess had a cute play session: They were playing "chase me-chase you" and Princess went behind the loveseat. Beasley was on the floor in front of the loveseat and kept looking where she went in for her to come out. He was at the other end. Meanwhile, Princess came out behind him, tagged him and took off. He nearly jumped a foot off the floor! They were so cute playing together! Anyway, they caught up to each other and then the game evolved into something else.

Store progress-

I called the agent and received no reply. I don't know what the problem is..... I have a friend in real estate, and maybe she will be more responsive. Maybe that property isn't the one I'm supposed to get after all.....

Oh Boy!

Oh Boy! I'm so glad I waited to put the newsletter together for March! There are some really good deals coming in! Usually, my article is ready and posted, so maybe the newsletter will get done in the wee hours instead of a week ahead this time.....

Some really good deals (picture me rubbing hands together in anticipation...)

Newsletter Signup Fixed

There had been a black hole that folks were getting stuck in when they signed up for the newsletter. I fixed it! Now, when you sign up for CatLover Magazine, you get signed up. That means you get the Free eBook, too. That was what told me something was wrong. I got 2 emails in 2 days about not getting the book. I fixed those, and then went about fixing the problem.

So, if you sign up for the newsletter, you will now get the opt-in message in your inbox. When you confirm, you get to download the eBook. That's the way I set it up, but it wasn't working. Now it is.

Later!

The more I think about it...

I continue to think about that property. The more I think about it, the more possibilities I see in it. It would make an excellent first step, opening up the mail order and delivery side for me.

Pros:
It would give me a permanent storage location for stock.
It would provide a living space that would be enough for me and these kitties.
It's close enough to a "main drag" that UPS and FedEx could find me regularly for pickups.
It's on a corner, easy access.
Plenty of parking for at least 6 cars.
Security grates on the windows of the store area.

Cons:
If it should snow at all, access for trucks is cut off (but most of the town shuts down anyway)
No fencing around "private" areas.
No Garage, only a carport.

I still haven't seen the property. I guess I'll have to call the agent again and see what he can come up with to get us in for a viewing. I need to see if the apartment will need a lot of work for me to live there.

Fencing can be purchased and put up. That is a mild deterrent, and there is a chain-link on the one side. I didn't look at the other because I was going the other way.

The carport still gives shelter from rain and snow. That also is not a great deterrent. Also, lattice can be put up for privacy.

I've almost got myself talked into this property. I need to do a little more research. I hate that! I really need to see it, I guess.

Taking Little Steps...

I'm having to take little steps towards the store idea. I've found one property that offers all the things I want at a price I can afford but it has a bad location. I found another property at a little less than twice the price (still affordable, but out of my reach at present) that has a better location.

So, it looks like it will be a storage locker filled with stock and build the delivery business first. I will still try to get other items in and do some direct-shipping. I'm not sure how all this will pan out yet, but it's in the works, anyway.

The way things are, if you need 2 odor control products, you have to make 2 online purchases. What if you only had to make one purchase & I shipped it to you from me instead of 2 suppliers? You would only have one shipping charge, and in this case it would save you money. That's what I'm looking at.... Saving you money and still giving you quality.

I'll let you know as things develop.

New Pages Up

I've put up 4 new pages, written 2 articles and been running around like a pony on a merry-go-round! Lots of motion, but no real change in things (running around in circles). I've been able to clean my house. That's it!

This is just a check-in. More later. I have to go do more running around!

Just found out about this!

I was on a forum for folks with websites and just found out that the Las Vegas pound is killing lots of animals due to an outbreak of Parvo Virus. Now, this usually only affects dogs. However, the shelter is putting healthy dogs down as well to control the outbreak.

That would be bad enough, but everyone around the area is taking the overflow animals so that the don't get put down. This is creating a total crunch. This is BREAKING NEWS! So, I'm adding some information for you in case you can help the folks doing the rescuing - the SPCA

http://thebloggydoggy.com/

If you can donate anything at all, they would appreciate it. I'll be sending a link so that some commissions get donated to them, as well. Buy some flea prevention from my website and you donate to them!

Food Rejected

We continue trying foods and getting the cats in better health. One of the foods is a reject. I found it at the supermarket, but the ingredients list was promising. However, the cats totally rejected it. Even Bugs, who will ONLY eat dry foods, rejected this one.

It's called "Organics by Nature" in the chicken formula. It promises no corn, wheat or soy. It's made in New Hampshire. The cats just refused it. I'm sure it's good food, and it smells good! However, they just will NOT accept it, so it's a reject. Since it's in the right family of foods - hypoallergenic for cats & grain free, you might try it with your cats if you want to. I don't think it's a bad food, but the cats just turned their noses up.

When Bugs is hungry, she'll eat what I put down. I left this for 2 days, and maybe a couple pieces were tasted, but the rest just sat there. Bugs started coming into the kitchen when I was there and begging for food. I knew she was hungry, but she wouldn't eat. I put down some Innova (regular grain-free, not the Evo) and she went for it right away.

I wonder if it might be the texture? This food is in the little crosses that so much of the crunchies are pressed into. But if the moisture content is too low, it might hurt their teeth or mouths to eat it. Even the Innova ends up in the water bowl to moisten it, sometimes.

Local Store Carries More Than Expected

I stopped in at Agri-Feed on Middlebrook Pike yesterday. This is in Knoxville. I was pleased that they carry the Wellness brand and the Natural Balance along with the Innova. They don't carry the Wysong or Eukanuba, but they carry more than I expected. I can get those at Earth Fare.

However, when I told them I'd put a little spot on the blog, they didn't seem too interested, but up until then, they were nice. It seems like as soon as you tell them they are getting a write-up, the clerks turn on you in Agri-Feed. I don't know why that is. Up till then, they are very helpful, point you in the direction of things that solve your problem and offer solutions of all kinds. Don't the folks working there like it? Sounds like a management problem, to me.

Nice Side Benefit!

Well, ALL the cats are eating the specialty food - no soy, wheat or corn. And a nice side benefit has developed - the stinky-poop is not stinky anymore!

I didn't expect that but it's really nice! Now, the only way you can tell I have cats - other than seeing them wander around, is the cat hair on stuff. Well, I guess 4 litter boxes also give things away....

Everyone is doing very well, and Bugsy, who started this journey, is just as spunky as ever - maybe more so! Her little personality is really shining! Yes, she's ready for a home, now.

Will I go back to other food after she's placed? With what I've learned, I doubt it. Even Pretty Girl the slug and cuddler, is more active. She looks for things to play with and other kitties to play with. Her fur is sleeker than the fluff that she had - not that she isn't still fluffy, but her fur shines more.

What will I do with those huge bags of food than nobody can eat that are taking up space in the cupboard? I think a rescue organization or the pound. I'll try the Knoxville Feral Caretakers Group, first. They don't have city funding, and they accept donations. The donations you give me to keep the website going and support these babies has gone into food lately, so I guess we'll pass it on and pay it forward to folks who need it. I told you that your donations support rescue efforts and it really does. I'll let you know what they say after I talk to them.

You know, when I was REALLY broke last summer, someone gave me a bag full of food for these guys. What goes around cones around. It's time to pass on the good fortune.

New Catalog!

Only Natural Pet Supply is one of my favorite suppliers, and I received a new catalog in the mail.

Many of my suppliers send emails and ask me to visit their websites. I go as much as I can. Sometimes, the emails get garbled, so the links don't work and I have to read between the lines to figure out what they are highlighting this month. With Only Natural Pet Supply, the emails are usually pretty clear, and they include an informative article about once every 3 months.

Now, in my newsletter, CatLover Magazine, you get at least one article a month. Usually on training issues, but of course, this month everything is on the food issue that Bugs is dealing with.

Anyway, the point is that I don't get many paper catalogs from suppliers. Only Natural Pet Supply is one of the holdouts to this archaic way of doing business. While it may be old fashioned, I like it. They give a lot of information about their products in the catalog. I think it comes out about once every 3 months, but I'm not really sure. I'm a customer as well as a publisher, so I give them a LOT of business!

They have a new line of pet food called "Nature's Logic" that might interest some of you. I read the blurb on it, but I'm still undecided about it. I may get a small bag (it's dry kibble) and see how the cats do with it.

There is a new "generic" line of chinese herbals, for those who are into such things. I need powders and liquids for my kids, so pills are pretty much out. This new formulary may help that situation. However, from what I can see, everything is pressed into pill form. Capsules would even work! Why is everything a little pill that you have to push down a throat? Anyway, I digress.

There are 2 freeze-dried foods you might check out, Prowl Cat Recipe by Honest Kitchen and Nature's Variety brand in Chicken & Turkey, Beef, Lamb or Venison.

You save 5% on all orders over $75, so there isn't a lot of savings until you get a few things, but the quality is really worth paying full price!

So, what works?

I'm getting the links for the foods that work right now. Innova-Evo and Eukanuba Sensitive Stomach. I think you'll like the pricing and the shopping process.

I've got a couple of days to get the website "up to snuff" and post some links that reflect the current needs of my readers. I fixed the Cat Toys page, because it wasn't displaying correctly. I could not find the problem, and neither could my friend, so I re-structured the page and now it displays correctly. There will be other changes and updates, because things need to clearer for you.

However, I wanted to give you this right now. I think you need it so you can get the help you need for your cat.

Bugs is Much Better!

Missy Bugsy Bits is much better! Her tummy seems to still be a bit hard, but the diarrhea is gone. She's having to fight everyone else for her food, as the Eukaneuba is a hit! The other crunchies are getting stale in the bowl.

This is the Eukaneuba Sensitive Stomach formula. Very expensive, but everyone seems to like it. So, we know something that works.

I still have the Innova Evo to try, along with the frozen raw food and some canned Innova Evo.

Results for Bugsy

Bugsy seems to be much better! She's been eating the Eukaneuba and the diarrhea is almost gone! She's still a little ripe, but most of the cats can be. Everyone likes the Eukaneuba more than the "regular crunchies" so I guess this is something that needs to be done for all of them.

Bugsy's fur is better, too. I've been putting a dash of the supplement in the water bowl, and that means that everyone is getting a little of it. The bowl isn't empty twice a day, like it was when Bugsy had the bad diarrhea.

They seem to like it, too. Fur is in good condition, kitties seem happy and calm.

That's the report for today.

Bugsy Likes It!

Bugsy is eating the Eukaneuba. It seems that everyone else eating her food helped her decide that it was OK to eat. Queenie is especially interested in eating Bugy's crunchies! Well, Bugsy is eating again at least.

Her tummy is still distended, bloated and tight, but she doesn't seem to have the same kind of smelly diarrhea. At least the apartment doesn't smell as bad! Her fur is already shinier. I don't know if that's just her or if it's the food.

I also put a little of the supplement in the water bowl. It won't hurt any of them, and Bugsy really needs it. They seem to like the taste, too. Everyone had to sample the water!

Oh well, more as things change. At least these first impressions are favorable.

Shopping Trip Results

Hi There,
I went to a couple of stores in the area and got some foods that said they were grain-free dry foods. Eukaneuba sensitive stomach and Innova-EVO. I also found some "treats" in the form of freeze-dried shrimp, chicken and beef. The chicken & beef has corn-starch in it, but we'll see. I was able to find a formulation with taurine in it, too. I found a frozen chub of raw, called Countrypet Natural Cat Food, fish and chicken recipe.

I've started with the Eukaneuba. Bugsy is turning her nose up and every one else is interested in it. She isn't even trying any of the shrimp! I got some toys and I'm using the freeze-dried stuff as treats.

Here are the items not listed above by brand name:
Pet Authority Cranberry & Papaya Digestive Supplement
This is a daily formula supplement with taurine

Dingo Kitty treats, chicken and beef
Old West Treat company, all natural shrimp cat treat

I also got one can of Innova-Evo canned food to see if I can get her to eat that.

It was an expensive shopping trip, but I got to have coffee with a good friend before I actually hit the stores.

I got everything except the Innova-Evo and raw food chub at PetSmart. The rest I got at a large health-food store called Earth Fare in Knoxville. We don't have a Whole Foods Market, but they probably carry these items, too.

So, that's what I did today - what about you?

Contact form is back up

I was able to fix my problem with the contact form. It was a glitch in the way my profile was set up at PayPal, nothing they did.

I like PayPal.

I want to say that up front. I like that they get the financial info & keep it secure. That's why all the phishers want to break into it. I never see anybodys info and I don't want to. That's too much information.

That's all I wanted to say at the moment. I'll be back later to talk about other things, but I wanted to let you know.

Payment Problem

There was a payment problem and a few folks got over charged. I caught it right away, pulled the contact form and refunded the overcharges. It was a pain in the butt!

Missy Bugs is not responding to the California Naturals. She cried like there was no tomorrow when I got home tonight because Princess found her food and ate it. So, Bugsy needs to be monitored. Actually, Princess needs the monitoring, but Bugsy needs the food.

I got some news today that upset me. I'm not ready to share. So, that's the newest update. See ya'!

WooHoo! Got a Firewall!

Wow! It took almost 6 hours just to connect it, but I got a firewall! It's a Linksys router with firewall. It should help keep the viruses out and make things a bit easier. I was on the phone with Linksys for almost 4 of those hours! Between Bellsouth and Linksys, it was really tough. But - and this is HUGE - I can now surf the internet, take care of email and be more together in running the business!

I also got a Po box, so now folks can mail their payments. That should ease the burden of Paypal and credit card fraud. I put the info on the contact page, so it's already up and in use.

I was able to get a carrier yesterday, so the cats can now be evacuated if I need to do that. It was something that bugged me. Especially after Katrina and Rita, that I didn't have enough carriers to go around. I got a larger one, so I can put Bugs and Queenie in the same carrier if I need to.

Meanwhile, Bugs has been having a real problem with her tummy. It was hard before she got fixed, and I thought it was worms from the fleas. She was the last to get a flea collar. But, it's not worms. She seems to be allergic to her food. I got a special food, California Naturals yesterday, but so far there's no change. The smell isn't quite as bad, but the diarrhea is still there. She's very uncomfortable. However, she's very cuddly and knows that I'm working on it. I'm about to try a chub of grain-free food for her. I'll let you know how things work out.

Queenie is very cuddly, and in heat again. She's the last to get spayed, but her chirps are usually not too intrusive. She's beginning to get on my nerves, though. I realized tonight that she's cross-eyed! That oriental bloodline in her is very strong. Her eyes are yellow/gold, and her fur is black, but her body is fine boned and long. She has a lot of oriental in her from someplace.

Pretty Girl (Cuddle-Fluffer) is keeping her cuddly stuff going. She wants scratches and cuddles every time I walk by her. She was next to my pillow this morning when I woke up. Beasley was on the other side, and didn't seem to mind too much. I found them next to each other, head to head, watching me last night while I worked in the kitchen.

I've been chasing them out of the kitchen lately. I'm tired of feeling penned in to a little corner by 3 cats who think that the kitchen is only for them! I need to be able to cook and clean, after all!

Princess is still loving and giving. Her serene nature is a blessing in this household of 5 cats! She's an oasis of calm in the playtime insanity.

Well, I hope to post again soon. I have more changes to the computer to make. A new virus program and an internet camera/microphone. Wish me luck!

Yikes! It's been so long!

Yikes! It's been so long since I've been able to post! I didn't mean it to be so long, honest!

Bugsy jumped up on my lap one day while I was on the computer & I wanted to post about it. She's so cute!

Queenie decided that I'm OK again. She is cuddling on me again.

Pretty Girl now has "Cuddle Fluffer" as her nickname. She's very cuddly and loves to be snuggled.

Princess is very insistent on cuddles, and I'm so tired most of the time that she's getting testy.

Beasley is his usual, clingy, loving self.

I quit smoking the day before Christmas, and the nicotine replacement stuff I'm using has been causing some sleep disturbance. I've been so tired and it's hard to get back to sleep when I wake up. The longer I've been in bed, the harder it is to get back to sleep, too. So, maybe it's easy to get back to sleep at 11:45, a little harder to get back to sleep at 1:30, a little harder at 3:20, and harder still at 5:00. Then, the alarm goes off at 6:10 and it's time to get up. So, I've started going to bed about 10:30 at night, just to get enough sleep. That means taking my night-time pills at 9:30.

It seems to work, especially since there is absolutely nothing on TV. I'm reading my books (I got a 13-book series by Robert Jordan) and ignoring the TV except for the few shows that I can stand for reruns. I'll be glad when February gets here and they put some new episodes on TV again. I also got about 15 movies from a friend, so I have lots to do. That's a good thing, with the weather finally turning wintery.

Something really good happened, too. It was a "God Shot" as far as I'm concerned. My car has been confined to the garage since before Thanksgiving (mid November) because the gas was not getting to the engine. Everyone said it was going to cost a fortune to fix it. I changed the fuse and nothing happened. We all thought it was the fuel pump or the fuel pump relay. That's on the gas tank on my car. Lots of labor, drain the tank, and so on... Well, a friend from work gave me a phone number & said that person might be able to help. He came over, twisted the fuses in the fuse box, did some circuit testing & the car started! It was corrosion in the fusebox all this time! I even have brake lights again! So, the car is back on the road, just as gas prices come down again.

Anyway, I'm caught up as much as I can be for the moment. There is supposed to be a way I can email entries into the blog, and I'll try that I just never think about it. I've been crazy busy!

Till next time...