Saturday, May 31, 2008

A Brighter Weekend For Billie


Here is another awesome picture of Billie from Zoolarity. Than you Anne! :)

Billie has been doing so well. In fact this morning she has been eating like a piggy (2 breakfasts +snacks!) playing with a toy mouse and having some nip.
Last Saturday she was hiding under the sofa and I was trying to get her to drink some water and eat a bit without much luck. I'm just so relieved!
I have replaced her Temptations with dry Iams salmon and rice. I know, big deal, they get that in their bowl... Billie is not fooled, but she is going along with it. She's my good girl. Cricket ,I'm sure will be complaining soon. ;)

It's another Saturday of grocery shopping. Ick! I do not do well in crowds. I swear I absorb everyone else's negative emotions. Believe me, there's lots of cranky people at the grocery store.

I haven't been sleeping well and it's catching up with me. I feel like I'm just having too many "duh" moments. I'm going back on my stronger pain reliever and anti-inflamitory meds. I'm also back on the stomach acid reducers. Can't have one without the other I guess.

I hope you all are having a much more fun and interesting weekend. (unless of course you like grocery shopping...) I'm going to hit up the coffee carafe again and I see Cody giving me the "I want a snack look." Oh, right on time, here's Naughty Noodle too! :)

Love and Hugs to You!


Thursday, May 29, 2008

Hurry Up And Take The Picture Mamma!

This is what happens when I am bored with folding laundry and sweet, silly Cody comes to play. I put the toy mouse on his head and he actually waited for me to take his picture! He's so funny and so very patient. No, the soccer ball isn't usually a part of my decor, my daughter just hadn't put it away. :)

It has been all quiet on the home front which is just the way I like it. Is it me, or has this been a very long month? There has been a bit of excitement a few blocks away at the hospital in our neighborhood. A helicopter crashed on the roof of the hospital this morning! No one perished thank goodness. Black smoke filled the air for a while and the hospital has been evacuated.
A couple of months ago, there was that natural gas explosion in the quaint shopping district east of us. Wow, all of this happening all around us. Yikes!

I have been trying to visit as many friends as I can while I'm on the computer. Everyone's support during Billie's illness was just so comforting. I just hope I am able to offer support when anyone needs it. Please know how much I care for all of you and your fur babies!

Have a really happy ending of the week. Find time to do something that makes you happy. = ^.. ^=

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Yay, The Long Weekend Is Over!

Look what Zoolalatry made for us! Isn't it lovely? I am so impressed with such artistic talent. I'm lucky if I can post a picture. :)

Billie is completely recovered! Before I tossed the last Temptations bag I gave it one final sniff to be sure. Now, Billie's um, odor is fading and she is in the process of a very careful snipping and combing process, but there is no mistaking the smell. She is very allergic to Temptations. I don't even dare give them to Cricket and Cody. Plus, it wouldn't be fair for them to have the treats and not her.

I don't mean to bash Temptations at all. There are many kitties that digest them just fine. But, like people there are many pets that develop food allergies. Billie just could not digest them and that's why she reeked of them when she was sick. I'm thinking that's kind of a tip off for anyone who has a food allergy. (Gross, but true.)

Once again, I can't thank everyone enough for their purrs and prayers. I was sick with worry and knowing that there were so many thinking of Billie helped me so much! I don't do well under stress. I mean, I can do what needs to be done and I love being a caretaker, but after all is settled I'm usually a big ball of worries and what ifs for quite a while.

I'm just really hoping this was the last bit of trouble. Not just for me and my kitties, but for everyone and their fur babies. Let's purr and pray for health and happiness for all!

You are all in my heart. =^ . .^= <3

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Thank You From Billie And Me

Thank You All! Billie is better! She has been eating like crazy today, hasn't barfed or pooed and just peed nicely in her box.

She's tangled from her bath yesterday and will need a lot of grooming, but she is very happy.

I am overwhelmed with all of the kindness of everyone. I don't know if I can even put it in words how much you all have touched me and how much your lovely words and outpouring of friendship mean to me. I have tears of happiness and relief today. I'm also amazed at the power of Purrs and Prayers.

Now, on to what I think happened. I will know for sure when she goes to the VET for a checkup
Italic. Bear with me because this will be a bit gross.
Billie loves Temptations. I mean love as in would eat the whole bag in one day. She last had quite a bit Friday night. She relapsed again later that night. (She started getting sick Thursday evening.)

Her poo was very loose and her being fluffy didn't make it easy. She reeked. But, it smelled oddly familiar. Here's the yucky part. I kept trying to place that smell. I thought about what she had eaten. When she greeted me this morning purring and wanting to be fed I was so happy and I opened up a can of stinky goodness. I then picked up the Temptations bag and realized that they smelled like Billie's poo! She had not had any Temptations since Friday evening. Could Billie be allergic to Temptations? I'm starting to think so!

When I say she's feeling better I mean Billie is just like her old self. She's eating and drinking water, not hiding under the sofa and she's purring when I pet her. I can't let her have Temptations anymore. I don't even want to test my theory. All of my mother's instinct is telling me I'm right.

If I'm wrong and she gets sick again before her appointment I don't know what I'll do.

I can't thank everyone in the Kitty Blogosphere enough for visiting and leaving their gentle purrs. Every time I read about a fur baby getting sick or going to the Bridge I cry and feel so bad. It means so much to know there are so many that love their kitties and woofies and other pets as much as I do. It's not that my family doesn't like my kitties, it's just that they don't have the maternal feelings and bond that I have with them.

You are all very special and I can't get over how just one word from Mo and everyone responds. The Power Of Mo... :)
I went to the Cat Blogosphere page and was just amazed at the network! I now know to check there regularly so I know what is going on.

I have so many Blogs to visit. I will be visiting as many as I can this coming week. Please know how much I appreciate all of you. Billie and I will always be grateful for you kindness and caring.
I will update again soon and hopefully she will still be feeling better and better.

Love and Hugs Always! <3

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Pray For Billie... Please

I am sorry I have not been visiting. Billie is very sick. She has bouts of very loose stool and vomiting. She will seem to feel better and then it will happen again. My husband thinks it's just a bug and it will pass. I am not so sure.
I have had to bathe her and that has been hard on her. I am being very gentle and wearing thick garden gloves so she does not scratch me.
My husband wanted to bathe her, but I said no. He is too rough and impatient. He is also very frustrated with the vet bills.

My family likes my cats, but that's just it. They are my cats and just pets to them. Cute when they are playful and healthy and inconvenient when they are sick. He even told me I would have less heartbreak if I didn't have cats.

I will be getting Billie to the vet as soon as I can. She is eating little amounts and drinking water. Right now she is hiding under the sofa and very angry with me for bathing her. I feel awful for upsetting her, but she smelled so bad and she is such a mess.

It will be one year since Tookie went to the Rainbow Bridge on June 4. Now, I'm afraid I will lose Billie. I feel very alone in my sadness. It gives me some comfort to know that there are some who understand.

I will try to update as much as I can. I'm just so very tired of sad things happening. I will try to visit when I have a chance. Please purr and pray for Billie. Hope that the vet can help her and that I'm doing my best to care for her.

I'm thinking no one is going to want to read my blog because I'm always sad. I'm sorry. Thank you for understanding. Please have a good weekend.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Creature Of The Night


Cricket finally got her daddy to play with her last night. She loves this fuzzy tail-like thing with feathers on the end. It's attached to a plastic handle and Daddy swings it around. She loves to jump up onto the furniture to catch it. It's funny that she waits until it's close to my husbands bed time to want to play. She will sit in front of his chair, staring up at him and then she will actually heave a very loud sigh. It's so cute! I have never heard a cat sigh like she does.

It's another chilly evening here. The week is just dragging. My daughter's last day of school is June 6. Then she will be a senior in high school. (gulp)

We don't have any big plans for the holiday weekend. I will be happy if I can get to the nursery and get in my garden. My husband needs to buy a new grill, so maybe we will do that too. Now, if it will just warm up!

I would have some very happy window sitting, bird watching kitties if I could open up the house and let warm, fresh air in.

I hope everyone is able to do what they'd like this weekend. Even curling up with a book and a cool drink sounds wonderful. Or maybe ice cream... :)
Tonight though, hot tea for me.

Monday, May 19, 2008

I Want To Be Somewhere Warm

Isn't this picture cute? I saw it in an add in Fairie Magazine, so I looked up the site. It's from a place called Baba -store.com It's a company owned by an Irish woman and a Russian man.

I'm trying different fonts. I'm noticing I'm having a harder time reading on the computer. I think it's time for new glasses. I'm very fussy about my frames. I want really light weight frames and it would be nice if they actually stayed where they belong and not slide down my nose all day.

It's been another chilly day here. Our furnace has been running! It's late May, come on all ready! We avoided a frost warning last night because we had cloud cover. I'm so glad because I don't think some of my plants could have handled it.

Billie is behind me on the love seat snoring. :) She has such a tiny nose, poor kitty! She became really angry with me today while I was grooming her. I had to get her scissors out to cut some knots and she just wasn't in the mood. She swatted at me claws out and eyes big. Yikes! Between my hands , which are getting harder to use for long time periods and her older kitty temperament, I'm thinking Miss Billie is going to get shaved. I don't want her to be traumatized by it though. I know they sedate high strung kitties. Plus it's kinda cold here to be shaved. Maybe in the Summer. I just hope it grows back by fall. Otherwise she'll have to wear a sweater. I don't think Billie will be as good as Daisy about wearing clothes. =^.. ^=
I have been in such a sleepy daze today. My strep and head cold are gone (yay!) and I have just a little cough left. I really want to get out and pull some weeds, but I can only pull so many before my hands get sore. I think just getting out in some sun for a little while will feel nice.
Okay, I'm done rambling now. :) Time to go put lunches together for tomorrow and make myself a cup of tea.
Take care!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

My House Smells Yummy And Cricket Keeps Us Guessing

I have brownies baking in the oven and the kitties are napping. My husband is writing out bills ( and grumbling) and my daughter is using up all the hot water in the shower. Yes, everything is normal here today. :)
It is still quite chilly here. They say we may have a warm up late in the week. I sure hope so. I have not been to the green house yet this spring. I'm not even sure what kind of plants to get.... Maybe some Foxglove and Delphinium. I also would like some hanging baskets for the front porch. One year we had this really pretty purple and pink plant that I think was called Fushia? One afternoon while Tookie was sitting in the front window and I was sitting with her , a hummingbird hovered over it and sipped from the tubular flowers. We were both so excited! I had never seen a hummingbird so close before and Tookie was on full kitty alert. I'm glad we saw it together.
I miss her so very much...

I still have a lot of Blog visiting to do today and I should probably go to the grocery store to pick up a few things. Maybe this evening I can get a lot of visiting done while I have a brownie and a cup of tea.
Oh, I have to tell you about Cricket! She does not want anyone to know, so don't spread this around. She was super affectionate this morning and even let Daddy Who Sometimes Plays With Her hold her and pet her! I said, "Cricket, are you sick?"
She looked at me, jumped off of my husband and came over to me. Usually I am the one that she allows to touch her. I petted her for a minute, then she gave us both a "look" as if she'd suddenly come to her senses and immediately began to bathe herself. * -* Whatever....
She became pleasant again after I fed her of course. She certainly is an interesting cat isn't she?
I hope you all had a very nice weekend and have a wonderful week!

Friday, May 16, 2008

Cricket's Book Review

Hello, Cricket here. Today I am going to tell you about a book that I have discovered and absolutely adore! Now, usually I do not read the books Momma purchases. I have no interest in sappy romances and fairy tales. I do enjoy the mystery novels that feature the cat as the intelligent protagonist who has the mystery figured out before the humans.
Yesterday morni
ng before heading to the shower to stand under water (shudder)
Momma gave me this book. "Here Cricket. This is that book that really cute kitty named Quasi wrote."
I read the title. "The World Is Your Litter box." Hmm... this looked promising. And, Quasi is a very fine Mancat. (blush)
I must tell you kitties; this book validates everything I have been thinking and all of my behavior! I'm not naughty! I am merely feeling free to express my true cat self! The chapter on How To Get Away with Unacceptable Kitty Behavior is pure genius. Cody loves How To Wake Up Your Human From Even The Deepest Sleep. And Billie was totally into How To Look Cute.
This book is a must read for all kitties! Momma has been picking it up and reading and giggling for the past two days. She thinks it's just a cute funny book for kitty parents to enjoy, but trust me kitties, it goes much deeper than that.
Quasi is a weaver of words. He tells the truth Brother and Sister Cats. Everything you need to know about being the best cat you can be and how to cope with the humans you live with is in this book.
Now, I'm not ready to completely relinquish the word "naughty" from my vocabulary. It's a fun word and it's part of my nickname that Momma lovingly calls me. I love it when she coos, "Hi Naughty Noodle!" But, I have learned that what humans think of as naughty is really perfectly normal cat behavior. Thank
You Quasi! <3
Okay I'm done gushing now. Just get your "bean" to buy the book.
Oh, and I will still say this; Do something naughty kitties! It's fun!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Wings For Wednesday

What is your fairy name?
http://www.emmadavies.net/fairy/

Billie's fairy name is Field Icewitch. She is a protector and her wings are icy blue.

Cricket's fairy name is Thorn Reedwitch. She plays the pan pipe and her wings are green.

Cody's fairy name is Thorn Rainbowwitch. He brings fortune and has multi-colored wings.

My fairy name is Bramble Rainbow witch and my wings are multi-colored.

If the link doesn't work, it's an easy site to find and doing that for a few minutes beats doing a huge sink full of dirty dishes. ;)

It's chilly and rainy here today. (Again) Our local news stations are all geeked because Obama is coming to a rally here in downtown Grand Rapids. No, I don't have any conclusive political opinions. He seems nice enough. I don't think any one in politics is perfectly 100% honest though.

I'm kinda sore today, ok, I'm very sore. I had to cut back on my NSAIDS because the new RA doctor I saw Monday thinks they are harming my stomach. She wants to review my blood work before she moves forward with any more medication. They took five vials of blood from me and new x-rays of my hands and feet. I don't think I like my new doctor much. Think Martha Stewart without the "charm." And no Martha is not exactly warm and fuzzy. :)
I have things to do though. I wish I could twitch my nose and magically my house would be clean, but no such luck. I'm going to take the pain relievers and chase them with an antacid. Yes, I am stubborn.
Billie is on my lap, purring away. I'm imagining her icy blue wings.

I hope everyone's week is going well. I'll visit as many blogs today as I can. :)
=^..^ =

Monday, May 12, 2008

It's Certainly A Monday

Cody would not pose nicely for me so I could show his eyes. He has some fur missing over his right eye, but other than that he is all better.

I wanted to participate in the Doodle fund raiser linky, but I can't get it to work on my laptop. I'm sure it's due to my lack of computer skills. I am enjoying the doodles on other's blogs though. Very cute! :)

I have a lot of sick day catch up work to do today, but I will try to visit as many bloggie friends as possible.
I hope everyone had a good Monday. (is there such a thing?)
SMOOCHIES!

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day

This Picture is titled, "Night With Her Train Of Stars." Night is the Mother and The Stars are Her Children. :)

I hope everyone whether they are Moms of human kids, fur baby kids, both human and fur baby or Not The Momma of fur babies, :) have a very Happy Mother's Day.

My throat feels better, but I still managed to catch my daughter's head cold. She's sick, I'm sick and my husband is bored. :) Oh well, it's raining here anyway. It's a good day to read and watch bad television. Last night I was so stuffed up I was breathing through my mouth and couldn't sleep. I'm so glad TV Land was playing a M*A*S*H marathon. I love that show.

Have a really great rest of the weekend and I hope you all stay healthy!

Friday, May 9, 2008

Icky Sicky


Well, it's finally Friday and I have accomplished nothing. Guess what I have? Strep Throat. I thought maybe I was coming down with a cold, but the burning throat wouldn't go away. I have had Strep so much and I knew it, but I just didn't want to admit it. Now, I'm on antibiotics, drinking lots of tea and living off soup and cold chocolate pudding. I'm so mad! I have a Birthday cake to make and I need to get my daughter something for her Birthday. I'm thinking that if I follow up my pain medication for my RA with a Motrin or two, maybe I can do what I need to do. (sigh)
Doesn't Billie look cozy? She is on my lap while I'm using my laptop. She does that a lot. Getting up off the floor is a challenge, but I really like sitting in the living room. Right now Billie is on the love seat behind me, snoring. :)
Cricket is showcasing my new locket. She is a bit of a jewelery thief and usually drags her treasures to the top of the sofa, or under it. She also likes emery boards. I have found missing emery boards under the sofas a lot. Maybe she sharpens her claws and fangs with them.
I'm going to visit a few blogs, take some meds, take a nap and then try to get some things taken care of. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

White Leopards For Wednesday

Where is the week going? Today is another busy day and I'm so tired. My daughter has her doctor's appointment this morning and after that I really need to get caught up on housework. I need extra hours in the day. :)
My birthday was okay. My husband gave me a pretty locket and a bookstore card. I can't wait to go to the bookstore again. It's my favorite place. Some women are addicted to shoes; I'm hooked on books.
The Vet's office called to check on Cody and I happily told them that he was doing so much better. The swelling around his eyes is gone! I wish our doctors were as nice about following up. I'm just glad my kitty's doctor cares.
Today is supposed to be rather rainy and we are not going to have really warm weather for the rest of the week. I must remind myself "It's only May."
I need to start taking more pictures. I like getting pictures from "Art Magic"
but, I want to post more garden and kitty pictures.
Thank You for all the Birthday wishes. I think when we get to be a (ahem) certain age Birthdays are not so fun anymore. ;)
Have A Wonderful Wednesday. I will visit everyone as much as I can today. I so look forward to visiting all of my blogging friends.

Monday, May 5, 2008

Hello From Me And Mr. C !


Cody is feeling so much better! The swelling in his eyes has reduced a lot and they are not runny anymore. He was rough housing with Cricket this morning, irritating her as usual. (I think she likes it more than she's willing to let on.)

This past weekend was too busy with grocery shopping and returning clothes that my daughter decided that she didn't want and finding clothes that she did. * -* When we decided to go to the bookstore every one's mood improved.

This week I have to bake a birthday cake for my husband and daughter. They share the same birthday and it's on Saturday. :) Mine is tomorrow, but I am trying not to think about it. I am kind of hoping that they do remember Mother's Day this year though.
I think to not make house cleaning so overwhelming I will just concentrate on one room a day, giving it a really thorough cleaning. That way by the weekend the house should be in pretty good shape. Too bad I can't get the cats to pick up their cat toys when they are done playing with them.
One early morning, my husband walked through the dark living room and stepped on a mouse that squeaks when it's moved. It scared him for a second until he realized what it was. :)
Mondays can be rather blah and daunting when you think of everything that you have to do for the week. I will make time during the day to visit my blogging friends and that , will as usual cheer me up. I will try not to over do it with the cleaning and baking. I don't want to end up with another round of fevers again! Not a fun way to spend a spring day.
Have a happy early May day!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Cody Update

Cody has conjunctivitis. The Vet said she does not believe it to be viral. She put in some drops that turned florescent when it comes in contact with the eyes. Then she can see if it collected in his corneas to see if they were damaged. Fortunately he doesn't have any eye damage that she could see. She put in an anti-inflamation gel-ointment right against his eyeballs in a thin bead across the eyes. We must do this for him 3 times a day. My poor Cody Bear!
He was so good, as he usually is. She always calls him a senior citizen. :)

We are wondering if he somehow got something in his eyes outside. I do let him wander into the neighbor's yard. Maybe they sprayed it with something?
I feel awful. I thought it would be fine to let him play outside, because I kept a close watch. I guess it wasn't enough. A couple of weeks ago I noticed two dead birds in our yard, over the property line of the neighbor's. They didn't have a single mark on them, just dead as if they'd dropped from the sky. Maybe the neighbor's lawn is perfect because he uses chemicals? Just thinking of Cody having that in his eyes makes me cry. I tried to keep it together in the Vet's Office, but I feel like a bad kitty mom.
The Vet said he should be feeling better by the end of the weekend. When we came home he ate a lot of stinky goodness and crawled under the sofa. Other than his eyes he checked out very healthy.
Thank You All
for your purrs and prayers. Wish us luck putting the ointment in his eyes just like his doctor did. I'm so afraid I will scratch his eyeball, but my husband said he watched her closely and we just need to be firm and not let him wiggle. I think Cody is going to be wrapped like a kitty burritto in a bath towel.
Have a happy weekend. =^..^ =

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Silly Billie



Billie: "Knock Knock!"

Momma (me): "Who's there?"

Billie: "Tuna!"

Momma: "Tuna who?"

Billie: "That lady can tun-a her instrument, but she can't tun-a fish!"

Momma: "Very good Billie! Now I hope I can figure out how to link your joke to help that nice lady and her kitties."

Billie: "I want tuna juice now. Mmm tuna juice, nom nom nom..."


Cody's eyes are about the same. He is acting normal and doesn't seem really bothered. His appointment is tomorrow afternoon. I hope Karla and Miss Peach are right and it's just bad pollen allergies. Our pollen levels are going up. He's getting tired of me bathing his eyes, but so far he's been a very good boy about it.
I will let everyone know what it is. I like the Vet, but I don't like going there anymore. Sad memories of Tookie going to the Bridge...
Take care and have a nice evening with those you love.