Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches varies from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. The term “tortoiseshell” is used for cats with brindled coats that have few or no white markings. Cats of this coloring with larger areas of white fur are called calicos. Sometimes, these colors present in lighter versions such as lilac or cream. Torties with this lighter coloring are called dilute torties. Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern, and these cats are sometimes referred to as “torbies.”
Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico coats are the result of the interaction between genetic and developmental factors. The occasional and very rare male tortoiseshell cat is the result of a genetic mutation.
In addition to their distinctive coloring, torties also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as “tortitude.” They tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and they can be very possessive of their human. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. They’re usually very talkative and make their presence and needs known with anything from a hiss to a meow to a strong purr. These traits are stronger in tortoiseshell cats than in calicos – it seems as though these traits are somewhat diluted with the addition of more white to the color scheme.
As of the writing of this post, I share my life with Amber*, and those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while have gotten to know her in her Amber’s Mewsings posts. You will soon be able to read all about Buckley in Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. The photo above shows Buckley in the front, Amber behind her.
Prior to Amber and Buckley, there was another tortie in my life. Virginia was the first office cat at the animal hospital I managed. She was my introduction to torties, and my love affair with this particular type of cat began with her. She, too, had the “tortitude” I so love about these particular cats.
Do you have a tortie or calico in your life? Does she have “tortitude?”
*Sadly, Amber passed away on May 13, 2010, after a sudden, brief illness. I now share my life with Allegra and Ruby, two tortoiseshell cats who have their own columns here on The Conscious Cat, titled Allegra’s World and Ruby’s Reflections.
Photo ©Ingrid King, all rights reserved
Bernie, I’m so glad Steeler walked into your life. What would you be doing on a day like this without her, and what would our conversations be like whout you and Steeler? All these people to talk to and stories to share. That’s when I thank my cats for giving me things I never knew I needed.
Bernadette you are right. She did just walk into my life. I have often said someone had a plan for her to get here, because I had never even wanted a cat. I had my late full taking care of my husband when she refused to leave and eventually I said to myself, you will not die, so in she came. She is great company, very bossy. Some of stories my seem to be minuscule but each thing she does is new to me. I don’t know cats, and I never knew I had a Tortie until I looked it up after the vet said oh you have a Tortie.
I have been talking to very interesting people, like yourself too. There is no cat fighting only laughter and now I find we check on each other to see if the others are ok, as with this storm. It is a good feeling.
I may be going south on 2/21 for Ingrid’s book signing, if the stars align right. Would you like to think about going?
Cats come to those that need them.
Jay I know this one did. She would not leave for 3 months and no shelter would take her. Overcrowded they said. They said since she was older she would most likely have to to be down. I firmly said no. So I now have her, but no, that’s not right. She has me. While my husband was still able to be here, she would lie beside his wheelchair. He would pet her and call her a big bunny.
Now I would never part with her.
And they know exactly what we need. I just think it’s remarkable that this unusual cat–all torties are unusual, but her outgoing personality–just walked into a non-cat-person’s life and waited until you figured it out and let her in, then settled as if she’d been there all along. I’m sure it was difficult watching your husband’s decline and now living with him so far away, and this little cat came along at just the right time to be his companion and be there for you. I’m sure we all have stories somehow like that, in fact, Ingrid wrote a book about it!
Bernadette you have said it better than I could have and I am living it. She is nice to have around. She never gave up on me and stayed around the house until I ended up bringing her. She did make my husband smile (me too). Especially because he liked her even tho to him she was a big bunny. During our marriage, we had never owned a pet. We wanted to be able to go when we wanted without the worry of a pet. Then came Steeler. You can’t help but love her (just don’t pick her up). Not cuddly. But sleeps beside me on her pillow, and now her favorite new act is to use my body as a tightrope from my ankles to sit on my shoulder and stare down at me or give me a left to the jaw to wake up.
Ingrid; Hi we are covering any and all topics today (snow brains). What is it you are referring to possibly speaking about or writing into one of your books. I believe we have given two strong choices for you:(1) Do not feed Cats garlic based foods or odor control will not be enough
(2) How Torties sense when humans are in need or not well.
(3) How a Tortie, throwaway or stray, can sense this is the human they want to be
with.
Any more snow storms like this one and we will probably give you enough outline drafts to keep you writing for years to come.
Harry.
“Claws don’t kill people. Torties with claws kill people.”
And Torties with Pizza will make you wish you were dead.
A Tortie can clear a room with out help. I will never give Stir Pizza.
Kitten, hope you get out tomorrow.
I have to pick someone up at the Harrisburg airport flying in from Tampa. She should be ok by then but I heard Atlanta and Boston were closed and the ripple effect will be felt all across the country. Glad things weren’t to bad for you.
Bernie and Bernadette seem to have the worst with Snow and Ingrid and Harry got the freezing rain and ice. Wonder how Glen faired up there. Hopefully safe and taking care of Kasey.
I’m up to eight inches out in the back yard with what fell today, and I can’t sit still for running outside to photograph falling snow and the big male cardinal who is apparently a professional model.
Where is Glen? Isn’t he in Canada?
From what I understand interrupting Jay’s discussion with Glen, he is in Canada. We were all checking on Kasey with him. Kasey is getting back to her old self according to Glen, which is good news to all. I took a couple pictures but the winds are so strong I came back in, not to mention the snow is higher than my knee high boots. Snow in your boots makes for a very cold, wet sock.
glen is in Ontario.
I have been trying to place everyone thru previous posts.
Tell me if I’m wrong
And anyone else please give State or Country
So far
Bernie 40 miles below Pittsburgh Pa
Bernadette Above Pittsburgh Pa
Harry Virginia
Ingrid Virginia
Amber Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Glen – Ontario Canada
Em – (MN)
obsidian kitten – Queens NYC
Norka Klusa – London
Bernadette, Jay is the go to guy for some of the info. He has things pretty good. Jay I am more than 40 miles. Bernadette has a pretty good idea of the distance. Lots of twisting back country roads, add milage. Bernadette is the go to person for in depth knowledge of history and complications, and genetics of cats. I think she is one of those few people who read a book thru and then can retain every word in the book and repeat it back if you asked a question about it. She is brilliant. Jay you and I are just smart or dumb depending on the topic.
And Jay, where exactly are you?
If we clocked Bernie as the crow flies she’d be about 40 miles, but windy country roads add at least a half mile for every mile until you get to the interstate. Talk about the “scenic route”.
I am actually 6 miles south of downtown Pittsburgh.
I had learning difficulties all through school so I have to work pretty hard to understand and there have to be pictures, but when I learn something it’s permanent.
All Tortie friend, NOTICE, I made the mistake of sharing a small amount of pizza with Steeler yesterday. If you ever plan to do this, I recommend Gas-X or Bean-o first. Could not believe the amount of noxious aroma a cat eating pizza can make. This is just for further info.
And we thought Torties were dangerous enough as they are normally.
Maybe we can market this to the military.
T.S.B. Tortie Stink Bomb
Sorry to disappoint you Jay, but this one’s not an exclusive tortie thing. Henry, one of our black cats, can clear a room.
Harry, I believe it. My main problem is that Steeler sleeps on her pillow on my bed, right beside mine. What an evening I had. Her pizza days are over. I have heard Eric and his wife say their dog, Duke does this, and they leave the room, but as all pets he follows them. So if you have a cat that can clear a room, I for one know that is the gospel truth. I may have questioned that kind of power a cat might have, but now, good grief, I know so much better.
I didn’t think it was just Tortie related but more like a chainsaw can be dangerous, but in the hand of a psycho it WILL be dangerous.
A Tortie can be dangerous at both ends.
Got it — Claws don’t kill people. Torties with claws kill people 😉
Harry this torte has all her claws. So she has all weapons necessary either clear out the room with gas, or tear everyone to shreds with her claws.
Harry, I have a question for you and Ingrid. When adopting or speaking/writing do either of you ever talk about the power of the wind machine? Steeler is the first cat I have ever had and if someone would have told me how strong a wind machine they are I might have also bought an hazardous emissions helmet/mask!!!!
It used to be if the Tortie was facing you it meant trouble but if she was walking away you were safe. Apparently not.
So garlic gets rid of Vampires but make Steeler a walking bomb.
I’d rather face the Vampires.
Jay, Tortie coming at you is usually very deceiving. They are so gentle on their approach. Let them get really close and reach for the chandelier. Tortie walking away, after eating garlic, ranks right up there with the scent of the City Kitties.
Old European folk lore about vampires and garlic.
Jay it appears, that you and I are the two that get the country snow falls. Maybe Glen also, but I don’t think this storm went that direction, It went up the coast and hit MA really hard along with the rest of the New England states.
Kitten, I am glad this storm missed you, I truly am. Your profile pics really scare me. But Jay’s Stirfry pic still is #1, but you are running a very close 2nd. Then I look at your spouse on your page and I think, you two are really partners. Although I thought of sponge bob when I looked at his pic.
I can’t say that it’s come up at a speaking engagement, and I haven’t written about it. Yet. You guys are making me think maybe I should!
Jay if the military could package this it would be a secret weapon.
Maybe they did ?
Where did you get the pizza and was the delivery driver wearing all black?
You could be part of a top secret test.
Jay, I made it myself. Use lots of garlic. Keeps the vampires away!!!
My profile pics this month are all Star Wars characters. Long story.
No one warns you when you get a cat how long cat emissions can hang in the air. (And yes, make you wish you were dead.) They’re such small creatures and can emit something akin to what a skunk is packing. And then of course the cat looks at the human as if to say, “Oh smelly human, what have you done?”
Cats + plausible deniability. Maybe we should give them to politicians.
Kitten, surely you wouldn’t punish a good cat by giving it to a politician??? I know you you said earlier you were using the images from Star Wars characters. I may be one of the handful of people who never watched Star Wars and therefore am not a fan. But your choices continue to amuse. Where they get beyond that, I will send you more snow!!!!!!!
Kitten, I was a big fan of Star Wars (1st 3) and had read the book years before the movie.
I watched it the first day it came out (Critics said it would bomb) and still have the booklet they handed out when you came in the theater.
I’ve never seen Star Wars, either. Wasn’t in the budget when I was in college, and never had the interest after that. However, as a graphic designer, I encounter the imagery and quotes from the movies all the time, so I guess I’ve seen them in bits and pieces.
I’m guessing that Day 1 Star Wars booklet is a valuable collectible. It’s amazing how these films have permeated our culture so much that even people who haven’t seen them have some idea what they are. I saw the first one in the theater (not on the first day, but first run) and have remained a SciFi fan to this day.
Jay, your steep land looks SO much like my uncle’s farm. He was (if I remember correctly) quite near where you are. In a valley, out past that ginormous landfill they built where us city folk send all the trash we have no room for. But down in the hollow you couldn’t see anything except pasture (steep!) and the little creek and lots of trees. Then somebody bought the property up on the hill next to him to store hundreds of port-a-johns!
Oh…here’s Emma to say hi. I swear…she loves this site.
Six inches of light and fluffy snow just outside Pittsburgh, Bernie, if you need to come up this way, the interstates are good and the suburban and city roads are clear. Friday looks like your best day for a visit, though.
Big macho unneutered tabby tomcat outside. Rumblings of WWIII among all household members, including senior torties.
Bernadette, bet that sounds interesting.
Watch those glass doors. Torties are tough.
Actually, they get so upset that fights break out among the insiders, but the yowls and shrieks are spectacular. I invested in heavy-duty full-view storm doors after the neighborhood outdoor cats rusted out the cheap ones that were here when I moved in, plus they have special knobs and handles that cannot be opened by cats; my black cat from the days I moved in was a combination escape artist and cat burglar.
Bernadette, I too am looking at the forthcoming weather. Friday for now, appears to be the best day. I will probably do that in the AM and get out of town before 2PM. Stay ahead of the traffic.
Right now the wind is blowing so hard here I can hear it in the house. Usually in my home, with 2 foot thick stone walls I don’t hear the wind. Looking out there is snow blowing very hard, now coming down, just drifting around with the wind.
You are in a “weather belt” out that way, Bernie. I remember driving around out there and it was like no man’s land. The only difficulty here is that even a little bit of snow makes the steep streets dangerous, and they tend to freeze quickly because they are so exposed, but your Jeep should handle that when you come in.
The wind is whistling through all the cracks in older houses. Kitties have found cozy spots.
Bernadette you are right about that. You lived in close proximity to where I am. I know I can make Pgh on Friday, provided we don’t get any more like today. But as for the wind, I think you are probably experiencing some of what we are getting. I am wide open and have no building to buttress the winds. Lots of drifting. I cannot understand, if the wind moves all this snow around, why doesn’t it blow some of it off my jeep. Geez
We got less than an inch here – just enough to make everything look pretty, and a gorgeous sunrise this morning, which, thanks to Allegra divebombing my bed from the top of the dresser at 5:30am, I’m awake to appreciate.
Alright Allegra,wake up Mom to enjoy the sunrise.
You deserve a treat for that.
Ingrid, Allegra divebombing at 5:30 AM. Must be something in the air this week. But hey, to see a beautiful winter sunrise would be worth it.
Ingrid, I think Allegra just wanted to share the beautiful world with you! I was just falling asleep…
Got up at 6 but did not go out till 6:25. Had to watch the news.
Measured 5″ on the deck.
Will take pictures before shoveling.
Local news says highways are open and temps will get up to 30 with sun so salt and melting material should kick in. Back roads are passable but not all plowed. I saw a car drive by slowly.
Jay I have about a total of 8″ on the top of my jeep. Hoping the sun that Ingrid has will pop out here and melt some before the next wave comes thru. My road has just been plowed. Needless to say both driveway entrances are plowed high from road plows. I will be able to get in and out if I have to, but I don’t see anyone else coming in or out.
Just in case I may have to go out today to see if they sell Bean-o for cats. No more pizza for Steeler.
Just went out side. 5″ snow and still coming down.
Going to bed now.
Bernie – hide the remote and don’t light ant matches.
Nite all
P.S. Bernie see ya tomorrow at 6 am if Steeler figures out how to turn the TV on somehow.
Jay Steeler left me sleep. I moved the remote. The snow has slacked off for now, but it will be back.
Bernie – I too haven’t seen any outside cats. I put food out every day and it will be gone in a day or 2. Possum, skunk or cat not sure.
Last tracks in the snow on monday were cat.
But I like all critters so does not matter.
“odor control for Steeler” had me on the floor 🙂
Bernadette – I think Cookie has the right idea. Gonna be a long day tomorrow.
Watching Jay Leno and going to bed.
Jay you got it right. Odor control. Do not feed Stir or any of you buddies anything off pizza. The odor is not their breath. And this Stinker sleeps on the pillow next to me. What was I thinking?
Bernie, too funny you should mention NOAA–I was going to add a link to the in my last post because that’s what I do when I want to know what’s coming, check NOAA.
Good thing you can get to Pittsburgh safely. I lived in the opposite direction for a while, out past Jeannette in Westmoreland County, all two-lane windy back roads and I was a new driver with a really bad car, careful was the word. Around here it’s very hilly; the street I live on rises more than twice the height of my house in one block and I can always tell when the roads get bad because I start to hear tires spinning right about when they get to my house.
I’m glad I don’t see any pawprints outside tonight. I’ve seen more than I care to in my yard lately, usually means local renters moved away and left their kitties. I may need to do a round up soon so we don’t develop a colony out in the backyards here and kitties aren’t living out in the cold. All neighbor kittied end up in my yard eventually, I ask the kids who belongs to whom so I don’t accidentally trap anyone’s cat. I ‘ve no room in the inn, though, so they’d have to go directly to the shelter.
I usually go upstairs to my studio where I have no internet at all and it’s warmer. Cookie has been stretched out on my bed but coming down the stairs about every 20 minutes to sit on my keyboard and look at me since she wants me to join her. Not yet, I’m yawning, but I’m working since I was out today.
Bernadette I am further east, southeast of Jeannette. So I have those winding back roads and the deathtrap Rt. 30 to drive. Yep the NOAA is on my bookmarks. I checked it out and don’t like what I see. This time it’s coming from the west/northwest right at us. I know those Pgh. streets. The side streets are really steep. If they are not steep, they are very narrow with parking on both sides.
I will get into Pgh this week. I always try at least once a week. I will play this by ear. It won’t be Saturday (football game) or Sunday (more football)..
Steeler is here on my bed, she keeps trying to get my attention by stretching her front legs way out and grabbing the shams on the pillow with her claws and pulling. It works, i reach over and pet her and talk to her. That keeps her happy for a minute or two. She is always in the same room as I.
Just came in.
4″ of snow now and coming down hard. Soft and fluffy now. They are calling for high winds tomorrow. Hate shoveling in the wind but I have to go to work at 6 pm.
You know how it is. During a snowstorm their is a run on bread and milk.
A friend at work used to say “screw that – I’m getting beer and cigarettes”.
Mine is more like coffee and catfood.
The catfood feeding station (upside down gas grill) is working great and the bowl is snow free.
And Bernie – you know Stir is always in control.
Right now she’s sleeping like a kitten on the couch. So peaceful – but I’m not falling for it.
I will never understand the run on stores for bread and milk. It’s not like we are going to be snowed in for more than a day maybe two for some. If I did any shopping it would be for Steeler and Breyer’s Ice Cream for me. It is never to cold for ice cream.
I will be going into Pgh. before the end of the week. Snow or no snow, but if it turns to ice, well couch potato here i am.
When is Stir nor in charge. When I referred to Sleepy Time Tea I was thinking of other nights to come. She is a pistol. Today was a first. Let me give you a hint. Do not give your Stir or any other cat the cheese or meat on pizza. I need odor control for Steeler, right now.
All: Brooke by the fire posted to the Conscious Cat Facebook page.
Jay: Blue Dog isn’t bad, but I prefer Pyramid Apricot Ale.
Bernie: Not a Jeep fan. Had two Cherokees, first threw a rod at 12,000 miles, second was delivered with a defective transfer case. I am, however, a big seatbelt believer. First Cherokee was broadsided by a truck that lost control on the interstate, knocked on its roof into oncoming traffic, flattened the roof and blew out all the windows. I ended upside down, hanging by that seatbelt. Everything that was loose blew out the windows, and was crushed under the car.
Bernadette: Thanks for sign advice. Jay is shaking his head and wondering how HE got volunteered to do this 😉
Kitten: My kids are jealous of your snow – we only got an inch and at best school will be delayed, not cancelled. I’m just glad it’s tonight, not tomorrow – my first law school class of the semester begins at 6 p.m. and the Dean has threatened a visit.
Nite, all.
Loved the pic of Brooke by the fire. And the cat statue is a nice touch. Are those wood or gas logs ?
Now you can never be sure.
I too believe in seat belts. A few of my 9 lives were saved by them. Don’t wear a helmet though. At low speed in town with all the traffic – good idea. On 222 N or 283 at 70 MPH – why bother.
Thanks for the tip on Pyramid Apricot Ale.
I don’t drink much so I rink more expensive beer.
Currently have Miller Chill and 1 can Bud Lite Lime in the fridge.
Miller is 1 year old and the Miller is from last years camping trip in June.
Bought Seadog Blueberry Wheat and the Blue Dog last week. Split them with a friend. Should last me into the summer.
And I was thinking about a sign ever since I got the Beware of Attack Cat last fall.
All the input on here really helped.
Good Nite.
Ignore the typo’s. I have a call in to apple about this system. It drops letters. Usually the 1st letter and spell check does not catch it. Find it is one of the issues with MacPro
my typo’s are all self induced.
watching tv, cat on my lap and reaching over to type with 1 finger looking at a keyboard at an angle.
Tech support cant help me.
Jay don’t misunderstand, some of the typo’s are mine (the majority). But one of the issues with this Apple is it drops letters. It has something to do with the keyboard. Tech says to uninstall the keyboard and reinstall to try to correct. I said, no, this is your system, you uninstall and reinstall. So now the closest Apple store is in Shadyside and they will take care of it. I have to take the laptop down for that. No problem, the next time I am able to visit my husband, I am at/very near Shadyside.
Harry and Jay, we are holding off on that bridge for you guys, and furry friends. It may be a little crowded at this particular time.
But the view would be beautiful next to the river on a snowy night!
That’s why I don’t use a Mac, graphic designer and artist that I am. I ran both systems for years in my business here and the last time I upgraded I just went with my PC.
Bernie, you won’t have to travel during the snow, will you? Those roads to the south can be tricky. At least when you get into the city Oakland and Shadyside and surrounding areas are generally easy going–they keep the streets clear for all the hospitals and colleges.
Looks like the worst of it is past us and headed for our kittens in NYC.
We know that, but those guys would be like lost sheep and with their luch end up at Wholey’s
or Primanti’s. They may have heard of Primanti’s but not Wholey’s.
Bernadette, yes I will be traveling back to Pgh. I would normally go once a week. I was just there on the 5th, after that the weather turned and I have taken to be a little cautious. If this weather gives us a break I will go in the AM to see my husband, then get out of Pgh before 1PM. That way, I am less likely to get into weather problem and heavy traffic.
I switched from Windows because I really got fed up with all the updates and patches, and IE constantly encountering errors and shutting down, losing whatever I was working on.
So I got this MacPro, then I find it drops a letter, usually the first. Spell check doesn’t catch that.
I still have my inspiron, but it crawls and by the time it boots, it freezes. Almost all mfg.’s use Windowns except Apple. So, here I am with Apple.
I looked at the NOAA service on the computer. I am not ready to say past yet. Another system is heading at us from the Northwest. If those lakes would just freeze over, we would get less snow and ice.
After all the excitement, we only got a few inches of snow and it seems to be melting a little now. Fortunately the only place I have to go today is a short walk around the corner. So glad it wasn’t worse. We have plans to visit a friend in San Francisco for the weekend, with a flight out tomorrow (Thurs) evening. Whether JFK will be straightened out by then remains to be seen. We aren’t far from the airport but getting there isn’t the problem–two days of delayed/cancelled flights will be!
Emma is on my lap (her favorite spot when I’m reading all your posts) purring up a storm. She usually doesn’t purr very loudly but she is very fond of the CC.
Glad all are safe. I have a feeling this is going to be one of those winters, like ’96 with lots of snow. Glad we have torties to keep us warm and entertained!
Don’t give the Sleepy Time tea to Steeler. You already said she has spent the day sleeping.
ATV tire are great in the snow.
Back in 2003 (I think) we had a bad snowstorm at Christmas. i drove to see my girlfriend in York. She lives across from TMI. Drove on the turnpike thru 8″ deep snow going 10 mph. 15 to pass someone going even slower but white kniuckle all the way. I had an 89 S-15 GMC Jimmy and those tires got me up hills that had semi’s, vans and cars backing down.
And I feel sorry for any homeless person (or animal) that is out in this weather.
My jeep uses ATV as standard tires. I can go off road and it does do well. I don’t recommend that to these young kids just driving a few years. My sole purpose was to have a vehicle that i could go anytime, anywhere, in the event my husband had to get to a hospital quickly. It really did do the job. A number of times I had to drive him to Pgh. on roads that should be closed. But those tires really pull you along. I still don’t like 18 wheelers out on these roads in this weather. Jackknifing is something they can’t control.
I truly hope the folks that live on the streets have found shelters this past few weeks. These temps have been horrible. By the way, it is 30 degrees out right now and snowing. That is the warmest it has been in weeks. So I expect a blizzard or freezing rain from that.
I have not seen any cats around. One groundhog, but he is on a short life span. He has dug a hole along our block garage. So he will be history.
Harry and Bernadette, I’m glad you made it home safe, and Bernie, I’m glad to hear Eric is safe at home, too. I’m a total wimp about driving in any kind of snow or ice, so I stay off the roads in weather like this. Everyone enjoy the rest of your evening inside, safe and warm with your torties and your choice of beverage. Mine will be Sleepy Time tea. I like to live on the edge.
Ingrid, I am not a wimp, but I have some common sense and this is storm is nothing to mess with. In the daylight hours, ok. My choice is the strongest diet gingerale in the house. We haven’t heard from Jay yet. His area is supposed to be getting hit really hard. So we have 1 more to account for.
Enjoy your Sleepy Time tea. (May I should see if Steeler would drink that).
Ingrid, living dangerously aren’t ya.
Drink tonite was 1 beer.
Blue Dog (Blueberry beer). Tastes like a wine cooler.
1 beer is my limit.
Usually it coffee w sugar – or in my case sugar with coffee to dissolve it and 1 creamer.
Hi, all, it is quite the mess here, but I’m back at my desk with two happy torties on my lap and all the black cats on the floor, wrestling in a pile. It started here about 12:30 as flurries then suddenly it wasn’t fooling around. I was going to post and see if it was snowing where Bernie is and warn everyone on the other side of the state, but decided I had one important errand I had to drive for, picking up post cards at a printer for my poetry reading so they could get out in the mail, and the girls had to have their lunch first before I really needed to hit the road. The messy things about driving in a populated small town/suburban area like this are 1) all the other drivers who aren’t as careful as me, and 2) the snow gets packed down to ice and slush before it gets plowed or salted. It’s not hard to drive on packed snow. My little Escort is actually great in the snow, but my tires barely passed inspection…it has stopped for the moment, but more is coming.
Hope everyone else makes it home safely and there are no reasons to go out later.
It’s funny to overhear the conversation about the sign–one of the things I do as a graphic designer is design a heck of a lot of signs and have them printed and install them. At the risk of still sounding like a walking encyclopedia, though this is squarely in my field of employment, the plastic signs are fine for years, the metal signs are forever. If they are cut vinyl instead of digital print, it’s the same vinyl that’s used on both, and I’ve designed signs and banners that lasted five years or more through snow and sleet and dark of night before any vinyl started to peel or anything faded. The corrugated plastic is very lightweight and you can even adhere it in a protected area with loops of duct tape on the back. The metal signs need to be bolted, though if you have a metal door or wall you can adhere four quality magnets to the back of the sign and that will hold it up at that size. If you have or can get any wickets, the metal “H”-shaped stands that are used with advertising and political signs people put in their yards and at intersections, the plastic sign would fit right onto one so you hav the option of displaying it on your lawn. The plastic would also be easiest for Jay to ship out to everyone!
Well, I’m looking forward to a nice, warm, quiet evening with the kids here after my escapade in the snow and sleet and labeling 1,000 post cards for mailing.
Bernadette you truly are a walking knowledge enigma. Jay will be reading your post closely. I don’t know how much snow his area has gotten yet. He hasn’t said. Still waiting to hear from him. We have been getting snow since before noon. I haven’t even gone out to get the mail or paper. Here in the country we have the mailbox/paperbox down by the highway. Need to dig out my knee high woodsmen boots and go out. Prefer to wait until I don’t have to fight snow in my face. My car is, well let’s just say, it will probably take me a couple of hours to clean it off. Maybe tomorrow. Glad you are in safe.
Bernie – you took the words out of my mouth.
Bernadette you are a wealth of information.
The signs are printed on Vinyl and
applied to 3mm lightweight closed-cell, free foam, rigid PVC
sheet.
It started snowing at 4pm and going strong now. 3″ on my deck and they say it will slow down after 11pm but continue till 7 am.
I bought a new shovel (wide) today as my old one has some cracks. I have a 7hp snowblower with tracks and 2 weeks ago bought a electric Toro power shovel. That is incase I run out of gas like last year and also for my deck and in the pasture. Mini’s can’t walk thru 3 foot drifts and their dome shelters are 100 feet away.
And if the snow is dry my electric leaf blower does a great job on the deck, driveway and car.
Jay do you have a quad? How about a riding mower? You can put chains on the quad to go thru the pasture. You can also remove the cutting deck on the riding mower and put chains all around and mow thru the snow for the Mini’s. I, for one, have put chains on my riding tractor and drove it thru snow and mud in the winter. I would put the wagon on the back and collect the fallen limbs and cut logs for the wood burner. Just a thought
Went out to get the mail and newspaper. Snow has become just light flurries. We are still to get hit again tonight and tomorrow.
I do have a quad – Polaris Sportsman 400 and a plow for it but It will not start right now.
And no way would it get up the hill behind my barn. Very steep hill and no running start.
But the Toro snowbroom should work ok.
A friend told me he got rid of his gas snowblower cause he can go thru 4′ drifts by starting at the top and working down.
I think I’ll try it 1st tomorrow.
Jay – quad CHAINS CHAINS.
Harry, did you make it safely home and early like you planned?
Bernie and Bernadette, is your part of the storm over and how are things?
We’ve been getting a lovely mixture of sleet, freezing rain and snow here for the past hour or so. I’m just glad I don’t have to go anywhere, and I feel sorry for those of you north of us who are yet to get the brunt of this storm. Stay safe!
Ingrid that is the best decision for you to make. There is no real need to be out on roads, especially after dark, when the roads are not wet but could be black ice. I am safe and warm inside. I hope Jay does not get hit as hard. I was watching the news, Bernadette has gotten slammed also, and we have more to come from the northwest now. This storm came up from the south.
No, I didn’t get out as planned. Still here, unfortunately. Planning on leaving about 7:30.
Drive slow and safe. You have your furry friends waiting for you.
Ingrid, sorry to hear about the sleet and freezing rain.
Snow you can drive in. The other stuff is dangerous.
Giood to stay in. Safer.
yeah, crap. I should have left hours ago. I’ll let you know when I’m home.
Harry hope you make it ok. I have confidence in my driving, but it is the others on the road that make for dangerous driving. I think new drivers should have to take their driver’s test in this kind of weather, to learn respect for the weather. Be safe and have that cold one.
Harry take your time. Watch out for the other drivers. Eric left DC around 2PM and hit the PA mtns. At Chalk Hill in Pa he said it was as if someone turned on a switch and from there to his home it was H____. He said 18 wheelers were jackknifed and cars were sliding around. He used 4 wheel drive all the way home. Deep snow and ice base. But he didn’t want to spend the rest of the week in DC. He was worried about his family. (I also think he wanted to give his jeep the trail test). Well he’s home now and he told me it was crown royal black and coke for him. Wife has his dinner ready and all is good.
So I hope you also have a safe drive home and then all will be good for you also.
Home. I altered my route to use mostly interstates, which weren’t too bad. The real issue was the people who were driving at rates of speed that would be unsafe on a dry road. I will never understand that mentality. After I have dinner, and a drink (no Neuter Shooters or Feral Hissys) I will post a photo of Brooke sprawled out by the fire.
(PS – the Neuter Shooter was Curacao, vodka and lime, a Feral Hiss was ginger ale and vodka. Meh.)
Harry good to hear you made it home safely. Brooke could care less about the weather. Our furry pets are just glad to be indoors ruling the roost. Sleeping in front of the fire. Does she have her wine glass near.
Your remark about people driving without thinking is the same issue I have with some drivers. I especially don’t like be around an 18 wheeler in this weather. They seem to think it’s an open road. Many jackknifes all around. Some people never learn.
I happy now that all my friends are safely at home.
Sleeping near the fire is heaven for a cat. Pumpkin sleeps near the gas logs.
And it never fails – after the 1st bad snow of the year the paper show a Jeep or SUV upside down or on it’s side.They forget that 4 wheel drive give you greater traction but the laws of gravity take over in the turns or stops.
Glad Eric is safe. Trying ou a new vehicle can show the best and the worst.
Brother in law bought a New Dodge Ram Hemi last summr.
Found out those new tire were terrible in snow and ice. Replaced them within the week.
I have been in more accidents and close call due to snow & ice. Sliding off the road into a farmers field with nothing around can be fun. Into phone poles, trees and walls has cost me a lot.
Jay I just mention you had not been heard from yet. Everyone else is home safe. How is your area. I have ATV tires on my commander. Cost a fortune, but pay off. But nothing protects agains inexperienced drivers. I hope your age of close calls is over. Can’t have Stir in total control all the time.
Jay I agree with most of what you say about the laws of gravity. But most experienced jeep and hummer drivers know that is an issue. However when some fool spins out in front of you or passes and loses control, it is an impulse to turn away from it, henceforth flip. Strong advocate for seat belts.
Jay we are getting slammed since noon. This is a a mess. I started my jeep (remotely of course) trying to melt the underlayment of ice and snow off. But the snow just keeps coming down.
Bernie, it 4:25 now and just started about 15 minutes ago. Just flurries. And my neighbor was talking to me while holding Stirfry
Didn’t look at the pics yet. Will put them on FB later tonite.
Heard you were getting the Ohio storm now..
We don’t need it but I think someone in NYC requested it.
Ha!
Careful out there Kitten.
More snow headed your way tonight.
You might get your 20 hours of sleep tomorrow if everything shuts down.
Jay and Ingrid, I can’t explain the time thing. I noticed it, but I just said what the hey, and went on. Steeler must have been after her treat bag under her pillow and to my misfortune pulled the remote out instead. I will have to guard my credit cards. Unfortunately I am one of those people that needs to have her coffee before I even think about my day. Today was a 2 coffee morning.
Steeler is sleeping like an innocent baby as I write this. She seems not to know or care she how long ago she woke me up. I am beginning to think it is some big right wing conspiracy to awaken me earlier and often.
Harry the trip down would be a nice get away (maybe) from the terrible weather. If Eric is in DC that week, would make somewhat of a difference, most importantly how my husband is at the time would be my main concern. So we will see. I make no promises.
Harry , I read your “I think we should give everyone in the House and Senate a tortie, put them on this blog for a week, and then go talk about compromise and working together”
Great idea.
Seems everyone that has one has learned patience (who can rush a cat) and humility
(Torties are #1 -ALWAYS).
They would spend so much time telling stories about the great friends that politics would be tossed aside.
And I can see Brooke stopping any fights with a wild Tortie growl.
Jay there was some paid commercial and the volume was loud. Steeler was sound asleep, but the remote had been pulled from under her pillow, so since I was asleep, and the remote was on her side, she has to be the culprit. Just turned it off, quickly. Now here it is 7:49 and she again woke a while ago to get her something to eat. I may be a nightowl, but I do not like being an early riser.
How’s your roof coming. Looked at your pics last night, hope they get it done before the white stuff comes in.
I noticed the time you 1st wrote this morning was 5:3 and your post date was 6:46.
Whe I replied it was 6:05 but the time is listed as 7:20.
No it’s 8:05 am but will probably show up as a hour later. Wonder why?
Can I do this with the lottery ?
As for Steeler – which infomercial was on?
I would check your credit cards right now.
Probably end up with a lifetime supply of catfood.
Roof is going slow. But with a dome their is a lot of
Some wood repairs were needed from water damage.
The shingles were there but the wood under it had rotted away on overhangs above some windows. They will be up today but the snow will start this evening until tomorrow morning then high winds. Can’t see them being here tomorrow.
Guys just showed up now.
Going out to talk to them.
Jay, the time thing happened because the time on the website was set to the wrong timezone. It’s fixed now. Unfortunately, it won’t help you with the lottery…
Bernie, I’d be worried, too, if Steeler starts watching infomercials 🙂
Worried is a good word. Steeler has been sleeping almost all day now. She only get up to go eat and use her litter box. I hope she isn’t planning another late night or early AM.
In 2001 The Calico cat became the State Cat of Maryland
Effective October 1, 2001, the calico cat became the official cat of Maryland (Chapter 194, Acts of 2001; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-317). Its colors of orange, black, and white are shared with the Baltimore oriole (State bird) and the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly (State insect)
Think any State wants to claim the Tortie ?
I looked up if other states had “State Cats”
3 do
http://www.netstate.com/states/tables/state_mammals_cats.htm
Maine has the Maine Coon
Maryland has the Calico
Massachusetts has the Tabby Cat as the Official Cat
What ? Only State that start with M can get a State Cat
I guess Mississippi,Missouri,Montana,Michigan and Minnesota will be next.
Wonder if we can write our Congressmen and Senators.
No sense in asking them to make a decision. They would pick the groundhog, you know the one the hides in holes underground.
Down in Columbia the have Octoraro Orphie ( same as Phil)
But Orphie is stuffed with sawdust.
No smart animal come out of the ground on Feb 2 expecting summer.
But these people that speak for them are politicians (Govenors/Mayors/Lawyers)
The same people that make laws that they expect us to obey.
Give them a Tortie that will tear their arms off for disturbing them during a good nap.
Jay when you say down in Columbia, is there a small town there called New Columbia?
I wouldn’t let any self respecting Tortie be endangered by the corruption and scandals. This country has enough to handle, much more than we know.
Let’s keep our Tortie’s safe.
If that darn groundhog comes out this February, I just may take up hunting and get rid of that darn furry rodent.
Columbia is just up and across from TMI. Rt 30 crosses by it going into York.
And I too always wanted to take out that ground hog with 1 shot if he predicted 6 more weeks of winter.
Another cat question.
When I scratch Pumpkin on the back or ears he bites at his front leg as if grooming.
Just now I has petting Stirfry while she’s on my lap. She was doing her soft growl and a few hisses then did the same thing – biting and then licking her right front leg.
Morning Bernie, what channel was on ?
Animal Planet does not have Cats 101 on at 5 am.
Guess Steeler did not know that
Tortie buddies, it is now 5:43 AM here. I awakened about 20 minutes ago to the sound of the TV. What a surprise. It was off when I turned in. Well it seem Steeler stretched those long legs under the pillow and bingo, hit the right button on the remote. She of course has fallen back to sleep, I on the other hand am wide awake.
Steeler has been waking me up quite early, but this is a first. Using the remote and turning the TV on. Strange happenings or is it the ghost of remotes that did this?
After reading Kittens ideao of no slash I thought it didn’t sound right also.
And now Harry you confirmed that the NO Tortie is wrong.
It’s Yes Tortie – YES LEAVE NOW.
I will go with the plastic ( durable and not as heavy) And if you want to grace Stir’s pic on it she would be proud.
I will get them to give her 2 good ears though.
Bernie – I know Stirfry , and thu all of you know a lot about Kasey , Steeler and Brooke.
It would not be a Lovefest. I think the Swat team would be called because a Riot in Progress was reported.
Stirfry always makes me look stupid but she has never disappointed me wth her attitude. Stir does not snore (wish she would) and I think she has forgotten how to purr. A low growl is what I get even if she happy when being scratched and a steady hiss – hiss -hiss like a steam train when slightly pissed. And you all know the sould of a mad tortie.
Jay the signs sound great. You not giving Stir ears, you are just lifting them up, sounds good to me. I have to admit, I have never heard a hiss from Steeler. She marks noises when she looks out the sideglass and arches her back, but with her vocal cords having been damaged, the sound is more like a creature from the unknown, but very effective. But boy can she purr (loud) and snore (loud). Sometimes I awake to the snore still half-asleep and think for a minute it’s my husband, but no, it’s Steeler just being herself.
I really think your right, but I can dream. Putting Stirfry, Kasey, Brooke, and Steeler in the same building, would be advance warning to call the Riot core out. I sorta think we might want to include Harry’s Sabrina seeing how she has duped Harry into blaming Brooke for bad behavior, while she is the instigator.
I have to learn if I can record to my PC.
A small wav file should be easy to send.Pumpkin has a loud purr and I know Tabatha must have taught him. No way did his real mom teach him that.
Can’t advise you there. This system is new and it is supposed to let you do those things, but I am still trying to get the wireless printer installed on here. So can’t help you there.
The sign sounds awesome! Allegra approves 🙂
And I almost forgot – if you look at my facebook page at the photos of Pearl, my pink-skinned white fluffball with green eyes, we believe she may be a Turkish Angora. She was found wandering the streets, starving, very sick, about 4 years ago. As I mentioned, she can hear the treat bag rustling from three rooms away.
I have seen your Facebook page and Pearl is gorgeous. The snowflake was a short haired whitefur ball with beautiful green eyes. If only Steeler would have been just a little more accepting, but she got here first.
Too hard to find all the messages to which I want to reply, so I’m just starting a new thread…
Jay: whatever sign material you want is fine. Plastic is probably more versatile for the different places people will use it. I can live with the generic tortie (though I’d much rather have the same photo of Stir that’s on the cake), but I don’t think the circle and slash are right. It’s not “no tortie”, it’s “leave now while you still have your limbs.”
Here’s a link to the Stray Cat menu: http://www.thestraycatcafe.com/menu.htm
The drinks are a special event menu that I’ll try to get and scan, but if you look at the beer and wine list you’ll find Catfishhead Ale, Stray Cat Ale, Boss Cat Chardonnay and more.
Bernadette, thanks for the additional genetics lesson. Who ever knew that “white” was so complex? I have the Book of the Cat that you mentioned, but never have been able to comprehend the genetics chapters, and I have a chemistry degree.
Bernie – I think Ingrid’s right about the snow here, at least, I really hope so. I don’t want to get caught at work tomorrow in the snow – my 45 minute trip can take 3 hours. Right now, if we do get snow, it’ll start in the late afternoon – I’m planning on sneaking out at 3. Your son is right to a point about not knowing how to drive in it, but it’s more complex. Normally it’s right around 35° here and the snow melts, then forms black ice, then gets covered with snow. We have a lot of freezing rain, too. What people here don’t realize is, the way to drive in that is to stay home. I have an SUV – three of them, in fact – and I know that they’re no better on the ice than my VW.
As for being afraid of infection – I don’ fear no stinkin’ infection. Been there, got the cat bite, had the bag of IV antibiotics. Wasn’t so bad.
Harry I checked out the menu on the Stray Cat Cafe. That alone is an invitation. I may depending on circumstances show up down there in February. I truly hope the snow misses you. Eric was scheduled to fly to Natchez, Miss. today. Of course that was cancelled due to weather conditions. He is going to drive back to PA tomorrow. I tried to convince him to stay put, because he has to come over the mountains and they will get about 1 foot of snow. He will be hitting them early evening.
Right now Steeler is asleep. I am suffering from cabin fever. To cold to clean off the Jeep, so I guess tomorrow I will have at least 18 or so inches of snow and ice to clean. I hope this misses Jay. He has to go out in the weather.
Your suv’s belong in the driveway when the roads have black ice. My Commander stays put when there is black ice. Sort of like a Tortie. Just when you think you mastered the drive, you spin out. Never know what to expect.
Bernadette is a walking encyclopedia. I envy her ability to comprehend the genetics of it all.
Bernie, I hope you can make it down here for the February event – it would be so great to get to meet you in person! And wouldn’t a place called The Stray Cat Cafe be the purrfect place for a meeting of at least some of the tortie lover contingent.
Ingrid it would be nice to come down just to meet a few of the folks and enjoy the company.
I checked out where my son is staying to where the stray cat is and it may be makable . Depends on situation here. I will talk to him in about it. I have been to the Wayside inn in Middletown, VA a number of times years ago, when it was a really good place to eat. So I thought I wait to see how my husband is and then make up my mind. You just never know where I may show up.
Bernie, it would be fantastic if you made it down for the book signing. 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Monday Feb. 21. Bring Eric, we’ll send him next door to the Lost Dog Cafe 😉
Jay, I didn’t know the Calico was the official cat of Maryland! I’ll have to look into that more. Wonder if they sell official MD stuffed calico cats? I doubt any state wants to claim the tortie, after that Sarah Palin appearance when the tortie interrupted and ran off the polar bear 😉 (Ok, just kidding, but coudn’t you see that happen?)
Sabrina is on my lap right now – she often comes for a morning cuddle after eating, but I’ve learned that after an initial pat and nose kiss – she’s not to be touched, or she’ll snap at me. Incidentally, she doesn’t have an audible purr. You can feel her vibrate if you put your ear against her, but you can’t hear it outside her body. Instead, she swishes her tail rapidly like a dog when she’s happy. And also when she’s irritated. She’s a puzzle.
Off to work, so I can bail early.
I can see a Tortie runing off a Polar Bear.
New Hampshires motto is “Live Free or Die”.
They might take them as the State Cat
But they might change their Motto to “Get That Tortie away from me”
Hope fo a safe drive to you.
Snow should start later so hope roads will be ok.
DC isn’t that far.
Maybe if I get that Monday off I’ll come down to the book signing.
Love to meet Ingrid and get her book and meet the rest of you.
Jay that is a great idea. Maybe Bernadette would like a trip also. She is almost close enough to me I could drive her. It would be another invasion of the Yankees going south of the Mason Dixon line again, only this time our hands would be extended. Well mine anyway. Don’t want to scare Harry.
You have a pretty direct shot to the south. Mine not so bad. It would be great to get my son there, a dog person. But hey he goes out every day and puts all on the line for us, so we can accept a dog person (actually he sneaks at stroking Steeler) but that all anyone can do with her.
Steeler is still sleeping very soundly on the bed. Her breathing is so light I have to watch her tummy move to make sure she is ok. This is the revenge of the Tortie, or maybe she just needs her sleep for the big game on Saturday. Steelers/Ravens game. The remote will be out of her paws from now on.
I ended up this AM looking at your pics on your Facebook page then I looked at Harry’s on his Facebook page and I thought ok maybe I can go back to sleep. nope did not work. So I decided to read a while. Damn no real sleep.
I checked out the menu at the Stray Cat, it is to say a little unworldly. I know we don’t have any cafe’s around this part of the woods with that type of menu.
We shall see. Maybe we can pull this off.
Harry,
Sabrina a puzzle.
Brooke is a Rubik’s Cube
Are there any inexpensve motel’s next door to the Cat Cafe?
Within crawling distance.
I really want to try some of those mixed drinks. Feral Hiss in particular.
Matbe we can talk them into your Tortie drink
Bernie, are you trying to say that Harry and I are boring and would put you to sleep? 🙂
Going to put up more pics of my roof on FB.
I know Steeler would not touch the remote during the game but might switch at the commercials if a commercial came on with a cat in it.
I was a dog person too until we got Tabby amd I took in Stir.
Now I can’t ever think of not having one. Or them having me.
I checked into motels near Stray Cat – none within walking distance, I’m afraid. And as for the drinks – eat the food and get a craft-brewed diet root beer. (Well, the real beer menu is pretty good, too.) The fancy drinks were disappointing.
Jay I was thinking more in the line of quiet time and pleasant sights while looking at Facebook pages. First yours and your critters, then the roof job. Interesting concept. Harry’s pics were also pleasant. Any excuse for a Teenager not to make their bed works. Rachel’s was pretty good.
I never thought of boring. Just wanted to relax after being awaken by a loud stranger trying to sell something. Steeler is no longer allowed to touch the remote. Especially during the game on Saturday.
Jay cheaper hotels/motels are further out of the Arlington area heading back north. So root beer might be the answer.
Ingrid, I will be a little selfish here. I am setting up a new system, and I thought I had did something major to stop receiving emails from my Tortie owners. When I finally seen this PM that it was a web problem, I sighed and thought Thank God, I did not disrupt my computer system.
I think we should all get together and bring out Torties, or not. Dangerous thought. Cabin fever.
Very Dangerous thought.
I would be so afraid of Stirfry getting hurt or hurting someone else I would be a wreck.
And Cabun fever in Jan ?
What will you be like next month?
Ignore the typos.
Write – proofread – then hit send
Jay, I get cabin fever when I can’t go out and do whatever. It’s not the snow, it’s this horrid cold and wind. Your lungs and airways burn when you are out for a short time. That is how cabin fever sets in. I don’t know what Feb. will bring, but I will take 30 and snow any day over 12 and wind, snow.
Sirfry, Steeler , Kasey, Brooke and we have a feature film. But I would not be in the area to do the filming. However, typical Tortie behavior would probably prevail, and they would all behave as if they were having a loveliest, just to make us look stupid.
Jay, what size are you thinking about? I personally like the Metal, but plastic is fine. I had planned on displaying the signs on my storm doors, so when anyone approached the door, before they ring the doorbell, they would see this sign and maybe think twice. I will go with what the majority says.
Right now Steeler is snoring in her bed, here in the dining room. She had a long night and early day. She will rest not and wake me before dawn.
If this weather doesn’t soon break I think the nation will revolt again the NOAA. The snow, ice, and wind is taking a toll across the nation. I am beginning to thing a trip to Alaska might be a warm spot. Careful being out tomorrow. That is for almost all of you Torties.
Harry and Ingrid, I hear you folks down below the Mason/Dixon line have been bearing the brunt of a major event. My son is down in the area, and he said “these folks don’t know what they are doing in this weather”. So take care.
It actually looks like the storm might miss us altogether and stay just to the east of us before it turns north and hits you guys. The DC area seems to be in some sort of magic snow hole this winter, which is just fine with me!
Ingrid my son is in Gaithersburg, works in and out of DC. He says those folks down there are nuts when snow falls. He tho is now stuck in DC. He is also the dog person who didn’t really like cats, but was caught stroking Steeler while she lay beside his chair. We called him on it and he said “Oh shut up”. But he kept stroking Steeler. But no one even attempts to pick her up, and I seldom do.
Glad the storm is missing you.
I was considering plastic as with the winds I put my sign on the inside of the window.
The miniature horse crossing sign I bought is in metal but that was all they had at the farm show last year. Should I get the red circle with the line thru it?
Steeler must look so peaceful when she snores in her sleep. Looks can be deceiving though.
Jay, I think you have been volunteered to design the sign. The material doesn’t really matter all that much. I would have mine on the inside of the storm doors. So they would get cold and hot (that is if summer ever comes around) but not weather beaten.
Steeler snores a lot. She got up a bit ago and slowly walked over to me at the table and I talked to her, scratched her back, and she walked back over to her kitty bed and is snoring away. I know she will wake me in the very early am. She looks so sweet when she sleeps. She is generally sweet when she awakens. Then she is a real fireball and needs no prompting. She yaks at me a lot and I don’t want to know what she is saying.
I like the sign idea! I only live in an apt so no one besides us would really see one, but that’s okay. I like the idea of the words and the image, I don’t think it necessarily needs the circle with the line through it but that’s just my vote.
Emma snores, too. It’s hysterical.
Kitten, the snoring is hysterical. It is the oddest sound, followed by a long stretch and a very deep sleep. I like the way they curl up in a circle and twist their head, something like a contortionist.
Sure people would see your sign. You just put in in your window, even if your on the top floor. In NYC helicopters come by ever so ofter. Not to mention other tenants in the cross buildings with their telescopes. I at one time lived on Staten Island. Came over to Manhattan very often by ferry before the Verizzano bridge was built.
I am leaving the design up to Jay. He is going to be (volunteer by the majority) doing the work. He probably feels as though he as been drafted.
Bernie, I can now put you in NYC at a particular time by the construction of the Verrazano Bridge. I worked on Staten Island for a few years (on the North Shore at Sailors Snug Harbor, which is now a cultural center) and I bet that part of Staten Island looks pretty much the same as it did in the 50s-60s, as does the ferry. It’s a real time capsule! The freey is one of my favorite NY things, although it was less fun when I had to depend on it to get to work.
Sleeping cats are wonderful. The snoring, the twitching, the stretching, the curl…and then sometimes covering their faces with their paws. Oh look — here’s Emma, yowling for a lap! She knows I’m talking to the torters. She purrs a throaty hello and says to stay safe and warm with the onslaught of snow… I swear she really does know when I’m on this site.
Wow, I’m gone a few hours and see tons of E-mails.Going to sell & trade Camera equipment to a guy who owns a fireworks warehouse and store. As you know, I like things that go bang.
Going to talk a lot here.
Bernadette, love all the cat info. The”kindle of kittens” I never heard of. Guess this is a “Kindle group”. Explains a lot. And as you and Harry said about cantaloupes, I gotta try this on mine. You really are our expert on here.
I would love to see Brooke brought into a store for testing freshness. And better yet see someone trying to tell her she can’t be there. Hope the store sells Aloe plants as they aree good for treating wounds. And maybe tomorrow Sho Fly Pie will be on the cats menu.
Do cat shows ever have Torties entered in them ? I know they are not a breed but a color but wonder if any were ever seen.
Bernie, as cute as Snowflake is, I know that you did the best thing for everyone. You can still visit her and see that she’s getting a wonderful opportunity in life and Steeler doesn’t have to worry about burying a body. And I don’t mean Flakes.
And I know Harry isn’t afraid of us. Once you have handled a Tortie, mere people are nothing to be afraid of. The only thing I fear is infection.
I stopped at the sign place tonight.
What is the vote on signs?
I can just get smaller BEWARE of TORTIES sign or larger plastic signs that say the same thing with a picture of a generic Tortie outline (using Stir’s usual expression) with the red circle and line thru it The guy said yellow background with black outline and red tongue and green eyes & white teeth or the same with a white background.
He can make them in metal or even as a plastic laminate like you put on car windows.
The plastic can have holes in it also.
Lot of info. I don’t care but want other input before ordering. Ingrid/Harry/Bernie/Kitten and anyone else I need input. What sounds best?
I still vote for Stirfry’s photo on the sign (the one you used on the cake). That way, the sign wouldn’t even need words :-)!
Harry, I am sure the girls with long ponytails looked at you years ago while you were driving you VW convertible. However, I bet girls with long ponytails would still look at you driving your VW convertible, only in a different way. I do see the south has and is being hit by a horrid storm. It is due to hit us tomorrow. Take care.
Also found
An interesting example of a mutation that is shared among all felines, including the big cats, is a mutant chemosensor in their taste buds that prevents them from tasting sweetness, which may explain their indifference to fruits, berries, and other sugary foods.[38] In some breeds of cats congenital deafness is very common, with most white cats (but not albinos) being affected, particularly if they also have blue eyes.
Bernie – does Flake have Blue eyes ?
Jay, I’ve heard about the “indifference” to fruit and sweet things before – but I ain’t buyin’ it. My orange tabby Ashley used to come running into the kitchen howling when you cut a canteloupe. Iif he didn’t, you knew you could just throw it out uneaten. I often wondered how to sneak him into the supermarket to select them. May, Vickie’s torbie daughter, will also beg for canteloupe, but not quite with the same sensitivity to ripeness. And my blue tabby Parker was a huge fan of pecan pie – hard to imagine anything sweeter. And my white cat Pearl can hear the rustle of the treat bag three rooms away.
Jay, Snowflake has beautiful green eyes. Still think of her. Wish I could have kept her, but, Steeler is not to be trusted.
I’ve heard about the sweetness factor, and I’m not sure I’m sold on it because I’ve never seen how they did the test. We assume, for instance, that cats and other animals are more or less colorblind because they only have rods, not cones, referring to the cells that perceive black and white and color images respectively, but we can’t ask them if they can see color, and we can’t look through their eyes, so we don’t know. Taste buds? How do we really know what they can taste?
I’ve had a few cantaloupe cats, and many who loved pastries and pies as much as me. There are other ingredients in these, though, that they may be perceiving, such as fat or butter in baked goods, but they eat the whole thing given the chance.
Now here’s another genetic lesson about the relation between white fur, blue eyes and deafness. The mutation that causes deafness is carried on both the gene for white fur and the gene for blue eyes; the mutation means that the gene is missing some information, and it also means that it’s not the common occurence. Because true white fur and blue eye color are both recessive the same as blond hair and blue eyes in humans, the cats must have the genes from both parents in order to have the trait, and that gives them twice the chances of also bearing the mutation that causes deafness, wherein the kitten is born with hearing but loses the sense by the age of about six weeks. If they have both white fur AND blue eyes, the chances are four-fold. That’s very simple, but basic.
Remember that white fur is sometimes a masking gene, meaning it suppresses other fur colors; this is not truly white fur and has nothing to do with the genetic deafness. A cat with truly white fur has pink skin. Where blue eyes are concerned the gene is carried in the same way, as a mutation, though it’s interesting that cats known as odd-eyed, having one blue eye and one yellow or green eye, will sometimes be deaf in only the ear on the side with the blue eye. I won’t go into the genetics of odd-eyed cats here…
I had a Turkish Angora kitty who had true pure white fur and was completely deaf though she had lovely pea green eyes; I met her as a kitten but didn’t take her in until she was one because her owner didn’t want a deaf cat. She was the product of an indiscriminate breeder who liked selling powder puff cats but never warned anyone about deafness.
And Turkish Angoras, for all their lofty beauty, give torties a run for their money in the ‘tude category–they are known for their quick tempers and amazing strength, and cat show judges will often not judge the breed because they’ll likely be ripped apart when they try to handle this lovely pink and white cat. Sally, eight pounds, was the one who literally ripped my clothes off the one and only time I tried to trim her claws, just reached out and ripped the front of my t-shirt with one paw and my shorts with the other and lots of hissing and spitting and yowling–very loudly as she was deaf–then took off. Her anger was short-lived, that was just a warning. I never, ever tried that again; the warning was enough. Except for my black cat, who had literally tamed her somewhat, the rest of the household didn’t cross her path. As long as you weren’t trying to do anything to her, she was a peach.
While wildcats are the ancestral species from which domestic cats are descended, there are several intermediate stages between domestic pet and pedigree cats and these entirely wild cats.
I think Wildcats were decended from Torties.
and
A group of cats is referred to as a “clowder”, a male cat is called a “tom” (or a “gib”, if neutered), and a female is called a “molly” or “queen”. The male progenitor of a cat, especially a pedigreed cat, is its “sire”, and its female progenitor is its “dam”. An immature cat is called a “kitten” (which is also an alternative name for young rats, rabbits, hedgehogs, beavers, squirrels and skunks).
And what does this say about Obsidian Kitten – Immature ??? 🙂
I am definitely a big kid/kitten. And revel in being immature. The fact that I was reaised by cats may explain some of this: http://obsidiankitten.blogspot.com/2006/07/everything-i-know-i-learned-from-cats.html
I also had been wondering if Flake had blue eyes. Emma’s eyes are two slightly different colors and I thought maybe this connected to her losing her hearing. I mean, I’ll never know, but it’s interesting.
I see snow in the forecast but really, it’s not necessary. You guys are too generous.
Kitten, we a a generous society,however, I agree enough snow is enough, and the southern storm is going hit us starting tonight or tomorrow.
As for Snowflake, she is so gorgeous. Her eyes are green. When I held her, after I wrapped her up in a towel, she looked at me and I seen the most beautiful greens eyes, until she felt safe and warm and her head just rested on my elbow and asleep she went. Still have regrets I could not keep her.
Kitten, I love your website and the list of what cats have taught you.
I’m sure Emma reinforces the rules in case you forget.
Thanks! I wager I’d be even better if I got 20 hours of sleep every day.
So much I want to say with all these great threads going on but I’m at the rescue today and have to get back to work.
Kitten who get 20 hours sleep? I am jealous. Steeler is becoming a defective alarm clock. She wakes me anytime several times, then when she sees I can’t fall asleep, she curls up on her pillow, purring like and engine, then snoring/snorting and then falls into a deep sleep. Something is out of whack on this picture.
Jay I read that, or more or less scanned over it. I was surprised at the description of a female cat, as Queen, and I had already heard toms as sires. Now compare that description to female dogs and male dogs, and our cats come way out ahead.
God if this weather doesn’t break soon, we will all be reading and going bonkers.
Jay, you just missed one, and perhaps it refers to all of us–a group of kittens is not only called a litter, but a kindle of kittens. Are we all a little immature? Adds interest to our day.
Good morning, tortie lovers! The Conscious Cat site had some technical problems overnight, and comments that were left after the problems started are showing up on the site, but may not have gone out via e-mail. Everything is back to normal now. Maybe some of the torties got online when noone was looking….
I thought maybe it was the length of my reply (need to learn to edit myself), because it hung up on posting, then told me I’d already posted the same thing, then told me it was waiting for moderation. One of the reasons I haven’t moved to self-hosting yet. Good thing for all of us you’ve got a prompt webmaster!
My webmaster and hosting company are the best! If you ever decide to move to self-hosting, let me know and I’ll pass on his information.
Bernadette you were sorely missed. You are the crowned expert go to person. Harry crowned you and I think we all agree with that assessment. I on the other hand thought you were out under the bridge for some odd reason. Thanks for taking a break and giving such a detailed response. You always keep my head spinning with your vast knowledge.
Hey, gone are the days when people used to laugh and call me a walking encyclopedia, at my age it’s appreciated! Nope, I was here with my cats all along, slaving away at my computer–and still didn’t get the darned e-newsletter done. That’s okay, better not to rush.
As for the car and age thing, I was only kidding. I have a fractious relationship with cars–my father drove a heap and between the cost and the troubles I was never interested in owning a car at all, never intended to until I hit the wall with public transportation when I couldn’t walk or ride my bike, my preferred methods, and jobs were the issue. Got my license at age 23 by purchasing a car (with my father’s help, big mistake), driving it (alone), taking my test and passing. Driving is not rocket science, and really fun out on the highway headed somewhere. Actually, I just retired a white 95 GMC Jimmy that a retiring customer had signed over to me to use for my shows and festivals–great vehicle for this, but huge! It just rusted out, I’ll have to come up with something else by next summer; I used to drive a Taurus wagon, also a great car. I still had my little magenta 95 Escort in my driveway, just needed a muffler and inspection. Towing cars, borrowing cars, repairing cars and walking to my errands were how I spent the holidays. I’ve driven just about everything but a semi, though.
My mother is 86. I’ll let you speculate.
Bernadette, I think you might like the way I give my age ( and yes I still have all my mental faculties). I am currently 28. In the spring I turn 29, when we turn the clocks forward, I age a year. Then in the fall when we turn the clocks back I revert to 28 again. This drives my kids and grandchildren crazy, but they say well it works for her.
You really do have a vast knowledge for us to draw from.
Nona the kitten is bringing out the kitten in Edie Kidie! Or, it’s all the kitten food Edie’s been scarfing…In any case, Edie’s been the most playful I’ve ever seen her! In all honesty, I think her playfulness is jealousy-induced, but whatever gets her fluffy, stinky butt going is fine w/ me. I was using the wand that has catnip fish attached to the end & Edie was flopping side to side on the carpet. *THUD* bat-bat-bat *THUD* bat-bat-bat *THUD*.
Ok, that doesn’t seem to describe “playfulness” but the flip-flopping from side to side was fairly quick. Her & Nona are having NASCAR in my house now…
We want a video of tortie NASCAR!
Tortie Nascar – pedal to the floor and the winner gets a glass of milk.
Hi, all! I’ve been reading messages here and there and seeing my name. Don’t worry, I am still here, focusing very deeply on a large project, two, in fact, and I would not let myself be disturbed unless a kitty needed something important, by my definition of important. My annual poetry reading and art show in three weeks, you’ll see it announced on my FB page or my blog. I always take this quiet time in January to finish off, but the event is usually in February so I’m rather pressed for time.
But to address a very important issue here, is she calico or is she tortie?! I’m not sure who wrote that wiki entry, it doesn’t correspond with anything I’m aware of and there’s another for calicos and it says something a little different. For one thing, I had always understood that “calico” was the larger group and tortoiseshell is the subgroup, much as our torties would disagree, and I had always heard them referred to as “tortoiseshell calico” as opposed to just “calico”. I’ve also heard the specific white marking pattern, the white belly, chest and blaze on the face plus one or more white paws, to be called a calico pattern by more than one vet and breeder, even when only one other color is present. Makes for some complications in definition and I think it may be a case of two countries divided by a common language because things are slightly different in other countries in Great Britain.
“Calico” derives from “Calicut”, a city in India where in the 1700s fabric was woven with large patches of color. This was first compared to a piebald horse, which is generally covered with large patches of color on white, so I would guess the cats with larger patches of color on white were first called “calico”, just a guess, no proof. Tortoiseshell cats do resemble the random mottling of tortoiseshell made into jewelry and household goods; tortoiseshell has been around for a few millennia, who knows who first made the comparison. I would bet the terminology came up separately and one is not a subset of the other. Wonder what they called calicos before the 1700s?
I still like books for reference; they have editors and tend to have their facts checked multiple times. My favorite book from which I first learned these things and still use for reference (though some health and behavior ideas are a little out of date) is “The Book of the Cat” published in London by New Leaf Books Ltd., and in New York by Summit Books (Simon & Schuster). It’s very thorough and has lots of photos, illustrations and diagrams, plus really inspiring (to me) illustrations of cats in action. Of all the cat books I’ve collected since, none equals this in all-around information on breeds and fur and anatomy, though it’s short on health care.
However, to add to our list of links, I found this wonderful page from the University of Miami (Florida) with a fairly clear definition of how tri-colors are genetically put together with some blessedly clear diagrams and illustrations: http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/dox/calico.html. The author explains about “piebalding”, the effect of the white masking gene, and is more or less of the opinion that calicos are one thing and torties are another, but if they have patches of white, they are calicos regardless of how the other two colors form their patches of color. She also has an article about piebalding in animals, but the link in her article doesn’t work, use this one: http://www.bio.miami.edu/dana/dox/zebra.html
I keep intending to post photos of the two sweetest torties on the face of the earth, my Cookie and Kelly, even curled together on my lap. I’ll get to it.
Do I have to catch up on what kind of car I drive and how old I am?
Good night for now, I’m getting back to work!
Bernadette, thank you for the info.
I will be checking out those sites you mentioned.
I know the wiki entry’s can have true and “what people believe” info.
The history of Tortie & Calico names is very interesting. As for Torties being a subgroup I think most of our Torties would say they belong to a separate group entirely as a mere “normal”cat is far beneath them.
We don’t need to know your age or car.
I was just putting some info out there on me so others would know a little of my history and how I got to where I am in life.
Getting Stirfry was a very life-changing event and she has brought me much joy.
And the more I learn about her and her Tortie brethren the more I appreciate her.
You are one of the experts on here (and much of what you say is way over my head – so I am learning) and I thank you for it.
Tabatha with the white is as I expected a Calico.
Guess the white is a calming effect on the attitude.
I don’t think a white hair would be allowed to show up on Stirfry. Be rejected immediately.
She does have white whiskers.
Is there a reason why some cats have white and others black ?
What are the typical Tortie whisker color or is there?
Thanks so much
Jay
Bernadette it is your expertise that was in need. No you don’t need to divulge you age or vehicle.
We were just posturing and enjoying the fact that there is more in common among Tortie folks than just cats.
You missed out on the firearms discussion. Harry said we don’t scare him.
This shows how much you are needed here. Thanks for the info.
Shannah
I saw Emma’s picture on the Concious Cat face book site.
She looks like what I imagine Bastet, ancient Egyptian Cat Goddess, should look like.
Aw! What a sweet thing to say, Glen! I have long been fascinated by Bastet. I would love to share what you said with Emma but of course she already believes she is the center of the universe so I best be careful.
Kasey update;
I was away all day at a motorcycle show in Toronto and this is my first ime at the computer today.
Kasey is doing just fine. I think she is feeling pretty good from having her stiches out and having her teeth cleaned while they were doing the procedure.
She has been doing a lot of full stretching while laying on the floor, something she didn’t used to do a lot.
She has been pretty wild while playing. I started playing with her with a string, something I avoided after she had her stiches.
Before we left for the show this morning, I wore her out by plating with her with a string, she was very active for quite a while before “the batteries ran down”
All in a ll, she seems very happy these days.
Glen, It all good news about Kasey. I know we all have been wanting updates on her. Her stretched must feel really good to her after having those stitches in. I was looking at her picture really close so I could see her coat. Steeler has a heavy coat and it’s not long, but not short either. Your Kasey’s coat looks like hers, in the picture. Does she have a heavy coat and a little longer than a short hair but shorter than a long hair?
“Does she have a heavy coat and a little longer than a short hair but shorter than a long hair?”
That’s an exact description.
A very thick coat, which grows in quickly.
She loves being brushed or combed, which I need to do every 2 or 3 days.
This is ironic since due to poor diet and stress, she had bald patches on her back before I brought her home. This was used by some people at the site to convince their supervisor that she needed to be put down because she was “sick”. They were actually loading her into a truck when one of her “protectors”, a normally quiet fellow dug his heels in and said “just a @#$% minute, there’s nothing wrong with that cat” and he managed to put a stop to it.
Within a month of being here with care, attention and good food, her fur came in thick and colorfull, her protector now works at another one of our sites, when I call there, he always asks “how’s ol kitty” and likes the pictures i have emailed him of her with that thick coat.
Glen thanks for the response. I was looking at the pictures of the Torties on Facebook page and thinking how the fur looks on most of them. My Steeler and you Kasey looked to have a heavier and little longer fur. I know it seems strange to see this and I too have brush Steeler 3or 4 times a day and she like Kasey loves it. Even then she still has this heavy coat. Well at least my eyes aren’t going yet.
Sounds like Kasey is doing great!
Glen,
So glad to hear Kasey’s doing better. The batteries recharge with the normal 20 hours of sleep per day and I bet the stretching feels good to her now that those stitches are out.
How was the motorcycle show. Hw;s the riding weather up there.
Can you ride there in the summer (both days) 🙂
I gave up riding in Oct. Under 65 is too cold for me.
Riding season starts for me around April 15, here. By that time the spring rains have washed the tons of very corossive road salt away and the temperatures are getting better in the daytime.
Prime weather is June, July and August, Sept. is usually good, the bikes get “hibernated”sometime in Nov.
They might be delivering the new Victory Vision 8 Ball this week but it will remain secure in the garage until April.
I forgot to mention, Kasey had one Christmas tree incident a week or so ago.
This was only her 3rd Christmas tree, they don’t put them up at natural gas processing plants 😉
No breakables go below the 2 foot level in this house.
Kasey was under the tree, sitting, a wood/cloth elf decoration was in front of her nose.
She sniffed it, then gave it a quick and heavy swat that sent it about 6 feet into the room, then just walked away like her work was done.
Glen, I love it. I can picture Kasey swatting the elf out of her way. I can just see her strutting away, as if to say, that’s done.
So good to hear she has still got the Tude going on.
Would love to have seen that.
Typical Tortie – Show it who’s boss then walk away. Problem solved Kasey style.
Hahahaha! The everclear-tobasco tortini makes me almost wish I hadn’t stopped drinking!
I posted another pic of my “mutant among mutants” Emma on the CC facebook page. You can really see how much of her shows through as orange tabby. She’s curled up on my lap purring right now. I swear she knows when I’m reading the Conscious Cat. Of course she generally seems to think everything is about her anyways (she’s a cat, after all) but she seems to know something special is up with this particular website.
And y’all don’t need to send NYC anymore snow. We have enough, thanks!
Clearly, Emma knows a good website when she sees one 🙂
Kitten, I have checked out your pics of Emma. She really is a beautiful cat. She sound’s as though she acts like Steeler. When I am on the phone she starts howling me, I don’t know if she thinks I am talking to her, or if she doesn’t like the phone. What I do know is she wants all my attention.
By the way, the snow thingy going on, get set, we are a very generous lot. We will probably be sending a bit more late Tuesday or early Wednesday your way. You don’t have to thank us, we are more than happy to supply NYC with all the snow we can.
God, Grant us the serenity to accept the torties we cannot change, the torties we cannot change, and the wisdom to know the difference! Peace!
Should I rename the site to TLA – Tortie Lovers Anonymous?
TLA – wouldn’t work
Anyone that has come into contact with a Tortie warns others and those of us that are owned by them can’t wait to share their stories with others.
Like others have said – I don’t carry pictures of family but do of my cat.
And because of you site – Stifry is known ( and feared) all over the world.
Jay, you have that right. Just the pic of Stirfry tells me to be afraid, very afraid.
Jay, you’re right. Talking about our torties on the interweb sort of cancels out the whole “anonymous” part…..
TLA – NO
ou got that right Em, Torties will not change. They just make us adapt to them (or else).
Jay you thought yesterday was quiet on here. I told you to wait for Sunday, the highway would be busy. Saturday, I guess was spent at some local stray cat cafes all over.
Stayed up well past my bed time at the Stray Cat Cafe last night – benefit for the rescue. Incidentally, if anyone ever offers you a Feral Hiss, Neuter Shooter, or Meowtini – order a beer. We had a dusting of snow on Saturday – maybe a quarter inch. It was enough to cause a 53 car pile up on the interstate. Might get some more on Tuesday – but it sounds like you folks in Pennsylvania will get the brunt. I wish our weathercasters would admit the obvious – we’re right on the jetstream, there’s no way to ever know for sure, and if you look out your window and it’s snowing – then we’re going to get snow. Stocked in some extra cat food and coffee, so we’re set.
Incidentally, speaking of benefits for the rescue – our own Ingrid has agreed to do a book signing at the Stray Cat Cafe the evening of February 21st. Now that the January event is over, I’ll be cranking up the massive publicity machine on that one (soon’s I figure out where they keep the crank). Bernie, send your son. I’ll have to add a drink to the cat-themed list: The Tortitude. I’m thinking, Everclear and tabasco.
Harry, I didn’t find out about last night’s event until yesterday morning when I saw it on your Facebook page. If I hadn’t already had plans, I would have stopped by. I’m looking forward to our February event – and I hope they do add a Tortitude drink! Hmm, would that be a Tortini?
A Neuter Shooter?! Bahaha! I love it. Idk about tabascco and everclear, my stomach burns @ the thought! I’m trying 2 think of a drink that makes u appear alluring & then all hell breaks loose if some1 looks @ u wrong. Ingrids Tortini is good! Hmm…
How many of you were at the Stray Cat Cafe last evening? Just go for a shot and a beef chaser, like the coal miners did for years. Now there is a group of men to equal a Tortie, at times. I should know, I used to negotiate union contracts for Allied with them. Tough group.
There were probably a hundred or so people at the cafe. My family got there before the festivities and had dinner. (Catsadillas.) I’m now thinking the perfect tortitude drink would be tomato juice (reddish) worchestershire sauce (black) and double tabasco (some ‘tude).
Harrry, can you get a copy of the Stray Cat Cafe menu.
All those names sound fantastic. What are in those drinks. I really want a Feral Hiss (I know I get them every day – but). And I might try making the tortitude drink ( tomato juice (reddish) worchestershire sauce (black) and double tabasco (some ‘tude).
Might keep me warm under that bridge.
Harry the snow is going keep coming until the finger lakes freeze over. Damn lakes!! freeze already.
A Tortie drink that will kick your ass.
Sound right.
Awful quiet today.
Bernie – any update on the snow/ice in the area and anything more on Flake.
Glen – what’s the latest on Kasey ?
A question for Harry , Ingrid, Bernadette and anyone else on Tortie color.
On this site
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoiseshell_cat
the 4th pic down shows a tortoiseshell cat on a fence post.
The coloring to me would be a Calico because of the white paws, chest, belly,chin and nose.
My Tabatha has the same colors – Tortie all over her top and back.
Her pic is in the FB CC photo album.
Now is she a Calico or Tortie ?
Stir – their is no question on her.
I just put up a pic of Dominique (Stirfry’s daughter/Pumpkin’s sister) who is a definate Calico – with distinct patches of color.
The article on Calicos says:
“Calicoes differ from simple tortoiseshell cats in that tortoiseshell cats have black and orange coats with possible patches of white, whereas calico cats have white-based coats with black and orange patches”
Now have I been calling Tabatha a Calico all these years and been wrong or not ?
I’m going to defer to Bernadette on this one. I always thought that if there was white, the choices were calico (if the black and orange were in defined patches) or “tortie and white” if the black and orange were, well, more scrambled. I suspect there’s not total agreement.
I’m going to say she’s Calico because of her disposition.
She loves people, other animals that’s she’s just met and very mellow.
Only hisses at Stirfry (as any sane animal would).
But those pics shure threw me off. From the back and top you would mistake her for a tortie.
Now Stirfry on the other hand. No doubt about it.
TORTIE !!!!!
I think the 4th cat down on the Wikipedia site is a tortie. Even though she has some white, the rest of her is the distinct tortoise-shell coloring, not the splotchy patterning that a calico has. There always seems to be some debate about how much white a cat can have and still be called a tortie.
Bernadette may have a better answer for us.
Jay, I was looking at the pics on the Facebook pages and there is a cat named Shamrock that looks exactly like your Tabatha. It could be one and the same one. My granddaughter had a cally and her coloring was large patches of black, white, and orange. Nothing on Tabatha looks like her cat.
Bernadette where are you?
Bernadette are you out under that bridge today? Harry and Jay aren’t in a hurry right now, the weather is to cold.
Bernie, I found out last night that the Steelers were not playing today.
Talked to a customer wearing a Steelers Jersey and told them about you and Steeler then asked who they they playing. Found you have a day off.
And now you say Steeler is bored because she doesn’t have those 2 outside cats to bother her.
Right the steeler’s have a buy week, but I am still watching the playoff’s. Seen the Ravens win and we have to play them next Sunday. It is going to be a battle of the Gladiators.
Steeler is bored. No action outside. So she is yakking away at me, for what I don’t know.
Bernie, we did get snow off and on today.
About 1 to 2″. But roads were clear all day.
Now high winds and blowing across the roads. Could be icy tomorrow.
Jay, we had our 2 to 3 early AM by noon it stopped. But it’s bitter cold here. I don’t want or need the winds. We had the black ice yesterday AM and early PM with the wind. It would be nice for you if you could just stay in tomorrow, with Stirfry and Company, and watch the playoff games. Steeler and I watched football this afternoon into the night. Of course she said huh, why don’t they play the Tortie? She watched when the voices changed or certain commercials seem to make her watch. She has no outside influences to bother her so I think she is bored and decided to just sleep. It has been a very quiet night here. I’m thinking most of the Tortie buddies are tired or worn out from the cold. It will probably be a busy highway tomorrow. No Steelers game.
Awful quiet on here tonight.
No more news on Kasey ?
Bernie, sorry for the mistake on the RR .
My memory went back as soon as I read that.
Glad your sons will handle the car issue.
I belong to the NRA but never had all the money at one time to become a life member ( but over the last 30 years it would have paid for itself).
The “older folks” remark I was hoping you would skip over. Damn – got to lock the doors and put Stir on alert.
Going to work now so have fun tonite.
Hope more updates on Kasey.
Almost 10 am
Glen should be getting the good news abut Kasey.
I will be leaving to visit friends (and Damn, it’s snowing) so hope to hear all the details when I get back.
Kasey is fine.
The stitches came out, no problems. She was very well behaved at the vet, actually acted not diffent than is she was being brushed (a departure from standard tortie procedure, for sure).
Both the tech and the vet said the area had healed up very well.
Now she just has to grow the fur back, which with her, should only take until the first week of Feb.
YES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good news
LOots of treats for her and give cat rubs from everyone here.
Glen Great news. Now our buddy can get back to being her old self again. Hope all stays well. Why do Tortie’s seem to behave for the vet? Then give us payback later.
So glad to hear everything went well (even if Kasey gave torties a bad name by being so well-behaved at the vet’s 🙂 !)
Torties never do what we expect do they.
So glad 2 hear Kaseys ok! I LOVE when vets & techs comment on how sweet Edie is. “She’s not like a regular tortie” they say. They fail 2 see the scratch wounds all over my arms!
Edies howling thru the house right now. Usually lil Nona goes pouncing after her 2 see what’s up but N’s sleeping. And, I think Edie’s cried wolf 2 many times now. Nothings up! She’s bored & wants attn! Stinker!
Like Ingrid said “gave torties a bad name by being so well-behaved at the vet’s”
Trying to improve their reputation.
So glad to hear Kasey healed up so well! Emma started yowling, then came running when I began typing this so (I gather) she is sending her best wishes, too. Maybe you should market that magic roasting pan!
Em, glad to see you on here. Missed ya.
What’s the latest on Edie Kidie?
So Bernie is a former Tortie – I better watch what I say now (like that will happen)
She does keep the State Police on their toes, and laughing while they replay the APB of “woman in PJ’s in the snow calling for a Snowflake”. The probably spill their coffee and drop their donuts over that one.
You know, I was going to say that Bernie had the ‘tude. No wonder Steeler moved in with her. She’s family.
Harry and Jay, we cats stick together. You youn’uns will learn that.
Harry the two cats are nowhere to be seen. I think the word is out, a free meal and blanket at the Stone House, sleep over, drive that indoor cat nuts, then go home. So I am glad to see there are not any little prints in the snow. We did get hit again. I know Jay was to be hit also. Eric could not come back from DC this Friday due to weather. Good thing, he would have been called right back.
Harry your right on about my tude. Long before Steeler moved in, I have been know to have attitude and passed it on to the grandchildren when they stayed here. Their moms would say it takes 2 weeks to get that attitude out of them. Well, this brings me back to Steeler, as I said I have had attitude for years, hence I have had a personalized license plate reading Atitud-1. So I guess it was meant to be for Steeler to pick me. By the way, don’t be scared, we would never hurt you, we will let the Torties do that.
Edie Kidie is currently a “snowflake”. She’s covered in dandruff! Any1 else have a lil head
n shoulers action goin on? She has a fish oil additive for her dry food that prevents this but I guess ’tis the season for not wearing black.
Tabatha (my calico) has dandruff. I noticed when I brushed her a few days ago. The others don’t seem to. Never thought about fish oil in her food. Did a vet recommend that?
And how much do you put in?
Does it give them fish breath ???
Haha no fish breath, no odors at all. It was vet rx’d & it comes in a pump bottle so she gets 1/2 a pump/squirt a day & she’s silky smooth. I was worried she had a more serious malady than dandruff when I 1st got her, called eionosiliphilic plaques (yes, spell check that 1). This fish oil has made all the diff. Her dry food is salmon based too.
What brand food is that.
Mine eat Purina for senior cats.
All of my cats used to get dandruff over the dry winter months, until Allegra. The only thing I’m doing different with her is that I’m feeding her mostly raw food. She has the shiniest coat of any cat I’ve ever had, she barely sheds, and so far, no dandruff. It must be the food.
The fish oil should definitely help, Em.
Oh, and as for Jay’s question about the odor: I take fish oil capsules myself, and so far, noone has complained about any fishy odor 🙂
Steeler has the bad breath problem, but no dandruff. I brush her every day and no dandruff, but she has a very heavy coat of hair.
Ingrid I take fish oil capsules also, like you I have had no complaints.
Edie gets ProPlan Selects by Purina. Although l8ly, she prefers kitten food. She’s like the jealous sdibling who’ll crawl in2 the crib that she’s too big for & scream for attn. Poor Nona tiptoes around her, figurativly & litrally bc EK is a Jekyll n Hyde to her; I want 2 play, but on my terms! I want 2 cuddle, but only if I can “cuddle” on ur face, etc.
Jay, never underestimate we mature folks. As for my Tortie, she is on her pillow beside me, and ever so often she reaches over and claws my shirt sleeve just for a forehead kiss, then she turn in a ball and goes back to sleep, (until the early dawn that is). I still enjoy target practice at the pistol range and down on my son’s land. Drive the lawn (20hp) tractor to cut an acre or so in the summer and drive a Commander (hemi). So age is ,in my opinion just a number, and I don’t want to end up the the old folks. I am also known and admonished by the boys about waiting for deep snow and going out driving just because my jeep will. Drives them nuts.
I think Bernie is a tortie, incarnate! Good for you for keeping spry; target practice, off roading thru the terrain & keeping the state patrolers on their toes. Kudos to you!
Em, I don’t know about an incarnate tortie, maybe a cheetah. I have always liked the big cats.
Haven’t heard from you lately, good to hear you are back.
Bernie we each have something in our Torties that the other wants. You said Steeler is not a lap cat and I would love to have Stir sleep with me and snuggle up. I do have Pumpkin that does that but I am lucky if she sleeps anywhere on the bed.
And I am impressed that you like to shoy and offroad – WITH A HEMI !!!.
Driving you kids nuts is a great hobby.
About me –
I like to shoot and collect exotic weapons -Swords – (Stirfry with one would be scary Harry), Guns – Full Auto, Silenced and other unique guns, am restoring my 69 RS Camaro that I bought back in 1979 for $700 for daily transportation, Ride my Harley (80 Sporster)
, camping and collect animals (Mini Horse (Harley), Mini Donkey (Buell), Boer goat (Nutmeg), of course my 3 indoor cats and numerious outdoor cats, possums, skunks, chipmunks, squirrels,fox and deer I see in my backyard.
I live in Lancaster County home of the Amish where tourists are amazed with them and to me they are just neighbors.
I hate cold weather and want to relocate to Ariz or New Mexico.
Just a little background info.
Jay
Jay, everyone share something in common, especially people who work hard. I worked for years and retired from Allied (now Honeywell). Taught 3 boy to shoot, hunt and fish,and and overall respect for life. My son Eric took me to what is referred to as the cop shop, in October, I wanted to try out a new hand gun. Well, I ended up now getting a new weapon, because I couldn’t pull the charge. We tried out every gun in the shop(or it seems). Ended up keeping the ones I have.
Odd you mention restoring a 69 RS Camaro, my husband was in the process of restoring a 64 1/2 Mustang with. It has the all original engine with only 67,300 miles on it. I was going to finish it but I think I will just end up putting it up for sale. We also have a 59 RR silver cloud. My husband collected many things throughout the years and is well known in Western PA, but when illness struck many things changed.
I can look out my back windows and see all the nature’s critters you mention. At one time we fed the birds in the back, but quit because 1 deer wasn’t bad, but then on evening we had 27 and that was way to much to deal with so we quit.
So when someone sees an older person, beware, it may be a gun toting granny driving a Jeep Commander Hemi.
Bernie , I am impressed.
Always interesting to find out info on people and put a face and background to a name on the internet.
My 2nd car was a 65 Mustang Coupe 289 V-8
I loved that car. Added a 70 Mach 1 Mustang a few years later the traded them both for $1100 on a new 78 Cobra II
Now both cars would go for $25,000 each.
2 years later I totalled the car in a street race (drinking was involved).
I have learned better now.
Bought the Camaro as transportation.
The Mustang you have is very valuable so if you do sell it contact a local Mustang club. You will get top dollar as they can fix you up with contacts of buyers. Careful on E-bay but that has the most global coverage.
Is yours the Coupe or the Fastback?
If ya ever get chance the Carlisle Fairgrounds holds car show thu out the Spring, Summer and Fall. I got to most of them but the Ford show has hundreds of cars for sale and show. And lots of buyers and restorers. http://www.carsatcarlisle.com
That RR Silver Shadow was always my dream car. The newer ones don’t even come close to the class and styling of the older ones. I saw one back in the 70’s and was waiting for him to start it. He started backing up and I never heard it start up or accelerate. Soooo Quiet. Ever since I have wanted one. As soon as I hit the lottery I will 🙂
I am very respectful of older folks (I was brought up that way) but they do believe in carrying guns. Just yesterday on the news and older gentleman was threatened by 2 young punks.
He pulled his gun, shot their tires out and held them for the police.
And a woman that can handle a Tortie definately should not be messed with.
Jay my mustang is a coupe-289 V8 – 4 barrel. The RR is a 59 Silver Cloud not the Silver Shadow.
You are right on the quiet engine on the RR. You cannot hear it start or engine running. These are my husband’s tinker toys. He enjoyed driving the RR for fun, yes just for fun. I would not ride when he took it out on the road. It attracts to much attention and he would stop and talk to anyone. He is a friendly guy. I on the other hand did not like all that attention. Even today when someone comes here, I usually hear is that a RR out there. I simply say sure.
When I decide to put them on the market, my sons will handle that. I don’t like strangers coming around. Might have to defend my right to bear arms.
You would be amazed at the number of folks that are licensed to carry a firearm. Only criminals go unlicensed. By the way I am a Lifetime member of the NRA.
Not your typical mom or grandmom.
That is why when I took Steeler in to live with us, my family could not believe I would have a cat. (never had one, ever). Now that they have come to know her, they know It was her decision where she was going to live.
If I ever see you, your older folks remark, just may be on my mind(:)
You folks don’t scare me. I hunted and shot when I was younger, then decided I didn’t like killing animals – but I know my way around a fire arm and have a safe full that belonged to my father. Whenever I drove his car I had to remember to remove the 9mm from the console, as I’d never gotten around to a concealed carry permit. I might be the only gun-owning Eagle Scout liberal democrat animal rescuer you’ll run across. As for vintage cars, I love ’em but don’t have the time. I have a 21-year old VW Rabbit convertible with 55.000 original miles on it that I bought new and take good care of – that’s as close to vintage as I can get right now. And obviously, I’m not too concerned with my macho image to be driving a VW Rabbit convertible. You know what Bernie would say – don’t judge a book by its cover.
Harry you don’t have to shoot to kill animals. I don’t hunt but I taught my sons how to handle weapons, and was one of the 1st woman to belong to the mens fish and hunt club. That is where I took the boys for them to learn how to respect firearms.
I enjoy the target shooting and the knowing I can handle a weapon if I have to.
I can picture a 52 yr old driving a VW convertible. I have also seen 80 yr.olds driving a Ferrari. So what’s the deal? I even ride quads with my grandchildren. Trust after a day on the trails you would know you were riding for about a week. But it is nice. Eric has 62 acres of wooded land to use.
You are right, you never judge a book by it’s cover, especially if the cover is missing.
The car I learned to drive was a 65 Mustang (just a V6, not a fastback or a 289 or even a convertible) but it was twenty years old then and already a classic. I loved that car and wound up totalling it one day pulling out of our driveway. Thank God drinking wasn’t involved (although I would drink plenty later and be forced to give that up eventually! I know all about using up several of my 9 lives…) I love hearing you guys talk about cars even though now that I live in NYC I don’t have one (or need) anymore.
Where in Lancaster Co. are you, Jay? My entire family is from that area (York-Lancaster Co)…I spent a lot of time with my grandmother in Dallastown (even though I grew up in Georgia). I love that part of the county. I’m a real city girl now but I miss the country there, especially Roots and Green Dragon Farmers Markets, which we used to frequent. Best food in the world right there, between the chicken pot pie, the chipped beef gravy and the shoofly pie. Mmmm!
Harry, how is your head feeling tonight?
Harry, like you I can’t see hurting an animal. But if survival was a stake a deer (or next door farmers Steer) would be dinner. As for the Rabbit I am presently paying for a 2008 VW Rabbit that my son bought then decided to go to school for a degree.
I make the payments so he can.
I only made it to Life Scout. Had all the stuff done and plenty of merit badges except 1.
Swimming was required and I could not. Doggy (or cat) paddle is as far as I can go.
Your a Liberal and I’m a far right wing Independent. Nothing agaist liberals (my sisters a lawyer for the state and very liberal (and I love her). But she is against guns where I am a small army.
And Kitten – same here – gave up drinking after to many accidents and close calls.
And as far as NYC. When I was there with my girlfriend driving I had my eyes closed half the time. Those cab drivers are NUTS !!!!
Learning the subway but get lost a lot. It is fun though.
Big cities scare me. I love the country and anything with more than 20 houses is too crowded for me.
Love visiting NYC on bus trips but could not live there. You’d find me living in Central Park near the zoo.
I live near Ephrata Pa
Green Dragon is 10 minutes away (but 5 if I’m driving).
My ex lives 2 blocks away over the hill towards Ephrata.
look up 180 W. Mt. Airy Rd.
Stevens Pa 17578 on a google maps or http://www.satelliteviews.net/my-house.htm
Yu can see my house and pasture in the back.
I am going to Roots this tuesday.
I had a 65 Mustang Coupe with the 289 and a 66 Mustang Coupe wth straight 6 and 3 speed (unsynchronized) Bitch to learn how to drive stick on).
All told had 7 Stangs the bought an Escort. Never had a Ford since.
Hahhaha! Jay, I can’t swim, either. Well, doggy/cat paddle. I don’t understand why people do it “for fun” — to me it is at best a survival skill, like CPR. I hate water…but I was raised by cats so maybe that explains it.
I know where Ephrata is. And boy, I sure wish I could go to Roots with you tomorrow! Whenever we’d go I’d get a Shoofly Pie for lunch. I love that part of the country. NYC is crazy (I live in Queens, it’s a little quieter here) but it’s really grown on me. My entire family thinks I’m completely nuts and they’re probably right.
When I learned to drive that 65 Mustang my parents were in the process of restoring it and it was almost impossible to shift. But I’m always glad I learned on it b/c compared to that anything else is easy to drive! Here in the city I don’t have a car which is great…especially when it snows!
Spouse and I lived on a farm in central Michigan for 4 years (he’s a born and raised NYC boy) but were both homesick for NY. I did enjoy having llamas and raising chickens and 2 Icelandic sheep, though. Can’t really keep a menagerie like that in a 1-bedroom apartment, unfortunately. I miss the animals but as for the snow and the mowing and all the rest I’m better off in the city.
Bernie, I know you don’t have to kill when you shoot. I kept up competitive shooting, long after I gave up hunting. Eventually, other interests got in the way. As for the VW, as a friend said when I bought it, “only little girls with ponytails drive Rabbit convertibles.” Indeed, in my younger days, it attracted a fair share of girls in ponytails – so there. It hadn’t been run since November – they’re predicting snow again, so last night I backed it out to the driveway and ran it a few minutes.
Jay, “liberal” is too broad a label, as I’m sure you realize. Especially for me, I’m an enigma when it comes to politics, I’m actually all over the map. But one thing we all agree upon – we love our cats. I think we should give everyone in the House and Senate a tortie, put them on this blog for a week, and then go talk about compromise and working together.