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
Some day I will proof read what I write before I post it.! Someday
Yea, me too.
Always see the mistakes 10 milleseconds after you hit”submit comment”
Jay your right. Then we are stuck. Earlier I responded to Ingrid on the vanishing post, and after I hit the submit key, a notice came up in pink and told me I had a duplicate post. I just looked at it.
Went back to look and there was no other post there. Gremlins in the system. So what do you say we start to just say “the gremlins did it” when our spelling and grammar is not up to par.
I arrived home a bit ago. After spending time with Steeler and trying to convince her she should pull her load around here, she settled down for a nap. The rest is up to me to do. So much for her working.
I hope the little kitten heals well with no complications. It is always hard to say why something goes awry with some kittens/people and others do fine. It would be nice for her to have a real home waiting for her as she gets better.
Ingrid, I read that about the kittens on the Terrible Towel, with all this going on with the Torties and honorary Torties, the Steelers should be able to shred the packers packs and bring home the trophy. Time will tell.
Harry, how is Rachel doing today. Is she going to see the kitten again so as to put her mind at rest that the kitten is going to be ok barring infection. It would probably help her handle the trauma of seeing that incident.
Jay, getting the bosses to plow, was a bust. Well don’t feel bad, I can’t even get Steeler to just sit down, when she is wound up.
I was talking to a vet today about Steeler and why she can’t jump. She said that it is most likely a pelvic injury that had occurred and had not been treated. She suggested x-rays. I said no. I don’t want Steeler to have to undergo any treatment as long as she shows no distress. Believe she is not in and distress, now her servant on the other hand is going to be stressed out with her. She gives me a lot of attitude when I come home, after leaving her alone for a while.
Bernie – Rachel is doing a bit better. I’m sure it’ll be a long time before she gets the vision out of her head. Yes, we will visit Flexy when she’s a bit further into her recovery.
I agree about Steeler – she’s able to get around and if you and the vet think she’s not in pain, why put her through tests and potentially surgery with a long recovery necessitating caged confinement?
Harry, I am sure with your help and other volunteers Rachel will be ok. It hard to see something of wrong especially in such a small innocent kitten, but her healing should heal Rachel.
I have no intention of letting any one work on Steeler. It was a conversation we had about Steeler not jumping, that brought that out. I have seen Ingrid has a window seat for Allegra to look out, and I seen that crazy flying saucer Pumpkin had a window seat also. I mentioned that it would be nice if Steeler could be able to get up on a window seat to look outdoors. She can only look thru the side door glass and it is red. Not much to view, until a cat comes there to eat, because that is where I place food for the visitors. This way Steeler can lie on the floor and watch them.
Bernie, typically with old pelvic injuries, there’s nothing that can be done, so I’m not sure that x-rays would really tell you anything you don’t already know, which is that Steeler can’t jump. If she does have an injury, it’s more likely that she’ll get arthritis (which is something that would show up on x-rays), and a glucosamine chondroitin supplement could help with that, especially if it’s in the early stages. It probably won’t make her jump, but it might help keep her comfortable longer. I like the Cosequin for Cats brand. It’s a capsule that you can just sprinkle over food and mix in, and it’s chicken flavored, so cats accept it readily.
As for the torties earning their keep: I’d say they’re doing it just by keeping us entertained 🙂
Ingrid, thanks. I just made a note of that. The best part of that is the work “sprinkle”. I get to keep my fingers.
Torties earning their keep, your right about they are doing it just by being here. Right now I will only write nice things about Steeler, because she is right here looking at the letters on the screen and I don’t want to make her angry. For all I know she may be able to read!!!!
Bernie, you did see Stirfry reading the CC blog.
She’s checking to see what I wrote about her.
And when she see’s that I wrote how bad she was, she looks at me and says “those are just the things you know about”
Let’s just hope Steeler and Stirfry don’t start communicating with each other or we’re screwed.
Jay I did see Stir reading the CC blog. I seen the mouse to. I laughed and could picture you reaching for the mouse and getting to the ER for digit reattachment.
I wonder, do they read, we could be in for trouble Big Time.
I remember seeing Ingrid’s Allegra sitting beside the computer on the desk too, I wonder!!!!!!
As for the torties earning their keep: I’d say they’re doing it just by keeping us entertained
Your right there, between My Stir and the stories of all the other Torties, I look forward to comming home every day to see what they have been up to.
Geez we are blushing. Between Stir and the other Torties, what safer place to be. Wait a minute, let me rethink that!!!!
In regards to old injuries, Kasey has the same problem, she can’t jump.
Perhaps due to a pre-rescue encounter with a critter or one kick too many from someone.
The vet said not much could be done. She is an indoor cat so she doesn’t have to be able to jump, she has her heated bed (“the roasting pan”) and gets her glucosamine pill daily, a big event because it gets wrapped in a piece of cheese.
Maybe Steeler would like a heated cat bed…
Glen you had mentioned that Kasey couldn’t jump before when I first mentioned that Steeler does not jump. I always felt bad, because I know both our little ones had been abused. The jumping started bothering me when I see Ingrid’s window seat and the friend’s of mine who own a Tortie called Pumpkin and Harry has a post that Brooke was up on watching the construction crew.
I don’t have any low windows for a seat. I would like to enlarge Steelers world but I would be afraid if I built a contraption for her to look out the window, she might get scared and attempt to jump off and get hurt. I really would like to give back some to the abuse to the person that did that hurt her like that. I know you would like to do the same for Kasey.
Listen to me, encouraging violence. Never mind, I mean it, I could do harm to a person that hurts innocent pets.
I tried Bernie’s idea of getting a cat to plow the driveway.
Tabatha did a great job and she works for tuna.
I put a can of Tuna on a stick and put it in front of the plow.
Stirfry bit the stick in half and grabbed the can and ran inside.
No way was I gonna take it away from her after watching her open the can with a claw.
Luckily Tabatha didn’t see that and finished the driveway before getting her can.
“Cats are amazing – the last report I had, as of about midnight last night, was that Flexy was up and perky.”
Yeah, our big orange guy, Taz, was about 12 weeks old when we found him, he was a throw-awy, drop-off.
He is 12 years old, now.
He showed up with a mangled, gangerous tail and an infection in his mouth, the vet said he likely would have died in a day or so.
Hopefully Flexy has a similar recovery.
They amputated his tail to lynx or bobcat length and shot him full of antibiotics.
In 36 hours he went from near death to running ragged, the two “old girls” we had at the time. Didn’t seem to miss the 3/4’s of his tail at all, he drove them crazy.
Darn, i wish I could edit, the “Hopefully Flexy has a similar recovery.”was supposed to be the last sentence.
Harry, did the mixed Persia make it?
Bernie – the Persian is still in transit, delayed by the weather. She’s now supposed to arrive Monday. I found out today that she’ll need to be spayed, so it will be a few more days before we can take her, and I won’t be bringing her to an event for at least a week after her spay. We had a horrible night tonight – almost had a cat die. A 5 month old kitten (and her brother) were at the event, we were going to foster them until the Persian arrived – the kitten was spayed about 2 weeks ago. Midway through the event, her incision burst open and most of her internal organs came out. Thank god there’s a vet clinic in the Petsmart and at 8 p.m. the vet was still there. He was able to put her out, put her back together, and close her up. My daughter is still hysterical, but at least, if there’s no infection, the kitten should survive. She’s still hospitalized, obviously, and we did not bring her brother home – just too traumatized tonight. I had a beer and am going to bed.
Harry, that is horrible. Rachel must be traumatized. What a horrible thing to happen. I do hope no infection sets in and she recovers. I hope you and Rachel also recover from this.
Well for someone, like you, that gives so much of his time to help these rescued cats, I can say I admire the work you and now Rachel do so unselfishly.
Get some rest.
Harry, my heart dropped when I read about that poor kitten.
So glad a vet was available. And I can see how both you and Rachel were traumatized. I would have been. My prayers to you all , especially that little kitten.
In all my years in the veterinary profession, I’ve never heard of an incision dehissing so completely that all the organs came out, especially after so much time had already passed since the spay. Thank God that vet was still there. Let us know how the kitten does.
Apparently, she didn’t scar over, and when the stitches dissolved… I’d never seen it that bad either. Poor Rachel slept on our floor last night. Still, it could have been so much worse, if she hadn’t been with us right then, if the vet hadn’t been there… Without placing any blame, I will say that the rescue spays are sometimes a bit assembly line, but there’s no affordable alternative. And certainly, an incident this severe is extremely rare. We’re all holding our breath… and one of the people who assisted last night has already asked to adopt her.
Good news that she has a forever home. Keep us posted on her health.
Someone was surely watching over her that people were around and a vet was on hand.
But I am sure that sight has effected everyone present.
I saw her name is Flexy. Should be Lucky.
Wow, that’s reaqlly bad, not much else to say except I hope everything turns out well.
I can imagine how traumatic seeing something like this had to have been. If this had happened overnight, I doubt she would have survived. I love that the kitten already has a home after she recovers – hopefully, that will help Rachel recover, too. From the kitten’s perspective, the good news, if there is any, is that she probably went into shock and didn’t feel much, if any pain.
I understand that rescue spays can be a bit of an assembly line operation, but it’s such a simple surgery, there’s just no reason for vets to cut any corners (not saying that that’s what happened, but an extra layer of stitches might have prevented it).
Ingrid, I hope the vets know about this now and will put in those extra layer of stitches. Hopefully this will never happen again and it’s a learning experience for them. I know no Vet would ever want this to happen to an animal. They became Vets because they love animals.
Thanks, Glen. They’ll keep her in the hospital a few days to monitor for infection. After that, we have one of our best fosters lined up, and I do hope that the volunteer will adopt her.
Jay – I think the issue is more the use of dissolving stitches, instead of ones that need to be removed, which would require a second visit but would enable a determination that healing wasn’t adequate. I will zip my lip before I say anything else in a public forum.
Ingrid – she went into shock pretty quickly, and I don’t think she really knew what was going on. Cats are amazing – the last report I had, as of about midnight last night, was that Flexy was up and perky.
Myron, I seen you posted about your cats also being big Steeler fans. You make sure you get those terrible towels for the one that are not black and gold. What is your Tortie’s name and the other kittens? Could you post some pics on Conscious Cat Facebook for us to see them in full dress.
I am a huge Steeler fan, and my cat is named Steeler and most of the Tortie friends here are supporting my Steeler, even tho some are not football fans, they are supportive and put up with me and my unrelenting post of Steeler and the Super Bowl.
Still have flurries coming down.
It’s snowed on and off all day long. Got about 1″
Put food out around 5 and just looked now. Someone ate it.
Grease ice buds/sleet mild coming down. But now accumulation. Calling for 1-3″ thru Sat PM. No big deal.
Well Steeler is still playing alarm clock kitty. I had to go get the jeep inspected this AM and she was right on me. That left hook is really accurate.
Took time to visit while I was out and look at all the downed trees on the country roads. What a shame.
Backyard is now the playground of the birds. But that woodpecker is going to be put on a diet if it does not leave the doorbell alone.
Bernie, I guess the snooze button doesn’t work on your kitty alarm clock.
Clawed and bitten fingers are a real wake up.
I just came in from shoveling more snow. About 1 ” on the ground and some still left on the driveway.
It was real quiet outside but I could hear a woodpecker.
Luckily I was in scouts and learned morse code.
It was asking about a house below Pittsburgh that’s supose to have the tastiest doorbell.
I gave him directions. Should be there soon. 🙂
We will all be praying for you Bernadette and your kitties know your upset and are showing their love for you.
Our rescued cats I know are told ever day how lucky they are and how much we love them.
Harry does way more that I could by fostering even more cats.
Everyone, thanks for your wonderful thoughts. The reading went very well and this evening starts the viewing. I can tell you I’ve been getting a lot of attention from my kitties, especially my Cookie, my best friend. I’m glad everyone got through the storm okay, and as long as everyone’s safe, just look out the window and enjoy it, and tell all your rescued kitties how lucky they are!
I’m so glad the reading went well. I’ve been thinking about you all day today. So happy to hear the kitties, and especially Cookie, are taking good care of you. Be gentle with yourself.
Bernadette I too have had you in my thoughts all day. The strength of character shown by going on with your poetry reading, with family around you, is nothing short of an amazing daughter.
What better way to honor your Mother.
Please remember Cookie is there waiting for give you some TLC and so are your other little ones.
I know the rescued cats we have and have heard about are telling us how lucky we are to have them.
Try to rest and remember you are in so many people’s thoughts and prayers.
Allegra had a fun day watching the goings on at the birdfeeder. I’m sore and tired. Maybe I need to get a Jeep and skip the shoveling!
Ingrid, soreness is part of the winter experience. It took me a long time to decided enough already. I have a driveway, that is u shaped that enter the far end of the property up and around the house and back out the opposite side of property, so about 700′ of driveway. I use a jeep commander and just drive thru it. No problem. Also it hauls a lot of things in the back.
And I thought I had a big driveway.
Mine goes up hill 200′ the circles into a 6 car lot. My Saturn only made it 3 car lengths before the studded ties said “no way”. I could use a jeep.
Had an 89 GMG Jimmy that rusted out and I sold last year. It to would make it thru most storms but I get northern winds and 4 to 6′ drifts happen at the turn. Can’t plow thru that.
On the way home last night I stopped at Turkey Hill (the local convience store). Talked to 2 guys on snowmobiles that were running up main street. Best thing for out there.
I know they are calling for snow tomorrow morning. Are you getting it now ?
I saw Bernadette is doing a poetry reading tonight. Hope she is safe and home now or soon.
Jay I seen Bernadette is having her poetry reading tonight with a special poem she wrote to honor her mother. It has to be a very difficult time for her, but she is showing how much loving someone can pull you through anything. I admire her courage and compassion.
Yes my driveway is very long. I don’t have plows come in because they have did more damage than it was worth. I purchased the Jeep Commander with a hemi engine with ATV tires back in 2007. I just needed a vehicle to haul my husband’s wheelchair and other equipment, and this was ideal. I also was able to get him to medical help at a minutes notice regardless of the weather. Now I would be lost without the ability to just go. I took Steeler to the vet in it. It does not impress her. That talk I had with her,well you and I both know that was a waste of energy.
Torties do not pay attention. They may listen, but they do not pay attention. So I guess her early AM antics is something she will continue until she thinks up something else.
No snow here yet. Just colder weather. The Saturn sits to low for the kind of snow you just had. Studded tires I always swore by, until this vehicle.
Snowmobiles on the main drags. Good idea. You need to get one to out to the fields for your critters and take Stir with you.
By the way go to WTAE and look up ulocal and look for the headings most view/ most comments. On the most comments pictures Stirfry and Steeler are together for the very first time. It is quite a contrast in style. It is worth looking for.
Did anyone hear how Harry faired? He was pounded also. Did his new furry friend arrive?
Sorry Bernie – not ignoring you. I’ve just been busy working all day (at home). Many tales today of people who took 6 – 10 hours to get home last night. Our friend we were tracking got home well after 2. I’m very grateful I can telecommute when I need to. We got about 8″, and my previous back surgery gets me a “get out of shoveling” card. Tomorrow – back to the real world.
The weather has delayed the Persian’s transport. I’m hopeful we’ll still get her, and get her in time for tomorrow’s adoption event. We could take another cat, but as we tentatively reenter the foster world, I’m reluctant to take a cat that might be with us for a while – that’s how we got in trouble several times before. The Persians seem to have short tenure…
Glad your friends got to their destinations safely. I hope the mixed Persian makes it to you in time. Otherwise you may have a foster child for a while.
I only shovel when the mailman has to deliver a package. Otherwise I just get in the Jeep and go.
I let Mother Nature take away most of what she put here.
Two and a half hours of shoveling, and I’m finally done. One of my big pine trees took a beating, a lot of large branches down. But we have power, hot tea, and Allegra is having fun watching the birds. It’s all good.
That’s the way it should be.
Allegra being entertained by the birds and you relaxing.
2 1/2 hours and the driveway is done using the snowblower. Now I have to do my deck.
Thought I heard thunder but it was a ton of snow sliding off the barn roof.
I came in to dry off and warm up.
Stirfry was talking to me and I asked her why she wasn’t helping. She gave me a dirty look and jumped off my lap hissed at Tabatha and left the room. Guess that wasn’t the right thing to ask.
Drinking chocolate milk and catching up on my mail.
Bernie, good that you don’t have to go out today and let me know how your “Steeler talk” goes. Hope you have better luck. Torties are hard headed and don’t take criticism well.
Jay it’s good to hear that you have made progress. As far as Stirfry is concerned she wants nothing to do with the hard work, are you nuts.
I talked to Steeler this AM after they cancelled my inspection. Went bad to get a couple of extra winks. No sense talking to her. She is making fun of the fact that I had the audicity to even talk to her about her behavior. Long story short the tightrope act is still in tact and she continues to improve on it, adding in a left hook to the jaw and a low of snarling. Goodness she can be impressive and funny at the same time. It’s something like lock, load, and duck here wiith her.
Ingrid, it is good to hear you made it thru the shoveling process. Back rest now. I know how hard these snowstorms are on trees and shrubs. I have lost more shrubs and trees since last Feb 2010 and now than I ever thought possible.
Good to hear your power did not stay off for an extended period of time. Although it sounds like you and Allegra had everything under control.
Ingrid, I to am not looking forward to shoveling.
Put my barn critters out at 6:30 and saw my car way down the driveway. Could not see the street at that time.
Did see cat tracks from my driveway to my cat feeder. Will fill that again when I go out.
Not sure which cat – and orange tabby or the friendly black and white one.
Jay, it’s backhoe time for the snow or bucket whatever you use. That snow is a heavy snow. If I were one of those critters I would have had you close the door and come back later.
I am not used to seeing the early hours like this, but have to take vehicle for inspection in a while. Not looking forward to that. More rain/snow mix forcast for tomorrow here.
Also getting my propane delivered this AM. There goes 2K.
Bernie, be careful driving out there.
I will be using my snowblower again today. Takes about 2 hours to do the driveway.
Was watching my neighbor with their ATV with a plow. Mine will not start and don’t have the money to get it fixed now. Can you call around for propane prices?
I don’t own my tank and was charged $4.11 a gal.
Called and found $2.13, $2.16 and $2.39 from other dealers. Paying $300 extra for not owning the tank.
Will get a 100 lb tank and have it filled by one of them. Also will try to make a deal on buying a tank by trading camera equipment.
I saw flurries/snow for Fri & Sat possible.
Jay I am going to be paying 2.74 for propane. It is a 1000 gal. tank. That is the lowest here. Right now anyone with a smaller tank is paying 3.29/gal. We haven’t seen 2.19 in western Pa since 2007. We always pay more here than in the eastern part. Don’t ask me why.
The garage called and rescheduled inspection for 9 AM tomorrow. The hill to the garage has not been plowed making it unsafe. So ok, I have until Mon at midnight, then I am illegal.
Steeler did her usual tightrope walk this early AM and awakened me. Since I had to get up anyway I played with her. Well after the cancellation of my car, I decided I knew where the warm blankets were, so back into the bed I went. Well it seems Steeler has other ideas. Not 5 minutes later she was in here playing tightrope again.. Somehow I have to have a talk with her.
She is persistent.
My power came back on around 1:30am. Allegra did her best to keep me warm, but it was pretty chilly by then. I’m probably luckier than a lot of people in this area. It took a friend of mine seven hours to get home from her office – it’s usually a fifteen minute drive for her (from Tyson’s Corner to Vienna, Harry will understand the reference). I’m just glad that I don’t have to go anywhere today. Plow has already been through, so in addition to what looks like about a foot of snow, I now have a three foot wall of big frozen chunks of snow at the bottom of the driveway. Let the shoveling begin.
Allegra was really unsettled by the dark house at first, she knew it was different from normal darkness at bedtime. She really got scared when a big pine tree in front of my house lost a couple of large branches – the sound of the wood cracking startled me, too! The plow coming by the house was another scare, but she’s starting to settle down this morning.
Harry, I’m glad your mother’s power came back quickly. Hope yours stayed on.
Jay, I’m glad you made it home safe.
Glen, I think I would really ike to be Kasey right now 🙂
Stay safe, everyone!
Hany in there Ingrid, the worst is over. If things go well it will warm up and that snow will melt down. Be careful when shoveling, which you already know, that snow and ice is heavy to move. If you don’t have to go out stay in until some more of it melts down. Gald to hear your power came back on. Hope your friend gets a good days rest. It is the worst thing to be stuck on the roads in a snowstorm.
Stay warm.
Well it’s time for me to call it a day. I have to take my vehicle in for inspection in the AM.
Night all. Be Safe.
G’Nite Bernie.
Hope the roads are better for you tomorrow. If not – inspecton can wait. Steeler needs his Mom. And your husband need you too.
Take care.
My spelling is off. Should use spellcheck more often. Spelled Tortie.
My spelling is always off. I never proofread to I hit submit ( and then see a few errors) We all know what you mean.
Glen, it is good to hear that Kasey is running things again. Sleeping at the foot of the bed is a good idea. The problem with that is when these Torties of ours decide to stretch out at the bottom of our feet on the bed, we end up sleeping as those someone shortsheeted the bed on us. Just to let them be comfortable. (Shortsheeting is done in colleges, camps, military etc.). If if ever happened to you, you would remember it.
I hope you stay free of storms, really, I do. Just keep that darn single digit weather up there.
Good to hear from you Glen. Glad you’re fairing better than the rest of us.
And we all know #3 – never fall for that “Tortie won’t attack” ploy. We all have been scratched and bit thinking they are being nice. Torties don’t play nice.
Sounds like Kasey is back to her good old self. Great news.
It’s 8:54 and I am home.
Got in about 10 minutes ago.
Going to work was not bad. Left 30 minutes earlier and went slow. Main road was just snow covered. Got to work at 6:15 and they were putting up a sign that the Deli closed at 7 (usually 9). 1 person called off and 1 person was leaving at 7. They were betting I would not come in.
From 6:30 to 7 I did not get to wait on 1 customer.
We only had 2 during that time.
The one guy went to lunch at 7 and the girl’s boyfriend called and could not get out of the parking lot. I told her I would take her home at 8. 1 customer came in right as we closed and I waited on her. She said the roads were bad and it was snowing 2″ per hour.
I cleaned up the cases and put stuff away and we left at 7:45.
Going down main steet ( a steep hill) we came upon a jackknifed trailer. Blocking the road sidewalk to sidewalk. Turned around and went up the hill passing a truck that could not make it. Down a few alleys and she got home.
It took me a while to get home. Luckily a plow coming towards me went by (I had to pull into a drift to let him by) and it was slightly easier to my road. 8″ of snow with it going up my front spoiler. Could not get up my driveway. Tried 2 times and only made it 3 car lengths.Walked up and now warm and safe till tomorrow. Thanks for all the prayers. I’m sure they helped.
Jay so glad to hear you made it home safely. We would be lost without you and Stirfry. I guess you will get your star somewhere today. I always tried to tell my sons, do something good for just 1 person a day and somewhere in the heavens a brighter star will burn for you. So you have yours again tonight.
Ingrid is without power, Harry is hunkered down hoping to keep his. I am fine, we ended up with the fringe, and the air stayed warm enough that I don’t have to really clean my jeep off. At least not right tonight.
Stir watching Concoius C
Jay so glad to hear you made it home safely. We would be lost without you and Stirfry. I guess you will get your star somewhere today. I always tried to tell my sons, do something good for just 1 person a day and somewhere in the heavens a brighter star will burn for you. So you have yours again tonight.
Ingrid is without power, Harry is hunkered down hoping to keep his. I am fine, we ended up with the fringe, and the air stayed warm enough that I don’t have to really clean my jeep off. At least not right tonight.
Stir watching Conscious Cat is great.
Power still flickering, but on. My mother (5 minutes from here) has lost power, but as I was debating going to get her, power came back. She’s at the top of a hill, and I’ve gotten up to the top in my Subaru before, but wasn’t looking forward to trying today. Snow’s supposed to taper off by 10. Brooke’s still sprawled out by the fire – she dislodged only long enough for dinner. Sabrina was on my lap for a while, but eventually bit me as she always does, and got dumped back to the floor. My friend is still on the interstate, trying to get home. I think she’s been sitting in traffic for 6 hours now. Glad you’re home, Jay. Glen must be laughing at us.
Harry hope your local guardsman or other enforcement personnel are able to get gas to those who may be stuck out on the highways.
So Sabrina bit you. Next time try holding Brooke and let us know what she does. Of course Brooke is smart, she already has her spot picked out just in cast the power goes out.
I messes up my last posting, and Ingrid has no power to fix it. Oh well, Ingrid may use her blackberry, if she wakes up tonight.
Glad you didn’t have to go out Harry.
Brooke has the right idea and as to Sabrina we all know what it’s like to get bit as a” I’ve had enough – now leave me alone”.
It’s 10:17 and still snowing hard. Can’t see much past the deck with the spotlight on.
Hope it stops soon.
I feel sorry for your friend. Have always seen this on the news and it never looked like fun.
We will say prayers for her too.
” Glen must be laughing at us.”
No, not at all.
We have been pretty lucky with weather here…………………so far.
But that can change, the temperature and wind direction can change to conspire to dump Lake Erie on us in the form of a snow squall of very nasty proportions.
I was through the blizzard of 1977, maybe some of you remember that one, there have been others.
I know how a winter storm can turn things upside down and make tasks and things we like to do impossible, as well as disrupt things we take for granted.
Good luck with riding out the weather where you are.
Soon it will be time for the nightly Kasey routine;
1.) Receive the much anticipated feeding of a portion of wet food (chicken)
2.) Following the meal, go to the living room and groom in a very satisfied manner.
3.) Fall on her side and lazily attack a catnip toy, try to suck me in to reaching for the toy (not a good idea to be taken in by this).
4.) Jump up on the foot of the bed to sleep at my feet for a while before the noternal patrol and guarding of the house.
You can almost set your watch by all of this 😉
You’re very kind, Glen. Whenever someone who hasn’t lived here long starts in on “in (Chicago, South Dakota, the North Pole) they never close (schools, offices, the 7-11) for snow” I remind them that we don’t get much, we do get a lot of ice, we don’t have the equipment to handle a lot of snow, and our taxes aren’t but half of what they are in places that do. Still, it does seem we could do a better job. I’m glad I generally have the flexibility to work from home. Brooke finally gave up the fire, and left for parts unknown (probably the heating vent in the downstairs bathroom).
Thanks Bernie.
I always try to treat others as I would like to be treated.
Interruption – just heard Thunder – and it’s snowing hard. 9″ on the deck where I can reach and deeper further out.
As I said I like people and will always try to help out ( on the highway too).
Piss me off and I will make a Tortie look like a saint. When I help others and they want to pay me I have always said that if they see others in need to help them and pass it on.
Glad Harry is ok and hope Ingrid gets power back soon. Kitty warmth only works so long.
I hear you Jay. I feel the same way. If I offer help to someone I don’t expect or take payment, pretty just tell them to help someone else one day.
It is commonly said that children grow and become their parents. Let’s assume for a moment Stir is like a child to you, then does she exhibit your behavior. Just joking with you. Don’t want to p— you off, I already know the anger of a Tortie.
Never thought about it but maybe me and Stirfry share the same behavior.
But I can be nice sometimes where she rarely exhibits that. But yesterday she did come in the room and passed Tabatha and just sniffed her back. Of course Tabatha woke up and hissed at her (cause you can’t trust a Tortie). That was a 1 in a million thing.
And I know you know what Tortie anger is like.
Now we just have to convince The Steelers that is what they need in a Mascot.
Steeler has been giving me attitude all day. For the past week or so, whatever food she leaves in her bowls, dry and wet, I will put in a paper bowl and set outside the doorside window. Steeler can sit there and watch when the cats come around. I think she has figured out this is her food, and now when I reach for the bowl, I don’t always see her, but all at once there she is, squawking at me. I still take the food and put it out.
So her anger level is a little up at me. But she likes to see the cats now. Go figure.
Tabatha is a smart cat. Never trust a passing Tortie. Always be at the ready.
Steeler has that mixed up Tortie personality.
Hates when you give her food to other but likes to watch them when they come around.
But maybe she knows about me feeding those chipmunks for the feral cats. Maybe that’s what she thinks you are doing for her.
Jay you have the mixed up part right. But the noise she makes is unsettling. I sometimes think Tortie talk if 4 letter words we don’t want to hear. At least the actions with the words, leaves me wondering. You keep feeding those chipmunks for the feral cats. They will keep the mice and such out of your barn for you.
Harry’s making nice to Glen tonight. He wants Glen to take this storm north of the border. uh uh
Don’t think Glen will fall for that “it’s really a nice snowstorm and you will like it” thing
He knows better.
And yes – those -20 to -40 temps I see up there are brutal. Either way it’s just plain bad.
Can’t wait till spring.
I’m taking Stirfry to Punxsutawney on Feb 2.
If that ground hog predicts 6 more weeks of winter the news crews are going to see what Tortie anger is like.
This should definately get The Steelers attention.
Jay taking Stir up on G-Day would set them off like lightning. Maybe just having Stir present could make that groundhog go in that hole and never come out again. Power To Stirfry, the Champion Torite!!!!!!!
8 p.m., about six inches and still snowing hard. Ingrid’s lost her power, ours has flickered a few times. Brooke has taken up residence in front of the fire; the rest are curled into tight little balls in their beds. I think this weather is going to delay the arrival of our foster cat, who is being transported from about 5 hours south, in theory, tomorrow. I’ve seen occasional facebook posts from rescue friends who left work 4 or 5 hours ago and are still on the road trying to get home – it’s complete gridlock. So glad the cats and I stayed home today!
Harry, I feel your pain and Ingrid’s especially. Every so often the Powers that Be shower those who have forgotten the problems associated with nasty weather, how the beautiful snow can be a pain in the back. NOAA says this noreaster will move out quickly. So you all hang in there.
I learned about 7 or 8 years ago, I was tired of being without power + heat in the storms, winter and summer. So I had a standby generator installed. So now, when my power goes out, the generator instantaneously turns the whole house power back on. It is a good investment.
Of course, you have the fur coats, to help keep you folks comfortable. I hope Ingrid has a nice warm down comforter to use.
Thanks, everyone, it’s coming through loud and clear. There is nothing like a house full of kitties who adore their mom to make the world seem like a beautiful place.
Bernie, I know it’s hard to watch one stroke after another, but as long as he’s still smiling at you there’s enough there to enjoy life. I’m thinking about you.
Bernadette my thoughts are with you. Please take care of yourself. I know those kittens will be held closely tonight.
Rest your mind, please, and thanks for your thoughts, but now is the time for you to take care of yourself, with all of those who love you supporting you. God Bless
Leaving for work in 5 minutes.
Have fun tonite. Probably won’t be home till midnight.
My prayers to Bernadette and Bernie.
And P.S. Al Gore – please hurry up that Global Warming.
You will be driving with many guardian angels on your shoulders.
I feel more for Bernadette at this time. The loss of her Mother, no matter what the reason, is unbearable. I hope she knows that no matter what we are doing or thinking, our thoughts keep going back to her at this time.
We after all, are a connected family.
For my friends, here, the info on my husband is, he suffered another stroke, but he has a strong will live. Each time this happens and this is the 5th time, he has lost a little more motion. But his blue eyes shine and he still has the most beautiful smile with dimples.
Thank you all for your prayers. There is a greater power than the doctors watching over him. As his doctors keep saying it is not in their hands.
I’m so sorry, Bernie. As I said to Bernadette, I hope you feel all the tortie energy being sent your way.
Bernie – you coming in the room I’m sure caused that smile. Hope he recovers from that stroke. I know your love is helping him tremendously.
As Ingrid said – this Tortie community is behind you and Bernadette.
Torties have picked us because we are special. And we show our love in many ways.
I’m so sorry about your husband, Bernie. You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers. We’re all here for you.
Definately NOT a Tortie
I’m A Cat… Now I’m A Bunny
http://www.videobash.com/video_show/i-m-a-cat-now-i-m-a-bunny-9710
Jay that is the funniest thing I have seen in a while. A Tortie would have torn that bunny apart.
That’s what I told the guy that sent it to me.
He wrote: Stirfry ?
I wrote back:
Definately NOT a Tortie
It would have been shredded and my arm ripped off for trying to put it on her.
Jay, I broke out laughing out loud at that. It took me by surprise to see her head pop thru the other side. Definitely not a Tortie. Heaven help us if we ever tried a stunt like that with them.
We would be a bloody bunny.
But don’t forget Berta, the clothes-wearing tortie. There’s an exception to every rule…
You are right Harry, but I don’t want to try putting anything on Steeler, I was born with 10 fingers and I would like to keep them.
As Jay posted above, Bernadette’s mother passed away yesterday.
Bernadette, please know that our little tortie community is keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bernadette, I hope you can feel all the tortie energy being sent your way.
The weather forcaster got it right. He said it would start snowing around 6 am. Got up at 5:45 and just put my animals out. The deck wasn’t covered yet but a fine snow is coming down.
I HATE WINTER !!!!!!
Looks like they got it right here, too. A little bit of snow, now turning to sleet and rain, but supposed to turn back to snow later today. They’re calling for 4-6 inches here. Is it spring yet?
I returned from Pgh a while ago. It was a white knuckle drive. We have that greasy fine snow coming down hard and fast. I hate this winter with the rest of you. I don’t know how much we are to get, but enough already.
Spring in about 51 days. Where is the sun?
Make that, 6 – 10 inches. Sleeting like crazy right now. I’m working from home today, and delighted that the law school is closing at 4 so I don’t have to teach tonight. I should say, trying to work from home, but Sabrina wants to be under the desk lamp, which is furring up the works.
Harry, out the weather and news says DC area is shutting down. I hope this storm goes out to sea, but it appears those west and south of me will get pounded really bad. Best to work at home. Sabrina can be blamed for any errors you may make (if you ever make any). But the fur in the keyboard, well that is something that needs a light computer sweeper to clean out.
Ingrid is in the belt this time with you and Jay. I am getting that fine greasy snow, heavy and the plow has been thru a number of times since I came home. I just hope the temps hold up for a while so this does not freeze.
Everyone stay safe. Jay drive carefully, you will be hit pretty hard according to the weather patterns.
Glad your at home Harry.
Sleet is impossible to drive in. No traction.
You and Ingrid are better off being home and playing with the kits.
Up here it should only be another inch or 2 of snow. Further south and east is worse
Jay you and Ingrid are supposed to get hit really hard if the prognosticators are right. Hunker down.
Glad you made it back safe.
I checked at 5:45 this morning and it had just started. By 7 we had 1 1/2″ and by 8 it had stopped and barely covered the deck where I had swept it off. I use a heavy duty barn broom on the deck as the shovel catches the nails. Went out at 12:30 and used the snowblower. Finished at 2. It was a heavy wet snow. Right now it’s overcast with a slight wind. I see that there are some hail/sleet pellets on the deck. Calling for it to start again at rush hour. And I work today 6:30 – 11.
Thundersleet. That’s a first.
That sounds awesome. I have never experienced thundersleet, but we have had thundersnow before.
That thundersleet was wild. It scared Allegra so much she ran for her safe hiding place, aka, behind the downstairs shower curtain. She feels much better now that it’s all snow – and coming down like crazy. This is definitely a day when I’m thankful that I work from home.
Be careful out there tonight and stay safe, Jay!
Ingrid and Harry get out your camera. Cover the flash and catch the lightning when it flashes with the sleet/snow. But be quick. This makes an unbelievable picture.
This was on Bernadette’s Facebook page.
That’s my mom in 1942, her favorite year. I’d just like to let my FB friends know that my mother passed away at about 5:30 this afternoon; she’d been on “comfort measures” since yesterday, in the hospital since last Thursday, and declining quickly in the past few months. I am glad she is at rest, finally. For those who can make it, viewing/memorial Friday, I’ll post details later.
Friends today you have all come thru for me, unknowing that this is one of those bad information days from the VA. I truly treasure all of your enthusiasm. So please forgive me if I seem to be a little down today. I will get back on later. Thank you.
Jay thanks. No real storms called for here. I can’t believe how warm we are. 34 degrees. Wow what a heat wave. I hope your roofers get their work done and the snow goes further out to sea.
Thanks for promoting Steeler. It makes us all proud. I would never have known what a treasure I had until I found this blog. Then I realized how special these little dictators are.
I’ve been busy helping Steeler go viral 🙂 – PetConnection ran my story about her: http://www.petconnection.com/blog/2011/01/25/steeler-the-cat-accidental-and-unofficial-team-mascot/
Looks like our magic snow hole luck is running out – at this point, they’re predicting 4-8 inches for my area. Still hoping for the storm to turn out to sea.
Way to go Ingrid.
Good press for Torties is always welcome.
They make their own bad press (at least Stirfry does) when people meet them.
I forwarded your Story link to the Sterelers public relations manager.
I think their PR person will look because of your persistence. You are one determined man, Jay.
Thanks.
That’s not true. Stirfry is a fascinating Tortie. Now that is what is called a real guy’s cat.
Ingrid, thank you so much. Your story is so accurate and today to read it is even a little more special to me. Today things have changed at the VA center. My special guy is not well. I do hope that storm moves out to sea.
Again a wonderful story, written by an excellent writer. Thank you.
Our thoughts are with you, Bernie.
So true Harry.
My prayers go out to you Bernie.
I’m so sorry, Bernie. I’m glad I could bring a little bit of light to your day with my story. But it’s really Steeler who’s bringing the light into your life.
I’ll keep you in my thoughts. You know we’re all here for you.
Bernie, it was quiet last nght. My roofers showed up at 9:45 today and I was out running errands. Got home at 2:30 and was told only a few days left but weather will probably slow that. Temp was up to 37 and snow was melting.
Calling for 3 – 6″ but if the torm goes out to sea we will get less. Hope it does.
The local station wants Steeler related pics.
I will put up Steelers pic.
Will send the link as soon as I do.
WoW thins are quiet here today. I guess our Torties are all enjoying the warmer weather, after the bitter cold 30 is a heat wave. Steeler is just sleeping around enjoying the little sun we had. I hope this heat wave continues. Maybe we will see green grass again.
Well here I am back. Today things are almost normal in my house. My mom has settled down, but and I have had a restful day, although I has a gas problem. You see fellow Torties, my Mom was eating this creamy mexican nacho cheese stuff and I kept pulling at her hand to taste it. Mom put some on her finger and I kept licking it off, it was good. I must have some mexican in me, anyway Mom as been asking me to go to the other room for some reason. She says the smell is awful. I just feel relieved each time the gas goes thru me. She says no more nacho cream cheese for me.
I really don’t know why.
So far Pizza and Mexican nacho cheese stuff make Steeler an awesome weapon.
We put her on the Special Teams. Those packers will be sent packing.
But right now Mom is doing experimental testing to see which is the best chemical weapon to use.
You can find her house by the gas cloud rising from it.
Jay that is more accurate than you are joking about. I was trying to watch the game and Steeler kept pulling my arm to see what I had, finally ok, you don’t want this. Well she did. Your right with the gas cloud and the fabreeze air freshner the satellite overhead should pick up this easily.
So we still have two weeks to make Steeler the team mascot, right? How exciting for the Steelers – I’m so happy for you, Bernie! Power to the tortie!
Ingrid it has been a fun ride. I have to admit yesterday Steeler said “I’m out of here”. I let out a yell and she say enough already. But it has been great having the Tortie community behind us.
Not to support the Steelers, that was optional, but to see how well Steeler did on the Steeler photo posting.
We still have 2 weeks for her to get recognition. With all the views of her, she still has not been shown on local TV. Every day they show photos posted for Steelers fans, pets and kids. For some reason a Cat has not made it to the list.
Power to the Torties:
Before you call it a day, check out Stirfry. Her popularity has gone up!!!!!
Stirfry popularity has always been up there in my book.
Thanks for letting others know she is special.
I know she has always been special to you. Now she is shown as one of the most viewed in Steelers. Family and friends kicked in. I will have so many favors called in. I hope they don’t gang up on me. It is my pleasure to have helped Stir get noticed on the photo list.
Just got home at 1:45
Checked the news and saw we won.
GO STEELERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know who won the game for them
Steeler, Allegra, Kasey, Brooke , Emma, Monkey, Stickers and Lil Raver, Edie Kidie, Cera, Honey, Kisina, Snoopy, Loki, Maui, Lucy and Lily, Thelma, Candy, Sarabi, Jasmine, Nugget, Jazz, Gremlin, TRex, Jessie, Sarah, KitCat, Betty, Bliss, Kamala, Tipper, Akira, Elizabeth, Dobby, Chloe, Tunes, July , Mona and Stirfry.
Probably missed a few Torties.
Also the Steelers team helped but I know that Tortie Power inspired them.
Yep, what Jay said. Here’s to our Torties’ power.
Bernie, just spent the last 20 minutes reading all the mail.
I went to my car at lunch time ( 7 – 8 pm) and listened to the game.
When first on it was 7 – 0
Then 10 – 0 and then I heard the 2nd touchdown with 2 minutes left. It was 16- 0 when I had to go in. Heard later that Grean Bay had won but not until I got in did I find we had won.
Drinking a beer now to celibrate then going to bed.
Really wish I could have seen that game.
And Bernadette, you really would get some great pics tomorrow but as Bernie said, It will be COLD.
Cookie and Kelly–and we live the closest! But our mom doesn’t watch TV or pay any attention to sports…
See Jay now you forgot Bernadette’s Cookie and Kelly Torties. Their MoM is a great artist, and should go out for pictures. She can do amazing things with photos.
So sorry, Torties Cookie & Kelly and Peaches and Fawn were left off my list. I didn’t scroll up far enuf.
Sorry Bernadette. I have to get them more credit than anyone plus Steeler as they are the closest and have the most power.
ALL TORTIE FRIENDS, THANKS FROM “STEELER”. Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the Super Bowl. The black and gold Tortie power came thru big time. Thank you all.
I knew we’d hear from you right away!
I had to thank all the great support from my Tortie buddies first. WOW, what a game. Some advice for you, stay off the streets of PIttsburgh tonight and tomorrow. I am glad I didn’t disappoint you!!!
Tomorrow’s going to be a fun day trying to do business and get anything sensible out of anyone around here that doesn’t have to do with the Steelers. At least I’ll have my kitties to talk to!
Bernadette with all your talents, get out there and get pictures and more pictures. I have looked at your collection, you need to go out now,if you could safely, take pictures, this is history in the making. Mix with the fans. I know you can do it. You don’t have to be a fan, but as an artist this is worth the cold hard work.
STEELER has left the room!!!!
Folks I just got home from Pgh. about 2PM My email box is exploding with emails from the Tortie community. I will check all of them out. I did a few, but the Naitonal Anthem is being sung right now for the Chicago game so it’s football time. Talk to all of you later. GO CHICAGO beat GREEN BAY. THEN ”GO STEELER” ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPER BOWL. LATER FRIENDS!!!!!! Granny will be busy for a while.
just came in from shoveling more snow for the last hour.
Wind was brutal. Feet and hands are frozen.
Can’t imagine how it will be in Pittsburgh in an open stadium.
Good luck today and cheer for me.
I’m leaving the TV on for Stirfry.
I hope you get a chance to get updates as the day goes on..I hope you left the right station on. I know how cold it is, I went to PGh early this AM. Just got back.
Bernadette, your photos of Heinz Field are stunning. Added bonus: it looks like it was warm then….. I simply can’t imagine sitting in a stadium (especially the higher, wind-whipped levels) in the kinds of temperatures you guys are having up there for three or four hours.
And I love your idea of how prehistoric torties got their color!
Yes, that was a warm October day, but can you imagine the winds off those rivers frozen solid on a ten-degree night? Those will be die-hard fans, I just hope the all survive!
Can’t you just picture a little kitty standing rubbing on a prehistoric shin and being speckled with paint? And there’s a new breed of tortie/calico that I’ve yet to introduce: the artist’s calico, made up of all colors of the rainbow from having been used as an artist’s hand cleaning rag. One of these days I’ll get to all these ideas!
Bernie, I see you have been busy tagging Stirfry’s picture.
Thank you.
But Steeler deserves all those view as she is a true Steelers fan.
No no no Stirfry definitely should be tagged. As a matter of fact my daughter-in-law and oldest said just looking, let me get this right, my daughter-in-law said your cat scares her just to look at her. She seems to feel that your Stir is staring at her. Her husband, my oldest son, who loves cats, says now there is a real cat. My great grandson called and said “Grams, can you get me that cat”? Answer NO, that cat belongs to a man who takes good care of her.
I just wish we had somehow put them together on a photo, that would have meant putting gold boots or something on Stir, just for a pic. Together they would have doubled the vote count.
It’s sad we don’t know how to do that.
I happen to think of those words while looking at Stir. I am still amazed at that look.
Take good care of her. She is truly a beautiful and winner of all cats.
Thanks Bernie, I would never let Stirfry go and I don’t know how she would react to another home. She is very shy around strangers (look how long it took me to get her trust) and will hide when I have company. Her special look is just normal for her. Any time I pick her up while on my lap and turn her around to talk to her she hisses. I tell her she has kitty breath. If she was a dragon she would be breathing fire. Scratching her just gets me growls. And as soon as I let go she turns around and lays down facing my feet. She will sleep lik that for hours if I let her.
I tried to get a picture of her pushing my ATV plow on Friday.
Took her out hoping that she would stay still for a minute as I put her down. She turned an , not quite ran to the door. Even at a warm 20 degrees she just wanted in. But right now it’s 10 outside and if I was holding her she would want to sniff the air for far longer than I want to ge out there.
Did you say Stirfry was laying inside the nice warm house and telling you if you want to go out there go!! Not her she is to smart for that and this cold on her paws is cause for large surgical sponges.
Trust me, there is no way anyone would take Strifry away from you. The little fellow is only 9 and he hunts also with his dad. We are a hunting family, but never just to shoot. They eat what they kill or give to others that need food.
My oldest son, who likes challenge was the one who said “that is a real cat”. uuumm His wife would kill him or leave home if Stirfry was there. Your and Stirfry are safe.
Jay it is not about being a Steeler fan. It is about getting our Tortis’ some attention. Try to show there are Gold and Black cats out here. I never knew. So attention for the cats is what we need.
Lord knows there are enough dogs on there. So Steeler could care less but Steeler’s servant is a huge fan.
However, let this be clear, even if I had tickets to the game, there is no way in H—, I would go to that game and freeze to death when I can stay home and watch it on TV.
Kasey report.
She has taken a liking to dog food. She eats Toby’s food, he’s the little silky terrier, not all the time, it is apparently just a snack. He doesn’t contest it but I try to discouraqge the practice.
She still practices “guarding” tactics, i.e., lie on the floor like a beached sea mamal, in the center of the kitchen; everything has to go past her to go somewhere, perhaps the dog will be allowed to eat his food or get to the water dish, perhaps not, just depends.
Kasey is back in full force. Toby knows the boundary lines have been drawn by her “again” and he isn’t going to mess with her. Guarding is a good way of describing these cats. Steeler goes thru every room of the house and then to the basement checking things out. Don’t know why, she has never found anything. It is just a habit.
Trying to discourage a Tortie is like putting your arm in the lion’s mouth.
Good to hear from you.
Thanks for the update Glen.
Sound like Kasey is back to being a typical Tortie.
That means her healtth is back to normal and as Bernie said – making sure everyone elso know things haven’t changed and she’s still the boss.
Good to hear Kasey is still in charge!
Well, last night on TV, they showed an add for one of the movies they will show in the next day or so, one of the Jurassic Park series.
I said I know the real reason that dinosaurs became extinct.
Torties came along.
That explains those bones of the T-Rex at the museum with those claw marks up its back legs.
It was being run down by a single Tortie.
Could not be a pack of Torties as they fight amongst themselves.
Having had nice torties all my life, though I’ve known a few more audacious torties, I have a slightly different impression but also have an idea about prehistoric torties. They LOVE to get involved in what you are doing, especially if it’s a creative endeavor, and especially painting because they can really get their paws into that. If you notice that the colors used in the Lascaux and other prehistoric cave paintings are about the same colors as torties, I have a theory that a basic tabby cat came along and “helped” one of those early artists, perhaps even doing a little of the painting herself, getting spattered with red earth (the deep orange) and khol (the black) in the process. And, while working, the artist naturally reached down and petted the kitty, adding more random spots. Some day I’ll illustrate this!
Bernadette, here are those cats:
http://www.temehu.com/sahara-prehistoric-rock-art.htm
Check out fighting cats – 2 Torties on a “playdate” ?
Bernadette, also, forgot to say I am looking at your pictures.
Fantastic.
Wish I had your talent.
Thank you.
I see–perhaps this is how they got their spots?! I read an article mentioning the lack of domestic-looking felines in prehistoric art, which is one of the ways archaeologists date the domestication of certain animals, and there really aren’t many, but I don’t think these guys were every meant to be domestic!
Thanks for your compliments on my images! I just record what’s around me, the world is a beautiful place.
“I read an article mentioning the lack of domestic-looking felines in prehistoric art, which is one of the ways archaeologists date the domestication of certain animals, and there really aren’t many, but I don’t think these guys were every meant to be domestic!”
With cats, its still a work in progress 😉
I think our torties would agree with your theory of why dinosaurs became extinct, Glen.
I knew there was a simple answer to that. Glen hit it right on the nose.
In my case Glen it’s more like lack of progress.
Stirfry does not think she “domestic” yet.
Glen that is a awesome thought. Wonder how big the Torties were back then. Scary thought.
I went out again today, to the drug store. I decided while out to look at cat paraphernalia, habit now. Well Steeler rated 2 new scratching items. My dining room looks like an obstacle course.
Since she spends most of the day watching me from there I place her scratching post etc. there.
I remember the day when I would habitually look for items for children, now it’s for a cat. Well so far she has 5 different scratching post, pads, and curved things. So far she has still chosen to go after my antique chair legs. I don’t want to block her out of that room, knowing her she would just go to another room and get another leg on something else. Catnip, yep. Tried it. Her favorite toy placed on them, yep, tried that. scolding yep, tried. Response, walk away swishing her tail.
Talk about attitude!!!! I am going to go out and bring a tree branch in for her. Maybe she will scratch that!!!!!
Jay, you can try putting lemon juice on the chair legs – just test on a very small area first to make sure it doesn’t take the finish off the antique chair. If that doesn’t work, try doublesided tape. Then again, if Stir is anything like Allegra, she’ll chew off the doublesided tape and spit it out. The lemon juice did work to deter Allegra from certain areas, though.
Ingrid I have tried the tape, the spray, and lemon juice lighty sprayed. I even put some Old English oil on the wood. She strips the tape, rubs against the legs, to clean them off, I think, and back to her trying to scratch. So I have a scratching pad or post at each chair. I can’t block her away, I am afraid she will find another wooden leg to clalw. Trust me that would not be nice either. So I am hoping , before I break my neck, she will take to one of the pads or posts. Oh well, she is determined. (right word, stubborn.)
To all of you that work at rescue shelters I applaud you. I think what has been said that dogs get more attention from people than cats may be true. The WPHS has a site where you can post your pet and they post pets waiting for adoption.
It is sad, but after posting Steeler, I scrolled through the site. There are many beautiful pets, and pets to be adopted, but I took note that the majority shown for adoption were dogs. Now I love dogs, but I have read on here that the cats don’t seem to get enough publicity. Sadly, now, I agree with those of you volunteering your time to rescue the cats. You will be honored by Kitty Gods.
I noticed that too, Bernie, even in the self-posted pets there was only one other cat. Most shelters seem to have more events involving dogs as well. I think dogs do better in public places and actually have a good adoption rate under those circumstances. Most cats tend not to like noisy bars at happy hour and you saw what happened when you tried to dress up Steeler. We who love cats have to try harder and be more innovative with our pleas.
The one public circumstance where cats do better than dogs is in Petco/PetSmart in-store adoption areas, which are primarily limited to cats who stay there until they are adopted. Dogs are disruptive when they are kept like this, so they get store visits on Saturdays. Also a few local pet supply stores took in only rescued cats, a litter or a few adults at a time, and had an comfy area in a window for them, and they were always adopted.
I guess for cat people, cats just need to be themselves and they’ll get adopted, we just need to get them out there in front of the crowd. I know that if I didn’t already have as many as I do I’d have adopted from one of these places.
Bernadette I was not prepared for the number of dogs vs cats on the site. I can’t understand why this is, but you had said it and Harry had said it. Harry seems to be able to place the rescued cats with his broad array of friends. I seen yours in the sun at the door, and I thought wow and they get along. Steeler would not get along with another animal. I don’t know how to bring attention to the cat situation. I would think if someone with a friend at the PBS could put together a storyline on neglected, stray or rescued cats, the adoption rate would go up and help a few. I don’t have that kind of pull, wish I did. You right we don’t take out cats for rides in the car or to the ball games out in the fields, or to watch outdoor events where pets are allowed. So these precious felines are overlooked. This is my opinion so to be clear, if people read this blog that disagree, they should know this is only my opinion. Damn I am angry!!!
I know if I didn’t have Stirfry I’d have adopted a few more.
But you know how Torties don’t like to share.
I am so glad for people like Harry who do so much for those wonderful cats.
Jay I know how you feel, I already know my territorial Tortie will not tolerate any other pets in this house and I would not even consider an outside pet.
I am not a temperamental person, but while scrolling thru the WPHS site, after I put Steeler on it, I realized there were numerous dogs. Only Steeler and maybe 2 other cats. It is hard to believe.
I have a lot more respect and admiration for people like Harry who volunteers so much of his free time to help the cats. Bernadette also has did her part, I seen her kids on her site. They were enjoying the sun.
I know when I tried to place Steeler before I decided to keep her, each place said she would probably be put down, because she was older. I of course, said no way. It is one of the best decisions I ever made. My husband loved her, even if he did call her a big bunny.
Bernie, I agree with you – there’s a special place in heaven for people who work in cat rescue (or any animal rescue, for that matter).
Just put my animals out 20 minutes ago.
Damn Cold.
8 degrees. Luckily no wind.
Jay, good to hear you let the critters out at 6. It is now 2:10 PM and it is only 9degrees here and I have to go out. I hope it soon warms up. I am tired of dressing like an eskimo.
Hi Bernie, it warmed up some. Was just out sshoveling a path to the barn. My fingers are frozen even with insulated gloves.
Now to work today 3:30 till 11/same tomorrow.
Will probable miss the game. What time does it start?
I’ll get Stir to turn the TV on and cheer us on.
Jay just got back from loading up on kitty food. Tell Stir to turn the TV on at 6:30, better yet leave it on for her. I always leave a TV on for Steeler when I leave. It seems to keep her happy, (my guess). She probably could careless. We are up to 15 degrees here and it is 4:23PM. So I know you froze. Hope you get to see some of the game at work. Maybe some Ravens fan will switch days with you, since they are out of the running. Yea sure
I guess I’ll be watching a football game tomorrow evening. The things I’ll do for a tortie :-). I just checked Steeler’s page and she has over 22,000 views!
Ingrid watching the football game tomorrow evening 6:30PM will be good for Allegra. She will enhance her jumping, kicking, scratching, and hair pulling abilities. Not to mention learning to run like the wind. I know you are a curious football fan and that ok. Just so it’s black and gold this time.
Steeler has drawn (demanded according to Jay) attention. I believe it is waning now due to the huge increase in photos being uploaded. She still leads the pack in most viewed and one other I cant recall.
If you send me info on the 2/21 event I will see how much I can get done for you.
I’ll do that.
Leave the TV on and hide the remote so she doen’t try to switch to Animal Planet.
Damn cold when I got home at 11:30.
No hope of switching for tomorrow or Super Bowl Sunday.
Jay, take your laptop to work with you tomorrow and set it up with Stirfry’s picture on the Steeler photo site. See if your boss will let a guest greeter click on Stir as they enter the store or in the pick up area, maybe one of the people there will help you get Stirfry pick up views. That would be a great idea. I could come up with other ideas, like send emails to all your friends, like I did and ask them to go to the site, provide the url and click on Stir and if they are real friends, ask them to email their friends to do the same etc etc etc. It adds up quickly. Then don’t stop, because the Steeler’s will win tomorrow, and you still have another week to build her views. After all it just for fun no expense or cost and no prizes to anyone. Go for it.
I don’t have a laptop or even one of those new phones that gets Internet. And a girl yesterday used her phone to look up the colors of the Packers and the Bears for making up cakes. She said that management would allow that as it was work related. But every time I saw a customer wearing Steelers attire I would wish then luck on today’s game.
And yesterday I did send a url link out to all my friends to see a great cat.
It was Steeler’s picture I told them to click on. 24.430 views right now.
25.294 on the pic of Steeler.
Up 864 in the last 45 minutes and that’s early Sunday morning.
Ingrid, I’m not even watching the game! I wish it was a daytime game because the view of the stadium and Pittsburgh is beautiful, and with all this snow it’s really precious.
In October 2009 I took the bus into downtown on a Steelers Sunday, not to go to the game but to drop off artwork at a gallery in the Cultural District. I believe they were playing the Green Bay Packers and Heinz Field was to capacity and I got several photos from the bus as I came across the bridge. The Field is right at the point, and the rivers are now frozen, so this will give you an idea what it will be like in the Field on the rivers tonight when it’s about ten degrees, and what the rest of Pittsburgh will look like during the game–absolutely deserted: http://bernadettestoday.wordpress.com/2009/10/25/a-steelers-sunday-in-pittsburgh/.
She has had a following. I took my computer to the VA very early this am. Those who had a computer sent word thru the facility for everyone working there to check her out. They were excited not only to see Steeler, but to see that the toboggan made by a volunteer was on a black and gold cat. The colors amazed some of them. I also some of them look at Stir. The few men on staff on my husband’s floor really liked her. Most of the female staff were in awe of her look, with no dressing up.
Well yes it is very high and yes I am short. But no those weren’t the words that were going thru my head at the time. I even threw the snow shovel in the back of the Jeep, just in case.
1 Fang mark, not bad. You must have been teasing her “again”. How are the signs coming along?
Are you going to be able to outline Stir on them? I haven’t forgotten.
Made it to Philly, no snow in DC. Spent the day looking at fountain pens – but one of the dealers had a set of cufflinks he was saving for me – cats, of course.
Harry – post pics of those cufflinks when ya can.
Glad you made it there safe.
Hope you get a good nights sleep without cat interuptions.
Go get a cheesesteak at Pats or Geno’s.
Harry good to hear you are in Phillie safely. I am glad you and Ingrid were in the snowhole. We up in PA kinda except it, but, what the hey, we still complain, year after year, after year. Hope you find some good treasures in Phillie. Get back to watch the Steeler’s game on Sunday.
Snow report
At 6 am the snow was over and only 2″ on the deck.
Getting windy and will not be fun shoveling.
How did everyone else fair ?
If you want to feel better, I cleaned my Jeep off with a snow shovel. About 7-8″ with wind and blowing snow.
That wind really hurts when trying to shovel.
I know they are calling for 8 degrees tonite and 20 tomorrow. And it will probable be worse for you.
Sounds like a 3 cat night.
Jay this is an electric blanket night. Shoveling of a Commander was a long process. Wind swirling, and wouldn’t you know it, after I was done and on my way the sun came out and I used a couple of Tortie words. Maybe you can get your men to get more work on the roof during the lull between storms.
If I remember correctly those Commanders sit pretty high and you stated that you are vertically challenged. That must have been fun.
All my Tortie words are:
Ouch !
Damn !!!!
“Please don’t hurt me any more”
Got a 1″ fang mark on my middle finger from Stir this morning.
Didn’t need a band aid as she was being nice and didn’t bite deep.
Well yes it is very high and yes I am short. But no those weren’t the words that were going thru my head at the time. I even threw the snow shovel in the back of the Jeep, just in cast.
1 Fang mark, not bad. You must have been teasing her “again”. How are the signs coming along?
Are you going to be able to outline Stir on them? I haven’t forgotten.
I am always teasing her.
Se sits in my lap (like now) and I pick her up and turn her around so she faces me. She is now growling and I tell her how much she is loved and what everyone here is saying about her. Now more and louder growls and hisses. Then I kiss her on the nose with one hand under each leg. This is so when she really hisses and tries to bite she can’t. This morning I was a little slow.
But during all this , if I say chinny rub, she will stop and let me scratch her under her chin.
Her 1 weakness.
Haven’t got back to the sign guy. Will go in Monday.
This week was roofers Monday, Snow Tuesday, Roofers Thursday, and working 3 – 11 Fri, Sat & Sunday. Busy week.
I will let ya know if they can get Stir’s pic on it.
Ingrid was right, we dodged the bullet again. It’s 6:30 a.m. and just a dusting on the grass. Looks like Philadelphia isn’t getting much either, so I think the biggest travel issue I’ll have today was dislodging Henry from the bed so I could get up. Henry’s our love muffin – he’ll jump into the arms of someone he’s never met the moment they walk in the door, and he is the only cat in the house that Sabrina actually likes. (If I didn’t know she was really a tortie, I’d say it was a black cat thing…) Henry spends most nights on my pillow wrapped around my head. This morning, he was sprawled out next to me, under the covers, his head on my pillow, purring in his sleep. I’ll miss that, but on the other hand, I’m not entirely sad about two cat-less nights of deep sleeping. Don’t worry if you don’t hear from me, I’m staying with a friend tonight, and may not have internet until I reach the hotel room Saturday night.
Glen – glad to know you and Kasey are doing well. I fully understand not taking the bike out for a few months – my VW convertible has been hibernating since November, though I do turn it over every few weeks and let it run a few minutes.
This weekend’s Lost Dog & CAT! email begins the publicity on Ingrid’s 2/21 book signing. I’ll insert a Facebook link so those of you on Fb can share it. This one doesn’t need to go viral, but it would be nice to have brisk book sales. While I’m looking forward to two hours hanging out with Ingrid, I don’t want to disappoint her with 2 sales the entire evening…
We’re in the magic snow hole!
I’ll start promoting the 2/21 event on my end this weekend, too, and I appreciate all of you spreading the work. And I won’t complain if news about the event goes viral :-).
Ingrid, your event is in VA. So I will see if I have any contacts there. Email all your friends to email all their friends etc, etc, etc,. Then have some of your friends children start texting others friends about the event. You might be amazed at the outcome. I hit my email list, and tried to eliminate company’s and business’s. Did pretty good, but one went to my Atty. Emailed me back and told me they love to get involved. So he emailed to his kids and staff with a note to keep it going to their friends list. It takes time but it worked. Then again this is Steeler Country and anything black and gold will draw attention.
Torties don’t draw attention.
They DEMAND attention.
OK you are totally right. They do demand. But I am out of ideas. There is a dog in Christmas attire getting close to Steeler. I don’t know for sure how that scores.
I suggest a playdate with that dog.
Invite the Steelers public relations guy.
Then sign up Steeler as the new Team Cat.
Thanks, Bernie! And I still hope that you’ll be able to come!