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
Well Tortie family I have had Steeler for about 15 months and it has been a rewarding and fascinating learning curve for me. There are so many first she has started now. I believe the abuse she had suffered may be subsiding from her memory. She is a happy, talkative, motormouth who shows what she wants and demands it.
So today, we had a new first. For some reason, Steeler would not enter either bathroom in all this time. She would like at the sill but not enter. Today she entered while I was cleaning. It all seemed so normal to her as I watched her, without her knowing, as she explored every nook and cranny. She then left. Then I was upstairs and of course that is part of her guard duty, but she of course came right with me. I was in what my husband and I called the Victorian room. Well Steeler was talking away and I didn’t see her. There was a tip of her tail sticking out from under the bedskirt. So I looked to see what she was up to. Well there she was trying to grab a cord that hangs down slightly to enable me to lift the box springs when I have to. So I left the room and let her go about her merry way. About 1/2 hour later she came downstairs, yakking, and I looked at her and ask her if she dusted really good under the bed. Of course she agreed. Now you all know she did not agree.
It sounds like Steeler is slowly making your entire house hers. She’s clearly completely relaxing into the knowledge that this is her forever home, and she doesn’t have to worry about anything anymore. And neither do you, with your resident guard kitty!
Great news Bernie. She now controls every room including the kitchen.
And now she can get those dust bunnies under the bed.
Many a time I have had to get fuzzies off of Stirfry’s whiskers.
More than 8? Not counting Gabby? Sounds like Harry is getting kittens… 🙂
I love kittens.
What type Harry ? Any Torties ???
The unborn type 😉
Mom’s a calico.
If one turns out to be a male Tortie put me on the adoption list 🙂
What is the background check for adoption?
I know here if you have other cats or dogs they want to see if they are compatable with the cat involved.
If they find out about Stirfry I might never qualify.
If there’s a male tortie, you can catch us on Jerry Springer 😉
Jay, Stirfry already put you on the “DNA” list. Don’t worry though, Buell stuck up for you, and I’d still adopt to you.
I knew Buell was a smart ass 😉
Let’s not tell Stir.
What a suprise that would be for her.
Punky and Tabby would be happy though.
Greater odds – 3 on 1
Stirfry would think that’s not fair. Only 3 ?
“I’m a Tortie – give me 50”
How about a picture of the mom?
Jay if Harry gets a male Tortie, you can bet he keeps that rarity. I would like to see it happen. That would be a great money raising event. A rare male Torties, sell tickets, must pass parenting classes.
Harry, it is time to build onto the house.
Well, I can’t pass the parenting class. All my critters say they are starved and don’t get enuf attention.
And Rachel would probably not give up such a rare cat. Would probably be a lovable gentle cat too.
I think your biggest foe would be Harry. To have a male Tortie. That would be better than finding the rarest of pen sets. You could not, to use a phrase, rip that male Tortie, from his cold dead hands. Rachel then would have to be contended with and at that point, you would be done for.
Figured as much. But wouldn’t that be great to one of our family getting one.
Talk about a spoiled kitty.
He would have loads of Aunts.
My prediction is, two torties, one black cat, and a brown tabby. Make a note of that, and at the end of March see how well I did.
The end of March !!!!
Great. We get to see new born kittens.
“We get to see new born kittens.”
Yup.
And Bernie – we already added on to the house. Brooke supervised. I don’t think her plan was to make room for more cats.
I saw that pic of Brooke supervising.
If she would have known that kitty additions were involved their would have been design changes I’m sure.
Looking forward to seeing Gabby after the book signing in April.
Guess Rachel will have her settled in by then.
There will be someone different for you to see in April… I’ve already met her. Ain’t sayin’, fer now.
8 cats now.
Bet Rachel is excited to have another.
Just got back from Walmart.
Got told not to stay later than 11 even if the work is not finished.
I’m used to getting the job done right.
They said even if a floor is half mopped or a slicer half cleaned.
And I get to work with some people who do anything to get out of working hard.
Frustrating.
How did Harry get 8? I thought he was still trying to get Gabby a home. Wow he may have to build onto his home for all the newcomers. My count was 7.
By April… it’ll be far more than 8. And Gabby won’t be here :0
Jay – I’m sure that has to do with federal rules governing pay for “non-exempt” employees – they can’t let you stay to finish up off the clock without paying you overtime. I’m not surprised that you’re a dinosaur who cares more about getting the job done right, than donating a few minutes to the man… but our society no longer encourages doing the right thing, thanks to employers who abused that altruism.
Harry – I’m on the clock. I think it has more to do with breaks after 6 hours. We get a 15 minute break after 2 hours. Most times I don’t bother but we have 1 guy that abuses it. He will take 20 minutes or more and not care if we have 15 customers and only 2 people on the floor. I can not do that as I would not want it done to me.
Guess I am a dinosaur. I was brought up that way..
Jay I agree with Harry. Walmart has already been taken to the courts and lost for exactly what you are talking about. So they are doing cost cutting to make up for their losses. And it always trickles down to emplyoees and the consumer.
Well Tortie family today is Saturday and it is overcast and just gloomy outside. Steeler does not seem to notice. She is doing her daily ritual. She is, as I call it, doing guard duty. She goes to every room in the house, then she stands at the basement door and talks to me until I open it, and down she goes. When she comes back up then she will go to the sunporch door and talk at me until I open it so she can go out and make sure we are safe.
After her guard duty, she will then crawl into her little kitty bed and sleep. Anyone that thinks these girls are not planning and carrying out their agenda, just watch how they dutifully go about the same routine at least once a day.
She has become so talkative in the past few months, that I actually find myself stopping to listen to her, as she becomes louder if I keep walking away. My home is only quiet not when she is asleep or she is planning her next line of attack.
What a busy girl she is – no wonder she needs a nap after all that guard duty!
Allegra was busy this afternoon, too: she helped me clean the inside of my windows (outside will be done by pros next week – I don’t do ladders). Her “help” involved batting at the wadded up paper towels on the floor, reaching in between the window and the screen to help me get out stuck pine needles, and getting her little kitty nose prints all over the clean glass to make sure I had done a good job.
I see you have had a busy day. Allegra has been working hard. After all, batting your cleaning wads is a lot of work. She is just helping keep the used ones out of your way. Nothing better than to have a little paw and nose making sure you do a good job on those windows. I can just see her waiting to get to the windows to look out and her little nose will mark her spot so she knows where the best sight advantage is. It seems these little girls really are helpful. It just takes a little longer to get the job done.
I am trying to teach Steeler to gather up her toys so I don’t keep stepping on them. It is of course a work in progress.
I agree with Bernie. Allegra was marking the glass for the best spot. Hope you didn’t erase it on her. And kitty paws are the best for getting those hard to reach pine needles.
I bet she was real proud when she was done.
But you know you can go to sleep every night knowing things are safe.
(but if she ever comes running out of that basement with a scared look – get you gun and call the military. Isn’t much that can scare a Tortie and I don’t know if I would have the firepower to take it on.)
And brush up on Tortie talk. They tell us so much. And get a pissed off look when we don’t get it.
I know she will wake me up for no good reason at night. But her guard duty is a daily ritual. Why she does this I just don’t know. But she is insistent on doing it.
I think her vocabulary may have come from a drunken sailor at times.
You never know what her life was like before she found you so something might have happened that she cannot sleep unless she knows she’s safe,
And did she know that “drunken sailor” before she found you or after ?
Just who do you associate with? – should Rachel be worried 🙂
I am not sure what shows she watches on TV when I go to sleep so she may have seen Friday the 13th of maybe a drunken sailor.
Rachel should be safe. However.
Only Jay could find a wake up joke that covers most of the housework and dishes most of us do daily. Way to go.
Saw this in Cat Fancy Magazine
http://amazinganimals.biz/
To start the day – an old joke:
The following was found posted very low on a refrigerator door.
Dear Dogs and Cats:
The dishes with the paw prints are yours and contain your food. The other dishes are mine and contain my food. Placing a paw print in the middle of my plate and food does not make it become your food and dish, nor do I find that aesthetically pleasing in the slightest.
The stairway was not designed by NASCAR and is not a racetrack. Racing me to the bottom is not the object. Tripping me doesn’t help because I fall faster than you can run.
I cannot buy anything bigger than a king sized bed. I am very sorry about this. Do not think I will continue sleeping on the couch to ensure your comfort, however. Dogs and cats can actually curl up in a ball when they sleep. It is not necessary to sleep perpendicular to each other, stretched out to the fullest extent possible. I also know that sticking tails straight out and having tongues hanging out on the other end to maximize space is nothing but sarcasm.
For the last time, there is no secret exit from the bathroom! If, by some miracle, I beat you there and manage to get the door shut, it is not necessary to claw, whine, meow, and try to turn the knob or get your paw under the edge in an attempt to open the door. I must exit through the same door I entered. Also, I have been using the bathroom for years – canine/feline attendance is not required.
The proper order for kissing is: Kiss me first, and then go smell the other dog or cat’s butt. I cannot stress this enough.
Finally, in fairness dear pets, I have posted the following message on the front door:
TO ALL NON-PET OWNERS WHO VISIT AND LIKE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT OUR PETS:
(1) they live here. You don’t.
(2) If you don’t want their hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture. That’s why they call it ‘fur’-niture.
(3) I like my pets a lot better than I like most people.
(4) To you, they are animals. To me, they are adopted sons/daughters who are short, hairy, walk on all fours, and don’t speak clearly.
Remember, dogs and cats are better than kids because they:
(1) eat less,
(2) don’t ask for money all the time,
(3) are easier to train,
(4) normally come when called,
(5) never ask to drive the car,
(6) don’t smoke or drink,
(7) don’t want to wear your clothes,
(8 ) don’t have to buy the latest fashions,
(9) don’t need a gazillion dollars for college
And… if they get pregnant, you can sell their children.
Guess I could use the net from my Skee Ball unit downstairs. Hasn’t been used for 10 years. But those wooden balls would hurt ( me when Stir backhanded them to me like Steeler does with a mouse)
I would recommend tennis balls for your own safety. The net is a simple procedure. The trick as I see it, is how are you going to convince one of the three to lay there inside the net to play. Have you thought how you are going to train Sir, Pumpkin or Tabby to go in that net.
Nutmeg of course would just eat the net.
The net would just be so if they miss I don’t have to chase it as far. And Nutmeg would eat the net and tennis ball.
I knew that. If you folks want to see some beautiful work by Bernadette go to my FB and follow the link I just posted. You will be delighted. Harry, I swear there is a cat there that looks exactly like Gabby. Bernadette is far to modest, she is an amazing artist.
Bernie, I have the most beautiful inspirations. How could I help but share them? Thanks!
Harry, now the date 4/10 is solid. I will make reservations, before rates go up for tourist.
For those of you who know the story: Flexy, in her new home, practicing for the world cup:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNB-mJP4M7I&feature=player_embedded
That was so cool.
Got to get one of those hockey set ups.
Pumpkin would love it.
Flexy looks great. Is she all healed up?
Aww, that’s so cute. Flexy needs to work on her “own goal” issues…
Harry, did you have a foster event today?
When will Gabby get her chance ?
Just dragged in, Jay. Yes, we had an adoption event – no action on Gabby. She charmed everyone she met – but no one interested in taking her home 🙁
(Rachel, of course, is elated.)
Hard to believe. She is a cute cat.
I’m sure Rachel sees this as a sign that she will stay.
I’m sure Brooke sees this as an evil sign. 🙂
Well Harry, there’s an old saying, there is always room for one more.
Flexy, that is great. But as all cats, not just Torties, it appears the young person with the hockey stick was getting the work out. It was nice to see.
Jay, with all your building ability, our can build a hockey play hut or whatever they are called. Just make a long hockey stick.
April 10, it will be. Further details to follow.
Ok, CC fans – I’ve broached the subject of rescheduling the Stray Cat Cafe signing with the powers that be. One possible date would be 4/10, a Sunday evening, pending approval from the restaurant. Would that work?
Works for me.
It will work for me.
I have to put in a request for that day off (and Monday after)
Let me know when this is definate.
Absolutely, will do Jay.
Works for me. Let me know when confirmed.
Glen strangely enough Steeler does that to me. I just came in from the store. She had food in her bowl but she started talking and pacing, I knew she wasn’t hungry so, but this is her way. I put a tablespoon of food in her bowl and now she is happy again. I guess it comes from feeling safe. We go away and I think they are afraid we are not coming back. After all your Kasey and my Steeler had a horrible start from some miserable low lives. We don’t have a “schedule” here. She eats, but only twice a day. Whenever we start out day.
“After all your Kasey and my Steeler had a horrible start from some miserable low lives”
Yeah, I have thought from observation that to Kasey, being given food is love, attention and security.
It probably goes a ways to making up for some tough times with not enough to eat.
I think you’re right, Glen – the fixation of formerly stray cats with food is a way to make up for tough times. It’s something they all seem to have in common. Few seem to learn to trust, even once they’ve found loving homes, that there will always be food coming, and it’s okay to relax about it.
Glen and all – that’s my experience, too. Victoria, our “recovering” barn cat, more or less gets along with the other cats, except at feeding time. Anyone who gets near her, gets swatted and yowled at, especially May, her daughter. I suspect that May reminds her of hard times getting enough food. And I’m sure, intellectually, Vickie knows after five years that the bowl will always contain food, but when she smells it she’s back in the barn.
Bernie and Glen. That is fascinating.
I always have a bowl of dry food (Purina for adults) in the 1 room and Stirfry will go over to it even when it’s 90% full and look at me.
I just dup it back into the 5 gal platic container I keep the food in and dip the bowl back in to fill it up.
Then she is happy.
Tabatha and Pumpkin only care if food is in it.
Worder if this is a Tortie thing or feral cat thing ? Ingrid or Bernadette – ?
Also I filled the outside feeding station with dry food and a hotdog this morning.
Saw the big orange cat eating there at noon.
I had a steak in the freezer (said Rib meat ) that was venison from my brother in law.
Date was 2001 so I defrosted it overnight and threw it out near the station around 3pm.
At 6 I saw it was gone. Cat/dog/hungry squirrel maybe.
Skunks, raccoons and possums usually only show up after dark.
I have off today and tomorrow off at walmart.
And just found out that my unemployment ran out last week but today in the mail it said I am eligable for tier 2 which is 17 weeks.
That should hold me out till I hit the lottery 🙂
I don’t know if it is a Tortie thing or just another way to let us know who runs the show.
I was ready to take out a bag of trash, I decided to use the front entrance rather than go around the whole house in deep snow. Well of course Steeler is walking ahead of me then it happened. She spotted a “cat” black on the porch eating cat food. Well I did not open the door, I wanted to see the cat. Well I hurriedly blocked Steeler, before she went into a hissy fit, but it was to late. The “black cat” was a full grown skunk and she did what they do when threatened. Well Steeler is not blocked for a while until she settles down and I ended up walking through the deep snow just to take a bag of trash to the road side. There is a terrible odor and it is all because one Tortie had to feel her wheaties.
Sound like a city kitty almost met a Tortie.
A stinky pissed off Tortie would have been the result.
I know there is anti skunk spray ( saw it on mythbusters) that works good.
Might have to clean the porch with that.
Won’t be getting any visitors using that door for a while.
The front entrance is not used by anyone that knows us. They know to use the driveway around to the back entrance. I just wanted to take a shortcut out that door to keep from getting soaked. Thanks to a Torties curiosity, I ended up going the long way around the back to the front and getting soaked. Steeler is still sleeping peacefully, like she is the innocent, that she is not.
No visitors or deliveries to the front. I use vinegar and lemon juice in water to get it off the concrete porch.
I bet Steeler laughed the whole time you walked thru the snow and back.
And you can’t do anything to her because she is soo cute (plus dangerous).
I am sure she did. By the time I came back in the little squirt was sound asleep. The innocence of conspiracy. Cannot trust a Tortie. They get you every time.
I guess the good news is you noticed the “cat” before you opened the door…
Good for everone involved. 🙂
Kasey’s evening feeding ritual.
I usually get home around 5:30PM.
I am told Kasey wakes up around 5:00PM and starts to stir.
Kasey greats me, usually.
Her food bowin the kitchenl always has some food in it.
When I het to the kitchen, she stands by the half empty food bowl and looks up at me and makes barely audible chirping sounds.
She won’t eat until I take the food container and pour some food in there. All it has to be is a few pieces of food but apparently, the action and the sound are important.
I think it is more the idea of being given something than the actual addition of a few bits of food to a bowl that has a good supply already.
slow night tonite.
I think we are all tired tonight. So called it a day. So should you, you have to get up with the birds. Night
Sounds like our Torties, Yours and mine and Harry has Sabrina and Brooke going at it today, they are all ticked off. Only Bernadette seems to have well behaved cats today.
I just try to stay out of the kitchen. Her squawking is really loud and she keeps at it. Pumpkin and
Stir going at it to. What the heck is in the air?
Hopefully Spring Fever.
Just heard a really pissed off Tortie.
Looked into the kitchen and saw Stir running an Pumpkin on her heels. He was jumping like a rabbit after her.
With all her attitude I have never seen her try to hurt him.
almost 1am.
Going to bed. See ya in a few hours.
That is a good idea. And yes she already had the milk. But that doesn’t stop her today. Get some rest.
Well Tortie family, the disappoint rates are very high over the cancellation of Ingrid’s book signing. Just for those who may have been fortunate enough and not hit by this storm, you really dodged a bullet. As of noon today, the forecast announced we had received 8 1/2″ of snow. What we received today was just flurries with no additional accumulation. Well we don’t need any more accumulation. My thoughts are OK, already, keep snowing and get it all out of your system Mother Nature, so those of us that have had enough of your fury can then get back to living outside a little.
Steeler could care less. I have food out for the strays or the just stopping by to say hello. This snow better melt fast or my pines are going to break down.
The township, just plowed the road out front, but what the hey, at this point who cares..
Schools delayed this a.m., but it apparently wasn’t all that bad once the ice melted by 11. Everyone is in my office – except me. I would have had to leave at 4 for a meeting, and since I planned on going in pretty late today, I was all set up to work from home – so I did. So far, Sabrina has sent an email, made corrections to a document, and opened up some admin window for WORD.
Everybody watched me shovel this morning, and Cookie’s been trying to see what combinations of keys she can hit by setting her little fanny here and there on my keyboard.
I sure Cookies typing is better than mine.
Sounds like Sabrina has had a busy day. Fortunately you are one of the growing population that can work from home. Most schools here had a 2 hr. delay, some were cancelled, especially the ones that have to bring in kids from the mtns. They plowed my road about 45 minutes ago. I imagine plowing will go on into the late evening.
Steeler doesn’t care. She comes to me to put more food outside the front door window, so her “friends” make a house call. I have old cereal that no one eats so I am now adding it to the cat food. Lots of birds have no taste buds, they are eating cat food and dry cereal.
I am staying warm and waiting to hear from the Dr. at the VA center.
10″ of snow, and now a lot of it is melted. Lovely sunny day! I had snow all the way up to my doors on my porches, that’s how hard the wind was blowing while it was snowing. Amazing, and totally unexpected.
Bernie, all the roads are clear around here now if you come to Pittsburgh, but the road crews had a really hard time with the on and off ramps, lots of accidents, and those narrow streets near the VA were impossible.
Bernadette when I spoke to the VA this AM they said the roads should get cleared by late afternoon. There was the matter of ice under the snow to deal with. So I did not even think about trying to get there. The Dr. is supposed to call me this PM, but so far still no word.
You don’t need to try to shovel all that snow. It is to heavy a snow. Another day and it will melt down better for you.
Cookie is trying to play a medley for you while you work, it was probably Whistle While You Work.
A warm sunny afternoon helped to melt the ice, and they’ve still salted so it won’t freeze again tonight. I enjoy shoveling snow–I shovel my walks and the sidewalks to the corner, plus the street in front of my house. My sidewalks don’t get much sun and ice builds up in the shade, plus I’m on a hill and customers stop here to drop off work–don’t want to inhibit that in any way!
Cookie’s motives are transparent. She knows she’ll get attention, as if she doesn’t have enough already!
I still think you are shoveling way to much heavy snow. But I do understand your reasoning. I guess you will be sleeping with my old friend Ben tonight. That’s Bengay before anyone get confused. Cookie must like her own playing, and if she gets attention from you that’s a plus.
I felt really lost this morning. After all, I was supposed to be at Harry’s house for brunch, having fun with all of you and meeting Harry’s feline family, and instead, I was sitting in front of the computer working.
Sounds like you guys got slammed up there. What little bit we had is almost gone by now.
Ingrid, we got slammed big time. It was reported I had 8″ Bernadetter 10″. What folks need to know about this storm is that before the snow, we had rain/sleet/freezing rain/ then the snow and winds came down with a vengeance.
Around me it actually changed back to sleet and rain briefly as the temperature rose just high enough during the evening, then went back to snow. Only once before have I seen so much snow fall so fast and at such an angle, and that was the blizzard of ’93.
See, I think all our torties didn’t want us to leave the house so they conjured a freak storm to keep us all home. Now that would be tortitude!
A Tortie conspiracy to keep us home. You have something there. When Ingrid reschedules the event, maybe you can make it, and ride shotgun with me. Maybe because you weren’t going the Torties hit us with this mess. Sounds crazy to most, but to Torties nothing is impossible.
They just want us all together at the same time.
I agree Bernie. Out Torties knew we would not really be happy unless everyone was there. The arranged for this storm. They brought The Steelers to the Superbowl. Not their fault that the team made mistakes and didn’t “play the Tortie”.
Harry might save some of those Danish (as he did that chocolate egg from unknown date)
I can only say this was the oddest storm to hit just as it did. Surprised us all. But right now I am dealing with a demanding Tortie. It seems she has this new thing about overtime I go near the kitchen she should get something. She is really talking up a storm.
I think Harry enjoyed the Danish and the chocolate egg. But there will be another day and hopefully the stars align and we all make it there. But by then I really hope Harry has eaten those danish.
But your hoping he saves some chocolate ?
Will Henry give it up ?
I’m sure Steeler is saying Milk – Milk – Milk.
You do understand Tortie don’t you?
Will be more 4 letter words if she doesn’y get it.
I have felt lost all day. (Though I did have a great breakfast for dinner.) Even the cats were out of sorts; Brooke and Sabrina were very hostile tonight. Tomorrow, I will look at the calendar and propose some dates, and we will get this party back on the schedule.
That is the best news I have had for 2 days. Pick out several so we can all make this party. Talk to mother nature, and let her know another stunt like this, and she will be suspended.
I think there are a # of us feeling like we are lost. But then you had the pastries to eat.
Brooke and Sabrina at it again. What are those two going to think up next. I think they are testing your patience.
Just put the critters out
4 1/2″ of light powdery snow on the grounds and nothing coming down now. A slight wind.
Gonna use the snowblower this afternoon.
Hope everyone is safe today.
I’ve been on the phone for over a hour with a friend. Then went out to put a few fiberglass fence poles in the ground where my car is in the grass so I know where my driveway ends.
I see a lot of posts on here and roared with all these comments.
I too wondered if that egg was last year or this one.
And now that I know Harry has chocolate, Danish, Egg casserole and Cranberry bread I’m headed out early tomorrow morning for that brunch.
I put my car off the driveway instead of on it. Always had the Jimmy and Saturn side by side so less to shovel but now found when it’s off to the side I can used the snowblower back and forth without having to go around it.
And the old Maverick and Volare bring back memories.
Over powered and light back end made for fun times in the rain and snow. And those cars were so easy to work on. Hardly any pollution crap until 73 and up. Then you couldn’t find the engine with all those hoses and pipes.
Can you believe Harry has chocolate and didn’t tell us. Henry has it. I could have talked Henry out of it for sure. Jay I think it would be a good idea if we take Harry some chocolate to Harry when we finally do get there. He has probably already eaten Henry’s chocolate egg.
The Maverick was complicated, compared to my roommate’s ’68 Rambler American, with three-on-the-tree. You could actually stand inside the engine compartment of that one. I used to do my own tune-ups on the Ford, and it got me all the way through college, despite my being not as smart as a donkey that can lock doors. My father gave it to me when it had 50K miles on it, I put another 50K on, and sold it for $800. No complaints.
Oh, Conscious CAT, not car. Sorry.
Harry I already seen that picture. Did Henry happen to bribe Pearl with that chocolate egg? It is a once in a lifetime photo. Although both seemed happy.
I have other photos of them like that, but that’s a new one, from a few minutes ago. They both love each other – until he bites her and then she smacks him, and she runs away… but they do a lot of mutual grooming, taking turns licking each other’s heads. That’s how we wound up with Pearl, who started out as “just” a foster.
Speaking of fosters, I talked on the phone tonight to Gabby’s previous owner – she tracked me down through the LDCRF website. I’ll fill you in tomorrow… off to bed now – if I can move a few cats.
The cats won’t mind. You can keep them warm. Goodnight Harry
“Oh, Conscious CAT, not car. Sorry.”
That should have come with a spew alert. Must go clean coffee off my keyboard now.
I just took a few moments ago and posted on the CC website a photo of Pearl washing Henry’s head. Couldn’t resist.
I just posted a few pics on my FB of what I am now looking at. It was to cold and windy to get off the porches. But this is after the rain/sleet/freezing rain, now here is the snow falling like crazy.
Snow is really coming down here too.
The 11:00 news said lots of accidents in the city (cars sliding into parked cars) and on the highway. Sure glad everyone is home safe ( except poor Eric)
Got the shovel sprayed. The news is right now showing Greensburg, has 6 inches of snow as of right now and more to come. I am glad everyone is home safely.
I need this to stop really soon, I want to get to Pgh.
9:20 right now and I looked outside.
Starting to snow.Never thought I would say thing but I feel better now.
Would hate to wake up and have good roads here to DC.
Like I said get your shovel out this is a very heavy fast falling snow. Hope DC doesn’t get what is being called for 3-5 overnight. Eric says if they get that snow, the gov. will shut down, and he will have to stay there and extra day. I cannot repeat what else he says about the weather. But I can assure you all he will not shovel it!!!
Does Eric want some Danish? Egg casserole? Cranberry bread??
Right now he is hotter than, well you know what. He just went back to DC this PM and had a time on the mtns. only to hear snow tonight and tomorrow. He would have been coming back to his field office on Wednesday, but it they shut down the offices then he will have to stay until Thursday. He is not a happy camper.
He at this point, maybe with his buddies downing a black crown royal and coke. I don’t think pastries are at the top of his list.
You guys get that one. I most certainly would have a pastry—no no I would not.
Loud and clear. (And now it’s sleeting like crazy in Fairfax. Julie just went out to move Rachel’s car into the driveway – less to shovel when it’s covered.)
Sleet and snow, at the same time. Bleah. Still wish it would have started 3 hours ago.
Hiya Glen
Don’t fall for that – “you’re safe – just take the toy” routine with Kasey.
She thinks that your Charlie Brown and she’s Lucy.
Glad your having fun with her though. Relieves stress.
I know what you mean about driving in bad weather. Been there done that. Had to clean out the seat on a couple close calls.
“I know what you mean about driving in bad weather. Been there done that. Had to clean out the seat on a couple close calls.”
A lifetime ago, in 1980, we were putting the finishing touches on the gas compression/processing facility were I would take Kasey from in the spring of 2008.
Our office was in Toronto at the time, I lived just east of Toronto, the facility is 2 1/2 hours west of Toronto.
We were working odd hours, I was done at midnight and was going home, regardless of the heavy, continuous freezing rain that was falling all across the area, I was 26 and fearless (i.e. stupid).
I ran east on Hwy 401, a major four lane, there was stuff, big and small, in the median and ditches all the way.
The 401 goes to three lanes each way in Toronto with three additopnal “collector lanes”in addition.
I got to Toronto around 3:00AM; it looked like the set of a 1970’s disaster movie. I didn’t see any peiople anywhere, no vehicles were moving or running, The whole highway across Toronto was covered in vehcles of all types/sizes that had collided, jack-knifed tractor trailers etc.
I actually stopped at one point and figured out a route between two semi’s that had collided and were across the highway at odd angles, then had to back up and turn to get by them, this is one a road where on aq better day, you must go 70 MPH or get rear ended.
I got home OK, somehow.
Today, I could not be paid enough to take that trip, let alone choose to do it; I think I used up all my luck on roads in poor winter conditions in the 1970’s and 80’s, so I avoid it now.
As Benie would say “with age comes wisdom” 🙂
When you use up 8 of your 9 lives ya slow down and think of things before doing them.
Bernie – comments ???
Well that’s two. I will have a few comments to you about graying and now whose age? I am keeping track. I show wisdom, and how you may age quickly to obtain it.
No offence meant Bernie.
I meant for me that I am getting a little wiser.
Like Glen, I don’t do any of those things I used to when I was 20.
I too thought I was invincible (and after cheating Death in 96 still do) but I take some precautions now.
Will not drive in icy conditions as I only have 1 car and if something happened to me who would wait on Stirfry.
But Bernie, really looking forward to seeing you in person so we can discuss my shortfalls. Might need a few hours ( and a Mick Ultra) for that.
Flattery does not work with me. We will have a lot to discuss and we will.
The one thing you can’t do is have something happen to you. Not only Stirfry, but the three musketeers need you, not to mention the mouseketeer Pumpkin and then there’s Tabby. To many depend on you.
I won’t talk to anyone about shortfalls, lord knows we all have them, I will only speak to you and gently attempt to direct your thought to another form of thinking. Like use the right side once in a while versus the left, but nicely.
Jay, most importantly, we will have that Mick Ultra.
I’m with you, Glen. I made many a dumb-donkey trip in my 20’s, in my rear-wheel drive V8 Ford with all the weight over the non-drive wheels, in ice storms. Today I have three SUVs and wouldn’t think about driving in sleet and freezing rain. At least we lived to learn how stupid that was.
I also wouldn’t play that game with Brooke. In fact, right now she has a foil-wrapped chocolate mini-Easter egg she must have stolen from a dish in the kitchen, and I’d really like to snatch that from her before it ends badly – but she hides it when she’s not actively playing with it.
“I made many a dumb-donkey trip in my 20′s, in my rear-wheel drive V8 Ford with all the weight over the non-drive wheels, in ice storms. ”
Miy 1980 run was in a 1979 Plymouth Volre two door, with aq 318 V8, same idea, too much power and wrong weight distribution for the conditions; a great choice 😉
Exactly, Glen. Mine was a 2-door clamshell 1972 Maverick. I suspect that whoever decided it would be a great idea to put a 302 V8 in that engine compartment never drove it on a wet road. I’m quite certain he never changed the sparkplugs; at least, not the back two. Kathy Mattea sang a great song about that sort of car, “455 Rocket”.
Another “dumb-donkey” statement and I’m gonna tell Buel on you two.
Hew locked me in the barn this morning by latching the bottom door.
Luckily it’s a Dutch Door and I opened the top to reach down and let my self out.
That makes 2 Smart asses at my house.
Do you think they are trying to tell you something? Far be it from me to say it, so if one of you others are following this, please explain this to Jay why his own little ones are locking him out of their barn.
Two words, Jay: Clean. Socks. Or stay in the barn.
Hey what’s this Jewish stuff. Does that mean Harry always has chocolate in his house? This is a priority question. Forget the Danish.
Harry, I knew you would get that one to Jay. He may take out the trash dressed as he pleases, but for the Musketeers there are rules to follow(:)
Even asses have standards. And as for the priority question, Bernadette pegged it – chocolate is universally observed.
Harry, why do you have a mini-Easter egg in your house? I’m just asking.;-)
Because it’s chocolate? Are you questioning why I have them NOW, or because I’m Jewish 😉
On the former, Wegman’s put out the Easter candy the day after Valentine’s Day. On the latter, see the above…
I guess we can all be observant of Chocolate, the universal religion, and I did hope she hadn’t been batting it around since last year.
I do worship chocolate, when I’m not worshipping cats. Odds are, it’s a new egg, but I can’t 100% guarantee that…
Harry no self respecting chocolate lover would give up a solid chocolate egg easily. Old or new.
Sounds like everyone made the right decision not to travel.
I used to travel more by road for work through SW Ontaqrio than I do now; I am with the same outfit, just a bit less travel now. I have been with the outfit for 34 years.
When I was younger, I took a lot of chances traveling in all kinds of weather, saw some bad stuff and narowly avoided it, myself.
I don’t do that anymore and it is now discouraged by our company, culture has changed regarding travel in poor weather.
I was home today, it is a stat holiday in some provinces, “Family Day”.
Kasey had an extra day with me home and seemed to get pretty used to it, there may be trouble while I am at work tomorrow because of it.
Today she was lying on the livingroom floor with a catnip toy. She kept inviting me to play the “go on, pick the toy up, I REALLY won’t try to grab you” game. I know tha game quite well 😉
I don’t take any toy from Steeler even if she puts it down for me uhuh.Had that one pulled on me before. Those claws whip out and there is no way to avoid that. I don’t like that game.
Glen this is terrible weather. The ice/rain/snow is the kind that is mixed and really heave. So Jay will have a real back pain lifting this stuff.
I am glad we are all safe for this one.
Holiday for you folks. Holiday for some folks here (president’s day). Mostly gov. workers get this day. A day with Kasey, well how much better could your day get.
I see that patch of weather on the radar site; doesn’t look real good.
We had a thaw last week, got rid of a lot of snow.
Then it went cold again and we got our snow last night, light stuff and not as much as they forecast. We will get another thaw later this week, it looks like. The Great Lakes modify our weather a bit.
We should be getting less snow that stays on the ground for any length of time, here, from now on. Just as long as we don’t get freezing rain but it seems they get that more in your area, as far as “sustained freezing rain events”; nasty stuff. power goes out, other damage, makes the cars crash…..etc.
I am waiting for half decent weather and having the rain take the road salt off so I can get the new bike, Victory Vision 8 Ball, out on the road, hopefully by mid- April.
As for the toy, I think I have posted the Kasey night time ritual before, but it goes something like this;
10:00PM receive a serving of canned food.
10:03PM serving of food id demolished, retire to the living room to contentedly groom.
10:10PM lay on the floor with the toy, make sure I am watching her.
If I don’t respond, she rolls around and makes chirping sounds, I usually humor her for a bit.
10:30PM jumps on the bed to sleep at my feet, I am guarded at night by a tortie.
Being guarded by a Tortie is the best guard one could want. Except the guard keeps waking you up to see if you are still alive.
I don’t usually wish for motorcycles to be able to hit the road, but in this case, the sooner the better and the weather will be decent for us. I am hoping for the snowball effect. Good weather from Canada means good weather for us.
Allegra is really good at that “go ahead, try to get the toy from me” game, too. And I still fall for it….because she’s just so darn cute when she does it. I have the scars to prove it.
“And I still fall for it….because she’s just so darn cute when she does it. ”
Kasey goes over on her side with the toy near her mouth, or holding onto it with her front paws.
She always watches to see where I am with one eye.
If I don’t come over, she bobs her head, rolls and makes little sounds, trying to get me to come and get the toy, which of course, I do……….
Jay, I’m glad you made it home safely and hadn’t gone too far by the time Harry called.
It’s still just raining here, but anyone who’s lived in the DC area for any length of time should understand that when there’s ice/sleet/snow in the forecast, people don’t go out unless they have to. Much as I’d like to think my coming to see me falls into the “have to go out in bad weather” category, I’m humble enough to know better 🙂
Don’t know that I necessarily agree that you’re not in the “essential personnel must report” category, but still the best course. Spent the extra time clipping Sabrina and Gabby’s claws. Found another bad mat on Gabby, which unfortunately is beyond my skill at removing. I will have to seek professional assistance. Brooke really seems out of sorts today – I think she really thought she was going. I guess I shouldn’t have been kidding her.
Brooke was probably looking forward to cleaning out the house while all of you were out tonight. She was going to get that mat out. I hope Gabby soon gets her adoptive family soon, or Rachel is going to have a hissy.
Aww, I’m sorry we disappointed Brooke. She was counting on those mouse tails.
For what it’s worth, it’s sleeting here now.
I can only say you made the right call. It may be sleeting there, but those who would have been coming in even from the surrounding areas may have had problems getting back. Go to WATE.com and you will see what Bernadette and I have. The snow is so heavy and wet now. All road are hazardous. And we will get up to 6 inches and more tomorrow AM.
Jay or I am going to get rid of that groundhog!!!!!
Perfectly dry here, and Ingrid’s only about 10 miles further out as the crow flies. I guess it’s coming, though. Three hours too late, unfortunately.
I just saw the weather report.
1 – 3″ above me
3-6″ where I am at and 6-9″ below in MD.
Not good for anyone.
But Glad everyone is safe at home.
Gives kisses to all our cats and enjoy the evening.
You do not know how good it is to hear that you are back safe. I have tried reaching you but your phone is off and you don’t have voice mail set up, but that doesn’t matter anymore. I was concerned that you were broken down somewhere. Thank God, no guns were seen or drawn. Hope you put on your very best face in cast you meet that officer again.
It seems as though after your turnaround you got a few thing accomplished. It was good for you to pop in on your Mom. I know that made her day.
I am selfishly and shamefully happy that we will all get a chance to get together yet. I agree without all of us there for Ingrid after all this time it would not be the same.
Now you can rest and I won’t have to keep trying to call you.
Actually, I think “I” was having second thoughts about Jay driving. We’re now supposed to get 2-5 inches of snow, and it starts as sleet – this is the right thing to do. I hope we’ll reschedule for late March – and I’ll keep you all posted.
I’m glad no one will be in danger and I won’t miss any of the fun!
Let’s plan for April–I know your weather clears up well before then, but we still get sleet and snow into mid-April and Bernie, Jay and I may still have a weather problem. I am always trying to plan outdoor events for community cleanups and plantings in time for Earth Day, April 22, and plenty of them have been cancelled or postponed into May. Let’s play it safe and go a little later than March.
Bernadette this is what happens to the best laid plans. I am sorry Ingrid cancelled her book signing, but I am selfishly happy at the same time. This next time it has to come together.
While I’m definitely sorry we had to cancel the event today, I’m glad that we have a chance to reschedule, and hopefully get the entire group together.
Ingrid I am truly sorry your event had to be cancelled. I would wish you lots of what we are getting but, then as the day as turned out I won’t do that. You may experience more bad weather than you want. There is still snow/rain/sleet called for in your area. It may hit before evening.
We will all get together, I am sure.
Harry I am glad you got a hold of Jay and had him turn around. I am sorry the event was cancelled, but selfishly happy also. This means we can try again.
Jay left me a message on my cell phone, but all I got was Bernie Good News and it dropped the call. I can’t receive signals in my home. I tried to call him back after I seen the phone blinking, but he is not answering. Must have turn the phone off.
All be safe there. I know what just sleet/rain will do.
Rachel, It must be fate. We too, shall get to meet. Take care. Hope to see you soon.
Hi everyone. I am home now at 5 pm.
I was running late leaving today as someone called me aboout a VCR.
My brothers had died and they stopped making them.
Found one on Craigs list last night for $15. The guy was on my way to the main highway so I decided to stop and pick it up. Also stopped and bought 4 spark plugs to see if that fixed my car problem. Got the VCR and 1 mile down the road pulled over and changed 3 of them. On the 4th one the spark plug wire broke off. Luckily I had my spare set (I put in the car before I left). As I was getting a pliars out of my car Harry called. At the same time a cop pulled over beside me. I am not the smartest person but still figured I’d talk to the cop first and then call Harry. The cop just wanted to know if I was ok as my hood was up. Explained everything and he left. NO GUNS WERE DRAWN ON EITHER SIDE.
After I got back on the road Harry called and explained about cancelling.
As everyone said I was “selfishly happy” also.
Will miss seeing Harry and Ingrid today but without Bernie and Bernadette it would not been the same.
The family would not have been together.
I was only 40 minutes from my house so just went to see my Mom and brother and set up his VCR. All worked out ok.
When the weather is better then we can all go to the book signing and have a great time without worriing about the roads when going home.
Even had a bridge picked out to sleep under.
And I even bathed and put on clean socks.
I just went out to wheel in the trashcan, and it’s still just drizzling. Now might not get real bad until after midnight. I’m sure I’ll hear about this on Friday – but no regrets. We’ll get it back on the calendar.
Don’t know how it is there but it’s a mess here–keeps changing from rain to sleet to heavy, heavy snow, and the roads are all icy. On the map it extends toward your end of things so just tell them they just weren’t in the right place.
I knew I forgot something.
Clean socks and to bathe.
Always forget when it’s not the last Saturday of the month.
And Bernadette, – I never grew up.
I am a bad influence on my animals. Even Stirfry 🙂
Not looking forward to shoveling snow tomorrow but better that than driving home in it.
Drinking a blueberry wheat beer and thinking of you all.
Will get that Feral Hiss as soon as Stirfry comes in the room.
Harry why did you bath and put on clean socks just to take out the trash?
If anyone gives you or Ingrid grief over this cancellation. Just keep a list of names and give them to Jay and I. We will make your life easier. The whole of DC will end up at the rescheduled event.
Bernie, I live in a very exclusive neighborhood where one would not THINK of bringing in the trash can without appropriate attire. Besides, Pearl was chewing on the socks I wore yesterday and they were soggy. PS – the danish intended for brunch tomorrow was really good.
My area is any king of covering is acceptable. No one but myself and the wild critters to see us. Outside of a stray car on the backroad.
Easy on the Danish, they have a habit making you hungry around 2 or 3 AM for another one.
No problem on the Danish – we had two.
Harry,like Bernie – no dress code for taking out trash.
Just as long as the neighbors don’t laugh and they won’t. They know what type of guns I have.
Don’t save those Danish for the next book signing. By then even my goat might not eat them. But do think of us when you have them tomorrow.
And like Bernie said
“If anyone gives you or Ingrid grief over this cancellation. Just keep a list of names and give them to Jay and I”
Not only might we show up armed, but we WILL bring Steeler and Stirfry.
And compared to that those people will think The Middle East conflict is a game of patty cake.
Congratulations, Jay, you’re all grown up! Stirfry and the rest of your animals have apparently had a positive influence on you.
But I thought at first you meant your “brothers” had died.
So you fixed your car, ran some errands and visited your mom, not a bad day.
Just be ready for what’s coming your way.
Bernadette, I know you looked out your windows and see what is going on. The roadways are treacherous and the turnpike speed has been lowered to 45. Turn on all your outside lights and I bet you can get some really great pics of your birds mixed with the glistening ice/snow combination.
Jay better find the snow shovel. It’s on it’s way into tomorrow.
Harry and I decided to cancel the event tonight. We agonized over this, but the forecast for the DC area is becoming increasingly worrisome (rain changing over to sleet/ice/snow right around event time), and we felt this was the right decision. Harry got a hold of Jay, and he’s turning around.
The good news is that we will reschedule, and then hopefully everybody can come. We’ll let you know as soon as we have a new date.
So, I’m disappointed, but at the same time, relieved. It wouldn’t have been the same without Bernie there, and from what Harry was saying, the weather for Jay was getting pretty dicey and he was having second thoughts about driving.
It’s 11:45 and I’m leaving now.
See ya down there Ingrid & Harry
Bernie and Bernadette, should be plenty of pics
Jay
Enjoy your travel! Lift a Stray Cat Ale for me and Bernie!
Watching TV now I realized that today is a State and National Holiday so traffic should not be as bad near DC. Hope so.
Pumpkin did NOT leave any presents so the “mouse tails” will have to be the ones served up at the Cafe. Steeler does not get a new playtoy.
Jay, I regretfully have made the decision that it is not safe for me to take the trip. Both routes for me take me thru the mountains. And the fog, rain/sleet then snow is more than I feel safe with. Tomorrow DC is to get the snow in the AM. I feel really disappointed that I have to make this decision. I was so looking forward to meeting you, Harry, his family and Ingrid. I knew it would be a safe and happy time, at least for me. So you travel safe and keep that guardian angel on your shoulder. Remember, don’t drive faster than your guardian angel can fly.
Bernie, I will really miss seeing you. Darn groundhog did not come thru for today.
I will go slow and get there safely. Will take pics of Ingrid and Harry.
Hopefully this summer we can get together when the weather is better.
I hope we can all get together later toward spring. This storm showed up unexpectedly. Please take pics. If you have a drink, have a Mick Ultra for me. I will be wishing I were there.
Bernie, I’m so sad the weather has ruined your plans. But I’m also relieved that you decided not to chance the drive. I could never forgive myself if something happened to you because you wanted to come to see us. I can’t believe that after two weeks of warm weather, today has to be the day things change.
I’m going to shed a few tears – I had so looked forward to meeting you. And then I’m going to start thinking about how we can schedule something later this spring, when there’s not a chance of snow, ice, or anything else, for all of us to get together.
You know we’ll be thinking about you tonight, wishing you could be with us.
Jay, please be careful driving. I’m looking forward to seeing you, and we’ll take lots of pictures for Bernie and Bernadette. On the bright side, maybe when we schedule a get together for spring, Bernadette will also be able to join us.
Ingrid I wish for you to have the most successful book signing you have ever had tonight. I’ve already shed tears, I had so planned on being there with you all. I felt it would not only be fun and I would meet some really great people with huge hearts, but it was somewhere I could go and feel safe. So my heart is heavy, but my hopes and wishes for all of you are to have fun and be safe.
Okay, but who’s going to keep Jay under control?
Bernie, I don’t think even the two of us together would risk this. The entire thing was supposed to move north but moved directly east.
February is difficult in our area–south of us its more consistently warm, north it’s more consistently cold and snowy, our weather changes every day. Yesterday was sunny and warm in the morning, sleeting and snowing heavily by late afternoon. March is difficult too. Let’s plan for something April or later.
I really am looking into something here in Pittsburgh if Ingrid would want to go that far. We have several cats-only organizations and shelters that would probably welcome a book signing by a nationally-known author.
Have a great time everyone! Cookie and Kelly and I will be wearing out cat ears tonight.
Went to make a sandwich for myself and spent 10 minutes cutting up sharp cheese and sweet bologna into small cat size bites for Stirfry.
And she wanted me in a furry chippendale outfit too.
Not a visual I want to remember!!!!!!
Bernie, you’d better keep an eye on Jay–I think he’s got spring fever!
Jay, don’t forget, Bernie’s a dead shot and she knows how to handle smart young me, watch your step.
Got the message Bernadette. Will handle Jay as I would my son, one up alongside the head, or as I say to my sons, I give you one to the behind and you won’t be able to sit on your brain for awhile, either way, I have it covered.
Bernadette, I will not forget. I will be on my best behavior. ( not that that is very good)
Really looking forward to tomorrow. Like Bernie said – will take it slow going down if weather is bad.
I know I have to get a Feral Hiss.
Harry, can you get me a drink menu to take back ?
All my friends (both of them) want to see them as I have told them about the place. My sister wants to go down this summer.
Jay, I will save a drink menu for you, and I’ll also email you the thing so you can send/print as you wish. But both of your friends – Bernie and I – will already have the drink list.
I heard one of those wild Tortie howls ( in fear).
And I thought they were fearless. Now she is just rubbing her eyes.
Well I was up in the attic, of course Steeler has to go with me. I came down to answer the phone and was on for a few minutes, and here comes Steeler. She picked up a little baby teddy bear out of the kids toys and it is now hers. She loves to get into the attic. When I first saw her coming down the staircase, I thought no, not a mouse, you folks have me with mice on my mind. So now she is comfortably playing under my chair with her newfound stealth toy.
Why do our cats seem to have to bring something down from the very top floor. By tomorrow it will just be in the way.
Harry, maybe you should have a bus schedule or amtrak for Jay. If he starts those Hisses he will need help getting home.
I think that’s why he’s staying over to Tuesday. We’ll pour him full of coffee Tuesday morning before we send him on his way.
Harry that sounds like a good plan. That way Jay will know which direction is NE. Although his head may be looking south.
Your right about you and I will already have a list. Thanks for the thought Jay.
just got back from watching a movie in the other room and falling asleep off and on. Kept having to back up the tape.
Don’t worry about my drinking. 1 or 2 is my limit. Usually lots of sugar with enuf coffee to dissolve it.
And your right. I will be with friends.
I saw some of these are toll roads. Does EZ Pass work on those too?
Hope so cause I will be blowing thru those gates without stopping. Don’t need to get followed to the Cafe with police on my butt.
Might have to buy them a doughnut.
And Steeler just wanted to bring down a toy cause you won’t give her real mice to play with. If Pumpkin leave me a present should I bring it along?
A present for a Tortie from a Tortie’s son.
Jay, EZ-Pass will work on the Dulles Greenway and the Dulles Toll Road in VA. I think those are the only tolls you’ll encounter? It’s worked everywhere in MD I’ve needed it, as well.
Jay, Harry already answered the EZ Pass question. So please don’t fly thru. Only car/trucks can use highways. Steeler does not need anymore playthings. She gets into enough on her own.
So if Pumpkin gives you another gift, by all means throw it AWAY, FAR, FAR AWAY!!!!!!!
As far as I know, my plan is to arrive about 5:30 to meet with Pam McAlwee, the owner of the restaurant and founder of the restaurant to get set up – put up the drink menus in the booths, set up a place for the raffle, and get a table (in the window) set up for Ingrid. I’ll have Rachel in tow, and her plan is to get a table and eat – I may do that if there’s time. Once the signing starts, I’ll be trying to get people to buy raffle tickets, and doing anything Ingrid needs me to, and, I hope, hanging at the table in the window as well as circulating. Julie is teaching Monday, her class will end about 6, but by the time she gets to her car and to the Cat it’ll probably be 7.
Harry, I’ll plan to get there a little after 6. Thanks for all you’re doing for this event! I can’t wait!
looking over the menu at The Stray Cat Cafe
Gonna have to get the “mouse tails”.
Been picking them off my bed by the tails over the last week.
Yes, but have you been deep-frying the tails and serving them with horseradish sauce?
No – I knew I forgot something.
horseradish sauce !!!
Wonder if I can get Pumpkin to dunk them before serving on my bed.
Harry there is not enough horseradish in the world for that!!!!!
Why would you want to get mousetails? Heck Pumpking can collect mice for you and you can bring your own.
But these are served by a waitress.
Always taste better that way.
The waitress could be a waiter(he) then how would they taste?????
I try to be optimistic
Cute blond in a short dress.
I prefer the chippendale!!!!!!
I hope our tables are close together so we can talk. 🙂
We can always roam around.
What kinds of brews do they have on tap to drink with those mouse tails?!
Catfish Head Ale and Stray Cat Ale, of course!
Something real strong to kill the taste.
Q-tip Thief
http://comedy.video.yahoo.com/?l=3774740&v=8739920
This was cute. That was one determined Tortie. But she got that Q-tip.
Once they set their mind on something there is no stopping them.
Found another mouse in the bed this morning.
Pumpkin must love me.
http://www.rhymeswithorange.com/2011/02/February-17-2011/
Either that or he thinks you’re one sorry provider.
Great cartoon!
Things have been quiet here lately. I guess we are all up to something. So I will bring you an update about Steeler. Well now that spring is in the air, and I have been leaving a little food outside the red glass on the porch, supposedly for cats, to entertain Steeler. Well today I took one of the ramps for Steeler away from the bed. I left the one on her side only. It seems she is up and down very early AM very often. Well instead of her going down her side she is walking across me to go down the ramp on my side of the bed. I want to thank those early birds, now I do mean birds, that come out early and have found the food. It seems sparrows mostly, and a possum enjoy early breakfast. So each time Steeler hears a sound it across me and out the door. So between the sound of her talking incessantly at me about the visitors and running back and forth, I am really sleepy. I have 2 options, none that I want to take, to get sleep. Stop the feeding, or cover the glass. Either way it takes away Steeler’s view of the outside. So if I have dark circles and automatically seem to say go to the hall and quiet down, you will all understand. I will be on auto pilot.
Ah yes, sleep deprivation due to kitty antics – I think we’ve all been there. I feel blessed that Allegra now lets me sleep in. Until about 5:30am. After that, all bets are off, and the endless jumping from bed to window perch to dresser and back begins. I keep thinking one of these days I’ll learn to sleep through all that…..
Ah yes, I remember the days when I could sleep in as long as I wanted. Now I have a cat that has slowly changed many ways I used to do. Kitty antics early AM into early mornings, then kitty sleeps all day. How did this ever just happen?
Guess we all have to learn from the cat.
Eat when hungry and catnaps all day.
We will understand.
As long as Steeler’s happy it doesn’t matter if thr hired help is sleepy.
Steeler is reeling right now. There is a pointy nosed opossum on the front porch nibbling at the cat food. So it might be a long night.
Cat TV
Gonna be a long night….
Windy right now.
Not as bad as it was earlier in the day.
I got home at 12 and saw the barn door open.
About 12 ears of corn eaten and the oat bucket spilled and half empty.
Buell was in his stall laying down.
Nutmeg was not able to get in hers as the oat bucket kept it closed and Harley ran out when I yelled. Took 10 minutes to coax him in. Did not get in the house till 12:15
Wind is gone from here now. So hand in there they will soon pass. Ok so the trick question: Do you think Buell ate all that and had to lie down: or did Harley and he got caught. Can’t rule out Nutmeg because they will eat everything. So now, Harley is in, and someone has a full tummy.
I’m sure it was Buell.
Nutmeg was hungry and Harley pawed the ground th way he does when others get fed before him. Did that since the day I got him.
Plus Buell’s the only one that can open the door.
Ind I just put a new “{Donkey proof” latch on it).
Now I have to start again.
Harley sounds like a smart little mini. But sounds like Buell got the brains. I would recommend a padlock. If Buell gets the key, then you have a serious Mule on your hands.
The drawer clasp I put on the barn door has a place to put a locking pin don thru it.
would not put it past Buell to figure it out.
I have a smart ass.
Going to bed now.
Be up at 6
Gnite for now
Fox news has Klepto kitty on in a minute
I saved my klepto kitty video to my computer. I can’t help but laugh every time I look at it. That is the true Cat Burglar.
The owners told all about it.
Said the cat brought in a bikini bottom and the a few days later the top.
I would have followed that cat the next day 🙂
I bet you would.
I am just a nice guy and want to return it to the rightful owner. Hope she’s single. 🙂
uh uh
I was hoping someone would believe that.
Pumpkin just laughed at me.
It a wonder Pumpkin didn’t take a whack at you. You could not sell that to a deaf person.
Hope her potential significant other isn’t too upset about that.
That would be my luck.
Looking forward to Monday. Got to ask my neighbors to put the critters in Monday night and let them out Tuesday morning
I’m so excited about Monday! I look forward to all of my events, but this one is very very special to me.
Ingrid I know I am looking forward to coming down to see all of you. It seems like we have grown to know each other so now I think we will add the missing link. I am sure the friendships that have grown from here will show at your signing. Heck, I am even offering to assist Jay if he needs help getting there with his car. He better be a really nice guy. So we will get there one way or another.
My son says go for it, then adds, I couldn’t stop you anyhow.
Sound like your son know you so well.
“No stopping Mom when she set her mind to something.”
I’m sure Steeler has reinforced that in you.
Look how she had to show you how determined a Tortie can be to find her forever home.
I had a girlfriend visiting here today. I still think she comes to visit Steeler. As soon as she gets here she asks for her. It’s not long before Steeler just shows up. Marty talks to her and Steeler responds in kind. Spent about an hour here. I think we may have had a twenty minute talk. She and Steeler had a long conversation. I told her she needed to get help. She says can’t help it, this is the first cat she ever seen that seems to talk. Of course Steeler was on her very best behavior.
Independence is something I think all people should exhibit. Of course this is only for one night, so I will not be gone to long or to far from my husband.
I have always told my sons, not to expect someone to make you happy. You have to make yourself happy, then others around you will feel the same. So being independent has always been a way of life in my family. Their concern is of course, but Mom your 29 a couple or more times. I just say and what exactly is your point?
On bed at 1:20 and up a 4:50
Woke up with Pumpkin on me purring like crazy.
Temp outside is still 48. Hopefully into the high 60’s today
Jay it sounds like Pumpkin is practicing a little of what Steeler does. Wants to be really close. I would hope you were able to be more than 3 hours of sleep.
I’m used to about 5 hours per night. 1 AM to 6 is my normal working day schedule.
Pumpkin loves to be close at night. During the day he only occasionally come in for head rubs.
I’m thinking Tabatha has lost a lot of her hearing.
When she’s sleeping on the bed calling her doesn’t even get an ear twitch.
Unless I’m real close and say her name loudly she doesn’t move.
Touching her gets her startled. I know my Bichon, Samatha was the same way.
But scrathing her right now got me lots of purrs.
The roofers are here now. Came at 9:30
I haven’t been outside to find out progress yet.
Put pictures of the last few days on FB yesterday before work.
I used that foam insulation in a can to fill in cracks. Tried to clean up drips yesterday and made a mess.
What fell this moring dried in an hour and easily pulled off the carpet. Might have to do a “Lion Cut” on my carpet.
That’s my theory on cat vomit, too – after it solidifys, I can pop it loose cleanly with a putty scraper 😉 We cat folk are a bizarre lot.
I’ve noticed that too Harry.
It might look bad but wait a day and clean up is easier.
Usually under the table so easier to deal with.
At the foot of the bed at 5am wakeup means a 1 foot hop to the bathroom and soapy water and a brush minutes later.
Do you have an Adoption event tonite?
Will Gabby get another chance ?
Steeler comes to me when she starts to get sick. So I usually have to watch first hand. Usually try to clean up right away. Usually is because she ate to much, I think. But your right Harry, if I don’t know when she left me a little gift, I use a putty knife and a little woolite.
Harry, that works in your shoes too.
Jay, same result when it lands in your shoe.
I had a cat who preferred shoes to the rug.
I seen this pics. Brings back a lot of memories, when my husband and I decided to renovate this abandoned 200+ year old farm house. Was a mess, but in the end it is great. But on a couple of hours sleep makes it harder.
The sleep I’ll catch up on tonite.
Feel great right now.
Did some junkyard shopping as my Saturn has a check engine light on.
Cyclinder #1 misfire.
I’ve replaced wires, plugs, coils and the computer under the coils.
Junkyards didn’t have the parts right then but was told by one that maybe a intake gasket leak.
On the way home I stopped at a Golden Retriever rescue group ( a friend got hers there) and and then my inspection mechanic who is a few miles down the road.
He found my spark plug wires need to be cleaned. My gas milage went from 33 to 28 over the last couple months.
Waiting for things to cool down on the engine before I work on it. Car runs fine but I wanted to improve it before the trip.
Jay, be careful about using the expanding foam on window and door frames–I had to take apart both a window and a doorway because the foam expanded so much I couldn’t open the window, and the doorframe was actually 1/4″ smaller than it started out and I couldn’t open the door. If it’s a fixed skylight, though, you don’t have a thing to worry about, nothing will come through there!
For termites, you need to remove all soil contact with the wood in your house by at least 12 inches or the termites will keep coming in. They live in the soil in warm areas around your house, either on the south or west sides or near a chimney or flue, and they’ll climb up into the framing looking for damp, soft wood. Remove everything, remove soil from the bottoms of your walls, and even pave around your foundation with flagstones or paving stones, sand underneath and mortar between.
My house was a two-story addition to another house that some wise people cut off, put a back wall on and moved onto a tile block foundation in 1915. It’s a long story, but nothing fits together and I swear my house walks on its own. But I could afford it and I learned enough to write three books about fixing “This Odd House”, yes, odd. I miss all my old-fashioned hardware stores; these new ones don’t know a thing about old metal casement window hardware.
At least you have a schedule! My cats find me absolutely hopeless–I don’t go to bed on time, and no amount of torture will wake me up, though as soon as I open my eyes I have four black faces staring at me from all angles and from there they have an edge.
Thanks for the info.
So far all I am filling is the gaps left from old insulation to the new wood. Mostly 1″ but some the size of your fist.
The skylight is gone but I might get styrofoam cut to fit in there. Fiberglass if not.
The roofer did not think they were termites but I will have the ones I saved looked at.
Love the “This Odd House” term. Old houses have character, not like todays stick built ones.
Some even have metal 2×4 studs.
And around here are a lot of old hardware stores plus the flea markets in Adamstown near me.
They have all sorts of cool stuff.
My schedule is set up by the barn animals mostly. Pumpkin is the only one that will wake me.
And not like how Steeler wakes Bernie with the left hook. 🙂
Waking up to those 4 black faces must be quite a sight. I can imagine what they are saying to each other.
Give Pumpkin time. You may bet a left hook to the jaw yet. At least Steeler is withholding the claws.
This Old House term really applies to our home. It is wood pinned like the barns. The beams are all wood pinned, no nails. Floorboards all have the old square nails. Our sills are 8X8 and our joints are all 2×10. All wood is oak. They don’t build home like that anymore. This one has lasted a long time and will last a long time after I’m gone.
Hope you get your car running. Let me know. We may have to work something out for driving.
I am looking forward to Monday. It will be nice to meet the new friends and make new memories.
The coil and wire contacts were cleaned. And the car started right up.
Might get new plugs tomorrow – $2 each.
Those old houses were built to last.
The square head nails are from 1820 to 1910 if they are cut nails.
Before that if hand forged.
How much insulation do you have?
I looked at an old stone farmhouse that had 1 foot sills.
It felt cold and that was in the fall.
Jay they are the old square nails. Very brittle. The oak is like steel at this stage. It burns up more drills and saws than you can imagine. We insulates all the walls with 10inch thick insulation. On the attic floor we had a blown in insulation that was infused with a glue like substance so it does not shrink. We did this on the second floor walls also. Very expensive, but unlike the sheet insulation it sticks to the wood. First floor is the rolled insulation 10″. We also stoned the outside, so the total walls are about 18 to 24 inches thick, depending on the stone. The house is mostly comfortable in the summer, and yes it is cool in the fall at times. Once the stones cool down, you can feel the difference. We are also set in a wide open area. Nothing to stop wind.
That explains your large propane tank.
Must be fun to heat.
My house being a dome and well insulated doesn’t take much to heat.
My fireplace upstairs doesn’t have a flue bbut the gas logs are the non vented type.
6′ wide and 2′ deep with fake stone on both sides. All that thermal mass once heated up put out enuf heat during the day that when I come home the temp is mid 60’s. Over night I just leave the logs on low unless the temp drops below 25.
Upstairs the room temp is in the 90s. That’s why I want a ceiling fan.
But you nd I have the same problem. Are the cats warm enuf.
Jay the heat is not just for the stone, I have 11 rooms + 2 large center hallways + 2 full baths. Full basement and Full attic. So there is a lot of rooms here.
Steeler uses my electric blanket to keep warm. She’s no dummy.
I looked at an old frame farmhouse in Lone Pine, Greene County, the central heating was a huge stone fireplace that had been the outside wall of the original cabin with a flagstone hearth, then someone had added on four rooms to the back of the fireplace wall, so the heated chimney heated the whole house. It had electricity and running well water, and also a pump, random oak flooring and I could picture those wide window sills with a cat in each window, a big bright studio because it was on the top of a hill, a good barn, room for other critters and all dirt cheap but it was an hour and a half from where I worked and I couldn’t do it, as much as I wanted my little farm. I still dream about it. Someday when I don’t need to be as connected.
Jay, that’s why I decided I’d build a dome if I ever had the chance to buld my own house. A couple of of my professors in college had domes and I’m sold on their efficiency. Still love the thought of an old farmhouse, though.
Bernadette, this was my husband’s and my dream to renovate an old farm house for ourselves. I need to correct one thing, it is 10 rooms + not 11. We have an open hearth in the basement where the cooking was done. It is still there. Although we have put a temporary closing on it for draft. The upstairs floors were able to be saved and they are random oak. We had them sanded and just had polyurethane applied. They have a golden oak color, naturally, from aging. We could not do the same on the first floor. We have carpeted it. People destroyed the wood. A lot was stolen while the house sat abandoned. But it was our little piece of heaven. We enjoyed the challenges of an older home.
Wrong Bernie.
Steeler has 10 rooms + 2 large center hallways + 2 full baths.
You have the kitchen and if you screw up fridge duties you might not have that.
Bernadette, that sound liike my dream house too.
Too bad for the distance. It would have made a great studio.
If my lottery number come up tonite check and see if it’s still available.
I’ll move ya in.
Jay only you could think that one up. However, I am giving some serious thought to building an outhouse out behind the house!!!!! Just in case!!!
Really quiet tonight.
Got home early and saw a lot of my snow had melted.
The temp is 48 at midnite. Way to go Phil.
Spring will be here soon.
Roofers are up and pounding nails into plywood.
Tabatha is sleeping on the bed, Stirfry is sleeping in the kitchen chair 15 feet away from them and Pumpkin is hiding in the basement.
House should be airtight today.
I hope everyone thanks me for the warm weather.
I think all my heat went up thru the holes in the ceiling and helped the Northeast.
Ingrid I am going to have her checked out with the X-rays later this month or 1st week in March. If there is a reason for her discomfort I would like to know. If not then at least I will know I am not causing her to be uncomfortable. She would just be Steeler being Steeler.
Jay, thanks for the heat. It is greatly appreciated and feels so good. If only it would stay.
Glad you have your roof closed.
Bernie, the x-rays are probably a good idea, and since they’re completely painless and non-invasive, Steeler won’t mind (at least she wont’ mind too much….). It’s always better to know, and maybe there’s something you could do that could make her more comfortable.
The fact is that some cats just don’t like to be held, and there probably are as many reasons for this as there are cats. As Jay said, the fact that Steeler loves you overrides everything else.
I think the x-rays would be a good idea.
If you find a reason why she cries you might also find out how not to cause her discomfort.
I know everytime I pick up Tabby she cries but if I hold her close she will wrap her paws around my neck. Pumpkin almost never wants to be picked up but loves belly rubs.
Each one is different.
Will Steeler accept over the shoulder, on her back like a baby or 1 hand under her with your palm under her chin? Must be something that will make her feel comfortable.
Maybe that all you get is her laying next to you but the fact that she loves you overrides everything else.
My cats are starving.
The roofers are in the living room near the food dish.
Tabatha and Pumpkin have not gone in there all day.
But they are both overweight so this will not hurt them.
Stirfry calmly walked by, ate, used the litterbox and later was sitting on the dining room table watching them. Like Brooke, she had to Supervise. She then slept in the kitchen chair while they were nailing and usiing a sawzall 10 feet away.
Stir is watching her territory. Again Torties aren’t going to run from a little sawzall. She not going to miss any meals either. I can see Tab and Pumpkin running for the food and water after the roofers leave. Steeler is doing what she does best. Sleeping and opening one eye so she does not miss anything.
The roofers left at 6:08 and by 6:15 Tabatha came in the room licking her lips. She got her breakfast/lunch/dinner.
Pumpkin finally went out at 8:30. And even then he was looking around for the roofers.
Now he is back with me wanting attention
Steeler is just watching for you to get her milk out.
Well we both keep getting surprises from these furry guys. Steeler is being stubborn Steeler tonight. She would not let me get close enough to pick her up. But she sure came when she knew food was out.
I hope those roofer take advantage of the good weather for the next couple of days. It has bo be
frustrating with the roof. Not to mention all your heat goes up an out.
I was afraid the foam insulation would be gone and I would have to use
fiberglass R-45 down to R-25.
The foam reallly stuck to the 2×6’s and had to be cut off.
If the plywood on top was still there it would have been impossible.
But the plywood had rotted off and they were able to stuff it back between
the new boards. I used the foam in a can to seal all the big cracks.
Bernie, Pumpkin never sat on my lap where Stir always does.
A month ago he would come in for scratches and if I ignored him (hard to do because he is soo cute) but he would stretch up to me. Finally one day he jumped up.
Now he is starting to do that every day. Only stays for a few minutes, but today he turned around and lay down facing my feet. 3 minutes later he jumped down.
If you ignore Steeler (with the risk of being a scratching post) would she jump up?
Jay, I have had Steeler lay at my feet, under my chair, by my chair, but she will not jump.
I found even on when she is on the bed, that is the hugging time, for a minute or so, but if I hug her the wrong way she cries as if I am hurting her. I know she had a pelvic injury and that is why she doesn’t jump.
But I would like to hold her. I think when I get back from the cat fest, I am going to go ahead and let the vet take x-rays of her to see if there is a reason for her to cry. I need to
know if something is really hurting her. I didn’t want to do this, but I feel if I am somehow hurting her, and there is a reason for it, I want to know.
Jay she is affectionate when she lies down or walks on me. She flips over on the bed for Tummy rubs and chin rubs. I have tried over the shoulder, but she immediately starts with the claws and I have to put her down.
I just think I will feel better if I know for sure I am not causing her pain.
By the way my FB page has info to fix FB to an extent. If you haven’t did this you may not hear from all your contacts.
I went to your FB page and saw how to edit.
Did that now.
Going to bed, kept falling asleep ehile trying to watch the news.
Fell asleep next to Tabby.
Punky got jealous.
I forgot to tell you all. One of the changes FB made to our sites was on friends. If your friends have not been in touch for a period of time they have either dropped that friend or makes them register again.
On my FB site is instructions on what to do to keep in contact with everyone, even if you have not heard from them in a while.
Scroll down my page you will find the instructions on what to do to fix it. I hope this helps some of you folks.
i have seen Harry with his cat ears. I think there are a couple of pics of him with those on. But all along I thought cats have pointed ears?
And we all thought cats had pointy noses too.
Brooke: Real cats have pointy noses. I have no idea what that thing is in the bedroom.
Going to bed now. Got to get more lumber tomorrow before the roofers come down.
Temp is probably 50’s in the house with the heat on. Glad I have the heated waterbed and an orange bed warmer. Maybe Tabby will join in.
G’nite all.