March 2016

OUR ANNUAL ROUND-UP DOES NOT MAKE US THANKFUL

Well, today may be Thankful Thursday, but we can state unequivocally, “We are not!” Depending on when you read this, Dr. Neel and Tamika are on their way here, are here or have been here. Today is our yearly Round-Up. We will be weighed, examined, vaccinated and have pawticures. Lily Olivia, Mauricio and Misty May will have blood drawn for senior panels as well.

We actually are an itty bitty bit thankful. We don’t have to get stuffed into PTUs and hauled across town to the vet office. And, of course, we’ll have treats for which we are always thankful; though, we know we deserve them even when it isn’t Round-Up.

Fiona will be the fortunate kitty today. Dr. Neel is not going to vaccinate her. She thinks it will be too much of a strain on her system. We’ll all have our shots, and as she is only around us, so she should be safe. We’d say she’s a lucky girl, except for the fact it’s her CKD that’s letting her off the hook. And she gets stuck with a needle for subQ fluids every other day.

We all have been practicing our stink eye, including Fiona. We want to make certain to be in our best form.

Of course we can do much better than what we are showing you. After all, we didn’t want to peak too early!

Drop back by tomorrow when we will be sharing highlights and photos from today.

You can check out our previous round-ups on these posts:

Annual Round-Up – 2013

Monday Meowsings: The Round-Up – 2014

Thankful Thursday: Our Yearly Round-Up – 2015

Wishing y’all a Thursday for which you can be tankful.

Purrs and paw-pats, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

MMM…MMM: GOOD TO THE LAST DROP!

Wordless Wednesday

March 30, 2016 by Janet Blue Wordless Wednesday 25

EASTER SUNDAY SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #85

Hey, hey…it’s Misty May here for the Easter holiday.

Misty May doesn’t take a selfie very often, so I am excited that she is here representing and hosting for Easter. Easter or Spring Holiday, as Dad Tom calls it, is quiet at our house. Tom is always out of town for The Asics Big South Volleyball National Qualifier in Atlanta.

Whether you celebrate Easter or not at your home, we wish you a blessed and sunny day with lots of chocolate eggs and bunnies for the humans, nip for the kitties and treaties for all the other critters.

If you’re not too busy celebrating, hope you’ll join our blog hop. As always, the kitties and I encourage you to invite your friends to join in and to include the hop on your blog. Please just link back to The Cat on My Head and/or display our badge. And if you have any trouble linking up, leave a comment and I’ll link up for you.

Still Working on Our Site

You may notice that our site continues to change. When I tried to update the site to the newest version of WordPress, the files would not upload. Not being in the mood to mess with that process anymore at this point, I continue to try to clean up the site. Our Remembering Friends section, which had been on the sidebar, now has it’s own page as does the Universal Bill of Rights for All Cats (a must read if you missed it) from our recent post of the same name. I will be moving other items from the sidebar to individual pages as well. All of these can be accessed from the menu at the top of each page.

Wishing you all a

Happy Easter and Spring Holiday!

March 27, 2016 by Janet Blue Holiday Sunday Selfies 53

FUNKY ABSTRACT CAT ART

For whatever reason, my art this week came out thumbnail-sized. When I enlarged it to post, it became quite blurry. For this type of art, I suppose it doesn’t matter much.

I usually share the original photo but have decided not to this time. I have another version I want to use in the future. I also thought it might be fun if you try to guess which Kitty Blue this is. There might even be a drawing for a prize. I haven’t given anything away in quite a while. I’ll have Random.org select a winner from all those who guess correctly.

I created this using Picasa but when I tried to recreate it to share what I did, I was unable to do so. I know I used the posterize feature twice and also the HDR effect. Beyond that, I’ve forgotten.

This is our submission to Athena Cat Goddess, Wise Kitty’s Caturday Art Blog Hop. To see the other submissions and/or add one of your own, click on her badge.

Easter Sunday Selfies

One of the Kitties Blue will be your host for Sunday Selfies tomorrow. I have no idea who it might be. I just know the selfie will have some sort of Easter theme. I suspect many of you will be busy and unable to join us. If that’s the case, I hope you’ll return next week.

Last week was great with close to 60 participants. Thank you very much to all who joined us. I am fairly certain the kitties visited everyone who entered. They will do their very best to do the same this week.

Universal Bill of Rights for All Cats

If you missed our last post, it is a must read for every cat. You can click on the link below to read it. Though Kitties Blue want cats everywhere to have access to this document, please do not copy or repost it without asking permission. It is copyrighted material of this blog.

In case we do not see you tomorrow, may you have a blessed Easter.

March 25, 2016 by Janet Blue Caturday Art Blog Hop 25

UNIVERSAL BILL OF RIGHTS FOR ALL CATS

As we read our friend Mudpie’s (Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) post yesterday with regard to counter surfing, we found ourselves wondering why we cats do not have a Bill of Rights. It seems illogical and unfair that we cats should go through life willy nilly with no regard for our own well being. With this in mind, we, Kitties Blue, took it upon ourselves to create and distribute the Universal Bill of Rights for All Cats.

If you find this difficult to read, the Rights are printed below the scroll in regular text.

Universal Bill of Rights for All Cats

Humans shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of all cat-related activities pertaining, but not limited, to play time, treats, napping, nipping, horking, litter scattering, speech, defined as meowing, chattering, caterwauling, purring, hissing or growling, or to assemble (peaceably or not) to demand from their human playtime, litter box maintenance, food, treats, nip or warm-from-the-dryer laundry on which to sleep.
A well-regulated group of catchers of mice, bugs and other vermin, being necessary to the security of the home and property, the right of the cat to keep and bear claws and fangs, shall not be infringed.
No human shall, in time of peace or war, deny entry of a cat to the human home, unless said cat is a mortal enemy of the cat(s) currently in residence.
The right of all cats to be secure in their furs, houses, toys, food, treats and nip, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall NEVER be violated. No situation exists that would constitute probable cause.
No cat shall be held responsible for any offense, including but not limited to counter surfing, theft of the humans’ food, breakage of items belonging to humans, horking in the humans’ shoes or anywhere else for that matter, smacky paws with fursibs or humans, and especially for no perceived offense against woofies or demented squirrels.
Should any human accuse a cat of wrong doing or perpetrate a crime against the cat, the human shall be put in time-out, for an appropriate amount of time as determined by the cat, or imprisoned for life depending on the severity of the crime. Any and all fines levied are payable in treats, nip or scritches or any combination thereof as determined by the cat.
In suits at common law against a human, where the value in controversy shall exceed two pounds of treats or nip, the human’s right of trial by jury of the resident cat(s) shall be preserved, and no fact tried by said jury shall be otherwise re-examined in any human court of law.
No action by a cat shall result in bail, fines or cruel and unusual punishment, such as withholding of treats or by the use of verbal or physical reprimand, regardless of what a human deems “proper cat behavior.”
The enumeration of rights in this document shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the cat.
The powers and rights delegated to all cats by the Bill of Rights shall be sacrosanct. No human may challenge, waive, deny or change any of these rights by amendments to this document.

Signed and implemented this 23rd day of March, in the year 2016 by:

Lily Olivia Blue Mauricio Blue Misty May Blue Giulêtta Blue Fiona Blue Astrid Blue Lisbeth Blue Calista Josette Blue

on behalf of all cats worldwide.

March 24, 2016 by Janet Blue Kitty Written Blog Thankful Thursday 31

BIRTHDAY AND A LOVE AFFAIR

Happy Birthday Sampson

Today is the birthday of the most handsome Sampson (Kitty Cat Chronicles). Those of you who follow us regularly know this romantic and gallant Cat Scout has been Astrid’s boyfriend for two years. She asked to post a special birthday card for him here.

For those of you who don’t know how Astrid and Sampy’s relationship developed, here’s a synopsis from a previous post.

It all began in February with my Match.Cat post when I asked if any male kitties were interested in taking any of my girls to Madi’s Queen of Hearts Dance.

This is what Astrid had to say about herself at the time: “I am the really shy girl among us. I wouldn’t be pawticipating if Mom wasn’t pushing me. Even though I am two and a half years old, I am a very tiny, tortie girl. I keep to myself most of the time and don’t really socialize with my housemates as they like to bully me and make me cry. If I do go to the ball, my date needs to be with a sensitive and quiet, young man-cat.”

In reply, we received this comment from Sampson’s mom, Emily: ”What beautiful ladies! I am sure they will find dates! If they don’t, I have one young bachelor kitty who I think would be perfect for Astrid. He doesn’t know much about this Queen of Heart’s Ball, but I’m sure he would be interested if I mentioned it to him…”

Astrid then received an e-mail from Sampson and accepted his invitation to attend the Dance.

Here’s a slideshow with highlights of their relationship.

[slideshow_deploy id=’19862′]

It was love at first sight with these two. Sampy’s love and support has done so much to help Astrid gain confidence and stand up for herself (most of the time) against the bullying of fursibs, Misty May and Fiona.

An Announcement

On February 29, just a little more than two years after their first date, Astrid popped the question. She asked the love of her life, Sampy, to marry her. It was rather spur of the moment as Astrid found out just that day about the tradition of ladies being able to ask for the paw of their man in marriage on leap day. And…Sampy said yes. Astrid and Sampy are now engaged.

Tentatively they plan to marry in June at BlogPaws with their flat selves standing in for them.

Please join us in offering your concatulations to this adorable couple.

Even though this is a very wordy post, we are joining the Wordless Wednesday blog hops.

March 22, 2016 by Janet Blue Asrid & Sampson Backstory Birthday Cat Scouts Wordless Wednesday 28

FIRST DAY OF SPRING SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #84

Spring begins 30 minutes after this post goes live, and Astrid is ready to meet it. Well, her selfie is ready. She’s sleeping, and will not see it until morning.

Unfortunately, she is meeting it with a razzleberry. After unseasonably warm temperatures this past week, including a high of 83 degrees F. on Wednesday, we now are having rain and cold. Our high on Saturday was more than 40 degrees colder than on Wednesday. It’s okay if you are a human and basketball fanatic, but it sucks if you’re a cat who wants to be on the catio watching bird TV.

Nevertheless, we are all happy to have winter officially over; though, we know winter weather can hit anytime for the next few weeks.

By now you all know that this is our Sunday Selfies Blog Hop. Astrid would be so happy if lots of you would join her here. Last week we had one of our smallest turn-outs ever, which made your host, Lily Olivia, very sad. Please don’t give Astrid the sads this week. Invite all your critter friends to join in the hop. And visit some of the other participants and say, “Howdy do!” This is such a fun way to make new friends.

As usual, if you have any trouble linking up, leave a comment and I will add your link for you. It always makes us happy when some of you share the hop entries on your blog. So, please continue to do so. I only ask that you display our badge and/or link to The Cat on My Head.

Thanks for being friends and hoppers. And…

Happy Spring 2016!

March 20, 2016 by Janet Blue Sunday Selfies 57

GIULIETTA GETS COZY WITH CROCUSES

Caturday Art

Here’s Giulietta doing the honors for our Caturday Art submission for Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty’s blog hop. I used PicMonkey and the following two photos to create the art.

The photo of the blooming crocuses in our yard was layered on top of the photo of Giulietta. I then tinkered with the Blend mode, saturation and fade until I achieved a look similar to stained glass. My next step was to load the photo into Picasa where I added the HDR-ish effect and the border. I like how the most recognizable parts of any cat (the ears and eyes) were not obscured during the editing process.

To join the blog hop and/or view the other submissions, click on Athena’s badge.

Fiona and Giulietta Birthday Wrap-Up

Fiona and Giulietta asked me to thank everyone who came to their birthday party yesterday. They had a terrific time and appreciate all the messages. They also wanted me to share two more birthday cards they received. The first is from Timmy, Einstein, Buddy-Budd, Ms. Fitz, Toby, Rumpy and Mr. Buttons from Tomcat Commentary by Tim. It’s so pretty and colorful.

The second card is from Pipo and Minko (WeBeesSiameezers). The girls love how girly and romantic this card is.

I feel so blessed to have these sweet girls as part of our family. The beautiful cards and good wishes warm my heart as does the concern, caring, purrs and prayers so many have sent Fiona since she was diagnosed with CKD. We are trying to do everything we can to give her the best quality of life possible for as long as she is with us. I truly appreciate the suggestions and advice that so many of you have offered.

Site Design

Depending on when you have visited, you may have noticed that our site has been a bit wonky lately. Items on our sidebar were and still are “messed up.” The fixes I have tried are not working, so I have decided to to go against my better judgment and update WordPress to its newest version. The last time I did this, our site really went bonkers. That is the reason I have not updated before now. All that explained, I intend to do this on Monday when I usually do not post. Depending on how things go, we’ll either post again on Tuesday or Wednesday. I hope this doesn’t backfire on me as we have a major announcement to make on Wednesday. Please keep your paws crossed that all goes as planned.

Sunday Selfies

Yep…it’s time to start thinking about your blog hop photos for tomorrow. Astrid will be your host. She is hoping that lots of you will join her. We had one of our smallest turnouts ever last week. Please don’t disappoint your host. She’s a very sensitive kitty and gets her feelings hurt easily. And don’t forget to invite your friends. Many thanks for your continued support and participation.

March 19, 2016 by Janet Blue Birthday Caturday Art Blog Hop Sisters 23

SISTERS TURN SIX!

The “Kittens” turn six today. They are no longer kittens and not the youngest of Kitties Blue, but that’s what we dubbed them when they first joined our household. You know them as sisters, Fiona and Giulietta.

Last year I forgot Fiona and Giulietta’s birthday, but I wasn’t going to let that happen this year. For all I know, with Fiona’s CKD, this could be her very last birthday. If the kittens had a cake with candles, I would ask if I could blow them out. That would give me the opportunity to make a wish and ask God to give Fiona many more years with us.

They received their gift a couple of weeks ago: a fountain for the second floor. Unfortunately the water makes lots of noise falling from the top to the bottom. To date, I have only seen Lisbeth and Lily Olivia using it.

Before I give the update on Fiona’s recent vet visit, I need to show off two beautiful cards they received. The first is from dear friend, Sammy (onespoiledcat) and the second from Toby, Bobbie Sue and Simon (Doggie and Kitty Caperz).

Fiona and Giulietta say, “thank you.” The cards are beautiful and the sentiments appreciated.

Fiona’s Vet Visit Update

Tuesday was Fiona’s recheck at the vet. She gained back the two ounces she had lost at the previous visit. She weighs seven pounds and four ounces. Her BUN had jumped up on her last visit but has come down again. It’s at 97, which is not the lowest it has been but close. Unfortunately her phosphorus is back on the rise, so she has started back on the Maalox. Some of you have mentioned prosperous binders, which is what Maalox is. Our vet, Dr. Neel, based on her experience, research and collaboration with other veterinarians, believes Maalox works as well as any prescription medicines. Fiona hates it, and I cannot blame her. Her dad and I are not too fond of having it spread all over our clothing, hair and every surface in the kitchen. But we’ll do whatever it takes to give her the best quality of life we can.

Here are a couple of photos from Tuesday. A third one can be seen on Instagram.

Now, please join us and these sweet sisters for nip and Hello Kitty Cake (from Mau’s Cat Scout Bake Shop) and cocktails.

March 18, 2016 by Janet Blue Birthday Fiona Friday Health Sisters 45

LIMERICKS ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Last year for St. Patrick’s Day, Mauricio wrote a limerick that we shared on the blog. If you missed Mau Goes Moo, you can read it here. Mom was going to use it again, but we wanted to collaborate and write a couple of new limericks. We’ve also made collages to wish you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day and accompany our limericks.

We’re eight Kitties Blue who like to play
And love to eat treats everyday
But if they’re not turkey,
Or maybe beef jerky,
We’ll turn our heads and run away.

We’re waiting for a leprechaun
To leave some gold upon our lawn.
You may think that’s funny,
But we need the money.
Our humans we don’t want to pawn.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FROM

KITTIES BLUE

p.s. Please mark your calendars so you don’t forget to join us tomorrow for Fiona and Giulietta’s sixth birthday celebration.

March 17, 2016 by Janet Blue Holiday Kitty Written Blog Poetry Thankful Thursday 26

YOU
For Fiona

It seems like only yesterday…
You were just a kitten.
When I saw your pleading look,
I was completely smitten.

Now at only six years old,
You are getting ready to leave,
Soon you will have your wings.
I’ve already started to grieve.

You’ve fought hard for the past year,
And I’m not ready to say good-bye.
I can’t imagine you not in my life
I am so sad…today I had to cry.

I am grateful and blessed
For my six years with you.
You’ll live in my heart forever.
You’re one of the best ever Kitties Blue.

YESTERDAY

Many yesterdays have passed since
You gained your angel wings. Today
Is six months since you left us behind
To remember and mourn. Our hearts
Continue to hurt, and we miss
You as much as the day you left.
Giulietta whined from the catio
Yesterday as I worked in the yard.
I know you put her up to it. That
Was your way of getting me to,
Allow you to join me as I
Gardened. You were there with me
In spirit. With every meow
I thought of you and how much I miss
Your sweet face and disposition.
In these past few months, many friends
Have traveled your same path in your
paw-steps. I am certain you were
Waiting to greet them with purrs and hugs.
I pray you and your friends are laughing,
Frolicking and having fun together.
Picturing that makes me smile, but
Does not lessen my sadness at your
No longer being here to snuggle
And receive our love, care and kisses.
Fiona, please do not ever forget
You are still and always will be loved.

ONE YEAR MISSING YOU

One year has passed since you flew away,
And I still think of you everyday.
I see your sweet face in my mind’s eye
And wish we’d never had to say good-bye.
It’s nice you’ve sent us kitties needing a family,
But my dearest love, we are now at capacity.
You thought it would take more than one cat
To take your place in our habitat.
We love Cooper Murphy and baby Sawyer dearly
But thinking either could replace you makes me teary.
You were one-of-a-kind and will stay in my heart
Until the day I join you and we’re no longer apart.
When once again I can hold you in my arms
And revel in all your love and feline charms.
Together with you and all who have passed.
I will spend eternity contemplating how blessed
I was to share my life with my furry children,
Each and every one of you one-in-a billion.

UNTIL

I miss you each day.
Until we meet in heaven,
The pain will remain.

ONE OF A KIND

I don’t know how to say good-bye.
I thought you were invincible; though,
You used up many of your nine lives.
You ruled us all with an iron paw;
Never took “no” for an answer
And always got your way.
If not, you’d bark to signal your
Displeasure and sometimes raise a paw.
I always joked that you were bi-polar.
When I told people you were a calico
They immediately understood what I meant.
Today was unnaturally quiet in the house.
Can a home seem empty with eight cats?
I will miss waking up at night to find you
Sitting next to me and staring at me.
I will miss you yelling at us as you did
When you wanted breakfast and dinner.
I will miss watching you lounging and snoozing
On the porch settee on a warm afternoon.
But most of all I will miss your kisses!
When kitten Sawyer befriended you,
We suspect you were imparting your
Wisdom and secrets for controlling us.
Time will tell if he was a good listener.
But whatever he may have learned,
Neither Sawyer nor any other cat
Can or will replace you in our hearts.
Lily Olivia, you were one-of-a-kind.