Roundup

MISTY MAY’S SERIOUS SELFIE

Sunday Selfies: Week #402

Sunday Serious selfie: Head shot of tuxedo cat in red frae with pink bow and rhinestones.

Do you like my selfie today? I know I look really serious, but otherwise I think it’s pretty good for an old, skinny lady. Dr. Neel is trying to fatten me up a little by making Mom and Dad give me a pill everyday. I don’t like it one bit. If you missed our Roundup post, “Yearly Roundup Thankful & Poetry”, which most of you did, you don’t know that I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. That’s not really a surprise, as I will be 19 years old in a couple of months. Right now I only weigh 4.56 pounds. I may be light, but I am no lightweight. I can hold my own when it comes to any intra-species dust-ups. But that’s enough about me for today.

Update for Subscribers

As of yesterday, you should once again be receiving e-mail notifications when we post. If you are not, please let us know. Mom had to make some changes to our notification plug-in so it would work again. It now sends notifications in small batches. She knew it had to be working when she got nine notifications when we posted yesterday. She gets a notice with every batch sent. Well that is definitely over-kill but worth it, as things are working again. I am one happy kitty, as I certainly don’t want her abandoning this blog…well, at least not until after I have flown off to be reunited with our other angels.

Hopping Time

So, I have definitely rambled on quite enough. It is well past my bedtime. Please share your selfie with us and join the blog hop. My brofurs, sisfurs and I always enjoy seeing your cute faces. And it’s super easy to join. You don’t even have to post today. You can participate anytime through Thursday.

Thanks for joining us today and putting up with us during this entire post notification mess.

Happy Sunday.

Purrs & paw-pats, Misty May

YEARLY ROUNDUP THANKFUL & POETRY

Thankful Thursday: Yearly Roundup

yearly roundup: collage of six cats, veterinarian and vet tech examining cats.

Tuesday was an exciting day at the Blue residence. It was the annual roundup. If you’ve followed us for any length of time, you know that our vet comes to the house once a year for the kitties annual exams and vaccinations. Dad Tom managed to get a photo of all the Kitties Blue except Lisbeth. To compensate for her being left out, she is included in the inspiration photo for Thoroughly Poetic Thursday.

Anyhoo, the entire gang, as well as Dad Tom and I are thankful the ordeal is over for another year. We do have a few things to report.

Cooper was the least well behaved, which was a total shock. Usually he’s easy going and doesn’t even mind a visit to the vet’s office.
Sawyer was the best behaved. He didn’t squirm, hiss or make any other sound. He has an aversion to being held and usually “melts down” quickly. Dr. Neel was especially proud of him as were we.
Cooper Murphy’s weight is holding steady at 19 pounds. That’s a lot, but we are delighted he’s not getting any bigger.
Misty May’s weight is down to four pounds nine ounces. She was forced to give up some of her blood and has hyperthyroidism, which I suspected. But all of her internal organs are in great shape. We are starting her on meds in the hope that she’ll gain some weight.

Those are the highlights of the roundup. No bandaids were needed—just a lint roller at the end of the visit. Dad Tom and I are super thankful for Dr. Neel (who is officially retired) and our favorite tech, Tomika, for coming to the house again this year. We are truly blessed that Kitties Blue get this special treatment.

Additional Thankful

Kizmet has another thankful. If you read yesterday post, “I Bought My Cat an iPad,” then you already know her thankful. And if you read the post, “Mouse Game Fanatic,” you know she is addicted to the Mouse for Cats game. It had reached a point where neither Dad Tom nor I were able to use our iPads without her crawling all over them and us or trying to knock the iPads out of our hands. So, I went to Ebay and purchased a refurbished one at a super reasonable price. She and the others who enjoy the game (Misty May, Sawyer, Cooper and Calista Jo) can now play all day if they so desire.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. To participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful. Then enter the URL on the badge below in your browser to go to Brian’s blog.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is also poetry day thanks to Angel Sammy and Teddy from Two Spoiled Cats who provide an inspiration photo. As I have been doing for several weeks, I added one of the Kitties Blue to the photo. Lisbeth is sitting in front of the rocking horse, but she is not the subject of my poem.

Two senior citizens: one driving electric wheel chair pulling the other on a rocking horse mounted on a platform. (yearly roundup)

Ride ‘Em Urban Cowboy

When you cannot walk and need to ride
Why not have some fun
With your feline sidekick at your side
Get your trusty steed and toy gun

For a gallop to a cafe or park
Find someone reliable to drive you
Before on your adventure you embark
So you don’t take a tumble and get a boo-boo

Don’t jerk your reins too hard
As your driver may get off course
And you could end in a stranger’s yard
On the ground without your horse

Some may think you’re off your rocker
At your age you deserve to do what you want
So ride ‘em urban cowboy
Without fear of embarrassment

If you’d like to join us in writing poetry, click on the poetry badge to go to Two Spoiled Cats to find next week’s inspiration photo. Please read Angel Sammy’s poem when you visit. You won’t regret it, as he’s a terrific poet.

Thanks for joining us today.

April 28, 2022 by Janet Blue Kitties Blue Poetry Roundup Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday Veterinarian 10

ROUNDUP REPORT & DUCKS IN A ROW

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue, Dad Tom and I have a long list of thankfuls today. First up is the fact that we were able to have our annual Roundup last week. Kitties Blue are mostly thankful that it is over.

roundup

The Roundup was not the same for everybody. Kizmet only had a pawdicure and weigh in. Sawyer had his blood drawn (which is always very ouchy), a weigh in and a pawdicure. Everyone else got vaccines as well. Sawyer got the award for the most well behaved, and that is saying a lot!

Much good news came out of this year’s Roundup. Cooper Murphy maintained his weight at just a couple ounces over 19 pounds. Kizmet, whose intake form at the rescue said she was overweight, weighed in at 9.9 pounds, the day before her 10-month birthday. Most maintained but a few lost weight, including Giulietta, whose weight was down more than a pound. That’s terrific news. All-in-all, everybody got A+ on their exams.

Cooper Murphy is thankful for the badge he earned at Cat Scouts just yesterday.

Lisbeth and I are thankful for those who visited and left consoling comments on her memorial post for boyfriend Charles. Cooper Murphy and I are thankful for all the Cat Scouts who attended Charles memorial there and shared so many fabulous photos and stories of their dear friend.

I am thankful for being one of five first commenters on the Tuesday Teaser at Two Spoiled Cats. It’s been several week’s since I was able to do that.

Stinky and Periwinkle are thankful that some readers returned yesterday to read about their adventure after it was postponed from Tuesday. If you didn’t see it, you missed some of Dad Tom’s terrific photos of eagles and ospreys. You can find the link to the post at the bottom of this page.

We all remain thankful for our good health as well as that of our friends and family. As always, we are thankful for all of you who visit this blog and support us.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. if you’d like to participate, post on your blog for what you are thankful, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s Home and link up.

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

As I do almost every Thursday, I am joining the Two Spoiled Cats (Angel Sammy and Teddy) for their Thoroughly Poetic Thursday poetry challenge. This week’s inspiration photo and my poem are below.

My poem is a little goofy this week. It came out of me thinking of soldiers marching when I looked at this photo.

Ducks in a Row

One, two, three, four…
Waddling single file as we explore.
Five, six, seven, eight…
Enjoying nature is really great.
Nine, ten, eleven, twelve…
Into this park we delve.
Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen…
Time to take a break and preen.
Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty…
Now hunting for bugs with bellies empty.

If you’d like to participate in Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, click on the poetry badge and leave a link to your poem in the Comments on Teddy and Angel Sammy’s blog. You also will find next week’s inspiration photo there. And please don’t forget to read Angel Sammy’s poem. He is a marvelously talented poet.

We’ll be back tomorrow for Friday Fill-ins.

April 29, 2021 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Cat Scouts Kitties Blue Lisbeth and Charles Roundup Thankful Thursday The Adventures of Stinky & Periwinkle Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 12

DESTINY & COOPER MURPHY AT THE ROUNDUP

Sparks

destiny

I was unfamiliar with Mark Victor Hansen. He is a 73-year-old American inspirational and motivational speaker, trainer and author. Hansen is best known as the founder and co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series.

Sparks is the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Sparks,“I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world.”

Awww Mondays

destiny

Cooper Murphy was all nonchalant before Dr. Neel and vet tech, Alexis, arrived for the annual roundup last Thursday. He turned less than cooperative when it came time for his pawticure.

I will give you the details of this year’s roundup on our Thankful Thursday post.

Cooper Murphy is participating in the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. If you’d like to do the same, click on the badge below.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Your favorite, fun-loving tabbies will be sharing another of their adventures tomorrow, and they will be doing it right here. They have their paws crossed that lots of you will join in the fun again tomorrow.

April 26, 2021 by Janet Blue Art Review Awww Mondays Dad Tom's Photography I Can Sleep Anywhere Roundup Sparks 16

KITTIES BLUE IN THE ROUND

Caturday Art

The Kitties Blue gang all seemed extra tired yesterday after the ordeal of the Roundup on Thursday. They spent a good portion of the day napping, and several did that on top of me.

Kitties Blue

In the photo (from left to right) are Calista Jo, Sawyer and Kizmet. I cut the photo into a circle using piZap to eliminate myself from the photo. I added the strangely named Cupheads effect from Painnt and then used piZap to cut it into another circle.

Dad Tom thought this would make a good jigsaw puzzle, so I made one for all you puzzlers.

120 Cats in a Circle

Calista Jo, Sawyer and Kizmet are participating in the Caturday Art blog hop hosted by Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty. If you’d like to do the same or simply view art created by other bloggers, click on Athena’s badge.

Sunday Selfies Reminder

Tomorrow Lisbeth will be here as your host to present a post to honor and remember her beloved boyfriend Charles, who received his angel wings this past Monday. She hopes you will join her on the blog hop, but even if you don’t hop, please come by to see her post and leave a comment for Charles’ family.

Thanks for joining us today. We all look forward to seeing you again tomorrow.

April 24, 2021 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Caturday Art Blog Hop Jigsaw Puzzle Lisbeth and Charles Roundup 13

ASTRID JOINS FRIDAY BLOG HOPS AND FILL-INS

Feline/Friendship Friday

Yesterday was the annual roundup when Kitties Blue have their annual exams and vaccines. Though our wonderful vet, Dr. Neel, has officially retired, she is actually still working some. So she and vet tech, Whitney, came to the house to check out the Kitties Blue crew.

This is not our roundup report. I’ll do that another day. But I am sharing a photo of Astrid and Whitney for the blog hops at Comedy Plus and Create With Joy.

It took Dad Tom and I a very, very long time to corral Astrid and get her sequestered in the kitchen. She thought if she hid her head, she could block out the entire ordeal.

If you would like to participate in either blog hop, click on the appropriate badge(s).

Friendly Fill-Ins: Week #256

Friday again, which means it is time for those fill-ins hosted by Ellen from 15 And Meowing and Lorianne from Four-Legged Furballs. Kitties Blue bailed this week claiming these were not cat-friendly fill-ins, and I do agree, so I was on my own to complete them. As I always do, I’ve used teal italics for my fill-ins.

1. “Angie’s Recipes” is a non-cat related blog I follow.

2. My favorite place to shop online for garden bulbs is White Flower Farm.

3. Working in the garden has been keeping me busy lately.

4. If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to not be so shy and try harder to make friends.

Ellen and Lorianne both post the sentences to be filled in on their blogs on Thursdays. Friendly Fill-Ins is a blog hop. To participate, click on the above badge.

Thanks for coming to visit us today. We’ll be back tomorrow with Caturday Art.

April 23, 2021 by Janet Blue Feline Friday Friendly Friday Fill-Ins Friendship Friday Roundup 15

ROUNDUP 2020 REPORT, A POEM & THANKS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday is here, and we have a poem for you as part of the Thoroughly Poetic Thursday poetry challenge hosted by Angel Sammy and Teddy. This week’s inspiration photo is a real doozy and was fun to write about.

We are positive Sammy, who transmits his poem to Teddy from the Rainbow Bridge, wrote a terrific poem. So, after reading our poem, please visit Two Spoiled Cats by clicking on the badge at left. In addition to Angel Sammy’s poem, you can find links to other poems in the comments section.

What Was He Thinking?

Did this prince get carried away…
Thought he needed a castle for every day?
Or does he have a slew of wives,
Built them all the same castle not to cause strive?
How does he know in which castle to lay his head
On any particular night when he goes to bed?
Maybe the interiors are not identical,
After all that would be most sensible.
He needs to keep from getting confused,
As his wives surely would not be amused.
If he got them out of order and used a wrong name,
He might find in that home he could not remain.
Whatever the reason for so many castles.
We think everyday life would be a huge hassle.
The upkeep alone must be a vast expense.
Building a huge palace for all would make more sense.

Thankful Thursday

Each Thursday we also post those things for which we are thankful.

Kitties Blue have the big thankful for the week. Dr. Neel came on Monday for the annual roundup, and everyone got a clean bill of health.

Sawyer had already been to the vet office for his vaccines and blood work, so he only got weighed and had his pawticure. He was a total gentleman the entire time with not a hiss or growl. On the other paw, Mau was not a fan of his pawticure and hissed at Dr. Neel.

Cooper Murphy, who is always a purrfect patient at the vet’s office, was 19 pounds and three ounces of squirming ginger tabby. But even though he wasn’t all that well behaved, he lost 13 ounces since his weigh in at 20 pounds at the last roundup. That is truly something for which Dad Tom and I are thankful.

Here are a few photos from the the annual event.

Sawyer is thankful for all your support. His seizures have been happening more often. He had a gran mal on Saturday and another one yesterday. He seems to bounce back each time, but it still hurts our hearts that he has to suffer with these seizures.

Finally, Dad Tom and I continue to be virus free, as are all our friends and family (as far as we know).

We pray that everyone is staying safe and not rushing to resume a pre-virus lifestyle, even if you are in a state that is planning a premature “reopening.”

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. To take part, post on your blog for what you are thankful, then click on Brian’s badge to go to his post and link up yours.

April 23, 2020 by Janet Blue Health Roundup Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday Veterinarian 9

PANDA PLAYTIME & THANKFULS

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Thursday again and time to enter Teddy and Angel Sammy’s poetry challenge. I look forward to doing this every week. If you are not familiar with Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, click on the badge at the left to read more about it. In a nutshell, however, each Thursday the boys post a photo to act as inspiration for a poem to be posted the following week.

This week’s photo as well as my poem are below.

Panda playtime fun
These portly, unique creatures
Always make me smile

I only wrote a haiku. There is nothing I can say about pandas that would mean more than looking at them. I will, however, tell you a bit about my experience with pandas.

I adore them. At one time my vanity license plate was PANDAS. (Now it is PRRFCT).

I could watch them for hours, and have at the National Zoo in D.C. back in the 80s. Dad Tom and I visited them often, and we both have taken oodles of photos of them. On a frigid and snowy day one winter, we were invited into the back of the Panda House, as no one else was at the zoo. I was two inches from Ling Ling with just a chain link fence between us. I would have loved to touch and pet her, but knew not to do so. Pandas have very powerful jaws!

My long-time dream is to visit the Panda breeding grounds in Chengdu, China. Dad Tom has been there without me. That makes me very sad and jealous, but I know there will be no trips to China for either of us in the future.

If you think you would like to try writing a poem for next week, click on the poetry badge. You’ll find next week’s inspiration photo as well as Angel Sammy’s panda poem. Each week he sends his A+ poem to Teddy from the Rainbow Bridge, and it is not to be missed.

Thankful Thursday

We also are joining the Thankful Thursday blog hop hosted by Brian.

Sawyer had a seizure on Saturday and another on Tuesday. Though these were very close together, neither was a gran mal. We cannot remember the last time he had one that wasn’t. Less severe seizures are a blessing, and Dad Tom and I are thankful and pray this might be a trend.

We also are thankful that Dr. Neel has rescheduled the roundup for this upcoming Monday. Kitties Blue do not know this and will not be given advance notice.

Finally, we remain thankful that we continue to be healthy and, to our knowledge, so do our friends and family.

To join the Thankful Thursday blog hop, post for what you are thankful on your blog, then click on the badge below to go to Brian’s and enter your link.

April 16, 2020 by Janet Blue Health Roundup Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday 12

A POEM BY COOPER MURPHY

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

Cooper Murphy is taking on the Two Spoiled Cats’ poetry challenge today. He has taken a bit of “poetic license” with the inspiration photo. He’s hoping Angel Sammy and Teddy won’t mind, as he and Teddy are best pals and roommates at Cat Scout University.

The Fortune Teller

Madame Mystique has been telling fortunes
Since she was a very young girl—
Tarot cards, tea leaves, crystal ball.
She’s been known to use them all.
Some people think she is a big phoney,
And all her predictions are just baloney.
I am counting on my fortune being real
And precious Tyebe will agree to be my girl.
In just over a month I get to ask her,
And if she says, “yes,” I’ll really purr!
Then maybe others also will believe
What Madame Mystique perceives
Is always exactly as it seams,
And she can confirm all your dreams!

On May 12, The Canadian Cats’ Tyebe will turn two. Her mom has given Cooper Murphy permission to ask Tyebe to be his girlfriend on that day. He’s pretty certain she’ll say, “yes,” as the two are crazy about each other. All the Kitties Blue have their paws crossed for Gingersnap.

If you’d like to join Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, click on the badge above. It will take you to Two Spoiled Cats where you will find next week’s inspiration photo. While there, please read Angel Sammy’s poem. He transmits it to Teddy each week from the Rainbow Bridge. He’s a seasoned poet, and each of his poems is a masterpiece.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue have the main thankful for this week. We had scheduled this past Monday for the annual round-up. That is when Dr. Neel comes to the house to give the gang their annual exams and vaccinations. Dr. Neel decided to postpone due to the virus, and the apaws around here has been deafening. I haven’t had the heart to tell them the appointment is not cancelled just postponed.

All of us at the House of Blues remain thankful that we and all our friends and family, as far as we know, are still healthy and virus free. I continue to pray that all of us remain that way.

We also received another First Commenter badge from Two Spoiled Cats for the Tuesday Teaser. We shared it with three others including our extended family at Friends Furever. That always makes it even more special.

Thankful Thursday is a blog hop hosted by Brian. If you would like to join, post on your blog for what you are thankful and then click on Brian’s badge to be transported to his blog where you can link up your post.

Birthday Wishes

Marg Elmendorf from Marg’s Animals is celebrating her birthday today. Mau made her a cake, and we invite you to visit her blog and leave your best wishes.

April 9, 2020 by Janet Blue Birthday Roundup Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday Veterinarian 13

POETRY & THANKFULS ON THURSDAY

Thoroughly Poetic Thursday

On Thursdays, we like to join our friends, Teddy and Angel Sammy, and write a poem based on an inspiration photo they provide on the previous Thursday. This week’s photo is so darn cute. I wish I could have written a better poem to go with it. But sometimes the photo really doesn’t need any words, and I believe this is one of those. Regardless, my poem is below.

Cheeky Little Pony

Such a cheeky little pony…
What do you suppose he wants?
Some attention, a sugar cube?
He is more the young girl’s size
And just as cute as she is,
So why does she ignore him?
He’d surely offer her a ride
And hear her giggle with delight.
Maybe tomorrow she’ll show him
The affection he craves.

If you are interested in participating in Thoroughly Poetic Thursday, check out Two Spoiled Cats (by clicking on the badge below) for next week’s inspiration photo. And while you are there make certain to read Angel Sammy’s poem. It’s always terrific.

Thankful Thursday

Kitties Blue are thankful that the Roundup is past and won’t be revisited for another year. Everyone got a clean bill of health; though, Dr. Neel confirmed something Dad Tom and I suspected. Misty May is mostly deaf. For the past few months she has been much more vocal than usual. And her meowing has become increasingly louder and more demanding. She also is not responding when we call her name.

Here she is with Dr. Neel and tech Alexa.

I am grateful to have daffodils and tulips blooming with the dogwood trees beginning to bloom. But I am even happier and more thankful that the peonies and hostas we dug up and potted when construction began survived the winter and are healthy and growing like crazy!

We are joining Brian’s Thankful Thursday blog hop. To join, post for what you are grateful on your blog and then click on the badge below to go to the blog hop.

April 11, 2019 by Janet Blue Health Poetry Roundup Thankful Thursday Thoroughly Poetic Thursday Veterinarian 14

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.