Saturday Photo Hunters

LACY CATURDAY ART FEATURING FIONA

We are not only participating in the Caturday Art Blog Hop this weekend but also in The Saturday PhotoHunt. We haven’t done the latter in quite a while, but today’s theme, lacy, was easy to combine with our Caturday Art.

I featured Lisbeth a few Saturday’s back relaxing in this same chair on the Catio. It is a sought after napping spot. You can see that Fiona is displaying her frowny face and using a classic “stink-eye” to let me know her displeasure in having her photo taken. No surprise there! She was expecting some scritches. But look at those toesies. Aren’t they adorable? Couldn’t you just kiss them? Of course, you could.

I first cropped the photo in Picasa. I then loaded it into fotor where I added the lacy frame and then a filter called VORTEX. I am keeping it simple this week, as I am busy with Mauricio at Cat Scouts this weekend. He’s on a Riverboat Trip on the Mississippi, which he will post about on Monday. He also will tell you a story, The Legend of MAUverick and Southern Belle Allie Scarlett.

I also won’t be starting our Sunday Selfie Blog Hop tomorrow, but I promise to have it set up by next Sunday. I will post Easy Like Sunday photos tomorrow featuring Misty May.

To participate in or view the other submissions in Athena and Marie’s Caturday Art Blog Hop, click on the button at the right.

CATURDAY ART WITH THE ORIGINAL KITTY BLUE

My inclination was to turn this photo blue as it is of Kitty Blue #1: Skooter. This is the first photograph we took of him, with some creative editing. I layered three effects from PicMonkey and one from Picasa.

When we adopted Skooter, we had two, ancient, small dogs and no intention of opening our home to a cat. I suspect many other kitty bloggers out there never planned on having a kitty or two or more in their lives either. But even if we humans are unaware, some things are inevitable.

For several months a colleague of mine had been telling me about some kittens and begging me to adopt one. Just like our second kitty, Steamer, Skooter was the kitten of a pregnant mother taken in by this friend. I continued to resist until he spoke the words no animal lover wants to hear: “If I can’t find homes, they are going to the pound.”

So, of course, I was on his doorstep that very evening. First we met the kittens’ mom and dad, who just happened to be the neighbor’s un-neutered male, Tubby (and, boy was he ever). We finally found our soon to be first cat hiding under a chair on the front porch.

Skooter was about five months old according to our vet; though, I think he looks much younger than that in this photo. He was a gentle soul and with us for 14 1/2 years, until he suddenly became ill. He died that same day of congestive heart failure while being treated at the Vet. That was in 2001.

You can read a little more about Skooter on The Felines page. You can see additional photos of him by clicking on the Skooter tag at the end of this post.

We are joining Athena, Cat Goddess’s Caturday Art Blog Hop. You can access that by clicking on the badge to the left.

This post also works for today’s Saturday Photos Hunters word: Colours.

March 7, 2014 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Backstory Caturday Art Blog Hop Saturday Photo Hunters 36

CATURDAY ART BLOG HOP/SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: RIPPLE

Athena, Cat Goddess is trying to establish a new series entitled, Caturday Art Blog Hop. This will be her second posting, and we will be joining in this week.

But, of course, this is also the day for Saturday Photo Hunters, in which we occasionally like to pawticipate. Today’s theme is ripple. As it happens, we have some photos that will work for both of these themes so decided to do both today.

We shared a photo with you last August on a Wordless Wednesday. It was supposed to be part of a series entitled, Astrid Photo Experiment, but we have not shared another until now. So without further ado, here is Astrid Photo Experiment #2: Ripples.

If you are wondering where the ripples come in, we believe her furs, especially her tail furs look as if they are rippling.

We are all feeling a little miffed that Astrid is featured in two consecutive posts, but we’ll figure out some way to get back at her.

Have a terrific weekend.

Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Misty May, Mauricio, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

January 18, 2014 by Janet Blue Astrid Photo Experiment Caturday Caturday Art Blog Hop Kitty Written Blog Saturday Photo Hunters 23

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: DOOR

For years and years, the kitties living at our house begged the humans for a cat door. Mom always refused as she wanted to know who was in and who was out. As the older kitties went to the RB, we younger kitties were not given outdoor privileges, and the demand was tabled for lack of need. But then…the humans screened in the lower deck so the youngsters could have a catio and spend time outside like the older cats.

The catio required an exterior screen door. That meant Mom had to open two doors whenever Lily, Mauricio or Misty May wanted to go out. And so, voila, an electronic cat door for Lily, Mauricio and Misty May was installed in the exterior screen door. You see, Mom still had control. She had to open the door from the kitchen to the catio before they could use their special door. (Lily has never used the electronic door; though, she has the capability. She demands personal service in and out the front door.)

Once the five youngest of us became addicted to the catio, we took up lobbying for a cat door of our own. Mom still didn’t budge. Until…get ready for it…she got tired of spending the entire day between our breakfast and dinner times opening the door for us to go onto the catio and come back into the house. So, it became more convenient for her if we got a cat door.

You weren’t surprised, were you? We weren’t! But, we didn’t care. Just before Christmas, we got our cat door. Of course, with some of these terribly cold days, the door remains locked causing Giulietta to just about put herself into a coma by continually head-butting the door in an attempt to get out. However, if warm enough outside, Mom or Dad will unlock it sometime during the day and lock it at dinner time.

Not all of us have it totally figured out yet. Mauricio sometimes waits to hear a click like the electronic door makes. This one, of course, doesn’t do that. Within a short time he realizes he just has to push it.

Lisbeth, on the inside, tries to keep Fiona, on the outside, from entering.

Lisbeth was the first to master the proper technique followed by Giulietta, Calista and Fiona. Misty May, of course, never had a problem. We know neither Astrid, who doesn’t go out that much, nor Lily Olivia have used it.

As expected, some misuse has occurred. Often we refuse to push the door hard enough for it to open. If Mom is around, she will hold it open for us. (Score…we can still get her to wait on us!) Lisbeth delights in being a tease. She will push the door out when another of us, usually Fiona, is trying to push it in. We’re sure she is laughing at us behind her paw.

But we don’t care. Cats win! That’s all that’s impawtant! Well that and totally confusing Mom by going out the kitchen door, running upstairs, coming in through the cat door, running back downstairs and asking to go outside again. Meyowl…that is fun!

Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

January 11, 2014 by Janet Blue Kitty Written Blog Saturday Photo Hunters 39

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: CREATIVITY

Here’s a photo of Mauricio demonstrating his CREATIVITY (as Calista Jo looks on) when he was working on his Cat Scout’s Art Merit Badge. He certainly isn’t Quint from Colehaus Cats,* but then Mauricio’s talent lies in writing. Expect to see his version of the 12 Days of Christmas (Catmouse) to appear on our side-bar very soon.

Mauricio “painting” on the iPad.

Have a great Caturday!

* If you don’t know Quint’s art, please visit his shop HERE. He has some new selections that would make great Christmas gifts. And despite his pawsome talent, his prices are always reasonable.

December 7, 2013 by Janet Blue Cat Scouts Saturday Photo Hunters 20

LISBETH SINGS ALL THE WAY TO THE VET

THEME: MUSICAL

Giulietta: Would you pipe down please. Some of us are trying to nap.

Calista Jo had been sitting atop the PTU on the left (containing Giulietta), but she jumped down, of course, before I could snap the photo. (That is her lurking in the background behind the blue carrier.)

Lisbeth: I am just trying to find out why I am in this PTU.

Giulietta: Chill…you’ll find out soon enough.

Lisbeth: Hey, what’s happening now? Why are we in the car?

Giulietta: Wow, you are clueless!

Lisbeth: MOM, why are we in the car?

Giulietta: She’s not going to tell you.

Lisbeth: Why not? Is she giving us away? Doesn’t she like us anymore?

Giulietta: Don’t be a twit. We are going to see Dr. Neel.

Lisbeth: That can’t be right. She always comes to the house and I hide UTB.

Giulietta: Not if you are sick.

Lisbeth: I didn’t know I was sick. Are you sick?

Giulietta chilling while Lisbeth is getting her sonogram. (Note flecks of catnip on the blanket and how some kitty needs a good brushing.)

Giulietta: My right eye keeps running.

Lisbeth: Where’s it going?

Giulietta: No place…it keeps having tears come out.

Lisbeth: Are you sad?

Giulietta: No…that’s why I am seeing Dr. Neel.

Lisbeth: Oh. I’m sorry!

Giulietta: Now, will you please be quiet. I’d like to snooze a little before we get to Dr. Neel’s office.

Lisbeth: But you didn’t tell me what’s wrong with me?

Giulietta: You have been going to the litter box too often and constantly licking in a spot I am to much of a lady to speak about. And someone has been peeing in inappropriate places.

Lisbeth: Oh that!

Giulietta: Now can you please pipe down?

Lisbeth: I don’t think so. I’m a little scared. Can we hold paws through the bars?

Giulietta: If that’s the only thing that will get you to shut-up, sure. Why not?

Lisbeth showed her displeasure by bellowing from door to door on the way to the VET, which is about a 20-minute drive, as well as the entire time we were in the waiting room. I think she used some HBO words I don’t even know.

Giulietta wedged herself against the wall and hid her face when Lisbeth returned to the room. While they waited for their nails to be trimmed, Lisbeth just kept pushing Giulietta further and further into the wall.

Once we entered the exam room, she immediately stopped and never made another sound until the ride home. And those, thankfully, were only intermittent. She actually has never been to the VET’s office before. All her kitten shots and spaying were at the shelter, and I think she has no memory of that. I can’t blame her for being nervous.

Both girls were exceptionally good the entire time we were in the exam room. Our VET is trying to make the atmosphere more cat friendly. They had a blanket on the exam table with catnip and a toy, which Lisbeth immediately threw to the floor. And they have a Feliway plug-in. I do think it was more calming than in the past. Future plans, include separate waiting rooms for the kitties and woofies.

Giulietta has conjunctivitis and a blocked tear duct. She is getting eye drops, and I have to massage the duct. Giulietta does not mind having this done. If it doesn’t unblock, then she’ll need to see Dr. Neel again. Our very first kitty, Skooter, had this problem.

A sonogram showed no stones or other problems with Lisbeth’s bladder. She may have stress cystitis from all the commotion of workmen at the house most days or maybe bacterial cystitis. She is supposed to get a half pill everyday but refuses to take it. If necessary she’ll get some amitriptyline for stress.

All-in-all, not the worse trip to the VET.

November 2, 2013 by Janet Blue Backstory Saturday Photo Hunters 29

CATURDAY CONFESSION

Hi Efurrybuddy,

Have you missed us? Our visiting and commenting have been minimal and sporadic. But it is not our fault. Our lame-a-roo, gallivanting, thoughtless and neglectful humans left us again. This time they were gone for ten ~~months~~ weeks.

What? Days? No way. That’s just a big, fat fabrication on Mom’s part.

Though we managed to post a few times and leave a few comments, we had to do it by sending smoke signals to Mom in Canada ’cause that’s where she and our dad went. As usual, she took all the electronic devices with her. Without being able to keep up with our friends, we know we missed birthdays and other events, which, of course, has our furs ruffled.

And, the humans did not even visit our sisfur Nylablue while they were in Canada. We think the fact that she lives about 1,000 miles from where they visited is an excuse with no merit whatsoever.

We’ve been bored to hissing and growling without being able to go out on the catio (and it was 89 degrees F. yesterday). We can see a couple of our bird feeders from the kitchen window, but the minimal counter space requires us to take turns…more hissing and growling.

And, of course, Fiona is required to go UTB when Maggie comes to feed us. The rest of us made appearances, and Giulietta even let Maggie pet her, but that doesn’t mean we were happy about having a stand-in.

The humans arrived home as scheduled last night. That doesn’t happen too often. All of us, except Astrid, who was staring down from the top of the stairs, were swarming around the foyer by the time Dad got all the luggage inside. But only three of us, Mauricio, Misty May and Calista Jo, deigned to sleep with them. Lily Olivia managed to get herself closed up in the guest room overnight. Mom didn’t even see her dash in when she opened the door a fraction of an inch to switch off a light she accidentally left on when she left.

We were absolute angels during the absence. We only left three big hurls and threw another and different lamp on the floor busting the bulb. And Fiona got and still is nekkid.

Mauricio was fitted with a calming collar before the humans deserted us and did not manage to remove it. Mom hasn’t as yet had the opportunity to inspect the entire house for spray, and Mauricio is not talking.

Even Astrid is enjoying the catio today. Sorry her eyes are close, but we wanted to use the photo that showed her cute little buff-colored paw.

Even Astrid is enjoying the catio today. Sorry her eyes are closed and the photo is a little blurry, but we wanted to use the photo that showed her cute, little, buff-colored paw.

We are all looking forward to life getting back to normal. We are enjoying the catio right now and can’t wait to start visiting and letting all of our friends know what we think about their recent comings and goings.

Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

P.S., Mom only saw two live kitties while she was away. She was having withdrawals when she got home. That should get us even more attention that usual. Bonus!

P.P.S. Mauricio got his official Cat Scout membership card in the mail! He is itching to get back to earning merit badges now that the humans are home. His friend, Wally, from The Island Cats has surged way ahead with Karma points which has Mauricio’s competitiveness revved up and raring to go.

CATURDAY BONUS: SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS

Today’s word is Spark so we couldn’t resist showing you a photo of our handsome, neighbor, man-cat, Sparky. Sparky spends lots of time hanging out at our house, including in this photo, which we originally posted on September 23, 2012.

Sparky settles in on our upper deck after our pusses have come inside for the night.

Sparky settled in on our upper deck after our pusses had come inside for the night. Now that we have the catio on the lower deck, Sparky no longer has access to the back decks.

October 5, 2013 by Janet Blue Backstory Cat Scouts Caturday Kitty Written Blog Saturday Photo Hunters 26

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: BLUE

Frame: Blue
Background: Blue
Eyes: Blue
Cat: Angel Madison Blue

DID YOU SEE JAMES AND BOB ON THE TODAY SHOW THIS MORNING? PLEASE DON’T FORGET ABOUT OUR GIVEAWAY: Two USA residents have the opportunity to receive a free copy of A Street Cat Named Bob. If you are interested, please leave a comment on YESTERDAY’S post and preface it with the word BOB. I will accept comments through Monday midnight (EDT), August 12. The following day, winners will be selected using Random.org. If you don’t have a blog, please leave your e-mail address as well.

August 10, 2013 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Saturday Photo Hunters 24

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: GUESS

“Please, please open the door so I can go in the yard.”

Hey efurrybuddy, Astrid here. Bet you GUESSed that the humans gave me a resounding “no” to my plea. But, can you GUESS what I did the night before last?

That’s right. I escaped again.

As Dad was trying to get Misty May to come in off the front porch for dinner, I flew right by him and out the door. Mommy was so mad. She told my dad that he was responsible for getting me back in the house; even though, she knows I am never going to come to him. I’m starting to let him hold and pet me on occasion, but he still frightens me.

Mommy says that my behavior is very strange, I only go out on the catio a couple of times per week and on some of those occasions I hide on the bottom platform of our tree/condo surrounded by its bad-weather cover.

The remainder of the time, I remain in the house. Usually I sleep on the chair cushion in the sewing room, but I have a variety of places I like to hang out: 1) sleeping in the sun on the radiator cover in front of the sewing room window, 2) sitting on the edge of the tub behind the shower curtain waiting to surprise any kitty entering to drink from the water bowl, 3) snoozing in Lily’s dough bowl in the kitchen or watching the doggies next door from the same locale, 4) and finally, lying on the kitchen counter next to Mom’s computer while she’s typing.

In fact, she thought I was over my sneaky ways. GUESS I fooled her.

Normally she gets upset when I escape, but she never gets all crazy or panic-stricken. She knows I stay in our yard, expect for the one time I went over the fence to our neighbor’s backyard. Then I was the one who became panic-stricken and screeched like a banshee; even though, the woofies were in the house.

This time, however, I timed my escape a little differently. In the past I had always slipped out during daylight hours. This time; though still light out, it was 6:45 p.m. Mom knew she only had a couple of hours before it was dark. That’s when the skunks, raccoons and opossums come out, and she didn’t want me to tangle with any of them. She also knew that once it was dark, I would be invisible unless she caught my eyes in the flashlight beam.

Well, you did probably GUESS that I was still out and alluding her when darkness fell. Two skunks and an opossum, however, brazenly approached her. She threw two grapefruit-sized rocks at one of the skunks. He didn’t budge, but he did spray a nearby bush. The other skunk hid under the grain bin where I usually go when I’m scared. That sure wasn’t going to happen this time.

On occasion I would show myself while darting across the yard and a couple of times she actually discovered where I was hiding out. I, of course, did not allow her to catch me. At about 10:45 she decided to beat the bushes again and headed to the front door, flashlight in hand. GUESS who she spied through the window? That’s right, it was me on the front porch staring back at her. By the time she dropped the flashlight and unbolted the front door, I had made like the wind.

That was her cue to go upstairs and put on her jammies. Dad had already gone to bed with Lily Olivia and Misty May. He told her to leave the second-floor door open with just the screen door closed . He thought if I showed up and hollered to come in, one of them could get up and do the honors of allowing me to re-enter. Mom didn’t tell him that she planned to sleep on the floor inside the door!

Prior to crawling into bed, Mom decided on one last ditch effort to get me in the house. And there I was standing on my hind legs with my pitiful, little face pressed against the glass of the backdoor window. She was flabbergasted. I do not understand why. I had been outside for four-and-and-half hours and hadn’t had my dinner. She should have known I would return when I got hungry. Silly Mommy for getting so worried.

Purrs and hugs, Naughty Kitty Astrid

P.S. Mommy should thank me for my escape. She hadn’t biked that day and had only about 5,000 steps on her FitBit when I ran out. After circling the house many, many, many times and tromping through the side yard she had reached her 10,000 steps. Good job Mom. I am so proud of you! And neither of us got sprayed by a skunk. Seems like a win-win to me.

August 3, 2013 by Janet Blue Backstory Kitty Written Blog Saturday Photo Hunters 24

SATURDAY PHOTO HUNTERS: REALLY

This is our first post in this category, and we don’t plan to do it every week, but when we saw today’s word, we knew that Dad had taken the purrfect photo, and here it is!

Giulietta

MOL, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

P.S. Please don’t forget to join us on Sunday for our Blogoversary Party!

July 20, 2013 by Janet Blue Backstory Kitty Written Blog Saturday Photo Hunters 15

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.