Tuxie Tuesday

A SPARK OF FRIENDSHIP AS THANKS

Sparks

Today’s Spark is meant as a thank you to everyone who commented, on our post and on the one at Friends Furever, about Allie receiving her angel wings. You all are true friends and your heartfelt words, at least for Kitties Blue and me, are truly helping us to deal with this second dose of grief.

As we have been reminding you for months, Sparks was the creation of Annie from McGuffy’s Reader. Sparks began as a blog hop, created by our friend. Annie stated when she began Spark,“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.”

After being off-line for nearly two years (as the result of having her site hacked more than once), Annie is back today with her own Spark. Wow, I was excited to see her. To go to Annie’s post, click on her Sparks badge.

Awww Mondays

Misty May is here again today in an awww-adorable photo of her pursuing her favorite pastime. She is joining the Awww Mondays blog hop at Comedy Plus. You can do the same by clicking on the badge below Misty May’s photo.

Labor Day

Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September in the U.S. and Canada. It is celebrated as a federal holiday in honor of the American labor movement and the contributions made by workers to the strength, prosperity, laws and well-being of the country. Oregon was the first state to celebrate Labor Day in 1887. When it became a federal holiday in 1894, 30 states were already celebrating the day.

With so many Americans out of work due to the pandemic, Labor Day takes on an entirely different meaning this year. We pray that all those who have lost their jobs will find new ones or be rehired as the economy improves.

The Adventures of Periwinkle & Stinky

Tomorrow Stinky and his girlfriend, Periwinkle, will be off on another of their adventures. You’ll be able to join them right here at The Cat on My Head. Please don’t disappoint them by missing out on the fun!

Thanks for joining us today.

CAT SCOUT JAMBOREE

Jamboree Recap

One, two, three…I went to my first Jamboree. Three, four, five…I had a great time, and that’s no jive! Five, six, seven…We went to Camp Sammy Kimmell, and it was heaven. Eight, nine, ten…I absolutely can’t wait to go again.

Mauricio and I had a terrific week at the Cat Scouts Jamboree. We went on a tide pool excursion and a nature walk, had a signaling class and participated in fun activities planned by the various patrols. But the best part of the entire week was the Closing Ceremony on Saturday night. So many surprises, which is what inspired us for yesterday’s Sparks post.

Awards

Award winners of various competitions were announced first. Our Wolverines Patrol Leader Gracie won the participation award. She works so hard on all our events and really deserved this honor. The awards for the Wolverines continued. Maggie won a trophy for completing the Knowledge Bowl quiz the fastest and Mau won a trophy for having the highest score (85%) on the Knowledge Bowl quiz. (Mau will share a photo of his trophy when he receives it.) I am proud of my older brother and the Wolverines. The Patrol award for the best average score in the Knowledge Bowl went to the Wolverines as well. Wolverines rock!

Promotions

The next event on the schedule was promotions. I knew I had met all the requirements to be promoted from Tenderpaw First Class to Bobcat, but no promotion is guaranteed. One of our Wolverine Patrol mates, Ætheling, was called up by Denmaster and received his promotion to Bobcat. Then Teddy (Angel Scout Sammy’s younger brother), Chip and I (the Three Gingersnaps, as we are known) were called up together. That seemed weird and really scary, especially when Denmaster said we were not being promoted to Bobcat. Say what? Not being promoted. After a pause, she told us we were being promoted to Cougars. We skipped an entire rank. That was the most amazing surprise ever! My head is still in the clouds.

The Gingersnap Scouts

Transfer of Leadership

The final ceremony of the night was difficult for all Scouts, especially Mauricio. Angel Sammy Kimmell stepped down as Leader of the Worldwide Wildcats Troop (aka Troop 1) and passed that position on to Mau. Sammy was and still is Mau’s best friend and was the Best Man when Mau and Allie were married. Sammy has been the only Leader of Wildcats, and Mau has been his assistant. Though Angel Scout Sammy has promised to continue to visit Scouts, everyone was super sad to find out he was stepping down.

I know Mau will work hard as the new Leader of Wildcats. He knows, however, he can never and doesn’t want to take Sammy’s place and will be unable to fill his paw prints. Sammy was one of a kind! We love you our special, angel friend.

That’s all the big news from the Cat Scout Jamboree. I know this is not of interest to all our readers, but at the same time maybe it will inspire others of you to consider joining Cat Scouts. If interested click on the link in the previous sentence. You won’t regret it. It is great fun!

Purrs and paw-pats, Cougar Cat Scout Cooper Murphy

We are joining the Happy Tuesday blog hop at Comedy Plus. Click their badge to join the hop.

October 30, 2018 by Janet Blue Cat Scouts Kitty Written Blog Tabby Tuesday Tuxie Tuesday 13

LISBETH’S BEST BIRTHDAY EVER

Tuxie Tuesday

I have the most thoughtful and generous boyfriend in the entire universe. For my birthday last week, Charles sent me a big box of goodies. And he even sent some toys for the other Kitties Blue. Here are a few photos of me investigating everything.

Check out the super cool fish bed and how adorable I look in it. Astrid, however, thinks all beds belong to her, and she demanded a try out before I had the opportunity. She got her cooties all over it! I snuggled in when she got out. Afterwards I had to give myself a good bath to get rid of those tortie cooties.

Here’s the proof of her cheekiness!

Astrid’s bed hogging aside, I am such a fortunate kitty to have the most wonderful boyfriend in the world. I love him very much.

Purrs and paw-pats, Lisbeth (with kisses for Charles)

p.s. Isn’t he handsome?!

August 21, 2018 by Janet Blue Astrid & Lisbeth Birthday Kitty Written Blog Lisbeth and Charles Tuxie Tuesday 21

OH GOODY…ANOTHER VET VISIT!

Tuxie Tuesday with Misty May

A day without a trip to the vet would be a darn good day for Kitties Blue. Yesterday was not one of those days. Here’s the evidence.

Several days ago Misty May’s left eye began draining a lot and was closed most of the time. We started putting the terramycin ointment in it from when the eye “icks” were being passed around, but Misty May just took her paw and rubbed it out.

So…yesterday Miss Misty May was whisked off to the vet. Dr. Neel is at the beach, so she saw another of the wonderful doctors at Vinton Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Wiegard stained her eye and discovered a corneal ulcer. This is the second occurrence. Misty May also had one of these in January during the “ick” epidemic. You can read about that here.

These ulcers are more common in dogs, but Dr. Wiegard said she’s seen several cats with them recently. Such an ulcer can be caused in a variety of different ways. The cat may have sustained a blunt force trauma or received a laceration, possibly from the claw of another cat, a thorn or any other sharp object. An ulcer also can form as the result of a chemical burn. We know that’s not the cause of Misty May’s ulcer. I suspect she may have had a dustup with another Kitty Blue, as she is our resident bully.

We were told at the time of the first ulcer that Misty May’s cornea might remain occluded (which it didn’t) after healing, but her vision would not be effected. I don’t know her prognosis this time with this being the second occurrence in the left eye.

Our patient received an injection of antibiotics, is taking oral anti-inflammatory meds and is receiving two different eye drops several times each day. She is not a happy camper, especially as we are making her stay in the house. She will see Dr. Wiegard on Thursday for a re-check.

So that’s our most recent and expensive vet adventure. And though Dr. Neel was not in the office, she found out all about it on Tom’s Facebook page. She cannot escape the Kitties Blue crew even when she’s on vacation.

We know everyone is already purring and praying for Sawyer, but if you can add a few extra for Misty May, we know it would help.

Watch for an update on Friday.

August 14, 2018 by Janet Blue Health Prayers Tuxie Tuesday Veterinarian 20

MINI RANT ON TUXIE TUESDAY

Tuxie Tuesday Doozy of a Snoozy

Since Sawyer came to live with us and Lily Olivia got her wings, the dynamic around our house is totally different. We are all a bit confused as to our roles. Misty May is trying to assert herself and take over Lily Olivia’s position as Commander of Everything and Everyone. Unlike Lily, however, she is needy, as opposed to demanding. The humans consider needy to be an annoying trait, and the remainder of us must agree. This isn’t to say that most of us don’t love Misty May. We just don’t think she is leadership material. After all, she is a bully. We understand many powerful people are bullies, but that will not be tolerated in our coterie of cats.

Misty May has been doing her best to curry favor with some of us to gain our support, especially the other tuxie female in the house, Lisbeth.

As you can see, she has taken Lisbeth under her ~~wing~~ paw, even when they are sleeping. We suggest that Lisbeth not get too cozy. We know this camaraderie will not last if Misty May takes over as Top Cat.

Misty May and Mau are the oldest of this rag-tag bunch, so one of them probably is next in line for the job. We suspect mild-mannered Mau will garner most of the votes. He is a good candidate, as he has learned many important rules with regard to leadership as an Order of the Arrowhead, Sabertooth Cat Scout.

Misty May is not suited to ascend to the throne (Mom’s lap) as she refuses to sit quietly in contemplation—a most important trait for all of those in power. Mau can get awfully wordy at times, but he does recognize the importance of a regal bearing while on the throne. MOUSES! Did we really say that?

The new hierarchy definitely has not been decided, and we suspect we can look forward—NOT—to a long campaign season. In the meantime most of us are keeping a low profile, except for Sawyer. He can’t help himself. He’s just a kitten and only understands three things—eat, sleep and play.

We’ll keep you posted as to how this all shakes out.

Speaking of Lily Olivia

We want to share with you the Angel vSquillion Lily Olivia we adopted. She joins the ranks of all the other Kitties Blue angels (except cat #1, Skooter) on our vSquillion page. If you’d like to visit, click on the The Felines tab at the top of the page and then the vSquillion dropdown.

Thanks for joining us today. We’ll see you tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday.

Purrs and paw-pats, angel Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer

January 23, 2018 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Cat Scouts Doozy of a Snoozy Kitty Written Blog Tuxie Tuesday vSquillion 18

LUCKIEST KITTIES EVER!

Mom and Kate, sporting their cat ears.

Cat Style Lounge

We kitties barely finished cleaning up the house before our humans got home from the BlogPaws Conference on Sunday evening. We were happy to have them home but sorry to see our five-day nip and treat party come to an end. Well, that was the case right up until the moment the swag bags started piling up and the most magnificent cat tower we’d ever seen came through the front door.

One of the best things about the BlogPaws Conference, according to our mom, is the Cat Style Lounge. It is packed with all the newest products available for kitties. And it is all provided by one of mom’s very favorite people, Kate Benjamin, of Hauspanther. At the conclusion of the Conference Kate gives away every item in the Lounge.

Mom and Dad have brought home some cool “goodies” previously, but this year they hit the jackpot. Check us out enjoying the Sauder Natural Sphere Cat Tower featuring a banana leaf sphere perched on top of a three-legged base standing 44″ tall.

Cooper Murphy was the first to check out the sphere as Mau looked on from the lower platform.

The sphere has both a front and a top opening and a washable cushion on the inside, making it the purrfect spot for napping. One leg is wrapped with sisal for scratching and the raised bottom platform is carpeted for lounging. If you think this looks like something you’d enjoy, you can find it at Amazon.

Kate told Mom that we’d probably need another platform to use as a step up into the sphere. But the three of us who have been checking it out have leapt right up from the floor. Easy Peasy!

We are anxious to see what else Mom and Dad brought home, but we know nothing can beat this. “Thank you, Kate, for this most amazing prize. You are the cat’s meow!”

Mom will be sharing a variety of photos from the BlogPaws Conference tomorrow for Wordless Wednesday.

May 23, 2017 by Janet Blue BlogPaws Conference Giveaway Kitty Written Blog Tabby Tuesday Tortie Tuesday Tuxie Tuesday 24

SNUGGLE BUDDIES

Doozy of a Snoozy

In a previous post showing Mauricio and Cooper Murphy snuggling and touching paws, I asked if it was a Burgeoning Bromance or Accidental Encounter. Well a bromance it is not, but the boys are getting closer—at least while they are snoozing. And less ear and neck biting and smacky paws are happening. Before I snapped the following photos both Cooper and Mau took the opportunity to touch each other on the head a couple of times. The taps were tentative and light with no malice. Progress!

I did not add that mouse for cuter, more “squeeable” photos. It was already on the bed, and the boys ended up curling up around it.

Cooper rarely sleeps on our bed. If he does join us, it is usually only for an hour or two and then he retreats to his bedroom ham-mick. Some nights he doesn’t even come upstairs. Instead he sleeps on one of the ham-micks in the dining room. I really miss him on those nights, as I enjoy watching him sleep. He’s usually on his back with legs akimbo and just as cute as can be.

Feeling Puny

Mauricio is not feeling well. He did not eat his dinner Sunday night or last night and only a couple of bites of breakfast yesterday. I offered him some kibble and Temptations mid-day, but he turned them down. He’s been curled up in a ball most of the day with his head buried in his paws. He got really hissy when I picked him up and tried to hold him. I’ve checked him over as best I can and cannot find any external clues as to what is going on with him. Just as I am finishing up this post, he ate a few Temptations, but if he doesn’t eat his breakfast, I’ll be taking him to see Dr. Neel.

I know a trip to the vet will really make him extra grouchy. If you can say a few prayers and send some POTP that he’ll perk up, start eating and acting like himself, Mau, Dad Tom and I would be most grateful.

With many thanks.

May 9, 2017 by Janet Blue Doozy of a Snoozy Tummy Tuesday Tuxie Tuesday 24

MISTY MAY AND DAD TOM

Tuxie Tuesday with Misty May

When I heard the petretary planned to use these photos of Dad Tom and me for Wordless Wednesday, I had to protest. I never get to write anything here on our blog. She did tell me that if I posted these today, she would have to get wordy for WW. All I had to say was, “boo hoo, poor you!” She should be grateful I am giving her an extra day to write whatever drivel she was planning.

Anyhoo, if you are regular readers, you know that I AM The Cat on My Head, as I sleep on Mom’s pillow or her face. I guess that means I am represented here everyday. But being a static graphic isn’t the same as getting to write to all of you. If petretary had given me the credit I deserve, she would have named our blog, Misty May on My Head. Much catchier, don’t you think? If you all tell her in comments that you think that is a much better name, maybe she will change it. Paws crossed!

She also should be grateful that I am the one sleeping on her head. If I wasn’t, C.J. might try to take that spot, and she is twice my size!

Anyhoo, number two—and again if you are regular readers—you know that I may sleep on the petretary’s head, but I am a daddy’s girl. Before he goes to sleep, I am all over him. He radiates heat like a bonfire, making him the purrfect spot for a nap.

After all this preamble, I bet you are anxious to see the photos. The petretary took them so they stink, especially the second one. Nonetheless, I think you’ll find them amusing. (Cursor over the photo to see what I had to say to Dad.)

I had to promise to write a reminder about our giveaway as a condition of getting to write this post. MOUSES!

Giveaway Reminder

We are giving away a really wonderful product: the KittyRoo sweatshirt. It offers a warm and snuggly pouch for kitty or a small puppy. The petretary claims this hoodie (with cat ears) is luxuriously soft and comfy. She feels as if she has on her P.J.s when she’s wearing it. To read our original review and see some photos, click here. To win a sweatshirt for you and your human, leave a comment on the KittyRoo post prior to 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 6.

That’s all I have to say. I don’t want to bore you. I’ll leave that to petretary on our Wordy Wednesday post!

Purrs and paw-pats, Misty May

April 4, 2017 by Janet Blue Doozy of a Snoozy Giveaway Kitty Written Blog Tuxie Tuesday 24

THEN AND NOW WITH GIULIETTA

Last week our mom shared a photo of Fiona her friend had discovered and sent to her. Her friend also sent others, and I am in some of them as well.

Like Mom and Dad Tom, I miss my sisfur. We were each other’s BFF as evidenced by this photo from when we were youngsters. I hadn’t even grown my long, floofy furs yet.

Fiona and I were snuggling in a sunpuddle on the heated kitchen floor. And we were holding paws. I know you want to squeee, so go ahead now. I’ll wait for you.

Now that you have that out of your system, it’s time for me to tell you about the “now.” Most of my time I spend alone on the upper deck on the chaise longue, in the SleepyPod or on the bench in the bathroom. But I also have been spending a bit more time on the humans’ bed. I like to nap on the blanket Charles gave Lisbeth for Christmas 2015. And I have two snuggle buddies—Dad Tom and Mau.

It was particularly nice when Mau was quarantined due to the cat bite boo-boos on his back.

I haven’t really gotten to know my new brofur, Cooper Murphy. Maybe when I do, I can convince him to become a snuggle buddy as well.

That’s all for today. Hope you enjoyed seeing another photo of my sweet, angel sisfur.

Thanks for dropping by.

Purrs and paw-pats, Giulietta

February 7, 2017 by Janet Blue Angel Cat Kitty Written Blog Sisters Tuxie Tuesday 23

LETTING SLEEPING CATS LIE

Tortie/Tuxie Tuesday Doozy of a Snoozy

It’s not often that Mauricio lets one of his sisters get the upper paw, but that is exactly what happened on this particular night.

Before it’s time to go to sleep, Calista Jo likes to tuck herself under my left arm and snuggle in as close as she can without actually crawling into my skin with me. (She definitely would if she could!) Mauricio, however, was asleep very close to her spot. Lucky for C.J., he was more comatose than merely indulging in a cat nap. One would have thought he’d just completed a marathon or saved the neighborhood from marauding marmots single-pawed.

Anyhoo…this is what ensued, all while an oblivious Mauricio snoozed.

As long as I am not caught in the middle of a smacky-paws war or one of Mau’s and C.J’s pre-dinner, hissing and spitting, wrestling matches, I mind my own business and let sleeping cats lie!

January 3, 2017 by Janet Blue Doozy of a Snoozy Tortie Tuesday Tuxie Tuesday 23

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.