Monday Meowsings

MONDAY MEOWSINGS WITH STREET CAT BOB

My Name is Bob: An Illustrated Picture Book

If you are like me and can’t get enough of the lovable orange tabby, Bob, you will be happy to know that a new picture book by Bob’s rescuer and companion, James Bowen, (and Garry Jenkins) is now available.

My Name is Bob is a book geared toward children, but any cat- or Bob-lover will enjoy it. Each page is a fully-colored illustration (by Gerald Kelley) with text overlay. It is reminiscent of the over-sized, quality, picture books I enjoyed growing up.

This short book imagines Bob’s beginnings before he and down-on-his-luck, street musician, James Bowen, saved each other.

NOTE: For young children, the section where Bob’s previous owner is taken away in an ambulance never to return could be paraphrased when reading the book to them, as this section could evoke questions parents aren’t ready to answer.

Though Bob’s previous home life as well as his life on the streets prior to Bowen finding him, injured and cowering in his building, are imagined, the trials and tribulations Bob faces are most likely close to the truth for any cat lost in a big city. With this in mind, My Name is Bob offers several teachable moments for children with regard to the abandonment and rescue of animals.

In addition to the exquisite illustrations, two full pages of photographs of Bob and Bowen are included at the end of the book.

My Name is Bob is available from both Barnes and Noble and Amazon and reasonably priced below the retail ($16.99 U.S.) at $12.27. The only decision you will need to make is whether or not you want your own personal copy when you purchase the book for all the other cat lovers in your life.

To read my review of A Street Cat Named Bob, which focuses on Bob’s life after his rescue, click on the title.

Disclaimer: I received no compensation for this review other than a copy of the book, and opinions expressed are mine alone.

MONDAY MEOWSINGS: CINCO DE MEOW!

Fire up the mariachi band and lead the way to the nip margarita bar ’cause the Kitties Blue are celebrating Cinco de Meow! We’re planning on kicking up our heels and doing a mexican hat dance or two while we’re at it. We may even bat at a couple of treat-filled pinatas.

If you plan on joining us, we ask that you please drink responsibly and take the sombrero off your fursib’s head before you start dancing.

Have a fun-filled day!

MONDAY MEOWSINGS: THIS AND THAT

Kitties Blue Sail into Purrmotion

Good morning furiends. We hope you all had a meowvolous weekend. We finally had our first real day of Spring yesterday with sun and warm temps. The humans got to ride their bike and swim, so they were happy.

Currently we are purrticipating in a competition on our Brofur Bailey’s Facebook page. We’d be ever so grateful if you would “like” our photo. Here’s the address for his page: https://www.facebook.com/baileyboatcat. And here’s the photo you’ll need to look for:

Back row (L to R): Astrid, Fiona, Giulietta, Mauricio
Front row (L to R): Misty May, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Lily Olivia

The competition is to purrmote Bailey’s book, Bailey Boat Cat: Adventures of a Feline Afloat, which will launch on April 24. If you don’t know our brofur, you can read more about him on our “The Felines” page, by visiting his Facebook page or his blog at, Bailey Boat Cat. Of course, we hope you will buy his book when it becomes available!

Cat Scouts Easter Egg Hunt

When Mauricio wasn’t napping through a gorgeous day yesterday, he was searching for eggs on the Cat Scout site. Twelve eggs were hidden around the site, but after hours of searching, the poor old guy was only able to come up with six eggs. Seems he is going to need to hone his search skills prior to the next Quest or contest.

Easter Cards

The two love-birds among us, Mauricio and Astrid, sent Easter cards to their special furiends, Allie (Friends Furever) and Sampson (Kitty Cat Chronicles) and wanted to share them here.

And finally, this is the adorable card that Sampson sent to Astrid. She is so over-the-moon about her relationship with this sweet and gentle Cat Scout. Isn’t he a cutie-pie.

Both Astrid and Mauricio would like to call your attention to our new poem, “A Cat’s Heart,” in the side-bar, which celebrates their relationships with two extra special cats.

Wishing y’all a meowvolous week with lots of sun puddles and naps.

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

April 21, 2014 by Janet Blue Allie and Mauricio Asrid & Sampson Cat Scouts Holiday Monday Meowsings 26

MONDAY MEOWSINGS: THE YOO-HOO! YOO-HOO! AWARD

Our furiend Nissy from Nerissa’s Life is celebrating receiving 100,000 page views on his blog. In honor of that accomplishment, he developed this new Yoo-Hoo! YOO-HOO! (one of his favorite sayings) Award.

We are so honored o be one of his recipients and delighted to accept the award. The rules for accepting the award are pretty simple.

1) Post the award on your blog and thank the blogger who gave it to you. Thank you Nissy for developing this new award and passing it on to us.

2) Visit at least three of the blogs that are receiving the award along with you and leave a
comment.
3) Tell us all three things you have to celebrate. You know, three things for which you are
thankful.

We are thankful that our sweet Astrid and the wonderpurr Sampson have found each other. We’re also thankful that Mauricio was in the very first group of Cat Scouts to be purrmoted to the rank of Cougar. Finally, we are so super thankful that Spring has finally arrived

4) Pass along the award to seven other bloggers and let them know you have done so. Here are our seven:

Friends Furever ♥ Kitty Cat Chronicles ♥ The Island Cats ♥ Tom Cat Commentary by Tim ♥ Critters in the Cottage ♥ The Cat from Hell ♥ TwinkleToe Tails

We know none of our recipients received this from Nissy, but we sure hope they haven’t already received it from another source.

Have a great week y’all.

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

April 14, 2014 by Janet Blue Awards Monday Meowsings 33

MONDAY MEOWSINGS: THE ROUND-UP

Dr. Neel tries in pry open Fiona’s mouth to check her teeth.

Once a year, our Vet, Dr. Kathy Neel, comes to the house for our annual check-ups and vaccinations. We definitely don’t look forward to that day. But it is better than being stuffed in PTUs and carted off to the place that smells like woofies. Even though they have a cat’s only exam room now, those big furries are everywhere else. And the aromas…pure animal fear!

Dr. Neel listens to Lily Olivia’s Heart.

On Friday our breakfast was late, and we all got locked in the kitchen while we were eating. Mom had to coax Fiona downstairs with treats. No breakfast in bed for her that day. All being corralled together could only mean one thing which made for lots of tension. And then we had to wait and wait. Dr. Neel needed to help a sick kitty before she came. She and our favorite tech, Tamika, were an hour late. Our nerves were pretty well frayed by that time and a lot of complaining took place. (Mom will post the video of Fiona and Giulietta’s duet later this week.)

Misty May’s turn to have Dr. Neel listen to her heart.

We must admit, the whole process went lots better than last year. Not even one of us escaped! Last year, all of us, except Lily Olivia and Mauricio, bolted after Lisbeth pried open the door to the foyer. Dad, Mom, Dr. Neel and Tamika had to chase Astrid and Fiona throughout the house. Astrid wedged herself under the sofa and Fiona plastered herself against the wall UTB. (Click here to read about last year’s fiasco.)

We all got pretty good report cards. A couple of us need a teeth cleaning sometime this year. Lily Olivia has developed a heart murmur. Dr. Neel rated it a two out of a six. Even though Lily is now 15, her weight has only decreased by 1 ounce in five years. At seven pounds, 15 ounces, she is no longer the smallest. That honor goes to Astrid at seven pounds, 13 ounces.

Tamika gives Giulietta head scritches while Dr. Neel gives her an injection.

The remainder of our weights are (from heaviest to lightest): Mauricio, 13 pounds 8 ounces; Giulietta, 13 pounds 7 ounces (no change from last year); Calista Jo, 13 pounds 6 ounces; Lisbeth, 13 pounds 4 ounces; Fiona, 9 pounds 6 1/2 ounces; and Misty May, 8 pounds 10 ounces.

This was Calista Jo’s first round-up.

Mom got Dr. Neel to show her how to trim our claws. Fiona got to be the demo cat much to her disliking. She got the purrito-wrap treatment, but she wriggled her way out. The job, however, was completed. We’ll have to see how long it takes Mom to work up the courage to do the remainder of us.

We won’t say that “a good time was had by all,” but Dr. Neel and Tamika left unscathed. Mom and dad take that as a victory. We take it as a personal challenge for next year!

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

March 30, 2014 by Janet Blue Backstory Kitty Written Blog Monday Meowsings 30

MONDAY MEOWSINGS

Astrid’s Tail Found

We have the best news today: Astrid has her tail back. The strangest thing is where her tail was found. Our friend Savvy (Savannah’s Paw Tracks) found Astrid’s tail in California in her magic, teleportation tunnel. We have no idea how it got there, as we have no teleportation devices at our house. Astrid thinks that Misty May and Lisbeth conspired with some naughty kitty who has these abilities just to be mean to her. Of course, they aren’t talking.

Now Astrid must decide what Savvy’s reward should be. If Savvy has a suggestion, maybe she can let us know.

Celebrating St. Pat’s Day

Astrid is so happy to have her tail back as she is attending Allie’s St. Patrick’s Day pawty at Cat Scouts with her friend and date from The Queen of Hearts Dance, Scout Sampson (Kitty Cat Chronicles). You can see her tail right here in this photo. She said that if it hadn’t been found, she would have been too embarrassed to attend.

She’s particularly excited about the lovely bouquet Sampson gave her, especially as he said she could nibble on it if she wants. She has said that Savannah cannot have this as her reward.

Mau has gotten dressed up for St. Patrick’s Day as well. Both he and Sampson earned Merit Badges for dressing for the occasion. Mau also wrote a song. It is sung to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” and is called, “If You’re Irish and You Know It.” Hope y’all will join us and sing along.

If you’re thinking he looks a little bleary-eyed, he must admit to having a couple of pints of ~~green~~ root beer while composing.

If you’re Irish and you know it raise your paw.

If you’re Irish and you know it and you really want to show it,

Jump up, raise your paw and shout hoorah!

If you’re Irish and you know it praise Cat Scouts.

If you’re Irish and you know it and you really want to show it,

Jump up, raise your paw and salute all Scouts.

If you’re Irish and you know it drink a toast.

If you’re Irish and you know it and you really want to show it,

Jump up, raise your paw and thank your host (Allie)!

If you’re Irish and you know it drink a pint.

If you’re Irish and you know it and you really want to show it,

Jump up, raise your paw and say, “Good night.”

For other occasions, the word, “Irish” can be changed to “Cat Scout.”

Captain America Update

As you may recall, Lily Olivia was sporting a Captain America t-shirt on our post, “Thankful Thursday with Captain America,” This shirt is winging it’s way around the blogosphere. We got it from Mau’s girlfriend, Allie, and her brother, Raz, from Friends Furever. We offered it to any size small four-legger wanting to wear it next. We were totally surprised to get some volunteers. Timmy from Tomcat Commentary by Tim volunteered his little brother, Einstein. Critters in the Cottage said that either Malou or Esme would be happy to be the next recipients. And Astrid’s sweet friend, Sampson, volunteered.

We were going to say that whoever was the first to send our mom their snail mail address would get the shirt, but Astrid has asked that we please send it to Sampson. So Sampson, please have Mom Emily send our mom your mailing address.

Purrday Celebration & My Three Moggies Post Tomorrow

Giulietta and Fiona will be celebrating their fourth Purrday on Tuesday, March 18. Efurrybuddy is invited to join us. We will have an extra special Award for all who stop by and leave us a comment.

Also on Tuesday, Oscar, Archie, Henry and Mom Michelle will be featuring The Cat on My Head as their Fur Friends of the Month on their blog, My Three Moggies, as well as on Twitter, Facebook and showmeCats. We are so excited that our furiends in the UK are honoring us in this way. Please make sure to visit them as well.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t drink too much. We’ll see y’all right back here tomorrow.

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

March 17, 2014 by Janet Blue Cat Scouts Holiday Kitty Written Blog 29

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.