Toes and Torti Tuesday

Tempe here---I gets to do a Torti Tuesday post this week! So I wanted to post about one of my fav-o-rite things in the world!

Here I ams with my favorite things....Can you guess what they are? Here is a hint--they is big and stinky and they are attached to...

Oh, I love dem toes! They stink so bad, and I just roll on 'em, rub my face into 'em and then the stink just overwhelms me and my mouth falls open and my breath is all took away!

Then I get all wore out so I take a nap on my stinky toes.

Til I see my rotten brother Gabe thinking about getting near my very own stinky toes!

The 'bean says I have to tells the rest of the story too. That I gets in trouble for 'ggravatin the big Boone. And that I'm being strickly snoopervised while these pictures were taken. And that sometimes the 'bean has to remove me from my stinky toes so the big Boone can rest. And that the big Boone is remarkably patient (so far) with me.

But if you asks me, I think he is happy that I love his stinky old toes!

Ashley

Puppies due August 30th! Which means they could come as early as this Wednesday.

As you know Ashley is going to be the proud momma (we hope).

"Ashley"
Milens High Steppin
(Ch. Milens Kelmar Solar Power x Ch. Milens Flower Power)

And here is the daddy.....

Fairlight Big Ba-Boone

Just kidding. This isn't Turner and Hooch..... However this will be their adopted daddy. Whether he wants to be or not.

He already puts up with allot from their momma....but he loves it. Most of the time.

Here is Ashley again....and this is the real daddy--

"Curt"
Canadian Champion Southland's Last Curtain Call
(Ch. Southland's Bowen Island x Tartanside Burlesque)

He is also a sable and white. If Ashley also carries tri-color (Black/white/tan), as does Curt, then there might be some tri pups, otherwise they will all be sable and whites. I've already started having dreams (nightmares?) about puppies and some of them were blue merle, which isn't possible in this litter.

I don't think Ashley looks very big, but then I'm used to sheep with babies bulging out all over. She has been very emotional and dramatic, especially with this continuing hot weather. I wish it would cool down a little so she would be more comfortable. She has to take a little walk every morning, but she'd rather just lay here in the hall and look miserable, thank you very much.

Both dogs nearly trample me to get inside in the evenings, when I turn the air on.

I'm getting nervous about the pups, but I'm trying not to think about it. I'm assembling a miniature whelping kit (as opposed to a large lambing kit) and praying for the best.

Ashley's breeder will be taking several of the pups. I will (probably) keep a little girl if one if available. There will most likely be a few available for-sale to pet homes. No, this is not going to be another case of keeping a whole litter! Thankfully I have Helen to keep me on the straight and narrow with this litter. It'll be hard though.

Ashley

Tomorrow I put together the cat proof whelping pen, and set up the whelping 'box' (an old plastic swimming pool). Ashley also gets a bath and the rest of her stringy hair trimmed off the critical areas. To set up the whelping area means that my entire (albeit small) 'living room' also gets dismantled. It's going to be crowded in the kitchen area, with the couch and other furniture shoved over there.

Ashley reluctantly posing in the hot weather.

I'll let you know what happens as soon as possible after the litter is born. If you are interested in a pup, email me for information! ;-) Here is hoping Ashley will have her litter safely and be a good mom.

Did I mention the last puppy that has graced the farm here was in 1998? Oh my.

Weekend Musings

Much needed rain moving in

What a week. The weather continues to be hot, humid and just miserable. Last weekend I worked most of the time dismantling, boxing up and cleaning the old computer desk and surrounding areas. I think it was Monday night that my Dad helped me move out the old washer and dryer. Then I had to clean a whole lot of accumulated gunk from out of that corner (where it had been seeping) and get things ready to paint.

See all the 'help' I had???

Tuesday & Wednesday nights I painted, stained and reglued some tile. Wednesday night we also got a surprise and much needed rain--1 1/2 inches. In between the rain, I loaded up my truck with junk. At work we had a big dumpster brought in to move out a bunch of stuff out of the rental house and our boss told us if we had anything (within the 'list' of acceptable items) we wanted to toss in, that we could. When I got the little travel trailer it came with quite a bit of it's own nasty junk. I ended up loading up two t.v.s, two vcrs, three fans (grills removed as they are handy for lots of things!), a bunch of pots and pans and hotplates, and some old antennas. I was very happy to get rid of this stuff.

Thursday the washer and dryer were delivered with Dad hooking it up and Mom standing guard duty at the door so no errant cat would dart out. The kitties tend to scatter and hide when strangers are around so it's not as difficult as it sounds. I went in to work a little early to unload the truck into the dumpster...and nearly started an avanlanche when I opened the dumpster door. Yikes. Thursday night I used my washer and dryer--and the washer wouldn't spin out.

Friday the guy came back and fixed the washer. Friday evening Dad and I moved the new computer cabinet from the garage to the house, using two, two wheeled dollies--one on either end of the bottom of the cabinet. It was a little scary, but it worked like a charm with only minimal lifting and shoving. Once in the house we transferred it to two towels so that it scooted easily across the floor. Once it was in the house, I cleaned it and let the cats 'inspect' it.

For several days the heat indexes were around 109.

Saturday I was pooped. My back is still bothering me (not sure if I mentioned it, but I was 'down' in my back for three or four days several weeks ago). I got up early and wormed the three Shetland lambs and then walked the upper pasture to check the fences and for thistles, beggar lice and cockle burrs. The sheep have been off this pasture since May and it's grown like crazy. Unfortunately one section has quite a crop of rag-weed--nearly as high as my head! I've been putting off moving them onto new pasture due to the heat and the stress fresh 'greens' might cause. But they need to be rotated. They've been working on the front area around the house of the evenings and on their pretty gnawed down regular pasture during the day.

Because I use Ivomec wormer I didn't want to worm anyone while grazing them around the house. (Ivermectin can be fatal to collies) I hope I didn't wait to long on the lambs. I was also hoping for cooler weather to worm them anyway, but that ain't happening.

Once I got those outside chores taken care of early in the morning, I started working on getting the computer hooked back up. There sure are allot of wires that make these things possible! There were some glitches, but everything got straightened out fairly easily.

Then frankly I haven't done much on the productive side for the rest of the day! I'm still trying to decide how I want to set up the computer cabinet with all the misc. junk that I have (paper, books, office supplies etc.)

Oh, and one of the lambs got caught up in a bit of old barbed wire that I didn't know was there. Since it was down by my folks house, my Dad called to tell me, and I headed out to unwind the lamb. Only when all the sheep saw me they came running and screaming in so that the little guy felt abandoned and freaked out and broke free--dragging about three or four foot of barbed wire. Thankfully he doesn't seem to be injured, but it wasn't much fun convincing him to hold still while I cut and untangled it from his wool...all with sweat pouring into my eyes. I hate this summer.

This next week will be taken up with preparing a whelping area for Ashley, so I doubt much painting will happen---maybe a little squeezed in here and there. Still praying for a break in this miserable weather!

I do love my computer cabinet---oh my how I love it! And the orange walls are starting to grow on me. I think once the room is done, it will be very mellow and inviting. At least I hope so.

Have a great week.

Kitties first birthday--a rare picture with them all in the frame (plus Meshach)Starting lower left and working clock wise--Noah, Tempe, Trinity, Gabe, Verity & Chaco--Meshach is in the upper right.

Pawprint Inspected and Approved!

My name's Meshach, and boy-kitty we've had a week of excitement and change around here! Them young whipper snapper's couldn't hardly handle it all.
We had to help our 'bean clean out some old stuff, haul it out, clean floors and walls and then we helped paint too! Then we re-glued tile and stained some woodwork--just in time to get two big metal boxes that make lots of noise. The 'bean calls 'em a 'washer and dryer'. If that weren't enough to get our paws in knot, we also helped move in a big giant cat cabinet last night! (computer cabinet, Meshach). This morning we was lots of help too, when the 'bean was trying to hook up all the computer wires and muttering under her breath....

Here I am in the cat cabinet! Doesn't it just go perfect with my fur?

Yes, indeed, I think a little kitty bed would go perfect right here--so I won't have to lay on this plastic bag. The 'bean mentioned something about the 'monitor' having to go in here, but unless that is some sort of kitty bed brand, I don't think there is going to be room for it.

Uh, oh...we've got a problem, but I'm on it! It's, er, it was a little crawly spider. While I'm busy checking the rest of the corners for intruders I'll turn it over to the brats, uhm, cats....

Tempe here! I'm already up on the top of the cat cabinet--even before the 'bean got a chance to dust it. It's mine and I love it. Also if you notice the 'bean painted the wall behind the cat cabinet too--of course with our help. In a rare stroke of genius our 'bean picked out a color to compliment my, er, our fur. It's called 'gingerbread'. (The 'bean denies that she picked out paint to compliment her clowder of cat's color(s), because if she did something like that, she would be a crazy cat lady.) I'm going to let my brother say something now, cuz he won't get off my cabinet if I don't.

It's me, Gabe---don't tell anyone, but I think the 'bean took one of my fur samples in to match the paint to---and it's not really called 'gingerbread' but 'Ginger-cat'! I'm just sayin'...but you can judge for yourself.

Sage says---I don't care what color it is and if it matches or not, it's all mine and I'll swat that camera right out of your hand if you come a little closer!

(Just to note that it has indeed been a busy week, and having so many helpful furry helpers it didn't always go smooth. And there might be a few spots of gingerbread paint on a few cats...There will be more updates and more pictures to come, but for now all the 'heavy' stuff is done. Lots more painting to do, but I have to move stuff out of the way first--much of it to the new desk. Have a good weekend!)

Thinking of Selling the Sheep.......

.....and starting a frog farm instead...

Look who came back to the Toad Spa! Mr/Mrs/Ms Toad!

Looks like one of those cases where the whole extended family moved in....(there are six in case you tried to count them--one is sorta hidden under the rock.

Oh my...getting a little crowded in there? Need a bigger spa? How about a job?

Oh and just kidding on the selling the sheep thing.......

Ashley Has a Secret.....

Walnut sized secret(s). Can you guess? Remember way back when I got her a year ago? Way down in this blog entry is a hint at the secret.

And it's going to happen soon, real soon. Much too soon. Even if I am in obvious denial.

Any guesses?

Okay.... I won't keep you in suspense. If you read that blog entry you'll see in there that part of the deal in getting Ashley was the 'small chance she would have to whelp out a litter of puppies'. Well, Plan A and Plan B had to be spayed. Ashley is Plan C.

I feel overwhelmed at the moment. Puppies! I'm still recovering from kittens! Ashley isn't getting any fatter though, so at some moments I think she isn't...but she acts different, so I think she is. Just so you know they won't be all my puppies (which translates to mean I can't keep them all!), even though I might keep one.. if there is one that is keep-able and not spoken for.

She will be staying here to whelp them out. Too much work I know, but I want her to stay home and not go away for eight weeks. I can't imagine the depression that'd send the big guy into.

One thing for sure the puppies will be very well socialized....to cats!

More details to follow.

Weekend Musings

And the heat goes on.... and on and on. What a summer. From a bitter cold, long winter, almost straight into a steamy hot long summer. I'm praying for a long cool (note, not cold) fall with some good rains. I feel like I'm in some kind of stupor, and I feel like I'm not alone. It's hard to get focused or motivated on anything but the necessary chores and day to day living. Thank God my old, old air conditioner keeps cranking about some cool. It stays about 80 in the house most of the time. The front gets warmer, usually close to 85 or 90. I run the air from about 6 to 11 p.m. and then again around 3 a.m it'll start warming up and I'll kick it on til I leave for work around 7:15. The house stays shut up--windows down, and only one door open for ventilation during the day. It really stays pretty decent in here most of the time, although occasionally it'll get real muggy for some reason.

So enough of the weather whining--except it's getting awfully dry too--ahem. I'm about to get out my yearly summer movie "The River" so I can revel in the constant rain that practically destroys their lives. It makes me feel better. Twisted I know.

I'm in the middle of a big project (for me). Not one to start something small and work at it slowly, I decided last week, after months of procrastinating, to contact the used appliance man. I've been without a dryer for almost a year. Yep. I hang almost everything out on the line or up in the house to dry on hangers. My Mom is sweet enough to dry my towels for me once a week. Dryer troubles are bad enough, but I also have a leaky washer, and I'm ashamed to say it, but it's been seepy leaking for several years now. I stuff towels around it to mop up the water, but evidently enough got away to slowly turn the base of my pre-fab computer desk to mush. Yes, I knew all this was happening, but in that if I don't see it it'll go away mindset time just went on by. Fortunately I have cement floors and concrete block walls, or the damage would be much worse. About a month or so ago I noticed that my computer desk was developing a decided list to the right. Hmm.. that couldn't be a good sign. Sure enough the damage was much worse than I had thought..much, much worse.

Here is a picture of the 'new' computer cabinet that is still in the garage.

Then I had the good fortune to see the computer cabinet at the yard sale not too long ago and got it for an excellent price. It's been sitting out in the garage since I bought it, waiting for me to get a new washer and dryer before moving it in...after all I don't want to damage it! So one thing leads to another and now I'm immersed in the big project.

I bought a matching used Kenmore washer and dryer for $326.00 including tax, and now am 'under the gun' to get things moved out and ready. (Talk about a throw-a-way society--I couldn't believe all the used machines he had--a washer or dryer would breakdown, and the people would turn the set in, even if the other was still okay and just get a new set! Good for people like me anyway!) In all my brilliant planning I decided that I should paint the walls behind the desk and washer and dryer area. Woot. For a visual --picture an L shape--the washer and dryer sit along the short part of the L against the wall and the desk and a shelving unit sit along the wall on the long side of the L. All pretty much breathing down each other's necks, since lots of space I do not have.

Back to the desk...which I've had, oh, at least six years, maybe longer. On the surface it was 'cluttered' but most of it was current and needed clutter. However the cubby holes...oh my...the cubby holes. I found floppy disks in there! And software from my first computer. Why am I such a pack rat? Yesterday I spent most of the afternoon sorting through everything and boxing up the keeper stuff. Today I dismantled the piece of junk shelving unit (which also had a permanent list to the right-but not from any damage) and took it outside. Of course first I had to unload all the clothes off it. Now, once I get this posted I'm going to dismantle what is left of the desk. This means I'll also have to disconnect the computer and pray it survives it all since it is temperamental on it's best days.

After I get the desk out--no doubt piece by piece--then my Dad will come up and help me disconnect the washer and move it and the dryer outside so they can be hauled off when the 'new' ones come.

Then I'll be ready to paint. Well, after I scrub everything down, then I'll paint. Did I mention I only have about three evenings to do this? However, I do tend to get things done when I have a deadline, instead of procrastinating about it.


In other exciting news I got a bunch of free lumber (destined for the dumpster) from work! All nice 2 x 11 shelving stuff with some smaller bracing boards included, some of it already stained. The stack doesn't look that impressive, but trust me there is allot in that stack. I will use some of it to build a nice proper shelf for next to the new computer desk and washer and dryer, once I get everything installed and see how much room there is. The rest of it will either be used in the 'someday' breezeway remodel or the craft trailer.


Then there is the frog farm that I manage..... One morning I noticed the dogs water bowl was pretty nasty looking and there was a large toad floating around it--no not dead, just enjoying his own private pool. So I had the brilliant idea to re-use this old glass pie plate and create a nice little toad spa. A win-win situation. He would have his privacy, and the dogs would have cleaner water. Well I don't know where the toad is, haven't seen him for a few days, but one day I did see this frog in the toad spa. Hmmm... then a few days later there were three frogs in the toad spa! The dogs water is still being used too, as it's nasty and cloudy again. Whatever. I am not even going to waste my energy on frog wars. A bucket for the dogs and the toads, frogs and all their cousins can just have the bowls!

The kitties had a low key birthday with Meow Mix treats had by all. Everyone got a big smooch and happy birthday even though I had to chase a few of 'em down to do it.

Wonder what happens when you have six kittens, two cats and a fresh bucket of paint???

Have a great week!

Happy 1st Birthday Cheetos!

(Contest winner announced at the end of this post!)

Can you believe it? The "kittens" are one year old today. It was a rocky year at times, but we've hung in there and the good times outweighed the bad... mostly! It's been an adjustment for sure. I figure though that time is now on my side as the kittens continue to mature and (hopefully) slow down a little bit. I still marvel at how six litter mates can all have such different personalities. People ask me who my favorite is, and I would have to say they all are. Each one has their own quirks and character and I love (and sometimes dislike) things about each one of them. I'm posting photos in no particular order --except for silly sisters first, then the mostly rotten boys. For those just recently reading my blog, this little journey all began when a very pregnant calico cat wandered in off the street and into my Mom's barn and subsequently had six kittens. You can read more posts beginning in August 2009 in the blog archives, if you'd like more back story. So... without further adieu let's celebrate "The Year of the Kittens"!

Tempe--can't you just already see the Torti 'tude?

Tempe

Tempe is a Torti, which explains allot. She really is a good girl most of the time, but my she is busy. Constantly poking into my business, and everywhere I look there she is. Sometimes she can be very loving, cuddly and sweet and other times she looks offended and stomps off when I think she needs some petting. She likes butter, cheez balls, and sitting in the bathroom trashcan (close the lid please, she says), not sharing all the new toys and climbing to the highest places she can find--and of course micro-managing me. Tempe weighed 3.4 ounces when born and now is the smallest (weight wise) of the girls at 7 lbs 3.4 ounces.

Baby Verity

Verity--Ninja Cat

Verity is a silly little thing. It took her a long time to become a cuddle bug, but she is now officially one of the best. She is often torn between freedom and being cuddly. I often call her Ninja kitty as she likes to dart around and make sneak attacks. For a long time 'someone' would run out, slap my leg and disappear. I blamed Tempe because she was always there, and no one else was around. Finally Verity the Ninja kitty made a mistake and I saw her out of the corner of my eye while she was in the middle of her covert mission. Verity also likes to ask questions. MemPH? Asking questions back elicits more conversation from her. Verity is the shortest (frame wise) of the kittens, and while she started out at 3.4 ounces, she now weighs in at a shocking 8 lbs 14.2 ounces, making her the largest, er, chubbiest of the girls.

Trinity

Princess Trinity

Of all the kittens Trinity is the least affectionate. She occasionally likes to be loved on, but you almost have to chase her down or catch her unaware for her to let you near. Mostly I think she is just very shy. Cursed with a squish-ably cute face she does have to endure some loving. She caused many grey hairs for me in her young kitten days, when I would have everyone else up for the night then spend many minutes trying to trick her in. Trints also went through a bout of stomach issues and became very sickly for awhile. Because of this she was allowed more freedom before the other kittens--getting to spend the days out with the big boys (Meshach and Sage). She has never forgotten this and I think Princess applies to her quite well, as she enjoys her special status as one of 'the big boys'. She also asks questions and mews dramatically if I'm slow to meet her expectations. She started out at 3.2 ounces and now weighs 7 lbs 5 ounces.

Chaco

Chaco-Paco-Pito-Pie

Chaco is a big boy--long and lanky. For the longest time he would have very little to do with the nonsense of being petted and loved on. Then one night he melted down and demanded attention--at 4 a.m. Ever since then he wakes me up around this time, purring and kneading and stomping all over me. I discourage him mightily and often 'accidentally' push him off the bed--repeatedly. He always comes back and at least has learned not to stomp over me too much. Now he walks up and down the bed beside me and occasionally reaches out and does a quick knead with one paw...reminding me of the show Monk where he walks along and has to touch everything. Chaco loves food and is pretty good natured. Once in awhile he trashes his sisters, but otherwise gets along well with everyone. He has a crush on Sage and likes to imitate him. Weighing 3.6 ounces to start with and he now weighs 9 lbs 7.6 ounces, making him the lightweight of the boys. He was initially the biggest kitten of the bunch.

Gabriel

Gabe

Of the entire litter, Gabe has to be the absolute busiest one of the bunch. Fortunately he is easily entertained and finds many things to keep himself amused. Most of it harmless. Despite his I'm So Cool James Dean expression he can be an awful big love bug. He also is very, very helpful, especially with making the bed. He talks allot. They get treats a couple times a day and every time I even look towards where the treats are kept he runs over there and stands on his hind legs and yells--pleeeese, pleeeese, pleeese! His philosophy seems to be it never hurts to ask! If it wasn't so funny it would be pretty annoying. Gabe also plays allot by himself, and will often talk to himself in the process--loudly. It used to alarm me as it sounded as if someone was hurt...but no. He also takes toys into the bathtub and some of the awfullest thumping around ensues as he plays wildly with the toy of the moment. Unfortunately when I named Gabe (Gabriel for his angel wings on his back) I didn't take into consideration several things--one he would be a permanent resident of the household and secondly that Gabe sounds an awful lot like Sage when you are getting on to some certain cat. After Sage swore at me several times for getting on to him (yes he really does this) when he wasn't doing anything, Gabe got shortened to Gabs or the longer version of Gab-re-ella (why I don't know) when he is being scolded. Gabe weighed 3.2 ounces to begin with and now weighs a hefty 11 lbs 1.6 ounces. He has the longest skinny legs, skinny butt and skinny tail, so I expect he may end up even larger.

Baby Noah

Noah Now

Lastly we have Mr. No. Noah is the biggest of the kittens--height and breadth! His favorite pastime is eating, followed closely by napping. Noah has had some difficulties but he doesn't let that slow him down. When he was about four months old he began to have seizures, possibly due to an overdose of Advantage. At first they were severe and almost constant, but now he has a seizure about every 8 to 10 days. From this he has some residual effects--poor closeup paw/eye skills and just a little 'differentness' to him. However, he is pretty interactive especially if there is a chance food is involved. I work with him often to improve his people skillls. ;-) He isn't real affectionate, but does like a good petting at times. He also likes to lay next to me on the bed, and it's even better in his eyes if Meshach is there to provide another body to snuggle against. Sometimes his off switch to wrestling malfunctions so he tends to be very rough. For some reason Sage has taken exception to him and occasionally follows him around swearing, while Noah tries to disappear into the woodwork. Noah is a big boy and when he thinks he is going to be caught and picked up it is pretty funny to see him trying to scurry and hide. Noah's best buddy and heavy duty wrestling partner is his brother Gabe. Noah started out at a petite 3.2 ounces and now weighs in at 13 lbs 2.6 ounces, making him the biggest of the Kittens. Sage still is the biggest kitty in the house, but at 13 lbs 15.2 ounces it may not be long before Noah passes him by.

Here are a couple shots of the kittens---first at a few days old in their box and then two taken more recently. It's hard to get them all in one photo anymore--but between these two shots they are all there. They are definitely a snugly bunch and still like to pile up with each other at times. It's just second nature to them, and this has worked out well for Meshach too, as he has always liked to snuggle and it's been awhile since he had another cat around that would snuggle up to him. Sage looks at them like they are crazy and that they have crossed a big line when they try to plop down next to him!

And here is Butterfly looking quite shell shocked a few days after randomly popping out six kittens all over her kitty condo--including on the upper shelving. Butterfly managed to do all the necessary things to raise six healthy kittens, but her heart wasn't much in it, and she never looked back once she was weaned from the kits.

And finally here is Butterfly today---having made a full circle--from being homeless and hungry--to having kittens--to finally being spayed and now living fat and sassy in my Mom's barn and being spoiled rotten.


Yep. It's been a year. I would never have thought that my two cat household would explode like it did, but the joy bring and the laughter they cause makes them worth the trouble. Here's to many more years little ones.

Thank you to everyone who entered the kitty Calendar contest! There were twelve entrants. I copied each name onto a slip of paper, put it in a baggie and brought it to work today, where my co-worker drew the winner's name. I had thought about having the kittens do the drawing, but the thought overwhelmed me. ;-) And the winner is...drum roll please.. Vicki Lane! Who has to be the luckiest person around with these contests! Vicki the calendar is en route from the printer to my house and I will send it on when it gets here. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks again everyone, I so enjoyed reading your rescue stories. There may be another contest at the end of the year/January featuring a similar prize (calendar) with the dogs.... Stay tuned.

How to Keep Your Tootsies Cool....

Chaco will now demonstrate....




To recap--find a nice soft warm place to lay, then expose your feet to the breeze from the fan.