Mom's Been Busy ....

Yup, I've been busy. Last summer I got a big book project. Right after Wilbur's bat encounter. Then I traveled. When I came back I had to finish the book. When that was done I dove back into clay projects. Had to make plates for the holiday sale. Now that's over. Time to blog and catch up. I've really missed my bloggie friends. REALLY missed all of you!! I will try to catch up as best I can.

Catching up, #4

As I sat in the kitchen with my crossword, I became aware of an odd ticking clicking sound, kind of like a cricket. I looked into the dining room and saw Wilbur playing with something. Then I realized it was a critter, and then I realized it was a bat!! I shrieked and scared Wilbur away. The poor bat was injured - it tried to fly, but it could only hop. I scooped it into a box and tossed it out the door into a bush. Then I called the vet. I didn't know if Wilbur had brought it down (or one of the other cats), if it had bitten him, if it was rabid ...... The vet said that since Louie and Skootch had both had their rabies shots that week, they were protected. But since Wilbur hadn't gone in and had his shots, he had to be in QUARANTINE for SIX MONTHS! For an indoor cat, that's what I call a pass, but they told me to observe him for any abnormal behavior, and not to let him bite his brothers (HAH, he bites Skootch almost daily!). So there. I don't think the bat was rabid, but those are the rules. I even got a follow-up call from the state department of health. And in six months, I have to bring him to the vet to get his shots. Great, I can't wait.

Catching up, #3

I had been dreading Wilbur's trip to the vet. Sure enough, he proved too wily and determined for me. In between each attempt at loading he would run away and hide. I would coax him out with treats and toys and I STILL couldn't get him in. During the third attempt he drew blood, and I admitted defeat. I called the vet and cancelled his appointment.

Catching Up, #2

Louie and I had a very noisy ride to the vet. Unfortunately, it's a half hour drive. He got an A+ from Dr. Jeff. Got his shots, and back we went to the house. My plan was to swap out Louie for Wilbur in the cat carrier, and then immediately return to see Dr. Jeff. I know it seems like a ridiculous amount of driving (when I could have combined taking the two cats at the same time), but I had taken them both before when they were younger and not as strong, and I couldn't face loading them into carriers at the same time.

Playing Catch-up

We are going to have to play catch-up. First, this new look is my new graphics tablet. I am going to try to do some posts with it. As you can see, my first attempt looks a bit primitive, and I now have a cramp in my hand from clutching the pen. Anyway, this week was cats-to-the-vet week. First came Skootch, who is a dream to load into the carrier, and a fairly good traveler (well, he can't meow, so that's part of it!). Dr. Jeff was impressed with his overall health. He is an eldercat, and his blood work was very good. The groomer said he was a very good boy for her. I left feeling relieved and pleased. Plus, he has always been frail, so for him to have gained half a pound was a big deal. Two days later came Louie. I decided to take Louie and Wilbur separately, as they are not easy to load OR to travel with. They were scheduled for the same morning, 2 different appointments.

Special Offer - please respond!

Hello all. I know it has been a long time since I last posted - more on that soon - but I wanted to get this out there before any more time goes by. I have a ticket to the BlogPaws Conference that I cannot use. Do any of you want it? I am offering it free to the first person who responds who wants it.

Getting Clobbered

Here in Boston, we are getting clobbered continuously with huge snowfalls. The first blizzard was kind of exciting. Then a week later, we got another one. We just had our third one in as many weeks. Everyone here is getting pretty tired of it. We are DEFINITELY getting tired of shoveling! The other night I went out to try and keep a small path cleared from the front door to the street. I looked back at the house, and there was Wilbur in the window watching me. I felt so cheered up, seeing his little tuxie self, keeping me company as I grunted and shoveled.

Sads for a bloggie friend

Please visit my bloggie friend, Elizabeth, over at Chronicles of Cardigan. She just lost her beloved tortie, Eva, to a variety of health issues. It was very sudden, and we all know about pet loss and the grief that comes with it. She would really appreciate comments and similar experience stories. Purrs.

Wilbur's Workout Routine

Both youngsters are going crazypants on the new cat tree, but Wilbur is especially dedicated. This tree has certainly added a whole new dimension to his activities!

The New Cat Tree!

Yes, I finally caved and got the kitties a cat tree. Partly because they have been leading deprived lives without one, and partly to distract them from the wee Christmas tree I put up in the living room (cat tree is in the kitchen). That last part worked pretty well. They are beyond thrilled - Wilbur and Louie, that is. Skootch won't have anything to do with it. I think he's afraid of getting beat up by the other two hooligans. I will fill you in later on my life recently - all good - so more updates soon. I promise I won't wait another two months. Skootch, by the way, is fine.