Whipped

OK, there have been more messages about me being "whipped", due to walking the cat with her sweater on. Perhaps karma for all those years of me chuckling at guys walking their little "yappy" dogs wearing sweaters. (No office to our friend, Snack) To those "friends", I said, "You will know I am whipped when Izzy and I go for walks in our matching outfits!"

Yeah, it's a photoshopped joke.

BS...

I've gotten some private messages about... cat clothes.


On the subject of "cat clothes": Unlike Steph's cat who was not pleased at all with her "designer" t-shirt, Izzy didn't seem bothered by the sweater. Joan has been concerned about Izzy being cold. Izzy's fur is fine and silky... and she does not like going out when it's cold. Yesterday (day 2 with the sweater) - Izzy waits patiently by the door when I get the leash out. She seemed fine when Joan put the sweater on her and trotted right outside, even though it was chilly. I am in the "animals don't need clothes" camp. More like: "animals are embarrassed by clothes" camp... but, again I was outvoted. Not sure how that happens, since there are two voting members in this coach... one would think "unanimous or a tie" (I was a math major)... but, no. On the boat, there is the tradition of the sea where the captain's decision is law... apparently there is no such directive on land? Of course, I am kidding... I am frequently outvoted on the boat, too.

When I have tried to walk Izzy when it's cold (BS - Before Sweater), she takes a few steps, looks up at me and says, "Uh, uh," and runs back to the door. May just be coincidence. Apparently, little Izzy has the same tolerance for cold that I have.

This all may have come about when Izzy met Snack (the little Yorkie) this summer on the Erie Canal. Snack wore ribbons in her hair and had a wardrobe that would make Barbie jealous.


Best wishes for a wonderful 2010!

Merry and Bright...

Christmas was wonderful around our rolling condo and our daughter and son-in-law's home. No grandkids, but we did get plenty of kid-shopping for the Angel Tree at Steph and Dan's school. Joan and Steph cooked, we all played games, and doted on the kitties - Izzy and two "grand-cats" that belong to the kids. Cats are easy to buy for - if it's round and can be batted around, it's sure to be a hit. Joan has been threatening to get a sweater for Izzy, since it gets down right chilly here in the desert. I think cats are too proud to be "dressed up", but our daughter wasn't going to be thwarted.

Here's little Izzy in her new sweater from Stephanie...



Dressing cats aside, the best part of the holiday is spending time with family, and we were certainly blessed in that area.



Hope your holidays have been merry and bright.

Christmas Carols..

Izzy and I have been singing her favorites...


Have Yourself a Meowy Little Christmas

We Three Cats

And her special favorite (about a beach cat): I Saw Mommy Kissing Sandy Claws

Zoo Lights...

Steph and Dan took us to see more Christmas lights, this time at the Phoenix Zoo. Nicely done. Some set to music. And lovely weather for an evening stroll through the zoo.


Not many animals to be seen, but they had a tank where you could pet stingrays... the rays seemed to enjoy the attention, some of them moving up to your hand in the water.

The day we met...

It's an anniversary of sorts... it was one year ago that we met the little bit of fur that is now our Izzy. That wasn't her name at the time; she was tiny, under-nourished; thin fur, ear mites, and didn't make a sound. When Joan reached into that cage at the shelter, I knew our agreement to "look for a more mature cat" was going by the wayside. I'm grateful no one listens to me.

And last night I finished writing the story of Molly. A bit of polishing up and I'll look for a literary agent.

Looking back, it's been quite a year.

Glitters...

Glendale Glitters - in the old town part of Glendale, the weekend nights are glittering... if the PR is accurate: put the lights end to end and the strand would reach from Phoenix to Flagstaff. I believe it; what a festival of lights. Besides the typical Christmas tree, all the palm trees are adorned with outlines of lights. Lots of booths, selling food, ornaments, art... oh, and doggie hats. We had a great time walking around, taking in the sights, and eating a fudge ball.
From there, it was off to Westgate, the shopping and entertainment complex by the stadium. We found some bar-b-q and listened to a 3 piece acoustic band playing outside by the fountains. Nice way to spend a winter evening.