Small Celebrations

Recently my family came down to help me celebrate getting a year older. It was lovely to see them. We went out for breakfast and then did a bit of shopping. Willow hid for most of the visit. She is not shy at all with me but my boistrous family sends her hiding. The little fluff is an excellent toe warmer on cold winter nights!

My birthday breakfast was so genrous I was able to take home leftovers! Hooray for not having to cook for 2 more meals!

Emily has started to curl up beside our desktop and keeps me company. I like this photo as I think it really hilites her amazing whiskers.

I was able to book off work for my birthday. I don't get to explore the park as much as I would like so it was the perfect time to go for a walk. The weather here is quirky. Spring slush and mild one hour with thunderstorms and violent winds and snow the next. I guess that is typical of spring.

I had considered buying myself some flowers for my birthday but, in the end, decided against it. Just like many other items, the price is a bit much. I can still enjoy the pretty colors and the scent at the store, though. Work continues to tucker me out so I'm trying to learn how to pace myself. I'll close with this funny that I found on Pinterest. Be well and cuddle your felines!

A Foggy Monday

Greetings from Emily, Willow, and their human servant! We hope everyone is doing well. Willow and Emily are both having a short 4 hour naps this afternoon! I'm enjoying a long weekend thanks to a holiday Monday. The time off is surely appreciated. Back in November I mentioned that my work place was restructuring. One of the commentors, I believe it was Messy Mimi, mentioned that restructuring is usually fewer folks doing more work and with no pay increase. Sadly, Messy Mimi is correct. It is a daily whirlwind of feeling overwhelmed. I'm very thankful for work but I am finding it challenging to keep up with all the new requirements that generally belong in a higher pay grade. However, Emily and Willow have very strict guidelines for food, toys and other personal items, so what am I to do? Perhaps it is time I seriously consider buying lottery tickets. LOL

The first part of my long weekend was spent doing errands and chores. I picked up groceries, a shirt, and, most exiting of all, a new desk lamp! Today, I was able to go to the park for a walk. The morning was very foggy. I thought it gave a mysterious and other worldy atmosphere. Surprisingly, the birds were singing up a storm. According to my trusty bird app I heard : a carolina wren, a woodpecker, chickadees, mallards, crows and cardinals. It was a long walk and it did my heart good to be outside.

By the time I got home an hour and a half later, my fingers felt like they had pins and needles in them. Brrr.... I baked up a dozen banana chocolate chip muffins. My apartment smells like a cozy hug.

Emily has started to keep me company sometimes when I'm at the computer. She is the sweetest girl. I think I'm going to read for a while and have a warm beverage. I will touch base with you folks soon. Take care and hug your felines!

You need more than One Plan B-part 1

Hello, We hope everyone had a lovely holiday season. Did your felines have lots of extra cuddles, treats, and maybe a present? Our plans changed several times. My family get together was shuffled to a later date which meant I would be spending Christmas alone but with Emily and Willow. My plans for Christmas were quiet but relaxing. I would go for a Christmas Eve Service, eat some treats, and open the cat's gifts after. On Christmas Day, there would be a Christmas walk, a Christmas rose, a visit with a friend, and I would open a fun present I bought online.

Unfortunately, a week before Christmas I came down with the holiday flu. My plans were cancelled. I did go for a Christmas walk but it tuckered me out. More importantly, Emily and Willow opened their present--see above photos! I found a self heating cat blanket online. Emily uses is the most. I also opened my Christmas gift to myself. I purchased it and a kind relative wrapped it for me. I felt like a kid waiting for the opportunity to open my new book.

It was a hoot! Perfect for someone who was being a sofa sloth and shivering and coughing. The cranky cat book isn't very long, but it is fun.

Winter has come early this year and there is alot of snow in my area. Brrrr... This flu is slowly going away but it sure is taking it's swee time. I'm hoping to get in a visit to your blogs within the next while!

Hello from the fluffs

Hello. We are dropping by for a quick visit. Our Mom has been extra busy at work because she has to learn alot more responsibilities at her job. She is tired and sometimes a bit cranky. Thankfully, Willow and I help her to focus on the important things in life-US felines! We wanted to let you know we hadn't forgotten you. Purrs, Emily and willow.

Whirlwind

Greetings from Emily. I think she looks comfy in this photo. :) Perhaps she wants her tummy fur to be admired? Life got "exciting" after our last post. I was on vacation when a coworker called me at home to let me know that admin was restructuring. The day after I got back to work my department had a meeting. In brief, I still get to work but we have a lot more responsibility. I'm already feeling overwhelmed.

Today my area had its first snow fall. It seems a bit early to me. Or maybe it is only our last winters have been very mild and I'm spoiled now.

Willow is enjoying a new crinkle toy I found at a local pet store. At first, I didn't think they liked it. When I saw her lounging in a sunbeam with the new toy in front of her, I knew it wasn't a total waster of money. Emily and Willow were both very comforting when I got sick a couple of days after the big work meeting. I can't figure out whether it was a bad cold or a mild case of the flu. Except for a lingering cough and fatigue I feel better. They were snuggle bugs and stuck with me while I hacked, sneezed, and snoozed on the sofa for several days.

I will close with this photo of a cardinal I saw on my walk last week. The fresh autumn air actually helped me feel better for a while. Here is hoping life settles down (oh, please, just a dull, uneventful week or two) soon. Take care and hug your felines.

October

Hello. I've been on vacation for the last week. It was another quiet week: chores, errands, appointments, reading, walks in the park, and a visit or two. Emily and Willow both had their yearly checkup. Both of them seem to be doing OK. Also, both of them may have gained a half pound as well. We are attributing it to the arrival of cooler weather. You need extra fluff to stay warm, right?

My sister came down for a visit on Thanksgiving. We went out for breakfast. Then we went shopping at an outlet mall. Well, my sister bought things and I tried to give her fashion advice! Then back to my place for a couple of tea lattes and scones. It was great to see her.

Willow liked to sleep near my toes when I was reading on the sofa. I'm still trying to get through the book, The Brontes, and while I do find it interesting, it also a huge book. My favourite part of my time off has been slow mornings. I love not having to rush trying to get ready. I'm also thankful for a beautiful park that is within walking distance. Autumn was slow to start this year but it is now fully underway. The ginko tree is starting shimmer in gold. The squirrels are going crazy pants trying to gather up acorns and chestnuts.

This little red squirrel was very curious. He seemed faster than the grey and black squirrels we usually see around here. Now, it is back to work soon. The time flew by and I'm already counting down the days until my next time off . I hope everyone had a good week! I will try to visit in the next couple of days.

Hints of Autumn

Hello, The calendar says it is almost fall but the weather still feels very much like summer. Emily went to the vet this morning for a grooming session. She had so many mats that I was astonished at the growing pile of fur on the exam table. Alas, the vet threw all of that beautiful fur out almost immediately. I had wanted to take a photo :) Emily feels much better and even has a bit of a "goth" edge with her new do.

There are signs of autumn all around: colorful leaves, misty mornings and crickets singing. The temperatures are still very summer like, though. My October vacation is booked so I hope the trees start glowing up a little bit more.

Willow is doing OK. I recently bought her a box of straws. She loves to chase them around the apartment. I purchased paper straws because I thought it might be safer for her if she accidently ingested it while trying to decimate it. A box of 50 paper straws cost me $10. Yikes. Oh well, she is worth it.

Life in general has been hectic and a bit sad. At work, we are usually short staffed over summer so things are extra busy. Recently, someone I used to play with when I was a child passed away. We didn't keep in touch except for the occassional social media "hellos". I knew he was ill but he seemed to decline quickly. I know that this is life but sometimes life is hard, yes? Meanwhile, Emily has forgiven me for taking her to the vet for her grooming session this morning. She was much happier, too. I think she appreciates her "edgy" new look. Willow continues to delight me with her silly ways. Take care and I will try to visit you all over the next week.