Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.107

Y'all hear me talk about Book Challenge by Erin quite a bit...well, another reason that this group is fantastic is the idea that Megan presented to our group ~ a book exchange!  If a reader is in search of a particular book, and another reader has a copy of the book (and they are willing to give it up), that book goes to its new home for free.  Just the recipient is responsible for cost of postage.  Bev in Switzerland and I are exchanging books (as seen in this photo...she gets an Aussie bookmark too!)  If you are interested in books that I have on offer, check out the list in our goodreads group.  You don't have to be a challenge participant to request a book from me. 

It was raging hot again earlier this week, so there were more indoor doggie naps with doggie snuggles.

What's going on in this picture?  Well, if you've ever gotten inked, you probably recognize this look.

The results!  My dad married my 1st stepmom when I was 16, and sadly, fourteen years later, she was taken from us after a courageous battle against brain cancer.  They had a big cactus on their back patio of their lakehouse...a very special place to them...a special place for all of us.  The only time I ever saw a flower actually bloom on that cactus was last visit to see her before she passed away. 

Then...I got sick...in case you missed my update on instagram...I went to the doctor expecting strep or tonsillitis based on the nasty activity going on in my throat.  Instead, the doctor sees a fever, my throat, and swollen glands and diagnoses me with glandular fever (which I later learned is a fancy way to say "mono" in Australia.)  No blood test was done, so no confirmation of that diagnosis, but needless to say, I've pretty much been in bed the rest of the week.  Luckily, I have sweet cuddle partners to keep me company.

They know that mama is sick.  These boys barely left my side the rest of the week.

Even though Ricky is our most mischievous, he can be awfully sweet and cuddly when he wants.

I'm on the mend (I think), so hopefully I'll be back to normal in the next day or so!  Hope you've had a fabulous week!

Fur kids are family too

I don't know how to write this without telling a backstory.  But, that story is lengthy.  And, not one that I am capable of typing now.  So, here is a terribly condensed version.

I picked up a red merle Australian Shepherd puff ball in August 2003.  I was living in California, and my step-mother had just passed away from brain cancer.  I was in a very sad place, for a variety of reasons, and this guy brought so much love and joy into my life.  I named him Jesse James (because Jon Bon Jovi has a son named this too.)

I moved back to Texas and Jesse moved with me.  Jesse was my baby.  I've never shared a relationship with an animal like mine with Jesse James.  I had a significant other at the time.  He was an important part of Jesse's life as well. 

When I moved to Australia, leaving Jesse behind was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking decisions.  I felt like a parent abandoning her child.  The boyfriend (who was now an ex, and he was pretty heartbroken himself) had so much love for Jesse that he stepped up and took responsibility for him.  I know this person gave Jesse love, companionship, and a home that he deserved.  I am eternally grateful to him for that.  Words can't express my gratitude.

Jesse James passed away on the morning of Wednesday, the 2nd of March, 2016.  I'm shattered.  I've known for about 90 minutes.  I've been mourning his loss from my life since late 2008, but I knew he was living a happy, well-cared-for life, and that brought me comfort.  Now, I'm just mourning his loss. 

Jesse James, May 2003 - March 2016

I had just pulled up this photo for a different blog post - one of those Q&A ones - it asked about all the pets I've had - I answered including this picture and the special bond I had with this guy.

#hashtaghumpday: The Destructive Duo Strikes Again

These girls.  Sally & Dolly.  If you've been around here for a while, you've seen me moan groan bitch whinge complain talk about their destructive behaviour before.  Some of these pics have probably been shared as well.  #sorrynotsorry #imlazy #immakingapointhere

Anything that tears, rips, or shreds...it's history.  If it is made out of foam, even better.  If there is stuffing to pull out of say, a stuffed animal, or a pillow, or a lounge cushion, awesome.  To steal borrow from Megan, let's hashtag #goatdogs #yestheyeatwood

Confession:  We left the backyard looking like this for weeks after about the zillionth time they caused it to look this way.  #notsorry

Dude.  Sally's face kills me in this one.  If that isn't the look of shame, I don't know what is.  #guilty #caughtredhanded #iknowimcutesoshecantstaymadatme

"Oh.  What?  You wanted to use this broom to sweep the porch?  Well, we were trying to help, and it didn't really work out so well." #whenwillilearn #theycantbetrusted 

"You know that loveseat that you put outside for us to sleep on?  We can still use it.  What's the problem?" #yestheyateacouch #yeswethrewitoutwhenwemoved

"And that blanket I ripped to shreds?  There's still a portion of it for me to sit on." #youdontfit #ilikebigmuttsandicannotlie #sillysally

Confession:  They've been given dog beds, blankets, pillows, and rugs...and eaten everyone of them...but I still feel guilty that they don't have something warm and cozy to sleep on. #petparentproblems

"I know you gave me this boring old rope toy, but it's not nearly as fun as those stuffed toys you used to give us." #rippedthemtoshreds #sadfaceaintgonnagetyouanotherstuffedtoy

Notice, in most of these pictures, they don't have collars.  Why?  They chew them off.  #lastonesdidntlast24hours

Being destructive is exhausting.  #obviously  #duh

A girl needs her rest to destroy things.  #wedontsleepladylike 

"Hey.  Don't look up.  I think our human wants to take our picture again."  #leastphotogenicdogsever

"Sit?  What?  I did sit.  Then, I jumped on my sister's back.  You didn't say to sit still and pose for the picture.  You just said 'sit'.  I did that, and I'm done.  You want pet photos?  I hear those cats that get to hang inside the house all day like their photos taken." #geesh #cantbetrustedinsidethehouse

Confession:  I have about ten times the amount of pictures of our cats compared to our dogs. #ourcatsposeforphotos #ourdogsdontpose

Did you see these pics on my instagram?  My guy has off on Tuesdays (days off for a retail worker/shop owner are not always weekend days).  My days off are Mondays; Neil's are Tuesdays.  We get our chores and errands done and have a little "me" time.  Thank goodness this happened on a Tuesday.  As he went outside to mow the front yard, he finds the Destructive Duo trying to join him.  #destructiveduo #escapeartists #peekaboo

Remember.  They chew through collars.  So, if they got out we'd have a BIG problem on our hands.  #yestheyeatwood #goatdogs #thankstehmeganforthathashtag

Confession:  I feel like a lousy pet mama that they don't have collars and tags for this very reason.  But, I don't like metal choke collars, and they've chewed through multiple pairs of collars.  #iaintmadeofmoney #petparentproblems

Confession:  No matter how many things they destroy, I still love them madly.  I wasn't even mad when I saw these photos of them breaking through the fence.  I thought they looked too damn cute to be mad at them.  #lovemymutts #mixedbreedsrock #sweetsisters

I mean c'mon...I fell in love instantly when I saw these faces....... #whowouldnt #loveatfirstsight #sallylostherspots

The day we brought them home

Linking up with the lovely Alanna and Laura & Lauren.

Sundays Seven Snapshots vol.38

Surprise!  It's a picture of kitties!  (If you only knew how many pictures I take of my cats, you'd realize that I actually restrain myself from posting them all.)

After visiting the Apple Genius Bar, I learned that they can not repair my inoperable power button on my shuffle. R.I.P. my little friend

The greatest scarf in the world - it is filled with Bon Jovi lyrics, and it is made of t-shirt material, so it's nice and comfy too.

Fresh nails make me happy, and I went with hot pink because Spring is just around the corner.

This cat loves me more than I can say...and the feeling is mutual.

Hey!  Look!  It's a Rick in a Box!

A boy and his mutts. Love. 

A post only a cat mother could love

Non-cat owners, this may bore you. I don't blame you. I used to be anti-cat until I was converted. 

If you've been around these parts, you probably know I have three cats. You can read more about them here.  Today, we're going to talk about Ricky..........

This is Ricky. My stepson once gave him an award..."The Cheekiest Cat Ever".  Jana has his American cat doppleganger.  Let's talk about the antics of Ricky and show you my very first cat video loaded to the internet!

Ricky...the cat who regularly looks like he is plotting something.

Ricky...the cat that is a cockroach killer (notice the leg hanging out of his mouth), but he likes to carry the half-eaten cockroach around the house and eventually, dump it somewhere to be noticed and admired.

Ricky...the cat that looks at you like this when you are talking to him about why he's on the ironing board, why he's on clean clothes, and how he needs to get down from there.

Ricky...the cat who thinks "Look woman, you didn't want me on the ironing board, and now you're telling me to get off the drying rack too?!"

 Ricky...the cat who bent many blinds in our previous rental property.

Ricky...the cat who thinks if there is food on the plate that he wants, then he should help himself to it.

Ricky...the cat who thinks if there's something in a cup that he wants to drink, he should help himself to that too.

Ricky...the cat who makes it impossible to have a nice looking Christmas tree because he climbs it, bends and breaks limbs, and throws the ornaments to the ground.

Ricky...the cat who will climb anywhere...kitchen counters, cupboards & closets & drawers, on top of stair railings.............and on top of the shower.

Ricky...the cat who decides to join me when I take a bath, and he shows off his acrobatic skills by leaping and balancing on the top of the shower.

Ricky...he's at it again.

So.......earlier this week, a tradesman had to come to the house.  My guy put the cats up in the bathroom.  Apparently, Ricky tried to show off to his kitty sister and brother by going to the top of the shower, but........check out the video.

 Ricky...the cat who purrs louder than any of the others when he decides he wants to give me cuddles.

What does your fur baby do that is cheeky/naughty/adorable?

Meet the Felines Link Up

I never owned a cat.  Cats scared me and typically hated  me.  But...my guy loves both cats and dogs, so I was willing to give an effort to see what this whole cat thing was all about.  My guy, his two kids, and I went to our nearest Animal Welfare League in November 2013 to adopt two kittens. We left with three! And they have enriched our family ever since.  I'm a total cat convert.  Yep.  Crazy Cat Lady, all the way.

They are so much like children; they all have unique personalities, and we love each of them so much.

Name:  Ricky Sparkle  

(That's right.  Sparkle.  I was already named Ricky at AWL.  My human mama says Ricky Martin is handsome and knows how to move.  My human brother, who just turned six at the time, had the honor of giving me a middle name.  That's what the kid named me, and I like it.) 

Stats:  

• Tuxedo cat
• Male
• Silky, shiny coat
• Green eyes
• Slim
• Agile
• Curious
• Mischievous

Likes:   

• Climbing through window blinds (and bending them)
• Sitting at the window and staring outside
• Chasing the other cats
• Taunting my doggie sisters through the sliding glass door
• Looking for food on the kitchen counter
• Attempting to eat the dog food (while my humans are dishing it up)
• Killing cockroaches or millipedes or spiders or whatever other little critter tries to creep in our house
• Climbing the screen doors or windows
• Sticking my paw (or head) under a flowing water faucet
• Balancing on the top rail of our stairs
• Laying on our iron board, or clean clothes, or drying rack
• Hiding in drawers
• Climbing the Christmas tree
• Yanking down Christmas tree ornaments 
• Snuggles on mama's chest
• Purring
• Meowing

Name: Ivy Lou 

Kinda like Blue Ivy but backwards, and different, so not really like that at all.  I'm not really a diva either, so my sweet name suits my sweet demeanor.  I'm not sure why the font just changed, but I'm not the smartest of the bunch (apparently, neither is my mama because she can't correct it.)  Oh well.  I'm an easy-going girl.

Stats:  

• Torti (or torty, or tortie) cat
• Female
• Medium length coat
• Greenish-gold eyes
• Bootylicious
• Flirtatious
• Affectionate

Likes: 

• Bags
• Boxes
• Catching sunrays through windows
• Taunting my doggie sisters through the sliding glass door
• Looking for attention from the men of the house
• Running from my brothers
• The heat from the satellite tv box
• Piles of clothes
• Daddy's jeans (my favorite place to lay)
• Bouncing while I run
• Rolling over when I say hello (c'mon humans, that means I want a belly scratch!)
• Chewing the tip of my tail...I know, it's weird, but it's a habit

Name: Astro Naut  

We were waiting in the AWL office for my human daddy to complete the adoption paperwork, and my human mama was bouncing around Texas-themed names.  Some suggested: Sam (after Sam Houston), Willie (after Willie Nelson), Stevie (because it could give props to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Stephen F. Austin).  The rest of the humans weren't feeling any of these.  So, mama started offering up sports teams and names.  Astro (after the Houston Astros) is the name that they all turned and said "yes" or "I like that".  Secretly, I was thinking it's the name of the dog on the Jetsons, but whatevs.  I'm orange-ish, and I'm told that's the right color for a Houston Astro.  My middle name?  Well, the human brother steps up and decides my middle name is "Naut" because "Get it? It's like astronaut!" (Yes, this conversation happened.  Plus, it works.  NASA is in Houston, and NASA has astronauts). 

Stats:  

• Ginger cat
• Male
• Greenish-gold eyes
• Loyal
• Lazy
• Affectionate 
• Intelligent
• Awarded "best Cat ever" by my human brother
• BFF to my human mama

Likes: 

• My mama
• Cat food
• Cat treats
• Breakfast
• Naps
• Dinner
• Snuggles with my mama
• Headbutts with my mama
• Belly rubs from my mama
• Hanging out with my mama while she takes a bath
• Laser pointer time with dad
• "Helping" my mama read (this may consist of laying on top of the book)
• Sleeping in the cat tree
• Sleeping next to my mama
• Sleeping on my mama

All of us get along really well.  We play with each other, cuddle each other, and pretty much all five of us (kitties with my daddy and mama) sleep in a queen size bed every night.  We are great with our 7 year old human brother who absolutely adores us.  He thinks we're "the cat's meow".  When asked why he liked us so much his response was:

"They're really, really cute, and they're part of our family." 

Well, you can't get much better than that.

Cat conversion complete.

Join our mama's link-up, so we can meet other felines in bloggerland.

An InLinkz Link-up

And, if cats aren't you're thing (I don't know why they wouldn't be), there is a Meet the Canines link-up too.  So, you can check that out here:  Meet the Canines