by Etude, aka Velcro, the cuddlebug

Good morning, everyone.  Well, here we are at another Monday and what is there to talk about other than a visit to our favourite Dr. Whitecoat?  Well, not much but you must hear this...

Grammy decided since we are reaching 10 years of age it was time to do a Senior blood panel.   We are at the top end of Mature.  The nerve!  Senior.  We are still young whippersnappers, not old fogeys like Grammy.   Dr. Whitecoat agreed and we had no say in the matter.  Again I say, the nerve!

Rondo was taken first to trim his claws.  The techies did what they could but just as Grammy feared a couple of his claws had pierced his toe-pads.  Those had to be left for the doctor to take care of and she did a great job.   Just to be sure an antibiotic injection was given to ensure no infection takes hold.   Grammy was advised to trim him or bring him back within 3 to 4 months.    Little does she realize what a terror he is with Grammy.   She stands a chance of losing her arm, fingers or nose.  But with the 'cat whisperer' the little brat just sits quietly and allows her to do her thing.

In addition, Mr Long-legs lost a pound.  One whole pound and now sits at 14 lbs.  According to the vettie 13 lbs is an ideal weight for boys of our build.  I beg to differ but then, who listens to me!  Certainly not Grammy, nor the vettie.

Now to me and my issues.  Grammy advised that I had an inflamed gum around the upper back tooth on the left.  Turns out the upper back right tooth is in the same condition.  With a special tool Dr. Whitecoat popped off the calcification around the two teeth, staunched the blood and said all the other teeth were in great shape.  Of course they are. 

As to the chewing my fur off the belly and legs... They are growing in again and Dr. Whitecoat thinks it was because my teeth and gums were sore combined with the Grammy issue last August.   So, Grammy has meds for when I am anxious.  Otherwise, I'm perfect!  As if I didn't know that already.

Oh, and guess what!!!   I was a good boy this year.  I've lost two pounds bringing me down to 16 lbs from November 2019... so in 16 months.  Not bad.   But is Dr Whitecoat happy?  Yes and no.  Happy I'm down some but another three to go. Sheesh!!!  How is this fair when Mousie is allowed all the food she can eat and Sweetie gets Turkey or Chicken and Giblets in Gravy while we are on a diet menu?

So, back to the blood panel.  We got great results in all areas.  Liver, heart, kidneys and all other organs are in 100% condition. See, I told you I was perfect! Yes, yes, Rondo is too, I guess.  Grammy said she was sure the old bladder and bowels were too!  She said the proof was in the pudding!  Or was that the litter box?   

Pudding!  Yum!!!  Oh, Grammyyyyy!  We boys are hungry!  Rondo wants yoghurt and I'll have a nice big bowl of Sweetie's Turkey and Giblets in Gravy, please.

by Rondo, poet and songster.

Good morning, friends.  
Today I'm a bit disgruntled.  Oh, I know!  It is spring finally and I should be happy but just wait until you hear what's going on today.

Grammy is going out for a chocolate bar today and we aren't allowed to share it. At least she could bring home a nibble for each of us.  Don't you agree?  What's that, Sweetie?

Sweetie:  Not a Twix you goof.  Twinrix.  It's a needle.  Do you want a needle in your leg?  Huh?

Rondo:  She thinks she knows everything.  (shouting out loud)  You're spoofing me, Sweetie.  Grammy wouldn't go willingly for a needle. She's either going for a candy bar or she's going out for breakfast.  I heard her say Twix.  Well, if it isn't a candybar maybe she's going for breakfast.  That's almost as bad.  Doesn't she know Twix are for kitts not old people.  It ways so in the cereal commercials.  *Walks off in a huff*

Sweetie shakes her head... no talking to him.  (chuckles to herself)  Well, he's gone.  Guess I'll finish the blog.

Wait until he hears about his outing! *giggles*  Yep!  He and Etude are off to the vettie on Friday for a claw trim and health checkup  *tehee*  but not Mousie and me. We girls are perfect. Yep!  See how 'disgruntled' he'll be then. 

See you next week.  I'm sure he'll have lots to say then though it may not be printable.

Have a great week, friends.  Love from Mischief and Mayhem Central.

By Sweetie, blogger and more

Good morning, dear friends.  This post is going to be brief today.  We want to feature our doggie friend in Virgin Islands.  MerriBugg is her name and she lost her mommy person suddenly and now she needs to find a new home where she can be loved and pampered forever.  

The following is the posting that has been put on Facebook by the St. Croix Animal Welfare Centre.  MerriBugg is there and being cared for until a new home is found for her.  Let's hope that is sooner than later.

St. Croix Animal Welfare Centre posted the following ...  

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and it’s certainly true about this gentle, sweet girl. Her name is Merri Bugg. Her owner passed away unexpectedly last week.
We all know how devastating it is to suddenly lose a loved one. Merri Bugg lost her whole world - the person who rescued her from the bush, who patiently taught her to trust humans and to accept love and kindness. Now she needs a new best friend - could it be you?
Merri Bugg is about 7 years old. She is calm and quiet, good with cats, housebroken, and leash-trained. Please open your heart to this sweet soul. To meet Merri Bugg, come to the Animal Welfare Center’s main location at 5 Corners.

As a dear friend said in comments:  My heart goes out to her. Such a very loyal girl. She deserves a wonderful home.

So, let's hope between Facebook postings and other exposure this new home with a loving family can be found very soon for this dear sweet girl. 

Best of Luck sweet MerriBugg.

by Sweetie, purrsonal trainer and mischief maker

March is here, dear friends and with it comes a need to shake off the winter lethargy, wiggle our butts, shake our tails and start a movin' and a groovin'!  I know that'll be no problem for our wee Mousie.  She is often seen chasing her tail and scampering between bedroom and livingroom, kitchen and litterbox ... but those boys!  They are another thing altogether.  Sedentary, sleepy and slumbering sloths, they tend to sleep away their days - Kind of like Grammy when she isn't knitting.

What's that, Grammy?  I sleep all day?  Well, of course I do.  I patrol and keep you and everyone else safe all night while you all sleep.  BUT, to get you in shape I'm willing to give up my naps.  *Adjusts halo* 

Well, it's time to light a fire under all three butts and get them out of their beds, chairs or whatever they hunker down in and into a routine.  And that is my job.  I must say, it isn't an easy one.  No siree.  It is definitely a challenge with those three.

So, here's the plan.  Empty Grammy's cupboards of appliances, and anything else that is hard and uncomfortable.  You know the things I mean - Kitchen-Aid mixer, blender, food processor, slow cooker and anything else I can find.  If I put them on all surfaces where the boys might nap and Grammy's chair and bed they'll have no place to sit or lie down to nap.  Then drag them into my fitness gym to start exercising.  

That might take some work though.  They can be stubborn, especially Grammy.  Yep, She's bigger than me and feisty, but I'm determined.  *giggles* 

So, here goes... *Scampers into the kitchen to gather appliances*  Oomph!   This mixer is heavy.  *Drags it to the sofa.*  Exhausted she lies down on sofa beside it and falls asleep.  

Etude and Rondo giggle and creep quietly onto the sofa then Etude whispers. Whew!  That was close, Rondo.  

Well, folks.  I think we are safe for today.  She's out.  Enjoy your day.   

by Rondo, mischief and blogger

Can you believe it? I get to say my piece two weeks running.  And so, here goes...

This week has brought another change to Mischief and Mayhem Central.  Oh my!  It has caused quite a kerfuffle, really and truly.  But a good kerfuffle.

As you must know Grammy has been advised to be more careful on her feet.  One of the adjustments is to no longer use tripping hazzards like the vacuum.  So she hired cleaners to come in monthly to do a thorough clean.  She can manage all except said vacuum, dusting the tops of book cases and scrubbing the tub.  These things that require using a step ladder or kneeling are as unsafe for her as tripping.

And so, this past week she spent a lot of her knitting time thinking of ways around these limitations.  Cleaners only come once a month and the place is usually knee deep (cat knees, that is) in discarded fur and dander despite sweeping floors with a broom.   Add to that the expense, especially when Grammy isn't all that satisfied with the service and there had to be another solution.  

Well, the thinking has paid off.   She hauled out a long-handled scrubber for the tub and will give it a go again.  Hopefully she can manage it.   Then while doing a search on the computer she saw a couple of other possibilities.  A long-handled Swiffer duster for the bookshelf tops - articulated, no less!  That should do it. 

And then, a SALE of an android to help her learn to balance... a rumba robot.  What do you think of that? Eh?   Teach her to dance the rumba and she should be able to recover when she trips.  Yes, that's the ticket!

What's that, Sweetie?  It's not rumba?  Well, what is it then?...a  Say that again? ...long pause.... OH!

Sorry folks,  It's not a rumba dancer.  It's a Roomba.   Actually, a Roomba Robot.  Well, it sounded like Rumba to me.   Hmph!   

This new dancing partner was on sale so Grammy decide, why not?  Let's give it a try.   Well, it arrived the next day... yes, the very next day.  I was thinking something must be wrong with it if the store wanted rid of it so quickly but Grammy says they are very efficient at delivering purchases.. a consequence of COVID restrictions and a competitive market.

So, back to the story.  Grammy set up Roameo Roomba, charged the battery for 3 hours and then they started dancing.  Well, that's what it seemed like.  He lead and Grammy followed him around watching and dodging his every move.

Alright, she didn't follow him around she just sent him on his way.  For an hour and a half he rumbled around bumping into walls and furniture as he learned the layout of the rooms. AND a boot mat got the treatment 6 times and the kitchen 5.  They must have been particularly filthy!  Shame on you, Grammy!  When he was done Roamin' danced a two-step (actually two wheel) back to his docking station to recharge.   

Boy, oh boy!  Was he dusty and filled with debris!  Grammy gave him a good clean, emptied his bin and left him to rest.  Second trip a few days later was shorter and there was less bumping and banging into walls.  His little computer brain is remembering where to stop and change direction.  What a smart wee fellow. 

Bottom line?  ... The cost of three 'professional' cleaning visits and this wee fellow will have more than paid for himself. And if Grammy wants Mr Roomba to be run every day that's not a problem either... just push the button twice and off he goes.  BONUS! 

P.S.   He's noisy... singing as he dances.  We'll let you know what we think about him once we are not so scared of him.  Grammy doctored the photo below.  So far Sweetie is the only one who's gotten that close to him.

Comments are welcomed.  We especially love the funny ones.

by Rondo, the singing poet and mischief maker

Not much to say this week.  Grammy has been busy with appointments and knitting. That leaves us free to sleep, and eat and nap and eat and sleep some more.   Unfortunately all that sleeping and napping has left us bereft of a topic. 

So, Let's introduce you to a few special friends - you know - the significant others.  Kind of appropriate since yesterday was St Valentine's Day, don't you think?

Well, we'll start with the girls, then Etude and end with me.  How's that for being gentlemanly?  Pretty good, I'd say!

If you've read any of our past blogs I'm sure you know Mousie's love is Little Boy Cat.  She calls him Cheffy or Cheffy dearest.  We call him LBC or anything he wants if he'll cook for us.  Oh yes, He's a chef extraordinaire.  Unfortunately, he's passed on but our wee Gentle Mousie still dreams about him.  We hear her deep sighs in the night.  She will love him to the end of time.

Sweetie has a beau named Monty.  He's not on Facebook too often and she misses him.  Fortunately another friend, Frodo, steps in and is like a big brother if you know what I mean.  Just a really good friend.  He brought her fresh frozen shrimp for Valentine's day so she wouldn't feel left out.  And we helped her eat the shrimpies.  *giggles* Glad they were frozen.  Those little footsies would have tickled on the way down our throats otherwise.  Thank you, Frodo... for that and for escorting my special someone to visit today.

Etude has had a girl for ages. If you remember, I wrote a poem about them a while ago.  You can check it out here.  RAINA is her name but he calls her his sweet butterfly or hummingbird... whichever fits the occasion.  She's a wild thing but has an amazing voice and even more amazing cooking skills.  Southern Comfort Picnic Baskets are her specialty and they are sent regularly to supplement our meager diets from Grammy.  Good choice, brother.  Keep those Picnic Baskets coming.   

Sorry, we don't have a link to share RAINA's lovely voice and she doesn't have her own page but, she loves trips in balloons.  Etude arranged two heart-shaped balloons to take them (and us) up for a ride yesterday.  What a time we had.   Young love.  Isn't it grand?

Last on the list is my sweet Rosy Posy.  She's an island girl... Virgin Islands, that is.  She calls me Sweet Cheeks.  Isn't that just so sweet? 

*Etude shouts "Saccharine! as in sickly sweet."*    Oh stop that Etude.  You're just as mushy with RAINA, you old dog, you!  *Etude blushes* I am not a dog!  Then why are you blushing? Ohhh, the mushy part.  *giggles* 

Back to Rosy.  Like RAINA, she's a wild thing... but hey, she loves me.  That's all that matters.  And a little wildness is good.  It keeps me on my toes.  She's always up for an adventure and she adores my singing.  What more could a debonair young fellow ask!

So, that's all for today.  Enjoy the photos.

We hope you, dear friends, have had a great weekend.  Hugs.

We enjoy your comments, so keep them coming.

by Mousie, 'giggling all the way' blogger

Good morning, friends.  I'm having a great giggle today even though the topic at hand isn't really funny.  But my imagination has run wild with this.

Firstly, you all know that Etude has suffered from PTSD since Grammy's accident last August.  As we've mentioned before, he clings to his brother or Grammy like Velcro. AND despite the fact the ol' girl rubs topical Gabapentin to the inside of his ear flap to calm him.  Still, he chews the fur off his legs when Grammy isn't watching.   He looks pretty goofy from behind  with  his pink 'udder' swaying side to side.  It is whitening as fur regrows but still looks ridiculous.  *stops typing to roll on the floor laughing*  Add to that his bare spindly legs and it is totally hilarious.  *stops to giggle again*

SO, like the helpful kitties we are, we decided maybe a onesie would be the answer.  Great idea, don't you think?   So, we've passed the task to Grammy to find a onesie for a sixteen pounder with long sleeves and legs.  Oops, I mean, a onesie with long sleeves and legs for a sixteen pounder.  

Well, she went searching and found the greatest onsies. - pink flowers for a pink tummied boy, or covered in llamas or bunnies, or maybe even bumble bees or dragon flies.  Oh, no, those are too much.  Go for the flowers, Grammy! 

Then, the image *giggles uncontrollably* of Grammy trying to dress him in it was too much.  Can you see it?  Grammy wrestling with a slippery-furred dude with claws like knives and razor sharp teeth?  *suddenly sobers up*  but then I thought, what if that makes his PTSD even worse?  Can't take a chance.  KITTEN WHISKERS

Oh, too bad! Thought we had a solution.  I guess Grammy and Rondo will just have to put up with velcro-cat clinging to them.

Well, that's it for now, folks.

by Etude, mischief and cuddlecat

Tomorrow may be groundhog day but let me tell you this.  We have a more pressing matter than whether the groundhog predicts another 6 weeks of winter or not.  Much more pressing.  What could be more pressing than that you say? Well, let me tell you.

We have a bed hog in our abode.  Yes, someone of the people persuasion, name withheld to protect the guilty, who takes over our sleeping spaces... and at the most inopportune times.   And she's sneaky.

Lately, as you all know, she's had a physiotherapist coming in to loosen up the ligaments, tendons and muscles in her shoulder.  AND they have taken over our afternoon napping space to do the physio.   The physiotherapist has a  'bed' she can bring for this unnamed person to stretch out on but does she?  NO! 

You ask why?  Well, we've asked that too and here's the answer.   This bed hog says there is no need to drag and lug and haul this massive thing from her car up the elevator and down the lonnnnnng hall when there is a perfectly good automatic bed  to stretch out on... especially when it can be raised and lowered to suit the needs of the physio. And, the exercise must be good for her too, don't you think?  Keep her in shape for the therapeutic manipulation?

Can you believe it?  No, I agree.  It is so selfish of the bed hog person because that means we, sweet loveable and sleep deprived kitties get turfed to the floor.  Yes, turfed!  Unceremoniously, I might add.   And for a full 45 minutes each time she visits.

Do you see how that cuts into our nap time... Major sleep deprivation!   

Not only that, she (the bed hog) insists on taking it over every night for 7 - 8 hours.  No taking turns, no giving us a break and sleeping on the sofa for a night.  No consideration whatsoever. 

What's that you're saying, bed hog?    No!  16 hours a day of uninterrupted bed time isn't sufficient for our needs.  Our internal clock demands 22 hours of sleep, 1 hour of pets and cuddles and 75 minutes for meals.  That is more hours than those in a day and so we are 15 minutes sleep deprived to begin with.  To be bed deprived too is unconscionable  abuse. 

Here she comes with another excuse...

Repeat that Grammy?  Oops.  Ignore that last sentence. Repeat that bed hog?  

When the physio is working on your shoulder we hop on the bed and interrupt?  Well, of course we do.  Someone has to tell her that she's interfering with our well-being.  That she's abusing our hospitality.  That we are sleep deprived and *whispers so bed hog cannot hear* and starving!  Falling down faint starving!

I tell you.  Those two... the physiotherapist and the bed hog are cut from the same cloth... both unmerciful abusers of 3 generous, lovable and considerate cow kitties.  No, not Mousie.  Scamp that she is... she makes a headlong dash to the livingroom to take over the sofa for herself.  Says it's the only time she gets uninterrupted and undisturbed by us sleep.  The little traitor.

By Sweetie,  fitness trainer and mischief

Good morning, dear friends.
 
As you can see I, Sweetie, am the blogger this week.  Like last week we at Mischief and Mayhem Central don't have much to say.  I know this is unusual.  More often than not Grammy thinks we have too much to say , too many opinions, suggestions and demands.  At the moment we are at a loss for words.  Yes, a dearth of opinions, a paucity of suggestions and a lack of ideas for a blog, but never a shortage of demands.

Having said that I think I shall fall back on a topic we kitties love so well... picking on Grammy.  *giggles*

Now, let's see.  Over the past year she has knitted less than usual despite being home more.  Yes, far less. Disgraceful.  Oh she finished a few shawls, a pair of slipperboots, two sweaters for a cat, two lady's cardigans, almost finished a third, but fewer wee gowns and hats for the hospital.  Shamefully, nothing for us.  No toys! No blankets!   I tell you, the old girl is falling down on the job. 

Oh, and don't think of this as an excuse... She might try it on you but it's a ploy for sympathy.  In the summer she imagined herself an acrobat.  Yes, she did!  Is it any wonder she lost her shoulder and injured herself?

What was that Grammy?  ...

Well, of course your shoulder was lost.  What else does 'dislocated' mean but 'lost the location of'?   How something that is attached can be lost is beyond us but she did it. 

Well, we found it for her... and it is back in place now.  Yes, we thought we'd velcro  the joint back together.  Aren't we brilliant?   She didn't think so.  Ungrateful, we say.  Totally ungrateful.  But should it happen again, and it had better not, just push those joints back together.  Velcro, the wonder fastener.  Brilliant!

Of course, while it took hold we opportunists decided to occupy her time more, demand extra feedings, sit on her lap, purr her to sleep, stick like velcro to her side, dive into the wools, yarns and needles and create absolute chaos. And we do it all so well.

The one thing we don't do is tarry near her when she is on her feet.  That is dangerous!  Very, very dangerous.

Well, that's all for this week, friends.  Have a great one.... and NO ACROBATICS!  (hint!  hint! - you know who you are and I don't mean Grammy!)  *Giggles* 

Whisker kisses and love, Sweetie.

We've included a few photos for your viewing pleasure!

Comments are welcomed... especially if they are amusing.

By Rondo, poet and vocal mischief.

Good day, dear friends.

Someone, whose name will remain anonymous, is feeling unwell so our blog is unbelievably short, practically non-existent. 

As a consolation I will share an early poem of mine. 

Meantime, we at Mischief and Mayhem Central hope you are all well and thriving despite the restrictions and challenges of this pandemic.



Crocus

Little crocus beneath the snow so deep

Wake up from your winter sleep

The sun shines down and warms your bed

Open your eyes and raise your head.

Time to push through, take a peek

For winter's almost over and it's you I seek.

Comments are welcomed.