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 by Whiskers, Adventurous World Traveller Hello my friends, It has been a while since my last addition to our blogs. I'm home! Ho Hum! Life here is boring. No longer the only puss in the household, I must share it with 4 others. What a nuisance! Or as Winnie the Pooh would say, O bother! Well, first let me tell you, my experiences in my travels were amazing. I met our friends Eddie and Bailey of Comet's Corner on my trip to Austria, met many other lovely and helpful folks between the airport and my final destination, and had the most wonderful 10 months or more being top cat and only cat in a household where I was adored, fed the best foods, slept in the best chairs undisturbed. It was wonderful and I enjoyed every minute of the being pampered, travelling to special places to see the sights and sounds of Austria, and THE FOOD! But now I'm home. Ho Hum! No spectacular mountains nearby! No Vienna Opera! No Schnitzel Houses! Here I get, "Whiskers, get out of Etude's food!" "Whiskers, that's my chair! Scram!" "Whiskers, stop hissing and swatting the boys!" Whiskers, blah, blah blah! This is no fun! Not only that but the others carried on without me. I see I wasn't needed, nor was I missed. Rondo started his poetry blogs, Etude wooed his sweetheart, Raina. Mousie wrote about me and my travels, Sweetie, wrote a blog and took over grooming adding that to her patrolling the perimeter for intruders and they all took over my favourite beds. Well, family! I am home! I am about to carve out a new niche for myself..... and I think I should model it after my Austrian life. What do you think, friends? What's that, Sweetie? You're going to let me have my grooming the family task back!... awww! That's so sweet! Thank you. And you'll all share the beds with me? Oh, okay! Now what about bringing me my meals at my whim? That's what I thought! The old girl controls the larder, doesn't she! Well, I tried. Ho Hum! Awwww! Looks like they missed me after all. I guess I'll stay. Oh, and there's going to be a big party for all the birthdays since I left for Austria ... in the Virgin Islands. Aunty M, or as her Many Claws crew call her Mommy Person... is opening her doors to anyone and everyone who wishes to attend. It's a beach party and it should be magnificent. Aunty M is the best hostess... or as Grammy says, The hostess with the mostest! AND Little Boy Cat is catering the event so you are guaranteed lots of variety and no shortage of food. Attendees so far are: Third and Mitzy, Seville of Nerissa's Life, our crew, Raina (Etude's sweetie) and of course the Many Claws in St Croix gang and us, the Mischief and Mayhem crew. Everyone is welcome and if we missed you in the list, forgive me. I'm still getting adjusted to life in a 5 cat household... and it's a little bit hectic. Oh, Grammy, you can have your chair! … the old grump!!! Ho Hum be gone! Hidey Ho, friends, I'm home! and excitedly anticipating our next adventure ... don't forget to be there Sunday at 3. We'll be looking for you. As always, friends, Comments are welcomed. Keep them light and fun.  Our hosts for the Beach Bash!
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 By Mousie, originally the sad chronicler of this tale but now happy As you all know from reading Austria and Austria II my mommy, Whiskers went to Austria to visit Grammy's and her friends, M&M. Now if you haven't read these episodes you might want to before continuing with today's final chapter but briefly.... Whiskers loves M Sr. very much and decided she'd rather live with her in Austria. When they (M&M) returned home without her she booked a flight using Grammy's plastic and found her way to the small town... And she had a few fun escapades in her travels to and while she was there. We got a number of post cards and a letter from her.... So, Whiskers was invited to stay through Christmas.. and she immediately said that she'd love to despite Grammy's worry that she was a nuisance. Here is an excerpt from her Christmas card. Merry Christmas Grammy, my wee Mouse and my dear cow kitty family. I'm having a grand time here. M&M have been so marvellous taking me around to visit the Christmas Markets... in Salzburg, Vienna and our home town. The food is delicious. WOW. I think I've gained some muscle. Teehee. ................. Hope you don't miss me too much. Love, Whiskers After Christmas Grammy wrote to Whiskers and said she ought to come home, that she shouldn't overstay her welcome. Of course her friends were happy to have her but being the scamp that she is, she was eating all their food and lounging all day. She told Grammy she'd be taking some language courses but that sort of 'went south'. (At least that's how Grammy put it.) Mummy Whiskers wrote back after getting the letter that taking courses took too much time out of her day when there were so many good restaurants and outdoor cafes to visit... And then she said it was such a treat to have all the attention focused on her instead of sharing it with us. Boohoo! I miss my mommy. *Mousie wipes her tears and continues...*  While she was in Austria she had a wonderful time. Her friends, M&M took her to the Vienna Opera House where she got carried away and started to sing. The conductor had to stop the production and ask her not to sing as she didn't speak the language. Of course, she was in tune, but was singing the song of her ancestors. That just wasn't appropriate in a production of die Fledermaus. How gauche of mommy! But then, I probably would have done the same. We cats are silly that way. While in Vienna they visited a number of other places, museums, a chocolate emporium and restaurants, of course. Always the restaurants. All so different from what we have here in Canada. But, a meal of soup and weiner schnitzel or sausage and an effervescent water suited her palate.... and the desserts were amazing. Of course, she's so busy that her cards home have been brief - very brief. Oh, and when she was in Saltzburg she visited Mozart's birthplace. Wow! Beautiful photos she sent back... we've included two here. The mountains are amazing. We think she enjoyed the Christmas Market more... so many treats and ethnic foods and specialties in one location. Oh, there was so much more to see that I'm sure we'll hear about when she's home...  Speaking of which.... After being away almost a year... she is home. Yes, Grammy's friend M Sr. has accompanied her back to Canada and will be visiting for a while.... We think it was more of an 'escort' back home but we won't say anything about that. M, the younger, will be along in a few weeks too, but in the meantime we are ready for our visitors. Wohoo.
We were all so happy to see Mommy Whiskers and M Sr. come through the gate at the airport the other day. We all cried... just like when Whiskers left for Austria. And now we look forward to having dinner with M Sr... tonight. I have to go now. I want to snuggle with my mommy and catch up on my kisses. ... and it is time for Grammy to carry on cooking and baking. Sounds like she has everything in hand but the cow kitties will take turns supervising to be sure everything is perfect. Oh Mommy, here I come. Please remember this is not real. We did not ship Whiskers off to Austria... Comments are always welcomed. We enjoy hearing what our readers think. But keep it fun and light. That's what we are about.  By Gentle Mouse, chronicler of this sad tale. Well, as you know our Whiskers has gone walkabout... or should we say flyabout to Austria. The household is somewhat subdued but we hoped to hear from her soon. Grammy was considering flying to get Whiskers but her credit card was maxed out by mummy. Naughty Mummy Whiskers. This morning a postcard arrived from Europe. We’ll let you read for yourselves.  Dear family: Have arrived safely and am waiting to board the train to M&Ms’ home. Won’t they be surprised to see me! You’ll never believe this but I took photos... will include one in my letter. I met Eddie and Bailey of Comet’s Corner on the plane. Just as funny in person. Flight otherwise uneventful. Food could be better, but loved the Evian water. So bubbly. Will write again soon. Love, Whiskers. P.S. This is so exciting. Oh, and Grammy, please send money. ****************  Grammy almost exploded at that last statement but we calmed her down and reminded her how much we miss and love our Whiskers. But still, that was pretty cheeky of mummy. Teehee Oh my! Sounds like the postman. Be right back! Yahoo! We received two more letters from Mummy Whiskers... I think (hope) that means she misses us. ************ Dear Mousie and family, I am on the train to the town in Austria now. Oh my goodness, it is so different here. Not a bit like home. The trains are superfast and seem to glide over the rails. They are quieter than our trains back home too. Firstly, I have to tell you about the plane trip. Wow, it was so exciting. I mentioned in the postcard that I met Eddie and Bailey... you remember? … the comedian bunnies from Comet’s Corner? You remember them, I’m sure. Well, they are just as funny in person as they are on their page. So quick witted. I chatted at them the whole time crossing the Atlantic.  Eddie must have been tired... he seemed to be napping most of the time. Bailey too but I’d hear the odd ‘under his breath’ comment. He’s droll. They must be resting up. I learned they are on a ‘stand-up comedian’ tour... 4 countries in 6 days.... and their first stop: Vienna. It was so disappointing that we wouldn’t be on the same train. I must be imagining things. I thought I saw looks of relief in their eyes. No, that couldn’t be. We had such a fun chat the whole way across the Atlantic. Well, from there I had to find the train station to take the train to M&M’s town and then I’d have to figure out how to get to their home. The scenery is amazing here. Mountains with snow on their crests, beautiful green valleys and architecture like I’d never seen before. Everything is so spectacular, colourful and fresh looking. I am excited... I’m almost 'home'. The train is so comfortable. I have to sit and write to you and check out the scenery. If I relax I might miss my stop. Oh, the conductor is calling the station now. Time to disembark. I’d better continue this later. **********  Do you speak English? I need directions. Back again. It is now the next morning. I arrived at the train station yesterday evening, picked up my luggage and then was at a loss which way to go. It was late in the day but luckily I met a gentleman nearby and he gave me directions. (more about him later) Good thing I asked. I would have headed the wrong way. I was confused which was North, South, East and West.... it is hard to tell once the sun goes down behind the mountain tops. The gentleman was so helpful. He even suggested a place to stop for refreshments along the way. I took his advice and started out toward the Gasthaus. I was walking and pulling my suitcase behind me. This is not an easy task on cobblestone streets, but it seems most if not all the streets are made of cobblestone. I love the look but it's a little hard on the claws and the wheels of my suitcase. Nevertheless, this was a small price to pay to be moving to Austria and living with my dear friends M&M. And one benefit... at least I won’t have to endure a claw trim. The streets will do it for me.  Suddenly I was just so tired I decided to stop and have a wee nap. I found a nice bush at another pretty place on the way to the Gasthaus and curled up beneath it. A short nap and I’d be on my way again. When I awoke it was morning. Oh my! I had slept all night and here I was disheveled and starving. After a thorough grooming and getting my whiskers in order, I picked up my backpack, grabbed my luggage and off I went to find the Gasthaus... My tummy was grumbling I was so hungry.  Along the way I think I must have gotten turned around again, but I found a cute little shop that Grammy would love. Yes, you know the one.... Swarovski. I must check it out one day. Maybe they’ll have the earrings that Grammy loved so much and lost one of. Wouldn’t that please her. I was hungry and oh so tired again from walking I decided to sit down and rest for a moment before continuing on to the Gasthaus. I sat on my suitcase, pulled out the letter to you to continue and immediately nodded off into another nap.  Waiter, a glass of milk, please. Thank you very much. Oally I awoke again and asked for directions. The people here are so polite and helpful. I’m going to love living here. So, directions sorted, I headed out to get refreshments and here I am sitting in a delightful little inn having a class of milk and writing to you. The pastries are divine here. I had a wee snack along with my milk... well, maybe it was two or three wee pastries. They are so yummy. That’s all for now. I’d better move along and find M&M before evening settles in again. Hope all is well at home and Grammy has recovered from the shock. Oh and please remind her to send my allowance. I’m running low on funds. Love you Mousie, my sweet gentle girl. Love you ruffians too. Sweetie, dear, you take care of Mousie and keep those boys in line. Love and hugs. Love to Grammy, too. Whiskers Oh dear. That mummy! What an adventure. What fun. Such cheek asking Grammy for her allowance. Mummy... you naughty girl. Teehee. Here's the other letter...  Endlich zu Hause! Home at last! I need to think about language lessons! But for now.... zzzzzzz Dear Mousie and family,
Hello again, dear family. Just a quick note to let you know I arrived safely. It took a wee while before I finally arrived but only once more did I get lost... I thought I had arrived but then was confused and had to ask directions again. Fortunately, while I was at the Gasthaus, a sweet young lady sat down and had a coffee and chatted with me. She taught me a few words to use to get directions or help when I needed it. Funny though, some people stared at me. Have they never seen a cat with a suitcase and backpack before? Seems quite normal to me. Oh well. They were very helpful and pointed me in the right direction when I asked. The look on Mme’s face when I arrived was wonderful. She seemed delighted to see me. I look forward to seeing M when she finishes work this evening. Meanwhile Mme has plied me with more sweets and a tall glass of milk... and *yawning* I’m feeling a little tired. I think I’ll settle in for a wee nap. Before I do, I’ll run down and pop this into the post. Love to all of you, Whiskers Well, friends, this has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions... but there is more to come, I'm sure. Stay tuned for what comes next. Please remember this is not real. We did not ship Whiskers off to Austria... Comments are always welcomed. We enjoy hearing what our readers think. But keep it fun and light. That's what we are about.  By Gentle Mouse, chronicler of this sad tale. Sob, sob! Hiccough, hiccough. *Pulling self together* ... So sorry, friends. Mummy Whiskers has gone to Austria. I know! What happened? You need a little background. Okay, here goes. As you know, if you’ve been following our Facebook page, friends of ours visited our fair city for a few months this past summer, and while here, came to visit us a number of times. Now for the duration of the story we will call them M&M when they are together, or Mme when referring to Grammy’s friend, and M the younger, when referring to her daughter (also her friend). Now, M&M were here a couple of years ago and that is when Grammy met Mme originally. They struck up a conversation and before we knew it, Mme was invited to visit and subsequently met all of us... the Mischief and Mayhem Crew. AND in a moment Mummy Whiskers and Mme became friends. It was instantaneous... before the tea tray was transported from kitchen to living room, Mummy Whiskers was purring up a storm as Mme’s hand stroked her velvety back. As Grammy was saying good-bye after such a pleasant visit, mummy was packing her suitcase to follow Mme home to her temporary lodgings. Grammy had to keep a close eye on her at each subsequent visit.... Mummy was smitten and so was Mme. Then suddenly Mme was gone back to her home in Europe and Mummy Whiskers was bereft. This summer Mme returned and these two struck up their friendship again... Mme stroking and mummy purring through each visit... and when M the younger arrived she got double the attention. Unbeknownst to us, this time she (Mummy Whiskers) was determined to accompany them home to Austria. Well, Grammy stepped in again and counted heads, paws and toes just to be sure all feline furries were accounted for... and all were. Whiskers was devastated when she heard they’d left without her. Oh yes, she got the goodbye kisses and hugs, but she thought that was just a ploy to put Grammy off the scent... and they would come back on their way to the airport and pick her up. When that didn’t happen she devised her plan. She borrowed Grammy’s plastic card. You know the one that we use to order treats and toys on-line. Yes, that’s the one. So she ordered airline tickets, some Canadian cash and a lot of Euros to pay tariffs, a railway ticket from the airport to the village and food along the way. She was determined! No-one could stop her!!! *Mousie starts crying again* Boohoo... hiccough, gulp. Sorry friends, but I miss my mummy!  The next morning while Grammy was busy knitting, (You know how focused the old girl is when she knits! Oblivious!) Mummy Whiskers hauled her backpack, suitcase and essentials into the hall and kissed us all goodbye with an “I’m off! Toodles! I promise to write.” Well, we couldn’t let her go to the airport alone. So Rondo ‘borrowed’ the neighbour’s car again and we escorted her to the airport. We were all sad that she was leaving us. After all, she is our Matriarch of Mischief and the family groomer... and we love and will miss her. I will miss her most. She’s my mummy! Oh boohoo! Sob, sob! *gathering herself together Mousie continues....*  At the airport we had to wait in line to verify her ticket, weigh, label and check her luggage... and we got a lot of odd stares from the other travelers. We were so sad to see mummy go that we barely noticed. Mummy seemed oblivious to our sadness. Always prepared, Sweetie brought boxes of Kleenex with her.
Maybe we should have had paper towels though. We left huge puddles of tears all over the floor. Last we heard as mummy went through to the boarding gate was a call for “cleanup – water spill at Gate No. X”. Oh, I miss my mummy. By the time we got home, mummy would be well on her way. Grammy looked up from her knitting as we walked through the door and saw us all crying. Realizing something had upset us all she started questioning us. We blubbered as we told her Whiskers was gone to Austria. Explanations over, Grammy cried along with us. More Kleenex and more puddles. Grammy gave us cuddles and kisses then crawled into bed herself. What a sad day! (for those of you who might be upset that Grammy let Whiskers go, this is ONLY A STORY!. Whiskers is part of our family and will be so for life) but Whiskers’ love for M&M is strong... and she would be happy to live with them. It is this love that inspired the story.) Comments are welcomed. Let's keep them fun. By Whiskers, Chief Groomer and reporter of all things related to Cleanliness and Grooming.  It has been a while since you, our readers have heard from me. Of course, with all the shenanigans with the boys, their mischief and Mousie’s clever ruse I have been steering clear. Yes, I have been hiding out in my favourite tent with occasional forays for food and cuddles from Grammy. But, finally I must come out of hiding to relay this latest hoopla from Grammy. What Grammy? No, I have not come out for frequent forays for food. Goodness me! Who’s writing this anyway? Grammy, this is our blog. So shush! As I was saying before being so rudely interrupted, ...latest hoopla from Grammy. Yes, our Grammy has been on a cleaning and grooming binge. Normally it is either Spring or Autumn when normal people do the Spring or Fall cleaning. Not Grammy. At least, not this time. On a cool day in early summer she went on a cleaning binge preparing for the hot summer when she wouldn’t feel like doing sweat producing cleaning and more importantly, in preparation for the arrival of a friend from Austria. Now, this friend is not staying with us but she’d be visiting us frequently.... because she absolutely adores me and I think she’s the cat’s pyjamas and so best to get the big cleaning done and then stay on top of it for the duration. So, that is what happened and the place looked spic ‘n span... Spic ‘n Span just like the cleaning product. NOW That’s Clean! And since then she has kept up with the day to day.... but noticed that she still had to vacuum daily just to manage the drifting waves of fur that we were shedding. Yikes! So that triggered another switch in Grammy’s head and she decided it might be necessary to ‘clean’ us too.  Mutual Grooming Oh, that is normally my job. I’m chief groomer but in shedding season there’s absolutely no way for one kitty to stay on top of defurring self and four others. No way! At least, no way without major hairball issues and I don’t need those. Oh, and Grammy doesn't like the cleanup if I chuck one at her. Look out guys. Run. Grammy’s coming. Taking cover. Mrs M, our Austrian visitor has been to visit once and the boys and I had a wonderful time getting pets and cuddles but this was before the masses of fur started drifting from here to there and all around the condo. Blame a sudden hot spell for that. Out came Grammy with the Furminator. Rondo LOVES the Furminator so he did not run. Well, he did run, but not away, he ran straight to Grammy, serenading her while dancing on the spot as Grammy worked from his neck to his tail in short controlled movements.... removing an abundance of undercoat as she went. By the time she finished Rondo looked slimmer, sleeker and he was one happy dude. Now normally, he would demand more attention but he was satisfied he’d been groomed to the max and settled down for a rest in his well aired and thinned out suit. In no time at all he was napping contentedly. I decided if he felt that good then maybe this was ideal for me too so I pushed past Etude and took second place. Well, you know, the Matriarch of Mischief has to exercise her authority and show who’s in charge. Oh Grammy! Hush! I am so in charge of M&M Central... I’m the eldest... so naturally that position falls to me. Just ignore Grammy and let’s carry on.  My coat is more like thick, rich velvet with an undercoat of more velvet. It takes a lot of work to penetrate the outer layer to get down to the undercoat so Grammy worked on me for more than an hour... Neck to tail along the spine, neck to tail along left hip, neck to tail along right hip, repeat numerous times, pantaloons, then butt to tip of tail. AND do you believe it... I was still full of undercoat! ... so off she went again... neck to tail... and on and on... until I was completely defurred – almost to the point of baldness. It felt wonderful. I could even feel a breeze on my skin.... ahhhhh! It was delightful! We must do this more often. Etude and Sweetie followed with the same routine with minor variances until they too were groomed to the skin and when Grammy got done she had four piles of fur... which when set down on the table looked like three kitties and actually weighed almost a half ounce. Now that’s a lot of fur! And where was Mousie during all this? Observing. She never needs a Grammy groom. The little darling does her own superbly, though I do check behind and between the ears. Grammy was feeling pretty good having gotten through this with nary a scratch so she decided she must be charmed. Why not clip claws while she’s at it. Charmed.... NOT! Delusional more like... but at least this time she listened to me and agreed to have a friend help. Enter Jewel. And Jewel is exactly that.... a real gem and a dear neighbour.  Relaxing on her blanket on Mousie's Chair Well, claw trimming is an experience, let me tell you. Grammy prepared the well padded dining table and they went to work! I, Whiskers, ever the seeker of cuddles and such was happy to oblige and purred through the entire ordeal. I was even willing to stay for more pets and cuddles if people so wished.... But alas, no! More to do and duty called. Pooh! Maybe later? Next up, before he could be spooked was Rondo! Our Rondo howls in pain when his claws are trimmed. It seems that some animals, like some humans have sensitivities that cannot be explained. Rondo is one of these sensitive dudes. So, knowing that Jewel donned Grammy’s spare oven mitts to protect her from teeth and talons, held him gently but firmly over the shoulders and front legs and kept her face turned away. Why the head turn, you say? Grammy’s scars can attest to his lightning reaction should things go amiss. So Grammy decided to trim those sensitive beasties before he realized what was happening! Amazingly, he didn't howl like a banshee. Is it possible the anticipation is worse than the actual dirty deed? Those clipped, the other eight were snipped lickety-split and with only two weak howls of protest he was done! No attempt to take Jewel’s face off, nor to slice Grammy’s arm elbow to wrist. Yahoo! Etude followed with minimal fuss only a bit of wiggling on his portly part to advise he was still boss of his own claws, so there! Well, they still got trimmed, Etude! So there! Sweetie insisted on a cuddle and kisses before submitting to the indignity and then demanded a second round of kisses before being set back on the floor! Grammy never refuses Sweetie her kisses. Then it came to Mousie's turn! The little minx, on hearing Jewel's voice when she first arrived had slunk off into the bedroom her antennae on high alert. When Grammy finally entered the room she slithered off the bed and hid under it and refused to budge. So Grammy let her be FOR NOW, and plotted with Jewel for the following morning and Round 2! Round 2.... The morning was quiet, kitties sleeping around the livingroom, Mousie relaxing on the sofa. The phone call came; Grammy unlocked the door and set it slightly ajar. Jewel entered silently and yet, in a split second Mousie was GONE behind the sofa! No problem... pull out the sofa an inch or so and she’d scoot out the other end. And she did. Right past us and into the bedroom. Once she was there the dance was on! Now, we must tell you Mousie is not afraid of Grammy! She just doesn't like to be picked up, thus the avoidance game. From under the head of the bed, which Grammy moved, Mousie scampered to the Kitty condo and into the smallest enclosure. Claws dug in it was impossible to extract her through the condo doorway. Grammy had no choice. She’d have to wait until Mousie came out on her own... but let’s close the bedroom door to keep her contained. Moments later Mousie scrambled down from the condo, slipped behind the outpulled bed and scrunched into her safe spot- the one place she feels safest and which Grammy only enters for reasons of safety or absolute necessity... Behind a blanket on HER very own CHAIR. Grammy, as I say, only intrudes if Mousie’s safety is at risk or she needs meds... but never willy-nilly nor on a whim. This is Mousie’s equivalency to having a security blanket. Seldom do any of we other cats venture there either. It’s an unwritten law that Mousie owns the chair and we respect that. Okay, so back to Grammy... Entering her nest was absolutely necessary. The claws were catching on everything and they were so curled that Grammy feared they might hurt her pads if they grew any longer. So...blocking the exit with one hand, Grammy scooped her up with the other and brought her out of the bedroom to the table. Being a gentle wee miss, once Grammy had her, she resigned herself to whatever would follow and with Jewel holding her gently Grammy trimmed those razor sharp needles without incident. What a relief for everyone. The bonus? Once the claws were trimmed and Jewel released her Mousie stayed for pets and cuddles! This was the first time Jewel had ever gotten to see the little beauty in all the years she'd been visiting! And Mousie? Well, she looked around calmly and soaked up the attention for 30 seconds before joining me under a chair in my observation post. House clean, cats groomed, all Grammy’s digits intact, all claws trimmed... 50 of them... and no blood drawn. It was a good day. Have a great week friends! We love you all to bits. Friends, we welcome comments. but let's keep it fun.
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AuthorFive Cats, Five Personalities, One Goal - Mischief & Mayhem. Archives
August 2023
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