Good Morning from the
absolutely fabulous, rocky coast of
Maine.     (My favorite time of the
year here in the North East!)

All is well!
Sandy

Good morning from a cool and cloudy Interior as our weather seems to be following along with the rest of yours.

Larry, I Googled your question and Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning British monarch and the longest reigning female monarch in world history, surpassing Queen Victoria.

From the "Offical town crier, "At this time of 4.18pm on the 9th of September 2015, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has become Britain's longest reigning monarch, passing the record set by Queen Victoria with a total of 23,226 days, 16 hours and 18 minutes - over 63 years, seven months and two days."

Farrah is coming out more and more as she realizes she is finally safe. She is actually playing with the cat toys and sleeps on the couch while I take over the bedroom. She is still not overly affectionate as Sarah was but she may just not be that type although I do miss it.

Joan, I'm glad your special day was a good one and I'm glad Joy got your age straightened out!   

MaryPage, I would be hiding out during any and all Commissioning weeks.    But I'm sure it is a festive and life changing occasion for so many! I wonder just how long on the average, all those weddings last?

My second husband was in the Navy stationed on the USS Saratoga and was gone more than he was home. So when he went eventually into the Air Force, seeing him around so much took some getting used too!

MaryAnn, it sounds as if we are both reading and posting. However, it is gloomy outside here!

Patricia, Kendrick is not a cuddly cat, in fact, he does not like to be held.  However, he does like to be around family and I am a favorite target for him to mark his territory.  My slacks were full of cat hairs during his recent shedding period.  He does not sleep on my bed, but usually comes in at least once to see that I am around.  He'll let me pet him for a few moments, then he leaves. 

He likes to be outside and I let him out on the deck for about 10 minutes at a time.  He would much rather be on my front stoop but I feel I should watch him there, whereas I don't have to be with him every minute on the deck. 

Mary Ann

MaryAnn, when I first received Sarah, she was fear aggressive but otherwise behaved as Farrah does now. But after only a couple of weeks, she settled in and enjoyed life and sitting on anyone's lap who would pick her up, especially men. For some reason, she gravitated to them.

She enjoyed interacting with Youtube and pet videos and was very tactile and loving. She always rubbed against my legs and wanted on my lap. She did hate being picked up for any reason.

So I was feeling pretty puffed up when they mentioned Farrah to me. Pride really does go before a fall, doesn't it? I have had Farrah since May second and each step is followed by backsliding.

Sarah hasn't even been gone a full month and I grieve and miss her and her ways. Farrah is her own cat and I may only hope that she will become more loving as she feels more comfortable but I'm beginning to think it's not in her personality. Perhaps the abuse went too deep? Or maybe I'm still expecting her to be as Sarah?

Farrah sounds like she may become more like Kendrick. One point in her favor is she is short haired instead of long haired as Sarah was and the constant shedding is no longer everywhere. I am still working with Farrah on bonding and it's something we both are struggling with.

Think like a cat,  Angel...   

The only thing that I ever learned about cats,
that seemed true,  is that they like to set
the guidelines,  which might just be way
different then my expectations.     

I bet,  that given time and
less pressure,  your new
kitty will surprise you,  by
coming up with some
behavior that pleases both of you.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsxUDjfhj5Y

Sandy

Ditto what she said.

Annie got Kendrick when he was five months old.  He will be three years old in July.  He is quite independent, prefers the front stoop to the deck (probably because the cement is cooler), has never wanted to be picked up but Annie has mastered that.  He is a long cat so I won't try to pick him up.  Occasionally he will get on the couch beside me and let me pet/scratch him.  His motor really runs, but when I quit, he leaves. 

I'd miss him if we did not have him, but I wish Annie could find a room or an apartment so she could have him.  She comes here about once a week to change the litter and she plays with him a bit, but then she's gone and he's my cat again.

At 10 pm he comes into the computer room because he knows it is treat time and he dances all over the room while I am shutting down for the night.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on this Saturday morning.  It starts out overcast but we are to have sun today with very little chance of rain.

Yesterday Pat and I went to a new restaurant for us called Tin Lizzie.  It is a small chain with locations around Atlanta, Augusta and a three or four locations in South Carolina.  It is an interesting concept in that it has a Mexican Restaurant in the front of the building and a Bar-B-Q place in the back of the building and these are divided by a bar in the middle and I expect the kitchen.  We decided on the Mexican half and had a very good meal trying a couple of tacos we had not had before including a scrimp one and a Korean Beef one.  You do have to pay for chips and salsa but they sent a big bag of chips home with us.  They make their own chips and they were thin and crispy with apparently taco seasoning on them--very tasty.  We will be going back there from time to time. 

They did finish the yard work yesterday and for the first time used a push mower on the back yard rather than a weed eater. We also have a nice clean house as the housekeeper always does a good job.   

Nothing on the calendar for today so will just go at an easy pace and take care of some things here at my desk and a couple of tasks around the house.  I will get some reading done and plan on watching some of the golf tournament later this afternoon. 

MaryPage, Annapolis on Commissioning Week sounds like the area around here where people rent out their homes for the Master's Golf Tournament week.  Apparently for some people they can make enough in that one week to pay their mortgage for the year. 

Patricia, thanks for the info on Queen Elizabeth II. 

Good Morning, All!

Sandy, MaryPage, and MaryAnn thank you for your kind words. Yesterday afternoon and evening, just proving me wrong again, Farrah was out and even spent time playing. She even, once upon the couch, walked over my legs to look over the end table and sniff my coffee. She looked rather surprised at the coffee smell, looked at me quizzically, and then went back to sleep at the other couch end.

This morning she was back to being skittish and flinching at movements unexpected. However, she is spending more and more time out of the bedroom, preferring the couch nightly while I take over the bedroom.  She watches for me to awaken in the morning as she knows she will get wet food, besides her left out dry. She is happy to have me in the kitchen as long as I leave promptly after the meal is fixed. Perhaps I should ask for monetary compensation and time off? 

Today is a day of bill paying, OTL and errands so she will have some of the days to herself to explore.

I know, I know, I am going over and over this too intently,  talking too much about minutia, but this is a learning process for both cat and companion.

If you get the ANIMAL PLANET channel (comes with our basic service here), today would be a fun day for you to watch, as they are having hour after hour of My Cat From Hell, which sounds horrible, but is actually quite entertaining, and you sure learn A LOT about the many variations in cats!

I've heard about that show and seen snippets on the computer, but I have not had a in home television since 1997.

I have tried weekly or monthly trials of Hulu, Netflix, and HBO but usually stopped them after a day or two.

Patricia, you are working at kittys time. My cat Toby from a shelter took more time then Taffy. I had trouble trying to get Toby to eat had to call shelter the lady that brought him in, came by every Friday and brought him special food, I had to go to a pet store to buy it, and he started eating.  I called him and expenseive cat. but I grew to love him.  He got stonach CA, and I had to put him to sleep at 5 years old. Then I got my Taffy, first female, I have every had, but she is so loveing now, but it did take time.

Now I have to tell you a story about almost having another heart attack.  Last night a neighbor came over about 7 and ask me to go to dinner, we stood talking with the front door open, all of a sudden Taffy went running out and toward the road. It took a half hour for 4 people trying to catch her.  That is the 2nd time she had ever been out.  The 1st. time was 2 years ago. I had to take a nitrost pill when I came in, I was so upset.

Same thing happened awhile back. Friend answering her door and talking. Her big Parrot flew onto her shoulder and out the door. Birds are hard to find when that happens. Not been found.

Gloria, I understand what you are saying. Today, she would walk behind my chair to get her back rubbed and scratched. She would walk back and forth until you put your hand down and she would bump your hand.

Also, when I returned home today, she was lying in my dirty clothes basket and when I came in the bedroom, she remained there and then didn't run and hide under the bed, but followed me out to the living room.

Now if she follows the same as other days, she will be skittish again in the morning.

I once had a small black cat, Sarita, who was an escape artist, winter or summer, it didn't matter and she always came back or allowed herself to be caught, the same thing really after a few moments.

I am so sorry that it almost caused a heart attack, and Jeanne, I am so sorry for your friend's loss. With Sarita, it became automatic to block the door upon entering or leaving.

I'm enjoying all the "cat tales". I miss having cats and especially my dog, Lucy. but after Lucy left us we decided no more animals till we're not able to travel. It's so hard leaving them behind. Years ago I had a cat (Chiffon) who bolted out the back door one day. She disappeared in the bushes and we didn't see her for days. I even put up posters and passed them around the neighborhood to no avail. I used to go outside late at night and call to her. One night I thought I heard a faint answer, so kept calling till she answered again. I found her in a space under the neighbor's woodpile. She had crawled in and couldn't back out. My husband took the woodpile down, piece by piece, (it was midnight!) till he reached her. Then he piled it back up the way it was. What a guy!  It was the last time she ever tried to get out.

Linedancer - I am so glad you got your kitty back and that you are okay!

MaryPage - One of my granddaughters, Brynn's, favorite show as a girl was Animal Planet. She is still very much an animal lover.

After being sick for the past two days, today was a great day for me. There's nothing like being sick to make one appreciate the good days!

The skies were clear and the full moon was absolutely beautiful tonight.

Hope you all have a good night.

Hi everyone.  We awoke to a bright, sunny and 72 degree morning with no rain in the forecast for the next couple of days.  Today will be the normal Church day and expect we will go out afterward for a quick lunch and then a restful afternoon.  I do hope everyone has a pleasant day.

Patricia, I see Farrah is doing well getting you trained to her wants and needs and desires.   

deAngel, we had similar experiences with our cat years ago and had to be very careful when we opened the door to see where he was as he always wanted to go outside.  When he got out he didn't know what to do.  When my daughter-in-law was still living her cat got out several times and she would call in tears.  I tried to assure her that he would come back when he was ready as that is where his food was.  Certainly glad you didn't have a heart attack but understand what happens when our stress level is increased as I have the same experience and have to take a nitro. 

Beverly, good thing you kept looking for your Chiffon.  She had obviously learned her lesson in that wood pile.  Certainly glad you are feeling better and feeling sick really messes up our plans and our days. 

My Mother had an old Moma cat that would disappear and re-appear dragging a litter of kittens, would raise them till weaned and then vanish again just to repeat the cycle.  But Mother would always welcome her back with open arms and have cats to give away.

Dot and I did our usual Sunday thing - church, then OTB.  Dot keeps busy and it isn't all to keep busy because Norm is no longer here.  That is her nature.  Tom, Dot, Terry, Jan, her parents (neither of whom are in good health) and I get together for lunch once a week so it is one more activity for her.

Last night I let the cat out on the deck, then forgot to set the timer.  I got involved in watching TV and at 10:30 when TV was finished, I gathered up any dirty dishes, put the kitchen in order, filled the cat's dish and wondered where he was.  As I walked into the living area, I could see the cat on the other side of the slider door.  I think he was out there about 2 1/2 or 3 hours.  If he was a dog, I would have heard him, but his meow is not very loud.  This morning before church he was glued to me!

I've enjoyed reading about other cat experiences; they can be sneaky.  Kendrick tried to get out the front door when I left for church this morning, but I got the door closed in time.

Mary Ann

I have always had a sneaking suspicion that cats are smarter than we are when it comes to sneakiness.

I think most animals are faster to learn than we humans.  I could toilet train a puppy or at least get it to go outdoors. Usually in about 2 weeks.  Try doing that with children. Seen some not potty trained at 2 years old. Some even older.

Looks like a Freighter may be coming in to the Deluth Web.  Also poor baby Eagles look to be soaking wet again.  Few People on the Beach at Grand Haven but not many.

Looks like the boat already passed through as the Birds now all gone along with the crowd.

Must have been that one at 3:30

It's been a quiet day here in Norm's Bait and Tackle.

We had a nice day.........warm but the humidity wasn't bad. I did a little work outside.

Tonight I was out front when a neighbor from down the street came by walking his cat. He walks her every day like the others walk their dogs. His cat is a Bengal. They are beautiful cats. My youngest daughter has two of them. I always say they behave more like a dog than a cat.

Jeanne - Maybe we could train children faster if we trained them to go outside! As to age, I didn't even begin toilet training with my four till they were nearly two. By then the process goes quickly. The one exception was my second one who was only 13 months younger than her sister and she just played "follow the leader".

Mary Ann - Poor Kendrick must have thought he was spending the night out there. 

This is going to be a busy week. I have something scheduled nearly every day.  My mind says "You can do it" and my body says "Give me a break!"

Good night all.

Beverly, Kendrick is part Bengal and we don't know the other part.  The Bengal predominates.  I have thought of getting a harness for him so I can walk him to the mailbox (I can't walk further otherwise).  He'd love to be an outdoor cat but I won't let him.  He is a beautiful orange color with matching stripes on his front legs.  He is not cuddly, but he does like to be wherever I am.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on a beautiful clear and sunny Monday morning with zero chance of rain for the next 48 hours.  I will take advantage of this good weather to spray a bug barrier around the house.  Today I also must finally report my flowers on the front porch.  It isn't hard to do but something I have been putting off.  We had a wonderful church service yesterday that highlighted our graduating high school seniors and others pursuing further education.  Twenty-seven scholarships were awarded.  The senior class members conducted the entire service including two young women speaking of the impact our church has had on their lives from being infants until this point in their lives.  It was obvious that many parents and other relatives were in attendance as the church was close to full. 

I plan on attending my weekly meeting at noon and then Scott will be coming over to have a meal with us (don't know whether Pat will cook or we will go out to eat) and then just have an enjoyable day with him. 

Mary Ann, your cat must not have enjoyed its extended stay on the deck although it sounds like he wanted to get out the front. 

MaryPage, I never felt I know what our cat was thinking.  However, he could certainly communicate with me after he got me trained. 

Beverly, I don't think I have ever seen anyone walking a cat although know they have harnesses for them.  Hope you don't overdo this week with a busy schedule. 

Larry, my deck is treated wood and in the sun a lot.  The front porch stoop is concrete and gets shaded later in the day.  I think the cat likes the coolness of the concrete.

Tom and I are going to a funeral this morning - the husband of a long-time friend of mine.  I need Tom for support to get around.  This is a Catholic funeral and I have never been to a Catholic funeral!  I doubt I'll be around much until late afternoon.

Mary Ann

My cat Brandy was one who liked strict punctuality and a by the book routine.  And he did not know from Saturdays and Sundays.  So he wanted me to get up and going on those precious weekend days AT THE SAME TIME as on work days!  I never was able to come to an understanding with him!  If I lingered in bed on a Saturday or Sunday, he would pace restlessly about and up and down, muttering and meowing, until finally he would come and sit on my head!  I swear.  Right on my head on my pillow.  It was no good to try to hide my head under the sheet:  he sat right on it.  Time to get up and get going!

Hobbes, on the other hand, went by his own schedule and routine, never mind mine.  He let me sleep in, while he would sneak out and sneak into neighbor's homes and sleep on THEIR beds!  He most specially loved driving a neighbor two doors down crazy by showing up on HIS bed!  This man hated both cats and dogs;  wanted no part of them.  He never could figure out how Hobbes pulled this off, but that cat KNEW he was staging an invasion, I swear!  That neighbor and Hobbes fought one another until Hobbes died, but the neighbor got almost fond of the critter.  I think because he was so amazed by his strong personality, and also because he made good dining out conversation.

MaryPage, how did Hobbes get into your neighbors' homes if someone did not let him in? 

Going to be warm here today - low 80s, first time this season.

Grand Haven looks pretty but rather quiet.  Later there might be people on the beech, but it is Monday and I doubt any campers yet.

Mary Ann

Mary Ann, we never figured that one out.  Hobbes was an inside/outside cat,as I guess you have figured out.  The old fashioned variety.  The best guess we had was that the little boy of the house let him in.  But no one ever SAW him getting in!  Hobbes was extremely popular in the neighborhood, and folk were flattered if he deemed to pay them a visit, including this man's wife and little boy.

Hobbes was an ordinary short haired American, white with some black spotting.  Ordinary, and yet distinctive.  In personality, he was a hoot.  He adored stalking me through the daylilies when I was outside on my knees gardening.  He would crouch and stalk, stalk, stalk and then jump out at me and run away like a streak of lightning.  He would play this game over and over and over, as long as I remained out of doors.

The same guy Hobbes loved spooking out by appearing on his bed had a large motorcycle he was inordinately proud of.  No one Dared so much as touch that motorcycle with one finger!  Except Hobbes.  Hobbes would go out and sit up in the seat and go sound asleep.  Pete would discover him and go NUTS!  Hobbes would not so much as open one eye at him!  Somewhere, I have a photo Chip took way back then of Hobbes sleeping up on that motorcycle.  I also have a photo of Brandy intently watching the television.  I had two animal videos that were made just to entertain cats, and he loved them.  It was so much fun just to watch him watching:  his head was the only thing that moved, and it moved back and forth and back and forth.  He especially relished the squirrels.  I have some pictures of that, as well.  Brandy was one gorgeous cat.  Strictly inside.

Good Morning from another rainy Interior day. More rain expected through the end of the month.

Nothing much going on here today but piddling stuff and cleaning. Farrah is more out than under the bed and when I didn't immediately go fetch her food, she ran to me, around me and whined at me. Whenever I turned towards the kitchen she would immediately pace just ahead, in case she needed to herd me off from any detours. It put me in the mind of television's old cattle drives!

Yesterday she would jump, hop  and chase some cat treats and later, I had to laugh, as she would sit and watch me eat as if begging. But when I offered a portion, she would politely sniff and then look at me as if I was crazy to eat whatever that was! So yes she is coming along and this morning, only a few flinches.

I'm enjoying hearing about other cats and their antics. Beau, the cat who looked similar to Farrah, only quite larger, would lay on his side, stretch out his long paw and flick the dry food towards him, catching it in his mouth.

MaryAnn, there are cat videos on YouTube about Bengals and one I used to subscribe to had three that they took out, harnessed along the beach daily in England, and chronicles aspects of training, living with and development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDbYR0ExLw0