It is an Alaskan and Canadian company, ALPA.

Hi everyone on a beautiful Sunday morning. It will soon be time for me to head for Sunday School and Church.  I know what I plan to do after church in terms of lunch for us today as the kitchen is basically closed today.  I did get to COSTCO yesterday.  They had a very good sale on new bed pillows and we needed some so I got them, getting the king size only to find out when I got home that Pat in the last few days had cut off the king size cases as we didn't have king size pillows.  So I have to take the pillows back and see if I can get standard size pillow cases. 

Patricia, at least the new computers provide a backup in case of computer failure for an individual resident. 

Dot and I did our usual Sunday thing but we take our time doing to OTB and we gab.  We found out this past week that our minister is leaving.  While I like him and his wife a lot, he leaves a lot to be desired as a preacher and our membership has suffered because of it.  He will be going to Wisconsin but will stay until an interim minister is hired.  I hope it isn't too late to repair the damage.

This afternoon Tom and I are going to a friend's 90th birthday celebration.  She used to live up the street from us when we we young and we met when she was maybe two and I was four.  Her family moved to Lowell, near Grand Rapids, but we kept in touch.  She lives in an Assisted Living place in Cascade, a GR suburb.  Our parents were good friends.

It was chilly when we went to church, but we probably are about 80 degrees now - or close.

The cat had another escapade last night.  Tom came home about 10 pm and the cat scooted out the door when he opened it.  The cat was out all night and let Tom know this morning the he was ready to come in.  I do not like him out all night but we'd never find him.  He was damp when he got on my bed about 7 am and I think it was because of dew.

Mary Ann

Good afternoon, just a little after 12, waiting for Hermine, to hit to night,  wind is not going to be as strong, but a lot flooding from high tides.  Wind will only be 55 not 75 which they had first said,  trouble will hang around till maybe Wed. when school starts. here on Eastern Long Island. School aays start5s after Labor Day.

Patricia, now if your computer stops working, you can still come back to us.

MaryAnn, it looks like Kendrick, finds he likes roaming at night. I have to watch Taffy, trying to get out the front door, which opens on the street. She got out that one night, and found she like it.

My neighbor is coming over to take out my screens and put in the windows, on my Florida room. The wind will be strong enough to send the rain in, and wet things down.

Good Afternoon Everyone,
from the cool and dry,  rocky coast of Maine. 

I don't know Mary Ann  .. it looks like your
kitty is a "night owl" who loves to sneak out
and prowl the neighborhood...    He seems to be
getting used to it.  I hope that he doesn't get
lost some night.   

All is well here in Maine.  Looks like Fall is right
around the corner...  followed by a dark, snowy
winter.      (yikes!)

Sandy
     

Sandy, the cat apparently stays close to home and when he comes in in the morning,  he doesn't have a hair out of place although I think he walked on dewy grass etc this morning, in fact, to get to Tom's window, he must walk through some plants.  He is fast and it will take something to keep him from going out.

Mary Ann

Larry and Gloria, these computers are for those without so I probably won't ask for a password. Since the manager is off on weekends and Monday is a holiday, no one will get a password until Tuesday.

Our trees are beginning to yellow so I brought my plants in from the balcony and set them so Farrah would have to jump over five feet to get on that table again. Even that is possible with incentive as I once had a cat make it to the top of a bird cage when it was hanging in the center of an 8-foot ceiling with no furniture closer than four feet.

Gloria, you and your family stay safe from Hermine and everyone else stay safe as well.

MaryAnn, as long as Kendrick has sight or smell markers he may be safe, but I hope he doesn't wander off. There are so many wildlife and people dangerous to a cat.

Not much is happening otherwise, I have kept busy doing my PSP lessons now that summer break is over and I expect a busy September. I hope everyone is having or will have a good day

Patricia, I live in a populated residential area.  Our condo complex has 66 units and is kind of spread out; it is not like an apartment complex.  I know we have raccoons around because I've seen them at night, however, not lately.  Tom had things in his hands last night and when you open a door with your hands full, you don't expect to have a cat scoot past  you.  Tom does not usually return at 10 pm, either earlier or much later.  If later, there isn't much I can do because I would be in bed, but earlier I can try to listen for when Tom returns and get the cat elsewhere. 

Looking at the weather channel, we are to have three days of hot weather, in fact, Tuesday is to be 90 degrees; Monday and Wednesday in the mid 80s.  Then we start to cool down in the 70s.

I am planning to leave my plants outside until after I return from Indy in September.  I am not watering the amaryllis unless it rains.

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on a beautiful Labor Day Monday.  Yesterday was so enjoyable as it didn't get very hot.  Other than going to Sunday School and Church and getting some lunch to bring home I really didn't do anything else yesterday.  Today I plan on returning and replacing the new pillows at COSTCO if they are not closed for the holiday.  I can do that on my way to my Monday meeting at noon.  I shouldn't have to do much cooking today as we have leftovers from the rotisserie chicken and other items from our meal Saturday evening. 

deAngel, sure hope the storm doesn't linger too long over Long Island and there is no damage in your area or power outages.  Nice of your neighbor to replace your screens with the windows. 

Patricia, it sounds like fall will soon be arriving in Alaska.  I remember how clear the sky would be and how crisp the mornings. 

Mary Ann, we are expecting to get back into the 90's again this week.  I just watered my flowers outside and it was very pleasant so far today. 

Sandy, glad that all is well up your way as you enjoy these late summer, early fall-type days. 

No signs of autumn here;  none whatsoever.  Crepe myrtles are still blooming.  Everything is still blooming.  Sun shining brightly.  Temps are down, however.  Mostly eighties during the days and seventies at night.  We never did get much other than stronger breezes from Hermine.  The bay and all the rivers and creeks are fulsome with sparkling waters.  My granddaughter Helaine, 2nd oldest of the 13, is driving down to take me to lunch at Sam's at noon, and I am mighty pleased at the prospect.  Happy Labor Day to all.

Good Morning Everyone from the
warm (but cooler) and dry,  rocky coast of Maine.

All is well for the most part. 

Here is wishing EVERYONE a very happy
"Labor Day",  if that is what you are celebrating.

Sandy

I hope everyone has a good Labor Day.  Dot has asked Tom and me to join her this noon for barbecued pulled pork.  Then Tom will do whatever he wants to do the rest of the day. 

I'm trying to bring some of my records up to date and one of my sites doesn't like my combination of User ID and Password.  If I can't resolve the problem, I'll have to call the company. 

Today we are to be up to 85 degrees and I am dressed appropriately!

Mary Ann

Good morning from the Interior!

After six or more days of sunny, dry and cooler weather, I awoke this morning to foggy, trails of mist,and pouring rain. Mother Nature has had it in for us all summer it seems! My barbeque I'm going to today will probably end up inside instead of out.

Farrah was feeling afraid and jumpy yesterday, and I hope she is over it today. She continually comes up wanting to play, and I'm just not that mobile these days. I feel guilty and wish we were allowed a second pet. I think we would both be happier!

MaryAnn, I enjoyed seeing your photo with Norm and Dot yesterday, and it was nice to "see" you!

I've got a busy if damp day scheduled so I best get moving and hope everyone is having a sunny, bright labor day or otherwise enjoying a very nice day!

Thanks, Patricia, about the picture.  I remember Pat and Paul visiting Norm and Dot and I went to their place to join them.  Paul had a new Galaxy tablet and took our picture with that.  In a way, it influenced me to get a Galaxy tablet for when Tom, Annie and I went to California to attend great-nephew Geoff's second wedding (superwedding, he called it).  I liked it because I didn't have to show it when going through Security.  Other than that, I haven't used it and Tom is using it now.  I know if I were to fly somewhere, I'd reclaim it for the trip but I don't intend to fly again unless absolutely necessary.

Incidentally, Geoff and his wife, Charissa, are expecting their first child after the first of the year.  That will make three babies due in early 2017.  And Avery will only be a bit over a year old.  We're having a baby explosion!

Kendrick has been behaving but we watch very carefully as we come in the door.  I am with you, Patricia, in that I can't play with him as he should be played with.  While I'd miss him, I really wish Annie could find someone to give him to (or sell him), someone who could have a second cat, for instance.  I think I could have another cat, but I can't play with one, what would I do with two!!!

Tom and I had lunch with Dot today.  She said she didn't want me to be alone today but I think she didn't want to be alone herself.  She also invited a friend of hers and Norm, the friend used to live behind Norm and his first wife when the boys were young.  Tom and I then came back home to nap and he may still be napping. 

Mary Ann

There are people in the water at Grand Haven today and I don't see how they can stand it.  The temperature of the water is 53 degrees, a drop of over 20 degrees in the past week.  I wonder if the figures are right because that seems to be a large drop in just a few days.  The catwalk is down, at least what we can see, and people will be able to walk on the pier - at their own risk!

Mary Ann

Mary Ann - I don't think that Kendrick needs to be played with.  All the cats that I've had over the years have entertained themselves or just done whatever cats do? I never actually played with any of them, except I do recall buying various cat toys in the past . . . but my cats quickly became bored, and walked away! (I quickly became bored too! LOL)

Also, if Kendrick gets outside again, I wouldn't worry that he will get lost and not find his way back.  As long as he doesn't get in an accident, or is stolen by someone, he will return!  Mostly they just hang around close to home, and hide in the bushes, while watching the "passing parade"!  Cats love to be outside, and fortunately they have an amazing ability to find their way back home. 

Thanks, Marilyne, Kendrick does have a few toys and I bought a sloping scratch pad for him and he spends a lot of time on that.  He also sleeps a lot but I know cats do sleep a lot - what else is there to do! 

We are near the corner of two busy main streets and I do worry about him getting curious about the location.  However, maybe the traffic would frighten him.  During the night there isn't that much traffic.  I do believe he sticks close to home because in the morning when Tom turns on his light, the cat is there to ask to be let in.  And his fur is normal when he comes in - no signs of a fight of anything like that.  At night, I doubt anyone would pick him up, in fact, I don't think he'd get close enough to let anyone pick him up.

Mary Ann

It is recommended by every authority on cats and yes dogs too, that you spend at the bare minimum, 15 minutes daily in socializing and playing with your cat or dog. That is the bare minimum.

Also, cats get lost very easily unless they have a scent or sight trail and have been known to get into car engines, seeking warmth, or garbage cans due to appetizing smells. As well as not looking for cars on highways and being a favorite prey of eagles, owls, hawks, aggressive dogs or humans, coyotes, wolves, cougars, lynx and many other wild animals looking for a meal.

It's okay if you don't spend hours playing with your pet. However, spend at least some time daily.

   
The Importance of Playtime
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff   

  Playtime for kitty
When you look at what cats do in the wild, it is obvious why they need to play. They sleep as much as 16 hours per day and when they're awake, they need the exercise that play provides.

In the wild, when they aren't sleeping, lions, tigers, and other wild cats are stalking and hunting their prey or teaching their young to do so. Some benefits of play include:

Exercise
Exercise is vital for keeping your cat healthy. Playing with your cat and having your cat romp around with others is a perfect way for your cat to get exercise, both physically and mentally.

Release of Anxiety
Anxiety and stress are as harmful to cats as they are to the rest of us. Cats under stress are more apt to develop behavioral problems such as aggression, urine marking, or obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Relief of Boredom
Cats especially, being naturally curious, can get depressed and lethargic. Cats need some sort of challenge every day. Watch a cat try to grab at a ball that is spinning around randomly in a circle. She is concentrating so hard that a simple movement of your foot can send her skyrocketing into the air. Whether she is looking out the window at chattering birds, or chasing a feather stick, she loves and needs to play.

The importance of cat playtime
Feel Good
Play, by definition, is something to make whomever is playing feel good. And your cat deserves to feel good, doesn't she?

Bonding With Other Cats or Animals in the House
Cats chase other cats, cats entice dogs to chase after , and cats even chase dogs in some households! This type of behavior provides much-needed bonding. Playing with your cat can even bond her to you - and who couldn't stand more bonds in their lives?
How to Provide Play for Your Felines

Usually, cats enjoy playing both inside the house and outdoors. There are a variety of ways that you can make playtime, inside or out, more fun for your cat.

Inside
Look through our toy section to find something your cat can swat at.  It provides exercise and entertainment for you and your cat. We're not sure who enjoys it more - cats or their owners!

A cat tree is a perfect place for your cat to perch to lie in wait for another cat - or even the dog! Anything that towers over the rest of the home's inhabitants will do. Window perches are especially popular since they allow kitty to see all that nature affords.

Catnip is in a category by itself. It can entertain the cat and the rest of the household! Who knows what's going through your cat's mind once she smells that potent odor and wants to bathe her entire body in it!

Outside
Use an enclosure such as the Kitty Condo or the Happy Habitat to keep your cat safe from wildlife and wildlife safe from your cat. She can sniff all there is to sniff, chase insects, and watch feathered friends, and you'll always know exactly where she is.
Every cat is different of course, and what works for one may not work for another - sometimes even in a multiple cat household! But, by careful observation, any cat owner - or rather anyone that is owned by a cat - can provide Nirvana to his favorite feline friend!

An indoor cat can live between 20 to 25 years. An outdoor or inside/outside cat on the average, lives 5 to 8 years.

Hi everyone.  I want to post this evening as have a very busy day tomorrow.  Pat has an early appointment, then I have a meeting at the church regarding our Senior luncheon group and finally have to be at the hospital for some more lab work and then a doctor's appointment.  By the time I get home I will need to rest and then think about our evening meal.  We had a very quiet day today.  I couldn't stop at COSTCO as they were closed for the holiday but I did attend my Monday meeting.

Larry, I am surprised Costco was closed today.  No one closes these days for holidays except I know our Meijer store closes on Christmas Day.

Mary Ann

Some folks are bringing us memories of past gatherings and "bashes".  Join the fun at:  Meetings and Gatherings. 

If you have photos of any meetings you've had with SN or S&F friends we'd love to see them.  If you need help posting them, just let me know.

Jeanne Lee, wish I had asked Babs and her family for the pics they took of the Las vegas Bash.  Gone forever I am afraid.

Joan, I guess you will just have to join me in enjoying the pictures and memories other people are posting.  :-)

We had an interesting morning here in our complex as the power went off shortly after 5 am.  Tom uses a CPAP and cannot sleep without it  I woke u about 5:45 and looked to see what time it was and the clock was black.  I answered nature's call, then put on my watch and that is how I knew it was 5:45 or so.  The whole complex as out - 66 units.  Tom and I left about 11 am for my lunch with my retiree friends and when we got back, the power was back on.  I have not reset my clocks.  Everyone thing was kaput - phone and computers.  I couldn't even use my TracFone because I must have put it in my purse while still on and it was completely out.  I left it to chrage while I was gone. 

Mary Ann

Guess you are right Jeanne Lee. 

MaryAnn
It is always a shock to wake up to no power.  My query always is for how long.?  Never for very long so I don't open the fridge.

Junee, I don't know how long out power was out, but it was several hours.  It went off at 5:15 am and we left for lunch at 11 am and it still was not on.  I think it was off for at least another two hours.  The men and their truck were near my condo, but power was back on.  We had 90 degree temperature so it was the wrong day for it to go off.  I don't think I'd blame hot weather at 5:15 in the morning.  I doubt I'll ever hear the cause.  And the cat isn't talking!

Mary Ann

Hi everyone on another partly cloudy morning.  We are expecting to get to 96 degrees this afternoon.  In a little bit I will take Pat to the hospital lab for some blood tests in preparation for her GP appointment on Friday.  Since she has to fast before the tests we plan on eating breakfast out, which will be a treat for us.  Then this afternoon she has another Chiropractic treatment.  At 5:30 are Wednesday dinners at church finally begin again and Scott and I will attend.  Pat does not plan to attend them this year, at least not now, as the food doesn't fit the eating plan she is following.  We then look forward to Scott spending some time with us this evening.

MaryPage, what a nice picture of you as your new Avatar. 

Jeanne, thanks for starting the Meetings and Gatherings discussion.  I had pictures from the Atlanta Bash in 1998 but cannot locate them so hope others have retained their's and will share them with us. 

Mary Ann, we are so used to the electricity being on that when it is off we really miss it. 

Yesterday was an exhausting day and I slept for about 9 hours last night but still am very tired this morning.  I have put out hamburger for Pat's dinner tonight and will fix some Balsamic mushrooms for her that she really likes.  The rest of today I plan on taking it easy.  I did get good results from the doctor yesterday.  The Ultrasound of my liver was fine and the blood work he had done was OK.  The blood was drawn in his office and tested with a machine right in their office and was done in a matter of a couple of minutes. 

Larry, I am so happy to hear that your liver scan turned out good.  I know how nerve-wracking that waiting is.   Plus, the blood work was good, also.  All the waiting around for results can be kind of scary. So,  I am happy for your good news.

The Balsamic mushrooms that you mentioned sounds good.  I roast Brussels sprouts with a Balsamic sauce.  I really like the taste of the Balsamic vinegar.

Hope Pat will keep seeing some improvement with her sciatica problems. 

Enjoy your dinner with your son.

MaryPage, I, too, noticed your new avatar.  Very pretty!

Mary Ann, glad the power outage didn't pose any big problem.  It doesn't happen here very often, but I worry about things in the fridge.

I have an internet friend, who went away for a couple weeks, and came home to a freezer full of bad meat and things in the fridge, also, were bad. She said it just awful thinking of the amount of money she had to throw away. 

I, too, am enjoying all the messages and pictures in the new forum....  Meetings and Gatherings.  Thanks, Jeanne.

JOY