Got what I asked Santa for!!!!!

Yes! I got just what I wanted for Christmas from Santa.

I wanna play, too

They had a toy called Tiddlywinks, and because I am just under the age of three (I'll be three February 5) and they can be a choking hazard, I was not allowed to play. You'd think some rules were meant to be broken. I am big for my age.

Heated beds are fine

It is a rainy and overcast late Sunday afternoon, but ever thing is just fine and dandy in my heated bed...and if you look closely, just outside one of my watching-windows, the turkeys are here to entertain me.

The squirts

OK, I admit it, I can be a real pest, but when the "big guy" starts playing music, I like to jump up in his lap and listen, too. He puts up with me for a while, and then puts me down on the floor ... but it isn't as warm and vertical on the floor, so pretty soon I jump up again, and that's when I get into trouble and get "the squirts!"

He has a water spray bottle on his PC desk top, and when I am bad, and don't listen, I get a squirt.

I love Sundays

Simple pleasures

I look forward to new play time activities.

Yesterday I discovered a big white sheet had been placed over the chaise-lounge in the "morning room." The sheet covered the piece from floor to floor on all sides making a big tent. I went inside the tent, and found I could see shadows of things as they approached, and I had fun sneaking up on them from inside, and then pounce.

When the people who care for me come into this area of the house, I run really fast and dart under the tent. This way they know it is play time again!

Tunnel time fun

Fun, especially when mousies are darting in and out!

Tunnel time

Someone gave me this tunnel to play in. It is currently my favorite toy.

New toy

New toy: I have no idea what it is. It has no eyes, and a stupid buzz-ball on the end of its tail. It's fun any way.

My new favorite chair

Right after eating lunch, the sun hits this chair at the perfect time to bathe, and sleep, which I love to do the most. I understand this chair was the former resident house cat's favorite. Smart guy.

Beautiful morning

I am laying next to a laptop PC. It has a nice warm fan that blows on me. Being originally a desert animal, I love heat.

They're just plain weird

Louise likes to collect caterpillars and I like to watch her clean their containers, and feed them. I'm telling you, this one above is just plain weird!

Love the sun

I love the sun on my face.

Flashes of blue

This bird likes to come to the birdbath in the morning.

Meadowland friends

These animals come in to eat the fresh grasses in the meadow directly outside my main watching window. They're just as curious about me as I am of them.

Little red blobs

See the little red blobs in the upper right hand corner (click to enlarge photo)? It's a hummer feeder placed so I can watch a little bird that flies in so fast, I can hardly keep my eyes on it.

Who feeds me

This is the big guy who feeds me. He is kind, and makes sure my water and food are fresh.

Bad kitty

Oh, I know, I am being a very “bad kitty.” I am not allowed in the workshop … but it is so much fun to explore in here. It smells funny, and the sawdust sticks to my feet.

Vet visit

I now have a "flag" on my medical history page at my vet that says "towel" when I am in for a visit.

Last Thursday did not go so well. When Dr. Amy started to give me my annual rabies shot, it hurt so much I lashed out at everyone. I did not mean to; I was just so startled that this soft-spoken person could hurt me like that. I was so embarrassed. Dr. Amy put a big, soft towel over my head, held me firmly, and then I knew what to expect.

I also met my cousin, Beau. He lives with Louise's Mom. We really did not have enough time to be properly introduced, but I overheard Louise and her Mom talking about having a play day, soon...just the four of us.

My incredible nose

I'll agree...the texture on my nose looks like the
finish on a basketball. I do like to watch the Pistons.

I also learned that no two kitty noses are the same. Each one is unique, like a fingerprint.

My ample jowls

My vet, Dr. Joe, said the reason my jowls are so well developed is that I was neutered late in life, so I was a “tom” for a bit.

My watching window nest

Last year, a pair of northern cardinals built and used this nest to raise three babies.



I am hoping they come back this year so I can watch them again.

Come Ripley

We have been learning how to come. I give Ripley few treats, so when he gets one, it is a big deal. Treats are his reward when he comes to me.

I want Ripley to learn that "come" to me, means a reward. So far, it is working. The reason I am teaching Ripley the come command is in the unfortunate event he sneaks out of doors. This happened once, and after running into the woods about 200 feet, he finally stopped long enough for me to snatch him.

We have coyote, and other predators large enough to attach cats. I firmly believe that cats should never be out of doors because of all the things that could hurt them. I am Ripley's caregiver, and would never forgive myself if something happened to him. So today, we practice, come, and Ripley smiles.

Louise

The rewards

Ripley's rewards. He didn't win, but he's a winner in our hearts any way!

Ripley's audiance

Ripley's audiance, waiting to hear his acceptance speech.

Acceptance speech

Here's Ripley practicing his acceptance speech, just in case he wins an Oscar!