Dallas Summer Day

Watermelon kitty chill...

Kinda says it all, huh? 

A Moment Ago

Well, more like six years ago when this pretty boy kitty

....and two of his siblings, were born underneath my bed. After I heard noises that lead me to treasure under said bed, and put a new family in their own maternity ward (aka my bathroom), I woke up the next morn, to this boy kitty's third sibling. We've come along way since that night in 2007.  Two of his siblings have furr-ever homes.  In fact, I tried to talk a co-worker into taking this boy kitty home with her. We sat at a Starbucks for two hours, with a by then 12 week old kitty. The co-worker really wanted a girl kitty, tho. On the way home, after a stop in PetSmart, where I carried the boy kitty in my hand and passersby-oooh and ahhhed--my precious cargo looked at me with these big, ol' saucer sized eyes.  He had me.

And Noir the Texas Tabby, has had me every since.

Show n Tell on Wednesday

Etsy. Me. 

I mentioned the other day how I opened a shop on Etsy. I am an entrepreneur. My procrastination hormone was in overdrive. Any and every reason I could think of to NOT open my own business--large or small.  Don't have enough items posted. Not enough inventory. What if items weren't mailed in a timely manner? What if the world told me to pack up and leave?  

*sigh*

So after alot of talking my own self silly, and the fact I ran out of ice cream--I decided to jump in.  Reminded by friends and my cat Noir, that Hallmark wasn't always what it is today...Which of course made think I need to write a script so it can be adapted for a movie on their Hallmark Channel--alas, that dream still percolates! 

****For now, it is Esty and my kitty stationery--a dream  for awhile now--we will see how true the dream becomes!

Monday Mash

Hello everyone! Been out of pocket for a few days--mainly due to my central air conditioning on its last gallop. And, I live in Texas where 100 F temps have made their annual return. I knew the a/c was going, yet not this quick--the a/c guy  confirmed this the day after Memorial Day. He pumped my unit with three pounds of Freon at 70 bucks a pound--hoping it would last the summer. Then I could replace the whole system--which costs more than $29.99. The thought of going into more debt just right now, on an item you use to think OLD people plunked down cash for--I wasn't feelin'. My financial situation was now on the rise, and did not feel like saddling myself with this--just not now, unless of course, it was a black Mercedes C300--I digress, Back to the $210 worth of Freon--it has been a yes/no situation. My house can me sorta cool, yet not the ice berg it could be at 80 F degrees. The a/c guys says I have a leak somewhere, so  with the thought of Freon 70 bucks a pound I jimmied with the thermostat, figured I had it figured it all out. Thought I could make the hot so cool house livable.  
*Wrong.
**Last Thursday night I got home from work. One step into the house, my house was a sauna. Over 90 F degrees.  The outside temperature was close to 100F. I have cats who I instantly felt guilty for. They had to endure the roast. Had enough of this.  
*****A co-worker had suggested I get a couple a/c window units just to last me through summer. I poo'd poo'd it off--until Thursday night. Up to a big box home improvement store. Purchased a  Frigidaire 5000 BTU air conditioner window unit just for my bedroom--to see how it would do.It is for small spaces up to 150 sq ft.  A young lady helped demonstrate how to install. You could do it she said.
*Yea, by Friday night I got the sucker in. Weight of it, was not a problem. I lug heavier cat litter bags. Nope. My first issue was getting the screen OUT of the window. I would have had the unit in, if I could get get the screen OUT. Night had fallen and I afraid some bat, affected by radiation and be 18 ft wing span would swoop through the open window. I would wait til Friday.
**I did not even stop to get a Starbucks Mocha Frappucino on the way home Friday night.  I wanted to get this puppy in my the window. I got the screen out, fiddled with the unit and finally--FINALLY got it in. Secure in the window. Friday night, my room was so cool, I needed to put a cover over me.
Tis wonderful!  My cats decided they loved me more too. 
**I will purchase a bigger one for my living area. I should be able to put that unit in alot quicker--because I am so DIY and know how. The house is lots, LOTS cooler, even with this smaller unit. We'll be fine for the Texas summer. Gives me time to budget my dollars. 
**I was going to post a picture of  the window unit, however how cute really is that?  Instead here is  the kitty in who refuses to let me throw away the packing and the a/c box. She's claimed it as her own---for now.
Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go relax in the cool of 5000 BTU...

Together Forever...

Big ol' wide load of a Tuxie kitty gets a Thursday touch all his own. Kitty's name is MaxMaxx and I need a forklift to pick him up--that is when he lets me. However MaxMaxx's purrs rival a car with a busted muffle going down the street, His leg rubs cut off my circulation and MaxMaxx sniffs the air when he hears the slightest hint of a can opening...

I would not have it any other way.

Morning After World Series

Well, the world knows the Texas Rangers lost Game 7, with the score of 6-2 in the-best -of- 7 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Rangers actually lost the World Series in Game 6, when they should have won it. The Texas Rangers were one strike ---twice--from being World Series champs. It just did not happen. I am still at a loss of words.

This morning, I met up with a chum for breakfast. And to show my support, I did wear my Texas Rangers red t-shirt. Once I was out and about it was nice to see others had the same idea. It's something how a sports team can bring just about everybody together. We just need that 'togetherness' to branch out more.

In the meantime, it's 119 days til Spring Training. I have not really been a baseball babe--there are 162 games in Major League Baseball season. And honestly, I do want the home to win, yet I do not follow much. Too many games and I got other things to do. I can pick out the manager, Ron Washington, in a crowd and that's bout it. I will be like the kitty and rest and ponder that...

Come Opening Day 2012, I gotta feelin' everything's gonna be different.

Go Rangers!

Tabby in the Wisteria Thicket

See the kitty in the photo? I snapped this tonight, shortly after I arrived home from work. He (tho I think a "she") sat outside my shed door--where s/he seems to sack out part time. We did our usually stare down. I try to just inch toward him and ZOOM. The other night the cat did some stretches and I got a good view I thought to confirm the boy was really a girl, and I must be in denial. I'm wondering if the cat has babies inside the belly. When the tuxie cat I do have was pregnant, I didn't even know for sure until she had babies underneath my bed. She had them so far under my bed I had to take the box springs and mattress off to get to her. The beauty in all that was, a year before that I was recuperating from open-heart surgery and was told to not lift more than a milk jug. That mommy cat was so stick thin--I look at pictures now, and I'm surprised she even carried babies. But this cat who rents my shed....I'm not 100% sure either. I'm sure cat lives somewhere--yet just likes my bistro I provide the neighborhood. He just returns and stays. None of the other neighborhood cats do. Anyway--the cat got into my wisteria forest and felt safe--until I started to take pictures!


Stay tuned.

At its Finest....

That's what Saturday is. Especially if it includes this wide load kitty aka my Tuxie baby big boy: MaxMaxx. Been together since late 2006. MaxMaxx is bundle of sweet purrin' love too. Snapped the photo this morning as the Saturday sun eased on in thru the window and made its mark on MaxMaxx. Nice.

MaxMaxx sits on the arm of the couch, as I watch TV and try to paint some terra cotta pots. When he gets tired there, MaxMaxx is glued to my side.

He's a pretty cool cat. Yep, MaxMaxx makes a Saturday just that much finer!

Sunday Done

Photo this past February, when Dallas had the worst winter weather in about 25 years. The kitty takes it all in. I figured I see another winter wonderland scene it might cool me off from another 100 degree day******It didn't******Anyway, Sunday was good. Church was GREAT! The weekend, alas was too short as always. What gives with that? Didn't finish a terra cotta pot like I wanted nor did I write any fiction. Finishing up that school project took more time than I thought. However, a new week is right round the corner. ******And I look forward to the adventure.

Stay tuned.

Decoupage 911

After work I headed to the little neighborhood crafty store: Googly Eyes Had a "test" pot in tow with a waterslide decal and two different poses on napkins decoupaged on it. Yep, napkins. One of the napkins had a bird on it, and the other napkin had one of my own pictures printed on it***** The decal looked OK. The bird looked great, while my printed photo on napkin, needed more black ink, possibly another printer, and a sturdier napkin**All in all, I felt like the last piece of mulberry paper, waiting to be used. Overall I LOVED the look of the napkin decoupage. Eventho my printed piece wasn't so lovely. My question to one of the owners at Googly Eyes, did she know anybody who printed on napkins. After my adventure of to print and to tear napkin layers so I could decoupage--wasn't feelin' any more long term printin'. ***** The co-owner did gave me wonderful suggestions about the decal, possible accents on my terra cotta pots, crackle medium and try to print on tissue paper. Done done tissue paper before, yet it's been a few months. Didn't want to print, yet I grabbed another 'test' pot. ***** The second time thru the printer, the tissue paper got printed on. I anchored mine to a sheet of cardstock. Honestly, I do like how it's drying on the pot. However I realized I do not want to print anything more myself. ***** All I could think of: I may need a better printer and the overall hassle of anchoring tissue paper or napkins. Especially if I wind up doing more pots for people.*****Sure. Yea. I hear ya, practice does make perfect.

In the picture: Up left is a kitty (yep really!) sniffs a tulip. That's the one I printed on the napkin. The bird was on the napkins I bought at Party City. The other kitty in the corner is on the waterslide decal.

Now time to practice on some pepperoni pizza.

Am Too

That's what I am. It's 9:14pm. I promised myself I was going to bed early tonight..and I am.

Did some school work. This instructor--has already given me positive feedback on my posts. I'm beginning to think this Human Services Bachelor of Science thing I'm goin' for is a good thing. I do have do alot of writing for this particular class this weekend--plus I'd like to do some of my own fiction writing--my novella cries to me to add more words to it. I'll see what I can do.

Oh, and I tried to prune my wisteria tree--yes, tree--I hope I didn't kill it. Anyway, a branch popped me in the face. Since I take a blood thinner, I won't be too surprised if I have a bruise. Anyway, I'm pretty proud of myself for taking on such a task. It had grown enough, it had wrapped itself around my neighbors' tree branches....

And the kitty posted here? His name is Noir and has his own blog, Noir's Nook--which seems to get more hits than mine. Hmm. I can't be hating on my own cat, must be cuz Noir purrs! :) Anyway, I took snapped this picture just a few minutes ago. Noir perched on the blankee I have for a cat who decides to keep me company while I toil on the PC. Noir decided tonight was his shift. however Noir does decide when his shift is also over--cuz Noir pulled an Elvis and left the room....

...and I am too.

Thursday and Almost

Friday.

Call me vain. I like my new profile photo. Always hated getting my picture snapped due to forever having a crooked mouth. That was due to being born with microtia (one ear) and missing some bone and such on the left side of my face. And then when I had the stroke that wasn't a stroke, right before I had the little open-heart surgery adventure-the side of my mouth drooped some. Still kinda does. Paranoid, at times, I am about it.

Then I see my profile pic. I look happy in this photo. As I am flat broke. 100 cats (well, not really). Wish for a new, and better house buying experience--or maybe I just want a clean house? Or a wish for a written and finished finished novel by ME. And a business to call my own. And to tickle a cute kitty's tummy. All good.

And in new profile photo I appear like I have all that and more.

Yep. Call me vain. I like it.

I am blessed.

The Results....with a Twist

OK. The judges can use their veto power just once? Hmm. All that hot air Ryan Seacrest blew is what he said? Just once? I thought it meant one vote reversal for which ever contestant got the audience's boot. That kinda made more sense. Personally, I would have liked to see what Jorge had more of.

Anyway Jasmine and Jorge. The two J's gone. I'm OK with that. My faves are: Danny Gokey, Allison the 16 year old, Michael the Oil Rigger guy, and a real distant fave, , Adam 'the Goth' Lambert.

Also tonight so confirmed I am so not into wrap. I watched (heard?) all of Kanye West's song. First of all, is what Kanya does considered singing? I'm sure the guy is talented. I do know he's easy on the eyes, however, I really didn't get where Kanye was coming from. I may need the youngest member of my writers' group, "T" break it down for me. I guess I'm a bit more old school than I thought.

In the meantime a cat awaitsand a couple spoonfuls of ice cream call my name.

Not Planned...

I buried a kitty in my back yard today.

No, not one of mine. But a neighborhood kitty that lounged in my backyard, especially in the mornings. My brood watched her from behind the fortress of my kitchen window, while our guest would watch them and then roll in the freedom of my lawn.

Not sure what neighbor the kitty belong too. Sure looked like no meals were missed. A roly poly, long haired tortiese shell kitty. My guess, maybe a girl, since few calicos are male. Just a few weeks ago, I watched as she drank from the water bowl I have set for the birds. Scared me the first time I spotted her-a big bundle stretched out on the lawn.

I'd just been in the house a few days and thought "How could a possum survive with all these dogs around here?" Then the kitty stood up. I went outside to try and make friends. Ms. Tortiseshell wasn't feelin' that. Yet, she would be back often and have a stare contest with my brood.

This afternoon, as I step out my front door to leave, I saw her. Curled under my chair--sleep, I thought-no biggie. Been there before. Then I got scared when she didn't move as I came all the way out. I knelt down and looked her. I could still see some of her pretty Spring green eyes. She may have still been with me as we looked into each other's eyes. I think she died right then.

I came inside and called animal control to come get her. I was on hold. I had no idea where she lived exactly. I'd seen her walk across the street, then other times, I would see her on another lawn as I drove home from work. But which lawn? There was no way I would go house to house with a dead cat in my arms. I didn't fathom the thought of traumatizing some child along the way.

Then I realized, "You have a back yard. She would visit, so now let her stay here." I wrapped her up in some piece of no longer worn clothing and carried her to the back yard. She was limp , not all the way stiff when kitties pass away. I had her away from harm for the little bit I planned to leave. I prayed when I returned, she would be like Lazarus and rise up.

Didn't happen. Her body was now very stiff and the pretty Spring green eyes were shut. I wonder if a car hit her and she made it to my house. We'd had some rain and she was wet. Or a dog, or maybe somebody put her there. I just know she wasn't there last night, when I turned on my porch light.

I could be typing here, as I'm doing right now, with my cats are looking out the window, just like now--at something. It could have been her. If I'd known, may I could have saved her.

In my back yard, there are rocks that circle some plants, not far from the bird's water bowl. Her grave is among the plants. Her rest will be undisturbed. Also the kitty will help the plants bloom in the Spring Such a pretty cat. I hope there's a 'Lost" sign for her. I would call her humans and tell them where she is.

Don't let your cats roam the neighborhood. It is their instinct to prowl, yet a car, dog or just a jerk of a human won't care.

Still Time Before....

....my favorite New and (future) Food Network Star, Aaron McCargo dazzles us with his culinary talents. This guy's smile could melt any iceberg! Plus he comes across as a cuddly ol' bear that can whip up food to make my tummy happy. OK, sure, I realize Lisa is from Dallas, and in one episode, she did mention her Iowa grandmother. So we have the Iowa connection going on, but I am sorry-my heart and plate and fork and spoon go to the cuddly ol' bear.

Since I do have some time I may tackle my sinkful of dishes, mop my floor, do laundry or just sit on my couch and wait for a cat to stake claim to my lap.

Tough choice.

A couple more e-mails and then head for my couch-well, you know the rest!

C'mon Aaron!