More Signs Before 2023

     Thumper is starting to mellow out somewhat. He's still playful as hell but no longer has an issue with Blaxter, our outdoor kitty. He does like his time outside but stays close to the house and is usually back in after a short period of time. He's also starting to bond with me like Felix, my previous Manx did. He retrieves his toy when you toss it and follows me around like a little dog. Pure Manx behavior.  

    Speaking of little dogs, Ginger is feeling poorly and getting worse. A visit to the vets is not in the cards due to personal and financial reasons so we take care of her the best we can. She isn't in pain but she's out of it somewhat and is unsteady on her feet. She drinks but won't eat and hasn't vacated her bowels recently. Hopefully she will recover but it doesn't look good. If she shows signs that she's in pain we'll have to take her in and have the dirty deed done properly. We're not looking forward to that eventuality. 

    Just received a cord of wood yesterday afternoon and will be stacking it later this afternoon. It beats paying Pacific Graft & Extortion $500-$700 a month to keep warm. Our central heating/cooling unit is on the fritz anyway so it's really our only workable option. 

    Happy New Year everyone! Hope it keeps you smiling like this last one has for us. Just sayin'.  

Signs at the End of the Year

     Thumper survived his castration and is now a different kitty yet still the same. The thing that got me about the whole process is that we all talk about neutering our pets but we never use the "C" word. When we picked him up from the vets we got a "Certificate of Castration" for Thumper. It actually surprised me because when we use the word "Neuter" we avoid speaking the truth of what happens. The truth is we're having him castrated. If we used the "C" word from the start of the process there would be fewer castrations as castration has a greater negative connotation that travels with it, especially for men. Fewer castrations would not be a good thing so lets keep using "Neuter" when speaking of our beloved pets. Just sayin'.

Merry "Thumper" Christmas

     Yep, Thumper is still a member of the family and will have his nuts removed tomorrow. He probably won't like his late Christmas present but it will extend his utility as a house kitty by quite a few years. He let us know earlier this week that he was not about to spend anymore time inside without visiting outside so we were forced to let him out. He explored the neighborhood for a while and returned promptly for food a short time later. No more accidents since his release and I've watched his reactions to vehicles enough to know that he's well versed in the dangers of automobiles. All and all it's another groovy Christmas. Have a merry one everyone! 

Let's talk about Republicans addressing the elephant in the room....

    Maybe they collect them like my mother did. Just sayin'.

More on Thumper

     Between getting ready for Christmas and figuring out our new kitty we've been fairly busy since my last entry. Thumper is a puzzle for sure as his behavior plays itself out. I'm beginning to believe that he's quite young and has had very little experience with humans. That being said, he's quite the love bug. It's just that he's awkward about it; like he has no experience at it. We're enjoying his antics as he's playful as hell. He's starting to lose the food fixation and relax a little more as he acclimates to his new situation. We're glad he's come into our lives. Just sayin'. 

Texas Paul Reveals the TRUTH about Brittney Griner’s Release from Russia...

    Before I watched this, I had no idea of the larger picture and the stakes at play. Sounds like we got an okay deal but not if you're listening to the Right Wing Noise Machine. Just sayin'.

Now His Name is Thumper

     Couldn't make Butters work for him so we're on to Thumper now, after Bambi's rabbit buddy. He sounds like a thumper when he's racing down the hallway. He's still not happy with Blaxter and continues to growl from a distance when he's in the room. Something tells me he was a single kitty where ever he came from and he's not into tolerating other cats. Blaxter on the other hand has plenty of experience living in a multiple cat household and is no where near as upset about our new boarder. Fortunately, Blaxter is an outdoor cat and spends the majority of his time outdoors. He's quite independent while maintaining a close bond with us and only needs lap time on a daily basis. Just enough to insure that the food keeps coming. Speaking of food, it's still a issue for Thumper but he's calming down in that department. Time will cure whatever's bothering him and meanwhile he's entertaining as hell. He's a very playful and loving kitty and we're already in love with him. Thank you Big Guy for the major score. Just sayin'. 

More on Butters, Our New Manx

     Day two and it's becoming clear that he had a good home previously and did not take well to being homeless. I don't know how long he was out in the real world but it was long enough to give him some food issues. In general, Manx cats have a fairly delicate digestive situation so his time alone was traumatic for him. He left a bowel movement in his crate when we were bringing him home that nearly forced us to abandon the car. Fortunately Blaxter's food is in his wheelhouse so that's starting to improve his bowels as he settles down. 

    He met Blaxter, our Black Cat and grumbled and growled for a while after Blaxter left the house. They both know the other is in the area and I'm keeping them apart until attitudes improve. All and all Butters is turning out to be one awesome cat and we're enjoying his antics as we get to know him. I'm thinking his balls need removing soon so I'm on the lookout for an inexpensive clinic to get it done. I'd love to let him be a daddy first as he's quite the dandy and his kittens would be wonderful to behold I'm sure. But then, all kittens are wonderful to behold so who am I fooling? As usual, I'm just enjoying the ride.