Been scrambling like mad with writing, playing catchup with same and trying to make deadline. Been a little behind in communications, but gaining on it.
Sorry about the long silence. Re-hi!
by CJ | Feb 23, 2020 | Journal | 141 comments
141 Comments
Submit a Comment Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Respects, I know that type of feeling. To paraphrase Houston Control, “Glad to hear your voice, a lot of people can start breathing again” 😉
Good grief, please don’t apologise. Where you find the time to do what you do boggles my mind and that’s just your literary output!
Thank all the little feathered gods! Nobody is hurt, ill or mourning! Now I can use up my allotment of worry on the picayune!
Howdie-Hi-Ho… Glad to hear that things are still things…
Good to see you here again!
Oh, it is so, so good to know y’all both are OK, and the cats. — One hopes Lynn Abbey is also doing well. She’s missed too; I wish she’d say hi here occasionally. — Fans had said you’d been on Facebook, so we had some idea you were OK, but still, one worried there was a glitch, or an annoyance with us fans.
My blog, restarted, is messed up and I intend to restart it from scratch, over the next couple of days, depending on other things, and I’ll need to ask tech support at my hosting service a couple of questions. I am likely to try starting a forum. Heaven help me.
I’ll hold off on a cats and kittens update until I have a place for that. All is well except Mystic is outside, unfairly, because Mama Peppercorn is grouchy about him being near. She’s very petite and very strong-willed, and will defend her kittens to the utmost against anyone she deems a possible threat. Too bad she still thinks Mystic is, but she’s warming up about Goober a little.
Both cabbies from the recent vet trip are a no-go this time. I’ll either have to get a ride, l luck of the draw, arranged like last time, or maybe my friend can take us. (First vet trip for mama and babies; immunizations and treatment for parasites hither and yon required. Every cat outside must be infested; probably every dog too.) Or else I’ll have to reschedule for a second time. But by now, the vet staff know this. However, no, they also won’t come over and pick me and the cat(s) up and drop me back off. Life in the big city, welcome to modern-day USA. Phooey.
But on the whole, the cats are doing better than expected and I am, well, perking along, if only things could improve.
Breakfast and a nap here, then I intend to set up for a forum install and may get that set up. A little housecleaning maybe, but likely after the cats get back, if we get to go. If not, some cleaning Monday, plus fooling with WordPress and forum mumbo-jumbo.
Mama Peppercorn and kittens: A cross between hani and atevi, they are, all-black and wonderful. — I haven’t gotten the babies still long enough to check how many boys and girls we have. — They don’t have names yet, I can’t tell them apart yet, but one needs to be called Squeaker.
@CJ — If ther is an atevi name for “Squeaker,” that kitten will get it. Or a hani name would do nicely for the same. (Hmm, I haven’t noticed if hani names and nouns inflect for gender, or just use the honorifics.) (And one is mindful that biologically and psychologically, it’s not as simple as either/or among humans.) Once I’ve had a good look at them and the vet trip, I’ll start getting a sense of names for while they are fostered.
Ah, they should be between 4 and 5 weeks old now, but they aren’t ready to give away. That said, I need to find adoptive, permanent homes for them. Mama is more likely to be a TNR but with this as her home base. Unless someone would like to adopt a semi-feral kitty who is showing good signs of being agreeable, of learning, but still likely semi-feral.
Blue says “I’ll hold off on a Cat & Kitten Update ” , then proceeds to do just that !!! Oh lol, he Cracks me up sometimes, he really does. 😉
Very good to hear from you again — a lot of the salads were quite concerned (me included! :D)
Happy to hear it was just extremely busy, no-one hurting or anything else bad.
Is there a librarian or two in the house? (I think there are a felicitous three.)
I cannot recall for sure the title, publisher, and ISBN of a book which I think was published in the mid-1980’s, and may have been published in the UK rather than the US. (As I recall, this was so, with British spelling.) The title was maybe too generic, something like The Book of the Cat or The Encyclopedia of the Cat (I don’t think they used the Encyclopaedia spelling.) Oh, I didn’t try The World of the Cat. It may have had the cat before the other noun. This was a large-format softbound / paperback book, approx. US Letter or A4 or a standard UK publishing size near that, I think. The cover was white with a ginger tabby. I believe it was the bust of a cat rather than a full-body standing and facing the viewer tail up. The cover may have been a photo or painting, but as I recall, the light and shade made it seen the white background had been cropped out with just the cat in a more natural yet maybe painted state.
Yes, that’s got to be one of the most obscure references, I’m sure. I have tried searching on Amazon for this, but haven’t come up with the right cover. My old copy is, oh I hope, in storage rather than lost.
This book gave general cat care, plus other facts on related Felidae, origins of the house cat as known then, breeds, coat and eye colors, a bit on genetics, and a nice bit including an illustration showing the range of cats in a city neighborhood colony; a rather middle class setting, at that, cats in windows, on the streets, and so on, cat socialization and colonies, behavior, intelligence, feeding, etc.
If there is still a copy of the book around used on Amazon or elsewhere, I’d get it if I could locate it, or a more recent edition. The book was purchased from one of the big chains at the time. I don’t think Barnes & Noble was yet in our area, and it may have been Waldenbooks or Ballantine’s or B. Dalton’s, not that that has any meaning now, or relevance to finding the book. (Barnes & Noble had indeed gotten to our area in a big, big way with a huge store in an upscale center near us at the time. That store is as big as a good-sized city library branch, although the B&N has a little tea, coffee, and cakes shop at the center. … But no resident cats. 😉 )
(I’m off to see if “World of the Cat” gives me the right result.)
Alternatively, I could use a recommendation on a good all-around cat book. I bought a couple of first aid and cat/kitten care books, since it’s been too long since I’ve cared for a litter of kittens this young. The little characters are now around 4 to 5 weeks, not yet old enough to give away, but almost to the exploring-everywhere, climbing-on-everything stage. They are now pretty used to me after a week, and Mama trusts me with them, although still will fuss at me if she thinks I might step on her, and isn’t so sure about being picked up herself. (Oh, I hope I don’t have to give her oral meds, such as Metronidazole, but she _might_ tolerate it. Even Curry did, for almost a week.) Last night, two of the kittens climbed onto the bed, but so far, no repeat attempt, not all five, and Mama hasn’t done so, nor have the kittens decided to make that a regular sleeping spot. As soon as they figure it out and make truce with Goober, though, I expect it will happen. (I hope Mama Peppercorn plus kittens do not run Goober off his own bed. His spot there, and sleeping with me, is sacred.)
Mama got herself out during a package deliver (cat litter and kitten food, please be that delivery.) But she got back in easily. She meowed about when I saw she wasn’t still there. Any time I open the door or go out, oh, I do a head count when I get back, and look for kittens as I go out. So she knows she can get back in, and she has shown only idle curiosity in checking outside. She, thankfully, wants to be with her babies, and likes that she has a safe, warm, dry spot inside where she and they are free to be, plus food and water and lots of attention. And thank goodness, they all are good with the litterbox, only one accident I’ve noted so far, cleaned up right then.
Goober got a cuff on the nose from Peppercorn for getting too close to her kittens, but he’s showing interest in making friends and playing, not hostile. I wish Miss Thang would cool it and make friends. I don’t want Goober feeling slighted, jealous, or like he has an enemy in her. So far, he’s been better behaved than I could have hoped for. — I am being watchful, since now he’s showing interest in starting play, a couple of times, and wants to make friends. — But I am glad she has decided to ease up some, to let him go past without challenge, and let him be around while her kittens are. I suspect in a few days, he and the kittens all will have met. As long as he won’t get too physical if they play, we’ll be fine. He tried to start play last night, but his demonstration, lying down and bunny-kicking the bedspread and giving his “let’s play!” chitter meow, made the brave little kitten who’d climbed the bed pause and decide, hmm, not yet, thanks. So Goober may not know his own strength, ut I took that as a friendly invitation rather than a display of male prowess or aggression or territoriality. Goober has been very patient, long-suffering, about all this. But now he seems to be warming to the idea of them as possible friends and playmates. Not bad for a fellow who is 13and nearly 4 months plus. He did fine when Smokey was a new kitten, but Smokey was then 6 to 8 weeks, although undersized, stunted.
these kittens show good signs of being normal-sized. Little Mama is very petite but very strong in personality, sweet to me, but not shy about a warning hiss or growl if she thinks her babies are threatened, or herself. She may be a full adult rather than a teen mom first time. Her mothering skills are excellent.
Ohhh…. And she says it’s past feeding time. I postponed with cat treats for her, but yes, it’s over 9 hours now. I’m reducing to three feedings a day from four before. She has the runs (due to parasites) but is no longer quite so famished with kibble always available and wet food more than twice a day. (Goober normally gets a small can twice a day, dry food always there.) The kittens are now on a schedule where they are fine, and I’m drawing back to avoid overfeeding. My budget will be very thankful, as for the past while, particularly since taking them in, going from one cat to two to adding mama and five kittens, whew, feeding a small army of kitties.
I _think_ Mystic may weather this and may still get accepted by Peppercorn, but for now, he’s eating and wanting out, as Little Mama hasn’t accepted him yet. She’s close to accepting Goober, I think.
I may not get to the vet tomorrow, but she and the kittens need de-worming and shots and a first checkup. A tentative check has one boy, one girl, and three not yet inspected. I still can’t tell who’s who.
I still think that you should mine out all of your cat posts and use them as the basis for a book. Feline point of view might be good, or third person.
Comment That was a rather vague description, but if it helps there’s a book called “The Complete Cat Breed Book” , or so Google tells me. I don’t know when it came out and is probably not the specific book you were thinking of. However, it does claim to know rather a lot about cats with sections on such things as Food & Feeding; Handling; Socializing; etc, etc. Well you get the idea, anyway, it says theres an ebook version for £4-49 ( that’s Pounds Sterling ). Might not be what your looking for, but you can Google it and look see.
I know that book. It’s available: author is Michael Wright, and you shouldn’t have trouble finding it used.
PJ, thank you! That is exactly it. A used hb copy for probably less than I paid for the original pb copy shall wend its way to my doorstep right away.
Deesha, thanks also again. I will likely get a new book in a bit.
Librarians, thanks for your time and effort. The book is:
Wright, Michael (author).
Walters, Sally (editor).
The Book of the Cat.
Hardcover
Publisher: Littlehampton Book Services Ltd (1980)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0706360397
ISBN-13: 978-0706360394
Package Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.7 x 1.1 inches
aperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Summit Books; First Edition edition (January 1, 1981)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0671416243
ISBN-13: 978-0671416249
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 11.2 inches
I don’t know why it lists two different publishers for the hb and pb and different years. Possibly a name change or buy-out or UK / US locations?
Anyway, very good, thanks, all.
We had some unwelcome excitement Friday evening. Our son, driving home from work, was hit by a driver who then skedaddled. Ian is okay, but his car may have a bent frame and a demolished wheel and tire plus pushed in rear passenger door and quarter panel. The other driver was stopped at a cross street (with stop sign) but went before Ian had cleared the intersection. From the evidence, it was a blue car and is now missing a screw from the front license plate, left in Ian’s passenger door. At least there was a witness who reported the accident and got a partial plate, so the police report indicates he was the victim of a hit-and-run. Insurance may pay enough to get a replacement.
Oh, ow! Considering the damage done to Ian’s car, I predict the other vehicle had at the least a ruined radiator and was probably not going far. Was it a truck who hit him?
CJ, you were missed. 😉
No problem. Write away. Am wearing my Malguri Morning shawl with a penannular brooch, hoping yours (plural) are keeping the both of you as warm as mine are keeping me.
I finally finished the Foreigner reread culminating in the latest book. I think I have started to go into withdrawal.
Foreigner 21: Resurgence is available for pre-order at Amazon, with a release date showing 2020-09-08 (Sept. 8th). Audible now has The Paladin, one of CJ’s earlier backlist titles avail. in audiobooks.
— Penannular? Something about a hanging ring, I’d guess. WOL, you’ve got me on that one, I’m going to have to look it up. I don’t recall seeing that word before. “Annular, pend- / pendant / pendere, and peri-, I get, but hmm, I want to be sure of that one.)
— Ouch, Ready, glad your son’s OK. Glad it was not even more serious.
— Tommie — I’ll think about that. I haven’t picked up the needed new draft of the starship cat story, and other writing has stalled the past long while. Maybe another genre and approach would be good. Either a human memoir or a cat POV memoir; the latter has possibilities. I wonder how much material there is, between what I’d written in personal notes and what I’d written here, plus the few posts at my blog. — Note, the blog will be down sometime today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday) to start from scratch. I have backed it up in case an import would work. I may start a forum as practice and as an alternative.
— Overnight, just now, I woke up and fed the cats, of course. Hungry mama and kittens. (They had some dry left.) — But after that, I wound up with one of the kittens in my lap for an extended stay, a nap, the kitten’s choice. I was very honored, and the cuteness factor was high. I believe that one’s a little girl, and on the thin side, except they all have full tummies. Then had four of the five around me, playing. Mama had a moment’s spat with Goober passing, but all was well. When I went in the kitchen to get food for m’self, I accidentally stepped on Little Mama’s tail and scared us both, minor offended her, but she was surprisingly quick to forgive. I doubt I would’ve been, in her place. Sunday morning, I dared to fix an egg in the frying pan, added leftover rice and pasta, a Knorr side dish, and thankfully, no problems for a first try since mama and kittens were fostered. Also no problems with the washer or sink garbage disposal. I think they are so used to loud noises and peculiar, inexplicable human activities, that it doesn’t bother them. My worry is safety regarding the stovetop and oven, but I watch out for Goober about that too. And since the kittens have started coming in my room, and have not yet taken up residence on the bed, even so, I will have to be mindful of rolling my desk chair. The kittens are maybe 4 to 5 weeks old and still tiny, still catching up to where they should be, but they seem healthy and growing nicely, eating moist and a little dry, drinking water, still nursing milk from mama, and using the litterbox, plus getting cleanup from mama. (I had not know it, but mama cats stimulate their babies to pee and poop until they are old enough to do it on their own, and they teach the kittens to use a litterbox, plus that seems to be an instinct, to cover it up.) Playtime is going well, and the kittens will be climbing the bed and napping there, then climbing absolutely everywhere, any day now. And — I will have to get on finding adoptive homes for them.
Mama may be too feral to adopt out unless someone special can take her. Or she may stick around here; she’s welcome with me. If I can get a rent to own situation, she and Mystic wold be welcome with Goober and me. Curry would be welcome outside. — I have not seen Curry in almost a week, but that is not unusual for him. I haven’t let him in since fostering the little family. Mystic comes in and eats and wants out, and Peppercorn hasn’t yet accepted him. She is giving Goober a little leeway, which, for her, is a big deal, I think. So there is a chance she may decide Goober is a friend.
I didn’t hear back from the 2nd cabbie at all. Had left a message. So I will be calling my friend to see about a ride or if he can have better luck scheduling a cab. Uber got both the to and from rides mixed up on Mystic’s vet trip, so it’s not just me. So I still have no regular cabbie and no real prospects. I kept the two cabbies’ names and numbers, in case, but no luck. One seemed good but hasn’t called back. The other was honest and blunt and said it was too far out of her way for too short a trip. If I wanted something longer so it’d be worth her time and money, then OK. I said thanks, I understood, but darn it, that doesn’t help: most of my trips are not lengthy, but when I had a regular cabbie, I’d schedule several errands for a day, or a few over a couple of days. Not often now I do that, less need.
I already underestimated on cat litter and will need to order a bit more. The good should arrive just as the current supply runs out, or I can order an extra box to tide us over. I think I have a feeding schedule worked out now so I won’t overfeed them and so mama and kittens and the guys all get taken care of without a fuss. Mystic and Curry are itinerant at present. Mystic is not convinced he wants to join the household after all, if a mama cat is going to fuss at him every time he moves. Poor guy. (He is mild, but he’s been outside so long, he is used to it more than I thought, and will give a light low growl at Peppercorn or kittens if they get too close when he’s eating. He is less prone to try that with Goober. I am still feeding Goober apart from mama and kittens, to ease a transition. But they feel free to encroach on the guys’ food at will. Mama will of course not be ready to spay until she’s weaned her kittens, as far as I know, and I am not in any hurry to do that while she has them. Mystic still needs neutering, as does Curry, and Mystic should be done with de-worming by next week, if all goes well. When mama and kittens get their checkup, or the next two weeks after, I should know if she’ll need any oral meds for any bacterial problem. And I expect Goober will need a checkup to be sure he hasn’t caught any parasites, ear or intestinal, since taking in the little family.
I need to get groceries this week, but still have some, so it’s not yet truly urgent.
Don’t know if the vet appt. will happen today, but at present, it looks like not.I hate that they need treatment for intestinal parasites and have to endure this, as that is just plain miserable and undignified for human nor beast.
— Shedaddle — Do they say that over in the UK, Scotland included, of course? That feels like an American word. But the Brits and Scots and Welsh (etc.) sometimes surprise me on who got what word from whom.
Kindle books listing includes a title called, hmm now was it “Complete Cat” , or ” The Complete Cat” ? whatever, that’s a book by Vicky hall’s. hmm seems she does a LOT of Cat books, but that particular one appears to have a section on taking in strays. Incidentally if your going to take the little mother to the vets, you really should have it checked for a chip, it might not be quite the stray you imagined. My aunt has more or less been adopted by a `stray` that as it turns out is owned by another woman in the neighbourhood. Said cat however, doesn’t care about such niceties. It’s moved in, eats, sleeps, goes out on the prowl, would be interesting describing the world according to cats, who appear to use Humans as Way-Station’s. Anyway I really aught to Skedaddle.
Well, I guess I’m consistent. Heh. 😀 I looked on Amazon but still need to look for the suggested author; thanks, Deesha. That didn’t turn up the cover art in the first couple of pages of hits, but some interesting options. I haven’t bought anything yet.
Amazon also thought I needed a cat brooch, and was unclear about cat books versus dog books. The dogs did look handsome, though. Amazon also thought I needed a book and a movie DVD. Why don’t they just offer me stock? (I already have that movie and that book has been in my to-read pile for an embarrassingly long time.)
I’ve been up since about midnight and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I’ve had around four hours of sleep again. Sigh. One cabbie was a no; the other never called back, and my friend is out of pocket. I’ve called to cancel today’s vet appt. and hope it’ll be this week. — I am going to give Goober and the little family some (more) attention and if I get sleepy, I’ll sleep, but so far, looks like it’ll be evening before that happens. The kittens this morning are exploring more, lots of energy after breakfast. No sign of Mystic this morning, less sign of Curry.
Peppercorn, the mama cat, had a family who were letting her stay outside, which is why she began coming to see me, and then kept bringing her kittens back to stay at my door, after the family’s son had met me and brought them back. So a week after I’d given them a note asking for us to work together, the son came back and said if I wanted to foster them, I could. So…I took mama and babies inside, and that’s been about a week ago. — Curry was definitely a stray, but I still haven’t seen the guy who was feeding strays here, the source of that info. Mystic showed up, and kept showing up, so I put up flyers for nearly 2 weeks. I got zero responses, but people did read the flyers, because José (the son) asked about Mystic. So…I really did not intend for feeding one stray to turn into one to two outside cats, one of which (Mystic) may become a permeant addition (but he’s not staying in because he and Mama don’t agree), and then mama and babies, because, oh, the universe has a sense of ironic humor when I opened my big mouth and wondered why I kept running into male cats and not female cats for a long time. So the universe answered with a female cat with kittens. Naturally. Er, I wasn’t really praying, I was only asking, given the law of averages, you know? But whether one terms it God or Nature or the Universe, well…bingo, mama and kittens, there ya go, Ben. Haha. Funny, the apartment is no longer so empty. And I have too much stuff, still.
I am very much enjoying having the kittens and mama around. The extra bit of work and the odd hours are fine; my sleep / wake cycle is never on schedule anyway, after having been a caregiver so long, plus whatever weirdness my biochemistry has. The enjoyment is super, and it’s made me be extra careful to give Goober equal time. If Peppercorn and Mystic would make friends, and if she’d accept Goober fully, we’d be very good indeed. The kittens are rapidly getting to the into-everything stage, but still undersized for their age, I think.
Goober has perked up since Peppercorn and kittens have moved in. Good for him. This seems to more, he has possible friendly companions and interesting kitty-watching, more than any amorous intentions. But I am very glad to see him more perky, happier, more engaged, not bored or so prone to sleep away the day and night. He is taking advantage of time with me, too.
How they work out sharing the bed, when the kittens and mama figure out that is a possibility, is going to be a tricky proposition. Hoping for good results on it.
You have enough new cats to name them after the seven dwarfs, but then six of seven cats would not be Happy.
I was thinking of naming the kittens after Bren’s aishid, and including Cajeiri. Then I realized I didn’t recall Cajeiri’s aishid’s names and they might be more fitting. Probably the gender mix doesn’t match the book characters, though. But I’m still tempted. I’d need to explain the source of the names, which could be fun. Someone at the vets’ office must be a science fiction fan; possibly a few. Mama Peppercorn would be an excellent Guildswoman. One suspects she was tutored by the lady Ilisidi. Or perhaps a relative. Heh.
Those seven dwarfs. If I ever tried a fractured fairy tale of them, surely there’d be something to say about an all-male house where a pretty young lady arrives but then promptly runs off with the first handsome prince, rather than one (several? all?) seven dwarfs. (Snicker.) — But I’m more suspicious about that Goldilocks chick. Something’s up with that girl. Subtext. Hahah.
So far, no little escapees among the five when I’ve had to check the door for packages or notices. Nearly stepped on one little sleepyhead who had decided my shoe and a corner of the bedspread spilling to the floor were a cozy spot for a nap. Avoided any harm because I was barefoot and felt, hmm, that’s furry, that’s not my shoe. Heh. Currently, after the evening meal, two kittens are in my doorway on the carpet and three are in the rocking chair on the cushion. Mama is stationed on the floor between the living room and kitchen. She doesn’t seem to go for the top of boxes or for cushions. Still no one on the bed but Goober. He and mama kitty seem to have an uneasy truce going, not yet an alliance / friendship. But this is better than armed camps in opposition.
The apartment complex finally sent out a flyer and an email, but it would be hard to tell it’s from them without squinting and doing a careful read. It looks like they may have started up online services after the new ownership.
Oh my, kitten and mama are talking to each other. Not sure what those vocalizations mean, but it’s something.
I’m behind schedule, the cake is not made, but I’ll get a start on the forum tonight or tomorrow. Don’t knoww yet if it’ll be permanent or practice. It mainly depends on how numerous the bottiin are, or rather, how well the current forum software is at fending off bogus bottiin registrations. The forum itself, a few years back, was fine, just seldom frequented, tiny audience. Tech supportt to solve what might be going on between blog and PHP and mySQL will be tomorrow or the next day, therefore, depending on how much time things take.
Cajeiri’s ashid is two sister/brother teams. Vejico and Lucasi are the Guild pair, and Antaro and Jegari are the Taibeni pair. Cajeiri’s ashid has a more equitable gender ratio than Bren’s. If you need an extra female name, “Irene” springs to mind.
CJ — Any word on when we might see an Audible version of Resurgence? I know there was a problem with the original contract, but I’m hoping that’s all been sorted and one is in the works? I admit to quite enjoying Daniel Thomas May’s narrations.
One is very glad to hear all is well.
CJ, it was very good to hear you and Jane are doing well, and so busy with writing. One assumed so, based on Facebook sightings, but still a relief; one worries. Having just finished enjoying Resurgence, I’d heartily cheer “more writing” :). I’m encouraged to begin a re-read of the entire Foreigner series, as well as everything prior to, connected to and ending with Alliance Rising in anticipation that might carry me through to the new fruits of all that writing. Many Thanks for the update, and boundless Thanks for … the WORDS.
Excellent report!
(I’ve pre-ordered _Divergence_. Of course.)
Good to hear from you; figured you two were working hard. It’s that time of the year for me too.
Very good to hear the long absence was because the two of you were writing.
All I’ve done so far today is little stuff of one kind or another. A little time with the cats. A little fiddling with what might be story background, but isn’t shaping up to anything yet on one idea, so the answer may be to write some and then go back and do background and try to outline something.
Mystic showed up and got fed, stayed in a while, and went out. I kept him and Peppercorn separated. Jirlfriend wants to presume ownership of any moist kitty food for her and her kittens, and she is, oh, definitely, a take-charge alpha female mama cat. I wonder how old she is. I think this must not be her first litter.
Mystic wanted out, poor guy, but did like being in a little while. His considered choice to go out. I hope mama and kittens being here won’t be a deal-breaker in him being a permanent cat. I am wondering, though, if mama will be a permanent addition. She thought about going out, but saw Mystic was out that door, hissed at him, and decided inside was still, oh, a very good idea indeedy. Jirl has her priorities straight. She got a collar this morning, and is fine with it. I claimed every girl needs a little bling, a little sparkle. I’m surprised she doesn’t mind it. If she weren’t so cantankerous, I might think she could’ve had a home at some point. I don’t know what to think on that, if she did or not. Maybe because she’s a mom, she’s eating up the attention and seems tame, when she’s not being fussy, pushing, extra assertive. But she only does that when she thinks she or her kittens might get threatened by one of the guy cats or because I’m big and clumsy by cat standards. On the other hand, she’s showing a lot more trust in me with her kittens than I would think a semi-feral mama cat would in her place. So I dunno.
The kittens are starting to think Im a nice guy or part of the furniture, in other words, typical cat attitudes. But they’re learning at least this human is friendly, good for food and water and attention / love and a nice playmate. In other words, socialization, getting them tame and adoptable, is proceeding well. — At least one liked time in my lap, dozing, cuddling, last night.
So all in all, going well here. No sweeping or mopping yet, but other small stuff getting done.
I’m about to do a little toward the forum start, but don’t expect it’ll be up for a while.
Nothing yet on the blog, but it’s upcoming.
I want to spend some time “reading,” but likely it’ll be listening to a Cherryh audiobook. I will be glad when Alliance Rising is available in audiobook.
Kroger’s website was acting up earlier, so no new additions to the upcoming grocery order yet. If it does that much more, I may have to try Amazon Fresh in self-defense.
Mystic’s other tag and Peppercorn’s tags are not here yet. No new vet apt. as yet and no cab, but I will call my friend again tomorrow a.m.
Going OK enough, just puttering along. Could be better, but at least it’s not bad.