Growing up we had the usual run of family pets. And of course there’s always one pet in every family that stands out, ours was ”Buddy”, a collie and shepherd mix. This was the dog we all grew up with and remember to this day.

Later on my Mom almost always had some type of pet in her house. She found out what an amusing companion a bird could be with a cockatiel named “Babe”. These birds are intelligent and very social and Mom and Babe were very fond of each other.

Another of Mom’s loves was “Macho”, a Doberman. Although he looked fierce he was really just a big softy and loved to be pet. But one wouldn’t dare try and harm his loving owner!

Besides owning & caring for a pet, Mom would contribute to various animal charities such as the ASPCA. She couldn’t afford much but always found a few dollars to give. When she passed, we asked that in lieu of flowers that people donate to a local charity in her town in her name. I think she really would have liked this.

Nora Haight, 1931-2011. With “Babe”

Her last faithful companion was a poodle, also named “Babe”.  (I think my Mom really loved that name).  This little dog gave her a lot of pleasure during her last year or two, which were rough years.  We should never, ever, underestimate the power of a loving pet!

I really believe that Mom instilled the love of animals in me and my siblings. We all always have a pet in the house. Most of my family lean towards dogs, but I am a cat lover through and through. How could one live a life without a cat?

Happy Mother’s Day to all.  My advice - take every chance you can to let your Mom know that you love, value and appreciate her.

PS: Babe is with a loving family and doing well!

Then after all that, it’s definitely time for a nap.  And the cat is the supreme napper!  Of course some might believe babies or puppies top the list, but for me the cat will win every time.

When the whole house is a bed, how do they decide where to curl up or stretch out?  I know after a nice lunch that sunny room is a preferred spot.  I’ve seen my cats move with the sun!

Or when a load of freshly dried laundry is so warm and inviting to a cat, how can I refuse letting her get a toasty snooze?

Another thing to enjoy is the many positions a cat will get in when in a deep, sound sleep.  I like the back curl, it looks like the cat is in pure ecstasy. Below are a few favorites.

The "Back Curl" pose

I call this the "Flying Kitty" pose

"Dead to the World" sleep pose

I’m sure you also have a lot of favorite views of your sleeping kitty.  Tell us about them!

Of course, I thought it was a little unusual to be hiking with your cat in the first place.  Did Page carry the cat in a backpack? Or did the cat walk beside her? They must be a very attached pair with a strong bond, as the cat stayed with Page the entire time. That is fortunate, as there were bound to be a lot of predators that would have loved a tasty meal of feline.  The cat has also been said to have done some “hunting” itself and although thin was in better shape than Margaret, who lost about 25 pounds.  They were so lucky there was drinking water nearby!

But they stayed together and were finally rescued. Separated for a night, they are now reunited amid all the limelight, waiting for life to get back to normal. I’m very happy for them both!

What do you think about hiking with a cat? Is it something you would do? I think I will pass on that myself.

Click on picture to go to website page

In addition to this design, I’ve added a new product with the black cat design featured on my website page- a tea cozy.  What a perfect name for this cover! The cozy keeps your teapot warm, and when teamed up with a matching towel and potholder also gives your room a “cozy” feel.

Click on picture to go to website page.

Visit my site to see more kitchen decor with a cat theme.  In addition to towels and potholders, you’ll find small cutting boards, spoon rests, mugs, aprons, and more.  If you are searching for something special, feel free to comment or email me!

Now EVA airlines (based in Taipei) has introduced three new planes with Hello Kitty designs inside & out. Shown here is the Apple plane. Apples are a main theme in the Hello Kitty world.

At check-in you get Hello Kitty boarding passes and bag stickers. During the flight are various themed goodies and the flight attendants are decked out with Hello Kitty aprons. If you are an extreme fan, there’s even a website for the airlines in chinese-language.

Usually this is not my style of cat art, but I really like Hello Kitty!  I do have to admit that I didn’t care too much for it when I was younger, but have become attached to it as I “matured”.  (Not sure what that means about me.)  I find the colors and the Japanese design influence very appealing. I’m not really a collector, but I do have a few pieces of jewelry and trinkets with the motif.

There are a multitude of products out there but one of my favorite Hello Kitty items are the plush designs by TY.  Are you a collector? What are your favorites? Don’t be afraid to admit it, I did!

For me, it only takes seeing a pile of fur at the side of the road to know which camp I’m in.  And I don’t even want to think about coyotes having a tasty meal.  In my opinion if a cat is raised inside, with lots of playtime, healthy food and a warm, dry bed then that cat has a quality life.

Driving around in residential areas at night I am always on the lookout for cats trying to cross the road. Sometimes my headlights catch their glowing eyes but many times I just see a dark shape sprinting to make it across. I cringe knowing it’s only a matter of time for that cat NOT to make it.  And I get angry at owners that let the cat out in the first place, putting it in harm’s way.

This debate could also include the subject of spaying and neutering, but I’ll save that for another day.  Also don’t get me started on declawing a cat!

Which “camp” are you in?

Then finally, to both mine and the cat’s delight we purchased our brand new beautiful flat screen tv.  We settle in one evening to watch our favorite shows, sitting on the couch with the cat curled on my lap as usual.  All of a sudden Dessa is at full attention staring at the screen.  We are watching a nature show about leopards and tigers.  Next thing she does is run over to the screen to get a better view, her head following the big cats motions.  When one moves off the screen view, she sniffs along the side of the tv looking for it.  We laughed so hard as this was completely new for her to do.

The first time this happened, of course my camera was in the other room.  But I managed to get a couple of shots on another night of her watching tv as you see below.  This might be old hat to many readers but you have to agree that it’s always fun to watch.

Do you watch tv with your cat?  Do you have some favorite shows?  Please share!

Last week I went to an auction just to look around and I was stunned by a group of items being auctioned. Someone had amassed a huge, huge collection of antique or vintage paper valentine cards from the early 1900′s. There were even some dated as far back as the Civil War days!

The first printed paper Valentines cards made in the US appeared around 1840.  These were not ordinary cards - many were stand-up with bases or three-dimensional with fold out layers. Also popular because they were easy to mail were honeycomb paper puffs which opened up to form balls, bells or hearts.

The collection at the auction had many of these various styles and were in very good condition with the colors still vivid.  I’m not sure why they were so enchanting. Possibly because of all the history behind them? Because they were reminders of how sweet and simple life used to be? They could be called “corny” sentiments, but I prefer to see the “romance” of them.

Cupids, hearts and roses were the theme of most of them, but there were also cats and kittens which I favored, of course. I am now thinking of starting a new hobby - my own collection of vintage Valentines of only cat styles. And I don’t mean the ones made the last few decades which are only copies of the same artwork style. While they might be cute and whimsical, I want to find authentic cards, ones that were delivered to a sweetheart from a nervous suitor, or fancy embossed fold-outs meant to impress.

I’m on to a new quest, but I also have some great gift ideas on my website for your cat lover valentine.  Check out the vintage look on some great pendant necklaces with matching earrings.  Jewelry always makes a good impression on Feb. 14th!

This year December brought sadness to me and my family.  My mother passed away on the 18th. Although we knew it was coming soon, it’s never easy to lose a parent.  There was comfort was being together with my siblings as we kept vigil during the long day and evening and hopefully eased her journey.  Any although my husband could not make the out-of-state trip, I heard and felt his support by phone.

For our family the December “downs” include 3 different members that have passed years ago during this month , but the “ups” include 2 birthdays we get to celebrate.  I’m honoring all of them this year.

Another comfort right now is having a warm ball of fur curled up in my lap.  It could be because of the cold weather and that she is always searching for a cozy spot, but I like to think she wants to be near.  If my kitty only knew how much she relieves my stress and heartache by my stroking her soft fur or maybe, she does!

Nothing tells it better than this post from Catster: http://blogs.catster.com/the-cats-meow-a-cat-and-kitten-blog/13-little-things-i-do-because-i-have-cats/2011/11/28/?v=1

The author mentions 13 things she does, but then read all the comments!  I’m sure you will relate to many of them just as I did and want to add your own story to the list. Some will make you chuckle and shake your head and then realize it’s true, CATS RULE!

I have to admit, one of my favorite things is when I come home and my kitty greets me at the door. Of course, she gets a head scratch, some loving words and a little treat.  Again, who is the trained one here?