MANX MNEWS

Feeding Time

2012-01-31T00:02:00.000-05:00

This is our normal behaviors when it's time for Mom to dole out the vittles.

Yep we're all making our moves for where we want to get our plates. C'mon Mom dish it up!

Mancat Monday With Ping

2012-01-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't think Ping ever takes a bad picture. He is just Mr Photogenic. Look at those green eyes? Isn't my boy gorgeous???

Wow That's A Big Chicken

2012-01-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

Mom look what's outside? It's a big chicken in the tree.

No Gracie I think that is a baby hawk.

It looks like a big chicken sandwich to me Mom!

Another Year Gone

2012-01-28T00:03:00.001-05:00

Do you ever spend time going back through things and seeing them through different eyes? I found the last birthday card my Grandmother sent to me before she died. As you can see from the handwriting, hers had deteriorated to being nearly indecipherable. But aside from the date which was of my own making, I interpreted what she wrote. I also have one of the many rings she wore as a wedding band and one of the last pictures taken of her at the assisted living center she was in. Today would have been her 102 birthday, she died in 2002 at the age of 92. She lived a good long life and she was lucky in so many ways, although knowing her, I am not sure she would agree with me. She was a character, but I was her only Granddaughter, and even though she gave tough love, I knew she loved me in the only way she knew. I miss her, I miss her more now than I ever have. I wish I had asked her lots more questions about her life. Now all I have are a few things that belonged to her and pictures and a few written items, but they do not replace the person. Nothing does. Perhaps I am just getting more sensitive as my age grows, or maybe I am just more aware that I have less time on this earth as I have lived, or maybe it just hurts to lose a generation. As one generation passes to the next suddenly the stillness of losing pieces of your family hits harder, and who amongst us doesn't wish we could pick up the phone and talk with a relative no longer here? I wish I could but this year in August it will be 10 years. Where has it gone? And where is it leading? I do...remember Mama.

Friday Update

2012-01-27T18:31:00.001-05:00

Mom says it's amazing how there's been such a good change in me this week. She says from this Friday to the past Friday there is certainly a lot of happiness going on. Kitties I was so sick and she was so worried, and she is so eternally grateful I am better. Mom is hoping for an even better weekend, and we hope efurryone can join us.

Formerly Feral Friday

2012-01-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Gracie is one happy kitty. She says she spent her entire kittenhood on the streets and she is so grateful to have a real home where she is loved and adored.

Cat In A Box

2012-01-26T17:48:00.001-05:00

Just your ordinary box.

Nope not this one...it's full of Abby!

Yep Mom I see you over there.

I'm trying to duck down so you'll leave me alone.

Are you going away yet?

Nope it doesn't appear as you are.

Let me hide again.

OK I get it you're not going to leave me in peace in this box you got for me while I was sick.
Today has been another good day of Abby sparkles.
Everything is a go and she was playing with this box, and it's true I tried to entice her with it when she was so sick last Thursday and she absolutely wanted nothing to do it and she is a BIG BOX girl, so having her turn her nose up to a new box was very telling. Well, thankfully (on thrusday)she is enjoying right now!

Miss Boo New Hangout

2012-01-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

I Have My Sparkles Back

2012-01-25T13:58:00.001-05:00

My girl, my beautiful girl (defuzzed and all) basking in the warm sun.
She was bossing everyone around this morning, which made me feel so good.
Yep she got her sparklies back ya'll!

Mr Chewy

2012-01-25T00:02:00.001-05:00

We wanted to share our experience with Mr Chewy. We were contacted a few weeks ago by Mr Chewy and offered a $50 gift certificate to try out their any of their products. A friend of our had graciously gifted us with a few cans of Tiki Cat which we all scoffed down so quickly Mom knew she wanted to try some more. Well luckily Mr Chewy had that brand of food, which we could not find locally. We placed our order on a Friday and Tuesday morning it was here! Now that's what I call good service. The website is very easy to use and offers a lot of choices to select from. We think Mr Chewy is a big winner. We also noticed where you can set up your orders to come automatically if you find something you really like, which we thought was a great convenience (also there is an extra discount on your first order if you do so, and you can change that at anytime, so you aren't locked into that option)

Boo chows down. NOM NOM NOM!

Abby eating off of her spoon.

And Gracie and Jinx share some good noms together.

End of the Tiki Cat!
All of us love Tiki Cat but Abby has some sensitivites so we have to be careful what she eats now.
All in all we highly recommend Mr Chewy to everyone.
20 paws up!

Sleepy Beauty

2012-01-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Abby takes a snooze in the warmth of the winter's sun.

Information on Slippery Elm Bark

2012-01-23T18:02:00.002-05:00

Slippery Elm Bark

Slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) has been used as an herbal remedy in North America for centuries. Native Americans used slippery elm in healing salves for wounds, boils, ulcers, burns, and skin inflammation. It was also taken orally to relieve coughs, sore throats, diarrhea, and stomach problems.

Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm also causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.

There has been little scientific research on slippery elm, but it is often suggested for the following conditions:

Sore throat
Cough
Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD)
Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrom (IBS)
Diarrhea
Wounds, burns, boils, psoriasis, and other skin conditions (external)

Plant Description:

Slippery elm is a medium-sized tree native to North America. It can reach well over 50 feet in height and is topped by spreading branches that form an open crown. The red, brown, or orange branches grow downward, and the stalkless flowers are arranged in dense clusters. The plant's leaves are long and green, and they darken in color during the fall. The bark has deep fissures, a gummy texture, and a slight but distinct odor.

Parts Used:

The inner bark is dried and powdered, and used for medicinal purposes.

Available Forms:

Available forms of slippery elm include the following:

Tablets and capsules
Lozenges
Finely powdered bark for making teas or extracts
Coarsely powdered bark for poultices

How to Take It:

Pediatric

Give slippery elm to a child only under the supervision of a knowledgeable practitioner. Dosage is usually dependent on weight.

Adult

The following are recommended adult doses for slippery elm:

Tea: Pour 2 cups boiling water over 4 g (roughly 2 tablespoons) of powdered bark, then steep for 3 - 5 minutes. Drink 3 times per day.
Tincture: 5 mL 3 times per day. Note: Contains alcohol.
Capsules: 400 - 500 mg 3 - 4 times daily for 4 - 8 weeks. Take with a full glass of water.
Lozenges: follow dosing instructions on label.
External application: Mix coarse powdered bark with boiling water to make a poultice; cool and apply to affected area. Never apply slippery elm to an open wound.

Precautions:

The use of herbs is a time honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. Herbs, however, can trigger side effects and can interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, you should take herbs with care, under the supervision of a health care provider.

Slippery elm has no serious side effects. Because it coats the digestive tract, it may slow down the absorption of other drugs or herbs. You should take slippery elm 2 hours before or after other herbs or medications you may be taking.

Scientists think slippery elm is safe in pregnancy and during breastfeeding, but no scientific studies have been done to confirm this. In fact, some herbalists believe that slippery elm can cause miscarriage. The outer bark of the elm tree may contain substances that could increase the risk of miscarriage, so sometimes pregnant women are advised to avoid slippery elm. Do not take any herbal supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding unless you're under the supervision of a physician.

Possible Interactions:

There are no scientific reports of slippery elm interacting with any other medications, although it may slow down the absorption of other drugs or herbs (see "Precautions" section).

Monday Update on Abby

2012-01-23T15:25:00.001-05:00

Just look at that little face? See those clear bright sparkling eyes? (the poor neck which has been de-furred) Doesn't she look great?

This afternoon we have clear bright warm sunny weather, so I brought Abby outside.

She laid down in the sun and got a nice little suntan. She feels so much better, she ate like normal today and overall she is doing very well. I am so relieved to see her 'spring' back so quickly and am very very grateful. I will be keeping her on slippery elm bark in fact I am going to be sprinking it in their foods, so all the cats will be benefiting from it. If you haven't checked out slippery elm bark it really does a lot to help keep a calm tummy. I know there's no miracle drugs out there but if you are having problems with vomiting or diarrhea this may help.

Mancat Monday With Ping

2012-01-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

Originally posted 4-21-06

Pingy likes to chew paper.
Take a look at those claws...mMeowR!

He is just a boy that likes to have fun!

~~~~~~

Sunday Morning Update

2012-01-22T12:02:00.007-05:00

I took these two pictures on Thursday prior to taking her to the Vet.

I think you can see how sick she is feeling. This is the way she was acting yesterday. It was a few steps back from where she was coming home on Friday evening.

This is where she is spent a lot of her day. Yesterday was a tough one.

But this morning she was up and she greeted me when I got up. (She gets up before I do and I always let her out of the bedroom when she is ready to go) She followed me as her normal custom into the laundry room where I start cleaning the first litterbox. It is a sign to her to take care of her business and she did. YAY I am happy and I mean that to report a good poop! She had already taken care of the pee so we had good P & P! She looked perky, and alert so I had hopes she would eat as she seemed to be interested in her dry food. She did nibble on about 5 bites which I am taking that as a very positive sign. That's 5 more bites than she did yesterday. I offered her water and she took it so I started putting a breakfast together for her. I heated up some ham baby food for her, as that is one of the things she has been licking off my fingertips. I just got some Slippery Elm Bark which is very very good for coating her stomach and settling it down. If you are a reader of Tanya's website, she has some really great information on Slippery Elm and Sandy the Cancer Cat has also been giving us good heads up on what to do. Thank you so much Sandy's Mom!!! So the first time trying to get the baby food, her old food, and some organic soy plain yogurt (mixed with the Slippery Elm) was modestly successful. She wasn't in the mood to eat much but I got a few fingertips worth of food into her. I tried putting in on her nose and putting in on her paw and believe me I got more of a mess than she did as that approach isn't going to work for her. So I stressed her enough for awhile. With Slippery Elm you don't mix it with medications, and it advises you wait 1-2 hrs either prior to or after using it before medicines. So I let her alone and then it was time for pilling. It went 100% better today and we got it in the first try. She is better today as she was working at fighting us to pill her. If anyone has watched any of the YouTube videos on how they show you to pill a cat, You'll laugh. Because the cats they use just sit there so docile and nice, nope that is not what a cat will do, especially one who is not used to having to take a pill. I had talked to Abby prior to doing it and told her what we were doing and why explaining this would make her feel better and that if she would cooperate just a bit it would be over in 2 seconds. She didn't quite cooperative but she wasn't uncooperative either, so I hope I was able to positively send her the message that this was being done to get her to feel better and it would be over very quickly. So afterwards she jumped up on the Dining Room table (where her dry food is) and since her Daddy bought her a new scratcher she went immediately to her scratcher. Then she let me give her some back rubs which is our little ritual for her to eat some dry food, and she did. She ate another 5 bites, and drank some more water, and for better or worse, I gave her 2 temptations because she normally LOVES those so much. And she ate those too! So I'll see how she does through the day and make a determination if I should take her in tomorrow to the Vet. I hope she continues to improve. I mean the improvements since yesterday is amazing, in fact it amazes me how quickly they turn around.

Thank you to everyone for their kindnesses and concerns. Thank you for your advise and shoulders to cry on. This is truly a great community we have and it is so wonderful to have such a tremendous resources to lean upon.

UPDATE 6PM

I have made the syrup that Tanya CRF {http://felinecrf.org/holistic_treatments.htm#SEB1} site recommended for Slippery Elm Bark and gave it to Abby. (I tried it myself first and honestly it isn't bad, in fact it had more of a non taste than anything) She wasn't happy about it, and because she was fighting me, told me she is so much better today than she was yesterday. After I gave that to her I waited awhile before I fed her dinner, Because this mixture helps coat the inner lining of the inflamed area and I thought it best to wait, and when I presented her "old" wet food to her, she hemmed and hawed a bit, but then she thought about it and dug in. She ate much better. So I feel very relieved. She has always taken water when I offered so that was never an issue. We will just take this day to day and see how things go.

I highly recommend Tanya's site if you are not familiar with it. She did start it out as a CRF website for cats, but it has evolved into much more, and there are so many resources on it.

Thank you to everyone again. I so appreciate the outpouring of support!

Sunday In The Park

2012-01-22T00:02:00.001-05:00

***I had set this post up prior to Abby getting sick***

Well, not really. I'm at home, on the back porch looking out and getting some good whiffs. I can still pretend I'm chasing the squirrels that are running around my back yard, they are some bold critters. They come right up to my door and taunt me. It drives us all crazy. Oh what tasty little morsels they would make. But I can only sniff at them, because Mom won't let me ~~deadded~~ er play with them. Maybe one day...one day little friend.

Saturday Update on Abby

2012-01-21T13:13:00.004-05:00

Update 6:10 PM
She just threw up again.
I feel like this is going backwards, and I feel so bad for Abby.
Does anyone have advise for me?
Would you take your cat back to the Vet under these conditions if they don't improve?

Here I am resting today.

I had just gotten up and checked out the new Purina EN food. I sorta turned up nose up to it.

Can you see where they gave me a mohawk on my neck. All my pretty fur that looked like feathers is gone on my right side.

See???

It's kinda sucks to be sick.

Mom said she loved how my eyes and whiskers looked in this.
Hey I think I look kinda punk chic with my new mohawk.

*gasp* Mom I can't believe you are showing my naked belly.

OK I am starting to feel icky again.

Time to go lay down.

I am a muff ball.

Where I will stay today.
Abby woke up early this morning.
We gave her pills.
Our first ever time pilling a cat.
If you've never done it, consider yourself blessed.
After that both cat and humans are stressed.
I let her recovered and fed her brothers and sisters.
Then I gave her breakfast.
She gave it a few licks, that was it.
She drank well.
Then she slept.
She got up to try her new dry food. I have it mixed with her old dry food.
She only wanted the old stuff.
Right now, anything she eats is a good thing as far as I'm concerned.
Then it was back to bed.
And a photo session.
All of these pictures were just taken.

One bright note: spring is on the way. The trees are blooming.

Courage of the Heart

2012-01-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

"The Only Thing Greater Than the Power of the Mind is the Courage of the Heart"
~unknown

I made it home

2012-01-20T18:18:00.001-05:00

Home sweet home!
I am so glad Mom got me out of that vet jail.
I am better.
And so glad to be home.

Back To The Vet

2012-01-20T10:07:00.005-05:00

UPDATE 10:45
Just got off the phone with the Vet.
They are done with the ultrasound.
She was diagnosed with IBS.

That is what I was referring to with the diarrhea problems she used to have. We knew she was getting ready to have a problem because she would act similiar to the way she had over the past 2 days and then she would have a buttexplosion and run around the house like her rear end was on fire. That had stopped for some time.

But the Vet is explaining to me that it could have gone into remission and this is just a really bad episode.

So she wanted to keep her overnight because she was afraid she would still be experiencing the vomiting. The Doctor said they could tell she is about to have one of her buttexplosions, and I thought she was too from what I saw happening on this end. (Literally and figuratively!) But I asked if she thought she'd be ok to come home this evening. And she said we would plan for me to pick her up at 5:30 and if she (the Vet) thought she needed to stay she would call me.

SOOOOO I am not 100% certain but it looks like she will be home tonight.
And on top of everything else I am waiting on S*ars to come and fix my oven, so hopefully we can manage to get this all done.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Abby ate a teeny tiny amount last night and took water.
I had high hopes that after a good night sleep she would feel better.
But, what I didn't realize was that the laxatone would cause her to begin having a leaky bottom. Abby used to be bothered with diarrhea, as of late, oh at least the past year or more, that had stopped. Well to see her with that again made my heart sink, she was having problems and I think her colon wasn't reacting too well and THAT made her feel bad.
She slept through the night on top of me like usual and at around 6am she jumped out of bed and threw up. So, I had my answer. That was definitely the one thing the Vet had said repeatedly if she kept throwing up we would need to do the ultrasound today especially with it being a Friday. She wouldn't be able to schedule another one until Monday and she didn't want Abby to suffer.

Abby looked very uncomfortable this morning and she is limp and nonresponsive. Her head is down and she just wants to lie there and sleep. She had that gagged look when I tried to feed her or even get her to sip water. So this morning her system was way way way off.

I called at 7:30 when they opened and the staff easily remembered us from the day before and told me to bring her in by 9:30.

So for most of the ride in (it's about 40 minutes) she was silent but then all of a sudden she started pleading with me to what I feel was take her home. Breaking my heart even deeper.

To have to leave her there -- alone -- is killing me right now.
I just can't bear thinking of her in a cage.
And I retain the image of her in her carrier being taken to the back by the vet staff and I told her goodbye, all I wanted to do was run and grab her and take her home with me.
OH she is going to be so mad when she comes home.

And I guess that's the rub.
I am afraid of her not coming home.
And what they will find on an ultrasound.

All of us are so attached to our babies and right now the house seems so empty. The other cats know I am upset and are upset themselves. I guess we are all off balance.

Formerly Feral Friday

2012-01-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

Our dear sweet Gracie.

Blast From the Recent Past

2012-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

Originally posted 11-16-2010

Stop the Internet Blacklist Legislation

The Internet Blacklist Legislation - known as PROTECT IP Act in the Senate and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House - is a threatening sequel to last year's COICA Internet censorship bill. Like its predecessor, this legislation invites Internet security risks, threatens online speech, and hampers Internet innovation. Urge your members of Congress to reject this Internet blacklist campaign in both its forms!

Big media and its allies in Congress are billing the Internet Blacklist Legislation as a new way to prevent online infringement. But innovation and free speech advocates know that this initiative is nothing more than a dangerous wish list that will compromise Internet security while doing little or nothing to encourage creative expression.

As drafted, the legislation would grant the government and private parties unprecedented power to interfere with the Internet's domain name system (DNS). The government would be able to force ISPs and search engines to redirect or dump users' attempts to reach certain websites' URLs. In response, third parties will woo average users to alternative servers that offer access to the entire Internet (not just the newly censored U.S. version), which will create new computer security vulnerabilities as the reliability and universality of the DNS evaporates.

It gets worse: Under SOPA's provisions, service providers (including hosting services) would be under new pressure to monitor and police their users’ activities. While PROTECT-IP targeted sites “dedicated to infringing activities,” SOPA targets websites that simply don’t do enough to track and police infringement (and it is not at all clear what would be enough). And it creates new powers to shut down folks who provide tools to help users get access to the Internet the rest of the world sees (not just the “U.S. authorized version”).

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) has placed a hold on the Senate version of the bill, taking a principled stand against a very dangerous bill. But every Senator and Representative should be opposing the PROTECT IP Act and SOPA. Contact your members of Congress today to speak out!

Go to this SITE on how to contact your member of Congress.

Back From The Vet

2012-01-19T18:31:00.001-05:00

Hey you turn this metal machine around. I want to go home.

Where do you think you are catnapping me to? You know I don't feel good.

Who is that? (this is the office cat in our Vet's office)

*whew* I'm glad that's over. It took over 3 hours outta my nap time.

It was no fun kittens. They stole my bloods, checked my temp, weighed me, and considered putting me in vet jail over night.

But my blood checked out alright. They gave me a shot for anti nausea, and some laxatone. The Vet isn't sure what is wrong with me and she said if I eat and start to perk up then I won't have to go back.

What's this stuff about going back?

Well let me just take a quick snooze.

Awwww yeah this is the life.

******
Abby still hasn't eaten and she doesn't show any interest. In fact when I give her something she grimaces and pushes it away. She is drinking water. The Vet said if she isn't better by morning I need to bring her back in because of the approaching weekend and she needs to do an ultrasound on her. She really isn't sure what it is. It may be a simple (or not so simple) hair ball that she can't get out or it could be something bad like cancer. She seems to be a bit perkier, but right now she is asleep on the back of the couch. I will try again to see if I can get just a couple of bites into her and some more water. But we'll just have to see what tomorrow holds. Thank you for all of your warm and heartfelt purrs.

Abby Is Sick

2012-01-19T09:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday morning Abby jumped up out of bed and coughed up what I thought was just a fur ball. When I got up and started doing my normal activities I noticed she wasn't acting right. She did her normal business and then went and laid down. She wouldn't get up for breakfast. THAT is just not her. I went to her with some food and she ate a few bites off of my fingertips. After about 30 minutes all of that came up and she was very queasy and she felt really bad. She would not get up and slept the day away. I had to leave her and when I got back home I gave her the option of more food and water. She did drink, but that too came back up in about 30 minutes. She sat with me like usual last evening and she is very tired. She slept well through the night. I was hoping it was just some 24 hr thing, but this morning although she is brighter, she is nauseous. She did her normal business (for which I am grateful) and she is moving around a bit, although she is not spunky in any way. She acted like she wanted breakfast so I tried to go through our normal breakfast activities and she just couldn't, I could see it just turned her stomach. She did want water, so I let her take some fresh water. I tried to heat up some baby food to see if that would be better and she sniffed at my fingertip and then gagged if you will and all the water she had consumed came up. So I have her scheduled for the Vet. Her eyes are brighter this morning and she does "feel" better but something is really off. And I of course am very worried. Will update later. Please send purrs for my little senior girl.

Thankful Thursday

2012-01-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

Ping: I am thankful for green mousies!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T00:02:00.000-05:00

Auction for Truffle

2012-01-17T18:18:00.002-05:00

If you get the chance please check out the terrific auction that is being held for Miss Truffle's spay surgery. There's lots of great items that have been donated.

Please check it out:
Here and here.

Thanks!!!

I see you

2012-01-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

I just love Abby's eyes in this picture, and the contrast of light to darkness of the sun's beams.

Mancat Monday with Ping and Jinx

2012-01-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

This is one of their favorite spots to share together. My boys love to be our guard cats and keep watch.

Sleeply Sunday

2012-01-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

Mr Jinx takes a relaxing moment.

Letting Go

2012-01-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Giving up doesn't always mean you are weak.
Sometimes it means that you are strong enough to let go
~Unknown

Gracie is in her secret hiding place

2012-01-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

Just behind the curtain Gracie silently studies the scene in her back yard.

Blasts from the Past

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Originally posted 4-3-06

Abby's greeting is to rub her cheek against your hand. She loves to rub her scent onto any part of my hand or fingers. One other thing she does quite often is to use her teeth to 'pinch' a part of my hand. I knew it was a sign of affection, and I was explaining this to a good friend who told me that her cat loved to nip her eye. So at a cat show she asked someone with some expertise what her cat was doing and why? The person explained that it was a 'kitty kiss'. So, now I know what Abby is doing. She only does this while she was being affectionate, so I knew she was expressing her love back to me, now I know what a a kitty kiss is!

~~~

I also know the difference when she isn't being affectionate. She lets me know when I have overstepped my boundary with her with a much stronger warning and NIP!

I need some advice on CRF -- Erythropoietin

2012-01-11T12:06:00.002-05:00

My best friend has an elderly cat who was diagnosed with CRF some time ago. He has been maintaining pretty well, but it appears that he has gotten to a point where the Vet is advising that his Mom start him on a regimen of Erthropoietin. His red blood count on his most current test went from 19 to 18, so he has anemia due to the CRF. Has anyone had any experience with Epogen (which is the drug)??? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T00:02:00.000-05:00

Tuxie Tuesday

2012-01-10T00:02:00.001-05:00

Mancat Monday With Ping

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

My dear Ping a ling!

Sleepy Sunday

2012-01-08T00:01:00.000-05:00

purrs,

Deeper Better

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

Look
Deep
into nature,
and you will understand
everything
better.
~Albert Einstein,German physicist

Fun Friday

2012-01-06T00:02:00.000-05:00

Abby has never been one who played with toys. She loves nip and will go crazy with nip toys for a bit, but any other toy she has only shown minor interest in. Well as of late, she has developed a different habit. While she is with me in the laundry room (where these pictures were taken) she will take care of *amen* some purrsonal bizness and when she is done I guess she is feeling kinda frisky because I started to notice she would run down the hall and slide grabbing a piece of fluff on the floor. Well I found a long string and put it down and she was all over the floor playing with it. She was so adorable. I hope to be able to capture this on video as these pictures do not do her little dance any justice.

Blasts from the Past

2012-01-05T00:03:00.000-05:00

Originally posted 2-17-06

Jinx & Ping

~~~

My boys ode to the Olympics:

SYNCHRONIZED SLEEPING!

~~~

The Gold goes to Dr. J; with Pingaling taking the silver.

Let's hear a round of applause!!

~~~

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T00:02:00.000-05:00

Shabby Tabby Tuesday

2012-01-03T00:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Gracie shows off her tabbilicous chic!!!!

Lucy you got some splainin to do

2012-01-02T14:03:00.003-05:00

Well...OK now....Mom blew it.

We, Mr Jinx and I don't know what got into Mom.

She forgot our purrdays. Yes, can you believe that? She did.
And this is what we did to celebrate.
Nothing!

How could you forget me?

And me?
Well boys what can I say?
Happy belated 8th purrday.
Let the pawty begin (a day late)!
Nip, treats, toys and lots of fun, drop by anytime!
(PS Gracie's purrday is Feb 1st!)

Mancat Monday With Ping

2012-01-02T00:02:00.001-05:00

We were contacted by Pet Naturals of Vermont to try a new product called Calming for Cats. It is a natural supplement that helps alleviate stress related behavior problems without effecting a cat's personality or energy level. It can be used daily, or when extra help is needed to relax. It comes in a bite size format, so that a cat thinks that are receiving a liver reward.

I gave Ping (my stressed cat) a 'treat'.

He went right for it, no problem, and gobbled it down.

Who you lookin at Mom?

Product Details:

A calming support formula recommended for cats exposed to increased environmental stressors. When cats cannot adapt to stress it can lead to anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, frayed nerves, abnormal urine marking, repeated paw licking, excessive scratching, trembling or shivering and destructive or aggressive behavior. CALMING is for cats exhibiting nervousness, hyperactivity, anxiety or responding to environmentally induced stress. It’s an advanced formula that contains a combination of nutritional factors not found in other calming formulas that supports balanced behavior. It can be used daily or just when extra help to relax is needed.

CALMING combines L-Theanine (Suntheanine® brand), Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Colostrum Calming Complex, which all address stress and calming. Thiamine specifically has been shown to affect the central nervous system to help calm and soothe anxious animals. Extensive research and documentation from over 45 studies suggest Suntheanine® brand L-Theanine is helpful at reducing stress and anxiety. We have also added Colostrum Calming Complex known for its calming effects.

Active Ingredients Per 1/4 Teaspoon (1.25 ml):
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) . . . . . .31.25 mg
L-Theanine (Suntheanine® brand) .10.56 mg
Colostrum Calming Complex . . . . 5.28 mg

Inactive Ingredients: cornstarch, glycerin, guar gum, lecithin (from soy), maltodextrin, non-fat milk solids, silicon dioxide, sorbic acid, sucrose, vegetable oil, water.

Directions For Use:
Shake well before each use.
Give 1/4 teaspoon, twice daily.

During Times of Increased Stress:
It is safe to double or triple the above amount, as needed.

I also gave one to Gracie as she was begging for one.

She didn't have any problems gobbling it down either, the only trouble was named Abby who decided she wanted it, but I didn't photograph that.
Now for the good part! Be one of the first of 500 entries to www.calmingforpets.com and you too can get a trial size pouch for FREE!
So anyone who has a kitty who needs to be calmed down (and don't we all from time to time) check this out and see what you think.

I was contacted by Pet Naturals and asked to blog about my experience, with no promise I would write anything in particular. I will let you know how Ping does with this. And if you try it please let me know how it helps you.

Renewed Hopes

2012-01-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

While my first thought is to say ‘Happy New Year!’ the rational true part says, ‘Have a year that is full of whatever you desire it to be!’Any day we rise and greet the moment could be the first day of a New Year; the beginning of 365 consecutive days and counting rather than the result of the page turning on the calendar and adding a one to the designated year.Those are my thoughts but in having a discussion with my husband he brought a varying idea to the table, which I had to consider and actually agree. He indicated that people need to grasp onto the idea that beginning a new year such as 2011 to 2012 also brings with it renewed hopes, dreams and optimism especially for those who are suffering, down-trodden and/or lost. They need to hold on to something tangible that brings with it transformed faith or altered assurance that the next year will be an improved spirit and more gentle on the soul.So if this is your outlook for a new beginning, bless you and may you achieve all you hope for and desire.

Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now
and make a brand new ending. ~ Carl Bard

Final Thoughts on 2011

2011-12-31T00:13:00.001-05:00

May you be blessed with richness in family and friends.
May you find wealth in ordinary opportunities.
May you find strength to overcome everyday obstacles and challenges,
and power in those that seem insurmountable.
May you find wisdom to triumph over situations that refute logic.
May you find understanding in circumstances that harbor resentment.
May you find tolerance and forgiveness within your heart to prevail the deceit of others.
May you find honesty to look in the mirror at your shortcomings,
May you look at others with patience, empathy and compassion,
and in each daily commonplace happening
May you be surrounded by joy, love and laughter.

Welcome 2012~

New Years Eve Looks Something Like This

2011-12-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

around our house....

1928

2011-12-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

Today my Dad is 83.
The above picture is of him (in his uniform) with my Great Grandfather and Grandfather. My two Grandfathers passed away several decades ago. My Grandfather on the right lived into his 80's, and my Great Grandfather lived into his late 90's.

Time passes so quickly.
Too quickly.
It's hard to believe how quickly.

I love you Daddy and I am so grateful you are still on this earth.
You are still the world's BEST Daddy to me, and you always will be.
Happy Birthday.

Tuxie Toosday With Abby

2011-12-28T00:15:00.001-05:00

Abby snuggles down into her fleece blanket in the shadows of one of the Christmas trees.

Liebster Award

2011-12-27T18:17:00.004-05:00

Our good friends Simba and Audrey gifted us with this thoughtful award. Thank you dear friends, we do consider your very dear to us!

+++++

"Liebster" means favorite or beloved in German, and this award helps to draw attention to blogs that aren't too well known.

Here are the rules for this award:

Upon receipt of the award, one is to:

1) Link back to the blogger who gave it

2) Paste the award on the blog

3) Choose 5 blogs to pass this award to (they must have fewer than 200 followers)

4) Let the recipients know about their nomination by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Here are the five blogs we are passing the award on to:

Leo from Celestial Kitties
Emma & Buster
Sookie & Mr Darcy from Kitcaboodies
Mario
and
Hollie, Smidgen,Pip and Minnie from Fraidy Cats.

Ahhhh This Is The Life

2011-12-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Boo takes it very easy on a Sunday!

I Enjoyed My Christmas

2011-12-26T00:02:00.002-05:00

UPDATE:

Picasa would not load Mom's picture this morning.(Bad Picasa) Is anyone else having any problems?

Another odd thing happened to Mom last night in Reader. She was reading through some blogs and all of a sudden all the posts disappeared out of Reader and then the next thing all of her subscriptions disappeared too. It looks like this morning they are back but it upset her a lot because she thought she was going to have to go back and research all of her subscriptions and resubscribe. Did anyone else see anything weird happen in their Google reader yesterday?

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:02:00.001-05:00

++++++

Dr. Seuss
And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store? What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?

+++++

May everyone have peace and contentment.
Love,
Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Gracie
& Mom Debra

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T00:02:00.001-05:00

Look around this season.....

Past the lights

the tree,
the presents.

You'll see the real beauty.
Look around and be reminded,
That while gifts are always nice,
we all probably have everything we've ever wished for.

I know I do.

Merry Christmas

Just Who Is That Kitty In The Window

2011-12-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

Miss Boo gazes over her stash of packages.

She is dreaming of what could be in all of those wonderful packages.

She's also keeping an eye out for reindeers.

Did I hear some jingles?

Oh these smell so lovely.

So does this great bow!
Well Miss Boo will have to wait until Christmas morning to see what Santa Paws brought her.

What Happens When Sisters Argue

2011-12-22T00:02:00.001-05:00

Girls there's no need to fight -- it's almost Christmas!

Ooooohhhh alright Mom!

UPDATE:
We've been LOL'ed over at Wendy's LOL Spot.
I hope you check out Wendy's funny blog often.
Thank Wendy!

Presents

2011-12-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

::::scratch scratch scratch:::::

Oh "hi" Mom!

Yes, I am hiding in the packages.

I'm protecting them.

Yeah...I'm protecting them, that's the ticket.

Do You See What I See

2011-12-20T00:02:00.000-05:00

My plumb little sugarplum....

With a little help from his brother.

Trying to get into the packages.

Mancat Monday With Ping

2011-12-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

Sleepy boy!

sEcReTpAwS

2011-12-18T00:02:00.000-05:00

Woo hoo guess what? Truffle and Brulee sent me a Secret Paws!

Look at all the wonderful goodies inside my box!

Smousies!!!!!!

My favorite treats -- ok Mompurrson with the thumbs give me some noms!

Nommmmm....crunch.....ooo....munch...dees....crunch...is.....munch...so.....crunch...good!

Mom hangs a smousie for Boo!

Just look at all da great prezzies!!!!

OK Mom purrson I don't think this is funny trying to get the smousises to gang up on me.
Fank you Brulee and Truffle and Mom Paula I love my SP and I promise I will share it with all my brothers and sisters!
Purrs,

Invincible

2011-12-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

In the midst of winter,
I found there was,
within me,
an invincible summer.
~Albert Camus, French author

Meow Meow Meow

2011-12-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

Gracie has a thing or two to say!!!!

Admiral

2011-12-15T18:45:00.002-05:00

"Your eyes will speak to mine, and I will know.

Unconditional love has a condition after all,

I must be willing to let you go, when you speak to me

I must be willing to help you go, if you cannot go alone.

And I must accept my pain so you can be free of yours.

Loving you has been the greatest gift of all."

Christmas cards

2011-12-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

We would love to exchange Christmas Cards with any of our friends. If you would like to receive one from us please contact us: manxmnewsATgmailDOTcom.
PLEASE NOTE:
We will leave this post up until December 15th and our regular daily post will be right below this one.

S-L-U-R-P

2011-12-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

Ummmmummmmm good!

Secret Paws

2011-12-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

As you can see I have my SP package all ready to go.

Just checking everything one last time.

Ping and I are getting our stinky smells all over it to say "hello" to our friends.

Now stand back Ping.
(what happened next was Ping took a swipe at me...humpf)

Mom would also like to thank both Layla of Cat Wisdom 101 and Deb of Three Dogz for the wonderful T-shirt she won in a contest Layla had. Thank you so much to both ladies. IT is fabulous!!!!

Blast From the Past

2011-12-13T00:02:00.000-05:00

originally posted 11-21-07

Keep your chin up and your whiskers clean.

Mancat Monday With Ping

2011-12-12T00:02:00.000-05:00

If I were to chose a pose that best personified Ping this would be it.
When he wants your attention he will drop to the floor and roll on his back and look up at you with those big green eyes.
He is a charmer, no doubt about that fact!

EZ Sunday

2011-12-11T00:02:00.000-05:00

Gracie here....guess what?
It's still nice enough to hang out on the porch and catch some whiffies.
Anyone wanna join me?

December Rose

2011-12-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

The future belongs to those who believe
in the beauty of their dreams.
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Fun Friday

2011-12-09T00:02:00.000-05:00

Hey it's Friday night, who's up for a late night of chasing mousies, niptinis, and rabble rousing?
Anyone game?
Let's meet at my house around o'dark thirty!
It's time for some F-U-N!

By the roaring fire

2011-12-08T00:02:00.000-05:00

(Mr Jinx naps with his Dad)

ahhhhh nothing like two men relaxing in front of a fire......

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-07T00:02:00.000-05:00

Tuxie Tuesday With Abby

2011-12-06T00:02:00.001-05:00

Abby shows off a little of her furry tum!

For Lucy

2011-12-05T18:24:00.001-05:00

Another of our good friends is not feeling well and not eating. Lucy who is sister to sweet Hannah is in need of some purrs. Please stop by and give them a word of encouragement.

Mancat Monday With Ping

2011-12-05T00:02:00.000-05:00

You can see I am sharing my mancat picture with Gracie. Gracie and I like to play together. We run and jump and swat at each other and have a really good time. But, while Gracie would like to continue to play I don't, so sometimes I have to forcibly tell Gracie to stop. I don't ever hurt her, in fact I would never hurt anyone (well except that squirrel if Mom would let me get out) I'm a lover not a fighter.

Remember

2011-12-04T00:02:00.002-05:00

The holidays are a time of family & friends.
They usually denote a time of fun and festivity.
But for some, struggling with illness and loss, it is a time of silent sadness.
This year, many, far too many of our furfriends and their families are suffering with just that heavy heart.
So please keep them close in your thoughts as the holidays come closer.
While many of us are celebrating, they are nursing breaking or broken hearts.
So this year, like so many others I will light my candle and hope. Hope that it helps bring some light and cheer, hope that for just a moment the darkness will not be a place of despair and sadness, but of warmth and light. All of us here will remember and reminisce.

Blessings to Miss Parker, Daisy Mae, and Ginger Jasper, Winchester and to anyone out there who is dealing with an ill cat. May you enjoy each and every moment with your Mom and Dad, and they with you.

Our deepest sorrows are with the losses of long time cat blogosphere kitties. Dear Opus has joined his brother Roscoe at the Bridge. Farewell for now dear Opus, know that you are no longer suffering in these earthly shackles.

Opus

And sweet Seaborne, handsome beyond words, gone long before your time. You shall be missed by many. We know that all of our furfriends who go before us make a path and wait for us. WE will see you again for our joyful reunion.

Seaborne

Sometimes the smallest things
take up the most room in your heart.

- Winnie The Pooh

Paving A Trail

2011-12-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

Do not go where
the path may lead,
go instead where
there is no path
and leave a trail.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Essayist

Friday Fun

2011-12-02T00:02:00.000-05:00

Ping feels there is nothing better than a few sunbeams, an open window, and nice crisp air...an oh yeah a few squirrels and birds help start the day out just right!

It's December

2011-12-01T10:02:00.001-05:00

I am waiting for snow and reindeers....no no wait, I live in Florida we don't get snow (well rarely) here. But I bet there are reindeers out there practicing for their Christmas Eve flights. I can't wait to see one, can you?

National Diabetes Month

2011-11-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

Please scroll down for the current postings. This is a PSA which will run just through the month of November to highlight the need for Diabetes Awareness. Normal postings are directly below this one. THANKS

Parker from Perfectly Parker reminds us that this month is National Diabetes Awareness Month. Miss Parker is such a sweetie to keep reminding us to be aware, and Ann from Zoolarty has been kind enough to put this beautiful graphic together. Our own Mom is a example of being diagnosed with Diabetes II. Mom was diagnosed in 2006. She refused to listen to her Doctors who warned her that her blood sugar levels were rising, and then she was given the official diagnosis that she wasn't bordeline anymore,she was diabetic. Armed with that knowledge Mom said she would push back and yep she sure did. She pushed back and lost over 100 pounds and got rid of all the junky stuff she was pouring into her body that was making her sick. A little under 2 years later she was no longer diabetic. Now we know that this would not be a full proof cure for everyone, but it proved to Mom that she had been given a blessing in disguise. Take better care of yourself and stop making yourself sick, and so she has. She is not AS strict as she used to be but she has given up white flour, sugar and junky foods in favor of lots of lean meats, fruits and vegetables. Thank Miss Parker for allowing us to spread the word about Diabetes!

Please note that we are keeping this post up for the month of NOVEMBER and our regular posts will follow below.

Thanks and blessings to everyone.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-30T00:02:00.000-05:00

Mr Jinx

Tuxie Tuesday With Abby

2011-11-29T00:02:00.000-05:00

Can't a girl get her beauty rest?
Please....

go away!

Mancat Monday With Ping

2011-11-28T00:02:00.001-05:00

Can anyone say Beefcake???
(sometimes he makes me swoon!!!!)

This is What Happens After The Thanksgiving Holiday

2011-11-27T00:02:00.000-05:00

ZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!

Years

2011-11-26T00:02:00.000-05:00

And in the end it's not the years
in your life that count.
It's the life in your years.
~Abraham Lincoln, President from 1861-1865

Giving Thanks

2011-11-25T00:02:00.001-05:00

Abby
Originally posted 11-21-07

On the drive in to work this morning, I passed the figure of a solidarity shape of a orange tabby cat on the side of the road that had been silenced by some passing motorist. How sadden I was by the sight of this. My heart breaks for all of those animals that are out there without a loving home to call their own. I am thankful for all the rescues that do go on to help animals in need, and I am especially thankful that so many of us have been able to help in these causes whether by monetary means or by taking in a homeless kitty.

I feel blessed by the 5 lives I have been able to save and I am deeply thankful each day that my fur babies are safe and healthy, pampered and loved. Please remember all of those with a small prayer who by no choice of their own are looking for their place in someone's heart.

To all of our friends have a wonderful Thanksgiving with those you love the most.....Purrssss....

Gratitude

2011-11-24T00:02:00.000-05:00

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.“

Melody Beattie, bestselling author and journalist

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T00:02:00.000-05:00

Tuxie Toosday With Abby

2011-11-22T00:02:00.000-05:00

All of this work making things look festive is hard and it tires an old girl like me out, so let me take a nap over here and use Mom's old shoe for a pillow.

Mancat Monday With Ping

2011-11-21T00:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday Abby saw a reindeer and I saw tiny little elves, they didn't much impress me though.
Bah humbug!
No I'm kidding I love holidays!!
~Ping

Oh Wow

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I think I saw a reindeer!

Happiness Is

2011-11-19T00:02:00.000-05:00

Happiness is where
we find it, but rarely
where we seek it.
~J Petit Senn, French-Swiss poet

Glamour Girl

2011-11-18T00:02:00.001-05:00

Boo shows how to be a glamour pin up girl!

Sleepy

2011-11-17T00:02:00.000-05:00

Boo is totally sacked out amid the chaos of her Dad's desk.

Spread The Word

2011-11-16T19:53:00.002-05:00

Stop the Internet Blacklist Legislation

The Internet Blacklist Legislation - known as PROTECT IP Act in the Senate and Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House - is a threatening sequel to last year's COICA Internet censorship bill. Like its predecessor, this legislation invites Internet security risks, threatens online speech, and hampers Internet innovation. Urge your members of Congress to reject this Internet blacklist campaign in both its forms!

Go to this SITE on how to contact your member of Congress.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-16T00:02:00.000-05:00

Tuxie Tuesday With Abby

2011-11-15T00:02:00.000-05:00

Don't think that I don't see you over there and what you are all up to.

Mancat Monday

2011-11-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

My my my ...
what long whiskers you have there Ping!