New movie & article

Mom and I would like to take this time to wish our readers a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hard to believe that 2009 is almost here.

Mom went to see the new movie "Marley & Me" last night! A friend recommended the book to her a while back, and she absolutely LOVED it! So she was very excited about the news that they were coming out with a movie. Mom gives the movie 5 thumbs up, but warns that there is a very sad part in it. Not recommended for someone who has recently lost a beloved pet (such as my aunt & uncle!)

Christmas pics to come within the next few days.

Here is a link to an interesting article which comes from my other blogging site. (CatChannel.com) Mom highly agrees with it. Only, she's not so sure about the "improving grades" part since I am often her source of procrastination. MOL!

http://www.catchannel.com/news/2008/12/30/college-students-benefit-from-pets.aspx

Message from me (Fluffy) & Mom, Monique

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS!!!

Mom's brief morning of birding

Mom:

"I decided to venture out into the -15C (-25 w/windchill) this morning to attempt to do a bit of birding. I didn't go out too far, only along the small wooded area next to my mom's place and a bit further. Anyway, I didn't see anything going out, but I had a bit of fun coming back. I saw one Chickadee near the path. Then while I was going across the wooded area next to my mom's place, I heard some Chickadee chatter, so I did my little call (for the first time, lol), and next thing you know, I had about 6 Chickadees coming around!!! Even if I didn't find anything exotic, it made my morning, just the fact that I managed to attract some birds. :) When I looked up, I also noticed a nest very high up in the tree, but I'm not sure who it belongs to... (I'm very much a novice at this!!) I might try to go out later with some sunflower seeds and try to attract one to my hand."

Pathway by my mom's



Black Capped Chickadee!!

Again..

Someone's nest.. hehe

First snowshoeing evening of the season!

You know you're in the country when..... you snowshoe your way to the mailbox at the end of the road! There is a storm at grandma's right now, so Mom gladly made her way to the mailbox with her snowshoes!

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Mom and I are at grandma's for the holiday season! I was excellent in the car on the way down, and I only spent a few minutes hiding under the bed! Mom made sure to bring my beds down, but I don't feel like sleeping in them. I would much rather lay on the ceramic tiles! (But Mom keeps moving me. Something about being "elderly" and developing something called "arthritis"???) As usual, Mom forgot something at home - my food!! So she was sure to go get some at the vet today! Phew... I thought I was going to have to go 3 weeks without food!!!

Annual Xmas Bird Count!

Well, Mom took part on her very first "Xmas Bird Count" through our local nature club where different groups go around and count birds (sounds logical!), and she really enjoyed it! She and her nature buff friend were supposed to do it in the country where she lives (to find more interesting birds), but her friend's dad (the pro) is feeling under the weather, so they had to join another group. They ended up going around the city (much to Mom's friend's dismay), but they had fun nonetheless. Mom said that it was warmer in the car anyway. MOL.. They found LOTS of Pidgeons of course, some Crows, Hawks, Gulls, Chickadees, Mourning Doves, Starlings, Song Sparrows, and a Purple Finch (probably the most interesting find, MOL)!!

They took a lunch break at one of the ladies' houses (who has a white cat!!!) Mom said she was much, MUCH, MUCH!!!! Smaller than me though. But very friendly! Apparently she wasn't very interested in my scent though! Weird.. Mom accidently sat on the cat's favourite chair & her friend freaked telling Mom that she was going to be full of fur. Anyway, of course Mom just laughed and told the lady that she is used to having my fur all over her. MOL.. They had gouda cheese, french baguette, and smoked salmon (mmmm)!! Oh yes, and some chocolate & banana bread. Mom certainly doesn't eat stuff like that everyday! MOL! But they're "well established" university professors, so they have the means. MOL..

Anyway, Mom had a great time and was glad that she decided to go (despite her exam tomorrow evening).

Mmmmm, birding cookie.... (from the potluck)


Fluffy, Ph.D. being studious. (I think I studied more than Mom has been!)

"Blink kisses"!!

Mom found this article by Pam Johnson-Bennett and thought it was very interesting! Mom and I exchange blink kisses too. This just confirms it. :) Mom is also convinced that a kitty's slow eye blinks also conveys trust in the person. But then again, why would I "kiss" someone who I didn't trust? MOL...

Can Kitties Kiss? Just Look into Their Eyes ...

Posted Tue, May 29, 2007, 10:00 am PDT

You may or may not be aware of cat kisses, but they're something cat lovers have talked about for years. Some believe in them and some don't. I happen to be a believer in the ever-subtle -- but extremely endearing -- cat kiss.

If you're envisioning your favorite feline puckering up and planting a whisker-tickling smooch on your cheek, you're on the wrong track. A cat kiss is actually a very slow blink of the cat's eyelids.

Cat kisses are given to other cats, and to some lucky humans. It's usually reserved for a companion with whom the cat is familiar and friendly. You can even return a cat kiss with your own slow blink.

The next time you're sitting on the couch and your kitty is relaxed on the chair across the room, pay close attention -- because she may be offering a cat kiss. Her posture will be relaxed with her facial muscles also relaxed. Her eyelids will ever-so-gently close and reopen. You've just been kissed!

Don't attempt cat kisses with unfamiliar cats or ones who are stressed and anxious. You don't want to offer a direct stare to an unhappy or conflicted kitty. Reserve cat kisses for those relaxed and happy moments with the cats in your life.

Mom, you're silly!

...She says that if she could, she would marry me because I'm purrrrfect. (Can't argue with that!) But she's still weird. MOL!

What the.....

Why is my tail wet???



Whoa, I just did the weirdest thing! Everything here is quiet (I was napping, and Mom is studying for exams). Anyway, all of a sudden I hissed!! Of course Mom quickly looked over, and she thinks I just had a bad dream because obviously no other animals or people are here to hiss at (besides, it's something I NEVER do, even when other people are here!) But, I did have a toy right in front of my face, so I think I just got a little startled. I'm ok now though, and of course Mom came over to comfort me. >^^<

Weekend of research proposals (whatever THAT is) and rattie-sitting!

Mom had lots of work to do this weekend, so she stayed home with me. She also took care of Auntie's furkids over the weekend. Apparently Emma enjoyed watching tv from Mom's hoodie. MOL.. Mom wasn't very nice to me this afternoon. She gave me my treats as usual, but instead of putting them right in front of me (the way I like it!), she decided to scatter them around to make me work for them. Can you imagine! Anyway, I just layed there and gave Mom the "um, are you going to bring them here or not? I'm not walking 'all the way there'"! And you know what? She didn't even budge (yet..). I ate one then went to the kitchen to pout. Mom felt bad, so she brought them over to me. (She could tell I was upset by the unnatural ordeal!) Anyway, here are a couple pics from last night. Mom just loves Auntie's ratties and wonders if she would notice if Mom brought them home with her. (I don't think Auntie would like THAT very much.. and I don't think I would either..)

Emma watching tv!


Adorable Mr. Poe!


Mr. Remi, climbing. :)


Emma being cute in (my) Mom's hoodie :P

Visit with Santa Claws!

Well, Mom decided to take me to see Santa on Saturday! I was a VERY good boy in the car and didn't meow or pant once! I wasn't even in my carrier! Mom was extremely pleased and thinks she won't have to take me in the carrier when we go visit my grandma over the holidays! Mom put the heated seat on for me and covered me in a blanket, and I was all set!

Anyway, back to Santa... Our local animal shelter called Santa Claws to come down to see all us dogs and cats. (Mom says the proceeds went toward the shelter.) I would say that it was the REAL Santa, but.... it was a woman!!! Apparently Santa is now a woman! MOL...

I received LOTS and LOTS of attention while we were there! Between my pet stroller and my size, I don't know which received more attention (and my cuteness of course! That's just a given..) Even Santa asked Mom how much I weigh! Geez.. I didn't see any other kitties, but there were lots of doggies!! (who gave me UNDESIRABLE attention by sniffing and barking at my presence..) There were other cats though who got their pictures taken throughout the weekend. In case you're interested, here is the website with all the pictures. http://www.equiessence.smugmug.com/

I have to admit though, I was not pleased about the picture taking session. Mom thinks they went through about 20 pictures because I would either refuse to: A) Look at the camera, or B) Keep my eyes open. And putting A and B together was near impossible despite having about 4 people squeeking funny looking things at me from behind the photographer and trying to grab my attention (including Mom who was becoming increasingly frustrated despite the photographer's endless patience.. hehe). Anyway, after a while, Mom laughingly told the photographer she could just stop because she thought I would never "give in". I felt bad for Mom's embarrassment of having such a "snotty cat" and creating a line up of people and animals, so I FINALLY gave in and took some pretty cute pictures. Check them out for yourself! (They even snuck one in of Mom holding me! She was a little surprised when she saw a pic of herself on the website. MOL!)

A weekend to myself!

Well, Mom was away this weekend, and Auntie Linda was too, so I had a pretty quiet weekend to myself. I was glad when Mom came home though because my food bowl was completely empty and my fountain was out of water (which, according to Mom, isn't good for the pump). So she refilled it pretty darn fast!

Oh yes, and I was trying to catch a bird that was flying around me!! My eyes got big like saucers and I was just pawing away at it until...... I realized it was Mom who was MAKING it fly (I noticed her chuckling)! Of course, I knew all along.... after all, birds aren't all disorganized like that when they fly. Nice try Mom. Once I saw Mom waving the wand around, I gave up and decided to go back to napping.

I have been 14 years old for a couple weeks now, and it's not all bad. Life is still the same!

Oh! We got a really cool tote bag in the mail on Friday from our animal shelter! Mom ADORES it because it says "Love is a four legged word" and there's a picture of puppies in the word "Love". She has NO idea how she managed to receive such a cool thing, but she will soon be paying a visit with a large quantity of canned cat food along with a kitty xmas card for the staff, and she already purchased our 2009 calendar from them.

Anyway, that is all the kitty news from me for now. Happy Monday everyone!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

Although Mom isn't sure the exact date I was born, she knows I was born around the beginning of November, so she decided to claim November 1st as my bday. I am 14 years old today!!!! So today is a big day. I received my bday gift first thing this morning!!! (Well, not when I woke up, but when Mom woke up.) She bought me a Cat Fanciers' Association Porcupine Wiggler! I'm still not quite sure about it... When you stretch the tail, it wiggles itself to you, and I had fun batting at it until it came straight for me. I wasn't too happy about it invading my personal space... Nonetheless, it's a pretty cool toy. Mom also wrote a poem in my honour. It really touched my heart. I will share it with you all.

Happy Birthday, Baby

Fluffy, you were born in 1994
From that moment on, you are the one I adore.
14 years of fond memories have passed,
My love for you will always last.

You are the best friend I have ever had,
You are always there for me when I am sad.
There is not much you ask in return,
Yet, from you, so much I learn.

You have taught me to laugh and smile,
To be sensitive to your meows when you haven't seen me in a while.
To realize that animals too are family,
But most of all, to love what surrounds me.

Fluffy, I am starting to see aging in your eyes so amber.
I have to realize we can not be together forever.
I can not imagine my life without you my friend,
But to think you will always be with me, I can not pretend.

But for now, your 14 years we will celebrate,
And leave the rest we will to fate.
We have an understanding between us that will never die,
Even after you must say goodbye.

You make my life so worthwhile,
Through your purrs you make me smile.
So let us give cheers,
Baby, here is to 14 beautiful and meaningful years.

Love, Mom

A day in the life of Mr. Fluffy... caught on candid camera.

Sneaky, sneaky... Mom will NEVER KNOW!


What do we have here..?!



Coast is clear...

Mmmmm.... herbs.....




Hope I'm not leaving any traces behind!




BUSTED! (Mom's note: Notice the herbs stuck to his fur!)



As a "punishment", Mom made me create all these stick things for her class presentation. (No, not really, I just enjoyed watching them dry.)

Gee, thanks Mom!

Where is the justice around here for the king?? I'm a good boy, I cuddle with Mom (even when I don't feel like it), and I'm Mom's source of "therapy". Yet what does she do to me this morning??? She closes the fridge door on my tail! Mind you, she didn't close the door hard, and she did apologize about a gazilion times, but that's not the point! She should be more careful with royalty proudly walking around with his tail up high in the air!

Marshmallow roll!

I decided to test out Mom's vest to make sure it's warm enough for her. Mom says I looked like a giant marshmallow!

Now let's see....


I think I feel warm...


Oh! Hi Mom!! It is Fluffy approved.

I love baffling my mom.

Yes, I have three beds I can choose from, BUT Mom's clipboard is way more comfy. Welcome to a cat's world!

Bird feeder...

Well, we had to take down our bird feeder because the pidgeons kept trying to get to it. It would cause the feeder to bang against the window, so Mom decided to take it down before it actually broke the window! She said she'll take it over to Gramma's where it will be safe to hang. We feel bad, but we didn't have much choice. :( I'll miss watching the little birds, but not the big ones. They scared me.

Camping out..

Guess what! I received a surprise visit from gramma and step-grandpa on Wednesday night!! They were leaving for the U.S. yesterday morning, so they figured it would save time to drive from here. Mom kept it as a surprise (although she only found out they were coming that day.) Mom and I got to camp out in the livingroom on our air mattress! Keep in mind that it is only a single, and Mom and I both managed to share it. It was my first experience sleeping on one of those! It was squishy when I tried walking around on it.

Mom is staying in the city this weekend, so that means lots of quality time with her. She is going on an outing on Sunday along a coastline though. Wish I could go too, but Mom thinks I might scare away all the birds. I'm not so sure about that....

Giving Mom the paw!

Letting Mom know that I'm not in the mood for lovin' today!

Passing of a dear furiend..

I just found out that my friend Jinx passed away, so it's a sad day. Mom even cried!!! I think it's the first time she gets so upset over the passing of someone else's pet (who lives in Detroit Michigan at that!) But the story & picture are quite touching as you will see. He was well loved!

"A friend of mine gave him to me when he was 6 weeks old, we became instant friends and Jinx was the most loveable and non aggressive cat I ever had..he always welcomed new kitties witha open paws and made them feel at home..we were happy for 15 years together, then he turned sick and got Congestive Heart failure and his lungs filled with fluid and had maybe a month or less to be with me..I came home from work one day and found him laying on the bedroom floor gasping for his last breaths...I picked him up and laid him in my arms and he took his very last breath and passed over. Friends have told me he was waiting to let go until I came home so he could say goodbye to me and let me know he was no longer in pain and I should be in peace as well..."

Weekend and pictures..

Well, Mom will be going to visit my grandma this weekend, so I will be enjoying the company of my favourite Auntie Linda this weekend! (Although poor auntie is sick though. Hope she feels better real soon!)

Mom went to the vet after classes today, and guess what!! She got me FOOD and another bandana!!! This one is a Fall/Thanksgiving theme! I have also been napping in my nemo (clownfish) bed. Isn't it cute? (Mom says it matches her ugly orange couch. hehe)

ENOUGH ALREADY!!

Mom's in the education program at university, and she is learning how to teach music at the elementary level. It's all fine and dandy because Mom has a background in music (she has her level 6 piano through the Royal Conservatory of Music). BUT, that is in instrument.... It makes the sound FOR her. The problem is, she has to practice singing. Mom can NOT sing! To tell you the truth, I would rather listen to my cat litter going through the blender! She also has to practice the penny whistle, and we fear that the neighbours aren't feeling as entertained by it as we are. Thankfully, Mom hasn't received a notice of eviction yet (although we don't dare say this too loudly!) She has been telling me to bare with her because it's only for a semester.

PS: How long is a semester???


Source: http://msp2.photobucket.com/albums/y31/Fredcat/Cats%2002/Cat-CatHoldingGuitarOKStopSingingSo.jpg

Mom: "OH..... MY.....GOODNESS!!!!!!"

I have another blog on catchannel.com where I "hang out" and chat with my girlfriend and other feline friends! Anyway, the more activity that goes on, the more points we accumulate! Well just for the heck of it, Mom was checking out what she could redeem with our points. She came across this new addition, and she is just squealing in excitement. We only have close to 19 000 points, and it takes 50 000 points, so Mom knows we won't be able to get it (and because the stuff "sells out" fast!) Anyway, Mom just LOVES this tshirt, and she desperately wants it!!!!

The return of the moth...

ROUND 2!!!!

The cat who cried "MOTH!"

Well, I had some excitement a little while ago!!! A moth flew into our apartment, and I got my knickers in a knot over it. At first, I started "crying", and Mom thought I was hurting, but then she saw me looking at the moth. I was scared at first (hey, those things are SCARY looking!!!), but then I tried to catch it. Anyway, I got my exercise, and now I am completely tuckered out! I haven't had that much energy in a LONG time!! Mom is making such a big deal out of this! She says she almost feels like celebrating the fact that I'm still mobile. hehe...

Before (just before I ran in back of the couch to catch it):





After! (pretty self-explanatory):

Update on the sleeping situation!

Well, Mom went to bed at 9:30 pm last night because she was soooo tired (hmmmm, not sure why!) and I decided to let her sleep alone. Aren't I a considerate boy?? I came in to "check on her" this morning around 7:30 am and things were a little too quiet around here, so I decided to meow like crazy until she finally got up. I followed her around until.... I got my BREAKFAST!!! I will let Mom sleep unless she starts neglecting her "duties"!

MY bed!!

Last night, I decided that I wanted the entire bed to myself! Mom calls it having a "diagonal night". That means that I slept in the very middle of the bed, diagonally! In other words, Mom had no space for herself. She tried different positions (eg. one leg dangling from the side, having one leg on each side of me while she herself slept diagonally, etc.) but it didn't work. So, guess what she did! She didn't want to wake me, so she went to sleep on the couch for the rest of the night. I'm not sure why, but she looked pretty tired this morning! She also mumbled something about wondering how many other pet owners would do this for their animal! Either way, I know I'm well rested! Maybe I'll sleep in one of my own beds tonight so Mom can have a good sleep tonight. ;)

Happy surprise!

Well, guess what! Mom's home! Yes, she came home a few days early because #1 she missed me so much, and #2 there was a death in the step-family and Mom knew grammy & step-grampy would be busy for the next few days. Auntie L. took great care of me during Mom's absence and I had a lovely time with her as always. I was very chatty with her! I was pretty chatty with Mom too when she came home. She's been giving me lots of love and attention, and now I'm all tired out, so I'm going to take a catnap before bed.

Mom's away. If she's not working, she's away.

Well, Mom has a week to herself before university starts again, so she decided to go spend some time at grandma's. She was going to bring me along, but I'm really not a fan of the car (even if I did great last time, Mom could still tell it wasn't up my alley). Being a senior citizen, Mom wants to avoid as much stress for me as she can (which I appreciate!) My favourite Auntie ever is around though, so she is taking care of me while Mom's away. I have been VERY VERY affectionate lately, and I looked sad when she left, so Mom feels extra bad for leaving me. She's hoping I will share my love & affection to Auntie L. though. Mom already misses me though, so she may come home a day or two before she anticipated. >^v^<

Another cloudy dreary day?!??!!??!

*SIGH!!!*

Rotting weather

Well, it hasn't been very nice out lately. As mom would say, it is very "blah-ish". Fall weather is starting to move in sadly. What a perfect time to nap with my little stuffed buddies. Summer is too short here.

I am the king!

Well, Mom's been cleaning the apartment this morning (yes, believe it or not!!! It is overdue!) and she decided to take out my king costume and have a little photoshoot with me during a break.






Tommy Hilfiger cat!

Mom's rats ;) (Actually they're Auntie's, but Mom sort of secretly adopted them.)

...but FIRST, we start with ME, because I do the most adorable things sometimes - like stick out my tongue!!! Mom was FINALLY able to catch it on camera to show you. (Not the best quality pics, BUT she had to be a little sneaky, or else I would notice and suck it right back in. hehe...)

Ok. Now to our (errrr, Auntie's) rats! The first pic is of the newest addition: Poe!! Mom says he's SOOO affectionate (especially since he cares more about cuddles than treats!) Would you believe Mom says she ALREADY misses them??? In my opinion, she becomes too attached to them!

POE!!!

Poe and Mom's double chin (hehe)

Luna and Remi

Luna (& a sock! hehe)

Emma

Emma (Mom loves the look on her sweet face!)