Orange Cats and New Dogs

The Reddings are in fine fettle this morning!  At the moment they are charging about the house like the "Light Brigade".  At one point Otis the Bold, lept up in the air in front of Old Keeper and gained himself a yark for that one.  They have stunk up the whole place with their morning deposits in the litter box and I had no choice but to clean it to rid the place of that odour.  Otis also got into the recycle bag and hauled out the  empty kitty litter container and somehow ended up wearing the wrapper around his middle! Yesterday they got together end emptied a cox of small cans of cat food and then played with the box.  He is now playing with that again as he gets his wind back for another "Redding Romp".  Opus the "Shredder of Kleenex" has been foiled at this habit by tin dog dishes covering the waste baskets.(they fit right in the tops very nicely)  But I don't dare drop one tissue or he'll have it for sure.  As Otis finds new toys every day, and particularly likes his emery board and his flattened plastic straw, Opus is quite content with the two Christmas mouses(one green, one white) that he has found from his predecessor Mr. Peaches.

  It was a busy weekend with a stray dog being turned in Friday night and then Daisy arriving to be pet sat on Sat.  The boys have only had to deal with one dog(Maddie) since their arrival but I am happy to say they took it all in stride very well.  The stray dog turned out to be "Einstein" and was a very respectful dog as he went through the house to be let out into the back yard.  Daisy I am pretty sure has always hated cats but accepts that my word is law and this is my house and my cats and dogs do not chase or even threaten them.  Good for her! That is of course only good manners.  Einstein was picked up yesterday-Sunday, and owner even dropped me some cash money which was wonderful.  So often people think a thank-you is enough but besides my time and trouble I feed all the animals twice a day so there is some money involved in the end.  Mostly I am just glad to "be of service" - get the dog off the streets or highway as in this case  and then home again..

The Reddings need these dog experiences if

I am to contnue pet-sitting and I am pretty

proud of them today .  They are shaping up

to be well-adjusted boy cats for sure!  

The Reddings seem to have a great affection for dog beds and as soon as I brought Daisys' nice bed in they had to try it out.  Daisy seems to prefer to be in the porch now I have the heat on and she has a nice couch cushion out there that she likes.  How do I know all this?? They told me so with actions and body language.

At times having these two orange cats is like having two two-yr-old kids around.  They keep me busy checking on what they are into now and two minutes from now and so it goes.  When they finally crash for a rest they really get my curiosity up and I have to find where they are.  Luckily they sometimes sleep for a couple of hours which is a nice break for the rest of us.  Keeper especially finds them trying as she trips over all their toys and puts up with their shenanigans.  But for the most part we are becoming a pretty good family unit now and they do enhance our lives and I am glad I took these two boys on.

The Redding Brothers Again.

 

My two Orange Cats are rapidly becoming totally irreplaceable. 

Yes. there have been a few growing pains and adjustments on everyone's part but mostly we are a pretty happy family.  The dogs continue to try and train the cats, but I think the cats are winning. They sleep where they feel like it with no thought of "who's" bed they are in.  Keeper seemed most upset the other day to find Otis on her new softy bed I recently bought her.  She finally gave up and found another spot.  Teko however was the funniest.  When Otis took over his (teko's) softy/basket bed, he climbed in with him albeit with a few growls to let the cat know he really didn't appreciate a bed mate.  I should have gotten a photo but as always never thought of it in time.

  Although it works very well to put the Reddings out in the porch first thing in the morning and give them breakfast out there, lately I have had other dogs around and don't want to take any chances.  The boys were very alert when I brought the new dogs through the house but never ran and therefore did not become "prey" in the dogs mind. They will be tested this weekend however when Daisy comes to stay.  That collie really does not like cats but I gave her a heavy tongue lashing when she last thought about going for the late Mr.Peaches and after that she wouldn't even look at them.  Mind, two cats running and raising hell may be a different thing?? We'll see, as nothing ventured nothing gained. It makes life so much easier when everyone gets along.  And get along they must, because pet-sitting has made my life so much easier.(financially). I always expect winter to mean not much call for pet-sitting but so far my regulars still seem to need me and that is great!  I have fallen into a good thing and as long as I stay home all summer, when most people go away or visit the Kootenays, I hope to continue.  In the meantime the "boys" continue to keep things rather lively, here in Miracle House.

  Last night another stray was turned into me. A nice mellow dog that is easy to get along with.

I wish I could learn how to put photos on fb as that would be a big help.  Have no idea who to turn to for help and can only hope my courses at Selkirk will eventually teach me.How the hell does everyone learn I wonder?? This is a neutered male dog with a chain collar but no ID,  I have a stack of old tags if anyone wants to use them to put their phone number on the back.  it would save a lot of work for the people involved and owners would know where their dogs are right away and not worry all night. Hopefully the owner will phone soon as I have Daisy coming tonight and one dog less makes things easier.I don't charge for the strays coming by during hours when there is no Animal Control going on, and just use my spca status. But a donation is always appreciated.  That's all for now folks!!

Kids,Horses,and the Stallion

Early on in the adventures of Fletcher Creek riding Stables,  a bunch of the kids were sitting on the fence as I explained what was needed that day.  As of yet I didn't even know all their names but they were mostly young girls. As I spoke I heard a definite clearing of the throat and a very audible "huckkk-tooey" typical of an old drunk in east end Calgary.  I ignored the sound preferring to think I had not heard this.  But there it came again! Finally I asked who had done that.  One of the taller girls put up her hand.  Sounding like my Mother I said,"doncha know girls don't do that?"  spitting like that is still something I find disgusting and I was surprised to hear it among these young girls. The girl in question was certainly not worried and simply replied "I had somethin' in my throat".  This was how I met Bobbi W. and she soon became a great help to me indeed.  But for the most part I enjoyed my "Crew" of kids and don't think i could have run the stables without them.  They asked for no pay and their lessons were free whenever I could accomodate them.
   Lessons of course were a part of the stables. How could one ride without them?  It is possible of course to go for a ride without lessons but you are mostly just sitting there as baggage for the horse to pack around.  I wanted "my kids" to be better than that and I was a hard taskmaster I think.  The funny thing was....I myself had never had a lesson!  I had learned the hard way, fom the horses themselves.  I did read a lot, but it would be many years before I actively persued better horsemanship.  I would eventually become a bonafide Level I Western Coach.  I had however taught in Alberta at Twin Bridges and woudl teach for many years, even after I no longer rode myself.
    Some of my horses were not up to the level I needed for non-riders.  One was Sirocco and the other was the beautiful Sandy.


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I had seen in alberta how these horses did not in the end pull their weight or bring in enough money to warrant keeping them.  I advertised Sandy and she sold to a young girl in Creston.  Although the girl was not an experienced rider, her parents asurred me she would be in training for some time with the horse.  I later heard she did well and was showing Sandy in equestrian events on a regular basis.  I had promised not to separate Sandy and her mother Gyp but it was much better for them to go their own separate ways.  Each horse was allowed a better life without being "herd-bound" and not wanting to be separated from each other.  Sirocco on the other hand never did sell and stayed in the herd to the end.  He was usuable if the rider was aware he could be a problem and for themost part he was content to go along with others and even went in a few parades.

    One adventure we had that I could have done without, concerned the Arabian Stallion, Bedowi.  In the first planning stages, I had asked what would be done with the stud in order not to have any problems.  Irma replied that he would be locked up, but on this day they had put him out in the second pasture.  Our ride that day was out to Mirror Lake along the highway, in order to accustom all horses to traffic.  We were to get more than I bargained for!  I observed the excitement of the stallion as we rode along the highway towards the rock cut, but hoped he would remain in the pasture.  Not so! Once in the rock cut and guiding my charges, I turned to see him pounding down the highway towards us!  What to do?  I had heard of stallions breaking riders backs when they attempted to breed a mare someone was riding and my first thought was to save the kids.  I stopped everyone and ordered them to dismount and hang onto their horses reins- hard!  (David would later say he thought it was just a drill) In no time at all the Stallion was among us and I told the kids to lead their horses home, get in a corral and stay there!For a time chaos seemed to reign.  One kid lost their horse, but got it again and it soon became obvious the stud was after my mount- Sandy!  Well I certainly did not want that! But it was fortunate that she was the one he was after.  This enabled the kids to get away, while I battled with Bedowi.  There was a great deal of screaming going on both from the stallion and my mare.  He would rear and fall down and I hoped I could jump on his head and grab him as he was wearing a halter.   All this time, I was trying trying to hang  onto my mare, as traffic piled up on both sides of the highway. No help would be coming from the drivers' as their eyes were all bugged out as they watched the scenario happening before them.  At one point I had pulled off my belt and lashed out at the stallion, I remember the buckle coming off and the metal sound of it bouncing along the ashphalt.  Finally, the stallion fell, in all his thrashings about and I caught the halter.  To this day I don't know how I did it with one hand, but I managed to tie up the mares reins and take off her lead-shank to put on Bedowi and lead him home.  I could only hope the mare would follow me and stay off the highway.  She represented $1000.00 and I didn't want to see this pretty mare damaged by a car or anything for that matter.  The walk back to the farm seemed endless.  How could it be taking so long when I could see it??  At the stop-sign I met a male neighbor who owned the farm above.  I knew him to be strong but could only hope he knew enough about horses to not let go of the stallion.  I guess the kids had stopped him in his truck to come and help me.  I went back for Sandy who had followed nicely along on the shoulder of the road-how good is that!  The kids took her and I put the Stallion in the barn.  I was shaking and more than a little upset.  My shoulder and arm ached from hanging on so hard and I had barely been able to relinquish the lead-shank to the neighbor.  At that moment Irma arrived and said simply "I didn't even know he was out" Lucky for all of us I was beyond speaking and never said a word, or I would still be harping on.

   After that, we decided to build a stud pen and approached Irma with the idea.  She was in favor and possibly paid for the lumber needed.  I do know we started digging holes for posts almost the day after the "Stallion Incident".

I have never been a great measurer and out fence started an 5'6" and suddenly got to 6'6".  No matter it would hold him.  the kids were most enthused and at the end of the day asked if they could come back after supper! Oh my, my days were getting longer.  But we did return and I picked up some hot-dogs and marshmellows and we later had a nice little time around the fire.  Slowly we were melding into a tight-knit group and felt we were now tempered by fire and hard work.  A few days later the stud-fence was completed and we had no more problems.  Except for once when they turned himout for exercise.  The following morning I found my good old Scout horse up on the highway and more than one of the others packing scrapes from his teeth and hooves.  After that he was definitely kept contained.

Got horses-need kids.

Now, with seven horses purchased, I became a working stables.  My first dudes were Adult and were patient with me as I worked out a trail that would take an hour to ride.  I was most grateful to have a friend that could do signs for me at a reasonable rate.  Money was still short, but in no time the people were arriving.  They wanted to ride and enjoyed it as much as I did.  With my experience at Twin Bridges in Calgary, I decided that because these were MY horses the rides wold be supervised and I rode along as a guide.  In this way I could not only observe the behaviour of my new string but also the riders. At Twin Bridges the horses were tacked in the morning and wore their saddles and gear all day.  This resulted in tack damage as well, and I thought, in unnecessary discomfort for the horses. My string was un-tacked after every ride and the horses were allowed a good roll and could graze in between rides.  I felt better about those decisions although it made for more work for myself and later my helpers.
   It was also necessary for me to take a leave of absence from my job at the meat market.  For the next few years I would work the winters there and spend the spring and summer months running the Dude String.
 This worked very well for me and I was young and healthy enough to handle it all.
   In no time at all there were a lot of kids hanging around wanting to help and to learn about horses.  My stress level was at maximum and I later would wonder why these kids even wanted to be around me, for at times I really blew my stack and they were easily accessible for my anger to vent on.  They would all later return to me and tell me how those were "The best times ever!"  In retrospect I can only imagine they were looking for something that the horses and I filled.  We were a team, almost like a club, and we had  mutual goals every day.  When the kids arrived(mostly young girls)  I would tell them there were two things I would not tolerate.  Number one was "don't lie to me" and number to was "Don't steal from me".  For the most part this did not happen but later I would find there had been the odd lie and one theft of some cigarettes. The girls in the group tended to be much gutsier and tough than the boys.  We basically only had two boys- David B. and Ricky S.  David was dedicated in his attendance but a real chicken when it came to riding. I don't know if we ever got him past that.  But he would turn up most mornings.  I would drive to the bridge with my truck and pick up the kids at the bridge and take them out to the Aldinger Farm where I was running my new business. They were of course required to bring their own lunch.  I only provided several jugs of Kool-aid for when it got hot and we were thirsty.
  The parents were soon making comments on how happy their kids were and Davids mother was most astounded.  He lived past town and was the farthest drop off at the end of a day and often he would fall asleep after a hard day "at work".  I would shake him awake and he would go into the house and eat and go to bed and the next day start his schedule all over again. One day a year or so later when I had moved the horses to the Turnip Farm on the back road, David walked all the way from his house(a couple of miles) only to meet a large black bear! He then turned around and made his way home again. Poor guy, but again they were young and enthusiastic and that's how things were in our area.
  Coming home at night I could easily have ten or more kids in the back of my truck.  Going out in the morning they were full of beans but coming home at night tired they were pretty darn quiet.  One mother was concerned about how dirty her daughter was after a day at the stables.  It wasn't as if we had running water and a bathroom to clean up in or anything.  There was however a bit of a reservoir nearby and soon Heather was coming in with a container with soap and a washcloth.  Just before quitting time she would wet the cloth and scrub off the orange kool-aid marks on her face and her Mom was happier.

Fletcher Creek-the next horses

In my quest for horses for my Riding Stables, I scoured all the ads in the papers and the Advertiser from Creston  was one source as well as any other paper I came across.  Finally I heard about several horses being sold in Nakusp.  A fellow there had used horses to transport people to the hot-springs and he now had had enough and wanted to sell his string.  By the time I got there he had only four horses left.   I tried them all out and most seemed suitable except for a liver-chestnut named Sirocco.  The fellow drove a hard sale and wanted them all to go so in the end I bought four new horses.  They were Sirocco. Nahanie, Scout and Monty.  These last two horses were a grey and a sorrel while Nahanie was a red roan(that looked more pink)  I bought saddles and various tack with them and now was the proud owner of five horses, as well as my own horse Trouble.

  Now I needed a trailer to haul these horses and as my partner I lived with did not want to lend me is trailer I found I had to buy it.  In due course the horses were at the farm.  



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My requirements increased as I went and a glance at an old chicken coop on the farm led me to thinking it might make and excellent tack building.  Irma didn't care and we hauled it down to a corral where I would run my business from.  I put new shakes on the roof and left the roosts in for putting the saddles on.  Worked like a hot damn!  Much later when I was more established, my brother would phone

me and ask if this was "Joyces' Chicken Coop?"  These planning days were fun and most exciting!

  My next trip to look at horses was over in Trail.  There, I went to a place called Buck Haven. Large iron gates with a buck deer on them made me think I had come to a very fancy place indeed.  The people were very nice and we soon went to look at the horses.  One was a three-quarter Arab mare and the other her daughter, a half Arab mare.  The older mare was not in great shape and it sounded like the people had been unsuccessful in weaning the gown up foal at the proper time.  She had given too much to the foal and it had cost her in weight for her own body.  the younger mare was however so pretty she actually took my breath away! She was called Sandy and the older mare was Gypsy.  With one look I was pretty sure I could not afford these animals and said as much.  The people however did want to sell them and apparently to me! A price was eventually agreed upon(much less than these animals were worth on the market) and with the inclusion of two Eamore saddles, a deal was struck and I went home with two more horses.  It seems to me we had a hard time loading the older mare and I was there for some time while they called a friend to help, but eventually I was on the road and travelling very slowly with my precious cargo.  Many a driver must have cursed me but I was not at all experienced with hauling a trailer and horses at all!

A System in the Making

 Over the weeks that the Redding Brothers have been living with me,  a certain system has arisen or possibly it would be better called a schedule?  Like most young animals, they awaken hungry.  If not fed within the hour they make life tiresome indeed with much "Redding Romp" going on.  It seems much easier to put them out in the porch aka playpen with their food and let them get at it out there while the rest of us enjoy some peace and quiet. the dogs sleep and I am of course at the computer.  "Otis the Bold", has developed a habit of caressing himself against Keeper and follows her if she moves away with his tail curling about her face. She is unsteady of paw at the best of times and eventually she gets fed up with him and Yarks at him.  At times it takes several of these to make him go elsewhere and find a new activity.  This morning we awoke to Keeper yarking and Otis caressing her. One day she will have to nip him but so far that hasn't happened. It is definitely not a game she enjoys.
  A few days ago Otis got a bit of a lesson about doors.  I had returned home and wanted to keep the cats in the porch and he thought he would sneak in the door anyway.  Luckily I only closed the screen door and unfortunately his tail was in it! Suddenly there was a great screech and my leg was being aggressively attacked by ten sets of claws.  Although I was startled at least I had the presence of mind to open the door again and release his tail.  The attack stopped and Otis ran away looking very indignant. it hit me as funny and I got a good laugh out of it all and went to town and told others of the mini-adventure.  I think he actually did learn a lesson and has better respect for doors now.
  The latest trick Opus has come up with has been to shred Kleenex up in tiny little bits.  it makes quite a mess.  I thought he was getting the Kleenex out of the waste bin and found a dog dish that fir on top of the bin to prevent him from this latest activity.  In no time at all I returned to find more Kleenex shredded!  How could this be?  Well a bit of investigation showed that he wasn't taking Kleenex from the garbage bin but new  stuff out of the box!  Lord preserve me from Clever Cats and their little games.
  On the other hand the easiest things become wonderful toys for them. Someone left a plastic straw here and he has played with it for many hours. It gets lost and then he finds it again and it is like a new toy all over again. He is also a kitten that takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin'. I watched through the dining room window as he carefully crept along the edge of a top-opening window in the porch, only to take one more non-existent step into air and come tumbling down. No matter, he picked himself up and went on to other things.  Ever the intrepid cat.
  I knew when I got TWO young cats that there would be a lot of action around here and there certainly is but we are working it out.  When I went to Nelson the other day I had to leave both boys in the porch so my neighbour could let the dogs out a few times while I was away.  I couldn't possibly expect someone else to do the juggling I go through to only let dogs out and not cats.  I hope eventually they will not even bother with the door.  Opus continues to snuggle all night and I am most happy with that.They were definitely worth taking a chance on!

Fletcher Creek Riding Stables- first horse

The idea of having my own Riding Stables had been long in the offing.  This dream came with me from Alberta but it wasn't until 1976 that is looked like this dream could be realized. Of course first off, I had no money to bring this dream about.  Over coffee one spring day out at the Aldinger farm, Irma offered to be a silent partner in a joint venture that I would run from their farm.  She would sign for a loan for me and before I really thought too hard about it I was on my way to purchase the first horse for my "string".  I remember Diane Bersea accompanied me to Creston to look at this horse. I was happy and on a high of course and we ended up buying it.  His name was Diablo and the previous owners told me he liked to jump.Well to a wiser more knowledgeable horse person the red flags may have gone up right away but I was just looking for quiet and dependable and he did seem that. By this time I had acquired a set of slide-in racks for my Dodge truck and to fill the other side of the racks,seeings I only had one horse to transport, I stacked up bales of hay.The roads around here are pretty curvy but the horse rode well and i certainly made sure I wasn't going very fast.  It seemed to take a long time to get home again. Nerves and Worry have often taken a toll on me and I was exhausted by the time we pulled into the farm.  We unloaded Diablo and then started on the hay bales.  At one point, I remember Diane and I trying to both carry a bale and we tripped and fell and she called me a "Turkey".  That seemed so funny at the time that I laughed until my sides hurt.
   The next morning, Diablo was standing outside of his corral.  Yes he did like to jump and from then on I had to go to great pains to keep him in where he belonged.  Yup beware of a horse that "likes to jump" and is also named for the Devil!

The Reddings Still Ride My "Range"

Although I had hoped to go on to other subjects, I thought I had best catch everyone up on the Redding brothers once again.  They are developing more habits each day.This morning I found most of the Kleenex from my waste basket beside the computer shredded.  It would seem it was Opus that did it this time although possibly Otis had a paw in it as well..  I hate to think my "good boy" Opus would do anything bad but of course he does and it isn't always Otis.  No good cat Mom should play favorites.  Otis has paid for his  gulping of canned cat food.  He promptly pukes it all back up so I have quit feeding them canned stuff. At least with the kibble they have to eat it slower.  Between the cats and the ancient old dog I have been kept busy cleaning up.  This morning Keeper had a particularly gross mess.(Elaine quit reading here!) She has often made a mess on the floor but today's mess was a bit extreme.  She had walked in it enough to spread it around and then it dried!  I think I need a snow scrapper to get it up and have done not much about it yet as have to go outside to get a scrapper!  I guess this is when most people get fed up and have the animal put down.  But I love her so much and cannot think of parting with her and am not about to do so because of these accidents.  I don't like it but there are many things we don't like in life and hopefully I can manage. Just when I get most frustrated she suddenly had no more accidents for a week or more. Go figure!
    Presently the cat boys are in their playpen aka. porch.  The Redding Romp was upsetting and its much nicer for the rest of us to let them do their "romp" on a different range so to speak. this ploy may or may not work in the winter-we'll see. I have changed my sheets to nice warm and cozy Micro fleece ones and Opus particularly likes them(as do I)  I think Opus cuddled all night.  young cats like this apparently don't have to get up in the night to go to the bathroom where it is not so, for this new Senior.  The cats follow me out in hopes most likely of a treat or food but they really do know they will not be fed until later. Sometimes feeding the boys helps calm them down but at other times it seems to energise them and hence the Redding Romp all over the house!there is also a time in the evening when it suddenly becomes time for the "Romp!" Last night I felt in fear of my poor body as the romp went right over top of me and at least one boy cat used my tummy as a jumping off spot type springboard! Luckily no claws out and so no "tracks" on my body. They certainly have very little respect for my body and in self defense I may have to start trying to gain some respect from them. But for the most part I have been enjoying the "boys" a lot and they have livened up this old house for sure.  I cannot imagine coming home and not being greeted by the Redding Brothers.  Love them to pieces!

Diggin' up Dust Rabbits

With these days off I have been trying to clean up Miracle House.  It always needs it as it is not my favourite past time at all.  The Redding Brothers are helping by digging up bigger than dust bunnies so I have named them rabbits instead.   A house like mine is bound to be more work with two orange kitties.  This morning they tipped over the Aloe plant but it is good and healthy and is here to stay as I actually bought it.  Cleaned up the dirt and then did all the floors as well. So maybe they are a good thing in that way as well??
  Oops Otis has just been put in the playpen aka porch as he would not leave keeper alone and she doesn't appreciate his attention.  Many times that porch has been more than handy for me and animals and it continues to be.  The Reddings like to go out there in the morning to play in the sunshine. I keep hoping they will use that shitty box as well and I think they did this a.m. as no smell today! Great! I am sure over time we will work everything out.
 Otis remains the bold and brave somewhat troublemaker whereas Opus(previously Opie) is much quieter and the cuddler of the two-BIG TIME! Otis has drawn my blood several times already but not Opus. Otis is also the piggy of the two and I see now he is out Opus can finally eat in peace and quiet with no competition. He does this with nice manners as opposed to brother Otis who just wolfs down as much a he can as soon as he can.
  And so with Megs arrival yesterday I received the last of my birthday cards and her "fresent" was a check and I can hardly wait to go to Nelson and for once do shopping that isn't for groceries.  Its just that suddenly I hate to leave home and all my furry family and I am very happy and content here.
  Herding the dogs out the door without having the cats go out has me working almost as hard as a good cutting horse.  Its easier with both doors closed and I can get one dog out a a time while  using a foot and many FSST CAT's to keep the cat boys in.  Once again in time this may become easier and I won't end up on my butt on the floor cursing while the brothers escape?   Another problem is how slow the dogs are being geriatrics now and half blind and mostly deaf.  And so who needs exercise classes?  Anyway much easier than in the past when I tried stopping a proud cut horse with a halter slung at him.(Proud cut horses have not been castrated properly and are worse than dealing with a stallion on the rampage) Anyway we are hoping for no broken bones or stitches as I only ride the rocking chair or the couch these days.
 And now having spent no less than four hours on this computer I will just end it here and stay tuned folks -don't know what will happen tomorrow!! The Reddings are in fine fettle this morning!  At the moment they are charging about the house like the "Light Brigade".  At one point Otis the Bold, lept up in the air in front of Old Keeper and gained himself a yark for that one.  They have stunk up the whole place with their morning deposits in the litter box and I had no choice but to clean it to rid the place of that odor.  Otis also got into the recycle bag and hauled out the  empty kitty litter container and somehow ended up wearing the wrapper around his middle! Yesterday they got together end emptied a cox of small cans of cat food and then played with the box.  He is now playing with that again as he gets his wind back for another "Redding Romp".  Opus the "Shredder of Kleenex" has been foiled at this habit by tin dog dishes covering the waste baskets.(they fit right in the tops very nicely)  But I don't dare drop one tissue or he'll have it for sure.  As Otis finds new toys every day, and particularly likes his emery board and his flattened plastic straw, Opus is quite content with the two Christmas mouses(one green, one white) that he has found from his predecessor Mr. Peaches.
  It was a busy weekend with a stray dog being turned in Friday night and then Daisy arriving to be petsat on Sat.  The boys have only had to deal with one dog(Maddie) since theri arrival but I am happy to say they took it all in stride very well.  The stray dog turned out to be "Einstein" and was a very respectful dog as he went through the house to be let out into the back yard.  Daisy I am pretty sure has always hated cats but accepts that my word is law and this is my house and my cats and dogs do not chase or even threaten them.  Good for her! That is of course only good manners.  Einstein was picked up yesterday-Sunday, and owner even dropped me some cash money which was wonderful.  So often people think a thank-you is enough but besides my time and trouble I feed all the animals twice a day so there is some money involved in the end.  Mostly I am just glad to "be of service" - get the dog off the streets or highway as in this case and then home again.  The Reddings need these dog experiences if I am to continue pet-sitting and I am pretty proud of them today.  They are shaping up to be well-adjusted boy cats for sure!  The Reddings seem to have a great affection for dog beds and as soon as I brought Daisys' nice bed in they had to try it out.  Daisy seems to prefer to be in the porch now I have the heat on and she has a nice couch cushion out there that she likes.  How do I know all this?? They told me so with actions and body language.
   At times having these two orange cats is like having two two-yr-old kids around.  They keep me busy checking on what they are into now and two minutes from now and so it goes.  When they finally crash for a rest they really get my curiosity up and I have to find where they are.  Luckily they sometimes sleep for a couple of hours which is a nice break for the rest of us.  Keeper especially finds them trying as she trips over all their toys and puts up with their shananigans.  But for the most part we are beconming a pretty good family unit now and they do enhance our lives and I am glad I took these two boys on.

Damage Control

The Redding boys are starting to cause a bit of damage. Having gotten to know Otis a bit better I do now believe he got the window out in the porch when he was catching flies. Granted the putty in the window was very old.  Last night Opus had to catch up on the tally and knocked down my free-standing lamp and shattered the globe.  Luckily I had another lamp in the spare room and the shade to that one fit and its plastic but could still break.( Note to self: Wire it to the wall) .  However I knew there would be some damage.  I must also trim their claws as they both tried a short cut to their food dish via the tablecloth and when I grabbed the cloth Otis sunk his claws into my hand.  I bleed like crazy due to my meds but it eventually stopped.

I was sitting at my computer happy in my house with my animals when the phone rang and Sharon H. informed me "Suppers Ready!" Well holy crap I had forgotten my wind up birthday dinner with her and her hubby!  So i tore off and arrived apologising like crazy but what can one do?? I am after all a senior now and am supposed to forget things right?  . Sharon is a great cook and supper was really good and THEN---she brought out a cake to end all cakes. 

 She had spent much time creating a doghouse and then put Keeper in it as well!  Shakes on the roof and everything. I am going to cut this short in hopes I can somehow attach a photo.Sharon took one and promised to put it on facebook. Can you help me out Sandi?? As stated on FB. If you too want to have a week long B-day you have to advertise and let everyone know about it-people do come through and its quite lovely!!  So far I like being 65.Thanks to all for birthday wishes etc.they all made a difference in my B-day WEEK.

The Redding Romp

Wow I knew getting two kittens that are teen-age would liven up the house but boy has it ever. The latest thing is what I call the "Redding Romp".  This is performed on a nightly and first thing in the morning basis  It sounds like a herd of horses going through and includes a great many cat calithestis!  One manoeuvre includes a huge leap right over the person on the couch.(that would be me)  They sound like a herd of horses instead of two cats which supposedly can sneak up on  mouse!  I used to be annoyed at Mr.Peaches because he always seemed to do a particularly odorous dump in the morning while I was on the computer.  Well these two make that doubly so! I have already lit two matches and its getting a bit better I think.Hmm my spell check doesn't know how to spell calisthenics either. Oh who knew it had an n for Pete's sake. Anyway after the "Redding Romp" was over I was most pleased that the brothers settled down for the night and Opus slept in my arms all night.  Otis seems more independent and he slept on top of the bedspread up against my leg. its a good thing the dogs have beds on the floor or even my Queen size bed could get crowded!  So far damages have only consisted of one plant on the floor and I consider myself lucky. Its not a very good plant anyway and I should throw it out I think. Anyway I highly recommend to anyone who finds their house a tad boring and too quiet to just add a couple of young cats to the mix. You will not be bored again and they keep you busy sweeping up kitty litter as well.  I am sure readers are getting tired of the Redding Brothers stories so I may soon go back to stories of yester-year.(my yester-years of course and stories therin.)  Whats the vote??let me know what ya want.

Tired Humbled and Happy

The title of this post describes how I feel today. Didn't party wildly (who does anymore?) but it was a very busy day and so I am tired. 

  A great many well-wishers (course I put it on FB) phone calls cards etc.-I did get your card Sandi and the little plaque thank-you I like it. And that all left me humbled that so many nice people took the time to wish me a happy birfdy. And I'm just happy to know you all and to have my new orange kitty's.  Life is good at the moment and I can't complain at all. My fridge is bursting with all sorts of food-birthday bounty one could call it. First came pickled beets that I really like and then a whole supper cooked and ready for the microwave as well as cheesecake! Gramma  made me a huge angel food cake. Then I got a bag of lifesaver-Lasagna!! And a chunk of fish to cook up Besides which Jill took me out for supper and I came home with more food.  I actually ate three real meals yesterday! And had two drinks as well!  I feel well-fed and well-loved and won't have to shop or cook for some time. Great. 

 On the home front things are a little different.  I stupidly put out some whiskas dry cat food just for a change for the boys. I suspect Otis ate most of it and when we came home had upchucked more than I thought a cat could hold!  I thought about locking him out of the bedroom but didn't have the heart to do that to him. I think he was all finished by the time we went to bed. Then this morning I was awakened by Keeper yarking at one of the cats,(yep Otis again) Keeper doesn't really bark anymore and it does sound like a yark.  I never did find out the problem there as my incontinent old Keeper had had a pissident on the kitchen floor(just washed it of course)  and also an assident  by her bed.  She can't really help it and it is not enough reason for me to have her put down so I will just keep cleaning it up.She doesn't seem to be in pain although I know she has arthritis and gets around pretty well so we just continue one day at a time. Its quite a challenge now the Redding Brothers here to let the old dogs out and get them back in again without one of the boys getting out.  But I am up for it and will manage I am sure.If and when I have to be away and Laura next door pees the dogs for me I shall have to put the Redding brothers in the porch because at 80 it is expecting too much of Laura to be faster than the cats. Mostly life all works out in the end. With Birthday money in my pocket I think i would like to go to Nelson on Friday maybe-we'll see.Well the "Crew" had all been fed and now they are settled down for quiet time and I am off to do my dishes so I can once again use my sink.

 I love FB and my blog but it sure takes up the time in the morning.

                                                           ~~~

Can't Judge

Well you can't judge a cat by the first day for sure.  Opie, who was the shy cat at first is now the most lovey! He loves to sleep on my chest or sit on the back of my chair when I am on computer and always seems to want to know where I am. Otis is very friendly as well but more interested in food I think and it is little wonder he is the larger cat.  I think Laurel did an excellent job fostering these cats and they are not rough or too unruly at all-so far! Opie and I had a nice nap on the couch in the afternoon and then at 10:00 they both disappeared.  I suspected they had gone to bed but no cats there either.  They had both found their "spots" to be and a tail hanging past the curtain gave one away that he was on the windowsill.  I almost went for my camera.  In any event all is very well in Miracle House today and its my birthday and I am a happy camper! I have gotten several nice cards and presents already and I am most grateful for good friends that want to help me celebrate this 65th! birthday. I made it! And will get my first check next month! HURRRAH! May life be easier!
Back to the Redding Bothers. I think Otis started that name as when he is purring he can really reach some high notes and at first I didn't know what that sound was--rather neat actually and he seems rather proud of his "voice".
  Both Keeper and Teko have had an occasion to discipline the "boys". Keeper just yarked at them for running right over her-she does demand a bit of respect and that's OK.  Teko was the same and got possessive of his "space" as well.  The boys have gotten the idea and surely there is enough room for two cats,two dogs and one human in Miracle House?  I always believe there is room for one more and am usually able to find it if necessary.  No booking for pet-sitting on the horizon at the moment so can just enjoy the boys for awhile.  Supper with Gramma at the Golf course was nice and don't know what they did with the veggies but they were most delicious and I am not a great vegetarian at all. Had the rest of my steak for supper last night and off again tonight with Jill.  Then out again on Thursday.  Can't remember when last I had three nights out!!
Much to be grateful for these days.  My house is still standing and I am warm and well-fed, as are the animals. And Pete got all the moss off my roof and fixed the porch leak and the lawn in the back may need only one more mowing and all is well! Fine by me! Oh yeah and I even have money in my pocket!! What more does one need??

Two Hands

These days I am really glad to have two hands. That way I can pet two dogs or two cats at the same time. I seem to have switched the names on my cats from who they were originally but am going to leave it that way.I think also Opie might end up as Opus as it slides off my tongue easier and I like the name. Whatever! Usually I just call "Kitties kitties" and they both appear.  Great night with a cat within reach at all times.Love it!  This morning as I sat at my computer I got quite a tongue washing from Opie. I know my hair is clean I just washed it but he thought it needed some help and was very thorough about it.  I don't know when I have had such a complete cat wash!  Too funny.  I think I have to resurrect some cat toys for these guys. I put a lot of stuff away after Mr.Peaches left.  I am also back at work today so don't have a lot of time to tarry and must feed everyone so no time to write a lot more today. Love the Brothers to bits and they sure liven up a home!!