The cats and Dogs of Miracle House

The Redding Brothers are clever cats indeed! The other day I found my door to the porch wide open letting all the cold air in. I simply thought I had neglected to shut the door properly. Not so! Some time later I discovered Opus had mastered the art of opening the wooden door. He rattles the doorknob until it turns and then he can go out there if he likes. Once the boys had gone out into their playpen I had to get up off the couch(my nesting spot for the past days off) and close the door. A short time later the door opened once again after a bit of rattling, and in came Opus! Of course if I close the outer screen door he is hooped but has taken to climbing the screen and making a great deal of noise doing it and so gets his way in the end. And we are supposed to be the superior race?? I don't see anyone opening and closing doors for me nor bringing me my food. Or cleaning my toilet. These guys have it made in the shade and the dogs as well. But at least now I know who is opening the door and will have to make myself aware of that when I open the back door thinking the cats are safely in the porch,It may not be so!

Up until just lately it has always been Opus that cuddled on the couch or in bed but lately Otis has taken to doing the same thing. The hard part is Otis is much quicker with his claws and you never know when one is going to put in your flesh! I went to sit on the couch recently and had not noticed Otis was there and he simply put a claw in my butt and made me aware of his presence. Yep it gets your attention all right! Little needle claws hurt!

Although they haven't slowed down the boys are changing in different ways. Opus still has a thing for shredding Kleenex and can still spot one from across the room, I have learned to pick them up right away and all my wastebaskets have dog dishes in them to prevent pilfering. Otis has given up on the running water thing and no longer dabbles in my tub water and the toilet? Well I have learned to close the lid to prevent dabbling. Actually it sound like me that is changing and learning to prevent a few things.

Yesterday I had to go to Nelson and although the Reddings are fine on their own in the porch, I wasn't sure what to do with the dogs. I mean what does the Dogsitter do when she needs a dogsitter?? Well I phoned the other gal that does and she was will to accommodate me. Keeper is really a special needs dog. I believe her eyesight has digressed once again and she finds it hard to walk on the crunchy snow and to find her way to the back door once she goes out. Teko is special needs in that if you don't gt him outside every so often he will do his thing in the house! But I made the sitter aware of all this and the only thing I didn't tell her about was Keepers' constant pacing. It drives me nuts but this woman took it all in stride and understood it is just what Keeper does. The dogs soon told her their happiest place was at the sliding doors to watch for me. Its something they did for years in Beas' house and that's where they were! As far as we know Teko only “marked” one spot and that was cleaned up right away. It think one day I will put an elastic around his dealy and see if that stops him! But for the most part both dogs sleep and awful lot and that is easy on every one. I have watched my clients struggle in the door with beds and food dishes etc. and this time it was my turn. From the hair on my jacket it is time for the beds to be cleaned again. Man this is just like looking after kids in a way. Yep home is where the animal hair clings to everything but the animals!

The Reddings at Christmas

 The Redding Brothers had a very good Christmas. They received a nice little red stocking with money in it for me to buy food as well as two new stuffed mice! They had already found the mice left over from Mr.Peaches' Christmas last year but they thought it was great to get two new ones as well. But their best plaything turned out to be the bag Gramma had sent all the presents in! I knew they would find it fun so left it on the floor and they took turns going inside and sometimes jumping on the one that was inside. The bag ended up split(for easy entry and exits?) A second split in it rendered it rather useless as it doesn't stay open any longer to entice young cats to explore. Otis managed to pedal it right across the floor into the middle of the room at one point. What a guy! Unlike Mr.Peaches, I found these cats are not overly friendly with company. All they want to do is sniff other people all over – getting the full story through their noses. Then they come over to me to use me as a bed or stomping post. I'm sure Addie would have loved a cuddle and even called to Opus, who in turn looked at her as much to say “Cats don't do come!” Both boys were fascinated by the fire in the fireplace and looked with interest at sparks and hot ash going up the chimney! They spend more time than people “watching the fire”.Once I removed the turkey from the oven I just didn't trust them so a few bits of “Temptations” lured them into the playpen and we ate in peace sans cats! Keeper thought she would sit and drool while we ate and I was amazed that I could send her out. She is almost blind and cannot hear so communication is difficult at best, but I managed to get through to hear with what little sight she has left. Watching her walk outside I realize she is really having a hard time and she puts her paws out to feel her way in much the same way a person would use their hands. When the snow gets too deep I will have to shovel her a place but being so independent I bet she still tries the deep stuff and I think I may have to keep my boots by the back door and may be wading out to get her a few times. She has always been such a clever collie that I find it frustrating to see how aging is slowing her down and in any case I think she has developed dogzheimers and acts very strange at times.

The Reddings spent a lot of time in their playpen/porch while Daisy was with us. The little beggars decided to stalk her and the poor dog was beside herself trying to be good as she knows she is not to harm them. She is a very alert dog and the cat antics often startled her. One day during a quick “Redding Romp” they managed to tip over the rocking chair onto poor Keeper who was sleeping behind it. Poor old dog had no idea what hit her but was okay. Daisy simply left the room for the kitchen and once again those boy cats were put out. I must say Daisy was very well-mannered during her stay here but even so had a couple of minute-adventures. Stuff happens. One morning after a snow I let her out and she saw the neighbor shoveling and went over to see him. I called her but she did not return and in a blink their daughters dog came barreling down from the house and attacked poor Daisy and rolled her down the hill. It happened so quickly Daisy had little time to protect herself and was hollering like a stuck pig. The neighbor finally (these things seem like they are hours not seconds) put a shovel between them and the other dog went back to the house. I examined Daisy as best I could and there didn't seem to be any damage but she has such a thick coat its hard to tell-but that's probably what saved her from any bites?

The day she was supposed to go home, Jiggs arrived and when he walked in had his stubby tail straight up and I wondered at that. All seemed to be okay but he was certainly not overly friendly to Daisy’s advances so I made a mental note to watch them. However I closed the door when I went to the bathroom and suddenly those two were at it! Luckily just my voice made them quit and Jiggs was put out back. I had a date for lunch and dislike leaving my boarders in the house so I took them with me. I put Daisy in the back boot and Jiggs on the back seat and went for lunch confident that they could not have another scrap. Soon after that the boys came for Daisy and all was quiet again.

Funnily Jiggs turned the tables on the cats by bugging them! He decided they needed a good wash. Otis of course was not having any of that and put out his claws but Opus being the more mellow of the two tried just walking away when he had enough but Jiggs just followed him, so out the cats went yet again! Jiggs went home on Monday and there have just been the five of us since.

This petsitting has made a big difference to my life and taken a lot of the worry out of it. Now when I have an unexpected bill like an inspection of the fireplace or an element for my stove, I seem to have the cash! Daisy’s owners were very generous in their payment and added some extra for “Christmas”. So very nice of them and another owner sent a little something in a card as well and boy does this all feel good! My cup certainly runneth over these days and the bounty I received this Christmas was most astounding and humbling as well. I just feel so good! An even loved!! WOW! I can hardly wait for another year to begin and that is a big change in my previous attitude I tell you! Happy New Year everyone!!

Dog-Chasing Cats

 Dog-chasing cats. Well I did know that happened alright, because I had an orange female cat named Minou that would chase dogs off the farm. One time she even jumped on a poor yellow Lab named Joe and rode him down the pasture. She absolutely terrorized the poor guy!

Poor Daisy had been here for nine days and for most of those days the Redding Brothers have been put in their playpen. Some time ago they took to trying to cuddle and sleep with the dogs. Needless to say dogs like their own “space” and did not take to any cat cuddling. After Teko found a cat sleeping in his basket, he has taken to going after the cats if they even come near his baskets now. He has three so its a full-time occupation for him and keeps him in shape if nothing else. I try not to interfere in these in-house problems and figure they have to work it out themselves. But Daisy is a paying guest here and deserves top treatment. She is a large collie and has been very good about the cats although she gets upset when the “Redding Romp” takes place in the house. She really does not know what to make of that and thinks they are after her! Yesterday the romp tipped over the upholstered rocking chair right on poor Keeper! She yelped and had no clue what had hit her and Daisy left the room entirely. Once again it was time for the porch/playpen for the Reddings. I must say other than that Daisy has settled in very well and of course she has been here a few times before. She loves to go in the Van for rides and once it snowed I discovered she quite likes that white stuff. I imagine the boys in her family have played with her in it and she is content to lay in it and not want to come in again! She also liked to be thrown snowballs and that of course is a game I used to play with Chance as well. For the most part she has enjoyed her stay although I know she misses her people. They are coming home today or at least that was what they planned on. Who knows with the snowy roads. So I haven't told her yet but she is uncanny in knowing when they are coming so she will likely tell me? I have to say the cats never really chased Daisy they just kind of followed her every where she went and she simply could not escape them. So once again I am most grateful to have that porch and it hasn't been really cold so the porch was a nice alternative to get them away from Daisy and that worked very well.

The Reddings have had my tiny tree down three times already so I have not decorated it and the lights were already on it. I will hang my favorite things on the mirror with suction cups and they will be safe there and the house will still look Christmasy.We all have to adapt to things. At least presents have come in the mail and complete the tree and the look of Christmas. For the most part we are a contented group here and want to wish all our Friends and Clients and Acquaintances a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from Miracle House/Joyce and the Furries. HAVE A GREAT ONE!!

Fetcher Creek-Giggling Girls

A small story came to mind not long ago of two young girls who I think boarded their horses with me.  They had both been around while I had the Fletcher Creek Riding Stables so I have included them with those stories.
  On this particular day I heard the dogs bark and went to see what that was about.  The two girls were riding their horses up the driveway to the house and seemed to want to talk to me.  They were particularly giggly and giddy, but I thought nothing of that.  We chatted for awhile and then I asked them if there was something special they wanted.  Well, amid giggles they said that one of the girls, Sharleen, had fallen off her horse.  She had hurt her ankle so I went to see it asking as I went how she got back on the horse.  Of course the other girl had helped her.  One look at the ankle told me she had probably broken it and I decided to take her home and probably to the hospital.  Arriving at her home, she would have nothing to do with the hospital idea, so I settled for phoning her Mom and getting the girl to put her foot in a big bowl filled with cold water and ice cubes.  Not having any nursing abilities I was more than happy to turn things over to the Mom and Sharleen had indeed broken her ankle and was in a cast for the usual time while it healed.  I was just happy I had the presence of mind to ask what those giggling girls really wanted.  To this day I am grateful no one ever got seriously hurt  during those years with the horses and the kids.
  Safety is a big thing when you are dealing with horses. Many things happen that can't be prevented but horses outweigh us  by many pounds and it pays to be respectful of that fact.  They are also and animal and so do not necessarily think like we do.  Learning about horses and their habits is one of the best things to do to promote safety.  Ropes and lead shanks have led to a few deaths and all ropes should be dealt with with respect.  I remember almost passing out to see a kid wrapping a lead shank around his neck as he held a horse for Grampa!  You never know what kids are going to do either.  I have also heard many stories of people tying horses incorrectly or to something unsafe.  Several horses have been hung right in this town that I know of.  It was all unnecessary and once again the animals paid with their lives.  Too sad and all preventable.  I think all rider should seek more knowledge for their whole life if they are going to be around horses.  Ignorance is not an excuse in this day and age.  One of the best things parents can do is find a reputable for their childs horse and a bonafide instructor for the child. It makes sense-no one had been born knowing all they need to know about these animals and city kids especially need help.

Sleepin' Where you Want

This morning, I woke to find Daisy had slept on the couch last night.  Not a very good idea as she is a major hair-dropper and besides that's MY spot!  She has her own bed(called a towel in her training) Daisy is here for nine days which is a very long time but I am sure we will manage as she has been her so many times.  True to her breed Daisy is a clever collie and has already learned I don't want her on the couch but may disobey in the night.(too clever by far!)  Anyway not a big deal and I suspect she may have been driven up there by Otis the Bold trying to cuddle as I did hear her bark in the night.(at him?)  Sometimes I suppose it is easier to move than sleep with a pest.  Otis can't make up his mind which large dog bed to possess. But for the moment they are out in the porch and the dogs are more relaxed because of it I think. Everyone needs their quiet time.  Teko has taken to attacking the cats if they even walk by his basket.  Seems he has never forgotten the first time he went to get in bed and there was a cat sleeping there!  He made many beseeching looks at me but I'm not getting into the "kids'" arguments and some things they have to manage themselves.  Teko looked and grumbled and finally growling the whole time climbed in bed with the cat! But there has not been a repeat performance that I know of so I missed the Kodak moment.  Its a known fact that cats will sleep wherever they damn well please.  Sometimes Opus even sleeps on top of the TV!  Not that I have satellite the t.v. is on a lot more than it used to be.
   Its nice to have all my Christmas parcels out and gone and I am now working on my cards. some years I simply did not get around to it!! Mind if it gets much later I can just save them for next year!  The house seems basically under control with a few minor reno's in one corner where the little tree now is.  It even has one present under it!  I am not finished decorating but still ahead of last year anyway.  Bit by bit things are coming together and I am looking forward to a nice Christmas.  One of the best parts of Christmas is hearing from old friends and I just love that.  This year I splurged and ordered some red pyjamas from Sears that have Scottie dogs on them and footprints in black.  A few years ago I found a pair with just footprints on them and I wore them to pieces.  They aren't micro-fleece(which is just decadent on ones body) but they are a comfortable flannel anyway and I do like them. I also received a gift-certificate card from a friend that will take over the Christmas food shopping. A very nice gift indeed.  another friend emailed to see if it was okay to pass on some of her clothing that doesn't fit in the Christmas box.  You bet its ok! And I was happy to receive some nice clothes that I can wear to the few functions I will be attending.   So even though Christmas is not here yet I am a happy and contented person.  Very pleased with my present life and we don't even have a lot of snow to deal with or drive in.  All is good and we are happy in Miracle House indeed!

I'm Still the Driver!

   As everyone probably realises, I find animals most interesting especially dogs and cats. It has been interesting to watch Maddie grow. Most noticeable this visit was simply that, as she goes towards her second year of life she has matured to the point where she “Ain't gonna take no crap from Anybody.” I am always aware that not being at home definitely affects a dogs behavior at my house. This time Maddie first had her experience with Otis hooking her and she rightly gave chase. Next I had her down at the dog walk and we met a friend and although we are aware “T” sometimes has issues getting along with other dogs, when he went for Maddie, she met his aggression in kind, and rightly so. Seeing her with her hackles up was anew experience for sure. She uses them so seldom that they took awhile to go back down.! Maddie is not a fast responder to commands, but she did realise I disapproved and let the issue drop. Good for her. I have seen this change come about many times as a dog matures and it is all natural. Maddie went home last night a full day early, but I didn't mind as Jiggs had arrived and two hyper dogs make life a bit harder. On the flip side they wear each other out. Maddie seemed to have a different male admirer every night. She and Skipper wrestled for hours in the porch and then got so hot I had to take them outside for an unscheduled walk. Man can they run!! All good fun and when Jiggs arrived yesterday Maddie had another super romp outside. So in the end I think I did manage to keep her pretty happy. I had put down a couch cushion for Skipper and never put it up again and Maddie adopted it as hers so I told Maddie's owner it probably wasn't necessary to bring her unwieldy dog bed with her any more. I also mentioned the maturing and the first comment was “Aggression?” Well no its not that and the best wording is what I have already said she simply is “not gonna take no crap...” All natural and she is simply standing up for herself.

Jiggs is another favorite of mine and he is like “Velcro-dog” very much needs people alla time. He is one of Linda Murray’s spaniels and has been taught well under her. Easy guy to have around but I am finding a few issues this go with him as well. Is it the weather do ya think? Anyway at night Keeper likes to pace past the coffee table, but Jiggs chose to sit in the way to be near me.(Its what spaniels do you know) He growled his warning at her but that does no good as she cannot hear. Later he chose to sleep on her bed in the bedroom and in the night there was a scuffle and I called him to the side of the bed and held him there for awhile in order to giver her a chance to get to bed first. There are no less than 8 dog beds in this house and only five animals. The cats sleep on the my bed so you would think there would still be enough beds for everyone?? Not so. In the end I don't know where keeper slept. At her age she will not fight for food or bed and only occasionally takes umbrage with the cats for getting in her “space”. Poor old girl I guess she knows to “pick her battles” and often I will step in for her. But in the end its give and take world and here in Miracle House we all have to get along as best we can.

Back to work today and Jiggs will come along easily and takes the second back seat, as Keeper gets the first one and Teko the passenger seat. It all works out in the end , what the heck huh? So far I still get to drive anyway.

Three dogs ,Two Cats,who's winning? ME!

  It would seem the inclement weather is affecting my furry family. The Redding Brothers are extremely active and now doing the “Redding Romp” in the house. My present boarder is a young female Lab named Maddie and she just cannot handle the “Romp” going on and seems to feel she should either be able to execute it on her timing or else be able to join in. Miracle House is simply not THAT big especially with two geriatric dogs and me in it as well. For the most part Maddie doesn't care about the cats but yesterday at nap time something happened with “Otis the Bold” of course. Not sure if he actually hooked her one(but it is possible) and I awoke to find him in the coffee table and Maddie after him. I restored order and keep trying to have Maddie in for company time as she seems unhappy in the porch. It doesn't work that well so think I will schedule an extra walk. Maddie is here for five days and nights and that's a long time for her. Although Labs like water Maddie certainly is not impressed with all this rain and doesn't even want to go out. She also seems to have a never-ending bladder and simply doesn't need to go out that often. I can't really blame her for taking umbrage with the sudden “Romps” that occur on a moments notice. Just when a dog relaxes this chase starts with two orange cats racing about over the furniture and leaping who- knows-where next! When you add a large Lab behind them even the old deaf Keeper gets upset.

Teko on the other hand, is just very cranky these days. The cats can't even walk by his beds without him getting after them. I have just put the Reddings out in the porch with their breakfast and all is quiet again. Dogs in -cats out and who is keeping score?? I think Teko is simply jealous and that could be part of Maddies problem as well.

Last night Maddie thought she should sleep next to my bed. Well that didn't work out too well as she didn't fit well in that little space, and she thumped about for ages trying to get comfortable and thought she should guard me against cats coming in. Now the cats have slept with me every night so Maddie lost the battle and not being comfortable left the bedroom and slept in comfort on her own bed in the front room. I awoke in the morning to only my animals in the bedroom but Maddie came to greet me as soon as she heard me up. She is starting to get the idea that quiet in the house is recommended and a smart thing to do. First of course she has to inspect the house for anything edible and then she is willing to settle down. That dog will do anything for food! And she has a nose that will detect food in a

minute(or less).

I like to think that I am keeping my boarders happy but when I include my own furries in the mix it can get a bit difficult. So I have to step lively at times but I certainly miss the good weather and using the yard for the bigger dogs. Still Maddie is an easy going gal and I don't think she is really unhappy-just having a hard time figuring things out in here. And of course knowing the Reddings, much of the upset belongs in their paws.

All good Animals

 SHSHSH! Could it be the Redding Brothers are maturing? Or am I just accommodating their activities? They have not done anything bad for ages!!! I should be glad right?? Maybe we are just all getting used to each other and have a more solid life together? That sounds all right. Some mornings I can even have them back in the house out of their porch aka playpen early! I had two large dogs staying here on the weekend and no problems at all with the cats and the dogs. Am proud of the boys. However Otis the Bold, had to tempt the fates and I saw him hooking each dog as they went by the couch he was on. He got some sharp looks but because he wasn't really serious about hooking them hard, he got away with it. The first poor dog was a lab cross that was totally intimidated to b e brought into the house and met at the door by two dogs and two cats. She got over it in no time but kept a wary eye on the cats-think she must have been swatted by a cat at some point in her life.

I am surprised but pleased to still have some clients needing me to care for their dogs at this time of year. It is nice too to have built up a bit of a clientele that return often. Its nice for all of us to have ole “friends” come back. Maddie the black Lab is coming today and then on the weekend Jiggs is returning but just for a night and a day. Those two get on very well and I wish Jiggs was going to be here longer for Maddie to play with. My two geriatrics are not interested in play and indeed Keeper has enough to do to stand up with four on the floor. If she sleeps too long she really has a hard time standing and walking again and I suppose our time together is shortening but as everyone says “you will know when it is time” and for the moment I am pretty sure she is okay. Don't like to think on that.

Well I have let the Reddings in and not much action yet, but that could change. Once again I am happy to say all is well at Miracle House, or should we change that to The Animal House???  

First Time!

 A Red-Letter first time, day, for the Redding Brothers!! They caught their first mouse!! Hurrah! I have no idea if they got it in the porch or the house but they got it and deposited beside my bed on the floor right where I could not miss it. I found it this a.m. First thing and it looked rather flat and I wonder if I hadn't stepped on it last night with my slippers on and didn't notice? Ugg! Kudos also to the “boys” for not eating the dang thing. A friend just did a number cleaning my house and maybe there was no longer anywhere for the little rodent to hide! But most likely the meeese are looking for a warm place to winter and it is nice to know the boys are on duty and know what they are supposed to do! Yahoo for Otis and Opus- very good cats!

My whole furry family is doing not too badly at all.  Otis continues to upchuck his food and when I get to Nelson I will try and find something else for him. He hasn't lost any weight but did not need this third "P" added to the "assidents" and 'pissidents" already happening around here. Early morning clean-up does nothing for my outlook on a day at all. I have made a "pee-tray" for Keeper and she does seem to use it at times.  its a boot tree with a mat on it and I can wash the mat easier than the floor. Teko has used it on occasion as well. Not a solution at all but it helps a bit. The wooden floor got stained when I had a carpet in here and will one day have to be redone but not until the elderly dogs are not around any more.The cleaning of Miracle House was only hampered at times when the Redding Brothers were inside but they happily go to the porch for treats and play about in there and it is so good to have that as a playpen.

The wet weather has been hard on me and my aching joints but Keeper doesn't seem any worse for it. I am so glad to be able to have that old dog inside where it is warm and to be able to give her soft beds to sleep on.  She has been such a great dog for so very long that she deserves good treatment in these her last years?

If I could I would certainly turn back the clock for her but she is still "in there" and although I am sure she would prefer to still have her hearing and good eyesight, she seems to accept her lot in life much better than we people do.

Stray Dogs

I wonder if people think about what their dogs get up to when they wander? Most of your neighbors would probably prefer that your dogs stay at home. Some dogs their owners say “don't go far-just down the street”>Yeah right to do what? Poop somewhere else most likely, rather than their own yard. Not fair at all people, ….that home owners without dogs have to pick up after yours. Or worse step in it!

There are probably many reasons why a dog doesn't stay home after the owners leave for the day. |They get bored and possibly are not getting near enough exercise. If the dogs have not bonded big time with the owners they may be quick to leave and also if they are not fixed. Male dogs will go a long ways to find a female in heat and so will the female. If they have already been allowed to tramp the neighborhood they will go even farther! I would think the whole point of having a dog is that it is at home......isn't that the whole idea??
Surely people notice when their dogs are not home. In the words of my ex....”Ya gotta be smarter than the dog.”You have to do whatever possible to keep your animals at home

Many dogs are simply not going to honor the honor system and that’s a fact! This is proven to me nearly every weekend as dogs are turned into me and my phone keeps ringing with more calls. Of course I have asked for it by keeping my S.P.C.A .status in order to help these animals out and get them off the street. Sometimes I even get a nice thank-you and it seems I am appreciated. However, this is not a job and I wonder how long I want to continue to stick my neck out and ruin my weekend? But I do it for the dogs and have certainly wandered away from what I wanted to say.

When your dogs a are “tramping” there are many things that could happen to them. They could get hit by a car or worse cause an accident. How would you feel then? And although people are pretty good around here the dogs then become susceptible to getting rocks thrown at them or being shot or kicked or who knows what?? They aren't at home and cannot be responsible for their actions. Oh sure you figure you have supplied a nice home and they shouldn't leave in the first place?? Not so and you need to carry the “good home” factor up a notch. Dogs are wonderful beings and deserve to be treated as something “special” not just a decoration.

Diablo and his Tether

         Remember that first horse I got? Diablo the Jumper!? Well. he proved to love jumping all right and never seemed to stay where I put him. I was forced to tether him on a chain because he broke everything else. So he was extra work right from the get-go. He would get lonely if he couldn't see the other horses and so I would tether him not far away from them. This of course made the others think he had better grass and then they wanted out too! But electric fence worked well for me and mostly kept them in. One day when we went to get the horses in from the back road pastures, I found Diablo all wrapped up with his chain and a small tree. He must have been there a long time and his leg felt cold! That scared me and although he didn't seem lame the only thing I could think to do to help him was to dude him out on as many rides as possible and get the circulation going again. Fortunately, this worked well. In some ways he became a bit of a favorite among the kids and they once held a shovel behind him to collect the horse buns as they were made! Another time on a two hour ride they counted how many times he 'went” and I seem to remember something like thirteen.....plain to see what that brown horse was made of.

On another occasion I had quite a time one morning when Diablo was loose and dragging his tether. I used a peioce of sharpened drill steel for a tether pin and for the most, part this worked well. This time however. he had worked it loose. Who knows how long he wandered around dragging the chain and pin?

In the night, he managed to take down the electric fence and got the other horses out as well. Now I really had my hands full! Suddenly something spooked Diablo and he took off at a gallop down the road. He had that picket pin winging through the air and every so often it would leap up and jab him in the butt and he would take off even faster!! The rest of the herd joined in the running and I could only hope no car would be on the road coming up from town. Fay Thompson happened by just then and took the situation in at a glance and told me to hop in her Volkswagon. I was hoping the horses would not turn back but thought they would continue up the hill to the air strip. But once again I lucked out, the horses turned into the corrals they were familiar with and Diablo got himself wound around the outhouse and the excitement was over.

Many years later when I got interested in overnight horse-packing trips, I would come across Diablo once again. A guide/outfitter had bought him and found he could not be used for the hunters as he continued to jump anything he could but the guides could ride him. He was the only one of my string that I ever saw again after I sold the horses. I spent a few moments talking to him and took a photo for Bobbi as she had spent a lot of time riding him. But life goes on and when I mentioned him to her she had forgotten him. I guess I remember so well because he was so much Trouble but I already had a horse named Trouble so Diablo he stayed.

Quiet Days in Miracle House

 For a change, things have been reasonably quiet in Miracle House. No extra dogs and cats a little easier to live with as they go out in the porch first thing in the morning to use the porch kitty litter box and be fed and then back in after the “Redding Romp” has already taken place. Pretty peaceful way to start the morning then and dogs just have a snooze in peace. Once the dogs have been fed and I have eaten, the Redding Brothers seem much calmer and the day continues. I have discovered Otis can and will cuddle at times but Opus has hm beat paws down. I have also watched Otis creep up on Keepers' bed with her and lie ever so quietly and the old dog doesn't know he is there until she wakes up. Teko too sometimes loses his nice bed to Otis, but there you go you can train a dog but cats get you to take a number. Otis finds new toys every day and I gave him a wind-up pink lady-bug to see what he would do and in no time he was carrying it about the house in his mouth. Opus on the other hand could care less about it.

Otis seems to he a hard time tolerating dry cat food even though I bought him IAMS again(pretty expensive). But he seems to do fine with Grammas “slurry” which is all homemade. So I may have to take on making his food. There goes that nice chunk of fish I got for my B-day! But cannot cook it yet as my oven needs a new element. That kind of stuff falls under that dirty word Maintenance and will take a bit longer than most chores, as not sure I can change it myself........but maybe? We'll see, first off have to get serial numbers off stove and find somewhere to order new element. No first off get the numbers!

Soon too I must plastic the windows and then hope cats do not destroy my efforts. I put a board across the bottom of the window in my bedroom so that one should be OK. Then too must measure porch window and get that replaced. Oh boy don't want to do any of this but procrastinating will not get it done for sure. Other than those few things all is well here with me and my furry family and I am glad of it. Thassit for now folks!

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??