Things are NOT normal at home.
I was just living my ordinary cat life, sleeping when I wanted, wherever I wanted, eating when I wanted, begging for treats and getting them on demand.
And then all at once, everything went upside down!
Mom brought home another bumbling barker and I no longer seem to rule the roost around here.
I mean, seriously? What's a kitty girl like me supposed to do when interlopers move in and take over?
It's cold, and hard - not a cozy corner anywhere.
And yet - if I hold real still, perhaps I'll blend in to the granite just enough that the bumbling barkers won't notice me - at all.
Yesterday morning I thought all had returned to "fairly normal." I mean, I could deal with the first one - I'm used to her. But this second one? Why is she here? Where did she come from? And can she PLEASE just go back?
I was in my comfy spot at the bottom of the bed, when in they came. BOTH of them.
I was a bit wary, but I held my ground. After a while though, I thought it best to make myself scarce. As soon as I got up to jump down, that first one decided to play chase, and the game was on.
The second one joined in and all I could do was make a beeline for the living room couch, and attempt to climb the wooden walls between the sliding glass doors all the way to the top.
It wasn't exactly a tree, but I made it quite far up there until mom chased me down. (WHY did she do that?!)
I have spent the day behind dad's monitor in the loft office.
There's a window so I can look out.
And mom DID put Mabel into some kind of time out place.
That didn't last too long though, because mom is a push over and she lets the bumbling barkers get away with EVERYTHING!
I mean, seriously?
She even lets the first one give the second new one lessons on upsidedownedness. Is there anything more undignified and utterly ridiculous as this kind of pose?
At LEAST she has enough mind to cover her lady-bits when doing this. I swear.
I don't think the new one is going to fall for it though - she walked away and stole the first one's chewy instead. Right on! You show her!
I can slink by if they are sleeping - and they do that a lot. (lazy curs!) and I have a feeling that things will get better over time.
The only saving grace is that mom & dad are taking them BOTH over to Quiltville Inn today because Dad & Jeff are putting a new water heater into the garage/shop for the laundry there, and mom has a house full of ladies she is having fun with.
I'll get the whole cabin to myself and I plan to relish in it.
I heard all about the yummy first brunch of the 2022 retreat season. Those ladies know how to eat well!
They are getting loads of sewing done! But then, they aren't being chased by bumbling barkers and having to find places to hide.
The ladies are always smiling so they must like it when no barkers are around. I agree.
I suspect however, that some of them have barkers at home, and their cats are likely outnumbered and hiding too.
*End Ivy Rant*
I have moments where I wonder "Just what have I done?!"
As in today - Both dogs are coming to the inn/QPO because we can't leave them here alone just yet.
I guess it's time for us to introduce Mabel to Lola at the QPO and that is likely to be a circus too. LOL!
It's all in preparation for tomorrow when The Hubster has an all-day-long archery thing and I'll have both dogs with me full time. Again - "Just what have I done??"
Today's high is supposed to reach 56 and I just may see if some of the retreat ladies want to go for a walk down Round House Road along the New River - and get both dogs a good long walk in.
It's been a long winter and I'm ready to take long walks down gravely dirt roads myself.
Don't Forget: We've got a gift-away for Bruce Leonard's Amazon kick off with his new quilt genre novel, Quilt City Murders! I'm giving away a paperback copy and our winner will also receive a PDF pattern for my Cherry Crunch quilt. Enter to win ON THAT POST.
Here's something I am super excited about :
(And I'm sure the little organizer inside of you will love them too!)
These 7" x 7" x 1.5" clear plastic boxes arrived the other day from Summit St. Shop and they hold 6 1/2 inch quilt squares perfectly.
Here I've put the smaller blocks from my ongoing Ruby Jubilee mystery with Quiltmaker Magazine in them.
I love small blocks and units, and these are perfect!
Not a quilter? That's OK. These boxes are very versatile and can be used in lots of different ways!
*Little treats and goodies
*Pictures, scrapbooking, quilting.....any crafting supplies
*Make up and toiletries
*snacks
*Office supplies
*Jewelry
*Makes a great gift!
Summit St Box comes in FIVE designs!
Cute storage with a quilty flare? I'm all in!
Thanks, Summit St Shop!
Anything fun happening for you this Friday?
Also! I am wishing my dad a happy 82nd birthday today! I wish I could be there to share this day with him, but hopefully we will make up for it in the near future!
Have a wonderful day, Dad! I love you!
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Ocean Waves quilt from my collection.
I have always loved the immortal words of Mark Twain.
I choose to explore, dream, and discover!
Have a wonderful Friday, everyone - wish me luck!
love those cat's eye glasses!
ReplyDeleteDear, dear Ivy, I can sympathize with all the havoc that the Barkers create. Just give it a little while and the three of you will be best friends ... just like you and Zoey have been. The more the merrier! Everything will work out just fine. Trust me, things will calm down. Say hi to Mama for me.
ReplyDeleteIvy, stand your ground! The only way the new barker will learn to respect you and give you the awe you deserve is if you show you aren't taking any of their misadventures.
ReplyDeleteIvy’s rant made my day! So funny! Have lots of fun with retreaters! PS: Hang in there Ivy!
ReplyDeleteOh my...well done!! I loved the Ivy point of view!!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your dad too. I so enjoy seeing old/vintage family pictures.
When my gramma rose was nearing her later years she told me she never regretted the mistakes she had made as much as she regretted the things she had not done..I live by her words and try to do everything even the mistakes...lol.
ReplyDeleteFancy glasses in the picture with your dad.....
ReplyDeletesorry Ivy for the bunbling barkers. hopefully it will calm down soon for you. enjoy your day to yourself that is always nice to have. your new barker Mabel is so pretty just like you. Bonnie love this blog posts enjoy your day too.
ReplyDeleteMark Twain’s words resonate even more so today. Love the perspective from the cat’s view point.
ReplyDeleteLola lives at Quiltville Inn where the retreating happens. Still learning how the fur babies fit into the family. Those boxes should come in two more sizes: 4.5 and 5 inch squares. While working on Rhododendron mystery quilt, it was a square cookie tin which was used to hold the components for the blocks. Once the top was done, the leftovers was left all together in the tin. Will find a way to use them in a project soon, soon.
What a fun read! The happiest of days to your Dad!
ReplyDeleteSusan
Love your description of Ivy's day!! You write so well. I hope you get a walk in and get some of that doggy energy wore off. Have a great day. :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Bonnie's Dad!!! What a handsome man both then and now. And a beautiful daughter both young and now. Love those 60's glasses!!! Hope everything gets smoothed out between your furbabies. All the best to you on your Dad's special day! Your fan in Port Orange FL. Karen L.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lola, Mittens here. I so understand your situation. Two years ago, Mom and Dad bought home a puppy. Just why, I asked. They wanted a playmate for my barkie brother. It took a while, I spent some time in my bed, under the bed. After giving it much thought, I reappeared and claimed my rightful spot as head of the household. Look at the positive, my kitty friend, at least it wasn't a puppy as they take forever to train. Straighten your crown and rule your kingdom. Your friend, Mittens
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your Dad. Today I turn 77. I have already quilted a small quilt so its going to be a great day.
ReplyDeleteSummit St is just about 40 miles from my house! I'll have to check them out.
ReplyDeleteI love Ivy's tale! Poor kitty!
ReplyDeleteOh, Bonnie, I had those same glasses!
ReplyDeleteNancy O
Visiting my sister in law (sister). Actually 4 days for a long arming session. I brought three quilts. Also any other fun or trouble we can manage to find!
ReplyDelete"Just what have I done" is said by all of us brave ones with two high energy dogs. Our second dog was the blind sister of the first so I thought that we might get a break from her but she turned out to be the craziest. A good thing of having two dogs is that they turn to each other for play which leaves you a bit more time to yourself in the long run. Always try to find positive (as you do) and a good sense of humor!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your dad.
ReplyDeleteYum, yum. Young Daddy is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteHahahaha what HAVE you done!?! 🤣 puppies galore! I swear the increase in crazy is exponential going from one dog to two! Best wishes and love to you!
ReplyDeleteOMG I had to look twice at your picture with you and your Dad. I looked exactly like that at that age, including the same glasses. Just love it.
ReplyDeleteSo funny, Ivy has a point. She will enjoy the day. Hope you get a Hike in. Happy Birthday to your Dad. Great Throw back pictures. I'll just be in my Basement hiding from the things upstairs that need to be put away...Nativities are still out. Oh my, good thing I don't have a Kelpie.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Saskatchewan. We here are still in the throes of winter so lots of quilting days ahead. Our pet's antics give us such joy. Add to that your quilting blog, well it just doesn't get any better. Do, please, keep us up-to-date on all their goings on. What a treat to read every morning. It sets the pace for my day. Stay safe, stay well.
ReplyDeleteIvy, todo este lÃo pasará y podrás descansar. Felicidades a tu padre.
ReplyDeleteIvy made me laugh out loud! Soon all will be normal again. It just takes a little time for everyone to find their place...well, except for Zoey....she seems to have absolutely no problems with Mable and is relishing showing her the ropes! With style and grace....haha
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ReplyDeleteDelightful post today on all topics! Your spring is "springing" early I think. Then I read your daily quote...My new "media manager" had just left and it seems I am about to throw off the bowlines and leave my cave. Actually my son and DIL are shoving me off the boat! The last 5 years have been difficult and often dark so I have read you blog everyday and sewn like a mad woman to get through it all. Now I am beginning to see beyond the next 2 days and see an unpaved road ahead of me into the next 5 years. It looks quite interesting, fun and a bit overwhelming but I have you as an example for exploring, dreaming and discovering. They say you never really know the influence you have over people so just wanted to tell you you have had a great deal of influence over me. Thank you. BJ
Loved this post! Looking forward to hearing of future adventures of these furbabies. Be sure to let us know how Lola reacted to meeting Mable. Ivy - just hang in there and things will settle down some. That new bumbling barker will learn the appropriate pecking order and eventually will show you the respect you deserve.
ReplyDeleteLove Mabel! Yes Ivy, stand your ground. You have to teach them who is boss and it is you.Just got back from picking up 3 quilts at the quilters, now binding.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful picture of you and your dad! 💕 Love Mabel May and Rod Stewart keeps singing in my head about Maggie May!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading this post from Ivy's point of view. It was wonderful! I hope you will continue to do it occasionally. Take care of those wonderful animals of yours -- they will keep you moving!
ReplyDeleteIvy's perspective made me smile and laugh out loud - it's so like my home with our cat and two labradors!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend, Bonnie :-)
Your wonderful sense of humor shows through once again! Loved this post!
ReplyDeleteLove your "fancy" glasses --- so cute! Your post today gave me some real smiles. Plus, I ordered a couple of the block boxes and a CUTE sweat shirt. I love buying from small businesses.
ReplyDeleteAs much as I enjoyed the Ivy Rant, I have to say your daddy was movie-star good lookin'! My Daddy was too, miss him forever. Happy Birthday to your very own daddy. Judy in Newport News, VA. P.S. I am 80 so hope you will forgive my forwardness.
ReplyDeleteOMGoodness, I absolutely loved this post today!!! I needed a good funny read and this was perfect! Thank you Bonnie, hope your dad had a wonderful birthday!
ReplyDeleteOh, Ivy -- I sympathize. If mom can bring in another loud, annoying barker -- presumably a friend for Number One dog -- how about a kitty friend for you?
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