Back To Normal by Manny

Spunky and I have decided to return to our usual routines in spite of the dog, Abby.  She has done noses with us several times now and we have concluded that she is no threat to us.  We have resumed joining Karen for breakfast downstairs and sleeping on the bed at night as well as napping on it through the day.  Last week, I even resumed my favorite place in the computer room on top of the piano while Karen was blogging and Abby was lying on the floor.  I even stayed downstairs when she barked at a passing dog.  Karen was so happy I have finally come back on the bed at night too that she bought me some new treats put out by Friskies called Party Mix.  I like these better than the chicken temptation treats when gave us before.

Update by Spunky Doodle

My Vet Trip by Spunky Doodle

Way Up High! by Spunky Doodle

When I heard about Daisy the Curly Cat's blog entry about her trying to climb up on top of the kitchen cabinets, it reminded me of how fun it was to jump up on top of the wardrobe so today I went up there again.  I even laid on top for awhile, but then my human, Gerard, came to get me down.  Karen had the camera and wanted to get me jumping off but I went so quick she couldn't do it!  I really was surprised when I got this email from Daisy yesterday:

Hi Spunky Doodle! I am glad you let me know, because I didn't see them earlier.  You are just like me when I climb up onto the very top shelf in my Mommie's closet (I learned how to open the bi-fold doors).  After a few hours my Mommie usually tries to get me down, and I just keep backing away from her!  It is very impressive that you can do such a big jump without your clawrs, because they help you really grab on.

Be sure to check out Daisy's blog at www.daisythecurlycat.blogspot.com.  It's VERY Funny!

Let Me In! by Spunky Doodle

Boy, yesterday I was alone most of the day because my humans worked in the VBS at church all morning and then after a short stop home, they took off for golfing (whatever that is).  I don't know what it is, but it must take long because they didn't get back until 4:30. 

Then though, Karen went in the basement and let me come too.  I like it down there because there's lots of things to jump on and inspect.  Sometimes I even find a spider!  Anyhow, yesterday I didn't come up when she did and when I was ready to, the door was closed to the kitchen and I couldn't get in!  There is no food or water or litter box in the basement so I really needed to get back upstairs.  Finally, at 10:00 Karen saw me sitting on the other side of the kitchen door and let me in.  Good thing she saw me!

Got The Bug! by Spunky Doodle

That Lamp Was In My Way by Manny

Last night Karen moved the tall lamp from the living room into the computer room and put it right next to the piano.  While she was at her radiation treatment, I jumped off the piano and accidentally knocked it over!  It landed on the computer desk but didn't break anything there and the bulb didn't even break!  It made a big racket though and I ran upstairs.  The good news is that when I came back down and checked the computer room, the lamp was gone!  Karen moved it back to the living room where it belongs--yea!  I did not like it there.  It was in my way.

Lots of Excitement by Manny

On Halloween Abby greeted the trick or treaters while Gerard handed them candy.  Spunky Doodle and I had a front row seat, watching all the fun from the warmth of the house through our dining room window.  Karen was taking a video and it's up on Abby's post, Trick or Treating Is Fun, if you want to watch it.  Don't worry, it's not the whole night, just about a minute of highlights for your viewing pleasure.  Abby was so excited, it was fun watching her have such a good time.

Litterbox Fences Solve Poop Problem

Manny:  Well, what have we here?  Our litterbox is still there but this big cardboard fence is all around it.  This makes it much harder for me to get to it.  I think this is because Abby ate some of our poop and ths is what Karen came up with to keep her away from our box.

Manny:  Hey Spunky, look at this!  Karen put up a fence around our bathroom litterbox. i don't like it.  You can still jump down to it from the bathtub and get out that way or else you have to crawl through a little hole to get to it.  What a fuss to put up with, just because Abby doesn't stay out of our territory like she's supposed to do.

Spunky:  It's okay, this one in here has a fence too, but I kind of like it.  It does give us more privacy and it has three ways to get to it.  One is through a little hole like in the bathroom but I can also just jump down from on top of the box or else walk under the table and inside the fenced area fairly easily. 

Manny:  I don't like having to go through an obstacle course to get to my litterbox.  At least she didn't mess with the basement one which is my favorite anyway.  Sometimes now though that kitchen door is closed and I can't get down there.  Maybe I can get used to the added privacy eventually.  Thanks Abby, for making my life more complicated.

Read "So I Ate A Little Cat Poop--What's The Big Deal" by Abby to find out more.

I Made Room For You by Spunky Doodle

Sometimes I hog up the whole chair but today I decided to be nice and save some space for Karen to sit when she comes to the computer.  She really appreciated it too so I stayed and let her pet me now and then.  Usually I’ll jump down when she comes so she can have the whole chair to herself, but today I thought it might be nice to share with her.  See, Manny, I share sometimes!  (Check out the video on Manny's post about the coat here).

Whee, This Is Fun! by Spunky Doodle

While the Ohio State game was on, I jumped onto the gold chair and Karen started spinning it.  I had so much fun!  Karen seemed to have fun too!  If you have a spinning chair, you must try this!

I'm Not Playing Around by Spunky Doodle

I like to play Hide-n-Seek with Karen sometimes.  I'll just go hide somewhere and she'll notice I'm not around and come looking for me.  She calls me but I never come.  If I can hide really well, she'll bring out some Tuna Flakes for me because she knows I can't resist them and will come out then.  The can opener works too if she opens some tuna, but she doesn't do that much. 

She thought I was just playing around on Wednesday but I wasn't!  She went down the basement to take a picture of something in the closet for a blog post about a crockpot and naturally I had to go down with her and explore in the closet. (The crockpot post will run on Saturday on her Karen & Gerard Zemek blog if you'd like to check it out.)  I came out and Manny went in and then when he came out, I went in again but I guess Karen didn't see me and locked the door! 

There was nothing in there soft to lay on like there is in the computer room closet and it was dirty too!  That's one place Gerard doesn't bother cleaning.  I was in there about three hours!  It is a very small closet so there wasn't all that much to explore.  I got pretty bored!  Finally, I heard Karen calling me and knew she'd come looking for me.  It didn't take her too long once she started looking. 

She felt bad I was trapped in there most of the morning and brushed off the cobwebs and gave me a treat!  Later that evening, she played "Knock the mice off the mantel" with me.  I jump up on the mantel and knock off the little mice and she tosses them back up to me.  It's great fun so although my day got off to a pretty rough start, it ended well!

What is the worst place you ever got trapped in?

What A Great Night! by Manny

Last night I went to bed with Karen and laid on top of her the WHOLE night.  She'd pet me on and off and at first I was up high enough for her to reach me.  Later then I moved down closer to her feet but still laid on her.  She let me stay all night without turning over on her side at all!  She's so nice!  I finally got up at 4 a.m. to get something to eat.

Well, she's going to watch TV now so I must go.  I love to watch TV with her and sometimes I'll lay on her when she lays on the couch to watch.  She's so good to me, I like to please her now and then.  She likes me laying on her!

Samantha & Mr. Tigger Are Missing-by Spunky Doodle

UPDATED 10/11/09:  MR. TIGGER HAS BEEN SPOTTED, but still not home.  A neighbor saw him near the apartment but she couldn't pick him up.  Please keep praying he will come back home soon!

UPDATED 10/7/09:  HURRAY, JUST FOUND OUT THAT SAMANTHA HAS RETURNED HOME.  Mr. Tigger though is still missing, keep purrrraying for his safe return too.

Samantha and Mr. Tigger (in picture) are a couple of our cat friends that look like Manny and me!  Don't you think so?  They just moved to a new house recently and yesterday, their mom posted that they are missing.  She's afraid they must have gotten out because the door wasn't quite closed all the way and she is looking all over the neighborhood for them but so far hasn't found them.  Please pray for their safe return.  I really hope some nice people are taking care of them and will get them back home safely.  This is very distressing.  Manny and I are very concerned about our friends getting out.  Here is the link where you can go for updates:  Samantha and Mr. Tigger Are Missing.  Here is the post Karen wrote a long time ago about how much Manny and I look like them:  "Same Pair Of Cats"

Hope you can find your way back home Samantha and Mr. Tigger--we'll be praying for your safe return!

Patience Pays Off by Manny

The weather has turned cold and Karen pulled out her old L.L. Bean coat from the closet for Spunky Doodle and me to use. She's so nice!  Spunky, of course, got in it first but she already remembered how comfy it was from when she used to take turns with Moe in it.  I patiently waited my turn and then I tried it out for the first time.  It is so cushy soft and warm!  I love it!  Spunky, though wasn't ready to share with me.  i know I'm big and all, but it is a big coat, after all, Karen fit in it!  I really thing both of us could be very cozy in here but as usual, I let Spunky have it first and waited my turn.  It's definitely worth the wait! 

Maybe if your humans have an old coat, you could ask them to let you use it.  What a waste it would be to throw out such a nice comfy coat that makes a great bed for us!  Here is a video of Spunky and me when Karen first brought it out.  I think Spunky is a bit selfish, don't you?

To read more about this coat from Karen's view, read "Do I Look Like A Bum?"

Living Up to My Name by Spunky Doodle

I've been doing quite a bit of lying around lately so thought it was about time I showed some spunk and lived up to my name.  This weekend, I was very busy being spunky.

Friday morning, I played with Karen's shoelaces when she was getting dressed.  When she saw I was in play mode, she got out a long shoelace and played with me for about 10 minutes.  It's nice she doesn't have to scurry off to work in the morning.  Now she just takes her good old time going through her morning routine.

I jumped up on the mantel and knocked off Party Bear's hat.  It had some fun dangly things to play with!  Then I pawed at his bow tie.  When Karen saw him, she wondered why his hat and tie were crooked but then the other day she saw me playing with him and moved him off the mantel. 

Pooh Bear was sitting on the matel too and had an Ohio State cap on so I hit that off and it fell on Karen when she was lying on the couch right beneath me.  Hee, hee.  It was fun!

Saturday, Karen and Gerard were playing Sequence so naturally I had to go play too.  I kept knocking off the one chip by the edge until they gave me one of my own to play with on the side--it wasn't as much fun though as playing with the ones on the board.  I did try drawing a card but knocked the pile over.  I left when Karen went for her Flip camera though.  I wasn't in the mood for doing a video.

When the phone rang I jumped up to answer it.  I have been very busy showing my spunk lately!

After all that, I went for a nap under the covers on the bed.  The pillow was in my way so I just knocked it off and crawled under the covers.  It was very cozy and quiet under there but Karen came and found me.  At least she didn't chase me out.  She just peeked in to get this picture of me.  Sorry the picture is so dark, but it was very dark under the covers!

Hope you have as much spunk as I do!  Just didn't want you to think I just sleep all day long, although I do enjoy sleeping most of the day away!

Discussion of Important Things by Spunky & Manny

Spunky:  Hey, Manny.  I like these special treats by Friskies.  The Wild West Crunch Party Mix (beef, liver, chedder). Do you?

Manny:  Oh yeah, much better than the Temptations treats we used to get.

Spunky:  These make it worthwhile to hang around Abby a little bit, huh?  Say, I bet that's why Karen got these, to encourage us to all get together because if you notice.  After she gives us our treats, then she always gives Abby one too.    

Manny:  Yup.  Abby's not so bad anyway.  I touch noses with her almost every day. 

Spunky:  She came and touched noses with me too the other day.

Manny:  When she's laying down, I like to sneak up on her and touch her feet.

Spunky:  That's good, Manny!  Hey, one thing at least we never worry about her sneaking up on us.  

Manny:  Yeah, she always clomps along and those tags always give her away.

Spunky:  I think it's funny how Karen sometimes calls her jingle-jangle.  She sure isn't quiet or as quick as we are either.

Manny:  Good thing though, what was up with her jumping off the couch and running over to us the other night in the living room when we were play fighting?

Spunky:  I'm not sure.  What's she think she is our mother?

Manny:  Maybe she just wanted to play with us too.

Spunky:  Well, I think we were wise to take off.

Manny:  I agree! 

One Big Happy Family by Manny

I am friends with our dog, Abby now.  I found out that if we come around near her, Karen will give Spunky Doodle and me treats!  Good things seem to happen when she is near us.  Everyone gets very happy and all is calm (unless a dog walks by outside in which case sometimes Abby will bark and run to the window).  That's when Spunky and I make our exit. 

So anyhow, Abby is very happy because thanks to me, she's allowed on the bed too.  I decided as long as she didn't jump up by me, it would be okay for her to stay.  So Friday morning, I was laying with Karen nice and she called Abby up to see if I would accept her.  Since she knows Spunky and me out rank her, I decided to stay and let her join us.  It's not easy breaking into new routines and a new family.  Believe me, I know!  I remember when I first came and how I was very scared but then Spunky Doodle was very nice to me and gave me a tour of the house and everything.  She welcomed me so I think it's only fair that I welcome Abby too.  Things go so much better when everyone gets along!   

We are all one big happy family!

Be sure to read Abby's post about this:  I Can Be On The Bed Now Too!

Here's my story about when I first came to live here:  Manny's Story!

Welcome Home by Spunky Doodle

Karen and Gerard are both on vacation this week.  Tuesday was a very scary day because Karen had to go have surgery and they were gone long!  From 9:00 a.m. until about 7:30 p.m.  We were so happy to see her come in the door!  In the morning, she even came back to bed after getting our breakfast and taking her 5:00 a.m. pill.  Both Manny and I joined her on the bed and slept in until 8:15 a.m.!  That's really late for her! 

Then in the afternoon she joined me for an afternoon nap too!  I hear she will be off work a long time to recover.  Us pets are al very happy about that!  We'll have lots more time with her now and we'll probably get more treats.  She may even brush us more!

Cat Killed With a Hammer by Spunky Doodle

Oooooh, why are some humans so cruel?  I feel very sorry for that cat who was beaten to death with a hammer by it’s human.  A neighbor saw him doing it in his driveway and called the police.  It’s a good thing the other cat and kittens were rescued from the basement of that house and turned over to the animal warden.  I certainly hope they find a good home like mine!  It was right in our neighborhood, too!  I know my owners would NEVER do such a thing to us.  This was in the "Parma Post" this morning! 

I Am NOT A Stupid Cat! by Spunky Doodle

Yesterday I was on my cat tree and had to get down.  Well, Gerard was sitting in the gold chair next to it reading a book.  All I did was jump down to the chair like usual but his arm was there and my back claws ACCIDENTALLY scratched his arm.  He yelled, "Stupid cat, what's wrong with you?"  I didn't mean to hurt him but he had no cause calling me stupid.  I am a very smart cat if I do say so myself.  I am an excellent hunter, a good actress (just watch some of my videos to see for yourself), and I know everything that goes on around here.  I even blog as you can see.  How dare he call me stupid. 

He really hurt my feelings so Karen pet me up nice and told him over and over that it was an accident and I didn't mean to hurt him.  He acts like he's the only one who ever got scratched around here.  Karen gets scratched now and then and she doesn't call me stupid.  All he seems to care about lately is that dog of his, Abby. 

Karen put a shoe box on the dining room table though so that cheered me up.  I went and sat in it for about 20 minutes.  I was very pleaseed that I could fit.  Since Gerard is a hockey fan, Karen told him I was in the penalty box for scratching him but even that didnt seem to calm him down.  He hasn't pet me since so I guess he's still made at me.

Happy World Cat Day!

We just found out today is World Cat Day when we visited Angel and Isabelle at The Beaded Tail.  Now, that makes me feel special! 

Spunky:  We must celebrate somehow.

Manny:  I slept on the bed last night with Karen to remind her of how wonderful I am.

Spunky:  Maybe she'll ignore the dog today and just spend extra time with us!

Manny:  Hm, I don't think that'll happen, but maybe she'll play with us today and give us a special treat.

Spunky:  We could always take an extra long nap in the sun too!

Manny:  Sounds good to me.

Whatever you do, enjoy World Cat Day today!  If you don't have a kitty in your house, maybe you could take a trip to a nearby shelter and see if one or two would like to come home with you.  I bet you could find a couple very nice ones who need a home.

We Are Feeling Neglected! by Spunky Doodle

Since the dog came to live with us, especially lately, Manny and I spent most our time upstairs and as you can see, the dog blogs a lot lately and it's been awhile since I've had a chance on here. She really hogs it!  I can't blame her too much though, like Karen said, just laying in the sun everyday doesn't exactly make a very exciting blog post.

I finally decided if I wanted time with Karen, I'd better start going on the bed again with her at night so I have been, but Manny is more stubborn and refuses to come in at night.  He got really afraid of the dog when she barked right next to him when he was on the cat tree, minding his own business.  That dog does have a loud bark! 

She doesn't really bother me all that much, but this week I spend a lot of time napping on the bed.  At least I feel close to Karen that way.  I smell her scent.  Manny joins Karen downstairs when she eats breakfast and supper but doesn't go in the computer room nearly as often as he used to before the dog came. 

Karen does come upstairs several times a day and pets us up and plays with us.  this morning, she even played with me on the bed with the shoelace.  I do like that! One day, I will order that dog around.  I must start letting her know who is boss around here.  I'm afraid Manny and I have given her the wrong idea by being upstairs so much.

No! No! I Won't Go! by Manny

Today Karen tried to get me to go in the carrier so she could take me to the vet.  Spunky Doodle and I were having a great time in the hall closet until she got out those carriers.  She tried getting me in the big blue one but it didn't work.  She threw in a mouse, a ping pong ball and even the feather toy but I didn't fall for those tricks and went into the den under the table. 

Then she gave up on me for awhile and went after Spunky Doodle who gave in quite easily once Karen put some of those Tuna Flakes in the red carrier.  Spunky walked right into the trap and she closed the door.  Spunky really didn't seem to mind too much.  She just laid down and waited for me to get in the other one.  

Then Karen tried throwing in some Temptations treats for me but I stood my ground and went in the corner.  Gerard Even when Karen tried picking me up and shoving me in, I squirmed and squealed and got away!  I can be very quick and determined. Even when Karen and Gerard both ganged up on me, I still was able to get under the desk.

I absolutely was not in the mood to go anywhere today, especially not to the vet.  I won the war because it was getting late so Karen, Gerard and Spunky Doodle just left without me!  Ha, ha, ha, ha!  YES! 

When they got back, Karen actually thanked me for not coming!  It turned out to be quite expensive for Spunky Doodle--$97!  This was for the wellness exam and some annual vaccine.  Karen explained to the vet she couldn't get me into the carrier today and the vet said that was okay, it wasn't necessary to bring me because my rabies shot is good yet and I stay inside.  

For once, I got my way around here--yay for me!

Hey, Look what I Found! by Spunky Doodle

Uh oh, busted!  This bowl is HUGE!  I know, I know, it's for the dog, but hey, I like water too!

Spunky's 5th Gotcha Day

Spunky:  Tomorrow is my 5th Gotch Day but we celebrated tonight so we could get the pictures posted early on the blogs.

Oh boy, my favorite--TUNA FLAKES!  I haven't had these for a long time!

C'mon manny, hurry up so I can have my Tuna Flakes.

I'm not done yet, I'm still eating!

I love this stuff, it's SOOO good!

Happy gotcha day, Spunky, it'sall yours!

Thanks, Manny!  You're such a cool cat!

Manny:  I just don't care for that flaky stuff, give me real food!

Karen is posting about my Gotcha Day tomorrow on her blog at Karen & Gerard Zemek so be sure to go there to see what she says about me.

We Love To Hunt by Spunky Doodle

Manny and I are a great team now!  Our latest bug adventure was in the den and Karen was so happy that we showed her this bug because she said otherwise she would never have noticed it! 

We were both in the den and Manny was the first to see it.  It was a little bug with lots and lots of legs!  Manny followed it along and that's when Karen finally noticed it.  I got across from Manny and we both ambushed it.  Karen got a kleenex to grab and squish it, but she let it go outside instead of killing it.  He was kind of a cute little guy.

Welcome, Abby--You're Okay! by Manny & Spunky

Oh, oh, there's that big dog, Abby, again guarding the door.  How am I going to get through?

Maybe if I run real quick I can get through.  That dog is big and cumbersome so isn't very fast.

Aha, I got by and Abby didn't even move!  I must report to Spunky Doodle immediately.

We both agree that you are okay, Abby, for a dog.  We will probably still keep our distance for awhile, but will come around you more and more.  You are a very nice doggie and we thank you for not chasing us and staying down here so we can have the upstairs as a dog-free zone.

We are happy to be one big happy family!  Now, if we can just get Karen and Gerard in a picture with us so we can have one of the whole family! 

Reclaiming My Territory by Spunky Doodle

Yesterday, I decided it was about time for me to reclaim my rightful place in the living room even if the dog was there.  I am back on my cat tree and the dog is about five feet away.  He did not bother me at all.  I am still a bit shy but the dog keeps greeitng me by touching noses with me.  I am still a bit shy though and after getting off the cat tree, laid behind the gold chair next to the cat tree just to be safe. 

I told Manny to come down too but he wanted to stay upstairs in the den.  He found a very comfortable place to lay that he really likes a lot--on the soft footstool.  Karen wanted him to come down for a family photo, but he is still a bit scared of the dog and didn't want to come join us.  I hope soon he comes to help me reclaim our territory.  He is such a big chicken! 

I also enjoy my cat nap on the big bed again too.  The dog has been sleeping in there now so Manny and me haven't been coming in at night.  Karen misses us and so I did come in early in the morning for a little bit.  The dog never bothered me at all--she better not!

UPDATED 6/29/09:  I talked Manny into joining me in the living room even with the dog in there.  He laid on the couch, I went on the cat tree and of course the dog greeted Gerard at the door when he came in, but this time Manny and me were there too!

Look What Came Into OUR House! by Spunky Doodle

Yesterday a big dog came in our yard and Gerard and Karen both greeted and pet it!  What's going to happen to us?  They let that big dog into our house!  It did not chase me and never found Manny yet, but Manny is very scared of it!  He hid under the desk in our den almost the whole day yesterday!

I am braver and observed this dog from a safe distance a little bit.  I admit I hid under the bed for a little while but then I came back out.  My humans keep it on a leash so it won't chase me, but it didn't seem interested in me at all.  It stays in the basement most of the time and when my humans left for 3 hours, it whined and barked some. 

At least it stayed in the basement all night so I slept on the bed as usual, but not Manny.  He came downstairs, but not on the bed.  I think he's is very angry with Karen and Gerard for letting this big dog into our house.  I will try to calm him down today.  It seems this dog is a gentle giant and will not disturb us.  I hope.   

P.S.  I had lots of room on the bed because Gerard slept in the basement with the dog so it wouldn't be whining all night!  "I heard him say he was not going to do that again--the cats will just have to deal with it."

Karen posted about this dog on her blog too if you want to read more about it at http:/www.zemeks.blogspot.com

Chicken Manny by Spunky Doodle

Last night Karen got some stuff (Frontline) she squirted on me in my fur between my shoulders while I was looking out the window.  Well, she tried to do it then but I moved but before long she got me.  Then she went for Manny who ran away.  He is such a big chicken Mancat! 

He wouldn't let her do it to him.  He ran down the basement first and then when she followed, he rolled around on the floor doing his rolly poly routine.  Then he ran into the basement bathroom and she closed the door so he couldn't escape.  Still, he avoided her by going between the toilet and the wall.  She finally went upstairs and he followed.

Then she closed him in our cat room upstairs where he jumped up on the desk by the window and she almost had him but he didn't stay still long enough and the he huddled in the corner making that high pitch noise of his and swishing his tail.

She let him out hoping he would go into the den on that table but he didn't.  He just laid for awhile on the floor by me until she came after him again.  Finally, he went to eat back in the cat room and then she got him while he was distracted by the food.

Karen and Gerard are talking about a dog coming into our house on Saturday.  They say it looks like a nice dog, but said it weighs 55 lbs.!  That sounds big to me!  I hope it doesn't eat Manny and me.  It better not chase us either!  That's why she put that stuff on is.

We Had Story Time by Manny

Yesterday Karen got a book in the mail from Paperback Swap that was very big with pictures inside that  she read out loud to Spunky and me.  She used to come into my private room when I first came to live with her and read to me so I would get used to the sound of her voice.  It's been a long time since she read to me.  Both Spunky and I liked this book.  It was short but the pictures were very large and it was a good story about a little boy dressed in a wolf outfit who imagined his room turning into a forest and going on the wild sea to another place where the wild monsters were but they did not scare him and wanted him to stay.  At the end, he went back home.  (This book seemed to be a take off on the radio show on Jungle Jam about Marty going on the high seas to Razzle Frazzle Island.)  Gerard listens to it sometimes so I hear it too.

Get Out Of Our Food, Ants! by Spunky Doodle

Friday there were ants crawling all over our food!  I don't know where they came in at, but I don't like them.  There was a whole bunch of them on our placemat too!  When Karen got home from work, she yelled at them!  She started squishing the ones that were in our dish right away and then came back for the others on the mat but by then most of them had run away.  She was very upset about this and went right to her computer, tweeting about it hoping for some advice but got nothing.  Then she went on Yahoo Answers and found a great solution. 

She put our little food dish inside a bigger bowl and filled the bigger one with water to make like a moat around our food bowl.  Since ants don't swim, they couldn't get to our food anymore!  Ha, ha, ha Ants!  Karen is getting smarter all the time thanks to the Internet!  Now, the next day, there are only a few that crawl on the placement and Karen squishes them . . . splat!

Cat Tip: Be Persistent & Get What You Want by Spunky Doodle

We have a very nice ledge in our upstairs hallway that was cluttered with dolls.  I loved sitting on this ledge but had to squeeze my way in between the dolls at first.  I say "at first" because after several times of knocking them off and watching them roll down the stairs, my humans finally gave in and cleared them off!  I had the whole ledge now except for one little spot where a candle holder was.  It pays to be persistent! 

 

Sometimes Humans Can Be So Dense! by Spunky Doodle

This morning Karen did not follow her normal routine for some reason and forgot to go upstairs to clean our litter box before breakfast.  If she had, she would have realized then that Manny wasn't around because he ALWAYS goes up with her.  This morning though, Manny went inside Karen's closet while she was getting dressed and she didn't notice. 

I went and laid right in front of it and Gerard even said, "Hey Karen, look where Spunky is."  I never laid in that spot before especially early in the morning.  I was telling him Manny was in the closet but he didn't get it.  Karen came in and said, "so, she lays all over."  I followed her out to try getting her attention but she was headed for that computer so I knew it was a lost cause and returned to my position outside the wardrobe in the hopes that one of them would "get it."

Eventually, after about an hour and a half, Karen came looking for us.  When she saw I was still there, it finally dawned on her that there might be a reason and she opened her closet and out walked Manny.  She was so happy to see him because if she had left for work before noticing he was around, he would have been stuck in there all day!  I remember the time I was stuck in a closet all day and it's not fun!

Have you ever been stuck in a closet?  I think our humans should leave all closet doors part way open so we don't get stuck inside.

Happy Birthday To Me by Manny

Today is my birthday and I am a 4-yr. old Mancat.  I love living here (I've  been here a full year now).  Today I plan to enjoy my birthday by wrestling with Spunky Doodle, laying in the sun, having some Temptations treats and playing a little more than usual with my human.  Karen is not feeling well today so I may be able to convince her to stay home from work today with me and even get some extra petting and chin scratches today!

What A Scary Day!

Yesterday was very noisy around here and both of us hid under the bed for several hours once it kept up on and on and on and on!  It was so LOUD!  Plus, strange men came inside our house.  It felt like our whole house was being attacked!  We can't explain what was going on since we were hiding the whole time but if you want to know, Karen wrote all about it on her other blog at http://zemeks.blogspot.com/2009/04/insulating-our-walls-and-attic-by-usa.html.

Where's Our Easter Basket?

We saw over at http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/treats-on-tuesday-our-easter-baskets.html that they got an Easter basket.  It had catnip and Temptations treats and some toys!  How come we didn't get one of those????

Linen Closet Fun by Manny

Spunky Doodle told me how much fun she had in the linen closet so the next evening, I decided to check it out too.  She was right, it is fun!

I went way in the back at first behind that big red blanket and then walked around some and sat looking out at Karen.  Then I stretched up to the second shelf but it looked too croweded so I didn't go up there and jumped out after I was in there about 15 minutes.  Spunky is very nice about teaching me things and sharing her fun with me. 

Oh, by the way, be sure to watch the video to the right to see what a nice boy I am!  I let Spunky keep the sun spot.

Closet Fun! by Spunky Doodle

Karen took of the soft blue bedspread from her bed and stuck in in the upstairs hall closet so then I jumped in quick before she could close the door.  It had big wide deep shelves and I went right to the back of the first one and curled up on one of the chair throws back there for about 15 minutes.

Next thing I knew, Karen came back with her flash box and I got up and started walking around to explore the rest of the place.  Pictures Karen took are at the left side bar.  I tried jumping up to the second shelf on that blue soft comforter but slid right off!  I couldn't get a good grasp on it because I don't have front claws like some cats.  (That's too painful to even think about, I don't want to go there!)

Anyhow, I sort of tumbled back down and jumped out.  Since Karen was so nice to let me have this special fun, I joined her on the bed during the night and let her pet me nice.  I just laid next to her by the edge of the bed where she could easily reach me.  I know she likes that!  Maybe she'll let me go back in and try it again.  I hope so!

Too bad she didn't get the video camera!

My Safety Zone by Spunky Doodle

I like to play hide-n-seek with Karen, especially when she first gets home from work and tries to pet me.  If I go under the coffee table, sometimes she will still be able to reach me but if I go under the dining room table, the chairs protect me and she doesn't usually try reaching me there.  That is my "Safety Zone."  Sometimes, if I really want to hide good, I will scoot under the chair that she moved by the window or under the bed.  Where are is your "safety zone" or what are your best hiding places?

Happy Day With Karen by Manny & Spunky Doodle

Manny:  On Monday, when Karen stayed home from work because she kept sneezing and blowing her nose a lot, we have a wonderful day together!  We wish she could always stay home with us. 

Spunky:  After she got done on the computer in the morning, she played with us some.  Then she surprised us by moving the nice gold chair over to the front window for us and our cat tree even closer to the window too.  The big stuffed bear she calls "Buddy Bear" she put where the chair used to be. 

Manny:  We like running around him when we play tag with each other. 

Spunky:  She moved our double-decker cat bed that we used to lay on to look out the front window over under the side window at the other end of the couch.  I like curling up on the chair now and have slept there for several nights.  It's very comfortable.  I like it being by the window better than the wall.

Manny:  In the afternoon, Karen put some music on and fell asleep on the couch with me.  I haven't been in the chair because Spunky seems to be there ahead of me all the time.  I like to lay on the tunnel part of the cat tree though and look out the window.  I almost went on the second level one day, but changed my mind. 

Spunky:  Since Karen moved the nice chair by the window, I haven't been on the cat tree at all.  Maybe I'll go on it though once summer comes and the window is open. 

I'm sure she would change it back if we didn't approve of the new arrangement!  Cats rule, you know.

Laying With Karen Is Wonderful! by Manny

I've been laying on the bed during the night.  It's cozy because I usually get right between Karen's legs.  Sometimes I'll sleep between Gerard and Karen at the bottom of the bed, but usually I like to lay right in the middle of Karen's half.

Sometimes Karen will lay on the couch which I look forward to.  She covers up with a big black furry blanket and I jump on top and lay on her legs and watch TV with her.  Sunday night we watched a good movie (Freedom Writers) that lasted two hours and I stayed the whole time.  

Pet Pride Is Pawesome!

Click here to check out this very cool site where pets share their posts and share yours too!

My Favorite Morning Spot by Manny

Fun With the Feather by Manny

I Found An Ant in the Living Room! by Manny

Found the Basement by Manny

The Unhappy Manny--watch video

Wendy Helps Me Make Friends With Manny