Cat's Eye

Belly Full

2012-01-30T00:12:00.003-06:00

If he wore a belt, he'd loosen it a notch...

Secret Sunday Plot

2012-01-29T00:11:00.006-06:00

Obviously Thompson has something to share with Theo that I'm not privvy too...

Laundry Day

2012-01-28T00:09:00.001-06:00

All aboard!

TGIF (LLIWARW)

2012-01-27T00:32:00.002-06:00

Thompson's glad it's Friday (looks like it was a rough week).

What's in a Nickname?

2012-01-26T00:01:00.002-06:00

Because of his massive sized paws I sometimes call Diego-san my little cuddly bear. I think he prefers to be known as a massive and ferocious black bear. Just a small difference in perspectives I guess.

Mr. Big Eyes

2012-01-25T00:01:00.003-06:00

It's the face that has launched a million smiles.

Historic Video

2012-01-24T00:09:00.006-06:00

I was fortunate to be around (with my iPhone) to capture history in the making. This is the first time I'd ever seen Theo play the role of peacemaker. His normal role is that of instigator.

What's the brouhaha all about? Diego-san was not happy that Thompson wanted him to share the sun puddle he'd been lying in all morning.

Cat Pile!

2012-01-23T00:21:00.001-06:00

Diego-san + Thompson = clump.

Junk Food Junkie

2012-01-22T00:15:00.001-06:00

Normally I have a pretty good diet. Most my meals consist of vegetables and fish. I only eat fast food a handful of times a year. Yesterday was one of those times.

I was out running some errands and I saw a KFC. I felt too tired to cook a dinner and I had been interested in the new hot wings KFC is advertising so I decided to stop in and get some. When I brought them home Diego-san's curiousity was obviously picqued by the new smell. He almost never shows any interest in the food I normally eat for dinner. I put the wings on a dish and sat down to eat and Diego-san did all he could to get a hold of one of the wings. I finally had to lock him in another room so I could eat my meal in peace.

I never knew I had a boy so interested in the worst of the worse fast food.

P.S. The wings were nothing special.

A Questioning Face

2012-01-21T00:12:00.004-06:00

Often as I leave the house Theo will run from the front door where I leave, to the side window where I walk by on the way to the garage. Sometimes the look on his face suggests a questioning on why I would want to leave the warmth and familiarity of the inside world for the vast confusion of a world he's never been allowed to explore. Not sure I have an answer for that.

To Each His Own

2012-01-20T00:12:00.000-06:00

Some think outside the box. Thompson thinks outside the bed.

Glamour Shot

2012-01-19T00:06:00.002-06:00

Can't look any handsomer.

Different Backyard

2012-01-18T00:38:00.003-06:00

We've had a very mild winter in the frozen tundra. We've barely gotten any snow, and temperatures up until the past few days had been downright balmy. Diego-san doesn't seem to mind the missing snow anymore than I do. (Although it does make it harder to tell if we have been visited by any bunny rabbits.)

A Different Type of Thinking Cap

2012-01-17T00:36:00.003-06:00

A fellow can get a lot of good thinking done when his brother is licking the back of his head.

MLK Day

2012-01-16T00:33:00.001-06:00

I'll have to teach Theo who Dr. Martin Luther King was so he has a better understanding why I get to enjoy a three day weekend with all the boyz...

Spectator's Perspective

2012-01-15T00:31:00.000-06:00

Watching Thompson watch Diego-san and Theo tussle.

Deceptive Appearance

2012-01-14T00:26:00.001-06:00

He's the light of our life...

Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T00:19:00.002-06:00

Theo is clearly not the superstititous type. He's always letting Diego-san walk in front of him (partially in preparation for chasing him all over the house)...

He's Watching You

2012-01-12T00:05:00.002-06:00

When I curl up in a ball it's to try and block out the entire world... not so with Thompson.

Bar Boy

2012-01-11T00:30:00.002-06:00

I learned 101 songs in my first year of learning guitar. Of course almost all of them sound exactly alike, similar chords and simple strumming patterns. Diego-san obviously can't wait to hear the next 100.

Life Goes On

2012-01-10T00:09:00.007-06:00

The late great Mr. Max and I lived in an apartment for several years. The best view for Mr. Max from our last apartment was out the living room window that overlooked the area behind the apartment complex. Outside our window was the biggest tree on the grounds and Max spent hours watching the birds and squirrels.

I came home one afternoon and saw that the tree had been removed. For days Max acted very lost and that memory is one of many that has stayed with me over the years. I always wonder if it was a matter of him missing the tree or if he was overwhelmingly startled by what must have been a day of very loud noise from chain saws and whatever else was used to remove such a large tree.

I got home the other night and found a notice hung on my door. The city had been out and determined that the ash tree on the boulevard was in declining health so they have decided to remove it. I have another huge ash tree in my front yard about 15 feet from the other tree, and it's in the exact same condition as far as I can tell. That the trees were nearing the end of their lives hasn't been news to me. The emerald ash borer has been found in several trees in the city and I read that the city has a plan to remove all the ash trees within the next few years.

I do wonder how the boyz will react, especially if I decide it's time to remove the ash tree in the front yard, the tree that is closest to the picture window in our living room. Diego-san and Thompson in particular love to watch the action in the tree. I would likely replace the tree with another type of tree, but it will be years before it grows tall enough for much squirrel and bird action. I just hope the boyz aren't as traumatized as Mr. Max seemed to be...

What's the Password?

2012-01-09T00:22:00.004-06:00

Theo takes his job as upstairs sentry very seriously.

Plan for Sunday

2012-01-08T00:06:00.001-06:00

Just a lotta chillin'.

Par-Tay

2012-01-07T00:05:00.001-06:00

Got a softball and a comb.... Looks like Theo has some wild plans brewing...

Lost His Pillow

2012-01-06T00:06:00.003-06:00

The problem with some warm and soft pillows is that they have a tendency after a while to get up and move somewhere else.

Simon's Cat

2012-01-05T00:10:00.001-06:00

Another Simon's Cat cartoon that Theo and Diego-san can relate to...

Resolutions Part 3

2012-01-04T00:32:00.002-06:00

Theo resolves to do his part to make our house even more entertaining in 2012.

Resolutions Part 2

2012-01-03T00:29:00.001-06:00

Diego-san indicated to me he has already given up on his 2012 resolution. As hard as he tries, he just cannot be any more handsome...

Resolutions

2012-01-02T00:22:00.006-06:00

Thompson's resolution for the new year is to sit somewhere where both ears get in the sunlight.

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T00:22:00.002-06:00

I reminded Theo to stop writing "2011" on his checks. He indicated that would not be a problem.

Brotherly Pillow

2011-12-31T00:00:00.002-06:00

Some pillows are much softer and warmer than others.

Action Position

2011-12-30T00:03:00.003-06:00

Thompson has a difficult time pouncing but he certainly is quite capable of springing into action at just about any moment...

Cuddle Face

2011-12-29T05:41:00.000-06:00

Diego-san sometimes seeks the warmth that the spotlight can't provide...

Which Way Will It Arrive?

2011-12-28T00:07:00.004-06:00

Ever since I told Theo that the new year is almost here, he's been waiting expectedly for it to arrive. Unfortunately for him I told him last week...

Wishful Thinking

2011-12-27T00:36:00.003-06:00

Given Thompson's stripes, Theo decided to see if his brother, just by chance, might taste like a candy cane...

Happy Holidays

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001-06:00

Hello! My name is Thelonious Dribble and some of you may know I’m the youngest in the house with my brothers Thompson, Diego-san and also the food fella. I feel very lucky because my housemates asked if I would do our 2011 holiday letter! Usually they don’t ask me to do anything except leave them alone… but I don’t mind because I’m up for doing anything anytime anyplace! Did I already mention anytime? For those who have never met me, come on over and visit! I love to meet new people. In the meantime the next best thing you can do is listen to the squeaky bathroom door at the food fella’s work because he said it sounds just like my MEOW! It reminds him of home where I try to follow him into the bathroom and I cry and cry until he finally opens the door!

This past year was a very special year for us because we got a tent for Christmas and the food fella made sure it was stocked with nip toys all year. There’s nothing I love more than licking my nip banana. Unless it’s licking my nip fish! Or my nip stick of dyno-mite! Sometimes Thompson or Diego-san will grab one of the toys from the tent but usually they just go away when I join them in licking the toy! Our house motto is it’s good to be licked every now and then!

Thompson is a pretty good big brother. He likes to wrestle and growl at me. He usually spends his day sleeping in the living room and sometimes I’ll even join him for a nap. But not for long. Because I’m on the go! Got things to do!

I look up to my other brother, Diego-san, a lot. And not just because when I chase him he likes to jump up somewhere I can’t jump up to! He howls and hisses at me and I know he just would love if I could jump as high as him! His are loving whaps on the top of my head!

The newest thing in our house this year was the food fella trying to learn how to play what he calls a gee-tar! It’s very loud and it’s even louder when he does what he calls singing and my brothers and I call CAT-erwalling! Diego-san sits next to him when he practices his gee-tar but Thompson and I usually stay downstairs until the racket is finally over. You think with all the time he practices he would get better. We’re all crossing our paws! (Thompson uses his back paws to cross!) If it’s not the noise from the gee-tar it’s the noise he makes telling us all about the ringing he hears in his ear. Sometimes when I sit on his chest he asks if I can hear the ringing. When I butt my head against his head I do hear the wind whistling in one ear and out the other! But that’s definitely more of a whistle then a ring though so I’m not sure I know what he’s talking about just like most other stuff.

Well I hope you liked my letter. I have to get going. I gotta look for some food or play with my brothers. Or look for some food. I hope y’all have a great holiday full of nip and fun! Oh and by the way, my food dish is empty!

XXOO,

Theo, Thompson, Diego-san, and DMa

On the Ball

2011-12-24T00:27:00.003-06:00

Thompson has claimed a choice spot to await for Santa's arrival...

Sunny Side Up

2011-12-23T00:03:00.002-06:00

Diego-san demonstrates he's in the holiday spirit by happily rolling over in the sun. He hopes all cats in the world are so lucky...

Double Wide Shower

2011-12-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Theo is glad the showering area is large enough for two; I'm not so sure Thompson agrees.

Wise Guy

2011-12-21T00:06:00.003-06:00

I do believe that Diego-san is sticking his tongue out at the photographer. Little does he know that Santa doesn't deliver to wise guys.

Hats Off

2011-12-20T00:07:00.001-06:00

Thompson just shakes his head at some of the silly stuff I put on top of my head...

Ear Positioning

2011-12-19T00:08:00.002-06:00

Must be nice to be able to hear stuff off to the left at the same time you are listening to stuff in front of you. Then again, maybe that's why Theo usually has a puzzled look on his face...

Shades

2011-12-18T00:08:00.003-06:00

Rather than buy a fancy pair of sunglasses, I decided using Diego-san to block out sunlight was a more appealing option.

Allez Cuisine

2011-12-17T00:15:00.004-06:00

The boyz are sending out a big thank you to Daisy the curly cat. After reading how much she and her brother Harley enjoy bonito flakes, I decided to try some. Not only for the boyz, but also for myself since being a fan of the TV show, "Iron Chef," I knew that Iron Chef Michiba used bonito flakes as a staple of many of his dishes.

We got our first shipment of bonito this week and as soon as I opened the package all three boyz came into the kitchen with eyes wide open. I put a little in their dinner dishes and they couldn't snarf it down fast enough. I have yet to try using it in my cooking, but the boyz thank Daisy for introducing such a tasty treat into the house....

Playful T

2011-12-16T00:02:00.003-06:00

One word that rarely describes Thompson is "playful." Playing with cat toys is challenging because to do it upright means trying to time batting the toy with hopping to maintain balance. Usually when he plays he does so on his side and often substitutes his back paws or his nose for his missing front leg. Last night for some reason he was in an extra playful mood, hiding inside the empty spot in one of our cat scratchers and then later batting the ball around in this toy. I didn't have my camera handy and just caught the last moments of playtime. Somehow though, to see Thompson play ALWAYS makes me feel happy.

No to Muppetry

2011-12-15T00:09:00.001-06:00

I went to see the new Muppet movie. I told Diego-san afterward that because there doesn't appear to be any feline muppets that perhaps he ought to sign up. He was not amused.

Zen-like Chaos

2011-12-14T00:07:00.004-06:00

Things couldn't get any wilder on a Wednesday...

Last Line of Defense

2011-12-13T00:04:00.001-06:00

Theo finds himself in the challenging situation of being the last thing standing (or laying) between the sun and the laundry basket.

Choices

2011-12-12T00:08:00.002-06:00

Diego-san indicated it was too bad I had to spend my day at work earning money to feed and house him. For him, lying on his back in the sun sounds far better.

Possible Overtime Required

2011-12-11T00:01:00.003-06:00

It's been a busy Sunday for Thompson. He's already had to change positions on the couch three times.

Spokescat

2011-12-10T00:09:00.000-06:00

We've asked Theo to write this year's annual holiday card for friends and family. He's taking the responsibility seriously, pondering what he should write about by guarding the chase the mouse in the circle toy. It's how he gets his best thinking done.

An Occasional Difference or Two

2011-12-09T00:12:00.004-06:00

Although they usually get along pretty well, Thompson and Theo don't always see things eye to eye.

Don't Be Fooled

2011-12-08T00:19:00.002-06:00

He may not always look like it in his pictures but Diego-san is a pretty soft and cuddly guy.

Strengths

2011-12-07T00:05:00.006-06:00

Diego-san might be the most intelligent and Theo might be the most determined, but Thompson is the wisest boy. He's very good at assessing a situation, determining if he wants to be involved and then getting what he wants.

Our Lil Conservationist

2011-12-06T00:04:00.003-06:00

Given the trickle from the faucet, Theo was worried that we are running out of water until I reassured him that I would dilute the supply we have to make it last longer.

Sympathizer

2011-12-05T00:13:00.000-06:00

Thompson showed which side he was on after I hollered at Diego-san for jumping up in the kitchen sink and licking all the dirty dishes...

A Cartoon Depiction - Simon's Cat

2011-12-04T00:08:00.002-06:00

This is exactly like Theo and Diego-san's ever uneasy relationship...

Psssst...

2011-12-03T00:07:00.001-06:00

Hey Diego-san... there appears to be some worms, or a shadow of a turkey on the ground in front of you...

Theo the Artist

2011-12-02T00:12:00.005-06:00

Not all of us have the artistic soul of Theo- here he tries to dramatize his black and white coloring with the use of darkness and light. Either that or he just forgot to move when the sun did.

Thompson's Thought for the Day

2011-12-01T00:26:00.001-06:00

We all need someone to look up to (especially if he can provide some food).

Priorities, Man

2011-11-30T00:06:00.000-06:00

Diego-san was more interested in giving me the evil eye than he was watching the Muppet Show.

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

2011-11-29T00:07:00.005-06:00

Theo was practicing the part of the Big Bad Wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. He definitely got the big ears (better to hear you), and the big eyes (better to see you) down, but his teeth are tiny and probably wouldn't scare Little Red Riding Hood much.

Good Question

2011-11-28T00:08:00.002-06:00

Thompson wonders why every weekend can't be a four day weekend.

Good Help is Hard to Find

2011-11-27T00:04:00.002-06:00

Diego-san was going to point out to the cleaning guy that he missed something but that would probably mean the big old noisy sucking machine would have to make a reappearance...

Premium Seats

2011-11-26T00:01:00.001-06:00

Diego-san tried to scalp his ticket to me but I passed. So he was the one who got to enjoy the front row to all the action.

Tuxedo Friday

2011-11-25T00:08:00.002-06:00

Yup, today tastes like the day after Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T00:06:00.002-06:00

Among many other things, Thompson is thankful he has many comfortable places to lay his head.

Reporting for Duty

2011-11-23T00:20:00.005-06:00

We got our first snowfall over the weekend. It was just enough snow that I felt obligated to shovel the public sidewalk in front of my house. As I was preparing to go outside, Diego-san was being extra needy of attention so I told him I could use a little help shoveling and suggested I let him go outside and swish his impressive tail around to clear the snow. I certainly couldn't lose him in the snow given his color.

As I went to the front door Diego-san hopped up on the bookcase next to the door as if to indicate he was willing to try what I suggested. Alas, I changed my mind and decided it probably wasn't a good idea to use him as my snow swisher.

Math Tutors

2011-11-22T00:18:00.005-06:00

The boyz decided to help me with my geometry by showing me what a cat triangle looks like.

Sunny Day

2011-11-21T00:08:00.001-06:00

All paws in.

A Personal Trainer

2011-11-20T00:05:00.002-06:00

Thompson wants to emphasize the importance of regular neck exercises. First you look one way, then you turn your head the other way. Repeat and zzzzzzzzzzz.......

Diego-san's Haiku

2011-11-19T00:03:00.002-06:00

The sun is shining
but maybe only on me
we are best of friends

House Motto

2011-11-18T00:09:00.002-06:00

Sometimes we all just need a good licking.

Disappointment

2011-11-17T00:07:00.002-06:00

I told Theo there was a mouse by the computer. Hard as he tried, he just couldn't find it...

We All Agree

2011-11-16T00:19:00.002-06:00

Thompson's thinking the fella on the other side is pretty darn good lookin.

Mr. Know It All

2011-11-15T00:04:00.002-06:00

Diego-san's secret for knowing EVERYTHING that goes on in the house? He keeps one ear to the ground.

Planning for the Future

2011-11-14T00:10:00.001-06:00

Theo's practicing his behind the wheel driving position for the day I let him take driver's ed.

Misleading Caption

2011-11-13T00:01:00.002-06:00

Thompson is questioning how he got the title, 'cat scratcher.' He said he doesn't itch any more than the other two boyz.

Life on the Other Side of the Tracks

2011-11-12T00:07:00.001-06:00

Life is so hard for Diego-san. It's hard to know which of the twenty choice spots in the house to rest in ; it's hard to choose whether to lie sunny side up, or over easy; it's hard to choose whether to try and steal Thompson's dinner or Theo's dinner after he finishes his own. Sigh.

11/11/11

2011-11-11T00:04:00.001-06:00

This is the second day in the current month where Thompson feels it is appropriate to try and be one with the world.

An Endorsement

2011-11-10T00:01:00.003-06:00

Sunlight not only feels good, but it smells good too.

The Real Celebration

2011-11-09T00:09:00.001-06:00

Somebody in the house is having a birthday but Diego-san thinks that is irrelevant and it's one more day everybody should lavish praise on him.

A By the Book Type of Fella

2011-11-08T00:10:00.004-06:00

Thompson thinks all this fall back spring ahead stuff is nonsense. A schedule is a schedule after all.

Making Do

2011-11-07T00:16:00.002-06:00

Since I won't let Theo play around inside the dryer, he decided spinning around in the clothes hamper was the next best thing.

Nice Try

2011-11-06T00:14:00.004-05:00

I had to tell Diego-san it might help to put the seat up first.

Unscheduled Solitary Napping

2011-11-05T00:06:00.003-05:00

That food guy had to work today. It's Saturday. This is unacceptable.

The Boyz's Future Mom

2011-11-04T00:07:00.002-05:00

Trick I Guess

2011-11-03T00:03:00.001-05:00

I came home from work last night and greeted the boyz with a hearty "trick or treat!" They didn't seem at all amused given the trauma they felt they were forced to endure Monday evening.

Honorary Band Member

2011-11-02T00:29:00.002-05:00

Theo's wondering why I don't buy him one of those fancy red jackets that Mayer Hawthorne and his band are wearing...

11/1/11

2011-11-01T00:26:00.001-05:00

Given today's date, Thompson decided it would be a good day to be one with the world.

Not His Favorite Day

2011-10-31T00:00:00.000-05:00

Diego-san decided to be incognito during Halloween after hearing horror stories of what some people do to black cats...

Coming and Going

2011-10-30T00:07:00.002-05:00

Theo's thinking something has gone terribly wrong with the attempted face off.

Thompson's Haiku

2011-10-29T00:04:00.004-05:00

My ears I hear with
My eyes I use to see things
Tummy needs rubbing

The Shadow Knows

2011-10-28T00:06:00.002-05:00

When Theo is puzzled (which seems to be his default position) he knows that ultimately the shadow knows whatever he needs to know.

Clarification

2011-10-27T00:14:00.001-05:00

This is Diego-san's crazy stretchy pose. We were NOT doing the YMCA song.

Klean Pawz

2011-10-26T00:05:00.001-05:00

Theo does his best to make sure everybody has clean paws in our house.

My Review of CATS ATTACK SCRATCHING POST

2011-10-25T00:04:00.009-05:00

Originally submitted at Perpetual Kid

Our Cats Attack Scratching Post is a self assembled, super-cool, cat scratching post designed to look like a cityscape. So when your kitty climbs and scratches, the scene quickly becomes a Giant Outer Space Cats Attack movie! So grab your video camera a

Conversation starter

By dma from St. Paul, MN on 10/21/2011

Pros: Fun, Attractive Design, Easy To Assemble

Cons: Not very sturdy

Best Uses: Active Cats, House Cats

Describe Yourself: Long-time Pet Owner

This sure does draw the attention of visitors to our house. One of my three cats has claimed the scratching post as his own. I guess he's the most godzilla-like of the trio. my one minor complaint is the cardboard buildings just sit loosely in the stand so they tumble out if the cats put any weight on it at all.

Diego-sanzilla

(legalese)

Framed

2011-10-24T00:13:00.001-05:00

Theo wants people to be clear it was his camera person and not him who had problem framing this photo correctly...

No Worries

2011-10-23T00:11:00.001-05:00

Upon closer inspection, Thompson has determined I haven't brought another real kitty into the house.

The Comedian

2011-10-22T00:04:00.002-05:00

So I rode into work yesterday on my scooter and scooted behind a van that indicated it was from a business that cleans up dog poop from people's yards. I said to myself, 'That'd be a really sh*$ty job.' That's the kind of humor the boyz get to enjoy ALL the time.