T and D's Adventure

Thompson and Diego-san had their annual visit to the vet. Both came through with flying colors. Diego has lost two pounds in the past year and is down to 13 pounds (lean despite all the floof), and Thompson lost half a pound down to 12 pounds.

It was interesting to see how each dealt with the stress of the vet visit. Thompson was extra talkative even yapping at a bulldog who had defecated in the waiting area. He let me know in no uncertain terms that he did not appreciate any of the adventure. On the other hand, Diego-san was extra friendly, purring the entire time and constantly trying to rub up against me. He seems to get even more amorous when he's nervous so it's a good thing he doesn't hang around bars.

The most stressed out boy however may have been Theo who when we returned looked at the three of us and wondered why he was left all alone.

Together Through Life

Yesterday, the world got to hear 10 new Bob Dylan songs. In my book, the world is a profoundly better place any time that happens.

What to make of Dylan's new CD, Together Through Life? It's very bluesy and with Los Lobos' David Hidalgo on accordion, there's a Tex Mex feeling to most of the songs. My favorite song upon initial listening is the jaunty "Jolene" that sounds nothing like Dolly Parton's song of the same name. Bob had to know Dolly's song exists doesn't he? And if he did, why the choice to name his heroine/tormentor Jolene too? My favorite lyric? "The door is closed forever more/If indeed there ever was a door..."

Imitations

Diego-san has a couple of animal imitations in his repertoire. When he is skulking around the house he looks just like a big black bear. His massive paws could even leave bear tracks if we had mud in the house. When he is sitting atop the piano his stare is reminiscent of an owl. All he needs to learn to make his imitation complete is how to turn his head all the way around.

Play Pals

You would think in a house with three other housemates we could come up with a schedule where each of us takes turns playing with Theo. Unfortunately for Theo, Thompson, Diego-san, and myself can't keep up with him. I tried to rectify this by buying him some mechanical toys but I think Theo feels playtime is social time so chasing a furry mechanical mouse around only has so much appeal before he loses interest and comes to one of us to entertain him...

The Rabbit Died

For the past couple of years we've had a family of rabbits living in our backyard (at least I think it's the same family of rabbits). One of the rabbits liked to sit underneath Thompson's favorite window (at least I think it was the same rabbit), comfortable in the knowledge that Thompson had a screen that prevented him from chasing the bunny.

Last night I was opening up the window for Thompson and looked out to see the rabbit lying on it's side with its eyes wide open. It was sad to see the dead bunny. This morning I went out, dug a hole, and said a few kind words before I buried the bunny. I think even Thompson will miss his nemesis/friend.

The Look

Sometimes Thompson and I will be lounging around together when we hear a crash or the sounds of a high speed chase elsewhere in the house. Thompson will look at me as if to say, "well aren't you going to see what's happening?" And I'll look straight in his eyes trying to convey that sometimes it's better not to know.

Teamwork

Friday is here and that means one thing: no need to get out of bed this morning.

King of the House

I like to think since I pay the mortgage, I own this house. Diego-san knows otherwise.

Ouch

Theo was sleeping underneath the covers with me last night when something startled him. I don't know if it was something I did or something he was dreaming but he suddenly meowed and bunny kicked. His back claws scratched my arm up pretty good. Whatever it was, he calmed down quickly and was back to his purring little self in no time. My arm? Ouch.

Payback

Since I abandoned the boyz for a couple of days they decided it's their turn to return the favor. Here is a picture of Thompson and Diego-san checking out their travel options.

Three Rivers City

Took the Amtrak to Pittsburgh for the weekend. Went to a Pirates game at one of the most beautiful baseball stadiums I've seen- PNC Park. I can't wait until outdoor baseball returns to Minnesota next season...

The boyz were pretty mellow when I got home.

Day 3

I think I can smell that food guy...

Day 2

I wonder what more mischief we can get into today???

Day 1

Home alone...

Bad News for the Boyz

Bad news for the boyz. One of us is going away for the weekend. Who is it? Who is it?

Whose Schedule Is It?

Theo was absolutely perplexed why he had to wait until the end of the Twins game last night before he was fed his dinner. He was ready to eat after the third inning.

How Embarrassing

It's a good thing Thompson can't blush because I think some of my behavior embarrasses him like when I break out into a spontaneous song and dance or when I do my Iron Chef impression while cooking, complete with running commentary. Today at work he really would have rolled his eyes if he had seen me. I broke the zipper on my pants so I spent all day with my fly held shut by a little safety pin. I looked like some odd office professional punk rocker. I don't know if anyone noticed or not but no one said anything...

Diego's Shadow

Much to Diego-san's chagrin one of Theo's favorite things to do is to follow him around the house. Whenever Diego is investigating something or getting into some kind of mischief, Theo has to check out what his older brother is up to. This often spoils Diego's fun and he isn't shy about letting Theo know of his displeasure through a pointed hiss.

Happy Easter

Theo's pretty sure that the bunny rabbit he chased out of the house this morning didn't belong here. Still he wishes the bunny would have left some of those treats he had in his basket.

The boyz and I wish Stephanie Jane, a very happy birthday wherever she may be.

Here Comes the Sun

"Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling it feels like years since it's been here..."

Bonk

I'm quite honored that I am the human Thompson has the most trust in. I get to see the sweet and lovable side of him that very few have seen. That said, maybe he'd be better off trusting someone else... Yesterday I went to pick him up and I didn't quite have a hold of him when he squirmed. I ended up dropping him, as he landed on his face.

It reminded me of our first night together when I was trying to play with Thompson and I rolled a ball towards him. He leaned down to grab the ball with his mouth but since I rolled it on his left side, he had nothing to lean on to reach low enough to grab the ball. He ended tipping over and landing on his face. Thankfully he's the forgiving type and he never seems to hold my mistakes against me.

Advice to My Lil Guy

Hey Theo... you might look a little smarter if you didn't sit around with your tongue sticking out...

Twins Win Twins Win!

I went to my first Twins game of the year. It was an exciting game as the Twins scored three runs with two outs in the 9th inning to win 6-5. It was a very good reminder of why baseball is my favorite game and with the possible exception of my three roommates- the thing I love most about life at this point... There is no clock in baseball. You play until the 27th out.

Water On, Water Off

Thompson and Diego-san let me know that they think it might be easier for drinking water purposes if I just built a freshwater stream that runs throughout the house. I'll get right on that.

Lost Time

Diego-san apparently wanted me to make up for all the time I was gone at the beginning of the week. He followed me all around the house and vocally demanded some affection. It's hard to ignore the big guy especially as he tries to climb up your leg or climb to the top of your head.

Gamester

One of Theo's favorite games is to sit at the top of the stairs and when I start heading down the stairs, race me to the bottom. It's not a race I'm going to win anytime soon so maybe that's why it's one of Theo's favorites...

Family Meeting

I went upstairs to find the boyz had called a house meeting. I guess I wasn't invited... Theo called the meeting to order by putting a green thing on his tongue.

A Strategic Resting Place

One way to prevent sneak attacks is to find a spot where your enemy (or any tuxedo cats that happen to live in the house) has to approach you from the front.

Thanks Torii and Kurbie

Everyone (including me) is glad I'm home.

Unacceptable

The fool has been gone. Being abandoned is totally unacceptable. Totally.