I had hoped to have a more poetic, humorous, and entertaining post put together, but then it’s the holidays and there has been so much to do. There’s a bit of humor towards the end, including my imitation of Puft the Marshmallow Man from the “Ghostbusters” movie.
Here’s a few photos of Shy trying out her gift from Steve. She’s an old cat and generally not interested in toys, but because the ball runs around the track very fast and switches directions on it’s own, it caught and kept Shy’s attention for quite awhile.
Yeah, there was a bit of catnip involved.
And now to interrupt this fascinating post with a bit of medical information, in case you’re interested:
Shy is in the beginning stages of kidney disease. I’ve switched her over to a special diet and discovered she much prefers the Purina NF Kidney Function brand to the Hill’s Prescription k/d/ diet. So if you have an animal with a similar problem, who won’t eat Hill’s, do try Purina.
I’ve also started Shy on Dasuquin for her arthritis, which contains chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and avocado/soybean unsaponifiables. It seem like I’m seeing a change already in her activity and sociability level.
We will now continue with our regularly scheduled program…
In the past, if Java and Latte received their own separate toys for Christmas, they would always decide the only good toy was the one that Java had, so they received one toy to fight over this Christmas. Latte has already begun to destroy it.
While Java patiently waits for an opening to steal the toy away.
Steve spent most of Christmas Eve slaving over a recipe called King Haakon’s Cake to take to a family get-together. It’s a Norwegina recipe that incorporates the almond paste that seems to be so common in Norwegian baking, and is named after one of a long-line of Norwegian Kings named King Haakon.
There were a few tense moments pulling the finished product off, but in the end, it turned out beautifully.
There was pre-Christmas frolicking fun also. Steve and I decorated our bikes with battery operated Christmas lights and headed over to a friend’s house to ride around the neighborhood and see the decorated houses.
The attached video doesn’t quite capture the full effect but will give you an idea of what I’m talking about. It was a lot of fun, with several honks and waves by cars passing by. It was one more superb idea from my friend Sue that I’m glad I participated in. I’d like to go out again on New Year’s Eve (before anyone that’s been drinking is out on the road).
Did I mention there was a rowdy game of Reverse Charades later that evening? The most entertaining charade was a portrayal of the words “Kitty Litter”. I’ll let you use your imagination…
I hope you have been enjoying the holidays as well! And have a safe and happy New Year’s Eve!
I’ve been told I need to schedule more “fun time” for myself. It’s hard because there’s so much work to do around the house. I want to take more walks with Java. More horseback riding. But the days are so short now. I only seem to have enough time to work. Weekends allow for a…
A couple weeks ago, while I was cleaning Luke’s and Murphy’s stalls, I heard Java barking outside the barn. I dropped my manure fork and ran out the back of the barn where I saw two coyotes.
I took a brief break from real life. The time away was way too brief, but too many irons in the fire to take more. I went on a two-night camping trip to Tettegouche State Park, near Silver Bay, MN. There’s too many photos to show all at once so I’ll post as I get…
It’s 7:30 and I’d like to just pop some Ibuprofen and go to bed. It’s been a day. Started out pretty light. Java and I drove to the Rum River park. Java loves her Mini compartment. Usually, Java and I walk at a pretty brisk pace as I’m trying to loosen up after a day…
Welcome to the Neighborhood Fox or coyote? The question appeared in the subject line of an email from my neighborhood watch group, along with a pixilated, blurry photo of a four-legged creature. I frowned, not out of concern over what the animal might be, but because I’d previously witnessed the reactions of neighbors to anything…
It’s better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. — Chinese proverb I wish I had a match. Alas, I have found a house and if nothing goes wrong, I’ll be moving into it the day I move out of my current home. Unfortunately, I’m uncertain as to how I’m going to move…
7 Comments
I love the bike ride with lights idea! You sound like you are in such a good place. Very impressed with the cake Steve made! Happy New Year!
Will have to keep those new meds in mind for the next time we have a four-legged critter. Thanks… Valuable stuff that arthritis meds for animals! Looks like a fun ride!
Oh, and fantastic looking cake…good job Steve!
It’s good to hear the happiness in your post!
I love how you share your life and so inclusive with your animal companions. Love your bicycle ride! Enjoy your holidays~
That is the toy I want to get my new kittens!! I think Cooper would love that because he is infatuated with balls! Looks like Shy enjoyed it! Good to hear you had a great holiday!!
How totally FUN!!!! Loved the video! And really loving that Shy is doing well and the fuzzy punks, too! Sending you, Steve, and the critter crew lots of love and happy new year!!! Hope you make it all the way to the west coast soon and come by for a visit 🙂 Xoxo Suebeedoo
I love the bike ride with lights idea! You sound like you are in such a good place. Very impressed with the cake Steve made! Happy New Year!
Will have to keep those new meds in mind for the next time we have a four-legged critter. Thanks… Valuable stuff that arthritis meds for animals!
Looks like a fun ride!
Oh, and fantastic looking cake…good job Steve!
It’s good to hear the happiness in your post!
I love how you share your life and so inclusive with your animal companions. Love your bicycle ride! Enjoy your holidays~
That is the toy I want to get my new kittens!! I think Cooper would love that because he is infatuated with balls! Looks like Shy enjoyed it!
Good to hear you had a great holiday!!
How totally FUN!!!! Loved the video! And really loving that Shy is doing well and the fuzzy punks, too! Sending you, Steve, and the critter crew lots of love and happy new year!!! Hope you make it all the way to the west coast soon and come by for a visit 🙂
Xoxo
Suebeedoo