HAUNTED

My flip flops (not the kind Obama has) are being held together by a paper clip and I have a pizza stain on my shirt from breakfast. I can't figure out why my sea monkeys keep dying. What is the deal? There are new baby ones but when they get about a week old they croak. My kittens are growing and playing a lot. They have learned how to climb out of their house. It worries Becky and she gets upset when they cry. I have 1 1/2 of them given away. And, If one more person calls the office and yells at me for ANY reason I'm going to loose it. If the rotten economy is making you mad then don't vote for the democrats making it that way.

Happy Birthday Dear Joooohn...

Happy 26th Birthday!!

Colin and Will Go To Town

Colin and Will Farel had their appointment with the mobile neuter clinic this morning. They were not excited to go. My poor babies weren't the only ones to go. Martha took General (otherwise known as Weoweoweo and I took Iggy for Katie and Justin). We looked cool dragging 15 cat carriers that smell like farm to the clinic. Colin and Will are now upstairs in my room, groggy and confused and being visited by Ruby. They will be staying in the house for a few days to recover. I might kick them out tomorrow if they tear up my room. But, I heart them and want them to be ok. I am not able to show my horse at the state fair this year because of scheduling conflicts so I'm entering the photo contest with Martha instead. Everybody needs to go check out the photography contest and cheer us on. It won't do any good because they'll already be judged but go cheer anyway. I won't think you're crazy.

Quote of the Day: "Did I do this for me? No. I did this, for the little guy. For Joe six pack. The guy who wakes up every morning in his four hundred dollar a month apartment, wonders how he's gonna pay his mortgage that month. Wonders how he's gonna fill his car up, with oil. Wonders how am I gonna pay my kids' orphanage bills. That guy, shouldn't have to wonder where he's gonna park." -Andy Bernard (The Office)

Awwwww Baby!!!!

"This restaurant is crowded!"

Becky is officially a mom. She went into labor on Tuesday night and by 11:00 she had had her first child...kitten. Two hours later she had given birth to 2 more. I had forgotten how unhappy cats get when they are in labor. She took it like a champ. I would feel her belly every day prior hoping I could tell if she was getting close. She hated it and would run off when I checked her. During her labor she wanted me to keep my hand on her belly. I knew then that she was in pain. She is such a good mother. She shows off her kittens to anyone who comes on the porch. Tuesday night Will Feral broke onto the porch. He obviously thought the labor and delivery required him. He was wrong. Becky would have killed him.

Well, take your pick. Right now their official names are gray tabby, regular tabby, and dark tabby. Yeah, I need better names.

Quote of the Day: "There are people who reshape the world by force or argument but the cat just lies there, dozing, and the world quietly reshapes itself to suit his comfort and convenience." --Alan and Ivy Dodd

Speaking of Cats

Baby Ruby is a terrorist. She has grown so very big. I'll have to get a real life picture of her up. I let her sleep with me the other night thinking it would be great to have a warm fuzzy kitten as a roommate. She slept on the back of my pillow. Everything went great until I tried to roll over. SMACK! She hit me in the face. This went on all night. She now sleeps by herself. She has become the boss of Colin and Will Feral (rescue kittens from the office). I do love all three of them very much. Just in case you don't remember where baby Rubs came from, Terry and Ruby M. brought her to me after she was dumped at the house of a lady Terry knew. Thank goodness the lady decided to find a home for her (mainly at my house. I heart this kitty). She came to our house while I was in a cat lull. Wow, I never thought I would have a cat lull. It's good to have another girl around. Tully is anti-social and Buzz is just crazy.

Becky (the black momma kitty) is living comfortably on the porch. Well, she's comfortable when Ruby doesn't run onto the porch and attack her. No kittens just yet. I am taking pre-orders so if you have any good families in mind...indoor/outdoor...I don't care just let me know and I'll tag the kitten as taken. I'm not expecting a run on unborn baby kittens so take your time.

Quote of the Day: "I love inside jokes. I'd love to be a part of one someday." -Michael Scott

Improving the Truth

Improvement

Free cat to loving home. Good personality. Friendly. Loves to eat and be petted. Recently vetted. Has rabies shot and is FeLuk Neg. Will one day make a wonderful mother. Lived on farm with large house. Up to date on flea/tick treatment. Gets along well with other cats.


Truth

Free cat to loving home: To any home besides mine would be just great.
Good personality: If you put food in front of her you can scruff her and hold her.
Friendly: See "Good Personality."
Loves to eat and be petted: Starving to death when she was found. Will eat anything including small children and puppies.
Recently vetted: Rushed to the vet to check for all sorts of diseases that a human could catch from a cat. Massive worm infestation.
Has rabies shot and is FeLuk Neg.: Whew! That was a close one.
Will one day make a wonderful mother: Is about 1 week away from having between 3 to 600 kittens.
Lived on farm with large house: Abandoned by her former family to fend for herself in the nastiest old house on the planet while "mom and dad" moved into a gorgeous huge house down the road.
Up to date on flea/tick treatment: Seed ticks were falling like snow...but not anymore.
Gets along well with other cats: Can't tear the heads off of other cats while locked securely in a pet carrier.

I'm going to be blunt. I'm tired of this. People, when you take on a pet it's your responsibility. If you are planning to move in few years to an area that doesn't allow pets then reconsider adopting one. Cats can live up to 18 years or more. Dogs can live just as long. It is traumatic to a pet to relocate. It isn't always able to be helped but in most cases it is. If you do have to re home your pet, do it responsibly and for crying out loud don't just leave it. As much as we all would like to think that the cat or dog will go into the wild and live a carefree existence, it's just not the case. If your pet is really old, re homing it may not be an option at all. Your old pet wants to be with you. You may need to consider putting the pet to sleep while you are there with it. It isn't an easy decision to make but taking an old pet to a shelter is usually the last home the pet will have. The cat mentioned above, who is named Becky, was close to death and delivering kittens that she had no way to feed. She was eating grass and seeds to say alive. She will recover but it's going to take her awhile and my parents money to do it. Spay and neuter your pet. Make the appointment today before you forget. I have 3 to take. It's not cheap but it will save you a fortune down the road. If you have no pets but happen to find a stray, don't call the person with 8 million rescue animals to try to take it. Keep it yourself if you are financially able to house a pet. Ye ole "I just don't like cats" bit doesn't work on me anymore. LEARN to like cats. If my dad could to it, anyone can. He's the one who found this cat in the first place.

Today you have witnessed a Rachael rant. It was intended for no one specific. Everyone I know who reads this blog is a responsible pet owner. I'm hoping someone out there who stinks at pet ownership will come across this blog and be able to reap information that will prevent me from having to clean up their messes. And no, I'm not going to just look the other way while a pet starves. God didn't make me that way.

END RANT.

Quote of the Day:

SO, WHAT HAPPENED WAS....

John's truck was pulling his trailer with Scout and Aari on it. Martha and Mike drove my truck with Cole and Lilly. The truck decided that it wanted to "jump" when John hit the gas. We made it about 25 min from his farm in Va. and it died....on the highway...WITH FAST TRUCKS FLYING BY. We made the truck go just a little bit more to a large grassy area where we could safely unload Scout and Aari and put them on the trailer with Lilly and Cole. Thank goodness Cole decided to not follow through on his threat to murder Scout and we all made it to the farm. The place was gorgeous! We decided that it was very much like Africa (non of us have actually been there). It was hot but we had a great ride. We then crammed all the horses back on my trailer and made our way back to where John's abandoned truck was. It CRANKED, then...IT DROVE. All we had to do was make it to a hill and let gravity take over. We did have to stop a few times to let it cool off but we finally made it home. John's truck is now at the doctor's office.

Side note: Our state inspector came to do his yearly inspection at the office today. Sheesh! He got on us for doing something that last year he told us to do! We aren't in violation or anything but he likes to have opinions on everything. At least he was nice today.

Quote of the Day:
Dwight Schrute: ["steering" the ship] Don't worry Michael, I'm taking us to shore!
Michael Scott: It's a fake wheel, dummy!

THE SHRIEKING EEL

We went to the beach several weeks ago with the college/career group and I'm just now getting pictures up. John and I went with Martha, Mike and No-nee to the NC aquarium. My favorite part was the eel in the humongous fish tank. I'm so scared of him, I couldn't stop taking pictures. We had a really nice time, ate big-mac's, rode the ferry, and bought a vintage wooden sheep from a creepy store.

Tonight we just got back from Fiesta where we got to spend time with a good friend (edited)who is about to pop with child...even though you can't tell from looking at her. Trevor, this quote is for you:

Quote Of The Day:
Jan: "Well Michael, I...underestimated you."
Michael: "Well maybe next time you'll estimate me."

P.S.: I broke my hand.

Citizen Soldier

So, I went to family day with John to learn why he's an army of one. I was able to play in the simulator while humming the National Guard theme song. I learned his job isn't as hard as he thinks it is. I blew up 1 BMP-2 (whatever that is) and killed numerous terrorists (civilians...the computer made it very unclear)and had a great time. Then we ate barbecue. It was a good time. I still don't want him going to Iraq but at least he's confined to a huge canister of metal with guns. That will probably be the only family day I go to since he's leaving. I want a simulator for my birthday.

Quote of the Day: "Yeah, I went hunting once. Shot a deer in the leg. Had to kill it with a shovel. Took about an hour. Why do you ask?" -Michael Scott

Rings!

We bought our rings!! They are both perfect. I went to pick up my engagement ring from being sized and we decided to check some out while we were there. And, we went ahead and bought 'em. They are now locked securely in my dad's safe. In fact, I can't even get the combo right. I went with John and his family to "Family Day" today with his National Guard unit. It was fun. We got the play in the simulator and shoot stuff. I didn't like the driver spot, however. It was extremely tight and I almost freaked. I think Carroll should have been in the military. I was even a little scared of how comfortable she was going after the pretend terrorists in that tank. No one would be safe. She was great. I'll post pictures when I get them from her later. It was also kind of sad to be there. It made me realize how much I was going to miss John while he was gone. We also got back from the beach 2 days ago. Photos also to come.

Quote of the Day: "I suggested we flip a coin, but Angela said she doesn't like to gamble. Of course by saying that, she was gambling that I wouldn't smack her." -Pam Beesley

LAME

Not sure why. I think John pulled a Tanya Harding on her while I wasn't watching. I thought she might be foundering, then maybe thrush. Perhaps it was a classic "I'll act crippled so you won't ride me," routine she learned from Cole. Whatever the issue she's out in the pasture lame(only when she thinks you're watching however). We pulled her shoes off. I'll have Timmy come by and check her. I just got finished running around the pond with John. Then we lifted weights (the bar) then did crunches. We followed that with jumping in the pool. Now I'm about to die. My fingers are the only thing that work. I just picked out the first wedding song. Joy, you will be receiving an email shortly. No pressure.

Quote of the Day:
Ryan: Did this happen on company property?
Michael Scott: It was on company property, with company property. So, double jeopardy, we're fine.
Ryan: I don't think-- I don't think you understand how jeopardy works.
Michael Scott: Oh, I'm sorry. What is, 'we're fine'?

Happy 4th

I have millions of pictures to post but I can't get to them right now. We worked on the house this weekend after going to the Thresher's Reunion (photos to come). We painted more, hung pictures and raided John's closet and found lamps and various sparkly things to use. The curtains went up yesterday also and they really look great. Now it's furniture time. Yikes! That takes $$ and good taste. I'm getting my ring sized down today. I think it takes about a week to get back. I'll be wearing one my mom gave me until I get it back. It's also very sparkly. And in closing....I'm stealing a photo from Joy's blog! Thanks Joy. You have the coolest camera ever!



Quote of the Day: "I love inside jokes. I'd like to be a part of one some day." -Michael Scott

Wahoo!!

+



=

I'm getting married!!!!! Not right now however. We are going to wait until John gets back from Iraq. I am so excited. I'll be hijacking my blog to make wedding plans. I already have a general idea. I do want to run everything by John first. He already said I could plan what I wanted but I don't want to be selfish. Well, maybe just a little. He proposed while we were riding Scout and Lilly on his farm on Saturday...completely unexpected. I have pictures that I'll post once I get my hands on them. Updates to come!!!

Minus $189,00

I went to the Homegoods store today with Carroll and Martha. WOW! Talk about seriously overwhelmed. I bought everything horse...and I'm not kidding. I bought a large horse statue, horse head bookends, 2 horse lamps, and 2 large amber thingys. The only thing I didn't come home with was a new kitty. And, if Martha had pulled over I would have had one of those too.

The people who live in the new upscale subdivision where I used to ride horses have apparently gotten themselves into some hot water with the guy who owns the ponds in the community. I got yelled at by a homeowner awhile back who took it upon himself to run me off of the property (and it wasn't even his). Me being me I told him nicely to get out of my way. Now all the homeowners are restricted from using the pond or 50 feet around it. It's a consequence of them not minding their own business but everybody else's. The pond owners told me I could ride anywhere I wanted too. I'm thankful for small victories. Don't you just love it when people move to the country but don't really want the country that goes with it.

Quote of the Day: "In that song, she'll be coming around the mountain, who is she?"

Ole Farm Days

I've always wanted to drive one of these things. It's called a combine (for all of you city folk). It's used to drive around the field and tear up stuff. For a better description ask John. Well, I actually got to drive one on Saturday. John of course rode with me so I wouldn't take his house down. We rode around the field several times and then parked it under a shelter that's about as big as my bedroom. They got it under there but I'm pretty sure they'll never get it out.


Me being cool on the combine.


A view from the top.


John being safety patrol.


Artsy photo.

Quote of the Day: "My formula for success is rise early, work late, and strike oil." -Paul Getty

Ruby

Everybody meet Ruby. She is my new kitten. Terry and Ruby knew a lady who had her. She was a dump kitty. She is at very low risk for getting run over especially since she's an indoor kitten. So far Buzz hasn't gotten used to her. She still spits and hisses when Ruby gets too close but I think they'll get along just fine. Ruby has 2 little brothers also. I caught two little feral orange kittens at the office. They really like her. I'm in the process of rebuilding my cat army. It's too quiet in the yard.

Quote of the Day: "Experts say you should never hit your children in anger. When is a good time? When you're feeling festive?"

I QUIT!!!

Today Lottie got hit in the road. WHAT IS GOING ON!!! 3 cats in 2 weeks!!! At least John was home for grief counseling. My biggest fear is that God is making room for more bottle raising kittens. I'm going to go hide.

I hate my road

I took Claude to the vet on Wed because he was loosing weight and looked scruffy. He was also really lethargic. They pulled blood and sent it off to the lab. They said it could take until Monday to get the results. They gave me medication to give him in the meantime (total vet bill: $255.00). He acted really nice until they took the blood then he became anti-social and really ticked off. Well, my mom took him back to the house, let him out of the cat carrier and he promply got hit in the road. I'm not ok. I almost got killed by a truck just trying to move him. I hate my road. I'm making a sign that says "Slow Down! You're killing all of my animals." I don't know what to do. I think I'll send a letter to the paper...or call the HWY patrol. Sorry for the sad news but I'm sad.

An Ode

Momma Kitty was one of the best barn kitties we ever had. She is no longer with us. She was hit (probably by a yankee or some dumb redneck...i'm not bitter or anything....driving too fast down my road) on Monday. She had a good life here at the farm. She was actually extremely overweight. Her favorite things to do were eat, hang out with the horses, eat some more, and attack you from behind if you didn't pet her enough. She was laid to rest under the tree beside Boo (who was also hit by somebody driving too fast) next to Lilly and Coles gate by Mike who had to dig until he saw Chinamen in order to make her fit. We were all sad and nice words said over her. If anyone knows who did this please give me a description of the vehicle. I'll handle the rest.

We'll miss you Momma Kitty. Besides Claude you were my favorite.

P.S. The oppossum that was helping himself to her catfood accross the road has now moved to the house. He's up for adoption.

Momma Kitty's Quote of the Day: "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." -Sir Winston Churchill

PRACK WALK PLEASE!

Well, the horse show is over. Cole stomped around the ring and won several ribbons. His highest was a 2nd place. Lilly also was able to get her name called a few times...each time the anouncer had a looong pause to try to read her name. Thanks horse show people. I was neither bucked, flung, or in any other way dismounted from my horse during any of the classes. Lilly acted like a lady. We do have a long way to go with her. She invented a brand new gait during the championship class. I like to call it the Prack Walk (pace/rack/walk). In the line up the judge asked me to "back out of the line up, do a 360 and pull back into the line." Ha! Lilly thought that was funny. We backed 2 steps and stalled out. Thank goodness I had spurs on because one good bump and that was the fastest she's moved in a long time. We got 6th in that class.

Thank you to John for 2 days of much needed help and company. I don't ever want to eat Sour Patch Kids again. Thank you to Angie for help, videography and being paparazzi on Saturday. I owe both of ya'll 50 million dollars. It was a great show!! Photos and video to come when I can get my hands on it.