Rocky’s Antics

Rocky must have been feeling left out since Buddy was getting all of the attention. I had to protect the tree didn’t I?

centers2014 011 copy

So while Buddy attacked the Christmas tree, Rocky went missing. I saw him head into the bedroom but he usually doesn’t spend much time there if Buddy and I are in the living room so when he didn’t come back I began to get a little concerned. After all, he’s no spring chicken at 13.

Rocky 001 copy

I tried calling him..no luck . Not even an answering meow. I looked under the bed, in the closet, even opened the bottom drawers of the dresser. No cat. Buddy was at my feet but he wasn’t any help unless tripping me counted.

The tree box was standing on end  at the bottom of my bed. I took a chance and  peaked in the tree box and there was a little ginger face looking back at me. He got in and couldn’t get back out. I tipped the box on its side and Rocky flew out like he was shot from a cannon. Once out he gave himself a lick and a shake and walked off as if nothing happened.

Today Rocky gave me my Christmas present. A little late but no less sweet.

Santarocky 002a copy

Rocky and I used to play fetch. He could go at the game for hours. The rules were simple. Rocky would bring a mousie to me and I’d throw it. He would retrieve it and bring it back and I’d throw it again. I was always careful to follow the rules because if I changed them he’d quit. He’d quit if Smokey decided to join in too. It was a very sensitive balance.

Smokey

Smokey

Since Smokey passed over the rainbow bridge Rocky hasn’t once brought a toy mouse to me to play fetch. Oh he plays with the toys but like a normal cat. I tried to get him to play a few times and he’d just walk away.

Brown Spotted Bengal catten carrying a retrieve toy.

Well today he brought me a toy mouse and laid it at my feet. I picked it up and you could see his body tense, a sure sign he wanted me to throw it. So I did and held my breathe. Yes! He took off after the toy, caught it and proudly brought it back. We played like that for about 10 minutes until the mouse took a bad bounce and escaped under the china cabinet.

In spite of my best effort to rescue it the momentum was lost but for a few minutes we’d enjoyed a fun game that I thought was in the past.

Rockyandme 018a copy

Thanks Rocky 🙂

(The cat picture with the mouse in its mouth isn’t mine nor is it of Rocky. I have never been able to capture that shot but this is exactly how Rocky looks. The same look in his eyes. Nice shot whoever took this.)

It’s Christmas Eve

I just wrapped up my last minute errands so I’m all set for tomorrow. The house may not be perfect but it’s in better shape this year than ever before. The cats are both well and content. I have an awesome job with awesome people. I have much to be thankful for. In fact, I should be so happy that I’d be turning cartwheels if I could!

cartwheel

Then I turned on the TV. It was set to a news channel. What was the lead story? Another police shooting in MO., a white police officer and a minority teenager. It breaks my heart. This one was also fatal. These are mistakes that can’t be taken back. Once done its done. The family grieves but the officer will never be the same again either. I don’t know if it was a justified shooting or not and I, unlike many, will not judge because I wasn’t walking in either parties shoes.

handgun_1

Want to know  what the follow up story was? A shooting in an Atlanta movie theater! At least in this one no police were involved and the injured parties will survive. But I can’t help but ask myself how we reached this point.

I am not a proponent of gun control. I don’t want to ban handguns and rifles, maybe assault weapons, but not the rest. I grew up around guns. I had my own 22 and a 30-06. Shooting was fun. My family all hunted and we ate the meat from our kill but pointing a gun at another human being…it would never have crossed our minds.

deer

It’s Christmas Eve. This should be a happy time of hope and joy. Instead families are grieving and fingers are being pointed.  Police are on guard and demonstrators are out of control. This is a sad state any time of year …but come on people! According to legend, even a war stopped for Christmas! (The Christmas truce  was a series of widespread but unofficial ceasefires along the Western Front around Christmas 1914)

Taunton Green 2014 027a_edited-1

My wish this year is for Peace and Understanding to touch the hearts and minds of all. Santa, please bring JOY to the World!

a-christmas-carol1

God Bless Us Every one!

 

The New Kitchen

Except for a few little spots that need a coat of paint the kitchen is done! I even have new under cabinet lights!  I don’t know what I love most…the new microwave?

New Kitchen 001 copy

The solid new drawers?

New Kitchen 004 copy

The amazing counter tops?

New Kitchen 006 copy

or the rustic backsplash?

New Kitchen 007 copy

And I can’t forget the new lower cabinets that give me so much more storage space.

New Kitchen 005 copy

I got some wall art for the soffit area. It reads  “Many have eaten here, few have died” I like a touch of humor. I haven’t had a chance to put it up yet but I will soon.

Do you remember what it looked like before?

kitchen 002 copy

kitchen 001

Much better now don’t you think? Its amazing that its the same size but it feels larger.

Now I’ll have to think about new appliances to match that beautiful microwave. Maybe next year. 🙂

Frozen – Town Green 2014

Taunton Green 2014

Taunton Green 2014

I made a trip over to the “Green” and used my new camera for the first real time. I’ve been snapping pics around the house but this was my first real photo excursion. Maybe it was me and that the camera is still a bit unfamiliar but I don’t think I really captured the beauty of the display this year. But I promised to share so here they are. The theme is Frozen loosely based on the Disney movie.

Taunton Green 2014 027a_edited-1

Taunton Green 2014 024 copy

Taunton Green 2014 021 copy

Taunton Green 2014 016 copy

Taunton Green 2014 012

The big tree is crooked. I doubled checked and it wasn’t me it was the tree. 🙂

Taunton Green 2014 011A

Taunton Green 2014 007 copy

Taunton gr-2_edited-1

T GREEN