New experiences

Wow! Almost October. I don't think I've completely gotten used to writing 2006 on checks and other things yet! Last week was absolutely lovely, especially in the mornings. It was cooler outside than in my house. So I opened a few windows and let Grace and the boys sniff the great outdoors. That's about as outdoorsy as they'll get, though. Too many predatory critters out there at night.

And then today, the kitten-cats went to visit at the Linehans' house -- and learn to navigate the stairs, to stay off the narrow ledge over the front door, and to interact with Cabernet! When they returned home, they were completely pooped out! First Grace had to sniff all over and clean them. Now they are absolutely conked out on the couch. I may not hear from them for quite a while!

Naptime!

Kira has spent the last two days with me instead of going to school -- upper respiratory infection. Both days after lunch, we settled down on the couch to rest and read, and both days she fell asleep. Notice her guardians: Grace above, and Audace near her legs and feet!

Baseball

Ken got tickets for Anne and the three kids and me at Minutemaid Park, home of the Houston Astros. It was an experience I'd never had before -- what a nice comfortable way to watch a baseball game. In the first picture, Anne, Austen, and Parker are starting to sample the incredible spread of food that was laid out. And for a long time, we were the only people in the suite; after a while, two other families came in. Needless to say, we got the lions' share of the food! Ken did an amazing job organizing our lunch, dessert, and snacks!

Next are pictures of the stadium's interior, including a charming train that runs back and forth on the opposing wall (Anne wants the job of the engineer!); of the Astros' mascot (big bunny) with Parker, Kira, and another child from our suite; of Austen wearing a little batting helmet which had previously held a sinfully rich ice cream sundae; of Kira and Anne settling in to the front-row seats in our suite before the game actually began.

We were happy to be in a roofed stadium -- it rained outside twice during the time we were there. The stadium is very close to all the wonderful downtown skyscrapers (terrific architecture!), and there were times we couldn't see them. Then the shower would pass, and the sun would shine again.

It was a really fun experience -- a very enjoyable day -- even though the Astros didn't win.

Snoozin' away ... back to normal!

Well, that didn't take long!

Audace and Ruse have returned to their favorite napping place this morning -- and they've been up there for HOURS! Sure is peaceful around here. I could even unload the dishwasher and make some chai tea without "help"!! Amazing!

Getting back to normal!

I now have had thirteen cats as pets at various times, including the three currently residing in my house (or ... wait ... am I in theirs??), and all of them have been "altered" (as the veterinary form states!). All their various -ectomies have turned out just fine; not a problem with any of them. Why, then, do I tend to worry about every one? Hmmm. Have to cogitate on that for a while!

The boys are doing fine, although I'm keeping them in "their" room most of the time for a day or so. Grace is LOVING the freedom, I think. We watch TV together and have lots of nice quiet time. That'll end soon!! Here are a few pix of them lying around not doing much.

Today

I received a phone call from the kitty doctor's office a while ago, saying the boys were waking up and everything had gone fine. I'll go pick them up about 3:40 this afternoon. Now I must go and do some slight rearranging in this house to keep them relatively confined and inactive. Hah! We'll see how well that goes!

This Friday

Our two little guys will go in for their hoo-ha-ectomies (thanks to Rose for this terminology!) this Friday morning. I have no clue how to restrain their activity after they come home! I guess we'll just have to wing it! Wish 'em good luck!!

And some new videos

These are not nearly as funny as the box video, but they give an idea of what's "normal" around here these days!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBkfIupcQr4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbA-wk9MNYk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2Xe2yVMNbQ

Enjoy!!

Comparisons

Can't help it -- the comparisons are just too much fun!

First up is Audace as a baby (aka Pete!) and then a baby picture of Ruse (aka Foster). Third is a more recent one of Audace and then one of Ruse. Clearly, I need better closeups of both of them. That'll be my mission for today! Li'l cuties!!

Abbi's birthday

Kira and Parker went to the skating rink to help celebrate Abbi's birthday. Now both she and Kira are six! Yayyy!!

Birthday weekend

Parker turned eleven last Friday, but the celebrations were on the weekend. He is the expert at putting candles on his own cake -- and then blowing them all out! He also got to take in an Astros game, and he even caught a fly ball! Happy boy!!

Poor ol' box

This one "bit the dust," so I guess I'll have to make my grocery purchases with an eye for intriguing box shapes in the near future!

Fresh water

Mmmm ... nice fresh water -- mostly to play in, of course!

Up high

The "children" have discovered that they can get to the highest surface in the house -- great for snoozing in peace and quiet. I have no idea how many times they had done this before we figured out where they were hiding!

Seals!

Here's a fun website: http://www.says-it.com/seal/index.php Thanks to Laurence for pointing it out: http://isfullofcrap.com/oldcrap/2006/09/seals.html

Make your own seals! I've made two -- one for Grace and one for the kitten-cats.