Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Playing with the Cats

Pets are for Life, Not Just for Christmas

Pets are for life, not just for Christmas.



Each of us waits for the joy of a home.


Take one of us in and you'll never go kiss less,


So long as you treat us as one of your own.

                                            Nicholas Gordon



 
I went along with my daughter, Janine, to play with the kittens at the Warrick Humane Society yesterday.  It was a real good time once we got past the initial smell. When we walked through the main door, we were hit with whoowee something fierce.  It was like I had put my nose directly into a dog's mouth. with each breath I wanted to gag and I actually did a couple times while I waited for my daughter to sign us in.  I admit I gag easily, but it was pretty bad.  I thought please God make the Cat Room a better smelling place!  It had to be.  I told her I'd spend some time with her here.  But, I can't breathe!  She'd forgive me if I just couldn't breathe, wouldn't she?  Janine has always loved animals-- lately I've been trying to spend more time with her doing some of the things she enjoys doing.  Lucky for me the cat room was tolerable.  It smelled like catfood--a big step up from whatever we were smelling before.




There were some cute little kittens in this room.  All the cats loved Janine.  The black and white one on her lap couldn't get enough attention.  We spent about an hour with them before we had to brace ourselves for the smell in the hall .  When we left the room we expected the worst, but it was gone.  I don't know what they did, but that putrid cloud of stink was completely gone.  And everybody lived happily ever after.  The end.  Or-- did they?  When we got home our cat Biggles sniffed Janine and when she tried to pick him up, he hissed at her.  Someone got their feelings hurt.

                                                   

Cats

There's a cat sitting on my foot

My leg is feeling numb

I really should be nasty

And kick it up the bum

But, it's so cute, I have no choice

I just have to let it sleep

So, I'm momentary paralyzed

And lost the use of both my feet

And now the other cats arrived

So enchanting and appealing

The purring gets so loud and shrill

That I lose my sense of hearing

And then she jumps onto my lap

And rests her head upon my arm

Further 'paralyzing me'

With her captivating charm

And so, each day I spend my life

Like some disabled fool

Thank you God for inventing the cat

I didn't know you could be so

CRUEL!

By Paul Bearer










Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Janine and her friend Eddie

Janine and her friend, Eddie.

The Town Of Don't-You-Worry


Well here they are.  My kids. At one time or another I have worried over each one of them. Matthew, (the one in the middle : ) ), is going to try my fragile nerves next-- he is going to Alaska soon.  Lots of people go to Alaska, right?  Big deal.  Sounds like an interesting place to visit. I agree.  It is an interesting place to visit.  In fact my husband and I chose to go, to that place where the sun never sets in June, on our honeymoon trip, 27 years ago.  If you imagine renting a car, a little hiking and climbing, a ferry boat ride to see the glaciers, and a picnic on the beach, then you imagine the sort of trip we took; the sort of trip most people take.  Matthew and his friends are not like most people, however.  They will be kayaking in water that contains whales, white sharks, and all sorts of sea creatures.  They will be hiking in the back country where there are no trails.  I'm reassurred they'll be fine because they have a map, compass, and have read literature on the habits of bear.  There will be very little communication so it's just me and my lovely imagination to fill the silence while he's away.  As much as this worries me, I'm thankful that he dares to live.  To taste life in a big way.  The experiences he has, have been/will be wonderous.  They're all smart boys-- while they are in Alaska, I think I'll visit The Town Of Don't-You-Worry.

The Town Of  Don't-You-Worry

There's a town called Don't-You-Worry,
On the banks of River smile;
Where the Cheer-Up and Be-Happy
Blossom sweetly all the while.
Where the Never-Grumble flower
Blooms beside the fragrant Try,
And the Ne'er-Give-Up and Patience
Point their faces to the sky.

In the valley of Contentment,
In the province of I-Will,
You will find this lovely city,
At the foot of No-Fret Hill.
There are thoroughfares delightful
In this very charming town,
And on every hand are shade trees
Named the Very-Seldom-Frown.

Rustic benches quite enticing
You'll find scattered here and there;
And to each a vine is clinging
Called the Frequent-Earnest-Prayer.
Everybody there is happy
And is singing all the while,
In the town of Don't-You- Worry,
On the banks of River Smile.
                           I. J. Bartlett