Denied

Hi G-Fans!

Another spectacular summer day.  Not too hot, not too cool, not too humid.  Ahhhhh!

So, I really didn't get to see my new cat today and I am a bit perturbed about it.

When it was time for bed I went upstairs before Riley (first time ever) and in the dark (first time ever ever), I hate going up in the dark, I never go up in the dark, I will wait until morning before I  go up in the darkened stairway.  And, yet, tonight, I did...in the off chance I would get to greet my kitty.  The picture below is what the concierge saw when she turned the light on (Riley scooted up while the camera was being enlisted).

believe I am pretty angry at the point that picture was taken...

So, a school walk in the dark tonight and it is time to turn in...

May you find the rest of deep sleep at your disposal....

TTFN!

-G

                                   

Bug Eating Plants and shoulder rolls.....

Hi G-Fans!

So much to say and so little time to say it!

First I want to say that we have been interacting with Sophie quite a bit, and I must say our manners are way better than hers.  We are sniffing her, but you won't see us swatting or swiping her, which she seems to think is the way to go.

Now the concierge says I am obsessed with her.  But, just because I paw at the gate, whine, lie down in front of her door, and generally focus my day around her, doesn't make me obsessed.  Focused, perhaps, not obsessed though.

Anyway, she swiped at me twice and Raphael once today, that I know of.... She has visited the basement on her own 3-4 times in the last 24 hours.  She is rather brazen to say the least.  Caution is not her middle name!

She and Snags have yet to bond, the concierge is hoping it will happen soon.  She would like Snags to have company while we are going on our royal constitutionals.

We'll see.....

We did a nice forest walk, and between yesterday and today we saw a few things the concierge and company thought to be of interest, so I am including a couple of pictures.

I will say that the concierge can be rather ruthless as she promised to include some of my "looser" moments she caught on her camera.... I was moving so fast, however, I could deny it was me if I needed to......

The field in that area of the forest smelled like mint, Raphael and Tessa really like the smell of mint.  Raphael in particular loves the smell of it.... and Harry, Raphael and I all were rolling in the minted odored brush near another batch of Wood Lily flowers.  

And last night we detected a plant similar to a Venus Fly Trap - cool!

We need one in the royal domicile to take care of the bugs.....!

Anyway -

May you walk your walk with confidence and faith....

TTFN!

-G

The cousin to a Venus Fly Trap

Raph and I mid-roll

Raphael going down for another round

Harry joining, but being sly....

The newly discovered wood lily

Bedlam

Hi G-Fans!

Well, bedlam broke loose this morning, I am not sure if I can even recount all the various activities that were going on at the same time.  I will say this, Sophie has gotten a full dose of the royal domicile and family.  First, she had a face-to-face with Raphael.  The gate was left ajar and Raphael took full advantage of it, and Sophie was stretching her legs.  The concierge ran upstairs not knowing how Raphael would be after yesterday's display of insanity.  He, of course and however, was a perfect gentleman.  The concierge wheezed her way up to the room (not really on the wheezing part, but it ever so much more dramatic!) not know what she would find.... and they were actively engaged in introductions.  Neither had attitudes.

Then, after we ate, Tessa and I descended upon her, or maybe that was tonight, anyhoo, Tessa and I saw her together and Tessa and Sophie were mucho improved.  So the concierge is happy about that....
The basement has been visited twice this evening and she is just so bold!  I like it!

Snags and Sophie are still working it out.  She is much quicker accepting us than Snags and less intimidated I would guess.

Now about today's walk - it was a forest walk, I will admit the last part of it was in the dark, but it was a nice long stroll.  Speaking of long, I am in desperate need of a manicure.... My nails are rivaling those of Fu Man Chou...(sp?)  Just sayin'....
Tomorrow the concierge is taking a Boston trip... she has her pink folder all packed with info and paperwork.... I expect to see her back after lunch.  I hope she isn't crabby.   I hate it when she is crabby.
Next week we will be on alert.  I have a long week in front of me while we count down to next Wednesday and then after that too....  There will be lots of snuggling I expect....
Now to keep Berite's paws to himself, that will be a challenge......!
So, may you take one step at a time when a task seems too daunting to tackle.....
TTFN!
-G

Face to Face and it is all about the food

Hi G-Fans!

No mice incidents to report for today.  That is a good thing!

Raphael has seen Sophie and Sophie has seen Raphael.  They have not been formally introduced.  Raphael proved to be quite enthusiastic in getting up close and personal and the concierge, at Sophie's plea, felt that it might be good to give a bit more time for me, Snagglepus, Riley and Bertie to get to know her.  Then we will tackle Raphael and Tessa.  

So, I have spent quite a bit of time with her today as has Snags.

Snags is more interested in her food than getting the kinks worked out in their relationship.  But, they did get nose-to-nose close, there was spitting, hissing and growling on both sides.... but easily soothed, so the concierge is hopeful that a transition will occur with encouragement.

Also, on a hopeful note, the concierge has noticed Sophie's interest in being patted and engaged with has increased...

We had a forest walk and beat the rain, but not the humidity.  Luckily it was cool and there was a breeze, so we were mostly comfortable.

It is my understanding that my walk routine might be interrupted in the next week or so.  This does not make me happy, but we will see...

Oh, and on another note....

The concierge and her helper decided that a full length movie for tonight's entertainment was an unreasonable expectation of themselves, sooooo...

They perused the short movies selection.

Then, they chose a 7 minute movie to watch.  7 Minutes!  Who thinks they can "call" the outcome?

Yes, one of them fell asleep.

But, who?

No, it wasn't the concierge!!

And that is all I am liberty to share.

But, 7 minutes!?

Alas....

May you stay awake for the 7 minute movies in your life...    

TTFN!

-G

                                                                                                            

Mouse Central, may I help you?

Hi G-Fans!

Well, I am not sure if I mentioned that we had another calling card left in Snagglepus' food dish the other day (Thursday morning?).  Yes, the bowl was totally cleaned out and a single mouse turd left in the middle of the dish!  So brazen!  So, the concierge, amidst the minted mouse repellent sachets and dysfunctional electronic mouse deterrents, was on high alert for floating bodies and triggered traps.  This morning, while rushing around at an unreasonable Saturday morning hour, the concierge went to the basement to get something before she headed off to beach yoga without me...

The trap was sprung.  Now, this trap is very sensitive and has been triggered on more than one occasion without the benefit of a caught mouse.  Not so this morning.  The gloves came out, the trap was placed in a carry bag and a relocation program had begun....

Once both the concierge and Harry's concierge were ready, they left with the mouse in tow.

From what I understand the mouse was released in a trust land location, specific disclosure, however, would be against protocol.  The concierge said it was a field mouse (the jumper kind) with black shiny eyes and once coaxed from the trap it dashed up a large boulder and down into rustling grass and then gratefully gone...!

It was the last passenger on the old tires of the royal mobile.  We now have swanky new ones to get us around. It rides much better, as we tested them tonight driving to go on a forest walk.  Actually, we had two jaunts today!  We did a partial bog walk mid afternoon and a late evening forest walk on the bike path.  So, overall, a good day...  Even though the concierge thought taking off mid-afternoon until after supper was a good idea... Go figure!

So, to update you on the integration process....

The concierge had thought for a brief moment that releasing the mouse into Sophie's clutches would be a good idea.... she didn't do it so no worries.... but it is concerning that she thought this....

Anyway.... Raphael remains the odd man out as Riley met Sophie last night without fanfare.   It all went well as far as I could see.  I continue to monitor the situation closely and have the most contact, and without incident - including growling.... :)

I think she's starting to like me!  And I am getting good at forcing her into a corner to get better sniffs :)

So, that is the current update.

May you celebrate the love that surrounds you.

TTFN!

-G

Focus.....

Hi G-Fans!

Well, a fabulous summer day.  And the concierge pretty much blew it.  I KNOW she finished working at a decent hour, but instead of coming STRAIGHT home so we could do a forest walk or full bog walk she dilly dallied and we got stuck with the stunted version of an almost bog walk.  Inexcusable!  It was such a great day to do anything.  Why she felt she had to do the errands she did and then ATE OUT, I cannot fathom!  She didn't even smell as good as she might have and she didn't even bring leftovers home!  I am really disappointed in her choices this evening.

So, to update you on the assimilation project.  I have continued to place my focus on getting really good sniffs of the new cat.  Really good sniffs.   So far I have no injuries to show for my "dogged" persistence!  So THAT is good!

Riley met Miss Sophie this evening without much fanfare.  He was very sniffy with her, but she tolerated it quite well.  Then he was done and needed to pour himself onto the bed and fall into a deep sleep.

I can't.  It is like having the stocking dangling from the mantlepiece on Christmas morning.  How can I be expected to relax and rest when that cat is in the other room?  It is so hard to focus on anything other than her presence in my royal abode.  A stowaway, a waif, a sassy bossy-pants.... If it fits, wear it!

So, may you keep your options available when presented with closed doors and open windows.

TTFN!

-G

She is under there, I can wait her out....

Or just get under there too.... how small can it be?

If I could just get under a little further.....

If one side isn't fruitful, try another......

Tessa meets Sophie and Vice Versa

Hi G-Fans!

Since the concierge just fell asleep in a very awkward location I will make this brief while she still has her eyes open.

We did a school walk on a breezy cool summer evening.  Toad sucking and killing was kept off the agenda.  No big distractions of note.  

The concierge was a bit late coming home, but she has been worse on a Thursday night in the past.  

Tonight Tessa was coerced, while the rest of us were outside, to go upstairs, to meet Miss Sophie.  Have you heard of love at first sight?  Well, this was NOT that!  Both beasties growled at one another,  Miss Sophie was under no mistaken identities.  She knew that Tessa was not me.  I think that cat is starting rub off on me....!

Anyway, it was not a good first meeting.  Raphael still is unaware of the guest in the house.  Since Tessa surprised the concierge with her reaction we aren't taking bets on Raphael's disposition towards Miss Sophie.

We'll see!

So, may you keep your cool when everything around you is heating up and may you be the source of the calm around you.

TTFN!

-G

More of the same...

Hi G-Fans!

Another pass out last night.

I can't seem to keep the concierge awake long enough to type for me.  So... here we are in the morning squeezing it in....

Yesterday morning I had more 1:1 time with Sophie.  The concierge has decided that she thinks she is a dog.  She is way more relaxed with us than with Snagglepus.  I went into the room, stuck my nose right into her body parts and I want more of the same!  I was not done when my visit was abruptly ended by the concierge yesterday.  Some lame thing about her having to go to work.  In the picture below you will see I am patiently waiting to have another get together with Miss Sophie.  I tried stuffing the rug under the door in an attempt to make contact, alas, I was unsuccessful.  It is making me a bit restless to know she is up there and I am not directing the situation.  She has yet to meet Tessa and Raphael.  And I think seeing us all en masse will be interesting!

The first picture below is me getting a good roll in the dirt on our blueberry walk.  I have been doing that more than usual - even at home.  The concierge thinks it is cute... well.... cute when I do it at home in one of our beds, not in the dirt, muck or otherwise "nasty" matter rotting outdoors.  I don't see the difference, but the concierge definitely reacts way different depending on where I do it.... just sayin'.

So, when you are inclined to roll, do it in the comfort of your own bed :)

TTFN!

-G

Finally!

Hi G-Fans!

FInally!

Formal introductions have been made, and way overdue I might add!

Bertie was our first brave soul to meet Miss Sophie.  It went very well, nothing of note.  We wonder if Sophie thinks she is a dog, she seemed very relaxed and unconcerned when meeting Bertie.  Which means I had to let her know I am in charge and I mean business.  I scared her under the bed.  The concierge had to pluck her out and return her to the safe zone while she was spitting, hissing and growling.  We also heard very little bouncing around and furniture moving after that,..   I think she is re-thinking her campaign to be released for downstairs privileges.  Just sayin'....

Mission accomplished for now.

I also thought it would be interesting to mention that in the last 24 hours three of the human entourage have had the fun of either a root canal or colonoscopy.  Both procedures sound like a delight!  NOT!

Glad it wasn't me to be sure.

So, may you keep up with your preventative healthcare so any issues are more likely to be caught early....

TTFN!

-G

  

The saga continues...

Hi G-Fans!

Well, the concierge has NO EXCUSE!  She came home before supper, she had her meal before we even went on our bog walk and she blew off time with her ridiculous toy doing meaningless activities with it.  It was a sheer waste of time and I am disgusted.  Not to mention it put me at a disadvantage in doing my blog.  Whatever I was going to write about yesterday stays with yesterdays thoughts I guess because the concierge got too tired!  Ha!  I am not impressed.

I will share the latest on the alien beast....

She has begun to roam the domicile!  From what Snagglepus has told me she is quick and cranky.  He met her again while she was exploring and she thought nothing of marching down the stairs to see what all the commotion is about that she hears every day.  According to Snagglepus, who saw her while the rest of us were preoccupied, her eyes grew very large when she got an eyeful of us milling about in the kitchen.  She immediately skedaddled to a hiding place.  Snagglepus tried to peacefully engage upstairs, but she is just being downright unfriendly.  He said she needs patience and a watchful eye.  And manners.  He said the concierge is working on all that...

I hope so.  I am not interested in a rude kitty upsetting our royal abode.

That is for sure.

Maybe I will actually meet her soon.

So, may you greet new experiences with confidence and grace, inviting the unknown to become known without being cranky.

TTFN!

-G

The concierge and entourage picked and ate wild blueberries (yes, in front of us!) on Sunday while we were on our walk.  It made for slow going!

The concierge and gang saw this wood lily that they were told is a rare treat to find.

RIley amid a sea of bodies in the royal wagon.

Bertie and Tessa in the royal wagon waiting to get home. 

Tessa having enough of waiting around and taking matters into her own paws.  I think I would have had to put a stop to that if she actually tried to start the car.  Her legs can't reach the pedals and if she is steering with her mouth then she can't really see where she is going.

Get to know ME!

Hi G-Fans!

Well, it has started.  The alien-beast that has been thrashing about in the bird room has been allowed some break-outs and small freedoms.  Today she met not only Harry for the second time, but she met Snagglepus.  So, I would put forth the question. How do you think it went?  Smoothly?  Flying fur?  Fighting?

I will tell you.

Although I have not put eyes on this creature yet, I have been told that Snagglepus was a perfect gentleman.  His eyes grew huge, but ultimately he purred and laid down near to the open door and stayed in an alert and relaxed state.  We can't report the same for Sophie.  For a seven-month old, she is rather hostile.  She growled, hissed and was generally pissy about the whole ordeal.  Snagglepus got positive attention for all his relaxed calm.  And when Sophie was calm she was showered with positive attention.  Treats were broken out as well.  She remained highly perturbed and disturbed.  Let's hope that is temporary.  If she doesn't make Snagglepus her best friend there may be issues of her remaining in the royal stratosphere.  We do think, however, that she will actively manage the mouse patrol.  She has shown interest and skill in attacking things.  Let's hope it is only with small rodents and does not extend to felines or canines.  That would be a career buster.

So, when faced with the unknown, remember whose hand is at the helm and you will remain centered, gracious and calm.

TTFN!

-G

The Nerve!

Hi G-Fans!

Well, You gotta hand it to those little dogs... they certainly can be more fearless than wise.  We were on our way home from our bog walk when a door flew open and out came this little white BIchon-like four legged barking dervish.  We, of course, sounded the alarm and went somewhat bezerko barking and generally tripping up the humans on the other end of our leashes.  The concierges, however, didn't know what that little white dog was saying, but I did, and she was very rude and fresh. Apparently she has been looking at us for weeks as we walk to and from the bog and has been anxious to tell us some choice thoughts in an up close and personal-like way (she is a relatively new inhabitant of that neighborhood).  Luckily, for her, her humans were right behind her and eventually caught up to her, scooped her up and brought her back into the safe confines of her own domicile.  But, not until she did a few unfriendly evasive maneuvers with them.

Like I wrote, she had been waiting for her opportunity to share with us.  Let's hope that is now the end of it.  I dont' want to have to get tough going through that neighborhood.  We finally got rid of those nasty boxers who attacked us last year and forced us engage with the intoxicated neighbor...

Anyway...

May you keep your cool when confronted with overexcited neighbors and not let it negatively impact your day.

TTFN!

-G

ANother Friday night....

Hi G-Fans!

Another week whizzing past!  Where does all that time go?

Well, the alien strikes again.  She managed to get her cone off in record time and then she got her new regular belled collar off and cracked in no time flat!!  The concierge is getting more worried by the minute that the new alien is going to be more than a handful!!  Oh well!

Tonight, we enjoyed a forest walk, with Harry, and we had potato treats.  While I lovingly looked on at the concierge she ate her mocha cupcake.  Not a crumb did she share as she cooed to me.  So wrong!

Anyway -

May you still look lovingly at the non-sharers in your life when they are not sharing!

TTFN!

-G