The Cats of Ashton Hall

I'm Famous!

2009-03-06T09:53:00.009-05:00

A nice lady contacted my peoples a few days ago and said she wanted to use my picture on her pet blog for the BaltimoreSun website! The Blog is called Unleashed, and here is a link to the post on me.

It mentions that I once fell asleep in the window with my favorite book Field Guide to North American Birds, and I thought you might like to see a picture of that.

The Girls Turned 10

2008-08-27T23:01:00.003-04:00

Well, it has been 10 years since I gave birth to a squirming pile of kittens. Riker and Grace are both doing well, and got excellent reports from the vet a few weeks ago. In fact, the vet was so impressed with Riker that he called in all of the techs from the back room and held her up and showed her off as an example of what a healthy, proper weight cat should look like. I was so proud.

Grace has been rather naughty lately, picking on Annika to the point of bloodshed. As a result she has been staying in the girlchild's room, and life has been much calmer ever since. She has been good, and content in her new little world (which she thinks she owns) and Annika is growing more confident and her wounds are healing.

The girls had a relaxing birthday. Grace was allowed out on the couch in the living room under supervision, and Riker and I spent some quality time together.

Kitten Update

2007-11-14T11:03:00.000-05:00

Socks Cat here bringing you an update on the kitten situation. We have decided to stop calling them aliens, and allow them to become part of the family. We still have occasional outbreaks of hissing, but we have for the most part accepted them as one of us. According to the Ashtons, the kittens may even start blogging over the upcoming Thanksgiving vacation. We go to Riker now for a report on the kittens' recent vet visit.

Hi mom! The kittens had another "well kitty" visit yesterday. According to inside sources they received their next round of jabs, and a clean bill of health report. Puddins weighed in at 3.6 pounds (1.632 kg) and Annika weighed 3.2 pounds (1.451).

In honor of Freckles, I should mention the fact that the kittens went to their visit in her blue travel box. For some reason that none of us have completely understood, that fact always seemed to be rather important to her. Back to you mom.

Thank you Riker. I think Tashi has a photo proving that we are indeed making headway in the getting along department. Tashi?

Yes Socks. We actually have some rather shocking footage of the amazing strides in friendly relations between Grace and Annika. Grace reportedly didn't hiss at her once during this whole incident.

In my defence it was rather chilly that evening, and Annika was warm.

Well, what ever the case, I'm proud of you. :) That's it for now folks, Grace will hopefully have video for us in the next few days, so stay tuned.

We Number Six Again :_(

2007-11-07T11:46:00.000-05:00

Freckles passed away this morning. None of us really feel like talking about it yet, but we thought we should at least post something to let everyone know.

This is a rather old photo, but it shows her in her favorite place in the house.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

2007-09-24T22:05:00.000-04:00

This is a message from the emergency broad-cat-ing system. This is not a test.

We are experiencing technical difficulties with our video department.

Please stand by. . .

(Are you standing by? . . . Good)

Keep standing. . .

Yea!! Success!! The problem is resolved. The video is now functioning properly.

This was not a test. We repeat. This was not a test.

Beep. Beep. Beep. . .

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blogging.

Alien Invasion - A Second Special Report

2007-09-24T11:46:00.000-04:00

Riker Cat here, standing in for Socks, bringing you a LIVE Special Report. Socks didn't feel like reporting today because she is very upset about several incidents this weekend involving the kittens. The kittens were seen on multiple occasions climbing around on not only Mum Ashton, but on The Bearded One too! In my mother’s eyes this is profoundly unacceptable! We go now to Tashi who has obtained some photos of the situation.

Good morning Riker. Things escalated last night when Puddins climbed up to The Bearded One’s shoulder to take a quick sniff at Socks. Socks dealt with the situation quickly and efficiently by hissing and spitting at the youngster. Puddins understood that universal language very well and backed off. As we all know, Socks is very protective of the back of the gray chair, and Puddins probably had no clue as to the sacrilege she was committing by approaching that area. Of course, all of this comes on top of the kittens’ continued encampment in her Front Bathroom. We see here Socks’ delayed reaction.

She was averting her eyes from scenes like this. You can see why she was so unsettled. It is hard to stay mad in the presence of such intense cuteness.

Yes, it is Tashi. Thank you. We go now to Grace who has been working on a movie of the kittens for us. Grace how is it going?

Hello Riker. I am not only awake today, but I have completed the movie*! You can see it here. Be patient, it may take a few minutes to load. You could take a nap maybe. {Purrrrrr} {Yawn}

Thank you Grace, we'll try that. This is Riker Cat signing off.

* This home movie was set to the music of Gillbert and Sullivan's "With Cat Like Tread" from The Pirates of Penzance. Performed by The King's Singers.

Alien Invasion - Special Report

2007-09-18T16:32:00.000-04:00

Socks Cat here bringing you a Special Report. The new Ashton Kittens visited the vet today and have just returned home. To get the story we join Tashi who is on location by the front bathroom.

Tashi: The kittens are back in the bathroom Socks. Apparently the vet visit went well. All tests for diseases and worms came back negative, however the doctor said that as they are probably only about five weeks old, and the tests are not really conclusive at this young an age. This is good news for the Ashton Cats because the kittens are to be quarantined for an additional two weeks at which point they will be tested again.

Socks: But Tashi, that means that the aliens will be remaining in MY front bathroom for two whole more long weeks!

Tashi: Yes Socks, but don't forget, that also means they will not be encroaching on other areas of prime real estate around the house such as the bedrooms or kitchen.

Freckles: ThemS tOok ttHe Ki10s 2 Da vEt In miNE bLuE bOx! ThEmS wiLL NeED 2 use MinE BOx aGin!

Socks: True on both counts. We go now to Riker who has some new information.

Riker: Yes mom. Grace and I have been keeping our ears open and it has come to our attention that the Ashtons have named the kittens! This is sure evidence that our days of being "the five" Ashton Cats, are soon to be over. We will soon be seven in number.

Socks: So Riker, what are the kitten's names?

Riker: Well mom, kitten #1, weighing in at 1.2 pounds (that's 0.544 kilograms for our friends overseas), has been named Puddins after Shtinky Puddin in the Mutts Comic Strip. She appears to be very adventureous and is a remarkable escape artist. Aside from being the slightly larger of the two she can also be distinguished by several pale orange calico markings.

Puddins

Kitten #2, weighing in at 1 pound even (0.453 kilograms), has been named Annika. She gets her name from a Star Trek character who is more commonly known as Seven. The Ashtons figured it was appropriate since she was the seventh cat in the family. Annika is very playful, but is already showing a strong aptitude in the napping department. She seems to be rather proud of her purr-fect grey and white tabby markings.

Annika

Socks: Thank you Riker, that is most interesting. We go now to Grace who is working on a special project.

Grace: {Yawn} Morning Mum.

Socks: Grace, it's late afternoon. What do you have for us?

Grace: Right. Sorry. {Yawn} I have been compiling a video of the four kittens for our audience's viewing pleasure.

Socks: You do realize their are only two now don't you?

Grace: When did that happen?

Socks: Sunday.

Grace: Oh. Well, I'm doing the best I can. It's not my fault it has been perfect napping conditions the last few days. Hopefully I will be able to get the movie done by the end of next weekend. As you know this will have been my first attempt at such things so I'm not making any promises as to quality. After all naps are much more important.

Socks: Ok Grace, just do the best you can. Ok folks, join us next time when we explore the questions of the future assimilation of the kittens into the ranks of the Cats of Ashton Hall elite, specifically, how long will it be before they can type?! Until next time, I'm Socks Cat, signing off.

Alien Invasion - Weekend Report

2007-09-16T14:00:00.000-04:00

Socks Cat here with your Weekend Report. Last night the living room was the scene of wild frivolity as the kittens were allowed to explore the sofa. We go now to Riker for a full report.

Riker: Thank you mom. Yes, last night the Ashton Living Room was transformed from a quiet, tranquil retreat into a furry blur of meowing, climbing, craziness. The four kittens were allowed to climb around on the sofa under heavy surveillance. Two of the Ashton peoples were required to keep the aliens under control. They scrambled around until they finally collapsed in an exhausted little pile.

Socks: Grace was also on scene. Grace, are you awake today?

Grace: {Yawn} Yes, I’m mostly awake today. {Yawn} The kittens certainly did show remarkable dexterity for being so very young, but I was most impressed by the rapidity with which they were able to achieve a napping state. One minute they would be careening around, and the next they were dropping off to sleep. Very impressive. All this talk of napping is making me very sleepy, back to you Mum.

Socks: Thank you Grace. For the big, shocking news of the weekend we now proceed to Freckles for our LIVE report.

Freckles: 4 ov tHems LEFt in a bOx. 2 uF thems coMeD back.

Socks: Freckles, are you saying that the Ashton’s took all four of the alien kittens somewhere, and came back with only two?

Freckles: tHemS diDunT taKe Mi bOx.

Socks: Yes, but Freckles, do you know where the other two alien kittens have gone?

Freckles: niCe lAdy gaVed tHem a HOme. ShE tOokeD 2 sO TheYd haVe aa fRiEnD.

Socks: This is incredible news. Apparently two of the kittens now have a good home with a very nice lady who will take care of both of them. This leaves us with the question of the two remaining alien felines. With more on this situation we go now to Tashi.

Tashi: Well Socks, I have been hiding in strategic locations around the house to get the real story. The situation is indeed grave. The Ashtons are apparently going to keep these two kittens and add them to our numbers. I repeat, The Cats of Ashton Hall are now seven in number!

Socks: Tashi, do you mean to tell me that we are going to have to accept these kittens as part of our number? This isn’t going to sit well with some of the cats. We all feel badly for the little, motherless, youngsters, but that doesn’t change the fact that our turf is being encroached upon!

Tashi: That’s true Socks. The battle lines will soon be drawn and only time will tell the outcome of this insurgence.

Socks: Well folks it appears that this is only the beginning. Knowing the extent of our personal jealousies towards outsiders interfering with the delicate equilibrium of human time-sharing we have developed, the naturalization of these alien kittens is sure to be, um, eventful. This is Socks Cat signing off.

Alien Invasion!!!

2007-09-14T13:02:00.000-04:00

Socks Cat here with LIVE breaking news! Ashton Hall has been invaded by a currently unknown number of small furry balls which smell and sound remarkably like kittens. I have not been able to ascertain particulars due to the fact that the interlopers are presently under quarantine until a vet can check them out. The aliens have commandered the front bathroom, MY front bathroom! We took it in turns and stood guard outside the closed door all night and were successful in not allowing any of them to get out.

Where did these kittens come from and how long will they stay? For the answers we go to senior cat-correspondant Freckles.

Freckles: "tHems coMes in A box."

Socks: Um, yes, thank you Freckles. Prehaps Grace can help us.

Grace: {yawn} What?

Socks: Alright, let's see, Riker, do you have any further information on the kitten situation?

Riker: Yes mom, I do. I had a great vantage point from the front window. A call came in about 3:00 in the afternoon from a neighbor girl who claimed to be having some sort of feline emergency. Girlchild responded to the call and found four abandoned kittens in a neighbor's backyard. She in her turn put in a call to Ashton headquarters and requested backup. Mum Ashton arrived on the scene with a cat carrier. . .

Freckles: miNe BLue boX!

Riker: Yes, Freckles, with your box. Upon arriving at the scene Mum realized that there were actually 5 kittens, not four. A merry chase insued in which Mum banged her head several times, and everyone involved ended up sweaty and dusty. One kitten, a fiesty orange fellow, slipped past the rescue team and into another neighbor's yard. Twenty-four hours later, the orange one is still at large.

Socks: Thank you Riker, but I need to interupt you. We have some breaking news just in from our correspondant at the scene. Tashi, what do you have for us?

Tashi: Well Socks, I've been entrenched here outside the bathroom for the last hour and I managed to get our secret camera robot past the human blockade to snap this picture for us. As you can see there appear to be four gray tabby kittens sleeping peacefully in a cardboard box. Freckles, you will be glad to note that your carrier has been returned to you. Back to you Socks.

Socks: Thank you Tashi for your amazing bravery in the field. Well folks, that's what we know for now. Mum tells me the vet visit is scheduled for Tuesday. I wonder what lies ahead?! Stay tuned for the latest in breaking news. Socks out.

Flickr Photos

2007-09-01T18:55:00.000-04:00

The Ashton's have given us our own Photo Set in Flickr. You can see them here. Most of them have already appeared in this blog, but you can show us your purrry support by viewing them and commenting on them. That increases their interestingness, which my peoples tell me is good.

Do you have Flickr pictures? We would like to see them if you do.

Today we are 9!

2007-08-27T16:11:00.000-04:00

Yep, today Grace and I turn 9 years old! First off we would like to send out a big congrats to our other litter-mates: Cosi (now living in Colorado), Sable (living in Georgia), and Suzy (also in Georgia).

Here we all are in one of our first family portraits. Actually Grace isn't in that photo because she was off exploring the world beyond the laundry basket at the time. (That's me on the right looking straight at the camera!)

Here is a picture of all of us several months later. (Grace and I are the ones closest to the back of the chair, Suzy is streached stomach up across the middle.)

Grace and I are remarkable felines, and have exhibited our special tallents from a young age. Syncronized jumping has long been one of our speciallities.

And now the big jump forward to this afternoon. Grace and I enjoyed a few moments in the laundry basket for old time's sake.

Of course it wasn't long before our mother came along and booted us out. She looks pretty happy doesn't she?

Yippie!

2007-08-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

Its our birthday!!! . . . more later

Classic Cat Radio - "The Trout"

2007-07-20T11:27:00.000-04:00

Good afternoon. This is Riker Cat, coming to you from Maryland, USA, bringing you only the finest in classical music. (You won't actually hear it of course because this is a blog, and not an actual radio station.)

Today is our inaugural broadcast and I thought we would start off with a tasty morsel composed in the early 19th century by Franz Schubert. He must have had cats in mind when he wrote this lovely piano quintet because he based the fourth-movement theme and variations on a poem by another fellow named Schubert (no relation) called The Trout. In this poem, Schubert (not the Franz one) wrote about a fish in a sparkling brook that swims about in the sunshine until a cat (I mean fisherman) comes along to catch him. Of course the cat (I mean fisherman) is triumphant in the end. Schubert (the Franz one) was asked by a fellow named Sylvester (definitely a cat name!) to write a piece of music based on a piece he (Schubert {the Franz one} not Sylvester) had written earlier. And this is the result.

As you curl up to enjoy this music, listen for the carefree fish swimming cluelessly about in the brook, and for the water as it trips and flows over rocks and around grassy corners. The mood of the piece changes as the cat (I mean fisherman) enters the scene. He does not realize the sadness he will inflict on this fish's family, only the fact that he will be bringing a bit of supper back to his (family that is). The song bounces back and forth between the fish's point of view and the cat's (um, sorry, fisherman . . . I will get this right eventually) and you can hear this quite poignantly in the 5th variation where the fisherman (I mean cat) is jumping about gleefully excited with his success one moment, and the fish is thrashing about in anguish the next.

So grab some kitty treats, settle down in your favorite spot on the comfy chair, and make your peoples put this music on for you. You won't regret it.

(Your peoples can buy a recording of The Trout from the iTunes Music Store. This one is quite upbeat, and is available in Apple's new higher-quality, non-DRM'd format.)

Oh, Freckles is pawing at me wanting to add another editorial note. Seeing as I totally agree with her I will mention it here. The Trout Piano Quintet is also unusual because it includes string bass (listen for the cool pizzicato part in Variation 2). Freckles and I are quite proficient string bass players. Our peoples occasionally leave it out where we can play it and let me tell you that is quite exciting! Whether you are plucking the strings or simply giving the thing a good smack on the side, it makes a lovely deep sound. If your peoples have a string bass lying about the house you might want to try playing along! It's great fun.

Freckles learning to play string bass. (Photo from Ashton archives)

Pass the Ear Plugs Please

2007-07-04T21:18:00.000-04:00

I now pronounce our peoples officially crazy! They have the "1812 Overture", and something called "Stars and Stripes Forever" blaring on the stereo. But, the worst bit are these LOUD banging noises and flashing lights all over the TV screen! They are calling them fireworks, and everyone seems quite happy about the fact that they are happening. Everyone but us of course. All well, they are giving us skritches and promising kitty treats, so maybe it won't be so bad. . .

Happy Fourth! ~ From 5 Stressed out Cats

Getting some lens time

2007-06-30T12:07:00.002-04:00

Lizzy put it very well when she mentioned in a comment a few days ago that we need to be demanding more time in front of the lens, and pull our peoples away from taking pictures of landscapes and flowers all the time. What's up with that anyways? So, in honor of that I am trying to get over my innate camera shyness. If you hadn't noticed, my illustriousness has been to a large part absent from this blog over the years. I am now seeking to rectify this grievous error. Even if it was, to a large extent, my fault. After all, like Pooh-Bah, "My family pride is something inconceivable."

Reflections

2007-06-17T10:37:00.000-04:00

Bob the Ocicat 2004-2007

2007-05-31T10:05:00.000-04:00

We were shocked to read this morning of the passing of our dear kitty friend Bob. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lizzy, Chris, and Reena, as they mourn the passing of this furry member of their family.

Scritches and Purrs from all of us. You have no idea how much she will be missed!

My Peeps Are Leaving Again

2007-04-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

I can tell: they're packing suitcases. No, I don't see any reason to be happy about it!

Rainy Day Snooze

2007-04-14T22:07:00.000-04:00

The rain may be falling outside, but I am warm, dry, and very sleepy.

Socks' Close-up

2007-04-09T16:46:00.000-04:00

My Turn for Close-up Pics

2007-04-09T16:42:00.000-04:00

My Foot

2007-03-15T11:49:00.000-04:00

None of us are safe from Vicki's new macro lens. Cute polka dot action going on though, huh? She has always said it looks like someone took a fine point Sharpie pen to me.

A Little Light Reading

2007-03-02T23:20:00.000-05:00

Bob and Lizzy Turn 3

2007-02-01T11:44:00.000-05:00

Happy birthday Bob and Lizzy! We always look forward to the treats we get on your special day! Purrr.

Tiba 1990 - 2007

2007-01-10T19:42:00.000-05:00

The Ashton's are mourning the passing of "The Lady of the Hall." Tiba became a part of the family just a few weeks after Daniel and Vicki got married and has been a key member in it ever since. She will be greatly missed.

When Tiba was a kitten, one of her favorite places to nap was the C-bouts of the cello. Vicki never managed to get a picture of her napping in it though. By the time she had the camera out and ready Tiba would move. (Vicki had not yet gone through the motherhood stage of "baby learns to walk" in which one learns to be constantly prepared to snap a picture.)
1990

Tiba, like most cats, loved birthdays, even if they weren't hers.
1991

She also loved finding a warm place to take a nap. She figured you got extra points if you made it difficult for the peoples to get work done.
1996

Tiba's best catfriend was Chella. Chella passed away back in 2001. I think Tiba missed her. I know the peoples have.
1996

~~ Ashton Cat Names ~~The Ashtons are very musical, and when they got their first cat they decided to name her something musical, without it being obvious. They finally settled on the name Tiba which was meant to be "tuba" with an "i" in the place of the "u." It was pronounced Tee-bah. Their second cat they named Chella which was "cello" with an added "h" and an "a" in the place of the "o." It was pronounced Chay-lah. The plan of morphing instrument names into names for their cats was thwarted by their next cat which was named Whiskers before they got her. The musical theme came back briefly when Forte walked in the door one day and decided it looked like a nice place to settle down and have one's kittens. Forte, like her name implies, was quite noisy. She meowed loud, she purred loud, but from what I've heard she was a real sweetheart. By the time Grace and I were coming on the scene the Ashtons were rescuing so many cats at the same time that there wasn't really time for clever musical name morphs, but we are cool with that. After all, that's how I ended up being called Number One.
~~~~

This is one of the pictures taken of Tiba during a photo shoot for the portrait that is the masthead of this blog. I wasn't born yet, but I assume she was taking a moment to relax from the rigors of modeling.
1996

Tiba loved to watch things on the computer. Whether it was cheetah cub cams, or a movie with a friend.
2005

She also loved shmousie toys, she was playing with one and acting just like a kitten a couple days ago.
2005

Tool Time

2006-11-30T16:47:00.001-05:00

Riker here, filling you in on the latest excitement. The peoples have been making a terrible mess in the kitchen lately. First they replaced a ceiling fan, and then they ripped out the back door! During the main part of that proceeding they quickly decided the "safest" course of action would be to lock us in the bedroom upstairs. Fortunately we still had a view of what was going on, but it wasn't nearly as much fun as getting in the way, and attempting to break out and investigate the back yard.

Today was different. Vicki was in charge this time, and she felt up to the task of not only caulking, insulating, and painting the door, but also of keeping us from escaping into the great outdoors. I'm afraid she did too good a job. Not one of us made it out. But that was not for lack of trying mind you!! After all, there was a pretty interesting character on the other side of that door sill, a squirrel Vicki has named Muffin. (Who names a squirrel Muffin? Nut Case maybe, but Muffin?) Anyways, this silly squirrel wanted in the house for some crazy reason, and we obviously wanted to get to the squirrel. Yep. It was a pretty fun day.

Tool Time with Muffin movie.

Here is a picture of Muffin checking out Vicki's tools.

A Little Family History

2006-11-13T13:18:00.000-05:00

Some of you may ask yourselves, "Why do these cats call themselves The Cats of Ashton Hall?" Well, it is a bit of an inside joke. You see, Vicki comes from a long line of Lawrences that can be dated all the way back to A.D. 916 to a fellow named Lawrence the Monk (he was an Archbishop of Canterbury). A couple hundred years of begets went by, and eventually a fellow named Sir Robert Lawrence had a son (in A.D. 1150) that he named Robert. Robert built a home (fort/castle) and named it Ashton Hall. The home is located in Lancaster, England, a town which has had its share of Ashtons live in it over the years. Centuries passed, and eventually, in the 1630's, John Lawrence settled his family in Charlestown, New England. 360 years later, in the year 1990 Vicki Minor (of the family Lawrence on her mother's side) married Daniel Ashton. These two ancient families had, at long last, come together under one roof. I was the first addition to this new little family, and the rest of the cats joined up as the years went by. When we decided to create our own blog, we, being cats, liked the sound of all this pedigree, and decided to latch on to the old homestead name as the title for our blog. There, I think that about sums it up. Any questions?

Cat Food

2006-11-13T11:31:00.000-05:00

The question has been asked "What kind of pet food do you give your cats?" Contrary to a wide spread rumor, we do not eat the family fish (further studies have discovered that those fish died of old age) or the family birds for that matter. The peoples give us Science Diet brand dry cat food. A mixture of the "Advanced Protection Senior Formula" and "Feline Oral Care." We really love the flavor of the Senior Formula, but we like the Oral Care too. We occasionally get the rare treat of a can of tuna, but that usually only happens at Christmas or birthdays.

Caught in the act!

2006-11-10T22:02:00.000-05:00

A surveillance camera caught me trying to mooch a cheese puff from the lady. Isn't she smart to be eating them with chopsticks?

I Can Make it go BEEP, Whir, Flash, Swish

2006-11-08T22:30:00.000-05:00

Alright, so I still can't make it happen consistently, but I'm working really hard on being able to. Chalk it up to being a mechanical genius I guess. Oh, and did I mention that I have had a breakthrough with the whole red light toy thing? Yep. I know where it comes from... But, back to the copy machine. Here I am hard at work studying the keyboard. Always remember it is important to know where your "Ok" and "Cancel" buttons are.

News Flash! 2nd Fish Dies Mysterious Death

2006-11-05T22:40:00.000-05:00

Socks here reporting on the mysterious death of the second fish to die in the Ashton household in the last two months. Maybe it isn't too mysterious since they were both about the same age. Alice was a white goldfish that had been part of the family for nearly three years. She has left her long-time friend Hugo, an orange goldfish, as sole survivor. Alice, you will be missed. All of us enjoyed many happy hours watching you swim, tantalizingly, just on the other side of the glass.

An Evening with Beth

2006-11-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

Beth (the peoples' daughter) has been sick. She got to watch a movie tonight and that was fun. She was nice and warm, and of course the computer was warm. I chose the best seat in the house of course. I am ready to pounce on that moving picture if I need to. Oh, Riker and Socks want you to know that's them in the background.

Fish Water

2006-11-01T22:09:00.000-05:00

In the absence of Frank, we have taken to circling the other fish tank in the house. After a great deal of surveillance, we have surmised that this one has a cover. That is one pond we will not be drinking out of anytime soon. However, I think its inhabitants, Hugo and Alice, are feeling sorry for us. Notice the play of light through their fish tank directly onto our drinking water. You can see them taunting us with their shadows on the floor. Our water still doesn't taste like fish, but the effect is nice.

A Warm Place in the Sun

2006-10-31T16:06:00.000-05:00

Home Again

2006-10-31T15:21:00.000-05:00

The Ashton Cats are home from Dairy Flat, and boy have things changed around here!

The most obvious difference is that Frank is gone! (archive photo at left) Frank's fish bowl was our equivalent of Bob's fish pond. It may have been a small, and sad comparison, but the lack of fresh fish flavored water will be greatly missed by all, especially after getting so spoiled at Bob and Lizzie's house. Oh, yeah, I guess we will miss Frank too.

The other big change is that the world seems all turned around. Freckles bookcases have been moved upstairs, and the whole living room arrangement has been flipped around. Freckles is very sad about all this. We, (cough), don't really, um, let her up in the master bedroom very often. So there are no more books for her to sit and stare at. She still has her blanket in the corner, but she looks pretty silly staring at the blank wall.

And! Would you believe the Ashton kids started school without me, their classroom kitty?! I couldn't believe it! It will be ok though. I am here now. Their pencils will not be allowed to move without my pouncing. The paper is safe with me on the job.

We all had a great time Bob and Lizzie! Thank you for inviting us! Next time you need to come visit us, we could show you the sights around Washington DC.

A Note on Comments

2006-09-17T14:59:00.000-04:00

How Vicki could have forgotten my password is beyond comprehension, but because she did, I have not been able to moderate the comments on this blog for the last few months. She managed to get Riker and Freckles back online a couple weeks ago. I'm not sure why my account should have been any more complicated than theirs were. I guess the three days she has spent sick in bed have come to some good because she has just managed to research the situation and enabled me to blog again.

At any rate, I would like to extend my sincere apologies to our reading and commenting public. My first order of business was to post all of your kind comments. I'm very sorry for the inconvenience. Here, all this time, we thought no one cared enough to comment on our blog. We were happy to tears to discover we were wrong.

Causing Trouble in New Zealand

2006-09-08T10:02:00.000-04:00

We are all in a little bit of trouble. Bob and Lizzie's peoples say it looks like cats ripped the pond liner! Oops. Catch the full story at Bob's blog. Watching the pond repairs are a few of us that are present at the party. Left to right: Tiba, Socks, Bob, Freckles, Me (Riker), Grace (asleep and missing the fun), and Tashi (down in the pond looking very innocent)

my pLan

2006-08-28T14:07:00.000-04:00

oK. i Hav bin tHinKing hard about ThE tweEt problem. i M thniking rIker wiLL get aLL the Tweets. HeRe is my PlaN. dis WAy we ca n aLL havE a turn.

The Plan

2006-08-28T12:46:00.000-04:00

We were up late hatching a plan to make the most of Bob and Lizzie's offer of hard to reach kitty treats. It just might work if we all work together. Being the smallest and lightest weight cat in the bunch I will of course be the one to ride in the basket. Purrrr

The Pond

2006-08-23T12:40:00.000-04:00

Wowwie! Would you believe these folks let us drink out of the hugeset fish bowl ya ever saw!? It's outside! They call it a pond. It sure beats our little fish bowl cold. Lizzy showed us how to drink out of the pond. Bob claims she can drink a gallon! Wow. If we drank that much out of our fish bowl, the bowl would be empty! Frank would be a lot easier to catch though. Hmm. Something to think about.

Deer faMly,

2006-08-22T13:29:00.000-04:00

wE R gonE to dAiry fLat like be 4. we/ll B bak.
luV,
yur Cats

We're off to Dairy Flat again

2006-08-22T12:26:00.000-04:00

Bob and Lizzy are having a party and have invited all their cat friends. We are all packed up and ready to go.

Grace and I did most of the packing. We made sure we brought our food bowl, food, kitty treats, brush, our favorite blanket, and some shmousie toys.

You can see what's going on at Bob's party by visiting Bob the Ocicat.

Whew! Online again!

2006-08-22T12:18:00.000-04:00

She did it! She did it! My peoples finally remembered how to log on to my account for me! Now if she can just get the rest of the cats online we will be back in business.

I'm Hiding

2006-03-13T17:30:00.000-05:00

The Lamp

2006-03-13T16:48:00.000-05:00

In the evenings we all take turns enjoying the warmest spot in the house. That place is under a crystal lamp in the living room. It is positioned at just the right height for optimal warming effect.

Shown below are those of us who linger long enough for it to be documented. (Tashi likes to sit under the lamp too, but he is very camera shy)

Tiba:

Me: (Socks)

Grace:

Riker:

Freckles:

Freckles and Tiba sharing:

Intruder Alert!

2006-03-13T15:50:00.000-05:00

Alright, it has been over a year now. Someone has to talk about it. I guess I'm that someone. Last February the Ashtons added a bird to the family. Yes, you heard me. A bird! This wasn't just some canary, it was an Indian Ring Necked Parakeet. The silly bird is picking up a lot of words and whistles. He says "hello" and "peek-a-boo", and the peoples think its the cutest thing. But would you believe he can now "Meow" like me?! Yep. I don't like to brag, but I have a very distinctive meow, and he has it down pat. I can't hardly walk in the room without him "mrreowing" at me. The peoples say I should take it as a compliment, but that is kinda hard when he tells on me all the time. He says things like "Mrreooow. Oh no! Squawk Squawk!" What's a cat to do? Well, at least he drops bird food on the floor for me sometimes. It's not as good as cat food, but it is kinda tasty.

Oh, and last Christmas! Would you believe they brought home a second bird? This one was a Sun Conure. I don't think she is going to be much of a problem though. Soleil doesn't talk much, and she is even messier than Charlie is, so I find lots of treats on the floor under her cage.

There it is out in the open. The cats have finally spoken. Well, I have finally spoken. Or, well, mreowed. I have finally mreowed! Yes, that's it! And no, that wasn't Charlie mreowing that I had mreowed, it was really me, um mreowing, that I, um, mreowed. Maybe I should leave the mreowing/talking/squawking to Charile. It sure gets complicated!

Sleeping Contest

2006-03-13T15:12:00.000-05:00

The other day several of us decided to see who could sleep curled up into the smallest ball.

I think it is safe to say that Tiba curled herself the tightest.

Riker came in a very close second.

Grace lacks the appropriate body shape to be very good at this, but she gave it her best.

Hey, what's up?

2006-02-08T23:19:00.000-05:00

I was strutting through the living room this morning (yes, I do sometimes strut), and I overheard "the people" talking about the olympics. Is it really that time again?! When did this happen? Why wasn't I told? I haven't been training for anything! I still can't nap for more that fifteen minutes at a time! My mother and the other cats around here never get any computer time any more, maybe that's the problem. A cat has to stay informed somehow ya know.

Well, I don't know what the planning committee can put together in the next couple days, but if I hear of any events being held over the next couple weeks I sure want to participate. Come to think of it I was yelled at just this morning for seeing how high I could jump up the door post. That ought to make a good event.

Something New

2005-10-17T18:19:00.000-04:00

I happened on an interesting discovery during my afternoon nap today. I was snoozing in the sun on top of a rectangular, gray box in the classroom when I woke slightly from a dream, and rolled over. All of the sudden the strange box came to life! A light from somewhere deep inside it scanned back and forth, and a series of strange noises emanated from it. Before long a piece of paper started peeking its way out from under it, until it came to rest on a little shelf. Of course I attempted to show it who was boss, and batted at it repeatedly, but the paper persisted in exiting the box. I think I finally got the best of it though because when the paper finished coming out the box quieted down.

Mother's Day

2005-05-08T11:19:00.000-04:00

After closely observing Vicki enjoy her Mother's Day breakfast in bed, I decided to spend a few minutes with my mother. Why don't the Ashtons ever give us breakfast in bed?!

You can never be too careful...

2005-04-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

That blue shmousie only thought I was asleep, but I've got my eye on him.

It's Spring!

2005-03-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

And the windows are open again! Ah, sunshine and fresh air! Purrrrr.

My Favorite Show

2005-02-19T20:39:00.000-05:00

Tiba here to tell you about my favorite new show, the Cheetah Cub Cam at the National Zoo website. One of the best times to watch is about 7:00 to 8:00 am (Eastern Time - USA), although sometimes in the afternoon is good too. But hey, if the Cheetahs are asleep, or not in the video room there is always the Naked Mole Rat Cam. Vicki says there are lots of other ones I should see sometime, but so far these are my favorites.

I spent about half an hour Friday afternoon watching the Cheetah cubs race around like kittens. Tashi says they are kittens, but how can they be? They're bigger than me?!

Celebrating Bob and Lizzy's Birthday

2005-02-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

Hello, Socks here. The Ashton Cats got together and celebrated the first birthday of their good friends across the sea. Vicki opened a special can of cat food in their honor and we even had a candle! Vicki didn't light it. Tiba was rather sad about that, but we all tried to explain to her that since Bob and Lizzy weren't here to blow it out, it didn't make sense to light it. (Not to mention six cats, canned cat food, and a lit candle does kinda sound like a recipe for disaster).

My daughter Riker was, of course, very happy to eat her share.

Baby Cheetahs

2005-02-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

Hi, Tashi here again, with happy news about cheetahs. The National Zoo's Cheetahs had kittens several weeks ago, and they are out and about now. Here are a couple pictures, but if you want to read about it, or see more pictures scritch here.

Happiness Is...

2005-02-01T13:56:00.000-05:00

Happiness is a warm blanket just out of the dryer. :)

A Distant Cousin?

2005-01-28T20:41:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of a Sumatran tiger cub who lives at the National Zoo in Washington DC. We live not to far from there. I like to roll on my back like that, but I have never tried it in the snow.

I found this while perusing CNN's Offbeat Images.

Helping Vicki Sew

2005-01-19T19:56:00.000-05:00

I have had such a busy week. Vicki has been sewing and for once she is using a fabric I can get interested in. I helped her lay out the pattern and make measurements.

The fabric was quite bulky and it kept sliding off the table. I willingly gave of my time to act as a paper weight, well, fabric weight.

I was such a very good helper, that when Vicki had cut out all the pieces she needed and discovered she had extra fabric, she decided to reward my diligence by making me a blanket of my very own... Here I am helping her figure out what size it should be.

Well, it was almost my very own. At the last minute Riker showed up. Vicki decided it needed to big enough for several of us to use at once.

Differences

2005-01-12T08:48:00.000-05:00

Guests to the Ashton house often complain that my daughter and I are hard to tell apart. I think that this picture may help to point out how different we actually are. Please note that Riker is on the left and I, Socks, am on the right.

1. Yes, we are similarly colored, but as you can see Riker's markings swirl, and mine are spots that form stripes.
2. We both have white on our necks, but Riker's stops at her chin. Mine extends up around one cheek and up my nose bridge.
3. Not obvious in this picture is the fact that Riker is quite tall and slim. I am much more normally cat shaped.

I hope this was helpful.

Wrapping Presents

2004-12-22T20:10:00.000-05:00

I didn't really get involved with this, but it was fun to watch Riker and Tiba play with the wrapping paper. They were very full of mischief tonight. Tiba likes to act innocent, but Vicki will probably be finding scraps of wrapping paper hidden all over the house in the next few weeks.

Riker loves all the paper and settles down in the middle of everything. Well, settles down isn't entirely accurate, she is quite willing to pounce on anything that moves of course.

Where'd That Come From?!

2004-12-17T23:50:00.000-05:00

You may recall that I was accused of hiding the pendulum of the bedroom clock several months ago. (How'd they know it was me?!) Well, would you believe that the Ashton's actually moved the bookcase this week to retrieve it and some other books and stuff I had knocked back there. I was quite surprised when I jumped up on the bookcase and discovered it was back. I wonder how long they will leave it back there if I can manage to knock it off again? ...

Lab Partner

2004-11-15T08:46:00.000-05:00

The Ashton children have been keeping me very busy lately. As the official classroom kitty, I am an honorary lab partner. In this experiment they were observing the effects of hot air rising. As the heat from the candle rose into the air, the colorful cardboard thing spun around. I kept a close eye on things, and made sure that they followed correct scientific method.

It's Easier to See Out...

2004-10-15T23:43:00.000-04:00

The Ashton's got us this nice side board to sit on so that we can see out the window better. Grace (my sister, the cat you see in the pictures) has already trained them to open the blind every morning.

Local Entertainment

2004-10-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

I love watching the squirrels use the new bungee feeder in the back yard. Now if I could only see out better...

Wowsers! Balloons!

2004-09-27T21:41:00.000-04:00

I love birthdays! They don't even need to be mine. The Bearded One came home from his birthday dinner with three balloons! I have already started playing with them. I love to grab hold of the string and walk them around the house. The humans often laugh at me when I walk under chairs or tables while doing this, but I don't care, its great fun! I suppose they will hide them away when they go to bed tonight (something about worrying I'll strangle myself or choke), but they will probably bring them out again tomorrow.

Just thinking...

I wonder, if I wiggled enough of these balloon strings around my tummy, could I fly?!

Strange Happenings

2004-09-27T15:51:00.000-04:00

Hi there,

Riker here. Life has not been following its normal course the last week or so. The family has been leaving early in the morning with ladders, buckets, and drop clothes in tow, and coming home late in the evening half exhausted. It all looks quite interesting. I wish I could go along. From what I have heard it has something to do with stripping wall paper for a friend. I'm not really sure what "wall" paper is... I'm a cat, and even I know paper belongs in printers, or on the floor under the printer, not on the wall!

At any rate, we cats have been spending a lot of time alone with each other lately. This last Wednesday the back door, which had not been pushed shut completely, blew open in a slight bit of wind. For a while we all stood there looking out. The backyard which looks so tiny from the upstairs window looked quite big when seen with the possibility of entering it.

At first it was a fun little field trip, we sniffed at the breeze, chased crickets (we even brought some in the house to show the family when they came home), and watched the birds from a close up range we never dreamed possible. At some point in the afternoon things took on a more ominous tone. When Freckles and Tashi came out to explore, a certain cat (who shall remain nameless) decided it would be a good idea not to let them back inside again!

The family didn't get home until after 10:00pm. Vicki noticed right away that the back door was standing open. The call quickly went out to count us. Tiba, Grace, Mother, and I were all sitting in the living room looking quite innocent, but of course Tashi and Freckles were no where to be found. The family looked under all the beds, and under the stairs. Then they grabbed flash lights and ran around the neighborhood calling for them. I really wanted to go out and help them search, but they wouldn't let me.

They finally found them huddling under the deck in the backyard. There was no way to get to them, and they wouldn't come out, EVEN FOR MILK! By this time it was about 11:00pm, and the Ashtons began pulling the deck chairs around hoping to spook them out. Finally, in desperation, Vicki got out the vacuum cleaner. Boy howdy did that work well!! Tashi always has hated that crazy thing. He came shooting out from under the deck so fast it made my head spin! Freckles followed him soon after and before long the back door was securely closed, and things settled down.

Our little taste of freedom was interesting, but I'm not sure any of us really want to repeat it any time soon. But hey, if the opportunity were to present itself, who knows.

I did it!

2004-09-17T13:20:00.000-04:00

I caught my tail today! It was very elusive for a while. I had to perform several summer saults in an attempt to confuse and disorient it. But, in the end I was victorious!

Togetherness

2004-09-16T17:50:00.000-04:00

I can think of no better place to be on a chilly day, than snuggled up close to my mother. Granted, I may have been carrying it a bit far today, and she may have gotten a bit upset, but it was wonderfully warm.

I've been framed!

2004-09-09T11:20:00.000-04:00

How can Grace think she can pin the couch destruction on me? I don't even have claws! What Grace neglected to mention is that I was actually attacking Vicki's fingers. I am the only cat in the house allowed to do that because I'm the only one who can't hurt her.

A Busy Day

2004-09-08T22:29:00.000-04:00

As if the Ocilympics haven't been keeping me busy enough these days, the Ashtons received a huge white board this week.

I, of course, took my role in the proceedings very seriously. The e-mail had said that on receipt of the package you must inspect it closely for any possible damages. I performed this check most thoroughly. I found the packaging particularly interesting, but they drug that outside rather more quickly than I would have wished. None of us had ever seen that much cardboard before, it was wonderful! But alas, it was quickly hustled out to the curb in hopes the recycling people would take it (they did).

Next, I was put in charge of making sure it didn't fall over while they moved desks and things out of the way in the classroom. They did give me a helper, the grey chair. It wasn't a very good helper though, because whenever I would jump up on it, it would rock, and that would make the white board wobble. It was a lot of fun, but I was clever enough to realize that if I wasn't careful, that chair was going to get me in trouble.

One of my other prime functions was to distract the Bearded One whenever possible.

I'm not in the next picture, but I suppose you should be able to see the result of all my hard work. This is the Ashton's home schooling classroom, complete with their nice new white board.

Further Furniture Evidence

2004-09-08T16:34:00.000-04:00

Hi,

Grace here. First of all I would like to bring it to the attention of the judges that the photographer missed a spot earlier. I am rather proud of this hole. When I am really motivated I like to climb inside. On more lazy days, I just drop mousie toys and pencils in there. Vicki has attempted to stitch it back together several times, but I believe it is much more pleasing to look at this way.

As an update for my performance, I would like to submit the following pictures. Bob said, and I quote, "Adtiondial ponits for lokonig pathteic if caguht in the act and dobule ponits for blainmg it on “smoe otehr cat." (She typed that herself! I think she is getting quite good.)

What I like to do when I am caught clawing the couch, is to be so cute or humorous that they will over look the fact that I was being naughty. In this picture I quickly changed gears from attacking the couch, to attacking the pencil. For some reason my humans think we are quite cute when we do silly things like that. Maybe it is just that they are relieved that I'm not scratching the furniture anymore. I'm not sure, but it seems to work.

In hopes of being able to double my points, I would like to submit the following photograph of Tiba pawing the couch as incriminating evidence. I have seen her do this many times before, and so have several other Ashton cats. {purrrrr}

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 11

2004-09-06T15:55:00.000-04:00

Today's event has been the subject of much debate in the Ashton household. Vicki is very nervous about allowing the world to see the deplorable state her furniture has gotten into on our account. We, the cats, won out at last however (of course), so I can now pass on to you the results of the "Furniture Deconstruction" event.

Grace is an upholstery master. The Ashton's once lovely couch has, over the last five years, been slowly reduced to the shredded mess you see here. Observe the curious flap of fabric Vicki had stitched across it at one point. It didn't take long for my little girl to get it out of the way so she could go on with her scratching.

Here is a side view of the couch. This portion has been stitched and/or stapled together many times. Notice the wood frame showing through!

Tune in to Bob the Ocicat for full Ocilympic coverage.

Did you notice?

2004-09-03T22:57:00.000-04:00

Did anyone notice that I recovered the missing orange mouse? (look closely at Riker's last jumping picture) It wasn't easy, but I am able to get into places humans can not. They will probably never know where those silly girls hid it, but I knew. I brought it out for everyone to see, but no one seemed to notice!

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 10

2004-09-03T22:42:00.000-04:00

The wrestling event would normally have met with great enthusiasm here, but the Ashton's made the mistake of using the vacuum cleaner on the carpets this afternoon. We were all, highly offended (as we are every week), and went to our respective corners to huff a bit about the inconvenience. I have had word from my daughter Suzy-Q in California though, that there had occured a peaceful tussle between herself and Lucy, which resulted in a nap. I'm not sure if this counts (especially as it occured in 1999), but that is as close to wrestling as any of us have come.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 9

2004-09-03T21:22:00.000-04:00

At long last the day of the jumping events has come and gone. Riker has been unbearably eagar for this day since the start of the games, maybe now that it is over life can settle down (not that she isn't looking forward to future events, this is just one that she has practiced for continually). She was very impressed with Lizzy's tree climbing prowess, and regrets that she is not allowed out by the Ashtons that she might try it. She does like to climb the bathroom door molding, but Vicki was not able to snap the picture at the right time to document it. Before I set about showing you how Riker did in the climbing event, I should also let you know that Grace was not at all interested in participating today. Her official statement was that "The sun was at that perfect slant through the window. One simply can not fool around and miss enjoying something like that!" That said, here are Riker's attempts.

For her first jump, she went for her favorite place, the banister. Just to prove her balancing skill she took a little nap.

Of course, being Riker, it wasn't a very long nap. She was soon up and stretching/pacing.

She also exhibited good form as she watched the lights on the ceiling and debated whether it would be prudent to jump for the cord hanging from the drop down stairs to the attic. (She wisely decided against this)

After a short break she decided to try leaping atop some bookshelves. The viewer will note that she chose the highest point she could.

In closing I thought you might like to see where Riker got her inspiration. She was a very little kitten when this picture was taken of Lucy (aka Leaping Lucy). Lucy now lives in Southern California with my daughter Suzy-Q. As I recall, she jumped up on the towel rail quite regularly as a kitten.

Remember to tune in to Bob the Ocicat for full Ocilympic coverage.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 8

2004-08-31T07:20:00.000-04:00

After seaching extensively, the Ashtons have only been able to locate the blue mouse so far. While the girls did choose a rather small piece of furniture to hide it behind, it did bring about the movement of the table because Vicki saw how much cat hair had accumulated, and prompty vacuumed where it had been.

Tashi has apparently been feeling left out. He had a mighty battle with a small toy lizard, and left it in the drinking water.

The search for the orange mouse continues. More later.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 7

2004-08-29T22:07:00.000-04:00

The star in today's big event was, of course, the mouse. Lacking the live variety, the girls made due with several stuffed ones. They didn't seem to mind at all since they have never experienced the real thing anyways.

Riker began the event with a classic snatch. Note the extended claws.

She followed this up with a very effective grab.

She subdued her prey using some rapid rear leg movement.

It was all over so quickly she asked if she could have another.

This vermin was also delt with swiftly. She was of course very proud of herself, so she brought her prize over for me to see.

At the sight of such a wonderful little shmouse, I lost my head for a moment and grabbed it away from her. This was of course met with severe agitation on her part.

She was really quite upset with me, even after she calmed down. In hindsight I realize I really should have shown more restraint.

After a brief break, Grace was allowed to take her turn in the event. She easily caught her shmouse, and as is normal for her, did it with the least possible expended energy.

She did enjoy a brief battle with her prey, but it was all over very quickly.

When it was over she took a well deserved rest.

One final note, the shmousies were well hidden, and the event coordinators have not yet located them.

Tune in to Bob the Ocicat's Catnetwork News for continuing coverage of the 2004 Ocilympic Games.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 6

2004-08-24T23:00:00.000-04:00

Today were the exciting "Syncronized Power Eating" and "Longest Sleep" events. The Cats of Ashton Hall have a proud history in the Power Eating event. The following is a picture from the 1998 State Championships.

Reading clock wise, starting from the 12 o'clock position, Tiba, Chella, Whiskers, Riker, me, Grace, and Suzy-Q.

The girls were surprised this morning when they discovered that Tiba had shown up in Auckland to cheer them on. She also had time to calm Grace's nerves just before the event.

A false start was called when spectators stormed the floor. The event coordinators quickly cleared the floor, and refilled the bowls. Someone was wise enough to announce kitty treats were being served at a nearby venue, and peace was soon restored.

As the girls coach, I was allowed to stay and watch their performance. I must admit that the temptation to join in was rather overwhelming, but I did manage to control myself. Over all, I think they did very well.

The "Longest Sleep" is a favorite among most cats. Grace really got into this event. She not only pulled off an incredibly long snooze, but she also displayed the beauty of this sport.

Riker once again had trouble with a sleep event. Her heart just wasn't in it. She would much rather be out practicing for balancing and jumping events. I finally managed to calm her down enough to take a short nap by letting her cuddle with me.

Remember to tune in to Bob the Ocicat for full Ocilympic coverage.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 5

2004-08-23T21:46:00.000-04:00

This afternoon was a huge disapointment for Riker. We knew the "power nap" event was going to be a tough one for her, but I was frankly shocked that she was not able to settle down and go to sleep at all!

Grace also had trouble with this event but for other reasons. Bob's rules specifically stated that "you must appear asleep but at the slightest crinkle of a potato chip bag you must leap into the air and yell "Who me?" Poor Grace was so deeply asleep that she didn't even twich an ear. All well, tomorrow is another day.

See Bob the Ocicat for full Ocilympic coverage.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 4

2004-08-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

My girls have just finished the "looking hopefully at the refrigerator whilst manipulating ones owner for maximum reward" event. The following documents their perfomances.

Grace began her attempt by staring pointedly at her empty bowl.

In what I felt was a very effective move, she turned sadly and gave the judges the "don't you love me any more" look.

Then, for a final flurish, she summoned all her strength and puffed up her tail fur. Purring loudly, she angelically brushed up against the refridgerator door.

In the true spirit of the games, Grace wished her sister luck as Riker went to take her place for her performance.

Riker started off by achieving eye contact with the judges.

Once she had their attention she pointed straight to the part of the door she knew should be opened.

Hoping for a possible 10 point routine, Riker threw caution to the wind and went for the amazing two footed begging position!

See Bob the Ocicat for Ocilympic updates.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 3

2004-08-23T08:32:00.000-04:00

It is day 2 of competition, and Grace is very excited about today's events: "looking hopeful", and "power nap". I am worried a bit about her technique in "looking hopeful" though. She tends to take the buldozer approach to getting humans attention, not the sit still and look pitiful approach. Grace, is a pacer, leaner, and meower, she is very in your face when it comes to getting her idea across. I'm not entirely sure how this will go over in Dairy Flat, but hopefully it will work out well.

After the way Riker literally threw herself into yesterday's dirty paw competion, she is actually looking forward to the power nap event. This was quite a surprise both to herself, and the whole US team. Perhaps its the jetlag.

More later today as events unfold.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 2

2004-08-22T23:42:00.000-04:00

The girls are pretty tired out after their first day of competition. It took quite a bit of time getting cleaned up after the "muddy paw prints on the clean car event," but they are clean and content at last.

See Bob the Ocicat for Ocilympic updates.

Supporting Our Friends

2004-08-22T21:57:00.000-04:00

Three of us have stayed home, Tiba, Tashi, and um... me! We like to watch the Ocilympics and cheer for our friends.
Here, my nephew Tashi and Girlchild are watching the "Who put the muddy paw prints on the clean car?" event.

See Bob the Ocicat for Ocilympic updates.

A Mother's Ocilympic Journal - Part 1

2004-08-20T15:00:00.000-04:00

Grace, Riker and I are off to Dairy Flat, Auckland, New Zealand for the 2004 Ocilympics. "Yes, the Ocilympics, that drug free alternative games for small furry things with a feline heritage." For full details tune in to Bob the Ocicat's Catnetwork News.

My girls have been training very hard and have high hopes for scoring well in certain events. Here, Grace is practicing for the Snatch and Grab event, weights/birds... whichever.

While many of the cats involved are looking forward to competing in such things as the marathon sleeping event, Riker has more athletic ambitions. Prior to leaving for Dairy Flat, she worked out very hard racing around and leaping to the highest points in the house. She also put in a great deal of time on the balance beam (banister). In the following picture she is practicing for the more popular "howling" and "why-are-humans-so-clueless look" events.

I have gone along with them on this trip as their mother, chaperon, and coach. After all, after a hard day, my kittens need someone to comfort them and lick their little faces clean.

Misunderstood Gifts and Toys

2004-08-11T10:41:00.000-04:00

Lady Lynn left the computer open this morning. On the desktop was today's comic for 9 Chickweed Lane. Bob, this one is for you! (I am thinking in particular of your July 11 and 12 posts)

Click here to see August 11, 2004 Comic

When I was a kitten living on the Ashton's porch, I had a favorite toy. It was a baby squirrel tail. It was a beautiful grey, and it was very soft. I had caught it myself and was extreemly proud of it. I never could figure out why they didn't let me bring it with me when I decided to become an indoor house cat.

Hiding Place

2004-08-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

I'm hiding, I'm hiding, and no one knows where...
Isn't this great? I can see her, but she can't see me!

My Favorite Things

2004-08-03T11:56:00.000-04:00

I played with my shmousie toy today. I can throw it high in the air.

Lady Lynn took a picture of my favorite toys so you can see.

She also took a picture of our bowls. She knows I like to read. She is teaching the children Spanish and German. Now she is teaching me too.

This is my spot. I like to share it with my nephew Tashi. (You can see some of my favorite books behind Tashi.)

Look at what I did!

2004-07-29T17:50:00.000-04:00

You know how I told you that I can make laundry fly down the hall if I throw myself at it just right? Well, this morning I was very wound up and decided to try it.

As a warm up I raced around the house first, paying special attention to the stairs. I finally reached the required velocity and propelled myself one last time up the stairs, around a wide circle in the master bedroom, and then launched myself at the upstairs railing where two neatly folded blankets were hanging. I grabbed at them as I bounded off the railing and down the hall. Lady Lynn had been folding laundry and saw the whole thing. She was very impressed and got a picture right away.

These blankets have not been moved or altered in any way. They are just the way they landed! You can see, at the right of the picture, the railing (the white thing I'm walking past). Please notice that while the heavy pink blanket didn't make it very far, the lighter weight blanket made it nearly into Boychild's room!

A Purr-fect Day

2004-07-29T15:21:00.000-04:00

A nap in the sunshine with my favorite book near at paw.

A Blogging Manual for Cats

2004-07-28T15:42:00.000-04:00

(Important: make sure humans don't catch you doing this!)

First you need to type in what you want to say.

Second, make sure you proofread your post. Paws are bigger than fingers making it very easy to hit more than one key at once! Don't be afraid to use the spell check function Blogger provides.

Next, remember to click the "Publish Post" button. This is a fun part because you get to play with the mouse!

Lastly, it is very important to take a nap. Blogging really tires you out.

Laundry Day!

2004-07-28T14:20:00.000-04:00

Wow, it was laundry day! I love sorting laundry. It's great fun to pounce on the high piles of it in the hallway. If you get a good enough run at it, and hurl yourself just so, you can make the whole pile topple over on top of yourself!

Laundry day also gives me a chance to show the wicker laundry basket who's boss.

Oh, and the best part is making the bed! Don't you just love it when the air billows the sheets? All those wonderfully elusive pathways!

Nap interrupted!

2004-07-28T14:09:00.000-04:00

Why is it Lady Lynn thinks afternoons are a good time to do laundry? Four of us were on the bed when she decieded that it was the perfect time to change the sheets! What an inconvience.

All well, I notice she took the time to fill the bird feeders first, so at least there is something interesting to watch.

Good-Looking Shy-Guy

2004-07-28T09:40:00.000-04:00

I was a little feral cat. Now I am a big house cat. I was born in the dawn of the new millennium. I spent a very cold winter looking in at the warmth, and comfort of Ashton Hall. The family gave me food and a cozy bed on porch. I would watch them until I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer. In February of 2001 the family coaxed me inside with warm milk, and after the first few terrifying days, I have never looked back.

Being the youngest, and the only male cat in the house, I spend a lot of my time begging forgiveness and mercy from the other cats. My hobbies include: watching the family from a safe distance, performing tricks for treats (I can sit up on my back feet for cheese), licking/tasting things, sleeping, eating, perfecting my pitiful “ow” meow, and generally acting subservient (I’m really good at that).

I don’t really have a domain, but sometimes my Aunt Freckles lets me share her blanket. My favorite place is the couch, and anywhere in my young mistress’ room.

Hi, I'm Freckles

2004-07-28T09:39:00.000-04:00

I was a feral cat. I think I am about eight years old.

I like to read things. I hear the voices. I like my catnip shmousie toy.

I have a soft blanket in the corner by the bookcase.

Scoot over, it's my turn!

2004-07-28T09:38:00.000-04:00

I am the Graceful Bulldog. The family claims they named me that because I’m not graceful at all, but that doesn’t make sense does it? My mother is Socks (I have inherited her long claws), and Riker is my sister.

My hobbies include: sleeping, eating (I can hear a kitty kibble pellet hit the bowl from anywhere in the house), puffing up my fur to show my happiness, purring, bird/squirrel watching, and prowling (my claws make a very cool clicking sound when I walk across the floor). Like Riker I am only six years old, but I am big enough and strong enough to qualify for prime real-estate on the master bed.

My favorite place is on my Mistress’s lap every morning (I have to compete with a book with B I B L E written on it, but she makes sure I have room), or sitting on the cedar chest looking out the window at the garden.

Hi Everyone!

2004-07-28T09:37:00.000-04:00

My name is Riker, and if you think I’m a boy, you’re wrong! When my mother (Socks) had us kittens, the family didn’t think they could keep us. So, they called us by number as we came out. They named me Number One because I popped out first! :) After six weeks of calling me Number One, and discovering that I was going to remain with them for some time, they decided to give me the designation of Riker. Supposedly someone on TV named Captain Picard, called his first officer Number One. The family decided that since the first officer was a boy (and I’m a girl - as I mentioned earlier!), that they would give me his last name. . . Riker!

Let’s see, where was I? Oh! My hobbies include: chasing the ever illusive creature made of light, exploring (especially the mysterious, dusty, depths of the attic), playing with my favorite koosh ball, mooching food (family food), creating diversions during school, bird/squirrel/bug/pencil/emory board/etc. watching, oh, and sleeping. Personal goal in life: protect family from insurgent wicker baskets by destroying any that enter the house. I’m six years old, but everyone still treats me like a kitten.

If you hadn’t noticed though I’m really outgoing, so I claim everywhere as mine! I defer to no cat! (Unless of course they smack me on the head... or hiss at me) My favorite place is: I have lots of favorite places! I like the Boychild’s bed, that is my spot! But, I like desks too, especially during spelling or math tests.

I am Socks

2004-07-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

As everyone likes to remind me I am a feral cat that has given up my wild ways, and gratefully embraced home life. I have been with the family for six years. They brought me inside just a few days before I had my kittens.

My hobbies include: eating, sleeping, squirrel watching, and scaring the family by hiding in the closet. Humans confuse and intrigue me. I love having the tall bearded one near by, and pride myself on knowing what time he should be getting home each day.

As the second oldest cat, I claim a large portion of the house as mine, but of course defer to the Lady at all times. My favorite place is the bathroom.

I need no introduction

2004-07-28T09:35:00.001-04:00

I am the Lady of the Hall. I have been with the family the longest, eight of my fourteen years were lived without these other silly interlopers.

My hobbies include: eating, sleeping, bird watching, telling it like it is, and chasing the mysterious creature that resides under the covers.

As Lady of the Hall, I claim as my domain the entire house. My favorite place is at the head of the master bed.