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Lexie Lee
Today is National Cat Day—founded by Colleen Paige. The primary goal of National Cat Day is to facilitate shelter cat adoptions. I plan to celebrate the day by giving special thanks for the cat in my life—Lexie Lee. She really adopted me when she appeared in my “safe” yard following a hurricane several years ago. She has brought inexpressible delight to my life, day in and day out.
I am grateful that my fur friend is vibrant and healthy. She loves to play games like hiding under tablecloths and jumping out to surprise me. She greets me when I return home and likes to rub noses. She burrows down in the comforter and snuggles close to me. She lounges on my chest and gazes into my eyes. My muse snoozes on my desk or crawls into my lap while I write Catnip Connection. Wherever I am, Lexie Lee is there, too.
Today she will get some extra hugs and kisses from me. Playtime will be extended, and there will be an extra pinch of catnip! For further information, visit http://www.nationalcatday.com/
Bountiful Blessings!
Black Cat Cookies
One of my hobbies is baking. So if you are looking for a last minute Halloween recipe, here is one you may enjoy. This is also a perfect cookie recipe to make with children. They will have fun decorating the cat’s face with candy corn and red-hots.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (no substitutes), softened
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup baking cocoa
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 24 wooden craft sticks
- 48 pieces candy corn
- 24 red-hot candies
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture. Roll dough into 1-1/2-inch balls. Place 3 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
- Insert a wooden stick into each cookie. Flatten with a glass dipped in sugar. Pinch top of cookie to form ears. For whiskers, press a fork twice into each cookie or use a toothpick to make indentations. Bake at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes or until cookies are set. Remove from the oven; immediately press on candy corn for eyes and red-hots for noses. Remove to wire racks to cool.
Tips: You can eliminate putting the cookies on sticks and serve flat. A tooth pick works well to make the whiskers. You can also use M&Ms for noses.
Bountiful Blessings!
Austin--I'm a Winner
Who says black cats are unlucky! Calling all black cats and their caregivers! CatChannel.com is sponsoring a contest between now and Halloween. Cat Channel.com is the Internet source for CAT FANCY magazine. This is your opportunity to show off your sleek, magical black cat. All you have to do is complete a simple entry form telling why you are lucky to have the black cat and upload a photograph. All photos entered in the contest will be displayed on a special CatChannel.com page during Halloween week. A winner, drawn at random, will receive a copy of Ask the Cat Keeper by Marc Morrone. The entry form can be found at:
http://www.catchannel.com/magazines/catfancy/beautiful-black-cats_contest.aspx
Now regarding Austin–I stumbled upon his adoring photograph on Best Friends. He is available for adoption, but he has several strikes against him. First of all, he is black. He is also toothless and has FIV and feline leukemia. He has been at Best Friends for six years. Let’s make Austin the winner I know he is and find a forever home for him to go to! Just look at those eyes! You can read more about Austin at http://adoptions.bestfriends.org/Default.aspx?SR=True&N=4294967272+4294967274&Ntt=Austin&Ntk=All&No=0
Any ideas on how we can help Austin?
Bountiful Blessings!
You Caught Me
Superstitions have long been associated with black cats. In the Middle Ages in Scotland, a black cat that entered a house was seen as a harbinger of good luck. Cats in Japan have historically been revered as objects of beauty and black cats in particular considered good luck.
Black cats have also been the objects of fear and hatred. Witches and black cats have been inseparable in history. Anna Winkelzipfel’s witch trial in 1586 found her guilty of disguising herself in black cat skins and entering Jacques Porter’s room with the intention of doing him harm. There are superstitions about cats turning into witches and witches turning into cats. Some people believe that if a black cat crosses their path, it might be a witch in the guise of a cat.
As Halloween approaches, black cats may face danger. Sadly, I have heard too many malicious stories about the torture of black cats. Your indoor/outdoor cat should be kept inside for several days before and after Halloween. No exceptions! If you are planning a party or greeting trick or treaters, place your cats (of any color) in a safe room for the evening. You will not have to worry about your fur babies escaping through an open door or getting spooked by a scary costume.
I Feel Lucky Today
Black cats are less likely to be adopted because of being associated with evil and of bringing bad luck. According to Kathy Covey, public relations and marketing manager for the Cat Adoption Team no-kill shelter in Oregon, “black cats are the last to find homes.” The shelter has creative Black Cat Adopt-A-Thons such as Black Cat Friday after Thanksgiving and Black by Tax Day in April! How about celebrating Halloween differently this year and adopting a black cat from your local shelter? Shelters usually restrict black cat adoptions around Halloween, so plan to adopt in November.
I Can Fit In
Dear friends of mine have a household filled with amazing black cats. Not one, not two, but three!! You have already meet the adorable duo: Athena and Ares. Everyone was having so much good luck they just could not resist adding their third baby–Apollo! Can’t you see why?
I welcome your black cat stories.
Bountiful Blessings!
The Cat Writers’ Association sponsors an annual cat writing contest. I just learned last week that several of my published writings have won Certificate of Excellence Awards for 2009. These include the following categories:
- On-line Article: Cat’s Mastery of the Present Moment
- Trio Blog: Cats & Tinsel, Chip n Dip Cat, and Cats + Christmas Trees = Disaster
- Trio Blog: The Defender, My Hurricane Kitty and Lexie Lee Survives Hurricane Wilma
These entries next compete for top cat honors, the CWA Muse Medallion. Award winners will be announced at the CWA convention in White Plains, New York in November. For full list of winners, visit: http://www.catwriters.org/09coe.pdf
Bountiful Blessings!
Purr-fect Family Photo
Whenever someone asks me if I have any children, I respond: “I have a cat Lexie Lee.” Who do you consider your family members? My cats have always been treated as family—Noelle, Tatianna, Taittinger, Katarina, Marnie and Lexie Lee. The changing role of pets has expanded the definition of family. According to a 2006 American Veterinary Association study, almost 50% of households consider their pets to be family members.
A generation ago cats lived outside and slept on discarded and tattered blankets. Today, it is not uncommon for cats to stay in warm cozy houses in the winter time and to enjoy cool air-conditioned rooms in the summer heat. They sleep in our beds or luxuriate in down comforters. They hang out in kitty condos at home and vacation with us. They receive brightly wrapped packages at holiday time from family members including even from the dog. They have assorted cat toys to wile away the day.
Some cats even have birthday celebrations. Their irresistible photos adorn our desks at home and even the office. We carry pictures of them in our wallet, and sign their names along with the rest of the family on greeting cards. We worry about the food they eat. Our friends inquire about our cats, and we may even call upon them to babysit. We receive sympathy cards when our beloved companion passes on.
“Today I’m participating in a mass blogging! WOW! Women On Writing has gathered a group of blogging buddies to write about family relationships. Why family relationships? We’re celebrating the release of Therese Walsh’s debut novel today. The Last Will of Moira Leahy, (Random House, October 13, 2009) is about a mysterious journey that helps a woman learn more about herself and her twin, whom she lost when they were teenagers. Visit The Muffin (http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/blog.html) to read what Therese has to say about family relationships and view the list of all my blogging buddies. And make sure you visit Therese’s website (http://www.theresewalsh.com) to find out more about the author.”
I look forward to your comments. Do you consider your cat (or dog or other fur friend) a family member? Elaborate why and tell me how your pet is treated.
Bountiful Blessings!
Lacey Keosauqua State Park
My favorite season of the year is autumn. I have several beautiful fall foliage scenes displayed on my Florida desk right now. Last weekend I filled my car up with mums after a shopping adventure at a local garden center. But it’s not quite the same as being in the Midwest this month. About a half-hour drive from the Missouri family farm, you enter the Villages of Van Buren. In this southeastern area of Iowa, you step back in time in twelve unique communities: Bentonsport, Birmingham, Bonaparte, Cantril, Douds, Farmington, Iowaville-Selma, Keosauqua, Milton, Mt. Sterling, Pittsburg and Stockport. Each village is more charming than the next, and the fall scenes are spectacular.
The annual Scenic Drive Festival is October 10 and 11. Each of the little villages has a full weekend of varied entertainment including trash and treasure sales, pancake breakfasts, arts and crafts, antiques, maid-rite lunches, black kettle ham and beans lunches and other activities from the 1800s.
From 1944-46, my mother taught high school in one of the Van Buren villages, Keosauqua. She was the Senior Advisor, and the prom was held at a historic stone building in Lacey Keosauqua State Park. The above photo reflects the winding drive through this beautiful park that we have visited. In March, my mother enjoyed showing the family around Keosauqua. The home where she rented a room is still there and in great shape. The old brick high school is also in operation. In fact two of her students attended her 90th birthday party in 2008. Keosauqua was a very special place for my mother.
This summer I frequently took a break from cleaning out my mother’s home after she passed away by escaping to Van Buren County. I ate lunch at Bonaparte’s Retreat several times. The handmade breaded tenderloins are the best. This restaurant is a precursor to today’s Cracker Barrel. Hand painted rose plates, (mother’s favorite flower), jumped out at me at an antique shop in Bentonsport. Of course, the plates are now in my home! The coconut meringue (the real stuff) pie in Farmington is worth a stop! I am so intrigued with the whole area. Although I am not at the Scenic Drive Festival this year, I am there in thought and can almost taste the maid-rites!
For further information, visit http://www.villagesofvanburen.com
Watch for a special blog posting on Tuesday, October 13!
Have you ever been to the Villages of Van Buren? If so, which one is your favorite and why?
Bountiful Blessings!
Can you the believe stores are already filled with seasonal holiday decorations for the upcoming months? Just yesterday someone asked me about my plans for Thanksgiving! My students are looking ahead to holiday break in December!
An estimated eight million homeless animals will not share the holidays with their family. Iams Home 4 the Holidays (IH4TH) hopes to lower that number. They officially kicked off their 2009 adoption campaign last week. Between October 1 and January 4, 2010, the organization will work with 3500 animal organizations around the world to raise awareness for homeless animals. With the help of actress Hilary Swank and founding partner Helen Woodward Animal Center, their goal is finding homes for 1.5 million homeless animals. Over the past decade IH4TH has helped 3 million animals find homes, with more than 1.2 million pets adopted last year.
“It’s so rewarding to look into an adopted animal’s eyes and see how thankful they are that you saved their life,” said Swank. “I am a true believer in pet adoption and have rescued many animals throughout my life. I hope everyone will join our mission this holiday season so more pets can experience the gift of love and family.”
The program goes beyond simply someone taking an animal home. IH4TH provides resources and tips to help new or soon-to-be pet parents make thoughtful decisions about adoption. Every family who adopts a pet through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit and DVD loaded with important information about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw.
According to Mike Arms, founder of IH4TH and president of Helen Woodward Animal Center. “There are millions of beautiful, amazing animals waiting for families to love them and we want to help them find their forever home. The more foot traffic we can get into these organizations through awareness and education, the better, so these orphaned animals will no longer be homeless.”
If you would like more information about this program and to find participating shelters, visit www.iamshome4theholidays.com
I welcome your pet adoption stories.
Bountiful Blessings!
Winkin', Blinkin' and Nod
The black cats are on the prowl at my house—the Halloween cats that is. I have spent the afternoon unpacking my cat collection and getting reacquainted with each one. The cats are so excited since they have been in hibernation for two years! In 2007 a cat (and not black!), Tatianna, took center stage in my life as her book was in the final publishing stages. Last year my house was under renovation and nary a surface could be found to display anything, much less Halloween cats! So I admit I have been looking forward to playing with the cats this fall.
The black cats are a wild and hilarious collection. The cats are made of tin, ceramic, plastic and fabric. Some are so ugly they are cute! Their big goofy eyes and exaggerated mouths make me laugh. One cat is dressed like a witch with an orange cape, broom and a long pointed hat with a spider dangling on the end. Another cat is hiding behind a mask. A whimsical cat has a black head and plump pumpkin body. Funny legs dangle from the pumpkin and remind me of poodle legs. A few years ago my brother sent me a Halloween cat wearing sunglasses—quite appropriate for Florida. This battery operated cat performs tricks, but no treats!
Unpacking this collection is just part of the story. Next I have to figure out what to do with them. I just can’t let them have the run of the house—I mean we are talking about several dozen cats here! I would not even have a spot to sit or sleep.
A couple of three-foot metal cats along with a cat wreath will scare visitors at the front door for the next month. That should be fun. A few small cats (quite a few actually) will snooze under the lighted pumpkin tree. I think the rest of them will line a hallway stairs going up to the cat gallery. This is a new hangout for them. I know they will find it the purr-fect place to trick or treat. At least I will know where they are hiding out. Now I just hope they don’t scare Lexie Lee in the middle of the night! Or me!!
Bountiful Blessings!
The most common feline oral cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma. My orange marmalade cat, Noelle, had this form of cancer in her jaw in 1985. So I was encouraged when I learned of two organizations joining forces to fight cancer.
MBF Therapeutics, a development stage veterinary oncology company and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research have recently formed a strategic relationship to support the development of MBFT-101. This treatment is a novel combination of two drug molecules that act together to kill cancer cells by starving them of nutrients essential for cell growth and survival but with no effect on normal cells. The therapy is intended to be administered orally at home for four to six weeks. The School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is conducting a pilot study using MBFT-101 in cats with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
“This partnership embodies the true value of translational medicine. Together we are able to evaluate MBFT-101 in cats and dogs with natural disease, concurrently with crucial preclinical studies in laboratory animal models. At the same time we are developing these treatments for companion animals, we will advance our understanding of how to effectively treat human cancers,” said Thomas Tillet, MBFT President and CEO.
“Cancer is a devastating disease that affects both humans and animals alike,” stated Dr. George Prendergast, LIMR President & CEO. “The Lankenau Institute is very excited about our new, unique relationship with MBF Therapeutics. MBFT will utilize research performed in our laboratories to advance the development of needed, new therapies for our beloved pets while also setting the stage for future studies in humans.”
Do you have an experience about a pet and cancer to share?
Bountiful Blessings!
