Bring on the new year - and the catnip

As 2009 wraps up, I guess it's time to think about 2010. And I suppose there's no better time than the present to make my new year's resolutions.

I resolve to play as hard as I can and have as much fun as I want whenever the mood strikes. Even if it's 4 a.m.

I resolve to love my humans and my kitty brother.

I resolve to get as much sleep as I can because nothing is worse than feeling tired all day.

Yeah, that pretty much sums up my days. Not a lot of changes to make for me.

Wait - what did you ask? "Will I stay up late and watch the ball drop?" Hmm, I always like to get up as soon as Craig and Heather go to bed, so of course I'll be up to ring in the new year. But watch a ball drop? Nah. I might sit in one place and stare out the window for hours, but the idea of watching a giant ball in Times Square slowly descend on the tv screen sounds incredibly boring. I'd rather dance on the kitchen table.

Happy New Year!

A Christmas wish come true

Scruffers and I like to take turns sleeping under the Christmas tree. Of course, when Scruffers is under the tree Heather and Craig "ooh" and "aah" about what an adorable kitty he is. But when I am under the tree Heather pulls out the squirt bottle ready to aim when I taste test the needles.

Of course, when I am under the tree I like to mark the area with my pheromones by rubbing my face against the tree. I'm not really eating the needles; I know they were made in China (by small children). But Scruffers, he's different. When he gets under the tree he stares off into space for a while (usually till he starts snoring and we wake him up with our laughter). Then he gets settled in and takes a long nap.

What is that little guy thinking? Here's what we have decided: Scruffy is still feeling thankful that his wish came true. Remember, just a year ago he was living on the streets in the snow and freezing temperatures, barely getting enough food to survive. And then one day we took him and and nursed him back to health. And now here he is - living indoors, with two square meals every day, two down comforters to sleep on, a fleece snuggle bed, a kitty friend (me!), and two warm laps to choose from. If Christmas is about being thankful for what we have, then Scruffy Gray is celebrating Christmas more than all of us. Merry Christmas, little guy!

Christmas rush and treats for Santa

I know, I know, it's been a long time since I've written to you. Well, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to not keep in touch. I have no excuse except that it's Christmastime and this time of the year I feel the time pinch.

Come on, you have to understand all the things I have to get done. Help Craig and Heather with their Christmas cards (check) - ok, I admit it. I contracted that out to Scruffers. That's why some of them are so late. He's a little slow at cards.

Why? Well, first of all, he spends more time napping than me because he's pretty old. (Sorry, Scruffs, but it's true.) And he's just slow. Between the arthritis in his hind legs and back and the overly-flexible front leg, he has a hard time getting around. And then he spends a lot of time just staring out into space. That eats up a lot of card-writing time too.

Where was I? Gift wrapping (check) - I think. I always love helping wrap presents: chasing the wrapping paper so it stays in line and batting at the tape dispenser. Hanging of the Christmas ornaments and decorations (check). That was fun too. I like to check to make sure the tree is still fresh, but every time I try and taste the needles I get sprayed with the squirt bottle. And sniff the presents (check). Scruffers and I take turns doing that. And sleep under the Christmas tree (check).

See how busy I am? No wonder I don't have time to play! Now, if you excuse me, I have to go bake some tuna treats for Santa. I hope he likes them!

Sweet Dreams!

Sleep tight, little Scruffers! I have noticed that in this super cold weather you've been spending all your free time curled up on one of the down comforters in the house. I'll let you have them 'cause as a Maine Coon, I'm pretty toasty all the time. In fact, I keep begging Heather and Craig to take me outside on the leash but they seem to think it's too cold to go outside.

Gee whiz! Hello! I'm made for this weather! Well, except for the frosted grass. I didn't like how that felt on my little indoor paws. I kept trying to pick one up and shake it off but then I'd have to set it down to do the next one and it seemed, well, never ending. But I did get an awfully tasty tuna treat for letting Heather rub my paws down when we got back inside. And that's what it's all about now, isn't it?

Huddled around the fireplace

Brr, is it ever cold! The heater keeps clicking on and I can feel the chill in the air. Last night we all huddled around the fireplace trying to keep warm and watching the outdoor thermometer drop down to 30 degrees. It was an exceptionally good night to snuggle!

While we were huddled together, I noticed Scruffy got lost in his thoughts by the Christmas tree. He seemed to be remembering the hard times when he struggled to survive out in these miserably cold temperatures.

We're glad you're with us now, Scruffers! Just stop hissing at me, ok? I just want to play!

Where's the Virginia?

After eight days of Heather's mother visiting us, we all assumed she was here to stay for good. Well, heck, if you've seen her unpack her car and fill up the guest room, you would think she had moved in for good!

Scruffy will have one less lap to sleep on. And I will have one less human to avoid when I'm not feeling snuggly (which is most of the day, according to some.)

I know what will happen: Heather will scrub the house and get it back in order just in time for Virginia to come back and visit for Christmas! We're counting down the days!

Don't forget, Virginia - we love catnip presents!

(Photo: Giuseppe Gattino showing his incredible desire to be snuggled by Virginia.)