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!

Who is Chartreuse?

What? You haven't met Chartreuse yet? He's one of the guys who lives here at the house. He met Heather and Craig years ago when they stopped by McDonald's. Chartreuse wanted to escape (to0 many small children) and Heather agreed to let him move in. Below is our conversation.

Giuseppe: I saw on your tag you were made in China. What was it like there?

Chartreuse: Hot, crowded, and full of young children in the factory where I was born. I was happy to be packaged and shipped to the U.S. to start a new life.

Giuseppe: How did you get the name Chartreuse?

Chartreuse: (Laughs) Funny story... Heather and Craig named me based on my color. But neither of them knew that Chartreuse was a green color, not a variation of fuchsia. I had the name for a few years before someone told me. Heather offered to rename me, but Chartreuse is a part of my identity. I am Chartreuse - no matter what color I am.

Giuseppe: What do you like to do for fun?

Chartreuse: I really like to hike. One of the advantages to being tiny is that I pack easily and I can fit anywhere in a backpack. One of my favorite trips was touring SE Oregon (Steens Mountain) and Nevada's Great Basin National Park with Craig, Heather, Doug and Beanie a few years ago. Hiking to the top of Wheeler Peak was amazing! Do you know what it's like for a tiny bear to look out at 13,000 feet? Pretty spectacular, I tell you.

Giuseppe: Do you have any plans this summer?

Chartreuse: I hope to get some backpacking in and maybe do the Clear Lake Triathlon with Heather. Wish us luck!