Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts

Sunday, August 25, 2013

CASA INVASION

Home improvement is good but it’s a bit creepy to have strangers crawling around the house. They see all you messes and its rather embarrassing. Due to my continued poverty, I qualified for the Heating Assistance Program to pay for part of my heating cost. I was then eligible for a visit from the Home Energy Squad to help with some minor insulation and installing florescent bulbs. A Home Energy Audit followed with a comprehensive examination of my home’s energy use. I was thrilled to qualify for more assistance with insulation.

The first step was to replace my twenty-year old hot water heater. The new unit is large, quiet and gray. I think I shall call it Ellie the Elephant because the exhaust pipe sticks out the foundation like an elephant trunk. In fact, I’d love to paint the pipe dark gray. I’d commission a head of an elephant created out of sheet metal and nailed to the side of my house. A bit closer to my dream of an art house!

The second step was installing an exhaust fan in the ceiling of the second floor bathroom. The workers had a heck of a time since there was no easy access to an electrical outlet. They had to jerry-rig a connection to the bathroom light, which is attached to the medicine cabinet. I had the foresight to empty the entire bathroom before they began but I didn’t expect them to pull out the cabinet from the wall. It took two days for them to figure out the proper connection because whomever installed the bathroom light did it wrong.

They added insulation to the slants in the roof since the house is a 1.75. The second floor intersects with the roof at about five feet and the energy audit showed very little insulation. I’ve had a horrid problem with ice dams in the valleys of the roof so I hope that this will help. Insulation was added to small roofs over the kitchen and bay window. They also fixed an exhaust fan in the kitchen.

Unnerving to hear all the drilling, cutting, pounding, and other sounds of the house being torn asunder and replaced with new parts. During the repairs I was healing from the fleabites and somehow twisted my left knee. It hurt and swelled up. My health insurance at work doesn’t start until the first of the month. Actually, I will probably be rejected due to “preexisting” conditions.

The cats were placed on the porch while the workers were in the house. I knew that Zozo would be traumatized by the noise and huddle behind the couch. I didn’t want to risk Tilly running outside. Zozo complained bitterly whenever I visited them on the porch. She would try to run into the house. I had to use the water sprayer to keep her at bay. I felt bad but its better that they are safe than in trouble.

After the contractors finished with insulation they had to do a blower door test. I had to move the cats into the bathroom with little notice. Tilly went okay but Zozo was upset. The test took about ten minutes and then I had to return the cats to the porch. Zozo freaked out and scratched me. I had to chase them onto the porch and wipe blood off from the wound on my chest. Not fun. The house is better insulated but I had to clean the dust and debris before letting the cats back into the house. The contractors deposited hand smudges on the walls and it was rather annoying.

Fix this ol’ house!
Copyright (c) 2013 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved.

Monday, August 19, 2013

CREEPY-CRAWLY GNAWS

Black specks leapt from leg to leg. Oh crap! The mosquitoes are thick this year but inside a house? My calves and feet were covered with leaping critters and now are laden with 100+ welts. Red, itchy and infected mounds of flesh. I am officially flea bitten. An acquaintance from my faith community, Janice, asked me to watch her four cats while she enjoyed a two-week trip. No problem, I like her cats and she would pay me a bit. Unfortunately, she permits two of the critters to venture outside and they brought back fleas before she departed.

On my way to work, I would drop by her house to give the cats food, fresh water, and scoop the poop. She was kind enough to offer her washing machine and I did a load every time that I visited. I then took the cleaned articles home to dry. I switched back and forth with her neighbor so I only had to visit every other day. After a few days the cats began to act lonely so I spent time with them. The result was fleabites. Fleas aren’t deadly but the bite itches for days and feels the worst at night. My lower legs look like they have the chicken pox or measles.

I gingerly searched Janice’s house for flea treatment paraphernalia but found none. I will have to watch my cats for signs of fleas. It only takes one pregnant female or a male and female and I am doomed. Janice only paid me $100 for the two weeks and all that money will probably be spent on fuel and flea treatment. I am totally pissed off that she didn’t bother to rid her house of fleas before she departed. She should have warned me that I could take them home to my cats. I would have bowed out of watching the cats because the cost is too high.

My week had already been hectic. Two friends from out of town are on their annual visit and each wanted to spend time with me. Hours increased at work, which is good, though it still isn’t enough money per hour to pay my bills. A repairperson came to add insulation to my freezer to reduce frost but he didn’t reconnect the fan. Went out with one of my friends, cried at the Dakota War 1862 exhibit at the History Center, got rained on (which was okay), and then my friend’s car got a flat tire at 10pm. Thankfully, his niece was kind enough to drive me home since I had to work the next morning.

To be continued…

Bit and bewildered.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

BASIC BLISS

75 degrees Fahrenheit, low dew-point/humidity, light breeze to blow away mosquitoes, partly-cloudy sky, half an inch of rain overnight so it smells of fresh ionized air. Mmm, the perfect summer day. I love to putter in the yard, take a shower and then sit on the porch with the cats. I sip a beverage and read a book while they dream or look out the window.

Owning a home can be a real pain in the buttocks. I hate shoveling, painting, and repairing broken items. I love gardening and sitting on the porch. My century-old+ home has character. It needs constant attention, such as painting but it isn’t bland. I can do what I choose, within budget and reason. Sadly, my budget has evaporated so I can only do repairs with the supplies on hand. So much is delayed by lack of income.

My friend Allie asked if I wanted to sell and I told her no. I still owe about $100 thousand dollars to the bank and the value of the house keeps being dropped by the County. Good for taxes but bad for resale value. $100K is a huge amount of money and I despite being in debt but I hate living in an apartment. I love having a garden and porch. It’s fun to entertain and sit in the backyard with friends. I like being able to play music loudly and knowing my neighbors. They are all friendly and we help each other.

I rarely knew my apartment neighbors. Some were loud and frightful. One lady who lived in the apartment above mine purposefully stomped around at night after I asked her to please observe the building’s quiet hours from 10pm-7am. I was in grad school and needed some quiet time. Another occasion someone brought in huge cockroaches when they moved into the building. Enormous, as in three inches long. I had to get my apartment fumigated. In a different building a dude who lived above me beat up his girlfriend so I called the cops. I had to meet the cops at the front door because I didn’t want him to hear me buzz them into the building. They arrested him and he gave notice. The caretaker complained to me since the man was a “good tenant.”

A bunch of teenagers decided that they didn’t like someone who lived in my building so they lit “McGiver Bombs” in the entryway. It caused a lot of smoke and damaged the tile floor but thankfully they did not include shrapnel or start a fire. After the third bomb I noticed a pattern and called the police. They stupidly sent a marked squad car to sit across the street. There was no bomb that night but the caretaker figured out who it was and spoke with the parents. I started a petition in the building and we lobbied the owner to install security buzzer system. The owners actually installed the buzzers and then used it as an excuse to increase the rent. Buggers!

No one has control over my cost of housing. I’d love to refinance at a rate below 5.875% but can’t afford it right now. My monthly payments increase due to insurance and tax rates. However, it is worth the money. Per square foot, it is cheaper than renting. Less stress in some ways and more in others but I find bliss on the porch. I do read inside during the winter, but its much more fun on the porch. I want to stay in my home until I am physically or mentally incapable.

Sweet is Home.
Copyright © 2013 by Ima B. Musing; All rights reserved.

Friday, July 12, 2013

LANGUID SANGUINITY

Breathing becomes deep and staggered, the eyes begin to dance beneath their lids, the face muscles relax as the arms and legs tremor, the paws clench, whiskers and tail twitch, and the cat dreams. I wonder what felines dream about when they enter Rapid Eye Movement (REM) deep sleep. Mice, running from danger, eating? Both my cats are virgins so it isn’t about sex, right?

Catnaps are a frequent light sleep. They are still listening and can instantly wake up to run or fight; their survival depends upon this ability. It is only when they feel safe can they slumber. I love watching my cat’s nap turn into REM. Their face softens as their muscles give way. Zozo looks particularly peaceful when she enters the valley of dreams. Sometimes she will jolt and wake herself up from a dream. She blinks her eyes and yawns to adjust the side of her face and whiskers that are askew. Her ears twitter and flatten as she yawns. As an indoor feline, she has the luxury of having time to regain consciousness. If she were outside, she could die if a predator pounced while she was waking up.

I know that the cats trust me when they crawl up on me and enter REM while I’m sitting on the couch. It’s great when both cats are dreaming simultaneously. Zozo prefers to sleep on my right side either on top of or under a soft fleece blanket. Tilly will sleep on top or under a blanket (during cold weather) or on a fleece blanket that I place on top of a footrest. She snores when she retires on her right side. I wish that I had a video camera and could post her antics on You Tube. Occasionally, one of them will crawl up on my chest and sleep. I call that “tummy time” because I can rub their soft belly more easily. The only time that it poses a problem is when I am trying to read a book and the cat complains when I turn the page.

Momo, my first cat, would cry in her sleep. Not a moan or groan but a cry of fear. I would go to her and provide reassurance by petting her gently and talking in a comforting voice. I don’t know if it helped but she would usually purr when she woke up from her nightmare. She had been abused and neglected by her previous human servants so I know that she had painful memories. About two years after I got her, her former human provider came by my house. Momo was terrified. She did want him to touch her. I had to assure her that she was safe and she didn’t purr until he had left the house. Thankfully, Zozo and Tilly have never been subjected to that despicable behavior. They only cry about lack of treats and access to the second floor. Poor creatures!

Bliss is sitting on the porch reading with both cats relaxed. Tilly likes to sleep in the open window with her head resting on the sill. Zozo will snooze on the couch. I sip some tea or a glass of wine and enjoy the peace and quiet. During the winter, we snuggle under a blanket on the couch but it is wonderful. I know that they are dependent upon me but they could choose to sleep elsewhere. They want to be with me and that feels great.

Sweet Dreams
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

ALL FALL DOWN

One thing always leads to another. Water in the basement begets relocating the cat food upstairs into the bathroom since the dark damp swamp mildews the food. Tilly, the troublemaker, refuses to eat out of a bowl. She must pull the kibble out and push it around before intake. Thus, little bits of consumables are scattered around the area.

Feline food is drenched in oil to reduce the instances of hairball vomit. Good thing. Bad thing when wee brown ants are attracted to the oil and attempt to carry fragments down a small crack in the shower caulk to their colony. The cat food has been in the bathroom before but this is the first time that ants decided to swarm the calories. It’s a horrible sight to see hundreds of ants inside the house.

Swept and mopped up the ants. Washed out the basin of the shower with water to get rid of the food oils and cover up the scent trail of ants for their hive-mates. Located the crack in the tile where the ants emerge and caulked it. Took the food outside in sieve and shook it until all the ants had tumbled into the grass. Crushed the random ant seeking its way back to the now closed tunnel. I had to reseal the entrance and squash ants for two days. Felt a little guilty about annihilating this segment of their population. However, there are hundreds of ant colonies thriving in my flower garden and yard.

It has been a tough year for ants. I’m sure that their underground hives have been continuously flooded. One colony relocated some its eggs onto several milkweed plants. Noticed the first monarch flying around on June 18th. Sadly, I haven’t located any monarch caterpillars. I’ve found a few milkweed leaves with signs of nibbling but no bugs. Last year, I hatched fifty butterflies during June. Another twenty or so died due to an infestation of a fly, which laid its larva inside the caterpillar and the butterfly died in-vetro when the fly would emerge. The flowers are slow to bloom this year. Global warming sucks.

Return to Normal!
© Copyright 2013 Ima B. Musing: all rights reserved.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

EXPIRATION DATE

Sometimes I’m afraid to be alone.
What if I should fall down the stairs?
What if I should die?
How long would it take for my broken body to be discovered?
Will the cats eat me? Shall they die of dehydration?
I’ve made a Will. My best amigo is in charge.
She knows that I have a nasty family.
I feel sorry to have deserted her to their ire.
Alas, I don’t plan to choose when I expire.

POLST yourself.
© 2013 Ima B. Musing

Friday, November 23, 2012

THANKFULNESS

Life offers unending challenges but it is imperative to be thankful for the positive aspects of existence. Here are my top eleven thanks for 2012.

You: Blog Readers (viewing my odd opinions)
Cash Mob St Paul MN Members (shopping local is smart)
Friends: My Logical Family (loving relationships of choice)
Felines: ZoZo and Tillie (furballs of love)
Part time Job (hope funds hold out until full-time employment procured)
Food Shelf (fills the tummy)
Heatshare: Energy Assistance Program (warms the home)
Faith Community (soul food)
My Old House and Auto (though both need repairs)
Garden Growth (flora, fauna, edibles, and critters)
Library & Art Crawls/Fairs (brain food)

Happy Holidays to all!
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Friday, November 16, 2012

GET OUTTA THE WAY

Runrunrun
Scamper across the kitchen floor
Rush so fast that you slide into the cupboard door
Kitty’s on the run
She’s having fun
Chasing an invisible foe
Fur between the toes
What a silly fo-fo-lu
I love her so!

Need a smile, get a cat.
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

IMA’S BOOKWORM REVIEW, VOLUME III, ISSUE 2

Bartender’s Tale by Ivan Doig Four worms
Delightful reminiscence a saloon owner’s son. Charming innocent humor and layers of meaning add texture to a much-documented subject. Several surprises made the novel compelling. Ending was rather abrupt; perhaps the author could continue the story in another novel.

XO by Jeffery Deaver Three and a half worms
Well written but author’s note should have been as an epilogue. Perhaps he is hankering to change careers and become a lyricist. Expected one narrative twist and surprised by more. Good pacing and insights into obsessive behavior. However, the author made disparaging remarks about plump people.

Cats Behaving Badly by Celia Haddon Three worms
Explanations why felines do the naughty things that they do. Common sense tips and insights offered with a bit of humor. A few too many stories that don’t clearly relate to the topic. Author clearly distains indoor-only cats.

Beautiful Sacrifice by Elizabeth Lowell Three worms
Turning of the Wheel and the changing of the gods to begin the Fourteenth Baktun. The world as we know it ends on December 21st, 2012. Flirting smothered an otherwise interesting storyline. Main characters were distracted by burning desire. Interesting view into archeology and cultural anthropology efforts, could have used further explanation of terminology.

The Wurst is Yet to Come by Mary Daheim Two worms
Beginning is convoluted and choppy. Relationship between the two main characters needed to only be mentioned occasionally, not in every paragraph. One of the main actors was rude, crude, and unlikable. Author clearly revolted by overweight people. Intermittent good writing with humor. Sauerkraut ending was abrupt and didn’t follow through with the story at home.

Whole Lot’O Reading
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

PURR DUES


To slumber
Purrhaps to dream
Of toys and treats
Belly rubs
Open window – my favorite reality show
Oh, to be an adorable cat
Pampered beloved feline
Room & Board provided
Ears and chin scratched upon demand
Dreadful waste taken away by servant
Humans are trainable
If you purr and cuddle enough.

Poetic license extended.
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Thursday, May 17, 2012

FUZZY WUZZY

Why she is not naked, I do not know. Tillie has been shedding fistfuls and she still retains a coat of fur. She may be cute but the two-inch undercoat and three-four inch overcoat of Maine Coon hair is a pain in the butt. A friend visited and remarked that another friend must have been over because some of her hair was on the chair. Nope, it was just a four-inch segment of Tillie. Tillie’s lion mane has grown so large that it impedes her ability to clean the rest of her body. I had to trim off the bottom portion of the mane and work out some Rastafarian bits. She was happy and purred.

As soon as the ambient temperature rises above 60 degrees, Poof! the cats begin to shed. I usually keep the house at 58 degrees during the winter so a few degrees makes a difference. Every time I pet either cat, my hand is covered with fuzz. I procured a comb but the tines are not small enough to catch Tillie’s pelt adequately. Zozo possesses fur less than an inch in length so it’s not nearly as cumbersome. Zozo refuses to be brushed and she really doesn’t need it.

I increase the amount of anti-hairball food that I mix with their regular food. It seems to reduce the incident of gross fur-balls. It cannot be pleasant for the feline to throw up and it’s really awful for the human to clean up. I am a sympathetic so when someone, human or animal, vomits I also get the urge to be ill. Not an enjoyable experience. I grasp the coughing cat under her armpits and raise her to an almost standing position with her feet on the floor. I massage her abdomen until it stops pulsating. This technique works 75% of the time to stop the fur-ball from being blown forth. However, they usually puke when I am not around and I have to clean the mess. If I am lucky, it is in the basement or on the floor of the kitchen or bathroom. Unlucky on carpet, the stomach bile permanently tints the fibers. I want to rip out the carpet and restore the hardwood floors. I will have to make certain that the finishing material can handle cat vomit. Ugh.

Beware the fur; I noticed that some had accumulated on the stairwell carpet. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize how slippery it was and I ended up sliding down a few steps. Resulted in a minor bruise but a brutal reminder that one must vacuum on a regular basis. My friend Sandy’s husband died after falling down stairs. I don’t want that to be my fate. All my clothes require a roll over by a lint collection device before I venture into public. Since Zozo has light fur and Tillie has dark hair I am affected regardless of the hue I wear. Too bad there isn’t a market to sell fur, I’d make a lot of money. I have no desire to weave the fur into a sweater. I just collect it and place it in the compost bin.

Got Fur?
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

FEED THE KITTY

Hi, my name is Tilly. You can see from my photo that I am adorable. I was born in the countryside and adopted at two months of chronological age. I have an older a sibling, Zozo, who was born in Wisconsin and adopted at six weeks of age. We moved into the city house of Ima. Ima makes certain that we have lots of affection, food, water, clean bathroom facilities, lots of rest, toys, and regular visits to the doctor. She even trims our nails, which is quite irritating. Of course, my favorite activities are tummy rub and treat time.

Unfortunately, Ima has been seeking employment for a long while and is sad because she has had difficulty finding a job. She has sent out over 500 resumes and been on over 20 interviews. Ima is an eccentric middle-aged human female with many talents. When she isn’t looking for a job she volunteers with disaster response, community building, and mentors college students. She has helped several neighbors convert their yards with native perennial plants.

Ima has devoted her life to helping others in need. She has worked at several 501(c)3 nonprofit non-governmental organizations and educational institutions. Ima has taught Level 1 English to adults, job readiness skills to people receiving MFIP (welfare), service learning to sixth graders, managed volunteers, coordinated a mentoring program, and many other tasks. She feels obligated to support others. However, Ima needs assistance now. She’s rather embarrassed to ask but I am not.

Please consider making a gift at Go Fund Me www.gofundme.com/i4ix0 to help Ima pay the mortgage, bills, and buy food for Zozo and I. Searching for a job is all consuming. The cost is approximately $2,200* per month since she is frugal. She has been trying to spread cheer through sharing her thoughts freely by blogging. She has also focused on promoting talented artists with her words. Regardless of your decision, please encourage your friends and family to become regular readers of Ima’s blog. Delight Ima by Friending her on Facebook and Following her on Twitter.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this humble request. All gifts great and small are deeply appreciated. Ima promises to use the funds for necessities like mortgage and food. As soon as she procures employment and pays the bills she will donate to charities the amount that is raised by this effort (it may take a year or two). She will keep you updated on the blog.

Many Purrs,
Tillie & Zozo

PS Translated from Meowlish by Ima.
Note: * = Go Fund Me and Pay Pal extract a small fee for processing the donation.

Attitude of Gratitude.
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Monday, March 5, 2012

BREATHLESS CAT

Zozo is an affectionate cat. The ginger haired tabby likes to cuddle with me on the couch. When she was young she would snuggle under the blanket and lay down outside my right thigh with her head near my knee to sleep, perchance to dream. As you know, felines have outstanding olfactory skills; their noses are extremely sensitive. Unfortunately, this did not work in Zozo’s favor one day. I had consumed some food that caused an excess of methane in my gastrointestinal tract.

She was blissfully sleeping under the blanket when the first discharge occurred. I felt her wake up and take several small inhalations. Zozo relaxed again and a few minutes later another vapor let loose. She jerked to alertness, took a breath, wiggled out of the blanket, jumped onto the floor, gave me a look of horror, and fled from the room. The poor thing had been choked by the fumes. I admit that the fart was quite strong. For several years she did not sleep under the blanket next to me. Her memory of that terrible smell remains vivid. Tillie, muted calico troublemaker, runs from the room and returns when the stink subsides. Momo, now deceased calico kitty, never reacted to the stench; perhaps her nose wasn’t as attuned as she aged.

When my childhood dog, Toto, would pass gas she would blame the closest human. She would sniff the air and give the person a disdainful accusatory look. After consuming a bird her farts would be awful. I’m sure the air color turned a bit green from what exited her rear end. The adage of “SBD” silent but deadly could be applied to that cute fuzzy creature’s airy creations.

Pass the Beano!
© 2012 Ima B. Musing

Monday, December 26, 2011

BITS BE GONE, DAY FOUR & BEYOND

Please read the beginning part of this adventure that began on Day One posted December 19th and Day Two/Three posted on December 21st. This is the third and final entry.

Tillie was almost back to normal on the fourth day. I could tell that she was uncomfortable but the doctor advised against painkillers since she would probably overexert herself. Pain slows her down. If she were crying, I would definitely procure some pain medication. However, she would probably spit out the pills like Zozo.

I took off the boxes blocking the low jumps. Tillie quickly leapt on the warm radiator to sleep in the sunshine and look outside. I kept boxes on the tables in an attempt to keep her from high jumps and no stairs until the fifth day. Tillie was thrilled to be able to have access to the basement again. The wound looks okay but sore. She has been licking it but not excessively. I will continue to check it several times a day to make certain that she doesn’t open the wound or make it leak. The wound has an internal mound the size of a pinto bean but that is due to the suture glue they used instead of stitches.

I really ought to take her in for a check-up with my regular vet but I can’t afford the visit. She is playing with Zozo and running amok so I’m not too worried anymore. I’m sure her belly is chilly since the hair is so short. She is eating a lot to grow hair and heal. I’m relieved that she is okay and that there will be no more horny episodes to experience. I really didn’t like to have her butt in my face and neither did Zozo. I meant to get her operated upon over a year ago but delayed until I procured a job, heavy sigh.

Spaying or neutering is a necessity. A fully reproductive feline can produce 11 million offspring within nine years if they all survive and mate according to the Kindest Cut. ELEVEN MILLION CATS, wowza! I’ve never had to buy a kitten or cat because people willingly give them away. People constantly offer me cats but I decline since two critters at a time is adequate. Animal Humane Societies and other nonprofit shelters have an array of animals needing a home. I’ve been fortunate that all three have been mostly healthy. Momo didn’t get ill until the end of life, Zozo had leg issues at the age of one year but healed, and Tillie had the stomach upset this summer. Taking care of animals isn’t free but they give a lot in return. They certainly assist me with reducing anxiety and increasing amusement.

Oh, what we do for the furry bundles of love…
© 2011 Ima B. Musing

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

FELINE EQUAL TIME

I am so sick and tired of dogs hogging the limelight. It is not the animal’s fault but the humans involved. Canines get more attention from the media, larger section at the pet store, frequent veterinary appointments, and public adoration. I love dogs AND I love cats. They are both special for different reasons. I grew up with a dog in the house and cats outside on the farm.

There are so many myths floating around about cats. Two cats share my abode, Zozo and Tillie, Momo died last year. I’ve written about their antics in previous blogs. My felines are very affectionate and expressive. They want to cuddle and be in the same room with me. They cry when I shut the bathroom door with them on the other side. I can understand a lot from the tone of their vocalizations, aka Meow-lish. They display a range of expression on their furry faces and body language. People who distain cats should spend three days with some affectionate felines and perhaps their hearts will open.

No, I am not into spoiling or pampering my cats. I am a servant for their companionship. I make certain that they have regular veterinary appointments, good food, fresh water, cleaned out litter box, trim their nails monthly (much to their chagrin), toys, space to run around, and affection. They are spayed and keep their front nails (they have never damaged furniture). I do indulge their tummy rub request at least once per day. Visitors to our home give the cats treats and that makes the felines happy to greet guests. They stay inside because it is safer in an urban environment.

I really want a dog but cannot afford one until I am gainfully employed. Plus, dogs are so social that they need at least two people around and I’m single. If I could take the canine to work with me or could afford to drop it off at doggy “day care” a couple times per week, I would definitely add a canine or two to our home. I’m sure that Zozo and Tillie would have fun with a pet puppy.

Cats are cool.
© 2011 Ima B. Musing

Monday, September 19, 2011

POST ONE HUNDRED

Wowza! This is my one hundredth post as a blogger. I have had a lot to write since casting my words onto the Internet in January 2010. I am grateful to people around the world who read this blog; I strive to make the entries interesting and post on a regular basis.

I’m just an opinioned 40-something single female residing in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA. I grew up in a small farming community and moved to the metro area for post-secondary education. My life is rather boring except for the odd antics of my two cats, Zozo and Tillie. I enjoy gardening, reading, and all things creative. Self-declared political perennial with social-liberal and fiscal-moderate leanings that votes in every election. I’ve actively volunteered on numerous campaigns and for special causes, though I have never desired to run for an elected position.

I’m an “actionist” I volunteer, give in-kind gifts, and donate money to non-profit organizations (NGOs). Per example, due to my current restricted financial status, in addition to volunteering on a weekly basis, I have been donating extra produce from my garden to others. My family does not reside nearby so I help friends, neighbors, and strangers. I am compelled to assist; I cannot stand idly by and watch others suffer. I have been trained in emergency response, first aid, and carry a disaster response kit in my auto. I do what I can until someone with more training arrives. I am a citizen of this planet and it is my duty to help.

I worked my own way through college (no scholarships or help from family), saved money to buy an auto, paid off enormous student loans, saved money for a house, and now am in huge debt with an abode that is losing value. I love being in a home with a small yard but I worry about the mortgage payment and repairs on the nearly hundred-year-old structure. I generally work for non-profit or educational agencies but have been without a job since July 2010. It is quite disconcerting to seek employment for so long. I have sent out nearly three hundred resumes and been on nine interviews. I possess education and experience but “No” is the consistent reply. I worry that I will lose my home if I don’t find a job soon. I want to work. I have had to delay home repairs, eyeglasses, dental work, auto repairs, and spaying the cat. I only purchase absolute necessities and fear a financial catastrophe. Even my underwear has holes…

Animistic Universalistic with a dash of Atheism is my spiritual outlook. I don’t think that any organized religious sect can state that it has all the answers. I’m a geek with some social skills. Alas, no beau at this time. I always expected to be a parent but don’t want to do it on my own. Since I’m over 40, my hopes for marriage and children have dimmed. I don’t mind being alone but sometimes I feel lonely. It would be wonderful to at least be dating a nice man. I’m plump and sassy but not always happy. I strive to remain positive in a world that dwells on the negative.

I consider myself fortunate, even though life isn’t what I expected. What I write is real, my personal memoir. I only use a pseudonym because I know a couple bloggers who have been harassed. Since I live on my own and am seeking a job, I can’t take that risk. Please feel free to give feedback about my opinions. I’d be most honored if you would join as a Follower on Blogger, friend me on Facebook, and connect via Twitter. I enjoy learning about your life, too.

Thanks and please continue reading!
© 2011

Thursday, September 15, 2011

BOOKWORM REVIEW: VOLUME I, ISSUE EIGHT

Spiral by Paul McEuen Four and a half worms
Complicated thriller focused on biological weapons of mass destruction. Bio-technology WMDs pose a frighteningly possible scenario. Intelligently written with multifarious plot twists. Cornell University is glorified but the romance elements were not nauseating.

Sheepish by Catherine Friend Three worms
Funny in a healthy, platonic, non-gross sort of way. Farming is a soulful experience. Sheep and wool product promotion usurp the story. She never states if Muffin’s operation was a success or not, I hope it was and that everyone is healthy now.

The Secret History of the Mongol Queens by Jack Weatherford Three worms
Interesting tale about the leadership of the females while the males get all the credit (no surprise). The first half of the book was fascinating but then it became mottled in histology. He stitched together as much fact as possible.

Private Patient by P.D. James Three worms
Foretelling of the upcoming story spoiled the first few chapters. Stiff upper lip is more like a stone upper lip featuring characters without much emotion. Exquisite examination of the internal mind of the characters but lacked heart, why care about unsympathetic people? A bit heavy with literary references and philosophical inquiry. Romances were tidy and with little emotion, like the rest of the book.

Cat in a Topaz Tango by Carole Nelson Douglas Two worms
Better than most serial mystery writers. Well developed writing skills though it can be difficult to follow whom is speaking during dialogue. The cat provides a unique narrative with human-like thoughts. Saboteur was easy to determine early in the book. Overweight people are never portrayed in a positive manner. The secondary story was distracting. What happened to Gloria’s injured wrist? Editor should have caught these errors because it could have earned another worm.

Five worms is top of the bookshelf! Most recent review was posted on August 15th.

Curl up with a book (paper or e-version), and a cat on your lap.
© 2011

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

CAT TAILS

The cats are not allowed upstairs. The have freedom to roam the basement and first floor but not the second level. Houseplants are upstairs during the cool season and could cause problems for the feline gastro-intestinal track. Plus, the office is upstairs and was off-limits to Mo due to her OCD. Yes, Mo was obsessive-compulsive. She was compelled to eat paper, especially newspaper.

She had always occasionally nibbled on the edge of newspapers and paperwork since she entered my home. A couple years ago Mo ate half a newspaper while I was gone on holiday. I called the veterinarian and he assured me that she would be okay as long as the newspaper was digesting. She drank a lot of water but it all came out in the end. Into the litter box.

As a result, paperwork ended up in my office. Otherwise, it had to be placed inside a plastic bag (usually the clear bag from the newspaper) to ensure Mo would not eat it. Sometimes she managed to open the bag and eat the paper anyway. Since she died in May I don’t have to do this anymore. Zozo doesn’t seem to care about newspaper but she will eat plants. I suppose it is a good habit for me to keep paperwork in the office. I would be tempted to leave it lying about the house and paperwork tends to reproduce itself when left unattended. I don’t know if the new kitten, Tillie, will have the urge to chew newspaper or plants. She’s only 10 weeks old and likes to chew on a cardboard box and her tail.
© 2010