Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Festive Bloopers

Hello and happy Friday, friends! It's time for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, and we'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. My summer bucket list includes _________ and _________.

2. _________ was one of the best summers that I ever had.

3. I'm getting ready for _________ by _________.

4. _________ immediately makes me _________.


My answers are below in bold. As always, my answers are also accompanied by excessive amounts of rambling. My apologies.

1. My summer bucket list includes reading lots of books and finishing writing my own weird book.
(I bought and downloaded a bunch of new e-books when Amazon informed me my old Kindle was being aged out and would no longer be able to download new books. I can still read whatever was already on there, so I loaded it up a couple months ago before it was officially cut off. So now I have a ton of new books I'm really excited to read and hope to get through quite a few this summer. And, as always, I've been working on writing my own weird and wacky story, a fantasy tale that co-stars a hind limb paralyzed kitty much like my Evan. I've been making better progress on it than ever before, and writing it makes me genuinely happy. As has always been my dream since I was a kid, I'm writing these stories as an entire book series, so I hope to finish the first book and start on the second this summer.)

2. Any summer with lots of reading was one of the best summers that I ever had.
(As a kid, I used summer and its no school and therefore no homework situation to read a ton of books. I'd also write my own weird stories on my summer breaks, but this answer is all about reading. There were multiple summers when I was a kid that included the released of a new Harry Potter book, and as a huge fan of Harry Potter I always read those on the day they came out. I have wonderful summer memories of nestling in on the couch with my sweet calico angel Rosie and reading a new Harry Potter book.)

3. I'm getting ready for Halloween by creating spooky art.
(I've first and foremost been going through all of my old summertime spooky drawings, but also my old doodles from actual Halloween seasons. These older drawings have really been inspiring me to plan out this year's spooky doodles, both for the summer and autumn. I can already envision quite a few I want to draw, and I plan on at least outlining a couple of them this weekend. I've also been inspired by seeing all the Halloween decor stores have already been releasing, and at least one or two of my upcoming drawings will be based on some of those pieces I've seen.)

4. A person speaking poorly of animals immediately makes me dislike said person.
(I know not everyone loves animals as much as I do, or as much as you all do. Not everyone wants or even should have an animal in their home or life, and I'm more than okay with that. But, it's when someone goes out of their way to talk down to animals or refer to them in derogatory ways that immediately makes me want to get out of the person's presence and never interact with them again.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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Yesterday was halfway to Christmas. To celebrate, Eddy wanted to share a photo of her sitting on her kitty Christmas blanket. It doesn't matter if it's summer. Eddy will still gladly snooze on her soft and cozy Christmas blankie. You can also sort of see her year round Christmas tree behind her chair in this photo.

That photo there is surprisingly non-blurry for Eddy. That said, you better believe Eddy has an outtake from this festive photo shoot to share. Which is perfect, since it's now time for the Pet Photo Fails Blog Hop, hosted by none other than Melissa and Mudpie of Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries, & Meows.

Eddy is indeed our resident blooper queen, so she of course has a blurry shot for you all.

Merry halfway to Christmas!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is one I scribbled up for halfway to Christmas a couple years ago. It was inspired by Eddy and her beloved year round Christmas tree.

Though Eddy doesn't climb the tree as often as she did when she was younger, she still loves hanging out with it by her favorite window.

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Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip for strays and ferals relates to the trap-neuter-release (TNR) practice. TNR is crucial for keeping the feral cat population under control, as well as keeping individual ferals as safe and healthy as possible. This being said, always keep the weather and environment in mind when embarking on a TNR effort.

The summer heat can of course pose an extreme danger to cats being trapped. Potentially fatal overheating or heat stroke can occur if a cat is trapped and left sitting in the trap in the sun. In addition to this, traps are often made of metal, which means that if these traps are sitting on a hot surface, such as asphalt, the trap as well as the cat inside can overheat in this way as well. To combat such issues, try to trap and thereafter keep ferals in the shade. After they are trapped, do not leave the cats sitting out in the sun and heat, but instead transfer them somewhere cool as soon as possible. Also keep in mind the cats' safety when transporting them. For example, as you all surely know, the interior of a car can quickly become like a deadly oven in the summer months, so do not leave any animals, including trapped ferals, inside hot cars.

TNR is of course a very important practice for the safety and well-being of feral cats. That doesn't mean there aren't risks to the cats, though, and that includes the weather. So, if you are assisting in the significant task of trapping ferals, of course always ensure the cats' safety in all weather.

A Throwback Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! As always, Thimble is here and ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

I often find myself going through old photos. I have hundreds and hundreds and probably thousands and thousands of pictures of my kitties, and so I have lots of options to look at. Today, Thimble is grateful that even in these flashback photos, and no matter what pose she struck, she has always been adorable.

That photo is indeed a throwback that was taken many years ago. I can't remember why Thimble gave me that look, but she's an incredibly sweet and docile and unbothered little lady, so I know it was nothing as serious as it looks. Either way, Thimble is downright adorable.

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Now, of course, we have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. My summer bucket list includes _________ and _________.

2. _________ was one of the best summers that I ever had.

3. I'm getting ready for _________ by _________.

4. _________ immediately makes me _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today we have yet another spooky summertime doodle, this one starring none other than Thimble. And yet another ghostly feline friend, of course.

I know today is halfway to Christmas, and Eddy has a flashback doodle to share for that tomorrow. So, she'll be getting festive in a less spooky way.

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Tip of the Day

We're continuing on with our tips on summer safety for outdoor strays and ferals. Today we're moving on to the topic of food. When feeding furbabies outdoors, you of course have to take into consideration the heat of summer. Food can spoil in extreme heat, as you all surely know. Dry food is often the best one to feed strays and ferals on hot days. After all, moist food will spoil far more quickly, and will also quickly dry out in the sun and heat. You can try adding additional water to moist food to keep it from drying out too quickly, but even this method won't be able to combat the heat for long. No matter what type of food you feed to strays and ferals, do try to keep it in a shaded area or under a shaded shelter. What's more, remove old food and offer fresh food as often as is possible and needed.

It's also worth noting that though dry food is easier and safer to feed to outdoor cats in the heat, you still have to take precautions. Not only can dry food lose its freshness and safe status in the heat, but also think of instances such as rainy days. Dry food that gets wet will swell, become unappetizing, and can easily spoil if not cleaned up. So, when feeding dry or even moist food, of course keep in mind not only the heat, but other environmental factors such as rain. All in all, keep those strays and ferals healthy this summer with fresh food that is in the shade and protected from spoilage and other issues as best as possible.

Adventures with Angel Astrid and Her Trash Can

I love going through old photos of my sweet angel pup Astrid. Obviously I'd much rather still have her here with me, but since that's unfortunately not the case, it brings me bittersweet joy to go through these memories of her. Some of my favorite photos were from all of the fun walks we took.

On this particular day, I remember thinking it would be funny to get a shot of the trash can in that there park. After all, that's where I many, many times tossed Astrid's bagged up goodies.

That's probably such a random memory and photo to have, but I'm honestly glad I snapped it. It involves a trash can, but even that trash can has memories to offer of my sweet Astrid.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's spookyish flashback doodle was scribbled up a few years ago, and it was inspired by the fact that I enjoy watching horror movies in the summer, and all year round. I don't just enjoy a good scare at Halloween.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is another one about water. Since water is such a crucial aspect of survival, especially in the heat of summer, we thought we'd give it one last hoorah. Today, we're specifically talking about water bowls.

Water bowl preference can of course play a part in any cat's life. We've talked before about whisker fatigue, for example, and how this often causes cats to prefer wider bowls, as these won't cause them to bump their whiskers while getting a drink. That being said, though, when it comes to offering water outdoors in the heat, keep in mind how the shape and size of the water bowl can play a part. For example, did you know that evaporation happens more rapidly when water has a large surface area? This is why water in wide, shallow bowls will evaporate relatively quickly in the heat. To combat this, try to offer water in bowls that are narrower and deeper. Of course, do try to ensure that the bowl is not so narrow that it makes drinking impossible or difficult, but also try to ensure that a bowl has a decent chance of combating evaporation.

In addition, consider the material out of which the bowl is made. This one can be a bit tough when it comes to offering water to strays and ferals to hot and sunny days. We've talked before about how stainless steel bowls are often a good choice over plastic bowls, since plastic bowls can get scratched and thereby more easily harbor microbes. But, as you all surely know, metallic surfaces can get pretty darn hot in the summer heat. Especially if a bowl is in the sun or on a hot surface, a metallic bowl might not only cause the water to become uncomfortably warm, but the bowl itself might also become painfully hot to the touch. This is best prevented if the bowl is placed in a cool, shaded area. You can also, if possible and safe, try using sturdy glassware as outdoor bowls. This is of course only reasonable if breakage is unlikely to occur, though, as broken glass is indeed a danger.

In short, take anything and everything possible into consideration when trying to help strays and ferals remain safe in the summer heat. This does indeed include their water bowls. Aim for bowls that will prevent rapid evaporation, but that will also be easy and safe out of which to drink.

Tonks Tuesday: Non-Blanket Naps

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico has a couple of flashback photos to share. These are from right around a year ago, when I snapped photos of her resting on my laptop case. Though Tonks loves blankets, she also really enjoys plenty of non-blanket naps in things like boxes or, of course, on laptop cases.

Last spring and summer, Tonks got to spend lots of naps on that laptop case. After all, the laptop was rarely at home since it was constantly at a local computer shop for repairs. It wasn't even that the laptop wasn't working right, as all the programs and everything worked fine. It's just that it kept literally coming apart at the seams.

Turns out, though, that the shop I kept taking my laptop to was actually doing more damage than good. It wasn't until my laptop started coming apart for something like the half dozenth time, each time worse than the previous, that I found another computer shop to take it to. This new shop immediately knew what repair really needed done, and since they worked on it I've had no issues whatsoever with my laptop.

Don't worry, though, because Tonks still gets to nap on the case whenever my laptop isn't in it. I sometimes have to find somewhere else safe to keep my laptop, as I refuse to take Tonks off of the case if she's on it. The kitties are the bosses, of course.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Here's yet another spooky summertime doodle from a couple years ago, this one starring Tonks and a friendly feline ghost.

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Tip of the Day

Today's summer safety tip for strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies revolves around water. Water is, as you certainly know, incredibly important for all life. It's especially important for staying hydrated and cool in the summer heat. That being said, today we have some quite logical albeit important tips for helping strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies stay hydrated this summer.

Not only is it important to keep water in a shaded area or shaded shelter, as we mentioned yesterday, but it's also important to keep fresh water available in abundance. Especially in the summer heat, it is not possible to offer too much water. Strays and ferals may very well drink, and need to drink, far more water in the heat. Not to mention, water can evaporate very quickly in the heat. For these reasons, try to offer extra bowls of water.

Furthermore, try to keep those bowls of water as fresh and clean as possible. Refill them as often as you can, and clean them as needed. Bugs, leaves, and all sorts of other outdoor debris can find their way into water bowls. Sometimes cats and other animals may be unable to or unwilling to drink from a bowl that has debris floating in it or that is in another way dirty. In some cases, it's also unhealthy and dangerous to drink water that has been contaminated by certain debris. So, do try to keep those bowls and the water inside them fresh and clean.

For extra chill in that water, and perhaps even to give it a bit tad bit more ability to combat evaporation in the heat, you can also try putting ice cubes in the water bowls that are available to strays and ferals. Of course, do keep in mind the furbabies' preferences when doing this. Some animals will not drink from water that has something floating in it, so if this is the case, then refrain from putting ice cubes in at least some water bowls.

All in all, never forgot that fresh, clean water can of course be crucial to comfort and survival in the summer heat. So, offer lots and lots of water for those strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies. What's more, keep an eye on those water bowls, and try to ensure that they remain full and free of debris.

Mancat Monday: A Rare Sunny Day

It's Mancat Monday, and Evan wants to show off some of the sun he got to enjoy in between storms over the weekend.

Saturday was our only day of full sun in roughly the past week or so, and Evan enjoyed it immensely.

Evan and all of us here wish you all lots of sunshine!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're continuing to share spooky summertime doodles I've scribbled up in the past. This one was from a couple years ago and of course stars my boy Evan.

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Tip of the Day

We are working through a series of tips on how to keep strays, ferals, and other outdoor furbabies safe and sound in the summer heat. We began this series of tips by discussing the importance of offering shaded areas, where outdoor cats or even dogs can stay cool. In this same line of thought, today we want to remind you to put necessities for outdoor furbabies in said shade. Whether you have shaded areas beneath trees or bushes, a table that offers shade, a summer shelter that offers shade, or something else similar, be sure that you place food and water in those shaded areas. This will ensure that animals outdoors can have food and water that is as cool and fresh as possible, and that they can eat and drink out of the sun.

In addition, try to offer somewhere comfortable for strays, ferals, and outdoor furbabies to rest in their shaded area. For example, you can place bedding or even a chair in the shade, so that strays and ferals can get comfortable while also remaining as cool as possible. Then again, keep in mind that many furbabies will not want to sleep on blankets or other potentially insulating material in the heat. So, also take this into consideration, and make sure that shaded shelter truly allows for cool and cozy safety and relaxation. All in all, in the hot summer months, don't just offer shade to strays and ferals, but also food, water, and other necessities in that shade.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Glamour Shot

Hello, friends! I'm sorry for yet another terribly late post. I've been helping my parents with one of their sick kitties. She's seemingly having a pancreatitis flare, which isn't too surprising given that she's one of their diabetic cats. She's also a bit difficult to medicate and so I've been helping them dose her up. But, here we are now!

It is indeed Friday, and it is indeed time for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'd love for you to join us. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. Let's bring back _________.

2. _________ is the new _________.

3. I appreciate that my local area _________.

4. _________ is my least favorite part about where I live.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Let's bring back the '90s.
(I grew up in the '90s. I existed in the '80s for all of 8 months, but I feel like a '90s kid because that's when most of my true childhood took place. And I'm so glad that's when I got to be a kid. No cell phones. Clunky computers with dial-up internet. Toys like Polly Pockets and Furbies. Playing in the sprinkler in the summer, riding bikes around the neighborhood, and catching fireflies at dusk. Though I know there are kids living in my neighborhood these days, I almost never see or hear them playing outside. I miss the '90s, just like I know a lot of people out there miss the '80s and other decades of the past.)

2. Staying home is the new going out.
(I saw someone around my age say this recently, referring to how they used to like going out but now prefer to spend their evenings and weekends at home. I can't really relate to this that much, as I've always been a homebody. But, during my high school years I did sometimes go hang out with friends and the like, and now when someone invites me somewhere I find a way to gently turn them down. Because I truly just love being home.)

3. I appreciate that my local area has dedicated meteorologists.
(This wasn't originally going to be my answer, but given this week's scary storms I'm going to give these guys a shoutout. They're the guys on the Central Illinois channel WCIA. I mentioned in yesterday's post how our state had a number of devastating tornadoes on Thursday, and our meteorologists streamed live for hours, and one of them did his usual storm chasing and providing warnings of oncoming tornadoes to affected areas as he went. They made national news and have been commended for their dedication to keeping our local area as safe and prepared as possible during tornadoes and other storms.)

4. Tornado season is my least favorite part about where I live.
(It's been a really rough tornado season in lots of areas this year. Living in Illinois means I'm used to tornado watches and warnings and funnel clouds and rotation and actual tornado sightings. A tornado hit the edge of my actual town last week, and while we only got peripheral wind we were out of power for nearly 48 hours. And this week areas just a bit south of us were hit with damaging tornadoes. I know we're not the only ones affected by this, and I again send my thoughts and prayers to anyone affected by inclement weather.)

Now it's your turn!

To add your link to the Friendly Fill-Ins Linky list, just click HERE!

You can also click on the badge below to add your link.

You are also welcome to complete the fill-ins in the comments below,

or in the comments on Ellen's blog, 15andmeowing.

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Are you ready for your Eddy fix? It's a bright and shiny glamour shot. Here you go!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We're sharing yet another spooky summertime doodle from last year. This one of course stars Eddy, whose favorite chair I Halloweenified in this drawing.

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Tip of the Day

Not too long ago, we gave some tips all about summer safety for our furbabies. Given that we're experiencing some real summer weather, we feel compelled to give even more summer tips. These tips, however, will be more focused on how to help stray, feral, or other outdoor furbabies remain safe and healthy in the heat of summer.

Let's begin with a simple yet crucial way to help strays and ferals stay cool in the summer. And that is, please try to ensure they always have access to shade. Staying out of the sun is crucial for preventing overheating, heat stroke, sunburn, and all other such dangers. For this reason, try to make sure that strays and ferals in your area have somewhere shaded to stay in the heat of the day. This can be as simple as natural shade in a safe area, such as beneath trees or bushes that are away from the street and other dangers. Access to the area beneath a deck can also allow for shade, as well as areas beneath outdoor tables and other similar objects. You can even place a giant umbrella outside, under which strays and ferals can keep cool on hot and sunny days.

If you're feeling crafty or handy, you can even build a summer shelter. Then again, you can also purchase one, as there are many options available on the market. The important thing about any summer shelter for strays and ferals is that it should remain shaded but also cool, such as by being open and airy. Do not use an enclosed shelter that will insulate heat, like those better suited for winter weather, as a stray or feral would of course not be able to use such a shelter in order to stay cool on a hot summer day. So, to help those furbabies outdoors stay cool this summer, please ensure they have somewhere shaded to chill out.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Tornado Season

Hello, friends! I'm glad it's time for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blop Hop.

Today, I am immensely grateful that we ended up safe and secure from the storms and tornadoes that devastated parts of the Midwest last night. We live in Central Illinois. For many days they forecasted that our county would be right in the bullseye of the storms that blew through yesterday. However, the morning storms that were projected to bring us wind gusts up to 100 mph ended up weakening. We did get thunder, lightning, and torrential downpours, but we're used to that and got nothing of real concern. I'm not an expert and so can't explain it, but the change in our morning storms caused the forecasted evening storms to shift south of us.

That all said, it's hard to be too thankful when those south of us, who were not expecting the worst of the storms, ended up with some pretty major damage and destruction from multiple tornadoes. Most of my extended family live south of us, and multiple of them experienced side effects from terrifying tornadoes. While none of their homes were majorly damaged, some of them are now without power, and other parts of their towns are devastated and filled with debris. Late last night, one of the towns that was hit worst, and where one of my uncles and cousins live, has declared a state of emergency.

I am sending thoughts and prayers to anyone who was affected by yesterday's storms.

We thought we would be doing lots of hiding last night.

But turns out no hiding was needed on our part.

As for yesterday's storms, our local meteorologists always stream live during the entirety of major storms in order to keep us informed. One of them even drives around, for hours on end if needed, to follow the storms and show what's happening outside. Because of that, I was watching live footage of the tornadoes last night. It was terrifying just seeing it on my phone, so I cannot image what all those affected by them were feeling, thinking, or overall going through during those storms.

Again, my thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. At least a couple injuries have been reported, but so far I do not believe there have been any deaths reported. I truly hope it remains that way, and I pray that all those injured or otherwise impacted can properly recover.

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We now have the fill-in statements for tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. Let's bring back _________.

2. _________ is the new _________.

3. I appreciate that my local area _________.

4. _________ is my least favorite part about where I live.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Because I'm nothing if not a broken record, I'll again say that I'm in a spooky mood. This happens pretty much every summer, as I await my favorite season of autumn and my beloved holiday that is Halloween. So, most summers I end up scribbling up spooky doodles. I have not yet created the ones I want to for this summer (which I guess is fine, since it's not even technically summer yet and so I still have plenty of time), so we're sharing old summertime spooky doodles. Like this one from last year, starring my girl Thimble.

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip regarding bringing home a new furbaby is about microchips. If you adopt a furbaby from a shelter or rescue, they sometimes will have already implanted a microchip in your new kitty or pup. If this is the case, ensure that you know how to register the microchip with your information, and that you of course actually do so. If a cat or dog adopted from a shelter or rescue does not have a microchip placed, then do consider having one placed by your veterinarian, and, again, properly registering it.

In the case that you directly rescue a furbaby without a third party, such as if the cat or dog is found as a stray, then first have it microchip scanned at a local shelter, rescue group, or veterinary office that has a microchip scanner. This can help ensure that the furbaby does not belong to someone who is looking for them. In the event that no owner is found and you choose to adopt the furbaby, then, again, certainly consider having a microchip implanted, and register it with your contact information.

Also be sure that you understand the renewal process of your furbaby's microchip. Many microchips require yearly renewal, but again, be sure to you do your research on the exact microchip that is implanted in your cat or dog. Also make sure that your information, as well as that of your furbaby, is updated as needed in the microchip company's records. If you move, update the address attached to your furbaby's microchip. The same goes for if you have a change of phone number, of any other detail that corresponds with the microchip.

Implanting and keeping a microchip updated can help ensure that, should your furbaby get lost, a microchip scan would still lead back them to you. Today's tip was technically part of our series about adopting a new furbaby, but microchips are relevant and important for any and all furbabies. No one wants to think about what could happen should their furbaby escape and get lost. Should that ever happen, though, a microchip would give them a far better chance of returning to you.