Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Snow Day

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're ready 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. I am glad I got rid of _________.

2. I wish I had kept _________.

3. _________ would be _________ if _________.

4. _________ is too close for comfort.


My answers are below in bold, and are of course accompanied by my usual rambling.

1. I am glad I got rid of social media apps on my phone.
(I admittedly did keep Instagram on my phone, as I enjoy looking at quick photos of cats and the like on occasion. But, I don't have Facebook or any other social media apps on my phone, and it helps me feel so much less bombarded. My phone is essentially always with me, and I used to constantly get notifications and distractions from it. Now I get very little of that, and it makes me feel far less overwhelmed.)

2. I wish I had kept my Teddy Ruxpin cassette tapes.
(Does anyone know what Teddy Ruxpin is? He's an animatronic, storytelling teddy bear that came out in the '80s. Here, let me show you with a photo I took a few weeks ago when I stumbled across my Teddy Ruxpin.

One of my uncles gifted me one when I was a toddler. You can stick little cassette tapes into him, and that will prompt him to tell stories. As a kid, those stories brought me so much entertainment, happiness, and peace. I'd honestly love to hear the stories he tells again, but I can't currently find his cassette tapes. Truth be told, I'm almost positive I still have the cassette tapes, but I think they got shuffled in with some items stored in my garage, and with the heat of summer and cold of winter that the garage is subjected to, I assume that even if I find them, they probably don't work anymore. So, I guess my true answer to this fill-in is that I wish I'd simply kept my Teddy Ruxpin cassette tapes safe.)

3. Medicating Evan would be easier if he didn't rage pee.
(I'll begin my saying that I'm more than happy to medicate my sweet orange boy. He gets 4 to 5 medications per day, and they all keep his health issues at bay and ultimately make him a happy boy. That said, he's not a fan of the act of getting medicated. He's not aggressive, though. At least, he's not aggressive with his teeth or claws. Oftentimes, Evan will try to aim a nice stream urine at me when I'm medicating him. I started calling this rage pee awhile back, and it stuck, especially once my family even started calling it that. When Evan is feeling unhappy about the injustices of being medicated, he rage pees. He also sometimes rage poops, in case you were curious.)

4. Astrid and Evan's 11th birthdays are too close for comfort.
(I don't want to fear celebrating my pup and kitties and their birthdays, but I'd be lying if I said them aging didn't scare me and make me constantly worry. Astrid's birthday is in February and Evan's is in April. They're my two oldest and will indeed both be 11, and I'm so happy and grateful for every year I've had and will have with them. The bigger numbers just sometimes bring about some anxiety.)

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? We're sure you are. Today, Eddy is enjoying the snowy view out the window.

Eddy loves snowy days. She seems to just really enjoy watching the white stuff fall from the sky. She also enjoys watching the birds and squirrels munch on the food I toss into the yard for them.

We know a lot of you are also experiencing some kind of winter weather these days, so we're hoping you all stay safe and warm!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's winter safety tip regards none other than frozen water. If you and your furbaby go out for walks, be careful of frozen ponds, lakes, and so forth. If you live or walk in an area where there is any sort of body of water, be very careful that you are aware of its location. Snow and ice can easily camouflage the frozen surface of water, beneath which danger awaits. To be better safe than sorry, simply avoid walking in areas where you know or think there are ponds, lakes, or any body of water. It is of course also safest to keep your walking pup or kitty on a leash and near to you, so that they cannot stray far and inadvertently find themselves on or in frozen water. A white winter scene can be beautiful, but it can also hold many dangers. Be aware of these dangers, and plan walks and other activities with your furbaby accordingly.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Sunny Days

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

Today, Thimble and all of us here are grateful that, for the first time in many days, we got to enjoy some sunshine.

Thimble of course took her post in the prized window on sunny days.

We're also, of course, thankful for friends like all of you. Warm wishes to all!

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Now, let's share 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. I am glad I got rid of _________.

2. I wish I had kept _________.

3. _________ would be _________ if _________.

4. _________ is too close for comfort.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Especially if you live in an area prone to snow, ice, wind, and other wintry goodness, do be sure to think ahead and plan for any related emergencies. For example, should a blizzard be expected to blow through and potentially leave you snowed in, ensure that, prior to the winter storm, you stock up on your furbaby's food, medications, and other necessities. Another potential winter weather emergency includes power outages. One thing to help combat that is of a course a generator. If you have a generator, do be sure to have it checked as needed, to ensure its functionality and safety. Not everyone can or does have a generator, though, and in this case, make sure you take other precautions to prep for potential power outages in the winter. Again, of course, make sure you are stocked up on your kitty or pup's food, medications, and so forth. Also have blankets at the ready. If you have a fireplace, have it regularly checked, cleaned, and rendered safe for use. A fireplace can of course be perfect source of heat in the event of a power outage, but it should be checked for safety, and should of course also be set up so that no furbabies can reach or be injured by the fire. Also, if there are safe places to put them well out of the reach of furbabies, candles being lit throughout the house could also potentially lend a bit of heat.

In some cases, especially in the event of lengthy power outages, it may be necessary to find a warm place to stay away from your powerless, cold home. If this is the case, ensure that you again have food, medications, and all necessities properly prepared for your kitty or pup. Then, of course, it is crucial to find somewhere that is pet-friendly for your furbaby to stay. This could be a hotel that is pet-friendly, or a family or friend's home where your furbaby is allowed, and that is also a pet-safe home. If necessary, such as if you cannot find a hotel or home that is pet-friendly for the duration of your home's power outage, you could also look into a pet boarding facility that you trust, and that of course has power and heat. During the winter months, snow, ice, and wind can wreak all sorts of havoc, so do be sure to consider how this could affect your furbaby, and have plans in the event of potential winter emergencies.

Adventures with Astrid: To Grandmother's House We Go

Pup Astrid wanted to let you all know how abused and neglected she was over the past couple of days. This girl has only been getting to go on 5 to 10 or so minute walks, and sometimes those outings have simply been a quick little jaunt over to her grandma and grandpa's house.

Can you believe this abuse? This is the pout Astrid gave her grandma and grandpa when we got to their house. This pup sure does love her grandma and grandpa, but she would prefer to visit them after a long, adventurous walk.

There is something Astrid isn't telling you, though.

We had subzero temperatures from Sunday through most of yesterday. That's why Astrid's walks were so short. I promise we weren't withholding her long walks for no reason. It didn't seem all that safe to take her on her usual walks when the temperature outside was nearly -10°F, with even colder wind chills. We just couldn't get this poor girl to understand that.

Don't worry, though, because Astrid is finally back to her usual walks. It finally went back over 0°F yesterday, and we've now finally hit double digits again for the first time in days. Astrid is thrilled. She loves winter, and cold weather is her jam, but more so, she loves her a good, long walk.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's winter tip is one that you often hear in the summer, but that also goes for the winter months, and that is to never leave your pup or kitty alone in the car. Just like the inside of a car can get fatally hot in the summer months, the inside of a car can get far too cold in the winter for a furbaby to remain inside. Should you need to run errands where your furbaby is not allowed, leave them home where it is warm. Another option, should your furbaby for some reason need to be along when you run errands, is to bring someone along who can sit with them in the warm car.

In this same line of thought, if your furbaby is in need of a car ride, prepare the car for this. Should a vet visit be in store in the winter months, for example, warm the car before taking your furbaby outside for a ride. As we all know, a cold car is an uncomfortable place to be. So, try to ensure that your furbaby does not have to feel this discomfort.

Tonks Tuesday: Life in Plastic

Tonks decided she wants to share with you all some of the nonsense she has to put up with here at our house. Today's nonsense is made of plastic.

There you can indeed see Tonks resting on a cozy blanket on the couch. But, do you see how her blanket is on top of none other than a plastic shower curtain? Over the years, this particular couch has been the target of all sorts of abuse by certain cats in the house. So, sometimes it finds itself covered in plastic in order to protect it. Classy, huh? I honestly hesitated sharing this photo and these facts, but it's a simple truth at my house with six cats and a giant dog, so there you go.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip is to be careful and cautious with your furbabies when outside in cold weather, and to be aware that our furbabies' tolerances to cold can vary. Some animals are more susceptible to getting cold, such as those with a thin coat or no fur, those who are very young or very old, and those who are ill or in any way compromised. Sometimes, it comes down to the fact that some animals simply tolerate cold better than others. In any extreme weather, such as cold winter days, it is important to keep a very close eye on any animal who is outside. If your pup or kitty is outdoors taking a bathroom break or on a walk, monitor them closely. If you notice any shivering, restlessness or anxiety, or anything out of sorts, get them inside where it's warm.

One simple rule of thumb to follow, especially when in doubt, is that if it's too cold for you, then it's likely too cold for your furbaby. Hypothermia and frostbite can affect our cats and dogs just like it can affect us, so don't risk these medical emergencies. Don't leave your furbabies outdoors in the frigid cold. Do not set out on long walks on cold days, but instead stay close to home and be vigilant regarding your furbaby's comfort, health, and safety. If you care for feral cats or other outdoor animals, try to ensure that they have some form of shelter that is out of the elements and off of the ground. If possible, offer some form of warmth in the outdoor shelter, a topic we very recently discussed.

Mancat Monday: Evan's Winning Smile

It's a very, very cold Monday here in our corner of the world. Evan is happy to be inside, but he's also still happy to sit and watch out his favorite window. Though, he agreed to look away from the window just long enough to give you all his winning smile.

Hm. You can barely see his adorable smile there, huh? Evan decided to remedy that and give you a better look at his smile, so here you go.

Warm wishes to all!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our previous winter tip was to avoid using typical salt, or ice melt, for the sake of the health of your furbaby and their paws. One thing we failed to mention is to take precautions in the event that neighbors' or others' use of salt might affect your kitty or pup. In the event that your furbaby goes on winter walks in areas where salt is used, wipe their paws off when you get home in order to remove as much of the salt or other chemicals as possible. Even if your furbaby does not go outdoors, there is still a chance they can be exposed to salt or other potentially dangerous chemicals, such as by way of your shoes. To help prevent injury or illness due to exposure to or ingestion of salt in this manner, remove your shoes when you get home, or at the very least thoroughly wipe them off. In addition to this, vacuum regularly in order to keep salt and other debris from entering your home, or from trailing through your house. Ice melts can pose health risks to kitties and pups, so avoid their use, but also realize and prevent against the dangers they can pose if they are used by others and out of your control.

There is also another good reason to wipe off those furry feet after going outdoors, and that is to simply remove snow and ice from the paws and the toes they contain. When a dog or cat goes outdoors into the snow, their paw pads, the fur on their feet, and the areas between their toes can all collect snow and ice. This can of course be cold and uncomfortable, so when they come in from outdoors, be sure to wipe off their feet so that they can remain dry and warm. Especially if your furbaby is short or if the snow is deep, also wipe off their belly and anywhere on their body that might have collected cold snow. Also thoroughly wipe off your own feet when you come inside, or remove your shoes, in order to keep the floors dry and warm for your furbaby's paws.

In line with the above thoughts, if your pup or kitty goes on walks, consider taking a dry towel with you when there is snow on the ground. Snow and ice can clump up and get stuck between your furbaby's toes, and those with especially furry feet can attract extra snow and ice on their feet. So, if your furbaby is outdoors for an extended period of time, do consider taking a dry towel with you and removing snow and ice from on and between their toes throughout the walk. This will allow them to remain as dry and comfortable as possible when outdoors in the snow.

Kooky Caturday Art

The title of today's post pretty much sums up this weird one.

Happy Caturday, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip can relate to our own furbabies, as well as ferals, strays, and other animals who live outdoors. When ice comes into play during the winter months, be very cautious when using salt, or ice melt. Most traditional salts on the market contain ingredients that can be toxic and can irritate cats' and dogs' paw pads. Irritation can also occur in the mouth, as well as in the intestinal tract, which is a concern if the animal directly ingests the salt or licks it off of their paws after walking through it. So, for the sake of your furbabies as well as ferals and other outdoor animals, avoid using typical ice melts. Instead, do your research or ask your veterinarian for recommendations on pet-safe ice melts. There are some ice melts on the market that are far more safe than typical salt used for melting ice, but even some labeled as pet-friendly can still contain ingredients that might be questionable. For this reason, it is always important to do your research. You can also opt for other alternatives, such as tossing some sand or other other similar, safe substrate on top of ice that forms in the winter. Sand and other such materials can allow for better traction and reduced slippage on ice, while avoiding chemicals included in many ice melts.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Tree Time

Hello, friends! We're ready 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. Wouldn't it be nice if _________.

2. I don't mind buying used _________.

3. I have a strange habit of _________.

4. I have enough _________ to last a lifetime.

My answers are below in bold.

1. Wouldn't it be nice if our furry friends could live as long as us?
(I wish our kitties, pups, and other furry companions could live forever, or at least live lives as long as the average human. I know I'm not the only one who wishes that were the truth.)

2. I don't mind buying used cars.
(I'm still driving the first I car I ever bought as an adult, and I got it used almost 13 years ago. If buying a used car means paying less for a car that is still in good shape, then a used car it is for me. I've heard horror stories about the current state of the car buying world, though, so I don't know how easy it is to find good used cars these days. But, if and when possible, I'm a used car buyer.)

3. I have a strange habit of intentionally wearing mismatched socks.
(This started out of necessity years ago, when one day I simply couldn't find a matching pair of socks while in a hurry. I grabbed what I could find quickly and so wore mismatched socks that day. For some reason, that started a real trend with me. I don't know if I've worn matching socks since, because I guess I just find it fun for chaos to exist on my feet. I also enjoy wearing a lot of funky socks, and so sometimes one foot will be covered in corgis riding skateboards, and the other will be covered in popcorn. True story.)

4. I have enough syringes to last a lifetime.
(This is such a weird answer, I know. But, as Evan's pile of medication syringes toppled and covered the counter recently, I figured this would be an apt answer for this. Every time I get a new bottle of Evan's gabapentin solution, the vet gives me anywhere from 1 to 3 new syringes to go with it. He's also been on many rounds of antibiotics and other medications that have gifted me with countless other syringes. I also religiously clean and reuse syringes, so that has landed me with dozens upon dozens of syringes in my kitty medication stash. I used to have a fear of running out of syringes, having had multiple furry family members over the years who have needed oral medications, syringe feedings, and that sort of thing. I shouldn't have to worry now, though.)

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? Well, given that Christmas is being deconstructed at our house tomorrow, Eddy wanted to share some final photos of her and beloved Christmas tree. The ones she most recently snapped, though, are bloopers. What's new?

These bloopers are indeed blurry shots of Eddy playing on her cat tree beside her Christmas. Eddy sure loves her trees.

In truth, you don't have to worry about Eddy missing her Christmas tree. Though the red ribbon will be removed from the tree with the season over, Eddy gets to keep her Christmas tree all year round. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this before, but Eddy has greatly loved Christmas trees since kittenhood, and so I put one up in my bedroom for her and decided to just never take it down. I try to decorate it for various holidays, but sometimes Eddy just removes all the decorations, so it's often just a tree getting abused by a cat in the corner of the room.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip relating to the care of ferals and other outdoor cats is to be aware of where you store potentially dangerous products. Antifreeze, for example, is toxic to cats and dogs, as you all certainly know. Make sure that you are not only storing such products well out of the reach of your own indoor kitties and pups, but also well out of the reach of ferals, strays, and even wildlife. Even if you have it in the garage or shed, do consider keeping it tucked well away, such as in a cabinet, so that nothing can reach it. Especially if you have your garage or shed door open at times, there is the chance that a cat or wild animal will be able to make their way inside and thereby have access to any products that are not hidden away. Also keep this in mind with pesticides, fertilizers, cleaners, oil, and other potentially dangerous products. Think of whether even an unsuspecting outdoor visitor might make their way into your garage, shed, or other storage area, and hide away anything concerning or questionable just in case.