Sunday, January 13, 2019

Selfies in a Snowstorm

Trying to get a distracted, excitable kitten to sit still and snap a selfie is like pulling teeth. I asked Tonks to star in a selfie today, and after more attempts than I'd like to admit, this bright and shiny and tilted and downright sad little selfie is all Tonks and I could manage.


Actually, we managed one more selfie that has not been fully demoted to the status of blooper. This other shot, as you'll see below, suffered greatly from my terrible, improper use of backlighting. Ready for some serious misuse of lighting?


Though my lack of talent in photography is largely at fault, there is one other reason why it was so tough to snap a selfie that was not bright and shiny and all shades of low quality. Though you can't tell from the images above, something very dazzling and distracting was happening outside. Indeed, this is what was happening on the other side of that door behind Tonks.



This is the first significant snowfall Tonks and her sister Winky have witnessed. And they sure were mesmerized by it. Those white flakes falling from the sky had them in all sorts of awe, and Tonks was going from window to window watching them fall. Come to think of it, perhaps I should have stopped chasing around the excited kitten and instead had a snoozing Evan or Thimble snap a selfie.I It's too late now, though, so you all get to enjoy the winning shots above.




Warm wishes to all of you!



***
Our Doodle of the Day:

To the best of my knowledge, this here is the last doodle in our series inspired by instrumental piece known as "Wizards in Winter", by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.


We could easily build a snowkitty today, given how much snow we got yesterday. Perhaps we should do that. Pup Astrid actually enjoys playing in snow, and she also loves kitties, so I'm thinking she'd be up for it.



***
Our 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.

14 comments:

Erin the Cat Princess said...

Oh my, seems like only yesterday you guys got rid of the snow in the US, and now it's back. None here in the UK, YET, but I will not old my breath on that one quite yet as some is forecast for next week in the North.
Toodle pips and happy snow-watching
ERin

Marg said...

Snow is very pretty as long as you are sitting inside looking out. Great pictures. Have a super day.

meowmeowmans said...

Wow, that's a whole lot of white stuff outside. We can understand why Tonks was so distracted during her selfie session. Stay warm, dear pals!

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We think that's a great selfie, Tonks! You sure did get the snow! Up north here in Schaumburg we got maybe 3 inches of the white stuff. Stay safe and warm!

Laila

Catscue Cat Mom said...

Tonks is too cute to ever have a bad picture. Wow, that is some amazing white stuff you have coming down - keep warm and cozy today!

The Swiss Cats said...

We can't blame Tonks for being distracted by the snow falling. That's a pretty selfie anyway ! Purrs

pilch92 said...

I think these selfies of Tonks are great, she is a cutie. And I love the drawing, the blue scarf and wizard robe are a nice touch. Excellent tips too. We use plain sand.

Dash Kitten Crew said...

Tonks is cute but I really don't envy you the snow!!!

Lone Star Cats said...

Da snow are pretty (but momma are glad it are NOT here!)

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Tonks is sweet. The snow looks lovely, but rather you than me!

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

What fun for little kittens! Would you believe we aren't getting one single flake from that storm?

messymimi said...

Awww! Tonks is beautiful even if the light is not perfect. Enjoy the snow, and the the winter doodles, they are fun.

Eastside Cats said...

Here in Southeast Michigan, we are very cold, but are snowless right now. Very weird, for January. I'm not complaining; I'd rather have NO SNOW all winter.

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

Very sweet pictures, Tonks. Thank Cat you're not out there in the snow, it really looks to cold...*shivers* Your moms doodle is very cute again 😺Pawkisses for a Happy Week ahead🐾😽💞