Festive Fill-Ins and Festive Eddy

Hello, friends! We're ready for a festive 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. _________ at Christmastime is such a pain to me.

2. I can't wait to see _________ open his/her gift from me.

3. I _________ on Christmas morning.

4. I _________ on Christmas night.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Going to the post office at Christmastime is such a pain to me.
(I was at the post office the other day, and the lines were ludicrous. I don't know why I didn't expect it, since this happens every Christmas season. I'm guessing this is probably a pain for everyone at Christmastime, or perhaps all year round.)

2. I can't wait to see Tonks open her gift from me.

(I always enjoy seeing all my loved ones opening their gifts from me, and that of course includes my kitties and pup. This year, though, some of the gifts I got my kitties are rechargeable bird toys that chirp and flap their wings, and of all my kitties, I think Tonks is the most likely to be obsessed with it. I'm eager to see if she likes it as much as I hope she does. My sister's cat Toby, who will also be getting one of these toys, is the other kitty I think might really like it, so I can't wait to see his reaction as well.)

3. I host my family for breakfast, the opening of stockings, and festive movies on Christmas morning.

(This has been the tradition for quite a few years now. My parents, my sister, and I open the gifts under the tree and have our big Christmas bash at my parents' house on the night of Christmas Eve, but that doesn't mean Christmas Day isn't fun. On Christmas morning, I make a giant batch of scrambled eggs and sausage, and my parents, sister, and I all open our stockings and watch various Christmas movies at my house. We always watch the Snoopy and Garfield Christmas specials and often Arthur Christmas at my house on Christmas morning. This year I also grabbed a puzzle based on A Christmas Story for us to do while we watch the festive movies.)

4. I go to my parents' house to eat lots of food and watch Die Hard on Christmas night.

(This is another tradition we've had going for many, many years. On Christmas night, my sister and I go to our parents' house, and we finish the A Christmas Story marathon that plays on the TV on Christmas every year. When that's over, we watch Die Hard, because yes, it is a Christmas movie.)

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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Today for your Eddy fix, this tabby girl is coming at you from her favorite chair beside her favorite Christmas tree.

That's actually a vintage chair my sister got me for my birthday years ago. Eddy immediately declared it hers, and so to protect its gorgeousness, I cover it with blankets so that it can survive while Eddy sleeps in it like she so loves to do.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a festive Friday!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's flashback doodle was scribbled up last year and was a recreation of the older flashback I shared yesterday. Both star a certain character from one of my favorite Christmas songs. It's the same character keeping the furbabies company in our current blog banner.

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Tip of the Day

Our past couple of tips covered what you can do to keep your furbaby happy and safe if you are traveling during this holiday season. On the other hand, what if your family is coming to your house for the holidays? First, as we've said many times before, practice door safety when guests are coming and going. If need be, block your kitty or pup's access to the door, or give them a safe room in which to stay. Consider whether your guests are staying for a short or long visit, and consider your individual furbaby's personality and behaviors when determining if, how often, or for how long they can safely intermingle with guests.

Of course, it isn't just your furbaby you have to worry about when guests arrive. Make sure that all guests know any important rules when it comes to your furbaby. If your kitty or pup is staying in a safe room while guests visit, for example, then make sure guests know if they are to refrain from visiting that room in the house. On the other hand, if your furbaby is a social butterfly and is out and about with guests, make sure that your guests understand what they should and should not do to keep your kitty or pup safe. For example, make sure guests are aware of the potential for escapes if the door is kept open. In addition, guests should know whether you allow your furbaby treats, and what human foods are dangerous and should not be fed to your kitty or pup. Also take safety precautions if guests are staying overnight. For example, make sure guests know to keep all medications or other potentially dangerous items well out of reach of resident cats and dogs.

It is possible for your house to be inhabited by both your furbabies and guests during this holiday season. At the same time, it's also important to make sure that all precautions are made to ensure that guests' stays are safe for everyone, including the furbabies of the home. So, simply think ahead, and prepare both your furbabies and guests for a safe Christmas.

Another Treeside Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello and happy Thursday, friends! Little tabby Thimble is of course ready for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble's gratitude is simple. She's thankful for the Christmas season. She's thankful for the Christmas tree and all the festiveness around her.

This happy tabby girl really does get so excited to have the Christmas trees up and to be part of all the extra stuff going on around the house this time of the year. Want to see a blooper of Thimble rubbing her cute little head against the Christmas tree? Of course you do, so here it is.

Thimble hopes you're all enjoying the Christmas season as much as she is!

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

1. _________ at Christmastime is such a pain to me.

2. I can't wait to see _________ open his/her gift from me.

3. I _________ on Christmas morning.

4. I _________ on Christmas night.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today we have our final tip on traveling with your furbaby this holiday season, or any time of the year. When traveling, always think ahead to your final destination and your plans for the entire trip, and then prepare accordingly. Will you be staying with family or friends? Do they have other animals? If so, does your furbaby get along with the other animals? Will your kitty or pup need to remain in a separate room or in a cage? Or, are you staying in a hotel? If so, did you ensure that it's a pet-friendly hotel? What are their requirements for a pet staying at their facility? Consider any and all such factors, and then think ahead to what you might need to prep for your furbaby's stay at your final destination.

In all of this planning, of course also don't forget the basic necessities. Bring plenty of your furbaby's food, especially if they are on a prescription or other special diet. Bring bowls and even water as needed. If your furbaby is on medication, bring ample amounts of it, especially in the event of any unexpected delays. Don't forget any potentially necessary items, such as cages, leashes, harnesses, seat belts, blankets, toys, and even cleaning supplies. Though it may not be a pleasant thought, also be sure to make plans and preparations for any emergencies that might arise. For example, take your furbaby's medical records with you, your veterinarian's information, as well as contact and other information on veterinary hospitals located in your travel destination. It never hurts to be over-prepared, so as space allows, plan and pack anything and everything you might need for the comfort and safety of your furbaby during your travels.

Woof Woof Wednesday: The Red Truck Ribbon

It's time for the annual showing of the Christmas ribbon on Astrid's collar.

That ribbon of course doesn't look that good all the time. Astrid often has it all crumpled up and abuses it plenty, but it still keeps her and her collar looking good and festive.

Wishing you all a wonderful Wednesday!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today is another one of our tips on how to travel with your furbaby this holiday season, or any time of the year. When traveling with your furbaby, consider how you will be traveling and what all therefore might be necessary. Are you and your furbaby traveling by car? Plane? Train? For a plane, train, or other public transportation, do your research and understand what all that particular company might require for your furbaby to board and travel. Is a carrier required? If so, how small or big of one? Is a health certificate required, and/or proof of particular vaccinations? Look into all of this and plan well in advance so that all can be squared away before you and your furbaby head out on your travels. Of course, this is all also important to keep in mind when traveling in your own car. Proper, safe restraint is important even in a car, of course. Have secure carriers for kitties and small dogs, or leashes and seat belts for larger dogs. Even in your own car it can also be important for your furbaby to be up-to-date on vaccines and other medical care, in case you should be stopped and asked for proof of their health status, depending on what state or region you're in. So, while it is often possible to travel with your kitty or pup, do of course ensure that you allow proper time to find out what all you will need for safe and legal travels.

Tonks Tuesday: Cookies and Christmas Trees

Just as with the Halloween cookies I bought at the pet store for Astrid during the spooky season, Tonks made to sure to inspect some of the pup's Christmas cookies I brought home. The calico may or may not have taken a tiny little taste as well.

The cookies passed Tonks's tests, whatever those may be, and so she quickly went back to her beloved Christmas tree.

Tonks and all of us wish you a festive Tuesday!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

I've been working on wrapping gifts this week, so today's flashback doodle seems apt enough.

I am indeed working on some new Christmas doodles, though I'm feeling discouraged having not shared any of them yet. This time of year just always gets away from me, and so I'll start sharing those new Christmas doodles soon. Luckily, Christmas Day is only the First Day of Christmas, and so we still have plenty of the season for festive doodles.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we mentioned how to prepare your furbaby if you are leaving them to travel for the holidays. Today, we are starting a short series of tips on what to do if you are traveling with your furbaby. First and foremost, if you plan to take your furbaby with you on a trip this Christmas, or any time of the year, talk to your veterinarian. Discuss with them your furbaby's health and whether traveling is safe for them. Some furbabies, such as those who are geriatric or who are suffering from an illness, might not be good candidates for traveling, especially long distances. If you are in need of traveling with such a furbaby, though, have a detailed discussion with your veterinarian on what you must do to take all precautions to keep your furbaby as healthy and happy as possible during travels. In some cases, even for young and healthy kitties or pups, some form of sedation might be in their best interest for traveling. This is another detail that you must discuss with your veterinarian. It is always our furbaby's best interest that we must have in mind, so ask your veterinarian any and all questions you have regarding keeping your furbaby happy and healthy during travels.

Merry Mancat Monday with a Happy Medical Update

It's Mancat Monday, and for the occasion, I tried to get a nice little festive shot of Evan snoozing beneath the cat tree. It didn't turn out exactly as planned, but here's my boy either way.

I often find Evan hanging out of his cat beds like this. I think perhaps because this cutie is hind limb paralyzed, he often doesn't realize he hasn't actually fully made it into his bed. Oh, and don't mind the piece of fuzz by Evan. Due to his urinary incontinence, his beds go through the washer very, very regularly, and because of that they're not in the best shape and often do leak stuffing.

I did try another shot of Evan under the tree, but I didn't properly communicate with my camera and so it chose to focus on the tree itself instead of the adorable cat beneath it.

Also, I finally got Evan's blood results for his hypercalcemia panel. The short story is that it all came back as the best case scenario. The elevated result we got on Evan's senior panel was his total calcium. The extra bloodwork we did as a result of that tested for the more crucial ionized calcium. Evan's came back high normal, but still normal, and so Evan's vet is largely not concerned about Evan's total calcium being slightly elevated. The hypercalcemia panel also tested for hyperparathyroidism as well as cancer, both of which can also cause hypercalcemia, but Evan is thankfully negative for both of those. Thank you to all those who sent purrs and prayers Evan's way! They certainly worked!

Evan is now having himself a bout of constipation, courtesy of his megacolon, but he's getting all of his increased meds to help take care of that. If those don't work after a couple of days, he'll get himself an at-home enema. We haven't had to do an enema at home in months, though, so we're hoping that his increased meds help as they usually do.

Have a merry Monday, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

If you are traveling for the holidays without your furbaby, be sure to plan for their proper care while you are away. Be sure to book a pet-sitter or space in a boarding facility well in advance, to ensure that your kitty or pup has scheduled care with a trusted caregiver. Then, of course, also make sure that your furbaby's caregiver has everything they will need for the comfort and safety of your kitty or pup. Whether a pet-sitter is coming to your home or whether your furbaby is staying at a boarding facility, have plenty of their food in stock, and make sure that their leash, litter, and other necessities are readily available. Also make sure that any medications they take are refilled, and that instructions for medication administration as well as feedings and other care is written down or otherwise understood by the caregiver. Other important information to leave for a caregiver is your contact information, their veterinarian's contact information, and their medical records, as needed. It is always better to be more prepared than not, so be sure that sufficient preparations are made for your furbaby's care in the event that you leave for the holidays, or any time of the year.

Festive Friday with the Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy

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. My favorite Christmas movie (or book) is _________.

2. My favorite Christmas song is _________.

3. _________ is the best way to spread Christmas cheer.

4. _________ is my favorite day of the holiday season.


My answers are below in bold, and are of course accompanied by plenty of rambling that no one is required to read.

1. My favorite Christmas movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

(I've mentioned this movie many times here on our blog, but it is indeed my all-time favorite Christmas movie. I enjoy the chaotic but also often relatable humor of the movie, but I also like it for nostalgia's sake. My family always watches this movie on the night of Black Friday, after the Christmas trees and other decorations have been put up. It's the first Christmas movie I watch every festive season, and then of course I watch it many, many more times throughout the Christmas season.)

2. My favorite Christmas song is "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas".

(I have many songs I could put for this one, but the one and only hippo song always makes me smile and sing along. I feel a bid odd saying that as a grown adult, but it is what it is. A lot of my other favorite Christmas songs are instrumentals, including pretty much any rendition of "Carol of the Bells", but especially Manheim Steamroller's version. I also can never get enough of Trans-Siberian Orchestra's tunes, especially "Wizards in Winter". Then again, anything by Burl Ives or any of the other classics are also favorites of mine, but I should probably stop now.)

3. Kindness is the best way to spread Christmas cheer.

(I couldn't decide on anything else specific to put for this one, so this seemed like an appropriate answer.)

4. Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the holiday season.

(Ever since I was a kid, our Christmas Eve traditions have been my favorite. My parents, my sister, and I go to our church's beautiful Christmas Eve service. Then we go to my parents' house and eat all sorts of snacks and desserts, and we open the presents under the tree while the A Christmas Story marathon plays on the TV. We started this because, when my sister and I were kids, Christmas Day was chaotic due to us driving to visit all of our grandparents, and so we did most of our own traditions on Christmas Eve. Even though these days our Christmas Day traditions are much more calm and cozy since we don't travel on the day anymore, we still kept our Christmas Eve traditions.)

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.

***

Today, Eddy is of course yet again showing off her favorite Christmas tree. You might be able to see how the lights are a little messed up and all that festive jazz, but that tends to happen when a little tabby girl enjoys throwing herself at the tree in question.

Eddy and all of us here wish you a festive Friday!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's festive tip is all about making Christmas merry and bright for shelter and rescue furbabies. To help brighten their holidays, you can make any number of donations to your local shelters and rescue groups. Toys, beds, blankets, cat trees, scratching posts, and anything that might help to enrich the shelter environment is one great option, even if these items are gently used ones that your own kitty or pup no longer uses or needs. You can also donate dry and canned foods and treats, as well as chew bones or other chew toys. Of course, also don't forget other items that could help to make the animals' and shelter workers' lives a bit easier, including litter, carriers that you no longer need, and a variety of cleaning supplies. Many shelters and rescues have wish lists established online, or can inform you by phone or email of what they are most in need. Some shelters even simply ask you to save up newspapers or old towels and blankets to help make cages more comfortable for the animals. Of course, if you are able to make a monetary donation, no matter how big or small that may be, that can also help tremendously.

In addition, you could opt to volunteer your time, or even your home. Fostering a furbaby, even if simply to give them a temporary home in which to enjoy the holidays, can make a world of difference for both the animal and the staff who would otherwise need to be available to care for the furbabies over the holidays. If fostering is not an option, you can also sign up to help at the shelter, such as by caring for and interacting with adoptees over the holidays. This extra care and kindness could mean a great deal to a furbaby who is still waiting for their forever family to find them, and of course can also help relieve the shelter staff.

No matter how small or grand, anything you might be able to gift to a shelter or rescue this Christmas could make all the difference. So, if possible, don't forget the furbabies awaiting their forever homes this holiday season.

Thankful Thimble Thursday Co-Starring Eeyore

It's Thursday, which means Thimble is of course here for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Today, Thimble is grateful for festive friends. You know, like Eeyore.

That there Eeyore is wearing a festive little headband that's actually meant to be worn by cats. Not a single one of my cats is interested in wearing it, so Eeyore inherited it.

Thimble knows that she's way cuter than Eeyore, but she's still happy to have a festive little friend.

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And now we have for you 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 favorite Christmas movie (or book) is _________.

2. My favorite Christmas song is _________.

3. _________ is the best way to spread Christmas cheer.

4. _________ is my favorite day of the holiday season.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

This time of year, we often enjoy having our homes smell festive. We've mentioned before how using candles to scent your home can pose obvious risks to our furbabies, and today we're here to discuss how using potpourri or essential oils to fragrance your home can also be dangerous to your furbaby. If you use liquid potpourri or essential oils to make your home smell like Christmas, or if you use them year round, be extremely cautious using them around your furbaby. Both ingestion and skin contact with some of these scented items can be extremely dangerous and toxic to your kitty or pup, causing anything from skin irritation to symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, and weakness. Just some of the essential oils and other similar products that can cause illness are those derived from cinnamon, pine, peppermint, and citrus. Therefore, if your holiday season includes using oils or potpourri to make your home smell festive, be extremely careful to keep all such products safely out of your furbaby's reach.

Sweater Weather Adventures with Astrid

'Tis the season, friends.

Indeed, it is sweater weather. Festive sweater weather, of course. I don't make Astrid wear her sweater on every walk, mostly only when it's really cold. She loves cold weather, and wearing the sweater is admittedly not her favorite thing.

For anyone who remembers me mentioning last week how Astrid was having a rough time with her arthritis, especially after the klutzy old gal tripped and fell on a walk, we'd like you to know that Astrid is doing much, much better now.

Though Astrid hadn't been displaying a need to take pain medication regularly, we've been giving them to her since she hurt herself last week. On the pain meds, Astrid is back to acting like her hyperactive self. She's even begging to go on long walks. Just this morning she took me on an hour-long walk that was probably at least 2 miles, if not longer. Whatever makes this pup happy, I'll take it.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We previously mentioned being cautious when using lights on your Christmas tree, due to the various hazards they pose, such as electrocution or a kitty or pup getting tangled. That being said, also be sure to keep this same concept in mind when putting up lights, or other decorations, outdoors. After all, outdoor animals, such as squirrels, birds, or stray or feral cats, can also potentially be put at risk by Christmas decorations. Try to prevent dangerous situations by taking precautions, such as never leaving any parts or pieces of decorations loose, as both indoor and outdoor babies could get tangled up or ingest something dangerous. When it comes to cords, whether indoor or outdoor, try to find a way to safely secure them, such as by taping them to a wall or the ground. You certainly don't have to forego decorations and all things festive, but do keep in mind the safety of both indoor and outdoor critters.

Tonks Tuesday Beneath the Tree

It's Tonks Tuesday, and today the calico is sharing what could very likely be considered bloopers. But, this little lady wanted to show you all that she not only has fun in the Christmas tree, but also beneath it.

The way I placed the tree this year left that little gap right where Tonks can sit and watch the happenings in the rest of the house. She sits there very often.

Sometimes her toys even keep her company under there. See?

I should have gotten some photos of all the random toys hanging from the tree like that. Just know that the toy you see there isn't the only one decorating the tree.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

This holiday season, don't forget the dangers that fire can cause. Some festivities include the lighting of candles, and some of us simply like to light candles for their lovely scents. If you do light candles in your home, as you certainly know, do be sure that these are out of reach of your furbabies for safety's sake. Also, of course, be aware of the dangers the fireplace can pose. If your fireplace is lit, do be sure that your kitty or pup cannot reach the flames, such as by putting up a barrier, or even blocking them from the room with the fireplace altogether. In addition to this, for everyone's safety, don't forget to stay on top of the care and keeping of your fireplace. Before using it for the season, have the chimney cleaned out, so that bird nests or other potentially flammable objects are not lying in wait up there, making a house fire possible. As always, it's better to be safe than sorry.

A Merry Mancat Monday

To begin, thank you all for the prayers for pup Astrid! She's doing much better. We think the tumble she took during one of her walks last week did indeed lead to some soreness and a flare of her arthritis, but some pain meds this weekend had her back to her hyperactive self. We are in talks with her vet about whether this is the pain med she is to continue on our not, since her osteoarthritis has led to elevated liver enzymes in the past and all that good stuff. That said, no matter what pain med we continue on with, as long as it helps her feel as good as she's feeling now, I'll take it.

Now, on this Mancat Monday, my boy Evan is here to show you how he takes festive naps. Today's edition of this is not all that aesthetic, but I wanted to show the reality at our house.

Evan loves sleeping in beds, and of course during the Christmas season I put at least one of his beds under a Christmas tree. But do you see the naked condition of that tree's base?

We don't use tree skirts around here, and that there orange boy is the reason why. I used to use tree skirts, many moons ago, but Evan would do one of two things. His little paralyzed back legs would either get tangled on the tree skirt and he'd thereby drag the tree around with him, or he would absolutely urinate on the tree skirt. Evan is towel trained, and sometimes he just decides that blankets, especially those on the floor, are also fair game. There's also a high possibility he'd poop on the tree skirt, because why not.

All that said, Evan hopes you all have a merry Monday!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Did you know that poinsettias are not as deadly for your furbaby as is often believed? Of course that's not to say you should be feeding poinsettias to your furbabies as an afternoon snack, as they can indeed cause irritation of the mouth and stomach. But, poinsettias are in actuality not the most dangerous of Christmas decorations. It's festive plants such as mistletoe and holly of which you should be even more cautious. Mistletoe can cause issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, decreased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Holly can also cause vomiting and diarrhea, and sometimes lethargy or even death. Needless to say, always be cognizant of what plants and other decorations are in your home. To be safe, it is likely best to simply keep your home free of Christmas plants.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Festive Eddy

Hello, friends! Sorry for yet another exceptionally late post. Evan's been feeling a lot better lately after starting on antibiotics for his UTI, but now poor pup Astrid is having a rough time. She's not giving us very clear indicators and we're not sure if she's bothered by her osteoarthritis, her stomach or intestines, or something else, but she's just not been herself since late last night. Between her osteoarthritis and her old gal eyes not being what they used to be, she's even more of a klutz than she was in her youth, and she did trip over the sidewalk and fall on her walk yesterday. She didn't seem bothered at the time, but we're wondering if that fall is hurting her now, and so she's been given some pain meds. When she has good days we still see hints of young and hyperactive Astrid in there, and she'll still sometimes take us on long walks and all that wonderful jazz, but she's also almost 12 and certainly has days that indicate that. Today is one of those days for the poor girl. If she continues to act like she's not feeling her old gal best, she'll get to visit the vet. Not that she'd mind too much, though, since she always gets an ice cream pup cup from Dairy Queen after her vet visits.

Now, shall we get to the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge? We shall, 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. _________, _________, and _________ are on my to-do list this month.

2. If I hear _________ one more time I will scream.

3. All I want for Christmas is _________.

4. _________ is my favorite holiday scent.


My answers are below in bold.

1. Creating festive art, doing some festive baking, and enjoying the Christmas season with my family are on my to-do list this month.
(I have a lot of random stuff on my to-do list for December, some being general chores and others of course relating to Christmas. Those three I listed above are just the first ones that popped into my head.)

2. If I hear Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" one more time I will scream.
(Maybe I wouldn't despise this tune so much if every station playing Christmas music didn't pick this one for every other song.)

3. All I want for Christmas is health and happiness for my furry and human family.

(I actually chose this fill-in statement after I saw Ellen's #2, because I knew immediately what my answer would be for that one. And even though I can't stand that song, its title still makes for a nice fill-in. My fill-in answer here is pretty self-explanatory, and I'm sure it's true for most of us.)

4. Peppermint is my favorite holiday scent.

(Even better if you mix some chocolate with that peppermint.)

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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I don't recall Eddy sharing bloopers for last week's official blooper blog hop, so how about some today? These were snapped while Eddy "helped" me decorate her favorite Christmas tree last Friday.

If this artificial tree looks all janky, it's because Eddy knocks out so many limbs from it on a regular basis that, at this point, I just stick fallen limbs in random places. The tree's shape is all over the place, but it's still Eddy's favorite festive thing.

Have a festive Friday, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Our last Christmas tree tip relates to real trees and how they might affect your furbaby. If you have a real tree, be cautious of letting your kitty or pup drink from any accessible water in the tree stand. It is possible that certain chemicals, such as fertilizers or even pesticides, are used in some tree lots. Some of these chemicals can then end up in the water that the tree is resting in, and this can potentially lead to toxic side effects for your furbaby. Another concern relates to stagnant water in the tree stand, which can harbor potentially harmful bacteria. In addition, be careful of pine needles falling from real trees, and even artificial trees, for that matter. These needles are pointy and sharp, and if consumed this can potentially lead to internal damage. So, keep that tree water covered or somehow out of reach, and keep those fallen pine needles cleaned up, so that your furbaby and the Christmas tree can live in harmony.

Thankful Thimble Thursday by the Tree

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

Today, Thimble is grateful to have glowing Christmas trees with which to pose. Thimble is a bit of a ham and honestly loves having her photo taken, and having a festive tree as a backdrop makes her especially excited.

Just look at that face. Look at the cuteness! I'm not biased, I promise.

***

Now, let's of course 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. _________, _________, and _________ are on my to-do list this month.

2. If I hear _________ one more time I will scream.

3. All I want for Christmas is _________.

4. _________ is my favorite holiday scent.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We're nearing the end of our Christmas tree tips, but not just yet. Today's tip is to be aware and cautious of edible tree decorations. Whether they be something such as candy canes, cookie ornaments, or strings such as those made from popcorn, be very careful if there is anything edible on your Christmas tree. This can be dangerous if your furbaby eats potentially dangerous goods off of the tree, or even if they eat too much of an otherwise safe human food. Of course, a furbaby trying to reach edible tree decorations could also lead to falling trees and related injuries. So, for the sake of your furbaby and the tree, it is likely best to avoid decorating with edible goods. As we've said before, it is still possible to be festive, but do be sure to keep your furbaby's safety in mind as well.

Adventures with Astrid in the Snow

Today, Astrid wanted to share with you all this season's first obligatory 3-toed footprint in the snow.

That footprint looks a bit skewed now that I look at it more closely, but it was indeed made by Astrid's 3-toed back right foot.

Astrid loves (and I mean LOVES) winter. She took me on nearly an hour-long walk the other morning when we were just barely at a double digit temperature. I was all bundled up and yet still losing feeling in all of my appendages, all while Astrid just didn't want the walk to end. I love when this nearly 12-year-old girl enjoys a walk, so I let her take us as far as she wanted, but I was an ice cube by the time we made it home. At which point Astrid begged to go sit in our freezing back yard. I'm thinking this girl has husky or a similar breed in her mutt ancestry.

Warm wishes, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

A series of tips on Christmas tree safety simply would not be complete without a comment or two on tinsel. Long story short, please do not use tinsel if you have furbabies in your life. This stringy stuff can be quite tempting to kitties, for example, but can also be extremely dangerous. If consumed, it can cause problems such as gastrointestinal obstruction or laceration. Keeping that in mind, if your furbaby does swallow tinsel and you find some hanging from their mouth or even anus, do not pull on it, as this can cause even further internal damage. If you find yourself in a situation such as this, seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Again, though, to prevent such incidents, it is highly recommended that you simply do not use tinsel as part of your Christmas decorations.

Tonks Tuesday in the Tree

It's Tonks Tuesday, and this calico would like you all to know that she is beyond excited that her Christmas trees are up.

These photos were taken when I barely even had this tree standing. Tonks was pretty much climbing it as I was putting all of its parts and pieces together. Which is nothing new.

Tonks hopes you all have as fun and festive of a day as she's having!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday, we mentioned the importance of securing your Christmas tree against any furry climbers in the home. Today, we have another Christmas tree safety tip, this time regarding those light strands and ornaments. As you all certainly already know, always be careful of cords and the dangers they pose, such as if chewed on or if a furbaby becomes tangled in them. If your furbaby only seems interested in the lower branches of the tree, perhaps only place lights on the upper portion. Or, if necessary, do not use lights at all. If you do decorate your tree with lights, always unplug them if left unattended.

The same sort of rules can apply to ornaments, as needed. You can avoid placing them on the lower portion of the tree, or not use them altogether. If glass ornaments might become broken and cause potential injuries, consider using only plastic ones. Also consider the dangers of ornament hooks, or the choking hazards the ornaments themselves might pose. At our house, for these reasons, ornaments are not included on the tree but are instead hung from strands of garland that are attached to the wall, out of certain furbabies' reach. You don't have to throw your festive spirit out the door if you have adventurous and Christmas tree-loving furbabies, you simply have to take necessary precautions.

Another Medical Mancat Monday

Hello, friends! Sorry we're yet again late. Very, very late this time. Evan had a bit of a rough weekend as well as a rough morning today. It was of course on a holiday that Evan started showing signs of yet another UTI. He's been urinating frequently, and he seems very irritated and restless both during urination and just in general. My poor boy. I was finally able to speak to his vet this morning, and given Evan's history with and typical symptoms of UTIs, the vet has already filled some antibiotics for Evan that I will be picking up after work today.

Despite him not feeling his best, I was glad that Evan was happy enough to offer his expert assistance as I put the Christmas trees up on Black Friday.

We use artificial trees, and Evan does admittedly chew on them. Luckily he doesn't eat any part or pieces of them, but he does sure give those bottom branches a run for their money.

Do you see his tongue there in that last photo? I thought that was extra cute.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

We seem to be repeating old tips these days. 'Tis the season, it would seem. That being said, over the next few days, we'll be repeating some Christmas safety tips that we gave last year. How about we start with that good ol' Christmas tree? To begin, if you put up a Christmas tree, make sure it is securely in place. This is especially important if you have a kitty or pup who enjoys climbing or otherwise giving the tree lots of attention. You can try putting the tree in a corner of a room, if that helps to keep it safe and upright against furbabies. Moreover, to be extra safe, you can find a way to anchor the tree to the floor, wall, or even a heavy, sturdy piece of furniture. There is also the option of weighing down the base of the tree, such as with weighted bags, as long as they are of a safe and secure sort. Another option, especially if your furbaby is overzealous in their love for the Christmas tree, is to block their access to it altogether, whether that be with baby gates, closed doors, or another means. Whatever it takes, if you put up a Christmas tree in a home with a tree-loving furbaby, do be sure to try and find a way to prevent a fallen tree and potential injuries.