Friendly Fill-Ins and Festive Flashbacks with Eddy

Today's post is admittedly very late and a bit quick. I didn't get anything scheduled ahead of time before the holiday craziness began this long weekend. We celebrated Thanksgiving with family out of town yesterday, and my parents, sister, and myself have some Christmas traditions on Black Friday. 

All that to say, we'll get right to the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge, of which my amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two and I came up with the second two.

1. I already know what I am going to get _________ for Christmas.

2. I have no idea what to get _________ for Christmas. 

3. _________ is my earliest Christmas memory.

4. My house _________ during the Christmas season.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I already know what I am going to get my dad for Christmas.
(My dad is very specific about the things he likes. That probably sounds like it would therefore be difficult to shop for him, but he mentions specific things he likes throughout the year and I just get those things. My family also does Christmas wish lists, as that's simply a tradition we never abandoned after my sister and I grew out of childhood. My dad's list is always very to-the-point, which makes shopping for him easy, and I'm already done shopping for his Christmas gifts.)

2. I have no idea what to get my sister for Christmas. 
(I usually know what to get my sister for Christmas. In truth, I've already gotten her the majority of her gifts. That said, I want to get her one final something, but I cannot for the life of me decide what that should be.)

3. Worrying about not having a fireplace and chimney is my earliest Christmas memory.

(I remember being about 4 or 5 years old and worrying that Santa couldn't visit us because we didn't have a chimney like he's so often seen traversing in movies. My parents told me he can also get in through windows and the like. I remember thinking that was a good thing, but also vaguely wondering about this breaking-and-entering habit of the jolly old man.)

4. My house is a festive mess during the Christmas season.

(I do my best to keep my house clean and tidy to a point, but I'm far from perfect. My house is definitely lived in, and during the holiday season, it's lived in by humans and cats who love Christmas decor. Putting Christmas trees back together after certain cats beat and batter them is nearly a daily event at my house this season.)

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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Christmas trees go up in my house today, so how about some festive flashbacks of tree-loving Eddy?

Have a festive Friday, friends!

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Festive Flashback Doodle of the Day

Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

As said above, to our friends in the USA, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

To our friends in the rest of the world, HAPPY THURSDAY!

Wishing you all many blessings and lots of festive fun this time of the year!

On this day of thanks, and on every day of the year, we truly have so much for which to be grateful. We are grateful for our family, human and furry, those still with us and those who watch over us. We are also grateful for our health, for the roof over our heads, and for the food on our table. We are grateful for this beautiful, festive season.

We are also beyond thankful for this wonderful community of friends. Without all of you, we would be lost. Thank you for helping give us so much for which to be thankful, friends. Wishing you all many blessings, today and every day!

(I'll admit that we've already shared the above flashback Thanksgiving doodle this season. I didn't quite get this year's new Thanksgiving doodle finished before today, but I'll still share it soon. It has some Christmas vibes going on in it, so it'll fit it well enough with the upcoming Christmas doodles.)

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We didn't forget about tomorrow's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. We'll share the fill-in statements below. My amazing co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing crafted up the first two, and I came up with the second two.

1. I already know what I am going to get _________ for Christmas.

2. I have no idea what to get _________ for Christmas. 

3. _________ is my earliest Christmas memory.

4. My house _________ during the Christmas season.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Tip of the Day

Our final Thanksgiving tip on this very Thanksgiving day is to be aware of your furbaby's safety if you are having a gathering at your home. Opening doors and foot traffic of course increase when guests arrive, which can put your kitty or pup in peril for more reasons than one. Begin by keeping your furbaby away from the door as guests arrive. What's more, you might also want to consider setting up a safe and quiet room where your furbaby can spend the majority of the holiday gathering. This is especially important if your kitty or pup is afraid of strangers, if he or she is active and might get stepped on or cause someone to trip, or if you think your guests might unwittingly give your furbaby dangerous scraps from the table. It's of course nice to think of your furbaby joining in on holiday festivities, but keep their safety in mind first and foremost.

Woof Woof Wednesday in the Leaves

Astrid loves this time of year. She loves cool weather. What's more, she loves spending time in her beloved back yard when it's nice and chilly outside. She'll choose to spend hours out there, even with us regularly asking her if she wants to come inside. Strangely, sometimes the old gal chooses to hang out on the concrete patio. I prefer when she chooses the grass, though, and she seems to especially enjoy when I leave those autumn leaves on the ground for her to lie on.

I'm admittedly not the kind of person who rakes my yard pretty much ever. My leaves get taken care of with a final mowing of the season, which I still need to do. The chopped leaves are supposedly good for the soil and all that jazz. Or something like that. For me, it's more that I'd simply rather mow than rake. That said, Astrid is currently enjoying all those leaves in the yard, so she can have them for now.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is many years old. It was also seemingly scribbled up in a year in which the days of November fell the same as this year. Fitting enough, I guess, so here you go.

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Tip of the Day

We've been discussing foods that may or may not be safe to share with your furbaby on Thanksgiving. Keep in mind, though, that food safety isn't just related to food preparation and eating. Safety precautions should continue even after you've finished your meal. What are we getting at? We're reminding you to be aware of dishes in the sink and food scraps or wrappers in the trash. If your furbaby licks off of plates in the sink or dishwasher that contain remnants of dangerous foods, or if they find their way into the trashcan where scraps or bones reside, then emergencies can result that way as well. So, be aware and take precautions to keep your pup or kitty safe from dangerous foods even after the feast is over. Immediately rinse or wash plates and keep the sink clear of dangerous food debris. Also take out the trash if it contains dangerous food items, or keep it securely hidden away from your furbaby.

An Almost Toesies Tuesday

We almost had some toesies to share with you all today, but then Tonks's tail decided to sabotage that.

The toe beans are only just barely visible in there. Can you see them? Tonks knows that her face and that tail of hers are also very cute, so she decided this was still a good photo to share with you all. And she hopes seeing her adorable self helps brighten your Tuesday!

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Doodle of the Day

It's almost time to start the festive doodles, but first we have one more random one. Yesterday I shared a doodle starring Evan helping me get stuff done on my non-desk of a couch. The main story I've been trying to write lately is of course weird and wacky, but it also has a kitty inspired by Evan, as in he's a full-on hind limb paralyzed orange tabby. This kitty's human also likes to do art, and her kitty also inspires her work.

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Tip of the Day

Do you know what holiday food we haven't yet mentioned in this Thanksgiving series? Cranberries! This here human loves cranberries, but are they safe for our kitties and pups? In moderation, plain cranberries can be given as a small treat to a dog or cat who enjoys them. That being said, it is best to steer clear of cranberry sauces and juices, as those contain excess amounts of sugar and other potential additives that might not be the best for your furbaby. Also be careful with special cranberry dishes, in case they contain not only excess sugar but potentially also toxic ingredients such as alcohol. As always, when in doubt, simply don't offer it to your furbaby.

Since we're on the topic of fruits, we'll go ahead and run through a couple of other fruity treat options for your kitty or pup. If fed in moderation, berries such as blueberries and strawberries are healthy for cats and dogs, as are bananas. Apples are also generally a healthy treat option, but only if you are careful to refrain from feeding your furbaby the seeds. That being said, keep in mind that when fruits like apples are made into pies, added ingredients such as sugar are not so healthy for your furbaby. Of course, also remember that fruits like grapes and raisins are toxic to cats and dogs, so never feed those. Even cherries can be dangerous, especially if consumed in large quantities, as cyanide poisoning can result due to the contents of the stem, pit, and even leaves. So, to be safe, don't feed your furbaby cherries, cherry pie, and most certainly not chocolate covered cherries this holiday season. Ultimately, if you are not certain that a particular fruit or other food is safe for your furbaby, simply don't feed it as a treat.

Medical Mancat Monday

Evan had his annual exam and senior bloodwork on Friday. The vet called and emailed me with the results, and Evan has hypercalcemia, that being elevated calcium levels. We're pursuing further testing regarding this. Every other value on his bloodwork was in the normal range and therefore not concerning. Evan's vet and I are hoping he just has idiopathic hypercalcemia. Obviously this would still have to be addressed and managed, but the other less likely though still possible reasons for his elevated calcium include cancer. I'm obviously truly hoping Evan does not have anything malignant going on. We won't have the results of the further testing until next week at the earliest, and I'll share what those are when I know. If you have any purrs and prayers to spare, Evan and I would truly appreciate it.

The vet did say that in his experience, in cases like Evan's, the diagnosis is most often idiopathic hypercalcemia. He said he rarely gets diagnoses like cancer or hyperparathyroidism in cases like this, but I'd like to rule these out with a calcium panel that involves sending Evan's blood out to Michigan Statue University.

I'll also add that, as far as I can tell, Evan is not showing any new symptoms. He has a history of urinary issues, megacolon and constipation, and that sort of thing. None of that is new, though, and besides the issues those conditions sometimes cause, Evan is acting happy and active. He eats well and has not lost weight, but instead has maintained the same weight for the last couple of years. I'm hoping that's a good sign that anything going on is benign and manageable.

Wishing you all a magnificent Monday!

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Doodle of the Day

I scribbled up this doodle a few days ago, during one of the many times when Evan was helping me get stuff done on my non-desk of a couch.

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Tip of the Day

We've previously mentioned sweet potatoes and green beans, and how these vegetables are safe when fed plain, but are best left out of your furbaby's diet if prepared in a casserole or with other added ingredients. Today, we're here to remind you of some of the other vegetables that could make for nice Thanksgiving treats for your pup or kitty, of course as long as they are fed plain. One common and nutritious vegetable is carrots. This orange vegetable can provide a large variety of beneficial nutrients, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and others. Other veggies that are generally safe as a snack for a kitty or pup include broccoli, celery, cucumbers, spinach, and peas. So, if you're pup or kitty wants to be included in the Thanksgiving feast, go for a safe and healthy option, such as a plain vegetables. Of course, though, even when it comes to veggies, it is still best to feed them to your kitty or pup in moderation. And, as you've heard us say many times now, always be aware of any ingredients that are added to foods prior to feeding them to your furbaby. If a veggie dish has been topped with onion, garlic, excess salt, or other similar seasonings, then it is no longer an ideal or safe treat for your kitty or pup.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Another Tree Sneak Peek with Eddy

Hello, friends! We're here and 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 can't wait to have _________ on Thanksgiving.

2. Our Christmas tree goes up _________.

3. I'd like to create _________ for _________.

4. I prefer to shop _________ when buying _________.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I can't wait to have ham and cranberries on Thanksgiving.

(And by this I mean eating the two mixed together. I also like turkeys topped with cranberries. I pretty much only have cranberries during the holidays, and I've found all sorts of combinations for them. They're also really good on bread.)

2. Our Christmas tree goes up on Black Friday.

(This is a tradition I've maintained since my childhood. Sometimes I start putting up non-tree Christmas decor on Thanksgiving night, but either way, Christmas trees and almost all other decor is up by the end of Black Friday. And that night, my family comes over to my house and we watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, which is my favorite Christmas movie. I already can't wait.)

3. I'd like to create handmade Christmas gifts for my family.

(I already have plans for this, using some of my drawings. I usually manage to gift at least something small that's handmade from my drawings to my parents and sister each year, as well as my Grandma and her husband, as they seem to enjoy my drawings. This year's handmade gifts are still in the beginning phases, but I should have plenty of time to complete them.)

4. I prefer to shop small when buying gifts.

(Obviously this can't always be the case, and there are plenty of non-small, non-local, and non-handmade gifts I give each year. That said, it's always a goal of mine each Christmas to not only give at least one gift handmade by me to my family members, but to also give at least one other gift that was handmade by someone else who runs a small business. I sometimes do this by way of local holiday craft fairs, but oftentimes I turn to places like Etsy.)

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.

***

Who's ready for an Eddy fix? For today's photo, Eddy mostly sat still. Can you believe that? And in this shockingly non-blurry one, she's giving you yet another tiny sneak peek of her year round Christmas tree that will be decorated next Friday. Eddy is always so helpful during those festivities, and I know she'll be excited.

Eddy decided to not only give you all a little sneak peek of her soon-to-be-festive Christmas tree, but also her little snaggletooth. Do you see it?

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

We got a bit of snow yesterday, so why not share this seasonally confused doodle I scribbled up a couple years ago?

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Tip of the Day

Surely I'm not the only one who always feasts on some green bean casserole for the holidays? If green bean casserole is on your Thanksgiving table, keep in mind what all ingredients are used to make it before you let your furbaby try some. A lot of green bean casseroles involve potentially dangerous ingredients, especially after you add the classic mushroom soup and onions on top. The onions themselves are of course a hazard, as are added sodium and other ingredients that sneak their way in there. For this reason, it is likely best to hold off on sharing green bean casserole with your kitty or pup. That being said, though, if you have plain green beans to serve, those can make a great and nutritious treat for that furbaby in your life.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Trees and More Trees

Hello, friends! It's Thursday, which means Thimble is here for Angel Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop.

Yet again, Thimble is grateful that next week our Christmas trees will be up and decorated. Like Eddy has done recently, today Thimble wanted to pose beside the year round Christmas tree in my bedroom. And, again like Eddy, Thimble cannot wait for this one to be all lit up.

Thimble already knows she's cute, but she knows she'll be extra cute posing with the decorated Christmas trees. This little ham of a tabby can't wait for the photo shoots.

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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 statements, and I came up with the second two.

1. I can't wait to have _________ on Thanksgiving.

2. Our Christmas tree goes up _________.

3. I'd like to create _________ for _________.

4. I prefer to shop _________ when buying _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I don't think I've recently shared this old flashback doodle with those "Happy Hallowthanksmas" vibes (at least I hope I haven't shared it this season), so here's the oldie.

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Tip of the Day

We've been discussing the safety of our furbabies when it comes to common Thanksgiving foods. This topic would feel incomplete without a mention of none other than stuffing. Is this Thanksgiving staple safe for your furbaby? More than likely, it is best that you simply avoid feeding any of that stuffing to your kitty or pup. Why? Because many stuffings include ingredients such as onion, garlic, salt, butter (which could especially be a problem for furbabies with lactose intolerance), and other components that could have uncomfortable or dangerous side effects. If the stuffing is plain, without any potentially dangerous ingredients, then a small taste might be fine for your furbaby. But, more than likely, that Thanksgiving stuffing will contain some ingredients that are best avoided in your cat or dog's diet.

Another Autumnal Adventure with Astrid

Today's autumnal adventure with pup Astrid was actually from a couple weeks ago, before all the leaves seemingly just fell off the trees overnight. In this photo, though, this pretty tree still had that gorgeous look to it. See?

Poor Astrid is so tolerant of me asking her to stop and pose for photos like this. Sometimes she looks at me like I'm crazy, or gives me an expression that makes it very clear that she'd be happy to skip the photo shoot, but she still always stops and puts up with me anyway. Thanks for humoring me, Astrid!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Many Thanksgiving dinners include bread, rolls, biscuits, or other doughy goods. That being said, be cautious and aware when cooking bread around dogs and cats. If a pup or kitty consumes unbaked bread dough, especially that which contains yeast, serious side effects could result. For example, unbaked break dough can expand inside the warm intestinal tract, which can in turn result in life-threatening bloat, twisted stomach, and other potential issues. Yeast in unbaked bread dough not only can result in bloat, though, but also fermentation. Such fermentation produces alcohols, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and result in alcohol poisoning. Needless to say, unbaked bread dough can be very dangerous, or deadly, if consumed by a cat or dog. So, never leave unbaked bread dough unattended. Keep your kitty or pup out of the kitchen, or do whatever else you must to keep your kitty or pup from giving that dough and other dangerous Thanksgiving feast foods a taste test.

Tonks Tuesday: Clothes and Cat Naps

Tonks loves fleece blankets. They're one of her favorite things in the world. In these photos, though, this calico cutie isn't snoozing on a fleece blanket, but instead one of my fleece coats.

I sat my coat down on a chair momentarily after taking it off, and that was a rookie mistake.

Tonks will let me know when I'm allowed to wear my coat again.

This reminds me how the other day Eddy was sleeping on some clothes I had just finished drying and had sat down before I hung them up in the closet. I let her sleep on them, since she looked so cute. Except then she vomited all over them and I had to toss them right back in the washer. Life with cats is something else sometimes, but I love it.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

I always forget about these doodles I scribbled up a few years ago until I see them in my archive. So, who remembers these?

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Tip of the Day

A discussion on Thanksgiving dinner foods would not be complete without noodles, would it? In our family, at least, noodles are indeed a Thanksgiving staple. If noodles are part of your holiday meal, it could likely be considered safe to feed your furbaby a small amount of plain noodles. Noodles can be a good source of energy in the form of carbohydrates, but of course they are best enjoyed in moderation for your furbaby. That being said, as always, also do consider any ingredients added to the noodles. Refrain from feeding your pup or kitty noodles that include garlic or onion, for example, or that include any fatty or other sauces that might lead to gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, or other issues. So, if your furbaby fancies a taste of pasta, as long as it's plain, they can enjoy that little taste.

Magnificent Mancat Monday

It's Mancat Monday, and today mancat Evan wanted to remind everyone just how magnificent he and his whiskers are.

Evan hopes that seeing his handsome face helped brighten your day!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Continuing on with our Thanksgiving dinner tips, yet another common holiday dish is white potatoes, such as mashed potatoes. When it comes to feeding your furbaby white potatoes, those that are cooked and plain can be a reasonable treat in moderation. When additional ingredients are added, though, then you have to start being extra cautious about offering potatoes as a treat. For example, butter or sour cream might cause gastrointestinal distress, especially for cats and dogs who are lactose intolerant. In addition, as we've said before, added ingredients such as garlic, onion, or excess salt can potentially be dangerous if consumed by a kitty or pup. So, you  can let your furbaby try out those mashed potatoes, but first make be sure to take into account how they're prepared.

In addition to white potatoes, Thanksgiving is also often a popular time for sweet potato dishes. If plain and simple, sweet potatoes can make for a great treat for a kitty or pup. They are a great source of fiber and vitamin A, as well as vitamin C, potassium, and a variety of other beneficial nutrients. Plain steamed, baked, or mashed sweet potatoes would be a great treat to allow your kitty or pup during that Thanksgiving dinner. That all being said, though, do be cautious of dishes such as sweet potato casserole. These altered versions of sweet potato often contain added sugar, sugary marshmallows, and other potential seasonings or ingredients that could be unhealthy or lead to gastrointestinal side effects. So, sweet potatoes are a great treat to offer that furbaby in your life, but do be sure it's of the plain and healthy variety. Just as with white mashed potatoes, make sure you know how sweet potatoes are prepared prior to letting your furbaby have a taste.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Festive Wait

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. I learned _________ the hard way.

2. I am overdue for _________.

3. I used to _________, but now I _________.

4. _________ is the strangest thing I _________.


My answer are below in bold.

1. I learned not to stand behind Evan during medication time the hard way.

(When Evan first started getting prescribed his armory of medications, I had to create a workable system for giving them to him. After all, the first time I gave him meds, I came up behind him to do so. In response to the outrage, Evan sprayed me with urine. He would do that nearly every time I medicated him, and I started referring to it as his rage pee, because he'd only do it when he was experiencing something he didn't particularly like, which includes medication time. Now that he's on some meds that help him be more calm and less anxious, he doesn't rage pee as often. Even so, I still never stand directly behind Evan when giving him meds.)

2. I am overdue for a visit to the dentist.
(I know this isn't a good thing, and I'm not proud to admit it. Going to the dentist is one of my primary medical fears. I've also never in my life had dental insurance, and since I do pretty stringent dental care at home, I often convince myself that it's okay to skip the dentist and instead use the funds to get my kitties to the vet and such. I'm not even going to say how long it's been since I've been to the dentist, but I know it's important and I really need to prioritize getting that scheduled.)

3. I used to have the Facebook app on my phone, but now I have uninstalled it and will keep it that way.
(Especially in recent years, I've found Facebook to be a rather toxic thing on most days. I still use Facebook on a computer to check on my various cat groups and friends and that sort of thing, but I no longer keep the app on my phone. The notifications and messages and that sort of thing were really starting to feel overwhelming to me, so it will never again be on my phone. I sometimes have the Instagram and/or Twitter apps on my phone, because for some reason I find them more manageable. But, whenever I find them and their notifications overwhelming, I delete them as well.)

4. A marshmallow is the strangest thing I have used to give a cat meds.
(My parents have a cat who apparently likes marshmallows. We only learned this when I one time dropped one at my parents' house, and the kitty in question swooped in and ate it. Then he started begging for them. Fast forward to when this poor kitty recently ended up with allergic bronchitis and needed to take a pill during his treatment, and the only way we could easily get it down him was in a mini marshmallow. We avoid giving our kitties these kinds of foods that aren't good for them, but we were desperate to get that pill down him, and it was a marshmallow to the rescue.)

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 wanted to share yet another reminder that, soon, her favorite Christmas tree will be decorated for the season. This little lady can't wait!

Eddy doesn't climb her tree as much as she once did, but she still does sometimes. And even when she doesn't climb it, she still loves sitting beside it.

Happy Friday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's doodle is a rather old flashback that I wanted to recreate this year but have not yet done so. If it doesn't happen this year, hopefully I get around to a new and improved version of this next year.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday we discussed whether it was safe to feed your furbaby a taste of that Thanksgiving turkey. Another food you might find on the Thanksgiving table is ham. Is this safe to feed your furbaby, though? Ham, like turkey potentially can be, is often high in fat. Ham is also often processed or treated, and can possibly contain high amounts of salt. These factors can lead to any number of issues, such as gastrointestinal distress or pancreatitis, if consumed in excess by your kitty or pup. And, just as we've said of other Thanksgiving foods, also be aware of other potentially concerning ingredients added to ham, such as onion and garlic. While very small amounts might not have an effect for some furbabies, do be aware of the potential side effects that fatty, processed, treated, or seasoned ham can cause.

It's also worth noting to be aware of the contents and preparation of chicken, beef, and all meats served at your Thanksgiving dinner. These can all potentially contain problematic fat, or additives such as onion, garlic, salt, and so forth. To prevent pancreatitis, gastrointestinal distress, or other issues, either refrain from giving your furbaby a taste at all, or give treats only in moderation and only when you are certain that the food contains no potentially dangerous components.

Thankful Thimble Thursday: Is It Christmas Yet?

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

Today, Thimble is grateful that it's almost time for the Christmas trees to go up. She loves to keep them company. See?

Though she's tried a time or two, unlike Eddy and Tonks, Thimble isn't exactly a pro at climbing Christmas trees. That's why she instead loves to sit beneath the trees or beside them. I put three Christmas trees up every year, all in different rooms of the house, and each of them is beside a cat tree or piece of furniture that kitties like Thimble can use to enjoy the company of the Christmas trees. Thimble can't wait for that this year.

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And 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. I learned _________ the hard way.

2. I am overdue for _________.

3. I used to _________, but now I _________.

4. _________ is the strangest thing I _________.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Doodle of the Day

Earlier this month I scribbled up a new doodle with those "Happy Hallowthanksmas" vibes, but I forgot to share it. So, here's a doodle that involves Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, because what else is November for.

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Tip of the Day

Our series of tips relating to Thanksgiving food safety of course must include a little discussion on turkey. Is it safe to feed your kitty or pup some Thanksgiving turkey? Turkey bits fed in moderation can be a safe and delicious treat, but only as long as excess fat and bones are removed. Fat can lead to pancreatitis, among other potential issues. Bones are a choking hazard, and of course can also lead to perforation or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract. Also keep in mind whether any additional ingredients, seasonings, or other additives were used when cooking the turkey. For example, onion, garlic, or excess salt on the turkey could potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset or other dangers. So, you don't have to skip giving your furbaby a taste of that Thanksgiving turkey, but do be sure you offer treats only in moderation, and that you take precautions for the health and safety of your furbaby.

Adventures with Astrid and the Burning Bush

Astrid wanted to share with you all the burning bush she found on a recent walk. Don't worry, it wasn't literally burning. That's just what these bushes are called, which is a fact I only know because my childhood home has one of these in its front yard.

Astrid of course performed a thorough investigation of the bush. I'd like to think it smelled autumnal and fresh, but she was almost assuredly sniffing another dog's urine.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

In yesterday's Thanksgiving tip, we mentioned how it might be best to keep those pecans and that pecan pie out of your furbaby's reach. Today, we're giving a reminder to be cautious with all nuts, especially if you're not sure how they might affect your furbaby. Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and other nuts can all potentially lead to gastrointestinal upset, some potentially causing more severe reactions than others. The possibility and severity of a reaction also might depend on your particular furbaby, and their particular gastrointestinal tract. Some nuts, such as walnuts, macadamia nuts, hickory nuts, and the previously mentioned pecans, can also contain a toxin that affects the nervous system, especially if they become moldy. For reasons such as these, to be on the safe side, it is best to simply keep any nuts, and dishes containing nuts, out of your furbaby's reach. As always, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Cute Tonks on Tuesday

Today, Tonks is here to again remind you all just how cute she is. You can blame this here human for the poor lighting, but at least Tonks is cute in both the light and the dark.

Those majestic whiskers can sure still be seen even in poor lighting. Oh, and do you see the snowman on Tonks's fleece blanket? It's not snowing outside, but it sure is chilly, so it's fitting enough.

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our Thanksgiving series is about pie. As we've said on many occasions over time, plain pumpkin contains fiber and other nutrients that can have benefits for our furbabies and their health. That being said, though, not all components of Thanksgiving pies are as equally beneficial. For example, another popular Thanksgiving dessert is pecan pie, but do be cautious with this around your furbabies. Pecans are not particularly safe to feed your pup or kitty. One reason is simply that pecans can cause an upset gastrointestinal tract, and could also lead to bowel obstruction. Also take into consideration any other pies you make and what ingredients they contain. For example, chocolate pies or those containing raisins are of course dangerous to cats and dogs. What's more, when it comes to any kind of pie—whether it be pumpkin, pecan, or another—added sugars and other potential added ingredients can be less than ideal for our kitties and pups to consume. So, when you're making or eating those Thanksgiving pies, keep dangerous ingredients and the final products well out of reach of your furbaby.

Reading with Evan on Mancat Monday

Today, Evan is warming up the couch and saving a spot for me.

I mentioned in Friday's Friendly Fill-Ins challenge how the seventh book in a series I've been enjoying reading comes out today. I got up early to download it to my Kindle and read a few pages of it before work. I might be able to read a bit while I eat lunch at work, but other than that, I'm excited to get home after work in order to spend my entire evening reading this new book I've been eagerly awaiting. And, as always, my sweet Evan is ready to keep me company on the couch.

The child in me was so excited for a new book to read that I even scribbled up a drawing of what the occasion will look like.

Of my course my Evan had to be in the drawing, because he never leaves me to read all by my lonesome. Oh, and this book series does indeed star a talking tortie cat named Princess Donut. And, for this reason and that, Donut's human Carl has a magical pair of heart boxers. So, there's that.

Wishing you all lots of good books to read!

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Tip of the Day

From now through Thanksgiving Day here in the US, we're going to give some tips on food safety. After all, Thanksgiving is a time when we humans tend to indulge in all sorts of tasty foods. That being said, though, some of those foods are not ideal or safe for our kitties or pups to eat. We've given many, many tips like these over time, but this is the perfect season to repeat some of them.

Let's start with the obvious foods that most of you likely already know to be dangerous. For example, foods in the Allium species, such as onion and garlic, can be dangerous to cats and dogs. Be careful to keep those out of reach when cooking with them, and of course keep out of your furbaby's reach any foods that contain them. What are some of the other obvious ones? Grapes and raisins, such as if you have a fruit dish set out or if you've made a dessert with raisins, should be kept away from your kitty or pup. And don't forget the toxicity that chocolate and alcohol can pose to cats and dogs. Many tasty foods find their way to the table for Thanksgiving, but some of them are dangerous to our kitties and pups. Always be aware of that, and plan your menu, food placement, and general kitchen safety protocols accordingly.

Friendly Fill-Ins and Eddy's Festive Foliage

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. _________ is not complete until _________.

2. I _________ to _________.

3. _________ is my dream _________.

4. I wish I could remove _________ from my daily routine.


My answers are below in bold, accompanied by plenty of rambling.

1. Next week is not complete until I've read the awaited book that releases on Monday.
(I just had to make this work for one of my answers. I mentioned earlier this year how I discovered and was reading an absolutely wild and chaotic dystopic fantasy series about a man and his talking tortie Persian cat. Their names are Carl and Princess Donut, and they star in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series by Matt Dinniman. If you look it up, you'll probably think, "Um, she reads this? Is she okay?" And yes, I am okay because these books are my cup of tea and the seventh book in the series comes out on Monday. It's over 700 pages long and I cannot wait.)

2. I share my life with furry companions to stay happy and sane.
(My kitties and pup are the best parts of the my every single day. I'm pretty sure I'm not alone in that sentiment.)

3. What you might call "creative entrepreneur" is my dream job.
(I know I've had so many fill-in answers similar to this one, but here it is again. Also, I have a love-hate relationship with term "creative entrepreneur". For one reason or another, it sounds kind of like a cop out career to me, but at the same time, it also very much so describes what I'd love to do every day. I'd love to be able to earn a full-time income by seriously pursuing my drawing and writing endeavors. This is indeed a dream, and something I really do know I'd have to work really hard to achieve.)

4. I wish I could remove leaving my kitties and pup from my daily routine.
(I work full-time out of the home. As I've mentioned before, I'm grateful for the income. That said, and going hand-in-hand with #3 above, I'd admittedly rather be working from home with my furry babies. This is in part because I'm a homebody, but now even more so because Evan has become increasingly special needs. He's in need of over a dozen medications a day, regular cleanings, and so on and so forth, and I wish his care schedule wasn't based on me being away from home for 8+ hours every day. Again, I'm beyond thankful for the income, I just find myself in a situation that makes me feel guilty for being away from Evan as well as my other furbabies.)

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, today this girl wants you all to get excited with her.

You see that Christmas tree behind Eddy? That's her year round tree in my bedroom, and the day after Thanksgiving it'll be lit up with lights and get Eddy's favorite festive chew toy a red ribbon to top it off. That always gets Eddy extra excited about the tree.

Eddy hopes you're all getting as excited for the next festive season as she is!

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Flashback Doodle of the Day

Today's chosen flashback doodle is brought to you by the fact that, though it's November, I'm still finishing a Halloween horror series of books that I started in October.

P.S. I look nothing like that scribbled up girl, but she's reading a Halloween story like I am, so it seemed fitting enough.

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Tip of the Day

Today is the final of our Pet Cancer Awareness Month tips. We've discussed a variety of ways to potentially help prevent cancer in your kitties and pups. Now we're here with a reminder we're sure you all know, and that is to be knowledgeable of signs that might indicate cancer, or other diseases, in your furbabies. As you're all certainly aware, the symptoms of cancer and other diseases can vary in more ways than one. That being said, always keep a close eye on your kitty or pup, and use petting sessions to do regular checks for masses or other abnormalities of the skin, eyes, mouth, and so forth. Also, of course, be aware of any other changes in their appearance, activity, or behavior. Note any changes in their weight, coat, appetite, energy level, mobility, bathroom habits, and anything and everything in between. What's more, if you do notice any changes or concerns, never hesitate to contact your veterinarian.

Thankful Thimble Thursday Co-Starring the Tummy

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

Today, Thimble is grateful that she is quite expressive and can look very serious when needed. See?

The reality, though, is that Thimble far more often looks like she does in the bloopers below, which were snapped right after that stern shot above.

Feel free to tickle that tummy, because Thimble loves a belly rub!

These photos were snapped soon after Thimble's dental surgery a month ago, hence the bald spot on her leg from her IV line. Both her and Tonks actually are both still relatively bald on their front legs from their IVs, but of course they're still so very adorable.

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And 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. _________ is not complete until _________.

2. I _________ to _________.

3. _________ is my dream _________.

4. I wish I could remove _________ from my daily routine.

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 not finished with our Pet Cancer Awareness Month tips just yet. Today, we want to remind you all that, just like us humans, it is possible for our furbabies to be affected by cigarette smoke, and cancer could potentially develop as a result. For this reason, if you smoke, avoid doing this in the home or around your kitty or pup. In addition, when out in public, do your best to keep your furbabies away from areas where smoking is common. Smoking affects more than just the smoker, so for the sake of both yourself and your furbaby, do try to avoid it.