Flashback Caturday Art

I've admittedly been working and moving real slow this week while I've had COVID, and so for today I'm yet again just going to share a couple of flashback doodles. Today marks 7 years since my calico angel Rosie flew off to the Rainbow Bridge, and so these flashbacks are some of the plain and simple ones I scribbled up for her a couple years ago.

I miss you every day, my sweet Rosie!

And I'm doing fine and am on the mend, so I'm trying to get back on track with all of my projects, including all of the art I've fallen so very behind on. For today, though, happy Caturday!

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Tip of the Day

Today's tip in our wildlife series is all about feeding those birds in your yard. To begin, it may not be necessary to put food out for birds in warm months, when, unlike in the cold winter months, natural food sources are prevalent. That being said, it nevertheless typically does no harm to feed birds in your yard even in the warm months. So, feel free to feed those feathered friends. Your furbabies will thank you for the Bird TV!

Now, let's start with a couple of things not to feed the birds in your yard. Bread is one food that is not really all that ideal for birds. This is especially the case if the bread is moldy, which can have toxic effects. Chocolate is of course another no-no when it comes to feeding birds. Those are just to name a couple, though. If you have any doubts about a food being toxic to birds or other wildlife, err on the side of caution and do not leave it outdoors for them.

Now, on to what you can feed those birds. There can be a lot of factors when it comes to feeding birds. Different regions have different birds, different birds prefer different feed, and different feed sometimes requires different feeders or feeding methods. If you are really serious about feeding birds in your back yard, perhaps do a tad bit of research, or ask for some professional advice when purchasing bird feed at a specialty store. In short, though, birds often enjoy foods such as sunflower seeds, millet, nyjer seeds (typically put out for goldfinches), cracked corn, suet cakes, peanuts, or even some fruit. Remember what we said in previous tips, though, and place food for the birds somewhere that is safe for them, as well as for your furbabies.

Friendly Fill-Ins

Hello and happy Friday, friends! We're ready for the Friendly Fill-Ins challenge. Are you? We'd love for you to join us! My co-host Ellen of 15andmeowing came up with the first two fill-in statements, and I came up with the second two.


1. I am running low on _________.

2. I never run out of _________.

3. I work best when _________.

4. _________ caught me by surprise.

My answers are below in bold.

1. I am running low on matching socks.

(I just recently talked about this in another post, and I even shared a doodle about this. I hardly ever wear matching socks anymore, because barely any of my socks have their matching half still in existence. I really am thinking there are sock gremlins who sneak in and steal socks from the wash, leaving me with nothing but lonely, single socks without their significant other.)

2. I never run out of cheese.

(Surely I'm not the only one who likes cheese in a majority of the dishes I eat? I think I've mentioned this before, but I actually eat dairy-free cheese for reasons of lactose intolerance, so I technically never let myself run out of cheese that isn't really cheese. Before I started having this issue, though, I never ran out of real cheese.)

3. I work best when I work alone.

(There are of course things here and there that I can do just fine while working with others, such as more simple and fun things and the like. For this answer, I'm more referring to things like back when I was in school and teachers would force group projects on us. Group projects were the bane of my existence in school. I was that kid who wanted to do well in school, and so I always just ended up doing all the work in group projects. If I was at a workplace that required team projects, I'm certain I'd loathe that just as much, but luckily that's not how my workplace runs.)

4. The cost of my recent tanks of gas caught me by surprise.

(It shouldn't have caught me by surprise. I saw the news, and I saw the price of gas on the sign when I arrived and tried to prepare myself. But, when it was all said and done, the total cost still made me cringe real good.)

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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Your Eddy fix for today is brought to you by window whiffies!

Eddy wishes you all lots of window whiffies today, too!

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I chose another flashback doodle from 2019's April A to Z Challenge as I yet still continue to finish this year's late A to Z doodles to share hopefully very soon.

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Tip of the Day

 

As we mentioned yesterday, we are doing a bit of a different sort of series of tips, that being one all about wildlife. We're staring today with some tips on feeding none other than geese, ducks, swans, and the like. First, keep in mind that not all areas allow the feeding of these birds, for a variety of reasons. So, first make sure that you're in a location that is safe and appropriate for feeding wild birds such as geese and ducks.

Now, on to feeding these birds of whom we're starting to see more and more in these springtime days. First and foremost, despite popular belief, bread is not an ideal food to feed geese and ducks. Bread does not have much in the way of nutritional value for these wild birds, and often can do more harm than good. So, then, what should you feed animals such as geese? You can offer them some regular birdseed, keeping in mind that sunflower seeds are not one that is ideal for them. You can also give them grapes, kale, and Romaine lettuce. That being said, make sure that these foods are bite size, or else there is the risk that the geese or ducks could choke. So, cut grapes in half, and chop up kale or lettuce that you offer. If you offer birdseed or other small foods, mound them up in small piles for ease of eating.

Also ensure that you take safety precautions, both for yourself and the wild birds. For example, it is typically best that you not feed the birds directly out of your hands. In addition, place the food you feed them in a safe area, such as away from roads. In general, you simply have to use common sense, and if you're not sure something is safe, simply don't do it. Interacting with wildlife can be an inspiring and unique experience, but it is always best to keep both their safety and your safety in mind.

Thankful Thimble Thursday

Hello, friends! I'm so sorry for yet another late post. I mentioned yesterday how all of us in my immediate family have ended up with COVID, and though we're all honestly doing well overall, I'm pretty sure an unquenchable desire to sleep is quite possibly the main symptom of this thing. I apparently fell asleep while working on this post last night, and now here we are.

Today we're not quite back to our usual Thursday posts, but I am determined to get back to that next week, with our weekly poem for Angel Sammy's Thoroughly Poetic Thursday challenge and all. But, for today, let's see what we can do.

For Brian's Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, Thimble is yet again grateful for sunshine.

Thimble hopes all of you have a bright and sunny day!

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I will hopefully very soon have finished the final, very belated doodles that were meant to be shared during our April A to Z Challenge this year, but in the meantime, for today we have a doodle from 2020's A to Z Challenge.

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Last but not least, 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. I am running low on _________.

2. I never run out of _________.

3. I work best when _________.

4. _________ caught me by surprise.

We'll see you tomorrow, friends!

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Tip of the Day

In yesterday's tip, we discussed keeping our furbabies at a safe distance from those bird feeders we put out for the wildlife. This got us thinking, and now we've decided to do a series on feeding wildlife, and interacting with wildlife in general. While we all certainly love animals, and so might very well enjoy visiting with them and feeding them, this is something you nevertheless always have take into careful consideration. It is important to determine whether feeding wildlife in a certain area is wise, or even allowed. There are some areas where feeding wildlife is prohibited, for a variety of reasons.

One reason why it might not be wise to feed wildlife in certain areas is that, of course, some human food is not healthy for the wildlife. Some foods can even lead to sickness in such animals. In addition, feeding wildlife can lead them to lose their fear of humans or predators, and that can be dangerous for them. They can especially be put at risk if they are fed near roads or other high traffic areas, where they can lose their fear of cars and other such dangers. Also, feeding wildlife without caution and care can lead to disease transfer. For example, some wildlife carry diseases that can be contracted by us humans or our furbabies. This means that not only can we be dangerous for wildlife if not careful, but they can be dangerous to us.

In known, controlled environments, such as your own back yard, feeding wildlife is of course more safe. Then again, you still have to be cautious of what and how you feed these animals, so that they can remain healthy and safe, and so that nearby humans and their furbabies can remain safe. We already mentioned yesterday putting bird feeders and food for wildlife out of reach of your furbabies, for their own safety as well as that of the wildlife. Over the next couple of days, we'll be discussing some tips on what to feed wildlife, so stay tuned if that is something that might interest you.

Woof Woof Wednesday

This post was supposed to be schedule to go up as soon as the clock struck today, but I'm a little off kilter. My parents, my sister, and myself all have COVID-19 right now. That said, we're all doing fine, and I've honestly had other colds and flus that were infinitely worse than the symptoms I'm currently having. I would be lying, though, if I didn't admit that I'm taking lots of naps lately. All of us in my family are having to isolate this week. I'm doing some work from home for my full-time job, and in between all of that I'm also trying to use some of this time at home to get things like art done.

Moving on, though, how about a pouty pup for this Woof Woof Wednesday?

Poor Astrid has a reason to pout. Since everyone in my immediate, local family is in isolation with COVID, we aren't allowed to take Astrid for walks. She's getting lots of playtime in the back yard, but I can tell the girl misses her walks. Don't worry, pup, you'll get your walks again in just a few days.

Happy Wednesday, friends!

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Today's flashback doodle from 2019's April A to Z Challenge is in honor of the fact that Astrid loves cookies. As in, dog cookies from our local pet store.

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Tip of the Day

Whether you feed the wildlife in the warm months as well as the cold months, be sure to take your furbaby into consideration when placing feeders and food. We often of course want our kitties and pups to be able to see their Bird TV and Squirrel TV, but that at the same time, too close of proximity can cause problems. This is especially the case for our furbabies who go outdoors. If feeders are placed where outdoor dogs and cats can easily access them, the wildlife can of course be scared off or preyed upon. What's more, there's the chance that the outdoor pups and kitties themselves can be negatively affected by close proximity to the wildlife and their feeders

First, birdseed can pose some dangers to dogs and even cats. If consumed, there is a chance that a dog or cat can become blocked by consuming too much food intended for the wildlife. In addition, it could be possible for birdseed to ferment inside a dog or cat's stomach, and thereby cause bloat, which can be a very serious condition. Another concern is if birdseed molds, which can then have toxic effects if ingested by a pup or kitty.

Second, the wildlife themselves can pose risks to our furbabies, just as they can pose risks to the wildlife. For example, the feces of some wildlife might contain parasites that could infect our kitties or pups if ingested. Parasites and other issues can also arise if certain critters themselves are caught and consumed. Some wildlife also carry transmittable diseases, which in some cases might affect our furbabies, or which our furbabies can pass to us from wildlife with which they come into contact.

So, the long and the short of it is to always be aware of where place feeders and food for the wildlife. Many of us do enjoy feeding those outdoors critters, but we also must keep our own furbabies safe. Of course, the wildlife wouldn't mind a bit of safety from curious pups and kitties as well.

Tonks Tuesday

Tonks is looking a little shocked today. See?

Sorry, Tonks, did I invade your personal space? How rude of me. Tonks hopes none of you have a human as invasive as hers. 

Happy Tuesday, friends!

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I'm still working on catching up on our final, belated April A to Z doodles. So, as I do that, here's another flashback doodle from 2019's A to Z Challenge. As someone who regularly falls asleep on the couch while watching TV in the evenings, like I did just last night, I feel like this is an apt enough doodle.

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Tip of the Day

We already gave a tip on the importance of keeping up with parasite preventatives, especially as the weather warms up. Similarly to this, also make sure that your kitty or pup is up-to-date with vaccines for diseases that might affect them. If spring weather means that your furbaby will be venturing outside more, interacting with other dogs and cats, or even potentially coming into contact with wildlife, then keep this in mind when it comes to vaccinations.

For example, feline calicivirus is a respiratory disease that can be somewhat easily passed from cat to cat. Canine distemper is a similar disease in dogs, affecting the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, and being passed through direct contact between dogs or their secretions. There are vaccinations against both of these diseases, as well as other diseases, that could prevent sickness in furbabies at risk of contracting them. This is especially something to consider if your cat or dog will indeed be coming into contact with an environment or animals that might put them at risk of sickness.

There is often debate over the necessity of certain vaccinations. The important thing is to weigh out the options and risk factors. Is your cat or dog going to be traveling or boarding somewhere with other animals? If so, vaccines might perhaps be wise to prevent them from contracting anything, which is why many boarding facilities will require certain vaccinations. Of course, you also have to take your furbaby's overall health status into consideration before vaccinating them. This is when it is important to discuss all circumstances and options with your veterinarian, to discuss the safest, most healthy option for your kitty or pup.

Squeaky Clean Mancat Monday

Last week, Evan shared a flashback photo of himself before he started getting groomed regularly. Nowadays, he has to endure sanitary shaves every three weeks because that has become the most successful way to keep him clean despite his urinary incontinence. So, today, Evan wants you all to see what his mom pays a groomer to do to him.

Honestly, this here mom of Evan's thinks he's downright adorable even when he's looking just a tad bit like a baboon. More importantly, simply trimming up his back end like this works wonders in allowing me to keep this boy clean. I've told Evan that if he let me shave him up a bit back there, he could avoid all the car rides and grooming visits. However, as I mentioned last week, Evan has told me in no uncertain terms that I am not to touch his precious fur, but he will act like a perfect angel for his groomer. The groomer also gives Evan a little bath each time he's there, and it makes him so very squeaky clean.

Do you like Evan's new hairdo? If you see Evan looking like this in photos, now you know why.

Happy Monday, friends!

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Now that I've wrapped up wild and crazy April, I'm revamping both my work and personal schedule to finally allow me to get back on track with some personal projects that are very important to me, including art and writing and the like. Early this week, now that I finally have more time again, I'm really trying to buckle down on finishing the last A to Z Challenge doodles that I fell so far behind on in April. Once I get those all done, or at least mostly done, I'll finally start sharing them again and all that jazz. It probably sounds silly to some for me to put so much emphasis on activities like drawing, but art is a very significant part of my life, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope to one day turn it into something more than just a hobby. The same guys for my passion of writing, just to name another.

All that rambling aside, what I'm getting at is that, still, as I finish the A to Z doodles over the next couple of days, we'll share some more flashback doodles. So, how about one from my 2019 April A to Z Challenge? This one's in honor of Evan's aforementioned grooming visits.

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Tip of the Day

Yesterday's spring safety tip was about taking precautions around potentially dangerous products during any spring cleaning. In addition to spring cleaning, home renovations and other similar projects are often tackled this time of year. If you are planning any home renovations during the spring months, or any time of the year, keep in mind that some paints, varnishes, and other such products can indeed be toxic to our furbabies if ingested. The fumes of such products can also of course pose risks. Renovations and the like might also mean the arrival of bits and bobs such as nails and screws, which of course can be dangerous if ingested or if stepped on by furbaby paws. There are any number of dangerous items that might be involved in home renovations or other such projects, so always keep this in mind with regard to your furbaby. Block their access to dangerous areas, and keep all dangerous items tucked out of reach when not in use.

Sunday Selfie

A certain calico is here to wish you all a happy May!

Tonks hopes your day is as sunny as hers!

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I'm still working on finishing up all those doodles I didn't get done in time for the April A to Z Challenge. So, here's another weird little flashback from last year's "Halfway to Halloween" A to Z Challenge. 

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Tip of the Day

Today's Spring safety tip is all about that Spring cleaning. In our series for Pet Poison Prevention Month, we gave some tips on household items that can potentially be toxic to our furbabies, such as if ingested. Some of these dangerous products are, of course, household cleaners. Various detergents, for example, can be very caustic or can contain toxins. This is why, if you are planning on doing some Spring cleaning around your home, always think ahead and take your furbaby's health and safety into consideration.

As needed, block your kitty or pup from the rooms you are cleaning, such as with closed doors or baby gates. What's more, when cleaning products are not in use, store them safely out of reach, where curious paws cannot reach them. It is true that some household cleaners are dangerous while others are not, but if you are in any way unsure of a product's safety, err on the side of caution, assume it is dangerous, and keep it away from those furbabies while you Spring clean.