I'm still giggling. The cats made out like bandits this year. I found some ring things at PetSmart that look like the tops of milk bottles, but are more colorful. They're currently laying all over the living room floor along with the cross things that are also made for slapping around the floor. Both were very popular items this year.

However, the most popular item almost didn't make it into the stocking. Merlin went into the bag of Catmouse toys that we had in the bedroom where we were wrapping presents and pulled out the ultimate present. A catnip bag. He tried to run off with it, but the door was closed and we were able to catch him before he could get QC to open it for him. We had to lock it in a rubbermaid tub so that Merlin, QC, and Tanada couldn't get it out. It was so popular, that four cats got stoned off it at the same time (they laid in a circle around it with their noses towards it and sniffed). It is currently laying in the middle of the living room floor along with the rings and other toys. It is very soggy and potent. I almost got stoned off of it myself.

Rob says that if there was such a thing as a 12 step program for catnip, PC would be on the 24th step. That cat was STONED and remained so for most of the day. By the way, do you know that some cats get the munchies when they're on catnip? PC tried to steal Mike's bag of beef jerky, in spite of the fact that the cats have a bag of their own jerky. He just waltzed over to where Mike's bag was sitting and picked it up and walked off with it.

My big present this year was a new camera, one that cost more than $10, has auto advance, red eye reduction and almost all the other goodies I've wanted. The only thing it doesn't have is a zoom lens, and I can live with out one. I'm so happy. I got pictures of Tanada meatloafing in the tupperware bread keeper. I told Rob that it takes the concept of meatloaf meditations up to a new level. Tanada just gave me a dirty look and went back to sleep. At least she wasn't sleeping on the nuts this year. PC did that.

We didn't hand out a lot of presents this year, partly because of the cash crunch, but mainly because we're trying to get away from being so commercially oriented. We have a ways to go, but we're getting there.

Anyway, other than stuffing ourselves (even the cats are laying on their backs and groaning) we spent the day having fun with our toys, talking together, and relaxing. I'm finishing a picture that I've been crosstitching for TED's office, and plan on taking it to them on Thursday, which is the next day Rob has off. I've been modifying the pattern to fit more of what I want to make, so it's taking a bit longer than I'd hoped.

Merry Catmouse

Copyright © Pam Shirk
December 26, 2001