1/24-26 LOOSE LIPS: What a week! Happy Cheery Cherry Monday LL!! and... a Mannie video

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Good Morning LL!! (Ahhhhhh.... elixir! Thanks Elsa), and Happy Catmint Caturday!
LL! It's is I, Elsa, KBP, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! GUESS WHAT! Paw Prints Pizza is open and ready for business! They are running a Caturday Catnip special today, in honor of Catmint Caturday - lots of nip in those pies! They have even used their signature nip cheese. Best order early! OOOOOOOOO! They have perfected their NY Style hot dog pies. MAJOR YUM!!!! Try one, you'll see! Just order the Mannie and Stu Special! so. well. anyways. Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and Double shot espressos, with beans from deep within the mountain slopes of Africa, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: a venti quad peppermint white chocolate mocha, with peppermint infused whip, garnished with peppermint candy chips and white chocolate shavings... It is my bean's fave, and a Caturday tradition! SWEET! OH! No worries, a dollop of peppermint and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, sprinkled with peppermint chips and a chocolate caramel drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good!

Lola, Co-CEO of Paw Prints Pizza

​

I hope everyone had a great week. The days with the boys have been good ones! We have been very busy, that part of life has not changed. Will it ever? ;-) NOPE!! I am so glad it hasn't! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! We just seem to pick up and go each day, no questions asked, not by me or the boys, or the people I interact with on a daily basis. Life is very good!

Swimming continues to be an integral part of my life, and the boys. They both love the time spent there, and will pick that when given alternative choices. So we continue to go, alternating pools between the Lynnwood Aquatic Center, and the Snohomish Aquatic Center. It is so nice to see the evolution of pools that cater to families, with beach play areas, and large water slides, as well as the competitive side of swimming. William has taken to the water exceptionally well, having no issue with being under water at all. He has such a love for water slides. It will be fun when he can do the big tube slide at the Snohomish Pool. Nicholas continues to amaze me at every turn. He loves to lap swim, underwater, and does his version of that when the opportunity is there. He likes to swim the lazy river unassisted too, and made a couple of laps on that on his own. His all time fave thing? The big Blue Slide at the Snohomish Pool. It is hard to believe sometimes that he just turned 4 last month. I often wonder if he will stay with the pool as he continues to grow, or even become a competitive swimmer. No matter which path he may choose, it any, for right now, he is so at home there. It is a joy to watch him in the pool. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Night were our swim days this past week. It is nice to have the normal routine back.

The boys and I continue to be very busy. Our weather has dictated alot of what we do, and even with that we still have great times. We have come up with a great list of indoor places, and this week we used them as often as we could, when the weather was questionable, from the Pacific Science Center on Thursday, and the Aquarium on Friday. They both have such an interest in Science, and the things that inhabit our planet. We visited the butterflies, played with water, and music at the Science Center. and then there were all those fishies at the aquarium. They have a waterfall at the aquarium, and that got Nicholas talking about summer and getting back to the rivers. He really misses those adventures. In all honesty so do I. We did manage some outdoor time this week, when the weather was at its best. We spent Wednesday afternoon at Meadowdale Play Park. It has been a while since we have been able to go there. It was like welcoming back an old friend. William is now so much more mobile that he can slide with Nicholas, chase him in the park, and walk the trails with him. He held his own too! My DMIL is back in the rotation for helping me with William while Nicholas swims. YAY! We spent some time with Grammie Connie on Wednesday too. The boys have missed her.

Nicholas & William, on the trail! ​

Mornings with the boys are such fun. . seriously fun. Mellow and intense at the same time. How can that be so? But it is. The Friday Night Burger Feast with Nicholas has to be one of the highlights of the week. He looks forward to that every week, talks about it daily. Such a great one on one time with him. I hop to be able to do soemthig similar with William in the near future. Nicholas had this past week wanted to take pictures. I have never refused him, instead give him my camera and let him go for it. He was into buildings this week. I love seeing things from a child's perspective. I think he did a great job. It was fun to listen to him in the back seat of my car, as we traveled, and he picked out buildings to take photos of. I kept hearing "Got it! Great Shot! I really like this one!" and my personal fave: "slow down Grammie! I need to take a picture!" so of course I did. Thursday and Friday were photo shoot days. All the while he was taking pictures William was watching and giggling when his brother became exited over the photo he took.

Nicholas relaxing with his Kindle​

For my own personal time, I have been hiking the local trails here when I can. I hope in the near future to have a day to visit the moutnians and get in at east one snow hike before winter's end. Paws crossed. I've been to Meadowdale shore and woods on Sunday, and again on Tuesday. It is such a nice alternative to mountain hiking, and will do, along with some other local lowland hikes, until the higher elevation stuff opens in the spring. Tuesday I was able to have breakfast with my son Anthony, at the restaurant we have been going to for some time now. It is alwyas so great to be able to catch up with him over some really good food.


Normalcy in MusketeerVille The kitties are truly dong well. Elsa continues to be Elsa. I worry about her more than I suppose I need too. I keep thinking she is 18, almost 19 in a few months. She seems to be doing well though. She still takes her outdoor rounds when the weather permits. Well heck, sometimes she goes too when it is raining. She eats well, has no LB issues, last BW was excellent, and can still jump from here to there, comes and cuddles every night. Life is good for her. Bug is Bug, such a mellow laid back dude. He so reminds me of Mannie. I swear Mannie sent him to me, he is so much like him. He has so many of Mannie's unique habits. I swear too that Mannie sent Lola, just to shake things up a bit. She has been good lately, ever sine the Christmas tree came down. We've had a few plant issues, but overall, she too is becoming a bit more laid back. Well on some days.... I never did get her catio done, just ran out of funds and time. maybe this spring. I'd also like to build some climbing floor to ceiling trees for her too with access to cubby holes and top of cabinet type stuff. I know she, and Bug would love those. Lola has been back to her pounding on glass surfaces too. She had stopped for a while, but has renewed that activity with a vengeance it is so funny to watch her stand on her back legs, and pound on these surfaces with her front paws. AWESOME and bit noisy. Normalcy in MusketeerVille!

and... for old times sake: Nicholas and Mannie 4.14.2012​

Have a great Caturday everyone! Today has been catchup day here. Shopping and laundry done, some medicare issues to resolve for DH, and just being a little lazy. I hope to get out for a walk after I post this, for some fresh, though wet, air, and to exercise the legs some. Tonight we have a dinner at my DMIL, for my DSIL Jason's birthday. That should be great, Connie is such an awesome cook!

KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN

 

[Vyktors Mum]

Mannie was so patient!

Sounds like Elsa is doing fantastic. Vyktor is also 18 now and I have had to start forcing him to take some exercise by putting him at the end of the yard a few times a day so he has to walk back, he swears at me every time

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

@Vyktors Mum Hey Serryn! I think she is too. She's a little on the skinny side, but holding her own. I remember you writing that about Vyktor and the exercise. Too funny. Wow, I didn't realize he was 18! Awesome!!! and very big yes on Mannie and his patience. He let that kid do just about anything, including messing with his ears! What a great friendship they had.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Michelle,
How neat to see that video again! Mannie was fantastic with Nicholas. How many cats would have put up with all that! Mannie, I'll bet you're smiling down on it all.

Beautiful pic of Lola!
Sounds like another busy busy week with the boys and looks like lots of fun was had. I like the pic of the two hikers on the tree stump.

Elsa, the has been particularly good this week. Are you, Bug and Lola ready for the kitty trip to the CITY? Paw Prints pizzas on the bus, snowball fights in Central Park, parties on the roof, and, of course, hotdogs from the carts. Rusty says that he will see you there on Monday. Tess is driving the bus.

Enjoy the coming week, Michelle. Maybe you'll get out on that mountain hike after all.

Hugs and scritches,

Ella & Rusty

p.s. Thanks for checking up on Rusty this week. Much appreciated.

 

[Deb & Wink]

It feels like we have been by your side these last few years, watching Nicholos grow up and seeing his little brother William flourish also.

So nice to read your condos when the stresses of life are getting you down a bit. Brings smiles to our faces and calm to our brains.

 

[Tiger(GA) and Ruth]

Hi Michelle- so nice to see another Caturday report!! I have to say I am with Nicholas- I am counting days to summer and days in the mountains and near the river hikes! I can finally tell it's getting lighter earlier each morning and it isn't dark at 2:00PM at least

I love those pics as always- when I first joined this forum, little William was barely a toddler and look at him now, and Nicholas has grown at least a foot as well!

We should all be as lucky at Elsa- able to get out and about, no LB problems and able to jump from here to there! Thanks for sharing the video- Mannie was really good with Nicholas, that is so heartwarming!

And finally, Go HAWKS!! Have a great weekend

 

[Amy&TrixieCat]

Love seeing the Mannie videos again...what a cool and special kitty. The boys are getting so big!! I'm so glad the kitties are all doing well....what a great crew you've got!!!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

I love that video. What a great bond Mannie and Nicholas had. I'm glad Lola is dong so well at her age. That's a great picture of Lola. I'm glad you had another fun week with the boys. I hope everyone had a good time at Jason's party. Happy Birthday to him.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Hi everyone! I had hoped to update this condo this morning, but wow, it has been another busy day here, so that "news" will wait until tomorrow....

@Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA) Hi Ella I have always liked that video too, if only becasue it really does show how gentle they were with each other. What one year old would be as easy on Mannie has he was here. there were a few "whacks, but over all? wow. Mannie had such patience. I too am sure he is remembering with such fondness, and so many Mannie smiles. THX on Lola's pic. I too think she is such a gorgeous kitty. Beautiful! It has been a busy cry week, but filled with fun. ME TOO on the two hikers pic. They do well together. Nicholas is patient too, and helps William when he can. It's great! THX on getting out, I sure will try! Elsa says to tell Rusty that she and Lola and Bug are all set for a week in the "big City" they have been packed for two days.

@Deb & Wink Hi Deb - thanks so much for your comments. It does mean alot. What you say is one of the reasons I have kept with this. Maybe it all just brings some relief for the stress of all that comes with an FD kitty. I so remember how it is....

@Tiger and Ruth Hi Ruth! GO HAWKS! I too am with Nicholas! Summer and rivers and lakes and mountain adventures cannot come soon enough! I'm done with all this wet! YUPP on the boys! WIlliam is quite the little boy now,anddoes wel with keeping upwiht his brother. it is ncie to see them get along so well. I a so gratful that Elsa is dong as wel as she is. You are right! if only we seniors can and could do as well as she does! You are welcome on the video. It is fun to post them, go back and remember. He was quite the cat.

@Amy&TrixieCat Hi Amy Me too on the video. it's been fun to go back and find them. I just wish I gad a good one of his fuds dance. Never really did get one, tried many a time too! Oh my gracious es on the boys!

@carfurby Hi Carla THX on the vid! They really did have a very special bond. Nicholas has kitties at home, but the relationship, though good, is nothing compared to what he had with Mannie. THX too on Elsa and Lola, so so grateful for both of the, I liked that pic of Lola, it is a bit blurry, but I think her personality comes through in it. THX too on the birthday wishes for Jason. I will pass them along.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

aw, i love that video too. mannie's saying "stop whacking me with the nanner. stop pulling my ears. stop pulling my foot. stop whacking me with the banana. love you nicholas."

somehow animals seem to recognize babies as being babies. they tolerate from them what they wouldn't ever tolerate from an adult.

thanks for sharing - i'm glad to see a caturday condo from you!

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Good Morning LL!! (Elsa - lots (!!) please! This bean is so sleepy...), and Happy Cheery Cherry Monday

LL! It's is I, Elsa, KBP, kitteh barista pilot!, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! GUESS WHAT! Today is CHEERY CHERRY MONDAY!! Lola and Bug, aka Paw Prints Pizza, are making their cheery cherry pizza pies. It is after all Monday, and that is now tradition! Anybody up for a cherry pizza? so. well. anyways. Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and Double shot espressos, with beans from deep within the mountain slopes of Africa, AND.... for all my Mocha fans: a VENTI Quad cherry infused white mocha/mocha blend with white chocolate chips melted within, topped with a cherry whip garnished with candied cherry sprinkles and white chocolate curls. SWEET! OH! No worries, a dollop of cheery cherry and chocolate swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, topped with crystallized cheery cherries and chocolate drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good! We gots CHEERY CHERRY CHEESECAKE too! as well as cheery cherry frappes! I love cheery cherry Mondays.

Happy Monday everyone. Where did the weekend go? I hope everyone had a good past couple of days. it has been bust here, more so than normal. wow, is that even possible? Saturday was a fairly normal day, with errands and chores, but I also managed a short walk in the woods at Meadowdale, during a weather break. It was a great time out. We had some sun, some clouds and alot of wind. The winds were blowing the clouds around at a fast rate, making for a fun sky to watch. I had wished I had more time to just watch that unfold. Sure was a great walk, and I LOVE sky drama. Saturday night we had a birthday dinner at my DMIL Connie, for Jason's, my DSIL, birthday. What fun! Connie is an exceptional cook, and really outdid herself: ceasar salad, chicken picata, fettuccine alfredo,. garlic green beans, and brownies with whip cream and fudge sauce and berry sauce and ice cream. I think we all had seconds and thirds. It was such a fun evening, and nice to have the family all together. Nicholas once again was into taking pictures, borrowed my camera several time for more Nick's Pics. I just love the things he comes up with, his perspective, and what interests him. William and Nicholas had the best of times, they just love going to her place. I've YouTubed a couple of the videos. They are in the photo link, but are sideways so who wants to see that.... Besides, love the boys in these two. They do enjoy their food. The noodle on wit nicholas is a classic.

Sunday I went to a Masters Swim Meet in Anacortes. My DS Matt DGF was racing. She is a great swimmer, loves what she does. It is fun to watch someone doing what they really enjoy. She did well, comparable times to where she left off last year, and a best time in the 100Free. She is one of the top ranked swimmers for her age group. GO SYDNEY! The drive was an hour to get there but what a nice one it was. We had sun by then, and it was a great morning to be on the road. After the meet I elected to do a short walk at Padilla Bay. There is a shore walk, about 4.5 miles round-trip, that follows the contours of part of the bay. It is also part estuary and wetlands, which can make for some great wildlife sightings. Eagles and heron yesterday! Tides were out Sunday afternoon, leaving a bed of typical mud and muck and goo typical of wetland areas, making for some great photos. I had a great time. Winds were down, some clouds had moved in, but it was warm! Like 60 warm, and to think this is January and my friends on the east cast are freezing and up to their knees in snow.... I will send you guys some warmth.

Kitties are doing well this morning. They made sure I got up on time and filled their bowls. Happy kitties! With full bellies they all took off for their morning nap. Sure is quiet here. Lola is camped put on my lap, head tucked under my arm purring away. Love it when my feisty adventurous girl is mellow content and quiet. So odd to think of Lola as quiet.... last week the local shelter her had a 10 year old senior girl, and FD girl, needing a forever home. She is gorgeous, friendly, and kid loving (!). and I was so tempted. I almost went and got her... but had to really question my ability, time wise only, to care for another diabetic. There are just too many days when I am gone for 12+ hours at a time. Would that really be fair to this kitty. Well, will have to think on this some.

Have a great day everyone! I am off to the pool in a few, for our normal monday swim with the boys and the otehr grandparents. I think it is just Nicholas today, as William does on occasion goes for a story time at the library. Seattle and coffee time with a friend is on the agenda for this afternoon. YAY!



@julie & punkin (ga) Hi Julie That is so on target. You can see Mannie's thinking "what in the world, and could maybe you please stop. But he never moved, kept looking at him with that LUVS ya kid! I can remember Nicholas helping me test Mannie. He'd hold his ear with one hand, pet his head with the other. Mannie just loved it when he did that. Amazing bond between those two. I so agree on animals know babies are babies and let them do more than any of us could. I see that with the boys and Lola. She will whack us adults anytime, but never does the boys. If her paw does go up there are no claws. She knows...

 

[Melissa & Tarragon]

I love the Mannie video. One of my favorites. Can that really be almost 3 years ago? Love the videos of the boys and their food. They both are such great eaters. I am amazed at how much they have both grown.

Sounds busy busy busy there as always. I know you wouldn't have it any other way.

Way to go Sydney!! That is very exciting.

Have a great day Michelle!!

 

[carfurby (GA)]

It sounds like you had a fun weekend. I'm glad everyone had a good time at your DSIL's birthday party. I love seeing the things Nicholas takes pictures of. That's great Sydney does so well at something she loves.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

Morning everyone. Day two of the week. I hope everyone is off to a good start. Stay warm, be safe vines for all of you affected by the snow storm on the east coast. Been thinking of you guys!

@Melissa & Tarragon Morning Melissa THX on the vid. That one brings back alot of memories. Hard to believe that he has been gone as long as he has. It will be two years his April. I am grateful that we were blessed with good eaters. They do well, and aren't terrible fussy. YAY!!! I too have those same thoughts on how much the boys have grown, especially when I see them chasing each other. It was fun to watch Sydney race. She does do well with it all, usually makes Nationals for Masters swimming. Kinda cool!

@carfurby Morning Carla We did do well, busy, but alot of fun too. Me too on Nick's Pics. His viewpoint is fun, one can see what really caught his attention, what was deemed worthy of photo. I think he does pretty good for just turned 4 yr old. I so agree on Sydney, she does love to swim!