Michelle and Mannie (GA)
Member Since 2009
Good Morning LL! 
(YUM! I Love coffee!), and Happy Caturday!
LL! It's is I, Elsa, Kitteh Barista!, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! Coffee is on, Lola and Bug , founders of Paw Prints Pizza, are ready to go! Want pizza? it is MEGA GOOD! They are busy getting ready for.... uh.... I dunno! but there sure is a flurry of activity in the kitchen. They are offering a special on the Mannie and Stu Pizza Special: Hot Dogs RULE Pizza, buy one get one free! Try it, it is mega good. Mannie said so! so. well. anyways. Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and triple shot espresso, beans from the heart of central Ethiopia. For my mocha fans: Venti Quad orange and vanilla mocha, laced with orange swirls, topped with chocolate whip, garnished with orange zest, slivered vanilla beans and chocolate swirls....... and orange drizzle! SWEET OH! No worries, a dollop of orange and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, and a chocolate caramel drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good!
Lola... Ruler of all.... Co-CEO of Paw Prints Pizza
I hope everyone has had a great week. We have been.... well, busy again!
I just can't imagine not being on the go. 
It keeps us out of trouble, and makes for great times! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! It was the same this past week. Even with the added care for Elsa, we have mange to maintain a week of adventure, and fun. It has been a good week. 
And first up today.... Elsa News. She is doing fairly well. We are one fluids every other day, and will continue in that mode unless it appears that she needs them daily. Last week I was up at teh vet for a refresher course, as it had been years, like 20, since I have given fluids. Funny hoew it all comes back... Elsa is a gooda t home fluid taker. She sits on my lap, DH wills tokre her head adn talk to her While I administer her fluids. She is as good as gold. I will ahve to laugh though, as soon as we are done, and she knwos when that is, she fits up, hisses a few comments, and off she goes. She gets handful of kitty treats for being such a good patient. We re-ran her BW on last Thursday, and her BUN was down to 73 from 92, Creatnine was still at 4.3, ratio at 17, down from 21. So.... some improvement after a week of just fluids. The vet has asked that I add an AB to deal with her mouth, as that really is such a mess. She was able to remove clumps of surface tartar, but alot remains that we cannot take care of without a dental. She is not a dental candidate, due to her CDF/CKD. We hope that the AB's will deal with any underlying infections, hopefully clear things up some. so, bring on the Clavamox. So far she is tolerating that well, after a week or so of being on them. I initially started with pills, but after three days of kitty "bites" and much comp,aining n her part, and two draw blood fingers, I asked for e liquid. That is much easier to give her. YAY! I have cerenia on board to deal with some minor nausea issues. Pepcid has also been added to the mix. She has also put back on some of the weight she lost, YAY!!!!! She remains active, doing Elsa things. last week she has made sure I get up in the morning. The kitty choir, with Bug and Lola as back up singers, has returned! last night, for the first time in over two months she slept with me, on the pillow. It was so nice to see that portion of her routine return. She continues to eat well, though at times I do have to encourage her, hold the bowl for her,etc. She continues to venture outside, soaking up those sunbeams. I am sure Mannie has sent them to her. Keep on truckin' Elsa, we all hope for many ore days with you.
Elsa!
We have a new addition! Furkid kind. well.. we will in a week or so. Last week I had received a message from a FDMB member, Chris and Chloe, that they had rescued a 14 year old senior Norwegian Forest Cat. Seems her mom had her since she was 1. The mom is ill and having financial troubles so she had to move (home?) to Canada. She's staying someplace that won't allow pets. Chris spoke to her, and she started to cry and is so sad to give her up. I have yet to learn her name, but no matter. We are currently working out adoption details, transport etc, for what is a terrific friendly lovable kitty that so needs a new home. Details coming!
Welcome, little one! Our new furkid, well soon to be new furkid!
It has been a week in the pool! It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered. Nicholas's swim classes continue, Monday and Wednesday this week. Nicholas continues to do well, working on learning side breathing, elementary back float and stroke , and the beginnings of breaststroke. He just loves class, and can't wait for his lessons to begin. He literally runs to class when it is time. They have started to introduce the diving blocks, and beginning dives from the side of the pool. He absolutely loves that. Outside of class he still is our little energizer fishie, loves swimming in the big pool, and will often forgo the beach area play for the 6 and unders. He'd rather be in deep water. William continues to do well, and has gotten very comfortable in the water, on top and down under. He likes to float, and will do so, on his tummy in the shallow beach area. He tells everyone he is swimming! He's also started to do some jump ins. Cool! He's learning that jumping in can be fun too. How fun! Lessons ought to go well for him too, when he is eligible. We are grateful for our time in the pool. It has all enabled to boys to explore anther aspect of growing up, one they really enjoy. Our swim days this week were Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Night. That sure is ALOT of pool time!
GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM !!
Nicholas: Getting ready to ride the Big Blue Slide, 150 feet long, a 50 foot drop ( I think)
William: Working the water Cannons!
And.... yes! We are still doing the Friday Night Burger Feast after Nicholas's swim time. Nicholas loves it, and continues to look forward to it each week. We have this running bet on how many extra pickles (I always ask for extra as he LOVES pickles) we will actually get. It varies, anywhere from 2 to 10. This week, tally was only 3!
Only three????? So.... in the interest of actually having extra pickles I started to bring even more a couple of weeks ago. I swear Nicholas did his version of the Mannie Fuds Dance once he saw them. I love Friday Nights! What a fun time.
The week was busy.... three days of adventure after adventure. Weather was great this week, with sunny skies and temps in the 75/80 range, so we were able to spend alot of time outdoors, from the play park at Meadowdale Play Park, The Berry trails at Mesika trail, and the wilderness of the Beckler River. We went berry picking on TH since William had a DR appt in the afternoon, and their stay with me was a short one. Berry picking took up just the right amount of time, and the boys had such a good time. We harvested 65 salmonberries, and about 15 huckleberries. William, BTW, passed his two tear old appointment with flying colors. Beckler River is an old favorite river of mine, and Nicholas. It has been some time, last summer I think, since we have been there. What a treat to go back. It is a gorgeous spot in the Wild Sky Wilderness area of Washington State. The boys had such fun on the river, rock throwing and just exploring, Nicholas found a few baby fish, one inch long, in the river. We also were able to pick a ton of salmonberries. We have a new tradition too. Whenever we are in the Skykomish area, we stop in at a local Starbucks in Monroe on the way home and get fraps. YUM! The boys just love it. and yes..... they are decaf and/or coffee free! I LOVE road trips with the boys! Wednesday, after Nicholas's swim, we were also able to spend some time with the boys Grammie Connie, before heading on out to Meadowdale Play Park. I am so grateful to her for helping me with William when Nicholas needs to be in the pool. She is a god-send. Boys love it there too. It truly was a great week!
Nicholas and William at Beckler River
For my own personal time, I continue to hike the local trails here when I can, Saturday and Tuesday afternoon last week at Meadowdale, and Monday morning before the boys swim time at the Mesika Trail. They have been good local hikes, a nice time out in the woods. Tuesday, after having breakfast with my son Anthony, I headed up to Snoqualmie Pass to hike Source Lake, a lake that is reported to be the source of the Snoqualmie River. What a fantastic hike. The trail is not too difficult but offers such outstanding views. The trail is the same trail that goes to Snow Lake. It splits at about 1.7 miles to head to Source Lake Overlook. I had forgotten how nice this hike is, from the abundance of wildflowers, the beginning of same fall color on the vine maples, and the incredible views of Chair Peak, Bryant Peak, The Tooth, Denny Mountain, and Snoqualmie Mountain. AWESOME! One can get to Source Lake is one is willing to climb/scramble down hundreds of boulders. I decided that was not in my best interests. .A group of 4 much younger folks did however, I could see them at the edge of the shore. Sigh.... to be a few decades younger! Had a great time today. I had originally planned on going up to Snow lake after Source Lake, but wow... overloaded trail! So decided to save that one for another day when the whole of Seattle wasn't there. I hiked 4.5 miles, climbed about 1000 feet. HOT on those rock fields.... I stopped in at the Snoqualmie River on my way home, just to stretch the legs, and see what came from Source Lake. I love this spot on the river, Quiet and pretty'. The drive over too was just great!
Source Lake
View from Source Lake Overlook
Last weekend was just mega busy here, what withErin's Birthday, and William's 2nd Birthday celebrations on Sunday. Saturday I spent most of the day shopping, cleaning and setting things up for the kids at William's party, and the BBQ for Erin later on in the day. I had so hoped to have condo time, but it just didn't happen.
We had a great day on Sunday. Gilliam''s party was a huge success. With great weather we were able to spend most of the time outdoors, with the kids having a blast with a bubble machine, and just playing outdoors. William Loved his birthday cake, a huge cupcake. One happy boy! We had a short break in between parties, where Nicholas was able to help his Grandpa get the small back yard pond we have up and running. He, and William, love that little pond. Nicholas was elated that he got to fill it, turn on the water fall, and just enjoy it. Bring on backyard ponds! Awesome! We also went on a salmonberry hunt at the local trails here by the house. They are in full fruit now, so off we went. I always cracks me up how much he loves berry hunting, ad we actually managed to come back with a small bowl full of salmonberries. Now we await the arrival of the thimbleberries and huckleberries on this trail. YUM!!! The BBQ for Erin was a blast. I love BBQ's, even with it just being burgers dogs and sausages. My youngest son manned the BBQ, he really does a mean cheeseburger. and the cake. A double chocolate fudge! All in all a very fun filled and long and awesome day. Back to back parties. I must have been crazy. 
Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille! Kitties are doing well, and there really isn't much change from last week. Bug is still being cuddly, Elsa is still holding her own even with a few new issues, and Lola is still escaping. It is interesting that Bug has no desire to be outdoors. Lola however.... Elsa seems to be doing OK this morning. She's made two trips outdoors, made three passes at the fuds bowl with a few nibbles, meowed at me a few times, and is now lounging on one of Mannie's old kitty beds. Lola is currently running from window to window, plotting, I am sure, her next escape route. Bug seems to be edging her on. 
I can't wait to see how our new addition will fit into the three ring circus, once she gets here. Guess they will have to become the Four Musketeers!
KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN
(YUM! I Love coffee!), and Happy Caturday!LL! It's is I, Elsa, Kitteh Barista!, president and CEO of Coffee Cat! Life is GOOD! Coffee is on, Lola and Bug , founders of Paw Prints Pizza, are ready to go! Want pizza? it is MEGA GOOD! They are busy getting ready for.... uh.... I dunno! but there sure is a flurry of activity in the kitchen. They are offering a special on the Mannie and Stu Pizza Special: Hot Dogs RULE Pizza, buy one get one free! Try it, it is mega good. Mannie said so! so. well. anyways.
Coffee time! For today, I proudly offer Elsa's special 10 hour energy coffee, and triple shot espresso, beans from the heart of central Ethiopia. For my mocha fans: Venti Quad orange and vanilla mocha, laced with orange swirls, topped with chocolate whip, garnished with orange zest, slivered vanilla beans and chocolate swirls....... and orange drizzle! SWEET OH! No worries, a dollop of orange and vanilla and chocolate and caramel swirl ice cream, on top of a dollop of fudge, and a chocolate caramel drizzle.... Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh....... mega good! Lola... Ruler of all.... Co-CEO of Paw Prints Pizza
I hope everyone has had a great week. We have been.... well, busy again!
I just can't imagine not being on the go. It keeps us out of trouble, and makes for great times! I often think back on the weeks happenings, and wonder how in the world did we do all that! It was the same this past week. Even with the added care for Elsa, we have mange to maintain a week of adventure, and fun. It has been a good week. And first up today.... Elsa News. She is doing fairly well.
We are one fluids every other day, and will continue in that mode unless it appears that she needs them daily. Last week I was up at teh vet for a refresher course, as it had been years, like 20, since I have given fluids. Funny hoew it all comes back... Elsa is a gooda t home fluid taker. She sits on my lap, DH wills tokre her head adn talk to her While I administer her fluids. She is as good as gold. I will ahve to laugh though, as soon as we are done, and she knwos when that is, she fits up, hisses a few comments, and off she goes. She gets handful of kitty treats for being such a good patient. We re-ran her BW on last Thursday, and her BUN was down to 73 from 92, Creatnine was still at 4.3, ratio at 17, down from 21. So.... some improvement after a week of just fluids. The vet has asked that I add an AB to deal with her mouth, as that really is such a mess. She was able to remove clumps of surface tartar, but alot remains that we cannot take care of without a dental. She is not a dental candidate, due to her CDF/CKD. We hope that the AB's will deal with any underlying infections, hopefully clear things up some. so, bring on the Clavamox. So far she is tolerating that well, after a week or so of being on them. I initially started with pills, but after three days of kitty "bites" and much comp,aining n her part, and two draw blood fingers, I asked for e liquid. That is much easier to give her. YAY! I have cerenia on board to deal with some minor nausea issues. Pepcid has also been added to the mix. She has also put back on some of the weight she lost, YAY!!!!! She remains active, doing Elsa things. last week she has made sure I get up in the morning. The kitty choir, with Bug and Lola as back up singers, has returned! last night, for the first time in over two months she slept with me, on the pillow. It was so nice to see that portion of her routine return. She continues to eat well, though at times I do have to encourage her, hold the bowl for her,etc. She continues to venture outside, soaking up those sunbeams. I am sure Mannie has sent them to her. Keep on truckin' Elsa, we all hope for many ore days with you. Elsa!
We have a new addition! Furkid kind. well.. we will in a week or so. Last week I had received a message from a FDMB member, Chris and Chloe, that they had rescued a 14 year old senior Norwegian Forest Cat. Seems her mom had her since she was 1. The mom is ill and having financial troubles so she had to move (home?) to Canada. She's staying someplace that won't allow pets. Chris spoke to her, and she started to cry and is so sad to give her up. I have yet to learn her name, but no matter. We are currently working out adoption details, transport etc, for what is a terrific friendly lovable kitty that so needs a new home. Details coming!
Welcome, little one! Our new furkid, well soon to be new furkid!
It has been a week in the pool! It has just become the norm for us, we go each week, and just never tire of it. It proves to be such fun for both boys, and their excitement with it all has not wavered. Nicholas's swim classes continue, Monday and Wednesday this week. Nicholas continues to do well, working on learning side breathing, elementary back float and stroke , and the beginnings of breaststroke. He just loves class, and can't wait for his lessons to begin. He literally runs to class when it is time.
They have started to introduce the diving blocks, and beginning dives from the side of the pool. He absolutely loves that. Outside of class he still is our little energizer fishie, loves swimming in the big pool, and will often forgo the beach area play for the 6 and unders. He'd rather be in deep water. William continues to do well, and has gotten very comfortable in the water, on top and down under. He likes to float, and will do so, on his tummy in the shallow beach area. He tells everyone he is swimming! He's also started to do some jump ins. Cool! He's learning that jumping in can be fun too. How fun! Lessons ought to go well for him too, when he is eligible. We are grateful for our time in the pool. It has all enabled to boys to explore anther aspect of growing up, one they really enjoy. Our swim days this week were Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Night. That sure is ALOT of pool time! GO NICHOLAS! GO WILLIAM !!
Nicholas: Getting ready to ride the Big Blue Slide, 150 feet long, a 50 foot drop ( I think)
William: Working the water Cannons!
And.... yes! We are still doing the Friday Night Burger Feast after Nicholas's swim time. Nicholas loves it, and continues to look forward to it each week. We have this running bet on how many extra pickles (I always ask for extra as he LOVES pickles) we will actually get. It varies, anywhere from 2 to 10. This week, tally was only 3!
Only three????? So.... in the interest of actually having extra pickles I started to bring even more a couple of weeks ago. I swear Nicholas did his version of the Mannie Fuds Dance once he saw them. I love Friday Nights! What a fun time.The week was busy.... three days of adventure after adventure. Weather was great this week, with sunny skies and temps in the 75/80 range, so we were able to spend alot of time outdoors, from the play park at Meadowdale Play Park, The Berry trails at Mesika trail, and the wilderness of the Beckler River. We went berry picking on TH since William had a DR appt in the afternoon, and their stay with me was a short one. Berry picking took up just the right amount of time, and the boys had such a good time. We harvested 65 salmonberries, and about 15 huckleberries. William, BTW, passed his two tear old appointment with flying colors.
Beckler River is an old favorite river of mine, and Nicholas. It has been some time, last summer I think, since we have been there. What a treat to go back. It is a gorgeous spot in the Wild Sky Wilderness area of Washington State. The boys had such fun on the river, rock throwing and just exploring, Nicholas found a few baby fish, one inch long, in the river. We also were able to pick a ton of salmonberries. We have a new tradition too. Whenever we are in the Skykomish area, we stop in at a local Starbucks in Monroe on the way home and get fraps. YUM! The boys just love it. and yes..... they are decaf and/or coffee free! I LOVE road trips with the boys! Wednesday, after Nicholas's swim, we were also able to spend some time with the boys Grammie Connie, before heading on out to Meadowdale Play Park. I am so grateful to her for helping me with William when Nicholas needs to be in the pool. She is a god-send. Boys love it there too. It truly was a great week!Nicholas and William at Beckler River
For my own personal time, I continue to hike the local trails here when I can, Saturday and Tuesday afternoon last week at Meadowdale, and Monday morning before the boys swim time at the Mesika Trail. They have been good local hikes, a nice time out in the woods. Tuesday, after having breakfast with my son Anthony, I headed up to Snoqualmie Pass to hike Source Lake, a lake that is reported to be the source of the Snoqualmie River. What a fantastic hike. The trail is not too difficult but offers such outstanding views. The trail is the same trail that goes to Snow Lake. It splits at about 1.7 miles to head to Source Lake Overlook. I had forgotten how nice this hike is, from the abundance of wildflowers, the beginning of same fall color on the vine maples, and the incredible views of Chair Peak, Bryant Peak, The Tooth, Denny Mountain, and Snoqualmie Mountain. AWESOME! One can get to Source Lake is one is willing to climb/scramble down hundreds of boulders. I decided that was not in my best interests. .A group of 4 much younger folks did however, I could see them at the edge of the shore. Sigh.... to be a few decades younger! Had a great time today. I had originally planned on going up to Snow lake after Source Lake, but wow... overloaded trail! So decided to save that one for another day when the whole of Seattle wasn't there. I hiked 4.5 miles, climbed about 1000 feet. HOT on those rock fields.... I stopped in at the Snoqualmie River on my way home, just to stretch the legs, and see what came from Source Lake. I love this spot on the river, Quiet and pretty'. The drive over too was just great!
Source Lake
View from Source Lake Overlook
Last weekend was just mega busy here, what withErin's Birthday, and William's 2nd Birthday celebrations on Sunday. Saturday I spent most of the day shopping, cleaning and setting things up for the kids at William's party, and the BBQ for Erin later on in the day. I had so hoped to have condo time, but it just didn't happen.
We had a great day on Sunday. Gilliam''s party was a huge success. With great weather we were able to spend most of the time outdoors, with the kids having a blast with a bubble machine, and just playing outdoors. William Loved his birthday cake, a huge cupcake. One happy boy! We had a short break in between parties, where Nicholas was able to help his Grandpa get the small back yard pond we have up and running. He, and William, love that little pond. Nicholas was elated that he got to fill it, turn on the water fall, and just enjoy it. Bring on backyard ponds! Awesome! We also went on a salmonberry hunt at the local trails here by the house. They are in full fruit now, so off we went. I always cracks me up how much he loves berry hunting, ad we actually managed to come back with a small bowl full of salmonberries. Now we await the arrival of the thimbleberries and huckleberries on this trail. YUM!!! The BBQ for Erin was a blast. I love BBQ's, even with it just being burgers dogs and sausages. My youngest son manned the BBQ, he really does a mean cheeseburger. and the cake. A double chocolate fudge! All in all a very fun filled and long and awesome day. Back to back parties. I must have been crazy. Normalcy in Three MusketeerVille!
Kitties are doing well, and there really isn't much change from last week. Bug is still being cuddly, Elsa is still holding her own even with a few new issues, and Lola is still escaping. It is interesting that Bug has no desire to be outdoors. Lola however.... Elsa seems to be doing OK this morning. She's made two trips outdoors, made three passes at the fuds bowl with a few nibbles, meowed at me a few times, and is now lounging on one of Mannie's old kitty beds. Lola is currently running from window to window, plotting, I am sure, her next escape route. Bug seems to be edging her on. I can't wait to see how our new addition will fit into the three ring circus, once she gets here. Guess they will have to become the Four Musketeers! KITTIES!! Remember: BLUE, think GREEN
She still is eating well, but it does require several attempts on my part, with holding the bowl, words of "eat up Elsa". She has always been a grazer, so not too surprised that this is the approach I have had to take to keep the foods going. She still ventures out, soaking up the sunshine. Those rays are still coming, and thank you Mannie. 
