? Ok, how about another "getting to know you" thread

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Sue and Oliver (GA)

Sue and Oliver (GA)

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We were thinking off topic threads might be fun every once in a while. Want to join in?

Today's topic: What was some advice your parents gave (good or bad)?

My dad's favorite saying was "Nobody's perfect". I find it is very helpful to remember, in many situations. My mother was a real lady and she always said "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all". I wish I could remember that one more often. Even when she didn't like something, her line was "That's interesting". Anytime we heard the interesting comment, we knew it was not her favorite outfit, food - you name it - but people outside the family didn't.....
 
Your parents sound like wonderful people Sue! My dad was very big onshowing respect when talking to adults , "yes, sir...yes, ma'm", I still find myself doing that, even though I am the "adult" now! lol My mom was strict about cursing, she didn't even like us to say "gosh". She would tell us that a lady does not talk that way. I try to watch my language, but it doesn't always happen, especially when I do a fur shot! :banghead: :mad:(sorry mom) But the best advice they taught me in my opinion was to be kind. Thanks mom and dad, I love you! :bighug:
 
@Sue and Oliver (GA) and @CatX4 , "Interesting," that is what my husband says when I make a new dish and ask him how he likes it, then I know he doesn't like it. And my Dad was like Lynn's mom, never cussed. And then my mom cussed like a sailor. (I take after her)

The best advice my dad gave me was: "Always give everyone the benefit of a doubt" That has served me well when trying to figure out someone's intentions. My mom's best advice was: "Wearing black attracts everything but a man"! As you can see, my mom was much more superficial than my Dad. He was the "go to person" when I really needed advice. I miss you Daddy.
 
"Wearing black attracts everything but a man" I LOVE THIS! No sure I agree - I always think black makes me look slim and trim :confused: but I do agree it attracts cat hair. Anytime I wear black, I am covered with cat hair. I found some serving dishes that say "Everything tastes better with a little cat hair." I didn't buy them.....
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
"Wearing black attracts everything but a man" I LOVE THIS! No sure I agree - I always think black makes me look slim and trim :confused: but I do agree it attracts cat hair. Anytime I wear black, I am covered with cat hair. I found some serving dishes that say "Everything tastes better with a little cat hair." I didn't buy them.....
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Too funny,Sue! With long hair cats, my furniture always has cat hair on it. I call my sofa a "mohair" sofa. Tee hee.
 
Sue! I can't imagine you not being nice..you're probably the sweetest person on this forum! Seriously, you are.

Let's see...I think the best advice my mom gave me was to never be late. I know it's small, but being early/on time has helped me a lot! Of course, I took it so seriously that I am frequently at least 30 minutes early to places! Good news is I took her other piece of advice too...always carry a book with you! LOL

My dad didn't speak advice...but I took advice from the way he lived. Being nice to everyone, including strangers, was something he did. My father never met a stranger! He'd learn such interesting things about their lives. I remember once we were traveling to DC (we flew a lot since my mom worked for an airline...) and he had the longest conversation with a flight attendant. As we left the plane, she gave him a bottle of wine to take home since my mom was working while we were flying!

Anyway, that's me. I love this thread!
 
Rachel said:
Sue! I can't imagine you not being nice..you're probably the sweetest person on this forum! Seriously, you are.

Let's see...I think the best advice my mom gave me was to never be late. I know it's small, but being early/on time has helped me a lot! Of course, I took it so seriously that I am frequently at least 30 minutes early to places! Good news is I took her other piece of advice too...always carry a book with you! LOL

My dad didn't speak advice...but I took advice from the way he lived. Being nice to everyone, including strangers, was something he did. My father never met a stranger! He'd learn such interesting things about their lives. I remember once we were traveling to DC (we flew a lot since my mom worked for an airline...) and he had the longest conversation with a flight attendant. As we left the plane, she gave him a bottle of wine to take home since my mom was working while we were flying!

Anyway, that's me. I love this thread!
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Hey, and look, you are always the early one on the boards in the morning, thank Heavens!
 
Getting off the thread a bit here, but had to comment on the cat hair. I recently had to buy a couch, just moved across country and had to leave old one behind, and I actually took some cat hair with me to see how the fabric and color would be with the cat hair! I didn't let the sales person see me, but hey they are floor models, right? lol :rolleyes:
 
It worked and hey you can always bring a lint brush with you! hee hee My couch is looking great except for the kitty claw marks on the arm...hmmm, wonder if I could bring a cat with me next time to test that out? ;) How is they always prefer your furniture to their's? I have multiple kitty condo's around, but they usually head for the couch to sharpen those claws and leave their scent. Oh, well I bought my couch at Rooms To Go outlet, so it can be replaced eventually.
 
My cats used to scratch up the corners of my brand new sofa. UGH. Someone told me about putting heavy weight tape, the kind you use to mail packages. I put it on all the corner. When they tried to scratch they didn't get the gratification they did on the upholstery. It only took a few months and I didn't see them trying anymore. Then I took the tape off. It worked!
 
My cats have never used the furniture. Even my cats from prior never used the furniture. I don't know why because most other cats that I know love the furniture. However, they do all prefer the carpet and they love scratching their kitty condo and scratching post. I consider myself lucky.
 
Both of my parents were born in 1923 ( 2 days apart) so they grew up during the depression. Mom's family wasn't as bad off as dad's , but both families were still quite poor. They learned not to be wasteful with ANYTHING. We learned at a very young age that everything we have is a gift from God and we were not to waste it. To this day, I'll eat the same thing for 4-5 meals in a row to avoid throwing away food. When I'm done scraping out the cans of cat food even the flys wouldn't bother with it. :) :cat:
 
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@Mogmom and Goofus Hey Tammy - I noticed on your signature that one of your cats disappeared about a month ago and then reappeared? If you don't mind, what happen? BTW - love all your kitty's names.
 
Merlin said:
@Mogmom and Goofus Hey Tammy - I noticed on your signature that one of your cats disappeared about a month ago and then reappeared? If you don't mind, what happen? BTW - love all your kitty's names.
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Well, Bonzo disappeared while I was on vacation, my housesitter felt terrible about it. She loves to lay in my chair out on the porch and we live in the country so I let her outside. My mom in law's dog was also here during that time, she's young and energetic and freaks the cats out. I think Bonz got scared and took off.

She was gone 5 weeks to the day. That day, on my way home from work, I PRAYED SO HARD for God to please bring her back to me, one way or the other, so that I could enjoy looking out my windows again (I was always looking for Bonz) and have some closure. I had finished painting the deck later that day and was walking into the house when I heard a "meow", I turned around and there she stood. Let me tell you, there were A LOT of happy, happy tears shed! Poor cat was all wet from them. Lol. I have no idea where she was, But I still thank God everyday for bringing her back to me.

About the names, thanks, I always wonder how people come up with their fur babie's names. Hey, that might be a fun thread.......
 
Mogmom and Goofus said:
Well, Bonzo disappeared while I was on vacation, my housesitter felt terrible about it. She loves to lay in my chair out on the porch and we live in the country so I let her outside. My mom in law's dog was also here during that time, she's young and energetic and freaks the cats out. I think Bonz got scared and took off.

She was gone 5 weeks to the day. That day, on my way home from work, I PRAYED SO HARD for God to please bring her back to me, one way or the other, so that I could enjoy looking out my windows again (I was always looking for Bonz) and have some closure. I had finished painting the deck later that day and was walking into the house when I heard a "meow", I turned around and there she stood. Let me tell you, there were A LOT of happy, happy tears shed! Poor cat was all wet from them. Lol. I have no idea where she was, But I still thank God everyday for bringing her back to me.

About the names, thanks, I always wonder how people come up with their fur babie's names. Hey, that might be a fun thread.......
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Great Story and happy ending! Did she get thin or did she mouse and take care of herself? About the names, we did a fun thread like that on ProZinc a while back, but not many people chimed in. I think we should put in out in Health so everyone can join in the fun. Glad Bonz came back!!!:bighug::bighug:
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
Great Story and happy ending! Did she get thin or did she mouse and take care of herself? About the names, we did a fun thread like that on ProZinc a while back, but not many people chimed in. I think we should put in out in Health so everyone can join in the fun. Glad Bonz came back!!!:bighug::bighug:
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I do love a happy ending! She was a little thinner but not skinny and had few mats in her fur. For some of us with so many kitties it could get to be some pretty long posts regarding names! Lol
 
I had a cat that disappeared like that once. She was a grey feral named was Wolf because of her color and no one could touch her but me, she would growl and act ferocious like a wolf. She lived in a barn where I boarded my horse. One day she was gone. We figured a car or coyote got her:( Then one day several months later I was out riding and saw a cat out in the pasture. Rode up to her and it was Wolf! I could tell because she had a scar on her cheek. She followed me back to the barn. She looked good, nice coat good weight, and she was friendly! Everyone could pet her. She stayed for a couple days then was gone again, and I never saw her after that. I figure she found a home somewhere and just came back to let me know she was ok.
 
Mogmom and Goofus said:
I do love a happy ending! She was a little thinner but not skinny and had few mats in her fur. For some of us with so many kitties it could get to be some pretty long posts regarding names! Lol
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You are probably right about the thread getting too long. Do you let Goofus out? Still struggling with letting Bubba out. He's out now and I am always nervous... but he loves it so much.....
 
Sharon14 said:
I had a cat that disappeared like that once. She was a grey feral named was Wolf because of her color and no one could touch her but me, she would growl and act ferocious like a wolf. She lived in a barn where I boarded my horse. One day she was gone. We figured a car or coyote got her:( Then one day several months later I was out riding and saw a cat out in the pasture. Rode up to her and it was Wolf! I could tell because she had a scar on her cheek. She followed me back to the barn. She looked good, nice coat good weight, and she was friendly! Everyone could pet her. She stayed for a couple days then was gone again, and I never saw her after that. I figure she found a home somewhere and just came back to let me know she was ok.
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Ah, that is bitter sweet Sharon.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
You are probably right about the thread getting too long. Do you let Goofus out? Still struggling with letting Bubba out. He's out now and I am always nervous... but he loves it so much.....
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Goof is afraid of his own shadow, on the rare occasion that he goes out, he stays on the porch, for about 3-5 minutes, then wants back in. He only "thinks" he wants to go out. :nailbiting:
 
Most of my cats stay in if I'm not home and don't wander too far, when they are out. The few that go off are ones that were previously feral and I hope they have 'street smarts'. I try to get them all in by dark, but if not I've been known to turn on all outside lights, go out on the porch and talk real loud to hopefully chase off anything that's out there!
 
Sharon14 said:
Most of my cats stay in if I'm not home and don't wander too far, when they are out. The few that go off are ones that were previously feral and I hope they have 'street smarts'. I try to get them all in by dark, but if not I've been known to turn on all outside lights, go out on the porch and talk real loud to hopefully chase off anything that's out there!
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Sharon, you sound like me. My husband gets so mad at me for calling out in the night for him. Bubba wasn't feral but his mother was. I think wandering is just in his genes. A few minutes ago, I found him acres away in a grove of trees. He popped out when he heard me shaking the Young Again treats and presented me with a mouse. We traded treats for the mouse. Now he is safe back inside. Sigh.
 
I don't let my babies out at all unless on a leash with me attached to the other end. People treat lawns and use weed killer. Kids/teens and some adults torture for fun. Antifreeze leaks from cars. No no no, mine stay in.

Tripper was a kitten who followed me home 1/4 mile from a walk. She was barely 6 months old. The day she was scheduled to be spayed she gave birth. Me or vet did not suspect pregnancy. She was to thin and young.

Tux was dumped on my deck one day. Approximately 6 months old. Broken tail. We are extremely rural. He was too friendly and clean to be a barn cat from across the road (my only neighbors).

Smokey we don't know. But I do know for last 17 yrs he has been only inside.

None of them even try to get out. The closest they get is in their carrier or stroller on my deck.
 
If I could do it all over again......it was DH that opposed to me NOT letting them out. ("what kind of life will it be for them inside??" A safe one, DH, a safe one.............Before we were married, my two Siamese were both indoor. Sug would go out on the back porch with me but stayed on a chair next to me.
 
It is safer, but I have a very small house and a lot of cats. It's kinda nice when they're out! They stay between my barn and my house and in by dark, so I feel pretty safe. I also live on a dead end road not much traffic. When I built this house I added a screened porch for them, so they're out there a lot too. Photo shows how that works!
 

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Sharon14 said:
It is safer, but I have a very small house and a lot of cats. It's kinda nice when they're out! They stay between my barn and my house and in by dark, so I feel pretty safe. I also live on a dead end road not much traffic. When I built this house I added a screened porch for them, so they're out there a lot too. Photo shows how that works!
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Wish I had screened porch for them. Love your pic.
 
Sharon14 said:
It is safer, but I have a very small house and a lot of cats. It's kinda nice when they're out! They stay between my barn and my house and in by dark, so I feel pretty safe. I also live on a dead end road not much traffic. When I built this house I added a screened porch for them, so they're out there a lot too. Photo shows how that works!
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Too funny!!!!! I thought at first it was a wooden silhouette of a cat.
 
That's Deuce. He was just under a year old then. My neighbor found him in the Burger King drive thru and asked me if I'd keep him overnight, that was 3 years ago, he's been here ever since...
 
I sure am enjoying the stories here today! So glad that Bonzo came back home, Tammy! I used to live on some acreage and felt it was safe to let the cats out, always tried to get them back inside at dark. Worked out most times and they really do enjoy the outdoors and hunting, especially mice. My current kitties are all inside, moved from the country and don't dare let them out. I do have a big "catio" for them to go out on, they can watch the squirrels and birds and feel fresh air on their whisker's ...life is good. If I was in the country, I would let them out some. If you have a cat that has always been able to go outside, it is really difficult to keep them in, they are miserable.
 
CatX4 said:
I sure am enjoying the stories here today! So glad that Bonzo came back home, Tammy! I used to live on some acreage and felt it was safe to let the cats out, always tried to get them back inside at dark. Worked out most times and they really do enjoy the outdoors and hunting, especially mice. My current kitties are all inside, moved from the country and don't dare let them out. I do have a big "catio" for them to go out on, they can watch the squirrels and birds and feel fresh air on their whisker's ...life is good. If I was in the country, I would let them out some. If you have a cat that has always been able to go outside, it is really difficult to keep them in, they are miserable.
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So true about them being miserable if they can't go out. Where di you get your catio? I think I need one. Online are some really elaborate ones!
 
Yeah, I'd prefer them to be in too, cleaner for one thing, not to mention there'd be no need for vaccinations as they'd not be exposed to anything, no need for the flea and tick stuff. But one day my DH decided Bonzo should go outside, it's been all down hill from there.....
 
Sue and Oliver (GA) said:
My dad's favorite saying was "Nobody's perfect". I find it is very helpful to remember, in many situations. My mother was a real lady and she always said "If you can't say something nice, say nothing at all".
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My Irish mother (who had originally planned to become a nun, like her aunt, before meeting my German father) had her own take on "nobody's perfect" - one that she always used whenever my dad, who never wanted to admit being wrong about even the most inconsequential of things, refused to admit it on those rare occasions when he actually was wrong about something. It was: "There was only one perfect soul who ever walked the face of the earth ... and lest you forget, my dear: They nailed Him to a cross." That one has always stuck with me ...
One of my late father's favorite axioms was: "When in doubt ... don't." I liked that one, too.
And another of his favorite sayings (although not exactly what you'd call advice) was: "I don't get headaches. I give them." (Ha, small wonder my mom always had migraines!:p)
 
Hi Robin!

LOVE your mother's saying! My dad was the same way...never could admit to being wrong! One time, we were having tacos and my mom had a jar of salsa on the table with a spoon in it so we could all get some. As we were cleaning up, he took the jar and put a lid on it. He saw my mom and me looking at him funny and said "what"? I told him there was still a spoon in there he forgot about...he opened it, looked, said "yep", closed it and put it in the fridge! Couldn't admit he forgot it! Just had to act like he wanted it there lol.
 
Bobbie And Bubba said:
So true about them being miserable if they can't go out. Where di you get your catio? I think I need one. Online are some really elaborate ones!
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It actually is a large screened in porch, but I call it my catio, since the cats use it more than me! There are some terrific ones on the internet though and some are not to costly to make. I still get fleas though, they must come through the screen, I thought they would be safe from the fleas, but guess not in Florida!
 
CatX4 said:
It actually is a large screened in porch, but I call it my catio, since the cats use it more than me! There are some terrific ones on the internet though and some are not to costly to make. I still get fleas though, they must come through the screen, I thought they would be safe from the fleas, but guess not in Florida!
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I live in South Mississippi, and fleas are 365 days here too. I use a flea trap along with diatomaceous earth and topicals.
 
Sharon14 said:
I live in South Mississippi, and fleas are 365 days here too. I use a flea trap along with diatomaceous earth and topicals.
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In the past, I have used diatomaceous earth, sprinkled it all around the foundation of my house and under all the shrubs, it really helped. I used to put it I their food but have stopped doing that. How do you use it?
 
I sprinkle it around outside too. Also rub it all over the bodies of the older cats because I don't use advantage on them. I put it on them outside and leave them out for a bit, since it's so messy. It's great in the chicken coop too! I used to eat it myself, but haven't in awhile.
 
Sharon14 said:
I sprinkle it around outside too. Also rub it all over the bodies of the older cats because I don't use advantage on them. I put it on them outside and leave them out for a bit, since it's so messy. It's great in the chicken coop too! I used to eat it myself, but haven't in awhile.
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This was not a bad year here in PA for fleas. I usually use Sargents Natural Defense. No poisons like in the other ones, Revolution, Frontline, Advantage. It's all oils that repel fleas, doesn't sterilize the females though.
 
What's in it? Since it's oils, does it have a strong smell! Always looking for ways to get away from poisons!
 
If it's a bad year I will use the poison ones for 2 cycles to make sure I stop the flea cycle. It does have a strong smell. Your whole house will smell like incense or candles. Ingredients: Peppermint oil, clove oil, & lemongrass oil. I last applied 2 months ago and can still smell on the cats when I kiss them, or smell to make sure I didn't do a fur shot.
 
It's always bad here! I usually do everybody (minus the old ones) with advantage in early spring-try to get a jump on things. Then spot treat after that. I use the large dog advantage and give everyone half cat doses. I find it works as well in most cases with half the usual amount. Sometimes the fleas are too much though, and have to use full dose. The traps really work well too.
 
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