Wednesday

Just another day at the office, so to speak. Another episode of The Office - I don't get it. I'm also not wasting my time trying to make sense of it - easier to just keep away.

I've got a couple of large quantity items still to count, then I can do a sort of stock take (ideally stock take shouldn't be done while goods are moving in and out, of course) and see whether I have any discrepancies. Funny thing, I'm missing a single rod of steel - which makes absolutely no sense. And I can't see how it could be a mistake. Anyway, leaving the office ...

At home I let my mippies out at gave Tynx a teaspoon full of mousse. Then I started cleaning litter boxes - and right now I feel like gushing about that wood fiber stuff I just got! Okay, little down side: it doesn't run through the scoop, like the sand does. But I don't actually need to use the scoop - I can simply sift and pick out with my hands! It's not wet! Really! They've clearly used that box for all their widdles, as I found no clumps in the sand box! Normally I collect a full bag every evening, weighing at approximately 1-2 kg ... yeah, just imagine how heavy my waste bag is every week! And tonight? Not even half a bag! And no wasted sand (= clumped widdle)! Only solids and fibre clumps! So, I'm really, really happy I took a chance and tried it! At this rate, the sand I've got will last much, much longer and I'll see how long the new stuff lasts!

All three mippies came inside with no trouble tonight - they came back fairly early hanging around me. They enjoyed their treat - I had to pick Tynx off the counter several times, though. I don't know what it is with her, she just wants to be with all the lovely cats here - but Ziva just can't handle the new arrival, quite yet. She's now cuddled together with Mewly and Janey - they're one big cat bundle by my feet. Mini keeps climbing up my back, sitting on my shoulder and playing with the elastic in my hair! She, too, needs cuddles and lovies. I was bending forward, giving Mewthos' cheeks a scratch, when she just walked up my back and rubbed her head on my cheeks. 

I had steak for dinner tonight, shared with my mippies, of course. Do you know that it takes time to cut three little bits for mippies? Now, could you explain that to Mewthos, please? Because I'm still trying to cut myself a piece with him putting his paws nearly into my plate! It's not really hunger, it's the attention they all love! Ziva got her share as well.

And now I'd say I find some space on MY bed, where I'll be allowed to sleep ...

Photos

Still a bit shy, but fascinated with the toys!

The beginning of the end of my last lace curtain

Why are you behind bars?

Ooooh! Another fun toy, right?

Sniff, sniff ... you don't really smell bad!

Still keeping separate ...

Sibling wash!

Closer, but still not part of the family ...

Taking her out with the harness?
Not a welcome choice!

Ziva, digging a VERY deep hole - next to her favourite potty flower: the cabbage!

Sorry for the shitty photo :D

Hiding in a drawer

Tuesday evening

I was, naturally, somewhat apprehensive about letting Ziva out again last night - but really, I can't keep her shut inside. She didn't go far, though. When she looked like she's about to go on an extended walkabout - quite late - I decided to call them inside, instead. They'd had a good long time outside and Mewthos was quite keen to come inside.

I gave them their treat - I now have to 'distract' Tynx with a share of the treats, or she'll jump up and Ziva doesn't react well to that. After treat time, Ziva helped herself to Tynx' left overs - that little one is quite the gourmet! She licks up the gravy but leaves the meat. And she really, really wants her mousse. I'm afraid she'll have to learn that it's not all mousse every day - I really, really can't afford that.

My delivery arrived yesterday, and I couldn't wait to see how my mippies take to the new litter. It's really nice, more like saw dust - soft. I cleaned out the widdle box, washed it, too, and then added the wood fibres. Sigh. Tynx went and scratched around in it industriously and then stepped out to use the sand box instead. Sigh.

I went to the kitchen to make my lunch - I hadn't taken anything out of the freezer, and I really didn't feel like potatoes last night, so I ended up skipping dinner. I took something out for tonight, though.

And then I couldn't find Ziva! Now, she couldn't have got out - but she wasn't in any of the usual spots? Not in the cat carrier, not behind the curtains, not at the front door, not on her chair in the kitchen, not even under the sink? Do you know where I eventually found her? Curled up in my underwear drawer! Which was open just enough for her to squish in! I think the three younger ones bouncing off the walls, zooming around the place, which makes me feel like I'm inside a pinball machine, is just too much activity for her. I think that may be why she 'takes a break' and stays out all night. I did make a point to reach in and scratch her ears quite often.

I took a nice hot bath - with Tynx pawing at me! She tried to reach the white bubbles, but the water was quite low and she nearly fell in. When I got out, and bent over to dry my calves and feet - Janey jumped onto my back! And Tynx came to comb my hair! It was quite funny.

And then I spent the rest of the evening with Ziva in her cuddle cave. Over an hour! I still wasn't tired, so I decided to play my online game for a bit - not for long, though, since all four mippies wanted me away from the desk and in bed with them. Mewthos stood up on his hind legs pawing at my shoulders a few times, Ziva mipped from the shelf, Janey just mipped and Tynx sat on the bed staring at me with big eyes ... so ... bed it was.

Ziva is back

She dashed right past me this morning, when I opened the passage door as I was leaving for work. She wasn't there earlier, though. I had a tough time keeping Tynx inside, though - I had to pick her up and hold her, as she was very keen to get out.

Naturally, I didn't sleep well last night, so it's going to be a tough day. I also forgot to take out something for dinner tonight, so it'll be fried potatoes again. But right now, I'm just relieved she's back!

Ziva is missing - again!

I don't know why, and this time, I'm seriously worried - but there is just nothing I can do, except hope she comes back.

This is outside any past pattern, it's Monday and she's had a long day outside yesterday and Saturday. She didn't come for cuddles, but I cuddled her anyway last night. I gave her attention yesterday, same as I always do. I just don't know what to think right now.

When I was at the door for a smoke just now, I heard a cat cry - it sounded more like a caterwaul, but not prolonged. Part of me just wants to go outside and search everywhere - but it's dark and it's late and not safe for me to go wandering around outside. I also have absolutely no clue where to even start looking - I don't know where they go on their runs or walks. I suspect they go beyond the gate, because they always come from that direction - but I just don't know.

And so far, every time I've searched for a mip, I have never, ever found them - they'd come strolling back in their own time, but I've not been able to figure out where they go.

I didn't feel like eating, so I just fried some potatoes - which some mip, by the way, decided to help himself to!

Mewthos was also somewhat out of sorts, he'd twirlied my poncho into the passage and outside, he just wanted cuddles and lovies, much, much more than usual. Ditto Tynx. She's climbing up my back trying to get to me, then licking the back of my neck. Well, it's quite late, I don't know whether I'll be able to sleep ... I've left the front door open again. Also not a good thing to do, even though the gate is locked. I just hope Ziva comes home early tomorrow morning, like last time. If not ... I just don't even want to think about it ... for now, though, I had better tend to the three mips on my bed.

Lazy Sunday

Apart from washing the dishes, I didn't do much of anything today. I did, however, let the mini out! All day! She went out but stayed close to home all the time and she came inside with the lot of them for a looooong Siesta. In the evening, she kept coming inside, hoping for food - but no food, unless you're inside for good.

I really didn't do much. I cooked the potatoes and gem squash, had some for dinner ... washed the dishes again, and that's about it. I did not feel like anything. Nothing.

Ziva made me wait a long time again, before she came in, and as she came in, Lady Jane dashed outside - I shrieked at her, which, I think frightened her enough, as she stayed nearby and I could easily pick her up and bring her in! I know she felt like a game of 'chase' but really, I did not! I was already miffed at having to sit outside so long waiting for Ziva!

Anyway, I had a bath, and now I'm about to grab Janey for some cuddle time ...

Disgruntled Saturday

It's the washing machine, that's disgruntling me. It just won't drain properly and that's driving me up the wall! I've had to do three loads today and having to struggle with every single load just to get it water free enough to hang up is really, really frustrating! First I had to do a cold wash - the towel got some blood from the cut on my index finger. Then the usual 30 degree delicate wash - and that's the one I always, always, always battle to get to not be dripping, soaking wet! I did a rinse and spin, and a just spin after the normal wash, rinse, spin cycle and it was finally good enough to hang - outside, though. No good inside. That, also is another problem, as it's unpleasant outside, so having to go out to hang up laundry and then keep checking on it until it's ready ... not fun! The last load is a 40 degree, so I decided to chance tumble drying. I could just not face having to deal with left over laundry tomorrow again! It's still in the drying cycle and I have no clue how it will come out - but at least I won't have to hang it all up and wait half a day for it to dry!

Rant over.

As a result of my frustrations, however, I haven't been very patient with my mippies. Schlecki (German for licky) needs lots of hugs and cuddles, after yesterday's ordeal and the reaction of the rest of the tribe - who still treat her like an enemy! Would you believe, Mewthos actually sneaks up to her food bowl, while she's eating, then starts helping himself ... and swats at her, chasing her away! I flicked his ears for him! That was really ugly of him, so I don't feel bad about flicking his ears! Poor mite needs extra food and she doesn't need to eat in fear!

Janey has been indoors most of the day as well. I pick her up, cuddle her and love her, same as I do to Mewthos - starting again from square one, reassuring my mips that I don't love them any less! Ziva, of course, I don't pick up - but I do spend time with her in her cuddle cave.

I'm in no mood for cooking, so today I simply fried the rump steak I had taken out for yesterday - I didn't eat anything last night. I can't decide what I should do for tomorrow - I think I'll steam some potatoes and the last gem squash. I can always boil some eggs and make a potato salad for later.

I paid my rent (a bit late, normally I pay by 25th) and now I'm shopping for cat food. Mippies are eating my out of house and home! My finances are not looking good - the little one is adding just that bit extra, pushing me over budget. No, I'll be okay - remember that I stocked up loads now?

Anyway, I'll take one more tray of mousse, but that'll be the last. She's no longer skinny, but a healthy weight, and as I said before, she doesn't really NEED mousse, since she's quite capable of eating my mippies pellets. I won't be giving her a tin a day anymore, though. She's doing well and eating lots!

I'm trying to come up with an alternative for the litter. Remember how much trouble I used to have finding the ultra fine sand they like, back in PE? How, when I looked around, every shop seemed to stock it, but when I ran out, everyone was out of stock? Well, the only reason I go to Pick n Pay out in Pretoria East is, because they stock it - but the last two times, they had only one or two bags in their shelf and I had to ask them to check their stock ... which means a ten minute wait! It takes them ten minutes to find where it's stored and bring it out. Both times! And they only keep 4 bags in their stock, so ... it's becoming the deciding factor WHEN I need to go shopping. I don't like that restriction. Also, Pick n Pay is exorbitantly expensive on that item. It's 40% more than I paid in PE at Spar!

Trouble is, you can't get this online.

Right, I've spent quite some time looking around and I think I've stumbled across something. I've read plenty of reviews and only one product has the key comment "my cat loves it". All the other product's reviews gush about how little work it is, how little odor, etc - all about human convenience. But this one comment gushed how this old and fussy cat loves it. Cats will adapt, I know - but that doesn't mean they like the new product. So, I've placed an order - together with the food - and I'll give it a try in the widdle box. I have two litter boxes and the smaller one - actually standard size - they use almost exclusively to widdle. I'll see if they keep using it - and hope they start over-using it :) That would be clear proof they prefer the new stuff. From what I've read, it should work out cheaper - even though, on a per kg basis, it's flippin' expensive. I'll let you know.

The ultra fine sand is ideal, if you can do what Rose does: let it dry out during the say, in the sun. It's the widdle clumps that use up so much sand so fast. But I can't put them outside here every day. Plus, of course, even on weekends, when they are outside, my cats all come inside to use the box, rather than use the garden! Oh, occasionally they use my flower bed - like Ziva did tonight - but mostly, they come inside. They ring the Mew-bell (i.e. mewl or mip at the door for me to open it) and dash through to their box.

I think that's about enough on that subject. I took Tynx outside on her leash again - and she still doesn't like it! She slinks around like she's being punished! My landlord came along and took her for a cuddle. He tells me that he thought I was up every morning around three or half past three, because he can hear the water pump going - I don't get up at that time! And if I do, I may use the toilet - but at that time of night, I don't normally flush. I just close the lid. That water running to re-fill the cistern keeps me from going back to sleep. So, unless I do that in my sleep - I really can't explain it. He wants to turn off the water at nine until five - which is fine with me. He's loosing water somewhere, and I'm definitely not using that much. I had a laugh though, when he said he heard water running in my kitchen and he thought I might be washing dishes ... I have trouble getting my rear into gear to wash them on the weekend, what would possess me to wash dishes at four or five in the morning? Well, whatever is causing the running water, it's not me!

I did enjoy a lovely bath tonight, though. Tynx joined me again, sitting on the rim. Today she was fascinated with the bubbles! She kept pawing at them, getting a pawful then licked it off her paw. So I put a scoop onto the rim for her to play with. She enjoyed herself! She enjoys herself so easily, playing with absolutely everything! She quite happily keeps herself busy and entertained! She plays with the pool noodle, she can play with one of those little tinkle balls for ages! She plays with the tennis ball, she plays with the ball in the track - she loves all the toys! I wish mine would be a little more self-sufficient - apart from Ziva, they seem to think that entertainment is my responsibility! I mean, they mip and mip and mip at me all day long, it sometimes feels like I don't get a moment to myself - even though that isn't true, it's just how it feels. Feelings aren't reality.

Oh, I still wanted to tell you a funny incident at work, a while back. I was given instruction on how to do my job through a third party, and when I went to the originator of those - frankly, useless - instructions, he started shouting at me. I asked him to lower his voice several times and he went off at me that 'you're always coming to me with things. It's always things. You keep coming with things.' At the time it wasn't funny - but afterwards, I thought that maybe I was in an episode of 'The Office' lol the UK version, I've never seen any other. This guy reminds me a lot of the manager in that series. Considering this is real life, that's quite sad, but there it is.

Tonight I have Ziva and Janey cuddling together on the bed, Tynx in the armchair and Mewthos on the sleeper couch. He'll come mewling, circling me, mewling, circling some more - same as last night! He waits until I'm just about asleep, then wakes me up, the little whatchamacallit! 

Tynx rides again!

I don't know why, but I'm still woken by a little pink tongue licking my face. Every morning. Without fail. And only in the mornings, not in the evenings when we settle down to sleep or during the day - well, occasionally, but not much. Well, if it makes her happy - I can bear it.

Today Tynx is due for her vaccination boosters. I've made the appointment for half past three - I leave work at half past two, half an hour to get home, collect Tynx and drive back. Onderstepoort is halfway between work and home. I wonder how she will take to the long ride - mine just had a 10 minute drive to the vets. I do hope she doesn't think I'm taking her away again. But I'll put some toy into the carrier with her.

Urgh! I'm glad that's over! She did NOT enjoy the ride in the car at all! On the way to Onderstepoort, she howled and pawed at the cage ... when we arrived, I found that she had widdled herself. I'm not sure whether her performance was because she needed a toilet and there was none, or whether that's how she ended up homeless?

Once we were at the office, we weighed her in the carrier and then just the carrier - she's gone from 1.8 kg to 2.6 kg in less than a month! Although, after she's eaten, she probably weighs 2.8 kg! She polishes a 195gr tin of mousse! And then looks like she's swallowed a tennis ball - waddling that round tummy around!

At the vet's she behaved very, very well. I had already taken her out, in the waiting room, holding her close, reassuring her - some big dogs were barking at each other, which didn't seem to faze her in the least. She just wanted to explore - I let her explore the inside of the carrier, ha ha!

When I took her out again, in the vet's office, she crawled up to my neck cuddling on my shoulder. I reassured her again - let her walk on my shoulder from one to the other, while I waited for the vet to get the meds. She had some trouble taking her temperature - even though I had her pinned down tight! I have no idea why that was so difficult - it's never even been an issue! Not with any of the others, nor with her last time.

When she gave her her shots, she told me some horror story about having to give the vaccine in the legs, in case there's an abscess and they have to amputate. I don't know why she told me that ... I chose not to take it in. She also had some trouble giving Tynx the deworming pills - she forced her mouth open and stuck them down her throat ... I don't know why. The first attempt failed, and on the second attempt, I think Tynx bit her. I'm not sure, but I later saw some blood on my sleeve and I wasn't cut or hurt anywhere! Anyway, afterwards she blew on her nose while I just rubbed her throat ... but seriously? I've never had a such a problem getting any cat to take their meds! I got the feeling that this vet got sold all the urban myths ... aaaanyway, she told me that Tynx could be six months old.

Would you believe that Tynx was purring the whole time when she got her shots? She's such a feisty, tough little one!

Turns out she doesn't have to go for another booster shot, so now I just have to make the appointment for her sterilisation. I got the number - it's not the same department.

Back at home, my mippies were very glad that THIS TIME, they were allowed outside! They were quite confused when I came home earlier, but shut them inside! And then drove off again!

They stayed out a good time, but not too long. Back inside ... they started behaving very odd: they wouldn't come for their treat, and they all hiss and growl at Tynx! Even Mewthos! He came up to her, sniffed her and then swatted at her! He helped clean her bowl, and then attacked her! Well, not seriously attacked, but he made it very clear that she's not welcome! I suppose it's partly the smell of widdle on her and the smell of the vet's. They didn't even finish their treats and I only gave them two! Later I gave them another - but they showed very little interest.

I took a long, hot bath - having to listen to growls and hisses. Poor mini retreated to the bath with me - sitting atop the rim!

They're all acting somewhat strange. At one point, Ziva came to the cuddle cave, then stalked off in a huff, jumped onto my chair and took a swipe at Mewthos - who was just innocently passing by! Well, by tomorrow they should be coming back to normal again.

Right now, I've got Ziva and Mewthos on the bed in front of me. Funny thing, Ziva went up to Mewthos, sniffed him, gave him a smack, then started washing him. Seriously, what's up with that? I've got Tynx by my side, she's also quite industriously cleaning herself. Janey is stalking around ... sulking. Well, not really sulking - that's just the anthropomorphication of her behaviour. She is keeping her distance, and she's unsettled ... she's now trying to get onto the one shelf they are not allowed on, because I keep my coffee cup and valuables there! Ziva and Mewthos are now arm in arm - I can't tell whether they're hugging or about to wrestle. Sigh. I hope they all settle down ... soon.

Wednesday & Thursday

Lickey wakey both mornings! Up and away both mornings. This morning, I set the bread machine and as I was about to go to the door, I realised that I was still wearing my slippers! That would not have gone down well at work, as I need to wear safety boots at work!

Last night I put the harness on Tynx and carried her outside - she was NOT impressed! She sulked for a long time before deciding to make the best of it. She took me on a walk around the garden, tried 'escaping' up a tree, but she doesn't have the grip, quite yet. She does look so cute with her pitch black fur and the bright pink harness and leash!

I tried sharing my dinner, but it was not appreciated - I had cheese sausage. Don't ask me, why - they just played with the bit I gave them.

Unfortunately, there was some drama in my fellowship, so I didn't get time to write my blog last night. It continued somewhat today but it's over now. The trash took itself out, grin. Okay, I nudged. But we're drama free again.

Mippies also got less attention than they deserved, I'm afraid. I will have to make up for that tonight!

My bread was done when I got home - yummy! I'm afraid I don't quite have the mix right, yet - I used half rye flour, and the bread is a little squat. Somewhat dense. Looks fluffy enough inside, though - I'll know tomorrow, as I've packed two slices.

Janey was the last to come back today, Mewthos and Ziva were getting rather impatient with her. They wanted their tummies filled with yummies - and Janey just wouldn't come! When she did arrive, she got chased inside by both Mewly and Ziva!

I gave Tynx a tin of mousse tonight, so she stayed quietly inside for most of the time. Just towards the end, when we were waiting for Janey, she cried for company. Oh, sure she dashed to the front door at top speed when I opened the passage door ... tough luck!

I was running my bath when Janey got extremely curious ... she tried to reach the tap, then walked around the rim to the foot end ... slipped ... and landed in the bath! Fortunately I had only just started running my bath, so she only got her feet wet! It took a lot of willpower NOT to laugh out loud!

Well, I had some trouble finishing my game for the day, since Ziva was insisted I tend to her. She even walked onto my lap to get me away from the game! I came to bed and she crawled into her cuddle cave. I think I've made up for last night's neglect - all four are on the bed with me now.

Tynx is not tired, yet, she's investigating my comb, my elastic, my hairbrush ... oh, and the laptop's cable. I had better pack that away!

Oh, and now she's stood up on my arm! Paws on my shoulder, nose up to sniff mine ... she IS a darling! Who will get her vaccination boosters tomorrow ...

Tuesday

After a good night's sleep, I was lickey-woken by Miss Tynx. I ignored her for a while, she played with my hair ... same ole, same ole.

I can't keep feeding her a tin of mousse a day, so she'll have to get used to kitten-sachets. And if she doesn't like it, tough! Ha Ha! Mousse is for babies, and Tynx definitely isn't a baby any more, she can eat the big kibbles, so she can also eat wet food.

Work has finally settled to normal - no more rushing around like crazy just to keep up. I've done the preparations and implemented systems which allow me to keep up and even have time to design further systems. But, just for now, I'm using that extra time to play my online game. At work! And no, I don't feel guilty. Take a walk through the business - anytime, anywhere. And if you count fewer than five people totally focused on their cellphones - you're in the wrong place! And if you see anyone actually doing any work during the first half hour - that's most probably me! There's a Fellowship Adventure going on, in my game, which only lasts 6 days anyway - so, since my work doesn't suffer, I see no reason why I shouldn't indulge a little.

Back at home, I very cleverly made sure that Tynx couldn't get out! Oh, she tried! She's got a taste of the outdoors now, and wants more - poor darling, can't really blame her! I looked for the harness, to maybe let her walk on a leash, but couldn't find it. So I shut her up inside with food, of course. But she cried anyway.

My three all came in together today, so I shut the front door before opening the passage door - good thing, too! Tynx was ready! Mippies had barely got inside when she dashed out and to the door. Which was closed. He he he. I wasn't born yesterday!

Inside, I cleaned the litter box - oh, and I finally carried the sand in from the boot, so I was able to top up as well. Fed my mippies - Tynx doesn't like 'special' food, she wants what the big cats get, so I now divide sachets into four portions. Normal portion for Ziva, BIG one for Mewthos (if his bowl isn't the fullest of them all, he starts bobbing into other bowls), normal for Janey and a small one for Tynx. And, of course, that goes both ways! Tynx has to share her special sachet as well! He he he.

I had started the washing machine when I got home, the towels still needed washing. After dinner I took a nice hot bath. This time, Tynx had to investigate. She came and sat by my head, pawing at me - wondering just how she can fix mummy's head! Ha Ha Ha! Like each of my mippies, she thinks that something must be wrong with me, if I enjoy soaking in water!

I couldn't play online this evening, because Ziva and Mewthos had settled on my chair. Oh, I had quite some time cleaning up when I got home as well - someone's been sick today. Very sick! I'm guessing Janey, she's the one with the delicate stomach. There's a reason she's called Lady!

I'm now on the bed, typing on the laptop - Ziva and Janey curled up on the bed, Tynx curled up next to me ... time to find Mewthos and go to sleep ...

Monday

My lickey alarm is still working every morning, but I had a good night. That little one is so tame and fearless - I sometimes wonder whether she doesn't belong to someone; she doesn't behave like a feral or even like Ziva, when she first moved in. It's almost as if she's always been part of a home, one with dogs at that. She's not afraid of people, nor of the dogs nor of the big cats. But there is absolutely nowhere near my work where she could have come from - and, as I said, one of my colleagues had seen her around for a while before she was trapped. And she was so skinny and had a large tick right on her cheek - I guess it's just her innate nature.

Anyway, I left on time for work but arrived twenty minutes late! That killer-robot near my work was out of order and points-men were 'directing' the traffic, causing a major, major traffic jam! The last two kms took me over half an hour!

At work, there's not much to tell, except that our delivery went out before nine! Well, only because we didn't have much to deliver - with a delivery or collection every single day last week. I caught up on the paperwork and then tackled the tooling store again, just taking stock to see if my system is working. It is. Stock take was 99% accurate.

Bit of a set-back: I can't put on any gloves, where I injured my index finger on Saturday, which means that I can't actually receive goods ... I'll have to make a plan tomorrow, though.

When I drove home, I saw the robot is still not working - that'll be another hell-morning tomorrow! I stopped to buy milk and got lucky: I took his last bottle for the day!

At home, I fed the mini, then sat outside with my mippies. When it was time for them to come in ... mini dashed out! And led me a really, really merry chase - much, much worse than Janey ever has! Mewthos and Janey helped trying to herd her home, but she would have none of it. She zoomed and zipped left and right and up and down and just wouldn't come in! I can't go through that again - I  had better make sure she never, ever gets out again! And maybe, make sure she gets a good run on weekends.

I had quite a bit of work to get done, taking down the laundry, cleaned the litter box, packed my lunch and then sat back wondering whether I should make myself dinner. In the end I decided to go ahead. I tried sharing with my mippies, but they didn't seem to feel like pork chop - strange, but true! The mini kept her distance - she knows she's upset me, but I've picked her up and cuddled her. Yes, I'm angry, but it will pass - she needs to know what upsets me, that's all.

My lot were so wonderful, though! Ziva came in without any trouble and gave no trouble about being shut in! Mewthos and Janey tried herding her towards home - can't blame Janey for trying to join in the game. She realised quite fast that I was not up for games and came me inside without much trouble. Mewthos was out last, but getting him inside is never an issue - just use the 'm' word! Ha Ha! When he hears 'munchies' he comes running at top speed!

Right now my three are on the bed, cuddled together. Mini was here a minute ago as well, I'm not sure where she went off to, though. I gave her another cuddle. She's been playing with Mewthos most of the evening - except when Mewthos was mewling for lovies, of course!

Life with four cats is certainly never dull! Time for cuddle cave, methinks ...

Sunday

I decided to hide under the covers until it was light enough for mippies to go out - you know what they did? They opened the curtains! Honestly! They opened the bedroom curtains!

I held out until about half past six, then let them out. It wasn't too long before they started coming back inside - it IS quite cold outside! And, of course, I'm inside.

I did the laundry - struggling to get the machine to drain, yet again! Well, the clothes are dry enough to hang, though not as dry as they should be. I've hung them inside, I really didn't feel up to going outside to check on them all day. It was also quite windy, reminiscent of PE - and a cold wind, at that! Not at all pleasant.

I re-packed the meat and packed what fit into the freezer - I'm afraid the sausages didn't all make it. They're still in the fridge - when I make room, I'll freeze them. Should be done by Wednesday at the latest - no worries.

A new Fellowship Adventure starts this week, so I've had to spend quite a bit of time preparing for that - I'll have to lead one of my fellowships. I did that sort of in between. Bit of house work, bits outside, bit of cuddles, bit of game ... repeat all day long.

All four mippies took their Siesta on the bed - lots of spacing between them and the mini, but they're getting closer. I took advantage of the Siesta and dosed Ziva with more Frontline.

In the afternoon, it was a little warmer, so I decided to give Tynx some outside time. I went and sat outside where I could watch her. She explored quite carefully, not going too far, having fun. Big mips were nowhere in sight.

She loved it so much that she begged to go out again, when Mewthos wanted to go out - I couldn't see that sad face, so I let her out again. Oh, but did she just lead me a merry chase! She didn't go very far, though, and all my big mips helped keep her close. Ziva and Janey also chased her towards home every so often - between the three of them, they pretty much encircled her, and with me moving in slowly as well, she was quite safe!

I was quite surprised at the care both Janey and Ziva showed for Tynx' well-being! And how they 'herded' her to keep her inside the garden, not letting her go next door. I wasn't able to catch her, though - not until she crawled between the wall and the shed and couldn't go through but had to come back! She was NOT at all happy about being caught and brought inside!

It's now an hour later and she's still eager to go back outside! I've fed my lot and her as well, but she's just by the window now.

My landlady handed me back the bird cage - in tears, the baby bird died! I'm afraid I didn't realise what that was doing to her! She asked me not to bring her baby birds again and - seeing what it's doing to her - there is no way I ever want to put her through that again! I feel really bad putting her through that.

I've also managed to change the bedding - with the help of three happy mips! Tynx, Mewthos and Janey were excitedly helping! Ha Ha! I washed the used ones and put them into the new Ottoman.

Last, I took a long, hot bath, in bath oil! Mippies are all napping scattered around the bedroom so I had no interruptions, no cats walking along the rim or playing catch around the room. Only two things I didn't do today: carry the litter from the boot and cook. Yeah, I know, but one just can't do everything - not when I'm relaxing. Sure, on a work day I can get lots and lots done in one day, but on weekends? It's my time. Mine and my mippies, so I won't be rushed or pressured.

I now have Ziva in her cuddle cave and I've helped myself to some sausages. Now, I think I'll have some chocolate to finish the evening and then go to sleep ... 

Friday & Saturday

I did not get a chance to write the blog yesterday - sorry for anyone sitting at the edge of your seat waiting for me to publish another riveting episode of my life.

For some strange reason my nose just wouldn't stop running all day yesterday. It started when I got up and continued the entire day. I finished my stash of tissues quite early - I won't paint that picture!

Not much to say about work, so I'll skip right to the shopping. Did I say that I didn't need much? Sigh. True, yet I still managed to spend a lot of money! None wasted, though. I didn't need much meat, so I rifled through the shelves and took a couple of interesting looking jars. Like apple sauce, asparagus (which I can't seem to find at Pick n Pay) a lentil soup, sweet cherries and Senfgurken. Uhm, German pickles? I'd say cucumber pickled with mustard.

I have quite a variety in my larder now, I can make just about any dish I happen to feel like. In PE, I could do that, too - but some things I would have had to go and get. After all, why stock up when a) sooner or later I'll be moving anyway and b) all shops are 'around the corner'.

At Pick n Pay I saw they had a special on margarine AND butter, so I stocked up on both. I got lucky with the sand - I took their entire stock, they only had one bag in the shelf, so I asked them to check receiving. They had only four bags there, so I took everything. I hope it'll last - but I can tell now, already, that cat litter will be the determining factor when I have to go shopping again.

They didn't have much juice, only orange, guava and such - the one's I like were due to expire next week, so I took only one. I also cleared out their chocolate shelf - although, they still don't have the one I like. I had to settle for layered chocolate: milk, dark and white. I took a large stack - cleaned out their shelf! So, next month, I'll only have to top up what I actually eat. At the till, I watched the cashier pick every single bar and swipe it past the scanner - seriously? Can nobody count? Ah, well, not my circus, not my monkeys.

I got home around five - nice and early. No traffic issues today! Mippies enjoyed a nice run outside and came in quite early - it wasn't even dark, yet! I gave them only three sachets - I really can't afford to give them more. They'll just have to go and help themselves to dry food.

I think Tynx thinks her name is 'mini' ha ha! I've sat down and watched her last night - she is quite a little cheeky one! She actually goes up to Ziva and swats at her, knowing Ziva doesn't like her close! She does the same to Janey! And when I reprimand Ziva or Janey, she's quite happy! Ha ha, a lot like my little sister, when we were kids! I had better keep an eye on that, and make sure I don't encourage that kind of behaviour! It's easy to miss, when you're busy!

I slept quite well and got up around six. I waited until it was light before letting my mippies out. Technically, mini could have gone outside today as well - but it was just too cold for me to be outside to supervise, so I've left her inside today.

Janey was in her normal Saturday cuddle mode, coming in, wanting to be picked up and cuddled. She also wants to walk across my shoulders like she could when she was mini's size - but it's getting somewhat tricky at her size now. I do my best to give her the pleasure, even though that means her bum is in my face - a lot!

I decided to tackle the bathroom again today, gave it a thorough clean. Under close supervision from most of the mips - who prefer to spend time with me rather than run around outside.

Ziva brought me another baby bird early this morning! It really was a tiny little baby, still alive, so I took it away from her and put it in the cage. When I heard my landlord had got up (it really was very early!) I knocked on the door and handed over the cage. I later found the bird's sibling - dead. Poor Ziva, she simply felt the need to bring me a gift, to make sure I don't forget that she loves me! I did praise her hunting skills.

I did take a nap this afternoon and then decided to get the dishes washed, so I don't have that ahead of me tomorrow. Mippies were more in than out today, except Ziva - she likes to get a good run on my day off. But she, too, spends a lot of time around me. She was inside when I took my nap - no chance of me sleeping with any mip outside! The doorbell never stops ringing - as in, some mippie cries at the door to be let in or out ... all day long!

Tynx has discovered the joys of shredding! Can't leave a tissue anywhere, but at least she isn't going for my toilet paper. I guess she's got some catching up to do, play-wise. I guess she didn't have the loving, sheltered, safe home my mippies enjoyed. And I'm not spending quite as much time with her as I used to when my mippies were that age.

I had a laugh at Janey the other night, though! I was busy cleaning the litter box when she decided to jump onto my back and supervise from that vantage point! She stayed watching until I was done. Apparently I did a good job, since she didn't complain and went right in to use the box when I was done.

I enjoyed a lovely bath this evening, in the company of all my mips! They're all here with me now, as well. Ziva and Mewthos are sleeping on the bed, mini is walking about and right now I'm not sure where Janey is, though. Well, time for cuddle cave ...

Thursday

Good night, early morning ... lickey wakey, followed by claws in my head. Sigh. Leisurely morning coffee, then to work.

I'd just written a couple of paragraphs about work again ... yeah, delete that crap. At least I finally feel I'm making progress again, and not going backwards any more.

At home, Janey is fighting Mewthos and Mewly is mewling! She's being a bit rough on him - strange? Ziva is already asleep on the duvet here with me - not in her cuddle cave. I've prepared my shopping list, and - as I write this - I'm realising: Duh! What good is that if I leave it on the fridge? So I'd better get up and put it in my wallet for tomorrow!

Done! Phew! That would have seriously ticked me off, if I had forgotten that. Without a list, I tend to buy more than I need, better to have than to need (from the German: Haben ist besser als brauchen). But I've got quite a lot over the past few months, so that I'll soon be back to only replacing what I've used. I don't seem to use nearly as much as I prepare to use, ha ha!

Tynx is playing with her mousey by the window again! She quite keeps herself entertained - a lot! Ziva is watching the movement behind the curtains with disgust. She's still not happy with this intrusion into her home, but she's getting more tolerant. Today, mini cleaned Mewthos bowl, with Ziva right next to her cleaning her own bowl. Of course, Mewthos was cleaning mini's bowl!

I gave them only two sachets tonight - I can't keep giving them four or five every night! That's really just too much. I can't afford that. And it's not as if they are starving or deprived in any way. I had steak for dinner, which I shared with Mewthos and Ziva - until each decided they'd had enough! And they do! They have a few pieces and then the walk off, letting me finish dinner alone. No begging or antics.

Mewthos needed lots of lovies tonight, though. I've had to pick him up and cuddle him half a dozen times and he's still mipping for more.

Well, I've had quite a week, and tomorrow will be no easier - I'll be really glad when it's all done and I'm home! It'll be mini's turn to come outside this weekend! That should be fun!

Wednesday

Not the best of nights, as I woke up around three and couldn't just turn over. I ended up getting up for a while. When I went back to bed, I had the bed to myself - for about five seconds! But five seconds is all I needed to get comfortable.

I woke up again at half past five - wedged tight among four mippies! Janey and Ziva were behind my knees, Mewthos on the other side, by my tummy and Tynx behind my head! I was truly wedged tight - I couldn't move a muscle without dislodging mips! Purrfect!

I snoozed a bit late, so I had only a small cup of coffee. I started the bread machine and went to work.

There was some issue at the toll gate, so while I was in the queue, I messaged that I may be late. I was late, about five minutes. Traffic. No problem, though.

My last delivery arrived today - I'm a little disappointed with the chocolates I ordered, they are barely bite-sized! But that's my own fault for looking only at the picture, not reading the description properly. They give really detailed descriptions of each product on that site!

Sigh, and as I was busy typing that, I was politely informed that two delivery notes will be needed for collection tomorrow morning at seven! Gosh, our driver has only just come back from today's delivery, now they want more? We usually only deliver once a week, but this week? We've delivered every single day, so far! I haven't even finished processing the delivery notes and here I'm to make more - tho only issue with that is the cumulative amounts. We're delivering against an order and for some reason we note on the delivery note how much is still outstanding after this delivery.

So, I couldn't finish writing my blog, instead, I ended up working till just past five! Those who arranged that delivery left on time, of course ... Sigh.

On the way home, first I filled up the car - wouldn't want to have to do that on Friday - and then I stopped to buy milk. I got lucky, he had two bottles!

At home, I got busy, as always. Feeding mini, cleaning the litter box, feeding mini, taking the delivery inside, feeding mini ... then sitting outside waiting for my mippies to be ready to come in! We all waited impatiently for Ziva, ha ha! No worries, though.

Mippies are gobbling up their sachets like nobody's business now! Where I once started out with two, maybe three sachets a night, they now clean four sachets, even five with no problem! As in: bowls licked so clean, they look unused! I can't keep that up - that gets just too expensive!

Funniest thing though, I let Ziva lick the spoon I use to scoop the mousse for the mini - and Mewthos tends to join her! Two mips each licking one side of the teaspoon! One of my pleasures, watching that!

My bread was already on warming when I got home - and I'm afraid third time wasn't quite the charm, yet. I had forgotten to change the setting from 900gr to 700gr loaf, so it's a little darker and crustier than I planned. No harm done, though. It's delicious! For dinner, I had a slice of bread with garlic butter and two of my frikadellen.

That hand balm is working nicely for me. With me wearing safety gloves and handling metals most of the day, the back of my hands feel almost like a grater - now that I've rubbed some of that balm into them, they feel normal again.

It's now quarter past eight and Tynx is playing herself silly with the mousey - I've stuck it into the mesh by the window and she's having a lot of fun! She loves all the toys and plays with everything enthusiastically! It's a real pleasure to hear ... when I'm awake. Not so much, when it wakes me up - but hey, that's kittens for you!

I decided to give one of those cookie things a try - yum, yum, yum! If only they weren't so expensive, but they are really worth it! The nicest thing about everything I buy from that site is, that I can read the list of ingredients and it's always quite short and all stuff I know. Cacao, milk, you know - words, not formulae.

Oh, and just for laughs: that baking tray I got? Still too large! It's the handles, they are just too wide, it almost fits, but not quite. Dang!

Well, I've got Ziva and Mewthos having a lick-fest right in front of me, while Janey is watching from the sleeper couch. Time for me to cuddle mippies before going to sleep ...

Tuesday

I forgot to mention: Mewthos also started flossing again! I found big holes in my bed sheet again. Sigh.

Tynx did her licky-wakey again at four in the morning, I turned my head and she decided to play with the fluffy toy - aka my hair! Claws got involved, so I turned to tell her off and got a claw across my right eye! She only caught the skin under the eye, but it's a little swollen. Fun!

I got up a little late and made it to work on-the-dot at seven.

My first delivery arrived in the morning and the pet food in the afternoon. I was quite relieved to get the cat food, as I finished Tynx' last tin!

Back at home, I carried my parcels inside, fed the mini, unpacked the cat food, fed the mini, and then went and sat outside to wait for my mippies. Janey was the first to arrive, followed by Mewthos. Then we sat and waited for Ziva.

Once they were inside and fed, I got busy in the kitchen, warmed up the leftovers, packed my lunch and then prepared to bake a loaf of bread tomorrow Hopefully it will be a matter of 'third time lucky'! The first time I tried to bake a loaf while I was at work, I hadn't switched it on. The second time I came home early - that was when Tynx arrived. So, tomorrow will be my third attempt. I have used honey instead of sugar this time, and I already have my new bread bin - so, let's see!

Amazingly, right now, all four mippies are on the bed! Ziva is washing Mewthos, Janey is curled up next to them and Tynx in next to me here, about two hand-spans from Mewthos & Ziva. Slowly, but surely, we're creeping closer together!

I'm afraid I found a tick on Ziva! Urgh! I do NOT like those things! I had better dose her again. Well, it's lasted a long time - I last dosed her in February, soon after we moved here since she didn't react well to the collar. So, we're talking about some four to five months, which is not bad.

Anyway, they like the new Ottoman! Ziva's already curled up on it and loves the peek-a-boo under the duvet from it. Of course, they all like curling up on the duvet much better!

I had better publish today's update so I can tend to my mippies ...