Getting Our Priorities Straight

What did you do over the weekend? While President Obama had his hands full with the debt ceiling crisis and the world teetering on the edge of complete economic collapse, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was busy spamming up the Internets with footage of his newly adopted kitten, Stanley. I must admit, Stanley (he was named after the cup) does seem photo-ready. I guess  there's quite a lively debate going on up there about just what kind of cat Stanley might grow up to be. Whatever his bloodlines, I can tell you that he must be related to my Roxy. Oh, Canada...

Antiques Roadshow Jackpot

Starting to wonder if my mom has some rhino cups hidden in her garage. I'm guessing not. But if you think your mom might have some -- start looking now.

Joey, The Counter Assistant

Every morning when I get out of the shower, Joey, the little lovebug cat is sprawled across the bathroom counter waiting for me. He knows that the next step in my morning routine is to apply a half dozen bottles of lotions, creams and potions to my face and body in order to make myself somewhat presentable when I go out in public. While I'm busy attending to my personal hygiene, Joey monitors my activity and seems to be approving each step as he's purring loud enough to be heard by passers-by out on the street. If I didn't have to hit freeway within the hour, I'd call it my favorite time of the day. Joey almost makes me hum "Hi, ho, hi ho" while I'm getting ready for work. His love for the bathroom counter and being involved in the activity reminded me of one of my favorite James Herriot cat stories. I can't remember which one of the "All Creatures Great & Small" books this story was in, but I know it was in his book of favorite cat stories. It was about Alfred, the sweet shop cat, who helped his person sell chocolates and sweets to people. Alfred believed his job was very important and held himself in a manner most dignified while at his post in the sweet shop until a mysterious illness made him experience an abnormal weight loss. Fortunately, his vet was able to put him right and he went back to work. The story got me to thinking…maybe we need to get Joey a job. Does anyone know if See's Candies is hiring? Can you imagine? Chocolate and Joey love – I'd never leave. That's two of my favorite things.

The Original Crazy Cat Lady

Thank God there are people like this in the world who are willing to help the strays. My little Roxy looks just like the one that pops out of that cardboard box.

WTNW Dude In My Neighborhood

It's one of my favorite shows on television. And why wouldn't it be? Every week a woman with no sense of style and bad hair is whisked away to New York City where two style gurus take her clothes shopping, take her to see a top hair care professional, and give her a make-up makeover. And voila! The diamond in the rough is polished into a thing of beauty. "What Not To Wear" has all the elements that would appeal to any Cinderella. I DVR the shows every week, hoping that I'll get a clue about why I'm always such a fashion disaster – and I must say I've gotten a lot of tips from the show. I originally fell in love with the shows on BBC America. The hosts were two crazy women who would accost women in public and redo their wardrobes with style and a lot of sass. They were hilarious. I even wrote a fan letter to the BBC to tell them how much I enjoyed the show. I've written very few fan letters in my life – one to Joan Fontaine and one to the makers of ICE soda – are the only two I can remember ever. The US version of the show isn't as much fun. The hosts aren't as colorful, except for the hair stylist. He managed to create drama every week by always wanting to cut the hair off of women with long scraggily hair. And while the women cry and squirm – he usually makes them look better than when they walked in – much to their chagrin. So I was delighted when I was invited to a salon nearby to meet with Nick Arrojo along with a room filled with other SCV bloggers. He's no longer on the show – says he was unceremoniously fired. And it's too bad – the hair stylist they have on the show now is unremarkable. But it was great fun to meet Nick and all of the other women who are writing and posting stuff about their lives in Southern California.

Harry Potter By Cats

I Love A Mystery!