(Dogs 30)
So then we had cats, one batch after the other from our queen, Fraidy Cat; and while they have their blandishments, they are not dogs. And now [in my memory] it is Mary Margaret who is begging for a dog. And really there is no reason why not. It must be rather a small one, it must have hair, and it must have personality.
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
September 12, 2013
June 25, 2013
Bump in the night
(1931?)
The bedroom windows, like the others [in the Beaumont Avenue house], were casements that opened out. One night a thump on my bed woke me and, startled, I called Lorin softly. He found a shoe in the dark, ready to defend himself, before turning on his bedside light. The monster proved to be a large grey and white house cat who came in from the cold. I believe we had this cat for some time before taking it to the zoo, where we put it in with many other unwanted cats.
The bedroom windows, like the others [in the Beaumont Avenue house], were casements that opened out. One night a thump on my bed woke me and, startled, I called Lorin softly. He found a shoe in the dark, ready to defend himself, before turning on his bedside light. The monster proved to be a large grey and white house cat who came in from the cold. I believe we had this cat for some time before taking it to the zoo, where we put it in with many other unwanted cats.
February 8, 2012
Animal shy
(1993 February 9)
Had a man here with animals - a white rabbit, a cat, a goat. Margaret Scott stopped in later and said she didn't go. They never had animals at home, and she thot they might hurt her.
Had a man here with animals - a white rabbit, a cat, a goat. Margaret Scott stopped in later and said she didn't go. They never had animals at home, and she thot they might hurt her.
January 10, 2012
Catplay
(1992 October 27)
I said, "What is Annie doing?" MM said - "in the bathroom wopping the hot water bottle corks as they hang over the shelf." Very dull just now.
I said, "What is Annie doing?" MM said - "in the bathroom wopping the hot water bottle corks as they hang over the shelf." Very dull just now.
January 9, 2012
Annie up a tree
(1992 October 26)
Guess what? Annie, our adventurous black kitten, climbed to the top of the lilac bush, and MM had to run upstairs, open the window, take out the screen, reach out and bring in that Annie. That kitten is always up to something!
Guess what? Annie, our adventurous black kitten, climbed to the top of the lilac bush, and MM had to run upstairs, open the window, take out the screen, reach out and bring in that Annie. That kitten is always up to something!
January 6, 2012
Comeback
(1992 October 1)
Cat news first: Annie, our kitten, slipped out and away when Mary M opened the door to let Cyrus in. There was nothing she could do, so away she went! After a couple of hours, I was sitting in the livingroom and MM opened the door, and in she came like a shot, jumped on my lap as if to say, "I made it," another jump on the [foot]stool, tucked in her tail, and was instantly sound asleep! Since she proved she could come back, I suppose we'll let her out often.
Cat news first: Annie, our kitten, slipped out and away when Mary M opened the door to let Cyrus in. There was nothing she could do, so away she went! After a couple of hours, I was sitting in the livingroom and MM opened the door, and in she came like a shot, jumped on my lap as if to say, "I made it," another jump on the [foot]stool, tucked in her tail, and was instantly sound asleep! Since she proved she could come back, I suppose we'll let her out often.
January 2, 2012
Top cat
(1992 September)
This black kitten Annie is often in trouble. After MM went to the fair, I missed her. She was between the house door and the storm door. The big cat, Cyrus, helps take care of her. Won't let her out when he goes out.
This black kitten Annie is often in trouble. After MM went to the fair, I missed her. She was between the house door and the storm door. The big cat, Cyrus, helps take care of her. Won't let her out when he goes out.
January 1, 2012
Exit Annie
(1992 September)
One night I opened the door, and Annie, who is a black kitten, darted out, and MM hurt her arm trying to catch her from elbow to shoulder. Has been to doctor but still very tender. She does everything for me, and a good thing, as I can do less and less for myself - just tired. What I do pretty well is sleep.
One night I opened the door, and Annie, who is a black kitten, darted out, and MM hurt her arm trying to catch her from elbow to shoulder. Has been to doctor but still very tender. She does everything for me, and a good thing, as I can do less and less for myself - just tired. What I do pretty well is sleep.
April 29, 2011
Pillowtalk again
(1988 April 29)
About that 17th-century pillow I am embroidering for you -- if there is the least chance of CATS sitting on it, may I suggest framing it? [We did.] It turned out to be quite beautiful. Last night I put a portion of the trellis in wrong and must rip that out today and do it over. I hadn't realized the directions.
About that 17th-century pillow I am embroidering for you -- if there is the least chance of CATS sitting on it, may I suggest framing it? [We did.] It turned out to be quite beautiful. Last night I put a portion of the trellis in wrong and must rip that out today and do it over. I hadn't realized the directions.
December 31, 2010
Cat taming
(1978 April 5, my father's birthday)
All your activities are just too many to comment on this busy morning. Besides I am so tormented by a cat who thinks this is the time to learn to write I can hardly. He is a splendid, loving creature, and we are attached to each other. The only problem is his fits of play or fighting - very ferocious, and sometimes I really am afraid of him. I watch my chance and get him by the neck and pop him into the dungeon.
All your activities are just too many to comment on this busy morning. Besides I am so tormented by a cat who thinks this is the time to learn to write I can hardly. He is a splendid, loving creature, and we are attached to each other. The only problem is his fits of play or fighting - very ferocious, and sometimes I really am afraid of him. I watch my chance and get him by the neck and pop him into the dungeon.
December 5, 2010
Stray cat
(1977 October 6)
Last Sunday 6:30 a.m. Prof. Malik went to Campus for a book - a half frozen and starved yellow common short hair kitten 3 mo. was at the door. Naeema asked me to take it, and I did but do not take to it. Has perfect manners. Comes when called, etc., etc. But Saturday I will put it in a bushel basket and take to Festival, to Friends of Animals Booth where strays will be given away. I call it "Teacher."
Last Sunday 6:30 a.m. Prof. Malik went to Campus for a book - a half frozen and starved yellow common short hair kitten 3 mo. was at the door. Naeema asked me to take it, and I did but do not take to it. Has perfect manners. Comes when called, etc., etc. But Saturday I will put it in a bushel basket and take to Festival, to Friends of Animals Booth where strays will be given away. I call it "Teacher."
December 4, 2010
Housekeeping fun
(1977 May 22 or so)
I wish Lawrence <11> were here to throw a big load of wood in the basement. It is outside my kitchen window, and will take quite a few trips back and forth to basement window. I am going to save one chunk for a bird bath though it is low. We don't have too many prowling cats any more. The next thing to do is contact painters to paint the dining room woodwork. On & on - a student's life is so peaceful - or so I've heard. But keeping a house is fun too.
I wish Lawrence <11> were here to throw a big load of wood in the basement. It is outside my kitchen window, and will take quite a few trips back and forth to basement window. I am going to save one chunk for a bird bath though it is low. We don't have too many prowling cats any more. The next thing to do is contact painters to paint the dining room woodwork. On & on - a student's life is so peaceful - or so I've heard. But keeping a house is fun too.
July 13, 2010
Kitten care
(1970 March 9)
If I had been there I shouldn't have let you pull apart one thing looking for kittens, until you heard them crying for help, because I know better! Why didn't you notice if the Mother were concerned? One time Penelope had about four in the laundry - I closed the hall door and opened the outside door so she could go out. Then on a sunny afternoon I put them all in the playhouse, door propped open. Went downtown. When I came back, no kittens in playhouse. Called. Looked all over out in back. MM home from school. We both covered the yard. At last gave up and came in and soon found them all in the laundry, back in the folded cleaning cloths on the shelves under the sink. -- sink, sank, SUNK = me.
If I had been there I shouldn't have let you pull apart one thing looking for kittens, until you heard them crying for help, because I know better! Why didn't you notice if the Mother were concerned? One time Penelope had about four in the laundry - I closed the hall door and opened the outside door so she could go out. Then on a sunny afternoon I put them all in the playhouse, door propped open. Went downtown. When I came back, no kittens in playhouse. Called. Looked all over out in back. MM home from school. We both covered the yard. At last gave up and came in and soon found them all in the laundry, back in the folded cleaning cloths on the shelves under the sink. -- sink, sank, SUNK = me.
April 26, 2010
Mousers
(1964 August 25)
Monday Penelope [cat] left a little hamburger sticking to the paper when she had her breakfast. She then went up to the attic. When I next came into the kitchen, there was a Big Black Mouse finishing it up. I got Dee in to get him, but Dee came back to me chagrined, saying that someone was before him in finishing off Penell's breakfast and wouldn't give him any! Then I chained him outside and came back and the mouse was still eating. Rather under the radiator so hard to hit. I went around all morning with a broom for protection - at last saw mouse calmly sitting in living room and called Joe R. who killed it. Whew. Painter thot I was describing a rat (baby).
Monday Penelope [cat] left a little hamburger sticking to the paper when she had her breakfast. She then went up to the attic. When I next came into the kitchen, there was a Big Black Mouse finishing it up. I got Dee in to get him, but Dee came back to me chagrined, saying that someone was before him in finishing off Penell's breakfast and wouldn't give him any! Then I chained him outside and came back and the mouse was still eating. Rather under the radiator so hard to hit. I went around all morning with a broom for protection - at last saw mouse calmly sitting in living room and called Joe R. who killed it. Whew. Painter thot I was describing a rat (baby).
April 21, 2010
Flies in the ointment
(1964 May 8)
MM had the St. Barnabas Auxiliary at her house [in country] last evening with 11 present.... Two flies in ointment. That cat was let loose and stopped the meeting twice by jumping on people or getting on window sill etc. Also when she went to put the mint ice cream on the cake, [husband] Junior had eaten most of it. I would have skipped it instead of serving such small helpings, but she had planned on its matching the napkins, so went thru with it. The napkins were decorated with violets and she had a big bowl on her coffee table.
MM had the St. Barnabas Auxiliary at her house [in country] last evening with 11 present.... Two flies in ointment. That cat was let loose and stopped the meeting twice by jumping on people or getting on window sill etc. Also when she went to put the mint ice cream on the cake, [husband] Junior had eaten most of it. I would have skipped it instead of serving such small helpings, but she had planned on its matching the napkins, so went thru with it. The napkins were decorated with violets and she had a big bowl on her coffee table.
February 11, 2010
Science project
(1960 November)
Well, Meg [= MM, high school sophomore] has this bee in her bonnet. I called Mildred Griswold [biology teacher] last night to discuss it and she said she tried to talk her out of it, but would order what they asked her to. Said a pair of hamsters would be $5 and express $4 - run her $9-10. Now she started an incubator project with virus and has spend $1 on penecillin and hasn't tried to write it up at all nor gone on with it. She doesn't know what she is trying to prove. No idea. Also same with the hamsters. Just a thing to do. No scientific viewpoint sincerely. M. Griswold said she first wanted to order a monkey. MM says she wants to grow hamsters to dissect them. M. Griswold says if so she can buy them pickled much cheaper. MM says she will not have it. LL says by March 1 (Science Fair) she will have 100000000 hamsters and should try to work something out with plants. She screams she will not. -- Well, I said she could do it. If things get too bad, I'll let the cat loose.
Well, Meg [= MM, high school sophomore] has this bee in her bonnet. I called Mildred Griswold [biology teacher] last night to discuss it and she said she tried to talk her out of it, but would order what they asked her to. Said a pair of hamsters would be $5 and express $4 - run her $9-10. Now she started an incubator project with virus and has spend $1 on penecillin and hasn't tried to write it up at all nor gone on with it. She doesn't know what she is trying to prove. No idea. Also same with the hamsters. Just a thing to do. No scientific viewpoint sincerely. M. Griswold said she first wanted to order a monkey. MM says she wants to grow hamsters to dissect them. M. Griswold says if so she can buy them pickled much cheaper. MM says she will not have it. LL says by March 1 (Science Fair) she will have 100000000 hamsters and should try to work something out with plants. She screams she will not. -- Well, I said she could do it. If things get too bad, I'll let the cat loose.
January 18, 2010
Birdwatching
Here I am all alone this morning at 10:15, sitting at the kitchen table with your bird book in front of me. My heart sings, for oh! tr-la! I have just identified a white-breated nuthatch which has been to our feeder twice. I feel so good about it. The feeder I made (junco here now) is about 3 feet from the ground and when we eat beakfast and lunch we got a good view when they come. I took a post with a spike in the end left over from a Girl Scout weathervane project and to this I hammered on the top of it a bushel basket and on top of that the metal top of a detergent pail. Voila! We might have better luck if Lulu Barnes [next door] hadn't been feeding the birds for years and has a much better setup and if our bird watcher cat would let up a little. If she is on hand she shakes and scolds and gets ready to spring until if I am serious about watching myself I give her some catnip to occupy herself elsewhere.
December 17, 2009
Katzenjammer
Well, you should have been here last night to see us all in action. After a quiet evening of reading, sewing, TV, baths, etc., MM said goodnight and not to forget to let Penel [= the cat Penelope] in. Before I got to it, L said there was a terrible caterwaling in the apple tree. Finally I got out there in old winter coat and scarf and here was our cat at the top of a branch and 3 tom cats in tree, on ground lurking and more coming. Calling was in vain. Then I came in and got M to jump in her jeans and jacket, shoes on bare feet, and help. "Here, Kitty Kitty" was a waste of words. M climbed the tree and I went in the basement and grabbed a kitten, wrapped it well up, and took it out to lure her down. Nothing doing. I said to M, "If it would only cry." "Pinch it" says she in the tree in the high cold wind. Then I put it back as all P would do was stare out from her perch for possible lurking toms. Then we decided to get the big ladder from the garage, so we did and M got up higher. Then L came out and helped us and I got a wall brush to whack her. She woldn't budge for M and so I climbed up and then she came part way. At last M went up to the top of the ladder, a thing both of us were afraid to do before, and got her. Then cold but triumphant we came in after putting all the stuff away. L was so cold he had to have coffee and a chicken sandwich. Que cosa!
April 24, 2009
Darn it!
(1951 November 13)
You know I almost never have time to write a letter for myself, or sew on a button or do a thing for myself - just you and Maggie and Daddy and the house (and of course those cats). And so you would think that all of you would get more attention, but those hours roll by and then I am getting another meal again. But just keep on mentioning your needs and I will do what I can for you. Do think seriously about marrying some nice girl who is fond of darning. She could spend hour after hour on all the little holes and have a wholesome time. Wasn't that fierce?
You know I almost never have time to write a letter for myself, or sew on a button or do a thing for myself - just you and Maggie and Daddy and the house (and of course those cats). And so you would think that all of you would get more attention, but those hours roll by and then I am getting another meal again. But just keep on mentioning your needs and I will do what I can for you. Do think seriously about marrying some nice girl who is fond of darning. She could spend hour after hour on all the little holes and have a wholesome time. Wasn't that fierce?
April 13, 2009
I smell a cat?
(1950 July 11)
I have a horrible problem. The whole living room smells and reeks of CAT and I can find nothing. Guess I will have to scrub the furniture and rugs with ammonia if my strength holds out, and my nose. Maybe it's a skunk, but smells like cat - Daddy will cuss - I don't love her anymore.
... I can stand this stench no longer - now for the bucket and brush. A R O M A MEOW
... P.S. Just had a terrific thought - maybe smell is dead rat trapped in cold air chute - the one who gnawed for four nights!!!
I have a horrible problem. The whole living room smells and reeks of CAT and I can find nothing. Guess I will have to scrub the furniture and rugs with ammonia if my strength holds out, and my nose. Maybe it's a skunk, but smells like cat - Daddy will cuss - I don't love her anymore.
... I can stand this stench no longer - now for the bucket and brush. A R O M A MEOW
... P.S. Just had a terrific thought - maybe smell is dead rat trapped in cold air chute - the one who gnawed for four nights!!!
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