Wednesday 14 October 2020

Another b/day come, one more notch.

 

Thurs 15th 4.30 a.m. - the numbers just keep on coming. When will it end? (Not before I'm ready, please). 

Best wishes due to RTG - arteegee.blogspot.com/ - with whom I share this auspicious date - anniversary only, rather than actual d.o.b.. In tally of years accomplished he's a comparative mere stripling.

So, on with the show - 

      "Mumble, mumble, mumble"

And here, on a cat-heavy blog, are new pics of my current co-residents, all snapped this last week-end. (Don't know why I seem to attract only tom-cats. Maybe they want a male homophilic carer who'll always do their bidding?)

In pride of place and, I think, the eldest at going on 15, is Patchie -
He's now past the time when he had the stamina to chase off any 'intruders'. He now suffers other feline presences grumpily, though he does have a particular animosity to one - growling at and even sometimes, attacking, the youngest, Snowball ........


He's a mischievous one, and the least popular among the other three, though he's become very affectionate towards me after an initial wariness, which makes me guess that his previous owners, whoever they were, were not especially nice towards him, maybe with kids who treated him as their toy. He's very conspicuously not been neutered which is rather concerning. arriving here on the very same day as another one, two years ago, suggesting they might have come from the same household, his 'companion' in arrival being Bobby ..........

who bullies Snowball mercilessly, even though it means he tries to run after him, lolloping his excessively fat tummy along as it swings side to side like a bag of washing. Showing who's 'boss', I suppose. One nasty practice he has is to do stinkies in the bath, though not every day. At least from there they can be cleared out and cleaned up with relative ease, much more than if he was doing them on a carpet. The other three do all their business outside, none of them having taken to using the litter trays.

And the final member of the quartet is Blackso (the Second) who's been here just over a year and I reckon has arrived in search of a refuge from an unfriendly home where he's not wanted, his advanced years making him less attractive than a younger cat would be. But he's a sweetie and (usually) appreciative of my hospitality, though moving slowly and sometimes seemingly painfully, perhaps arthritic. He might even be older than Patchie for all I know.........


With these four my constant worry is what can I do with them when I get the notice to move out. Patchie is my only 'official' pet and is the only one I've got registered with a vet, so he's the least problem. But goodness knows what I can do with the other three when I've got to leave this place -  or if one of them gets ill or suffers an injury, the expenses are likely to be well beyond my reach. Every day it's a bigger concern on my mind, and it gets ever moreso by the day.  

Anyway, just look at what I sometimes have to put up with on my bed. And I only wanted to have a daytime cat-nap for myself, not having four more to contend with in such limited space! 


Bobby often sleeps in this position, his tummy being so fat this must be how he's most comfy. 

So there you have my latest update. I hardly dare think what my situation could be like this time next year - if I'm still around, that is. Must say that my health, though not ideal, could be considerably worse, and in several respects is better than that of several blog-pals, nearly all of whom are younger than I am, so shouldn't complain - which I am not. 

Btw: Still haven't been to the cinema since Sept 4th. There has been a small handful of films come and gone which in 'normal' times I might have made the effort to see (most notably, perhaps, being 'The Trial of the Chicago Seven') but being stuck in a tiny auditorium for two to three hours with strangers, albeit masked and seated with 'social distancing', well, the risk is just too high to contemplate. If I should go down with you-know-what, especially if it might entail in extremis an hospital admission, the worry alone about the pussy-cats would be enough to push me over and put paid to any fragile condition I might have for good. But let it never come to that. 

However, cheerio for now - and thanks for reading.





 





 
 



32 comments:

  1. Well... I wish you a very celebrated Happy Birthday Raybeard!!!!!

    I had no idea you too were a October baby. Any day that your here with us is a good one. And I see you've already updated your annual picture. I like this one. Loved seeing your dear kitties and I think it's wonderful they balance out the bed so nicely.

    I had no idea you may be having to move out? I sure hope everything will be fine for you and the kitties and that the day never arrives.

    Again...Happy Birthday salutations for the day to you.

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    1. Thanks, M.M. Yes, I've been an Octoberian since.....well, since I was born, I think.

      I update my pic every birthday, so you can count the growing number of wrinkles and gasp at the further loss of hair on top - not much left there at all now.
      It's funny how when one intends to take a reasonable self-pic it takes ages and ages to get one which looks 'right', but if you think, oh to hell with it, and just click the camera with no preparation, it comes out okay.

      I've actually had no indication that I'll be asked to move out, but it now being over 20 years here it's surely going to come sooner rather than later. When it happens it's going to a a living nightmare - but more for what to do about the cats than for myself, to be honest.

      Thanks again for your wishes. They are really treasured.

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  2. Best of birthdays to you, sir!

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    1. 'Ta' JayGee. If there'd been no response from you especially, I would have worried. But now my day has been made. :-)

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  4. Happy birthday, young man! Thanks for sharing the cat photos and bios! They’re a lucky bunch. Kind of Bobby to at least use the tub anD not a Rut or piece of furniture. Wishing you MANY good years to come!

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    1. Muy muchas gracias, Mitch.
      Bobby is indeed most considerate in doing what he does where he does. In fact this very morning he left me a birthday 'gift' there, his first for three days. [Reminder - at this rate I'll soon be out of odour neutraliser spray]
      'See' you on your own blogs.

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  5. Good Morning, Raybeard and Happy Birthday from the stripling. The cat photos are wonderful. Bobby could be a double for Oreo, also an overweight tuxedo cat with a sour disposition to our other cats. I have the same concerns what will happen to them if both Warrior Queen and I became incapacitated. I'll put these concerns aside for the day and live my life as best I can. Hope you have a great day!

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    1. And wishing you too an exceptionally positive day - and an auspicious year ahead, most expressly with improved health.
      These cats are the dominating thought in my life, sad to admit, but what else can one do. I'd feel desolate without them. As you suggest, live life for the day it is.

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  6. Happy Birthday, dear. Hope it's a joyous one. Re: your cats and the possible need for vetting - you might wish to reach out to a non-kill kitty rescue in your area. Frequently, they use vets who donate their services. They may be able to hook you up with someone to help with your kittens. Just a thought. In any event, it would be a good resource and a good idea that they are aware of your situation, should something happen to you health-wise (gawd forbid). That way, a simple phone call, in a volunteer swoops and your kittens are well cared for. You may have to be a bit persistent about establishing this relationship - but it would be an amicable solution to your situation and (again, gawd forbid) possible situation. Just an idea, dear. Take good care of yourself and your minions. They are very precious.

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    1. That's an idea, U. There are a couple of cat rescue charity shops in this town so there'd be nothing lost in giving them notice, just in case.
      All four cats are actually mature, the youngest, being Snowball, and he's probably a couple of years old at least. But I'll follow up your suggestion.
      Thanks ever so for your wishes for the day.

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  7. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!
    Cheers to many more.
    I love the cat shots, they're all so adorable.
    And Tuxedo sleeps like Bobby, too; must be a Tuxedo cat thing??

    Lastly ...
    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

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    1. Thanks a great deal to you, Bob.
      I'd never heard of another cat sleeping the way Bobby does, and as a family we went through a lot of pussy when I was young. As long as that what makes him comfortable, and he's the one who knows.

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  8. LOVE YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY! masked or not.

    and the boys; thanks for the updated pix. how you EVER get ANY rest on that bed is beyond me. at least they keep the 4 corners warm.

    please keep safe; I see london is going on strict lockdown again. we don't want anything to happen to YOU!

    many many more happy birthdays to you, king raybeard! SMOOCHES!

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    1. Mucho gratitude for your thoughts in this direction, W.Q. It's a good excuse to show some up-to-date pics. Even if it's the hassle that it is, the general reaction is so favourable it makes it all worthwhile.

      That four-on-the-bed-together situation is exceptional and I'm glad I captured it. Getting Patchie and Snowball in such close proximity is exceptional, three being much more usual.
      Yes, I'm being very wary indeed when going out, this country having the worst Covid infection and death rates in Europe. Just thinking of how much the cats need my presence helps to keep me alert.
      I have every confidence that you and RTG will be similarly sensible and careful.
      Many thanks, as ever, once again.

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  9. Happy Birthday! Having my own cat clowder, I understand the worry-- both financially and if you have to move. Besides our indoor cats, we have a few outdoor ones gifted to us be the neighborhood Momma cat. We worry what we'll do with them if we move. (I told my self I would not get attached. I got attached!)

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    1. Very many thanks, Sadie - and then some.
      Yes, cats are a constant worry but what can one do when it's they who make the decisions. We're at their mercy, a symbiotic relationship if you will. But I can't help feeling sometimes that they're deliberately playing on our emotions for all that they are worth - and we are helpless to get out of their clutches, the cunning things. Still, I wouldn't like it to be anything other than this way.

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  10. A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. Lovely cat photos. I dearly hope you don't have to move any time soon. Your cats are so lucky to have you. Have a great day x

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    1. Thank you so much, Carol. I'd love to know for sure that I can stay here for at least another couple of years, but I haven't seen or spoken to the landlord for four years now, and I simply dare not ask. I've no reason to think why I should be given notice - unless it's having so many cats when none are 'officially' allowed, though he did know of my having one - but it's the suspense of uncertainty that's so worrying. But until I know for sure I'll try to keep it from spoiling my life.

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  11. Ray, I'm a late guest at your party, but wanted to wish you a wonderful birthday! October has always been my favorite month, but I don't know very many people who were born in October.

    I really love all of your feline companions. Patchie looks EXACTLY like my cat Scratch - and Scratch is also fifteen.
    My other cat Bosco is all black and looks like a Halloween cat. He's only six years old.
    I used to have three cats but Scruffy died two years ago.

    Anyway, I enjoyed your blog post. Take care, and hugs to you and the kitties.

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    1. Thanks, Jon. Funny how your Scratch and my Patchie should look the same, names almost rhyming too, and be the same age. I wonder how they'd get on with each other - badly I should think, not recognising any kinship, even in appearance.
      I always feel sorry for all-black cats as I'm sure they'd be the least popular to be given a home from any rescue centres, especially the adults who've grown out of their former kittenish qualities. But they can't help it.

      I'll let my foursome know of your enquiries - and I thank YOU for your wishes for yesterday. All the best to you.

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  12. I am sorry to arrive late to the party, but happy belated birthday. I've just one cat but what amazes me about them is that every single cat I have met has a character all his own.

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    1. Your wishes much appreciated, Debby, and I'm more than happy to thank you for them.

      Yes, my foursome too all have their own distinct individuality, which one has to take account of whenever something happens like when they get up to some mischief or other. Mine are a constant handful to cope with, as I know that having just one can also be, but I'm sure that you, like myself, wouldn't have it any other way.
      Thanks for your nice thought once more.

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  13. I'm even later to the party than Debby. Happy belated birthday, Ray! Love the pics of your beloveds. I worry too about my crew (I have 3 dogs and 2 cats). Such unsettling times but they give me the greatest comfort imaginable.

    One of the national theater chains here in the U.S. has shut down, after opening up for maybe 1 month; temporary or not, I'm not sure but they are closed for the short term at least. Very sad; something like 40,000 employees out of work. We must do all we can here to make a difference and change the future. I've done my part by sending in my ballot for Joe Biden & Kamala Harris.

    Take care & stay safe!

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    1. Timing is not important, Elle. Thanks ever so much.
      Yes, the consolation which pets give us just by being there is beyond measure. And their not knowing it adds to the satisfaction they give us.

      Over here too the effect of this pandemic on entertainment venues, theatres and cinemas is truly scary. It's clear that a significant number of them, maybe a large proportion, will simply never be able to rise again - surely the biggest disaster ever to hit them - but I do terribly hope it won't be as bad as I fear.

      And a HUGE thank you for voting, and for the way you did - but it just couldn't have been any other way for right-thinking people. Let's hope that the numbers of such as yourself completely out-swamp the 'other side'.= as they deserve to.

      All the best to you - and you and yours remain safe and secure too - PLEASE.

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    1. Many thanks indeed, JM. Your visit here is valued, sincerely.

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  15. I just came running from AM's FYI of the feast day of your nativity. I too wish you a happy birthday.

    "Come celebrate with me that everyday something as tried to kill me and has failed" - L. Clifton.

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    1. Very pleased indeed to have you on board, Dr Spo. Thank you muchly for the b/day wish with your, for these times, most apposite quote.

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  16. Well, darn it... I haven't stopped by in a while. Happy Belated Birthday!
    (I once heard a suggestion of getting up from the floor if having difficulty...If by chance you have books within reach, the idea is to try sliding some under your bumm until you're sitting a bit higher. Then the challenge to stand isn't as great. Meh... it's an idea.) Love the cat photos. Kind Regards, A.K.

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    1. Ta mucho, A.K. Despite the timing your wish is much valued.
      Thanks for the tip. As I never read in bed unless I put deliberately books nearby there won't be any, but I dare say improvisation can be done.

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