Monday, November 15, 2010

Monday Musings Or In Cat-Speak "Meowsings"

I have been feeling out of sorts for the past couple of months. Our family has experienced a lot of sadness, the death of my father-in-law almost two weeks ago who was greatly loved and who had endured years of both physical/mental challenges.
He will be deeply and profoundly missed by all who knew/loved him (and that was TONS of people!)

On a positive note, we have a new and gorgeous niece who was born the day before my father-in-law passed. She is stunning, sweet smelling and pink and we have all fallen madly in love with her!

Also, I decided to join my fat-boy Cody and embark on yet another weight loss mission. I joined Weight Watchers on October 2nd (watch out Jennifer Hudson!!) and am happy with the weight I have lost so far...I discovered on a shopping trip to Kohl's yesterday that I am now a 1X (for those of us who are weight challenged that is a HUGE deal, especially since I had been rapidly approaching the Land of 3X's which for my 5ft 3" stature, even being big-boned was inexcusable!) and soon I hope to be able to no longer have to buy anything that is a "Plus Size" (as they say on "Seinfeld", "not that there is anything wrong with that!")

I am an emotional, mercurial, and sensitive person who feels things I often wish I wouldn't, sees things I wish I didn't and often takes these things to heart.

Lately my "timing" seems to be "off". "Best laid plans" as they say aren't connecting. People I need to reach on a variety of issues, I am unable to connect with.

 I am a "control freak" and when I experience things like this it greatly affects my "balance"...I often wish I could land on all fours when falling from a building (just like a cat) but often I don't.

"Libra Golden Scales" photo from Wikipedia
 Side note:I am a Libra whose astrological symbol is the Scales of Justice. I hate injustice of any kind and my scales have to be in "balance". When my scales are off-balance I become frozen in procrastination and to be purrfectly frank I experience "brain farts!"

It is at times like these that I find great comfort in cats and quotes. I have always been a word/quote freak (I have a book of "10,000 Quips and Quotes"), I have collected and found comfort in quotes since I was a teen (coincidentally when my love of cats began). So today I bring to you some of my favorite musings--"A product of contemplation; a thought. "an elegant tapestry of quotations, musings, aphorisms, and autobiographical reflections" (James Atlas).


In keeping with the theme of this blog, they are all cat related. If any of you are in a "funk" or feeling out of sorts, I hope they offer you comfort as well!


"In the beginning, God created man, but seeing him so feeble, He gave him the cat."
- Warren Eckstein



"If animals could speak the dog would be a a blundering outspoken fellow, but the cat would have the rare grace of never saying a word too much."
- Mark Twain



"Of all God's creatures there is only one that cannot be made the slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat."
- Mark Twain Notebook, 1894



"You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals."
- George Mikes from "How to be decadent



"There are two means of refuge from the misery of life - music and cats."
- Albert Schweitzer





"Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them."
- Jim Davis

"There is, incidentally, no way of talking about cats that enables one to come off as a sane person."
- Dan Greenberg

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."
- Leonardo da Vinci

"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats."
- English Proverb

"Beware of people who dislike cats."
- Irish Proverb

"With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?"
- Fernand Mery

"A meow massages the heart."
- Stuart McMillan

"Time spent with cats is never wasted."
- Unknown

"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."
- Unknown

Photo by @supernatural808 on Twitter
" No heaven will not ever be Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me."
- Unknown

" How we behave toward cats here below determines our status in heaven."
- Robert A. Heinlein

"People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."
- Faith Resnick

"One reason we admire cats is for their proficiency in one-upmanship. They always seem to come out on top, no matter what they are doing, or pretend they do."
- Barbara Webster

"As anyone who has ever been around a cat for any length of time well knows cats have enormous patience with the limitations of the human kind."
- Cleveland Amory

There....I feel somewhat better now, (and I hope you do too!)....my two favorite things...the comfort/peace that living with a cat(s) provide, and the contemplation that my love of quotes offers me.

What are some of your favorite cat quotes?

What do YOU do for yourself when you are "off-balance" or out of sorts?
























60 comments:

  1. Im sorry to hear about the loss of your father-in Law.
    I know how you feel except my hubby is the control freak and I am the one who takes life as it comes. (I'm the true definition of a Pisces. Enough said) My blase'-ness enfuritats him, and his needing order and control just plain pisses me off. So we kind of balance each other out.
    I've always liked the quote:
    "Dogs have owners. Cats have staff."
    I hope you get your mojo back and feel better soon.
    Is it too soon to give out cyber hugs? You got one anyway (hug)

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  2. Hi Caren, I'm so sorry about the passing of your father-in-law and it's never easy when our beloved leaves us. However, he would want you and Lenny to live in full and be happy as well. So, take a good rest before you strike again, cheer up and keep smiling! Happiness will be with you both all the time! Be in each moment and cherish each moment of life : )

    Congratulations on the weight loss! You're doing well and keep it up, I'm sure you can do it!!! I love the picture of you and Cody. You look great in the picture! I also love the picture of Dakota and Cody, they look so sweet to each other.

    We need a balance in life but we also have to learn to let certain things go too. There are things which don't really belong to us, let them go and once they are away, we might find peace in ourselves again!

    Thanks for sharing those amusing cat quotes! You know I'm not a cat person but I do love those quotes! They brighten up my Monday afternoon too (it's my afternoon here!!!).

    Love ya...Priscilla

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  3. Sorry to hear about your father-in-law :( I lost my Opa (grandpa) a few months ago, we were all devastated. The quotes are all wonderful though :) Especially the Mark Twain ones and this one: "Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."
    - Unknown
    When I'm upset I tend to put on old comedy shows...like Hogan's Heroes haha.

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  4. A lovely post my friend, and we send you lots of good wishes on your weightloss.

    *purrrrrs*

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  5. "People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."
    - Faith Resnick

    Aunty Caren, I love this quotation the most! purrr....meow!

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  6. Dear Caren,
    First of all, This quote is for you

    “I hold it true, whatever befall; I feel it, when I sorrow most; 'tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”
    -Alfred, Lord Tennyson quotes (English poet often regarded as the chief representative of the Victorian age in poetry, 1809-1892)

    My favorite cat quotes is :

    " In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats. "

    " Cats aren't clean, they're just covered with cat spit. "

    " People that hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life. "

    My mom favorite cat quotes is :

    "When the cat rubs the side of its face along your leg, it's affectionately marking you with its scent, identifying you as its private property, saying, in effect,'You belong to me'."
    - Susan McDonough,

    " Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later. "

    When I am "off-balance" , I nap

    When My mom "out of sorts" , She bend her attention to do something else that she love to do : painting
    or pull the weed ( so she don't need to think, just do it )
    or go for walk ( get some space )
    or talk to herself or me ( to let it out )
    but whatever she do, she always end up with one thought " Nothing last long forever ! whatever I feel today, one day I will move on so how long do you think you want to take ? ( she asks herself ) and then I guess she got herself an answer. !

    We hope you feel better soon but if you take your time, we always be here for you

    Purrs and Hugs
    Puddy and Boom

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  7. Wow... what a post... Thanks for all of that. I love the pictures too. HEE HEE.... have a great week.

    Max

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  8. @alittlesprite, I will ALWAYS take hugs! Even when nothing is wrong. Hugs are known to have special healing affects.
    You are a Pisces like our Dakota! lol.
    I love the same quote as you. I didn't post it though because it is such a popular one. Have a great day! ((((hugs)))) back at you!

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  9. @Priscilla, as always, very, very wise words and Lenny and I thank you!
    I think what makes it even more special that you read my blog is that you are NOT a "cat person" but an extremely supportive FRIEND!
    I have to say though, you probably know more about cats from the blogs that you follow than the average dog person or even cat person for that matter!
    Thanks about the weight loss! I am on a roll (instead of eating them lol) Love ya!

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  10. @Ruth, I am so sorry for your loss as well (((((hugs)))))
    Yes I often watch old comedy shows too (I had forgotten about Hogan's Heroes lol!!) One of my old time faves is "The Cosby Show" among many others.....that ALWAYS makes me smile!

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  11. @Inigo THANK YOU so much and wonderful to see you here! You are constantly in my thoughts/prayers...have to catch up with you today as well. Much love and purrs to you! xoxo

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  12. @Cat-In-Sydney, I have to say I love that one as well!! That was one of my husband's faves too! xoxo

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  13. @Mr Puddy and Boom, what a lovely, lovely comment!! It is almost like a second blog!! lol!! Seriously it is much appreciated and the quotes that you mentioned are just wonderful. I especially love the Lord Tennyson quote and the quote about when a cat puts it's scent on you. My Bobo used to do that ALL the time. It is strange, my Cody NEVER does it!! Hmmm does that mean he loves me less than Bobo did? Interesting. Topic for another blog I think.
    Love your suggestions on how to feel better, I think a lot of people (including me) could put a number of these into practice. Thanks so much for your most thoughtful comment! Much love from Caren and Cody

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  14. @Max ummm, yeah...it was a tad lengthy wasn't it? Oooops!!! lol. Thanks for hanging in there with it!
    Glad you enjoyed it and the photos!
    You have a great week too!! Your pals, Caren and Cody

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  15. I like this one: "Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this."

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  16. I'm deeply sorry about the death of your f-i-l. I'm finding myself "heavier" in mid-life, not just with the 30 extra pounds I'm carrying, but with sadness and suffering.

    My mom's oldest friend has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer (on Friday), nothing to be done, she's too far advanced. I saw her often in my teens and early 20s, while still living in the same city, but it's been 5.5 years since I've seen her now. And someone at work (not my office) passed suddenly last Monday, not a heart attack. Only in his late 50s. To absorb the suffering of the world and remain sane is tricky, I think.

    To restore my balance I need my camera and Nature. I'll go for a walk in a local conservation area, or even to a nearby cemetery (part of a hiking trail runs through it), or walk down along the water (we're on Lake Ontario). Reading is good too, or watching a feel-good movie, knitting, blogging, counting blessings/practicing gratitude. Curling up with the cats -- they're very soothing and/or entertaining, when not fighting with each other.

    And if all that fails: dark chocolate and second hand shop retail therapy.

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  17. @Daisy, I LOVE that one too!!!! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! Have a great day!

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  18. @Kea, I am so deeply, deeply sorry about your Mom's friend. My heart is breaking for all of you. I am praying that you will be given strength to get through this most difficult time. I can only imagine what you must be going through.
    I am so sorry about the gentleman from your office...so young and I am so very, very sorry.
    I find the water to be very soothing as well. You may not be that far away from me. I am north of Detroit. One day I would love to have a home on the water (when I win the lottery! lol). Water is so calming and rejuvenating. I love your thought about walking in nature. That is a great way to sooth the worries of the world.
    Reading, watching a "feel good movie", expressing gratitude (all of what you mentioned) are wonderful remedies and I thank you for sharing them.
    Oh yes the cats!
    Of course dark chocolate and retail therapy!! You got it!
    I am thinking of you and if there is anything I can do to help you through this difficult time I am only an email away! xoxo

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  19. We are sorry to hear about your father-in-law but it is good news to hear you have a new niece.
    We love the pics of the 2 kittens playing.

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  20. Your Father-In-Law sure looked like a happy person, purrs & hugs to you. Of course I loved all the cat quotes!!!

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  21. What a great post! I love the picture of your father-in-law….. It really brings tears to my eyes. BIG congrats on the weight loss!!! You must be so happy & proud. What an accomplishment!!!

    My favorite quote is "You can keep a dog; but it is the cat who keeps people, because cats find humans useful domestic animals." Alex lives by that motto!

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  22. This is what I call an "open heart" post. Caren, my sincere condolences on your loss. Your f-i-l's challenges are now over. This is a good thing, but the feeling of loss for those left behind is none-the-less profound.

    Congratulations on the beautiful new niece :>)

    Good luck with the weight losing project. Sounds like you're already well on the way. Cody's expression in the pic says "I don't DO extreme cuddling." lol

    Love the cat quotes. One of my favourite's is "Most cats, when they are Out want to be In, and vice versa, and often simultaneously". - Louis F. Camuti, DVM. So true! xx

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  23. I like to retreat into myself, and books.

    My favotite quote is by DaVinci: "The smallest feline is a masterpiece".

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  24. @Hannah and Lucy, thanks so much! Yes our new little niece is stunning! Just beautiful!
    I love the photo of the kitties playing as well, and the avatar that Supernatural808 did featuring my Angel Bobo!

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  25. @Brian thank you! He sure was! When he was younger he managed and sold shoes at a shoe store. It wasn't like today where you barely get help. He remembered EVERYTHING about the women who bought shoes from him and as a result he was the most popular shoe salesman in town. He was a true "people person" and "schmoozer"...he could talk to anyone and he did! lol. He was also very, very kind and gentle...a real gentleman. Thanks so much!

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  26. @Hilary thanks so much!
    Yeah I am pretty proud! I have lost (and gained) weight so many times! Hard to believe when I was in my 20s I was SKINNY and small! lol. That was the ONLY time in my life I was thin. I used to lifeguard and taught swimming when I was young.
    My husband and I just started on the treadmill today (he is naturally slim, the rat!) I am happy, I have lost 12 lbs since Oct 2nd, it is slow and steady but that works for me!
    LOVED YOUR QUOTE! SOOOOOOO TRUE!! xoxo

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  27. Hi Carolyn! Yes, probably too "open" but oh well!! It was just one of those times!
    Thanks so much for your kind words.
    Yep I am "well on my way!" Just had a wonderful bowl of homemade veggie soup (tomato based)...delicious! I make it super spicy and added some chickpeas too...it was soooo good!
    I love your quote, cats are sooo changeable!
    xoxo

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  28. @Katnip Lounge, I love that quote too! My Cody is considerably smaller in stature than my Bobo was (but he is not smaller in weight lol)...just his frame is smaller and even his tail! But he is still beautiful!
    You are like my husband. He definitely retreats into himself and books. I am very much a "people person" but I do get my times (A LOT) when I won't answer the phone, etc and I just have to be with ME!
    Thanks so much! Hugs!

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  29. I am sorry for the loss of your father in law.

    I am a Libra also, and I have been feeling "out of balance" myself lately; I never thought of it in relation to being a Libra though, but it makes sense.

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  30. @mom2acat, thanks so very much!
    Hmmm you are feeling "out of balance" too? Maybe it is something with our stars...I hope we both get this straightened out, that is for sure!!
    Hope you have a wonderful day!

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  31. I am a Libra as well and I know exactly what you mean about things being out of balance - everything must be justified!
    Congrats on your weight loss so far, that is definitely something to be proud of :)
    Hopefully the Thanksgiving holiday and spending time with loved ones will get you back into sorts!

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  32. I'm very sorry for your loss and that you have been feeling "out-of-balance" lately. You are such a caring, supportive person and I wish only happiness and great things for you! Congrats on your weight-loss! And thank you for sharing these wonderful kitty quotes with us. :)

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  33. Hello!I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father-in Law.

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  34. Sorry to hear about loss of your grandfather...but so happy you are on the path to better health with your weight loss. I too have had a difficult past few months and trying to get back on track. Thanks for sharing these wonderful quotes! Cheers!

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  35. Hi Ellie and Mom! Since you are a Libra I bet you TOTALLY understand!
    Thanks so much about Weight Watcher's....I am determined so yes I am very happy about that.
    Yes hopefully Thanksgiving will be nice and happy this year! I hope it is for you and yours as well!

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  36. @catsparella, your words were sooooo nice! Thank you!! They really meant A LOT!
    THANK YOU for all of the wonderful posts you give all of us EVERY DAY! I could NEVER, EVER post as often as you do! I don't know how you do it! xoxo

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  37. @Amin thank you so very much!!! I am so happy that you found us! So happy to have you here!

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  38. Awwww Moxie I am sooooo sorry...I feel so bad....you know you can email me anytime if there is anything I can do or help with....please do not hesitate. Thanks so much, it was actually my father-in-law (but thank you!! I knew what you meant!) If it was my Grandfather he would have been super, super old!!! xoxoxoxo

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  39. Caren, What a sweet photo of your father-in-law. I'll bet he would have absolutely loved that he was in your blog. It shows how deeply you cared for him. Sending you big HUGS.

    So much going on in your life! Congrats on your new lil niece. I'm sure she will bring much joy.

    And YOU Go Girl! You're setting your goals and meeting them!

    For me to achieve balance: a trip to Florence, Italy. But if not possible ;) then swimming laps and walking.

    xo
    Ann

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  40. The death of a family member is never easy, please accept my heartfelt sympathy.
    I enjoyed your cat quotes..they were worth many smiles! Thanks for stopping by both of my blogs and for leaving me the comments. Our Chance is a Border Collie..but at one time before Chance we had four Shelties!! So I understand and love that breed too:)
    The blog of note thing caught me quite by surprise..
    Nice to meet you Caren! :) Connie

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  41. @Ann, thanks so much! I think he would have been happy as well!
    Oh Ann I was a swimmer as well! (I will be returning to it when I get the rest of the weight off!)
    I lifeguarded for YEARS and taught swimming, I was also on a swim team. I LOVE to swim!
    I also love walking.
    Thanks so much for your kind thoughts xoxo

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  42. Connie I am so happy to meet you as well!
    Thank you for your kind sentiments...
    Ohhhh noooo you had FOUR Shelties????!!! OMG!! Did you have ear plugs?? (kidding!! Sort of! lol) We love our boy but he is a loud one!
    I love Border Collies as well...after all, they are Herding dogs too!
    Looking forward to getting to know you Connie! All the best!

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  43. @catsparella...MOL!!!!!!!!!! Seriously! I admire the HELL out of you!!!! xoxoxo
    You must be doing this 24 hrs a day!

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  44. Caren, sorry to hear about your FIL (such a nice photo), and you and that "fat-cat" look awesome, no way do you look plus-size. Congrats WW works when we stick to it (from the gal who had ice cream tonight).

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  45. Diane thank you so much! I love that photo of my FIL too!
    Actually look where I am holding Cody...he is COVERING ME lol...also...that photo was taken I think before I started WW. I carry all of my weight in the middle. I am lucky that I am large boned.
    Yes WW is great!
    Nothing wrong with ice cream! As you know, with WW you can eat what you want...in moderation!
    Thanks so much again!

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  46. Caren, my favorite quote is by Mark Twain. Speaking of select words, my prayers are with you. Keep up the great work with WW! You look beautiful in the photo! Christine

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  47. @Blog Sisters (Christine) thanks so much! I love the Mark Twain ones as well!
    Thank you so much for your kind words!
    Well...I just had a brownie! My darned neighbor brought some up for my husband....grrr...it was a small one though...writing down the points! :)
    Thanks so much Christine!

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  48. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. And I agree.... living with cats does bring a sense of profound peace. Sometimes I look in my cat's eyes (especially Toby) and feel that all is right with the world. In moments like that, he just seems so wise and mature.

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  49. @The Whiskeratti, thank you! Ohhh yes cats can be sooooooo very wise and soooo mature! Love that description!

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  50. Sending purrs of sympathy in the loss of your father in law. Weight gain seems to creep up on us all after a certain age. And then it is harder to take it off. You can do it with all our help! Cats too - great quotes. when I am in a funk I go someplace with my camera and see things I never noticed before. Always learning. And I take naps with the cats!

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  51. @cats of wildwood woods, thanks so very, very much for your sympathy. Ohhhh tell me about the weight! I remember when I was young and MUCH thinner, listening to older women at work telling me that once I hit 35 every 5 yrs would bring a weight gain. I thought they were nuts. Well....they weren't!
    I love that you visit places with your camera that you have never seen before, wonderful! Also I agree with always learning...we must never stop learning and naps with cats are the best!!

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  52. I am sorry to learn of your father-in-law's passing. That's tough, I know. But your blog on cats is entertaining. I've always been a fan of our finicky friends and even had a beloved kitty for 9 nines when we were first married. I discovered I was allergic to her and had to place her in a good home. Ironically, outdoor cats don't seem to bother me. So, now I need to convince my hubby to get me one. Maybe in time, we'll have a couple of balls of fur running through our yard to along get under foot when we're trying to bring in groceries or something. LOL. I believe they are not happy unless they can do in their masters from time-to-time.

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  53. Cathy thank you so much for your sentiment! BTW I LOVE YOUR AVI!

    Thank you for the kind words about my blog.

    I am so sorry that you are allergic to kitties! I bet the outside ones don't bother you because their dander isn't confined to the house. Some people are able to take meds for their allergies, maybe you can too?
    I hope you can get a kitty (or two! lol)
    Yes you are sooo right, they DO "love to do in their masters"...but actually when it comes to cats, who is the "master?"
    So happy you stopped by!

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  54. So very sorry to hear about your father-in-laws' passing. It's so very hard to say goodbye to those we love. Congratulations to you on joining weight watchers. It's a good program and a healthy way to go. M has been thinking bout joining again too. She's in the X size category again. It's so hard when it's in those "genes."

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  55. Mario thank you so very much about my FIL.
    Also thank you about WW...I am enjoying it and agree that it is good and healthy and for me very, very workable!
    Ohhhh tell me about it being in my "genes"!! I come from a majorly fat family with huge bones!
    The fact that we love to eat doesn't help much either! MOL!

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  56. I love that you opened up in this post, Caren. I love everything about you...especially your optimistic spirit. You can do and be anything you want...I believe in you like crazy! Have I told you I'm so grateful you are my friend? Well, I am ;) xoxo Ang

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  57. Angie my dear, dear friend, I have to tell you, you almost got me crying on this one! THANK YOU!! I admire the heck out of you and your kind words mean so much!
    Thank you for believing in me and for your support! It means the world to me and you know girlfriend I always, ALWAYS have your back!!
    I am go grateful to have YOU in my life and as my friend!!!! You are my IDOL!! xoxoxo

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  58. Angie, see? you made my eyes water....that should be "so grateful" not "go grateful"....sounds like "go grateful and leave the driving to us!" lol!!! Hey I kinda like that! :)

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