This page was last updated June 10th, 2007.

Page 14

It was with deep regret that I had to separate my two cats.  Squeak, weighting in at 7 pounds was constantly being pummeled by Bub, weighing in at 16 pounds, who just wanted to play.  Unfortunately, Squeak always ended up on the bottom, at his mercy.  She made it very clear that she was quite upset and wanted no more of him.  As a temporary measure, until a permanent solution could be arrived at, Squeak lived in my bedroom, and Bub roamed the rest of the house, the bedroom door serving as an effective separation.  Squeak was clearly much happier but I was not.  If I was in the bedroom, with the door closed naturally, then Bub was lying on the hall floor, waiting for my return.  If I was elsewhere in the house, I felt guilty leaving Squeak alone.  It was very tough on me.  A hard decision was made that I would have to find a new home for Squeak.  (I flipped a coin and Squeak lost).  An ad was placed, but I was not happy with the 2 respondents.  One had young kids (Squeak has never been around young children and any time I had young visitors, she hid in fear.)  The other was, well, frankly, looney-toons.  I had a long chat with the local SPCA and they agreed that they would be able to find a suitable home for her.  It might take a bit longer than they normally were able to place young cats but they could do it.  A donation was made to the SPCA and Squeak turned over to their tender mercy.  A follow up call learned that she had been adopted by a suitable family, which was what I needed to know.   Bub is happily sleeping in my (his) bed again. 

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Since 2005, it has been increasingly difficult to get 'cute' photographs.   Let the camera arrear and the cute photo opportunity disappears.   Seems that it is known that the camera equals a bright, sudden light that leaves spots before the eyes.  A disappearing act sometimes even occurs.    However, here is what I have been able to capture.

Caught in the act of an afternoon siesta.  May, 2005

In July of 2005, a new bathroom was being added downstairs.  Until the room was ready for the plumbing fixtures, I stored them in my dining room.  (Where else would any other self respecting bachelor store them?)  So take something new and add 2 curious critters and here is what you get:

What is in here?  Anything for me?  A drink perhaps?

What do you mean water goes in here!

Then, later that month, Bub discovered a rose:

What is that delightful smell, can I eat it?

In September of 2005, Bub was caught, no not eating, sleeping:

The picture says it all!  The most comfortable place in the house.

October of 2005 found him once again, comfortable:

No pillow is safe in the house.