Friday, August 29th, 2025

 

“There are two means of refuge from the misery of life 

— music and cats.” 

― Albert Schweitzer 

 

So, this post is all about what you see in the above photo. That's not a throwback picture of Hendrix, that is the first photo of our new kitty, Tyler. We adopted him on Friday, August 29th! He is adorable, and is already fitting in terrifically. It's less pressure for Joey, and for us too. One thing about kittens, they will use the hoomans, and the established cats, as scratching posts. Also, less harmfully, when they jump on us out of play and pure joy, kitty nibbles take place! Kitten nails and teeth can hurt. It's called owning a kitten, so I am not super worried about the less fun parts, I am focusing on what about them that fills my heart! I love to watching them grow up! In a few months it will be time to get them fixed and chipped and then it's fairly smooth sailing through their first year of life. It will be fun, and scary and well worth the effort. They are little for a such a short time, then before you know it, you are saying goodbye. But now is they time to celebrate all the love in this house, but also the love we once knew.

 

Welcome, baby Tyler! 

 

Come back tomorrow for Friday... Part Two. It's a really something. 

 

 

 

 

Introducing The Gordon Boys... Happy Holidays Y'All!

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas time."

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Introducing The Gordon Boys...

 

Love, Hendrix, Dylan and Joey

Happy Holidays Y'All!

Mood: Silly

~Me :)

Happy 2nd Birthday, Dylan And Hendrix

"It takes a long time to grow young."

-Pablo Picasso

Alan and I were going to celebrate the boys birthday on Thursday. Everything was planned, but good old Murphy's Law intervened and Alan had to work overtime. Sigh. The party would have to be delayed a day. No worries. So, we celebrated the boys special day a day later then we had planned, as it turns out, their birthday fell on Friday anyway! I had written the day down wrong in my datebook. LOL. Sometimes things happen for a reason I suppose. We had a great time. Chicken Alfredo Pizza, and Black Forest cake for dessert! Next it was time for the birthday pinata! 2 dozen new mice and some yummy cat treats! Not too bad for a 2nd birthday... right? It's hard to believe that my little guys are now 24 in cat years! They're still my little babies!

They grow up quick!

:)


And then it was time for bed...



Happy Birthday Boys!

-Carly

The Connoisseur Of Sticks

"Cats are the connoisseurs of comfort."

-James Herriot

Hendrix is such a fun cat. I sat in the yard Sunday, just watching him explore and sample the sticks. LOL. I swear he is more dog, than cat! I love him so much! He's mighty nifty with his new Peace sign, isn't he?

-Carly

Don't Open Until Christmas!

From For Ellipsis

"Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In the eyes of children they are all 30 feet tall."

-Larry Wilde

Merry Christmas From Dylan and Hendrix!

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

They are such wonderful boys. They are my gift all year long! They are kind and respectful, and most of all loving. They are my children!

Merry Christmas... or rather... Mewwwy Christmas!

-Carly

Hendrix AKA "Teeth"

From For Ellipsis

"The cat is, above all things, a dramatist."

-Margaret Benson

What do you think? Does Hendrix look vicious to you or just darn cute? LOL! Every since he was a tiny puff of a kitty... when he was just a little wee thing, he has done this silly little thing during play. He will suddenly stop, jut out his bottom jaw, and show his bottom teeth, making a small (mhummmfph) sound! LOL. Not at all scary, but it is clear he is trying his best to be intimidating, but failing miserably.

In fact, it's such a silly little action that all I can usually do is laugh! I know I should probably let him think that he is a very scary kitty, but I am usually laughing so hard that all I can really do is pick him up and give him a big kiss! Sometimes I am sure he does it for laughs, I know he loves the big cuddles I give him, but I wonder if that confuses him a little bit. What to do, what to do?!

So tell me, would you let him think he is scary? Am I a bad momma? Would you go along with it, or would you pick him up and kiss and cuddle him?

:)

Gosh I love that guy! By the way, his nickname is... you guessed it... "TEETH!"

LOL!

-Carly

Feline, Feathers and Furball Friday: Happy Birthday Dylan And Hendrix

From For Ellipsis

"If you hold a cat by the tail, you learn things you could not learn any other way."

-Mark Twain

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

My boys turned 1 year old yesterday! We don't know the actual day they were born, but Dr. B. guessed they were about 8 weeks old when they found their way to us, by way of their wonderful Foster Mother, Ms. K. . Well, we brought Hendrix home on October 27th, and Dylan on November 6th, so we chose September 3rd as their official birthday!

:)

These two boys are our pride and joy! Dylan is shy and wily, Hendrix is goofy and playful. They couldn't be more different, and yet they get along as if they came from the same litter. They are brothers till the end! Completely devoted to each other, and loyal to Alan and I. Hendrix is my little dreamboat. He loves hugs, and quite often comes and asks to be held. Dylan isn't much for hugs, but every night at around 9 o'clock he lays down beside us, on his back, and asks us to rub his tummy. :) He is so soft. Can you tell that I am completely in love. Oh, don't get me wrong, I am still missing my Elvis, even after almost a full year, but I love my little boys... oh boy... my big cat boys more and more everyday. I will always be grateful to the universe for sending me my fellas... Alan included!

And now... scenes from the 1st birthday party of Dylan and Hendrix...

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

From For Ellipsis

I love my boys! If you have a little FELINE, Furball or Feathered friend, be sure to play along with FELINE, FURBALL & FEATHERS FRIDAY over at it's new home on Theresa's blog! Thanks again Theresa, for taking on this awesome meme!

-Carly

Feline And Furball Friday's New Home :) Hi Theresa!

From For Ellipsis

"Your cat will never threaten your popularity by barking at three in the morning. He won't attack the mailman or eat the drapes, although he may climb the drapes to see how the room looks from the ceiling."

-Helen Powers

From For Ellipsis

As you guys probably know, Steven, who hosts the meme, Feline and Furball Friday, lost his cat Pickle a couple weeks ago. While Steven takes some time off from things, Theresa will be hosting the meme for him. My kitties, and I, are rather excited that the meme will continue. While we haven't played as much recently as we would like to, we are hoping to do a little better about that in the future. So, we are so happy to be able to send a big shout out to Theresa...

HI THERESA! :) From Carly, Dylan and Hendrix!!!

If you want to show off your favorite feline, furball or feathered friend, and support Theresa as she takes on the meme, be sure to hop over to Theresa's blog on Fridays for all the fun!

Arizona Life Through My Eyes

Feline, Furball, Plus Feathers Friday

-Carly

Bless Their Soft Paws And Pointed Faces!

From For Ellipsis

"Cats often devise their own sets of rules that they think we should live by, and they may be quick to chastise us if we fail to adhere to these rules!"

-Margaret Reister, D.V.M.

It's time for an update about my rascals! And what rascals they are. When we first started allowing the boys to play in the backyard, Dylan would have none of it! I had to pick him up and deposit him in the yard, otherwise he would sit at the door and cry. I am sure he was still a bit traumatized from what had happened to him him early in life. When I brought him home, he was content to be inside the rest of his life, but one day he came out of his shell and discovered that that his backyard was not only safe, but held all kinds of adventure. Suddenly he was hooked on exploring with his brother, playing the "Chase Me, Chase You" game and that life is just about perfect under mommy's lemon tree. Sometimes, however, Dylan decides to go a little too far with his exploring... he wants to know what is beyond the fence.








Hendrix is a very different cat. He likes the outdoors too, but he is very happy to check in with Mom every half hour or so, and always comes when he is called. He has become the responsible one. He watches out for his brother, and if he begins to stray too far, like he did that one day, Hendrix comes to the back door, and whines in a particular way to let us know that his brother is being a rascal. When Alan, Dylan and I are asleep, Hendrix plays with his stuffed animals, very quietly, as to not disturb us. I know this because many times I have opened my eyes in the middle of the night, to see him doing just that. He is learning to be considerate of others, just like Elvis did. That makes me very happy.

Life couldn't be more fun then it is right now with my boys. They will be 9 months old on June 2nd, and I am already looking forward to celebrating their birthdays. I am thinking it will be a Winnie The Pooh theme, or maybe Micky Mouse. We'll see. I also have to think about their costumes for Halloween. Maybe Dylan will be the clown this year, and Hendrix can be a Vampire. Don't tell Alan, but I bought Hendrix a costume last year... it's just waiting for him! LOL. I love these cats to an unreasonable level!!!

-Carly

Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky!

"I'm gonna put a curse on you, and all your children will be born naked."

-Jimi Hendrix

According to Kiss This Guy, the single most common Mondegreen that they receive is "'Scuse Me While I Kiss This Guy" as opposed to the correct lyric of, "'Scuse Me While I Kiss The Sky," from the song, "Purple Haze" by Jimi Hendrix. When we saw Hendrix, aka "The Purple Haze" cozying up to that beautiful tiger, that was featured Wednesday night on ABC's World New Tonight, Alan immediately suggested it for the caption of the above picture. I simply couldn't help myself, it was such a great thought, my Hendrix cuddling up to a beautiful tiger, making a lifelong friend. (SMILE). 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky!

So tell me, do you have any favorite Mondegreens? I got the ball rolling, share with me if you have one. Holiday Mondegreens, Rock Mondegreens, Country Mondegreens, it's all good. :) Leave it in the comment thread or do your own Mondegreen entry, just be sure to come back here and leave me the link!


-Carly
"Excuse Me While I Kiss This Guy"
Berkeley, California
December 17th, 2008
Evening

Shhhhhh... Don't Tell Mom & Dad (Feline & Furball Friday)

"I always say, shopping is cheaper then a psychiatrist."

-Tammy Faye Bakker Messner

Shhhhhh. Hi, it's me Hendrix. Don't tell mom and dad that we are cuddled up in their bed! Today is something called "Black Friday" so they will be out all day. Oh they don't go shopping, they like to sit and watch other people go crazy at the malls. Whatever that means! Mommy always takes her camera, because there is always something to see! This year, however, they might be back home sooner then usual. There might not be as many people to see as in other years. That makes mommy sad. She likes to see other folks happy, and having fun. Sigh. Mew. It will be ok, when they get home we will play the "chase game" and the "catch the mousie" game. I won the last time we played, but Dylan is really good at it too! I After we play, we eat dinner. We get crunchies, but mom and dad get turkey. If we are good boys we might get some turkey too. I had my first turkey tasting just yesterday, and I must say, I LIKED IT! So please... don't tell mom and dad that we cuddled up in their bed! MEOW! :)

Now that you have read my Feline & Furball Friday entry, be sure to visit the host, Steven. You can see my pal Pickle, and find the links to my other furry pals. Steven says, Friday is the day for pets!

Note: As of today, I have been living with my new mom & dad 1 month! Wow! Dylan came after me, his anniversary is on December 5th!

-Hendrix & Dylan
"Cuddled Up"
Berkeley, California
November 28th, 2008
Early Morning

Hendrix's Story

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

-Leonardo da Vinci

The vacation is over. The election is THANKFULLY over. As of today, I am settling back into a normal routine. LOL. I laugh because I just used the words "normal routine." Why you ask? Well, see, there is an unstoppable energy in our house. It's name is Hendrix! Hendrix came to live with us just last week, so you might think we haven't much time to get to know one another, but to the contrary, he has planted himself firmly and completely in my heart, in fact, I am a goner! I have already told you that he is quick, and bright, and full of fun, but he is also cuddly and very, very kissable. He insists on it! LOL. Yes, I am in love. But you know all this, now let me tell you about what his life was like before he came to live with us. He has quite a story.

First, I have to go back a little ways. Back to the day my Elvis passed away. I was in shreds that day. I had such mixed feelings going on. On the one hand I knew Elvis was dying, and his little body had put up a good fight, but it was apparent that all the joy was draining out of his life. He didn't want to play with his toys, and food was refused, unless it was Oscar Meyer Turkey lunch meat, and the worst part of all, he was beginning to feel pain. I made a deal with my boy a long time ago, he would have a happy life, but if the worst should happen, and it did, I would say goodbye while he had some dignity left. He was my child, how could I not promise him that. So, I said goodbye.

Dr. B., who clearly felt as sad as we did that day, helped us let go of Elvis, and then reminded us that one day, when we were ready, there are tons of cats who will be looking for someone to love them, and who they could love. "Especially the black cats," he said. It seems most folks don't think of them as special enough. Weird. A good cat is a good cat. Don't get me wrong, my heart belongs to the Tuxedo cats, I have owned two in my life, and both of them were dreamboats, but I know the joy that cats bring us and it is available in all cats, regardless of the packaging. If you own a kitty, then you already know all the attributes that escape people who swear that dog's are man's or woman's best friend.

Cats can be fiercely loyal. They aren't as aloof as people seem to believe. They will chase your feet by day, and keep them toasty warm by night. They are gentle. They are kind. They have their likes and dislikes as all God's creatures do, but if you love them, you will always be a hero in their eyes. Stubbornness is a virtue, it can be depended on. Each cat is born with a quirk. Something special in their personality that is uniquely theirs. With Elvis, it was his ability to love first. Animals, people, rabbits, birds, squirrels, opossums, and even dogs in his last few months of life. After having lived with a cat like Elvis, who could I possible love again?

The answer is Hendrix. (Insert smile here). A couple weeks after Elvis passed away, Alan and I noticed how quiet the house was. No putty pads running across the floor, no sound of bells, no funny little conversational mews. We had already decided that one day, perhaps after the holidays, we would look for the next great cat, but we were both now in tears. Tears of great sorrow, and longing. It was clear, we needed that energy back in our little house. After all, a cat makes a home... right?

So, we made the call to Dr. B, and asked that a meeting be set up with the nice lady who fosters the cats. Ms. D., and later that day, we met her, and Hendrix at Dr. B's. At the time we adopted him, his foster name was "Moose." It suited him perfectly. We liked the name Hendrix for him better, but his official nickname will always be Moose. LOL. He had a rough start to life. He was left in a box, all alone, in front of a different veterinarian's office, late on a Saturday night. The doctor came in the next day, and saw that tiny, wee abandoned baby and asked Ms. D. to take him in for foster care. She said yes, but she keeps the legal limit of kitties at all times. Her love for cats is endless, she is an angel on earth who tries her best to unite lonely humans, with wayward kitties. She will always be our angel, for bringing us together with Hendrix. It's a perfect fit.

There is happiness in our house again. Happiness runs, and eats like a moose, plays with my feet, and picks at my tights, and sometimes turns his bed over, and falls asleep in my arms. Happiness has a name, it's Hendrix. Elvis is in my heart, and I still wish I could hold him once more, or feel his paws on my face when I wake up in the morning, but somehow I just know that Elvis would approve of Hendrix. Elvis hated it when I cried, he would pat my tears away, and sit by my side until I stopped crying. Hendrix has made me laugh for a solid week, and somehow I can almost hear Elvis laughing too, all the way from Heaven. :)

There is some additional news to share. BIG, BIG, BIG news. Tune in tomorrow for my entry for Steven's Feline And Furball Friday. The fun just keeps coming!!!

:)

-Carly
"Hendrix In Autumn"
Berkeley, California
November 3rd 2008
Afternoon

It's A Boy!

"It is impossible to keep a straight face in the presence of one or more kittens."

-Cynthia E. Varnado

Meet Hendrix! :)

It's a boy! Yesterday, Alan and I adopted a new baby. His name is Hendrix. Yes, just like Jimi Hendrix! He is a ball of fluff and kisses. He is smart, and quick, and he is an absolute joy! One minute he can be playing and jumping with his catnip toys and the next minute he can be found purring softly in our arms. He sat for 2 hours this morning, in Alan's arms, as he worked on the Internet, and when he heard my voice he came bouncing into the bedroom, and up on the bed to greet me with paws and kisses. Hendrix is a wonderful kitten, and I am looking forward to a lifetime with him!

There will be many, many stories to share as we learn all about each other. He already has an amazing story to tell, about what his life was like before we found each other. I will share more about that in another entry. For now I just wanted to introduce my new baby to all of you. My baby Hendrix! There is a lot of happiness in our house once again! Stay tuned... there's more to come...

-Carly