8/9/17

A Dearth of Cats

Since I know it makes y'all weird, nervous, and thirsty when the cats don't appear on the blog often enough, I'm recycling and posting a few gratuitous photos of cats today. They've been absent because they've been busy.


Kitties don't wear wristwatches, but they might as well. We've established a pattern of them getting restless each morning about 8:00 a.m. It's then that Mike saddles up on the ATV and rides around the property and down into the woods to scare away any lurking critters and bad woofies, and then we fling open the doors and set free the cats.

This is only part of the schedule, however, because every day around 2:00 p.m., they both come in completely spent, fall asleep in a heap somewhere, and then we don't see them again (not at all) until dinner time. It's working well. Everyone is in early and safe for the night, and they're getting plenty of quality kitty time, hunting, and exercise. They've both lost a little bit of weight (not that they needed to, but the exercise has to be good for them), and they've completely taken care of our squirrel problem. The ones they didn't kill and eat, they've chased to the far side of the property. Initially, they were catching about a mouse an hour, and now...about a mouse a day. That tells me they've handled the mouse population nicely too. And just so you know, these two are thick as thieves while they're outside. It's good that they enjoy being together because they'll both be safer that way.

So all of that to say that these are working cats, and they're busily doing their jobs. No time for blogging, thank you. Except...


Smitty wanted me to be sure and tell you that he worked nearly all day yesterday writing their post for

Pets on Quilts 2017

It starts tomorrow. Smitty had to do all the work because Sadie can't spell for beans. It's a sad side effect of not attending school while she was a streetwalker cat. And, of course, I always have to help Smitty with the computer when he gets a mind to write a blog post. That meant I had no time for sewing yesterday. Between picking up the CSA and setting up the new washer and dryer, sewing went begging. But the new washer and dryer are in place now. We opted for the matching dryer too since our dryer needs three shots at each dryer load these days before the clothes are dry. There won't be time for laundry before the weekend, and besides, I'm going to have to study up on how to use these new machines. They're all modern and swoopy and shiny and sleek. The washer is a top-loader with a glass top so you can see the clothes washing inside...for those who lack enough to do, I suppose. Also, the dryer door opens down rather than to the side, and it too has a window. What will they think of next? So anyway...the washer-dryer debacle is on its way to being over and back to mundanity. (I thought maybe I'd made up a word there, but no. Merriam-Webster beat me to it.)

The only sewing I've done has been on Constance, and she's moving toward a finish. I'll have some time to finish up her left side this morning, and I imagine I'll get some time to work on the right there too. 


I'm excited to get her finished for her own sake, but I really want to get back to the Summer Holiday block already in progress. 


This is the last block for this quilt. If I time it right, I might be able to get the top sewn together before we leave on our trip in September.

It's another busy day today with some housework and grocery shopping to do. Our skies are still smoky and our weather is still hot. We're keeping it cool here at the Three Cats Ranch. Keep it cool out there today too, okay?

12 comments:

Julierose said...

Oh how neat--we are having a TERRIBLE chipmunk problem this year.
Sammy the black snake has taken care of most of them for us. I was, at first, really afraid of him/her?, but read up and found that they are very shy of people and not confrontational...and now no more chipmunks digging in my garden...
hugs, Julierose

DeeDee said...

Can't wait for the cats to take over the blog! Our three stay inside, since we live in suburbia and too many cars mean kitties aren't safe. Our sweet girl Olive was left to fend for herself outside before some kind soul took her to the rescue where we adopted her from. She's terrified of being outside, so instead she is content to look out the window from the comfort of her perch on the couch. Giant Henry gets agitated when we go outside without him. We tried a leash for him but he doesn't like it much. Little Doodlebug would likely get into so much mischief we might never see him again. Our next house will definitely have a screened in porch so the kitties can enjoy some outdoor time. I showed my husband your catio and he was totally impressed. If we had room for something like that in our back yard, he would definitely build one.

liniecat said...

Is it only in winter months then you will keep the cats in the outdoor run?
Lovely that they stick by each other now outdoors too.

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Love that the Mike scares off all the preditors (other than your own). Sounds like they are tightly bound buddies now. Bella's still in 'bunny' mode while Moe is taking care of the other vermin.

claudia said...

I so wish that I could turn the boys loose on the pesky livestock. (Right now it is only moles or voles or gophers...I don't know which) I just don't trust my neighbor to leave them alone. Then there are always the scary flying things that take small loved furbabies.
I finally remembered to order Girls Getaway #4 + the white crayons. I still need to practice the different backings on smaller projects, which may happen if I EVER get my energy back.
Can't wait for tomorrow and Pets on Quilts!

crazy quilter said...

So glad Smitty and Sadie are getting their kitty exercise. I need them to visit as I have a squirrel problem they could solve for me. We don't have gophers in My part of the county but we do have a neighborhood raccoon who I am sure would be chased back to the woods with Smitty and Sadie on patrol. Glad the new Laundry is all in place an on the ready! It is such a pain when these things go out. Can't wait to read About Smitty's entries in the parade.

piecefulwendy said...

I misread your title at first -- thought it said "death" not "dearth" -- sent me into a momentary panic. I think I need more coffee! Glad the cats are enjoying the great outdoors and keeping the vermin at bay. I know you'll reach your quilting stride again soon; it's good to mix it up and do some other things now and then! Off to pack for the trip!

Brown Family said...

That is a cute picture of the kitties! I have not done much on Constance, yet, But she will get done!

Lori said...

Good to hear the cats are doing good. Your projects are wonderful
quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

Auntiepatch said...

I can just see Mike on the back of the ATV shouting, "Release the hounds, er the cats!" LOL!

Kate said...

Glad that Smitty and Sadie are getting to enjoy the summer and help with the chores around the place. Hope you get in some good stitching time this weekend.

quiltzyx said...

Good job Smitty & Sadie! Glad you've found the perfect schedule for your outdoor patrols & that Dad helps out too.