Clean Slate

Christmas is so exhausting!

Hi Pals,

A couple of days ago I had a staff meeting with M and laid down a few expectations.   Today I'm concentrating on one of those expectations - the posting of awards received in a timely fashion: Goal - Passing it on the same week I received it.   That shouldn't be asking too much - do you think?  So today I'm going to catch up and pass on two.  

The Sisterhood Of The World Blogger Award was presented to me by McGuffy Ann at http://mcguffysreader.blogspot.com/.   She writes a delightful blog of a mixed variety - but such a joy to read.  She even has a couple of kitties who also post now and then.   Thank you friend for this great award.   

Here are the rules:

1. Provide a link to and thank the blogger who nominated you for this award (done)
2. Answer ten questions: .

     1. Your favorite color? Blue but you would never know it.
     2. Your favorite animal? I love them all. I love cats, mousies, gerbils and Doggies, etc.
     3. Your favorite non-alcoholic drink? I don’t drink alcohol except virtual alcohol at #nipclub. I do drink a lot of water.
     4. Facebook or Twitter? I'm, on both but never seem to get over to do either.
     5. Your favorite pattern? Huh!!! I'm more of a texture kitty.
     6. Do you prefer getting or giving presents? I love getting prezzies, but I also like to give them equally as well.

     7. Your favorite number? 3
     8. Your favorite day of the week? Any day is good.
     9. Your favorite flower? I love sniffing any flower
    10. What is your passion? Writing my bloggy, visiting with my pals on Blogosphere and Twitter and helping with tweets to find kitties homes..

3. Nominate 10-12 (if possible) blogs that you find a joy to read. I find it a challenge to nominate 10-12 - because I think this award has circulated a couple of times already. I'll do 5: They are: http://kjellebus.blogspot.com/ http://manxmnews.blogspot.com/ http://timmytomcat.blogspot.com/ http://www.cherrycitykitties.com/ http://myminipetpig.com/.

4. Provide links to the nominated blogs and kindly let the recipients know they have been nominated. I would love to nominate everyone, but I realize some don't do awards. I have, and I haven't at times. I understand both choices. I appreciate all of you, anyway!

5. Include the award logo within your blog post. Done

Thank you again Ann for this award. M was going to post this from her bloggy, but she doesn't have enough followers at this point, so she said I can do it. Mario Smooches to you.

-----

Now I has another award to pass on - the Isn/t it amazing!

My good friend Savvy over at http://savannahspawtracks.com/2013/12/26/thursday-purrsday-7/ presented me with this award. Thank you very much Savvy.   Savvy writes a great blog and has helped so many homeless kitties that I can't even count anymore.

Now there are some rules for this award too and you can read all about them at The Thought Palette…they started this pawsome award last year. But basically the rules are the same as above.

I have already linked back to the friend who gave me the award. Now I can pass this along up to 15 other blogs. Because this is another award that has been passed around a bit, I'm going to choose only 5 here too. They are: http://wildcatwoodscats.blogspot.com/ http://williamthecat.blogspot.com/
http://twinkletoetails.blogspot.com/ And two blogs that actually follow M's bloggy, but they visit my bloggy sometimes too - and we appreciate that. They are http://ramblingon-ramblingon.blogspot.com/ and http://happyburrwoodlady.blogspot.com/.Thanks again to Ann and to Savvy for giving me these great awards.

Whew - I got both of these awards just before Christmas and already managed to pass them on. Maybe I can re-train M after all.

Mario

Have Yourselves A Mario Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas 
We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Good tidings we bring to you and your kin.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Hi Pals,

In the 5 years we have been on Twitter and almost 4+ years we have been blogging, we have met so many wonderful anipals and their humans. We treasure each of those friendships and are so thankful for them. We are truly blessed to know each of you.    

Merry Christmas

And 

Happy Holidays 

From

Our House To Your House

From

Mario, M and D

Thankful Thursday - Sun Puddles

Hi Pals,

Happy Winter!    I guess the old calendar says winter does not begin until December 21st. If that's the case, then why do we have about 6 inches of snow on the ground, lots more coming Sunday, and why is it cold outside?    It seems to me that the calendar is wrong!   What do you think?

I am thankful for Sun Puddles in the winter tho.  They keep me warm on a cold day.  Sometimes M puts my hammick on the floor right where I am now, but I don't mind laying on the floor either.  Wherever the sun is, I want to be. 

http://pepismartdog.com/ is hosting the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop again, so I've hopped on board.  Why don't you now?    Thank you Pepi - we do appreciate your getting this up  and running each week.

Mario

Lovely Blog Award

Hi Pals,

Can you believe it -  I was given another award.   One Lovely Blog Award from the kitties over at Fur Everywhere.   Thanks pals - this is a real honor! So kind of you to present it to me.

There are no rules - that's hard to believe too.  We appreciate the simplicity of this award in that it doesn't take hours to come up with all the details required.   You know the humans - never seem to have enough time to devote to our social life.

I'd like to pass this award on to:

The kitties at http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/

Princess at http://prancerpie.blogspot.com/

Basil over at http://bionicbasil.blogspot.com/

Miss Kitty at http://shespoketome.blogspot.com/

Enjoy the award pals.


Mario

Thankful Thursday Blog Hop - Warm and Comfy

Hi Pals,

It has been sooooooooo cold here that my peeps haven't been outside the house in 3 days.   M says it's minus something in degrees with a wind chill of -24 at times.   

I haven't noticed the cold myself cuz the peeps keep the heat on, dad gives me a daily lap on a heated blankey, and M snuggles close at night.   I'm so thankful for my nice warm house and feel so bad for all the homeless people and animals that don't have what I have.   I am one very lucky kitty and I'm very thankful for it.   I'd sure hate to go back to living on the streets again especially in winter.

Join our blog hop hosted by @PepiSmartDog.  It's fun and you'll meet new pals.

Mario

Friends And Followers Award

Hi Pals,

Sorry I've been missing in action again for a few days.   M's computer was overheating.   Fortunately SIL (Sisfur's hubby) came to the rescue and got it fixed for her.   We are so thankful for him and the work he does for us.  We do keep him busy!

My good pal Nerissa from http://www.nerissaslife.com/ presented me with this pretty award - Friends And  Followers that he designed.   Isn't he talented. Thank you Nerissa.   I appreciate the award too because I treasure each and everyone of my folowers and friends.

The rules are simple - Post the Award.  Thank the presenter, which I did. Then pass the award on to "a few readers," and notify those who you are presenting to!  Simple.

I'm passing this lovely Award on to:

Kathy Keisha at http://www.stunningkeisha.com/

Allie at http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/

Katieisabella at http://katieisabella.blogspot.com/

Ernie and Wally over at http://www.island-cats.com/

There are many others I could pass this on to, but I wanted to save some for other pals to pass to.   If you did not get the award, I'm sure you will before long.

Until next time,

Mario

Few Words Wednesday

Decorating a tree is exhausting!
(Graphic Credit to:  Ann Admus @ Zoolatry)

Hi Pals,

Whew!   I sure am glad my humans finally got the tree up.  It took them from Friday to Monday to put up this tiny little tree.  I'm exhausted from snoopervising.  

I don't like this tree as well as I did the old one cuz I can't hide under it as well.   I'll never understand why they had to get rid of the old one.  Humans!!!

See what I mean - the old tree with purrfect!   

Do you put up a tree and do you hide under it too?







Happy Thanksgiving From Our House To Yours

Hi Pals,

With Thanksgiving in one more day, I was thinking dat I have a lot to be thankful for:  all my friends in the Blogosphere, Twitter, Facebook and Cat Scouts; my humans who love me; a nice warm house with almost enough food (don't forget I'm on this dumb d.i.e.t. so I don't get all I'd like to eat); this comfy Hammick; and good health - so far; and the list could go on and on!   But, you get the idea.  I really have it made here and I know it!!     

How about you?   What are you thankful for?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from our house to your house!  

Mario

Thankful Thursday - I'm a Cat Scout and Proud Of It

Hi Pals,

I'm so excited because i was accepted in the Cat Scouts!  Woohoo!   This is a real honor too cuz you have to work hard to earn badges and honors.

If you might be interested in joining the Catscouts (ladycats can join a ladycat troop too), check out this link for information:  http://catscouts.mousebreath.com/blog/

Now excuse me please as I need to start working on some badges.   While I do that, you can join this Blog Hop hosted by @PepiSmartDog over at http://pepismartdog.com/.   It's easy and you'll meet lots of new pals.   

Mario

Oh Mousies!!

Hi Pals,

I'm so excited cuz I just got the Mousies Award from my friend Sushi over at Sushi's Diary.   That Sushi is such a cutie.  If you haven't met her yet, please go over to her bloggy.  Thank you sweet Sushi for this yummy (just kidding) award.   Who doesn't like mousies!

Now here's the rules - you can see there are not many, so it doesn't take long to do:

1. Thank the blogger who gave you the MOUSES! Award.

2. Post the award somewhere on your blog.

3. When acceptin’ the award, you need to use the word MOUSES! in a sentence. For this requirement, you may also choose to use one of the many variations of MOUSES! if you so desire. You know… like… mousin’, moused-up, etc…

4. Pass the MOUSES! Award on to two or more bloggers. You can pass it along to as many as you like but please try for at least two so that the award is spread around the blogosphere and doesn’t fizzle out or anything. And you’ll wanna pass the award on to bloggers whose work you read regularly and would therefore, sure as mouses recommend.
I think this award has been making the circuit for a bit, but I don't believe these pals have it yet.  So I hereby present the Mousies Award to:

http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/

http://katniplounge.blogspot.com/

Thank you again Sushi for the great award.   Mousies - it's a good one!

Now I need to go see if I can find some Mousies!

Mario  

Thankful Thursday Blog Hop - Happy To Live Here

Hi Pals,

After listening to the news since last weekend, I feel I'm pretty lucky to live where I live.    M says we do have to put up with snow and cold in the winter, but dat is nothing compared to Hurricanes, Typhoons, severe tornados (we do get a few of those, but not many).  All of those bad weather thingies are so much worse then the snow and cold dat we get in the winter.   So, I don't think I should complain anymore dat I can't get outside in the winter.  At least I have a nice warm house to live in.  M says if a bad snowstorm is coming, the guy on the TV warns us days ahead so we can stock up on food and kibble.

Our hearts are breaking for the people dat live in dat country called the Phillipines cuz their country was devastated by dat big Typhoon and many humans and probably animals too were killed or are missing.  

Are you thankful for where you live?

Now join our blog hop hosted by PepiSmartDog in Australia - it's fun, easy and you'll meet new pals.

Mario

Book Review by M - "Heart For Rent, With An Option", by Karla Vandenburg

Hi Friends,

M here.  Mario was kind enough to let me post this book review in his blog today as he has so many more readers than I have on my blog.   It's true when we say "cats rule."  They really do.

Review of

Heart For Rent, With An Option

by Karla Brandenburg

Michelle,  a ghost writer, decides to return from Europe ahead of schedule, which presents a problem for the man she rented her house to.   Keith’s mother is in a nursing home and not expected to live much longer.  Michelle's house is very close to the nursing home where his mother is.   Michelle has never met Keith, as his housing arrangements were handled by their mutual publicist.   The publicist talks Michelle into letting Keith stay for a couple of weeks until his mother passes away.   Michelle does not know that she has been ghost writing for Keith and Keith does not know Michelle is his ghost writer.  Keith had made a couple of derogatory comments that he was not happy with the way his ghost writer had handled a couple of  publications.  Michelle relents and agrees they can share the house if it is temporary, assuming each would be out of the house for major parts of the day at  their respective jobs.

Both Michelle and Keith feel a strong attraction to each other but talk themselves out of getting too close.     Each has a sister with complicated problems.  Neither sister is happy with Michelle and Keith's sharing a house.   Family dynamics in this book run strong on each side.  

While away on a book tour, Keith discovers secrets about Michelle that even she does not know, secrets that could put her life in jeopardy.

Keith's mother plays a strong role in Keith and Michelle's relationship, but you'll have to read the book to find out how.
This book is full of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. There were times I did not want to put the book down even tho I knew I had to.

I think you will enjoy the book.   It is available for Kindles at Amazon.com and available for Nooks at Barnes and Noble and in paperback or hard cover at either store.

I hope you will give her book a try.  i have read 4 of her books and enjoyed every one of them.

For what it is worth, I have received no compensation for this review. I simply enjoy giving unrecognized authors a little extra publicity when they are worthy of it.

Mary

Thankful Thursday - My Typist and @PepiSmartDog's Typist

Hi Pals,

Can't believe it's time for another Thankful Thursday bloggy hop.   Amazing how time flies when your paws are kept so busy.  

I am thankful for a human to type for me, even tho I have to keep a close eye on what she is doing.   If she didn't do this for me, I would not be here today.  So thank you M - even tho you make lots of mistakes and take forever to get something done, I really love you and appreciate you.

I'm also thankful for @PepiSmartDog's human cuz she's the one who keeps this bloggy hop hopping each week.   She also keeps up the Rainbow Bridge bloggy, is a local volunteer kangaroo wrestler and rescuer in her country of Australia (where else would one find those kangaroos - he he), and works hard at making life better for anipals all over the world.   If you have never been to Pepi's blog, join this hop and go over and take a look at their site.   It's amazing.   http://pepismartdog.com/?p=7007.  Now hop on board.

Dona Nobis Pacem - I Am A Peace Blogger

"Let There Be Peace On Earth"

Written By

Jill Jackson Miller and Sy Miller 

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.

WOW - I've been Intervood in Mousebreath!

http://mousebreath.com/2013/11/werking-feline-mariodacat/

Hi Pals,

I'm so excited because Jan of Jan's Funny Farmer Felines intervood me and my intervoo is appearing in todays issue of Mousebreath!   Does that mean I'm famous?  I think so.  

Please go over to Mousebreath and take a peak at it.  You just might learn something new about me.

Thanks to the Funny Farmer Felines for this great opportunity.   It has been a great honor to be intervood by you.

I've also joined Rascal and Roco's Pet Parade Blog Hop #13    Join in with us, it's fun.


Mario

Thankful Thursday / Happy Spooky Halloween

Hi Pals,

I'm especially thankful this week that M didn't buy any Halloween costume for me to actually wear.   I'm missing out on a couple of great parties, but I don't much care for having stuff put on me.  It took me a couple of weeks to get used to my harness, so she thinks I'd never like wearing a costume!  ha ha -  I think she's right.

However you celebrate your Halloween, have a great one and don't let all the spooks scare you.  Now join the Thankful Thursday Bog Hop created by our good pal @PepiSmartDog and have some fun.

Mario

Thankful Thursday - A Little Nip

Hi Pals,

While I am being starved, I have to say that M and D are generous with the Nip for which I'm very very thankful!   M just got a fresh batch a few weeks ago, and that is the best stuff ever.  When M goes to put it on the  floor, I immediately stand up and do  a little dance cuz I love it so much.  

Do you like nip?

Mario

Join our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop hosted by @PepiSmartDog.

D.I.E.T = STARVATION!

Hi Pals,

I'm looking for a NEW home - do you have room for me at your house?   About 4 weeks ago M had me to the vet under false pretense.   Turns out she and the vet lady were in cahoots to starve me.   It seems that Science Diet has come up  with a new way to help us f.a.t. kitties lose weight but still feel satisfied.  Ya - right!    They think 3/4 of that can a day and 1.2 cup  of dry kibble a day should be enough for a kitty of my age, weight and height.   

Do I look satisfied when I sit like this all day:

If that picture above doesn't work on M, I move in for the academy award:

Notice the empty bowl.   I can sit here for an hour or two.   Sometimes I go get her when she at her desk - meow at her, then she asks what I want, I lead her to the kitchen again and take up this position.   Sometimes it works and i GET a whole 8 kibble to nibble on - woohoo!

M says she'll be happy when I have to go back for  my weigh-in cuz she needs inspiration to keep going with me.  (he he - I'll keep working on her)

So let me know if you have room at your house.   I can go thru the magic tunnel and be there in flash.

Don't forget to purr and purray for our pals Brian and GingerJasper  - They are both very sick!


Mario

#MiniBreeze Moves On

Hi Pals,

Well, my pal MiniBreeze's trip is over and sadly yesterday he was mailed off to @Petiethecat in Canada.  But we still had a couple more adventures to tell you about.

M had to go to the dentist last Wednesday, so she decided to take MiniB and Plush me along to have their toothies checked.   Thankfully, I didn't have to go with as I've had enough of dentists stealing my toothies to the point where I has none left!!   I did warn #MiniB of that fact and told him to bite the dentist if he tried to steal his toothies.   He was almost scared to go after I told him that.   MiniB had his toothies cleaned and was told to see his dentist when he gets home cuz he might have a cavity - I think that's something like a big hole in your toothie!

MiniB said it was scary when this lady hygienist leaned over him wearing this mask like she was from outer space.   He was all ready to put the bitey on her, but all she did was poke around a little.

Then the lady hygienist poked around in Plush me's mouth.  Plush me nearly put the bitey on her too cuz he was getting tired of the pokes.  he he - she was surprised to find toothies in plushme because she knew all about my toothie story!   She was a nice lady and gave MiniB and me each a treat after (shhh, don't tell M tho -  it's our secret).

On the way home they had to stop off at the vet's office to pick up some food for me. You see, I'm on a special d.i.e.t. - which means I'm totally starving and hungry all the time.   MiniB immediately packed his bags and said he was getting out of town before he was put on the same d.i.e.t.

We had a great time with MiniB and were sad to see him leave yesterday, but I can't blame him for wanting to get out of town before he had to eat my food.  Well, more on that subject next time.

Thanks for visiting pals,

Mario

P.S. -  M wanted to send MiniB with D to his art class.  But D refused.  M said the old ladies he painted with would have fun with MiniB.   Geesh - such an old fuddy dud M said.  he he  

#MiniBreeze's Visit - Days 1 and 2

Hi Pals,

So sad to say that Mr. #MiniBreeze has to leave our house and go to see @Petiethecat in Canada (don't know where dat is, but I know it's a long way away!)

If you remember when LadyC was here, I talked a little bit about my good pal MiniBreeze (the stuffie of @Kittehboi).   MiniB is on a trip to visit as many pals as he can.  I was so lucky cuz he chose our house to come to while LadyC was here so he could meet her and also attend the anipal meetup.   

This past week he and I spent a lot of time together hanging out and going places with M (where ever she dragged Plush me and MiniB!)   He's been a good pal and I'm sad to see him leave tomorrow.

I hope visiting our house wasn't too boring for him.   Here are a few things that we did this past week.   Unfortunately for him, M and D both had lots of appointments they had to go to - starting with M's trip to the eye doctor to check her eye after Cataract surgery.

Day 1 - Eye Doctor

.

"Hey MiniB, I hope that scary machine doesn't hurt."   

MiniB to Mario: " You don't suppose he'll check our eyes -- will he?"

Day2 - Beauty Shop

"Hey Mario - what is that crap  she wants to use?"

"Well Breeze, we're in trouble now - it  says C.A.T. on it.  Yikes!  Lady - we're not cats, we're dogs working undercover!"

"Make 'em nice and sharp  lady!"

"hehe - That tickles lady!  Hey MiniB - don't let her do your whiskers - it pulls!She might pull them out!"

"Hey Mario - thanks for the snuggles pal.  It's been an exhausting day!"

Well pals, come back again tomorrow for more Mini Breeze adventures!

Mario

What A Great Week We Had - Day 5 - Grand Fanale

Hi Pals,

Well, M says all good things have to come to an end, and this was Cheryl's (PumpkinPuddy's mom) last day.   She had suggested doing a meet-up of Wisconsin anipals before she headed for home.

M arranged for the gathering to take place at Perkin's Restaurant in Oshkosh - a midpoint for everyone.   It was a great day meeting the humans of so many of my pals.  I only wish I could have gone too.  But, I did send Plush Mario in my place and #MiniBreeze went along too.  (Dang M forgot to get MiniBreeze out for the pictures.  She did have him on the table before lunch and showed him off, but never got him out of her blue bag when it was time to take pictures.   She said her brain was out to lunch too - only in a different restaurant.  She apologized to @Kittieboi because he made a special effort to be at our house in time for this meeting.)

Left to Right:

M (my human) (stands for  Mary or mom.)

Sylvia (human for @3Catsstrapki)

Cheryl (human for @PumpkinPuddy)

Sarabeth (tweets as @Sarabeth

Doug (human for @TheNascarKitty)

Laura (human for @RealFakeGator)

Carol (human for @Fergusthedog)

M enjoyed meeting everyone so very much.   She loves those meetups, but unfortunately doesn't get to very many because of the distance to get there. I was wishing I could really meet everyone too cuz it would mean extra pets and attention and probably a few treats!   But at least my  plush double got to go.

Hope you enjoyed the tour that @PumpkinPuddy's mom had while visiting our state.  We sure enjoyed her visit.

Thanks for visiting pals,

Mario  

What A Great Week - Day 4

Hi Pals,

Day 4 of LadyC's trip to see us, M took her to Door County.  It's that thing called the thumb of Wisconsin that sticks into Lake Michigan.  It's M's very favorite part of Wisconsin.

LadyC was hoping to see lots of fall color  while she was here.   Well, unfortunately, M says we won't hit peak for another week yet.   But some trees have been turning colors other than green.

They spent the entire day up there and visited Penninsula State Park.   The pictures you see next were almost all taken while in that park.

Penninsula State Park Light House
(1 of 4 light houses on the penninsula)

M and LadyC

Vew Across the harbor

View from Penninsula State Park Golf Course

View From Golf Course in the State Park

They came home long enough to pick D up for supper and off they went again. 

LadyC took many  more pictures and she'll post them after she gets married this weekend and gets back from her trip.  Woohoo - I get to give the bride away.  Hmmmm, what happens if I want to keep her for myself?  (he he - just kidding Henry (Quadpawd)

One more day to cover tomorrow.   M said they sure enjoyed the day - hope you enjoyed seeing some of what they saw.

Mario