Adventures of Enid and Hester

Sigh. Hester!!!!!!

2011-06-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

This morning while getting ready for work Hester decided to climb into the bathroom cabinet. This is a normal occurrence in the morning. Both Enid and Hester will fight over drawer space and who can steal the most Q-tips. However, when I installed this cabinet we had to cut a hole in the base since it had to go over the pipes (1940s house with quirks). It is hole of approximately 12 inches by 4 inches. Need I explain what happened next?!

Hester wormed her way into the hole and under the cabinet while I was drying my hair. It totally looked like she couldn't get out so I promptly called my father for help. While waiting the (longest) 30 minutes for my father I dug out my "craft saw"to start cutting a new and bigger hole for Hester. She was purring and making biscuits the whole time with the occasional attempts to get out of the pickle she had gotten herself into.

Thankfully my father shows up, pops his head over the counter door and out pops Hester from the hole. It was like watching the birth of a kitten from my bathroom cabinet. First comment out of my father was "We (my mother and him) don't understand how you can be so rational and logical about things in life EXCEPT when it comes to these cats!!! She got in, she can get out don't you know!"

Project for this weekend is eliminating the hole problem. AND here my vet told Hester was overweight (both got a clean bill of heath). Bah! Now, Enid on the other hand.....

Enid: HEY!
Red: Love you Enid and all your little pudgy spots.
Enid: Okay (grudgingly) I am still leaving a wet glitter ball in your bed.

A Horror Story by Miss Enid Marie LaBath

2011-06-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

The day started out oh, so lovely. The sun was shining, the bumble bees were playing in the plants and I had ring side seats to bees and birds flitting outside the windows. Red even let me eat a LITTLE piece of her pancake. Snuggles, chin scritches, and hearing compliments about how wonderful I am made the day perfect.

Then the skies blackened and became the worst day EVAR!

Red was snuggling with Hester on the bed and I decided it was time for my mid-morning nap. As usual, I indicate to Red that I want to snuggle under the blanket and she is so perfectly trained to assist me. Ah, was it wonderful UNTIL Red picked me up blanket and all and shoved me into a......I can't say it....c-c-c-cat c-c-c-c-arrier. Oooooooo!

I knew at this moment I was going to an awful place. Hester! Save me. Oh, dear. She got you too. Ooooohhh.

The next stop after making it quite clear to Red that I didn't appreciate this type of abuse was the place that smelled of dogs and other cats. I have been here before and I DO NO LIKE IT! As the perfect huntress that I am, someone will be leaving here bloodied and the blood will be on my claws and teeth. These people are not gonna take me without a fight.

I cannot describe the horror of what happened in the room Red took us to. We were perfectly fine in the room by ourselves and Red. She had the audacity to let someone in the room and touch us. I can't go on! First it was Hester. I have to say I am very proud of my sister and the quality hisses she got out and the yell. However I knew I would be the next victim. I say victim because Red held me down!!! I will not be held accountable for my actions period. (Red here - I have the wounds to prove it)

To make a long story short - THE DOCTOR touched me!!!!!! Not once, not twice but multiple times. That is not to be tolerated AT ALL. Once the abuse and torture was completed, Red took us home. After such shockingly disloyal and violation I decided it would be best to ignore her for several hours. It would have worked if she didn't dash out the door for a couple of hours after dropping us off. I think I am going to leave her a little present in her bed in the middle of the night......a wet sopping glitter ball. Take that Red.

Wicker ball is the best substitute for a human head

Just when you thought it was a safe to pick up a shopping bag. I am the ultimate huntress. Don't mess with me!!!!

Red here again - I love this little violent beast. She is incredibly sweet and loving. We have an evening and morning ritual of snuggles. Believe it or not she isn't really that violent except at the vet and sometimes to my brother and father. She loves my friend's 5 year old daughter. Enid will sit right next to this little girl while she plays with the cat toys.

Attention getting Hester

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

Keeping Hester occupied is very difficult. She is very active, curious, attention loving, loving, purring girl. If you ignore her she knows exactly what to do to get your attention. Chewing on electrical cords sparks an immediate reaction. Thankfully there have been no sparks. She will also run screaming around the house if she doesn't get her way. I have never encountered a cat that has temper tantrums. I personally think she get A LOT of attention since immediately after the morning ablutions and general getting ready for work she DEMANDS to be held.

Hester: Damned, right I do! I deserve it. And you love it because I purr a lot. Red, you just don't smell like mine when you get out of that contraptions. I gotta make sure the rest of the world knows that you belong to ME!

I literally hold/cradle Hester during the morning. Very difficult to dry my hair with a cat perched/hanging off of my shoulders. I even play with her in the morning before I go to work and in the evening when I return home. Part of me thinks I have to get some kittens to keep her occupied but the thought of two more (kittens must come in pairs) in the house to run all over me is just too scary.

Hester watching a string.

Hester: HEY! Pay attention to that string and me, Red! (She hit me and camera with her paw)

Bottom line - I love this little girl and I wouldn't change her for all the money in the world.

A blast from the past

2011-02-04T19:12:00.000-08:00

Years ago I had two boy cats - Romulus and Remus. They left me when they were 3 years old. Remy could not stop throwing up and he refused to eat and drink. Last week, Hester presented those same signs and I sat helplessly watching and waiting for the moment to call the vet. HOWEVER, I think I have been blessed with sturdy girls. Hester finally expectorated a wad of thread and was off running, romping eating and drinking like a nothing happened. Where she got the thread I haven't a clue. I lock up everything - yarn, thread, plastic, etc. Goofy girl. Below are pictures of the girls when I was reorganizing my files.

Nap time

2011-01-17T11:38:00.001-08:00

So I decided to take a nap but I got hot in my sweater. Took it off and woke up facing 4 front paws. Huh?

No sweater is safe in this house!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T07:20:00.000-08:00

It was a long night with loud fireworks so we will be napping. May all your wishes come true in the New Year. We are wishing for more play time with Red, homegrown catnip, and lots of glitter balls.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T09:17:00.001-08:00

As you can see I have been diligently taking pictures. I just have a problem with posting :P

This is a nice warm hoodie!

Can you turn this thing on so I can warm up my buns?

We love our vegs!

I got the nasty paper towels. They will be dead soon!

Rough day so I have to nap it off.

Merry Christmas

from

Enid, Hester & Red

All are hale and hearty!

2010-08-12T19:49:00.001-07:00

AND bugging me to not watch "Romancing the Stone" Girls, I need some schlock and laughter right now.

Hester: A-HEM! Play with me NOW!!!!!

Enid: Could you give me more food? Not that icky dry stuff but the stuff from the can.

Me: Hester, I just threw a glitter ball in the bed so go get that. Enid, you have had your morning meal with the canned goods you get the dry goods until morning. Please don't wake me at 3 am for your breakfast.

Enid: Nuthin' doin' Red. I am gonna keep waking you up at the ungodly hours since you took me to the vet. I HATE the vet.

Me: Enid, I know she didn't appreciate you bitin

g her the minute she touched you.

Enid: Hehehe. I know but she needed to know that I was in charge.

Me: Enid, she was so nice to you. She called about you everyday...weekends included! Doctors like that don't come along everyday. I thought she was very pleasant and loving to you.

Enid: Meh!

Hester: I couldn't find the glitter ball. Could you toss around the feather for me? I need to run, play, jump and yell!

No more drooling, dribbling, or general badness. Everyone is good and well. Picture time!

If it's not one thing it is another!

2010-08-06T17:39:00.000-07:00

Today while getting ready for work I noticed water on the floor. The girls hadn't been playing in the water so where was it coming from I didn't know. I found Enid with drool coming out of her mouth like a mastiff. Puddles of it everywhere. I quickly called the vet to see if it should be something I should worry about. They said come in! So I did. After the vet looked Enid over she said "She is a very secretive cat." Apparently they couldn't see any abcess, tooth problem, cyst, etc. She didn't eat anything bad including poisonous plants. Her stomach and intestines are fine too.

We were sent home with the directive of please watch her and let them know of any changes. I am now living with the drool monster. I came home after work to find the pillow was soaked from Enid's drool. I have puddles of drool on the floor. BUT on the positive front Enid is eating, drinking (!!!), and playing.

I thought perhaps she was bitten by a spider which might cause the drooling but nothing on the internet confirms this. I haven't given her, her flea treatment this month so that isn't it. Sigh. I hope this drooling clears up by tomorrow. It's not fun. BUT I have the most fantastic cats.

Footpad update

2010-07-06T18:44:00.001-07:00

Do you mind?! I am chewing on my chew toy. I rested all day so I sort of have a scab on my foot but it isn't nearly as much fun as RUNNING! I don't want any more of that fizzy stinging stuff you put on my foot and other stuff that stings. However, thank you for blowing on my foot to take the sting out and thank you for playing with me too.

Bumps, bruises and cuts

2010-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Our 4th of July was eventful and uneventful. I discovered that I am quite equipped to handle all kinds of bumps, bruises and minor scraps. Hester in general Hester glory cut her toe pad when she slipped in the door frame. It is a pretty deep cut but not enough (I think) for the vet to see or stitch up. It didn't bother her at all since she had lots of kittens to watch from the windows. I had feral kittens playing the yard. They were adorable. However Hester began to have a problem with her toe when I discovered blood on the window sill. I immediately fussed with her and stood in front of the kitten TV. Unacceptable to her.

She kindly consented to letting me look, peroxcide and neosporine it. I did that throughout the day and yesterday. She still played hard and ran like the wind. I tried to keep her quiet to get a scab formed. Two day of watching, cleaning and trying to get her to rest are USELESS! I called good friends who are major cat people and SOOPER intelligent. They told me to use New Skin. It was created by vets for animals but it is on the market for people now. I have two applications on Hester's toe. I am hoping it will hold until I get home from work. She is just very active!

The girls weathered the fireworks quite well. Hester slept through most of it. Enid paced and gave me 1 second status reports. Yesterday, Enid became entranced with a cantaloupe that I purchased. I need to remember to bring my camera everywhere with me. She draped herself over the ripening fruit. I think she was telling it that it smelled wonderful.

If you have any hints or tips on keeping a toe pad closed so it can get a nice scab to heal, please let me know!

She is mine and I will name her Red

2010-06-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

Red is mine. M.I.N.E. No one is allowed to touch me. Period. Red keeps inviting people over and they insist on touching me. Some even have the audacity in attempting to pick me up. The horror of it all.

One afternoon Red had her brother over. I don't believe it was her brother. Who would have a brother that is accompanied by two boisterous children and a calm woman who smells like other cats. If that man has cats as he claims he should know you DO NOT scratch my butt without my permission AND you don't pick me up. I am a dignified young lady NOT some beauty to be pawed. *Scoffs* I let this young man know in no uncertain terms that his behavior was unacceptable. I did feel guilty when Red walked in after I hissed and yowled at this man. She was kind enough to reassure me that I was still a good girl and that her brother wasn't listening to me as he should.

Recently she had another guest over and she had the gaul to touch me! How dare she?! Red quickly stepped in to rescue me but it was so fast I couldn't see to clearly that it was Red. I might have hissed at her and for that I am very sorry.

Good people, please admire me and give me praise but don't touch me. Red only gets that priviledge.

Note from Red: This is totally unlike Hester. Perhaps it is my fault since I have a quiet life. Few people visit since we all have different schedules. When Hester is touched or someone attempts to pick her up she makes a distressing cry for help. Poor thing. She really scared my brother when she was picked up. She is just very beautiful so it isn't surprising that everyone wants to be with her.

G'morning

2010-06-12T06:00:00.000-07:00

Me: Yaaawwwnn. Man, I shouldn't have stayed up so late playing Plants vs. Zombies. Yaawwwn. I had (yawn) get the girls their breakfast. (Shuffles off to kitchen). I wonder *yawn* where the girls are? Hester is the first one up to let me know that the alarm hasn't gone off. Hmm. Oh, well. It gives me time *yawn* to wash their dishes, fix their meal and then mine. Oh, coffee sounds wonderful for this morning. YAAAWWWWN.

GAHHH!! JESUS, MARY, and JOSEPH! ENID!

Enid: Hey, there. Good morning Red. Don't worry about me. I already had breakfast. Oh, you might want to clean up the mess I left. Thanks.

Me: Enid, please don't give me any more heart attacks! AND STAY OUT OF THE CUPBOARDS IN THE MORNING.

Enid: Geez! No need to shout. Guess someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed, eh?

Hester: (from the top of the fridge) Can I have frozen kitten treats for breakfast?

Me: Sigh.

Sunday Story

2010-06-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

Background information about the house: My house has three bedrooms, living room, kitchen, hallway and a bathroom. Now when they remodeled they made a "doorway" from the kitchen into the 3rd bedroom and removed the door to the 3rd bedroom. This give the house a lovely circular feel and makes the girls happy because they can chase each other around the house without the impediment of running into walls and doors. Still with me?!

The story: I returned home with packages in hand from work and from the store. No kittens to be found. HOWEVER I did find the yarn from my knitting. I became Theseus/Ariadne following the yarn around the house hoping to find the Minotaur AKA THE Kittens so I could kill them. SIX TIMES I followed the yarn around the circular pattern of the house and ending up in the bedroom under the bed where the kittens were grinning and giggling gleefully over their knitted prize...the beginnings of a wooly afghan.

Dratted cats.

Hester: Heeeheheeee. Let's do that again Enid!

Enid: YEAH! That was fun!

Health update: The girls had their belated vet visit and booster shots. As usually everyone cooed over them. However Enid let it be known that she was not a little kitten. She was a newly trapped cougar who would take anyone out if they tried to come close to her. I swear it was like seeing a National Geographic special on cougars. That was my angelic loving Enid. Hester even hissed twice which was shocking since she has sweetest disposition. Diagnosis for the girls was they are in excellent health. Diagnosis for my shirt - covered in cat hair and sporting a few rips after holding Enid back from attacking the vet and the technician.

Message from Enid

2010-06-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Why am I the one to leave the messages to the readers? (Whisperings in the background) Ah, too true. I am the most vocal in all things. Hey, Red could you get your fingers out of my water dish. The nerve of it all. I put that glitter ball in the water dish to get it clean and she goes in and messes it all up. Humans.

First of all, I am apologizing on behalf of Red. She hasn't posted as often as she should. Hmmm, in fact she hasn't been as attentive to us as well. Right, Hester. (Emphatic "Right" in the background). She has informed us that work has really kept her busy. At her place of employment she is holding down two full-time positions and is really looking forward to holding one position where she can really show what she can do and has been trained to do. Nevertheless, she has been diligently taking pictures of us. I think she believes we are still growing but I can assure you that we are not.

Hester here. Pfffff, not getting bigger my little gray nose! Enid's belly is getting bigger.

Enid: Is NOT!

Hester: Is too. You are the only one in the house that eats those icky fattening treats. Folks, they are just DISGUSTING! I never touch the stuff myself.

Enid: They are not disgusting. You eat those "Greenies" and any veggie Red tries to hide from you.

Hester: The proof will be in the pudding when you get weighed on Saturday.

Enid: NOT. Hiiiiiiii-yaaaaaah!

Hester: Oooommmph.

Red: Will you two cut it out I am trying to clean your bedroom! I don't want you wrastlin' in the dirt I just swept up.

E & H together: SHE STARTED IT!

Special note: Hester loves to run around the house with Enid chasing her but Enid doesn't always oblige. Stay tuned for Sunday's post (sans pictures). All my friends laughed their heads off when I told them this story.

Lost little kitten boy

2010-03-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

After many hours of waiting yesterday, my friend called me to tell me that the little kitten boy disappeared. She had a feeling he went to find a safe place so he could make the journey over the "Rainbow bridge".

I never did meet or see this boy but yet I am saddened by the loss of his presence in this world. I did tell my friend when another little one or several crosses her path to scoop them all up and love them with all her heart or call me.

Thanks for the help. I had better go since Hester is whining at me. I haven't played with her all evening and she believes the world will end if I don't move the string or throw a glitter ball. Enid is happily snoozing away under the blankets. Thank you.

Drats and help (maybe)

2010-03-17T09:25:00.000-07:00

I know you are anxiously awaiting a post about the girls. I have been working hard and I have only just returned home from a conference. I just found out from one of my friends that she found a blind kitten bumping around her house. She put food out for it and if it returns she will catch the poor boy, take him to the vet and then call me.

I am such a soft-hearted girl. I will take this poor boy into my home but my best friend asked those tough questions - what if the girls don't like this kitten, can I afford another kitten, etc.

If I get this kitten who can I take it to be fostered, loved and cared for until he can find his forever home?

Help?!

Our Lady of the Fat Butt

2010-03-01T20:27:00.001-08:00

Someone who shall remain nameless sat on the snooze button of my alarm clock. This meant I was late getting up for work.

A November Day

2010-02-05T12:25:00.001-08:00

Enid: Sniff, Sniff. What IS that smell in the kitchen? Red! RED!!!! What are you doing?
Me: I am baking Christmas cookies.

Enid: Sniff, sniff. Ouch. That contraption is hot! Can I lay on your feet and get warm?
Me: Enid! Please don't lay on my feet. ENID! Get your paw out of the batter!!!!
Enid: I was helping you mix it. Pfffft. Some thanks I get for my excellent assistance.
Me: I know you were eating the batter!
Enid: Quality control. You don't want to make something if it isn't any good, do you?
Me: Sigh. Enid, please go play with your sister!

Enid: She is on the table looking at the cookies.
Me: Hester!
Hester: I was just looking. I am not touching. I know better than Enid!

Approximately 15 minutes later

Enid: Mmmmmmmmm. These are YUMMY!
Me: EEEEEEENNNNNIIIIDDDDDD!
Enid: What?

Funny happenings with Enid

2010-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

One day my best friend came to visit and to check on the health of Hester. He knows how much these girls mean to me. Our friendship started at the worst of times for me - putting down myfirst two cats - Romulus and Remus (and yes they were twins!)

Any-hoo, he decided he wanted to have tea at my dining room table. So did Enid. Enid isn't one to be left out when there is good tea floating around AND where there is someone at the table to love her. Well, my friend picked her up and put her on the floor. All the while admonishing her for her bad behavior. In Enid fashion, she flicked her tail at him as if to say "F you!"

Tea drinking commenced and Enid snuck around the table and perched herself on the chair behind my friend. As he propped his exposed elbow on the back of his chair Enid pounced. She

bit him in the elbow and trounced off into my lap. It was hysterical! She sat in my lap for a moment and gave me look as if to say "Can I get on the table?" I told her not right now. She gave my nose a lick and went off to play with Hester. My poor friend was shocked and stunned. He also told me I spoil my cats. :P

Isn't she full of innocence? She may appear to be a bit of a fluff-brain but she is very smart.

Little known fact about Enid - she has a blue spot on her belly. I swear! It looks like someone took a blue sharpie and inked her. I would take a picture but she doesn't like anyone to see it least of all me.

Piccies

2010-02-02T19:56:00.001-08:00

Right now the girls are running mad around the house with yowls of glee and play fighting. It is funny because Hester is the loudest runner and when she attacks Enid she huffs.

Latest pictures
It is apparent the girls are telling me to make the bed!

A made bed and Hester is wondering "Did that string just move?!"

Enid: I am not on the fridge. It is a figment of your imagination. Did you know the fridge has a nice hum? I could nap up here. BUT I am not on the fridge.

Road to wellness

2010-01-21T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hester is doing so much better. She is eating and drinking. It was truly wonderful to see her drink on her own. I believe it is because she hates the taste of the meds I have to give her.

Enid is ready to romp but occasionally Hester isn't up to it. But Hester is playing, eating and drinking. I am so happy for the health of my little girl. Many thanks for your thoughts and comments. It is greatly appreciated.

Left turn to Alberquerque?

2010-01-17T19:13:00.001-08:00

I think Hester has made the left turn is on her way to Alberquerque (Bugs Bunny reference :P)

She didn't have a fever this morning and was quite perky. She nibbled on my ear and tugged my earring as this morning's wake up call. Very purry and full of the marking my glasses, cheeks, and nose. I think she did eat but it was 4:30 am and I wasn't in the mood to get out of bed to check. She has her moments of play (slowly) and she is talking. Still doing the sleeping and not eating and drinking. I am forcing a 1/2 tsp of water down her every hour. I have told her job today is to eat, drink and sleep. She is playing dumb on these orders.

Wanna know how much she has grown? February 14th last year

January 2010. Can we say HUGE. She is my tall lanky girl.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers, again. I can't wait until she is eating and drinking on her own and is bounding around the house.

a return to the vet

2010-01-16T13:14:00.000-08:00

Early this morning Hester's fever returned. I made a trip to the vet. The did x-rays and found nothing. They gave her more medicam (fever reducer) and some more to administer tomorrow. I am to continue with antibiotics and try to entice her to eat. She wants nothing to do with food right now. She also got more fluids injected into her body. Right now I have to wait. They don't know why this is happening.

My poor Hester and poor Enid since she doesn't understand why this is happening.

Improvements

2010-01-15T19:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry for my delayed post but I was so tired I took a long nap with the girls. Shortly after noon with my aunt's help I took Hester's temperature. It was 99.9. Yeah! She has eaten a bit of kibble and is interested in playing even if it is for a nanosecond. However she is sleeping most of the day away. If it makes her better then I am all for it. It still distresses me to see such vivacious girl hit so hard by this illness.

The vet called and told me the blood work was BORING! She said this is really good news. The only interesting finding was that her stress levels were up. She said there really is no explanation for this. Young girls have this problem from time to time that doctors cannot explain. She said continue with the antibiotics and tempt her with food. Most people are shocked that that Hester doesn't have a favorite food or treat since I don't give her treats and she loves kibble. However, I purchased some food that people tell me that the most finicky cats love it and some baby food (sans onions). She turned her nose up to both and turn around to nose the kibble. That's my predictable girl.

I have also purchased a syringe to give her water. I don't get much into her but at least it is something. She is snoozing away on my woolie sweater. Enid is happily purring on the warm television. Enid thinks this is the world's greatest gift to kitty-dom. Nice, warm and some times it hums a good tune.

Thanks for the thoughts, prayers and comments. It is all appreciated. Truly.

Back to the hospital this morning

2010-01-15T09:08:00.000-08:00

Since I get up early in the morning I promptly took Hester's temperature. It spiked to 105. Yowsie. I call my vet and they said get to the emergency room now. Fast forward to emergency room. Doctor says she can give Hester more fluids since she is dehydrated again, more antibiotics, and a new drug that can reduce a fever. We do all of that. I have to take Hester's temperature again in 4 hours if it hasn't gone down I have to go back to my vet.

I have to give Hester some oral antibiotics, give her a bed where half of it will contain ice packs. Currently she is sleeping on the ice pack after I shoved it under her butt :P She did come home and nibble a bit of food. I tried to tempt her with some "tuna" food but she doesn't really like wet food or tuna type food. I tried. I will try again.

Hopefully I will see some improvement by noon PST. Some of you wondered if Hester ate some of the insulation. She did not since the installers never came into the house. Thanks for your tips on getting Enid re-acclimated to her "smelly" sister. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts for Hester. I will keep you updated.

Hester update

2010-01-15T03:07:00.000-08:00

The vet tech took her temperature and it was 104. Fever! The vet really gave her the once over - felt her up everywhere. He suspects she has infection but he is not 100% sure. We did bloodwork, gave her fluids, antibiotics and appetite stimulants.

I got her home and all the fluids, aka camel hump were gone from her body. She went to get a drink of water which was a good sign. She also fussed with a spoon that I had left on the counter. Water dishes are on counters in my house so needless to say I had to lift her to the counter. I have a water dish in my bedroom so the girls can get a drink while in bed so to speak. I am weird that way. Anyhooo, I gave Hester her pill (appetite stimulant). As of 3 am PST she still hasn't eaten. I have to give her another pill in the morning. I also have to take her temperature in the morning. If nothing has changed I run her back to the vet.

Enid was briefly happy to have her sister home. Later in the evening she approached Hester on the bed and started hissing and growling. She won't go near Hester. She growls, spits and hisses all the time. I don't know what that is all about. Enid won't even sleep next to me because Hester is in the bed. This confuses me. I know Hester smells of "vet" but that smell has diminished and Enid didn't do this when Hester got out of the carrier. Anyone know what this means?

Hester is still lackluster at this point but I am hopeful she will eat tomorrow and have a lower temperature. I still have visions of "she ate something to cause the infection", "I brought something from outside" - meaning I need to clean constantly, etc. All my friends are "it's an infection. Cats have infections and get the flu" I told my BFF that "I haven't done infections. Massive strokes and unknown/undeciferable intestinal blockages which both led to death are what I have done. Infections, not so much.

I will update as needed. Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers. We need them.

Humble apologies for no updates

2010-01-14T09:46:00.000-08:00

I am very sorry to everyone who likes to see how these girls are growing and all their antics. Work has kept me very busy. VERY busy. I typically go home and crash. It is hard doing 2 full time jobs and a part time job at one work place. Whew.

The latest and greatest is the girls are growing and playing. Although as of Tuesday Hester has some problems that have progressed into me calling the vet for an appointment today (Thursday). I had some insulation installed under the house. The contractors didn't enter the house but the noise really stressed Hester out. As of yesterday and today (Thursday) Hester will not eat, drink, jump, play or walk. She just lays in bed. I tried to get some water down her but she was adamant in her refusal. She didn't mind having her teeth brushed since she likes the toothpaste. When she tried to jump on the kitchen table she couldn't. Poor thing. Enid is fine. She is running around like a maniac and talking the whole time. She doesn't seem to be concern about Hester so I suppose that is good news.

On the other hand I am totally scared about Hester. l lost my first set of cats at 3 years of age. They started having problems when they were one years old. My girls are one and this has me on edge. When the girls reach 4 years old I will breathe easy but until that I will watch them like a hawk. I am thankful my best friend will be coming to the vet with me. I think my Dad might turn up at my house unexpectedly to check on Hester and me. He was devastated for me when I lost Romulus (the last of my first two boys). I miss those boys and I love these girls.

Pssst

2009-11-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

Enid, I have an idea! Red is gonna LUV this! Mwhahahahahaha.

Me: What are you two whispering about?

Together: Oh, nuthin' (stifled giggles)

A sad post

2009-11-12T18:43:00.000-08:00

This post is for my co-worker who adopted a kitten a week ago. The kitten died yesterday. Her poor young son sat in the corner and cried looking at the pictures on the digital camera. She and her husband tried to do everything they possibly could to save that little beauty. The pet store where they got the kitten had a long history of bad animals, etc. and sending people to a disreputable vet who gave kick backs to the pet store. This poor little girl kitten was a victim as was my co-worker. My deepest condolences to her and her family. All I know is that little kitten is on the "Rainbow bridge" waiting for her family who loved her deeply even for the shortest amount of time.

I love my two little trouble makers with all my being and I am glad they have come into my life.

Guilty or Innocent?

2009-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

It all started as a typical morning where I am getting ready for work. Showers are a must in the morning for me not only to be clean and warm but also to wake up. While washing my hair I hear "zweeeee, fubbb, fubbb, fubbb. zweeeee, fubbbbbb, fubbbb, fubbbbbb." (If you are a cat owner you will know what that sound is.) I turn my head to see Enid (suspect #1) unrolling the roll of toilet paper while Hester (suspect #2) was trying burrow into the mound of mounting toilet paper. My response of "Ack! You stop that this instance! Roar!" caused a flurry of white furry creatures to flee the bathroom.

Since I cannot deal with the toilet paper until my shower is done, I got back down to business of finishing my shower. First of all the soap had to come out of my hair. It is a this time I had a feeling that something was not right in the world of the bathroom. Bad things were about to happen. I quickly turned to find Hester AKA suspect #2 with my towel in her mouth making a run for the great beyond (the living room).

There I am in the shower with my jaw hanging open, towel-less, a bathroom full of toilet paper, AND the curtains open in the living room. Dare I make a mad dash for the living room to get the towel from Suspect #2 with the chance of her thinking that I was playing with and flee with the towel in some unknown territory OR should I just get another towel from my dresser? EITHER way I am taking the toilet paper with me whether I want to or not.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, you need to decide the innocence or guilt of these two girls. Let me remind you wet toilet paper on any surface is not fun particularly the bottom of your feet. I leave you with images of Suspect #1 and Suspect #2. (P.S. I did not make this story up. It truly did happen.)

No picture post

2009-11-02T16:00:00.000-08:00

Sorry I don't have pictures with me. I am slacking off at work. :P

Status update on the girls

Hester: the fur on her paw is slowly growing back after being shaved from the wasp nastiness. I still have the occasional escapee wasp get in but this time they are coming via my closet with butts up against the front door of their original entry. However I think I have eliminated the wasp issue.
Enid: She still is the diligent of kittens on wasp duty. She immediately lets me know if we have an intruder. She complains the loudest that I don't let her eat her kill or mine. She still loves to bite my Dad and run around the house like a crazy thing.
Togetherness: Both girls have become the all-night snuggle bunnies. I don't have room to roll over. I think I need a bigger bed but then they will take up all that more space. I enjoy the snuggles and the early AM purrs and head bumps. Doesn't matter if I haven't gotten much sleep I am always willing to dole out loving pets and scratches. However when I am sleeping I don't appreciate the cleaning of my face....Enid! (Enid: What?! You were dirty and it is my way of giving you kisses! So there.) Now the bad news. Yes, there is bad news. This house has been dramatic in all kinds of ways. The latest is the house has fleas which means the girls have fleas. One flea left a nest of baby fleas on Hester's chin and ate away some of her fur. Poor baby. I have been using Advantage on the girls but I have to kill the fleas in the house. Round three with exterminator coming up! I feel like such a bad care-giver for these girls. Know this - I am trying!

Story before I sign off and getting back to work

Setting: 2 am. Snoozing with beautiful cat ladies (they will always be kittens though).

A clicking sound awakens me. Something starts pulling on my pajama top. First thought is "Someone is in the house and trying to get me" My eyes pop open and quickly try to focus on the danger. Danger is Enid with my pajama button in her mouth trying to rip if off. The look in her eyes says is all - "Wha?"

Are you in there Hester?

2009-10-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Enid: HESTER?! Where are you? I have a lovely glitter ball to share with you. HESTER?! Red! RED! Where is my sister!!!!?

Me: Enid, Hester is in the hospital since she got stung by wasp.

Enid: Why? I get stung all the time and you don't take me to the hospital. She must be outside. I think you are lying to me.

Me: Enid. I would not lie to you. She is at the hospital.

Enid: Liar!

Hours later

Enid: Hester! Where have you been?!

Hester: Sigh. I went to the hospital.

Enid: You are such a fibber just like Red. You must have gotten outside OR Red hid you in one of the cabinets. I looked everywhere for you.

Hester: I was at the hospital! I swear!

Enid: Nuh-uh. By the way you smell funny. Did you go to the hospital?

Hester: Sigh. I love you Enid.

Doctor report - He said I got her in just in time. They shaved her paw and looked for the stinger but found nothing. At one point he wasn't so sure it was a wasp and kind questioned me on the phone (I understand doubt). I told him I knew it was a wasp since Enid promptly ate it. Enid loves their crunchiness. So she is home and I have to monitor for the rest of the evening for any problems. The vets told me there should be no problem what-so-ever. :D

Poor Hester, Poor Enid

2009-10-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

This morning warranted a frantic trip to the emergency room for Hester. What made it worse I had to travel in the direction of traffic jams. However I made it to the emergency room for Hester and my sakes.

Hester was stung by a wasp and her paw swelled up. Enid promptly ate the wasp (good girl) but she is wandering around crying and looking for her sister. The vet has given Hester a cortisone shot and is in diligent observation...meaning all the vet techs want to hold, cuddle, and console her. She will not be in want of attention should something arise. The vet is fairly positive that she can come home this afternoon.

I have called the exterminators again - he did tell me that it would take several sessions to get rid of the wasps. The renters of this place didn't care about any pests including rats.

Send your snorgles to Hester (for healing) and Enid (for comfort)

One year old

2009-10-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers,

Red is terribly sorry that she hasn't posted often enough. She has been so busy. We don't even get to see her until it is dark. We both know that the house and work are keeping her SO occupied that sometimes we give her a little reprieve by forgiving her for not playing with us one night a week. We really love to play so 6 nights a week is REQUIRED. (Hester: Enid, you have gotten off topic).

Red decided that our birthday will be October 15th. Since we don't know when our birthday is officially we think this is a good day. We are one years old and we don't feel a day over 6 weeks old.

Go away

2009-09-07T10:28:00.001-07:00

I'm sleeping. It is Labor Day and I will not labor at all. *Yawn, lips smacking and a snore* Everyone enjoy your holiday while I nap and listen to the rain.

Sleepy love and cold wet nose kisses from Hester

I didn't do anything

2009-08-31T21:16:00.001-07:00

Me: Enid. What did you do with your collar?

Enid: Ummm, collar, what collar? I am just playing with my green bouncy snake. Hester has a lovely collar. I never had a collar. I think you love her more than me.

Me: Enid. I bought you a collar but you took it off one night. Don't you remember?

Enid: Ahh, yeah. I do remember.

Me: So where is it?

Enid: I dunno.

Me: Hester?

Hester: Yes.

Me: Where is Enid's collar?

Hester: I dunno but I do know this...this collar is coming off tonight and you will never find it! Mwahahahaha.

Me: Why do you two insist on ditching your collars?

Enid: Collars ruin my hunting.

Hester: The tag gets in my way when I jump.

Me: What am I to do with you too? Come here. I need some snuggles.

Hester: Excuse me. I need to run. Rrrrrooooooarr.

Enid: Waaaaaaiiiitttttt foooorrrrr meeeeeeee

With a Rebel YELL!

2009-08-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

I cry more, more, more TREATS AND GLITTER BALLS!

Whatever, Enid. Scoot over I need more room for my nappage.

Christmas gift decisions

2009-08-25T09:23:00.000-07:00

After cleaning up this morning's mess from Hester's midnight raid on the toilet paper stash I have decided to invest in a lock box for me so I can lock up her drug of choice.

Shhhh, don't spread the word but I believe this is what I will do for Christmas.

Invest in a Christmas tree with non-breakable ornaments.
Purchase for Hester two rolls of toilet paper for her enjoyment
Beg Rejuvenations to send me some of their packing material for Enid. (The girl LOVES it) and get an interactive toy so she can run
For myself - knitted Japanese lucky cats to look like Hester and Enid because I am incredibly lucky to have them in my life. HESTER! Drop that roll of paper!

So you won't....

2009-08-17T06:33:00.000-07:00

hold me when I request it in the morning. I especially love to be held while you eat breakfast or dry your hair. I do not understand why you can't drop what you are doing and hold me. Do you not understand my needs and wants? It is crucial that I get held for at least 30 minutes at a time every hour on the hour. Red, I think the hair dyes are effecting your ability to reason and to hold me.

In retaliation I will steal all the toilet paper in the house and destroy it!

Note: Hester did find where the toilet paper was stored and destroyed two rolls. I am working on a solution where I can hold her AND eat breakfast at the same time. It is difficult particularly when she insists on giving me buddy bumps between bites and rubbing her cheeks on my nose between sips of the morning hot beverage of choice.

It's Hammer Time

2009-08-13T20:13:00.001-07:00

You can't touch this....all this good stuff!

Me: Enid, have you been listening to the all 80's radio station on my laptop?

Enid: Break it down!

Me: Oh, Enid.

What's in a name?

2009-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:00

The girls have nicknames. They will answer to their given names and nicknames for which I am thankful.

Enid Marie LaBath = Peanut
Hester Sue LaBath = Freckles

Why these names? Laurie christened Enid with the nickname Peanut and it has stuck ever since. Hester has freckles and they are so pretty so I call her Freckles from time to time. I will never change their names since I like their names!

One comment from a reader sparked a thought for me...the personality of the girls.

Hester is the lover. She cannot get enough attention to satisfy her needs. I spend most of my time holding Hester. She purrs and purrs and purrs and occasionally snores but then revs of the motor for more purring. When I visited Laurie, Hester chose me. To her it was a done deal by sitting in my lap and not moving for a while. All the girls were so lovely I just couldn't decide. I finally concluded Enid would be the girl for me and Hester.

Enid is the hunter. If you want something caught and killed, Enid is your girl. She is a might on the pudgy side but QUICK. OH, so quick. She stole a piece of yarn from me. I chased her around the house and still couldn't catch her. She ate the yarn too! She has caught bees, moths, ants, flies, etc. I dread the day a bird gets loose in the house. *Knock on wood* Enid tries to be loving but I think she gets a bit overwhelmed with the amount of attention I will give her. When she asks for it I will relocate Hester to accommodate the little Peanut. She is very affectionate in her own way. She knows I crave the cuddles so to compromise she will lick my nose.

Friends and family think I am the crazy cat lady because of the conversations I have with the girls and the level of spoiling I do. How could you not spoil your friends?

Without further ado I give you Freckles and Peanut...beloved Hester and Enid.

One patch of sun and cleaning house

2009-08-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

Enid: I AM NOT MOVING! It is warm here and I want to take a nap. Mop some other time Red. (I have red hair again ... hairdresser cannot decide which is the best color for me)

Me: Enid don't you think you could find better use for your time? Like looking for your collar? You took it off days ago and I still cannot find it!

Enid: Collar? What collar? I don't know of what you are talking about.

Me: Sigh. I am still mopping this floor.

Enid: Try it!

I had to mop around the sunspot. Not even a drop of water made Enid move. Hester waited patiently for me to sweep again so she could chase the broom and sit in the dirt pile.

A day with Dad

2009-08-09T06:52:00.000-07:00

FYI this was written in July. The house, the girls and work have kept me away from the computer and the camera.

The girls spend a day with my Dad while he installed our screen door. While my Dad was in the house this is what transpired according to him.

Dad: Enid? What the HELL (he swears when he is annoyed with kittens) are you doing??!!!!
Enid: i kin esplain *mouthful of leather armchair*
Dad: It has better be good and fast!
Enid: Ummmm....ummmmMe: Enid Marie LaBath! *swats Enid's butt* We do not chew the furniture!
Enid: *Looks at Dad* Tattle tale. *Swats Dad's ankle*

Later

I was walking by the front door window and Hester takes a flying leap for my back so she can see outside and watch Dad work.

Me: Gah! Hester. Give a girl a bit of warning!
Hester: I did! What's he doing? I like him. *Purring* This window smells funny. I will mark it with my cheeks.

Dad: Hey there Hester! What you doing? *Tapping the glass and making cooing sounds* GAH! *Runs in to the house* (he got stung by a bee)

Hester: Owie. Let me look at that. Tsk, tsk. It needs a good cleaning. I will clean it for you.

Dad: Thanks Hester.

Hester finding the best spot on the bed...right next to the window.

Enid enjoying the WHOLE bed.

The girl love exploring the recycle bin.

Are we there YET?

2009-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, we have moved. After two weeks of non-stop cleaning and renovating I felt it was sufficiently kitten safe to move in.

I m am still looking for the cord to hook the camera to the computer and waiting for internet to be hooked up. We are all very tired and adjusting to this new situation. So girls what do you think?

Hester: Hold me, please? There are lots of strange noises and smells. Please don't leave me. Can I have an area rug in the living room?
Me: Come here, Hester. You snuggle up with me, okay. I will look into area rugs.
Hester: Okay.
Enid: Glitter balls! Wood floors! Fast running! Sliding! A perch in the window! Wooohooo! Can I snuggle up with you too? I heard a loud noise and I think it might be out to eat me.
Me: Yes, Enid but don't bite me.

Incriminating photos

2009-06-26T12:38:00.001-07:00

Hester: Gah! Enid! You farted!

Enid: Hester! You used the last kleenex and put it back in the box! Yuck.

Me: Eeeek! Who the heck is that attacking me?!

Both: We are innocent of all evil deeds you accuse us of!

That's it! I am gonna find the camera!

2009-06-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Me: I am getting that camera so get out of my way girls!

Enid: What did we do?

Hester: Yeah. Why the sudden rush to get the camera?

Me: When I find out WHO TOOK MY CLEAN SOCK TO THE LITTER BOX I am gonna post incriminating photos of you two. It was my clean sock! Why would you take it to the little box?!

*Enid looks at Hester. Hester looks at Enid. Enid and Hester look at me*

Both together: We didn't touch your clean sock.

Me: Riiiiight. I am not buying it. Period. *Walking away*

Enid and Hester commence with the giggling.

Camera is packed

2009-06-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Enid: You packed the camera?! What are you gonna do to document all this cuteness that I have?

Hester: Boxes, boxes, boxes. You aren't leaving me, are you?! Don't leave me. DO NOT Leave MEEEEE!

Me: Hester, I am never leaving you. Enid, I think you can come up with some more cute poses when and if we get into our new home.

Hester: Hold me! NOW!

Enid: Hi-yah! Monkey boy toy will die! Oh, you missed it Blondie. Shouldn't have packed the camera.

Me: Hester, can you wait until I put the coffee cup down. Enid, that was my slipper. *Fur muffled yelps*

On another note - It is official. I do not have Vampire kittens despite the documented evidence when they were younger and love bites I receive in the middle of the night. The proof was in the pudding when I came home tonight. The girls found the garlic bulb and had fun with it. Teeth marks everywhere. Sigh.

A new frontier and new smells

2009-06-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

Enid: Hester, is that a bug?

Hester: Ummm, yup.

Enid: Hester. Blondie has been bringing in boxes to the home lately with funny smells on them. I suspect a dog.

Hester: Uh-huh. Can I watch the bug please?

Enid: Um, Hester. Blondie has been stressed lately.

Hester: *Sigh* Yes, Enid.

Enid: Do you think she is gonna leave us?

Hester: *Heavy sigh* No, Enid. We are moving to a new home. She told us. We have to pack our things and move in a week and a half.

Enid: Really?

Me: Yes, Enid. We are moving. You guys will have lots of room to run. We will have hardwood floors. It is an old house and I have lots of work to do on it but it will be ours.

Enid: Whew. Can you pack my toys last please? If you pack them last they will be the first out of the moving truck.

Me: Sigh

The more things change.....

2009-06-01T19:45:00.000-07:00

Entertaining Enid remains the same. She loves the tails and Hester is more than willing to taunt, tease and torture her sister.

On another note - I don't have pictures of this incident but toddler Enid is a menace when I am in the kitchen. Today on the first Monday of vacation I was craving chocolate. Why go to the store when I can make vegan chocolate pudding cake?! So I mixed the batter turn my back for a SECOND and turn around to see Enid's little furry face covered in chocolate and a look of sugar induced glee. In a split nano second I had a wet dish rag and a crazed kitten that I was cleaning before she began chowin' down. I am gonna have to move the prep center away from Enid!

Say it isn't so

2009-05-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Me: Enid, you are looking a might pudgy these days.

Enid: Am not! I am perfect for a Queen Kitten. Perfect I tell you.

Me: Um, Enid. Have you look at these pictures of yourself lately

Enid: Cameras add 20 lbs don't you know and I AM SMALL so the camera lens is a gross exaggeration of my true weight and size. *Sticks tongue out at me*

Me: Enid, I don't need a camera to proof you are bit pudgy. I just have to lift you.

Enid: I WORK OUT and have a sensible diet.

Me: Enid, YOU insist that I hold you during MY workout. How can you say you work out?

Enid: It is hard work staying in your arms during your work out. Trust me I know. You know, Red have you looked in the mirror lately. You aren't exactly svelte yourself. AND let me point out that you love snuggling with me at night. Do you want to snuggle with bones or my BEEEEEUUUU-tiful fur or not?

Me: *Sigh* You win but you will work out in the future.

Hester: Tag your it! Can't catch me Enid.

Enid: YES I can! *Runs like mad*

Sun babies

2009-05-25T18:44:00.000-07:00

The girls LOVE the sun. My apartment only gets sun in the evening so every drop is soaked up by the girls. I will never dare to move one EVER again. I got promptly reprimanded.

Little helper

2009-05-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

While doing the morning laundry Hester decide to help me by bringing me a shirt she thought needed cleaning. I was completely stunned that my photograph didn't turn out the way I expected. I kid you not Hester had my shirt in her mouth and dragged it to the correct pile.

I guess it is her way of saying Happy Mother's Day to their birth mamas, human foster mommas and cat foster mammas. I don't see myself as a momma but rather as a friend who gets more and more love each day.

Enid: I HELP too don't you know! *Snort*

Me: Yes, Enid you did help by pointing out to Hester which shirt in my closet need to be brought to the laundry.

Enid: That's right. Don't you forget it! *Licks my nose*

Enid Marie LaBath!!!!!

2009-05-08T13:38:00.001-07:00

Enid: What?
Me: Did you eat off the tip of my knitting needle?! YOU were seen in the vicinity of the needles.
Enid: Um, nope. Not me. *Burp* Excuse me. I think I have a little heartburn from this morning's breakfast.

Me: You didn't eat breakfast!
Enid: *Burp* Excuse me again. Must have been last night's dinner. Catch ya later Red. Is that new yarn over there?

Postscript: The needles Enid chewed on were my birch wood needles and she didn't eat a lot. The tip was the only piece missing. She is bouncing around as if nothing has happened.

A post with no pictures

2009-05-04T18:45:00.001-07:00

There is a story and you will understand why.

Act 1

Enid: Glittery toy. Oh, boy, oh, boy, oh boy.

Hester: Make it go higher. It must fly higher. HIGHER. I can jump and twist and fly, Red. Make it go higher

Enid: Is that a glitter ball over there?

Hester: *Panting* Ahhhh-Ghhhh-Ahhhh-i-Nnnnnnnnn

Act 2

Enid: Oh, yeah, Red. Dangle the glitter toy over my head. I like it when it tickles my belly

Hester: Me, me, me, ME TOO. *Jumping over and snatched glitter toy full of ribbon* Gack, Gack. Ugh. There.is.something.cough, cough, gack, gack, cough, cough.

Me: Hester! Come here. Enid, please move over. I have to help your sister.

Enid: Hester! Speak to me. Hester! Are you all right?! Hester!

*I pry open Hester's mouth to pull out a big long string of the glitter/tinsel piece from the toy that she tried to eat unintentionally*

Hester: Cough, cough. YOU PRIED OPEN MY MOUTH! I hate you, Red *stalk off in a huff*

Me: Sorry.

Enid: Hester! She didn't mean it to be mean. Hester, come back.

Act 3 (2 minutes later)

Hester: Red, I missed you. Where I have been? I love you. *Head bumps me* Can you hold me? I need some shoulder snuggles

Enid: Can I have shoulder snuggles too?

Me: I have two shoulders girls and you are welcome to them :D

What is that swirling down there?

2009-05-02T17:09:00.001-07:00

Enid: Hmmm. This look interesting. Achoo! There is water in here. Even more interesting.

Hester: What you looking at Enid?

Enid: *Distracted* Ummm, water....I think.

Hester: I'm comin' Sissie!

Enid: Oh, oh, oh, oh, OH! I dropped the glitter ball.

Hester: *Gasp*

Enid: Do you see it?

Hester: I think I can reach it.

Enid: Red, this here contraption is off limits until a blue glitter ball can be retrieved.

Hester: Uh-huh. That is right.

Me: I beg to differ girls. *Flushing toilet*

Enid: Noooooooooo!

Me: Enid, the blue glitter ball is right here in my shoe. Right where you dropped it.

Enid: Oh. Thanks. *trotting off with glitter ball*

Hester: Oh, she is so gonna get it. Scaring me like that. Red, I tell you I don't know what to do with Enid. *stomps off*

Let me help, Red!

2009-04-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

You forgot a few of the sheets for the washer. I will get them for you. I am a good helper.

Enid: PULL HARDER, Hester! Pull!

What did you say?

2009-04-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

A new home? Are we moving? I can take my paper sack, right?

Enid: Is there more room to run? I like to run. I am not much of a hopper. Running is my gig.

Me: It is a possibility girls. We want the home safe and sound before we buy it. I am trying to think of all of us when I look at homes. Our BFF said this one home that I am trying to get looks cute and that you girls will love it.

Hester: Well....okay but I get to take my paper sack, right?

Once a vampire always a vampire

2009-04-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

Do you not see the two puncture holes on the latest victim?

Here is the victim being taken away to be fed upon in the middle of the night. Blurriness of the photograph is due to the fact that kitten vampires are VERY fast.

Hey, good looking, what ya got cookin'?

2009-04-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Me: Enid, it is spinach. Cats like tuna, chicken, duck, moose....you know all things that fly, swim or walk.Enid: Really? I guess that's why I like biting you.
Me: I DON'T COUNT! You can't eat me.
Enid: Why not? *Head tilts to the side*
Me: Ummm, ummm. Because I said so.
Enid: Seems silly to me but okay. Red, I really do like this green stuff. Can we make an exception for this food?
Me: Oh, I guess so. *Sigh*

Enid: You know what would go great with this?! A side of salmon. *Giggle*

Hester: Hey! What are you two talkin' about? *Sniffs the spinach* What is this stuff?
Enid: Spinach! It's yummy! You want some?
Hester: Umm, thanks but no. Not after you LICKED it Enid. *Looks expectantly at me*
Me: Oh, all right. You get a little fresh leaf too.
Hester: Pssst, Enid. You got some of that green stuff stuck in you front teeth.

Bcause co-workers made me do it

2009-04-22T21:42:00.000-07:00

Forgive me Hester. Forgive me Enid. You were both justified in the vengeful attack on my hands and the camera.

Enid: I am NOT a princess! I AM A QUEEN!

Hester: Stuff it Queenie and bite Red already.

Night moves

2009-04-17T06:31:00.000-07:00

Work has been decidedly a hell on earth so I am thankful for friends, family and KITTENS.

Last night the girls' conversation in cuddle mode was amusing.

Hester: Ah. Nice spot to snuggle with Red. *Snuggles into the side of my head with a sigh of contentment*

A head pops up at the end of the bed

Enid: HEY! That's my spot! *Hops to the head of the bed*

Hester: Well, your name wasn't on it AND I was here first.

Enid: Nuh-uh! It's my spot. Even Red knows it. Drats she sleeping. IF she wasn't sleeping she would SO be on my side! Move it!

Hester: Nuthin' doin' Sistah!

Enid promptly lays on top of Hester. (Okay the weight of the kittens pressing into my head is not so much of a good thing.) Hester bites Enid in the butt and Enid bites my ear. Growling

from all parties commence.

Me: All right!!! Everyone out of the pool! *Pick both up and put at the end of the bed*

Enid: *located on the left side of my legs* Now look what you did, Hester. I can't believe I am related to you. Pffft.

Hester: ME?! It was clearly your fault not mine *located on the right side of my legs*

Enid and Hester: Revenge. Kill the feet of Red!

Me: For the love of.......!

Hester: We are going to sleep on the couch! *Sticks tongue out*

Enid: Yeah!

This is NOT the face of innocence

2009-04-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

Hester: *Giggling* I can open doors now. I am SO very proud of myself. Red doesn't need to get my toy out anymore. I CAN do it myself. Hey Enid! I will open the bathroom door for you if you need it. Ooooooh! If the door is unlocked I can escape the compound. Woooohoooo. Oh and Red that plant you stuck on the 7 ft entertainment center.....I killed it for you. I didn't like the way it was looking at you the other day. No need to thank me.

Easter antics

2009-04-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Enid: I got it!

Hester: No! I got it!

Hester: Dratted thing got away from me when I landed!

Hester: Nuthin' but air, baby!

All's well that ends well

2009-04-11T19:12:00.000-07:00

My trip to the vet with Enid ended well. I took both of the girls since they don't like to be alone. I let them run around the vet and get into all kinds of trouble. The technicians and receptionists cooed over the girls and warned me when a dog would be coming out. The vet looked at Enid and told me (as did some of the blog followers) that it was a delayed reaction to the rabies shot. She said watch it and if it bothers Enid or Hester come back in. Since this was a rabies shot follow up she wouldn't charge me. I was a bit stunned. I told her I am willing to pay for peace of mind for the girls but she wouldn't charge me. Many blessings on the head of this vet!

So the girls and returned home to take a much deserved nap. I love waking up to happiness and content kittens.

Enid: Wake up! Don't go back to sleep because we are purring! I am SOOOO gonna make you pay for what that person stuck in my backside today! (Enid growled at the vet tech and then really growled at the vet....none of them took it personally. Whew)

Thank you Enid

2009-04-10T09:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you for bringing me a towel while I take shower. I really appreciate it however can you wait until I get OUT of the shower before bringing me a towel?

Enid: Uuuuuuhhh, sure okay. *Blink, blink* Have you seen Hester? I think she has my glitter ball.

Me: Sigh.

Toy of Madness

2009-04-10T06:24:00.000-07:00

So here is the FAV toy that will render the girls into beggary. It attaches to a string wand so I can flick it all over the room. Enid will totally flop over and cry if it doesn't come out of its hiding place or when it get returned to its hiding place. Hester on the other hand is learning how to open the door so she can get it herself. How thoughtful of her...NOT.

After taking this picture....10 nanoseconds later the girls were all over it.

Enid then got a little wild and I could hear "Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine, MINE, MINE, MINE!!"

Early Easter Bunny brings great things

2009-04-07T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hester: Red made sushi with cucumbers! Yummy rice. Shhhhh, I snuck some when she wasn't looking.

Best of all the Easter Bunny brought me a new toy. Mine....all MINE! It glitters!

Enid: You have to share! I like to play with it too!

*Hester gives Enid a withering look*

Enid: RED! Hester won't share!

Me: Yes, she will. No worries since I am supervising all playtime with this toy.

Stay tuned for tomorrow posting .... a picture of the FAV toy.

Also keep Enid in your thoughts since I have to take her to the vet on Saturday. She has a large (large to me) lump/bump under her skin that has me concerned.

Sniff, sniff...you smell familiar

2009-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

I have been recovering from my trip away from the girls. When I arrived home I was not only exhausted from work and travel but also without a voice. I was greeted by the girls who were in one moment happy and the next with a crinkled nose of "You smell funny!" In their defense I did smell funny due to heavily garliced asparagus eaten two days prior. The girls kept me up to 1 am as punishment for my abandonment. Things have been slowly returning to normal - meaning I am getting my daily cuddles and midnight snuggles from the girls

I am sorry that I haven't posted any kitten conversations. Enid and Hester have been quite

talkative since I returned home. It usually runs to the "Where the hell have you been? The visitors kept shoving us off the bed when we wanted to play at 2 am! Can I play with that?"

A couple mornings ago this was been the kitten conversation -

Me: Girls! I have opened the windows for you.

Enid: Hester! The window is open! Woooooohooooo! Come on! *runs to the window and runs around in circle and runs back to Hester*

Hester: What?!

Enid: *Bops Hester on head* HESTER!!!!!!!!!! The window is open!

Hester: So what?! I am comfy right here in bed.

Enid: I'm telling! *runs for me and bites me in ankle*

Me: Hey! What was that for?!

Enid: I have a stooopid sister. *Stomps off to window*

And when did the girls learn to jump up on the forbidden kitchen counter to steal tea bags?!

Everything that glitters is mine

2009-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hester: I LUVS a glitter ball. I love it in the morning. I love it in the noon-time. I love it in the evening. I love it especially when Red is in the shower. She still plays with me when she is all shampooie. Toss one glitter ball in the shower and it come flying out with the greatest of speed! Wow. Excuse me while I get it out of the laundry basket.

Update: Saturday the girls got their rabies shot. I put it off as long as I could since I don't like that shot and my girls are indoor girls. BUT I thought Enid might have pink eye and Hester has a hard spot on her toe pad that had me concerned. Enid doesn't have pink eye but Hester has a "corn" on her toe pad and her gums were not the healthiest pink the doc would like to see.

Enid: Do you have any idea what they do with a cold pointy thing?! OMG! It was horrible. HORRIBLE! I tell you. Red, you do this to me again I swear I will..... Red, can I bite her? Please? I don't like that cold pointy thing.

Hester: It can't be that bad, Sissie. Icaramba! It is. Oh, a camera. She is gonna take my picture. I am ready for my close-up Mr. DeMille. (I had to practically lay on her because she DID want a close up!)

The doc wasn't too worried because I think she got the feeling that I watch them like a hawk...and I do. The girls weighed in at a whopping 8 lbs. The doc said they are a little bit on the chunky side but she would not point fingers since her cats are also on the chunky side. We are slowly reducing food for the girls AND brushing of the teeth is in order.

Enid: Brush my teeth! Please! I love my tooth brush. Again! Again! Can I chew on it too, Red? Oh, thank you. Brush-ah, brush-ah, brush-ah!

Hester: Do I have to?! Can't I just lick the toothbrush? No, no, no! I don't want to brush my teeth. I don't care how tasty the toothpaste is....I don't want to. Don't care if my teeth might be removed when I get older. Don't care. *Stomps foot*

My niece spend the night and chased the girls all over the apartment with declarations of "She is sooooo cute! She is sooooo adorable!" Enid and Hester were really good. They gave my niece the requisite purrs and head bumps.

Tomorrow I leave for my business trip. I definitely don't want to go. I have bribed friends to relocate to my apartment so the girls are not alone. I think my friends are excited for exclusive one on one time with the girls as well as the mini vacation with a cookie jar stocked full of my excellent (in my humble opinion) sour-cherry chocolate chip oatmeal cookies.

Growing up

2009-03-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

The girls are growing up before my eyes. My friend came over and said they look like young ladies. The have all the appearances of young ladies but let me tell you they can be very troublesome when they haven't gotten their way.

To give you a little kitten fix, Enid found my prize fish from an archery event. She trucked that fish around the apartment like a little huntress with her kill. Hester watched the antics from the safety of the sofa. I should have taken the hint because when I tried to take the fish from her she became the lioness.

Sorry for the funky format. Technology and me today are not a good mix. The second picture is Enid going to town on the fish. The first picture is Enid resting after the battle.

Day 80 of my captivity

2009-03-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

My warden with the red hair is too quick for me. I have made several escape attempts but she usually catches me. Even the pizza delivery person caught me! I must work on my moves and speed during my confinement. Enid is helping me out because she is my sister but she is so complacent. She doesn't mind being held captive. In fact I think she enjoys being pampered. I love my sister but she inherited the weirdness in the family.

The warden insists that I wear a stupid collar! I hate the collar and I take if off every chance I get. To make things simple I am going to list all the things that the warden DENIES me

freedom to roam outside
killing toilet paper rolls in the bathroom
all the glitter balls that can fit in my mouth
playing the beaded lampshade
nibbling on her ears
and I don't get nearly enough hugs and cuddle time

The human warden has been very busy lately with a huge project at work so I can get into more mischief!

It always starts like this...

2009-02-20T16:15:00.001-08:00

Morning Scene - Enid: Yaaaawnnnn. Is it morning already? *Smacks lips* Well *Sighing* if MUST get out of bed...I will. BUT only if there is breakfast involved.

Enid: Hmmmm. This is interesting. OMG! It moves and leave parts behind for me to play with. I think I can sharpen my claws on this. Woooo-hooo. I love this new toy Red left for me. It is too good to be left in this room. HEY, Hester! Look what I found! Wait! I will bring it to you!

Enid: Isn't it cool? We can chew on it and play with. You know what is the best thing EVAR?! There is an inexhaustable supply in that little room Red uses from time to time.

Enid: I HAVE got to share with the birds that perch outside. Do they know we have COOL stuff inside?

At Day's End - Enid: Ahhhh. It was a good day! Don't I LOOK cute? I would NEVER use my cuteness for destruction! The toilet paper was always there, don't you know that Red (I am no longer blonde)?! Hey, Hester! Red left it all over the floor right? The toilet paper not the toys!!

Hester: I am not getting involved. Nope!

Love from the girls

2009-02-14T13:48:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Gift

2009-02-13T16:24:00.000-08:00

I received this lovely pressie from one of my minions (student assistant). It is very cute and I was told to eat it very carefully.

GAH!

2009-02-12T08:47:00.001-08:00

Who farted?!

Enid: Teeeheee!

I'VE GOT THE BABY!

2009-01-28T19:47:00.000-08:00

The girls found a Barbie doll baby and have decided it is the BESTEST toy ever! The poor baby doll is missing a few clumps of hair. Enid loves to chew on it A LOT. Hester throws the baby out with the bath water. Sorry for the blurring pictures but these girls move very very fast.

My daily adventure with Enid and Hester

2009-01-27T19:30:00.000-08:00

Long time no post, huh? Life has kept me very busy. According to my friends the girls are growing. I don't see it myself. All I see is the amount of food they are eating.

Morning

Enid and Hester: What is that beeping?! Oh. You are moving. Too fast!!!! We are hungry but still want snuggles.

Me: Groan. *Big sigh* Another day. Enid, can you move over a bit so I can turn off the alarm? Yes, Hester. I would love to snuggle longer but I hear tummies growling.

...So I feed the girls. I turn my back for one second and all the food is gone.

Enid and Hester: Is there more?

....while getting ready for work

Me: Hester, I would love to hold you all day but I have to work to bring home more food for you and your sister. Enid, I can't brush you right now. Oh, crap. Don't put your glitter ball under my foot. I almost tripped! Hester would you not crawl into the drawers. It takes time to remove the drawer.

Hester: HOLD ME, PLEASE!

Enid: Throw the ball, throw the ball, throw the ball. You can throw the mouse too if you want.

Me: Look, girls. I don't particularly enjoy cleaning the litter box but you make it exceedingly difficult by playing in the litter box and watching me.

Afternoon (if I am home)

Hester: I am just gonna curl up right here and take a 2 hour nap. You good with that?

Me: Ummm, Hester. I can't see my book. Mibjngeuiiuvborg. Whew. That's much better. I can talk to you and everyone else if you don't lay on my face. Just sayin'. Ack! Enid! I am not a linebacker. There is plenty of room if you two share me rather than laying on top of each other then fighting over who has the best spot.

Evening

Hester: Freeeeeee-doommmmmmm! *Runs out the apartment door* (Thank goodness there is another door before she can ever escape however I think I have tamed her from running out.)

Me: HESTER! Do not snatch food out of the bowl! That's my dinner! (She was stealing seitan and onions. This evening Enid stole lettuce.)

Enid: I'm hungry. Can you rub my belly? Mwahahaha! I attack your hand! Okay, now feed me. (She does a funny head shake when I come home - it is truly indescribable)

Hester: HOLD ME!!!!!

Me: (eventually in bed) HESTER! Stop scratching the head board. ENID! Don't chew on the library book!

Enid and Hester: RUN! Can't catch me!

They keep me busy! My parents just met the kittens a couple of weeks ago. They both approve of their kitten "grandchildren." My Mother especially loves Hester. My Dad is partial to a girl that acts like a dog and plays rough so I suspect he loves Enid the most. He laughed so hard over Enid's antics. When she plays she uses her back foot a lot. The glitter ball is always under her back foot. She stomps on it and then goes completely wacko. Hester is strictly a traditionalist when it comes to playing with toys.

Uh-oh. Silence. They are up to something! Later!

Of Kitties and Friends

2009-01-14T17:13:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone! My name is Talanea and I will be your guest blogger today. Enid and Hester's Mom is a little busy this week so she asked me if I could entertain you. So sit back and enjoy the kitties, we hope to have a pleasant time.

I have two kitties (or CATS as my very precise 7 year-old would say). Both are almost 8 years-old and they aren't nearly as adventurous as Enid and Hester.

Oliver (aka Big Kitty)

Mouse (because he's gray, has largish ears and hid in a closet for the first three days after we brought him home)

A version of their day goes something like this:

Morning - The people are awake

Oliver: Great. She's probably going to hug and kiss me again. Drat this massive amount of fluff I have.

Mouse: Whatever. I'm sleeping.

Both: Food, food, food. Don't forget the food.

Morning - The people depart

Nap

Nap (preferably in a sun beam when we have any)

Terrorize Stuff (I haven't actually seen this step but I'm sure it happens)

Nap (Hey, where is that sun stuff?)

Terrorize each other (ditto on seeing it)

Look cute because it is almost time for the people to return

Afternoon - The people return

Oliver: Oh man. The little one is going to pick me up again. I'm almost as big as he is. What makes him think he can carry me around.

Mouse: Pay attention to me; but not to much.

Oliver: Arrrgghhh! More hugs, petting, snuggling and fluff fluffing!

Both: Did someone say treat! Meow, meow, purr, purr. Look how cute we are. Life is good. Break out the laser toy!

Oh, DOG!

Evening - The people relax

Both: Food, food, food. Oh, did we mention FOOD!!!!

Oliver: Ah, she's sitting. I wonder if I can lay on the back of her seat right against her head without her moving me or her having to get up.

Mouse: I'll be napping in the corner by the window should anyone need me. Try not to need me.

DOG!

Oliver: {rolling his eyes. trust me} She's touching me.

As you can see, hardly the excitement that two little kittens generate but they are cute none the less and we are very happy to have them in our lives.

For the record Oliver is the most patient cat I've ever met. He puts up with two active little boys deciding that he either needs to be in the middle of their play space (despite where he wants to be) or that they need to carry him away from their play space for whatever random reason.

Mouse has mellowed with age (skittish doesn't even begin to describe how he was). He was actually letting the little one carry him around in a container the other day. To his credit his look was more disbelief than sheer terror, so we've gone in the right direction.

Now, since I know you didn't come here to hear about my kitties here are some gratuitous pictures of Enid and Hester from Christmas time.

Thank you for spending time with us. Happy midweek!

Hester of the Soft Paws

2009-01-08T20:16:00.000-08:00

Hester has the softest paws. Not when you touch them (they are soft to touch too) but when she is playing with me. She NEVER uses her claws. She knows that hurts so she keeps her paws soft. I love that she is kind, gentle and patient with me BUT then I know what a trouble maker she can be. This may look like the face of innocence but underneath that beauty lurks a little mischievous girl.

Hester's day is very similar to Enid's. Hester is not much of a talker yet. I am still trying to hear her voice. Her affection and moods are easier to understand.

Morning

Hester: Puuurrrrrr. *Murmuring* Blondie you are nice and warm.

Early morning

Hester: I'm gonna get you Enid. Roarrrrr! Blondie just you wait! I will make it to the counter and get your pancakes too! OMG! She is drying her hair with that blowy thing! (Hester loves to sit on my shoulders while I dry my hair - I tried to take a picture but it was too hard to balance Hester while Enid pulled the camera strap). *Gasp* The blonde girl is cleaning our toilet, Enid. Let's watch! Don't leave! You don't have to work! Stay. Stay. I will purr louder if you stay. Can I come too?

Afternoon

Hester: Flash! Flash! Bright light! Don't do that Blondie!

Evening

Hester: Feathers! Hold it higher! I can jump REALLY high!

Get your motor runnin' AKA Enid's daily doings

2009-01-06T20:20:00.000-08:00

Enid has a huffy purr and is learning to talk more not only to me but to the birds as well. Enid always has a busy day. Lots of things to do each day.

Early-early morning

Enid: Shove over Blondie! I need a bit more room to sleep *Licks (my) chin* Hester *grumbling* your foot is in my eye.

Early morning

Enid: I'm hungry. Let me show you how hungry I am by laying my stomach on your ear so you can hear my tummy growl. Are you getting up yet??!!! *Grumble* I am just gonna crawl down and nibble on your toes.

Me: Yeeee-oooww!

Enid: Oh, look you are up! Um, I am hungry. Can you give me some food?

Morning

Enid: Roar! I kill you glitter ball! *Stomps on it with back feet* Heeeeeesssssttteeeerrrrrrr! Tag you're it! Feathers, nummy. Is that a bird I see in the window? Oh, look a ceiling fan. Blondie!!!!! I am thirsty. Can you turn on the faucet in the bathroom? Better yet, I will sit in the bathtub after your shower. Ah, man! Stop drying me off with a towel, Blondie. I can do it myself.

Afternoon is a repeat of the morning romps.

Enid: Dangit! I don't wanna take a nap! I am NOT cranky and I am NOT, NOT, NOT tired! *Zzzzpurrrzzzzpurrrzzzpurrr*

Late afternoon

Enid: Where are my glitter balls *Wailing* Where are they? Achoo! Hey Blondie! Someone put my glitter ball in the water. Can you get it for me?! Feather toy! OMG, OMG! It MOVES!

That grocery sack you brought in is WONDERFUL! Great for hiding toys and sneaking up on Sister.

Evening

Enid: Blondie, why are you doing with that noisy clicky thing that sit on your lap. You pay more attention to that then to me. I am just gonna put my butt down on it and then you have to pay attention to ME. Oooh. Aaahhh. This thing you have in your lap is warm. I see why you like it. Purrrr. Seconds later..... Yaahhhhhh! I can catch you Hester! Minutes later....Throw the mouse! Throw it! Throw it!

Bedtime

Enid: Can I bring some toys to bed, Blondie. Thanks. Move over! You're crowding me but don't stop basking in the beauty that is ME. *Licks (my) nose*

Gratitude for the girls

2008-12-30T07:31:00.001-08:00

Despite running all day the girls woke me up last night to hear a potential prowler outside my bedroom window. Both girls growled at the interruption over their purring contest at 2 am on the morning. With the lights on and roaming around the apartment over the incident the girls thought it was time to play. Enid made the glitter ball her enemy and Hester roamed aka ran around the apartment yowling.

Enid is right now trying to entice me to come back to bed so she can snuggle.

Christmas morning

2008-12-25T09:29:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve I can home safely after visiting my family. I brought with me a throw blanket that has birds, gingerbread men and trees on it. I kid you not this was the girls' reaction

Enid: *Gasp* Gingie-baby! I'm gonna eat your gumdrop buttons! Whaaaaa!

Hester: Birds on the bed! Birds on the bed! *Hopping up and down on the birds*

Enid: Is that a tree I see on the bed?! It needs to be eaten. Get your toes out of the way Blondie!

I would have slept in Christmas morning but someone farted. This was a very rude awakening since the girls sleep next to my head. Not one of the girls owned up to it

Enid: *Nose scrunches up* What the heck is that smell? I bet you it was Hester. She loves those veggies.

Hester: Was not! Enid eats all the junk food and never enough veggies. I love my peas and carrots. It was she who farted!

Enid: Did NOT! *Attacking Hester*

The girls got a lovely meal of healthy veal with veggies for their breakfast. Hester helped Enid out by eating all the veggies and Enid ate Hester's gravy. I am happy that the girls are entertained by the buckets of snow that it's falling since the early morning.

Merry Christmas from Enid and Hester

2008-12-24T10:38:00.000-08:00

Eating, playing, running, getting into trouble and snuggling is a lot of work on Christmas Day so remember to take naps throughout the day.

HESTER SUE LABATH!!!!

2008-12-23T19:58:00.000-08:00

Drying racks are not jungle gyms! Get your butt down from there!

Hester: Ah, man! Busted. (She later bit me and hit me when I took it down)

Enid: Hmmm, the quickest way to the top is...SPRAY BOTTLE! RUN!

Since I have been snowed in for the last couple of day the girls have been entertaining me a lot. The laundry jungle gym was just one thing. I felt sorry for the birds with all of this snow so I put out a bunch of bird food. Now the girls have discovered birds. I kid you not when I first introduced them to the birds it was:

Both: OMG! B-b-b-irds. BIRDS! OMG! Do you see the b-b-birds? B-b-blondie, make them stop being all flighty and make them come closer to the window.

Me: Enid when sneaking up on birds we go slowly.

Enid: BIRDS! *Runs quickly to the window*

Hester: This is how you do it properly *Crouching low and going slowly*

Enid is a good student though. After a few counseling sessions with her she is an excellent huntress. She finally got the message today that you shouldn't swish your tail wildly while watching birds. The cat chatter is funny since the girls haven't lost their squeaky voices.

I love the squeaky voices. Enid squeaks in her sleep and talks to me about her lost glitter balls. Hester just looks at me to pick her up so she can snuggle. I am very grateful to have these girls in my life. Last night I had an asthma attack after laughing so hard over the fight over the feather toy. Once I had frantically found and administered my inhaler Hester latched all four of her paws on to my legs to make me sit down just to extract her. She was elusive and crawled up and made me lie down. Trust me when I say this - you don't mess with Hester. Hester put her nose on mine and purred like mad until the medication did it's job. Enid crawled in and held my shoulders down while she had a purr moment too. See, grateful for the girls.

Right now I am trying to teach Enid that chewing electrical cords is a BAD, BAD thing to do. She is a chewer. My Dad bought the girls chicken rawhide sticks so hopefully that will give Enid something to chew on other than me, cords, and her sister. The girls are off the Friskies and on good kibble and wet food.

Enid: Peas!? Carrots?! These veggies are ruining my beef with gravy. Hester? Can you eat my veggies? I will eat your gravy, okay.

Hester: *Mouth full* Peas, carrots, and beef. Nummy. A little less gravy would be better. I have my girlish figure to maintain.

Declaring war on collars

2008-12-19T06:28:00.000-08:00

Enid has declared war on cat collars. I believe she won too since the collars are off. Laurie put lovely collars on them that fit perfectly. Enid found a way to chew on hers and get some of it caught in her mouth. She also hated Hester's collar and ripped it off of her. I know I watched

her do it! *Sigh* I had to take the collars off until they can fit into their new collars.

For the past few nights I have felt...well, looked like Princess Leia with round fluffy purring kitten danishes on either side my head. Of couse that NEVER lasts very long because it truly turns in to the war between the rebels and the empire. Guess who I am? Yup. Darth Vader. A figure that must be annihilated! The girls are rebels who squabble amongst themselves.

Enid: Ack! Vader's eyes are open. Attack!

Hester: Vader's stole the glitter ball. It's in her hair. It must be saved from her evil clutches!

Me: *Scratching under Enid's chin* Oh, Enid.

Enid: Sissie! Watch out for her hands. Bite like there is no tomorrow

Hester: Oh, that feels nice. I like the dark side of the force.

Enid: Noooooooo!

I believe the food issue is almost resolved. Both of the girls are chowin' down on the new stuff mixed in with the old. This is the first time I have actually seen Hester eat a whole plate of food! In fact she was so anxious to get the food she tried to climb up my pajama leg. It totally failed when my pajama pants fell down. The look on her face was funny.

Hester: Hey Blondie! You need to wear some pajamas that fit so I can get up to the counter and help you out. Is that oatmeal I smell cooking?

Enid: I'm hungry. HUNGRY. GIMME NOW! Oh, okay. I will look cute and demur but could you hurry up? I am wasting away to nuthin'. I will die if you don't feed me....NOW.

Yesterday since I got a snow day from work (and today for that matter) the girls and I spend the day snuggling together. The snow had some interests for the girls....for only one second because each wanted the coveted spot on my shoulder and under the chin for nap time. I also wrapped presents which was entertaining.

Angelic antics

2008-12-17T21:13:00.000-08:00

What you may not know is that while Enid has little angel wings on her back, Hester has large angel wings on her back. She is clearly captivated with the potential of flight.

I really think Enid's "angelic" wings are not so angelic but more impish.

McDonalds or Caviar?

2008-12-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

Since getting the girls I have been feeding them Friskies wet food (this is what they were getting from the shelter) and Science Diet kibble. I am diligently working on getting them off the Friskies. Last night was a total flop. Enid is my junk food girl whereas Hester is totally health conscious except when she is trying to steal stuff off my plate.

Enid: Hey! What the hell is this mixed in with my fries? It looks like broccoli. Ew. Thanks but no thanks.

Hester: I am sorry, Roomie. I don't eat fries with my broccoli. Don't you know this by now?! Look if you can't give me something tasty then I am gonna just help myself to your lovely healthy spaghetti. *Nose in the air and walks away from the food dish*
Enid: What's in your cup? It looks like gravy! Yum. I likes gravy. Ahhhh! Coffee with soy milk! Hot! *Achoo, achoo, achoo!* Coffee up my nose. *Shoots me a disgruntled look*
Hester: Since you aren't serving me a plate of spaghetti I will just help myself to your dish.

I have to fight Hester every morning when I eat my oatmeal. I had a senior moment and set my bowl down and came back and there she was chowing down. I can be very grateful that I don't put sugar in my oatmeal but that is not the point. Needless to say Hester is my lean girl and Enid is a bit more substantial.

Right they are completely entertained by the cat tree that I just bought. I don't want them to get any ideas that scratching my apartment's carpeting or my furniture is an acceptable scratching post.

Antics

2008-12-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

The girls have declared war on my bedside lamps.

Hester: It is mocking me with its yellow glowing light and silver dangly pull cord. Look here blondie, this mocking cannot continue! I must kill it. HI-YAH! *Flying leap with all four paws wrapped around the lamp shade*

Enid: Look at the pretty light. Is my glitter ball in there? My feet are cold, blondie. I will just climb into your pajamas to warm up.
Me: Eeek - cold, wet paws on my body! Hmmm, she is purring so I guess I can survive.

I spend most of the night shooing Hester away from the lamps. There are holes in the lampshades. Sigh. Hester retaliated to my admonishments by trying to rip the curtains down. Enid thought that was great fun and tried to join in on the joy.

I also had to fish Enid out of the toilet last night. She was SO embarrassed and I didn't help matters but laughing my head off. Now before you get concerned about drowned kittens...which is a concern for all kitten owners I always keep the lid down on the toilet. My timing was off last night after chasing Hester away from the entertainment center.
This morning I had to deal with a drenched Hester. She dropped her glitter ball in the shower while I was showering. She was so petrified she couldn't think straight. I had to turn off the shower and get her all dried off and give her damp glitter ball.

So now I break out the "Weapon of Mass Destruction" to discipline the girls - Spray bottle with water. I also have to use their whole name to get their attention when they're in trouble.

Me: Hester Su LaBath! You are too little to jump into the entertainment center.

Hester: I don't think so, blondie! You just watch me!

Enid: Don't forget about me! I can do it too! Watch me!

Enid has almost caught the glitter ball in the couch

Difficulties with pictures

2008-12-14T17:40:00.000-08:00

The problem with these girls is I can't seen to catch a moment to take their picture. They are either sleeping under my chin or running like grease lightning around the apartment. I dare you to try to take a snap shot of a kitten or cat while it is snoring in your ear...or in Enid's case nibbling on my ear while she snoozes. I forgot how much kittens sleep. It seems like they run like the dickens and then plop over for a long nap.

First night was interesting. I could not entice them to come to bed because it was "PLAY TIME"

Hester: OMG! Something is moving in the bed down by your feet. I will kill it for you, blondie!

Enid: Where's my glitter ball? I know I put it someplace safe. Now where was that? *Darts under my pillow* (FYI - she left it in the water bowl)

Later when sleepy time hit it was all about snuggles and making sure the toys were safe from monsters. I was surrounded by glitter and mylar balls. Enid tried to use my hair to cover them up.

Enid (squeaking): I will just snuggle in right here. Could you not breath in my ear? Oh, look something sparkly is in your ear. I bet it is my glitter ball. Let me take that out of your ear. (I yelp from pain because tries to rip my earring out)

Hester (Snoring contentedly)

These girls are not as innocent and cute as they appear to be. I have spent the last 30 minutes admonishing Hester about the dangers of climbing into the entertainment center from the back side.

Enid spends most of her time with her head in the corner of the couch and her butt sticking straight in the air due to the insidious mouse that is threatening her. I tried to catch a picture of it because it is too funny but she is a quick little thing.

1st day

2008-12-13T14:47:00.000-08:00

They have been running around for first hour that I introduced them to my home. The litter box was a great hit. I think because it is fresh and all their own.

The drive home was interesting.

Prisoner Enid: *Rattling cup on bars* Let me out. I will never see Johnny Cash in Folsom if you don't let me out.

Prisoner Hester: *Wakes up from nap* Would you SHUT UP! I am sleeping here. The warden said if we took a nap, the trip to our new home would go a lot faster.

Prisoner Enid: I'm gonna die in here. Die, I say. Die. Let me out.

Prisoner Hester: Oh, for the love of God. *Snakes paw out of cell to grab warden's hand and places it on Enid's head.

Prisoner Enid" Oh. That feels nice. *Mumbles quietly" I still want out.

Once out of the prison of the cat carrier it was all *OMG! Toys. Litter box. Curtains. Food. Water (Achoo - water up my nose!) Toys., etc. Running over everything and who could make it to the litter box and back again the fastest. Now they have climbed on to me.

Pause for nap. I am back again. I think I went cross-eyed with love. They curled up under my chin on either side before taking their nap. Enid thought my nose needed some cleaning before snuggling in and Hester just rolled over on my glasses. My eyes glazed over and I fell asleep. I later then picked them up and put them into my bed so I could get some work done. The picture above is the girls waiting for me to come to bed.

One week and counting

2008-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:00

I have one more week left before I "claim" Enid and Hester. They claimed me when I first visited them. At least I think so. I am excited but very nervous. What if they hate me, what if they don't like the home, etc.!? Needless to say it has been a roller coaster ride trying to get the apartment complex not to rob me blind and agree to cats.

I have made several purchases over the days such as the necessities - litter box, food, cat carrier and toys. I had to make sure that I got food that Laurie was feeding them so I wouldn't upset their little tummies. One of my best friends is purchasing more goodies for the kittens as my X-mas gift. I will have to save up for a lovely kitty climbing tree.

I will have to remember to pick up my things so kittens don't get into too much trouble. It is has been a long time since I have had to pick up my knitting needles and yarn to keep out of the mittens of kittens.

Beginnings

2008-12-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Big deep breath. I am going to be an owner of kittens but I know they will own me. I haven't had cats in about 6 years since my little ones died young. It was a very big step for me to contact Laurie and look at kittens. I am very blessed to have friends and family who will help me with kittens and patient enough not to show up at my doorstep with a bundle of kittens.

I will have to dust off my camera and make an effort to take "good" pictures of the little ones. I hope they will be happy with me. I live in an apartment that juts up on a green belt where the birds and frogs play. The kittens will be up and close to the action. I am thinking of sneaking out and hanging a bird feeder in the birds favorite tree.

I am very grateful that Laurie will hold on to the kittens until I return from my conference. I am also grateful that she was very patient with me when I kept saying "I want this one and that one....wait no, this one and that one....wait no....."