27 July 2011

The Naming of Cats

We've inherited a cat.

A kitten actually.

As she was something of an unexpected addition, were a bit at a loss at first for a proper name for our latest refugee.

Our other two cats are Mojo-Jojo - black-as-pitch with a hellish temper and an overdeveloped sense of her own importance, sometimes referred to a Basement Cat - and Mocha - a sweet Siamese mix with a tendency to shed and drool, also known as Ceiling Cat.

This latest feline refugee is something of an in-betweener: She's a sweet and somewhat fearless little ball of fluff - a gray tabby with little white boots to match the tip of her tail.

"Boots" seemed an obvious choice. But as she doesn't show any signs of talent for the long con, we decided against it.

The Professor's first choice was "Sneaky Ninja Kitty" after she affected a daring escape from her carrier right under our noses on her first night home and managed to stay hidden for almost an hour. But that was a bit of a mouthful.

Bam-Bam offered up "Bam-Bam" and "Mr. Potato Head" as possible monikers. But we convinced him that having more than one of each would just get confusing.

After a few more rounds of suggestions from the kids that would have had even Hollywood Moms doing spit-takes, I decided to pull out the big guns. And I sat down to read to the boys Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats.

Then I had them sleep on all they'd learned about the Naming of Cats. The next day, they made their decision.

And so, I'm pleased to introduce you to Ms. Jennyanydots:




When the day's hustle and bustle is done, then the gumbie cat's work is but hardly begun,

Zen

19 July 2011

Laughter and tears

My father-in-law's funeral service was today.

At one point, the pastor invited people to come up to the mic to share a personal memory of my father-in-law. After several people spoke, my 4-year-old, who had been standing a few feet away from me holding my own father's hand, calmly pulled away from his Papa and confidently strode up to the pastor.

Silently, solemnly, he met the pastor's eyes and pointed to the mic.

The smiling pastor lowered the mic and lifted my son, who clearly and boldly pronounced to the assembly: "I hafta go Potty."

The crowd dissolved into giggles and guffaws as my Dad caught up to my little Bam-Bam and led him off to take care of business.

I have to tell you, I think my father-in-law would have been rolling in the aisles with laughter.


Zen

15 July 2011

I have always imagined that Paradise will be some kind of library

On a whim, I set a goal to read 60 books in 2011. Seemed a realistic, but satisfying number. And I'm pleased to report that, as of about the midway point, I'm ahead of schedule at 45.

Those playing the home version of Zen's Book Bingo, will find several of the "usual suspect" authors and series and genres on this (half) year's list.

One pleasantly surprising new-to-me author this year is Jim Butcher. People have been telling me for years that I'd like the stories of Harry Dresden, Wizard for Hire. But I just never got around to picking one up before. So glad I did: Part gritty hard-boiled detective, part urban fantasy, all fun.

I also really enjoyed Wil Wheaton's latest stories as well as Dark Horse Graphic Novels based on Firefly/Serenity and The Guild.

And I still totally want to lick Ilona Andrews' brain every time I read something new of hers (theirs) - they are just so deliciously fun!

But, hey, here's the whole list ... check it out ... 


2011 read (Jan-Jul)






goodreads.com



What have YOU been reading lately? I love book recommendations! In fact, if you're on GoodReads, or PaperBackSwap, pop over and "friend" me, so I can poke my nose into your reading list. ;)

Words, words, words,
Zen

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be some kind of library."
~ Jorge Luis Borges