Sylvia's Universe

It's Spring!!!

2009-04-24T16:44:00.004-04:00

HI ALL,

I can't believe so much time has gone by again! I tried to be better at keeping you all up to date, but alas I fell into the same old rut. My person says not to feel bad because it happens to the best of us.

Ra, George, The Mod, our person and SQ said to say, "Hello". I'm taking some time to write while we have a break in a staff meeting. We are meeting to plan our summer campaign for Celestial Paws.

Our person also teaches at a local middle school and she says the students are kicking up their heals. The kids are like little lambs kicking up their feet in a meadow. They all have caught Spring Fever big time. Plus, there's not too much time left in the school year. She's sure they have started their countdowns to summer and FREEDOM. She said the teachers are pretty cheery about summer too. :->

Our new family additions are doing well. Isis(Mama), Pip and Phoebe say, "HI". Pip and Phoebe will be a year old in July. They are feisty teens now and their appetites are doing that justice. Our person is making more trips to buy kitty food than she ever had to in recent times. Our person and her husband don't have human children but she can commiserate with other parents of teenagers. :->

Phoebe looks like her mama--a calico kitty and Pip looks just like Uncle Ra--they are both black kitties. Isis sometimes mistakes Pip for Ra. It's pretty funny. My person says we need to put some recent pictures on my blog. I'll try to do that next time.

Well, all of you take care. I hope it won't be as long for my next post as it was for this one.

All the Best, Sylvia

Happy New Year!

2009-02-03T18:49:00.004-05:00

HI All,

Happy New Year! My person and I can't believe so much time has gone by!

We have excellent news! My person got her husband to give her Isis' two kittens for my person's birthday! Phoebe looks like her mama (a pretty calico) and Pip is the spitting image of his uncle Ra. We are a happy family of six cats and three humans!

We had some snow here in the Richmond, VA area but it wasn't enough to give everyone a snow day. Most of us are disappointed but SQ says he was glad he wasn't snowed in. We are making sure SQ will have enough food and water to weather a "snowed in" time in his tree. Once we have him prepared, we are hoping for a good squall :->

Take care and talk to you soon,

Sylvia

I Can't Believe So Much Time Has Gone By

2008-10-05T15:33:00.002-04:00

HI

Goodness, time has flown! It's October!

Isis gave her approval to my person's best friend to adopt two of her kittens-- Tux (who is now Missy) and Butch. See their pictures on www.wecatrescue.org. Click Success!!!.

Isis and the other two babies are still with us. One baby is Lil' Isis and the other is Lil' Ra. But, shhhhhhh, my person has a secret plan of convincing her husband to keep the babies. Mama Isis is staying with us for sure. If my person can work her magic, she will rename the little ones. The little girl and boy are so adorable. Keep your fingers crossed for us and mums the word :->.

Enjoy autumn and talk to you soon.

Sylvia

Intrigue at 4 AM

2008-08-14T14:56:00.005-04:00

Hi All,

This morning, my person was awakened at 4 in the morning by loud, pitiful mewing. Just as a new mom is programmed to hear her baby's distress, my person jumped out of bed and headed for the nursery.

There on the floor, next to her kitty mama was our little calico kitten! We have no idea how she got there. Our person told us it was a shock to see her there. Isis didn't seem too concerned but our person was!

She gently scooped up little Ms. Calico and put her back with her siblings. Our person also coaxed Isis back into their little bed because it seemed like everyone was hungry.

All seem to be doing great today. Our person is so new at fostering our new nieces and nephews, she isn't sure what to expect. Luckily, we have the advice of Maureen from S.A.F.E--West End Cat Rescue.

What excitement! We are all hoping to sleep peacefully through tonight : - >

Warm Regards, Sylvia

You'll Never Guess What We Found in the Shrubbery

2008-08-11T17:33:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone!

We had a BIG surprise this past Tuesday morning. My person was strolling at the front of our house and heard something.

There in the shrubbery, was a little pile of four itty, bitty kittens and mama cat hissing and growling! Well, my person knew she was just protecting her babies. But, what a quandry; my person knew she couldn't leave the little family. They would not be able to survive if left on their own.

My person rushed inside and told us what she had found. George, coming from C.A.R.E. (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts) himself, told our person who to call for help. Our person managed to get help and advice from Maureen and Christy from West End Cat Rescue and Sandy from C.A.R.E.

The results are we now have a new sister, Isis. Plus, Ra; George; SQ and "The Mod" are proud uncles. I am an aunt! Our person is a new mama and grandmama! We are all so thrilled!

Everyone is doing great and the little ones have grown so much in this short time. Our person is busy bringing up extra canned food every few hours and making sure Isis has plenty of dry food and water in the nursery (which is our hall bath : - >).

I will keep you posted on the latest about our new family. But all of us want to tell you---Please neuter or spay your pets and keep them inside. Don't let your furry family wander around outside unsupervised. It is very dangerous out there.

Isis and her babies surely would have died if left on their own. Poor Isis is skin and bones and could not have lasted much longer. She is an excellent mama and would give her last breath to her babies. We are all so lucky we found each other.

So, now our goal is to fatten up Isis and help with the babies. They have had such a horrible time up to now. But, it's our goal they never have to worry again.

Happy Regards, Sylvia

Welcome to SUMMER! Plus a message from Ra

2008-06-22T17:54:00.005-04:00

HI All,

Golly time flies! Hope you all have been well. My person still hasn't gotten her garden planted! I remind her regularly to keep the potted plants watered more often until we can get them planted. SQ still is offering his help to dig the holes.

Ra got us all together and brought up an important issue about the economy. Times are a lot rougher because of the price of gas. While we kitties don't really use gas unless our person is taking us to the vet, we are very aware of this hardship.

So Ra proposed he and the company officers of Celestial Paws take a pay cut and put the monies from that into operations for maintaining our staff. We all agreed with Ra. Our little Internet company relies on our staff. We would be nothing if it wasn't for our loyal helpers keeping Paws afloat.

Times are rough. Paws sales have declined and we understand. People are busy trying to provide the basics for their families and don't have a lot of spare income.

Ra has this to say to other CEO's and company officers, "It's time to pull together and not be such fat cats! Paws can not survive without our valued employees can your company? Give some of your salaries back for your people! We hired them and we have a responsibility toward them."

Ra has never been one to mince words. He's tough but he is a real pussycat.

Well, that's it for now. I plan to write more often than once a month. Stay tuned, keep cool and don't get sunburn!

Regards, Sylvia

Memorial Day Weekend Coming Up

2008-05-21T17:18:00.002-04:00

Hi All,

I can't believe it's a month since I last posted. All of us are looking forward to the Memorial Day holiday for a little rest and recreation time. Hope you are able to enjoy it too.

My person has not planted her plants in the garden she wants to create yet. We've had a lot of rain on so many weekends and there were other errands to do when it didn't rain. SQ has offered to help dig the holes for the plants this weekend to help out. What a great guy!

George, in his new position of Director of Research and Development for Celestial Paws, has found our spokescat, "The Mod". "The Mod" will not reveal his true identity. It's in his contract-- very hush, hush. We think "The Mod" is a big fan of "The Stig" who is on Top Gear (British show on BBC America). But, he's such a personable kitty, we've gone along with his requirements. Those stars are so precocious! Aside from that, he's a really easy-going guy. "The Mod" will let you know of special goings on at Celestial Paws.

My person said we are going to offer more mugs and things featuring the art of Laurel Burch in the future on Celestial Paws. My person loves Laurel Burch's art and the art of Virginia artist, Donna Parsons, who owns Maiden Studio. She says we need to let our souls soar above our troubled times and remember people can be and should be good to each other despite any differences they may have.

So, enjoy the three day weekend and be kind to each other. The world will be such a better place to live.

Best Regards, Sylvia

I See Some Blue Sky

2008-04-20T16:35:00.009-04:00

HI All,

It's been a little while since I checked in. Our newest brother is settling in and we are all getting adjusted.

Today, we had some tremendous rain with thunder and lightning. But, finally, we see the clouds sailing out and blue up in the sky. We needed the rain but it's been all day. My person was looking out the window before, while the rain poured down, saying she wouldn't be able to get the new plants she bought planted today.

She got a new lawn tractor and mower last week and tried it out. She said it was a lot of fun and just marginally scary when she put it in gear and lowered the cutting blades. But, it was great to mow about an acre of land not pushing a mower. All in all, it sounded like success.

We have some new things at Celestial Paws. Please check them out. Our person discovered the wonderful art of Laurel Burch and has some coffee (or tea) mugs with her art on our site with more to follow. We also have some more wonderful art from Donna Parsons and Maiden Studio in the form of note cards.

Our new brother, George, is also settling into his position as Director of Research and Development at Celestial Paws. He's got some great ideas and we are meeting tomorrow to discuss them.

Hopefully, you are seeing some Springlike activity where you are. If it's still snowing and cold where you are, Spring is headed your way. You'll be seeing green and hearing the birds sing again before long.

Take care.

Sylvia

We Have a New Baby Brother

2008-03-24T14:12:00.006-04:00

Hello Everyone,

We got our new, baby brother over the weekend! His name is George and we all love him very much. George is unpacking and getting settled in. He came to us from Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts in Richmond, Virginia.

Since George is rather busy, he said we can use his picture from the CARE website for now. So, take a look at our new, handsome brother. George is the youngest of us and we expect to spoil him a great deal.

Ra, our person and I are busy planning George's "welcome to the family" party. SQ says he's bringing nuts and seeds. We can always depend on SQ to supply some of the party food.

Once George is all settled, he'll be taking over the duties of Director of Research and Development at Celestial Paws. He said he has some great ideas that he can't wait to share.

Well, it's time to party plan. Take care.

Sylvia

Spring is Springing

2008-03-15T15:57:00.020-04:00

Hello All,

The birds are singing and flitting about. Our neighbors have started working in their yards while spring flowers are making their debuts. Ra and I really enjoy the fresh fragrances that appear this time of year.

We are indoor kitties and we particularly enjoy it when our person opens a window for us to, as she calls it, sniffy-wiffy. Our windows are securely screened and if we "sniffy-wiffy" from a second floor window, our person only opens the window a little (so we can't possibly push the screen out and fall). My person is looking over my shoulder and wants me to add all kitties should be indoor kitties and not allowed to roam outside. There are way too many opportunities outside where kitties can get hurt or sick.

SQ just popped in and he wants me to add that many times when kitties are loose, song birds and other wildlife suffer. We kitties are instinctual hunters. But, that's what makes our friendship and partnership with SQ all the more special. Ra, SQ, our person and myself really enjoy our differences. We think they enhance our business and personal relationships.

My person has told Ra and I that she's thinking about adding to our family. We may have another kitty sister or brother soon. Of course, she consulted us on the matter and it's A-OK as far as we're concerned. One thing we all agree on is our new sibling will come from a rescue organization. Ra and I are rescue kitties. Our person believes there are so many kitties who have been abandoned for one reason or another she needs to share our home with at least one of them. We also have a newly created Research and Development position at Celestial Paws waiting for our new sister or brother too. Won't they be surprised.

One place we are looking for our new sister or brother is at Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts in Richmond, Virginia. There are many rescue organizations out there trying to save kitties and doggies. You can check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for adopting a warm, loving furry creature. They have a searchable database of organizations.

Well, that's it for now. Since SQ is here, we're going to have a quick Celestial Paws meeting and then it's Saturday Movie Night at our house. Take care. Sylvia

Cold and Flu Time--Gesundheit!

2008-02-24T14:45:00.012-05:00

HI All,

It's been a little while since I sat down at the PC. The power button is tiny and I just couldn't push it with my paw. My person was sick and I didn't want to bother her. When I would look in on her, she was either sneezing; coughing or blowing her nose. Today, she's feeling a little better and so here I am.

It's good to be a cat around this time of year. We don't catch colds or flu from humans. I'm sure my person would have appreciated being a cat around now. My human just read this sentence and agrees. She said if she reincarnates, she wants to be a cat owned by a loving human. Life would be eat, sleep and play. Who wouldn't like that? Of course, Ra; SQ and I have a few more duties helping in the Internet business, but we do reserve time for those other important jobs. SQ dearly loves his mid-morning siesta. He feels it makes him more productive. He's probably right.

I've done some research for my person and you on how not to catch colds or flu. Humans need to cover their noses and mouths when they sneeze or cough, wash their hands frequently and not touch their eyes, noses or mouths without having washed their hands first. Also, that antibacterial hand cleaner gel is good for cleansing your hands when soap and water are not available. Using some hand lotion will help with the dryness that results from washing your hands so often. It must be hard to follow these rules because so many people get sick this time of year. I'm sure people get caught up in what they're doing and forget.

So to everyone who is sneezing, coughing and blowing their noses, here is a hearty Gesundheit (it means health in German) and get well soon from Ra, SQ and me! Drink plenty of fluids and rest. My person says people feel pressured to go into work or school when they're sick. But, the best thing is to stay home and take care of yourself. You'll get better faster and not spread your germs around making other people sick.

On another subject, we've added an item to Celestial Paws that benefits C.A.R.E. (Cat Adoption and Rescue Efforts, Inc. in the Richmond, Virginia area). It's Gato's Tote Bag. Original mosaic art (Gato's Mirror) by Donna Parsons (Maiden Studio) is screen printed onto a very useful tote bag. A picture of this marvelous tote bag is at the top of this post. Just click the picture to see more details about the tote bag. My person bought one for herself and she loves it.

There are so many people and animals in need. All the causes out there can make your head spin. My person, Ra, SQ and myself believe we just need to get in there and help as many as we can. We're hoping you will do the same.

Take care and talk to you soon. Sylvia

Getting Back to Normal

2008-02-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

Hello!

The household is getting back to normal. Ra, our person and I decided to just relax around the house as much as possible this weekend.

It's very windy outside today. The electricity has gone off and on about a half dozen times. Even though it doesn't affect Ra and I very much, it really annoys our person. I think she was using the computer some of those times and we could hear the exclamations.

As you probably know, it's not good for you PC data if the computer is just turned off. If it only happens occasionally, everything is usually OK. But you risk damaging your operating system and corrupting your files if you make a habit of just turning off the PC as opposed to shutting it down properly.

SQ called. He asked if it would be OK to come over until the wind calms down. He said his tree is swaying so much it's like a thrill ride. So, he'll be over shortly and maybe we'll all watch a movie. He said he's bringing peanuts and sunflower seeds to snack on too. As cats, Ra and I would rather have a little tuna or kitty treats. But our person will probably enjoy SQ's munchies.

Oh, my person helped me put the Google translator on my blog. We all like to read other peoples' blogs. Sometimes, it's frustrating when you come to an interesting looking blog that's in a language you can't understand. So now my blog can be translated into a few languages.

Take care. Sylvia

Don't Ignore Symptoms You Haven't Had Before

2008-02-03T18:32:00.000-05:00

Hi All,

It's been a little while since I wrote. My person's 81 year old mom (Grandma) was in the hospital diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rhythm). It was a scary time but everything is OK. Grandma is back home and doing well.

We all wanted to tell you not to ignore breathlessness (with very little activity), general weakness and a "weight on chest feeling" symptoms. My person says the danger of "a fib" is bloodclots forming in the heart because it's not pumping properly. Go to the Emergency Room of a hospital and don't wait-- better safe than sorry.

Hope all is well with you and that the sports fans among you are enjoying Super Bowl 42! We don't have football fans in our family and Grandma is watching a "Murder She Wrote" (with Angela Lansbury) marathon.

My person's been pretty busy running back and forth to the hospital and hasn't found the peanut butter treat for the birds yet. But if you can't wait, you can probably find a recipe on the Internet.

We're lining up some new products for our little Internet company too. Try to check us out when you have time-- www.celestialpaws.com.

Well, talk to you later. Sylvia

Stay Warm--It's Friday! TGIF for most of us

2008-01-25T17:51:00.000-05:00

HI All,

Finally the weekend is here! Ra, SQ and I are taking a breather from our busy schedules. We just recently added Major League Baseball pet apparel to our little Internet corner and it was time consuming getting it organized.

The weather's turned much colder today. That reminded us to tell you, if you're a human, dress in layers and don't forget your hat and gloves (or mittens) when you go out. Doing that will keep you warmer outside. Our person told us that people can loose much of their body heat through the tops of their heads. Just keeping your noggin covered can make you feel warmer.

If you're a fellow fur bearing creature, make sure you tell your people to keep you comfy too. If you live indoors most of the time, don't spend a long time outside (besides those necessary bathroom breaks and a quick brisk walk for some exercise) if it's very cold. If you live outside, be sure to tell your people you need adequate shelter plus something warm and cozy to snuggle in to keep you toasty.

Talk to you soon.

Snow's gone. Oh, well.

2008-01-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

HI Again.

Well, you'd never guess we had a pretty snowfall over the weekend today. We had some rain and it washed the white stuff away. Generally, snow doesn't last too long around here. But, at least we have pictures.

My person reminded me it would be nice to put out some "calorically dense" (that's what she called it) treats for the wild birds and furry ones. That will help them during the really cold weather. Ra and I enjoy watching our outdoor friends alot so we thought that was an excellent idea.

The three of us decided to put out unsalted peanuts in the shell (SQ said to get unsalted because salted ones could raise his cousins' blood pressure. That wouldn't be good). It doesn't seem to matter if we put out unsalted roasted or raw peanuts. SQ's cousins gobble them up. Some of the birds love them too.

We also can hang suet for the birds. You can buy that in the grocery store and stores like Petsmart, Petco, etc.

My person says we can make treats with peanut butter too. When she finds the recipe, we'll post it.

Well, talk to you later. We're going to put out the treats!

Snow Show 1

2008-01-20T13:16:00.001-05:00

IT SNOWED!!!!

2008-01-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone.

This is my first post. I didn't know there was so much work setting up a blog. I'm getting help from my person. It's not so easy typing with no opposable thumbs and sometimes one of my claws gets caught between keys. We're having fun and still have some set up work to do.

But, I wanted to say HI and tell you we just got our first snowfall with some accumulation. Today, the high temperature is expected to be only 32 degrees farenheit so we should be able to enjoy the snow at least for a day or so.

I'll post some pictures later. I even caught my person doing her "Snow Dance". She thought Ra and I weren't looking. I hope SQ is staying warm in his nest. He moved to a tree next door to us recently. He'll be over for brunch later. Talk to you soon.