Celebrating Baby Kitty's Big Day!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   B A B Y    K I T T Y ! 

Dear Baby Kitty,

My, owner, Pat @ On Crooked Creek and I wish you a purr ~ fect day filled with joy and wishes from all the felines and their owners from the Land of Blog!!! 

Our knowledge of each other began when Pat was a "lurker"! It wasn't long before Pat was hooked and followed a few ladies regularly. . . Confessions of a Plate Addict title caught her eye. Pat  l o v e s plates! Not only did she enjoy reading Debbie's blog. . . but she was excited to meet "The Staff".  

Pat thinks Kitty and I could be twins!!! I heard her many times state that Isabella is a raving beauty! She adores that Ozzie and I were given male gender names! But, you, Baby Kitty, are her favorite of all!

Why???
You remind her of a cat she had throughout her High School years. Seems the neighbor gave her "pick of the litter". His name? Thom. NOT  Tom. . .as in Tom Cat . . . but Thom. A shortened version of  Thomas! She adored sophisticated names even in her youth!

So~o~o...naturally, when she received the invitation to attend your birthday party. . .she brought me along, also! It didn't take a lot of purr~suasion, though...I, myself, am quite smitten with you! 

Here's  what your owner had to say about the post  Pets Enhance Our Lives! Beyond her comment is the story of how I came to live with "Mr. Ed" and Pat.

Thank you for inviting us to your Eighth Birthday, Baby Kitty! I (we) look forward to many more posts with snapshots of Co~Hostess...Baby Kitty!

Purr~sonally,
Maurice


Confessions of a Plate Addict said...



Oh, Pat! I loved reading Maurice's story! She is indeed special! My Ozzie is another female with a male name...and an attitude! Wonder if there's a connection...sort of like a boy named Sue! lol Regards to Maurice from my staff!...hugs...Debbie



Pets Enhance Our Lives!

( A repost from March 23, 2011 @ On Crooked Creek!)



Maurice 2011


Our Princess, Maurice, has been a source of joy in our lives for nearly 10 years. Although she's NOT the friendly type. . .nor is she a lap cat. . .she tolerates me and l o v e s "Mr.Ed".



I  l o v e "Mr. Ed"!



Let me tell you how we got our cat . . .



Please be seated.



A former student of mine was playing with a stray calico kitten on the elementary school playground one Fall day in 2000. I cautioned her that we shouldn't play with the stray cat and to go join her friends at the climber. She did ~ with a bit of an "attitude".

I DO NOT look like THE WARREN KIMBLE CAT!

I had bus duty that evening. The buses were late coming from the High School. Another student confided in me my "attitude" student had gone around the building to get the stray cat. I summoned the help of another staff member, then I went to retrieve my wayward student. We met at the side of the building. I assumed the cat had left ~ she was empty handed.



Honestly, I didn't do a thing back there!



I learned a short while later my student had stuffed the cat into her back pack and taken it home to the farm. That would be the end of it. W R O N G! Cat ~ Napper, as "Mr. Ed" nicknamed my student, informed me my Christmas present would be a little late this year. She was giving me a kitten. Seems her napped cat was expecting! ! !



You can't . . .



see me. . .



I'm hiding!

"Mr. Ed" and I made a journey to the Cat ~Napper Farm during Spring Break 2001 and were honored to have "our pick of the litter". This beautiful little kitten with a white tip on its long, long tail came over. . .sat at my sandal feet and began licking. I picked it up and began to gently stroke, no purring. I tried to clean its nose. Through the giggles of Cat ~ Napper and her Mother, I was told it wasn't dirt, but a marking.



I work hard for my cat food. . .
so you'd better treat me right!



I took the kitten to the truck where "Mr. Ed" set waiting. I could hear ~ "NO's" ~ before I reached his open window. "I chose this one, but I might have to choose another. This one's broke." Again, giggles from the girls! Unenthused he replied, "Let me have it." As soon as he held the kitten, the purring was thunderous. I turned to Cat ~ Napper. . ."We'll take this one."

One Christmas present . . . ready to go!

Two weeks later, weened ~ we brought Maurice home. I never could get that correct on newborn kittens. I thought we had a male ~ thus Maurice ~ French for Morris. As in the famous Friskies Cat Food commercial ~ Morris the Cat. Turns out Maurice ~ is a female.



Now you see why I tolerate her!



Her mother a Calico. Her father a Siamese. A female with a male name.



Okay. . .let's get to the happyily ever after already!



Talk about CATTITUDE ~ Maurice definitely is a "cat with an attitude".



Me. . .attitude. . .please!



From the humble beginning of a farm cat born under the rabbit hutch. . .

A vision of loveliness. . .
Christmas 2010!

                  

to being called PRINCESS . . .



Princess,
Maurice 2011



Maurice has been such a source of joy in our lives!



Thank you for being such a receptive audience.



I wish you l o v e through the eyes of your pet!

Until next time. . .

Dog Days of Summer!

Although the official Dog Days of Summer are due to arrive mid ~ July through mid ~ August, On Crooked Creek is experiencing unique Dog Days all on its own!!! Grand Dog Days, to be more exact!

Our Grand Dog . . .  Roscoe!

Isn't he handsome??? Our son and daughter ~ in  ~ law just recently returned from vacation. While they were gone. . ."Mr. Ed" and I were asked to dog sit. Well, of course, we said yes!!!

We shared a few good dog laughs. . .

                                                          . . . and, of course, a few dog snacks!

Listened to the stories of the day from "Mr. Ed"!

But, alas. . .
that week did seem like an awfully long time to be away from my Master and Mistress.

It is true. That saying that dogs leave "paw prints" on your heart! Here On Crooked Creek our Grand Dog left his paw prints on our deck, as well!!!

Until next time. . .

Coming Home . . .

Dear Ones,
The love of my life, "Mr. Ed" may just have a newly acquired nickname. . .  "Mr. Romantic". You see ~ "Mr. Ed" (aided by our son) booked a weekend getaway for the two of us in Kansas City to celebrate our 42nd Wedding Anniversary!

Our Fortieth Wedding Anniversary!

"Mr. Ed" and I spent our first wedding anniversary in Kansas City while he was on furlough from Basic Training at Fort Polk, Louisiana and in transit to AIT to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Aberdeen, Maryland. So when he began asking where I wanted to go for our anniversary. . .Kansas City was my choice!

We arrived on a Friday evening and after checking into a spacious room, we dined nearby @ Paleos and Bill an authentic Tuscan dining experience. "Mr. Ed" ordered the Lasagna; I ordered the Bowtie Pasta, a house speciality, with mushrooms and chicken breasts. Served with the sweetest bread and basil, olive oil dipping sauce. Ladies, this has to be the best Italian cuisine I've ever tasted!

We were quests at Hampton Inn and had a lovely room! The king~sized bed made us feel like royalty and we slept as sound as babes. The breakfast was absolutely marvelous! BUT. . .my all time favorite was the glazed, raised doughnuts.

. . . A Moment For Reflection. . .
As a child growing up in Kansas City, my Moma would occasionally take me to work with her @ Alberta's Beauty Salon in The Townhouse Hotel one block off Minnesota Avenue. In the Coffee Shop, the male waiter dressed in white shirt, black bow tie and black trousers with a starched, radiant white linen cloth draped over his left arm would ask, "Your usual Miss Carmen?" MoMa always replied, "Yes, please!" MoMa's usual was a pecan sweet roll, warmed until golden brown on the grill with a square pad of butter placed in the center. A cup of black coffee, poured at the table with the silver pot left at the counter.

Now turning his attention to me, he replied, "And for this lovely young lady, may I suggest a raised, glazed, warmed Kansas City doughnut?" I was smitten!!!. . .with the doughnut!!! There's nothing, sweeter, lighter and more delicious than a raised, glazed Kansas City doughnut! MoMa let me have my doughnut served with hot tea which was poured into my cup from my own silver pot.

. . . Back to Our Weekend. . .
After our fulfilling breakfast, we lingered over Robust Roast Coffee and plotted our itinerary for the days excursion to include. . .

Bass Pro/ Legends Kansas City Outlets/

Cabela's

Cabela's Kansas City, Kansas Retail Store is located just off I-70 and I-435 near the Kansas Speedway. In addition to offering quality outdoor merchandise, the 180,000 sq. ft. showroom is an educational and entertainment attractions, featuring a décor of museum-quality animal displays, huge aquariums and trophy animals interacting in realistic re-creations of their natural habitats.
http://www.cabelas.com/stores/store_info.jsp?pageName=008

We didn't realized , until we arrived, that Cabela's is across from the . . .

Kansas Speedway

The noise was fierce from Cabelas. . .  and this was just qualifications!

For lunch @ Legends we chose Panera Bread. I've heard from our local friends that my homemade Potato Soup sounds similar to Panera's Baked Potato Soup. . . and with one coming soon to our home town, we thought we'd check for ourselves. The soup was delicious ~ but, oh my, the strawberry cream scone combined with hazelnut coffee was truly divine!!! I'm going to need a ton of willpower when Panera comes to town, ladies!!!

After a wonderful day of exploring the shops of Kansas City, we dined at Mimis Cafe in Overland Park. I've dined there before with my dear friend, Cheryl. The French decor has such a charming ambiance. I adore their meatloaf! "Mr. Ed" was advantageous and tried the Cajun Chicken Alfredo. He sang praises of the Carrot Raisin Loaf , while I devoured the Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf.

We enjoyed our quiet evening and movie before turning in.

The following day, ladies, is one I will forever remember. . .well into my Senior days. This is the day that will bring a smile to any clouds in my future. For on this day ~ "Mr. Ed" took me home. I shall always be grateful to him for giving me one of the greatest gifts a husband can ever give ~ the gift of healing.

We had planned that last morning to venture one more time to Cabela's as our last stop would be my "Decorating Diva 's",  Mary Carol's ~ Nell Hill's @ Briarcliff Village. Having two hours until Nell Hill's opened ~we headed to Cabela's ~ or so we thought!

Our anniversary weekend just happened to be the NASCAR Race weekend @ the Kansas Speedway . . .the same exit for Cabela's . Traffic was backed up for nearly two miles in any and all directions at every exit to Cabela's.

So~o~o . . .we decided to go on to Briarcliff Village. . . except now we had missed our exit!



Briarcliff Village . . .bask in the breathtaking view of downtown Kansas City.

Overlooking the bluff behind Briarcliff Village . . .Corporate Businesses.

Pat @ Nell Hill's checking what other shops are in Briarcliff Village.

Being the adventurous souls that we are, we took the road less traveled. . .and it has made all the difference in the world.

As we drove down Parallel Parkway, I suddenly began to recognize familiar landmarks from my childhood. I asked "Mr. Ed" to get into the left handed lane and make a left at the bottom of the hill. A heavy sigh ~ then he maneuvered the car ~ and gave me that " you're going to get us lost" look. After you turn left, you'll go a short distance, over a bridge, then you'll make another left. You're going to be on a road that looks like a lane in the country with some treacherous hills and curves ~ so go s l o w !

As we slowly meandered and maneuvered, I told him with tears welling in my eyes, "This is where my life began." Up the hill and to the left is the house where my Dad carried MoMa over the threshold on their wedding day. This is the road where MoMa taught Bubba to drive. This is the drive where daddy brought me home  the  day  I  was  adopted. . . where Bubba waited on the porch. I turned and told him "Mr. Ed" you've brought me home.

The house that we saw wasn't the same house nor did it stand in the same spot, but the drive was the same. The neighbors house above ours on the hill was the same. Warm, sweet, healing tears flowed down my cheeks and a peace came over my being that is beyond words.

Home. The place where MoMa married Dad and brought three wayward children together in love. . . I  was  home. . . suddenly it became apparent to me the meaning of "coming full circle". Home.

As we journeyed back onto the roadway and navigated our way to reach our destination we traveled through the bottoms of Kansas City along the river. We could see where "Mr. Ed" had briefly worked with my brother @ BRAY Truck line. The drive from Parallel Parkway across 5 Highway to the Fairfax Plant @ General Motors where my Dad was employed for 35 years before his retirement. We passed the Red X store. I remember hearing my Dad say to MoMa, "I'll be late getting home tonight 'cause I'll be picking up your cigarettes @ Red X." (Boot legging so he didn't have to pay Kansas sales tax!) We turned on Riverside to Briarcliff Parkway.

Fascinating Fountain @ Briarcliff Village!



Nell Hill's Briarcliff Village Store.

Window shopping has some unexpected joys!



A cat that resembles . . .  Maurice!

Arriving far earlier than expected, we did some window shopping, sight seeing, snapped some photos and had a quiet rest on a park bench ~ and just enjoyed some quiet moments together.

Nell Hill's Briarcliff Village Store.

One of the matching urns that flank the doors to Nell Hill's @ Briarcliff Village.

Our shopping experience was delightful @ Nell Hill's Briarcliff Village Store. We visited briefly with Mary Carol and purchased pottery urns, handled basket weave bowls, a flat hanging basket and the tiniest salt cellar spoons. I adore Mary Carol's Nell Hill's Briarcliff Village Store. Perhaps we'll return someday.

It's about time YOU got home. . .
I'm OUT of cat food. . .
The squirrels and birds need water in their bird bath. . .
WHO'S going to change my litter pan. . .
Oh, yes. . .and that other cat resembling me. . .
P L E A S E !!!

We are home, once again. Another wedding anniversary celebrated together. . .and while it was a memorable getaway. . .nothing can compare to Coming Home.

Until next time. . .

Lower Level Living. . .

Seems as if we spend a great deal of time in the lower level living On Crooked Creek than in years past. Contributed in part, to the Studio where I spend many of my days creating and designing. "Mr.Ed", also, has various hobbies which he pursues on the lower level, as well. 

So~o~o. . .I've been doing a lot of photographing and tweaking of our living areas.

 BEFORE. . .

Christmas On Crooked Creek 2010!

Several close friends and I have chatted about a bug going around "our town".  .  . a "cleaning bug" to be more specific. At first thought, we all decided it was caused by the near 70 degree weather we were experiencing. Not a common factor on the prairie. Maybe it was the onset of Spring cleaning with our spring~like temperatures. Whatever caused "the bug", it sure has made a difference in the appearance of lower level living On Crooked Creek!


. . .AFTER!

The "Cleaning Bug" 2011!

Our son and daughter~in~law were a great help in assisting me to pull off a huge surprise for "Mr. Ed" this year for Christmas. We replaced his remote control color T.V. with a new flat screen T.V. Yes! I know everyone else has one. . .but dear hubby didn't. Now he does.

At first, we tried watching T.V. from the gentleman's dresser. I don't know if it was the tree or the hat box, but I always seemed to be distracted!





Double Dresser in Dining Room.



Double Dresser
Across from Couch.


That "cleaning bug" really took hold of me. . .and I moved the double dresser from the dining area and placed it across the room from the couch.




A Comforting Reading Chair.

The Lodge Tree that we usually kept out all year long . . . now has a new home under the staircase and will remain there until Christmas On Crooked Creek. In it's place is an upholstered rocking chair and pillow that belonged to my beloved mother.

In keeping with the decor of the lower level, I added a few Trout Fishing accessories. . .


Wooden Trout, Cattails and a set of Coasters.



A pair of Candlesticks!

Now when I take a break from the Studio. . .or "Mr.Ed" wants some weekend warrior sports viewing, the distractions are minimal.


I can't guarantee that "the cleaning bug" won't visit you. . .
                                                       but one thing I can be assured of. . .

On Crooked Creek. . .
                                      There are always distractions!

I'm joining hostess Susan @ Between Naps On the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday! Please stop by and visit all the inspiring and creative projects the ladies of blog land have been preparing for your viewing pleasure!

http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/



Until next time. . .