If our cats had names like those of Snow White’s seven companions, they would be:
Silky
Sleepy
and
Skittish
(or maybe one of them might be “Saggy”)
What about your cats?
PS: If you ever receive bizarre emails from me, you can be sure that they were sent by EllyCat’s nether regions…
PPS: This pic has two kitties: Elly & NekoNeko (a.k.a. the ASUS laptop)
GameBoy scores his pic in Discover Magazine before he’s even hit puberty (do you think he can put that on his college applications?)
I mentioned to my sibs that I was using arnica oil to help fade some bruises, and had an email exchange worth sharing:
From esteemed scientist Bro:
Since I work in a chemical biology department, let me me chime in for a second and remind everyone that just because something is “natural” doesn’t mean that it’s safe or without side-effects. A quick google search brought up these precautions for arnica:
—–
Precautions
Arnica is generally safe when used topically (externally). However, prolonged use may irritate the skin, causing eczema, peeling, blisters, or other skin conditions. Arnica should not be used on broken skin, such as leg ulcers. Also, people who are hypersensitive or allergic to the herb should avoid it.Arnica is rarely used as an internal herbal remedy because it can cause dizziness, tremors, and heart irregularities. It may also irritate mucous membranes and cause vomiting. Large doses can even be fatal. Do not take arnica internally except under close supervision of your doctor. Homeopathic remedies, which use very small amounts of arnica, can usually be taken safely.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking any medication, including herbs.
Then, later, from same Bro:
i saw that it has another name: mountain tobacco
so, by the WoW, tobacco can be used as “an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgement and skill.” (italics added).
[Note: WoW=Word of Wisdom, is the Mormon health code. Not to be confused with World of Warcraft tobacco, which is not good for bruises]
From librarian Sis:
I just happen to be cataloging of handbook of natural herbs and supplements today, and I can tell you that Arnica also affectionately known as Leopard’s bane, sneezewort, mountain snuff, and wolf’s bane. I think Jana should tell people she rubs sneezewort on her leg. Sounds more Harry Potterish.
Also, be sure not to use any of the following to apply it, no matter how tempting it may be: celery, ginger, onion, licorice, wild carrots, or wild lettuce, as they may react with Arnica. Also, you shouldn’t use Arnica if you are allergic the chrysanthemums (or if you have trouble spelling chrysanthemum).
All the time I was watching yesterday’s events I kept thinking “we were just there!” I think it made the inauguration feel so much more close and personal to our kids. :)
the Inaugural Brunch Bunch :)
This magic happens when you tell John that you sorta have a cupcake craving….
yum!
On one of our days in NYC we went on a tour of indie bookshops with cats. I know it sounds odd, but it was a very Remy way to spend a day in a new city.
In Alabaster Books (which is around the corner from The Strand and doesn’t appear to have a website), this sweetie came right up to me for lovin’. It was obvious that she’d recently had surgery and when we asked the guy behind the counter, he explained that she’d just had her stitches removed that morning–from surgery to amputate one of her hind legs due to cancer. Of course I loved that story and I loved that kitty. And I added a few pounds to my suitcase with purchases from Alabaster. :)
Had a great “Christmas” this morning, which included the Gift Which Will Never be Rivaled(TM).
As we travel for the next few weeks, I’ll update this blog irregularly, so feel free to follow our pilgrimage via flickr and twittr. :)
Happy Holidays, everyone. Thank you, each of you, for the goodness of this past year and for the many ways you make my life more rich and meaningful.
Reblogged from 2 years ago…
Setting: evening at our house. The front door is open because it’s stuffy inside the house from cooking dinner. GameBoy and CatGirl are sitting at their desk in the living room working on their homework. Christmas carols are playing on the stereo. Our brightly lit Christmas tree is visible from the front doorway. A guy in a brown uniform is walking up the pathway to our place.
UPS Guy: Ma’am? Your package broke open in the truck, the tape is undone on one side now. Can I bring it on in for you? It’s really big…
Me: Sure, put it right here in front of the bookcase.
UPS Guy: Someone’s sure lucky to be getting a —–.
Me: Shhhhh….(gesturing wildly towards the kids)
A deep intake of breath from one of the kids, a squeal of delight from the other.
UPS Guy: Uh oh.
The pic above shows some of the felted wool balls that we made and gave as gifts to our nieces, nephews and beloved furpeople last Christmas. I loved that I was able to purchase the wool directly from the farm where the sheep were raised and where it had been hand-dyed. Making the balls was also great fun–choosing colors, rolling the soapy wet masses over and over in our hands until they created tight spheres.
What are some of the best handmade gifts that you’ve given and received?
‘Tis the gift to be simple,
’tis the gift to be free,
’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
It will be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gained,
To bow and to bend we shan’t be ashamed.
To turn, turn will be our delight,
‘Til by turning, turning we come round right
‘Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
‘Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,
Then we’ll all live together and we’ll all learn to say,
‘Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
‘Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of “me”,
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we’ll all live together with a love that is real.
I couldn’t be more proud! :)
Although GameBoy says he has no clue how he’ll play his cello well while wearing such a heavy suit (typically he wears a t-shirt and shorts), I expect he’ll do just fine in his big concert debut!
This weekend we celebrated CatGirl’s birthday with a wild slumber party (lots of tween girls, their giggles, their voracious appetites and their cameraphones documenting everything). All in all, it was a great experience, and even GameBoy says he doesn’t mind that the midnight truth or dare game included an speed hug dare(!) with the (hawt) sleeping older brother.
I had a moment to reflect on how our family parties have changed in the past few years. It used to be that when a birthday rolled around we’d go to the party store to pick theme party goods, including paper plates, napkins, cups, candles, invitations, etc. This year CatGirl sent out email invites to her friends and they used our everyday washable cloth napkins and dishes for their snacks and meals. I popped their popcorn on the stovetop (yum), baked the cake myself (and frosted it with help and advice from the birthday girl). We did buy a few large pizzas, but in doing so we patronized a favorite local business. As party favors CatGirl assembled friendship bracelet kits in each of the attendees favorite colors–with embroidery floss recycled from grandma’s abundant stash.
Photo: A favorite of CatGirl from when she was a toddler. See how she’s holding up her index fingers? She’s showing her ‘sucking fingers,’ which were both named “Aubergina.” Yes, CatGirl is quite a character and we love her so.
