April 29, 2005

I had written a charming story about our two kittens, Daisy and Minnie, "helping" us make the bed this morning, but it vanished.  I guess that happens when you've got two furry helpers who go racing under your desk, and one steps on the power strip and disconnects you.  Thanks a lot, girls.  Maybe they don't want to become famous as mischievous kittens who do strange things like play with the drawstring off my pants when I'm washing dishes, or attack me in the middle of the night because my nightie has a bow on it.  Then they both walk my entire length, settle on my chestal region, and purr like mad.  How can I get upset at them for that?

They're also fascinated by watching my husband George washing his hands or shaving.  I never knew shaving could be a spectator sport, but they sit there on the bathroom counter and stare at him with rapt attention.  Then, once he rinses the sink out, they have to check to make sure it's all rinsed out, and we get an interesting view of two grey tabby tails over the top of the counter.  We're careful to keep our closet doors closed, because with our closets the way they are we'd probably never see the girls again if they went exploring.  They've also been known to knock things off display shelves in the living room, and they're a big help when I'm trying to cut out a pattern.  Right.

When we got them back in February, we'd been catless since our elderly cat had passed away in December.  After having old cats for years who did nothing except sleep and eat, it's been a real treat having two kittens around.  Right now they're 6 months old, and they both weigh at least 7 to 8 pounds, so they're likely to be huge when they finish growing.  They're sisters, and there are times they act just like my sisters and I do - battling to the death one minute, best friends the next. 

Kittens are wonderful.  Minnie will sometimes leap a foot into the air, and then land with a thud.  Daisy has been known to chase balls and bring them back, just like a dog.  Getting her to give them up is another matter entirely, however.  I've also seen them sound asleep on the floor in our office, both sunny-side up with their paws in the air, or one will have a paw across the other one's shoulders.  Then they'll wake up and start grooming each other, often calling each other names in cat language.   Much more fun to watch than reality TV.

April 29, 2007

Now Daisy and Minnie are almost three years old.  They topped out at 11.5 pounds (Daisy) and 8.9 pounds (Minnie.) Minnie's the taller of the two, but Daisy's longer and stockier, although Minnie has feet that would cover a JFK 50-cent piece.  They're still just as lovable and still just as much fun to watch, although only one will fit in our laps at a time now.