Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Hole in the Wall Gang

We bought our place out here going on three years ago. I find it hard to believe that time has passed by so quickly. We have made major, and I mean MAJOR changes here. We have conformed things to our liking as far as comfort and joy, prepared our garden space for the veggies, planted fruit trees, many fruit trees of apple, plum, peach and fig. We have muscadine vines started and of course there are flowers. What is a home ,without flowers. We're putting in the small ornamental fish pond next week and I so look forward to that. Which brings us to the heart of the story. When we moved here we brought with us our cats. We had our house cats and then we had the yard cats. The house cats, who prefer to be known as "the children" are Arial (my blogging buddy), Pyewackit (the Clown Prince) and Batgirl, the Sergeant at Arms. Now while Pye and Arial never leave the house, Batgirl does as she pleases, which is why she is Sergeant-at-Arms. She's the Calico, the ring leader of mirth and mayhem. She has one son who comes in for his daily beating then goes out to warn everyone else that she is about to enter the wild kingdom and she is not amused. Batgirl is seldom amused, though frequently amusing. Of our totally outdoor cats only one remains. His name is Pinky , a middle of the road man, loving one minute, aloof the next. When going to the vet for his rabies injections, he refuses to ride in a carrier with just anyone. He will only enter said carrier with the munchkin cat , (a gift from our neighbor )Peanut looks as if he could be Pinky's son. Yes, our neighbor, wonderful man really, gave us Peanut as a gift. Kind of like giving a cup of water to a drowning man. Because you see, after we moved in these other cats began riding in, sidling up to the bar and announcing, "make my Meow Mix...with a side of milk ,no rocks." There was Wonky, a Maine Coon, unneutered (and he began to prove it immediately. With him was a neutered pal we call CeeCee, a grey and white Maine Coon. If he were a person he would strongly resemble a Varsity Cheerleader (say Cary Grant in long flannels (grey) with a white sweater vest over a grey shirt. He even walks like a cheerleader.)) A few months after that "the Stranger" rode in. George Bailey is his son by some young camp follower who arrived with him.


Trouble is the son of Batgirl , and his daddy was a traveling salesman. Sold her a bill of goods and then hustled off to Buffalo, or parts unknown. Following Bob Barker's advice we did her a favor and spayed her. This could explain her attitude problems. A few weeks ago we noticed a larger version of Wonky. Very sweet natured guy, who upon further examination has been neutered. So, this wild bunch comes riding in early every morning , swagger in to the bar and demand breakfast (Kit and Kaboodle if there's no meow mix available, milk ,no rocks). The last one to show up we just call big purty...cause he's big. And he's purty. We should call him Sylvester, because that's who he looks like. Pinky and Peanut are the ranch owners who get overwhelmed by the cattle rustlers. No one fights with them, they just stay out of the way and say yes sir and no sir. Peanut comes in for therapy three times a day and a dressing down from Batgirl. Batgirl...she's more the Annie Oakley of the bunch than the Miss Kitty. She's not as nice as Miss Kitty, she doesn't pour drinks and she doesn't socialize with strangers. After a hard day of chasing grasshoppers, climbing as many trees as her schedule allows, she walks past the Hole in the Wall Gang, slapping each one on her way in and collapses in front of kitchen door for her nap before dinner. Chicken. Shake and Bake. Milk, water long side.





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Jana Banana tagged me for this last week and I'm late getting to it and for that I apologize to the darling Jana. I know you shouldn't upset expectant mommies, so here goes.





1.What if I could meet someone in the art world to chat with..I think it would have to be Gordon Rossitor of Australia. Most of the works I have read about are landscapes, some with people or animals included. I don't know why, but I find his work so appealing.









Rossitor's Kunderang Muster is pictured above. I covet it.

What if I could have one wish granted for the benefit of all mankind..I would wish that every living person had shelter. I think shelter is the most important thing in a person's life, shelter
no one can take away, a place where you are always welcome. From shelter you gain the courage to go out and find food. From food you gain the strength to procure work to provide other needs. Yes, shelter for the world.



.What if I could travel anywhere in the world...England...always England. So of course the rest of the Empire (I know, I know) Australia and in particular India. I find myself drawn to India nearly as as much as England (the Motherland).





What if I could live in a period other than the present, for 24 hours...I think we as human beings put our own mark on every period of history and unless something could be changed for the better (and I don't think it could be) then I would want to be standing at Lincoln's shoulder when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Not the full twenty four hours, just the few minutes it would take to be a part of such ground breaking history. And I would want to ask him if he was afraid of the coming storm.



What if I could make over three areas of my body...other than the weight that I gained after all the crappy health issues, I'm pretty well pleased with what I have. It's not great but I got it from my mother...I could never turn down a gift from my mother...and once the weight comes off, then I'm perfectly content.



Thank you Jana, that was a unique tag, and I enjoyed it.

36 comments:

Jeni said...

Loved your description of your cats - all of 'em! And the question/answer thing was very good too. A lot of food for thought in your responses there.

Mima said...

What a wonderful world of cats, sounds as if you have your hands full, but they are such wonderful companions, and so entertaining that you could never turn them away.

They obviously love being at your place, and I am amazed that they don't mind sharing. Zena is very territorial about her garden, and especially about her staff (she always sulks when babies have been as they sit on her Mum's bed!). I guess though that lots of space helps with that one! Maybe she has just been too pampered!!

CatHerder said...

hahaha...welcome to my world lol!

Adla said...

It's a cats world over your place Sandi, EACH WITH THEIR OWN cat-ERISTIC...I Lost track as I was counting soo tell us how many cats do you have in total??

Anonymous said...

So Aunt Sandie, do all the cats get along (outdoor vs indoor)??
When one of my cats escaped and ran away from home for 5 days(I was so heartbroken)I thought he for sure got killed out there. When he finally made his way home, it took a lot of sniffing up his butt, growling at him and a good week before the other two cats accepted him back into the pack.

Lee said...

Wonderful cat tales, Sandi! I keep seeing your cats at the edge of trees and wish I had wilderness in my neck of the woods. Your cat crowd from outdoors sounds like the local birds around here. We've got ducks, ducks, and more ducks.

Also loved that tag response. Very thoughtful answers. I found myself considering each of your choices as I read them. Would I like that? Did I agree? Yes! Most of all I liked the part about shelter. It occurred to me that shelter can also be a place to stand firm in, or maybe at the end of things, breath your last breath. Those things take strength too.

Hugs! Hope you're doing ok.

Pam said...

Oh my goodness, I loved hearing about the hole in the wall gang. It sounds as if the word in the neighborhood got out...."hey, there's a free buffet at Sandi's house, watch out for that Batgirl though!" ;)
You need to sbnap of picture of the crew sometime, I'd love to see them.

Vee said...

Sandi, so life's good now that you've become a country cat rustler? LOL! You sure can spin a tale...

Now, what's going to happen with this new outside fish pond and these cats? Just wondering...

That meme was cool...some of them are more thought-provoking than others and you gave such great responses.

Anonymous said...

Your cat herd sound a bit like our burgeoning tribe! We've decided that we 1 perfect cat - each of the 3 bringing 1/3 perfection. Problem is that the 1 perfect cat eats for 3!

the mother of this lot said...

Hi Sandi,
My little Fixer has made you an award. Come on over and collect it!

San said...

Sandi, you're running quite the cat house, there! And a finicky clientele.

Reading your tag answers, I'm most impressed by your response about what body parts to make over. It's so rare to find a woman that doesn't want to trade in her hips or her boobs or her hair for something a little more Madison Avenue. You go, girl!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Sandi, I love the sound of your cats. I had a Maine Coon for several years & she was a joy.

You always say the nicest things! Thanks for stopping by & glad you enjoyed the Easter display. I love hearing from you girls!

have a great weekend!
Rhoda

bj said...

You did fantastic on the questions...sounds as if you gave them some thought.
have a happy day....
bj

Anonymous said...

Hey girl,, as for the cone cakes. Make you mix by box directions. I use a pan so they stand side by side. Pour in batter ..give them room to rise.Bake ..cool and then ice according to your theme.

Unknown said...

Being a cat lover I just love hearing tales of cats. They all sound like quite a group. They are fun aren't they? Have a good weekend!

Love Bears All Things said...

I loved this story. We had a place in the country(a farm really) about 15 years ago. At one time we had a total of 13 cats, mostly at the barn.
Smokey is the one who looks like your Ariel. He is currently in my lap. The laptop is on the chair arm. Does that make it a chairtop? Anway he seems to be perking up.

I wish you'd join our group for the circle journal. You have such a wonderful writing style.
Mama Bear

Susie Q said...

This was so unique and so interesting. I would love to be a copy cat and use this someday soon. Would that be alright?

I love how you describe your cats. They all have such individual personalities and are very much their own...well...their own...cat!

I would love to meet them all.

Hugs,
Sue

Jeanne said...

LOL at your cat tales. Noelle really runs the roost at our house. She's so communicative and really lets you know her opinion and what she wants. Love your question and answers too.

kimmy said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment.

Loved the towel comment too. I should have thought of that. :)

Have a great weekend!

Kimmy

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your cats sound like they provide great entertainment!

Loved reading your tag comments...
Hugs,
Penny

Unknown said...

Hi :) Thanks for playing... great answers!

Sam Fox said...

Oo-er, hope you don't mind, Sandi but I have just tagged you for another thingy - 7 weird facts about yourself - come on over to my blog for details.....

Sandi McBride said...

Okay, as to the ornamental pond...I have no worries on that one...I will have slate to cover the edges and plants for the fish to hide in. I had Koi at the old place that were thirteen years old when I sold them...and I have visitation rights...the cats never bothered them...they would eat out of my hand. The smallest one was fourteen inches long. I love Koi and catfish...go figure
Sandi

Jamie Dawn said...

I wouldn't mind being able to make over three areas of my body. It would need to be by magic though. I exercise and try to eat right in order to keep my expanding bohunkus at bay. It is a never ending battle, but I'll keep on fighting it.

I LOVED reading about your cats. Your writing style and humor just drew me in.
SC is one of my favorite places. I love Charleston.
I also love Savannah, Georgia.
I'm sure your place is terrific now that you've made it into a comfy home with all the things you enjoy around you.

Jodie Adams said...

Hey you forgot one, about who you would spend 24 hours with that has passed. Althought I am pretty sure I know what your answer would be: your mama. I liked doing that little tag it was fun! Love ya!

Jodie Adams said...

Have you ever thought of writing children's books. I think you would be great at it. You could make a series all about a family of cats. Think about it!!

NeereAnDear said...

I am unfortunately allergic to cats so they are not my best friend... but I love your stories about them.. You have such a way with humor.... I so enjoy everything you write..

HUGS

JO

PS I am back sorta

Mockingbird Hill said...

Oh you crazy cat lady, you! Don't know how you keep them all straight...the two I have are handful enough for me. But, Jodie may be on to something...children's book about these characters would be great!!

Thanks for stopping in to check on my Mom...there aren't enough words, so Thank You will have to do.

Cassie

windycorner said...

Hi Sandi,
Be careful..we're going to start calling you Crazy Cat Lady (heehee). The children all sound so cute and funny.
Thanks for the info on the General Store. Hopefully, I'll be back up that way in early summer, so I'll get directions from you then. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Holley

Sandi McBride said...

Too late Y'all, I'm already tagged with Crazy Cat Lady...and also Wild Kingdom Crazy Lady...you get the gyst of it...thanks all for stopping by!
hugs to you all
Sandi

Carol said...

Hi Sandi,
I would love to visit your home it sounds all fun to me.
Your cats are very lucky indeed.
My dogs are not so happy at the moment...........another story!
Loved the tale of your tag...very interesting and thought provoking answers!
Hugs,
Carol xx

Carol said...

Oh and I forgot to mention....I have some Yardleys English Lavender.....yummy!
Cx

Anonymous said...

Hi Sandi, My husband has always wanted a Maine Coon cat but my little very aloof kitty would have no parts of another cat around here. She's 17 yrs. old and still going strong. The other night I was sitting at my desk which is right next to the sliding glass doors and Ms. Morning Glory scratches at the glass door. I look over and there she is with a dead mouse in her mouth....a present for me you see. LOL

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you...

david mcmahon said...

The feline is mutual.

Diva's Thoughts said...

This is my first visit here! Great blog.