i finally got around to

shaving the cats.  Strat didn't like it at all.  He was doing that growl that cats do when they're not happy and about to lose their crap.

It was fine though.  I told him to shut up and that he didn't make the rules today.

Lucille mostly liked it and she took a lot longer.  She has had all that long hair, but she just sat there and licked me.  Now, when I got closer to her butt, she got a little anxious but who wouldn't?  She looks much better now.  She went into it as a little kitty and now she's a fierce lion.  Well, a lion.

"WTF???" - Strat

That went so much better than expected.

It's also time for the sprinklers again.

I don't know why that makes me so happy.  There's just something about having the sprinklers going first thing in the morning that I like.  Maybe it's the sound or maybe it's just TCB.

I figured since I was out there watering the yard, I'd also get my new stuff in pots.

I'm hoping for better luck with cilantro this year.

I got rid of my dead rosemary and filled that pot with basil.

I also pulled a few weeds from around my few sprigs of chives.

And then there's Dodo's azalea in the former basil pot.  It's still looking pretty good.

Maybe we'll get a little rain today to help out.

Spring has sprung and I'm really liking it.

Next up this week: making vet appointments for the cats.  They need to get back on their flea drops and that stuff we got Strat on last year was awesome.  The only down side is it has to come from the vet and the cat vet is in Houston.  That's just not something I can do anymore so I asked on fb for a good cat vet and I'm going to call this week for an appointment.  I wonder if they'll see a lion...  Speaking of vets, I noticed Archer walking weird so I need to keep an eye on him and hope he gets to feeling better.  I think it might have to do with his stomach.  He's walking slow and his hind legs are spread a little.  I saw that walk once before, right before he crapped on the sidewalk.  I'm going to see if he goes to the bathroom today.  If not, I'm wondering if he might be constipated.

The fun never ends around here.

let's rewind to when I ordered

the new rug.  A few days later, I went to Walmart to buy a little fluffy rug for the cats.  We decided to get that to maybe keep them off of the new rug so much and let them still enjoy the fluffiness.

It started raining the other day and Strat took to the rug.

Sometimes they both get on but usually, it's only one.  The rug reminds me of the piece of boat scrap from the end of Titanic. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio both could have fit but sticking with the plot, he had to die.  Oh yeah, spoiler.  It really seems like the prop crew would have made a smaller piece of scrap.  Anyway, the rug is our Titanic scrap.

Yes, he knows you're there, Lucille. He just doesn't care.

I heard a joke the other day.  What do you get when you cross the Atlantic with the Titanic?  Halfway.

Okay.  On a similar but more serious note, ever since before the wedding I've been making comments about needing to take a vacation.  I don't need anything major.  I don't need a week in Scotland or anything, just a little road trip.  One place I've always wanted to go is San Antonio.  I've driven through and made a few stops but never spent the weekend.  Cosme and Eric always do their convention every year but because of the animals, I never go.  We finally looked over the calendar at the upcoming months and picked the best weekend.  I knew of a hotel I wanted to stay in that I read about a few years ago.  After doing my trip research, I decided I might not want to stay there.  We decided to leave it up to Priceline.  (We all know I love to name my price and gamble a little.)  We did it.  We booked a 5-star hotel.  How can you go wrong with a 5-star hotel?  Let me tell you.  You start reading reviews and find FREAKING GHOST STORIES.  I asked Cosme if I dare search The St. Anthony being haunted.  I knew I shouldn't but he said to go for it.  I enter "haunted st anth" and the first option I'm given is "haunted st anthony hotel san antonio".  Awesome.  I click on that option and there it is, listed in the top five most haunted places in San Antonio.  Actually, those weren't the exact words but the exact words included the word "evil" and I'm trying to stay positive here.  I'd normally feel really awesome about a 5-star hotel for less than $200 a night but right now I'm feeling like Priceline screwed me over.  Yes, I went on to read the ghost stories.  I also went on to search videos.  I also searched how to keep ghosts away from you.  I'm trying to look on the bright side and came up with a few things:

 ONE.  Cosme said ghosts and things never come around him.  (Whatever, we've both seen an orb float through our room and although asleep, he was still there the night I woke up to our bedroom door opening and then closing.)

TWO.  I've researched and know where the most activity is so maybe we can request to not be put near the fifth or tenth floors... and especially not room 536.

THREE.  I've done more research and already have two bottles of holy water on hand.  I also know where I can get more.  I will be prepared.

Those are the only definite points I have right now but I'm still working on it.  I'll be prepared and if it gets to be too much, we'll come home.  So while I'm preparing myself to ward off spirits, I'm also reminding myself of the people who leave with no ghost stories.  I'm hoping to be added to that list.

we go through phases

around here, normally when it's hot out, where we drink a whole lot of iced tea.  We're in the middle of that phase right now.  I use a 3 quart Mr. Coffee Iced Tea Maker and during these phases I keep two pitchers of tea in the refrigerator.  When the second starts running low, I refill both.  I've been having issues with the machine lately.  It's been leaking.

It's just not worth it anymore.  I've already ruined one dish towel and now that one towel isn't enough to clean up the mess.  I threw the Mr. Coffee in the trash yesterday.  This morning I did it old school, on the stove.  This is my first time so we'll see how it turns out.  Maybe I'll like it better and not replace the Mr. Coffee… which doesn't have great reviews.  I did look it up online yesterday but the leaking seems to be a problem.  Maybe I'll wait for a better model or maybe I'll find a different model.  I never had that problem with my old round one, only this last square one.

I went to help at the church yesterday.  While I was there, it started pouring.  It was bad.  Lightning flashed and all the power went out.  We couldn't stop what we were doing and we were right in the middle of it all.  We finished our stuff by candlelight, flashlight and cell phone calculators.  It was crazy.  It took us longer since we were having to go so slow.  (It's amazing how much faster you can get stuff done with the lights on.)  When it was all done, I was ready to chill.  That's when I got my daily photo.

Then I saw another photo op.

They're REALLY grainy because my ISO was really high.  I don't care though.  The darker downtime was nice.  I know there's a chance of rain today but I'm hoping it'll lay off.  After yesterday, we're good for a few days.

I need to do some research now.  I think I have blueberries in the freezer and if so, I'm going to figure out how to make a blueberry compote type of thing.  I want to make a Dutch butter cake which is really like a big shortbread cookie.  I think it'd be nice if I made some type of topping for it.  Since I think I have blueberries that need to be used, that might be perfect.  Also, blueberries are on sale so if it works, I'll buy and freeze more for another batch later on.

every time I go into city hall

I see this sign on the door.

I don't really LOL when I see it but it makes me smile with a "hmmph".  Whatever that is.  I guess it just amuses me for some reason.  I'm sure if you go into city buildings of bigger towns, the signs read "firearms prohibited".  I like the way my town specifies.

The dogs have been spending a lot of time in the cage with all the cold weather.  This is how they were snuggling on Saturday.

And this is how the cats were snuggling on Sunday.

I was on my way to the store yesterday and I was taking a back road.  I started thinking about how horrible house fires are.  On my way back from the store, on that same road and in the same spot where I thought about how horrible house fires are, someone's travel trailer was engulfed in flames.

The trailer on fire was in front of the long trailer.  I did wait until I got into the back of the neighborhood before I took the picture.  I didn't want to be that person.

You see how my brain works?  I'm already a natural worrier.  When things like that pop into my head and then happen, it makes me worry more.  I should be drinking more.

I've got a lot of baking to do so I can wrap it and give as gifts, well, and keep a little for us too.  I'm trying to keep it simple until Tuesday, or at least tonight.  The dishwasher parts came and will be installed in the morning.  Until then I'm having to wash everything by hand but I'm definitely not worrying about taking up any counter space with drying rack.

I've got two big drying racks that can roll up and be tucked away without taking up any of my work space.  How's that for looking on the bright side?  Another bright side?  My refrigerator is making noises and my washer is acting up periodically.  Thank goodness for appliance warranties.  Right?

I finished two batches of Raspberry Shortbread Bars and they are divided on the platters.

Now I just need to figure out something else to put on there.  Sweeties is a regular cookie recipe on the rotation but they're seriously a pain to make.  Well, they're a pain when the dishwasher is out of order.  There's the bowl for mixing, I think a bowl and sifter, the mixer paddle, something to scrape the edges of the bowl, 2 cookie sheets, a cookie scoop, 2 cookie racks for cooling, a bowl for icing, a whisk for the icing... definitely not making sweeties.  I think I might do Pecan Pie Squares.  Yeah, that's something I feel like snacking on.

Remember that cardinal that was trying to get in the front door way back?

He's never gone away and I think my garland is just making him want to stay longer.  It's like he went from an Econo Lodge to The Ritz-Carlton.  If he asks me for restaurant recommendations or to book a massage, I'll direct him to the cats or dogs.  Problem solved.  And if I do hear the bird talking to me, it's because the worrying and dishwasher made me start drinking more... or not enough.

the animals are happy

that we're back from the beach.  Here are a few pictures, some not being the best quality because of the lighting and zooming.
 
No biggie, just a shot of the living room

 And Archer watching me while using Maggie as a pillow.

Lucille taking cover as usual.

 Strat.

Archer using Maggie as a leg rest.  By the way, he was totally fine and stretched out (with his leg on her) and when I looked at him, he adjusted his head to the side of the cage.  Looking for sympathy to be let out?  Possibly.

Lucille taking cover once again.

Strat monitoring the kitchen.

The dogs showing me they are not ready to go outside and want to stay in the cage.  Guess where they are right now?

Speaking of mutts, Ancestry.com got my spit sample.  I know they told me it'll take 6-8 weeks and I'll get an email with any news but I can't help but check the website every day... several times a day.  I'm anxious.

I really don't know why I'm so anxious since most of my family's general history is known.  After researching and reading over what other people have come up with, I have come to a conclusion or two.  I think the majority of my stuff will be from England, next up is Scandinavian, there will be a small amount of German heritage from my paternal great-great-grandfather? (is that how that's worded?) 2 times great-grandfather? And then I think there might be less than 1% Native American.  Without having to show off too much with my lackluster math skills, if I were to break it down and bet on it, I'd say my stuff will come like so:

PATERNAL
70% Scandinavian
25% English
 5% German

MATERNAL
99% English
1% Native American

Whatever those come out to together is what I'm betting on for myself.  Also, when I say English, that means the UK.  I do know part of the maternal English is out of Wales.  Besides, I've never seen any English care when referring to all Americans as yankees... (GASP)

I think it's time for me to check the Ancestry site again.

over the weekend I had

Lucille wrapped up in a blanket while we were watching tv. 

Then a commercial came on and she looked like she could be an ultra hip DJ in da kitty club.

DJ LuLu

Scratching is her specialty.

We picked up Popeye's for dinner last night.  Cosme had a po-boy but I tried some new chicken they have, Sweet & Crunchy.  It was different.  It was sweet and crunchy.  While they serve it with a packet of smoky pepper jam sauce or something, I don't know.  It tasted like chicken and waffles so smoky pepper sauce wouldn't have been my first choice to go with chicken and waffles.  You know what would have though?

Syrup.

I thought about writing Popeye's and making a suggestion.

While this chicken definitely isn't something I'd want all the time, it was fine last night for dinner. 

I think I'll go for a walk before it gets too hot.  I'm sure a mile walk will make me ready for the beach, right?

remember those two cats

that live here?  Lucille wanted to sit and bathe in the sun yesterday.

Strat thought it sounded like a good idea too.

Then he copied her and decided to just lie there, all clean in the sun.

Still chillin'.

"Hey.  'Sup?"

Then Lucille's attention was drawn to something outside.  Probably a bird?  (My attention was drawn to that big streaky smudge on the outside of the door.)

Then Strat resumed his role of Copy Cat.

Then they left and went to eat and I grabbed the Windex and cleaned the door.

Last night, between 7:30 and 8:00, I heard Maggie getting all worked up.  That dog had her head under the gate, trying to wiggle the rest of her body under... WITH THE FENCE COLLAR ON AND ACTIVE.  I guess I'm turning it up more today.  Anyway, I started banging on the window trying to get her to stop.  I went to the back door to let them both in the cage and the weather looked really bad.  I'm wondering if that's why she was freaking out.  As soon as I opened the back door, she came running in and Archer was practically jumping over her to get in too.

I took this picture looking out from the garage, it's NOT black and white.  I didn't have time to focus any better and before I could get another one, BOOM.  Lightning cracked and we came inside.  It was really, really creepy out there.

Ten minutes later the storm passed and that was that.  Today is supposed to be much prettier.  Now I just have to convince Maggie because she still won't go outside.

i should be at the

vet's office this morning picking up flea pills for the dogs but instead I'm on the computer because I just got an email that presale tickets for The Cult is 10am.  I'll tell you about yesterday while we wait.

I gave Strat his weekly bath and was done, just totally fed up with his situation.  I called the Cat Vet Clinic a few blocks down from Eric.  I loaded him up for his 2:30 appointment and that was that.  Sure I felt like a traitor when they had to call our regular vet to have his records transferred but deep down, I'm sure they'll get over it.  I mean they still make a killing off of us on the dogs.

He took it pretty well.  I think he's totally fed up with his situation too.  (Ignore his dirty backside.  He decided to sit in litter before he was completely dry.)

 I think the fact there was no barking and only the smells of human and cat helped.  They tried to get a urine sample but it didn't work.  I left him overnight and Eric's picking him up to bring home today.

Cosme and I met up at his eye doctor and then met up with Eric for dinner.  When we finally made it home, Cosme got to work cleaning the cats' room while I gave Lucille a bath.  We pulled the food, water and litter box out into the entry way and shut off their room for the night.  I felt so sorry for Lucille.  She seemed so sad and lonely.  This morning she's been in one of her old spots though, hidden away behind the chair.

I think she's kind of enjoying the break from the bedroom, Strat's issues and a dog-free cage.  As for me, I'm enjoying this quiet time before the day really starts.  We've got a full day ahead and I'm sure Strat will need another bath.  (Sometimes urine samples will do that... )

UPDATE: The vet just called and instead of peeing in the litter box, he decided to sleep in it.  Still no urine but he's getting grouchy and is ready to come home so they're going to sedate him for a sample.

ADDITIONAL UPDATE: Cult tickets purchased.

Now I'm going to enjoy the rest of my day.

i think i'm going

to need a bigger calendar.  A while back I mentioned how I was looking into a bullet journal.  While I didn't go and buy one, I adjusted a spiral notebook to fit my needs and loosely based it on a bullet journal.  It works for me.  If you aren't sure what a bullet journal is, it's too much for me to describe but you can find out here. The quote on the site says it all.  "The analog system for the digital age"  I've mentioned before that I'm a little bit obsessed with the details (needing my multiple lists) and then there's how I prefer to operate out of a spiral notebook.  So I guess while I don't actually use a bullet journal, the stuff I've read on them has helped me to organize my thoughts and lists in my spiral notebook.  Oh, it's also given me a good reason to buy colored pens.  So back to what I was saying, I might need a bigger notebook.  Or maybe I just need to write smaller?  Or maybe just not be such a busy gal? 

Pinterest sent out an email asking for volunteers for some beta testing program they want feedback on.  I figured I'm on it enough so sure, I'll try it.  Then they added the fine print.

Pinterest has obviously never had a conversation with me.  I don't even know how many Christmas and birthday presents I've let slip on accident.  Sure, I'm no good at keeping that kind of secret but even when I'm doing a great job I usually accidentally slip and ruin something.  So if I do it and accidentally spill the beans, please don't tell on me.

I was looking through my iPad and found some old pictures.

This was our holding pattern before landing in London.

It's crazy and making me dizzy.

I did a screen shot of this because I misread it.  I thought "kids" was "AIDS".

That was a little heavy and maybe a bit harsh.

And then there's Lucille reacting.  The top is Faith No More blaring on the speakers.  The bottom is Food Network.

That's Lucille for you.  She's so unlike Strat, who enjoys Metallica and The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

Now I'm off to make a bigger calendar to make note of all the doctor appointments I have coming up.  I guess writing smaller won't be an option.

you know what's

crazy?  In the past when I've been so busy, I've totally neglected the blog.  Lately I've been really busy but I've managed to keep up over here.  Hmm... Maybe it's because I've worked it into my routine?  Maybe because Eric's moved out and there's one (or two) less loads of laundry to do?  Maybe it's because of this creative rut I've been in so I'm not preoccupied with anything like that?  Maybe it's because I've become so underimpressed (is that even a word?) with so much happening on FB that I've put all that extra social media energy into this?  But wait, I'm just as busy with Instagram so that theory doesn't fit.  I don't know.  I do know I've been pretty consistent and I'm okay with that.  I feel so organized and on top of things.  Maybe that's the answer!  I'm so on top of things that I'm not overwhelmed with my to-do list and voilà... here's a post!  Yeah, but I'm sure the other things have a small part to play as well.

Anyway... I used Grandma's yeast roll recipe but I did it a little differently.  Instead of rolling them out and cutting them with a biscuit cutter to bake in a muffin tin (as seen looking very yellow here), I just made little balls like this

I still let them rise for a while.

I baked them on a little lower of a temp and reduced it more after a little bit.  And Instead of pulling them out of the oven after the 12 minutes, I turned the oven off and let them sit in there a little longer.  They came out like this

Perfect.  Well, perfect except for the fact that other than coarse sea salt and kosher salt, my only form of salt was a grinder so I didn't really get an accurate measurement for that.  Live and learn but hey, at least I had salted butter.  Right?

In animal news, I heard whimpering yesterday and looked under the table.  One of the cats was having a bad dream but they each had their own chair.

You know, if I were say... more like a cat and wanted to be a jerk, I could've slammed my fist on the table and woke everybody up.  But I didn't.  Maybe the cats should take notes.

Now I'm off.  I've got places to go and people to see.  More specifically, I need to run to a few stores and pick up some raffle tickets to sell tonight.  I guess I could dry my hair too.