MORNING ROLL CALL L JUNE 2026

🎂Happy birthday, @SummerOnTheWay1 .  For your viewing pleasure:

Willie Mae demonstrates the proper usage of the Willie Mae stick. Handy for feral cats who tend to get over stimulated and will not hesitate to grab an exposed hand.

Giorgio enjoying a tummy rub with the Willie Mae stick and making air biscuits

Hello folks, I am still alive and well, actually doing very well.  I made it to my initial annual physical, no problems on blood work or exam.  Keeping the blood glucose and blood pressure within reason although not where I would like.  Heading for calcium score and bone density test next week.  I kind of expect problems with both.  

Weather turning cooler thankfully although we will have another hot week before Labor Day.  All dogs, chickens doing well.  Deer rampaging in the garden.   Moving here is the smartest  and best thing I have done in a long time 😍.

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@SummerOnTheWay1 , obviously you won't be able to leave your door open.  So Mr. will have to get used to closed doors.  If he is inside, he will let you know he wants out and all you can do is just periodically check when he is outside.  I was going to suggest that the only other option is a cat door when I saw your most recent post.  But you rent?  The landlord might have something to say about that. 🙄

Since Mr. is already comfortable coming inside and making himself at home, you might want to seriously consider introducing a litter box.  When it is bitterly cold and snowing, he might be less likely to want to go outside, and if he has "options", he won't have to.  Last resort would be to provide some sort of outdoor shelter.  The cheapest alternative is a styrofoam cooler or meat packing box (for insulation), easy to cut a door in the side, weigh the lid down, and fill it with straw, not blankets.  Straw also has insulating properties and they can burrow or nest in it.  Blankets will retain moisture and are not good at maintaining a cat's body heat.

Welcome to winter cat camping.  I remember the kids' first winter.  Any chance at trying to domesticate them and get them to come inside was a dismal failure.  On of their first shelters was a styrofoam Omaha Meats box.  Still have it and the occasional possum will use it.  However, Willie Mae and Giorgio's winter encampment has evolved over the years (coming up on their 8th winter) to igloos and heated kitty beds and sheds (and yes, it can get expensive), but since Mr. will come inside, that's a major step.  And we have seen other ferals come and go.  I dearly miss Stellar (Giorgio's brother), Boz, Armani, BUC every day. 😢😿

@SummerOnTheWay1 , oh my goodness, I didn't know that Mr. had actually started coming inside.  Congratulations on becoming one of the lucky recipients of the CDS (Cat Distribution System).  Looks like you're his new adopted mom. 😻

@SummerOnTheWay1, just came in from taking Willie Mae and Giorgio on a short walkabout and/or pee break if needed while it is still sunny out and before the remnants of Debby move in. 🌧️.  Willie Mae plopped in some shady spot and after a few belly rubs with her stick, she seemed content to stay in her spot.  Giorgio followed me to the door for his 'obligatory' treats (said facetiously, only he thinks they're obligatory 😼), and who am I to disappoint him.

I am sure Ms. G has set her son straight on the care of Mr., but it's great that you have taken over as the "other mom". 😻

I like watching the track & field events. 

For sure, the American athletes in swimming and gymnastics were incredible!

How many of you are watching the Olympics?

Mary and I have been watching most of it.

We mainly like to follow swimming and gymnastics. Our three Daughters were competative swimmers and two of them swam in college on scholarship. We understand what the athletes parents went through with athletes training and competition meets taking up much of your life. 

What are your favorite Olympic sports.

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@Frozenoem   I am having a hard time picturing you in another place!   Good luck with house sale, always great to get an offer.  

Still hot and humid here,  my countdown to the September has begun.   We have finally been able to mow, to the relief of my dogs.  They do not like tall wet grass.