The above photo is my cat, Patches. We have two cats. You may have read about them before, here and here.
See, my cats are indoor/outdoor cats. We live in the country. Who am I kidding? We live way-back in the country. Off the main road. You'd get lost, if you tried to find us out here. We used to have a problem with field mice. As you know, if you've been reading my journal faithfully, I scream like a little girl when I see a mouse. I am grateful that my cats keep those nasty, little devils away from my house. However, that doesn't mean that I want to see or hear them killing the poor little things. This morning, after finishing my weekend project and getting it posted, my husband came home to get his invoice book, and started yelling at Puzzle, "Leave that thing alone!" I went outside because I wanted to make sure that she didn't bring whatever she was killing on my front porch as a gift for me. (They do that) I saw that it was a little ground squirrel! I yelled, "Puzzle, NO!" She chased it under the porch, I asked Paul if he was going to do something, he says, "What can I do? They are cats, that's what they do!" "Not if I can help it!" I said. I got my broom, and tried to make her leave it alone. By that time, Patches (the baby cat) got curious, and they gained up on it. Paul got some milk and poured into a bowl, because normally, they drop whatever they are doing for milk or a can of tuna. Nope, not this time. The squirrel managed to break free, and ran onto our porch while we got the cats attention for one second, and Paul put on a welding glove to pick it up and was going to put it in a place of safety. The poor thing didn't know what to do, who to trust. I don't know what the poor thing was thinking, it got confused and ran right back to Patches! She chased it under the storage building. As hard as I tried, and yelled, she didn't come back out. I know it's too late, and I feel horrible! I love my cats, and I know that's what cats do, but I can't get stuff like that out of my head.
There I stood, broom in one hand, rocks in the other, yelling under the storage building, "You are NOT coming back in the house today! I mean it! You mean thing, you!No milk or tuna for you, young lady!!" I turned around, Paul had already left, because a contractor was waiting on him at the jobsite, and I was all alone. I did see three of my neighbors looking at me like I was crazy. One woman made her children come in the house, and an elderly man was laughing and shaking his head at me. I had been yelling as loud as my lungs would allow it, and that alone would be enough to make them come out to see what the fuss was all about. I tried to call my mom to share the sad news with her, but she isn't home. No one else is home to share it with. So...I thought I'd get it out of my head, here in my journal. However silly or boring I may seem, this is my life.
God, I can't wait for the bus to bring Stephen home. I miss that lil' booger so much when he's at school. I've been busy trying to get caught up on house work and realized, today is the day the housekeeper comes. (Every Tuesday at 2:00) Last week, she didn't have anything to do once she got here either. She was a big help with Stephen, and prepared his snack. But, other than that, she and I sat, and talked and played with Stephen for 2 hours. I've never had the luxury of someone else doing my dishes, mopping, dusting, laundry...etc. I just don't "feel right" about letting someone else do it. But, Stephen will lose his waiver if I don't take advantage of some type of service. Just feels wrong though. His case worker and I are hoping that this young woman and Stephen will bond, and she can become our respite provider in the future. She has 2 children of her own, so I know she should be experienced with child care. I can't imagine, his daddy and I going out to dinner, just the two of us. Or to the movies. Or even a walk...all alone for 4 or 6 whole hours! We've done it before, and sadly...we have nothing to talk about, except Stephen. This is not a healthy sign. Is that parenthood? Or...a bad sign? I feel it's a bad sign.
::sigh:: That little ground squirrel made me think about lots of things today. I value life, and when I witness something like that, it makes me think about the important things.
14 comments:
AWWWW I love my cats too. But that woudl make me mad. Poor thing. So sorry wish you could have done something. I know you were at a loss. Wonder (just in case it happens agian ) if you got a water hose and squirted them would they stopped or a spray bottle of vinegar. That stops dogs from attcking when you are walking. It makes them stop fighting. Something about the vinegar and urine smell are similar and they think its another animal and it burns their nose. ust some thoughts. Mee tooooooo on the maid. I would not feel comfortable at all Lori
Mia, if you and Paul haven't had a "real date" in forever you guys needs to not worry about what to talk about go out for dinner and act like teenagers again! Make out a little. LOL you will feel much better believe me, when I get tired of just being a mom Jeremy and I get to go out and do something we go to eat and fool around for a while before we come home. LOL I can't believe I just told you that. ~Sonya
awww. I hate that too. I have gone and tried to save a few animals in my lifetime in owning cats before too. not fun. and I never win. :( but, I always still loved my kitties. :) I miss them. hope your feeling better, isn't journaling great. :)
Aww, I'm sorry about the squirrel, but Paul is right too. That's just one of the things cats do, and I've been the recipient of birds, moles, mice, and one Christmas morning, a full grown rabbit, from one of my cats. I've tried to intervene once too, but was too late. I'm sorry you had to go thru that today, no matter what creature, it hurts.
Love you, Penny
Mia, I have 5 cats myself....and they are all the time catching mice and leaving them for me as presents. I'm just like you! I've rescued more than one...taking it outside in a butter bowl, and setting it free. Yes, cats do that. It still bothers me though! LOL You are too funny! Love your journal! ~Connie~
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Scotty is our only pet. He's a 15 year old cat that has more neurosis than Woody Allen and routinely barfs up on the floor. It's almost time for him to take "The Long Walk."
Remember the care provider does this because she wants to and knew the gig coming in. Trust me, I live this too. That 2 or 4 hour window can hold alot of fun for consenting adults. Enjoy it! Your son wants to see you happy, too.
I've had this happen twice in my life. Both times were while we lived in NJ. Once our Maine Coon Cat got a baby rabbit and brought it in. I grabbed the cat and made him let go. We put the little rabbit in a box with some warm flannel in it. We tried to hand feed him with warm milk but, he was so scared he died of what I think was heart failure. Another time my dog got in to a nest of rabbits and had them all over the yard playing with them. After I brought the dog in I went back out and only found one rabbit dead. I guess Mom got all the other bunnies away safely. It's hard to deal with but, you must remember that our pets were once someones dinner also. The laws of the jungle still prevail today. Hello Stephen. Regards, Bill.
Sorry about that mia, it is weird how sometimes we start thinking about life from the smallest things :) Talking about your son is a wonderful sign. Its no different than having a hobby, he is a wonderful kid and I would talk about him too! :) You can try to encourage other conversation but dont be worried if it is just bringing him up in a conversation for a while it shows you are loving and caring parents! But we already knew that! :)
Awww.. I'm sorry about the squirrel. I would have felt the same way, I'm sure. I know that's what cats do, but that's why I don't have cats. LOL :(
And sweetie, you've GOT to let that woman HELP you! That's what she's there for. And lord knows, you could use the help. Just let go of whatever's keeping you from asking for help. Why not make a list this week of odd jobs you'd like to get done around the house.. and either have her do them, or YOU do them, and leave the other jobs alone for her to take care of.
I think once you get married and have kids, your kids just naturally become the thing you talk about. It's not necessarily a bad thing.. that's just life. You could always buy one of those "questions" books and go over them at dinner, then see a movie you wouldn't normally get to watch because of Stephen. Or just take advantage of your quiet time together, don't talk at all... just hold hands.
Love you!
very cute cats......
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It's always difficult to accept the animal kingdom and their ways sometimes. I'm sorry to hear about the squirrel. Cats are hunters by nature and when they bring their kill to you, it's the highest compliment. They are bringing it for their pack leader for praise. I understand not wanting to praise them - because you don't want to encourage the behavior. ::sigh:: tough one.
I know you have trouble accepting help but Stephen has a woman there to help you help him. LET HER. That's the time you should be in the bathtub with a meditation tape or on a walk or at a bookstore or on a date with Paul. Whatever. Just allow yourself to drop in and rest. I'll bet this woman would be thrilled for you to let her do what she's there to do. :)
I imagine if you and Paul had things going on in your lives other than Stephen and each other, you'd have stuff to talk about. Let yourself have that "me time" so you can share yourself with your family. ::smoochies::
I would have been freaking out too! But, cats don't realize good vermin versus bad vermin. It's only food to them and that's the animal world. Don't stay mad too long. :-) ---Robbie
Hi... visiting your journal for the first time, directed here because we both were on Armandt's Hell Bent list! Very interesting journal...
re: your housekeeper, I spent some time as a personal care attendant/housekeeper for a man who was quadrapalegic. We managed to have social time together while also socializing. He had it down: a very organized list of things to do. So, do try to let your housekeeper help, even if it's hard! Take care,
--Albert
I feel bad for the little squirrel, but like your husband says, cats will be cats, sigh.
Take those two free hours to rest and do something for yourself, Mia. I know you love Stephen, but it's important that you also take care of yourself and have some "me" time. It will do wonders for your soul and will only make your time with Stephen even better. =P
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