Recovery had a bit of a set back

I'm back to sitting on the warm laptop while I recover. Unfortunately, today mom was trying to finish "taxes" and I was in the way. But she understood that I'm feeling poorly and let me recover in peace. Hopefully the IRS will understand. Maybe dad will build another fire tonight?

Bald eagles in Central Texas

While I was recovering at the hospital, dad and mom were driving back from their visit with Dar. On the way they stopped to see the bald eagle nest in Llano, Tx. It is quite unusual to have nesting bald eagles, and this nest had 2 baby eagles! The adult eagles have been nesting in the same area since 2003, but moved to a new tree last year!

I was thrilled when they picked me up and took me home. But, I did not like having to take antibiotics, pain meds, and daily irrigation of the extraction site in my mouth. Mom said that I'm a high maintenance cat. But, she also says that I'm a really nice cat. And Dr. Mendoza thinks so too!

Dar had a little concert...

Dad and mom left me at Dr. Mendoza's place for a few days so they could attend a concert Dar held at his school. It was called a senior recital, and he played some difficult music for 45 minutes! Whew.











While they were all having fun I was having some problems. My stitch on my gum broke open and food packed into the extraction site. Luckily, Dr. Mendoza was on call and saved my life! She noticed that I wasn't eating the way I usually do (like a pig). And she didn't have any help but she managed to irrigate the wound (I will always cooperate for my doctor), gave me antibiotics and pain meds, and I was feeling better right away.

Will you look at all that food!

Today I felt better and was glad I didn't miss seeing the inside of the "fridge". It sure looks like a lot of stuff, but I can't figure out if any of that stuff is really edible! I have a box full of cans of cat food, so I don't know how this figures into my diet.

I did try some yogurt, and once I had some cheese. I guess it depends on how hungry I am. Of course I did like a bite of pork chop, and a nibble of beef stew.

Following doctor's orders

Last night mom and dad let me sleep in bed with them. Mom was worried about the cold weather, and my not staying warm. But, evidently, as small as I am, I hogged the bed and mom woke up with stiff legs. She was afraid of bumping me or forcing me to move, thus causing me pain. So, I guess it's back to Dar's room tonight! Oh well, I tried. I can hardly wait for Dar to come home for spring break!

It hurts to smile

Today I didn't feel quite so chipper, the anesthesia must be wearing off. I have some pain meds, so I should be OK. I don't feel like playing and mom has hidden all of my toys, turned my scratching post on its side so I don't jump or stretch. Doesn't she know that I'm full grown and have some common sense? And anyway, I couldn't jump if I wanted to.







Actually, I did try to jump up on the bed and mom heard me growl at myself for trying such a stupid thing!

My biggest concern is how long will it take for my belly fur to grow back? It is a bit chilly this way.

Recovery after surgery

Mom took me in this morning for surgery, for a tooth extraction and for spaying. Dr. Mendoza did a great job on both, except that once she had opened me up she discovered that I had already been spayed! There was no scar, so she had no choice. And the broken tooth had to be removed...it was a mess... swollen gum... probably affected my attitude too.

When Dr. Mendoza talked to mom she got the address for my blog, and joked that she could hardly wait to read what I had to say about the repeat surgery! I have no complaint though, I really like my doctor!

Tonight is so cold that dad started a fire. I couldn't figure it out, but was amazed at how warm it was. The perfect way to relax after surgery.

Best use for a dog bed

 Evidently Emma had a dog bed that she slept in. But I have a much better use for it, to hunt and capture my favorite rope. Wait, where did it go? I can play this game for a long time...until I get tired.

I do love the sun!

I am addicted to laying in the sun, looking out the window. There is so much to see. I've begun to see people walking dogs, kids riding bikes, stray cats passing through, squirrels playing and chasing up and down the trees. It's been warm and everyone is busy outside.

The cold affects us all

I woke this morning to a very cold house! Dad and mom slept in and had not turned on the furnace! And there was scant sunshine coming in to warm up my bones. As the day progressed, the day turned colder, but we had very little rain, and no snow.

I am worried about Dar, he and his friends are driving back to college from San Antonio, and their path will take them through all of the ice and snow on the roads. Dar has very little experience on ice, and I'm hoping that he is being careful. He's called several times to update dad and mom on their progress. Sounds like they will be driving until late tonight. Mom has the weather radar for the entire state of Texas up on the computer, and refers to it every so often. She is worried. But Dar is smart and he will be careful.

Meanwhile, I have found the perfect place to sleep, mom's chair! Emma used to sleep in dad's chair, and now I have mom's chair!

Not the usual Saturday

Today is Saturday and both dad and mom are home, off and on. Before they left on errands I sat on dad's lap quite awhile, hopping for a handout of food, but they are being strict with the rations.

I'm getting as much sun as I can to warm my bones before the cold arrives tomorrow.

Dad and mom took dinner to grandma and grandpa and didn't come home til after dark! I was really hungry by then and gave mom a talking to. She is the one who taught me to talk, so I told her what I thought!

Warm up while you can, cold is coming!

Today I learned that cold and rain were headed our way, so I decided to get in as much sun bathing as I could.

My back started getting stiff so I changed position.

I know that it appears that I sleep all day, but I do stay up all night playing! I need to sleep sometime.

Mom started making dinner and when dad arrived home I just had to see what he was doing! "Filing bills" seems to be a pastime around here. And mom warned dad that I was coming so he blocked my entry into the cupboard! They even put a child proof lock on the door so I can't open it.

Beef stew

Tonight I smelled the beef stew mom was cooking for dinner. It smelled so good I really wanted to share dinner with dad and mom.














Then dad gave me the look, and I decided to settle down ...

and wait for a second dinner of my cat food.

Here comes the sun

I had such a big day today that I was compelled to sleep in the sun. This window seat is the best perk of staying with dad and mom! Once mom comes home I have a late lunch, mom plays with me and then I sleep in the sun. And, if the squirrels come out I just turn my head and watch them jump through the trees!

Monday again, time flies by

I started out the day ready to play. After spending the night in Dar's room, keeping myself entertained, I was ready to play with mom, but she was in a rush to get to work (they asked her to come in on her day off!). So, I had to get the strings and play without help.

Mom came home at lunch time and found evidence of my catching and dragging things all over the house. I think I did a great job! She said it reminded her of what Dar would do to the house every time he had watched the movie "Home Alone".

 Tonight I'm worn out from the day's activities, and think I'll be ready to get to bed early.

Of interest, after mom helped me finish this post we checked the statistics for my blog. I have readers in the United States, Germany, Poland, India, Japan and the Netherlands! That's pretty good for a street cat!

Name Change

Dad said that my blog should be renamed to reflect my recent sex change (dad is a real joker). I've given my blog a tentative new title, but Dar has to help me a bit. The issue came about because I was a wild (stray) cat that Dar adopted and whisked home during Christmas break. Everyone was afraid to handle me too much so Dar just assumed that I was a boy cat. As you know, my wonderful vet, Dr. Mendoza, set the record straight (see my blog of January 23, 2012). Well, Dar still has not renamed me so dad and mom call me Chester, Chessie, Chess, Kitty, Cat, Emma (you know who does that)... Dar, if you read this get busy and rename me. I want a great name, something that reflects what I have gone through, and recognizes the cat that I am becoming! Dr. Mendoza called me Chestine (I won't vote for that one, but at least she was trying). Until I get a name I like I will not respond to anything except "kitty-kitty-kitty come for food", or the sound of the cat food can being opened like a pop-top!


Dar, look how pretty I am! And curious, and well behaved.

I am your cat. I miss you and I love you (you did save me!). Now, give me a name!

It's getting squirrely

Today I was ready for the squirrels, they came up close to the window and I said HI! They ran. I jumped up to dad's lap. I didn't mean to be angry, just friendly.

Squirrels get friendly

This afternoon I watched the squirrels. They are getting friendly. Now when they see me in the window they come across the yard and look for the acorns in our yard. One came right below me and I tried to say hi!

When dad got home I told him all about it! He was happy that I had so much fun with the squirrels.

Computer Whiz

Mom and I checked on Dar’s status this afternoon, using the computer. I approached the computer carefully, trying to get a feel for it. 

I’m getting computer literate. It’s fun to paw keys and watch things happen on the screen (mom is still trying to undo all of my work). And, I love the mouse, the computer mouse!!! And, since it turned cold today, the computer was the perfect warmer, just my size.

Then, right on schedule the squirrels came out to play and I had to quit the computer!

I didn't mind since this is my favorite place in the whole house!

Just hanging out

Today, dad and I hung out after work. He didn't say a thing when I joined him and mom in their room. 

I got a bit nervous when the heater started and I went on alert.

Dad reassured me. Maybe I can win him over!