I called dibs

yummy power cords

After numerous tears in the baby video monitor's power cord, Guss has succeeded in making it unusable, despite Davinder's repeated repair attempts. It could be that the cable is now too short; it's been patched at least 6 times! $10 for a replacement.

The Hisser and The Pisser

We weren't very happy with Guss' attempts at dominance through peeing, but he now focuses on chasing and swiping at Squirtcup. Squirt seems shocked by the fact that she no longer is the dominant fuzz. She seems to cuddle more with Lucinda and Davinder. Of course, she hasn't given up unprovoked biting. That's her trademark. Yet somehow Guss' size advantage enables him to win the kitty battles. Although he's rather limp when you pick him up, he doesn't come when you call his name, or initiate a lot of cuddling. He seems to like to sleep next to people though. His personality is still unfolding.

Lucinda misses the elegance and grace of Nietzsche: the way she moved and jumped like a gifted athlete. Scout's sweet chirping are also sourly missed.

Reversal of Rolls

How could this have happened? Now Guss is chasing Squirt around, stalking her and jumping on her. She's getting a taste of her own medicine and isn't too happy about it. Hopefully there's some play going on as well between them, but there is definitely no cuddling. So much for a fuzzy romance.

Mac 'n Cheese

Able to withstand Squirt's random unprovoked attacks, Guss spends a lot of time with Austen and Mama. He even lets Austen hold him. Today he shared a bowl of mac 'n cheese with Austen, even though she told him, "No! That's Austen's mac 'n cheese." (She speaks rather well for a barely two year old.) Unfortunately, the pair dropped the bowl on the floor and shattered the special Sesame Place bowl. However, the didn't seem to mind as much as Mama.

Squirt's Life is about to Change.

No more sleeping on the couch all day. Squirt has discovered that stalking Guss is an interesting pursuit. She's even decided to approach him in peace from time to time. And it's all happened so quickly. Lucinda sees much cat fighting and chasing in their future. Things are really looking up for Squirt's social life.

[Add photo of Squirt and Guss first joint cuddle time with Davinder]

Squirt is singing "Ding Dong, the Witch is Dead!"

The problem is (1) Guss is a boy, (2) he's not aggressive toward Squirt in the least and (3) he's returning tomorrow after his neutering operation is complete.

Upstairs, Downstairs

Detante, as of now. Guss is running around upstairs while Squirt pouts around downstairs. No major fights, although Squirt hisses and yowls when Guss tries to approach her.

Welcome, Gusspinder Lebowski!

Our sable, Halloween cat. He's hard to photograph because he's the color of Davinder's hair but here we go ...






He's a real sweetie like Scout (as you can see from his tolerance of Austen) but not as timid or anxious as Scout Louise. He's a very mellow, easy-going adonis.

You're a very cuddly guy, Guss! (Just watch it with the soft paw to the eye. That scares Lucinda.)

Soft, Sweet, Laser-Loving and Lovable Fuzz -- with a distinct ditzy side.

She's at peace tonight, after having wasted away from cancer. The past few days she wasn't really moving around much.

Over the last few weeks of Scout's life, Austen learned to be gentle with her and pet her nicely, although Scout never liked Austen's loud voice.

Lucinda got Scout from the Famous Farm when she was only 6 weeks old. Scout always thought of Lucinda as her mommy. Lucinda and Davinder have both been crying over her and will miss her always. We still think of and talk about Nietzsche who passed away last year around this time.