"Feline Friday": as 2006 ends...

A couple of new photos ~ ~

Prue and Phoebe are now getting along fine.  Remember, Phoebe came to us in August, was a 'basement kitty' for several months before she trusted us enough to join our family.  Just a few days ago, Beau and I came home and found the two of them on the sofa...together.  Look at their identical poses!  Caught Prue having a nice big yawn. 

Genavieve, who is Prue's daughter, still prefers to hang out alone.  She spends a lot of time outdoors, but during the night will sleep somewhere on my bed near me.  I think here Gena is gazing at the Christmas tree, wondering which gifts were for her.  The kitties all got stockings, of course!  New shiny pom-poms and catnip mice to play with.  

~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~*

Last year at this time, we had 5 cats.  Kashmir, Shadow, Prue, Genavieve and Jinx.  3 boys and 2 girls.  Things happen, and life changes ~ pets and loved ones come and go.   Now we have the 3 girls ~ Prue, Genavieve and Phoebe. 

Kashmir now lives with my son's father and will be 15 years old on Valentine's Day.  They both moved out last February.  David and I got him together as a tiny kitten in 1992, and I miss him ~ but it's okay, he's happy with David, who I really don't miss. This is my favorite photo of Kashmir, taken a year ago. 

Shadow.  Beau's birthday present on his 4th birthday.  Shadow was 6 years old on April 1st of this year, which is also the day he went missing.  David had taken him over to his house to visit Kashmir.  He was there less than 24 hours, David's father's cat beat him up, and he left.  I think I am more heartbroken than Beau is.  He just refuses to think of Shadow, because it makes him so sad.  He also blames his Dad for taking him over there.  Indeed, he should not have.  Quite upsetting, not knowing what became of beautiful Shadow.

And the handsome little black Jinx.  Never really wanted here to begin with, brought home May 2005 by my troubled eldest stepson ~ who never took care of him, of course that task went immediately to me.  Jinx was very unhappy when Phoebe came here in August.  He began to pee all over the place, and I had to throw away an area rug from the basement bedroom and the beautiful 8x10 area rug we had in the living room.  He also, I think, was sick ~ and I told David he had to take him, that obviously he was never 'my' cat and I don't have the money for vet care.  He picked him up, took him to his house ~ and Jinx took off from there.  So these are my last posts of Kashmir, Shadow and Jinx, now they are cats from my past.  It's been quite a year of change and adjustment, and we all are just hanging in there.  Okay, so I know this is a photo journal and not my 'writing' journal, and I usually don't put this much out there...but it's such a time of reflection for me.  I guess I don't feel happy that a new year is beginning, but sad that another year is ending. 

~~~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~*~~~~~ 

One more somber note, (please don't be too upset with me, Mom) I want to pay tribute to my Mom's cat Moses, who very unexpectedly died just yesterday afternoon.  He was 11 years old, and apparently had a major heart attack/stroke episode that paralyzed his back and legs and made his breathing very difficult.  They rushed him to an emergency vet office, where he received an injection to end his pain.   Beau and I were at Mom's yesterday afternoon, and I was sitting with Moses, petting him and scratching him all around his ears.  How unreal it is to think that he was living his last couple of hours, and we had no way of knowing.  I'm so very sorry for the loss of Moses.  In the past, Moses had been a commenting kitty in several editions of "Feline Friday" and once or twice, had his picture featured as well, along with his adopted sister Mitzie.

Rest in peace, lovely white Moses.

 

The final "Feline Friday" of 2006 is here, at (sometimes)photoblog. 

 

Peace On Earth

And the angel said to them, "Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you; you will find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."   

~ Luke 2:10-12

 

Love and Peace ~

 

Merry Christmas to all.

 

 

Yankee Candle Village

Just getting to sharing a few photos from our trip last month to Yankee Candle Village in S. Deerfield, Mass.  I'm quite bummed lately because my photo quality is HORRIBLE ~ thinking my computer's video card is going or something.  Everything looks awful and distorted.  Not just my photos, but everyone's, all over j-land and even all over the web.  Photos and graphics, all a mess.  It's got me depressed.  Well, anyway, while I still have some pics, here they are.   I hope they don't look blurry and distorted to you all!

 

Beau with a cute little mountainside village there.  I just love the tiny ski-lifts (gondolas?)!  He thinks they're cool.  He said to make sure I got them in the picture! 

Do you know that here in central Connecticut, we are still having weather up into the 50's most days?  Not one flake of snow in sight!  Not forcasted for Christmas, either.  Supposed to be very grey and in the upper 40's on Monday.  I think tomorrow is going to pour rain.   :HUGE POUT:  We are going to get whalloped with blizzards in February, just watch.   I am, however, happy that we don't live in the Denver area...but my stepson Eric does live in Colorado Springs!  YIKES!  Don't know how they're doing out there today. 

 

How's this for a giant Lego creation?!?  A Bionicle Hero!  Beau loved that.  Can you imagine building that?  I can't!! 

Grrrr.

 

That's what I think every time I see a nutcracker.

 

Grrrrrrr!

 

 

Round Robin Photo Challenge: Lights of the Holidays

Sometimes when I walk out of my den into the hall, I pass by the living room and see this beautiful reflection of our Christmas tree in my little sun mirror.  I decided to capture it the other day when I happened by the Round Robin blog and saw what the latest challenge was!  So here we go.

Here are the other Round Robin participants. 

 

 

Monday Photo Shoot: Trees and Menorahs

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Show off your Christmas tree and/or Menorah and/or other seasonally appropriate holiday centerpiece.

 

Here's our little Christmas tree, Beau's and mine.

Here's a photo of it in the dark, when we first set it up.  Do you notice, I did change the top, from the angel to the star.  Beau liked the new star better! 

 

Monday Photo Shoot is found here:   By The Way...

Feline "Rawr" Friday!

Gena getting her party on!!

      ( Actually, she was just sayin' meow )

Feline Friday featuring Pickle, and a couple bonus days

of neighbor cat Harley as well ~

here at (sometimes)photoblog.  Check them out!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

...hand crafted glass hippo ornaments?

 

:)

 

 

baby lovebird

 

 

 

Feline Pieday - Thanksgiving Edition

 

I think this photo of Phoebe and the pies is just crying

out for a caption - do you agree?

Leave yours in the comments,  just for fun !!

Play along over at (sometimes)photoblog, home of the original Feline Friday.  Check it out this week, special photo challenge winners have been announced! 

Feline Friday "Genavieve"

 

 

My fluffy~puffy bigmouth girl, Genavieve.

Steven hasn't posted Feline Friday yet.  *update: it's posted ~ click here~~~~~> (sometimes)photoblog.

 How's that for getting ahead of the game this week?

I'll update later with his link.  But I have the feeling you all know

where to find him. 

In case you had any doubt

The countdown to Santa Claus has begun! 

This is the official clock at Santa's workshop up at

Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield, Mass.

Of course it's even closer now, as I took this

photo on Tuesday!!   :)

 

Happy Toy Shopping!!

Glow

Phoebe close

 

Kind of looks like she is bowing, doesn't it?

 

 

A funny Feline Friday!

Caught the lovely Phoebe in this pose a bit ago.  It's the first day she had ventured up into my bedroom and decided she liked sleeping on my bed.  And no, I never really make my bed.  :) 

This picture just cracks me up!  She's a good kitty.  Adjusting to our family very well.  Loves cardboard boxes and a good scratching around the ears. 

There's an exceptional photo of Pickle this week at (sometimes)photoblog.  Go see.

Trick or Treat

 

 

 

 

Happy Halloween

"Don't these pumpkins make my butt look smaller?"

little pumpkins in the rain

Trees

 

 

 

 

Prue - a Feline Friday entry

 

Feline Friday is here, at (sometimes)photoblog. 

 

 

fun with color

Scenes from a Sunday

 

 

 

 

 

Taken Sunday, October 15, 2006

American Cancer Society's 

'Making Strides Against Breast Cancer'

Bushnell Park

Hartford, Connecticut

 

 

Feline Friday "Phoebe"

 

Our newest family member...we decided to call her Phoebe.  Finally, she has a name that fits her perfectly!!  (Yes, the kitty formerly known as 'basement kitty'.

She's adjusting very well to being part of our everyday lives and getting along with the other girls.  She spends most of her days up here with us, and not in the basement.  Sometimes Prue plops down on the floor near her and acts like she's ready to play.  Phoebe growls a bit at Prue.  Genavieve, who loves to get on everyone's last nerve anyway, tries to pick on Phoebe when she's inside, and sometimes they start to scuffle.  The other cats go outside, but Phoebe is an indoor gal, we were told that she's never gone out.  When we have doors open, she doesn't even make a move.  Actually, she usually runs down to the basement.  If someone knocks or rings the bell, she flies downstairs.  Not that comfortable yet!

Overall, she's pretty well behaved and mostly sweet.

 

Feline Friday is at (sometimes)photoblog.  This week, it's not a photo of Pickle, but his neighbor  - you MUST go see it, it's a gorgeous picture of Harley! 

Over my house

 

somebody had a nice, chilly fall morning ride

on Sunday over my neighborhood.  my doors

and windows were shut, it was around 8:30 a.m.

and i heard the familiar 'whoooooooosh' of the hot-air

balloon flame. 

of course i ran out there with my camera!

Magic kitty - Feline Friday on Saturday

My niece Autumn turned 8 on October 2.  This is her kitty, Magic, playing in the paper.  

 

Magic was Autumn's Christmas gift last year.  He was 6 months old (a rescue) and she couldn't believe she got a kitten under the Christmas tree!  Hmmm...seems he still enjoys wrapping paper, lol!!

 

 

 

He's a Manx, no tail!!!  Did you notice before you read it??

Beau snapped a photo of him looking out the kitchen window

after the birthday party. 

 

Feline Friday, with the ever-handsome Pickle, is here at (sometimes)photoblog.

 

 

girly party bags

Feline Friday : "'basement kitty"

The cat formerly known as 'the phantom basement cat' ...

Here she is!  Yesterday I found her lounging on the living room sofa.  She's been coming up out of the basement every day now for about a week.   Seems she's trying to blend in with the sheet I have on the sofa.  She really is very pretty.

She came here with the name Autumn, but since we have a niece/cousin by that name, we are changing her name.  I am calling her Phoebe - Beau is calling her Piper.   One of these days we will decide what her name is. 

I guess, for now, she's a keeper. 

Feline Friday can be found at (sometimes)photoblog.  Another extreme close-up of the handsome Pickle!!

 

 

random bumper sticker spotting

 

ok - it wasn't on their bumper, it was on

the back of their van window.

 

but it spoke to me.

 

 

dirty laundry

Prue finds it comfy.

feline friday here.

feeling blue

65 MPH

school shoes

Remembering: Mary Catherine (Murphy) Boffa

2,996 Project 

I respectfully honor ...

photo by Michael Trudeau, nephew - posted on the online guestbook tribute at Legacy.com

Mary Catherine Murphy Boffa, 45, of Staten Island, New York

March 29, 1956 - September 11, 2001

               ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BOFFA-Mary Catherine nee Murphy. Taken from her loving family at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Loving daughter of the late Anne and John Murphy, dear sister of Margaret Trudeau, Elizabeth Murphy and Diane and Charles Brierley, devoted aunt of Maureen and Michael Trudeau and Kristen and Jennifer Brierley. Former wife of John Boffa.

"Mary Boffa's hobby was her sprawling, close-knit family. She had 3 sisters and nearly 30 first cousins. They provided plenty to do on weekends. When she was growing up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, there was always a cousin to play with. Her father was a blue-collar worker at Western Electric and her mother was a school cafeteria worker.

"At age 45, Ms. Boffa was an associate Vice president for Marsh & McLennan, the financial services conglomerate in 1 World Trade Center. She had recently separated from her husband and moved into a two-bedroom apartment on Staten Island. It had a view of the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge. She had new furniture. "She was very excited," said her nephew, Michael Trudeau. "It was renewal for her."

         ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I had a bit of a hard time finding out much personal information about Mary Catherine.  I did many searches but couldn't come up with anything about her final days or hours.  I do know that many people who worked with her at Marsh & McLennan did not make it out of their offices on the morning of 9/11.  The list is heartbreakingly long. 

I found an official document written by the Committe of Parks and Recreation of New York, regarding thouroughfares and public places; stating that 52 streets, corners and intersections in several different NY bouroughs were re-named in honor of 9/11 victims.  Mary Catherine's name was in Section 28 of this document, dated September 25, 2003, which states the following:

Background:   On September 11, 2001 at 8:45 A.M.  American Airlines Flight 11, a jet carrying 92 passengers that was hijacked on a flight from Boston, Massachusetts, crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.  The impact of the jet tore a huge hole in the building and set it afire, trapping hundreds of people on the upper floors.  At 9:03 A.M.  a second hijacked jet airliner, United Airlines Flight 175, with 65 passengers also out of Boston, crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.  The plane exploded causing a fire that trapped everyone in the building who was above the point of impact.  Within the next ninety minutes both towers collapsed.

Despite the heroic efforts of New York City’s Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency Services Unit, and hundreds of civilians, more than 2,800 people were killed when the World Trade Center came down.  Included among the casualties were firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians, airline passengers and crewmembers, those who worked or had business in the World Trade Center, and civilians on the ground.  It is the view of the New York City Council, and millions of Americans, that all of the people who lost their livesin this terrorist attack are heroes as well as victims.  Today we celebrate their lives and mourn their passing by naming the following streets in honor of those heroes. 

While honoring them, we also acknowledge that it is but a modest gesture when compared to their great and ultimate sacrifice.  This is the sixth piece of legislation that the Council has considered to rename streets and other public places in their honor.  The following fifty-two sections of the bill are to honor these individuals.

Mary Catherine Murphy Boffa Avenue / formerly Lamoka Avenue, between Cortelyou Ave and Ridgewood Ave, Bourough of Staten Island.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

As I looked through the pages of the Legacy.com guest book, I noticed some kind words that people who knew Mary Catherine had left. 

"She was a wonderful person, with a very kind heart."

"She was very sweet - we met her in May 2001, we are the ones who bought her home, which she kept so very beautiful."

"She could light up a room with just one smile.  She possesed a natural ability to make everyone around her feel like they were special."

 

 

It seems that she was a very special and beloved sister, aunt and co-worker.  I am honored to have written this anniversary tribute to her.  ~CMN, 9/11/2006

 

 

Introducing...

Autumn, the cellar-dweller.  I finally got her to come out of hiding last night, after 3 weeks.  Went down there with treats and she let me visit with her for 1/2 hour.  She came here because her owners had nowhere for her to go, and I don't want to keep her - but - they aren't doing anything about finding her a new home.  She's living in our guest bedroom.  Sigh.  She doesn't look well to me.  She looks sickly.  And probably is depressed and somewhat pissed off, I would think.  Poor girl.

Feline Friday, with another gorgeous closeup of Pickle, is here.

Haha!

big dog

 

No offense to any human beings (or my cats, LOL!) but this is probably my favorite picture that I've taken in the past few weeks.  Kat's dog,  Berkeley.

Late Summer Beauty

Feline Friday...erm...ok, Sunday counts too

Ok, so I went away for a few days (pics from PA not yet sorted and edited, they'll be coming!).  Got back and had to do all the stuff you have to do when you've been gone for 4 days AND there are 4 more days of Summer vacation!!  My boy is starting 5th grade on Tuesday!!  We had much shopping to do, and today we are off to find shoes.  Last thing on the list, friends! 

For Feline Friday, since I'm behind...2 pictures of my 2 beautiful girls...

Prue and her daughter Genavieve. 

 

 

ok - visit Pickle and Steven at (sometimes)photoblog, to see the always-wonderful photos over there.  and heck, don't just look at the Pickle pics - take a look around at all of Steven's great stuff!  

Zoe

I'm quite sure this is Zoe's first appearance ever in either of my journals!  Shame on me!!  Well, usually she's not standing still long enough to let me take her picture - this shot took me about 5 or 6 tries, I think!! 

She's my sister Laurie and her family's dog, she's part chihuahua and part rat terrier.  I think she weighs 8-ish pounds, maybe?  Laurie will correct me in comments if I'm wrong!   =) 

Ain't she tiny and just oh-so-cute??!!!??

Feline Friday "Stella"

 

She's such a beauty.  She was ejoying the morning

sunshine and happily let me take her portrait.

Pickle up close and handsome as always -

here at (sometimes)photoblog.

Lucy!

 

we brought lucy a chicken leg squeaky toy -

she had it in little pieces within 15 minutes! 

=)

Riley going -

Round Robin Photo Challenge

 

The Tappanzee Bridge during rush hour,  and boats on the Hudson River.  Bonus!  Lots of transportation going on in this one photo.

Visit the Round Robin Photo Journal and see what everyone else has spotted. 

 

NYC skyline...

For the first time, I saw a 9/11 Memorial.  Not on TV from several hundred miles away, but right in front of me.  On Saturday, I stood on the banks of the Hudson River and looked straight at the New York City skyline.  I saw the Empire State Building.  And I saw something else.  The empty spot where the World Trade Center towers once stood. 

 

Aunt Nub, who authors the journal Running on Empty, is my J-land and real life friend.  She took my son and I down to this memorial in Irvington, NY.  She showed us the Tappanzee Bridge.  She pointed out a lighthouse in the other direction.  Then she walked us over to a spot and said look, in the distance.  That's where we saw them fall.  This is where we stood.  The dust and smoke reached all the way across the river to where we are standing now. 

 

When she and her husband saw on TV that a plane had hit the first tower, they drove down to this small park near the Tappanzee and watched.  Her husband brought binoculars. She said there were 8 or 9 other people there that morning, all strangers, but all hugging one another and crying together.  I can't even imagine.  I guess I didn't say much, but I sure was feeling alot.  I still am. 

 

I will let these photos speak for themselves.  I know the NYC skyline one is not a good photo, (it was starting to rain a bit) but you can see what I saw on Saturday.  What Aunt Nub and her husband saw on 9/11/01.  They both have tattoos that mark that date. 

 

On the small granite towers, there are rocks, pebbles, beads and pennies.  Little tokens that show that people have come by.  I took out a penny and Beau and I placed it on top of one of the towers, the one on the left.  Right in the center.  I guess I felt we should leave a little bit of ourselves there, too.

 

*Edit:  I forgot, now that Aunt Nub just mentioned it in her comment...Beau hugged those granite towers, each one of them.  He gave them the sweetest embrace.  How could I have forgotten that??  Thanks, my dear, for the reminder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun things from Florida

or..."what has Martha sent me?!?"

 

Genuine Canned Florida Sunshine.  I haven't opened it yet, I'm saving it for next January, LOL.

My very own piece of Florida Beachfront Property that's portable!!  See it there on my fridge?!?

And a beautiful Starfish, who now resides in my living room.  I think he likes me, but he doesn't like my cats.  Especially when they knock him over.  He may have to move to the dining room!  =)  Oh, she sent me yet another postcard, too, covered in pink flamingos.  I forgot to take a picture of it.  But it's on my wall with all my other cards from this summer.

Thanks for all the goodies, Martha!  You rock, woman!

 

2,996

2,996 is a tribute to the victims of 9/11.

On September 11, 2006, 2,996 volunteer bloggers
will join together for a tribute to the victims of 9/11.
Each person will pay tribute to a single victim.

We will honor them by remembering their lives,
and not by remembering their murderers.

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've signed up to honor Mary Catherine Boffa on September 11th.  More bloggers are needed to reach the goal of honoring all 2,996 victims.  Here is the link for info and where you can sign up.

Thank you to Connie, who originally directed me to this project.  Since last week, I've seen others doing the same.  It's the least we can do, since we can't do much else. 

 

2,996

we're home ~ i took 79 photos...

 

...but they'll have to wait!

i'm tuckered!

i didn't don a fancy outfit, ride in a pink limo, or attend any of the J-land 3rd anniversary festivities, (aw...pout) but i did visit a good friend, have a really nice, artsy time and drive home in my pajama shorts (i really did, you can ask her!). 

i took this photo while i was coming into connecticut on I-84 going 75 MPH (oh, mom's reading - ok, i was going exactly 55, mom...)  the kid was asleep in the back seat and there was nothing good on the radio, so...

at least i wasn't talking on the cell phone!

  **   ***   **   ***   **   ***   **   ***

more photos in the days to come. 

happy anniversary to aol journals, i'm glad i'm still here.

 

 

Off to Aunt Nub's house

 

going to Liz's (Aunt Nub's) house for the weekend!  we are lucky enough to live only 90 minutes from each other (yay!) and Beau is coming with me. he is packing more books, games and toys than he is clothing =)

we plan to sightsee a bit in the Tarrytown area, maybe have a nice swim, and a casual dinner - then on to the CRAFTY stuff!  i'm going to bring some of my stamps and papers and embellishments with me.  CAN'T WAIT!   will remember the CAMERA for sure, and will see you all on Monday!   xoxox Phin

butterflies!

 

a few monarchs we saw at the Animal Planet Kids Expo on Sunday.

the long lines were a bit of a drag, but getting a lovely suntan in the 80 degree, perfect sky, breezy weather was worth it. 

i also have pics of a tarantula, giant toad, python and an armadillo if anyone's interested, har har.

 

purple balloon

 

( sitting out on the deck one evening )

some kid on the next street over was having

 a birthday party...

this purple balloon came floating through our yard

and stayed for a few minutes.        =) 

jacket

 

 

color...with little bubbles even!

Feline Friday

 

Pickle and Feline Friday are at (sometimes)photoblog

Prue

 

"yes, momma, you lookin' at me??"

 

( i love my pretty prue!! )

wowza

shades of blue

Feline Friday ~ "I see you"

 

Genavieve having a summer's afternoon nap.

    ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Visit Pickle and Steven here at (sometimes)Photoblog.

 

Round Robin ~ "Flower Power"

 

 

 

 

I decided to participate last minute in the Round Robin Photo Challenge.  Yeah, so last minute that I'm actually late.  Hahaha.  That's okay, according to the rules of play, late is alright. 

I took these photos today in my yard.  The water on them is really rain, not water I sprinkled from the hose.  It rained most of the morning.  I went out in the early afternoon, before it got really hot.  (And it did indeed get REALLY hot).  

We are asked to write a little about the power that flowers have in our lives.   I guess the thing that inspires me most about my flowers is their colors.  I marvel at the richness and depth of the yellows, oranges and reds.  I enjoy looking at my Hydrangea bush to see if they are all blue or if there is a hint of lavender in there ~ and this year there is!

My flowers are all perennials, except for the one flat of Impatiens that I bought.  They don't really have all that much fragrance, for that I am sorry.  I really think I should concentrate in the future on picking up some new flowers that have more smell to them!   I don't cut any of my flowers and bring them in the house, I prefer to leave them where they grow.  Don't get me wrong, I love cut flowers in the house, I just don't have the right kinds in my yard for that.  

Enjoy the power of the flowers!    Peace.

 

Round Robin Photo Challenge official site is here.

saturday~red/pink/purple

  

 

Feline Friday - Out the Window

 

Jinx is checking out the outdoors from the dining room window.

Steven is back, however, posts a photo of a different cat in the family this week.  Go check it out.

friday/orange

thursday ~ white/brown/black