... And then they showed up

Tilly here. Once upon a time, I was the only kitty. I was fat and happy and got all the attention the beans had to give. All the food too.

And then one day in 1994, these showed up.

Dad got them from a lady at work who rescues kitties that don't have homes. This nice lady took in a momma cat who then had kittens. When Dad and Mum went to her house to look at the kittens, there was little Toby sitting bold as brass on top of a cat carrier. (I guess he didn't know then that they were for trips to the vet!)

Mum said "Ooooh, a tigger! That's the one I want." Then the lady said, "There's another one around here somewhere." She reached between her stove and the wall and pulled out a shy little black and white. Dad said, "We might as well take that one, too."

I didn't care too much for these new arrivals and they soon learned to stay away from me. I hissed and growled whenever they came near. I applied a few well-placed swats as well.

The two brothers Toby and Jiggsy kept pretty much to themselves for their first few years. But they didn't keep out of trouble.

The two kitties were big troublemakers around Christmas, when they tried to "help" Mum and Dad decorate the Christmas tree. Here's Mum looking at a strange "ornament" in the middle of the tree. Eventually, Mum and Dad gave up trying to decorate the tree for that year. They said they had the ugliest tree in the world that year -- just some lights scattered randomly over bent branches with cat fur mixed in -- but it was the best one ever.

Troublesome kittens! But still Santa Claws brought them presents. It just isn't fair.

Now Toby is big and brawny and I am old and frail. He's repaying me for my meanness to him when he was young. He doesn't really hurt me -- he just uses his bulk to push me around.

Jiggsy went over the bridge in April. Even I miss him sometimes.

hello, everyone !
I thought you would like these photos. Mum isn't well, so she and Tilly will blog later. It's chilly here, so I am being both a nurse and a furry spread...

Remembering Sept. 11

This is William H. Pohlman. He was a lawyer and assistant deputy commissioner with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, which had its offices in the World Trade Center. Mr. Pohlman died Sept. 11, 2001. He was 56.

Mr. Pohlman was born in the Bronx and lived in Ardsley, N.Y., with his wife, Linda. They have three adult children, Craig, Christopher and Darren. Mr. Pohlman was also a volunteer firefighter and a lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve.

The New York Times published brief profiles of each of the victims of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. You can read more about Mr. Pohlman at this link.

On this fifth anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, bloggers everywhere are honoring the memories of each of the 2,996 people who died that terrible day. You can find a list of these bloggers and link to the stories of those they are honoring at this link.

We at The Tower Hill Mob honor the memories of all who died on Sept. 11, 2001.

Good evening, kitties and beans,

Toby here. I haven't been feeling too well, so I probably won't chat long. There's nothing wrong with me, I just don't feel like doing much except eat and sleep. Today I had a nice long wash and played with the toys the Feline Oligarchy sent. They are lovely and I'm enjoying them very much. I hold the mouse between my paws and suck on it. It smells like nip! YUM!
Mum is worried about Grandma and Molly. Grandma has been using the Feliway stuff and thought it was working, BUT today Molly bit her again. It wasn't as bad as last time, but Mum and Grandma are upset. Grandma thinks Molly would rather be a barn kitty where she could run around and hunt mice and stuff. That way, if she is antisocial , it doesn't matter. Does anyone have any suggestions? Grandma is going to talk to some ladies from the church to see if anyone wants a kitty who is an excellent hunter and watch cat, but not friendly.
I'm glad my buddy Fat Eric is home. I thought the kitty jail didn't sound too bad until I read his latest adventure. I hope my beans don't get any ideas about world travel. ( Note from Mum- not until we win lotto) . I'm sorry his Mum didn't enjoy the Red Sox, but August was a rough month for them. EVERY August.
I also enjoy reading about Big Eric. For a large boy, he is quite the athlete. I am most impressed. Me, I'd rather nap. Of course, rural life is more physical than I am accustomed to.
It's getting time to check the food bowl and make sure it is FULL.
Good night, everyone!

Hello, everyone.

Tilly here. Our Mum has been ill and busy so this is the first chance we've had to blog in some time.
The beans went to St. Anthony's feast in Boston a few weeks ago. While they were there, Mum prayed for our friends. She prayed real hard for Carol to get a good job and for Toni's eye surgery to go well. We didn't know about Lost Luna then, but we are praying for her,too. There are way too many sick and troubled poodins' and beans out there. C'mon everyone- we need to get our act together and FIX this stuff!
Toby has been a real pain in the hoo-has lately. First, he had to got the vet. heh,heh. Mum tricked him into going into the carrier. He strolled over to see what she was doing and walked right into it! Mum closed the door immediately and he started YOWLING! He's so dumb. Everything was OK at the vet. He just had to get a booster shot. The vet had a hard time listening to Toby's heart as he was purring so loudly. And, Mum says she has to get serious about his diet as he now weighs 18.6 pounds.
His latest problem is that he doesn't like the litter we use anymore. Maybe he just wants a change, but it's driving Mum nuts. I myself am a clean girl and am not picky, but Toby is being a real poop about it. If anyone out there has any suggestions, please let us know. Mum would prefer something organic like cedar or wheat. Dad wants something that will cover smells really good. Toby isn't saying what he wants.
I'm glad Fat Eric is home and he and his family are feeling better. Dad gritted his teeth when he read the description of Red Auerbach as 'some baseball guy.' I don't know what he was talking about, but it looks like the beans had a good time in Boston. I hope so. ( Note from Dad: Red Auerbach being some baseball guy is like Beckham being some cricketer...)
There's a lovely new addition at the Calico Girls. If Flower doesn't want to stay there, she is welcome to visit me anytime.
We are still mourning Trixie. Mum was so sad when she read about it. She cried and is worried that I may be getting ready to go to the Bridge soon. Don't worry Mum, I've got LOTS of life in me yet!
Mum is getting the Stinky Goodness out, so I gotta run. Whiskers up, everyone!
Tilly