I read a news report that questions whether trump is actually trying to take control of all 3 branches of the government.
I guess I don't understand why that is even a question. It is not 'if'.
The news has been awful. We did not bring our television to the new house. I honestly don't even know if I want it here.
We have been working on siding the house. Andrew had questions. The siding is steel. It comes in strips about a foot wide, 8 feet long, and is installed vertically. The 'batten' which is the long raised strip is actually designed to lock into the edge of the previously installed piece of siding. It is then nailed into place via a half dozen prepunched holes which are covered when the next piece of siding is installed.
In other breaking news, Tiger was neutered. I have been working with all the cats, but with her specially because I knew that she was next. I decided that using a trap was not the way to do it, that it would frighten the rest of my clowder and make them harder to catch when their turn rolls around.
To that end, I spent gobs of time in the garage petting Tiger, giving her special treats, extra rations, etc.
On the day before the trip to town, I set the carrier up on its end and when Tiger scooted in close, I picked her up by the nape of the neck and put her in the carrier. That was that.
She spent an unhappy night without food or water. The car ride made her very unhappy. Waiting in line with all the other unhappy cats made her unhappier still.
The cool thing is that I met others who have their own feral cat colonies, who were all bringing in cats that were not (technically) their cats, ponying up their own money to ease the misery of these poor creatures. We shared stories and tips and I told them about the big cat food sale at Happs. I don't imagine that there will be any left the next time I get there.
I also volunteered my time to the organization. The Fix'n Wag'n is a mobile OR that travels. It comes to our town once a month and in the first three months, they have neutered nearly 300 animals in those 3 days. On this occasion, three vets worked side by side, neutering cats one right after another. That is huge and we should start seeing the difference in our community soon. I surely will give my time and money to that.
Tiger was released when we got home and I did not see her for three days. I was very worried. Last night, at supper time, she came to eat. She allowed herself to be petted and fussed over. In return, she got extra rations. Her two kittens ate with her, their bowl between my feet as I sat there talking to them all.
Thanks so much for what you do for the cats. And happy weekend.
ReplyDeleteI was sorry to read about your friend, Boud. I know it has been a tough weekend for you. Hugs.
DeleteDoes the traveling vets clip an ear so you know the cat has been neutered? Glad you were able to get Tiger taken care of!
ReplyDeleteThe siding looks great!
There is a lot more to watch on TV than News!
Yes. His ear was 'tipped'. They give you the option. I think it is an excellent idea for ferals.
DeleteYour siding seems like such a cost-effective, practical, quick and easy method of construction. I don't know why bricks and cement block is still the main housebuilding method used over here. Perhaps our house builders should have a rethink?
ReplyDeleteHere, brick is about $1 each. Transporting them adds to the cost. Finding qualified bricklayers adds even more. We both love brick, but it was above our budget. Our house is timber, like most houses. The siding material was about $3500, plus we are able to install it ourselves.
DeleteIt is good to see an update from you. I feel the same way about the news. Your home is looking great! Enjoy those grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI think most of us are just weary.
DeleteI stopped watching the news on TV, preferring to visit news sites and read what interests me.
ReplyDeleteThis works better for me as well.
DeleteThe news is awful. I don’t watch any news on tv but do read headlines on NYTimes and Wash Post and occasionally read a story. Even though we’re powerless except for our votes we can’t be ignorant of what’s happening.
ReplyDeleteGood for you caring for cats. No feral around here.
I have discovered that reading the news is a lot less stressful than watching it on television.
DeletePoor Tiger! She will be much healthier and happier now, especially once she fully forgives you. The work you do is amazing and I salute you for it.
ReplyDeleteThe Orange One continues to shock, just when you think he can't do worse. I suspect when he visits the UK for his state visit he will travel everywhere by helicopter. He will not be welcome.
He is not welcome in many parts of his own country.
DeleteHere in Ireland most modern houses are made of concrete blocks, rendered and painted. Your steel siding method looks quick and attractive Debby.
ReplyDeleteMy sister's house is a concrete block structure as well. They will be taking it down. They built a log cabin.
DeleteI get newsletter summaries in my email each day from sources I trust.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the time with your grands!
I will. Taking my son's birthday gift. It will be a good opportunity for them to have a date night too.
DeleteI think you are doing the right thing. It is overwhelming and sometimes, if I think too much, I can't even sleep.
ReplyDeleteThe siding looks wonderful!
Your work with the kitties is commendable. I hope you all do see a difference in numbers soon.
Have fun with the grands!
Our town has so many ferals. It really is heartbreaking.
DeleteIt seems that republicans really hate America and Americans. One thing after another, I hope it ends soon, with no bloodshed.
ReplyDeleteThe siding looks beautiful and well done with your cats. They are a fertile bunch in general:)
Have a wonderful visit with your grands.
Good heavens...they are breeding like rabbits.
DeleteYour siding looks great!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for Tiger...and all the other cats you have helped.
I agree--it is not "if" but "when". Happening as we speak. :(
Right before our very eyes...and so many can't see it.
DeletePixie's comment made me wonder if there has ever been an unspayed or unneutered cat in history with fertility problems.
ReplyDeleteI never watch the news on our TV. I watch documentaries, movies, series that I like, etc. No way I'm watching the news.
Actually, my last cat, Paddy Paws, was neutered. The vet said she would probably not have been able to have kittens. Who knew? She went into heat though.
DeleteInteresting. I wonder what led the vet to make that observation.
DeleteYes thank you for helping the cats! I wouldn't trust much of anything I saw on TV news so why upset myself watching it? We do watch various series for about 90 minutes most nights, and my husband watches sports sometimes. That's enough combined with NPR (while we still have it) and Heather Cox Richardson's daily essay.
ReplyDeleteThe siding looks great and I assume its durable, doesn't need painting and non-flammable, perfect in fact.
Ceci.
They claim maintenance free with a 50 year guarantee. Can't ask for more than that.
DeleteBravo on the siding and getting Tiger spayed!
ReplyDelete*takes a bow*
DeleteA relief that Tiger is spayed and has forgiven you and returned for food and fusses. As for what is happening in your once-wonderful country, the world watches and weeps.
ReplyDeleteI just hate how this ugliness has splashed over and is affecting the whole world.
DeleteI'm minimising news listening here....that is a beautiful alternative you have!
ReplyDeleteWell done on house and cat news.
Enjoy your trip xx
I will enjoy it. I always do.
DeleteMy sister lives where Purdue University is, which has a large vet school. They will neuter ferals for free. She has three ferals she takes care of, one not yet fixed because she can't catch him. He's smart. It's wonderful that you and others there are doing this out of your own pocket and kindness. I still read NY Times, even though the news is so depressing.
ReplyDeleteI am very lucky that this crew is so food motivated. Quite honestly, while Tiger was hiding, her kittens came to the house to be fed.
DeleteSo sorry trumpy and the gang are still intent on destroying America and are now trying to separate Canada. Glad Tiger was able to be caught and spayed. Your siding really looks nice, love the white. Gigi
ReplyDeleteEvery single time there was a special bulletin on TV, we both looked at each other at said, 'What the hell has he done now...'
DeleteI did not know steel siding was a thing. It looks really good. In Spokane, it's mostly vinyl. I don't like it, but it's what there is. You are such a good soul to rescue those cats. I'm surprised anyone is thinking "if", of course he is. Thanks for the link, I was unaware of that publication.
ReplyDeleteIt was an important article. I think most people would want to help in this cat situation. I am not the only soul - standing in line, I met a lot of people just like me.
DeleteThanks for the siding information. It sounds fairly easy to install.
ReplyDeleteYou've done so well with the cats. This will all really help.
I will try to demonstrate how it locks together tomorrow.
DeleteI love how you are caring for the cats. And I like your tv replacement. :)
ReplyDeleteHave a good trip and visit.
It really did my heart good to meet so many like minded people.
DeleteThey’ll love your blueberry bushes…
ReplyDeleteWe will plant them in close proximity to the house and fence them if necessary.
DeleteYou are not your usual chipper self these days. No wonder, with your cold and the news. But good news about Tiger, and the neutering program is a fantastic place to donate time and money. I am thankful that there are people like you to take on this work.
ReplyDeleteThe siding is looking great, and I enjoyed reading about youe xanning and dehydrating. Even with the horrible news, there is something grounding and reassuring about putting up food.
Funny that you noticed, but you are right. And yes, it is definitely a powerful realization that you can fend for yourself if needed.
DeleteMr trump gave my country a hard time either regarding the new tariff and etc. I am not economic experts but I watched many local information here twisted too Wishing you a wonderful trip with your grand kids and a smooth start to winter prep
ReplyDeleteAsep, I always feel as if I should apologize to the world. Most Americans are unhappy with this awful man and his enablers.
DeleteDo you know your description of the siding reminded me of a modern life log cabin? Currently on California time if you wanted a chat?
ReplyDeleteOh Soph! That would be great! When is a good time for you?
DeleteI very rarely watch the news any more and have turned my news feed off. I take a look when I feel up to it, which isn't very often.
ReplyDeleteThere is obviously a huge feral cat population where you live. Is this a widespread thing in rural America or is it a local problem? I'm intrigued.
Like most 'Red' zones, this is a poor area. People get cats. Can't afford vet care. Move on and leave them behind. Our local humane society cannot accept any more cats...hasn't accepted them for months now. They are everywhere. In the country, you hear the term 'barn cats' which means they have taken up residence in a building. Like our garage cat. One cat. A year and a half later, we have 13. It is an awful problem. I know people who shoot them. Neutering them is our only hope to keep the numbers under control.
DeleteThanks for explaining, Debby. The only places I have come across feral cats here are in old industrial buildings that have been left to decay.
DeleteI’d like to think that as hosts the small talk and photo shoots when you know who visits the UK will be done through gritted teeth
ReplyDeleteIt is only for 3 days. Employ that British stiff upper lip.
DeleteI never watch the news now. It damn sure isn't helpful, just inflammatory. LOVE the siding! And that stuff will last forever. Doing what you can do to end the suffering of others, be it human or animal, is something positive we can do, and feel good about. Doing good feels good. Enjoy your time with the grandkids.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I feel that we have to pour as much kindness into this world as we can all of us.
DeleteThat's my kind of television -- deer on the lawn! (Or foxes, in my case.) I've been taking it easy on the news as well. I've decided I don't need to know everything -- just enough to take responsible action within my limited personal role. (Voting, mainly!)
ReplyDeleteJust enough to email my legislators.
DeleteThe Fix'n Wag'n and the siding are the bright spots here, that Quick Reaction Force or whatever that mess is, not so much. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteIt is all a mess. If you want a giggle, go read what Kristy Noem had to say about Biden considering using the National Guard.
DeleteYeah, I saw that, "hypocrisy, thy name is Puppy Killer."
Delete