It may not feel like summer yet in Northern California, but that didn't stop many brave souls from jumping into the pool. It opened late last week and water aerobics class got into full swing on Monday. Actually, jumping in was the easy part. Getting out to find your towel is another, so many of us make a brief stop at the hot tub and warm up a bit before braving the 50-something degree air. Our instructor, Robin, has us getting a great workout and the best part is we don't have to worry about breaking out in a sweat!
Tomorrow night is our Social Club's Friday Night Social. This month it features hot dogs and an election. I hear we can expect to have a terrific board again this year so we can count on a lot of enjoyable events throughout the year.
Kare Bears and Summerset Singers are also having their elections. I'll give up a couple of positions and pick up one new one. They say staying active keeps us young. Not sure my body believes it, but my head says I'm still 19.
Besides all of our activities here at home, this is also a busy season for our grandchildren. Nate and Alex are involved in spring soccer while Melissa is playing baseball again this year. Instead of T-Ball they have a pitching machine for this 2nd level of young players.
And if that's not enough activity for a senior citizen, I've also got my web site: http://FurbiesPlace.com. I'm enjoying adding articles and products and trying to make it look interesting. Hope you'll check it out.
Meanwhile, enjoy your spring weather.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Mothers' Day in Summerset
The weather is lovely as Mothers' Day approaches. I'm looking forward to spending the day with my family someplace outdoors. It's nice to have this mild weather for a little longer this year. Before we know it our Brentwood summer will be here with it's 90 or 110 degree days. It also means that the pool is open at Summerset and our water aerobics class will be starting soon.
This weekend my niece and her husband are here checking out the San Francisco area in hopes of living here after she gets her law degree next year. They'll be traveling to several other cities but of course I'm hoping they do wind up here. First of all, of course, I'd love to have them nearby. But it would also mean my sister Leslie might visit here more often! Having the four siblings in 4 different states (make that 5 as Sandi lives part of the time in Nevada) means that we don't get together very often. Though we'd never all go back to our home town of Chicago (just too cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer), none of us really wants to leave our chosen cities in order to be closer together. For now, we'll just continue to plan vacations together and be satisfied with that.
Have you visited my website? It's called FurbiesPlace.com -- a Place for Pet Lovers. I've been spending lots of time on that these days and I'm finding some terrific articles and pet products to incorporate. So although I'm "retired," this gives me that feeling of accomplishment that my job once did.
Hope you all have a wonderful Mothers' Day weekend!
This weekend my niece and her husband are here checking out the San Francisco area in hopes of living here after she gets her law degree next year. They'll be traveling to several other cities but of course I'm hoping they do wind up here. First of all, of course, I'd love to have them nearby. But it would also mean my sister Leslie might visit here more often! Having the four siblings in 4 different states (make that 5 as Sandi lives part of the time in Nevada) means that we don't get together very often. Though we'd never all go back to our home town of Chicago (just too cold in the winter and hot and humid in the summer), none of us really wants to leave our chosen cities in order to be closer together. For now, we'll just continue to plan vacations together and be satisfied with that.
Have you visited my website? It's called FurbiesPlace.com -- a Place for Pet Lovers. I've been spending lots of time on that these days and I'm finding some terrific articles and pet products to incorporate. So although I'm "retired," this gives me that feeling of accomplishment that my job once did.
Hope you all have a wonderful Mothers' Day weekend!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Spring May Finally Be Here
Finally! It's sunny, warm, and the birds are twittering all around us. B.J. did some weeding in the garden and pulled the chairs out from under the patio cover. Good day to soak up the fresh air. A mint julep might be in order if I knew how to make one.
I've been doing more work on http://FurbiesPlace.com. New theme and more products to spoil our pets. Check out the new look.
We're looking forward to a visit from our niece and her hubby in a couple of weeks. Haven't seen them since their wedding in 2008, so this will be a treat for us. I'm hoping they get to live out here for a while so we can visit more often. There are a few places they're looking at, including San Francisco and Portland. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
After a couple of really cold weekend days watching soccer, it will be nice and warm out on the fields tomorrow. Might actually get to work on my summer tan. Which reminds me, Water Aerobics class starts soon. It's really fun getting out in the pool at the crack of dawn (well it's early for us retirees). It's refreshing and you can exercise without sweating. I'm a big fan of Maxine's; I'm sure she'd say the same about exercise. If you have one of her cartoons that says it, let me know in your comments. She probably has something to say about bathing suits, but that's another conversation for another day.
I've been doing more work on http://FurbiesPlace.com. New theme and more products to spoil our pets. Check out the new look.
We're looking forward to a visit from our niece and her hubby in a couple of weeks. Haven't seen them since their wedding in 2008, so this will be a treat for us. I'm hoping they get to live out here for a while so we can visit more often. There are a few places they're looking at, including San Francisco and Portland. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
After a couple of really cold weekend days watching soccer, it will be nice and warm out on the fields tomorrow. Might actually get to work on my summer tan. Which reminds me, Water Aerobics class starts soon. It's really fun getting out in the pool at the crack of dawn (well it's early for us retirees). It's refreshing and you can exercise without sweating. I'm a big fan of Maxine's; I'm sure she'd say the same about exercise. If you have one of her cartoons that says it, let me know in your comments. She probably has something to say about bathing suits, but that's another conversation for another day.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Can Spring be Far Away?
I know it's not April 21st yet, but in Northern California it's usually spring pretty early in the year. This year it has teased us, but hasn't stayed. Yesterday I attended an early morning T-ball game, a mid-afternoon soccer game, and an evening soccer game for my grandchildren. The sun peaked out from behind the clouds once or twice, but for the most part it was windy and pretty chilly. I was quite the fashion queen in my sweat jacket with hat pulled down over my ears. Today it's cloudy, cold, windy, and raining. Come on spring, this is getting depressing.
Being gone for a full day yesterday, my cats are staying quite close to me today. Maybe I'll give them a special treat - a can of salmon flavored cat food.
Hope your spring is going well.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Litter Box Advice From Your Cat
Author: Carolyn
Dear My Human, I wanted to write you because we have a very serious issue to address. This issue is my litter box. My litter box demands are not being met to my satisfaction. Please find below my requirements to be a healthy and happy cat- and if these wishes are met, I will no longer poop on the floor: 1. I need a big litter box, like, the Taj Mahal of litter boxes. It needs to be big enough so that I can move around, stretch my little cat paws as far as they can go, read a newspaper, inspect my beautiful self and so forth. Also, I require a deep litter box so that if I so choose, I can dig to the ends of the earth in search of the finest fish. But, my dear human, the box cannot be too tall so as to cause injury my fabulous physique. I would advise cutting a “cats only” entrance for me if the box is too tall. If there is more than just one fantastic feline in the home, the quantity of litter boxes must reflect this. Many a cat doctor advise that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the home. This would be greatly appreciated, and well… I think I deserve it! 2. I understand that you don’t like when I track my litter around the house. Well, my human, there is something you can do. A litter box mat will catch the extra litter clumps from my graceful paws! It is, in essence, a red carpet grand entrance to my commode, and que bellisimo… a functional one at that! Mats come in many different colors and patterns, so you can accommodate my high society, cultured taste. Paparazzi, cameras, and fans are optional. 3. But what, my human, is the good of a red carpeted Taj Mahal litter box if it is not smelling of flowers and sunshine?!? You must promise to keep my litter box clean as the spring breeze. I have an unprecedented sense of smell; my nose abilities are far stronger than those of your primitive nasal cavities. If you don’t enjoy the smell of my commode, then most certainly I do not. We cats are simply creatures of a higher order, who will not tolerate foul smell or unsanitary conditions. In lieu of this information, human, my litter must be of the clumping order, unscented and dust free. 4. The proper cleaning of my commode should be completed twice a day. I ask you, my human, do you enjoy performing your business in an unsightly toilet? Nay, you say? I don’t often like to point out the similarities of you human creatures and we alluring felines, but unsightly commodes are not enjoyable for either of us. Please be wary of keeping the litter box sanitary, or I will remind you in a way that is unbecoming to my cat nature. Proper cleaning supplies and attire are advisable. A litter scoop made of plastic and strong will, a filter with the power of 1,000 white oleanders, and a proper holding container, preferably with the bright, enticing colors of the earth and sun will do. In this way, you can achieve litter box cleanliness that is fit for a king or queen! (namely, me). That being said, a maid’s outfit would make this more official, so please go to your local human store and purchase some appropriate cleaning attire. 5. My human, I understand that you are busy and may not have the time to keep my Taj Mahal box in perfect condition. (Try looking as good as me every day for a week…now THAT would keep you busy) But alas! There are easier ways to fulfill my cleanliness requirements! It is possible to purchase litter box liners, which easily fit in the bottom of my box. When the time has come to clean my commode, you simply lift the whole liner and dispose with the other rubbish. Simple, yet fruitful! Another easy way is a roll and clean litter box. Sometimes, you humans are just so darn innovative! You pick up this light, attractive box which serves as my commode; flip it over, and TA DA! The unused litter goes to the bottom, the used litter and the cute little droplings I produce are filtered into a tray that can be easily removed. 6. Location, Location, Location, my human friend. Location is of much importance for my litter box. Please do not place my litter box in a room or closet where the door is often closed, (because believe me, I will find a door that is open… probably your bedroom) a place only reachable by stairs, (when I grow older into a senior cat full of wit and wisdom, it may be difficult for me to reach it) or a very open, very public space (Unlike you, human, in your simple nature, this is not because of modesty, but because of my instinctual nature to always be aware of my surroundings. It is a wild jungle out there, and I don’t want to be ambushed by an enemy when my guard is down). 7. You say you don’t want the litter box seen by your “oh so high society” human friends? It is possible to acquire a very trendy, discreet and fabulous decoration to go over my commode. In fact, it matches the rest of our furniture! How Savvy! It looks like a wooden chest, (which you can place foliage and human pictures on top of so that I can knock them over with grace and ease) and even your most cultured friends will never know that inside is my very own Taj Mahal! While they come in different styles and colors, I prefer the one in wood with that fabulous cherry color. Perfect for the most refined fancy cat. Thank you, my human, for taking the time to read my requirements to be a healthy, happy, and “non pooping on the floor” cat.
Dear My Human, I wanted to write you because we have a very serious issue to address. This issue is my litter box. My litter box demands are not being met to my satisfaction. Please find below my requirements to be a healthy and happy cat- and if these wishes are met, I will no longer poop on the floor: 1. I need a big litter box, like, the Taj Mahal of litter boxes. It needs to be big enough so that I can move around, stretch my little cat paws as far as they can go, read a newspaper, inspect my beautiful self and so forth. Also, I require a deep litter box so that if I so choose, I can dig to the ends of the earth in search of the finest fish. But, my dear human, the box cannot be too tall so as to cause injury my fabulous physique. I would advise cutting a “cats only” entrance for me if the box is too tall. If there is more than just one fantastic feline in the home, the quantity of litter boxes must reflect this. Many a cat doctor advise that you provide one more litter box than the number of cats in the home. This would be greatly appreciated, and well… I think I deserve it! 2. I understand that you don’t like when I track my litter around the house. Well, my human, there is something you can do. A litter box mat will catch the extra litter clumps from my graceful paws! It is, in essence, a red carpet grand entrance to my commode, and que bellisimo… a functional one at that! Mats come in many different colors and patterns, so you can accommodate my high society, cultured taste. Paparazzi, cameras, and fans are optional. 3. But what, my human, is the good of a red carpeted Taj Mahal litter box if it is not smelling of flowers and sunshine?!? You must promise to keep my litter box clean as the spring breeze. I have an unprecedented sense of smell; my nose abilities are far stronger than those of your primitive nasal cavities. If you don’t enjoy the smell of my commode, then most certainly I do not. We cats are simply creatures of a higher order, who will not tolerate foul smell or unsanitary conditions. In lieu of this information, human, my litter must be of the clumping order, unscented and dust free. 4. The proper cleaning of my commode should be completed twice a day. I ask you, my human, do you enjoy performing your business in an unsightly toilet? Nay, you say? I don’t often like to point out the similarities of you human creatures and we alluring felines, but unsightly commodes are not enjoyable for either of us. Please be wary of keeping the litter box sanitary, or I will remind you in a way that is unbecoming to my cat nature. Proper cleaning supplies and attire are advisable. A litter scoop made of plastic and strong will, a filter with the power of 1,000 white oleanders, and a proper holding container, preferably with the bright, enticing colors of the earth and sun will do. In this way, you can achieve litter box cleanliness that is fit for a king or queen! (namely, me). That being said, a maid’s outfit would make this more official, so please go to your local human store and purchase some appropriate cleaning attire. 5. My human, I understand that you are busy and may not have the time to keep my Taj Mahal box in perfect condition. (Try looking as good as me every day for a week…now THAT would keep you busy) But alas! There are easier ways to fulfill my cleanliness requirements! It is possible to purchase litter box liners, which easily fit in the bottom of my box. When the time has come to clean my commode, you simply lift the whole liner and dispose with the other rubbish. Simple, yet fruitful! Another easy way is a roll and clean litter box. Sometimes, you humans are just so darn innovative! You pick up this light, attractive box which serves as my commode; flip it over, and TA DA! The unused litter goes to the bottom, the used litter and the cute little droplings I produce are filtered into a tray that can be easily removed. 6. Location, Location, Location, my human friend. Location is of much importance for my litter box. Please do not place my litter box in a room or closet where the door is often closed, (because believe me, I will find a door that is open… probably your bedroom) a place only reachable by stairs, (when I grow older into a senior cat full of wit and wisdom, it may be difficult for me to reach it) or a very open, very public space (Unlike you, human, in your simple nature, this is not because of modesty, but because of my instinctual nature to always be aware of my surroundings. It is a wild jungle out there, and I don’t want to be ambushed by an enemy when my guard is down). 7. You say you don’t want the litter box seen by your “oh so high society” human friends? It is possible to acquire a very trendy, discreet and fabulous decoration to go over my commode. In fact, it matches the rest of our furniture! How Savvy! It looks like a wooden chest, (which you can place foliage and human pictures on top of so that I can knock them over with grace and ease) and even your most cultured friends will never know that inside is my very own Taj Mahal! While they come in different styles and colors, I prefer the one in wood with that fabulous cherry color. Perfect for the most refined fancy cat. Thank you, my human, for taking the time to read my requirements to be a healthy, happy, and “non pooping on the floor” cat.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
5 Secrets For Litter Box Success
Author: Lee Dobbins
Cats make wonderful pets, they're soft, cuddly and affectionate without being overbearing and they don't require too much maintenance. In fact they're almost perfect except for one thing - the litter box. While most cats will use the littler box with little or no training it can be a smelly and messy area in the home but it doesn't have to be that way. Here are five tips that will help keep your cat's litter box smelling and looking great.
1. Make sure you have enough of them. Cats like to have a clean litter box and some of them can be a little quirky about the way they use it so you should have at least one litter box per cat. Now this doesn't mean that each cat will have its own litter box they'll probably use all the litter boxes some may like to only urinate in one and defecate in another while others won't like to use litter boxes that other cats have used - you really won't know until you watch your cats and see how they behave and then you can decide what works best for them. It's also not a bad idea to have an extra litter box if you have the room. If your house is more than one floor you'll want to consider having at least one litter box on each floor.
2. Keep it clean. The biggest reason that cats will use the litter box is that it's full. You wouldn't want to dig around in a bunch of clumped up pee and poop would you? Well, neither does your cat so you should be sure to keep his litter box clean. Be sure to scoop it at least once a day and totally change it out and wash it every week. This will cut down on the litter box smell as it is actually the bacteria that's causing the smell and, remember, even if you can't smell it your cat probably can, so keeping it clean is important if you want to keep your cat using the box.
3. Use a litter your cat likes. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, it might simply be the litter. Try using different types to find out what the cat seems to like best. unscented litter is your best bet and kittens under four months should use a non-clumping letter only. I personally like a clumping litter that is made out of wheat which is called "Swheat Scoop" and is all-natural and biodegradable and doesn't have all that dust that clay litters have - and my cat likes it too!
4. Make it private. Just like you, your cat wants to feel relaxed and comfortable when he's using his litter box so you want to put it in a place away from noisy areas that has a little bit of privacy. Make sure it's not anywhere where something might happen that could frighten the cat away. Also, do not put the litter box near their food and water dishes.
5. Proper introduction. Young kittens already have the instinct to use something that can be raked as their litter, but they might find that your plants or other things in your house are just as convenient as a litter box. Until your kitten gets used using a litter box and only the litter box, you might want to limit where they can go so that the litter box is the only appealing place for him to do his business. If you bring a new cat into your house, confine him to a small area that has his food, water, bedding and litterbox. Once he has used the litter box several times and you feel comfortable it's the only place he wants to go in, you can widen his range and slowly move the litter box to where you eventually want it placed. Once you find a spot for the litter box keep it there always.
Having a litter box is a necessity if you have a cat, but keeping the area clean and introducing your cat to the box properly can make this part of cat ownership a breeze.
Cats make wonderful pets, they're soft, cuddly and affectionate without being overbearing and they don't require too much maintenance. In fact they're almost perfect except for one thing - the litter box. While most cats will use the littler box with little or no training it can be a smelly and messy area in the home but it doesn't have to be that way. Here are five tips that will help keep your cat's litter box smelling and looking great.
1. Make sure you have enough of them. Cats like to have a clean litter box and some of them can be a little quirky about the way they use it so you should have at least one litter box per cat. Now this doesn't mean that each cat will have its own litter box they'll probably use all the litter boxes some may like to only urinate in one and defecate in another while others won't like to use litter boxes that other cats have used - you really won't know until you watch your cats and see how they behave and then you can decide what works best for them. It's also not a bad idea to have an extra litter box if you have the room. If your house is more than one floor you'll want to consider having at least one litter box on each floor.
2. Keep it clean. The biggest reason that cats will use the litter box is that it's full. You wouldn't want to dig around in a bunch of clumped up pee and poop would you? Well, neither does your cat so you should be sure to keep his litter box clean. Be sure to scoop it at least once a day and totally change it out and wash it every week. This will cut down on the litter box smell as it is actually the bacteria that's causing the smell and, remember, even if you can't smell it your cat probably can, so keeping it clean is important if you want to keep your cat using the box.
3. Use a litter your cat likes. If your cat refuses to use the litter box, it might simply be the litter. Try using different types to find out what the cat seems to like best. unscented litter is your best bet and kittens under four months should use a non-clumping letter only. I personally like a clumping litter that is made out of wheat which is called "Swheat Scoop" and is all-natural and biodegradable and doesn't have all that dust that clay litters have - and my cat likes it too!
4. Make it private. Just like you, your cat wants to feel relaxed and comfortable when he's using his litter box so you want to put it in a place away from noisy areas that has a little bit of privacy. Make sure it's not anywhere where something might happen that could frighten the cat away. Also, do not put the litter box near their food and water dishes.
5. Proper introduction. Young kittens already have the instinct to use something that can be raked as their litter, but they might find that your plants or other things in your house are just as convenient as a litter box. Until your kitten gets used using a litter box and only the litter box, you might want to limit where they can go so that the litter box is the only appealing place for him to do his business. If you bring a new cat into your house, confine him to a small area that has his food, water, bedding and litterbox. Once he has used the litter box several times and you feel comfortable it's the only place he wants to go in, you can widen his range and slowly move the litter box to where you eventually want it placed. Once you find a spot for the litter box keep it there always.
Having a litter box is a necessity if you have a cat, but keeping the area clean and introducing your cat to the box properly can make this part of cat ownership a breeze.
Monday, January 4, 2010
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