Hi, I am Woody the Cat. I have gotten used to telling my on going story on Janet’s Blog. I am not sure what that is but she says people like to read about me. Well of course they do. I am the Cat.
A long time ago my friend, Mandy and the dog, Rocky left the house. I have no idea where they went. Janet says they will be back. My concept of time is rather limited. It feels like forever since they left.
Janet has been here before. Janet comes, Mandy leaves. Mandy comes back. Janet leaves. It seems like the natural order of things. Sometimes Janet is “coming through” the area and stays for a few days. Before I know it, she is gone again. Where does everyone keep going?
I am an older kitty now. My health is good, well, except for my kidneys. I am on special food now and special treats. Yum! I love treats. Yum! Do you like treats too?
Have you ever heard of fleas? I am not real fond of them. They make me itch and scratch and lick, a lot. I don’t know where they come from but they showed up at my house just before Mandy left. Janet and I have been trying to get on top if this infestation. Mostly Janet is on top of it. I get treated.
The day after Janet found fleas, she spent a day cleaning the house. She took blankets, bedding and everything else she could find, and put them in the washer. The bigger things required a trip to the laundromat. Then the wicked vacuum cleaner came out.
I do like the comb. It feels so good to have my body scritched. It is one of the joys of my life, having someone pet me and love me.
I now wear this thing around my neck, called a collar. I have never had one of these before. I am glad that it is gray. It goes so much better with my gray fur. Janet combs my fur at least once a day with this itty bitty comb. She says she is keeping me super clean. I don’t know why she doesn’t just lick me. That is how I clean myself.
At night I curl up next to Janet on the bed. I love being close to a human. I love to be loved and have attention showered upon me. I can never get enough.
I may be older, and I may have lost a little weight, but I still have the best tail, and it is still my grandest feature. Everyone could recognize me by my proud, stand-up tail. It suits me—a proud and stand-up kitty.
Returning to San Diego in mid-June has created an odd start to summer. Usually by June, I am somewhere to the north of Southern California. This year I left San Diego at the end of June, still heading north but much later than normal.
I have felt unsettled and not sure which direction I wanted to take my travels. I had thought about heading east to visit family, yet summer is not my favorite time to visit the East Coast. It is hot and sticky. It is somewhere I would rather visit during the shoulder seasons.
Why am I unsettled? I wish I knew the answer to this question. If I knew, then I could fix it or move in the right direction. The uncertainty of the answer is hard for me to understand, emotionally and spiritually. It is about depression, sadness, and loneliness. There is more, and that is undefined to me.
After spending the winter with Drew (healing from surgery) and a whole month with other people during my trip abroad, it is hard to be solidly solo again. It has been nice to visit friends and then spend time alone and then visit friends again. It is the best of all worlds.
I decided to head north. I love the Pacific Northwest with its beautiful long days. The water, the forests, and friends. I love to visit my friends and catch up on the last year. I especially feel so welcome when friends (The Gold Beach and Whidbey Island friends) get excited about me coming and make me feel loved and supported.
As I was trying to figure out where to go, my good friends who live in Boise, Idaho, helped me decide on my summer. They were looking for a cat and a house sitter while they traveled to Europe to visit their son and explore new territory.
I spent a week in Donnelly, Idaho, about 100 miles north of Boise (still in Idaho). I have been to this small town in the mountains before. I really enjoy spending time in the higher mountain country. This year was different. There was so much smoke from the fires in the Pacific Northwest that it made the sun hard to find. It also limited what I wanted to do. I did manage to take the tram up the mountain to attend a free yoga class. I thought if I could get high enough, maybe it would be less smoky.
I have spent most of August in Boise. Misty the kitty has become a joy to be with. I am so glad to be getting an animal fix. It is also interesting to have more time to explore the Boise area.
“I realized before I even arrived that I needed to make myself get out and do things. So what did I do? I found places to explore in the Boise area. One day I went to the Peregrine Fund. For over 50 years, The Peregrine Fund has worked to conserve birds of prey.
Oliver the Owl
“We repopulated a continent with Peregrine Falcons in just 30 years, doubled the population of Critically EndangeredRidgway’ss Hawks in the Dominican Republic, and identified and addressed the cause of the Asian Vulture Crisis in the mid-2000s. Today, we work across five continents on behalf of all 561 raptor species.”
Female Harpy Eagle India Ink Etching by CC Wari
I was able to meet up close with an Eagle Owl. I got there just in time for the one o’clock introduction of Oliver the Owl. Not only did they have birds of prey, but some of the local artwork within the facility was also amazing.
I realized that I needed some people contact. I looked online at the public library, and each Wednesday there is a group of crafters that meets for two hours. I took my crocheting and decided to give this a chance. I joined them and made a friend. This past Friday Eleanor and I went to the Western Idaho State Fair. It is good to have someone to hang out with.
Karen, a neighbor and friend fo Linda’s, also got in contact with me. We have visited and shared meals out. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. It is nice to have Karen up the street, I can walk over for a quick visit.
I have been biking and walking usually each day. When I am in need of life encouragement, being outside helps so much. I met the nicest family while cycling when I stopped at Barber Park to get a drink.
Tomorrow I am officially off cat-sitting duty. My friends arrive home from a trip to Switzerland. Misty the Not-So-Invisible Cat gets to reunite with her peeps. All will be right with the world.
It has taken Misty almost the full three weeks to decide that I am an OK person. Now she follows me around asking for pets and skritches. Cats!
Where am I going from Idaho? I am once again heading west towards the Oregon coast. I have eleven days to arrive in Salinas, CA. My next kitty sitting job awaits. Woody the Cat will need no break in period. He and I have met several times before and he is a love bug.
Elkhorn Slough
It will be nice to be back near the Elkhorn Slough. The kayak is going to get busy. Migratory season is starting so who knows what I will find out there. I love birds, and I love nature. I enjoy exploring the Monterey County area.
As I have begun to mention to others my feelings of dis-settlement and yes a mild depression, I have heard from others that I am not alone. So much is changing in my country. I try to keep politics to a minimum on this site, but there are many things that are happening beyond my control. I know the changes have a lot to do with it, yet I feel the biggest factor is the insensitivity and anger so many seem to carry around with them all the time. It generates a saddness in me that is hard to shake. Sigh.
As the season change, I am getting ready for change too. On Tuesday me and EmmyLou will be rolling west, looking for birds and other wildlife. And I will remain thankful.
Today I am thankful for Misty the Not-So-Invisible Cat. I am thankful for this big wide open country that I call home. I am thankful for all my friends who continue to love and support me as I explore my world.
Hi, I am Misty the Cat. I wanted to say hey before Janet, my pet-sitter, leaves.
Where did my Peeps go? One day a long time ago 2 weeks, my friends and family, Linda and Steve, walked out the garage door, and just like that they were gone. Where did they go? And Janet was here. Janet says my peeps went on holiday.
I remember Janet. She has been here several times. When there were other kitties and Pancho the dog living here, she came with her kitty, Elsie, and took care of all of us. I mean, really, another cat? I was not happy and hid most of the time, coming out to eat and check out the world before disappearing back into my hiding places. Janet named me Misty the Invisible Kitty. And I was pretty invisible.
I also liked to hiss and use my claws when things didn’t go my way or when I was stressed. I have given Janet more than a few swipes. I have no regrets. It is who I am.
Now, finally, I am queen of the house. Top Cat, yep, that’s me. There are no dogs. There are no other kitties. I like my life in this house and with my peeps. It is so much less stressful, and I like being Top Cat.
I remembered Janet, so I went into hiding. I even took a few swipes at her arm. The first week, she came and found me under the covers of the master bed and gave me treats, even though I growled at her.
After about a week, I decided to come out. I was getting bored and lonely. My peeps were still not back, so I decided I needed to check out Janet and the rest of the house.
Long story short, after a few days of hissing at Janet, even though she was being really nice, I decided that maybe, just maybe, I should give her a chance.
Fast forward to today. Janet and I are friends. She combs me, she scratches my chin, and I even let her pick me up once. What? How did that happen? I am not sure, but I like having all the attention. I decided that Janet isn’t half bad. I am glad she came to visit and take care of me. She even took me outside once, on a leash. I found some catmint. Mmmmm.
Janet says Linda and Steve will be back soon. I have no concept of what soon is, so I will have to believe her.
Can Janet come and take care of me and the house again? Yes, I believe she can. Maybe I will remember her and be nice from the beginning, or maybe not. I am a Cat.
Yesterday was my last day of taking care of Woody the Cat and Rocky the Dog. The Mistress of the house returned on Friday evening. Just like that my one month stint as a Pet and House sitter came to an end.
I love being in the Monterey county area. There is so much to do and see. A friend, Zee, came and visited for about a week. We paddled the Elkhorn Slough. Though there was wildlife it was a quiet day on the Slough. Two weeks later I returned to paddle it again. It was obvious that migration had begun.
“The word slough, which rhymes with “grew,” refers to a type of wetland. It winds its way through marshy, swampy ground. Like most sloughs, Elkhorn Slough is a quiet backwater to a larger body of water—in this case, Monterey Bay.”
The Slough is home to several sea otters. It is fun to take friends there and see how excited they get when they see these sea creatures. I know they look cute but they are wild and big. They have recently been having issues with a few in Santa Cruz who are taking surfers surfboards.
When I get to know an area better I can show it off to visitors. I became a tour guide for Zee. Each day we took a new and different sight seeing journey.
The Lone Cyprus
It took most of the day to travel the Seventeen Mile Drive, Pebble Beach. It is known for its stunning coastal views, famous golf courses, and landmarks like the Lone Cypress and Spanish Bay. For $12.25, yes there is an admission fee, we had the day to explore along the Pacific Ocean.
Another day we drove through the lovely little town of Carmel and ended at the Carmel River Beach. We met a kitty and her owner on the beach. It was the kitty’s first outing and oh my she was having a blast.
One of my highlights of her visit was the day we drove north to Capitola Village by the Sea. It is one of the oldest vacation retreats on the Pacific Coast. It was easy to spend time exploring this quaint town. It was very picturesque, a photographers dream.
Oh I almost forgot to mention the day we spent at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This Aquarium is world class. I love going places like this and let my child come out. It gets tiring being an adult all the time.
After Zee’s visit, I settled into my friend’s lovely home and enjoyed spending time in one place. When I am stationary like this I get things done on my rig. This was no exception. Jeff a friend of mine taught me how to repair my running boards and bumpers on the rig. They, from time to time get banged up because of high sidewalks or that occasional rock that I don’t see. This past winter I drove over something on the freeway and it cut up into one of bumpers. The trick is Surf Board Repair Kits. I still use them. Over time I have learned more and now use other kits too.
Looking Good
This time I had two to repair. It involves a lot of hand sanding and repeating the process many times. The people in the neighborhood got used to seeing me sitting on the ground, sanding. They would stop to talk. I was praised when I finished side A. It made me feel proud that I can take these things on. Then I finished side B. I am not going to share with you what I did to that side. Currently, my running boards are looking like new. Each time I look at them, I feel a sense of pride. I also feel accomplished seeing a job well done.
I value the time being in one place. I have an opportunity to be more involved in the local community. Each Saturday I explored the Salinas Farmers Market. I found a yoga studio near where I was staying, so I signed up for classes. I began to know the neighbors a little. It wasn’t until Mandy came home that I learned who was bringing the garbage cans in.
One day I met up with Charlotte, a friend and the minister who married Jim and me. It was good to have to time to visit my friend who lives a distance from me. It is a joy to have that time and not feel rushed.
I enjoyed having the animals around. I loved having them sleep with me at night. Dogs and Cats are two very different animals. Cats are more independent. Rocky asked for more of my time. I was more than willing to give it to him. I enjoyed taking Rocky places. He was a nice little companion.
Personally, I will always be a person of the feline persuasion. I have had cats off and on through-out my whole adult life. They have always been a joy. They are more independent and I am used to their needs, and maybe they fit my lifestyle better. They have different needs than a dog. And, I am used to them.
Would I take care of Rocky and Woody again? Definitely. I enjoy helping my friends and I like having some animal time. Would I return to Salinas and Monterey County again? Absolutely. It is such an amazing area to explore. And I need to get out on the Elkhorn Slough again and again.
As I make my way south to San Diego, I have had time to reflect on this month. I am glad I took the opportunity to stay in one place and be entertained by the dog and cat. Today, I am glad to be hanging out at the beach north of Santa Barbara. I enjoy being on my own again. It is good to have different options in my life.
Today I am thankful for a little dog with a big heart. Today I am thankful for a cat that is a warm and faithful bed warmer. Today I am thankful to embrace a different and unique lifestyle.
Hi we live in Salinas with our owner and friend Mandy. Who are we? Woody the Cat, Meow. Rocky the Dog. Woof.
Rocky the Dog here. A few weeks ago Janet showed up at our door. I was so excited to see her. She has been here before. I like Janet and it is fun to see her. She takes me for walks. We walk near and far. I get a chance to sniff and check all the many dog mailboxes in the neighborhood and beyond. It is fun to have her here.
I don’t know why Janet shows up. This time she showed up and Mandy disappeared. She said words like vacation and Australia. Mandy talked about Melbin (Melbourne). A few days after Janet arrived, Mandy left. Now, here we are, Woody, me, and Janet. I miss Mandy but Janet is fun and she is a good substitute for my person.
Janet plays with me. I get the “zoomies” and run around the dining room table and leap on and off the couch. It is so much fun. It ends with hugs and pets. I really like ripping around the house. I also like my treats, a lot. And food, I like food too.
A few days ago another person showed up. Janet calls her Zee or Mary. She was here for a few days. I liked having a second person here. I got more attention and love. And, now today, just like that she is gone. I don’t know where everyone goes. Mary said she wanted to take me with her. I have a new fan. That is what happens when one is cute and spunky. That’s me.
Janet is still here though. Hopefully, Mandy will come through the front door at some point in time. I will be so excited to see her. She is my person.
Oh, and tomorrow Janet says she is going to give me a shower. Well that is going to be fun. I am up for just about anything. I will end up smelling pretty and all my beautiful fur will be fluffy and clean. Yay.
Meow. Woody the Cat here. I know you have met me before. I am the cat with the grand tail. I live with Mandy and Rocky. I am an older kitty now. I spend a lot of my life under Mandy’s bed. It is quiet and safe and I can stay away from Rocky when he gets too rambunctious. He is just a young spunky thing.
I may spend a lot of time in my safe place. But, I do like to come out. I enjoy getting pets and treats. Usually I show up in the evenings when the sun has gone down. I like it when the humans are comfortable in their easy chairs. I can hang out with them. I get a lot of attention and pets.
Check Out My Grand Tail.
I am allowed to be on the dining room table. Why? Rocky chases me and likes to jump on top of me. I can only handle his play for so long. Then I need a safe spot to view the living room world. So the living room table is my spot.
I have found my way to Janet’s bedroom. I like sleeping with humans at night. I share the bed with Rocky and Janet. We all like to hang out together at night. It is fun to have sleep buddies. I am always nearby for pets and hugs.
So here we are. Janet, Woody and Rocky. Janet is pet-sitter extraordinaire. She also does a good job with the house and yard. She keeps all things running. When Mandy returns, everything is in order. Mandy can pick up on her life with Rocky and Woody.
Today we are thankful for Janet coming to take care of us. Today we are thankful for food, fun, loves, pets and “zoomies”.
A woman who I worked with posts photos on Facebook. She occasionally asks readers to guess where her office is that day. Maybe I should do something similar and ask my followers where I am today.
A little over a week ago I left San Diego and drove north. I camped along the way. I enjoyed a night at Lake Cachuma, near Santa Barbara. My husband, Jim, liked to say God Bless You any time I said the lake’s name.
After spending the afternoon and evening I continued north toPismo Beach. This is such a lovely little town on the Pacific Coast. Pismo Beach is a classic beach town and is located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is known for its wide white sand beaches, the boardwalk, a monarch butterfly grove and cinnamon rolls.
I set up camp at the State Beach. Then, I walked out to the ocean to watch the birds, people, and sunset. I like this little town. It is often on my radar when I am moving north or south along the Pacific Coast.
For the next month I am in Salinas, California. I know you have met Woody the cat in earlier blogs. I am house sitting for him and his companion, Rocky the dog. I am getting my animal fix. I will be here for the next month while their owner travels “Down Under.”
WoodyRocky
I always look forward to coming here. Why? The Elkhorn Sloughis about 20 minutes from the house. My kayak is excited to put in to one of my favorite places. Migration season is here and that means I will see all kinds of shore birds, ducks, pelicans and more. Sea Otters are plentiful. I adore those creatures that look so gentle but can be quite aggressive. And who knows what else will show up on my explorations of the slough.
Monterey and Carmel are close to Salinas as well. There are great cycling trails. I can bike from Monterey to Pacific Grove and beyond. There is the 17-Mile Drive to explore too. The Monterey Bay Aquarium andCannery Row are also near by. I like taking advantage of what is close by when I stay somewhere.
I have one friend coming to visit. I am not sure if she is coming to visit me. She might be visiting because she also wants to get out on the Slough. It will be good to have someone to paddle with and share Wow experiences.
Otter in the Elkhorn Slough
If you can time it right, you are more than welcome to visit. I know my friends Pat and Sandy have been here to kayak the Slough with me and they are always welcome to return for another visit.
After a month in Monterey County I will be heading south once again to have another type of adventure. Stay Tuned.
Today I am thankful for so many things. I am so thankful that I discovered the RV lifestyle. Buying an RV opened up a whole new world to me. I am so thankful for all the friends I have made. I am thankful that these friends trust me with their homes and their animals. I am thankful that they want to come and visit and explore with me wherever I am.
My writing has been scattered lately and my posts show it. So…An Update.
I have been in San Diego for two weeks. The first week I was cat sitting for two pretty Tuxedo Kitties, Avril and Pete. They were very different personalities. Pete slept with me while Avril remained aloof. The best part of this sit besides the kitties…A Swimming Pool! On these warm summer days that pool was so refreshing.
I do not usually return to San Diego until November. By that time, the weather has cooled and being in San Diego is good. This year,….It Is HOT!!! Through the Labor Day weekend it is suppose to stay rather warm, even at the beach. Currently I am in Santee which is inland San Diego. It is close to 100 degrees. And, it has been humid. I am not used to this and I long to be back in the Pacific Northwest. Ah, alas, here I am.
I am in San Diego because I have a year long relationship with my dentist. I am having an implant put in and it takes almost a year to finish the process. Bone implant – Heal. Three months later in goes the screw which is really the implant – Heal. Three months later the crown goes on and I am done. This time I had the screw put in. That means in December I get crown on and I am done. Yay!!
Maintenance of my Rig, EmmyLou is important. Without her I have nowhere to live or sleep. On my drive south I met up with my friend Zee, who lives in southern Oregon. We planned a mini-trip to Mt Lassen National Park. On the third day of our camping trip, I tried to start my engine. It made a weird screeching noise, and then it stopped working. My roadside assistance, Coachnet, helped me get her where she needed to go. . She was safely taken to Weed, California. There, she got a new starter.
I was very thankful to have a friend with me. I stress out about Roadtrek issues when I am alone. I am always sure that I am to blame and my life comes to a screeching halt. Zee kept me from chastising myself too much. And I had somewhere to stay while the rig was fixed.
While she got a new starter Zee and I went back to her home. It is so good to have friends who open their homes to me. I am grateful each time this happens. Two days later I picked my rig up and returned to Medford, Oregon so Mercedes could check her out. A day later she was ready to go and I headed south.
Baby Needs New Shoes
Yesterday I spent the afternoon in the Tire Center at Costco because Baby needs new shoes. Michelins are on sale and EmmyLou has been traveling hard. She has 186,000 miles on her and her tires were looking worn. I knew it would take at least two hours. I brought my camp chair in from the rig. Now I am sitting in the air-conditioned tire shop, entertaining myself. It is great people watching.
My Campsite View
It is so common for me to be busy when I arrive in San Diego. I thought it would be a bit slower this time. I don’t even dive into my medical or dental appointments until I arrive in November. I have been busy. Now with Labor Day weekend arriving I am hoping to slow down for the weekend. Maybe I can get the kayak on the water. Maybe I can take a bike ride. Maybe, Maybe, Maybe.
Practicing Yoga free,in Donnelly, Idaho at the top of the Ski lift
There you have it an update. Since May I have been to the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver Island, British Columbia and back to the Pacific NW again. On the way south, I traveled east to Donnelly, Idaho. Where better to attend a free yoga class at the top of the ski lift? After spending a long weekend with good friends I returned to the west coast.
In mid-September, I travel north to Salinas, California (near Monterey). I will house sit for Woody the cat and Rocky the dog for a month. I will also kayak the Elkhorn Slough and bike around Monterey and enjoy my friend, Mandy’s lovely home.
Today I am thankful for my rig. It is good to keep her tuned up and in good working condition. I am truly thankful for air conditioning. I am thankful for good friends who open their homes and hearts to me.
Hi, I am Max the Dog. About a week ago, my people disappeared. I heard words like South America, Iguazu Falls, suitcase, and more importantly…Pet Sitter.
And just like that, my people left, and Janet, the dog sitter, appeared. I don’t know where she came from, but she has been here ever since. I have heard her talk to friends about Trusted Housesitters, so maybe that is where she came from. Do these people just pop up from another reality? I don’t know.
I like having her here. She walks me, feeds me (I love food), pets me often, and even found a ball for me to play with. She is pretty good to have around. I would be very lonely if she wasn’t here and my peeps were gone. I sometimes get stressed if any of my peeps are gone too long. I carry stuffed toys in my mouth when I get distressed or worried. I am used to attention and having my needs met.
After all, I am a Dog!
I am an older dog, whatever that means. I have a gray muzzle, which I guess is a sign of being old. I also take stuff for my joints. People call it arthritis. I call it feeling stiff and achy in my legs, and I have four legs that I need to take care of because I love to go for walks.
Janet takes me out walking twice a day, and I get to smell and sniff to my heart’s content. Every time I walk, I have to check all my mailboxes and find some new ones. That is how we dogs communicate. Oh, there was Fluffy, who stopped to mark her mailbox, and Rex and Eric and…well, you get the idea. We dogs like to stay in touch.
One day, I met Ella. She is much younger than me and has a lot of energy. She bounced and appeared anxious to move. Janet liked her owner. They talked, and finally, the four of us set off on a mini-adventure to the water towers. I have been walking a lot. When we return to the house, I find one of my comfy beds and dream of my adventures.
I have three beds: one in the living room, one in Janet’s bedroom, and one in “The Office.” I spend most of my time in the living room, but when Janet goes to bed each night, I sleep in her room. I like my people close by. I sleep better hearing them breathe.
Janet tells me that my peeps will return soon, but I don’t know what that means. What is soon? Today? Tomorrow? I don’t know, so I guess I will have to take her word for it. Each day, I look at the door with a bit of anticipation, but nope, not that day. Meanwhile, Janet is here loving me and ensuring I don’t starve for food or affection, and I get my walkies in.
It is nice to meet you, and in my language, I greet you…”Woof, Woof.”
She is here!! She is here! Janet is here and is going to stay with me for the month of February. No kitty carrier! No chasing me around! No stressing out! I get to stay home!
Hi, everyone, Woody the cat here. Janet is back to take care of me while my companion and owner, Mandy and Rocky the dog go on holiday. This is the third time that Janet has been here to stay with me so I can continue with the routine of sleeping, eating, snuggling, suckling and loving. Not bad.
For those of you who don’t know, I am Woody the cat with a striking tail. It is my best feature and I like to show it off every chance I can get. Take a look at the picture and you can see my best feature.
My Tail
I live with Mandy and Rocky the dog. I love Mandy all the time, except when she tries to catch me and put me in the evil kitty carrier. When she finally gets me in there, I stay with Scott and Megan while Mandy travels. I like it at their house but I don’t like the process of getting there. Last year Janet showed up and while Mandy traveled I got to stay home. What a relief. And oooh, Janet likes cats.
Mandy & Rocky
She came a few days early to visit with us before Mandy and Rocky get on the road. I now have two humans to pet me and hold me and carry me around. I like that and I deserve no less. After all, I’m the cat.
So stay tuned I know I will be posting again. I sneak into Janet’s computer when she is out kayaking or biking or just out and about.
