For the Christmas Eve dinner, one of those boys wanted hot dogs with Yorkshire pudding. Have you ever heard of such a thing?

I had a piece of salmon.

Merry Christmas.

Kick Back and Get Festive...

The two boys are here this weekend and we're starting the celebrations.

Pumpy and I have been sitting in the window watching the cars drive by.

I hope you're enjoying the Christmas season...

This photo is from the original art of Virginia Lee.

Oh Christmas Tree...

Is it me or is Christmas getting downsized this year? Last year we had a tree (albeit a fake one) with decorations and trimmings. This year the woman came home... plopped this thing down on the counter... and announced that this was our Christmas tree. Everyone else was on board with it but, frankly, I liked that old fake tree. I knocked it over twice last year and chewed on the plastic branches. And it was nice.

The dog is being fantastically annoying, though. She found some wrapped Christmas presents and unwrapped them for all to see. It was lovely.

How is your Christmas coming along?

Happy Birthday

The dog is one today. I'm keeping my eye on her...

Meet My New BFF

Having this dog around isn't always a bad thing.

The dog has to eat in a crate because she goes all spacky when Pumpy and I have our fudz. So when I'm finished with my fudz, I stop by her crate and help myself to some of hers.

Hello fellow bloggers...

It's me, Pearl. Sorry about the woofie in the picture but honest-to-goodness, she just follows me around everywhere and wants to sit with me. What's a girl have to do to get a little space around here?

No worries about me, though. I have and WILL give her a smack down if she gets all up in my stuff -- if you know what I mean.

It's getting to be that time of year when some beautiful cards float through our mailbox. We're going to try to make our own Christmas cards but we did that last year too and ended up rushing to the store to buy them when they didn't turn out very nice.

If you send me your snail mail address, I will send you a card!! It may be hand-made... or maybe not.

Here's hoping you have fun this holiday season!

love, Pearl

Man I hate it when Pumpy licks himself too much. I really do. I annoys me to no end and I have to bite him eventually.

Hello. I am trying to convince the woman that feeding time begins an hour earlier than usual. She remains steadfast and resolute and the feeding time hasn't changed one iota. It gets dark here between 3:30 and 4:00PM... and the central heating kicks in just after 4:00. Therefore, I am trying to get my feeds over and done-with before the sun sets and just as the radiator heats up. I shall continue howling from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM because sometimes this wears her down.

Gobble Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

When the woman first moved over to England, she threw down some mean Thanksgiving dinners... turkey from the butcher... home made stuffing... the works. However, I've noticed that with each passing year her Thanksgiving dinners are getting more and more sparse. This year it looks like she's bought a pre-packaged chicken breast with stuffing and some roasted vegetables. By the way, she didn't make these pies. I found this picture on the internets.

Anyhoo... here's' hoping that you all get a piece of turkey or chicken or ham today. Pumpy and I will insist that we get our share, of course.

November Days

This is me sitting in front of a small heater. It seems that the November winds and rain have finally befallen us and it's always cold here at our house.

I want one of those heated cat beds.

The Christmas cactus is blooming and I'm quite surprised because the woman has no green thumb. Yet... it is happily blossoming and this means that Christmas is coming. Pumpy looks lovingly at it because he would like to eat it but it sits out of our reach.



The days are shorter and colder. Here we all are taking an afternoon nap.

One White Whisker

Hello.

The dog who lives here has a very unbalanced face. She has one white whisker on the right side of her face and eight white whiskers on the left side of her face. It's ever so peculiar. I can't help but stare at her throughout the day. I wonder if she needs corrective surgery?

A bridge in Surrey

This is what an autumn day looks like here in Surrey. When it's not raining, you can take walks through the countryside and stop at local pubs for a lager or an ale and enjoy the beauty of old England.

I don't know this for a fact because I don't like to leave the house unless it's to eat a plant out in the garden. But the woman tells me these things and I believe her.

Wordless Wednesday -- Boo!

It's TOESDAY

Hello.

As you can see, these are my toes. I'm asleep on the radiator again. The curtain provides a little heat bath for me. Sometimes Pumpy tries to horn in on my space and oh do I hiss and spit when he does that. He can sneak my food but DO NOT take away my heat bath.

Elevenses

Hello.

Today I would like to tell you about Elevenses. If you are not British or Australian, then you may not know what Elevenses is. This is equivalent to mid-morning tea, usually taken at about 11 AM, at which time partakers usually have a few biscuits or sweet cakes and a cup of tea. (You can look this up on Wikipedia if you doubt me.)

Whenever the woman has a day off from work, we all have Elevenses and I highly recommend it to my American friends. Go ahead... wherever you are... at 11 AM (or there abouts) grab yourself a cup of tea and a cookie and give yourself a break. OR -- have a temptation and a slurp of water. It's a great way to enjoy the day.

Long time no...

...writing on the blog.

Hello. How are you?

I'm sorry I've been silent lately. I have no good reason other than, perhaps, overwhelmed with life.

Two items of note that are very upsetting: The woman got a new vacuum cleaner and it's an upright... very noisy. Very big. She LOVES it. She says it sucks up dirt and hair like nothing she's ever seen. Woo Hoo for her.

Secondly... the man's eyes have begun to swell up at night and so no more sleeping in the bedroom for Pumpy and me. We've been shut out and I'm not very happy about it. We have to sleep downstairs with that D-O-G.

How are things with you?

Bug Hunting

This photo captures me in full hunting mode. The other night there was the biggest spider I've ever seen crawling on the wall. I knocked it off and chased it under... something. And now I'm looking for it. I never found it but when I do I intend to eat it.

That Duvet Again

Pumpy has been coveting my duvet. The most terrible thing happened the other night: While I was resting comfortably on my fluffy duvet (which I love) Pumpy drove me off it and then pinned me down on the floor. I spit and hissed. As my friend, Poly, would say... I was Pig Bitin' Mad. But Pumpy smacked me and then I smacked him. Then that dumb dog had to get in on the act and so I had to smack her too. Then the woman came running and she had to separate all of us. Pumpy got the duvet but I got to go upstairs with the woman and sleep in her bed.

Pumpy was naughty and I'm not going to forget it.

This is hilarious. Those two came home and couldn't find me. They looked everywhere... under every bed... behind every curtain... behind furniture... in the garden. They gave up. They sat in gloom. Wondering... worrying...

and then the woman looked at the fluffy duvet on the blanket box and she saw my eye...

can you see me?

Hello. Where's my milk?

Things are really slipping around here. The last two mornings Pumpy and I have had to wait until 6:30 for our stinky goodness AND this very morning the man was extremely late in coming downstairs to eat his cereal. So of course I had to wait quite some time for the leftover milk. This photo was taken of me when the man came downstairs and saw us waiting, waiting, waiting... tapping our paws.

Notice, once again, how easily distracted Pumpy is.

Focus, Pumpy!!

I really need him to be on board with me especially since that dog starting living here.
Sometimes it's very hard to be in charge all the time.

I was having me a good lick of butter when the woman screeched at me to stop. It was very disruptive and annoying. I refused to get off the table even so.

Later she left the back door open and so I ate some weeds in the back garden. Not as gratifying as butter but it sometimes makes me throw up and so I might do this later on her favorite rug.

This picture was taken this morning. I was just having a nice morning stroke when that stupid dog jumped up and joined us on the sofa. See the guilt in her eyes.

Notice the book on the table. It's a "One Pot" cookbook. The woman's been thumbing through it to see if there are any super easy recipes to make for the man because tomorrow is his birthday.

Do you have any super easy recipes that a human might like?

This is what I'm talking about...

I got a photo of all of us on the bed just to show you what goes on here during the day. Notice how I'm looking aptly disgusted. Pumpy is busy cleaning himself (which he does too much as far as I'm concerned). I try to get Pumpy focused on matters at hand but he can't seem to do it.

As many of you know, Pumpy and I like to have our morning nap up on the bed. Everyday that dog comes up and gets in bed with us and she's all like, "Hi Hi HI HI HI!! What are we doing? Oh? Taking a nap? GREAT! I'll lay down with you!" And Pumpy and I are all like, "GET OFF OUR BED!"

Except we don't SAY that but we look it and we think it. Yet... she doesn't get the hint. Sigh.

Cat Puppy Snatcher

FYI... dog food isn't that bad. Also, there are these bones that come filled with yummy stuff that I can lick out with my thin, rough tongue. That dumb dog doesn't even care if I eat her treats. She's just SOOO HAPPY if I let her lay down next to me. What a doofus.

Morning

Do you know what's funny and it just CRACKS ME UP? When those two humans leave for work in the morning, Pumpy and I are like, "ha ha ha... you have to go to work and we get to stay home and nap and think about life and stuff like that... ha ha ha... have fun at WORK, chumps..."

But when that stupid dog sees those two going off to work she panics and jumps up in the window and looks at them like, "oh please oh please don't leave me..."

What's wrong with that dog, anyway?!

Peaceable Kingdom

Well - I wouldn't say that Pumpy and I are thrilled with this DOG but we are managing to sit together as you can see by this shadowy photo.

That dog is so dumb. She does tricks for food and everything. Yuck. Pumpy and I would never do tricks for food (although we aren't too proud to beg, I must admit.)

Grandma Pat is coming today. Pumpy and I are going to go upstairs and keep her bed warm until she gets here.

Dog Days of Summer

Boy - things sure have been busy around here with this dog hanging around. Man... what a baby!! She cries when she's left alone and she follows everyone around like a ... like a... well, like a puppy dog! She even tries to sit with me and Pumpy when the beans aren't looking. Good grief! I allowed her on the sofa for a few minutes the other day (see above) but otherwise I just leave the area when she starts her panting and flopping around looking for attention.

News from the Bunker Part Two

Bwhaaahahahaha.... the dog isn't allowed on the furniture but I AM. Last night I got to sit on the sofa with the beans while the dog was on the floor. Also, I get to sleep in bed with them but the dog isnt' allowed on the bed. Bwhahahahahah.

I also got to sneak some of her food which was fun.

I haven't had to bop her on the nose yet but believe me I will if necessary.

Thanks for all of your support during this very trying time for me.

News from the Bunker

Meanwhile from my command centre, I have been observing the new monster: identified as a "King Charles". King? Pah! Doesn't look very regal to me! (And I know Royalty!) The monster enters the garden on frequent visits. Even in the rain. "The Rain of King Charles" - ha! I crack myself up.

No matter. At least I have Pumpy. And my morning breakfast milk. I wish Pumpy would stand up to the critter a bit though. He's supposed to be my bodyguard (as well as my bed warmer!)

I will sneak out more news as the situation develops.

S.O.S.o.m

Save Our Saucer of Milk!!! As discussed in my last post... I do now have photographic evidence of the INTRUDER! Don't be fooled by those large floppy ears. There are teeth in the WOOFIE's jaw and sharp un-retracted claws - a sure sign this monster is angling for a fight! And it is forever coming up close (well to Pumpy) and (ugh) "sniffing!!!" Pumpy seems to have almost ACCEPTED this newcomer. He just lies inert and then occassionally moves away. Where's my Princess Protection? Where's my Cat Protection League? Oh woe, what am I to do?

Treachery!!!

Infamy! Infamy! They all have it In For Me. My loyal subjects. Distressing news. Painful news. My previously loyal female-bean, feeder thingy... What do you call them? Human... sorry, I'm really too distressed to be coherent.... Has brought into MY Domain a dog!? Yes, a WOOFIE! What's worse there are mentions of it being King! My initial engagements have demonstrated that I'm Queen of this land! I've hissed, spit, furred up and held the high ground. Hopefully this usurper will go away. I am writing this from my "safe room": under the big beans' bed. And I will stay here until that Woofie goes away. I will sneak some photos out and show you what a ferocious beast it is!

Temptations

My friends, today, for the first time in my life, I have had temptations. Oh I've heard plenty about them but a certain someone never brought them home - until today. And now I know, on a very profound level, why everyone writes so enthusiastically about them. They're just down right addictive. Pumpy and I were asleep and the aroma of the package roused us immeditately. As the package was opened we sprang up and devoured them. Then Pumpy and I had a fight. Is fighting normal after a temptation snack?

One more thing... very odd indeed. The woman brought home a PINK dog collar and some dog treats.

Sun's Out

Well Finally! We've seen the sun and I got to step out into the garden over the weekend.

Many of you have asked about the rain and floods that we've had here in England. Our house has been free from flooding but grandma Pat (you remember Grandma Pat?) lives in Teweksbury! She was without water and electricity for awhile but it seems that things are up and running again. Her house didn't flood, BTW. She lives on a hill.

And FYI, Prince Charles and Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall were in Teweksbury over the weekend. How very exciting.

Beauty Mark

See my beauty mark? I went to the V-E-T and when she saw it she said it looked like a nicotene stain. Then she asked me if I had been smoking cigarettes!!

Now I ask you... is there anything more ridiculous than a princess smoking a cigarette?

I DECREE...

... That this household shall wake up at 5:00 A.M. each day. This decree has already begun as of Tuesday, July 17 and it shall continue until which time I see fit. Slackers and sleepers will not be tolerated.

Softness Visible

If you could feel how soft this new blanket is, you would never stop treddling and slobbering on it. That goes for humans, too.
Grandma Pat bought this for us. We are ever so grateful.

iPearl

Goodness... I've let quite a bit of time lapse since my last post. Well, here I am at my Apple Powerbook. I love Apple products, I think Steve Jobs is dreamy. (I can't wait until the iPhone comes out because I think I should have one). The Mac's software and hardware are so elegant and sophisticated: just right for me! Although the man says the Mac also produces "spinning pizzas" but I've yet to get any food out of it.

Very Artly

Hello.

This is a painting that was done by our uncle. You can plainly see that he's captured me quite well but he DID use some creative license with Pumpy. *whispers* Pumpy has a weight problem.

I hope you enjoy this lovely painting. We feel that had Van Gogh painted kitty cats, he surely would have done something akin to this one!

Can you see me?

I'm waiting at the table for someone to come and serve me some stinky goodness. They never did. They just came running with the camera to take a picture, for heaven's sake. I left immediately because it was so annoying.

Today I sat in a wicker basket. It was lovely.

Hello. How are you?

We're watching Wimbledon today. Actually, Pumpy and I are resting comfortably while our people watch tennis. They seem to like tennis... chasing and hitting a ball around for an hour or so. It's way too much work in my opinion. I have one mousie that I hit a few times with my paw and then it's back to my soft duvet for another nap.

My Red Box

I just love boxes, don't you? This box belongs to one of those boys who lives here on the weekend. He had a birthday and this held one of his presents. I got to sit in the box all afternoon. I once had a shoebox that I sat in every day but it's long gone and now I have to scrounge around for any box that those two happen to leave out. Boxes... ahhhhhhhhhh.

Dishwashers are the Biz

Hi Peeps and kitty cats!

I was caught red-pawed licking dirty plates in the dishwasher. But all I can say is YUM YUM. If you cats get the chance, this is really a lovely way to garner a snack.

Photo Hunters - Sweet

The above photo was taken during the month of April when the sun was shinning and it was warm. Those two had this lovely chocolate tart and some strawberries while sitting on the patio. Ah... those were the days.

It rains every day in England now and there's a bite in the air. The sun umbrella hasn't even been opened this month.

Below is another photo of Pumpy and me cuddling as we do every day.