Quick fix cat toy

If like me you've got multiple ends of yarn that are just too small to justify keeping, here's a tip.

My cat Posie is very laid back but even she gets fed up on these wet, cold, winter days. She will leave my yarn alone but I have made her round toys in the past. I've been so busy lately that I haven't got the time to crochet another thing. Hence I have a limitless supply of yarn ends.

Take a section and tie the ends together.

Scrunch them up. With the end of the yarn ball knot it around to make sure all the ends are safe.

Here's Posie checking one I made earlier before picking it up in her mouth and running away with it.
No better endorsment than that!

Introducing Ralph

This is Beth's new kitten Ralph. He's six weeks old and everything you expect a six week old kitten to be. Fun, naughty, loving and soooo cute.

After a full inspection of his new blanket he decided that his favourite colour was the one with a hand underneath it. Fingers are good to chase and even better to chew.

The squared spot crochet blanket had been finished just in time. It was to go into the shop but…

Welcome to the family, Ralph and Happy Birthday, Beth!

Pantone Colours

The Pantone Colour of 2013 is...

I know this isn't news and the announcement was made way back when but I've been such an awful blogger that it's taken me this long to add it to the list.

My work commitment this year means that I haven't got time to make Etsy treasuries so I'll take the easy way out and look at Pinterest.

Pantone's own Emerald board has some gorgeous pins to inspire even the most jaded blogger. My person favourite? These super gorgeous ruffles that lift any dress from bland to striking.

Somewhere you'll find the perfect accessory similar to this Reed Krakoff leather tote. It's now unavailable but there are great alternatives out there. Try The Cambridge Satchel Company for a more informal look.

If the £991.46 price tag for the tote sounds a little steep then perhaps a vintage find is more your thing.

Of course, if you're really classy you'll find the most perfect accessory to match your eyes.

Us cats know how to roll.

When Posie met Tufty

There I am sitting on the step minding my own business waiting for mum indoors to let me in when I spot this in the weedy place at the bottom of the garden.

The next thing I know the door opens she lifts me up and drops me on the kitchen floor. Wagging fingers and no, no, no, not, don't, naughty girl, right to live, rubbish, rubbish, tosh, bosh. No good words, cwtch or food. Only one thing a cat can do. Sit on a chair and sulk and doze and nap and still keep that eye open on the great view of the garden.

Mum's doing something with the big noisy white thing that splashes water and I'm not allowed to sit in it. Now she's got the wet things in the basket and is OPENING THE DOOR!!!!

Through the feet, down the garden, up the tree!

There I am!! Hiding, lurking, sulking.

  There he is grinning, laughing, smirking.

I'll just wait here. Show him I mean business. 'Til the next time.

PS

Should I show Mum this?

Wasn't me. It was Dizzy. I'm a good girl.

Psst! Oi, you!

Do you like my shiny winter coat? Nice isn't it? It's the best I've ever had!

You don't know me but my name is Dizzy. It's a stupid name I know but it's better than the last one, Sunny. Now, come on, do I look like a Sunny? I don't remember the one before that or the one before that. I do remember the one before that but I'm not allow to use bad words.

That Cat, the one that's always blathering on, well, we played a good game the other day. She didn't enjoy it much but I thought it was fun. Shall I tell you how to play it?

You need a very tall tree and a very stupid human. Tall trees are hard to find. If you haven't got one use a roof or a post or something high as the sky. You can find a stupid person anywhere. Maybe you even own one.

First thing. Spy on them. They're used to it. They won't notice.

 

Next climb the tree.

Higher than that!

 Can you still see me? Yes? Not high enough.

Higher! They can still see you!

 Nearly there!

 

Gone!! Now when they pass the tree in their muddling thoughts you do this. Drop and land on them! You won't hurt. They are stupid and soft.

If you can go RRRAWRRRRR! They'll think that you are a lion or a panther or something and they'll really squeal. Just like a big mouse!

I've got other good games. Have you?

In disgrace!

Yes! Disgraceful behaviour from a cat who's on borrowed time. The cattery is just up the road and yesterday she was very lucky not to shipped back there - again! She's scrawny with a huge overbite, well, fangs. It's not as if she's pretty and cute. I could forgive her then, maybe.

Mr BC works from home sometimes. Yesterday he had a very important meeting with a man who drove a very flash car. I didn't see the very flash man because I was tackling a crocodile but I could hear him talking. Projections, investments, returns, profitability, blah, blah, blah for about an hour.

They met around the kitchen table, all the better for spreadsheets. Until Dizzy walked in through the patio doors. They were so busy they didn't see her. They did see the mouse that she flicked up onto the table and that landed, slap bang, in the middle of the spreadsheet.

The flash man has a very girly scream. It's followed with a very manly laugh.

Mr BC picked the mouse up and removed it to the place we use to dispose of the dead mice - the garden, its own special little grave. Calmly, so as not to frightened the flash man. Apologising and saying that she doesn't normally do this sort of thing.

No! Dizzy has never brought in a mouse before and will never manage to flip one with such skill again. Anyone want a very used black cat? She's only had three previous owners and two loooong stays in the rescue centre.