A New Love

Took Murphy to the vet yesterday. It was time for his annual visit, plus I wanted to ask about THE baldness problem. There is a new vet at our clinic, Lakeway Animal Clinic.

After I dumped Murphy out of his cat carrier (which requires me to turn the box on it’s end and shake) he strutted his stuff across the metal examination table. The new vet, Dr. K. rubbed his back, scratched his ears and then she leaned over and kissed him right on top of his head.

I was a little surprised and said, “Did you just kiss him on his head.” She said , “Yes. I really didn’t mean to be so obvious about it.” She was embarrassed, but she shouldn’t have been. I have also kissed Murphy on his head before. He’s a very kissable fellow. I would probably kiss him more often if he weren’t covered from head to toe in fine black hair … except for that one bald spot.

At any rate, she won me over. I figure anyone who loves animals so much she kisses them, …. Well, she’s got to be a pretty wonderful vet. Murphy agreed. He’s forgotten all about Jewels the Fishtale Cat (she had her chance) and he is now in love with Dr. K over at Lakeway Animal Clinic.

 Back to the baldness. As it turns out, no, he should not have a naked tummy. Dr. K says he could be a little OCD, and he’s just doing a little obsessive grooming, or something could be irritating his tummy causing him to nibble and pull out the hair, OR (and yes this is a big OR) he could be dragging it across something that is pulling the hair off. Like maybe his tummy drags over the edge of those really rough steps out in his bachelor pad.

We are supposed to keep a close eye on him and see if we can figure out the problem.

I just knew it had to be the steps. So far Murphy and I have had two Mexican standoffs. Both of us standing   in the back yard staring at the steps. I want to see him walk up them so I can tell if his tummy is dragging. He’s just standing there, probably wondering what I’m doing out there in his bachelor pad. I gave up first the first time. It was about 95 degrees and really hot. The second time, rather than walk up the steps as he always does, he went to the side of the steps and simply leapt onto the landing and then shot through the pet door.

Somehow, I knew this wouldn’t be easy.

Rufus on North Poplar

As some of you may know, North Poplar Street in Paris, Tennessee is one of my favorite places.  Every year the folks on North Poplar have a yard sale and I always try to go.  I seldom buy anything because I get so carried away taking photos.  And that's exactly what happened this year. 

Meet Rufus the Gardner

Rufus resides on North Poplar Street in the backyard  of the home belonging to Tae & Karen Eaton. 

The Eatons have transformed their backyard into a magical haven which would befit the finest landscaping magazines.

And they did all this work themselves.

I love this backyard and want one just like it.

More photos from North Poplar to come!

The Jigs Up

I guess the jig is up.

Murphy needs a toupee.

In Love

Murphy is in love!

He hasn't met her yet. He's just seen her photos on the computer.

She lives over at the Fishtale Lodge.  Her favorite perch is in a kitchen window behind the curtains.

Her name is "Jewels."   This is why.

Isn't she gorgeous!

Storms and Bunnies!

We had a terrible storm come through here.  Straight line winds came across the lake at about 70 miles an hour uprooting trees all up and down the shore line.  See the pretty lake picture at the top of right column on this page ... the one with the pretty blue water and white dogwood.  Just imagine standing in the same spot I was in when I took that photo with a 70 mph wind blowing in your face. 

The storm passed.  Thank goodness no one was hurt and there was very little structural damage.  But I can't imagine how many trees have been lost. 

On the bright side  ... SPRING HAS FINALLY SPRUNG! 

Flopsy and Mopsy are playing in the phlox and ajuga.  That's Flopsy on the left, Mopsy on the right.  My sister, Anne, gave me these cute little brown ceramic bunnies years ago.  They are starting to show their age.  I think a bird may have been using Flopsy's head to open sunflower seeds.  Our youngest granddaughter loves these rabbits.  Everytime she comes to visit she has to pick them up.

This was last year - or was it the year before?

This is when we were trying to go in for the evening.  She wouldn't give up Mopsy.

I can hear everyone say "Awwwwww!" This is so sweet!  I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to catch this photo.

Other bunnies in our neighborhood ...
I think I found the Easter bunny.  He's hiding at Homestead Garden & Gifts on East Antioch Road just down the road from me. 

He loves petunias.  Have you ever smelled petunias???  The fragrance is a little like cinnamon.  A wonderful fragrance.  I didn't buy this planter.  I think I may have to.

Happy Easter everyone!

In or Out? What's it going to be???

Okay Murphy!  It's only about 40 degrees outside.  Do you want in or out???

In .... or out?????  Murphy?

In ... or out??? Which do you want???

Murphy???  Hey!   Murphy!!!!

May 2011 Photo Deal

May is for Moms! And since I'm crazy about Mom's everywhere I'm offering a special deal on photo work from now through May!

Here's the deal. You email me a snap shot that includes a real, bona fide Mom and I'll spend up to one hour on it, clean it up and do my fancy, smancy photo manipulation thing to it and email it back to you for only $10.00. Once you have it back you can print it all you want, share it on Facebook, or email copies to all your friends. It's yours to do with as you please without any fear of copyright issues from me.

What a deal! I usually charge at least $28 for this service.

Here's a little sample of an hour's work.

Original photo

One of the "looks" I created.

Visit my website to see more examples and get the details at http://leeowenby.com/May2011PhotoDeal.aspx

Typography

I've been doing a little typing lately.

This was a custom piece I did for a wedding anniversary.  It uses letters from my Paris, Tennessee Letter Art and was printed on a large canvas.  I have always done custom art for folks -using their photos, their words.  Sometimes they give me their ideas.  Sometimes they just tell me to see what I can come up with.  If this is something that interest you send me an email.

25 Ways To Say I Love You

Buy A Print

All You Need Is ...

Buy A Print

Both of these Typography art pieces are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors

 from my online art gallery.    These would make great anniversary presents.

What Have I Been Doing????

What have I been up to lately you ask???

Watching it snow.  Took this about 3 weeks ago right after it snowed.

Doing a lot of letter art.  This one was for Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts.

Feeding the fat little birds over at Mother's house.

Making pendant jewelry.  This one is over at Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts.

Watching it snow!

Yipes!  Exploring "Snake Jewelry" at Paris On The Square

Watching it snow!  I think this was last week.

Making more jewelry.  This one is at Schemes & Themes.

Wondering what kind of critter left these tracks in the snow in my back yard.

  Making More jewelry!!!  I think I'm addicted.

And of course ... watching it snow.
I am so ready for spring!!!!!

The Word "No"

After about 16 - 17 years (we aren't sure how old Murphy is) he seems to be actually responding to the word "No."  Has he finally figured out what it means or is this just a courtesy considering our long friendship.  But at least now when I say "No!" he at least pauses in his misdeeds, looks at me and seems to consider what I have said.  Then he usually goes ahead and does whatever he want to do.

The War on Cat Hair and Dander

Found a new weapon this morning for my war on cat hair and dander ... the vacuum cleaner.  Not on the floor ... on Murphy. Can't believe he actually let Eric vacuum him.  Eric had the brush attachement on the hose rubbing it all over Murph.  He seemed to really enjoy it.

Lost Notes

Dear Friend,

This morning I found the note I wrote myself to remind me that I was supposed to be at your house yesterday to look at your yard project. The note was on the floor under my desk. It had two tiny little holes in it and had been slightly masticated. I asked Murphy if he knew how this had happened and all he could say was, “Ich, ich…” I really have no excuses except to blame it on Murphy.  http://cattalesbymurphy.blogspot.com/

Winter Doldrums

Had the Winter doldrums the other day and went exploring shops in Paris. Found a new one … Schemes & Themes at 1042 Mineral Wells. It’s been there a while but it’s tucked away off the main street.

Love this place! Really brightened my day.

What did I like the best????

 










Prom dresses!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know, I know. I’m a little old for the prom, but where were these beautiful dresses in my high school days??? There are also pageant dresses.

A closer look. Yum!

However, I really liked this little fella too.  You know what a sucker I am for animals.  This is "Lover Boy."

Oh! Did I mention the shop is owned by LaDonna Tidwell.   You can visit her website at  http://www.schemesandthemes.com/

Blame It On Murphy The Devil Cat

I'm pretty good on computers.  I can type really good and maneuver my way through the Internet.  And most of the time if I am just using the mouse I can even do it all with this sitting on my arm.

Murphy has a fascination for sitting on my arm while I am on the computer.  This could be for several reasons.

1. He's watching the screen just like me.
2. It's the mouse.  How smart is Murphy? Does he know that we call that thing a mouse?
3. It's the big red roller ball on my mouse.  He has a big red ball of yarn that he likes to play with.
4. Or it's because this is a perfect position for him to get his ears scratched.  Sorry there is no photo of this. I need at least one hand to take the photo.

I say it's number 4 above.  Murphy is very smart.  He knows he can put his butt in my nice comfy lap while he has the front part of his body propped on my desk.  He has to actually lay over my arm for security.  And of course while I am operating the mouse with my right hand ... that leaves the left hand free to scratch his ears.  And that is what Murphy is all about - ear scratching.  (Yes his ears are clean.  We check them all the time.)  Ear scratching must be just the most wonderful thing in the world to all cats.

So what am I blaming on Murphy?  Boo boos and gibberish.  Notice the proximity between Murphy and the "enter" button on the keyboard.  Murphy is notorious for sticking that left paw out and hitting the enter key.  He's also been known to have a cat fit and run across the keyboard causing all sorts of problems.  And occasionally when I have left the computer unattended for a few minutes, I have caught him trying to roll the red ball on the mouse while he is sitting on the keyboard.

So if you see gibberish from me, incomplete posts, or deleted posts ... in all likelihood it was Murphy - the Devil Cat.