Skoda, Happy 2nd Year Anniversary!

Skoda takes centrestage on my blog masthead this month. Today marks her second year at the Cove.

There is never a dull moment with Skoda around. Gratification comes just by looking at her alone. Even when motionless, she seems to flow. Beyond Skoda’s beauty, there is an intelligent being. Quick to discover; fast to learn; ever entertaining with the way she struts. Her graciousness has been a little stretched over the past one year for she now has to share her space with two other. While she and Braun have adapted to each other well, I pray she’ll be more accepting towards Mikki.

Skoda still exchanges a kiss or two, when the mood is right – her eyes so tightly-closed, 100 percent concentration that send your heart a-fluttering. One gung-ho gal she is; of the three, she is the only one not afraid of thunder.

When we open the doors to our bedroom at night, this is when Her Highness will respond to her name being called. She’ll “scold” if we dare hurry her or not wait for her. And once inside the room, Skoda knows she has to be good and thoroughly enjoys her time there, transforming into a purring machine.

Skoda love, may you be happy and health always!

2nd day at the Cove...

Skoda at 3 months old

Fast-forward...Skoda as she is now

Traitor & 叛徒

"One day a cat will opt to join you while you are utterly relaxed in muscle and brain, and with delicate miaow and a velvet paw will show you transcendental meditation by an expert." - V. Martin

P/S: One is a traitor, the other is a 叛徒. There may be a 汉奸 too. ??!!??

Sleeping Child

Seeing Braun all snuggled up in-between the microwave oven and the refrigerator brings to mind this song by Michael Learns To Rock, titled Sleeping Child.

The milky way upon the Heavens
Is twinkling just for you
And mr. moon he came by
To say goodnight to you
I’ll sing for you i’ll
Sing for mother
We’re praying for the world
And for the people everywhere
Gonna show them all we care

Chorus:
Oh my sleeping child the world’s so wild
But you’ve build your own paradise
That’s one reason why I’ll cover you sleeping child
If all the people around
The world
They had a mind like yours
We’d have no fighting and no wars
There would be lasting peace on earth
If all the kings and all
The leaders
Could see you here this way
They would hold the earth in their arms
They would learn to watch you play

P/S: At bedtime yesterday, I saw Braun perched on the bed when I got into the room. I sat down on the bed beside her and then crossed my legs. Braun got up and settled down in the hollow of my legs. Wanting to give her my undivided attention (which is quite lacking nowadays), I gave her therapy for 10 minutes. She got really comfortable and fell asleep. It was a good winding-down for me as well. Braun turned her belly upwards and the therapy session extended into another five minutes. Love her belly fur (so soft, white and thick, hee hee) and she isn't too skinny nor fleshy. Of the three, she is the only one who can be stroked for an extended timing. It was getting late and I was most reluctant to end the session. Oh well, well...

As the Deer Panteths for the Water

Bought a Hagen drinking fountain for the girls on Friday, 12 Oct. The CatIt model was sold-out at the PLC branches of my convenience so I ended up getting the DogIt model. The only difference between the two models is the colour (red is one of my favourite colours :) )

Water constitutes approximately 70% of a cat's or dog's body. Encouraging cats to drink more water helps ensure proper kidney function and may decrease the incidence of crystal formation and urinary disease (FUS). FUS is a top killer for cats. Here is the link for the Hagen CatIt water fountain: http://www.hagen.com/uk/cats/addinfo/catit_water_fountain.cfm

The girls checked out the water fountain one-by-one. I've kept away their drinking dish to accelerate the switch-over. They seem to have taken quite well to drinking from it because I see a dip in the water level. They aren't following me as much to the kitchen sink as well.

Movie Marathon

You're in for a treat! Watch three movies in a row now....

First movie titled Vertical Meditation, starring Braun Braun Sweetie Pie (bbSp). We've seen her falling asleep while standing several times. She is the only one who has this habit.

This is the first time she has been "caught" on video:

Second movie titled Grooming DIY, starring bbSp again :)

bbSp would like to share her grooming regime with fellow beauties. Note: Steps in no particular order. The key is to put your heart into it.
1) Lick your left paw and then the right one;
2) Go on to your shoulder (just a little will do);
3) Back to the left paw;
4) Make yourself comfortable in preparation for Part II;
5) Start with the thigh;
6) And then the tail (Note: Good amount of agility required here, place leg over head for maximal effect. btw, it is worthwhile to spend significant period of time on this part. Don't ask me why. Just do it.);
7) Finally, don't forget the belly.

Last movie titled Left Paw vs Left Paw, starring Skoda and bbSp. Some amount of action here. There was a prelude - watch how they got into position for the friendly match:

Someone Up There

I saw this comic drawing in Friday's ST, Life:

A series of photos I took of Skoda and Braun came to mind. Were they thinking of/looking out for Someone Up There?

(May 2007)

It's a Home Run!

Finally after a long wait, I took my driving test today. Yay! I secured the coveted piece of paper on first attempt. "Over the moon" is my current state of mind :)

My performance was slightly inconsistent over my last two to three revision lessons so before today, I thought my chance was 50-50. I expected my "killer" area to be either vertical or parallel driving. When I started to learn parking, I was better at parallel than vertical parking - this was reversed towards the end of my revision course. I cleared both today but fumbled on the ramp. When it happened, my heart dropped. I had to quickly calm myself down in order to finish the rest of the test.

The weather was fantastic this morning (it was pouring yesterday around the same time). My test route is supposedly one of the easier ones (no. 8). My tester didn't look like he wanted to "eat me up". I was in top form :) (my mind was very active yesterday night so I slept at close to 2am, hee hee). My warm-up went smoothly (the good start was such an important boost). I remembered the techniques/steps correctly. I managed to keep a cool head after the "boo-boo". The main road traffic was light. Everything was in His good hands. To God be all the glory!

I'm so glad it's all over. No need to join the queue again for test date (the queue is now Jan/Feb 2008). No need to spend more $$ on revision lessons.

This beauty is a Ferrari vintage car made in 1949. It was on show at the 2006 Paris International Auto Show.

Get the Ball Rolling!

Take a look for yourself Skoda's way of playing with the "Cheese Chaser" - yes, lying on her side throughout the session. That girl! And Mikki follows suit too!! Braun joins in the fun as and when she feels like it.

Cheese Chase

That's the name of the new toy that I bought on Tues, 18 Sept from Pet Lovers' Centre (Bugis branch) for the gang. It cost close to S$29 after discount. It has a clear ball track on the outer ring; a second ball is hidden in the "cheese topper"; and a catnip-filled plush mouse toy on a stem that is to be screwed into the center of the "cheese topper".

I recently saw a video clip of another blogger's cat having great fun with a similiar toy. I was pleased to spot it at the shop but I also had to take some time to decide whether to get it. I had bought toys on other occasions for the girls but these were met with lukewarm enthusiasm and short-lived interest. There are many more toys that cater for dogs at the shops. The best are the improvised ones but I'm running out of ideas. I decided to take a chance and bought the "Cheese Chase" toy.

When I "unveiled" the toy, Skoda and Mikki were the firsts to check it out. Braun looked on initially in a cautious manner on the side but soon joined in the fun. The rolling of the ball can get quite loud so I put it away just before bedtime (and also to sustain the interest). So far, Mikki plays with it most. Skoda "allows" the toy to entertain her a little (she is too smart to be fooled?). Her Highness much prefers to paw the ball while lying down on her side. Braun will have a go if the other two are not at it.

Lappin' It All Up

It was Grimlock who started Skoda and Braun on this habit of drinking water from the kitchen tap. For Skoda, I'll cup the water and put it near her mouth. She'll express her appreciation by rubbing her face against my elbow. If she drinks on her own, droplets will end up getting splattered all over her face.

Braun manages well on her own. If Skoda is there before her, Braun will lick her on the face. This makes a good distraction tactic and it works all the time!

Enter at Your Own Risk!

This morning, my "alarm clock" didn't go off. This "alarm clock" is none other than - Skoda. After my 'real' alarm clock goes off, Skoda will start howling away around 15 minutes later. It has been confirmed that Her Highness is not demanding for breakfast (there is food in the bowl). She wants to be let into the room. This "alarm clock" is capable of auto-adjustment, going off at a later timing during the weekends. I've no idea why this is so ;)

When I walked out of the bedroom this morning, I soon understood why the "alarm clock" failed to work. Skoda was on a critical mission!

I found the tail on the floor (yucks!). Fortunately, the lizard left by the window before I left for work. Otherwise, I'd be wondering the whole day what finally happened to the lizard :{

愿者上勾

Went for a family gathering last Sun, 2 Sept at the Bottle Tree Park (81 Lorong Chen Charu). This private park is located just opposite Yishun Stadium. The seven-hectare park includes a Chinese seafood restaurant, a small pond which allows children to catch "long kang" fish (ie guppies) using a small green net, a prawning pond and a fishing pond. The Bottle Trees, also known as Brachychiton Rupestris which are native to south-west Queensland in Australia, can be found at the park. There is one other outlet carrying a similar name, Bottle Tree Village located at 60 Jalan Mempurong.

I joined my eldest brother, J for fishing in the afternoon. It drizzled on and off. While waiting for some action, the workers came in a lorry with containers of fish on it.

When I was a teenager, I used to follow J on some of his fishing trips. The more memorable trips were those at the reservoir - fishing is illegal (you got to keep a look-out for patrol boats); the reservoir is such a big area (we really didn't know what to expect); you don't get too close to the coast line (beware of lurking crocodiles); and you stay clear of the stray dogs (these are of a different kind as compared to those hanging around human-populated areas). Those were the days...

At about 4.15pm, just when my nephew came with his parents, the fishing line became taut and yes, J got a fish!

"Fishing" of prawns is not as easy as it seems. You need to have an acute sense of touch (when to lift up the rod when there is a bite and the right amount of force to use when lifting up the rod) and it can get quite tiring holding on to the rod.

We had dinner at the Chinese restaurant at the park. Food is so-so and prices are a tad expensive. The restaurant was well-patronised so reservation is recommended.

Check out the website here: http://www.bottletree.com.sg/

Follow Your Heart (随心所欲)

"Are cats lazy? Well, more power to them if they are. Which one of us has not entertained the dream of doing just as he likes, when and how he likes, and as much as he likes?" - Fernand Mery

Back on the Road

In preparation of my driving test, I started on my first 'refresher' lesson on Thurs, 28 Aug. I thought I had forgotten most of the techniques but when I got behind the steering wheel, most of it started to come back all over again. And thank God I was assigned one of my regular, "favourite" instructors - quite a patient guy and he isn't too talkative. It was pouring in the afternoon but the skies cleared by the time I went for my lesson.

There is now only one lesson slot in the evening and the lesson duration has been changed to 120 minutes (from 100 minutes), and costs almost $20 more. My lesson will end around 10.10pm, which is quite late for me, but I guess I've no choice. I'll be taking two 'refresher' lessons per week until up to my test date. The countdown begins!

A Mickey Mouse car!

Get Well Soon! (III)

Two weeks ago, we brought Braun back to the vet for her review. Then, the "blister" had shrank to half its size. The fungal culture test result was negative so she is not having a relapse of ringworm - what a relief! By this week, the "blister" on Braun's ear had subsidied :) but the cleft remains. However, the small bald spot is still there behind her ear. I shall call the clinic up next week to enquire if there is any change in the fungal culture sample.

"Doing What I'm Best at"

How difficult can it get to pose for the camera? Stare into space. Act cool. Look starry-eyed. Keep that smirk look on your face. And let your body do the talking.

Lights, Camera, Action! Models-wannabe, watch me now...

Mikki the Genie

This genie does not reside in a lamp;
This genie has no magical powers;
This genie has no ability to grant wishes;
This genie has caught up with the times.

Mikki is now a regular at the SCV cable box which used to be one of Braun's favourite "parking lots". Braun would just perch or stand at attention on the cable box. Mikki leaves no room to lack of creativity.

心花怒放

Need I say more?

35 + 1

This day has double significance. It is my birthday (I'm turning 35) and it is the first anniversary of My Cats' Cove. This is my 127th post but it doesn't 'feel' like I've written that many.

I looked back on my first few postings and memories kept flowing back. I was at a crossroad then, at the work front. I was at the end of a five-month break, on the verge of taking my mark in the corporate race again. I'm enjoying my work very much because it puts my strengths/skills to good use and I've a personal interest in my company's products. The latter, in particular, is important because the exposure adds value to me as a person.

On the home front, I'm blessed with a wonderful husband and having endless fun and joy with the company of my three girls. I insist on calling my cats my girls because they're part of my extended family. Like it or not, I'll continue to flood this blog with their photos and narrations of their antics - sometimes, you should try reading between the lines and you just might get the drift :p That is the fun part about writing.

Thank God too that I've the health, drive and energy to go about my daily activities and other pursuits. My fire has not gone out. May the joy of the Lord fill all the days of my life!

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get my driving license on first try. I dread to think that I've to wait another four months for a second attempt. I'll have to give it my best shot!

I'm in the midst of planning a vacation. It has been two years since my last one. The destination is somewhere I've wanted to go for a long time. Hopefully nothing crops up this time. I'll need to find a reliable and experienced cat sitter for my girls. Don't think I'll send them to a boarding place.

Driving license (on 1st try?) + Dream vacation come true = my short-term plans. I haven't thought of anything beyond end of 2007. Some inkling of longer-term plans but I need to wait, observe, assess, pray about it and then see how.

As per my 'usual practice', I've taken leave for today. I'm gonna be Queen of the day. Grimlock has also taken leave. Our tentative plan is wake up just in time for brunch (dim sum at a good Cantonese restaurant it shall be); have some retail therapy ('shiok' to shop on a weekday when the malls are much less crowded); and then have dinner at a good steak restaurant :) La, la, la, la...

Happy Birthday to Me!

That's me and my mama. I was just two-months-and-eight-days-old.

No idea how old I was in this photo. I was a glum-looking child so this was one of the few photos that I actually flashed a smile (quite sweet hor? ha ha)

Siesta Sonata

Viola, I just produced my maiden clip using my digital camera :) And my girls had the honour of appearing on it! The attempt is amateurish but I promise to do better the next time. I filmed the three musketeers this morning while they were snoozing away on the sofa. It is difficult to capture all three on film, keeping still and doing the same thing. The lighting is quite dark because it was raining outside. Keep a look-out for Skoda (cute!)...