This is more extended family.

MorGeorge is about two. He was also obtained from a local rescue organization. While the roommate would like to believe that he is a Maine Coon, he shares LOTS of traits with Mr. Guido, who is probably half persian.

MorGeorge is named MorGeorge because The Roommate wanted to name him Lancelot or Percival, which I think hangs a tiny sign around his neck saying "Hit Me". I wanted to name him George, so we could "hug him and squeeze him and call him George" (Go watch some Bugs Bunny cartoons if you didn't catch that reference). We were at an impasse. We went to dinner with some friends and Mrs. Friend said " all Black Cats are named Mor something. Mordred, Morgana, etc." And, so, the idea being odd enough to suit us both, he was christened MorGeorge, also called Morgie for short.

Sadly, he is so astonishingly stupid, he has never learned his name.

On the other hand, he is also thoroughly sweet. Not in a sacchrine sort of way, but in a good tempered, easy-going sort of way.

He also cannot meow. Something happened to his little vocal cords before he got to us and he whispers. Kheh. Khhew. PKheh!

He hates, detests, loathes and fears Francesca (with good reason) and has begun making these odd Kazoo noises when he's trying to warn her off.

He is also an Excellent Mouser. (Many thanks to Critter Control for fixing it so he no longer exercises that ability inside my home.)

Some of the extended Family

This is Gracie. Gracie belongs to the Roommate. She is about five years old, and was adopted from a local rescue organization.

Gracie is a Rumpie Manx, and looks like she could be a pure bred most days. She's about six pounds, and can jump like a bunny.

Since Gracie can slip through the rails on the deck, she has to be harnessed and leashed before venturing into the great outdoors.

Gracie loves people, and hates every other living thing in the house. They reciprocate. This makes life both difficult and interesting, in a slightly unpredictable way.

So how does one sit down to write everyday, or even weekly? I have no doubt that what I have to say in interesting to me, but why would anyone else want to see it? I read several blogs regularly, and still have no idea how to make this a success.

Off we go.

I am middle-aged, with more than a little spread. I have a dog, (My divorce settlement), a smallish house, (My hard effort and years of eating cheap mac~n~cheese and Beenie~Weenies), 4 cats, (My complete inability to say no to desperation), A New/Used Dodge Magnum (My car accident, we can discuss that some other time) and a profound sense of the ridiculous.

I have good co-workers and a job I enjoy, and a fairly long commute, but a quiet one.

I have Parents and a Brother who love me, I have two nephews and a niece who love me, and friends who love me.

I am in search of a new church home, and a diet plan I can stick to. And a personal trainer who's just starting out and needs a before and after project. (That'd do it.)

Let me introduce you to the immediate, furry family:

This is Zachary Scott. He is about Nine years old now. I got him pre-divorce, when he was just under a year and a half old, (he weighed ninety pounds and I thought he surely couldn't get any bigger. Boy was I wrong.) He was an abused rescue and continues to have issues. He understands that I'm the Alpha of our tiny little pack, but thinks that we are defined in terms of Alpha Human vs. Alpha Dog, which would be him.

My job is to provide Food, Love and structure.

His job is to keep everyone in line, cats, dogs, complete strangers.

This is Guido Golden Bollocks. He is around Eight Years Old. He was five months old when I got him, and I didn't choose him, He chose me. (That's another good story for later) He was neutered before I brought him home, but came equipped with a very nice imaginary set made of brass, if you get my drift.

Mr. Guido believes that he is the ultimate center of the universe, being descended from palace cats who were worshipped.

I'm pretty sure that Mr. Guido is a republican, because he believes in Peace through War. If there's a fight, or lots of noise, Mr. Gui will put the beat down on all parties involved (Cat, Dog or People) until the fuss ceases.

Christopher Thomas. Chris-Chris is a rumpy Manx. He's four'ish, he's adopted from a local rescue group. He has some issues with his hips, most likely because of being a rumpy manx.

He has solid black fur that feels like silk. He has never met anyone he doesn't like.

When Christopher is in he wants OUT! When he is out he wants IN!

Miss Charity. Also know as Cherry-Bounce. She's sweet and loves everything and everyone, including Zach. Sometimes she cleans his ears for him.

She is a Diva, who knows that everyone loves her and wants to shower her with attention and catnip mice.

She would like to be an evil overlord, but lacks the necessary jobs skills

The latest arrival is Francesca, AKA Fan-Fan. She was out in the middle of the street and came home with me one very cold night after I walked the dogs.

She had an ear infection, worms, ear mites and no meat on her at all. She's fattened up quite nicely, and if you open the door to ask her if she wants out, she gapes at you in astonishment and turns around to go the other way.