stowaway(s)

This isn't exactly siberian related, but, I think it is worth writing about.
I came to the kennel today, to earn a few extra bucks, because there are these things called bills that need to be paid.
Anyhoo, I walk out onto the front porch, and lo and behold are 2 little bitty kittens.

Before I continue with this story-a little background. About 8-10 months ago, I had taken in about 8 stray, feral cats in to the vet to get spayed/neutered. Whenever I could get one in a trap, I'd take it into the vet. Harry has a softspot for strays. But, he didn't want 100 cats to take over. You know how quickly cats can multiply. With the 8 cats, 6 were females. These cats must have spread the word that there was free food to be had here. I had seen a couple of cats, that I wasn't sure if they had been altered. I know of one big tomcat that I didn't take in, but, I had seen another tabby cat, and hoped it was a male. As it turns out, not a male.

OK, back to the original story. When I had seen the two babies, I called to Harry. Oh great! 2 more cats. Harry had an appointment to take Pikabo into Paris, TX this morning to Dr. Love. When Pikabo originally got sick about 3 months ago, his regular vet was not in, so I had taken her in to my vet (whom I absolutely adore). Anyway, it was time for a checkup.
But, before Harry could go, the 2 kittens had scrambled up into the back end of the Yukon. Oh great! He had no time to spend to try to get them out, let's hope they come out when he turns the key. Well, they didn't.
Harry had to stop in Honey Grove and get gas. Now, that's about 35 miles from Celeste. When he got out, he heard one of the kitties. Managed to get the kitty out. Took the dog out of the crate, she can ride in the back seat. Put the kitty in the crate. His name is now Axle. He takes him into Dr. Love for his first shots. Dr. Love thinks he's about 5 1/2 weeks old. But, where is the sibling?
He thought it probably fell out. He felt bad, as did I.

His Yukon is parked in the drive, and he's having work done on the house. The carpenter tells Harry, he thought he heard a kitten crying from the Yukon. So, Harry and I both go out, look under, around and listen for the cry. We don't hear anything.
Later, Harry needs to run up to the local convenience store, about 3-4 miles up the road. Gets whatever he needed, and comes back. He gets out of the Yukon, and what does he hear? The other kitten!! But, he can't get her out. She is on top of the fuel tank. So, he comes in to get me, he wants to hose her out, and needs me to try to snatch her when she comes out.
Well, it only took about 2 seconds of water coming through a hose, and that little kitty comes tearing out.
Do you ralize that kitty rode underneath the Yukon to/from Paris, a good 130 miles ROUNDTRIP. Sat there in the vet's parking lot about 45 minutes. Rode to/from the store and then decides to come out, well, forced to come out.
Meanwhile, it's like 95 degrees out today, and very humid.
Poor kitty, probably dehydrated and not knowing how the heck she got into the situation she was in.
Anyway, her name is now--Paris.

Is this just amazing, or what?

summer sunbathing

What is it with these siberians? Today, of all days, they insist on going out about every 2 hours to sunbathe. It's HOT outside! When Aimee was alive, she would lay out there for hours (if I let her) and sunbathe. Most days I wouldn't allow her to do that, I would literally have to drag her in.
Now the youngster, Mona, has decided she must take up the habit. And of course, when 1 goes out, the rest follow. But, after about 15-20 minutes they've had enough, only to start the cycle over in about 2 hours.
We've started the graveyard shift at the kennel. Kids go out to play early morning, and are inside by 8:30 in the morning. Then they get a couple of "potty" breaks (5 min. or less) throughout the day, and their last playtime is usually after 10 at night. Still hot, but, at least dark. Now, when time comes for baths, I'll usually have them out around 3 or 4 a.m. while I bathe a few and blow them out. Thankfully, the neighbors don't hear the dryer--I've asked!

Then I have to find a somewhat cooler time to do the yardwork. Not easy to do, so I've ordered some of those chilling wraps. They should be here in about a week, and hopefully, they will help. Can't wait to check them out. I'll have one around my head, and around my neck.

On another matter, I had noticed with my riding mower, steering was getting difficult, to the point of having blisters while mowing. I discussed the matter with a friend of mine, and he mentioned that I probably needed to do some greasing, which I had never done. I got a lesson in greasing a riding mower, and probably saved a bunch of money on having it serviced. I like the fact that I can do some "manly" maintenance on certain items. My mother, God rest her soul, was very dependent on men. If something simple broke, she called for service, or myself to have it fixed. I loved my mother very much, but, what I didn't love about her was her lack of independence.

Well, until next time--stay cool.

Driving to nowhere

Before I start, I feel I need to post a warning. Adult content, reader discretion advised!
Wow, what a day!
It started at 3 a.m., couldn't sleep.
Head over to Celeste to work at the kennels around 5. Get there, everything's fine. Get everyone out to play, and I proceeded to get started cleaning, prepping food, etc, etc.
I had dug up some of my iris's at home, and brought them to the kennel, to put in the cemetery (I hope they take).
Went in house to get some checks ready for depositing, and can't find my wallet. Tear apart the van, nope, not there. Oh crap! Did I leave it at home? Why yes, of course I did.
Now today, like every 4th Monday, I have to take Harry to the airport. Today, we also had to take a dog in to check his verility, so to speak. We had him bred to Emily a while back (4 times, mind you), and no babies. So, we had to wait for a "teaser" to come in season. We load up Knighter (the boy), and Toni (the teaser), and we take them to the vet, and I am to pick them up on my way back. But, remember, I left my wallet at home. So, we get to the airport, Harry gets going, I head back---all the way to Paris, then head back to Leonard, where the "kids" are at the vet's.
I've been driving for hours, and didn't get anywhere.
Oh, get to the vet's,and as soon as I get there, the receptionist informs me, I need to look for another stud.
Knighter has dead swimmers. Very few live. Bummer. Best moving dog at Harry's, and we can't use him.
I'm pooped, and still have lots of work to do.