Hmmph. Seems to be snowing again and likely to continue. Sometimes I think this is the hardest part of winter, when you think it will never end. So many things are so very hard..

Like, say, garbage. What do you do if you can’t get up the hill that is your driveway?? One can’t PLOW it, and I am sure not shoveling it… At what point (tonight in my case) do you bite the bullet and haul it all down thru the drifts?

And those darn snow parking tickets. My neighbours and I now have a system where we call eachother if we see someone on the wrong side of the street. Way too many tickets.

Sigh. It’s truly a hard, hard world….

On the good side, I have been SAVED from the doom that has become my Spookly House, as in ” WHO the heck is going to help me clean this place up???” I am not above doing housework, quite the contrary, I like my home to be lovely, but I do not have those skills, and quite frankly, after a day at work, I get home and I am too darn tired, and want some Bengal time, and not to mention, thank you internet, there are many parts of the world just waking up and waiting for answers….

Which need to be answered.

What do you do? I am asking honestly here. I know you all work very hard, very very hard, and then come home and have another job to do. Advice is welcome….

Ok, back to my thought, sorry for the whinning, I am just tired tonight.

Merry Hosekeeprs Spooky Daughter has started coming over each week to help me, hurrah! She has Skills, and knows about things like Floor Wax and Bathrooms, and my stress leval and decreced by 100%. Here is a picture of her cleaning my Spooky House…

Ok. You’re onto me.I am still having Camera Trouble. Thanks for listening to a WAY too tired little fiddler and Personal Assistant. Today was a long one….

Love and an end to winter,
Lorraine

I had meant to post some pictures for you all, but have been failing miserably as a photographer. Not a good shot anywhere, I do not have, sadly, that skill. But I will keep trying.

I do have something to say, though, if you will permit me a moment on my soapbox.

I received an e-mail this morning from someone in my Foster Kitty Group, passing on a, surely well intentioned, but completely idiotic e-mail, urging people to boycott PETCO because they support California’s mandatory spay/neuter law that is going into effect soon.

HELLO?! Can we get every state on board? YES, make some laws. Good first step. Something needs to be done about the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of un-wanted animals being killed each year, because They Do Not Have Homes. Applaud PetCo. And anyone else who is standing up and saying this has to stop.

Letters , like the one I was sent are simply incorrect and ignorant, and do more harm than good. Responsible pet owners will always be able to have litters if they want them.

It really made me angry. I want to scream and shout from the walls. Here is what I have to say….At the top of my voice.

Love and Spay/Neuter Your Pets,
Lorraine

Hello All,

I have to respond to this….

Something as simplistic as saying ” Boycott Petco, they support this ” does as little as saying ” If we have this mandatory Spay/neuter law, it will solve the problems. “

Obviously, we here , as Foster Parents for Kitties, are responsible to our pets, and doing more by taking care of Kitties that need homes. Most of you, like myself, probably also spend time at your local shelter.

I believe this law is a good first step, but we need more. I spend a lot of time in Los Angeles, and have been to shelters there. Not hundreds, and not thousands, but HUNDREDS of thousands of pets are being killed each year because there are no homes for them. If this law helps in any way, it will be worth it. Here in the country where I live, we have a no kill shelter that has 138 cats waiting. In big cities, shelters cannot, in any way, meet the demand.

(also here in the country, the prevailing thought seems to be “well, college is over for the year, can’t take kitty home, or wow she just had more babies, can’t find homes, well, no problem, we can just take them to the country and let them go and they can live on a farm.” Hi people. Would you like a number on the cats I have taken in, fed, found homes for who have showed up starving on my doorstep? Yeah. I’m angry about people not getting pets fixed.)

Remember when re-cycling started? Not a lot of people did it. But now, how weird would it be not to? Same with Spay/Neuter, if it can be an automatic, well yes, have to get them fixed, and that becomes the norm, then so very many animals will be saved. There will be people who don’t, as in re-cycling, but that number will become far less.

I have been following this debate for some time, and I know the criticisms , I do not believe it will discourage people from helping strays. The Pet Police are not going to come down on someone trying to help feral cats. I do not believe it will discourage people from getting a pet, because they can’t afford to get it fixed. I think it will make them think, well yes we can get it, and we will have to get it fixed. If people don’t realize that PETS COST MONEY they need to.

And there are a LOT of places that will help you acquire an animal that is fixed.

As far as the government interfering in our lives, well it is the sort of law that if you are doing the right thing, it will not effect you. But far, far too many people are not doing the right thing, and animals are breeding out of control. The government NEEDS to help out here, because we, and all of the people working to save animals lives each year, CANNOT do it alone.

The money from fines is being sent straight back into programs with shelters, and rescue, and to fund low cost spay/neuter programs.

Did anyone see the ELLEN show where she had Paris Hilton on? Paris mentioned she had 37 dogs, and Ellen, said, simply WHY? And Paris answered ” They keep having Babies…” It was the only time I have ever seen Ellen unable to speak or have anything to say. When she recovered, she said ” PARIS, you HAVE to get your pets fixed.”

People have to get their pets fixed. And they are not.

Best, Lorraine

Well, Steeleye Span anyway. I know I promised House Pics, and Kitty Pics, and a Clean House. ( had Houseguests last week, MAN did they trash the place!!! ) ( I slay myself! ) But I thought I would hop on and do the first part of this post from work, because I am having the most wonderful time…

We acquired a bunch of New Steeleye Span. I had no idea, hadn’t checked in with them since their album TIME in, ye gads, 1996 (Which I loved) and I’ve been listening to the new ones all day long. There is one album called PRESENT which is two cd’s of their music from the previous 30 of so years, only re-recorded, completely, in 2002. Aside from the fact that recording technology has improved beyond belief in the last, say 30 years, I love all these songs from the past much, much better. They are now much closer to the way I always heard them in my head.

Way more Oyster Band than, well the early music was kind of Folk-y, but now they have TEETH. With FANGS. Now they are living on my side of the street. ( The one where all the lights are burnt out, to quote Steve Brust…)

I’m home now, and while I have not exactly achieved CLEAN in the Spooky House ( HEY! We LIKE Cobwebs!) I have, well, one room clean. It’s the sunroom , and I have decided rather than clean the rest of the House, I shall simply just live in it. With the lights out no-one will see all the shredded cat toys and bits I missed. The room has computer, tv, ipod, violen, guitar and phone. What else does one need? ( yes, a piano, I know, but I am not exactly brilliant at piano and anyway there is no room. )

(tho someone did give me a piano, actually, but we have to wait until spring, as my Sherpa Guide, who gets me thru the snow into my House every night says No Way can we get a piano thruough..)

I have just, all for you my dears, bloodied my legs letting Madame Mim climb me and got a picture of it, (a LOT of her Softpaws have come off, as soon as I can have a couple people over, with safety gear on, this will be remidied) They will have to wait until tomorrow to show up here as I seem to have lost my Thingie that lets one put them on the computer.

As I seem to have lost half the bits of my vaccum. And I manage someone else’s life for a living??????

I will go and take before pictures for you….

Here is the dinning room before..

And here it is after…

( I love this. Haven’t actually TAKEN the pictures, and it is by no means certain I will stop playing on the computer and clean it up, nor certain I will be able to post the pictures, but hey, it’s like virtual housework!)

Otherwise I would have to stopping blogging and get some work done.

Sigh.

Love, blood and Housework,
Lorraine

I had thought I might be feeling Hum-Drum today, (I knew I would be a Brain Dead Zombie!) after all the excitment, and friends and Gigs (playing with Lojo, Dylan, Adam and Johhny was the best B’day gift EVER. I thank you all, truly.) and Birthday and Valentine’s Day (second only to Halloween as my favourite holiday, I love sending out lovely things, Malena and I always do up a Box for eachother, I think she was happy this year as mine to her contained truffles and a spider bracelet I got on Ebay which turned out to be real silver Tiffany!! I wondered why she was so excited and kept saying DIV!!! I’LL KILL YOU, YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE!!!!!)

But today has been lovely fun. My Camera showed up and MIGHT be working. (Great timing, Casio) I took Dog for a walk to the voting place and voted. (Turns out he can’t vote, but we were pretty popular for the time we were there.) I got a nice card from my Dad, all fantasy art-ish, a relm into which he has not ventured before. I had a fine time transcribing for my Boss, and have been happily putting away all the Things I managed to aquire with Spacelaw yesterday at the MAUL of America. (she was much more restrained, I say because of luggage space, I had no such concerns)

Of course, it’s WAY beyond cold out. Here is a picture of what my Freaky Pets would look like if they had sweaters on and were as Freaky as Hera’s pets…

I have also been practising my new French Skills. Yes, I am practially fluent after a long weekend with Spacelaw. She also has computer skills and taught me Things most people no doubt know, but that I have been in the dark on. She also has picture taking skills (as does Rubius, the gigs felt like I had paparazzi at times, I loved it!!!!) and now I have a LOT of pictures. Here’s some cute…..

Wait. Hmm…Not Cute. That’s some sort of Freaky Creature from the Underworld. (and I am not talking New Zealand here)

Trying again….

Hmmm again. That seems to be yet another Freaky Demon biting the heaad off an even Freakier one….Where the heck is CUTE??? (Malena, this is your doing. The things that women can do with her mind.)

Ah..There we are. Cute. The Cute Police are going to get me, no doubt.(as opposed to the Park on the Right Side of the Street Police, and the Snow Shoveling Police, who are WAY out to get me. Remember, it’s not paranoia if they really ARE out to get you..) If you look closely, you can see that the ribbon is a Channel Ribbon, brought from Italy for the Kitties. I got Armani Chocolates!!!! (be jealous Malena, very jealous…)

Now I am haveing some Kitty time, and some Fire Time, and we all three may be asleep for a nap soon. A rare occurance. Very rare indeed. Hope your day is as fine.

Love and Cute, Lorraine

How fabulous was the Fabulous Lorraine on her birthday I hear you ask?
Well. LOTS.
In fact she was pretty hot and the crowd at Charlie’s would certainly support my statement.
But just don’t take my word for it, check out the birthday girl:

Mind you I must say she was well supported by Adam and Johnny, two strapping fellow who had the audience in stitches with their naughty banter. I confess I woke up the morning after with a bad case of giggles just recalling their Scottish version of “Stairway to Heaven”.
I wish I had had a video camera to take this piece of anthology…
But let me introduce you to the boys:
Adam:
And Johnny:

Meanwhile, at Lorraine’s house the kitties are oscilating between sheer attacks of cuteness:

Or mischief …
Ah yes, dear Rubius, she was quite determined to take care of that sandwich for you…

And then there was Paul on saturday, very tired but good fun and I got Frère Jacques’ed to death…

Oh and I forgot to show you the birthday cake!

But I am telling you guys, I am SO not eating at that place on Wednesday or Saturday….

Hello dear LaMies,
This is your friendly neibourhood guest blogger speaking.
So you thought we would post something about FabLo’s Valentine gig last night and that we would do it live, didn’t you?
And that would have been great fun too.
However…
There was this small matter of a forgotten laptop.
We did try mental vawes but they just don’t travel so well with the cold. Although you might have heard us roar with laughter (the windows of the pub did shake a bit).

No video: her computer refused to listen to my cell phone (who might have been whispering endearments in Italian to it for all I know, it was Valentine’s day after all) and since they could
not find a common language decided to part with a few xenophobic remarks.
Which is just to prove that you NEED to speak foreign languages.
So. Repeat after me:
Joyeux anniversaire
(Chère Lorraine)
Nos voeux les plus sincères
(Chère Lorraine)
JOYEUX ANNIVERSAIRE !

On top of a great gig we had also the privilege to meet the KITTIES!

Isn’t this creature just adorable? She is extremely sweet but she does have sharp claws and I will probably have to answer a few awkward questions when back at home.

More later on.
Stay tuned.

A quote from our wonderfully witty house guest, which is bound to be a Malena Collection t-shirt. Just a quick note to tell you all how much we LOVE you, How much you brighten our days and NIGHTS in my case, and how much FUN we have writing to you. This blog would be silly without your comments and feedback. You give us a reason to be our witty selves. Now, from what I hear, Fablo is having a GIANT party for her birthday. Being the LA shmuck that I am, my busy schedule won’t allow me to COME! AHHHHHHHHHHHH THE PAIN!!!!!!!!!!!! You have NO IDEA how much I am suffering here. Hopefully my Fabu-rific outfits will arrive in time for her to wear them on stage. If not, there are two more clothing companies on my list to take over and obliterate!!!!

P.S. This was meant for Valentines Day, with is now nearly over (except for me, nocturnal freak) so let’s move on to tomorrow, which is today for some of you and celebrate Lorraine’s 30th birthday, again. She’s gigging and the world rejoices!!!

Misty-girl is home from the vet (sadly they do not know what was wrong with her) and here she is with her New Lion Cut!

This is NOT a fashion decision on my part, nor an attempt to have a Freakier looking cat than Hera, but it had to be done as her fur was painfully matted and she would not let us brush her.

I am thinking tho, of completely shredding what dignity she has left and getting her a little Kitty Sweater. (a quick search on Ebay looks promising. Goth-out Misty!) Paybacks are Hell tho with Cats…..

Love and Strange Cats,
Lorraine

Ok, rant coming…..

I am watching the news, just home from work, and they ran a story on Rental Dogs. (oddly enough, the featured Rental Dog was named “Sandman”) The idea is you pay $150 start up fee, and then $40 a day and you get to “have” the dog for the day, or take it walking, without the responsibility of owning full time. You can choose a different dog each time.

Someone, and I bet I’m not the only one who will say this, needs to say “Go down to your local Humane Society” They need Volenteers to, Hello, Take Dogs Out Walking. Play with dogs. (and cats) there is no charge for this. They need help. They are happy to let you take out a Dog whenever you want. Different dog every time.

To be fair to the Dog Rental place they interviewed, they did say most of the dogs came from the pound, and good on them for the rescue’s, but let’s cut out the middle man here. If you can afford that, give it to the shelter. Volenteering for these animals who have no one else is truly wonderful.

There rant done. Actually, I am seriously considering renting Madame Mim out. Or sending her back to the Hell which no doubt spawned her. GODS. I ordered her her first set of Softpaws yesterday, ( thanks to Hera for that tip! ) kitten size. Wicked little claws. Why is climbing me SO much more attractive than the Mousies, and Ball-sies, and Fluffy Things I have??? SHe is being a bad influance on Evil Freaky Venus, and that is saying something. Malena, this is YOUR cat!!!!!

Since this seems to be an Animal Oriented Post, I should tell you that Misty-Girl is sick. She was so happy to be back at my Boss’s, but has been losing weight she didn’t need to, and her fur was in Knots but she would not let me brush her, and Bad Things were happening in the Poo area. She has a new Lion Cut, not a fashion thing, but something that had to be done and is spending another night at the Vet.

On a non-animal topic, I just got offered the coolest gig with Paul, opening for The Biddies, whom I didn’t know until I Googled them. Wow. Cool. Who knew???? I’ll post info over at the Paul and Lorraine site, but if you’re in Mineapolis/St Paul come down for this. Wow, I say again, proudly. (Paul is currently on a plane to Las Vegas and doesn’t know about this yet. But he is SO playing it…)

Ok. SO what is UP with Blogger. The link thingie quit again and I can’t get spellcheck to work at ALL. Bad for me. Trust me. And it won’t let me post pictures. Hmmph.

Expect lots of posts this Birthday week, until then,

Love, gigs and Freaky Kitties,
Lorraine