Cat Naps in Italy

Opus & Roscoe~Together Forever

2011-12-23T19:14:00.001+01:00

Two Angels dearly missed.

~ Opus~
22 September 1995 - 2 December 2010

Roscoe

22 September 1995 - 9 September 2008

Graphics by Zoolatry

Addio Opus

2011-12-03T00:13:00.002+01:00

My heart is broken into a million pieces. Opus went to the bridge today. I held him in my arms- stroking his paws, kissing his head. It was very peaceful. Though I will forever miss him, I know that he is running wild with Roscoe, free of pain, free of worry, young again.

I love you, Opus. Ci vedremo di nuovo....

Taking Things Easy

2011-11-28T00:29:00.005+01:00

Just taking things easy and posing for the flashie box.

Dona Nobis Pacem

2011-11-04T00:30:00.001+01:00

Let there be peace!

The Bates Motel

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000+01:00

Hope you all are having a Happy Halloween. We are trying to get to a Halloween party, everyone is invited, given by Castlel Felinestein but have run into a little bit of trouble as right now our vehicle has failed us.

Olive feels very afraid and says that she feels like we are being watched. I keep trying to tell her not to worry as we are right by a motel and if I cannot get the van up and running we can go inside and make a phone call to AAA for a tow.

If all goes well we should be there in no time at all and we can visit more then.

Hopefully, we won't be too late.

Toctober

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000+02:00

Showing our tocks in celebration of Derby's birthday!

Aunt Gracie & Opus

Olive

Wishing Derby the best on his birthday!

Opus's Sweet Sixteen

2011-09-22T15:06:00.010+02:00

Today is my 16 birthday, and Olive and I were spending a quiet morning sharing memories of the years that we have spent together. Olive is a wonderfu little nurse, and she and the human have been keeping an keen eye on me make sure I take all of my meds in order to get my health back on track. I thought the day was going to be a quiet one but I was wrong . . .

. . . Ollie teleported us over to our Aunt Gracie's place where I found out my friends were throwing a surprise birthday party in my honor. Jan's FF gang was there along with Momo, Asta, Karl, Ruis, and of course Aunt Gracie.

The party will last all day and everyone is welcome. Please head on over to help celebrate with us.

NEW ADDITION TO THE POST....

Thank you to all my friends who sent cards, gifts, left comments or stopped by Gracie's to join in on my party fun. This party has been the highlight of my troubled year and I am so blessed to have so many furry friends who love and care about me. Thank you for making my 16th birthday extra special!

Of course I couldn't let the day go by without mentioning my best friend and brother Roscoe; today was also his birthday. It still seems strange to wake up in the morning without having him sleeping by my side. Though I love Ollie with all of my heart, there will always be a part of my heart missing; I believe Roscoe must have taken that piece of my heart (and part of my human's heart) with him when he went to the bridge. We have lost a lot of friends over the years, and though we miss them all dearly it makes me happy to think that they are celebrating today with Roscoe somewhere over the Rainbow Bridge.

The party is still going on over Gracie's. If you haven't been there, be sure to stop on by and join us in a slice of cake!

A beautiful massage chair to get the old bones a good rub. Thanks to my bestest buddy Karl and all of my friends at the Cat Realm!

Italian chocolates from my friends at The Cat Realm

Come join in on the fun! We will cutting the beautiful cake baked by the lovely Asta!

Happy National Pirates' Day

2011-09-19T14:58:00.012+02:00

Arrrrrr! Today is National Pirates' Day! We hope you all get into the spirit and throw on your best pirate outfit. Wishing all our scallywags a wonderful day! Now get out there and loot, pillage and plunder, and be the best darn, rottenest pirate you can be!

(photo by Gracie. Thanks Gracie!)

OPUS UPDATE: After 8 days of apparent good health Opus has taken a turn for the sick. He is feeling a little under the weather so we are heading off the vet's in an hour to see what we can do to fix him up. I just want to make sure he isn't getting dehydrated. Thank you ALL for your kind words, well-wishes, and loving purs. I will let you know what the vet has to say when we get back.

NEW UPDATE: Opus went to the vet this morning. They gave him some IV fluids, a shot to stop the nausea, and even a bath to help clean him up. The vet has changed his medicine again in hopes that we will find the right medicine at the right dose to keep Opus healthy. When we got home he ran to his food bowl and chowed down like a hungry little pirate. I think it is a good sign!

GOOD NEWS!

2011-08-09T16:47:00.002+02:00

While I have been away relaxing with my friends in Bora Bora the human has been in touch with the vet. It turns out that I have high levels of bacteria in my intestines which is preventing me from absorbing the nutrients from my food. This is probably the cause of my weight loss and the terrible state that my fur is in. I will be put on three different medications which SHOULD take care of the problem. I will go to the vet's in a month from now to see if the meds are working their magic.

Due to personal reasons my human has been neglecting our blog and email account. During this time Ollie and I have missed our friends dearly. It really warms our hearts to know that you all still think about us and check in on in spite of our absences in the blog world. Once I am feeling better I will have to give my human a kick in the pants in an effort to get her back to working on our blog.

To our friends old and new, thank you for stopping by to check in on me. Your thoughts, prayers, and kind comments mean the world to all of us.
Love,
Opus

A Little R & R

2011-08-05T14:42:00.006+02:00

My silly human doesn't understand that when I am feeling under the weather I don't need to be rushed off to some doctor but rather I just need a little rest and relaxation. While the human is sitting at home nervously awaiting my test results, I have taken off to Bora Bora with the gang. If anyone needs me, you know where to find me!

(photo by Gracie)

Needing Your Purrs

2011-08-03T23:28:00.003+02:00

I have been under the weather for a while and today, Thursday, went to the vet for a bunch of tests. Keep me in your thoughts that the tests will come back with good results. My mom is takiang the bestest of the best care she can.

A Halloween Party Today!

2010-10-31T18:06:00.004+01:00

In the sky l-r: Karl & Opus

In back l-r: Ruis & Momo

In front l-r: Asta & Gracie

Our Aunt Gracie is hosting a Halloween Party today. Everyone is invited. Hope to see you there!!!

A Party Invitation!

2010-10-26T17:57:00.003+02:00

Gracie is having a Halloween Party and everyone is invited! Hope to see you there.

Grandpa's Surprise Party

2010-06-25T15:15:00.003+02:00

Hey, guess what? We are heading over to the states to help celebrate our grandpa's birthday! Gracie, our aunt, along with Steffano is hosting a surprise party. Everyone is invited. Hope to see you there.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T06:28:00.000+02:00

Olive's 8Th Birthday Party!

2010-02-26T00:05:00.001+01:00

Welcome friends to my birthday party. My dear brother, Opus, is throwing a sock-hop for me in celebration of my 8th birthday! What a wonderful surprise.

Please come in and make yourself at home. There are plenty of cold, fountain cokes, juicy hamburgers with french fries and all the old fashioned ice cream sodas you can drink!

The gang is already inside waiting for you.

Karl, Ruis, Asta, Gracie, me, Opus, and Momo

(photo by Gracie)

We have some great oldies playing on the jukebox and tons of room to dance.

(photo by Gracie)
Karl and Gracie made a beautiful cake! It is so pretty that I almost hate to cut it! But it sure does look yummy!

(cake by Gracie and Karl)

Here is a beautiful birthday card from sweet friend, Momo.

And another wonderful card from my dear friends at The Cat Realm

(Karl's family)

This beautiful card just arrived from Indiana. It is from Miss. Gracie!

And this wonderful card came from dear friends Samantha, Clementine & Maverick.

Thank you all so much for your thoughtful and creative cards! I just LOVE them!!!!!

Stay as long as you like. The diner is open 24 hours a day and the party will be going on all weekend.

(a gift from Karl & Ruis)

Now let's go rock around the clock!

Tomorrow: Surprise Party for Olive

2010-02-25T08:19:00.003+01:00

Grab your varsity sweaters, your poodle skirts, and your cat-eye glasses and help us celebrate! It's Olive's birthday and we are throwing her a suprise sock-hop!

When Olive was adopted at the shelter, we were told that she was seven. Since we don't know the exact date of her birthday we have decided to make her "Gotcha Ya" day her offical birthday since that is the day her second life began.

The party will start tomorrow and will go on through out the weekend. Stop by when you have a chance to enjoy some hambugers, french fries and ice cream sodas! The juke box will be on and we will be waiting for you!

One Year With Olive

2010-02-24T22:17:00.012+01:00

By the human

One year ago today my life changed. While visiting my folks back in the States, I stopped in at the local animal shelter "just to look". Opus had been sad and crying out in the night for months after the passing of his brother. I decided that IF I could find the right cat, I might just take one back for him.

meeting Olive for the first time

I spotted "Patches" on the internet long before I packed my bags and boarded the plane to America. The shelter had sent me a list of declawed cats who were currently living at the shelter. Patches was on that list. With Opus on my lap, I looked at the photo of Patches from our home in Italy and couldn't help but wonder if she was "the one".

getting pretty in hopes they might pick me!

At seven years old, Patches had been the product of divorce. She and the dog she had spent her entire life with were taken to the animal shelter by a bitter husband who had (presumably) been left by his wife. His excuse for not keeping the family dog and the tiny calico cat? He coldly stated that they were his wife's animals and he couldn't take care of them.

getting to know each other

The first cat I spotted when I walked into the shelter last February was a tiny calico cat. She gazed at me from the other side of the glass window, her olive colored eyes melting my heart from the moment she looked at me.

looking cute in the window

Two days later, with a new pet carrier, a new pink collar, a fuzzy pink blanket, and paper work complete, I walked out of the animal shelter and "Patches" began her new life. The first question my husband asked was if we could change her name. I called her by name many times those first few days together. When it became clear that she did not know her name, we changed it.

A new name for a new life.

love at first sight!

After spending the reminder of my vacation with me in the States, Olive and I boarded a plane and headed home to Italy. Opus was thrilled to have a cat in our home again, but a nervous Olive was a little more hesitant. After six weeks in the pound, five weeks at my parent's house, three plane rides and a new country, Olive was beyond nervous. For the first week she growled and hissed at the mere sight of Opus. It broke my heart as I could see that Opus wanted nothing more than to play with his new sister.

going home

Slowly by slowly, in quiet ways I noticed that things were starting to change. In time, Olive learned that she could trust her new home and the people (and cat) in it.

home at last ....

It was a year ago today when I first laid eyes on Olive. She looked so sad and lost in the animals shelter. She was a nervous little thing as she was surrounded by strangers, both humans and animals.

It warms my heart to see her curled up with us on the sofa, puring away with a heart full of love. She has been a wonderful addition to our family and we feel so blessed to have her in our lives.

FOREVER!

The Cat-O-Lympics

2010-02-19T19:27:00.010+01:00

Our friends over at the Island of Cats are hosting the Synchronized Snoozing competition. Because Opus turned pro a few years ago, we do not qualify as amateur athletes to compete in the competition. However, in support of the Cat-O-Lympics we are participating in a Synchronized Snoozing Exhibition. Please understand that this is just an exhibition, which means that we will not qualify for medals.

And now, Cat Naps in Italy is proud to present, in exhibition for the Cat-O-Lympics, the Italian/American team of famed pair synchronized snoozers

"O & O", Opus and Olive.

Team O & O in training after several years of retirement.

Warmming up before the big exhibition.

On the platform waiting to start their performance.

Such beauty!

Such purrrrfection!

The glory of team O & O lives on!

We hope you have enjoyed our exhibition performance in celebration of the Cat-O-Lympics! Our dear friend Gracie is competing, so be sure to stop on by at her blog to lend her your support.

Check out the Island of Cats blog to see all the teams who are competing in the Synchronized Snoozing! Happy Cat-O-Lympics and good luck to the all athletes!

The Aftermath

2010-02-16T02:46:00.006+01:00

If you remember from yesterday's post the gang, Karl, Ruis, Gracie, Momo, Socks, Asta, Barney and Stanley were in barrels heading towards the falls of Niagara Falls. Yes, you read that right.

Photo by Karl

You can not imagine our relief when Ollie and I discovered that we were unharmed but are sad to report that our barrel didn't survive. After several minutes of checking to make sure if we all made it safely we found that Gracie was in need of a little help.

Photo by Gracie

Remember that things don't always seem appear as they are. As bad as this might look to you never fear. If you want to find out more about poor Gracie head over to her place.

Falling Hard

2010-02-15T02:43:00.008+01:00

Our trip to Niagara Falls with Karl, Ruis, Gracie, Momo, Socks, Asta, Barney and Stanley has been fun and relaxing. Oh how we didn't realize this morning when we woke up that this was soon to be changed.

Photo by Karl

Olive woke up this morning and when she looked out onto the falls she noticed that a barrel was in the water and heading towards the falls. She yelled for all of us to get down the the falls and see what was going on.

Photo by Karl

You can imagine to our surprise and horror when we saw that Gracie and Barney were in the barrel and already going over the falls!

Photo by Karl

All for one and one for all! We all jumped into a barrel and headed into the water. After going half way down the falls I think we were all wondering what did we do?

TO BE CONTINUED!

A Valentine's Trip

2010-02-14T06:21:00.008+01:00

Photo by Gracie

Ollie and I decided the get into the MFV and pick up Karl, Ruis, Gracie, Momo, Socks, Asta, Stanley, Barney and plan a trip to Niagara Falls in celebration of Valentine's day.

Photo by Gracie
l-r: Olive, Karl, Ruis, Opus, Gracie Momo, & Asta

Be sure to check out what is going on at their place! Lots of action at the falls. Tomorrow certainly is going to be a scary day! Check back.

TGIF

2010-02-12T02:17:00.003+01:00

TGIF

Thank Goodness It's Friday

Super Sunday!

2010-02-07T16:04:00.005+01:00

Photo by Gracie

Today is a big day in our hometown of Indianapolis because our football team, the Colts, are playing in the Super Bowl today! We got into the MFV and headed to our Aunt Gracie's and are watching the game there. We also are helping her serve up refreshments while we enjoy the game because she is having an open house all day Super Bowl Party and everyone is invited.

Hope your favorite team wins!

SUPER BOWL PARTY!

2010-02-06T16:14:00.004+01:00

We are beyond excitement as our home team, the Indianapolis Colts, are playing in the Super Bowl this weekend. We are heading over to Gracie's place and watch the game there. Everyone is invited so head on over for football fun!

A Vacation at Seuss Landing!

2010-01-19T13:59:00.003+01:00

After a short trip in the flying van, we (Asta, Gracie, Momo, Karl, Ruis, Opus and Olive) landed where? AT SEUSS LANDING! We are treating Gracie to two days at the theme park in Orlando, Florida!

We are so excited as we have rented the Dr. Seuss kid's suite at the Portofino Bay Hotel at Univeral Studios!

(photo by Karl)

After a quick rest, we were all (or almost all of us were) ready to enjoy the rides!

At the entrance of Seuss Landing

Opus, Ruis, and Karl ready to give the Caro-Seuss-el a try.

Momo, Asta, Olive, and the birthday girl, Gracie, enjoying the Fish Ride; which would have made a better snack if you ask us!

The whole gang together taking a Dr. Seuss style train ride. Soon it will be time head home, but we won't think of that just yet!

At last Karl remembered what he had left behind at Gracie's house, his suitcases! And guess who was inside?

(photo by Karl)

None other than stow-a-ways, Edna and Coco, who had hoped to end up at Seuss Landing, NOT in Gracie's bedroom. But they made the most of their unsnoopervised time.....

(photo by Karl)

Cat Napping Gracie....

2010-01-18T14:31:00.012+01:00

In celebration of her first the birthday we (the gang) decided to take Gracie on a surprise trip after a long weekend at her "Cat in the Hat" themed birthday party. We gave her a box and inside she found a blind fold with directions...

Gracie was waiting for us this morning with her bags packed and ready for her big adventure.

(photo by Gracie)

Once we arrived she quickly put on her blind fold and the adventure began. As we headed out across the Indiana sky, Karl had an uneasy feeling that he had forgotten something. Though Ruis tried to calm his fears, Karl was sure that something had definitely been forgotten but could not figure out what it was.

Meanwhile back in Gracie's room......

(photo by Karl)

Can anyone guess where we might be taking Gracie for her birthday? We will give you one, little hint....

Hop on the Party Train!

2010-01-15T08:54:00.004+01:00

(photo by Gracie)

Today is Gracie's First Birthday and she is throwing a HUGE party over at her blog. The theme is Dr. Seuss so grad your cat (or dog) in a hat and head on over where the party will be roaring all day long! See you there!

Help Us Celebrate Gracie's First Birthday!

2010-01-13T21:47:00.003+01:00

We are ready to go! Can't wait to see you there!

BUON NATALEL

2009-12-24T03:45:00.005+01:00

From our side of the pond to yours wishing everyone a Merry Christmas! Hope the Santa brings you all that you wanted to find under your tree this year!!

Monday Auction

2009-12-13T02:38:00.001+01:00

Gracie, Fiona, & VSquillions getting ready for the auction.

The CB VSquillions are hosting a fundraiser auction slated to start December 14 running through January 31. All proceeds will go to help pay for Fiona's medical expenses, she is having surgery the Tuesday after Christmas. Be sure to check things out.

Off Again In The MFV

2009-12-11T15:39:00.004+01:00

Photo by Gracie

The MFV is off and heading away for a girls only get together. Opus was kind enough to let me use the MFV but I think he is going to be glad to be the only cat at home with the humans for awhile. Click here to see where I am going and who is coming along.

Wordless Friday?

2009-12-04T09:59:00.002+01:00

Happy Harvest

2009-11-26T02:10:00.005+01:00

We wish all of our friends and their family a Happy Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-11-11T00:08:00.000+01:00

World Peace Day: Pace

2009-11-05T00:01:00.002+01:00

Booootiful Halloween

2009-10-30T13:37:00.004+01:00

Photo by Gracie

Wishing all of our friends the scariest of Halloweens filled with fun, friends, and lots of treats! To get all the treats we can we are celebrating early and going through the whole weekend until Sunday night. Now off we go. We will be on the lookout for you.

So Long Sassy....

2009-10-27T17:42:00.002+01:00

You will forever be in our hearts. Where ever you are, we hope you are safe, happy, loved, and sassy.

A Send Off

2009-10-16T19:28:00.004+02:00

Photo by Sassy

The day is here, we knew it was coming, but we were ignoring it. Ignore no more Sassy is stepping down and retiring. She wanted to have a quiet, simple, and low key send off. We all agree to this and had a small party in the boardroom and raised a glass in a toast to her . . . then . . .

Photo by Karl

. . .we jumped into the MFV and headed to Paris for a surprise celebration retirement party in Versailias. You can keep up with the action by visiting the CCSI Blog.

A simple good-bye, I am surprised that Sassy even thought any of us would consider that.

Tocktober Time

2009-10-05T14:46:00.001+02:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-09-30T14:39:00.001+02:00

A Kidnapping?

2009-09-24T02:49:00.009+02:00

Photo by Sassy

Some have said that a picture is worth a thousand words and this one is no exception. It would appear that poor Asta is kidnapped by the gang. Head over to her place to find out what is going on and where they are going?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OPUS! SURPRISE!

2009-09-22T09:43:00.020+02:00

I am speechless! I really don't know what to say. My dearest of dear friends decided to throw me a surprise party at the Colosseum in Rome in honor of my fourteenth birthday AND Cat Naps in Italy's 4th Bologversary! It all started yesterday when Ollie offered to take me to Rome for my birthday. She said that she wanted to cheer me up since I was feeling sad. You see, today is also Roscoe's birthday and it doesn't seem right not to have him here to celebrate with me.

While I stayed up late studying about ancient Roman history, Ollie snuck away in the magic flying van and picked up the gang. She then dropped them off at the Colosseum where they spent the night getting everything in order for the perfect party.

Imagine my surprise when we arrived this morning only find my best friends waiting for me, Sassy, Karl, Momo, Ruis, and Asta! Doesn't the Colosseum look wonderful?

(photo by Karl)

We took a quick group shot before putting on our nicest togas!

There was a parade in Rome, held in my honor. I walked proudly down the ancient streets with my best friends at my side.

(photo by Asta)

Afterwards, we found some chariots and decided to have a race. We were thinking about using Olive as a speed bump! Hehehehehehe! Can you believe I won???? I think my friends might have let me win because it is my birthday. Aren't they the greatest?

(photo by Karl)

Later at the Colosseum, I sat in the first row where I watched gladiators pretending to do battle. It reminded me of the time Roscoe was bullfighting with a chicken! Hehehehe! Throughout the day my thoughts have turned to Roscoe, like the time we went to Rome with Asta. Instead of feeling sad it makes me smile. I had 13 wonderful years with the best brother a cat could have asked for!

(photo by Asta)

We decided to drink a toast to Roscoe on his 14th birthday. Then we made a toast to me! Then we toasted Cat Naps in Italy's 4th anniversary. Then we toasted to friendship. After that, I can't remember what we toasted but I am sure it was something! Hehehehehe!

(photo by Asta)

So welcome to my birthday party! You may pick out which toga you would like to wear; a gift that you may take home with you so that you always remember your day with us in Rome.

Please come in and join the fun...

(photo by Sassy)

You are just in time as we are about to cut the beautiful cake that Sassy has prepared for me. That cat just keeps outdoing herself!

Sassy has catered the party. As you can see there is plenty to eat so please, help yourselves. We have roasted duck, wild boar, and caramelized figs on the menu. There are also fresh vegetables and fruits to choose from, not to mention authentic Roman bread and lentils.

We have a large wine selection to chose from. May I suggest the Vino San Giovese? It pairs wonderfully with the wild boar.

Be sure to mingle with the other guests. You will find the ladies enjoying the chocolate fountain.

(photo by Sassy)

While us man cats enjoy a cold beer with some potatochips before lunch. After we eat there will be live music and dancing. The dogs are free to run laps around Circus Maximus if they feel the need for exercise. There is a quiet corner in the last row at the top of the Colosseum. It is a great spot for a catnap should anyone feel tired. Thank you for coming to my party! I hope you enjoy yourself!

(photo by Sassy)

I tell you, there is nothing like good friends to make you feel like a king (or a cesar)!

(photo by Karl)

Thanks to each and everyone of you who stopped by today or sent me a card. You really know how to make an old cat happy!

A Surprise Birthday Party for Opus

2009-09-21T16:53:00.010+02:00

(poster by our wonderful friend Karl)

Shhhhhhhhh! Don't tell Opus! Tomorrow is his birthday and we are going to throw him a great, big, surprise party! Help us, Sassy, Momo, Asta, Karl, Ruis and myself, celebrate Opus's big day!

Where: Tomorrow, September 22

Where: The Roman Colosseum

Who: EVERYONE!!!!!!

Tomorrow is also Cat Naps in Italy's blogoversary!

So grab your togas and head on over to Rome!
Be sure to stop by for a wonderful party!

Hope to see you there!

Olive

Remembering Roscoe: One Year Later

2009-09-09T13:15:00.016+02:00

There are days when I think to myself "wow, it has been a year ALREADY?". Then there are days when I think "wow, it has ONLY been a year?". I don't understand how it can feel like Roscoe has just died while feeling like he has been gone forever, both at the same time.

My husband says that Roscoe is still here in our home. That he can see Roscoe's tail just behind the corner. That he feels as if Roscoe is taking a nap under bed, like he enjoyed doing so often. These types of thoughts seem to be enough for my husband. That if you can think of Roscoe still wandering our halls at night, it will keep the pain of losing him at bay.

My husband is right to think such things. Roscoe is here with us, just not in the way I want him to be. I want to pick him up and feel his soft fur on my skin. I want to gaze into his loving green eyes. I want to hear the meow that woke me up so many times in the middle of the night. I want Roscoe here with me in the physical sense.

Roscoe was a character. From the first time I met him on Christmas day in 1995 till the end of his life, Roscoe's personality was unchanged. As a kitten he was loving, clumsy, boisterous, funny, talkative, playful, open-hearted, and sweet; exactly how he was later in life.

Unlike his brother, Roscoe wouldn't let you pick him up for a snuggle whenever you wanted. He snuggled only on his terms when HE wanted to snuggle. Of course that made it all the more special when he would curl up on your lap.

Roscoe didn't like to be cold. So in the winter months, when our house would turn into a refrigerator in spite of working radiators, he would bury himself under our down filled blankets. Another way he kept warm was by making himself a bed on the top of my head. I lost count of the number of times that I would wake up in the night to Roscoe snuggling down on my pillow, his front paws dangling down into my face. I always felt so much love from that cat as I fell back to sleep with the warmth of his body on my head.

I refer back to something that I read in a book called "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. It is a saying that gives me great comfort whenever a loved one is lost, human or furry.

"As long we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on-in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here."

Roscoe, all the love you created is still here in our home. You have died without ever really going away. And if I close my eyes and try really hard, I too can see your tail just behind the corner.

Sei sempre con me.....

Quiet Time

2009-08-17T11:18:00.004+02:00

This week you will find the two of us catching up on some much deserved rest. Our human is out of town this week and we are taking this time to rest up from our busy summer. Even though we haven't been visiting and posting much we have both been busy. The human has promised to post next week about what we have been up to.

We miss visiting with you and hope soon we will be able to get more computer time.

Happy World Cat Day!

2009-08-08T22:37:00.000+02:00

Mancat Monday

2009-08-03T22:28:00.001+02:00

There is nothing like the isolation and serenity of a box to give a mancat a chance to collect his thoughts and solve the problems of the world...

_______________________

Oh great! The female human has showed up and she brought her stinking camera with her!

_________________________

Oh goody! Look who else has decided to join the party! Can't a man cat have a moment to himself? Go away kid, ya bother me!

_______________________________

That's more like it! Keep moving! Nothing more to see here!

And take your human with you!

______________________________________

Hey! What's going on back there?
Sneaking up behind me are you? Hey? I'm talking to you!

_____________________________________________

Olive! Hey, you forgot something!
Get back here and take your human with you!
Olive! OLIVE!!! Olive? Women!

_______________________________________________

That's it! I'm going to the one place a
mancat can go without being disturbed...

... the litter box! I'm outta here!

One of the Family

2009-07-27T14:23:00.009+02:00

By the human

Some of you have been wondering how Opus and Olive have been getting along.....

When I visited Olive at the animal shelter, she was in a room full of cats and didn't seem to mind. She sat in the window hoping to catch the attention of the humans on the other side, while mostly ignoring the cats inside. When I held her, she purred instantly and I never heard a bad word (or sound) come out of her sweet little mouth.

When we arrived in Italy, Olive's attitude changed. While Opus was excited to have a new friend, Olive was quick to let Opus know that SHE was the boss. Any time Opus would enter the room Olive would growl. Any time Opus got close to Olive, she hissed. For the first couple of days Opus was afraid Olive. It didn't take him long to realize that her bats to his head didn't hurt.

Opus wanted so much to play but Olive didn't want him anywhere near her. At one point I even cried because I thought that bring Olive into our home might have been a mistake. However one night while Opus was sleeping on our bed, Olive jumped up and laid down near him; a good sign that things might take a turn for the better. A few days later, she even let Opus lick her head. As the days passed, little by little, a friendship between the two began to blossom.

It has been over 3 months since Olive joined our family. I am happy to say that she and Opus have become the best of friends. They sleep near each other, play together and lick each other to death. I am also happy to report that Opus no longer cries out in the night like he did after Roscoe's death. Though we all love and miss Roscoe still, Olive has helped to fill the hole that Roscoe left behind.

Olive is still a bit of nervous cat. We can tell that in her last family she was not held much. She still cries out with a squeal each time we pick her up, but as time goes by she is learning to enjoy being snuggled. She has brought all of us so much love and joy and we are happy she has joined our family!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-08T00:01:00.000+02:00

Happy Birthday America!

2009-07-04T00:01:00.000+02:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T03:29:00.000+02:00

Happy Graduation Day!

2009-06-05T10:23:00.002+02:00

By Olive

Today we are soooo excited and proud! Our good friends Momo and SS are graduating! In honor of their great achievement, we decided to bake to cake. Since I had never made a cake before, Opus took it upon himself to teach me how.

Opus said that my baking style reminded him a lot Roscoe's which I take as a great complement!

Not bad for a first try!

Concatulations Momo and SS! We are so very proud of you both!

Heading Out Again!

2009-06-01T16:49:00.004+02:00

Graphics by Karl

The two of us are so tired of our humans leaving us alone while they are out having all of the fun when we got word that Karl and Ruis were on a second honeymoon we knew that the gang would try to find them. We have joined in on the search of where those two headed off to and are hoping that we can surprise them by our visit. We sure hope we can figure out where they went.

CCSI V Cast & Crew Party

2009-05-25T17:46:00.008+02:00

Photo by Sassy

CCSI V: The Old Famous Caper show cast and crew are gathered for the usual wrap up party. There is plenty of shaking going on at this party. More photos are available to view so visit Sassy and Karl for all that is happening!

CCSI V Weekend Marathon!

2009-05-22T05:43:00.007+02:00

Photo by Sassy

CCSI V: The Old Famous Caper has premiered this last Wednesday and Thursday with great reviews from viewers. This award winning show will be offered in unlimited reruns all weekend at Sassy's place. Sassy is offering free popcorn and soda pop for all of the shows.

The two of us have been left alone at home again by our humans so we teleported over to the states to help Sassy out. She has given us the job of helping those to seats that need aid. Here is a photo of us at the theatre putting the last touches on things so our marathon showings will go on without a hitch.

Hope to see you there.

CCSI V NOW PLAYING

2009-05-20T07:30:00.005+02:00

Poster by Karl

CCSI V: THE OLD FAMOUS CAPER will be airing on Wednesday and Thursday with reruns all weekend. Head over to Sassy's for the lasted installment in this award winning mystery series.

CCSI V Soon To Air!

2009-05-17T23:05:00.010+02:00

Poster by Karl

If you want to know about the latest CCSI show coming up be sure to check in at Sassy's place this week for the latest information!

Remembering Roscoe: 8 months gone

2009-05-09T17:24:00.004+02:00

Roscoe sunning himself on our upstairs terrace while using the door step as a pillow.

Buona Festa!

2009-05-05T14:14:00.004+02:00

(photo by Sassy)

A Wedding in Salzburg!

2009-05-01T08:16:00.002+02:00

By Opus

We had a great time visiting Sassy. Our human is back home, but instead of rushing back to see her we have packed the van and headed to Salzburg for the weekend (that will teach her to dump us). Asta's sister, Myrna, is getting married and we are all invited. Sassy hitched a ride from us and we will be meeting all of our friends there. Olive is soooo excited! She hasn't had this fun in all the seven years of her life put together! Be sure to stop by Asta's to check out the wedding of the year!

With all of our wonderful friends and beautiful city, who knows what kind of fun (or trouble) we will get into this weekend!

(photo by Karl)

Going To Sassy's

2009-04-27T05:28:00.006+02:00

Photo by Sassy

Olive and myself are heading to the good old USA for a visit with Sassy. You see our human has dumped us, again, so we decided to take advantage of our alone time. Olive has been wanting to visit with Sassy and visit Little Productions. This was the perfect time so off we go.

See you later!

Will See You Again Charlie

2009-04-25T17:45:00.005+02:00

Photo by Zoolatry

Charlie, a sweet friend, has gone to the bridge. Forever she will be free to run and play. Forever young and with those that knew her from before. You will certainly be missed.

The After the After Party

2009-04-22T20:29:00.008+02:00

BY OLIVE

I am so happy that I was invited to Karl's party. It was my first EVER party and was soooo excited!

(photo by Sassy)

The party at Karl's house went on long into the night. I tell you, those new friends of mine sure are a bunch of party animals! I think I am going to fit in just fine!

(photo by Sassy)

Miss Sassy told that me that just isn't a party until someone ends up with a lamp shade on their head! Well, I am happy to report that SOMEONE ended up wearing a lampshade! The fur was flying as we hit the dance floor and parited into the wee hours of the morning.

Needless to say, all good things must come to an end......

(photo by Sassy)

I can't WAIT till the next party!

In the meantime, we have a bit of mess to clean up.

(photo by Karl)

Let Me Introduce Myself....

2009-04-17T17:39:00.008+02:00

My new humans have a habit of naming cats after cartoon (or tv) characters OR great aviators.

Years before any of us lived here the male human started taking care of a feral cat who he named Baracca, after a famous, Italian WW1 fighter pilot who happened to be from the town just next to ours. You could say he was the Red Barron of Italy. Well, last year a grouchy reddish cat showed up at our house, in desperate need of a good meal. He is a skittish thing who still won't let ANYONE get close enough to touch him. Once it became clear that the vagabond was going to continue showing up at our house for three squares a day, the humans decided that they had to name him. Since they already had one feral cat named after a WW1 fighter pilot (and the fact that he was red) the Red Barron became the obvious choice. So that is how he came to be known as Manfred Von Richtofen, but he is lovingly called Manny for short.

Years before either of these cats even existed, Opus was named after the fat little penguin from the County Bloom comic strip. Of course he will tell you that he was named Opus because that is the Latin word for "great work". Shhhhh, don't tell him I told you the truth!

So when it came to naming me, the humans had two choices: name me after a comic strip like Opus or name me after a great pilot like the feral cats were. The first thing that came to the female human's mind was Amelia after Amelia Earhart, a pioneer in aviation. The male countered with the name Olive after Olive Oyl from the Popeye comic strip.

Everything thought the name Olive suited me as my eyes are olive colored AND I was about to move to a country that is famous for its top notch olive oil. PLUS there was a woman named Olive Beech who made some big contributions to aviation (she was one of the founders of the Beech Aircraft Company. It seemed like the perfect name!

HOWEVER, once I got home the male human started having second thoughts. I was nervous my first week with my new brother and took to growling and hissing any time he got too close. (Hey give me break, it was a long journey to get here and I was under a lot of stress). The male human started saying that I was a little witch which made him think of a character from the Scrooge McDuck comic strip. She was a witch from Naples who wanted to steal Scrooge McDuck's first magic dime. Her wish was to throw it into Mt. Vesuvius to release its magic so that she could use it. In the Italian version of the comic strip the witch, who was called Magica De Spell in the English version, was called none other than Amelia!

At the end of the day, no one could pick which name to use because they liked both names equally and that is why they have decided to use BOTH names.

I am officially known as Olive Amelia Patches (Patches was my original name)! But my friends can call me Ollie! It is a big name to live up to, but I will do my best!

Thank you to everyone who voted for my name! I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you!

PS. Don't tell Opus that I hijacked the blog. I thought it needed a little bit of girl's touch!

Happy Blogoversary Cat Realm!

2009-04-15T12:48:00.000+02:00

By the cat formally known as Patches

I haven't been here too long, but already I have been invited to party! Today is the Cat Realm's 2nd Blogoversary! I am so excited as this is my VERY FIRST trip in Opus's magic flying van! This will also give me an opportunity to meet many of Opus and Roscoe's dear friends. I feel like the luckiest cat in the world!

(photo by Karl)

HAPPY BLOGOVERSARY CAT REALM!

PS. If you haven't already done so, please vote for name at the top right side of our blog. The humans need to pick a name for me! Thanks!

My BIG News!

2009-04-10T15:38:00.000+02:00

As many of you know, my human dumped me when she went back to America to visit her famiy for six weeks! She must have felt guilty about leaving me at home without the MFV or the computer because she brought me back this beautifully wrapped gift.

I couldn't imagine what was inside! And I couldn't help but think of Roscoe when I saw the box was wrapped with pink paper (he would have loved it)! I tore into it at once with pink ribbon flying everywhere!

And do you what I found inside staring at me?????

A new cat! While the human was in the States, she met and fell in love with a tiny, little female, calico cat that she found at the local animal shelter. The poor thing had been living there for three weeks when my human found her! She is a tiny thing, half the size of me, and is seven years old.

So I would like to introduce you to my little sister "the-cat-formally-known-as-Patches". The humans didn't really care for her name and, since she doesn't seem to know it anyway, have decided to rename her. The two wining choices are "Amelia" pronounced "Ah-meh-lee-ah" in Italian OR Olive (the color of her eyes).

Which name do you like?

The Human Is Back

2009-04-07T17:21:00.005+02:00

Back in February the human decided to head on over the States to visit with family and friends. I didn't mind being dumped for six weeks, what I DID mind was that she took my magic flying van thus sticking me at home without transportation OR a computer!

At last she returned on Friday with a great, big gift from America just for me. Clearly a shameless effort to erase any guilt she might have for stealing my wheels and dumping me.

Any ideas of what might be inside?

Earthquakes Rock Italy

2009-04-07T01:23:00.007+02:00

Hiding safely in my earthquake proof box.

Most of you woke up today with the news reports about the two earthquakes that hit Italy during our night. The first hit near the city of Ravenna, which is only 20 minutes away from where we live. It was a 4.6! Because it was so deep in the earth, people felt the shaking as far as the next region! Did my humans notice the house shaking? Of course not! They were fast asleep with the TV on and hear (and felt) NOTHING! Good thing I was on watch to alert them had things gotten worse. Fortunately no one was hurt in the first earthquake.

The second earthquake was farther south in Abruzzo. That one was a 5.8! Many people have lost their lives and many more are without homes. Our government has called it a state of emergency! We all wish there was something we could to do help. But the most we can do at this point is to keep all of those people and their pets in our thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all that have lost their homes and worse than that their lives. Pray that their families will get through this most difficult time and no more quakes will follow.

Buon San Valentino!

2009-02-15T14:15:00.011+01:00

Once my mystery date and I got the van loaded up, it was time to hit the road. I was very excited to introduce her to my friends, but my mystery date wanted to make a grand entrance at the hotel. So she decided to hide inside of her suitcase, until everyone was there.

I charge in of getting everyone to Sicily. There were so many friends joining us at the beautiful castle, that I had to make several trips!

At last we were all there and "SHE" was ready to make her grand appearance.

"Dearest friends, it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to my mystery date Miss Sophia!"

"Sophia was a gift that Karl had sent to me and Roscoe, as a thank you for being judges in his "I Dare You" competition. Miss Sophia arrived in Italy just after Roscoe passed away and has since kept me company during these difficult months. And I love her, but I love her in the way that you would a love a good friend or a dear sister. I thought that the Valentine's day party would be the perfect time to introduce her to all of my wonderful friends".

Unfortunately, my mystery date had never ridden in a flying, magic van before and had gotten air sick while hiding in her suitcase! Poor thing!

Sophia hugged all of my friends before retiring to her room where she spent the rest of the weekend trying to get over her motion sickness.

I, on the other hand, spent a wonderful weekend with my dear friends, enjoying wonders of Sicily!

Happy Saint Valentine's Day everyone!

Almost Ready

2009-02-13T07:50:00.000+01:00

Tomorrow is Saint Valentine's day. In celebration of the "holiday of love" my friends and I will be spending the weekend at a Valentine's Day party in Sicily where I will reveal my mystery date to all. She and I spent the day the entire day packing up the van for our trip.

Tune into tomorrow for all of the details of our weekend!

A New Cat in Town

2009-02-12T15:48:00.004+01:00

I have been keeping a secret, even from my closest of close friends...

It may come to as a surprise to some of you, but there is a new cat in my life. A beautiful goddess who hangs on to my every word, never questions me, never has a bad thing to say about anyone, and who loves me for who I am. She is a great listener and wonderful keeper of secrets.

All shall be revealed at the Saint Valentine's day party this weekend. That is where I shall, eh hem, let the cat out of the bag....

So what do you think?

What's wrong? Has the cat got your tongue?

Remembering Roscoe

2009-02-09T08:21:00.004+01:00

I can hardly believe that it has been 5 months today since our sweet little Roscoe went to the bridge. Some days it feels like he has been missing from our lives for years, while other days I swear I can still see him, just around the corner in our living room.

This photos makes me smile every time I look at it. Opus and Rosoce were on our bed, taking their usual afternoon nap when Roscoe's tail decided it was time to dance. Poor Opus's nose kept getting tickled by Roscoe's restless tail. Opus, deep into a kitty dream, didn't have the energy or desire to get up and move. So he stayed while Roscoe's tail danced across poor Opus's face. A couple of times, Opus reached out, eyes still closed, to swat at Roscoe's tail, but never managed to catch the thing.

It always warmed my heart to see the boys curled up together. Together from the moment their lives began, these litter mates were inseparable.

We will miss you forever sweet Roscoe and keep you alive in our hearts and in our memories...

Celebrations

2009-01-25T16:15:00.006+01:00

This week is full of celebrations. Today the female human turns another year older, which makes her about 150 in cat years! In a few more days the male human also hits another birthday (making him about 200 in cat years). I gave them a couple of gifts today, including a dead bug and a hairball. They didn't seem to appreciate the gifts, even though I made the hairball myself!

I have told the humans that they may stick around a while, but should they start to use the bathroom outside of the litter box, they WILL have to go!

Old humans, you have been warned!

The female and me
January 25, 2009

Remembering Roscoe

2009-01-09T22:23:00.001+01:00

La Befana....

2009-01-05T19:01:00.003+01:00

My stocking is hung with care. Tonight the Befana, the good witch of Christmas, will come to deliver treats to all the good kitties, doggies, and humans. Read more about La Befana here.

Wishing you all a wonderful night and here's to hoping that the Befana will visit you!

Buon Anno!

2009-01-01T14:51:00.001+01:00

Wishing you all the best in 2009! Happy New Year!

Thanks for the photo Sassy!

Behind The Scene Photos

2008-12-30T20:00:00.006+01:00

Poster by Sassy

Sassy has behind the scene photos of CCSI IV - The Momomo Caper that will be shown for an unlimited time starting New Year evening. It is hard to tell what the photos will show as this show had a young cast and many happenings going on. Head on over to see what the cast and crew was up to while working on CCSI IV.

Buon Natale!

2008-12-25T23:11:00.003+01:00

Wishing you all a Christmas filled with fun, love, and laughter.

Merry Christmas!

Opus and Roscoe
December 1996

Waiting for Santa Paws

2008-12-24T21:12:00.005+01:00

Christmas tree is ready.... check

Christmas cookies are baked..... check

Stockings are hung.... check

Been nice..... well you can't win them all!

I'm in bed now and just waiting for Santa Paws.
I sure do hope he comes!

The After Party

2008-12-20T23:45:00.002+01:00

With the conclusion of The Momomo Caper, the entire cast and crew headed to Honolulu where Little Productions is treating us to a cast party. Head on over to Karl's blog
for all of the details and photos!

Part 3: The Momomo Caper

2008-12-17T23:35:00.002+01:00

Tune into Sassy's blog for the exciting conclusion of

The Missing Momomo Caper!

Part 2: The Momomo Caper

2008-12-16T09:30:00.006+01:00

Tune in to Sassy's blog for part 2 of the Momomo Caper!

Now Showing!

2008-12-15T18:55:00.007+01:00

At last it is here! The next instalment of CCSI! Tune into Sassy's blog today for the first part of "The Momomo Caper", written by Karl and directed by yours truly.

(CCSI poster by Karl)

See you there!

Opus, the Feline Fellini

2008-12-14T14:18:00.006+01:00

CCSI IV is almost ready to air. As many of you know, I have been hard at work directing the show which was written by Karl. This past weekend I attended a black tie dinner at the Directors Guild. There I had a chance to catch up with some old colleagues (and friends) of mine. I managed to convince them to pose for a photo in order to help promote CCSI IV: The Missing Momomo Caper. They were happy to help me out!

back row left to right: Francis Ford Coppola, Geroge Lucas, and Steven Spielberg

back row left to right: Opus Fellini, Martin Scorsese, Martin Scorsese's eyebrows

Don't forget to tune into Sassy's blog
tomorrow for the CCSI Episode 4 world premiere!

The Cast and Crew of CCSI IV

Bad News & Good News

2008-12-12T08:18:00.001+01:00

Photo by Sassy

Yes the rumor is true. I was asked to leave the set of CCSI IV by Sassy and when I wouldn't go she call on Dr. Tweety to help escort me out. I have been working as director on the newest mystery that is about to air and thought things were going well. You could imagine the shock I felt when I was "invited" to leave . . .

Photo by Sassy

. . . but it turns out that she had me escorted off of the set because there was a surprise waiting for me in the CCSI auditorium!

Sassy knows how hard it has been working on CCSI IV without having my brother, Roscoe, here along side of me. She wanted to make him a part of this even though he isn't physically here. She contacted the renowned Dr. Tweety to write an ode to honor Roscoe. Not only did he agree to write an ode but he read it to me in a private reading with the executive board of Little Productions there. This is so special to me I want to thank all involved in this surprise for their kindness, thoughtfulness, and love. I now invite you to join us for a second reading of Dr. Tweety's Ode to Opus and Roscoe....

Ode to Opus & Roscoe

by Dr. Tweety

Diz iz da tale of two fine boyz

Borned on a farm

wit some mewz & a noize.

Dey called demselvez mutts

(Didz dey have gray spots

on dere kitteny butts?)

& settled happily into da armz

of dere mommy & dere dad.

Dubbed Opus & Roscoe

Dey waz two fine ladz.

Deze brudderz chased fliez & eated mice

& thought dats Italy sounded so nice

dey ups & moved to a charming town,

Emilia Romagna

(No, dats nots a parmegena!)

Da brudderz wents on adverturez,

da world halfway 'round

in a mini-van packed evfur so tight,

wits a jumble of dogz & catz

evfurry night.

Dey careened 'round cornerz of cloudz,

sippin' niptiniz & singin' reel loud.

Dere were rainbow jets streamin'

from outta tail pipes like light,

& dey waz laffin' & screemin',

all through da night.

Surely oh sure, dat waz a sight!

Den one day, not longz ago, nots more den a smidge,

Deze two fine boyz suddenly parted.

Roscoe it seemed,

waz called to da Bridge.

Opus & hiz family were broken hearted,

so hiz furry sad mommy & dad

comforted Opus - "What a strong brave lad!"

Even though we creaturez know

dats Heaven iz a place sans pain,

it iz furry hard fur doze dat remain.

So let us give blessingz, five hundred & thrice

(& kisses & love & sqwillionz of mice)

dat Opus & hiz family will nap & sleep,

snuggled togedder in pillowz so deep,

on Christmas Eve, in 'ol Emilia Romagna,Italia.

( I yam sure dat iz not cheeze!)

Dearest Dr. Tweety,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face.....

Coming Soon!

2008-12-11T20:35:00.006+01:00

That's right folks! We at CCSI have been hard at work getting the next episode of CCSI ready to air! This show, written by our talented Karl, proves to be another nail biting, dog howling, hairball coughing, episode!

As the director of CCSI IV, I have to tell you how proud and honored I am to be working with such a talented staff of actors and crew members. Be sure to tune into Sassy's blog on December 15Th to watch "The Momomo Caper", a story inspired by actual events!

(live on the set of CCSI IV)

Dove Sei Arcobaleno?

2008-12-09T14:51:00.021+01:00

Where Are You Rainbow?
Today marks three months since Roscoe left us. With the holidays coming up, our house has been a bit sad. You see, Christmas was the day when Roscoe and Opus came into my life. To see his little Christmas stocking with his name written on it just breaks my heart. I never imagined that last Christmas was to be our last together.

This is a song that I came across just days after Roscoe passed away. It is by one of my favorite Italian artists, Zucchero, and it has a very special meaning to me. With the help of my husband, I have translated it into the English. I think the song (which is playing in the background) will speak for itself.

When I see a beautiful rainbow, the golden sun or a magical moon shining down at me from the sky, I always think of Ros.....

Tu lo sai

che non e’ la fine

Si’ che lo sai…….

Che viene maggio

E sciolgo le brine

Si’ che lo sai……

è Delicato

By Zucchero

You know it isn’t the end.
Yes, you know it...
That May comes
And melts the frost.
Yes, you know it...

Pieces of winter
lost in the wind.
I am not tired, no no
And I go searching for you
In a burgundy dream.

This heart
is scattered.
The world goes away.
This desperate heart
is delicate.

Where are you rainbow?
And what are you doing?
Wild honey, when I dream of you,
what are you doing?
In my heart,
between the nothing
and the farewell...

This heart
is scattered.
The world goes away.
This desperate heart
is delicate.

How much I miss you
In the universe
And in the center of the world.
How I look for you.
And I scream out loud
in the center of the world.

Only I,
I am able to find you.
Only I,
And I am on my knees,
Only I.
Can lift you up,
Only I,
How many moons?
Only I,
Can repair your heart,
Only I,

I am the shade,
And you, you are the sun.
Yeah, yeah,
How much I miss you!
Yeah, yeah,
And I scream out loud
Yeah, yeah,
In the center of the world!
My sun, answer me!

This heart is
scattered
and delicate
and it’s all there.

Cosi’ mi manchi.

Light a candle for Roscoe.

Our "Vacation" in Cairo

2008-12-08T16:02:00.012+01:00

After Ruis's birthday party we (Sassy, Momo, Asta, & myself) decided to join Karl and Ruis on a little road trip. Destination? Cairo, Egypt!

I thought that we would see the sights...

...spend a day at the Egyptian Museum...

... and an afternoon at the market.

Instead we saw this......

(photo by Karl)

You see, Karl and Ruis were going to Cairo for a romantic vacation. Sassy thought it would be fun to surprise them. So we packed ourselves into a suitcase which was then delivered to Karl and Ruis with strick instructions NOT to open it until they arrived at their destination. Unfortunately, our dear friends sat the suitcase down in their hotel suite and then forgot about it.

Several days later they remember the suitcase and quickly opened it up only to find four hungry friends inside.

(photo by Karl)

After we each took a turn in the bathroom, we got dressed up and headed out to a HUGE dinner with Karl and Ruis.

(photo by Karl)

Then it was time to NOT pack our bags, get on the flying carpet, and head home.

(photo by Karl)

We had such a great evening in Cairo with Karl and Ruis that we quickly forgot about our time spent in the suitcase. HOWEVER, the next time we travel I don't think that I will let Sassy make our transportation reservations!

An Arabian Night

2008-12-07T13:43:00.011+01:00

Ruis's party was a hit! We had such a good time dancing, eating, and celebrating! Lacie and I spent some quiet time in a tent, getting to know each other. She is such a great dog!

Later I took her for a camel ride at sunset. We had a little trouble getting up onto the camel, but once there the ride went smoothly.

After our camel ride, it was time to put on our costumes and hit the dance floor! Lacie was a great belly dancer. I do hope that I impressed her with some of my dance moves!

There was so much terrific food at the party, I didn't know where to start! Lacie was brave enough to try a lizard and she even liked it! She said it tasted like bacon!

(photo by Karl)

All that eating and dancing made me sleepy, so I slipped away to find a quiet spot to curl up. While I was asleep, I dreamed that I was a great Sheik with a magical lamp and one special genie!

After my catnap, I took Lacie for night ride on Karl's magical, flying carpet. It was so very romantic under the night sky which was full of sparking stars. But being the gentlecat that I am, I can assure you that nothing happened.

Of course my favorite part of the night was when Mrs. Oz rubbed a lamp and all of our friends from across the bridge, including Roscoe, appeared in a cloud of smoke and sang happy birthday.

(photo by Karl)

The entire day was, in a word, magical. But all good things must come to an end, as did the party. I said good night to Miss Lacie and she boarded the magic carpet with Socks and Stanley to return home.

With all of the guests gone Momo, Asta, Sassy and I packed our bag.

We are off for a very fun vacation, but don't tell Karl and Ruis; it is a surprise!

Happy Birthday Ruis!

2008-12-05T10:26:00.013+01:00

Today Karl is throwing a surprise party for his husband, Ruis. Do stop by The Cat Realm to check out the action. The theme is "Arabian Nights" and the party (complete with costumes) will prove to be incredible.

Karl sent his magic flying carpet to pick up all of the guests. Miss Lacie was kind enough to accept my invitation to the party and came as my date.

We arrived with our good friends, Asta and Stanley.

(photo by Karl)

Karl has a bunch of tents with food, plush pillows and tons of entertainment! Roscoe would be so proud of me!

(photo by Karl)
Asta, Sassy, Mrs. Oz, me, Momo and Karl as belly dancers

Be sure to throw on your best outfit and stop by Karl's while the party is in full swing! Make sure you also stop by Ruis's to wish him a very happy belated birthday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T23:53:00.000+01:00

There is so much to be thankful for. I am thankful that I have humans who love and care for me every day of my life. I am thankful for having the chance to live in Italy, not too many cats get to see other countries. I am so very thankful for the incredible 12 years I had with my brother, sweet Roscoe. Though we all miss him terribly, his memory makes us smile every day. I am thankful for all of the friends who I have met on the internet, the world really much smaller than it seemed!

And I so very thankful for my dear friends Sassy, Momo, Karl, Ruis and Asta. You and your humans are the best and we (me and my human) feel lucky to have you in our lives.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving. I hope the humans give you some turkey. And in the spirit of Roscoe, I encourage you to steal a slice or two! Happy Thanksgiving!

(ps. Sorry I couldn't come by to visit, but the human wouldn't let me get near the computer. She was too busy in the kitchen all day. Good help is hard to find!)

We Love You MOMO!

2008-11-24T19:49:00.000+01:00

Sending you my love from Italy in hopes that you feel better soon!

BIG CCSI Announcement!

2008-11-20T14:34:00.003+01:00

(poster by Karl)

Click here for all of the details!

Working Weekend

2008-11-18T14:46:00.009+01:00

Since the humans dumped me this past weekend, I decided to make the most of my unexpected free time. I jumped in the MFV and headed on over to Sassy's where we spent the weekend preparing for the next installment of CCSI.

(photo by Sassy)

We spent most of the weekend locked up at the Little Productions Studio, working in the board room and trying to iron out all of the details....

(photo by Sassy)

Often you could find us in front our computer having conference calls with the other CCSI executives.....

(photo by Sassy with detail added by Opus)
Karl & Ruis giving us his input

Of course the weekend wasn't all work and no play! Sassy and I relaxed Sunday night with a movie and popcorn!

Mean while back in New York Asta was hard at work ALL WEEKEND designing and making the costumes for the next production.

The script is finished. Casting is done. The posters are ready to go. Momo, executive of marketing, is working on her ad campaign as I type...

Get ready good animals of the blogosphere... CCSI IV is on the way!

I Dare You #4 Part 3

2008-11-13T19:56:00.005+01:00

I have decided to take in part in The Cat Realm's Dare #4 part 3. There was a wonderful list of Dares to choose from and I have decided to do Sassy's dare: Dress up as your favorite movie star.

Since Anastasia is able to Dare us from across the bridge, I decided that Roscoe can accept her Dare from across the bridge.

One of the first parties we ever had (after our human learned how to photo shop) was "Mafia Movie Night". I went as Don Opus while Roscoe chose to be Lefty Litter Paw. What a wonderful party we had with all of our friends dressed up as flappers and mafioso! Here is the photo of me dressed as Marlen Brando as Don Corleone in the Godfather. Roscoe sweetly played the part of the cat.

If you haven't done your dare yet, head on over to Karl's to pick a dare and get it posted on your blog!

Happy Daring! And remember, there is no such thing as the mafia! (wink)

(Music is the theme from the movie Godfather)

Wordless Wednesday

2008-11-12T13:36:00.006+01:00

Baby Opus & Baby Roscoe

(Around six months old)

A Date with Miss Lacie

2008-11-11T15:54:00.001+01:00

I have to admit that I was a bit nervous on Sunday. Not only was this my first date with Miss Lacie, but it was my first date EVER! Normally I don't date because the human said I am too young. But with Roscoe gone, I have been able to get away with a lot more stuff than I ever did before.

Somehow Lacie and I got our plans mixed up. As I headed over to Pittsburgh to pick her up...

(photo by Sassy)

...she was in Rome waiting for me! (And yes that I me driving the van rather than flying it. The cost of magic dust keeps going up so I was trying to conserve my fuel).

Doesn't she look just BEAUTIFUL??!!!!

(photo by Lacie)

At last we met up with each other in Pittsburgh, just in time for a nice brunch. Afterwards, we headed over the Andy Warhol museum to check out the works of art by America's #1 Pop artist.

Our favorite exhibit was the Cloud Room where giant silver balloons float gently around the room. It is an exhibition that you are suppose to interact with, so Lacie and I wasted no time. It was so much fun chasing the balloons around, even if I might have popped a couple. You should have seen how high Lacie was able to jump! I was very impressed!

There were some pieces of art that we just didn't understand. I mean, how can a stack of boxes be considered art? We tried our best to understand and thoroughly examined the "art"...

But we got a little too close. It would have been okay except that we lost our balance (because we were laughing so hard). The next thing we knew the "art" was flying all over the room!

We got out of there REAL quick! After a day at the museum, we decided that it was time to head out for a romantic dinner. As we drove through the city to our next destination, I had the strange feeling that Lacie and I were not alone.

(Asta, Sassy, Momo, Karl & Ruis in the back of the van)

On Lacie's recommendation, I made reservations for us at the Montery Bay Fish Grotto. It is a gorgeous, high-end, sea food restaurant which sits on the top of hill, over looking the beautiful Pittsburgh skyline. We rode the cable car to the top, admiring the view all the way up.

(photo by Sassy)

We enjoyed a romantic dinner as the sun set on Pittsburgh. The view was breathtaking, as was Lacie. We watched the city below wink at us with twinkling lights. But I still couldn't shake the feeling that we were being watched. Perhaps I am turning into a paranoid cat.

At the end of our evening, I presented Lacie with a gift. It was a painting I had made for her. I hope that each time she looks at it, she will remember our wonderful day together in Pittsburgh.

I had planned to just drop her off at home, but when we arrived at her house we found that there was a party in full swing. Lacie's parents were gone for the weekend and her brothers, Scruffy and baby Stan, were having a card party. They kindly asked if I would like to join them. Being the only cat in house, I nervously took my seat at the table hoping that all the dogs were friendly.

(photo by Asta)

They didn't growl at me once. Not even when I won ALL of their money! Hehehehehe! Thank you Lacie for the wonderful date. And thank you to all of my new doggie friends for allowing this old cat to join in on the dog-gone fun!

Always With Me

2008-11-09T21:02:00.005+01:00

Today marks the two month anniversary of when sweet Roscoe went to the bridge. The human and I weren't going to mention it, but then it didn't feel right to let the day pass without saying a word. This is the longest any of us have been away from Roscoe. Though it has only been two months, it feels like years to us.

I am doing better these days. My family and friends help to keep me busy. I don't look for Roscoe as often as I used to. However I do find myself calling out to him in the night from time to time.

We can see his little grave from our bedroom window. Each night the human opens the window and talks to him before going to bed. Normally we can not see the moon from our window, but a few days a month it hangs just above the horizon; a half moon smiling down into our bedroom window from the sky. It is the same half moon we saw the night Roscoe fell terribly ill. It comforts us all now when we see each it month. It is a constant reminder of Roscoe and, funny as it may seem, when we see that half moon it makes us feel as though Roscoe is smiling down upon us.

We hope to keep Roscoe alive by remembering him from time to time on our blog. He visits us every once in a while, if only in our dreams. He visited our human several times this weekend when he snuck into her dreams. It made her happy and sad at the same time.

We will see him one day. It is the time in between that will be difficult...

On a lighter note, I had a fun and interesting weekend with Miss Lacie. Do tune in tomorrow for all of the details! But keep your minds out of the gutter friends, I am a gentle man after all!

A Special Weekend

2008-11-08T13:41:00.007+01:00

Last weekend while at Asta's Halloween party, I had the chance to meet her good friend Lacie. We hit off really well! After our brunch in New York with gang, we made plans to see each other again.

(Photo by Sassy)

Her humans are gone for the weekend so we thought it would be a great time to get together so we can get to know each other better. I am off to Pittsburg to pick her up now.

(Photo by Sassy)