Always With Me

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

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)

Blog Blast for Peace

Peace, in Heaven and on Earth.

(photo by Sassy)
Click here to see more

Brunch in New York

It was a fun crazy weekend with my friends as we celebrated Halloween! What a great party that Asta, Lacie and Eric threw! I do hope they do it again next year as I am already planing my costume.

Hanging out at Asta's home.

(photo by Sassy)

We drove Asta back to New York and, still in our Halloween costumes, decided to treat her to a brunch before heading back to our homes. I was so happy that sweet, little Miss Lacie was able to join us!

(photo by Sassy)

While the girls chatted on about whatever it is that they chat about, us man cats headed off in search of a manly store. It wasn't long before we found what we were looking for, the IPod shop! With our bags filled with the latest gadgets, we headed back to the restaurant where we took one last photo before jumping into the magic van and starting for home.

(photo by Sassy)

It was a wonderful weekend filled with fun, love and laughter. Though I am always sad to say good bye to my dear friends, I am always happy to return to my home in Italy.

(photo by Sassy)


The humans will be waiting....

Our Moveaversary!

Four years ago today Roscoe and I landed in Italy and began our new lives. We were a little bit worried when our human stuffed us into a plane, but some 10 hours (plus) later we arrived in our new home.



Roscoe and I hid under the bed for the first week or so, only coming out to eat and use the bathroom. But little by little we came to learn that we could trust our new home.

Roscoe's favorite place was on the bench on our upstairs terrace. Whenever he would come up missing, we all new that we could find him there sunning himself in the warm, Italian sun. I go there sometimes now either looking for him or just staying a moment to enjoy his favorite spot. It helps me feel close to him.

Not too many cats can call themselves expat cats. Roscoe and I always felt lucky to have lived in two different yet equally wonderful places.

All Souls Day

Missing you now more than ever...

"No heaven will not ever Heaven be;
Unless my cats are there to welcome me." ~ Anonymous

All Saints Day

Today is All Saints Day in Italy. This is one of the first photos our human made of us. We are peaking out from behind Saint Gertrude of Nivelles, the Patron Saint of Cats. I can just picture Roscoe curled on her lap right now.

I am sure she taking good care him for us.....

Happy Halloween!

I just wanted to take a moment to wish you all a very Happy Halloween! We don't have trick or treaters in Italy, but the American holiday has been imported to Italy, somewhat. Tonight in SOME towns, there will be a party in the square where kids will dress up in their costumes. It isn't the same as Halloween in America, but it is certainly better than nothing. Our human will be going to check out the action (we do miss having trick or treaters). I won't be going as I am in London at Asta's Halloween party!

Opus and Roscoe as Indy Colt Fans, Halloween 2007

I will leave you all with a very scary story. It was Roscoe's favorite horror story, which some of you may remember he told last year.

In honor of Roscoe, I give you

"The Scary Tail of Halloween Night"......

It was a dark and stormy night. Two small, sweet cats were left home alone as their humans went out for the evening. The rain outside was relentless as it came down in buckets from the gray sky. The wind howled and battered against the windows as the lights inside the house flickered on and off a few times, then they went out all together.The poor frightened cats cowered close together hoping the mean storm would soon pass, but it was Halloween night and the storm showed no signs of leaving anytime soon.

Several hours passed when the cats heard a loud, heart wrenching sound. It was a sound so terrible, so awful, so devastating that I almost dare not write of it. It was the sound of grumbling belly.The cats were afraid to leave the safety of the bed but, in the end, they were more afraid of starving to death. Carefully and ever so quietly they tip-toed through the darkened hallway, slowly making their way to their food bowls. The cats could hear the rain as it beat hard against the roof top; they feared that a drop just might pass through the ceiling and land on their dry little heads. Even with the fear of water looming nearby, the brave little cats pressed on.

Suddenly, a deafening clap came from out of no where followed by a flash of bright light. The cats stop dead in their tracks, frozen with fear. They stood there motionless for at least five minuets, moving on only when they where completely sure the lightening had passed. At last they spotted their food bowls at the end of the long hall way. A full moon, partly covered by scary black clouds peaked in through the window, giving the cats a little more light with which to see by. Slowly they tip-toed towards their food bowl, bellies growling louder with each step. And then they saw it; something so scary, so terrifying that they fainted at once.

I fear little kitty that you might do the same if tell you the rest of the story. Shall I continue?

Have it your way.

What the cats saw was none other than a big, dark,.....................

EMPTY FOOD BOWL!

Now wasn't THAT scary???

(photo by Sassy)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

On the Road Again

With Sassy's MOTH feeling better, I returned home Monday night leaving her in the care of Sassy. I should have just stayed at there though because I now have to get back to the States to attend Asta's Halloween party tomorrow.

This year I wasn't going to celebrate Halloween. I just haven't felt like celebrating since Roscoe went to the bridge, but then I thought about it. Roscoe always enjoyed a good reason to get dressed up and he particularly loved Halloween. So in honor of my brother, I have decorated by blog and will celebrate Halloween.

Roscoe as the infamous Lefty Litterpaw

Tomorrow my good friend, Asta, is throwing a HUGE Halloween party at her house. So this morning I packed up my bags and headed off in the MFV (magic flying van) to pick up my friends. I may have watched too many scary movies this week, in preparation for the holiday. My imagination might have gotten the best of me, don't laugh but I SWEAR someone was watching me when I headed out the door.

I am not used to flying alone as I always had Roscoe as my copilot. I don't know if I was just feeling lonely or if I was just nervous about my solo flight, but I had this strange sensation that there was someone else in the van, even though it was empty.


I was so relived to arrive in Australia where I picked up my good friend Momo. Before leaving Australia, we took a quick trip around the bay where I got a little too close to the water and dipped my toes in.

(photo by Sassy)

It was nice to have some company and those unsettling feelings soon disappeared. Momo and I enjoyed our trip to America together. We chatted along the way and stopped a couple of times for snacks and cat naps.

When we arrived in Arizona, we found Ruis, Karl, Mrs. Oz, and little Tintin all waiting for us with their bags ready. We loaded everything into the MVF and headed for our next stop, Indiana. Tintin was so excited to be on his first adventure that he could hardly sit still.

(photo by Sassy)

By the time we arrived at Sassy's house, Tintin had exhausted himself and was deep into a cat nap. Sassy climbed on board and we then left for New York City, home of Miss Asta and her Halloween party!

(photo by Sassy)

With the van bursting with bags, Halloween costumes, friends, and laughter, we arrived in New York City. Tomorrow is the big day and we just can't wait!

Be sure to stop by Asta's Halloween Party!
We will be waiting for you!

Opus to the Rescue!

Thank you to all of my friends who were worried about my "shark situation". A special thanks to my bestest friends, Karl and Ruis, who came to save me (again) in their helicopter. It turned out that the whole shark thing was a big a misunderstanding; she wasn't trying to eat me after all.

Since my human was going to be gone over the weekend, I decided to take a fishing trip. However I left my cell phone at home by accident. Sassy had been trying to call me as her Mom of the house (who happens to by my Grandma) is having an operation today. Sassy didn't want to leave her human's life in the hands of other humans and thought we had better be there to help. But since I didn't have my cell phone, she wasn't able to reach me.

So she sent her friend Fluffy, the great white shark, to give me the message. At first I thought Fluffy was going to eat me, but I soon realized that she needed to tell me to get to America. Normally I would have rushed to the States in my magic flying van, but it is in the shop for regularly scheduled maintenance (getting it ready for the big Halloween weekend). Fluffy was kind enough to give me lift.


We swam all across the Atlantic, arriving in New York city just this morning.



Fluffy dropped me off in the harbor, where we said our good byes and I thanked her for her help. Then I jumped on a greyhound bus and headed to Indiana.

Arriving just in time to scrub in with Sassy!

(photo by Sassy)

I will be spending a few days in Indiana, just to sure that the Mom of the house is well cared for as she recovers from her surgery. Do stop by Sassy's and leave her a kind message if you feel like doing so.

And thanks again for trying to save me! I love you all!

Gone Fishin!

As you may have noticed, I have been dumped again. The human has just been too busy with work stuff to allow me any computer time. At first I thought I would stay at home to keep her company while she worked on the computer, but then I decided to go out for a realxing day of fishing.

Of course, my plans don't always work out the way I had hoped....

Don't worry about me, I will get out ONE WAY OR ANOTHER!

Be back soon....

The Day After

I should have known better than to trust my friends when I went to sleep during Sassy's Paint Ball Blogoversary Party. But I just couldn't help myself; I was tired and fighting jet lag. At last when I couldn't keep my little kitty eyes open anymore, I snuggled down for a cat nap. I awoke to find that sleeping animals were aparently NOT off limits during a paint ball game! I should have known that if Karl's Buddha wasn't safe, then neither was I!

And yes, I DO sleep with Roscoe's teddy bear!
It keeps me from getting lonely during my naps.

A Party at Sassy's

As you can see, I am dressed and ready to go to a party at Sassy's. Today is her first Blogoversary! Sassy being well, Sassy couldn't have just an ordinary, everyday party! So, she is throwing a paintball party and everyone is invited! Throw on some old clothes, grab your paint guns and meet me on over at Sassy's!

SEE YOU THERE!

Belated Wishes

My human has been doing a terrible job at keeping up my blog! If she doesn't get her act together soon, I am afraid that I shall have to fire her. Of course that will be awkward as we live together.

And speaking of naughty humans, poor Karl had his gotcha day and his maid let the day come and go without a celebration! I am not much better than humans as I am late in sending him my well wishes.

Treating Karl to a day at the Spa for his Gotcha Day

Dearest Karl,
You know that you are one of my bestest friends EVER! Please do accept my apologies for sending you late wishes. I hope you know that you are always in my heart. Wishing you a very happy (though belated) gotcha day.

Love,
Opus

Without Roscoe

We can hardly believe that it is a month today since our beloved Roscoe went to the bridge. It feels like he has been gone for years and we miss him more now than ever. Tonight the humans left a lovely bouquet of yellow and white flowers on his grave. And tonight, like every night since Roscoe went to the bridge, we lit a candle in a glass cat candle holder. It sits in our window, casting light into the darkness.

We love you Roscoe and miss you more than you can imagine....

Opus and Roscoe
Summer 2008
Photo by Grandma

Dear Friends,

I know I have been a naughty kitty blogger, but the truth is that we just don't feel like blogging right now. I promise to get back to blogging and I also promise to go out visit your blogs. But right now the human and I are taking a little break. Don't think it is because I don't care or miss you. I will be back to regular blogging soon. Kitty promise!



I will let you all in on a little secret, I do have something up my sleeve (or at least I would if I were wearing a shirt)!

Be back soon.......

I knew that something was strange when I opened my email Friday morning to find it stuffed with an unusual amount of emails. I opened the emails in the order they arrived with the first one being from my dear friend, Sassy. In her email, she explained that she was feeling sorry for me since my birthday passed by without much of a celebration. Since it was also Roscoe's birthday (we were litter mates) I had decided to hold a wake for my dear brother to celebrate his life. Sassy thought I was in need of being cheered up, so she organized a card shower for me! She contacted everyone she knew (and then some) inviting anyone and everyone to send a card my way.

And so over the weekend, my email box and comment box began to burst with well wishes from friends old and new. Here are some they sent...

From Sassy

She sent me a new van, but I think I will keep it for backup. I just can't seem to part with my magic, flying van. There are just too many fun memories of my brother connceted to that van.

From Jan the Funny Farmers

From Mickey, Georgia and Tillie

Maggy & Zoey and The Zoolatry Human, Ann

Wally, Ernie & Zoey
The Island

From Asta

From Momo, jumping out of the cake! hehehehe!



From Chris and the gang

I also received a ton of e-cards which I am not able to post, but I thank you all for sending me birthday wishes. It sure wasn't the same this year without my brother here to celebrate, but you all made me feel so very blessed. It is wonderful to know that there are so many wonderful animals and humans out there in the Blogosphere who care! I thank you from the bottom of my heart; you have made an old cat so very happy. And even better, you were able to make my human smile (which isn't easy these days).

I will be sending you all personal emails, but please give me a little time. My human hasn't allowed me my usual computer time. As IF she has a life of her own! I promise to get back to each one of you who left me a comment or sent me a card or email.

"The only way to have a friend is to be one."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for being my friends....

Happy Birtday Bella Asta!

I awoke this morning in sort of a daze. I knew that there was something I was missing, something I was forgetting. My human tried to convince me that I am just going with all of the stress we have been under, but a cat knows what a cat knows. Checked the refrigerator and found it to be full of cat food and milk. So I went on to check my cat box which was found clean and in good smelling condition. I counted all of toys and none seemed to be missing. Not knowing what else to do, I went over to have a look at my calendar. There it was in black and White. The "something" I just felt I was forgetting.


Today is Asta's birthday! Lucky for me I live in the future as Italy is a few hours ahead of New York. This gave me time to get everything place for her birthday. Without wasting time I jumped into the flying van and headed for the Netherlands where I picked up Ruis. Then we headed to Australia where Momo was waiting for us. The three of us then rushed over to America where we grabbed Karl and Sassy, who were both still sleeping, before rushing off the 24 store. There we picked up a balloons, a beautiful orange cake, and dozens of gorgeous orange roses. Then it was off to New York!


We arrived just as golden sun peaked up from the horizon, bathing the "city that never sleeps" in warm, honey hues. Asta was still in bed when we sneaked in to surprise her. There we showered her with her flowers, cake, and the birthday tiara. I also gave her a very special gift; a giant photo of Asta, Roscoe, and me in a big, beautiful frame.

Who knows what the day will for the birthday but one thing is for sure, with Asta involved it will be a fun day indeed.

Happy birthday dear friend.
May all of your birthday wishes come true!

Buon compleanno e tanti tanti auguri!

TODAY: Remembering Roscoe

Today is a day of celebrations. It is the third anniversary of Cat Naps in Italy. It also happens to be my thirteenth birthday. But that is not what we are going to celebrate today.

Just thirteen days before his thirteenth birthday my dear brother, Roscoe, crossed over the rainbow bridge. We are so sadden by our loss, but today we will push our tears inside. Today we will remember the little cat who made us smile EVERY day.




Join at Remembering Roscoe, us as we celebrate his life. Share your favorite photo, poem or crazy Roscoe story.

We will remember him always with love and laughter....