As the intro says, I have a few loose ends to tie up.

First, I blogged TWICE yesterday, only I can't notify you twice a day. Only allowed one time each day. So, sorry about that. But just scroll down and you can see what inspired me to blog again.

Second, for those who don't know, Nettles was put to sleep after testing positive for FIV (Feline AIDs). It was so sad, but I am glad he spent the night before protected from 10 degree weather, had a huge satisfying meal of premium cat food, and a soft blanket and chair to curl up in. I hope those who read this and own cats realize how rampant FIV has become among outdoor cats and how easily it is transmitted to other cats. (Not to mention feline Leukemia. Feline Leukemia is VIRAL and can be passed from cat to cat just like any other virus!) It is a horrible way for a cat to die, and I am glad Nettles went in a soft, peaceful way. My aching heart and my tears are worth that kind of peace any day.


Third, on Saturday I held a chat at SmutSluts. What fun! We had a hugely difficult (is there any other kind???) treasure hunt. I didn't announce a winner, but I did pick one earlier today. (The Nettles incident kinda distracted me), ASHLEY...you lucky gal....you won all three of my books, signed.

Fourth, I had SOOOO much fun with the treasure hunt that I decided to do another one. I will do it here on the blog (and my MySpace blog as well) on Thursday and I think the prize will be a Nightwalker Nightshirt! Then I will do it again next week on Thursday (I think we'll call it TREASURE HUNT THURSDAY) with another new prize and so on, all through the month of February. (My birth month hehehe) in celebration of becoming a gloriously ancient 40 years of age. Ahhh. So tune in here (I will still mass mail those on my mailing list) for the contest...and for other drama in my life. LOL. It's always something! (Hey, it's GScout cookie season in Feb. too, think that's a coinkydink?)

Mmmmmm SAMOAS!

And fifth, an amusing little story. Today my two youngest boys, Malcolm and Magellan, were off to the vet to get neutered. And not a moment too soon, I realized. Malcolm loves to snuggle with me as I wake up in the morning. I pet him all over and he sprawls in the crook of my arm and purrs. I don't even open my eyes, but he knows I am waking up and comes right to me. How he knows....I have no idea. So this morning I am petting him as I slowly awaken to the warm and sunny day that awaits me, the comfort of my feather bed and charmeuse satin sheets so delightful, Malcolm's fur so soft in that way only baby kittens have and it felt so--

What the---??

Damn if that little perv didn't have a great big kitty erection! I guess he was really feeling good! And to be fair, he's a guy and he'd just woken up...hehehe. But after squeaving out over that and leaping out of bed fully awake, I was ready to march them into the vet postus hastious.
So I get there and they give me papers to sign about risks and such and then an estimate of the cost--

What the--??

193 dollars ?? For a male neuter?? You must be joking! In NY my vet did them for 35 dollars!!! I calmly but gently turn to the vet tech, say "Oh my fucking god!! Is this per cat or for both??"

"Per cat." she says as if it's not something ridiculously insane.

"Uhh..." I explain the part about about my former vet, as if it will somehow make her alter their price plan.

"Well it would cost that much if you took them to the spay neuter clinic--"

"Give! Number! Now! C-ya!"

So I left, still LOVING that vet btw, but in search of a 35 dollar snip so I can use the other money toward fosters and strays and such instead! We're scheduled. I am leery, though, about tomorrow morning and my wake up ritual with Malcolm.

Maybe I ought to make him buy me dinner tonight, first....