Amber &

Amber & Now I Have Seen Everything

2012-01-12T11:28:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Erl for finding this meditation on the joys and challenges of cat ownership.

Amber & The Booty Continues

2011-12-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas just keeps on giving and giving. Today, I got this love note from the post office, wrapped around a parcel that they had so lovingly delivered.

(seen here with Pickles back legs, tail, and the Ghandi figure from James)

Shockingly, the contents were not completely lost! I immediately put them on/in my face.

Thank you for the sugar scrub and panforte, Erl. I had a hard time knowing which to eat and with which to scrub.

Also, thanks to Jimmy for the most wonderful Christmas presents of all. First, Snapshot Artifact is back up and running. Next, he photodocumented the gift of fellowship that I shared with Kevin and Diana, Art, Barbara, Tille and Isaac, Peter, Henry, and Mark. And, he gave me that new icon on the upper right of the page.

AND, if that's not enough to make you think I had the best Christmas haul ever, also thanks to mom and dad for the great new dutch oven. It's at the office until after the move (and until I actually have an oven again) and then, people, there will be chicken and dumplings. So, really, invited dinner guests, you should be thanking my mom and dad as well.

Score.

Amber & Christmas Booty Part I

2011-12-26T20:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, the holidays are about much more than presents. But also? They are about presents. And let me tell you, dear reader, I scored big time this year. I hereby present somehighlights of my Christmas Booty 2011.

Remember when my kitchen fell apart and my kitty teapot (itself a gift!) was shattered? Thank you, sister dear and her beau, for giving me the gift of tea once more. Not only can I cook water...

...but I can also brew it into delicious beverages in the style of my favorite animal characters...

...and then, thanks to Auntie Carol, drink tea in comfort in my brand new pajamas apparently made from angel's eyelashes (they are that soft, people).

Wait, what's that clinking on the side of my tea cup? Oh! It's just the lovely charm bracelet my sister gave me.

I must remember to write her a thank you note using the fountain pen from professional colleague HM.

But, I'll have to be careful not to get chocolate on the card since I am busy stuffing my mouth with the amazing chocolates from thoughtful Alison.

What a bounteous season indeed. And, wait! There's more. (Tomorrow.)

Amber & Coming and Going

2011-12-23T13:30:00.000-05:00

So, yesterday, I saved Ginger's life (and didn't even need a Safe Baby Apron). I was about to drain the pasta, and Gigi was being a spazz and got underfoot. The ganglia in my shoulders decided that, rather than let go of the pot and let the boiling water scald the cat--which would be really, really bad--it was better to pull the pot in and hug it to my chest. Boiling water and tiny elbow pasta (tomanoocheese) splashed all over me and I got a nasty burn which has, today, settled into this nastiness.

My belly button is included for scale. It's definitely smaller now. All that is left are the actual blisters--yesterday the whole area was about 4" x 4".

Two things:

1. Had I not burned myself, Ginger really would have been scalded--and that would have been horrible. Yes, it hurts, and showering is no longer my fave, but it really is a better option for me to deal with this than have a horribly disfigured cat who can't understand his suffering, right?

2. Amy Bee has pointed out that maybe I should really just stay out of my kitchen. I would add to that maybe I should just really not make pasta.

What makes this whole thing more complicated? My shoulder was cupped yesterday.

See that nasty bruise? It does feel much better, though.

Also, you have no idea how hard it is to photograph your own shoulder.

Thank goodness that my officemate is out today.

All in all, I may look horrible, and it may hurt when I breathe deeply, but the alternatives were much worse.

Amber & Breathlessness

2011-12-13T20:24:00.000-05:00

Dear reader, how often does Jean Seberg come up in conversation for you in any given week?

I'm having what might amount to a very atypical week for most people.

First, there was a discussion of my hair with a former office space sharer. She said she liked my new hairdo and said it seemed very Mia Farrow circa Rosemary's Baby. I said I was going for more of a Jean Seberg circa Breathless. She looked confused. I was also wearing a stripey shirt at the time.

Le sigh. Over $80,000 on my cinema education and so few get my really mundane references.

Then, I was discussing whether or not Christopher Walken was going to wind up going to prison, my co-ponder said, "Well, they never figured out what happened with Jean Seberg either." I then (incorrectly) postulated that her husband had been accused but then killed himself.

Finally, my annual hand-made Christmas card from my friend the famous poet arrived and lo! It features an image of Jean Seberg working a mighty fine Tuesday Weld winter princess look.

The text?

"FYI- the Seberge image is because-- I am writing a book-length work on Seberg-- "

Coincidence? Or not?

Amber & Religion

2011-12-02T10:05:00.000-05:00

The heat in my building comes on at certain times, unrelated to the temperature inside. 10 am is one such time, and the hissing and water hammer call the boys forward to worship at the radiator altar. Cats, after all, are desert creatures.

Amber & Then I Starved To Death

2011-11-26T10:00:00.001-05:00

What happened, Fresh Direct?

Did you stop loving it when Ginger rubbed his face on your pants?

Amber & A Nice Thing To Do

2011-11-23T14:43:00.001-05:00

Friends, this is a nice thing to do.

My officemate and I did it last year, and this year we are going to invite the other folks in our cooperative office space to participate. And, I'm encouraging you, dear readers, to take part as well. You come, too?

You can even pass your gifts to me and Kevin and I will deliver them to the CFTH folks.

It's a really nice thing. And there are so many options you don't even ever have to go to Claire's accessories.

Amber & Tiggy Pooja

2011-11-20T14:40:00.001-05:00

If ever there was a day to take the time out of the chaos that has been life of late, it is today. For today is Tiggy Pooja: the day we honor and celebrate the Majestic Daintiness of Miss Tiggy Winkle Feline.

We began the day with the ritual of Five Head Kisses, followed my Chest Rubs and Intense Ear Bud Massage. These activities remind us to be thankful for Tiggy's fur which keeps her warm and keeps those tape lint roller manufacturers in business.

Then, we celebrated with the Offering of Gifts. We tried to select gifts which would meet Tiggy's needs as outlined by the SmartyKat toy people on the back of the package that the bouncey mouse offering came in.

Although Tiggy definitely got her full of Treat Emotion, Her Mighty Softness decided that her physical Rest Need was best met by laying on the plastic bag that her gifts came in, rather than the nice new environment we bought.

Thus, Tiggy reminds us that life is unpredictable and that even though we don't always lay on the soft purr pads we intend, we can be happy elsewhere. Especially in Stuy Town on a cat tree near a window looking at black squirrels.

Thank you, Tiggy Winkle for sharing your lessons, fur, softness, and incredible sweethood with us on your special day.

Amber & Alternative Medicine for Alternative Patients

2011-10-31T20:03:00.006-04:00

Woody had a rough couple of weeks. I came back from my trip west to find him well-taken care of and in good shape. But two days later, his breathing started to get rough and noisy and we had to start another course of steroids. The steroids seemed to help a wee bit, but, until this weekend, the boy was still having several coughing attacks each day.

So, we decided to try acupuncture. After all, it's worked for me and my various ailments. And there's a whole organization that supports the use of the poking cure in animals. And, it's not cheap, but neither are emergency visits to the regular vet. If we could avoid one of those, it would pay for several acupuncture treatments. So, we interviewed a few folks and eventually found one who seemed to understand the goals: stabilizing his health so he was comfortable and managing for longer-term care. No miracles. Just Happy Woody.

Here is Woody BEFORE acupuncture.

Alert, eating well and generally happy but with rattly breath sounds. Also, sporting giant rabbit feet.

AFTER (the video itself is not upside down).

He was very good during the needling. He did try to get up a couple of times, but when I would sort of add a bit of pressure on him, he sort of resign himself to it and close his eyes. Afterward, he took really long sink hands (the titular water delivery devices got all wrinkly) and then ate a giant lunch. And he has been sleeping ever since with deep, clear, and somewhat rapid breaths.

Interesting to note there was no variance in how absolutely adorable he was BEFORE vs. AFTER.

I luff him.

Amber & Accomplishments

2011-10-31T09:36:00.001-04:00

Is it telling that the thing I am most excited about this week is earning Gold Status in my coffee rewards? I have no real idea what that means, but it's good to feel like you're in control of something... unlike, say, the structural integrity of your apartment or whether the price of a new apartment is $600 more than the ad said or your cat's chronic obstructive lung condition ir the weird pain in your hip. I wish buying coffee solved those other issues.

Amber & And Then There Were Bialys

2011-10-27T20:54:00.001-04:00

Remember how reality in my kitchen started to crumble, starting with the cabinet that nearly fell on me but for the cheese-getting?

Today, there were the best bialys in New York as part of my CSA bread share.

Some days are better than others.

Amber & So...this just happened

2011-10-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

Amber & Espanish Cinema

2011-10-16T18:19:00.000-04:00

James translates this film poster for us: "Senor Puss in boots loves tofu." Exactly, James.

Amber & The Journey Begins

2011-10-10T09:12:00.000-04:00

Although I am looking forward to Face Time with my professional colleagues and Fellowship with my friends, it would better if I didn't have a ridiculously bad cold and feel like I got hit by bus. In the face. (Because getting hit by a bys in the face makes you feel tired and stuffy and achy?) And it would also be better if my professional colleague and friend had more legroom.

Amber & Happy Birthday, CRD!

2011-10-08T19:43:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday, CRD!

CRD, you were an adorable tiny baby bunting.

Although I am glad when your adult teeth grew in they were less snaggle.

You were a witty lunch partner when we first met.

And now you are the most handsome cloud-painted naked bicyclist ever.

Thanks for being you.

Amber & A Tale of Two Shirts

2011-10-07T11:27:00.000-04:00

Thanks, CRD. You make Watching Hulu Programs that much more fun.

The At-Home Viewer Version:

The Television Program Character Version:

And, Programtime:

(There's a joke about how Alex and I have the same glasses in there somewhere.)

Amber & Boundary Issues

2011-09-29T18:28:00.001-04:00

Although I mocked Hurricane Irene's immediate effects on my neighborhood, she actually did leave some damage in her wake which I discovered the following week during a heavy downpour. And then, I get to rediscover her wrath when I come home after a rainy day like today.

My air conditioner mysterious became a running faucet during moderate to heavy rain storms. That is, there is one spot where water actually runs (it does not merely drip) out of it, onto the window sill, onto the floor. (My dad's theory is that it got jostled in the storm so that the front is lower than the back. Damn you, mayor Bloomberg for not warning me about the consequences of leaving it in.) The rain water river then makes a b-line for any power strips or computer equipment it can saturate. The floor today was slightly more lake-like than river-esque, probably because by the time I got home it had stopped raining.

Photographing flooding on your floor with an iPhone is really challenging, mostly because it just looks like the floor is shiny (vs. wet) and also because it's hard to avoid getting giant Pickles fur-bunnies in the shot and thereby revealing you haven't vacuumed this week. But here is an overhead shot that my friends at NASA took with their satellite that can see through ceilings.

Pickles fur shows up as brown on satellite photography and faux hardwood floors look green.

Additionally, there is a menacing hole in paint and wet mark in the bedroom ceiling that leaks water right on top of the armoir (next to where my wireless router lives!).

And, there is an area of the bedroom wall that "sweats" as rain sinks through the bricks outside and saturates the plaster.

Anyhow, I am done mopping up today's wetness and will wash the 12 towels I used tomorrow in case it rains again over the weekend (and this time, maybe I will just leave the towels down?). And, someday, maybe, I will be strong enough to fix the AC or my super will really come and do something about the holes. Or, I will move.

Or, I'll continue to use tons of towels and have a bit too much of the outside coming in every now and then?

Amber & Go Aprons

2011-09-19T16:57:00.000-04:00

During Hurricane Irene, I was introduced to the term "go bag." Although the name is all modern and squared puffy NYC letters, the concept is, of course, not new to me. I have long thought about what I would put in my Cloverfield Monster Escape Sack. And the answer is, and has always been: kitties.

But having four kitties presents HUGE problems. How do I get all four kitties out of the apartment in case of alien just-hatched JJ Abrams baby monster thing? Or in the less likely event of fire?

That huge problem? Erl just solved it. May I present the Safe Babies Apron?

"Oh! What's that? The sound of the Cloverfield Monster roaring? Come on, kitties. Time to evacuate. One of you in each pocket."

"Good thing I specially modified the pockets with velcro closures to keep Ginger from jumping out and running up to the monster and rubbing his face on it." (Zipper would be more secure, but, because I would be clearly in panic mode during use, more prone to ears being zipped in.)

Now, skeptics among you might think the kitties won't like this very much. I bet they'll like it alot more than getting eaten by some giant thing with emotionless bug eyes. Or, being thrown into a backpack all together. Or, being stuffed all four into a Sherpa bag.

"Everybody in your pocket? Okay, let's get on the bike and head for the GWB because there is no way the monster is coming to Fort Lee, New Jersey. I mean, maybe Hoboken or Jersey City. Or up the Hudson, but he won't ever bother with Fort Lee."

Maybe you're just having trouble visualizing it.

There? See what a good idea this? I've already emailed for a price inquiry into my desired qty (1).

Amber & It's 6:45 am: Do You Know Where Your Cats Are?

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Ginger is struggling, like his big brother or Fred Astaire have struggled before him, to remember which is up and and which is down.

Or, he was doing some late night filing for me and then collapsed in front of the cabinet in exhaustion.

Tiggy is, as always, very daintily sitting on the couch, patiently awaiting chest rubs.

(And, yes, that is my basket of winter accessories behind her, waiting to be sorted through before the season begins. I'm kind of over summer.)

Pickles is passed out in the donut, absolutely too sleepy to even notice me.

Of course, if he wasn't up all night running around like a wild thing he might not be so exhausted. But then again, maybe cultivating those ridiculous curly fronds of fur between his toes drains all his energy.

And, Woody? Well, Woody is right near my pillow.

Where else would my best buddy in the entire world be?

Of course, the reason I was wide awake at 6:45 a.m. might also be that my kitty guy was purring loudly (and with his chest woes, trust me: LOUDLY) near my head. But the sound of his happiness is definitely worth it. I can't think of a better way to wake up. Although I can think of a better time. 7:30, for example.

P.S. Yes, my pillow is on the mattress on the floor. My guy is still having mobility issues, and we both sleep better if he's free but there's nowhere to fall off.

Amber & Up High Time

2011-09-12T18:19:00.000-04:00

Woody discovers Ginger's secret stash of catnip toys on top of the dresser. (I helped him up there. And down.) Note: squeelicious pink tongue.

Amber & YouTube Sensations

2011-09-12T16:11:00.000-04:00

Intrepid and sometimes-journalist James writes, "I found one of those YouTube sensations all the kids like to Twitter and Facebook about."

So, before it goes viral and everybody else knows, you, dear reader, can get on the breaking edge of this craze.

And two more links here and here for more listening pleasure.

Amber & Watching, Waiting

2011-09-06T21:31:00.000-04:00

Last week was very dramatic. On Monday, Woody fell and seemed to hurt his backside. We went to the kitty ER late Monday into Tuesday. On Wednesday, we went to see our regular vet who took x-rays, determined there were no broken bones, and then scheduled us to see an orthopedist on Thursday with the hope that a specialist might be able to determine if there was a ligament broken (again). The orthopedist could find nothing wrong, was concerned we might be seeing a spinal injury, and referred us to a neurologist... in Yonkers.

So, off we went to Yonkers. None of us were very excited about it.

But, once there, my buddy barely even limped. In fact, he jumped up twice onto the guest chair in the exam room, walked around casually, and showed no sign of diminished reflexes. Hrm.

The neurologist felt that the problem was "not that serious" since Woody was, apparently, able to mask it so well, although he still stood by the theory it could be a spinal issue like "impingement on the spinal cord." (Which sounds serious to me, dear readers.) So, we were sent home to monitor the boy and look for progress in any direction.

Mostly, the progress we have seen seems to be in the direction of napping, sometimes with brothers...

...sometimes with brothers and a blow-dryer on an ergonomic pillow I bought for myself (but cannot figure out--who sleeps in one position all night?)....

So, the boy seems sort of up and down. He can seem fine walking from room to room, but then you notice his tail is always curling to one side of his body. Or, he will fall trying to jump up onto the window sill near the stove to steal eggs from the fry pan and then be very limpy for a short time. It seems like just the one leg to me, but then sometimes it seems like the hip? It's all very confusing.

But, he seems happy. He can get around, beg for people food, snuggle me at night (with the mattress on the floor), and even scratch his left ear with his bad leg. Really, he seems like regular old Woody. Just a little limpier? So maybe just regular but extra-old Woody?

Do you think Hercule Poirot does veterinary house calls?

Amber & Three Things I Love

2011-08-31T15:19:00.001-04:00

1. Supremo Magic Move Hard.

Because it works exactly as the on-product copy promises.

Magic Move is the most appropriate hair cosmetics for hair that is damaged by chemical treatments and/or environmental pollution. It adds body to hair with an action of thready organic fibers like a net, and finishes hair in sleek feeling. It does not harden hair excessively, just adds flowing moves to hair, and allows you to change your hair style repeatedly in the same day. You may hold a formed hair style for many hours, as it may not be influenced by temperature nor by humidity. It highlights colored hair well, and can be easily washed off with shampooing.

I love an action of thready organic fibers like a net, changing my hair style repeatedly in the same day, and product that washes off.

2. Dr. Hammer (seen here with Dr. Manning):

If only for being the messenger that Woody has no broken bones (which would be the worst) and for helping us schedule the orthopedic specialist to help pin down what he does have. Normally, they'd do an MRI to identify a ligament tear, but the buddy can't be sedated due to health issues so we need specialist eyeballs and fingers to investigate and make recommendations.

3. Woody.

For being a patient patient, taking sink hands even while downtrodden, and for trusting me enough to semi-nap on my lap even after I lock him in cages, force pills down his throat, and drag him around on the subway and in cabs. I love him, now more than ever.

And he doesn't mind laying too close to my stinky shoes. Bless him.

Amber & My Poor Guy

2011-08-30T17:08:00.001-04:00

Last night, Woody jumped, missed the bed and hurt his rear left leg. You may recall this is the exact same leg that he hurt when he jumped on the wet sink edge.

With the help of some good phone advice from Dr. Manning who was on call at our regular Woody vet office, super support from James, in person, and Nick, by phone, and the amazing care of Dr. Dave, the boy is home safe on cage rest for a couple of days to give the injury, if it is just soft tissue (an unlikely but hoped possibility) a chance to improve.

My guy is not so thrilled about being imprisoned. Clearly, it's much nicer to not be and have your choice of napping spots. But, it's critical to keep him off the leg as much as possible and to prevent him from running and jumping. Then, when we go to see Dr. Hammer on Thursday, we'll have to determine if it is a fracture or ligament tear and if it is something that can sort-of heal on its own since the boy can't have surgery due to heart and respiratory issues.

He's been out a couple of times today for supervised laying on the floor and my lap, but most of the day has been in prison.

Poor guy.

I wish this hadn't happened to him. It's really tough.

Amber & Instead

2011-08-29T16:50:00.002-04:00

Instead of cocktails for the next month while I am on antibiotics, I plan to listen to this on repeat.

It seems to have the same effect on me as two stiff martinis.

Amber & The Aftermath

2011-08-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

I am fine. I am lucky enough to live in a pocket of New York that was largely unaffected by Hurricane Irene, with the exception of the A train still running locally (although due to "unrelated signal problems"). And there were some downed limbs I encountered on my walk (in my official hurricane maryjanes) yesterday.

Other places got it much much worse. James, for example, is stranded in Vermont. The bridge from Vermont to New York is, apparently, completely washed out.

And, apparently, before they lost the bridge, it was raining silver bagpiping medals. James got pelted with three.

I had bought lots of provisions. For tortilla chowder.

Thanks, Farmer Ted, for the corn, tomatoes and onions. And Bread CSA tortillas. And cerveza. No wonder we weathered the storm so well.

Amber & Birthday Booty 2011

2011-08-25T09:52:00.000-04:00

Birthdays are big days. And not just because you were born and it makes you take stock of aging. But also because you get amazing booty.

Like: this awesome novelty shirt (typing baboons!) from Erl.

(I bet they are writing David Mamet plays.)

Or this amazing haul (just for being born!) from Alison.

The best part? Not the apple-shaped paper clips...

...not the Sleek Friend Kitty note pad...

.,,but the amazing card she found.

How lucky is it that she happened to find a card with our photo in it? And that we were wearing birthday hats??? Crazy.

So far, best birthday where I turned 40 ever.

Amber & Happy Niceness

2011-08-23T13:26:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, when you come back from River House and have a five day long headache that makes you cry and then you drag yourself to the office and start to dig through the piles of mail, you really really appreciate what amazingly thoughtful, generous, and truly special people you have for friends. And you get weepy and thankful.

Amber & Photojournalism AND Art

2011-08-16T14:24:00.001-04:00

Since you are a reader of Amber & (or since you Googled looking for information on an oft-featured friend from this blog), it stands to reason that you appreciate solid photojournalistic coverage of the news of today and art.

Therefore, I present unto you my new photogallery that will allow you to check both areas of interests off your daily checklist of areas in which to be interested. The gallery is entitled Mushrooms & Lichens. (Those are all links to check out the whole presentation.)

To be fair, there are also grasses, assorted mosses and some toes featured in the photo set. I seek to offer compelling and yet also artistic coverage of what happens when it is super damp outside in the woods. And, like all good art, it also makes you ask questions.

Like: Why do all the mushrooms look sort of nibbled on?

And, like great journalism, it answers questions you didn't even know you had before you saw the nibbled mushroom.

Answer: Slugs! But, like great art, some of the questions are unanswered. Like: Do slugs have psychedelic trips when they eat the mushrooms and see white rabbits with pocket watches? That is something to ponder.

Also, there is lichen.

Which is our "plant" of the week. Even though it's actually not a plant at all. Good journalism makes you seek out more information. Learning.

Amber & Brown Things

2011-08-16T12:47:00.000-04:00

After the biblical rains of the last two days, I am pleased to report that I am still here. And so is the River, although it is much bigger and browner than heretofore.

The New Jersey island tip, for example, is mostly gone except for some tree tops sticking up out of the water.

It's kind of lovely outside: lots of beautiful lush greens and browns.

Zoom in! What's that brown stump on Mr. Moon's aunt's lawn? Why, it's our new friend Mr. Beaver.

The world is a salad for both cats and beavers.

Amber & Noah

2011-08-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

Look, Kevin and Diana! We have a koi pond on our front yard, too!

Q: What are Adventure Cats to do when their territories of exploration are covered in about three inches of water?

a) Nap together on the bed.

b) Nap alone on the bed with your nose tucked under for warmth.

or c) Semi-nap on a chair directly under the tray so as to be at the ready should people food become available.

Amber & Animal Diets

2011-08-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Today, Tiggy ventured out in the drizzle to hunt an earth worm and, later, a stick she thought was an earth worm. The worm was unscathed, aside from some very tentative non-claw poking. The stick was also fine. Worms, apparently, are not part of the Adventure Cat diet. Grits and pine needles stuck to your saggy underbelly apparently do make a nice meal.

But, Adventure Cats also have to be extremely cautious about presenting themselves as a meal.

Maybe, as a start, laying on the table is a bit too suggestive for our eagle friends passing overhead?

Better to stick to eating greens right outside the house in case a quick retreat is needed. Or, better, as Ginger the non-Adventure Cat knows, stick to eating greens in the house.

Isn't that Gigi just as fluffy as a bunny?

Amber & Unlikely Partnerships

2011-08-14T16:11:00.000-04:00

You know those sitcoms where two seemingly very different people somehow get teamed up and the relationship magically--or really obviously--works? Meet the kitty Oscar and Felix seen here exploring the neighbor's house.

Tiggy and Pickles in no way get along in the house. Pickles chases Tiggy mercilessly and she hisses and swats to defend her right to not be his plaything. But, when they go outside together, they turn into a cooperative team of Adventure Cats.

Pickles doesn't charge off into the woods, and Tiggy doesn't mew constantly for my approval. They move in a tight group, taking turns taking the lead and sniffing everything in their path.

It's a kind of teamwork of which I wholly approve.

Amber & Goodnight, Boys

2011-08-11T21:41:00.001-04:00

Amber & Eggs Made Yesterday and Today by Kirk

2011-08-11T12:04:00.000-04:00

This morning, we were treated to a breakfast casserole made by Kirk.

This is a delicious dish of eggs, cream of mushroom soup, sausage, jalapeños, and red pepper and other delicious things. And cheesey topping on half (and not on half for those with lactose issues). Close up:

Also, this deliciousness was accompanied by monkey bread.

Close up, with James.

Friendship and food.

Amber & Tray, Friendship Style

2011-08-10T16:55:00.001-04:00

Today's tray features new additions include dry sweet sausage, Lebanon, Nick, Erl, Kirk, and James.

Amber & Boys vs. Girls and their Cats

2011-08-09T22:31:00.000-04:00

I am not good at bug bites. Last year, even though I used this...

...I wound up taking home this...

...and several more just like it.

So, this year is not going much better in terms of my battle vs. the bugs.

So, tonight, when the gentleman, who seem immune to these insect assaults, are outside having their nightly ice cream soda (tonight's is vanilla ice cream with cream soda using a special technique James discovered where you mix some of the ice cream with the soda in the bottom of the cup to make it extra creamy and blended), I am inside.

Last night I joined them for Mountain Dew Throwback and vanilla ice cream.

And the giant welts on my hands are the price I paid. Luckily, I have some kitty company.

Amber & Natural Habitats

2011-08-07T19:15:00.001-04:00

Spotted: the rare bagpiper James. Not very common in the Pennsylvania Woods.

Amber & Rainy Days and Muppets Always Get Me Happy

2011-08-06T19:06:00.001-04:00

What do you do on rainy days at River House?

Watch early Jim Henson commercials.

What better entertainment could there be?

Amber & The Right Thing

2011-08-05T10:12:00.001-04:00

Going out to the picnic table and finding James in the hammock reading?

(Today)

Yes. Yes, that is right.

His book may have become a reading robot, but there is comfort in the familiarity of the scene.

(August 2004)

Amber & Meanwhile Back in NYC...

2011-08-03T19:11:00.000-04:00

Gary, the 2nd Avenue Subway construction worker got famous on the YouTubes.

New York? I heart you.

Amber & Squeetasticly Sleepy Guys

2011-08-02T12:33:00.001-04:00

I know it may be the toxoplasmosis that makes me love him, but oh my goodness do I just love this guy to itty bitty bits of cuteness.

He's so darned sleepy.

Also, I got that blanket off the sharing table.

Amber & Tomato Salad

2011-08-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

Today's tray features what I like to call tomato salad.

Ingredients include: smiley face ice cubes (a gift from our weekend visitors to Nick for his birthday), vodka, my own secret blend of hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce, horse radish, olives, marinated mushrooms, tomato in liquid form, lemon, a sour pickle et le jus, cucumber wedges and a celery stir stick.

Once it cools sufficiently, there will also be a curried cous cous salad with zucchini, tofu, basil, lemon juice, onions, celery, cucumbers, roasted red peppers, radishes, raisins and corn. Maybe I will photograph that. You know, if I am still able to use my camera.

Amber & Wild Turkey

2011-08-01T18:06:00.002-04:00

FYI.

Amber & Customer Service Letter #895

2011-08-01T17:31:00.000-04:00

Dear Drs. Foster and Smith,

I have long been a fan of your product high-quality cat supplies via mail order. For example, the Cozy Cushion I purchased with a gift certificate in 2004 continues to be the favorite winter resting spot--wherever it gets placed. It has stood up to numerous barfings and subsequent washings, and I am sure it will continue to comfort my kitty friends for another seven years.

However, recently, I purchased the so-called Happy Habitat.

I was attracted to this item because it was described as "breezy" and "roomy" and promised to "delight [my] cat with fresh air and outdoor sights." I felt this would be ideal for my kitty, Ginger, who switches into full on Running Mode at top speed in the Away Direction whenever he is let outside. I thought this product would enable Ginger to share outdoor time with his more obedient and less escapey siblings.

But, Ginger's painfully scabby nose tells a different story.

We first tested older, calmer Woody in the tent, and he began to pace back and forth like a caged lion. We figured this was because he is more experienced at being outside at River House and was not willing to give up his freedom for our experiment. But, when Ginger was placed in, he began to pace, too. But he paced at absolute top speed, back and forth, slamming face first into the mesh, scraping the skin off his nose and making pained mournful howls. Happy Habitat? More like Tent of Horrors.

Therefore, I think it is only reasonable to request that you allow me to return the tent for a full refund, Ginger skin smoosh in the mesh and all. I expect better quality, namely products that do not hurt my cats or do the exact opposite of what they are advertised to do. I wish to continue to be a customer of Drs. Foster and Smith for many years, but this experience has made me wary of anything you sell with the word "happy" in the title.

Sincerely yours,
Amber

Amber & Mayonnaise But No Salmon

2011-08-01T14:34:00.000-04:00

Today's tray is mostly leftovers from the weekend.

Cucumbers, marinated mushrooms, red peppers, artichoke hearts, assorted crackers, chevre from the patisserie, meats, fresh basil and red onion slices, olives both cracked and stuffed, cheese cubes, Blue Moon with orange slices, and oh! What is that yellow stuff in the dish? Why that is homemade garlic mayonnaise that Nick made last night to eat on grilled corn. What? You don't have homemade mayonnaise on your tray?

You really, really should.

Amber & Stuff from the Weekend

2011-08-01T11:24:00.000-04:00

I learned alot about children this weekend. Like: when you have two of them, one age 3 and a one-year-old, even if you don't really "have" them and they are just visiting, it's really hard to blog. That is the way in which children are different than kitties. Kitties actually facilitate blogging.

These are the children that visited this weekend, with their grown up parent people. Meet Hazel, Orson, Jet and Chelsea.

This is the delightful tray we all shared on Saturday.

It featured hummus, cracked green and assorted stuffed olives, sliced turkey, salami and prosciutto, marinated artichoke hearts, fresh basil leaves, cornichon, sour pickle spears, marinated mushrooms and roasted red peppers, a green CSA salad with tomatoes and cucumbers, watermelon from our guest's garden, assorted crackers, smoked salmon and sable with red onions and capers from the amazing Samaki Smoked Fish store over the River in Port Jervis, prosciutto bread, Jarlsberg cheese chunks, and fresh mozzerella.

Also pictured but not included in tray are spray cleaner, dietary fiber supplement, honey, cheerios, oatmeal and raisins.

Amber & Sniffing Sunshine

2011-07-29T12:34:00.000-04:00

Nobody does it better.

I. Love. Him.

Amber & Put Away Your Cats

2011-07-28T13:22:00.001-04:00

An important thing while at River House is to not throw out all of your regular routines. You still have to remember to take your fish oil, for example, or to put on shoes when going into town.

And, even though there are no cubbies, you still have to put away your kitties when not in use.

Tiggy is best placed in a secure drawer, lined with pajamas and shorts, for maximum comfort.

That way, she will be well rested when next you need her to nap on your chest while watching a birds documentary on the couch at night.

Brothers should be, by all accounts, stored together.

A window nook is the perfect spot since watching the squirrels outside will keep them occupied until Pickles can begin his all-night mouse stake out. (Don't try to photograph them from outside, though, as it will scare the puffy fur bloomers right off of Pickles when you pop up on the other side of the glass.)

I strongly recommend leaving your Woody on the back of the couch so you can pat him as you come in to take your bathroom breaks or refresh your beverage.

The key is that you want your cats put away, but very close and easily accessible for schooching.

Amber & How To Grill Pizza In 3 Easy Steps

2011-07-28T12:51:00.001-04:00

1. Make yourself a really nice cocktail. For example, a Pimm's Cup with muddled fresh berries and lemon.

2. Put the dough on the grill with some stuff on it like pesto and sundried tomatoes and cheese or wilted beet greens with pancetta and marinara sauce. Grill it. Maybe try not to overcook one ever-so-slightly because that damn yellow lab who is allowed to wander on the lane unattended keeps coming back to try to lick your serving platter and ingredients and even when his owner is there she is useless and there is so much chaos you actually can't take any photos of the grilling process.

3. Eat it. Maybe with a second cocktail (especially if nerve-calming is needed after dog incident).

Bonus 4. Serve it cold with tray the following day with salami and turkey slices, bread, crackers, hummus, celery sticks, pickles, prosciutto bread, and olives.

Amber & Woodland Creatures

2011-07-27T13:56:00.000-04:00

Situated, as it is, in the middle of a National Recreation Area managed by the National Park Service, the River Cabin is surrounded by woods.

This affords more forrest animal sightings than was possible in the old River House, although the old house afforded more guests with its more numerous bedrooms. Upside/downside.

For example if we zoom in to the above snapshot of the house, what do we find?

A creature abundant around these parts known as Woody Paillard.

Just watch out, dear Woodland Woody, because stretched out like that, you probably look mighty tasty from above.

Amber & Conference Call Tray

2011-07-27T13:18:00.002-04:00

I am on a conference call during today's tray. New features to the tray are fresh fruit (black berries, cherries and strawberries left over from last night's birthday dessert) and small bread share dinner rolls which are great dipped in the oil from the olives.

Amber & Birthday Tray

2011-07-26T14:37:00.000-04:00

Birthday tray is like other trays, but with a pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes, kale and pesto. And a giant serving of birthday cherries. And beers. And birthday. Happy Birthday, Nick!

Amber & Rainy Day Tray

2011-07-25T14:17:00.000-04:00

Pretty much the same as yesterday, except indoors and with the addition of prosciutto bread and mustard.

Also, apparently, stuffed olives also include red pepper stuffed olives.

Amber & After The Rain

2011-07-25T11:35:00.001-04:00

Tiggy is feeling very tentative about the outdoors after a very stormy night and morning left the ground saturated. She hasn't budged from her rock for the past five minutes.

Amber & First Tray of Summer

2011-07-24T15:41:00.001-04:00

Garlic, sun-dried tomato, prosciutto, blue cheese and provolone stuffed olives, cracked green olives, cornichon, garlic sour pickles, pancetta, pepper-cured turkey, salami, pepper poppers, assorted crackers, fresh basil and mozzarella, fontina, cucumbers, marinated mushrooms and artichokes.

Amber & It's So Hot

2011-07-21T21:43:00.000-04:00

It's so hot all I can think to do is eat my cat.

Amber & Home Movies

2011-07-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

Oh!

And my mom must have recorded this lesson on our family Super 8 camera.

Miss Donna really cooked when she got really going.

Amber & From The Archives

2011-07-21T08:54:00.000-04:00

I found this photo of me and my dance teacher, Miss Donna, from when I was around six.

I showed such promise, and Miss Donna was the best.

Amber & If and Then

2011-07-20T07:48:00.000-04:00

If I survive this...

Issued by The National Weather Service
New York City, NY

Tue, Jul 19, 2011, 3:33 PM EDT

... EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN UPTON HAS ISSUED AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH... WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM THURSDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING.

* HAZARDS... EXCESSIVE HEAT WITH AFTERNOON TEMPERATURES OF 95 TO 100 DEGREES THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.

* HEAT INDEX VALUES... UP TO AROUND 105 DEGREES THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND UP TO AROUND 110 DEGREES FRIDAY AFTERNOON.

* TIMING... THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENINGS MAINLY FROM NOON UNTIL 10 PM EACH DAY

* IMPACTS... POTENTIAL IMPACTS INCLUDE HEAT DISORDERS FOR CHILDREN... THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE PERFORMING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE PEAK HEATING OF THE DAY.

...then I get to enjoy more of this.

Oh, lord, I hope I make it.

If the National Weather Service knows about Thursday's excessive heat on Tuesday, can't they do something to prevent it?

Amber & Where Have All The Irises Gone?

2011-07-19T21:24:00.000-04:00

You find yourself with an amazingly cutie cat. And you may ask yourself, "How did Tiggy get so cute?"

And you may ask yourself, "Where did her irises go?"

Tiggy is riding high on pain meds these days. Two Fridays ago, I woke up to discover she had somehow broken her canine tooth and it was hanging out of her mouth. And, because the lower canine then had nothing to bump against, it was puncturing her upper lip and making that a bloody mess. Poor girl!

Last Wednesday, she had some major dental surgery and lost the lower and (remaining stub of) the upper canine. She was pretty darned sad. She's doing much better now, and is going for her final pre-River check up and stitch removal on Thursday.

If you look closely at her mouth, you can see a tiny little string from a stitch in her gums poking out of her lip. And, if you look closely, you won't see her fangs on the left side of her mouth.

(Photodocumenation of canines by James)

And you may ask yourself, how did she break that tooth?

Farewell, canines of the Tigster. You will be missed every time the baby girl tries to eat dry food.

Amber & I Need A Vacation...With These Guys

2011-07-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

Between sailing the choppy seas of major cat dental drama (to be explained later) and beginning an ascent of the alpine mountain of work needing to be done before River House, I almost forgot to stop in the snowy memory-filled woods and commemorate the birth of two of the finest beasts I have ever known.

Happy Birthday, Black Cat.

Although you may be a mewly beggar and cause mayhem underfoot (or on counter), no one is as silky or torpedo-like as you. I remember when you looked like a bat.

And, congratulations on your twelfth year, Gray Cat.

You were super hard to photograph on your special day because you were being really into your security blanky.

I wish both of you boys a special, happy twelfth year. You are honorable gentlemen, and I am pleased to know you. I look forward to visiting you on Saturday when we are neighbors on the street known as River.

Amber & Grooming in Perfect Harmony

2011-07-13T13:36:00.001-04:00

Wait until Woody sees this video. He is going to be so excited.

Pickles and Ginger are impossibly shedding in the summer, and it's taking two groomings a week to keep them hairball-free. And, there's no such thing as a "crazy dog lady" right?

Amber & Bygone Birthday Blogporunities

2011-07-12T13:18:00.000-04:00

I may have remote blogged my sister's birthday, but I missed two other birthday blogportunities this week.

First, the lovely Tweetastic Amy Bee added another notch to her birthday belt on the same day as my sister.

And, then, on Monday, coin-counting star Alison celebrated another year of life.

These two are amazing cutie-animal image finders, make up recommenders and tutors, and delightful people to know and count among my friends.

Happy Birthday, Ladies With A-Names!

Amber & Tiaras

2011-07-10T12:31:00.001-04:00

Candice is doing a sort of princess luau thing.

Amber & The Birthday Sister

2011-07-10T12:06:00.002-04:00

Amber & Week 4 CSA Soup

2011-07-09T19:18:00.000-04:00

I neglected to photodocument my week 4 farm share. It was the first week Jimmy was available to pick up and split the goods with me (his summer class just ended), and Kevin was there and I was being all social.

Bad blogging.

Instead I present this.

A soba noodle soup made in the Japanese style with farm share chard, turnips and greens, scapes and zucchini. Plus, broccoli from last week and spinach. And, an eggplant from Holland which is really the opposite of a CSA since Holland can really be in no way defined as part of my community.

Plus, those pretty flowers are one of the two bouquets I made from flower share. And there was a currant lemon loaf seasonal delicacy, raspberries, and some other deliciousness I have already forgotten due to eating.

Amber & Late Spring Search Words

2011-07-08T06:30:00.000-04:00

May and June was a popular month for our friends the cercopoithecoids and platyrrhines who occupy many of the top spots. And, kinkajous now hold two spots stemming from that one ancient post, but #8 seems like a really, really bad idea. Unless they meant the other kind of honey bear.

I am responsible for a few of the #2 on the list, as I am sure the other mentioned party is. But, someone clearly is interested in my news coverage of that gentleman.

I don't dare look up #9. I feel relatively certain I know what I will find.

Amber & Major Fate Tempting

2011-07-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

What is wrong with that bird?

Amber & Strategic Laying On Stuff

2011-07-07T14:19:00.000-04:00

Good thing I made this little beanie last night to address my aforeblogged hair error.

There was no way I was going to be able to wear the bandana I selected before my shower.

I went to move that sweet beast off my scarf, and he did this.

Let sleeping Gingers lie, after all. This boy knows when to flop and be adorably relaxed. For example, when your lady discovers you shredded yet another toilet paper roll? Drop on the bath mat and stretch out your fuzzy underbelly.

Bonus cute points for the clenched back paws. And if she still seems angry, make sure she is seeing that underbelly!

How could she resist?

What toilet paper?

Amber & How I Spent My Fourth of July

2011-07-05T13:05:00.001-04:00

Jimmy and I got really American up on Independence Day yesterday and went to the Shake Shack for celebratory corn dogs. I was scared off the corn dog by the "jalapeño batter," but Jimmy shared and it was mild and delicious. I enjoyed my shack burger, but I had corn dog envy.

Anyhow, afterward, Jimmy and I were walking along West 77th Street along the side of the Natural History Museum and made friends with this pair.

Jimmy took this photo of our new friend Mud and his babysitter. Mud was out for a stroll to get some natural light and delight passersby. Also, from this photo I took, you can tell Mud was also out to enjoy a salad.

Then, I came home and comforted a very terrified Pickles. I am unclear why we celebrate American Independence with REALLY loud explosions all night long, but I am 100% sure it is not good for sleeping. Or Pickles.

And then, I cut my hair and had a Bad Thing happen. And then, I made choices which seemed to be the only way out of a desperate situation. And then, I sewed this head scarf.

And then I vowed to be unlike American and be less Independent and never cut my hair myself again.

Amber & Dianas I Have Known

2011-07-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

I am pretty sure I have only known two ladies named Diana in my whole life, and all three of them are amazing and have had a giant, happy impact on my life.

There is of course my BFF for the few years her show was on the air before the PTA cancelled it out of jealousy, Miss Diana Prince.

And there is the equally charming and mysterious real Diana.

Diana is a kick-ass person. She is smart, interesting, kind, compassionate (with well developed mirror neurons), and has a magical, warming smile. All types of creatures, including Shorty, should be glad to have her as a friend.

It happens to be this Diana's birthday today, and I want to express how infinitely glad I am that she was born. If I had a watermelon, I would give it to her for her birthday.

Because she is super sweet and refreshing on the insides and cats like her.

P.S. If you are wondering, I am wearing my special birthday bonnet for Diana ALL DAY. And so is Pickles.

Amber & Secrets Captured! On Film!

2011-07-01T11:28:00.002-04:00

Sink Hands 2.0? It looks like this.

Why my back hurts afterward? Bending at the waist, not the hips. But, at least no one is tearing an anterior cruciate ligament.

Amber & Farm Share Week 3

2011-06-30T20:12:00.000-04:00

Zucchini, kohlrabi with greens, spinach, broccoli, chard, lettuce, strawberries. Eggs and pretty orange flowers (Not Diana? Help?). Plus Hot Bread Kitchen bread share: tortillas, lavash crackers, plus multigrain and raisin loaves (not pictured due to proximity of bread licking cat which is pictured). A potted lemon grass and thai basil plant.

I also got some delightful extras, including chicken and a chutney, but I forgot to actually get them. Diana (not Not Diana) got them and is stashing them for me. (Thanks, Diana.)

Amber & Lost Siblings

2011-06-30T17:03:00.005-04:00

So, the wonderful folks from whom I adopted Ginger and Pickles, or, as they were known at the time, Raoul and Julio, just posted a bunch of photos. They're newly noticed, but careful inspection showed they were posted on August 29, 2008... a couple of months before G&P came to live with me. And so I feel pretty confident that this curly guy...

...and this less curly guy with the droopy eyes and very pink lips...

...are indeed my guys. And I learned some things about them from these new postings. For example...

...shoe laces have never been safe with Pickles anywhere near by. Or, from the caption on this one...

...Ginger was always "mega-cute" and "very curious/sociable." But, wait. What did that say?

"they're not quite as curly as their brother, but still mega-cute, and very curious/sociable. yay kitties!!"

"[T]heir brother?" That little guy there is a sibling of my G&P?

There she is having her lap time interrupted by an open-mouthed, intruding Gigi, true to his present form, only wanting attention when someone else is getting it. Who was this strange sister of my babies, the sister I never knew they had? Do they miss her?

Did Pickles like snuggling her as much as he does his brother now? Did all three ever snuggle?

Is she still as curly as Pickles? (La Perm?) Or like Gigi, is her hair long and straight?

If I had met all three on that fateful day, and they had all looked at me with those needy, lovey eyeballs...

Would I now have five cats? And would I have no friends at all as a result?

Some questions are better left unanswered.

Amber & Like Jimmy, Like Kitty

2011-06-28T18:03:00.001-04:00

This may be the most amazing pet/owner photo ever.

Twins.

Amber & How I Became A Pop Star

2011-06-27T16:11:00.000-04:00

I bought new headphones.

I had been doing alot of reading lately about how cheapy headphones are bad for you. Apparently, the in-ear ones are the worst because of their proximity and those cheapy ones that sort of sit in your ears that came with your iDevice are even the worstester because they make you turn up the volume to get good sound quality, and more volume now means less hearing when you are old.

So, I got the on-ear kind because they are supposedly good for proximity and blocking external noise thereby requiring less volume. Really, I wanted the Beats By Dr. Dre, but they are ridiculously expensive--even though everyone on the subway and in every single music video seems to have them. (Dre is obviously a PhD in Product Placement.)

Plus, really, all it takes to become a pop star is knowing to touch one of your ears while singing. I don't know why, but it makes you look like a Serious Musician. Especially when you make concentrating eyebrows while doing it.

And there's our friend, Fork, again. Versatile as ever.

I got them in gray because it looks good with a can of Name Tag Lager.

Amber & Forks: Versatile Tools

2011-06-27T15:49:00.001-04:00

Last week, I got caught in the rain. The humidity and dampness encouraged my hair to do what it does best: stand up on top of my head.

Since I was going out to dinner, I changed out of my damp rain shirt and searched for a hair-taming device to sooth the savage beast on top of my head.

Although I found forking my head to be a somewhat scratchy experience, I could not argue that it was an effective tool.

Of course, at dinner, I immediately dropped some BBQ sauce on my shirt thereby ruining any illusion of with-it-ness.

Amber & A Mature Birthday

2011-06-25T15:37:00.000-04:00

The two cats formerly known as "the kitten boys" will henceforth be known as "the mature adult brothers."

Happy Third Birthday, Ginger Bean and Pickles Pants.

Henceforth, I will no longer talk in a baby voice to you about chasing fleece wand. We will instead discuss current events and the news of the day.

You used to be little baby guys, as Jimmy documented.

I'm proud of how you've grown up. Just don't get much bigger, okay? And don't stop snuggling each other.

Amber & Farewell, Rumpled Friend

2011-06-24T14:06:00.000-04:00

There are reports all over the Internets that Peter Falk has died.

Bon voyage, Detective.

I hope there are lots of ice cream sodas awaiting you in heaven.

Amber & Second Week of CSA

2011-06-23T21:54:00.000-04:00

This week's share is lovely.

French breakfast radishes (?) with greens, dinosaur kale, arugula, scallions, garlic scapes, leafy lettuce, beet greens, and strawberries. Plus eggs. Plus bread share multi-grain loaf, lovely roundish bread of some variety, lavash crackers and fresh tortillas. Plus flowers that smell sort of like nutmeg that I sure hope Not Diana can identify for us.

You may note a small buff-colored object in the bottom left of the frame there. Closer examinations reveals...

...Woody popping into the frame initially out of interest in the bread. (Both Woody and Tiggy like to lick the crust on loaves of bread. I do not care for this since it renders the bread inedible and very, very drooly.) But, what is distracting Woody below the vegetables? What could be more interesting than a fresh loaf of bread?

Ginger, patiently waiting out the photo shoot for his green gobble-portunity. Also, you may note a helpful hand holding up the flowers.

I hope you've enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at weekly farm share photography.

Amber & Sides, Up and Down

2011-06-22T16:59:00.000-04:00

The downside to going to the chiropractor before your workday?

I call this look "massage oil head."

The upside is being able to move your right arm again.

Amber & Weather Appropriate

2011-06-21T14:34:00.000-04:00

Remember when it was not the first day of summer?

And, I could wear way more than a tank top and not get sweaty?

And if you wore anything less than boots (nevermind sandals!), your paws would get chilly?

And then all the boys you know could come inside and have hot drinks by the fire place (which was not lit) and read their Kindles?

That was a long time ago. Happy Summer Solstice.

Amber & Kitty Blessings Day

2011-06-20T13:16:00.001-04:00

James, inventor of the joyous Kitty Eyebrows Day, now celebrated the world over, has shared with us another fantastic holiday which he is now celebrating for his fourth year.

James explains as follows.

Today is the special Blessing of the Cats Day.
Alicia sneezed, so I said "Bless you." And Scarlett heard me in the closet and came out, so I said "Bless you too, Scarlett."

I hope you'll mark your calendars for celebration next year. And, I can think of no better way to celebrate today than to watch this video.

Bless you, baby tiger.

P.S. Bless you, more generally, ZooBorns for being my absolute favorite baby animal news source ever. I mean, this gibbon video? I am speechless.

Amber & Kitty Op Art

2011-06-20T06:44:00.000-04:00

We haven't checked in with Jimmy and his new K.F.F., Sabrina, in a while. How is she?

Artistic and breathtakingly beautiful.

Good art makes you think. Sabrina makes me think, "How did this kitty girl get so amazing?"

Amber & By Popular Demand

2011-06-19T18:43:00.001-04:00

Many readers were troubled by the absence of Ginger from my first CSA share of the season. Fear not, gentle reader, Ginger's devotion to green leaves has not at all diminished with age. Bok choy was definitely his favorite.

How did I determine which is his fave when he'll eat any green put in front of him? He is the blurriest during bok choy from all the munching. No kitty chomps a choy like Gigi. Even with no front teeth, no kitty chows a bok like Mr. Gee.

See his tongue in this one? Squee-licious.

Amber & Some for Me, Some for You

2011-06-17T15:44:00.001-04:00

I got a whole bunch of things today, but most of it is not for me.

First, these two pairs of cordaround shorts arrived today. They are not mine.

It is taking a whole bunch of willpower not to put all of them on right now. At the same time. Like on that episode of Friends where Joey does the opposite of hiding underwear.

But then, Jimmy stopped by and also gave me these Momofuku birthday cake truffles.

There is one for me, one for Nick and one for Kevin. You have no idea how much will power I am channeling to actually resist and save for sharing.

I don't really know what a birthday cake truffle is, except DELICIOUS. I am sure of it.

Amber & First CSA Share of the Season

2011-06-16T21:15:00.001-04:00

And it's verdant and fresh!

Strawberries, lettuce, turnips with greens, kale, swiss chard, scallions, ramps, bok choy, a small basil and thyme potted plant, and eggs.

Amber & The Perfect Blendship

2011-06-10T17:35:00.002-04:00

One of the great things about friends is how good conversations can expand your knowledge and really challenge you intellectually. For example, I was talking to Kevin yesterday, and he mentioned the Barbie Beach Bus.

But, I was confusing it with the Barbie Star Traveler.

But Kevin knew what it was called because the toy was long gone by the time he arrived in the world, but the box lived on in his youth for years and years. I, on the other hand, had gotten the bus at a flea market so I never had the box. Kevin, your knowledge of the name of Barbie vehicles completes me.

I had both. The Star Traveler was key for when Barbie would have to get in the Star Traveler in my bedroom and drive to the living room to put on her Superstar Stage Show.

If you look up in the upper right corner, you can see Donny & Marie also worked with the stage. I had them, too, but I had never seen their show and so I thought they were married.

Anyhow, then, I shared these childhood memories with Erl and she told me about the box of budding Skippers she had but traded for a Le Trim tape.

And then that lead me to want those bloomers with the lace. Friends are so enriching.

Amber & The Pursuit of Tappiness

2011-06-10T07:39:00.001-04:00

This is a trifecta of loves: tap, humour and Stephen Colbert.

It's nearly five minutes long, but there are jazz hands!

Amber & Afternoon Delight

2011-06-09T16:52:00.000-04:00

You know what is cooling? This video.

Squee.

And you know what all this Summer makes me think of? How cats are desert creatures.

Amber & I Almost Didn't Bother Today

2011-06-09T06:22:00.002-04:00

I mean, really?

100? You had to go there, summer? Feels Like Intolerable.

Amber & On This Day, In History, and the Future

2011-06-08T09:27:00.000-04:00

As the great James once said...

"This is very special day of kitty mystery when every year since 2006 we celebrate kitty eyebrows."

That very special day of kitty mystery is today, dear readers: Kitty Eyebrows Day. Happy day, kitties everywhere and the people who ponder their mystery.

And, in honor of it, Pickles forewent his tradition of not having any eyebrows on one side of his face and instead grew a special corkscrew eyebrow whisker.

It's really short because it takes so much energy to grow something so special and mysterious. And, he is such a little guy to begin with. You know, not around his middle, but in spirit.

Amber & Never Forget

2011-06-07T17:38:00.000-04:00

Anybody know what was happening in this photo?

It looks like I was confused even then.

Amber & Mommy's Little Helper

2011-06-07T12:20:00.001-04:00

I haven't been sleeping terribly well. In addition to having allergies (still? in June?) which make me cough all night long, I boo-booed my rotator cuff lifting something about twenty pounds with my right arm fully extended. (Chiropractor: "Have you been lifting something heavy with that arm?" Me: "Nope." Chiropractor: "Putting a heavy bag up onto your shoulder with one arm?" Me: "No." Chiropractor: "Something where you are sort of lifting it like this or turning your shoulder like this while you hold it?" Me: "Oh.")

I got about two hours on Sunday night, and then, with the help of my friend Medicine got about four last night, in one hour intervals (11 to midnight, 2 to 3, 4 to 5, and 7 to 8 sitting up on the couch when I was supposed to be dressing). Needless to say, I am a little sleepy when I first get going. And by "first" I mean, the first sixteen hours of the day.

So, imagine my sleepy surprise when, midway through my exfoliation, I looked down to discover I had a friend in the shower with me. It was this guy.

And he sort of did this.

And then he left when I got out the shampoo. He's clearly not a fan of bamboo and/or lemongrass.

Really, aside from being adorable, the incident was also comforting. I mean, my shower visitor could have been this guy/lady.

And that would have been bad.

Amber & Special Gifts

2011-05-26T16:31:00.000-04:00

On this day 40 years ago, something very special happened to me in utero: an amazing person was born who would prove to be a fantastic friend 19 odd years later.

Happy Birthday, James.

Thanks for being such a special gift from the universe to me.

Sabrina offered James her own special gift in the form of a reedonkulous sleeping pose.

So much goodness, all around.

Amber & But How Long Will We Last?

2011-05-23T19:38:00.000-04:00

I know this: when it comes, it's either going to be apes or birds. One of the two.

Why is Jimmy always on the front lines?

Amber & I'm Still Here

2011-05-23T12:41:00.000-04:00

Just FYI: I didn't get Raptured. (Unlike Kaiser Rolls.) Woody didn't either, and if anyone was going to get sucked up to heaven, wouldn't it be that sweetie guy?

So, what to do since we're all here for a while longer? Suggestion:

Amber & Leaving Work Now

2011-05-13T17:39:00.000-04:00

My friends over at Island Rescue Natural Care Center took this video of me leaving the office today.

I am very excited for the weekend.