Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

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I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Friday, June 8, 2012

Who's In Charge Here?

 Hi, I've returned to my post with a post!

This is one about how we keep our home running smoothly.

Anytime Mom Julie leaves the house, she always says, "So-and-so's in charge while I'm gone."

I try not to yawn.






I thought this was a little silly when it all started, but soon realized she was serious. Upon her return, she would ask how we did.

Let me tell you--there's a lot she doesn't know that I want to share with you. Like what really goes on when she's not around and someone is put "in charge."

We'll start with one picked most often--Tinker.






The Big Puss obviously looks the part and takes his responsibility very seriously. I have all to do to keep from laughing when I see his face light up when she calls on him to supervise. He's usually picked for those day-long hauls and uses devious methods to keep an eye on us.

Like hiding..






Walking around, checking all the rooms..walking around, 'round and 'round..






Ease up, pal. No wonder you're getting gray hairs!






Of course, he throws in a few flirts with Anastasia. He hopes she's impressed when he's given boss status.






And, here he is, when Mom Julie returns, ready to report--nothing.






We've all been good, snoozing quietly while he walks around watching us sleep and eat and going about our usual business.

She's quite impressed with him, and I guess she should be. He always cleans his plate after a canned food meal, trills before approaching most laps and politely waits for Mom Julie to get up in the morning before demanding attention.

Not like the rest of us, especially Mitty.

Next week, it's my turn. I'll show you how I handle the troops!

--Tom

Mom Julie here--Friends, I'm so glad I had Tom's birthday today, Sunday, to distract me from a worsening toothache. I did make it to Mass this morning, but it hurt sooo badly and still does. It came about after a recent crown came off. It had fallen off once before, glued back on by the dentist, and now, it's off again leaving me in terrible pain. I've had it. My insurance has run out and won't renew until July 1. I'm hoping to find a dentist with a sliding fee scale and just get the darn thing pulled. (It's a lower right hand molar, never to be missed!) Wish me luck finding one tomorrow!
Tom celebrated his special day on FB, thanking those with birthday wishes, but we also promised a donation to The Maine POM Project in his honor. (oxygen masks for pets: ea. kit comes with three sizes, cats, dogs and little pets should they need to be resuscitated due to fire, etc.) For other parts of the country, you might try Wag'n Enterprises LLC. They also have a list of all the rescue departments around the country who already ordered from them.
That was our weekend! Hope yours was a good one. We'll be visiting soon.

29 comments:

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

When my peeps go out, they leave us ALL in charge. The only rule is that we remember to 'love one another' which is a stupid rule, I think, 'cause that means no wrestling and whatnot which the peeps KNOW we're gonna do so why make a rule they know we're gonna break, in the first place? Setting themselves up for failure, I think. purrs

Tamago said...

Hahaha, I love the "devious" way Tinker uses to watch you, especially hiding :-) But he never forgets to flirt with Anastasia. Way to go, Tinker!
When I leave the house, I always tell my boys to have a good day and tell Goro not to pick on his brother!
Have a wonderful weekend!!

Fuzzy Tales said...

Oh, your turn should be very interesting. :-P

We're quite impressed with Tinker's methods, actually. Might be hard to top that.

Now, when OUR human leaves the house, she just instructs us to stay safe and stay out of trouble as much as possible. And asks that angels Annie and Chumley watch over us. Though she's pretty sure Annie doesn't give a rat's patootie about what *we're* up to. LOL.

Catio Tales said...

Now that's a cool dude of a leader! A real pair of safe paws if ever we saw one.

The Furries of Whisppy said...

MOL. That's funny! We like that photo of Tinker getting ready to report to Mom Julie. :)

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Impressive. When our mom leaves we'z each in charge of ourselfs...but if we haf a kwestchun about doing something we ask Zippy. Our sisfur is really old and knows what would make mom happy, sad or, and we really don't like dis one, angry wif us.

Marilia said...

You´re a wonderful cat, do you know?
Kisses

Julia Williams said...

Aw....he sounds like a very good cat to leave in charge of the others. I don't leave anyone in charge, because I'm pretty sure they wouldn't pay any attention no matter who is picked to be boss cat for a day.

The Island Cats said...

Well, it looks like Tinker does a pretty good job. When our mom leaves the house, she just tells all of us to "be good." She wouldn't dare put one of us in charge of the others, because she knows we'd never listen to that cat.

Marg said...

Tinker does seem like a good boy.Love the picture of him reporting. Good job Tinker. So Tom, you are the next one in charge. Take care.

Sparkle said...

I am in charge here, even when my human is home!

Angel Prancer Pie said...

Well, he does seem pretty good at his job. He might be pretty hard to beat. But then again, it might be more exciting wif you in charge!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Tinker takes his job very seriously. Mum just tells us to be good boys but doesn't put either of us in charge.

Katnip Lounge said...

He sounds like our Johnny...and looks like him, too!

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

Putting someone in charge? That's a good idea. Except that my two wouldnt listen to whichever one I put in charge!
Maybe I need one of you guys in charge around here.. MOL

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Tinker you remind me of our Mr Jinx especially when Mom leaves him in charge. I don't know why she ever does, because she must know that I AM the ONLY ONE in CHARGE!

--hehehehehe--

purrs
>^,,^<
♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥

Brian's Home Blog said...

Well somebody has to be in charge! Since I am the only guynher I usually get that duty plus a list of chores!

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

hummmmmmm......
sorta lookz like Tinker iz a bit ov a butt kisser like Gabriel,,,, who can't wait to let da mom know dat he wazn't da one who got into trouble, efen tho he'z not left in charge!
Sunny being da Elder iz Alwayz in charge ^..^
Around here it goez in line wif da pecking order, you gotta Earn it ^..^

Can't wait to see your method Tom ^.,^

Purrz & Headbonkz to All ~ ♥♥xoxo♥♥

Unknown said...

I can't wait! I bet you are much more a task master!
Kisses
Nellie

Hannah and Lucy said...

We are told to be good when Mum goes out - "of course" we meow while laughing behind our paws!
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Rumpydog said...

Unlike our house where there usually IS something to report. Glad you're not here to be in charge!

Old Kitty said...

Awwww! Tinker is too terrific for words!! He's adorable and a most conscientious mankitty in charge!! Yay! Gorgeous Anastasia must be suitably impressed!! What a sweetie!!

But of course you are the true mankitty in charge lovely Tom!

Take care
x

Noir the Texas Tabby said...

Tinker looks like he keeps order there on your prairie :) My human says he looks like a kitty she could cuddle with. If I were Tinker--I'd run--after he guards the gates!

Noir

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

Tinker is a good patrol cat! We hope Julie's tooth is better quickly. xx

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

I´m alway´s nice when my mom and dad leave the house ;-)
Love the ready to report to Mom Julie photo !

meowmeowmans said...

Well, it sort of sounds like Tinker does a pretty good job. :)

We sure hope Mom Julie's tooth feels better soon. Mouth pain is terrible.

Hugs to you all!

Cathy Keisha said...

Happy Birthday Tom! Here's the {{{hug}}} I promised you. Tell Julie to go to http://www.dentalplans.com/ which is where TW gets her dental insurance from. It's not really insurance but most procedures are half price, which is better than most insurance.

Sage said...

Oh, my. I'm certainly NOT in charge (even though Mom says so). What's with you kittehs anyhow?

Happy birthday, Tom! (even if we're a bit late :( )

And Mom Julie...there's nothing like a toothache to put you through the roof (so to speak). My Mom can attest to that....Hope it's better.

Your pal, Sage (the one NOT in charge)

Oskar said...

Tinker seems pleased with himself that he's in charge!

Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar