Welcome to the 894th Metamorphosis Monday! Oh my gosh, it’s so good to be back in Georgia! I missed the daffodil blooms; they are completely done, not even a single flower is left. Even the Redbuds are finished. I did see some Redbuds blooming en route home, along with what appeared to be Bradford Pears that were already almost fully leafed out.
The kittens have adjusted beautifully to their new digs! I thought they would, since they love exploring new places in the Dollhouse, even if it’s just the inside of a closet that they’ve never seen me open before. I arrived home in Georgia around 6:30 pm on Saturday, and they spent the entire evening exploring every nook and cranny of the main floor and the upstairs. On Sunday morning, I opened the door to the screened porch, and they lived out there for much of the day. They were fascinated watching all the birds coming to the feeders.
Later in the day, I opened the door to the basement to carry something downstairs. They eagerly followed, excited to have discovered another new world to explore! They are as fearless here as they are in the Dollhouse, running through the house with their tails straight up in the air, exploring and sniffing everything as they go. I’m amazed by how relaxed they are, not a care in the world!
Agatha approves of this wool throw from Snowshoe (West Virginia) that she found draped across a chair in the living room. She was also briefly in love with a pretty tassel she found hanging from the buffet in the dining room. The tassel is now hidden away in a drawer, safe from becoming a cat toy. For now.
Several BNOTP readers have commented that Agatha and Beatrice appear to have some Maine Coon genes. I’ve always wanted to have a Maine Coon cat since I’ve heard such great things about their personalities, and I love how they look. When I adopted these two babies from the shelter, they were listed as “long-haired domestic” cats. Recently, I noticed the cutest thing: both girls are getting these extra-long tufts of fur growing out behind their ears.
I’ve never noticed anything like that on all the kitties I’ve had over the years, including when I had Persian cats. I searched online about those cute tufts of fur, and the information I found online said this is common to see with Maine Coon cats, so I think you guys are right about them having some Maine Coon genes.
Happy Girl! I am one happy girl right now! I have searched for years to find an author or a collection of books that would take me back to my love of reading. Unfortunately, I’m as picky about the books I read as I am about the movies I watch, so mostly I end up reading a lot of nonfiction. I don’t know why I’m this way, but I rarely like the “popular” books that everyone is reading.
You may remember that I recently shared a book I had heard great things about and had just purchased. I had only gotten a couple of chapters in when it was time for me to drive back home to Georgia, so, via Audible, I purchased the book and the next one in the series to listen to on the long drive home. I enjoyed the first one so much during the drive, I immediately started on the second one. If you love the books written by Jane Austen, I think you will love this series! The writing is beautiful, almost like poetry.
I hope to purchase the whole series (8 books so far) in hardcover form. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear that the whole series is currently available to purchase as a set, so I’ll need to purchase each book individually. If you would like to read more about this series, you’ll find the books available here: The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. This is one series that I do very much recommend starting with Book 1, and not a book in the middle of the series. The first book starts a bit slow, but before long, you’ll find yourself rooting for Emma and wanting to know how her life’s story unfolds.
I guess I’d better get started on the very long list of errands and chores I have for today. There’s always so much to catch up on when I’ve been away for so long. Looking forward to all the wonderful Before and Afters linked for this week’s Met Monday! Like to know when a new blog post is up? Subscribe for email updates (it’s free) and your email will never be shared. Subscribe for free email post updates here: Subscribe.
Metamorphosis Monday: Metamorphosis Monday is a party that’s all about Before and Afters. Please link up your Before and After projects, like DIY projects, room makeovers, craft projects, and even recipes. Please do not link up Table Settings; save those for our Tablescape Thursday party on Thursday. If you are participating in Met Monday, link your post to the party using the “permalink” to your MM post and not your general blog address. To get your permalink, click on the name of your post, then copy and paste the address (that shows in the address bar at the top of your blog) into the “URL” box for InLinkz when prompted.
Glad you & the girls had safe travels south— you missed the current band of wintry weather in the nick of time. I adore Emma & her journals—I’ve read all 8 & I’m so looking forward to the next!!
Today it feels like I brought it down with me, although it’s looking great toward the middle/end of the week! I love, love, love spring in Georgia!
Merri Jo, I was reading about the author today and she said that she hopes to do 20-25 books in the series, stopping periodically for breaks and to work on other books. So I think we have a lot of books to look forward to. I ordered the hardback versions of Books 1, 2, and 3 today, and hope to collect them all eventually. I can see myself rereading these in the years to come. I wonder if they will be turned into movies one day.
Susan, your kitties might be Norweigan Forest Cats which are similar to Maine Coon cats. My lulu ia weigie and a wonderful pet!
Oooh, would love that! Those are gorgeous cats! Oh, I love that, Susan! I’ve heard wonderful things about them. ♥
I’m glad to know you are safely back in Georgia. Sorry you missed all the pretty blooms though.
The cats are so beautiful and I absolutely love the way they curl up in their cozy beds. And of course they are fearless while exploring! They have you right there with them and they know you’ll protect them. I bet they’re having a ball checking things out in their other house.
I am not familiar with that author. I too am drawn to writers with a pretty prose style. I’m a picky book reader as well. The books my book clubs choose are almost always disappointing, though they are supposedly ‘best-sellers.’
I know you’ll be busy this week! I hope you enjoy the warmer weather and are able to get caught up quickly. Have a great time with the girls.
Agatha has decided her favorite thing is to jump on top of the dryer when I’m not in the laundry room and steal a glove from the box of gloves I bought to use when cleaning. I keep finding them randomly on the floor in the breakfast room. Ha! I just stuck them under the sink and got her a gardening glove to play with since that’s a lot safer. She keeps me on my toes, Pam!
I bet you would love these books! I’m obsessed with them and I know I’m going to be sad when I read the last one that’s currently available. I need to take my time so I make them last.
That’s so cute, she loves the gloves. What a little scamp.
Yes, I hate to get to the end of a good book. It’s like walking away from a dear friend. I usually put it away for a few years, then re-read it. I’d rather re-read something I love than waste my time on something average.
I think you brought the cold weather back with you. It had been in the upper 70’s. Come over to West Cobb, there’s still lots of blooming redbuds over here. Of course they will probably all freeze tonight. I have azaleas that are full of blooms right now that are probably going to freeze too. Glad you made it home safely.
Oh gosh, I hope not. My camellia has some blossoms; maybe I should go out and pick them before nightfall. I hope azaleas make it through, Pam!
The Kitties are so big now! How was your trip with them in the car, was there meowing? How long was the trip? I agree, definitely Maine Coon blood. My Mackenzie was a Maine Coon, and now Maddie is a Shaded Golden Siberian or Norwegian Forest cat. I think A and B could be that breed as well.
I know, they have grown so fast! Oh, what beautiful cats you had and have! Judy, do your kitties have the tufts of fur behind the ears? I call them their feathers. lol They look so different from the rest of their fur, almost like feathers.
Welcome Back! Glad you all survived the drive without much drama, and the kitties are excited about their new place. Love the pictures of them! Thanks as always for hosting, and Happy Monday!
Thanks, Barbara! So good to be back! Hope you’re having an awesome week!
Welcome back to Georgia. Was worried about all that horrendous windy with your driving on the highways such a distance. Glad you are safe. Oh your kitties –
so cute. I love they have two homes to run around in. I had a part Main Coon – my cherished and dearly beloved Romeo. I lost him years ago and loved his nature so much and took losing him so hard I never replaced him. I was afraid to hurt like that again. But I am looking for a mellow, quiet old kitty to love again. I think your posts about your kittens has helped.
Have a fabulous week, Susan.
I ended up leaving on Saturday instead of Friday, which is probably a good thing since I think the wind was at its worst on Friday. That was some crazy wind!
I sympathize, Michele. It has taken me 12 years since Max passed to do this again. It’s so excruciating when they pass, I cried for months and months and couldn’t even look at photos of him for years, so I truly understand. I’m so sorry you experienced that. They are so special, and we love them so much! My son and DIL told me they would take the kitties if anything happens to me.
I will say, getting another kitty is healing in a way.
Those kittens are the cutest thing ever. I hope they are getting use to riding in the car because I know how much you love your Georgia home, so I think they will be traveling a lot back and forth. The South is always hard to leave for very long. Your Georgia home is so beautiful I know its hard to stay away very long at a time. Enjoy your time there. Keep us posted.
Thanks, Peggy! Appreciate those sweet words.
Yes, it is hard being away; I love living in the south!
What welcome news to learn you have arrived safely back in Ga.! I’ve a belief
that pets coming into our lives at a tender age reflect the attitude and care
they receive with confidence that they are safe and cherished. I think you
are seeing this in “the girls” through their bravery to explore while also being able to trustingly adapt and relax. May this be an especially happy time at your
home.
Thanks so much, Rebecca! Appreciate those good wishes so much! They certainly get a lot of love and kisses every day. ♥
When we adopted our puppy from a local shelter (she’s now an old girl at 11 years and still acting goofy), we bought a canine DNA test online from Chewy. We’ve had lots of dogs in the past and we wanted to know if there would be any genetic abnormalities we should start preparing for in the future. Turns out we have a “Heinz 57” mix, but our vet was sure grateful to the put the DNA results in her file to have something to refer to down the road. I’m not 100% sure if they have feline DNA tests, but probably so.
Yes there are DNA test kits for cats. Amazon has them also. I’m in Leelanau County, Michigan in the blizzard. The internet has been going in and out but the power is on. I saw my first robin of the year this morning jumping in a boxwood bush after eating sunflower seeds. Glad he found the feeder in the snow and wind. I first sighting I’ll always remember.
Good to know, I should check into those. Oh, wow…a blizzard! Stay warm, Susan! I’m thinking positive thoughts that the blizzard passes quickly and the power never goes out!
I may just have to do one of those tests. It would be so interesting to see what came back. Thanks for that suggestion, Sharon. I can see how it could be helpful for their Vet, too.
How do you set up your car for your cats to travel? We have two and travel with ours, but I’m looking for a better way.
I had a single large carrier but I felt it was a bit too crowded, so I let them out for some of the time. I just wouldn’t let them come into the front seat area, for fear they would get in the way. I would like a better method for the trip back so I purchased this yesterday: https://amzn.to/476dpPw
It is supposed to arrive tomorrow. I like how it’s linked so they can walk back and forth. It’s looks quite roomy. It comes in a couple of sizes and I went with the large one, although the smaller one would probably be fine for cats. If it’s too big, I may return it and order the smaller one.
Oh my gosh Susan – those kitties have grown so much and are absolutely adorable! I’m so glad you all arrived safe and sound but missed the daffodils and redbuds. Also glad that you have found a collection of books that you are enjoying very much. Happy spring!
Thanks so much, Kim! I was so surprised to find that there is still someone out there writing these types of books! Thank goodness for Beth Brower! She looks young, so I hope she keeps writing for many years to come.
Glad you’re safely back at Georgia home. Those kitties know they’re loved and they’re enjoying discoveries at a new place. So glad you got those fur babies they’re cuties and I love seeing pictures of them.
Thanks so much, Nancy! That, they do! 🙂 Thanks! They are always doing something fun, so I love to share them. Those who prefer dogs may not be so thrilled. lol
I’m also glad you and the kitties had a safe trip. Do they explore together or go separate ways and meet up later? They are very pretty with their long hair and bushy tails. I wish my two were friendly. There are some explosive hisses around here! lol I’m having weather in the 80’s so it is cooking my daffodils and tulips, plus we had a windy day that did some damage. I have lots of buds on everything and my pink jasmine is loaded. Sorry you missed your blooms. What is your plan for a vet when you are in Georgia? Here it is hard to find a vet that takes new clients. I will look up Beth Brower. I’m back reading James Patterson after reading Sister Carrie and Portrait of Jenny. I like classic movies so I’m reading the books they are based on. Funny about the gloves!
Susan, there is a YouTube channel that shows up for me featuring a lady who does book recs that might interest you. I’ve seen her talk about fiction, mystery, kids books and a mix. What I have seen has been mostly older books (ie not the current top 10 on any list). The channel is Relatively Refined. Looks like she does some other content as well but I have only seen the book recs.
Thanks for sharing that channel, Sandy—I will check it out!