MY HOW YOU'VE GROWN!

The kitten is coming into his own. While still adorable, he is definitely getting bigger. He frequently romps around the backyard; I've yet to see him out front. 

I have noticed that "Mom" is leaving him alone more and more.  I wanted to add some photos to this post but the kitten isn't around so I will have to add them another day.

A STROLL DOWN BROADWAY'S MEMORY LANE

Lest any of my readers begin to think of me as a total homebody or obsessed animal lady I do want to state that I have many and varied other interests and Saturday evening was spent indulging one of them.

I have been a passionate theatre-goer since I was seventeen years old and that passion has yet to dim. Anything Shakespeare, classic playwrights such as Arthur Miller, Tennesse Williams, performers synonymous with Broadway (Frank Langella, Al Pacino, Boyd Gaines, Rosemary Harris, Cherry Jones), comedies and muscials - I'm forever on the lookout for the next great experience.

And Town Hall on Saturday night was not only the next great experience but a wonderful walk down memory lane. Linda Eder (that's pronounced Edd-er) performed in concert with guest stars and former Jekyll & Hyde cast-mates Robert Cuccioli and Christiane Noll.

While I never qualified as a 'Jekkie', Jekyll & Hyde is one of my favorite shows. Blown away by the music and the vocal talents of the 3 principles, I did see it several times during it's original Broadway run. Artie and I took a break from our usual weekend routine to have dinner out and attend the performance.

The show was marvelous. Linda Eder, Robert Cuccioli and Christiane Noll were all in fine voice. Linda Eder's song list covered a wide range of musical styles from Willie Nelson's classic country-western song Crazy to rock and pop to the academy award winning movie theme Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz. The highlight of the evening was the weaving of all the major Jekyll & Hyde songs throughout the entire show. Linda structured the songlist to include each performer singing their Jekyll & Hyde signature song individually as well as a guest-star duet and in duet with her. As a selection for all 3 to sing together, Linda chose a number from an upcoming Frank Wildhorn show about Zelda and Scott Fitzgerald.

And Linda mentioned Pets Alive a no-kill shelter which is dear to her heart. Pets Alive is located in the Catskills about an hour and a half out of New York City. Learn more about this no kill shelter by checking out their website:

http://www.petsalive.com/ 

Unfortunately, no picture-taking was allowed but I did find a review with a photo from the show and a video someone posted on YouTube so enjoy. Artie and I did.

http://broadwayworld.com/article/FREEZE-FRAME-Linda-Eder-Robert-Cuccioli-and-Christiane-Noll-Perform-A-New-Life-at-Town-Hall-20121014

FRIDAY ODDS AND ENDS

Well, we're at the end of another week and I feel I have made definite progress with all my feral cat charges. Next weekend I will be picking up straw and winter housing for them. Today, I have a few important items on my agenda.

First, I'll spend some additional time with Annie. She seems to be happier and more engaged since Artie and I have been giving her extra attention and including her in more of our activities -inside and out.

Next, I need to set aside some time to just sit and re-read portions of the feral colony TNR paperwork. Traps need to be reserved, provisions and supplies gathered along with trap covers, plastic sheets and newspapers. And spay-neuter appointments need to be set up.

Since I'm getting a regular contingent of cats showing up for dinner, I need to take stock of the food supply and order more if need be. Some internet research for a feeding station and winter-appropriate bowls is in order.

All of this has to be worked into whatever else is on my to-do list for today and I'm looking forward to it.

COLONY PROGRESS

Some amazing things are starting to happen. The baby is running across yards when I come out with food and actually allowing me to stand within two steps of the food dish while he eats. (I keep saying he but for all I know the baby could be a she.) On the other hand, Silver Grey hisses at me at least once sometimes two or three times while I put out water and food. This is a regular occurrence; I don't think it will change.

Today we put the food out front a bit after 6 PM.  I spied the Norwegian Forest Cat making his way across the street towards our front porch.  He was proceeding with caution along the front of the buildings a few houses away when one of the neighborhood kids decided to chase him. The frightened cat darted out into the street. Thankfully, he wasn't hit by a car.

Artie found him hiding under a van. No amount of calling or coaxing could get him to budge. He pulled a disappearing act - neither of us saw him come out from under that van. One minute he was there; the next he was gone. It was like he vanished into thin air! We finished up our chores. Artie walked Annie; I swept leaves then we went off to do some grocery shopping at the local greengrocer. 

When we returned home, we found the Norwegian Forest Cat on the porch eating his dinner. He looked at us and froze; we talked softly to him. As we came on the porch, he moved to the other side but he didn't run away. He just sat there and looked at us. Another first! As we came in we noticed Charcoal Grey under our wicker love-seat.

After the front door closed, the Norwegian Forest Cat went back to the food dish to finish his meal. Slowly, the cats are beginning to get used to us and more importantly they are anticipating their daily meal showing up before I serve it.