Farm Photo 1/7/08:Cute Things Come In Little Packages

Molly Doodlebug, Twelve Years Old & Still Only 4-1/2 Pounds

Want to see more?
You'll find plenty more pictures of Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster) here. There are farm cat tales here and all kinds of cat photos here.

© Copyright 2008 FarmgirlFare.com

Farm Photo 10/31/07: Happy Halloween!

Scare Cat

I know she isn't the traditional black, but this isn't a once-a-year thing for her either. Four-and-a-half-pound Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster) does this to Bear every chance she gets.

A year of Farm Photos ago:
10/31/06: Boo!

Two years ago:
10/31/05: Happy Halloween!
All Hallow's Eve: Don't Let The Goblins Get You

© 2007 FarmgirlFare.com, the award-winning blog where Farmgirl Susan shares stories & photos of her crazy country life on 240 remote acres.

Daily Farm Photo: 9/10/06

Molly Doodlebug Outside & Looking For Trouble

Attention Cat Lovers! This is Weekend Cat blogging #66!
Head over to Chef Sarah Jane for all the links to this week's kitties. For more fun cat photos, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to chickens. Allergic to fur? Weekend Herb Blogging is for you.

Wonderful Wild Animal Sanctuary Update!
(Click here if you missed my original post about the big cats and other exotic animals who need our help). The Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado was forced to close its doors to visitors on September 2nd, but because they have received so many donations and promises of donations, they have enough money to keep operating and hope to keep the animals there indefinitely! Click here to read the latest closing update on their website. Many, many thanks to all of you generously made donations and wrote about the Wild Animal Sanctuary on your own blogs. Please keep spreading the word! IT REALLY IS WORKING!

A year of Daily Photos ago:
New Cat Spends Most Of His Time High Above Dog Level

Weekend Cat Blogging #61

Ever Seen A Cooler Cat Cover?

4-1/2 Pound Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster) is spying on Patchy Cat and Cary--who (much to The Doodle's dismay) could not care less.

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #61!
Head to Eat Stuff for links to fun feline photos & tasty new food blogs. For more cute cat pics, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to caterpillars. Allergic to fur? Weekend Herb Blogging is for you--don't miss the Monday roundup at Calendula & Concrete.

Weekend Cat Blogging #56

Note: If you don't know who Cary is, click here.

If you are the mother of a small child, you and the child probably spend a fair amount of time in the yard or the park so the child can play in the fresh air. If you are the mother of a little lamb, you and the lamb spend an inordinate amount of time in the yard or the garden or standing out in a field so the lamb can eat.

If it is 94 degrees in the shade and humid as all get out, neither mother nor lamb really wants to be hanging around outside in the sun. So what to do? Harvest lunch and bring it in the house for your little darling, of course. (I will draw the line at peeling grapes.)

Naturally the Queen (as in Reigning Terror) Of The Indoors Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster) assumed the nice pile of fresh green grass sitting on the living room floor was for her. Cary knew better.















This scene almost appears peaceful, but I wouldn't exactly call these two friends. I was unable to capture the hissing, nor do I have photos of The Doodle Monster taking a couple of swipes at Cary when she thought I wasn't looking. With a lamb in the living room, every day is a new adventure.

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #56!
See fun feline photos & discover tasty new food blogs. This week Boo_licious at Masak Masak in Malaysia is guest hosting WCB. (Be sure to check out her always wonderful exotic food posts, too.) For more cute cat pics, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to cicadas.

The Cary Chronicles: Chapter 1

Big Day For A Little Lamb

Cary Takes A Break In The Garden

Well, it's been one week since I became Cary's mother. And a lot has happened in those seven days. First of all, I was blown away by the incredible response to my little Mother's Day 'tail.' I had no idea Cary's story would touch the hearts of so many people. I can't even begin to explain how wonderful that makes me feel.

And yes, I have taken your suggestions about a children's book seriously and am working on making that idea become a reality. Of course I'll let you know if anything happens. In the meantime (since I'm snapping pictures of Cary like crazy--and because so many people have requested it), I figured I would post periodic updates about our life together. Like I told Cary last week, I have no idea what's going to happen. We're just taking it one day at a time. And I, for one, am cherishing every one of those days. Thank you again for your amazing kindness and support. And now back to our tale. . .

First of all, I want to mention that Cary's leg is indeed improving. She continues to hold it up when she is standing still (which isn't very often), but not as high as before. She has started putting some weight on it when she walks, and she has no trouble scampering about the farm and keeping up with me and Bear.

Since we all know the camera puts on pounds, some people are having a hard time figuring out just what size Cary is. So this morning I pulled out a tape measure, and this is what I learned: She currently stands 14 inches high. It is 18 inches from the tip of her nose to the base of her tail. And she weighs in at about 9 pounds. I think she is growing by the hour. Her twin brother is already about half again as big as she is, but that is not surprising.

As I said, a lot has been going on during this past week. On Tuesday alone (which was our first full day together, as Cary had previously been spending naptimes with Alison and her baby girl in their Bonding Suite), Cary



had her first nibble of solid food,




spent some time in the garden (weeding wears you out!),




came nose to nose with a donkey while The Nanny Bear wasn't looking, splashed fearlessly through the creek behind me without a peep of protest when I forgot to carry her across (hey, I'm still new at this),




and survived a death stare from The Doodle Monster (who is half her size).


In the afternoon, as part of her physical therapy program, she


hiked a full mile up and down our steep, wooded driveway. And at dusk, while I was standing in the front yard talking on the phone to a fellow shepherdgirl, she tried to eat a good sized rock. (Fortunately she spit it out.)

While Cary obviously enjoys traipsing around with me, she knows how important it is for a growing girl to get enough rest. So when we head into the house to do a little work on the computer, she immediately settles down for a nap in what is quickly becoming her favorite spot on the farm:



curled up next to my feet (which is where she is right now).

All in all, we spent 13 non-stop hours together on Tuesday. My favorite part of the day? When we took a break from weeding in the garden, curled up together on a bed of clover, covered our faces from the sun with my big straw hat, and happily soaked up each other's company. She won't be this little for long.

Weekend Cat Blogging #47

Molly Doodlebug

As you can see, Big Chip, Donkey Doodle Dandy, and those crazy hens aren't the only ones jealous of all the lamb loving going on around here. The Doodle Monster demanded I post a reminder that she can be adorable, too, you know (click here but realize she was half asleep in this photo). Plus, unlike those baby lambs who will soon turn into big old boring sheep, she (who is 10 years old) will stay a dainty 4-1/2 pounds forever.

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #47!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her handsome Cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. For more friendly felines, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to cowbirds.

Weekend Cat Blogging #45

Next best thing to sleeping by the woodstove? Sleeping in the woodbox! But now that we're well into spring, it's time to close this lid until fall. Don't worry--I'll make sure The Doodle Monster isn't in it.

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #45!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy Cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. For more pussycat pics, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to cannibal amphibians.

Weekend Cat Blogging #43

Molly Doodlebug & The Cat Cabin

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #43!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy Cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. We'd love to have you join us. Just leave your permalink in a comment at Eat Stuff. For more pussycat pics, catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark boards everything from cats to Canadian geese.

Weekend Cat Blogging #37

For Some Reason I Thought They'd Be Safer Indoors

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #37!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. Visit my pal Clare & her crazy cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia for all the links to this week's kitties. We'd love to have you join us. Just leave your permalink in a comment at Eat Stuff.

For even more cute cat candids, be sure to catch the traveling Carnival Of The Cats each Sunday night. And the weekly Friday Ark features everything from bobcats & butterflies to cats & crows.

Weekend Cat Blogging #34

Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster)

Attention Cat Lovers! This Is Weekend Cat Blogging #34!
See fun feline photos & discover yummy new food blogs. This event is usually hosted each week by my pal Clare & her crazy cat Kiri at Eat Stuff in Australia. But since Clare & Kiri are on a road trip this weekend, Boo & Boo at Masak-Masak in Malaysia are guest hosting. Click here for all the links to this week's kitties at Masak-Masak.

Weekend Cat Blogging #23: Be Well, Clare

It seems hard to believe that this is already the 23rd week of Weekend Cat Blogging (WCB), a fun event that has grown by leaps and bounds due mainly to my dear friend Clare's nonstop enthusiasm and love of cats. I remember when there were just three of us posting pictures of our cats each weekend.

If you haven't already heard, Clare has been in the hospital for over a week after having been seriously injured while trying to save herself and her amazing cat Kiri from an attacking dog. (Click here to read my earlier post about this tragic incident.)

This special edition of Weekend Cat Blogging is dedicated to Clare, and we have invited everyone to join in, even if you are catless. Boo at Masak-Masak in Malaysia is this weekend's guest host. Click here to find all of the links to this week's outpouring of love for Clare and Kiri. More links will be added throughout the weekend, so be sure to check back on Monday for the complete roundup. If you would like to join us, simply leave your WCB#23 permalink in a comment at Masak-Masak.

Special Additon! Click here to see Miss Domino, our lovely foster blog cat, looking for Clare & Kiri.

As promised, I have come up with some hearts & cats for Clare & Kiri. Well, lots of hearts, but just one cat. Today is opening day of Deer Season, and everybody except Molly Doodlebug is out trying to bag themselves some venison. So here are the hearts. . .


This was my first foray into cookie decorating and color scheming; you may need to click on the photo to read the writing.



And here is the cat. Why on earth I thought she would sit nicely next to the plate of cookies while I snapped a darling picture is beyond me. And no, she's not just sniffing them. . .



Behold The Doodle Damage

Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to send e-hugs and healing thoughts to Clare during the past week. If we keep it up, hopefully she'll be back with us for Weekend Cat Blogging #24.

Weekend Cat Blogging #16

Window Washing

Attention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #16!
Food Bloggers around the world unite each week and share pictures of our favorite felines. See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs. You'll find all the links to this week's entries here at Eat Stuff in Australia (run by the adorable Kiri). We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to Clare (Kiri's slave) at Eat Stuff and add a "Weekend Cat Blogging" tag to your post.

Daily Farm Photo: 9/3/05

Photoshoot Inspector

Attention Cat Lovers! It's time for Weekend Cat Blogging #13!
Food Bloggers around the world unite each week and share pictures of our favorite felines. See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs. You'll find all the links to this week's entries at Eat Stuff in Australia (run by the adorable Kiri). We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to Clare (Kiri's slave) at Eat Stuff and add a "Weekend Cat Blogging" tag to your post.

Warning: This Tea May Disrupt Your Sleep

Innocent (this time) But Useless

I awoke with a start. I could hear water. Moving. Next to my head. Not good.

"Mol-LY!" I hissed. Silence.

Four-and-a-half-pound Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster) is able to daintily slip into places larger cats cannot. And she has an annoying habit of slinking onto my nightstand in the middle of the night, poking her tiny, furry face into the tall glass of water I always set there, and Thud! knocking it over. Glug, glug, glug.

Last night I took a tall, half-empty mug of Celestial Seasonings Honey Vanilla Chamomile Tea with me to bed instead of water. I figured I had slept through the thud. I sleepily pictured tea all over the floor.

More water sounds.

"Molly!"

I fumbled around for my itty bitty flashlight and pointed it toward the mug. Still upright. No Doodle. Splish-splash! Splish-splash! I leaned over and peered into the mug. A half-submerged mouse stared up at me. Oh brother.

I grabbed the mug, cupped one hand over the top so the mouse couldn't leap out, and padded to the front door, all the while thinking that I really should deposit the mouse very far from the house. I opened the front door, stepped onto the cement stoop, and dumped out the mug.

You'd think with seven cats around, a mouse wouldn't stand a chance here. And it doesn't--as long as it's outdoors. The outside cats regularly catch mice and voles and birds and lizards and giant scary moths. I once looked out onto the covered porch off the kitchen and saw Patchy Cat sitting there with a huge packrat tail hanging out of his mouth. In two seconds he had slurped it up like a piece of spaghetti. The inside cats catch naps.

I filled up a fresh glass with water and stumbled back to bed. Never a dull moment. At least I learned that you can catch more mice with honey. . .

Daily Farm Photo: 7/10/05

4-1/2 Pound Molly Doodlebug (aka The Doodle Monster)


Attention Cat Lovers!
Food Bloggers unite each week for Weekend Cat Blogging and share pictures of our favorite felines.
See cute cat photos and discover yummy food blogs.

We'd love to have you join us. Just send your permalink in a comment to me or to Clare at Eat Stuff
In the meantime, be sure to visit Kiri & Taffy at Eat Stuff and Kittaya, Lucky & Ace at Mahanandi
And welcome to Barbara, our new Cat Food Blogger! See Springheel Jack & Gummitch at Tigers & Strawberries