Our dad, Mort Larson, died young of bone cancer at age 61. It just happens to be his birthday today so when an orange kitten showed up in the yard this morning, I immediately named him Morty. Yup, now we have Hazel and Morty. Ha!
I go to the barn in my bathrobe to just let the chickens out and Rick goes down later to feed and water them. As I walked back to the house, there was this orange kitten! WTH?????
He’s not tiny – like Minnie – probably 4 months old but the minute I picked him up and felt that kitten body I was in love. And Linda – how’s Minnie?
I wonder who’s going to die soon since their replacement has already arrived. Sigh.
Quite the discussion today about my three weeks of misery. I hope it’s over very soon.
This made my day –
Barb Onnen, an Iowa reader, sent it to me – it’s Hazel and me at the piano! I absolutely LOVE these old pictures and will happily add it to my collection of vintage dog photos hanging on the soffit. This is a really meaningful one since Hazel is in the picture, too. It’s hard to thank someone for a gift so perfect but thank you, Barb! I’m putting your mailing label on the back so I’ll remember where I got it.
It’s been quite a day – Morty completely changed it for me – where did he come from? Who put him in my yard? How can people do this? What if I didn’t love cats? And remember when Three arrived? I was going to have him put down because I simply couldn’t take in any more cats – nobody stepped up to rescue him either – they just made me feel bad when I didn’t want to be the rescuer again. And then people are so shocked when I tell them I have 6, now 7, housecats and two more that prefer the barn. And frankly if another one shows up tomorrow I’ll have 8 housecats.
I think a glass of wine would be appropriate right now. I’ve had two more inquiries about American Harvest today – I’m not answering either one.
I wonder where Morty will sleep tonight.
P.S. please don’t forget your cards to the birthday girls!
Oh, golly! Is anyone else having sympathy itching from Mary’s hives? Just the thought of hives makes me want to scratch and I’ve only had them once when I was pregnant and ate strawberries and tomatoes in the same week. My son never did eat tomatoes unless they were in lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza sauce, so I blame the hives on him! Ha-ha! I hope the misery ends soon.
You have such a tender heart Mary, no doubt the animals sense it. Morty is a handsome kitty with such a sweet story behind his name. He certainly seems to fit right in–on Keeper’s chair, at the sewing machine, on your rocker, and Hazel doesn’t seem to mind, either! If I ever have cats again, I’ll name them Kip and Evie in honor of my parents. Kris in WI.
Kris – so glad I’ve inspired you to name your next two cats Kip and Evie! Everyone has adjusted well it seems – I’m not sure why this is so easy.
I agree with the others who said orange tabbies are the sweetest, friendliest cats. I also happen to think they’re drop dead gorgeous. No, I don’t understand why anyone thinks it’s ok to just drop off a cat or kitten in the country instead of taking them to a rescue shelter. But on purpose or not, they picked a good place to drop off sweet little Morty. I hope he brings you a lot of love.
You are one wonderful lady!!! 🙂
Oh that kitten! It’s a good thing I don’t live on a farm. I can’t believe how it gets along with the others already. He truly was someone’s cat. We had cats for 35 years and loved them. After the last, and we were retired, we had no more cat sitters for when we wanted to travel. So, we just support the animal rescue to try to make up for it. Or go visit our daughter and their cats! As for your hives – yuck! But you aren’t alone as you know. Our daughter had surgery late spring and also ended up with hives and BIG welts! I guess instead of coming out of anesthesia violently like usual, the hives came out! So glad you got some relief and praying ALL of this is behind you now!
Morty is so beautiful. I love orange tabbies. Our orange kitties were always named Julius. He is sure a lucky cat. He will have a loving home.
Marie! We always had cats on our farm as well! We always named our orange-marmalade cats Toby, and over the years we had a few! Plus, black and whites were BW…all our kids had a cat, and we had a dog too..I loved the cats.
Marie – another tiny stray orange tabbie was OJ, too! Years ago.
It is difficult enough to have surgery, but surgery with hives is unacceptable. So sorry, Mary. Vent all you want!!!
Morty is adorable. Apparently, he made himself at home in about ten minutes. How could anyone dump a cuddly little thing like that?
I hope the hives leave soon. Take care, 🥰
Mary I love that you have a new beautiful cat. So pretty and would be the type of cat I would want. Your picture gifted to you is perfect.
On the hive have you questioned the type of bandage they uses for your incision. My daughter breaks out and blisters if bandaids are left on too long. Before her surgeries they had her test the bandages to make sure she wasn’t going to break out. Just a thought. Take care and know we are grateful for the blog.
Rita – my 6 incisions were glued shut and I didn’t have any bandages. I’m questioning the use of cleanser over my abdomen during surgery – can’t go back. It is what it is. Just hoping I’m on the downside. Years ago when I did estrogen replacement therapy with sticky circles I became very allergic to them, too.
September 29th is a special day: Mary got some relief; Morty arrived; Mary’s dad, Mort was born; and my great grandparent’s wedding was that day in 1864. I was given 6 glasses, about 20 years ago from a second cousin, they received as a gift on their 50th anniversary in 1914 – a treasure. This cousin deemed they should be given to me as I was their youngest grandchild.
Mary, I’m glad you are on the mend and get to the bottom of the cause very soon.
Jan
Morty’s arrival is not a coincidence. He was clearly meant to lift your spirits and to join your wonderful household of fur friends. He clearly knew how to fit in. And orange tabbies are always so friendly in my experience. I hope your hives continue to abate and no new complications have appeared. I’m trying to make a quilt to give to a friend who is about to start chemo. It’s just a series of strips in a simple pattern. But I am always surprised how many ways that can still be screwed up. I am using my portable Janome so I can sew upstairs in the daylight. The seam allowance kept changing. I finally looked up the manual to find out that this relatively simple machine had a way to move the needle position which I keep inadvertently hitting. I guess I need to use this machine more often. 😁
Mary, It definitely sounds as if you could be allergic to something. I don’t know if you could be tested for allergic reaction to iodine or whatever but it sure would be nice to know if that’s it so you could avoid it in the future. Take care of yourself.
I bet Hank and Morty will be fast friends!!
Hanksters mom – for sure!!! They’re even sorta the same color and Morty wants to be friends with everybody – just like Hank!!
I got my cards in the mail yesterday. I hope you will be over all this misery soon. Maybe God knew you needed Morty as a distraction. Enjoy him.
Dale – yes, I think God did know I needed a distraction. And Morty is definitely that – ha!
Years ago as a kid, one morning we found the smallest little pink pig sitting on the root cellar door! We lived in the country….our nearest neighbor did not have hogs, but manyin the area did…this was the time of small self sustainable farms. We found a box, put the pig in it behind the cook stove, and named her Sally. Sally grew too big for the box but too small for the barnyard so she was given the run of the yard where she was adopted by our two Beagles. The doghouse accommodated all 3. When we stood at the driveway waiting for the school bus, 2 dogs and a pig waited. In the afternoon, the same trio sat sentry awaiting our return. When Sally grew she eventually was kept in the barnyard, and became “livestock”, no longer our pet. A reality of farm life.
Hope you’re feeling better soon ,Mary. For sure don’t feel like you need to do it all! Take care of Yourself first and foremost.
thanks for reminising a sweet childhood memory
Hello, Morty! You are beautiful! It looks like you made yourself at home and made friends quickly.
Morty is a great gift to lift your spirits. It’s so easy to fall in love with a kitten and especially a cute little orange one, but I’m not picky, I love all cats and dogs, horses, donkeys, you name it! One reason why – they only want love and food and a nice place to be safe from harm. The don’t ask for much more, never complain and worry us sick if we know they don’t feel good. Enjoy Morty, you can never have too much animal love, it’s pure and honest! Doesn’t come with conditions. And give him a kiss from me!
Minnie Lou is great. Talk about giving love, she loves my kisses and gives me kisses back. The cutest is when I walk up to her when she is in her new tower, she reaches out for me and puts her little nose to my face like she is kissing me back. I couldn’t love her more. And she and Olivia have become friends, whenever Olivia feels like playing. They share their food from time to time. Betty sits up high and watches as Minnie runs around like a streak of lightning but I did catch grumpy Betty playing a little with Minnie when Minnie was in Betty’s tunnels on the floor. I am going to text you recent pictures of Minnie who now weighs 2 1/2 pounds and is into everything! The last photos I sent you must have gotten mixed up in all your other mail. Just ask, I have plenty pics of Miss Minnie Lou! Blessings always.
What a special day to receive a special cat! Love Morty and it looks like he is not afraid of dogs! I use to work at a vet many, many years ago and the orange male cats almost always were the friendliest cats. Two strays were adopted to be part of the back area, they were the best, always ready to give us love especially when it was a difficult day, they were always there to give hugs!
What a perfect picture Barb sent you, how thoughtful of her!
Hope you feel better soon!
So sorry to hear that you recovery is not going so well. I missed yesterday’s blog but got caught up today. I hope the new cream will help. I love Morty. What a cute name and cute kitty. Looks like he has made himself right at home cozying up to Keeper and your sewing machine. He knows a good home when he sees one. That picture of the dog and little girl at the piano is perfect for for you. A very thoughtful gift. I hope you know how much your blog means to all of us. Thank you.
So sorry to hear that you recovery is not going so well. I missed yesterday’s blog but got caught up today. I hope the new cream will help. I love Morty. What a cute name and cute kitty. Looks like he has made himself right at home cozying up to Keeper and your sewing machine. He knows a good home when he sees one. That picture of the dog and little girl at the piano is perfect for for you. A very thoughtful gift. I hope you know how much your blog means to all of us. Thank you.
Morty chose well! It’s as though he knew he would be loved and cared for with you.
You remembering your dad made me remember mine, so I shed a few tears, but quickly remembered what a wonderful man he was.
I do pray that you get to a much better place physically. I feel as though our health “care” system is a mess, and I greatly fear having to have any surgery now. You’ve surely been through the wringer and back again.
Cards have been sent to those lovely ladies. Thanks again for doing this ministry.
Hello everyone! Mary, I think Morty looks like he chose the right place to make his forever home. He already looks like one of the pack. 😍 I’m so glad the prednisone is helping. I always think of it as miracle medicine and always feel better when I take it. Hives are no fun. The picture you received is fabulous! What a nice surprise. You are loved! Make it a great day!
Mary I honestly think your calling in life is to write and take care of animals.
You know I love your new kitty.
We are your friends and true friends don’t judge whether it’s how many animals you have, nor how rotten you feel. It’s loyalty to whom we share friendship with.
Good morning Mary. Your story this morning with your Dad and the yellow cat appearing today touched my heart. I too lost my dad to a brain tumor he was 61 30 years ago. Doesn’t seem possible. And now a yellow kitten arriving makes my day. He is beautiful. Thank you for having a kind heart. I too have 10 cats all rescues who just showed up at the farm. Anyways know your blog touches my heart everyday and I appreciate you taking the time each day to reach out to us. Hope your health continues to improve.
Sandra – so obviously you’re a drop off place, too. Why do people just think other people in the country want an unlimited number of cats? I always say my cats are not beautiful like some – why doesn’t someone leave a drop dead gorgeous one? Haha!
What a sweet cat! Marty will be a valued member of your family. I’m just fInishing my third crocheted lap throw to give away. I’ll send a picture of it. We’re waiting for the two hurricanes to whirl their way away from the east coast. We’re getting some much needed rain from Imelda, so it’s not all bad. We’re feeling sad for the people of Southport, NC where three people lost their lives to a shooter, and the people in Michigan who had a similar tragedy. This country was founded on compromise, yet now it’s a dirty word. Compromise is always better than violence.
Frances – such violent events in the news every single day! It has become normal so I don’t watch the news much. I also hate politics so there’s another reason not to watch. I have seen the two hurricanes though – glad you got the rain and not the storm.
I love your new kitten Morty and it looks like he is making himself at home. He knows a good home when he sees it. I was feeding/watering 3 adult cats and 5 kittens earlier this summer but am now down to one mama and one kitten. I put a bed and some toys by the food dishes and the mama cat lays in the bed watching her kitten play with the toys. Gaylen thinks there’s a sign at the end of our driveway saying “all cats stop here.”
I cringed when you said Prednisone was prescribed for your hives – I can’t take prednisone because I break out in hives!!! Hives are miserable. I’m glad you’re getting better.
Gloria – I’m grateful I can take Prednisone because I would have been bloody by this time without it. Yes, I think that sign is by my place, too. Did something get your other cats you were feeding? Are you finished with the carpet? What a job!!
Carpet is finished. I’m not sure where my cats went. My neighbor across the road feeds the cats too so maybe they went there. Sometimes Caitlin goes to the door and shrieks at them – it scares them away for a couple of days.
They say God gives you what he knows you can handle. God has graced you with Morty. I thank him for you , for being in his life, and giving him a good home. I’ve had many animals in my life time. All but four, were what I call throw always. They wondered into my life which I would not have want any other way. Morty breaks my heart, because he looks like Augie, that came to me starved. I tried to save him. I had him only for two months, and I still cry because I miss him.
somehow or another I missed that you are still dealing with hives that are somehow associated with your surgery. Were you bathed in iodine ??? For some reason some medical persons do not associate and iodine allergy with the Betadine the swab patients with. I will not bore you with my experience that leads me to wonder if this is the source of your hives.
My parents were also softies for the kitten dumpers and were feeding 40 dropoffs at one point. When it became a safety issue for possible stumbling an uncle helped find homes and spread the word they were no longer receiving them.
Brenda – I wrote early in the day and that’s probably why you missed the post. Iodine? I have no idea. Evidently you have had this experience and you would not bore me with your story. I have experienced hives a few other times in my life and I frankly think they’re harder to endure than pain.
Brenda, that is an intriguing possibility. They do use a lot of iodine.
Hi Mary, what a beautiful cat!He has made himself right at home,a message from your dad! Stella,s birthday tomorrow, 8 years old, so we are going to dinner where they have a robot server to carry the meals at Stella,s request. Take care everyone ,best wishes from Sandy
Sandy – I think I’ve seen pictures from you in the past taken at the robot cafe. I can’t believe that gorgeous little Stella is 8.
Mary – I feel for you and all your discomfort. As far as I’m concerned, it’s okay to bitch about it. I complain all the time but I’m alone so I complain to myself. I hate being alone. I never lived around my family for 42 years. I saw them occasionally. Now that I’ve moved closer to them, it’s the same – I see them occasionally. I’m actually considering moving back to the town I lived in for 36 years.
Lucky you to get a beautiful picture in the mail and a cat on the same day. Morty looks like he’s already made himself at home.
Take care everyone.
Sharon G – I have a new theory that I think you’ll understand. Not being able to have kids was heartbreaking but I’m thinking it might be worse to have kids who then don’t have time for you in their lives. I have a young friend who has “moved on” and I know how hurtful it’s been but also part of life. I think that’s why I like recognizing these older ladies with a birthday card.
How wonderful to receive two gifts on a day when you could use some cheering up .. the great picture of you and Hazel, and then Morty finding you! Morty looks like he’s already made friends, and made himself at home. I hope he tucks himself into your bed tonight, if Hazel and you will allow it. He really looks like a sweetheart! I hope you feel better soon. Does anyone know (or have a good guess) what could be causing your hives? About 25-ish years ago, I started getting hives when I was out walking, on my bare arms or bare legs. It seems I had become allergic to the cold (and it didn’t have to very cold)! It seems to be exercise-induced, like asthma. I still get it now and then … a good reason to stay in and quilt, lol! I’m not suggesting that’s the cause of your hives, just offering you a laugh about mine! Have a great week, and keep us updated on Morty’s adventures.
Candy – exercise induced hives! I love it! Good enough reason for me – ha,!
Oh, Candy! That’s a Real Thing — it is a condition called “Cold Hives”! I get them too; when I go out to shovel snow or whathaveyou, I get so overheated that I start peeling off layers of clothes. Any skin exposed to the cold is soon covered in hives.
I’m allergic to just about everything; as a child, I was a Test Case for a research study on allergies. I’m lucky that I wasn’t locked in the house until I grew up LOL Allergies are the reason that I love baseball so much—all summer I stayed inside on Sunday afternoons with my Grandpa and watched baseball while all of the cousins were sent outside to amuse themselves.
And, Mary, just for the record — hives are definitely one of the Inner Rings of H*ll. The WORST. Just as soon as you think that maybe finally they are gone, they rebound for another little visit.
Morty has made himself right at home, accepted by Hazel and Keeper and helping you sew right away! . What a sweetie. I love the picture Barb sent you. It really is perfect. I am so sorry you have been suffering with hives and discomfort post surgery. Three weeks is definitely misery. Thank you for letting us know, now we know how to pray for you! I will be sending birthday cards to Irene and Jean. They look amazing! Let us know if Morty is a lap cat! Cheers 🍷🍺
Morty sure looks like a friendly cat. I hope he and Hazel get along.
The only thing that gets dumped off here is squirrels. They are destructive so we trap them and take them back to town. They drive Loretta crazy.
That picture of you and Hazel playing the piano is precious. I’m sure she helps you practice.
How precious Mary, a new kitten to take your mind off your worries. Enjoy.
Hope the next few weeks will be much better that the last
Take care
Cats arrive in mysterious ways. My father brought me a kitten from a farm he made a service call at. The farm was over 20 miles away from our house. My mother didn’t do house animals so it was a barn cat. Pop always put on his work boots while sitting on the porch and the cat would help. One morning the cat was sitting on the porch and just ran away as he came out of the house. This happened several times over the next couple of weeks. Pop could not figure out why the cat was friendly one day and ran away the next. Imagine his surprise when he went out one morning and found TWO cats on the porch! The were identical in size and mask and mantle markings; an unusual coloration. We checked with the neighbors about missing cats, no one had lost frack of a cat. Pop hadn’t been back to the other farm so it wasn’t a stowaway. So just thank your dad for the new cat and hope it doesn’t turn into two cats.
So sorry to hear about your hives and hope you get over them quickly. My husband would suggest an internal analgesic; also known as the “Irish Cure”.