The tree and the stockings are up in the Cosy Cabin. It may be the tree’s last Yuletide: it comes with the lights already attached; they are still working well, but the tree itself is looking rather battered from two decades of being folded and stuffed into a box every January 6th. As well, it has suffered period dislocations due to cats, such as happened just last night. It comes in two pieces, the top, with its square peg, fitting into the bottom, with its square hole. The insert from the bottom seems to have gone missing, though, so it is now literally a square peg in a round hole. It fits - too loosely, and so is unstable. I may have a different tree next year.
In addition to knocking the tree over in the night, Valkyrie managed to throw half the stockings to the floor. When in their correct positions, the big one belongs to me. Those on the left, in descending order, belong to Imogen (the fancy sock, bequeathed indirectly from Tungsten); Neville, a relatively plain stocking for a no-nonsense cat; the next two for Brazil and Moxy, identical stockings despite their dissimilar personalities. Below mine on the right are those for Indigo, another feline who doesn’t like the fancy stuff; Sable, a thick stocking for outsider feet that may still be feeling the cold, and the smallest for Valkyrie.
We are ready for our first Christmas in the Cosy Cabin.
As an aside, some readers may note that I have now published more blog-entries this year than in any other. My first full year of the blog (2011) saw only 46 entries. The one being read right now is the 236th of 2024. I didn’t set out to write this many, and, when I first noticed the number I had posted a couple of months ago, thought I would fall short of last year’s total, which was fine with me. I write not for numbers but for content. But moving to a new home, having five fosters adopted, and hosting eight cats, one of whom is a kitten (two of them, until this week), gave me plenty to write about. I enjoy describing the lives of the cats who suffer me to live with them, and suspect that they, if they but knew, would be pleased to be the subjects of my writing. They are no doubt composing the content of the year’s final week’s blog-entries, even as I type this one.
It is looking very festive in the Cosy Cabin. We, your loyal readers have gained from the extra posts. I always look forward to hearing what is happening.
ReplyDeleteIt does look festive! I've always loved that you have stockings for each of the cats.
ReplyDeleteCheck thrift stores for a secondhand tree if you need to replace yours. I saw a 5ft one last weekend at Talize that actually was quite full and very nice. Of course it's hit and miss at thrift shops, you have to be willing to look and to be patient.
You've definitely had an eventful year, with much change! Hopefully 2025 won't include any significant upheaval.
The Cosy Cabin does look ready for the holidays. I especially like the stockings. I see Val helped you decorate, (or was it un-decorate??) John, your blog entries are always fun and informative, and I always enjoy reading about the antics of your kitties.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and the Cosy Cabin residents have a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are all ready for the big day! Merry Christmas to you and all of your wonderful kitties!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Xandria got adopted! A great way to have her first Christmas and for a Happy New Year for her and her new family.
It looks Cosy and festive at your new home. It is nice to have lots to talk about this year. Merry Christmas to you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you had so many entries this year to go along with so many of the cats that have come and gone the past 12 months. And of course your major move. I would say the tree has definitely become a tradition and it will be a shame to replace it but a new one next year will start a new tradition. Have a very merry Christmas and I hope a quiet week off work.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy each one of the blog entries! I hope you will feel like continuing that welcome trend. And the Cozy Cabin looks full on ready for the big day! Katie has her stocking up and she found another that she decided needed to be hung with care TOO! So she has two! One is already well stuffed! The little imp!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for all your blog posts! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe Cozy Cabin looks merry and bright. Merry Christmas to all, cats and man alike.
ReplyDeleteIt hadn't occurred to me that you've been posting more, but it does seem like there have been a lot more changes of residents than in previous years. And, again, merry Christmas to all of you. I hope Sable will realize what a wonderful holiday gift--a permanent home--she has been given.
ReplyDeleteIt's the emotions that the tree has witnessed, more than it's beauty.
ReplyDelete