Be On The Lookout

This Lewis sounds like my kind of cat. That said, I also am glad he doesn't live with me!

Biting, scratching, terrorizing, ambushing the Avon lady ... oh my! And as a result, it appears Lewis has received a citation by Fairfield, Connecticut officials. One lady says in an article on Yahoo news that Lewis has six toes on each foot ... and they are "formidable weapons." Go to the article to see his picture and to read more. Thanks, MegMcB, for sending this to me.

He's now under house arrest, according to the article. I suggest he takes up blogging to release some of that frustration and anger. What do you think?

You're My Angel

Came home the other day to find this little figurine in my box. A pleasant surprise. It is from Joyce. Although I haven't seen her in almost 20 years, Joyce always has been a mentor, coach, leader, inspiration, guider, and friend.

During my four or so years in Stillwater (it took me a little longer than others), I was totally a nerd and spent more time in church than I ever did at bars or partying. Joyce was the director of college programs at the church I attended. Good ol' UHBC. I loved that church. I learned much from that community. I still apply a great deal of that in my life even today.

I've done my best to always send Joyce a birthday greeting each February. In this year's note, I mentioned losing Ep. Just a few days after sending off her card this item arrived. This Willow Tree Angel is titled "With affection ... I love our friendship!"

Looking Forward To It

The headline is nothing but sarcasm.

It's believed that gasoline prices could top $3 this summer. Just the thought of it is so nice. I can't wait. Just so very much looking forward to it. Can you tell I'm really getting psyched up about the whole idea?

Maybe I'll consider purchasing a scooter. I hear those monsters can get up to 100 miles to a gallon. I can totally see myself tooling down Bruce R. Watkins Highway or trekking on 435. Actually, I think if my Eppy was here she'd let me know I'm more of a Harley dude. A bike with flames on it. I'm sure of it.

Overpopulation

Have had a great time with George and Stanley the last few days. They love to run nonstop around my back yard. Lots of wrestling and tag too. There also was some hole digging. They head south of the river to their home this evening.

Went to Kansas City's "Home Show" yesterday. I felt overwhelmed. It was like walking into a Wal-Mart, something I do my best never to do unless I absolutely must. While there, I did see several people I haven't seen in ages. That was nice. Wayside Waifs, Forever Friends and other agencies had booths. Of course I took a few moments to provide some lovin' to a few little furries. Even felt a little drawn to one in particular. You never know.

While taking MegMacB to the airport Saturday morning we passed a corner with a few various bank locations. She commented that she can't believe there is such a need to have so many banks. I didn't think about it then but later thought to myself that there's likely quite a few people who wonder why there's such a need to have so many lawyers. Well, surely no one really wonders do they?

It's WW S & S

Want to see some top-notch wrestlers? I'm telling you, these two are for sure good enough for a scholarship to wrestle at a big-time college. Of course, I want them to be Cowboys, but they might be better suited for Panthers, Wildcats or Tigers.

Go to "Tails of Two Kitties" to see an awesome wrestling picture. While there, it's worth it to also read Strider's great story and how he met Smeagol.

Not Much To It

There's nothing to report. Providing this post just to keep in touch. However, there's nothing inspirational or landmark to share. I was away from home essentially for 10 days and am just now starting to feel caught up and back to a routine. That's always a nice feeling.

George and Stanley are coming to stay with me this weekend. That will be fun. They are great companions to MegMacB and always very entertaining. Gassy, but entertaining nonetheless. I also am hoping to paint my dining room. I found a great cinnamon gold paint at Lowe's. Might also do the granite technique with crystals.

Haven't forgotten getting picked. It's still going to happen. I check Wayside occasionally and other places. You'll be the first I tell when there's a major development.

Basketball games start back on Thursday.

No. 34

My Cowboys were victorious, securing the school's fourth consecutive and 34th overall national wrestling title. It really is very exciting. We have won more titles than any other Division I college. However, we entered the national tournament this year not as the favorite. That made the team victory even sweeter.

You must check out Derby showing off some of his most fantastic "rassling" moves. Or in this post, third pic down, you'll see Sammy and Miles Meezer in a friendly match. These two claim they're hugging. Looks like a wrestling hold to me. All are great wrestlers, I'm sure. Merlin and Ko Ko had some smackdown action in February. While searching for their wrestling match photo, I also came across some rats (Ford and Arthur) tooling around in a pink VW.

My Ep loved to wrestle with feather dusters or toys with feathers. She also often showed off some wrestling-type moves when wriggling in some sunlight streaming in through a door or window. Sometimes I would tease her and wrestle her a bit with my hand, but one good swat with a claw and she quickly reminded me who ruled the mat. She never had a pink VW, though!

Only 16 teams left in the NCAA basketball tournament. Is your team still playing? There's two tigers and one wildcats team. Lots of dog types - bulldogs, huskies, huskies and, I think, hoyas. Not certain what is a bruin. A dog? The rest are mountaineers, longhorns, braves, shockers, patriots, eagles, gators and some sort of blue devils. Hmmm?

Being Green

Just a quick post to wish you a great St. Patrick's Day. Hope you got to enjoy something green today. Generally, the day also means that Spring is just around the corner. Can't wait!

Also want to point out that while all attention is on NCAA basketball, my Cowboys currently are leading the team standings at the national wrestling championships. Yes, I said wrestling. It really is a Division I college sport, and OSU just happens to have won the last three national titles.

In honor, I challenge each of you to post a picture of you showing off some of your best wrestling moves. I'm going to check you blogs over the next few days!

It's Over

The college basketball season ended for my OSU Cowboys. The team lost it's NIT opening-round game. Final score: 62 to 59, losing to the Miami Hurricanes. Oh well. Someone's got to lose. I'm looking forward to rooting on the various Panthers, Lions, Tigers, Wildcats or others that might grab my fancy.

The Other Tournament

My team didn't make it to the NCAA tournament this year. I guess my memories of the excitement of a Final Four trip two years ago, and Chicago and the Sweet Sixteen last year will just have to linger. MegMacB told me via e-mail that she recently came across a Polaroid I sent her once of my monster wearing an orange boa. The pic is captioned "Go Pokes!"

I tell you, that Eponine loved her some OSU basketball. She got into the hype of the success of the last two years just as much an any other crazy and loyal alum.

Hope your team is in the NCAA and does well. Do you have your picks done for an office contest? My Cowboys start NIT action Wednesday night, traveling to Miami to play the Hurricanes. I'll be on a plane traveling home and will miss the game. Hope we win!

Click on the bracket above for a larger view of the NIT. Print it out and see if you can get anyone at work to have a contest with the NIT bracket. Be prepared to have someone laugh at you.

We Are The World

Sunday night, March 12, Kansas City's "38 the Spot" television station will host "Sit. Stay. Pledge." It's a pet telethon to help Kansas City’s homeless animals get a second chance at life. Specifically, the telethon benefits The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. I hear there will even be talent segments with various creatures performing and entertaining. I bet it will a great show.

They of course accept web donations. Give if you can or so desire. There's a chance for some awesome prizes. Or, just take this as encouragement to stop by your local shelter and maybe donate some treats and a dollar or two. And for those of you not needing any encouragment because you go all the time (and I know that's likely many of you), thank you!

Brackets

It's that time of year when college basketball fans across the U.S. obsess on "tournament action." It's a fun time, especially when games are close and exciting. It's always fun to watch an "upset victory" by some school none of us has ever heard of. Except for when they're beating your school.

My Eponine loved basketball time. She knew I was captive in front of the television. She'd watch me intently from the stairs or from the floor in front of the tv, coming up close for an occasional head rub. However, she hated my occasional outbursts, claps or screams when the good guys (Cowboys, of course) nailed a three-pointer or got called for a bad foul. She'd jump up and dash out of the room each time.

Dallas is the site for this year's Big 12 Conference Tournament. VMc, Ronda and I have been going to the Big 8/12 tournaments since 1992. I think OSU or OU has made it to the finals every year. At least it seems. I've been going longer than that, with my first in 1988. Always a fun time win or lose. The tournament has been in KC for many years, and returned last year. But this year and in 2003 and 2004 it was in Dallas. Next year will be in OKC.

Here's hoping the bounce of the ball, the ref's call, and the winning score goes your direction today. Regardless of the outcome, have fun!

A Flea In Her Ear

Probably as much or maybe even more than how much my little monster - and many others out there - love moist food, this Cowboy loves some Westport Flea Market. The place has the absolute best burgers. It's a fun and interesting place too. Plus, there's Ms. Pac Man with 5 monsters and a Tommy pinball machine too.

It was all coming to end. My Eponine talked about The Flea's pending closure in a November post. Additionally, I discovered a post on blogkc.com on the same subject. A Hooter's was inevitable for Westport, one of KC's most popular "party areas."

First started hearing gossip on the street a few weeks ago. The official announcement was March 3, while today marked the first day of the new life for Kansas City's Flea. That's great news! This favorite hangout for many Kansas Citians is staying open! Some cool cat named Joe Zwillenberg bought the place. He says nothing is going to change.

My Eppy would be shakin' that tail just seeing the excitement of her crazy Cowboy. She likely also would be glad that the chances remain slim that this Cowboy will be making a visit to a Hooter's any time soon.

Daisy And Derby Are It

I've avoided coming to visit because I did not want to be the one making the number turn to four zeroes. Took a chance and it was at 10,023!

Thanks to all who visited. According to comments, Daisy and Derby are it. They are the culprits causing the ten thousandth ticker. Somehow it was a tie. And Daisy is new. Or at least a first time commenter, if I recall correctly. Daisy, do you have a blog? Who do you keep captive?

Will you two please send an e-mail directly to littlemonster_eponine@hotmail.com. Be sure to include your home addresses. This cowboy's been doing some shopping!

One more time, thank you!

Are You No. 10,000?

Can't believe that "Wild Life Of A Little Monster" is nearing 10,000 clicks. Just yesterday, I swear, my little monster was all giddy over 100 clicks. Back then she checked her blog nonstop and estimated that 78 of the 100 likely were her.

She sure had a wild life. One that was very happy, exciting and full of love. I go back and fondly read her opinions, thoughts and other ramblings. To admit that I still miss her I know is nothing that you don't already know about me. Just the other day Shelly L gave me a little wood-carved, cat Christmas ornament that she had purchased in early December but never felt quite right giving it to me until now. Personalized and dated, it will long be another cherished reminder of my Eponine.

Again, I find myself full of gratitude to each of you that check in, read along, and comment as I express my various opinions, thoughts and other ramblings. My little monster would be glad to know you're here with me.

Check the counter over there on the right. Please provide a comment and your e-mail if you are No. 10,000! I just checked and it's at 9,922.

A Day In The Life

The following was an e-mail forwarded to me. It made me chuckle enough that I knew it was blog worthy. If you haven't already received it, I bet someone will forward the e-mail to you in the next day or two. It's likely making the rounds.
-----------------------------------------------
As seen in a dog's diary:

7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!
7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!
8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!
11 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!
************************************************

As seen in a cat's diary:

-Day 183 of my captivity... My captors continued to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal.
-The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing the furniture.
-Tomorrow I may eat another house plant. Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded - must try this at the top of the stairs.
-In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair - must try this on their bed.
-Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable, and try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, not working according to plan.
-There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard that my confinement was due to my powers of inducing "allergies." Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.
-I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.
-The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.
-I can wait; it is only a matter of time.