Farewell Percy

Our dear Percy (Perseverance) left us early yesterday morning, December 17, 2019.  Ir was not unexpected but he was a great loss.  Not only because he was greatly loved, but because he was the last of the original Funny Farmers.  The house seems so quiet.  Even Marcus the Mouth is subdued.

Back around 2003 - 2006, the FFs arrived here, one by one, from a variety of sources.  They grew old and passed away, one by one.  Each one is missed, as is Percy!  I was greatly blessed to be able to have them in my life.  They were a handful and a lot of work, but they sure could make me laugh.  I hope they have given you some smiles and laughs over the years, too..

Marcus, Micah and Taylor started arriving about 2013.  That's a big age gap from the original FFs.  They are just as precious and loved.

I, too, have aged and sitting at the computer to type or to visit has become harder and harder because of back and neck pain, especially this year, 2019.  That's why there have been so few posts and visits from us.  I don't know what 2020 will hold, and I seem to have lost the "voice" of the FFs.  Oh, there might be an occasional post.  "Withdrawal" is tough! 

Buddy started blogging in early 2005 when he wasn't even 2 months old yet,.  I'm grateful for the few who have kept in touch despite our absence. 

We did post on Marcus's birthday and Taylor's Gotcha Day earlier this month because Ingrid sent us a lovely graphic for it.  Mom Ingrid, Pipo, Dalton, and Benji also sent a beautiful graphic for Marcus' Gotcha Day, which was December 11.  We are late posting it.  Thank you, Ingrid. 

Percy Turns Fifteen

It is so hard to believe dear Percy turns 15 years old today.  He was so tiny when Merci rescued him.  I thought he was a bird.  He chirped for a time, so he was temporarily named Birdie.  If he had not persevered until I believed Merci was correct and that chirping in the bush was actually a kitten, he would never have been rescued.  Perseverance was the perfect name for him.  Percy for short.

Happy birthday, from all of us.  You are still the same sweet, persevering cat we've always known to you be.

We were quite worried about you when you kept falling off the air conditioning unit, landing on the floor below, and determinedly going right back to lay there until you fell off again.  It was such a relief when you finally realized there is now an old desk by a front window where you can enjoy watching people and traffic without getting hurt.  We love you and hope you will have a good day lounging on your desk window perch. 


****************

Our last post was in January and it was a sad one.  I was sick with the flu and a high temperature the day Cyndi left for the bridge and for the last months have been having back and health problems.  I have no energy.  But Percy is the last of the original Funny Farmers and he deserves a celebration post.

Some sweet bloggers sent cards for Cyndi and have never been acknowledged.  We would like to do so now.

                                                          By Ann of Zoolatry.

                                               By Pipo, Dalton & mom Ingrid.

                                           By Alasandra, the Cats and the Dogs (atcad).

Thank you, ladies, for the lovely cards in memory of our dear Cyndi.  We apologize for being so long in sharing them. 

Farewell Cyndi

Cyndi, my beautiful calico matriarch, left us this morning.  It was not unexpected, yet it was still a shock.  She did know when I was near, and she loved to cuddle.  . 

It is a bitterly cold day.  At least to me.  Perhaps because on top of other health problems I have been going through these past months, I now have a respiratory illness and a fever.  I am in layers with a winter coat and freezing.  It's been quiet here today except for Percy occasionally crying. 

Just 5 days ago, I learned Barkley had passed away.  (Farewell Barkley)  He would have been a Funny Farmer if we hadn't already had the city limit of dogs (3).  Merci left us the end of June and Rusty in September.  Percy is now the only original furry sibling and he will turn 15 in July. 

Our numbers are dwindling.  I knew the day would come when they would most likely start passing away closer together.  It's one thing to think "someday", another to arrive there.  But I wouldn't trade my time with any of them for anything.  Each one has been special.

Mr. Doug dropped by to pick up something of his today and very kindly took Cyndi's body to bury next to Merci.  As with Buddy, Cyndi was returned to where I first saw her.  She was such a tiny kitten with a huge wad of long, fine fur, living in Mr. Doug's engine hiding from his self-appointed " hunting" dog that wanted to make her the next meal. 

Sorry, but today there is no pretense of fun with this post.  I am sick and sad and hurting. 

I hope you all have a great week.  I'm going to continue our break and have no idea when or even if we will return. 

Jan
with Percy, Micah, Marcus & Taylor

Farewell Barkley

Cyndi:  Farewell, Barkley.  Most of you guys won't remember remember him.  He was before your time.

Percy:  I remember meeting Barkley.  He was a pup trapped inside a local mill being torn down.  The building was inside a locked gate, but the foreman at the time helped Jan rescue him.  She brought him home and the local Humane Society helped with his vet bill.

Cyndi:  And then Jan found him a home.  He had a large fenced area to run and other dogs to play with. 

Percy:  Jan used to visit him occasionally, but after her old car died, she had no way to go by.  Mr. Doug would often see him, so she was aware of how he was doing.

Cyndi:  Mr. Doug called today to tell her Barkley died this morning.

Percy:  He did have a good life.  I'm sad for his loss and also because at that time the Funny Farm was in it's heyday.  You and I, Cyndi, are the only funny farmers left from that era.

Cyndi:  Do you remember how jealous angel Sam was when Jan brought Barkley home?  He was so afraid she would keep him.  Sam always had to be the center of attention.

Percy:  I understand Barkley was a good dog.  He once lived here for a few days, so it's only right he should have a memorial post.

Cyndi:  I know so many believe in the Rainbow Bridge.  We don't, but if we did, wouldn't it be ironic if Sam was the one to meet Barkley and show him around?  


Jan:  Sorry, we're still on hiatus.  I have been unable to do much of anything for a while and need more time to get back on my feet.  

Thanks From Angel Rusty

Cyndi:  We want to thank all of you who have left a message regarding Rusty - on our blog, on Facebook or in an email.  We appreciate each one.  We want to respond but haven't accomplished much this last week.  

Percy:  Last week we posted that Rusty left us on Wednesday.  (Farewell Rusty)  Two days short of a year since Buddy passed and three days short of three months since we lost Merci, and later we realized it was almost to the day when Rusty came to live with us twelve years ago. 

Cyndi:  His death has sobered things up around here.  The other day devoted enemies Percy and Micah met at the kibble bowl and touched noses instead of trying to kill each other. 

Percy:  It has sent Marcus deeper into separation anxiety.  We're not sure if he's afraid he is going to disappear next or if Jan will, but he is not just "under her feet" and tripping her any more, he is actually under her feet and walking under her feet.  When she sits down, he crawls between the chair and her feet and when she walks she can't always avoid stepping on his paws..  He will not go outside by himself and Jan has to go with him. 

Cyndi:  I can't blame him.  He will turn 5 years old in November.  In the past 3 1/2 years of his life, five of our crew have left - Cameron, Sam, Buddy, Merci and Rusty.  He wasn't around for the other past members.

Percy:  That's what happens when nearly all the crew grows old at the same time.  It means extra  work for Jan.  You and I are the last of the old timers and we've slowed down.  Oh, and Jan.  She's an old timer too. 

Cyndi:  I hope if something happens to Jan, we won't be expected to bury her.  She couldn't even make a dent in the dry ground and she has opposing thumbs to handle the tools.  Mr. Doug offered to take care of the burial (THANK YOU, Mr. Doug!) and Rusty now rests near Merci.

  Percy:  This card is from Mom Ingrid, Pipo & Dalton.

 Cyndi:  And this graphic was made by Ann of Zoolatry. 

Percy:  The Eastside Cats honored him with a post.   (https://eastsidecats.blogspot.com/2018/09/farewell-angel-rusty.html)

Cyndi:  As did Loulou.   (https://www.livingwithloulou.com/adieu-rusty/)

Percy:  Thank you, dear friends.  We'll return soon.

Cyndi:  I hear Jan trying to coax Marcus outside again.  Let's go watch the show.

Percy:  No, I'll pass.  I hate re-runs. 

Farewell Rusty

Our sweet, gentle giant Rusty (Russet) left us early Wednesday morning.  He had been "winding down" for some time so it was not unexpected, but we are heartbroken.  He was a big cuddle boy and loved to snuggle.  His one bad habit was getting overly excited about being brushed and nipping. 

We have mentioned a number of times Jan originally adopted him from the local shelter for her mother (whom we called Miss Mother) with their Thanksgiving dinner funds.  He was the best holiday investment they could have made.  He had no fear of Miss Mother's wheelchair and fit right in with our crew after her death. 

We have lost several of our own over our blogging years.  Each one has been rough!  Friday, September 28th, it will be one year since we lost Buddy.  Merci left us this year on June 29th.  It's been a hard year.  We apologize for not keeping our word to post the answer to the mystery of Locked Door Motor Running tomorrow, but we are going to take a break for a few days and will post it when we return.

Temp Apts 4 Thru 7

Percy: This was temporary apartment 4.  It was compact (at least I couldn't get stuck inside it) and a bit higher than some of the former ones. It was light and airy, near food and water and had enough of a "yard" to have a small party.  A drawback was that it was too close to the noisy neighbors that drove me out of my favorite cabinet.

Welcome back to the saga of my search for a new apartment.  Last week I showed you Temporary Apartment 3.  This week I will do a fast tour of numbers 4 through 7.  Remember, I am a cat and apartment hunting is not unusual. 

I was relaxing when Jan entered the kitchen and yelled, "Get off my dish drainer!  It's reserved for clean dishes.

"I'm clean," I countered.

"But you're a CAT!"

So I moved onto a storage shelf.  Here I am surrounded by bags.  I'm not a plastic bag, so I moved upstairs to the next shelf.

Number 5 was a plastic-lined wicker basket.  It was okay, but not great.  When Hurricane Jan blew through and turned it upside down, I was forced to move next door to number 6.  I removed all her junk in the way (kicked to the floor) and was fairly comfortable there for a couple of days.  But then I discovered the penthouse apartment, otherwise known as number 7.  There was enough room for me to stretch.  (See my foot and tail sticking out. Click on photo to enlarge if you can't read it.)

This penthouse wicker basket was super comfy.  It had a big, soft cushion for me to relax on.  Yes, this was definitely where I wanted to live.  I didn't stick to the plastic liner and the privacy was to die for!

Until Jan found me.  "That basket is for pillows, not cat hair!  You need to move."

I could see her hesitate when I gave her my "Oh, yeah, make me!" look, but it didn't stop her.  She turned my apartment around so I couldn't access it.

Evicted again.  I would be embarrassed to be homeless, but I didn't live to become a senior mancat by giving up.  I will win!

And by the way, I should have peed on her dish drainer while I had the chance.

We are participating in Happy Tuesday blog hop.  Stop by Comedy Plus to see other posts or to join the fun.


Today is also Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day and we would like to take a moment to remember all the Funny Farmers we've lost since we began blogging: Jenny, Crystal, Cotton, Grayce, Cameron, Sam, Buddy & Merci. (Again, you can click on the picture to enlarge it.)

We all miss each of you and are the better for having known you.  Note: Micah and Percy will most likely not be saying that when one of them goes, but who knows - they might become friends before then!  :)

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day was founded by Deb Barnes of Zee and Zoey’s Cat Chronicles, author of Purr Prints of the Heart.

Remembering Merci

As we posted previously, our sweet Merci died June 29, 2018 at age 17.  (Farewell Merci)

It was a pleasant surprise to recently receive an email from the blog Alasandra, the Cats and the Dogs (ATCAD) with this lovely graphic letting us know they would be doing a post remembering Merci on the 22nd.

We're grateful we aren't the only ones who remember Merci.  Thank you, ATCAD, for caring.  We're not sure what time they are posting, but we will be on our way over to visit them as soon as we can get online today.  We hope you will drop by there too.  Just click here.

It's hard to believe that there are only two of us Funny Farmers left (Cyndi and Percy) who remember the days when Socks, Sassy, Asta, Momo and many other blogging friends allowed us to participate in their adventures.  We had such fun!  Asta moved from New York to Budapest and now has a brother.  Socks, Momo, Sassy and so many others are now at the bridge with our other original siblings - Cotton, Crystal, Buddy, Cameron, Sam, and Jenny.

Our little red-headed sister will live forever in our hearts.

Update:  It's been a bit rough since Merci left and we temporarily forgot that today would have been Merci's 15th Gotcha Day and her assigned birthday.  

There's A Snake Where?

Percy:  Hey, Marcus, remember this picture of us from a couple of years ago? 

Marcus:  Yes, I remember.  I still had pointy ears then.  I got such a shock yesterday, though, I almost had pointy ears again.

Percy: What happened?  You get chased by a squirrel?

Marcus:  No, silly!  Jan and I take the same route on our walks.  We walked Monday morning without any problem.  In the evening, we set out as usual at a fast pace.  Not fast for me, fast for Jan.

Percy:  I know you didn't trip her.  She returned in one piece.

Marcus:  We didn't get very far before we heard a male voice yell.

Guy: "Ma'am, there's a snake up there!"

Jan:  "There's a WHAT WHERE!"

Guy:  Just ahead of you.  It's a big ole black snake."

Percy:  He was kidding, right?

Marcus:  The guy was sitting in a pickup truck in a turnaround ahead of us on the other side of the street.  Jan and I hotfooted it across the road to the truck.

Guy:  It was over there slithering in the grass beside the sidewalk.  I can't tell from here what it is, but I saw you and your dog coming and I didn't want either of you to get bitten."

Marcus:  Jan's old eyes couldn't see anything in the grass from that far away, but that area of the mill is overgrown and the grass by the sidewalk needs a good mowing.   She really wanted to see and take a picture of that snake, but no way was she going over there.  Whatever it was, she knew it could move faster than she can.  She thanked the guy before he drove off slowly, watching that side of the road.  It was really nice of him to stop and wait so he could warn us.

Percy:  So you turned around and came home?

Marcus:  No, we took our walk on the side of the road with no sidewalk.  I think we're going to be walking on that side for a long time. That really gave Jan a scare.

Percy:  And you?

Marcus:  Not me!  Nothing scares me!   ** leaps onto the swivel chair**  EEK, it's a snake!

Percy:  I thought nothing scares you!  That was Taylor dragging a shoelace through the room. 

Marcus:  Oh ... er, I was just showing you how Jan would have reacted if she had seen the snake.

Percy:  Uh-huh.  Nice try.


I would like to thank everyone who left a comment on our blog (Farewell Merci) or on Facebook, or emailed us.  Merci's passing was not a surprise.  She was 17 years old, blind, slightly deaf (wasn't the least afraid of the vacuum cleaner any longer), and had dementia.  She'd been "in hospice" here for a while.

I nearly lost her last September at the same time Buddy died but she rallied.  I coped these past months by doing what I could for her and not talking about how she was.  Even if we think we are prepared for a death, we actually aren't.

 Thank you, Ann of Zoolatry, and

Ingrid, Pipo & Dalton from Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs

... for the lovely graphics.

Farewell Merci

.

Fly free, sweet Merci.  It was such a joy to have you with us for so many years - just one month short of 15.  Yes, you were adopted from the local animal shelter at about age two on July 22, 2003.

Thanks to Mr. Doug, you are now buried near your adopted canine brothers Sam and Buddy.  And you are missed! 

Visit Your Rainbow Friends

Hey, Cyndi here.  No, we're not back yet, but I wanted to talk to all of you for a moment.  First, though, Jan has not been idle.  One can evidently only stand accomplishing nothing for so long.  She is returning to the land of the busy with lots of sit down breaks in between.  Marcus has been waiting for his next walk since Dec 21st when Jan took sick.  At least he is now getting exercise chasing a ball in the dog pen. 

Aside from laundry, cleaning and other boring house jobs that are way behind, Jan has just finished the last 9 - yes 9! - months of the 2015 blog posts that lost their photos when Picasa switched to GPhotos.  That was a project she never wants to do again! It was complicated and time consuming but at least the last nine were "easier" than the first three once she learned how to not lose her place every time a post republished.

But what I want to talk to you about is the Our Rainbow Friends memorial blog.  Ann, the Zoolatry human, generally sends out a mass email on the 15th of each month, or sometimes just posts on Facebook because of the hassles that can come with a mass mailing.  For whatever reason, we haven't received or seen a notice since the September memorials came out in October.  And as you know, Ann is presently on vacation, so not doing any notifications.


Amber da Weenie's mom Linda is the lone, hard worker behind the scenes for that blog.  She knows it means a lot to one who has lost a cat, dog, bird or other loved pet to have a memorial bridge post.

We were thinking it would be great if current bloggers would participate in helping Linda keep up with the losses.  (If you don't already have the badge, grab the one above.)  If you are a blogger who just lost a furry or know of a blog that just lost one, let Ann or Linda know.  When the previous month's memorials are posted on the 15th, share the information with friends and readers, then visit and comment (even for those you don't know).  It doesn't take long to say you care about someone's loss.  There are those such as Golden Pines and White Dog Army that take in older dogs and have more than normal losses, but each one is loved and missed.  A virtual hug would be welcomed.

We have long depended on Ann to keep everyone informed and not everyone realizes the hassles she has frequently gone through with gmail.  Linda deserves a medal for her dedication to this project, despite an outside job, intermittent internet, a home and her canine pack to care for.

So, as busy as we know you are, we're suggesting we all step up to help publicize each month's memorial posts, as well as visit.  Those are our rainbow friends - yours and mine.  Those are our blogging friends, old and new.  Let's show our support! 

The December losses have been posted at Our Rainbow Friends.

We hope to learn some new jokes while we're on hiatus, so stay tuned.  And we still have a few more interviews to finish.

Squeaker Speech for Dummies

Marcus:  Jan took my red rubber ball and hid it.  (Red Rubber Ball)  She had better not take my dinosaur away too.  As you can see, I'm watching Jan!

Rusty:  It won't do you any good.  You destroyed that dinosaur not long after that picture was taken.

Marcus:  I did?  Are you sure?

Rusty:  You chewed a hole and tore out the stuffing to get to the squeaker.  Of course, I'm sure!

Marcus:  No wonder I haven't been able to find it lately.  Maybe Jan will buy me a new one.

Rusty:   I don't think so.  She mentioned just yesterday how nice and quiet it has been around here since the dinosaur was dissected.  You need to learn to take care of your toys before you run out of them permanently.

Marcus:  Oh, that will never happen.

Rusty:  You'll never learn to take care of them or you'll never run out of them?

Marcus:  Both.  My mission in life is to de-squeak and destroy.all toys in memory of Buddy, the best de-squeaker and toy destroyer ever - until me!  I just know I'm making him proud.

Rusty: I remember Buddy in his prime.  He used to squeak the toy, then he would stop and talk to it.  I never did figure out what they were saying but they evidently spoke the same language.

Marcus.  Don't worry.  You can learn the language when I finish the book Buddy was working on, Squeaker Speech for Dummies. 

Rusty:  I think you should rename it Squeaker Speech by Dummies.

Marcus:  What did you mumble?

Rusty:  Oh, just that I can't wait to read the dummies book.

We did a post when Buddy passed on Sept. 28th. (Farewell Buddy)  This lovely graphic was sent to us by Meezers Mews  & Terrieristical Woofs. We intended to post  it; however, we were upset about Buddy and other things happening at that time, so it was a good while before we posted again, so we forgot about it until yesterday.

Thank you so much to MM&TW (Pipo, Dalton & Mr. Jack Freckles).  You are so kind to do this for bloggers who lose a furry, and your memorial graphics are greatly appreciated.


We are joining the Pet Parade hosted by Rascal and Rocco, Basil the Bionic Cat and Barking from the Bayou.  At least we hope we are.  Last week we included this and our computer disconnected our internet before we could and we never did get to join.  

Farewell Buddy

Buddy, my shadow and walking companion of almost 13 years, left us at 6:10 pm today. 

He was abandoned at Mr. Doug's when he was only 3 or 4 weeks old.  It seems fitting he has returned there for burial, hopefully near Sam.

I can't think of any words other than good-bye, dear friend.  You are already missed!

Biscuit at the Bridge

Two Fridays ago, at the end of a post, we mentioned our new friend Biscuit (Safe At Last).  His Mousebreath interview posted the same day.  It was different than the others we have done. He didn't have a blog and wasn't on social media, so he wasn't promoting himself.  He was a senior cat with an interesting story.

Two weeks later, on Saturday, June 3, he left for the Bridge.

As all of us who have lost a furry can imagine, this is a painful time for his mom Leslie.  Whenever there is a loss in the community, pet bloggers support one another.   Since Leslie doesn't have a blog for Biscuit, we thought we would do this short memorial post. 

Biscuit, you may not have had a lot of years in your new life with Mom Leslie, but you left a big hole in her heart when your time came to leave.  You were loved - from the moment she met you.

You can read his interview, The Story of Biscuit, on Mousebreath.

December Furry Friends

Sam:  Yes, it's me, Angel Sam.  I just dropped by to remind everyone to visit Our Rainbow Friends.  And while you're there, if you can, please leave comments; they mean a lot to the families. 

Tributes to the December 2016 furry angels - Treasure, Fiona, Sammy, Bhu, Bogart, Hunter and Emma - were recently posted.  Ann of Zoolatry always sends out the announcement on the 15th but she's enjoying a much-deserved vacation in Florida with family and friends.

Baking Invisible Biscuits

Buddy:  You look a bit disgruntled, Rusty.  What's the problem?

Rusty:  Jan is the problem.  Her and that flashy box she keeps aiming at us.  We don't have any privacy any more.

Buddy:  You want me to break the camera?

Rusty:  Oh, no!  If you do, she will complain until we want to shove her out a window.  Preferably the one with the long drop to the ground. 

Buddy:  I'm not sure if you're sleeping or crying in this one.

Rusty:  I was making biscuits.  The bed is so soft and warm.

Buddy:  And in this one, are you trying to look humble?

Rusty:  Actually, the smell of those biscuits baking wafting through the house almost put me into a stupor.

Buddy:  But you don't actually make biscuits.  You just knead invisible dough.  So there's no baking aroma.

Rusty:  If I can create invisible biscuits, I can bake invisible biscuits, and their aroma is heavenly!

Buddy:  In that case, can I buy half a dozen for a snack?

Rusty:  Certainly.

Buddy:  Here's some cash.  Will this cover them?

Rusty:  I don't see anything.  Your cash must be invisible. 

Buddy:  I'm buying invisible biscuits.

Note:  Our internet was broken AGAIN all day yesterday! Our ISP needs to get its act together!

Jamison from The Adventures of Noodle crossed the bridge Monday after battling for his life for two weeks.  Christmas the dachshund is hosting Purrs for Jamison Day today.  It is a day to pay tribute to Jamison and honor his life.  Mayor Arty has been kind enough to set up a blog hop for everyone to link to on Friday, so please click here to join the hop!

We did not know Jamison well but we know he is missed by his family and friends, so we are posting his badge and links.

On December 28, 2016 Blogville lit a candle to honor Easy theWeimaraner, one of Blogville's beloved, and to remember all the others Blogville has lost.  It was too close to Sam's 1 year anniversary and we didn't post it.  But we do now - for Easy and for all.








We are joining the Pet Parade hosted by Rascal and Rocco, Basil the Bionic Cat, Barking from the Bayou and Owned by a husky.

Come Fly With Me Here

Today Blogville is honoring Sammy Kimmell of One Spoiled Cat with a blog hop. Sammy hasn't been feeling well lately, mostly because he's a cat of advanced years, and we all want him to feel better. 

Graphic by Easy's dad.

The objective is for each blogger to pick somewhere in their city, state, country or home that Sammy would like to visit and write about it.  We were having a hard time trying to settle on a place we could all agree on when suddenly Rusty started jumping up and down and shouting, "I know, I know!"  In his leaping about, he stepped on a few paws, but this really got it across to all of us that Rusty was serious about his pick.

There was a lot of groaning when he announced where he wanted to invite Sammy.  We should have guessed!  Can you?  You, too, should know where Rusty's favorite place to visit is.  We'll let Rusty write about it.

Rusty:  As you all know, I absolutely love, love, love my cathouse.  It's supposed to be a doghouse but the dogs are afraid of it, so it's mine all mine because I'm the only cat that likes to go outside into the dog pen.

It's large with a domed ceiling that keeps out the rain, wind and Marcus Menace.  It also has a firm floor so one doesn't have to lie on the cold or wet ground, unless one so chooses, but that wouldn't be very bright, so just ignore that part of my story.

From the open doorway, I can survey my domain - or the dog pen, as the dogs and Jan call it.  The view is rather limited since it is surrounded by houses on three sides but if you have any interest in watching humans parade down the street or in counting vehicles to lull you to sleep, the view can't be beat.

And the best thing about it?  It comes with its own real life spider webs, plus dust and dirt and bugs.  It's a 100% natural nature atmosphere.  Or is that nature's natural?  Doesn't matter.

If you'd like to come visit this king's palace of cathouses, I will allow the other Funny Farmers a temporary visitor's pass while you're here. 

Percy:  *points a paw skyward*  Look, Rusty.  Do you see it.  That balloon is flying a Blogville flag.  It has to be Sammy.  Do you think he's coming to visit us?

Cyndi:  It's a good thing Jan cut the tree limbs back this summer so Sammy can see us waving at him.  He has to be coming here.  There aren't any other bloggers nearby.  Sammy, this way, Sammy!  No, Sammy, we're over here.  Steer to the left!  The left!

Madi and Easy Rider planned this special Come Fly With Me Day for Sammy.   Easy became ill, had surgery, and then quietly left for the bridge early Wednesday morning.  As this event goes forward as planned, it also honors everyone's friend Easy the weimaraner.

We are beyond sad to learn that Sammy is joining Easy and all his friends at the bridge this morning, but we know they would want everyone to remember them with a smile.


The Come fly with me blog hop is being held at Dory's Backyard.    http://dorysbackyard.blogspot.com/

Also, we are joining the Pet Parade hosted by Rascal and Rocco, Basil the Bionic Cat, Barking from the Bayou and Owned by a husky. 

Bridge Remembrance Day

Taylor:  I'm not sure why we're doing this post today.  The only one of these animals I recognize is Sam.

Buddy:  The others are before your time, although you just missed Cameron by a few months.

Taylor:  But who are they all?

Buddy:  Beloved furries that have left us.  Grayce passed away two years before the blog debuted but she is still an honorary FF member. 

Cyndi:  Jenny and Grayce traveled here with Jan.  They were already seniors by then; not Jan's first cats, but the original Funny Farmers, even before we had a blog.  Crystal and Cotton were the first local cats to join them.

Taylor:  I thought Jan doesn't believe in the Rainbow Bridge, so why are we posting on it?

Cyndi:  We are remembering those who helped establish the Funny Farm.  They were a part of our family and we want to remember them with love and respect.

Taylor:  And who are all those in the collages below?  I recognize many of them because they have passed away since I moved here.  Cameron and Sam are even included.

Buddy:  Ann of Zoolatry has made a graphic for so many bloggers who have lost a furry over the years.  These are just a fraction of those.  We furries don't live as long as humans do and the losses among blogging animals are staggering - so many more friends than those below have been lost over our blogging years. 

Cyndi:  So Deb Barnes started the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.  I believe this is the second one.

Buddy:  This is why we are posting on Sunday.  We want to remember those who came before and to join the blog hop.

Cyndi:  We are headed to bed and won't be able to participate until Jan returns from church because she won't tell us the password, but the blog hop is at Zee & Zoey Cat Chronicles.

Farewell Cousin Andy

Although we try to keep the blog light as much as possible, sometimes life intervenes, as it has today.

Today's post is for Jan's brother Mr. Doug and Miss Teresa.  Cousin Andy lost his battle with lymphoma on Saturday. 

Run pain free, handsome boy.  You were sweet and greatly loved.

Some of you might remember Alex from Alexicon: A Kitty Kat's Life With His Hooman blog. After a long illness, his human  Nicholas Temple died in hospice on Saturday the 4th.  We're not sure where Alex is, but believe he is safe and in good hands.  Jan has been following his health trials on Facebook and it seems fitting that even though he hasn't blogged in a couple of years, his passing should be noted among the pet blogging community.

Giggle of Goose Gaggle

Cyndi: Marcus, if you're trying to pretend you're a long-necked goose, you're failing.

Micah:  He's not pretending to be a goose.  He's pretending to have all his faculties.

Cyndi:  But why is he posing with his snoot in the air and a sign around his neck?

Micah:  Because Frankie and Ernie left a comment on yesterday's post (Marcus Speaks Geese) that said, "We have always heard that COMMUNICATION is a Two Way Street... and that it is not EASY to make your TRUE intentions known to others... hehehhehe SO sometimes there CAN be some Confusion... RIGHT???? BUTT, you go ahead and stick to your interpretation of what those GEESE were sayin to you... You could make a SIGN that says ...  HONK if you want to be MY FUREND... That should clear thingys up.

Cyndi:  Frankie keeps saying Ernie lies. Why would Marcus actually do what those guys suggested?

Micah:  He thought it sounded like a good idea at the time.  At least he's not wearing his breakfast on his chin. 

Marcus:  Is this better?  I told Jan to try to include my face this time.

Cyndi:  You look a little -

Marcus:   - aristocratic?

Cyndi:  No, a little arrogant in this picture, Marcus. 

Marcus:  I wanted to wear this sign on our walk Monday evening but Jan said she didn't want to be seen in public with me wearing it.

Micah:  You'd probably be the giggle of the goose gaggle.

Marcus:  There was no gaggle.  Just Minnie and Mo again and even without my sign, he honked and honked at me before they flew away.

Cyndi:  That's okay, Marcus.  Even if you had been wearing your sign, I'm not sure geese can read -

Marcus:  - English?

Cyndi:  No, I was going to say, I'm not sure geese can read your writing. 

Earlier this month, Bacon set up this Wags and Wave for a Forrest Day posting today.  Forrest was the beloved dog of our friend Fozziemom (Bev) from All Fur One and One Fur All.  And then on Sunday - Mother's Day - Bacon's family quickly and unexpectedly lost a beloved furry of their own - Mouse Cat.