Thursday, January 29, 2015: Good News and Not Quite So Good News

This morning I woke up a little before 7:00 when I heard a noise in the bathroom. Since we’d had an incident yesterday with toilet paper, I got up to investigate. The good news was that Tommy had left the roll alone during the night. The other “news” was that Tommy again hadn’t slept on the bed or eaten her snack.

Since I was already out of bed, I got Tommy her breakfast and got a head start on the day. Once Tommy was done eating, she let me know that it was time to play, so I followed her to the study although she did run ahead.  She jumped up on the bed case and did her usual rubbing against the wall and my face.  She didn’t do much playing even though I kept trying to get her to engage the light.

Tommy spent most of the day napping in various spots. For a while she sat with me on the sofa while I read. When she’d get up we would play although she didn’t play for long at any time.  I tried various toys without much success.

When it was time to brush her teeth she was very cooperative, and when it was time for dinner she would always wake up and eat.  Before bed I did get in one semi-tiring round of play with the paper and a couple of the teasers.

When I went to bed, Tommy sat in front of the television until I turned it off. I wasn’t sure if that meant she wanted me to get up and play, or that she was waiting for me to fall asleep so she’d have the place to herself. I turned out the light and went to sleep knowing that Tommy would probably not be sleeping on the bed.

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Tommy came into the bedroom about 6:30 and started what only can be described as a general noise explosion.  She went to check out what was happening outside, but since the blinds were drawn, she poked her head, and then the rest of her body through the slats to get a better view. When she was finished looking, she used the same technique to exit from behind the blinds. This of course cause quite a bit of noise.

The closer we got to wake up time, the more noise she made either with her voice or using objects, such as chewing on a foil ball. She finally jumped up on the bed right next to my head and let me know that she was awake, like I didn’t already know that. Right before the heat came on, Tommy again shown up on the bed and let me know that she knew the heat was coming on, so I’d better get moving which I did.

The first hour of the morning was spent completing the morning chores and computer work.  Once I finished feeding Tommy and doing the posting, I went to empty the litter box.  I noticed that there was toilet paper on the floor near the entrance to the “inner bathroom.” 

I looked in and saw that the roll was on the floor and the first couple of feet had definite shred parks as if “someone” had put her claws into the roll before it fell off the holder. Since that part of the bathroom is closed when I’m not home and I had reopened last night when I returned form choir, I knew that Tommy had played with the paper roll after I went to sleep.

She’s never done that before. The only times that she’s gone in and shredded the paper was when I was gone, so I’d gotten used to closing the bathrooms before I’ve left. She’s never played with the toilet paper when I’ve been here, so I’m wondering why last night was any different.

When I discovered the roll, Tommy had been watching me from nearby, but moved quickly to under a chair as I said, “What the heck?”  After cleaning up the little mess I went to see her.  Suddenly I had a little kitty that wanted to be petted and lick my hand. It seemed that Tommy knew just how to “play me.”

We spent the rest of the morning sitting on the sofa. Tommy was napping or relaxing and I was reading and watching programs on the DVR from last evening. Either of us would occasionally get up to either handle a personal need or just have a temporary change of scenery.

While drinking coffee on the sofa, I accidentally spilled some while putting the mug back on the table. I immediately jumped up and ran to get a paper towel. I must have scared Tommy because she ran to the study to get out of the way.  After I cleaned up my mess, I went to check on her. After some petting and calm words of apology, she went back out and rejoined me on the sofa.

At noon I got out her snack i.e. hairball treatment/treats and put them out for her. I couldn’t figure out why she didn’t immediately go and eat it like she usually did. I figured out the problem when I picked up my laptop from the table. It seemed that I had placed her treat plate directly in line with the laptop thereby blocking her view. With the laptop removed, she noticed the dish, jumped down and ate her snack.

Tommy spent the afternoon napping on the sofa while I worked on posts and readings.  A friend called and we decided to see a movie later with friends, so Tommy would be spending another evening by herself. When she got up from her nap, I made sure that we had play time and she had dinner #1.

I got ready and left for the movie. When I returned, Tommy was waiting by the door. While dinner #2 lost its chill we played in the study. Tommy jumped up on the guest bed case and kept rubbing her face against my face. She’d never been quite that affectionate, so it was nice to see that she had missed me.

I stayed up later than usual so we could get in some extra play time in between Tommy nibbling at her dinner.  At times she really dove into the paper pile and attacked either the fleece or mouse teasers. It’s always fun to watch her when she’s completely involved in stalking and capturing her prey.

When it was time for bed, Tommy came into the bedroom, but since she hadn’t slept on the bed on previous nights when I’d been gone, I was pretty sure that I would have the bed to myself. Regardless of her previous behavior, I still put out her nighttime snack. It would probably still be there in the morning, but I still wanted to have it there, just in case she decided to sleep on the bed.

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Tommy slept on the bed and didn’t wake me until she jumped off the bed around 6:30. Her actual wakeup call didn’t occur until 6:50, so I got to have a leisurely awakening. Once we got up and Tommy was fed, I went to the study. Tommy joined me when she was done eating and we had a morning “greeting” session on the desk.

Tommy left while I was finishing the postings and I found her sitting in the living room waiting for me to open the blinds.  I had forgotten to complete my duties, so I quickly finished my chores. After the chores I did the puzzles and had breakfast while Tommy napped in the bedroom.

When I went to check on her, she quickly came out and ran into the study, but didn’t want to play. I opened the blinds and she went right away and sat in the sun. I went back and finished my transcribing.

With my typing done, I went back out to find Tommy still sitting in the living room. Since she hadn’t had her hairball treat yet, I thought this was a perfect time to brush her teeth. As always Tommy was as cooperative as could be expected and then ate her treat. After that we had a rousing game of find the teaser in the paper as a special reward.

It was very sunny out, so I went and sat read my book. Tommy came and jumped up on the sofa and sat on the arm rest right next to me. My glasses would occasionally refract the light and Tommy seemed to enjoy checking out where the light was.

I left for a minute and when I returned, Tommy was sitting on her part of the sofa. She sat there and enjoyed the sun and perhaps my company while I read. After Tommy fell asleep I went and worked on choir music and postings for a while before returning to the sofa to continue reading.

When I finished it was time for Tommy’s early dinner. As I got it ready I could see her head looking up to see what I was doing. I brought out the dish to show her and she followed me over to where her dinner is served.  After she finished eating it was back on the sofa for her while I ate my dinner. She was still enjoying the sofa as I headed to get ready for choir.

When I was almost ready I did the dishes and got her late dinner out.  She didn’t run over this time, probably since it had only eaten about 90 minutes since her first mini-meal dinner. I left for choir and when I returned Tommy was sitting near the door to greet me.

We played for quite a while.  She really tore into the paper as she hunted the elusive fleece teaser tail.  At times she would run into the study and sit under the keyboard. This gave her a view of her prey, the pile of paper. When she thought the time was right she would come flying out and pounce on the paper. While it made quite a mess, it surely was fun to watch.

We finished the evening playing catch the light in the bedroom. When it was time for bed, it was clear that although I was ready, Tommy was not.  I had this sneaking suspicion that Tommy would probably be sleeping in the living room so she could have more play time…and since I had again abandoned her two days in a row for extended periods of time.

Monday, January 26, 2015: First Day of Class & Playing on the Leather Ottoman

I woke up during the night and found Tommy in her usual spot on the bed. When I came back from the bathroom, Tommy was sitting up. Since it was too early for us to be up, I petted her and went back to bed. Tommy on the other hand decided that just because I went back to bed, didn’t mean she had to and she jumped down and started her early morning roaming.

When the heat came on, Tommy was sitting by the television and didn’t jump up on the bed.  Instead she called out to me, but I wasn’t getting up unless she actually came and greeted me. Sure enough, within a minute Tommy was up on the bed to see why I hadn’t obeyed her call. After greeting her and petting her, I dutifully got out of bed.

Tommy ate her breakfast while I did my morning duties. Once they were finished, I went and sat on the sofa and Tommy moved to a dining chair watching to see when I would move. As I came back from getting more coffee, Tommy jumped down and let me know that we should be in the study for a play session.

We had a play session and then Tommy sat on the storage cupboard or on the encased portable bed and watched me while I typed. If I didn’t pay enough attention to her, she would jump over on the desk for some one-on-one time.

I went to the living room to watch the morning shows and work on puzzles and Tommy chilled in the study. We later had a couple play sessions before I needed to get ready for class. As I got ready, Tommy would come in every so often to check on my progress.

I left for class knowing that I’d be gone all afternoon and wondered how Tommy would adjust to our changing schedule.  After class, the weather was not conducive to walking so I rode the bus home.  I happened to get on a 30X (Express) bus which was a new route and was home quickly.

Tommy came to greet me and we had a play session while her dinner warmed. After eating dinner #1, Tommy went to the study to rest on her chair by the bookcase. When I entered the room she appeared to want to play, but only chased the light a couple times before going back to her chair.

When it was time for dinner #2, Tommy came out and finished her meal. She then again appeared to want to play, but again didn’t do much.  I went to the living room and got out her pile of papers and fleece teaser.  Tommy came out and she played enthusiastically for a while at times grabbing a pile of paper and the teaser, curling up on her side to enclose the items and then shredding the papers with her hind paws. It was quite a mess, but I could tell that she was really enjoying herself.

When it was time for bed, we went in to the bedroom for one last play session. This time the light moved to the leather recliner and ottoman. I wanted to see if a change of venue made her a little more enthused.  She played with the light, but still has trouble understanding that when she goes on her back, the light won’t magically appear above her head.  When she tried that maneuver on the ottoman, she slid off.

When she sat under the chair I knew that was her signal that play was over and I should go to bed.  I got out her snack, petted her good night and went to bed. Since it seemed that we were going to bed on “good terms,” Tommy would probably eat her snack and then sleep on the bed.

Sunday, January 25, 2015: Warm Sheets and Purring

Tommy spent the night on the bed again. I don’t know why she moved back to the bed, but I’m glad that she did.  We both woke up before 7:00, and when the heat came on Tommy was sitting on the television stand. She just waited for me to get out of bed without any verbal cues by her. I hoped that this was an omen of how the day would go.

I got out her breakfast and while she ate I completed the rest of the morning chores.  Tommy came and joined me in the study while I was finishing the posting. She didn’t come up on the desk, but just quietly watched me finish.

Once completed we started one of several play sessions. We played with the light and we included a new location, the portable queen bed which was still in its case.  We also played with the fleece teaser which had been freshly washed, rinsed, and dried overnight. While we played several times, I also had enough break time to start the laundry, finish watching last night’s SNL, and water the plants.

During one of our rest periods, Tommy came up to get some petting and attention. She stated purring and I realized that I hadn’t heard her purr for a couple days. That may be an indication of her mood lately, and I was glad that she was purring again.

Tommy went to take a nap in the bedroom and when I happened to stop in, she seemed to express her displeasure at having to lay on the mattress pad while the flannel sheets were being laundered. Once the flannel sheet were again clean and while they were still warm, I went to make the bed. I got three corners of the fitted sheet on before having to move Tommy. She sat on the sheet for a minute and then jumped down and sat by the window. That’s her usual spot to supervise when I’m making the bed.

Once the bed was made I was able to brush much of the fur off her special spot on the fleece blanket. After I was finished, Tommy spent a little time with me in the living room and study before going back to enjoy the newly made beds.

Tommy spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening in her napping-once around the condo check-napping routine. She did get up and come out for both early and late dinner. We also played with the light. Although she still sometimes thinks the light will magically appear above her when she flops on her back, she is also using the “Cat’s Meow” toy in tandem with the light for some extra action.

We used the paper pile and fleece teaser for one more round of play. I kept trying to get her to play in the bedroom, but she kept taking the end of the fleece and pulling us back into the living room. When it was getting closer to bedtime, I rolled up the paper pile and moved to the bedroom.

At first when we were in the bedroom Tommy still tried to move us back to the dark living room, but finally decided to play on the bungalow with the teaser. After I while she stopped and moved to the recliner. I knew that we needed to do one more round of catch the light before going to bed. After she played for a while she stayed under the chair. She was done for the night, so I went to bed, put out her snack, and turned out the lights. Since we’d had a good day and ended well, there was a good chance that she’d end up sleeping on the bed, but one just never knows what Tommy will decide.

Saturday, January 24, 2015: The Princess Continues her Reign, but…

I woke up during the night and on my way back from the bathroom I saw Tommy sleeping on a dining chair. She came and started the morning wake up at 6:45. Since I had stayed up late because she hadn’t awakened until later in the evening, I really wasn’t ready to get out of bed.

I tried my best to continue to sleep even after the heat went on at 7:00, but Tommy kept trying to get me to get out of bed. She had food available and did eat some of it, so she should have been okay. At 7:25 I finally got out of bed and got her breakfast ready.

While she ate I went and worked on printing and posting. She came into the study once to yell, but didn’t want to come up on the desk even though I beckoned nicely. After a while she decided to leave.

When I finished I went and found her on the bed. I petted her and gave her attention, but she just sat there. I went and had breakfast and after about an hour Tommy finally came out. She sat in the sun and didn’t appear to be paying attention to me, but I could tell that if I moved, she’d follow.

I went to start the laundry and sure enough as I was loading the clothes in the washer I could see Tommy sitting nearby watching me.  Laundry started I moved back to the study and we again began our “dance.”  Tommy sat by the desk, but finally decided to come up on the desk. She walked around, but when she came near and I tried petting her, she went and sat on the storage cabinet in front of the desk and watched me work.

After a while she came down again and walked around the desk, but again when I tried to pet her, she moved away. This time she jumped off the front of the desk and sat on the floor in the sun. She then left, so I finished what I was doing.

 I later found her sitting on the floor in the living room. When she saw me she called out, so I went and sat on the floor. She came close by and sat down. When I went to pet her she pulled away. We continued this little dance a couple more times before I went back to the study.

I barely typed a sentence before Tommy came in, looked up at me, yelled, and left.  I wasn’t sure if she wanted me to go back into the living room, but I thought I’d better at least try to see what her issue was.

This time she was on the bed. I went in and this time she at least let me pet her for a little while.  I turned on a light and she came over to play, but again just sat there and only engaged the light once. I tried to use the fleece teaser which was close by and we played for a while throughout the bedroom, ending on the bungalow.

After playing on the bungalow for a while, Tommy grabbed the end of the fleece and “directed” me to the study. We didn’t play very long before Tommy again just sat there. I used this down time to change the laundry loads.  When I finished, Tommy called to me from by the window. I thought that she wanted to play with the light, but I was wrong. She started walking around me and rubbing up against me. We spent quite some time with me just petting her and Tommy accepting my attention.  Once she yelled and tried to bite, I knew that the petting session was over.

She went and sat in front of the desk and groomed herself while I did some transcribing. When I was done, Tommy went to nap in the bedroom, so I decided to run a quick errand. When I came back it was time for her early dinner. She ate most of it while I watched tried to clear the DVR.

After dinner (her second, my first and only) we had another short play session. While I was doing the dishes I thought that it might be a good time to also wash the fleece teaser. After it was washed and thoroughly rinsed, I hung it in the guest bathroom since that room is closed at night and Tommy wouldn’t try playing with or dragging the wet fleece.

It was time for bed and Tommy and I went to the bedroom. I wasn’t sure if Tommy was ready, but after I got into bed she did jump up and eat her snack.  After that she moved to the television stand. Since SNL was being taped I could either try to watch it now through her or just finish in the morning. I chose the latter option and turned off the lights. I wasn’t sure if Tommy would remain in the bedroom or move to the sofa. I guess I’d find out in the morning.

Friday, January 23, 2015: Mixed Signals

Wake up calls started around 6:30 and I could tell that Tommy wasn’t being very patient this morning.  They continue at less than five minute intervals and she wasn’t happy when I didn’t move quickly enough when the heat came on.

I got out her food and then quickly retreated to the study to print the puzzles. Again, I wasn’t moving quickly enough, so I moved on to the morning chores under Tommy’s watchful eye.  Once those were done I moved to the living room to try to finish reading a library book that would be due soon.

As I read Tommy spent time around the living room for a while. Once she realized that I wasn’t moving from the sofa for a while, she retreated to the study for her morning nap and to await a play session.

Once I was sufficiently caught up I found Tommy on her chair by the bookcase. I petted her and then she went and sat where we usually played. Because it was a sunny day, there was no way that we could play with the light.  I used the fleece teaser to lure her into the bedroom where the window was shielded from direct light by the balcony overhang.

She played a little, but seemed more interested in the fleece teaser that was still on the chair. We played with it and whenever Tommy wanted to change venues, she would drag the teaser (and me) into another room to play.  Once she tired of the teaser she sat in the sun I the living room while I made the bed and refilled my coffee cup.

When I returned to the sofa, Tommy first yelled at me. I saw that I had left my blanket on top of her fleece blanket.  I quickly remedied the situation and then Tommy jumped up and joined me on the sofa so we could both enjoy the sun and each other’s company. If I petted her too much or gave her too much attention, she would jump down from the sofa and enjoy the sun over by the balcony door.

I was planning on doing some baking and needed to do some prep work. I put the raisins and dried cherries in some rum to soak, got out the butter to bring to room temperature, and assembled the other ingredients. I couldn’t find the sliced almonds, so I must have used them during the holidays.

I did find the rest of the chopped hazelnuts which I had used in a recipe that didn’t taste quite right. I had assumed that the nuts were fresh, but I wanted to now check the date just in case.  As I searched for the date, I accidentally dumped most of the nuts on the carpet.  Before Tommy could investigate, I went to get the vacuum cleaner know that Tommy would follow me into the study. When I brought out the vacuum cleaner, Tommy hissed at it and ran to the safety of the bedroom.

When I finished and had put away the vacuum cleaner I went to get Tommy to let her know that the coast was clear.  She wasn’t positive, so I picked her up and brought her back to the living room. Since she felt safe in my arms, I was able to reassure her and then “deposit” her on a chair. Since it was lunchtime, I got out her grass and spent a little time picking out some of the dead blades. Once that was done, she ate some grass and finished her hairball treat.

She then went into the study probably to make sure that the offensive machine was truly gone. Once assured that it was put away, she sat by the study window to enjoy the sun and probably to guard against any further intrusion by that machine.

While I was reading, Tommy slipped past me and I later found her asleep on the bed. Because I had finished my library book and I needed something form the store, I decided to walk to the library and grocery store.  I said good-bye to Tommy and went to run the errands.

When I returned, Tommy was still sleeping. I made the cake since I now had all the ingredients and waited for Tommy to appear.  She appeared when I got out her dinner and ate some of it before retreating back to the bedroom.  I had dinner and worked on emptying the DVR.

Tommy appeared alter in the night and let me know that she was interested in playing. We played for a few minutes before she stopped. She was now just sitting and watching me move the light refracting from my glasses around her.  While she may have been enjoying herself, I sure wasn’t and after a few more attempts to engage her in play, I quit.

I went to the living room and set up her papers and mouse teaser on the floor. Tommy hear the commotion and came out. Again she began playing, but after a few minutes stopped and merely watched me moving the mouse among the papers.  I don’t know what her issue is, but it sure can’t be that she’s tired.

Throughout the evening she continued her requests for play, short spurts of play and then watching.  I finally decided to go to bed.  She came into the bedroom with me and right before getting into bad I tried once more to play with the same result.  I got into bed, put out her snack, said good night and turned off the lights.  I’m sure that she’ll probably play by herself later and sleep in the living room.  I hope this behavior doesn’t continue.

Thursday, January 22, 2015

I woke up during the night to use the bathroom and found Tommy asleep on the sofa. She came in around 5:30 and spent the rest of the early morning in the bedroom although she slept on the floor.  Around 6:15 she made her first appearance on the bed, just to make sure that I didn’t forget her.

At 6:55 Tommy let me know that it was time to get up, so I waited for the heat to come on and then got a scolding for taking too long. After she was fed and I completed my morning tasks I decided to eat my cereal and watch Today at the table in the bedroom.  Tommy was sitting nearby as she had already eaten her breakfast.

As I ate my glasses refracted the light and Tommy noticed it on the floor. We were able to play “Catch the Light” while I ate breakfast.  Once play time and breakfast were over I decided to retreat back into bed to read for a while. Tommy spent the time keeping watch to see why I was back in bed.

When I’d leave to get more coffee, open the blinds, or check my email, Tommy was right there checking to see if it was play time again. As I worked on the morning postings, Tommy sat up on the chest in front of the desk. When she got tired of waiting for me, she retreated to the living room to wait for me to finish.

Once the work was finished, we had more play time.  I varied the location and the toy each time. My glasses are now considered a toy since we use them for “Catch the Light.” When we weren’t playing Tommy would either sit near me or go off to have some quiet time by herself.

I was going to be gone for a few hours, so Tommy was fed early. I wasn’t sure what she’d do with the food, but I knew that I couldn’t wait until I got back.  As she saw me get ready to leave, she went to the sofa and sat. I had turned on a light in the bedroom and also had the T.V. on there, so she’d have her choice of sound levels and light.  The blinds were also still open so she could look out if she desired.

When I returned, tommy was at the door to greet me.  I’ve learned to crack the door open a little to make sure that she’s not right by the door so she isn’t hurt by the opening door.  I put out her last bit of food to warm and we played in the study for a while. During our play, tommy would take time every so often to rub against me or stand next to me waiting to be petted.

After our extended play time I put her food out and she started eating it, but because she also wanted to play, she kept leaving her food and trying to get me to play.  Once she finally finished eating we had another play session.

I was time to shut everything down, and Tommy had already moved to a seated position on the floor. I could tell that she wasn’t going to move, so I picked her up and she accompanied me as I shut everything down.  She was relatively quiet while I was holding her, so I knew that she was really tired.

We got to the bedroom and I put her on the bed. I got out her treat and she ate most of it right away. I finished getting ready and got into bed with Tommy sitting on the floor near the bed. I turned out the lights and within a few minutes Tommy got a second wind. 

She started racing through the condo at breakneck speed.  I stayed in bed so as to avoid a collision and fell asleep before Tommy ended her exercise period. On nights when she plays or runs around, she usually ends up sleeping on the sofa, so I figured that I probably wouldn’t see her until the morning.

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Tommy woke me up at 2:30. She seemed rather agitated, so I quickly got up to investigate what the problem was.  I went throughout the condo and found nothing wrong except a little cat who had moved to sit in front of the study.  She wanted to play, but I wasn’t going to let her get away with this, I went right back to bed.

When I got in bed, Tommy jumped up, ate her snack and then curled up in her usual spot on the bed.  I’m glad that she understood that the middle of the night was not the time to wake me up to play.  I quickly fell back to sleep.

Tommy didn’t wake me again until almost 7:00. We then both had breakfast. I was going out for an early lunch, so I needed to eat breakfast early. I then went to take care of printing and posting and Tommy joined me in the study.

She sat on her chair by the bookcase and watched or napped. At one point she was trying to groom her back and of course couldn’t reach the area behind her neck. She looked up at me and I went and got her grooming glove.  I made sure that I brushed her back and sides. She then raised her head as if to say, “Don’t forget my neck!”  When she laid back down and looked completely relaxed I knew that we were done.

            Speaking of necks, we of course played “Catch the Light” until my neck needed a rest. After play, I got ready to dispose of my old T.V. and go to lunch with friends. I was gone a bit longer than expected, but returned in plenty of time to continue afternoon play.

After playing, we sat on the sofa while I read and Tommy napped. Later while she was still napping, I finished some transcribing. After her nap, she sat at the back corner of the sofa staring at the plants. It appeared that she wanted some grass, so I got it out from its spot in the plants and watched her eat.

Later we had dinner, another play session, and then I finished the day’s transcriptions.  I watched some television, but Tommy decided that there was too much light and noise, so she went to rest on the chair by the bookcase in the study. I later moved to the bedroom to finish watching a program and proceeded to fall asleep.

When I woke up I “shut down” the condo and found Tommy awake but resting on her chair. I picked her up and took her to the bedroom. She must have been very tired because she didn’t fuss at all while I carried her.  I put out her treat which she ate and then left the bedroom.  It seemed that my company was not wanted. I wasn’t sure when or if she’d come to bed, but I turned off the lights and fell asleep.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

I woke up during the night and saw that Tommy was asleep on the bed in her usual spot.  I didn’t wake up again until I heard Tommy eat a little food from her dish. She didn’t start her usual “wake up it’s time to feed me” routine until 6:58, right before the heater started.

Breakfast served, I went in to the study to handle printing and posting.  Tommy soon followed and sat in her spot to let me know that she was ready for session #1 of catch the light. After we played, it was time for me to have breakfast and do the puzzles.  Tommy came and sat up on the sofa for a little while, but then left.

Throughout the morning she would occasionally check in. At one point she went to use her litter box and then sped through the living room to return to the study.  I found her later sitting on her chair taking a nap. She woke up as I entered and we spent had a short petting session before Tommy wanted to groom herself.

During the afternoon Tommy napped, but she would occasionally come in and check up on me.  Before dinner we got in another play session and then it was time for me to get ready for choir.  While I got ready Tommy went into the closet and sat in the sweater vest cubby.  I made sure that I gave her plenty of attention before I left.

When I returned Tommy jumped off the sofa and sat by me while I took off my coat and shoes. After I finished changing, she and I had a play session. For the light source I tried using a pen light instead of my glasses and the desk light.  It didn’t work; Tommy wanted no part of chasing the ball of light.

We moved to the living room and I watched the end of the Badger game.  We then played in the paper pile with a couple of the teasers until it was time for bed. I could tell that Tommy wasn’t ready, but I was, so she would have to amuse herself.

I climbed into bed and Tommy sat on the floor near the bed.  I put out her treat and turned on the television to check the news. Tommy jumped up and sat right in front of the set. I guess the news would have to wait until tomorrow. I read for a short time and then turned off the lights and went to bed. 

Tommy didn’t eat her snack but roamed around the bedroom. She would show up later when she got hungry and was ready to sleep. I know that wherever she sleeps I can count on a wakeup call around 7:00, if not sooner.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Tommy and I woke up a little early, so she got fed a little early. I went and handled the morning posts and printing and Tommy came in a couple times to check up on me. Once that was accomplished I completed all my morning Tommy chores, stripped down the bed and laundered the linens.

It was time for a play session. Tommy had gone with me into the guest bathroom to start the laundry, so she also followed me into the study. We had a rousing game of catch/touch the light. I had to laugh whenever Tommy rolled over on her back. Somehow she expects the light to magically float right above her head. The one positive when that happens is that I’m able to give her neck and chest a good petting.

After our morning play, I went to check on the laundry and Tommy went to lay on the mattress pad on the bed. I wasn’t sure if she wondered what happened to all the bedding, if she just wanted to try out the different surface, or if she just wanted some quiet time. Once I went back to the sofa to read, Tommy joined me there and curled up on her flannel throw. She napped while I read, but would wake up every so often, raise her head, and stare at me. Whenever that happened, I would pet her, always very lightly and at times just using my thumb until she fell back asleep.

When I went to refill my coffee and grab some yogurt, I also put her hairball snack/treatment on her little plastic lid/plate. Later when she woke up and was hungry she went and ate it before retreating to the now made bed to continue her nap.  Since she had left the living room, I went to the study to work on the diary transcriptions.

A little after 3:30 I got out Tommy’s late afternoon meal and she must have heard me because when I went in the bedroom to check on her, she was sitting up. I petted her and she jumped off the bed and led me into the study. I told her I was almost done with the day’s diaries and we would play in a few minutes. As I put the headphones back on, she left. I’m sure she figures that I’ll find her when I finish, and she is correct.

I found her on the bed after petting her, told her to come play, but she didn’t budge. Even when I went to the other room and made enough noise putting out her papers, she still didn’t budge. I took the fleece teaser to her and she put her paw on in to stop it and only let it go a little at a time.

Finally finished toying with me, she grabbed the end of the teaser in her mouth and “lead” me to the paper pile in the other room.  She didn’t play with it for long, so I switched to the little mouse on the wire. She played with that for a while before ending play and moving to the study. Since I had recently finished with the “neck exercises” I wasn’t ready to resume those quite yet.

We were at a standoff and we went to our respective “corners,” Tommy to the bedroom and me to the living room.  I then got her first dinner ready and she ate some of it. I was going to a movie later with friends so I showered, ate and got ready.  Tommy returned to the bedroom after eating.

Once I finished the dishes I went to check on Tommy. After letting me pet her, she went to her paper pile and scratched her ear. She made a sound I had never heard and it didn’t sound like a happy sound.  It took a while to get her to let me pick her up and she let me look at her ear. Everything looked fine, so I thought that I’d just see if this was a one-time thing, or if it continued, we’d be going to see Dr. Becky.

I left for the movie and when I returned Tommy greeted me and then right into the study. She had been missing play sessions and it was time to catch up.  She went right to her spot for playing catch the light and we had a good game although at times she would come over by me just to rub up against me or get some petting. 

We moved to the living room so I could watch the news. After the news we had a final play session with the teaser and papers and one more round of catch the light before putting everything away and moving to the bedroom.  Once I got into bed, Tommy went and sat in front of the television. I think this is her way of curbing my television viewing.  I read for a while and then turned off the lights.  Tommy’s snack was out and I’m sure she will join me when she wants her snack and it’s time for her to sleep.

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Tommy and I had a pretty quiet morning. We did the usual chores and I did some additional cleaning.  We had some time for play and then it was time to meet friends to watch the Packer game and go out for dinner. Before I left I gave Tommy a small portion of canned food since I wouldn’t get back until after her usual late afternoon meal.

When I returned Tommy greeted me at the door, I put out her food to warm, and she went to the study where we had some fun with her chasing the light. Once my neck was completely stretched, we retired to the sofa for a while before resuming play among the tissue and wrapping papers.

I realized after we finished that I had forgotten to give her the evening meal, so I quickly set it out.  Tommy ate and I moved to the bedroom to recline while watching television.  I, of course, fell asleep and didn’t wake up until it was very late.

I went to turn off all the lights and lock up for the night. There was Tommy sitting on her chair in the study waiting for me.  I picked her up and carried her to the bed and then I went out and finished closing down the condo.

Tommy came out to supervise. When I went back into the bedroom she didn’t follow right away, but once she heard me get out her snack, she came right in and stood by the bed.  Once I was in bed, Tommy jumped up, ate her snack, and then curled up in her usual spot. We were again ready to sleep. 

Saturday, January 17, 2015

We must have really had an intense play session last night before bed because Tommy didn’t wake up until 6:50 this morning. She’s usually up well before that time and she was moving a bit slower even when the heat kicked on.  She ate some of her breakfast and supervised my postings before heading back to the bedroom for a morning nap.

I finished some puzzles and went to set up the diary transcriptions for the day. I had the door closed and Tommy let me know that she wanted to join me.  She came in and immediately went up in the book case and looked out at me.

Once I finished work on the computer, I started the laundry and the cleaning.  Tommy doesn’t like the noise from the washer or from the vacuum cleaner, so I figured that I might as well do it all at once. Tommy supervised while I dusted ad cleaned, but once the vacuum cleaner came out of the closet, Tommy headed right for her safe place in the bedroom.

When I finished in the study and living/dining room I turned off the vacuum cleaner and moved to the bedroom. True to form, the minute Tommy saw the vacuum cleaner she hightailed it out of the bedroom.  When I was finished vacuuming a moved it back to the living room and went back to put everything back in order.  Tommy moved back into the bedroom “just in case” I was still going to be vacuuming. 

After I put the vacuum cleaner away I went into the bedroom to make the bed. Once I started Tommy must have figured that I was done vacuuming and went back out into the living room. Now the only noise with which she would have to contend was the washer and there were plenty of quieter places in the condo to nap, play, or sit.

I was working in the study when Tommy came in. She jumped up on the spare bed case and flicked off her purple ball. I had forgotten to put her items back on the floor for her and she was reminding me. Once her things were back where they belonged, she left the study; her job was done. My jobs were also done for a while, so I could relax and read; the kitchen floor could be done later.

While I worked on reading and clearing the DVR, Tommy worked on her beauty sleep.  Sometimes when I came into the master suite Tommy would wake up and look toward me. Whenever she acknowledged me I would go over and give her some attention. Whether she’s awake or asleep I know that she doesn’t want to be disturbed unless she looks at me (which of course she doesn’t do when she’s asleep).

Around 3:30 Tommy woke up and came out to the living room to check on dinner. Since I hadn’t put out food yet, I gave Tommy her grass. She ate a little and then came up and sat on the sofa with me.  After putting out some food to warm for later I rejoined her on the sofa, but after a couple minutes she left and went back to the bedroom.

When I realized that that’s where she had gone, I went to investigate. She was on the bed, so I petted her. After a minute she jumped down and returned to the living room.

As I followed her, she continued into the study and sat where we usually have a play session with the light.  I tried to engage her in play but she didn’t get very involved. She tried once, but got confused when the light disappeared. She still hasn’t figured out that when she blocks the light source the light goes away. I also tried using the laser pointer, but she just sat and watched the light. Occasionally she would seem to start to play only to quickly sit back down.

I finally stopped knowing that it was futile to continue. Tommy moved first to the dining table and then back to the bed. I went to see her to give her some attention. I felt bad that while she seemed to want to play, she just sat there and I needed to finish the laundry and clearing the VDR. Had she at least been active, I would have stopped doing anything else and only played with her.

 She came out to eat her early dinner, but when right back in the bedroom.  I’d try again when I put out my dinner and her second dinner. Once her food was out, Tommy came out and ate some of it before I put the papers down on the carpet. This had worked yesterday when we had one of our best play sessions.

Today, she sat on the papers and occasionally made a half-hearted attempt at playing, she was more concerned about grooming, so I thought I could wait her out, but she still didn’t want to play. She instead went back into the bedroom. Either she was really tired or was having a major attitude day. Either way, we wouldn’t be having a good play session today.

I gave it one more attempt. I went to the bedroom and found Tommy by a chair so I put her food there.  I went to the kitchen to do the dishes and suddenly there was Tommy sitting on the floor by me.  I went and got her food and when I came back she was sitting on her paper pile. I put the food down and went to finish the dishes.

When I got done, I looked out and saw Tommy eating her dinner with her paw. She would dip her paw in the bowl and then lick the food off her paw. She was curling her paw so she would get a more food. I’d never seen her eat like that. 

After she had her fill, she came and got me and we started playing with the teasers and the papers. Tommy was really getting into it when I got a text that needed answering. I quickly answered the text and an email, and then sent another text.

By this time Tommy had moved to the study and when I went to pet her, light refracted off my glasses, and we played a game of catch the beam of light. I can’t play that game too long before my neck starts to hurt, so I tried to tempt her back into the living room for more playing with the teasers and the paper.

We spent some time playing with the teasers and the paper, but after the news I was ready to move to a reclining position. Tommy watched as I closed, shut down, and locked up everything for the night. She and I then went into the bedroom.

I knew that she wasn’t ready to rest, so I got out the laser pointer and we were able to continue the play session without me exerting a lot of energy.  When it was time for bed, I put out Tommy’s snack and turned everything off.  Tommy was positioned under the chair, but I was pretty sure that she’d join me later on the bed.

Friday, January 16, 2015

I forgot to cancel the morning radio alarm again, but luckily I woke up at 5:00 and was able to cancel the alarm before the 6:15 alarm.  I was able to sleep until almost 7:00 before Tommy checked in with me. Once the heat pump came on, I threw back some of the covers, but I wasn’t able to get out of bed. Tommy moved to the previously covered area and sat and I assume enjoyed the “heated” sheets.

I am not amused; I was napping and you woke me!

She finally jumped down and “instructed” me to follow her out to the kitchen. She got her breakfast and I went to the study to handle the morning posts and printings. Tommy joined me once she finished eating and spent some time sitting on her chair by the book case while I typed. I was almost able to get a picture of her sitting on the chair napping, but the phone beeped which woke her up. I was able to get a picture of the newly awakened Tommy scowling at me for awakening her.

I noticed the time and realized that we needed to get moving if we were going to have Tommy’s nails clipped by Stephanie when Petco opened.  I had put out her carrier last night so she wouldn’t freak out. I got her collar off the carrier and Tommy noticed. She hates her collar, so we were off to the races. Tommy first tried behind the books in the bookcase, then behind the sofa with a little chasing around each time. I finally just decided to wait her out and pretty soon she came over to me and I was able to put her collar on her.

Then it was time for the dramatics. Writhing on her back, whimpering, and trying to lick the collar off.  You would have thought that I had chocked her.  There’s enough room between the collar and her neck to easily fit in two of my fingers, so I know it’s not too tight. The “agonizing” scene continued while I got ready.  Once I had on my coat, it was time to get her in the carrier.

She came by me and I was able to pick her up and put her in the carrier with only minimal fussing or trying to stick her head out of the top.  We were now ready to roll. We left the condo and all the way down the hall, in the elevators and the garage Tommy let everybody know that she was being taken against her will out of the condo. No amount of calming soothing talking to her did any good.

Once we got in the car she quieted down and we drove to Petco. While at Petco she was her usual complacent/compliant self until Stephanie started on the last back paw.  That’s when Tommy always gets antsy, but Stephanie being the professional handled Tommy quickly.  We then paid the fee and drove back home.  Again, Tommy was calm and quiet in the car, and this time thankfully not very loud in the elevators or halls.

Back in the condo, Tommy got her treat and we settled in and I was able to complete morning chores while Tommy took a nap. Once the chores were done, I was able to relax for a few minutes. I sat down with my coffee, puzzles and book and enjoyed some quiet time.

During the afternoon I worked on the computer while Tommy worked on her beauty sleep.  If I went into the master suite and Tommy woke up, I’d stop over and give her some attention.  When it was time to eat, Tommy would come out, but it wasn’t until around 7:00 that she decided to stay out and play.

We spent the rest of the evening playing with occasional breaks. Tommy was very enthusiastic, tearing through the tissue paper pile and making a tunnel out of the folded wrapping paper. She would use either pile as a “blind” to prepare for her next attack on whatever toy we were using.  By the end of the night, the wrapping paper was torn in half and the tissue paper was in shreds, but we had truly enjoyed ourselves.

Once the mess was picked up, I got ready for bed. Tommy sat in her usual spot on her rug in the bedroom while the television and lights were on. I read for a short time and then turned off the light.  Because it was now dark, Tommy jumped up on the bed, ate her snack and then curled up at my feet ready to sleep.

Thursday, January 15, 2015: Playing and Picture Taking

I forgot to cancel the morning radio alarm again, so the radio came on again at 6:15.  This time Tommy waited to see if I was really getting up and stayed on the bed.  She did get up and check out the condo before I got up. She jumped up once to greet me, but jumped back down when she realized that I wasn’t getting out of bed.  She showed up again a while later, but this time she didn’t stop “annoying” me. Sure enough in less than a minute the heat pump came on and Tommy let me know that I’d better get my butt out of bed by using what I affectionately call her “whiny yell.”

I got up and did my morning “Tommy chores” as always. I then spent considerable time in the study on the computer trying desperately to catch up on paperwork. Tommy came in occasionally to check up and we did have one play session with the lights in the study and one session with the teaser and paper in the living room.  While the sun was out Tommy napped on the sofa and enjoyed the sun. During that time I was able to catch up on posting and got in touch with the bank about an escrow issue.

The afternoon was spent playing and chilling out together. After a rather vigorous play session Tommy went to nap in the bedroom and I got ready to leave for dinner with a friend.  I knew that it could only be a couple hours, but I gave her the afternoon portion of her dinner before I left.  I put it in the bedroom where she could easily see it from the bed.  She remained on the bed, but I was sure that she would eat when she was hungry.

When I returned home, Tommy came to greet me and sat and watched while I removed my coat and shoes.  I put out the last portion of her dinner to warm and we had some play time.  I also had changed into more comfortable clothing which helped make play time fun for both of us.

My friend is working on a photo book of Tommy and needed a few more shots. I tried to get some pictures of Tommy, but she tends to move just when the pictures taken which makes it very frustrating.  I was able to get a couple pictures. 

I wanted a picture of her looking out of the bookcase, so I used the laser pointer for a play session. We played with it while it (and she) raced around the floor. I would move the laser up the book case every so often and Tommy would jump up to find the light. She would go back behind the books, a favorite spot of hers, put would always leave before I could get a good shot. I changed the settings for her to “sports” for a faster shutter speed which I hope will help me get some pictures that are more in focus, but the bookcase shot still eludes me.

Tommy ate the last portion of her dinner and we played a little more. When it was time for bed, Tommy quickly went in to the bedroom and sat right in front of the T.V. and on top of the little cable box remote button.  I moved the button down to the next shelf. I figured that was easier than trying to get Tommy not to sit on the button.

After trying to watch television with a cat blocking much of the screen, I finally gave up and went to bed. I had put out Tommy’s snack while she was in front of the T.V. but she didn’t budge until the television and lights were off. Only then did she come up on the bed and eat her snack.  We then both curled upon the bed for the night. It was time to sleep.

Wednesday, January 14, 2015: I’m Home Most of the Time

I forgot to cancel the morning radio alarm, so the radio came on again at 6:15.  Tommy thought it was our new routine and spent a considerable amount of time trying to get me moving even though the heat pump hadn’t come on yet. The second it came on, Tommy was beckoning from beside the bed for me to get moving.

I quickly finished the morning “Tommy chores” and then sat down to complete some posts in the study.  Tommy thought that we were ready for a play session and didn’t let it go until I spent some time playing.

After playing I got ready and left to get my haircut.  I knew that I wouldn’t be gone long as I had checked on my phone app for availability and wait time. I was back in less than an hour and Tommy came and greeted me by the door when I returned. She must have known that I wouldn’t be gone long since I had left the television in the living room on for her. We’re a Today Show family and she sometimes watches Hoda and Kathie Lee.

We had lunch although Tommy just had her hairball treats, but didn’t bother with the grass.  She hasn’t been eating it much lately, but has been eating more of her dry food, so I’m not concerned.  Maybe she’s liking the trout flavor that we’re in the process of switching to from the turkey.  Trout is a new flavor for her and I thought that maybe she’d enjoy the change since her canned food varieties are beef, chicken, salmon and turkey.

We took our afternoon nap and then I put out the papers so we could have a play session.  Tommy didn’t play very long, but instead moved to the study. We played with the light refractions from my glasses before she headed up to her chair.

Once there, I went and worked on the diary transcriptions. I heard a noise even though I was wearing headphones. Tommy had tipped over a rather heavy bookend. Fortunately she wasn’t hurt and the bookend only fell about 3 inches to the chair.  She had to investigate the shelf, but found that there wasn’t much room for her. I put the bookend back and then made a little more room on the next upper shelf behind the books. That’s the shelf where she usually hides, so I don’t know if she was trying to expand her options, or just get me to improve her usual spot.

Tommy had her midafternoon dinner and I continued working. At one point she came in and moved to the top of the cupboard in front of the desk. It probably gave her a better vantage point for supervising me.  When she wanted more attention, she came down to the desk and squeezed through between the auxiliary hard drive and the screen. I don’t know why she chose that side since the other side was wide open.

We had a quiet night with both of us eating dinner and then just hanging out. We had a couple additional play sessions with the lights in the study and the teaser/papers in the living room.  When it was time to close out the study, Tommy again remained there until I turned out the lights and said “Come on, let’s go!” At that point she left the study. I’m glad that she chose to leave the dark room at the same time that I had requested her to leave.  I know that obedience isn’t in her vocabulary, but she does try to amuse me at times with the belief that she’s doing things because I want her to do them.

We went to bed, but Tommy sat right in front of the T.V. It was then that I realized that she didn’t see her treat on the bed.  Once I picked it up and showed it to her, she moved to the table opposite the bed and then jumped across and had her snack.  She then jumped down and curled up on her rug.  She sometimes does that when I still have the lights and television on.

Once I was done watching a program and reading during commercials, I turned everything off and went to sleep. I know that once I’m settled in and perhaps asleep, Tommy will probably jumped up and curl up on the bed either at the foot of the bed or in the middle depending on whether she wasn’t to sleep on fleece or flannel.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015: I'm Gone Morning and Night

I had set the alarm because I had to get up early and leave to have breakfast and help a friend during the morning.  Tommy was curled up on her portion of the flannel sheets and woke when the radio came on.  I think she was surprised when I got up and got her breakfast ready.

I then went and got ready to leave.  Tommy didn’t eat all of her food right away like she usually did and I’m sure that it had something to do with the earlier time.  I hadn’t left early in the morning for quite a while, so I’ll bet that Tommy was confused.

I left and when I returned a few hours later, Tommy was on the sofa and didn’t move when I came in.  She had finished her meal and once I removed my jacket and shoes, she came over and let me know that she expected a play session.  I knew that I would be leaving again for choir, so I wanted to make sure that we had some quality time.

I finally relented and brought out some wrapping paper and tissue paper. She loved chasing the different teasers through the paper, so I thought that she’d enjoy it again.  This time she again played vigorously through the papers.  When we finished, I rolled them up and put them away. This was a change as I had just left the papers on the floor before and she ended up sitting amongst them all the time.

We both needed an afternoon nap so we flopped down on the bed. I also tried reading and answered a couple texts I received, but Tommy just enjoyed the quiet time. I again doled out her dinner into two portions and she again finished both in a short amount of time.

I got ready for choir, but Tommy wasn’t ready for me to leave. I usually close up the guest bathroom and study at night or when I’m going to be gone so Tommy isn’t tempted by the peace lily or the roll of toilet paper in the guest bathroom.  She spent a few minutes running around the study as I tried to get her to leave. She finally relented and I was able to leave for choir.

When I returned, Tommy and I played once more before I went to bed. This time Tommy joined me on the bed, ate her snack and then curled up on the flannel sheets.  She must have had a busy time while I was gone to already be ready to sleep.  I turned off the lights and we both went to sleep.

Monday, January 12, 2015: Feeding Schedule Change

Tommy slept through the night while I was the one who had a restless night. I think that I was concerned about shifting positions with Tommy and me both in new positions on the bed.  A little after 6:00 I again awoke to a sleeping Tommy. I got up and heard that the dryer was still on, so I got up and turned it off. I hope that this was because I had moved the dial too far and not that a dryer that was less than two years old needed repairs.

This woke Tommy up and she set out to the living room to investigate the noise. I went back to sleep but was awakened soon after by Tommy’s scratching on the wall. I couldn’t see her even after I turned on the lights.  Where was she?

I found her behind the television in the bedroom which was not a good place.  It appeared that since I’d left some cables on her favored place on the table next to the television she needed another way to access the wall.  I removed the cables and also readjusted the television so it would be harder for her to get behind it.  The plan seemed to work because she then went back to her favorite spot and began “adjusting” the picture hanging on the wall.  She and I have a running disagreement about that picture’s position; she likes it slightly off kilter.

I finally arose and prepared her breakfast and completed my morning “Tommy chores.” I then got ready to leave for a lunch date with a friend.  Tommy as always noticed that I was getting dressed and moved to the bed to supervise (and pout?).

I left for lunch and when I returned Tommy trotted over from the sofa to greet me. We spent some time playing with the fleece and then Tommy took a nap while I worked on the diary transcriptions.  Just a couple more months and this project will end and I’ll be able to ready or Tommy will play more often when she sees I’m available.

Midafternoon I decided to mix up her eating schedule a little. She has been eating all her breakfast within a half hour, but she lets at least half of her dinner until later. I’m concerned that it’s sitting out too long, so I’m going to offer her half of her dinner between 3:00 and 4:00 and then give her the other half between 6:00 and 7:00.

I gave her half around 3:30 and she ate it within the first 15 minutes. That was a good beginning. Later when I gave her the second half, she again ate it within about 15 minutes. This new schedule may alleviate my concerns about having canned food out.  We’ll see how well she continues to adjust to the feedings.

We spent a quiet night and whenever I needed Tommy to vacate a room, she would usually follow me out. When I went to the bedroom to go to bed she followed.  I could tell that she wasn’t ready to sleep yet, but watched my every move.  When I put out her treat, she jumped up and ate it, but then jumped down and went to the living room to play for a while. She’ll show up on the bed when (and if) she wants to sleep there.

Sunday, January 11, 2015: Shifting Sleep Locations

After Tommy left the bedroom last night she spent the rest of the time in the living room. She came in a little after 6:00 and tried to get me to wake up early. I tried to ignore her, but she was persistent, so I finally opened my eyes, petted her and let her know that she was too early and to try again later.

She jumped off the bed, got a drink of water, ate some of her dry food and then proceeded to puke on her rug.  Well, that got me moving! She had been considerate and had thrown up on her scratching rug, so it was easy to clean up the area.  The regurgitation included unchewed food, a long blade of grass and some hair.  This hasn’t happened in quite a while, so I’ll just watch to make sure it doesn’t occur frequently.

Once she was fed and given fresh water, I cleaned up the area and gave her new dry food in new dishes.  It was then time to check/clear the litter box. Everything looked normal, so it appeared to be a one-time incident. I’ll be watching throughout the day to check on her eating/grooming.

We spent most of the day either sitting on the sofa and watching the Packers win or playing. Tommy enjoys chasing spots of light so whenever my glasses get between Tommy and a light source, we have play time and my neck gets a good stretching.  We also spent some time playing with a couple of her favorite toys. It was a good way to spend a January day.

I was also doing some laundry so at times Tommy needed to be patient and let me change loads, iron, fold, and put away.  I keep thinking that one of these cold days, she’s going to jump into the basket of warm clothes right after I take them out of the dryer, but so far she hasn’t.

I hadn’t made the bed because I planned on putting the linen in the laundry, but before I could, Tommy moved to the bedroom for a nap. She curled up on the flannel sheets and I didn’t have the heart to disturb her. The linens could be laundered tomorrow.

While Tommy napped I caught up on some programs on the DVR and continued the laundry. When it was time for dinner, Tommy’s acute hearing told her that her meal was being prepared and she was in the kitchen by my feet as I finished.

Once her dinner was ready I worked on mine and then we watched the rest of the Badger basketball game.  We also started watching the Golden Globes, but Tommy soon moved to the bedroom.  I joined her there and we sat and watched the awards while playing a couple of the teasers.

Once the awards were over, it was time for the news and bed. Tommy had only slept a couple hours in the afternoon so I knew that she was also ready to sleep.  I gave her a snack which she ate while never moving from her spot on the bed.  She had defined her area of the flannel sheets and was going to make sure that she kept that area.  As I finished getting ready knowing that Tommy was still on the flannel sheets that had been folded back, I tried to find a comfortable position on the part of the bed that Tommy had left open. Once the lights were off, we settled down to sleep.

Saturday, January 10, 2015: A Quiet Day and Night

I woke up a couple times during the night and saw that Tommy wasn’t sleeping on the bed. I wasn’t sure if this was her response to my being gone for several hours yesterday or her renewed timidity based on her previous issues of the past two days. It would be interesting to see how the day would unfold.

Tommy came in to wake me a few times before the heat pump started. Each time she got some attention, curled up next to me for a while, and then jump down and return to the living room until the next session.  When the heat pump came on, Tommy made sure that I got up right away.

After Tommy was served breakfast and I had finished the morning chores, I went to the study to handle postings and printing. Tommy came to join me. We spent some time petting and purring, you can figure out who did what.

When we moved to the living room and we played with her new toy. We then moved to the sofa, but after she spent some time, she moved to the ottoman to get a better view of the outside activities. When she curled up I got the heating pad and she moved to the sofa to nap in a warmer spot.

She sat patiently while I talked to my mother on the phone.  Other than the occasional plane, garbage collection, or other noise, we spent a quiet morning.  I then got ready to leave for an afternoon party.  Tommy moved to the bed and stayed there while I got ready and left.

When I returned Tommy was on the sofa. We spent a relatively quiet late afternoon and evening.  Tommy spent time on the sofa next to me or above me, on the bed, or just about everywhere else that she normally sits in the condo.  We had some play time including two sessions with chasing the light from my glasses.  Tommy also has become intrigued by the light that is cast on the floor when the refrigerator is open. I’ve learned to close the door very slowly because Tommy likes to follow the light and could very well get her head knocked by the door as it closes. It hasn’t happened, but she comes very close to keeping her head in harm’s way and I need to “help” her move out of the way of the door.

When Tommy was in the bedroom, I decided to join her and watch television in there. Tommy didn’t want to share the bed, so she went to the living room only to return when her treat was put out hours later. She then finished her snack as I got into bed. She curled up on the corner for a while but as I was falling asleep, I heard her jump down and go back to the living room. I appeared that she was still going to be sleeping on the sofa for whatever reason she had.