Christmas Party & Stuff

Here I am!

Again, the AAB Blog Helper is claiming "busyness"--which we all know is actually "busy taking care of leftover Christmas Party Cookies"--a job at which she excels.

Once again, I was safely snugged up in my office while the Library was invaded by 250+ people. Children got to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the magical Marc Lehmann performed for folks waiting in line or having snacks. Very unique snowflake crafts were made, and downstairs Jingle John from Silly Safaris did animal shows at 6:30 and 7:30.

Wow. Those animals left behind a stink in my meeting rooms.

Here is a picture of the Big-Eared Ratdog:


Oh. Wait.

It's "official" name is a fennec fox. (I like Big-Eared Ratdog better--more descriptive.) Anyhoo, it is very small and cute and AAB Blog Helper touched it and said it could use a bath. But that was AFTER all the AAWWWWWing and squeeing that went on.

Jingle John also brought a bullfrog. I wouldn't want to meet this guy in a dark alley, would you?


Whatever you do, don't biggify. That only makes it scarier! I'm proud that my Christmas Partiers were brave enough to face that fearsome beastie.

Oh, and we also had Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. I thought they'd be good for snack, but it was determined that we should treat them as honored Guests (not for chasing or eating):


Of course, the reindeer was the Big Hit of the night. Her name was Fruitcake, and she very obligingly pooped during BOTH Silly Safaris shows, much to the delight of her fans.

Here she is. . .


. . . WAIT A MINUTE! What is Fruitcake doing off the Tarp? She is supposed to be ON the Tarp!

Whew. Luckily for AAB Ritchie, Fruitcake pooped on the Tarp like a good Guest.

The Christmas Party was deemed a Big Success! (If anyone needs any candy canes, we have them ALL.)

In other news, feet and legs were found sticking out of our ceiling this morning:


In addition to all of the holiday goings-on, I have been very busy Continuing my education. This is very important if you're going to be in the Library business. I have encouraged AB Karen to participate with me. (AAB Barb is participating, too, but Photographer only got her paw in the shot.)


Notice how I am watching the screen very attentively while Karen doodles smiley-faces on her paper. (She said she was taking notes. Huh.)

Okay, back to snoopervising the Christmas goodies. . .

Headbutts,

Tober

Do You See What I See?

Well, it's been a rough few days here at my Library, friends!

As you all know, Christmas is coming. That means three (3) things here at TPL:

1. Trees. Everywhere!

2. My stocking is hung by the chimney with care!

3. "Surprises" in the litter box. (Sorry AAB Cathie.)

I think my staff is watching the placement of Christmas bows a little better this year, since I'm such a bow-hunting master!

I kind of like Christmas decorating, especially at night after the staff leaves and I can inspect their handiwork. What I don't like is the Chaos that ensues on the day after Thanksgiving (Christmas Decoration Day). All of the stuff getting moved around, the staff not staying in their assigned seats, the treats sitting, forgotten, in desk drawers. . .

You're lucky to be reading this post.

BUT! A momentous and wonderful thing happened this year:


Did you see what I see?

Click the picture and biggify it!

That's right! I've got my Very Own Tree! It is decorated with Cat Toys Feline Training Devices, and lights, and garland! AAB Britta made it special Just For Me, and put it in the Young Adult Room so that everyone could admire it.

Dear Santa, I will try my very best NOT to eat the garland.

Speaking of Santa--Santa and his lovely wife, Mrs., will be here on Monday night to visit with any children (and hopefully Boss Cats) who would like to see him (and ask for special Christmas treats). Christmas is Snow Much Fun at the Library! We will also have an animal show presented by Silly Safaris (yes, they're letting that stinky really cool reindeer back in my Library again). And we have magician Marc Lehmann entertaining visitors of all ages, and snacks, and some snowflake-themed crafts for the little ones!

I will be Hiding in my Office for most of this, because Library Cats and over TWO HUNDRED (200!) people at one time! is a bit terrifying!

Since we have a Snow-Themed Christmas Party, I decided to check out the decorations:


The staff was all excited because I got Glitter on me. (AAB Ritchie especially loves it when Glitter gets in the carpet.) I was tormented by AAB Photographer's attempt to photograph Glitter on my furs.

If you look really closely in this picture you can see Glitter:


If you look really closely in this picture you can More Glitter (and a Pink Horsey):


If you look really closely in this picture you can see Irritation:


Thankfully the photographer remembered to turn the flash off for once.

Loving my special Tree-t,

Tober

Busy busy times!

Hi everybody,

We (meaning My Staff) have been Very Busy here at the library in the last few weeks. I'm sorry I haven't been a very good blogging cat lately, but it's hard to get on a computer when all of my people are acting Busy and ignoring my need for computer time.

So let me tell you what's been going on around here:

1. The library is now decorated for Christmas! There are trees everywhere, and lights, and wreaths, and presents (that are decoration only and don't really have stuff in them). Some of the presents have been taken Away because I chew on the ribbons--which upsets my belly--and then the ribbons come out again one way or another. So we're watching the tinsel & ribbon around here, folks!

Here is a picture of a Bulletin Board that got all dressed up for Christmas:


Please notice the bows lying below the Bulletin Board--these have been removed by Me because they were fun to chew. Assistant Assistant Boss Myrtle said that she has Given Up on trying to keep bows and things on the bottom of the board.

2. We had the big Library Christmas party and the bazillion little kids came and saw Santa and Mrs. Claus. The reindeer also came for a program and pooped on the floor. But Big Fun was had by all and I was safely locked up (this is the ONE time of the year that such an act is acceptable) so that I could supervise without being mauled by well-meaning little ones.

Here is a picture of the reindeer and Jingle John and the reindeer poo:


Here is another picture. In this one I am telling Santa and Mrs. Claus that for Christmas I would like to be Not Held:


3. I have been made even Famouser by a person named Patrick Roberts who included me on his Purr 'n' Fur website. You can find my handsome self listed with other American Library Cats on the Featuring Felines page! Purr 'n' Fur also includes pages about famous felines (like Dewey and Scarlett) and literary felines and puzzles and pictures and stories about feline fans and. . . well, really, by now you really should have clicked the link!

4. I have got to get Assistant Assistant Boss Photographer on the ball so we can make my Christmas card. I need to spread cheer!

Okay Friends, that is my update! I will try to get out and about and visit blogs this week--I am so far behind! I hope everyone is having a good holiday-time and that everyone is safe and warm!

Purrs,

Tober

Christmastime at the Library!

Oh my gosh, Cats (and People), it has been a long time since I have posted any news on here! We have been very busy at the Library with Christmas coming and people thinking they need Vacations (apparently no one cares that I abolished those) and other people getting bad germs and sharing them with everyone else.

My Assistant Assistant Boss Linda found an email in her junk mail from Laila and Minchie. Hi Laila and Minchie! I am fine! How DARE our spam filter put your Very Important Email in the junk mail. I will have a talk with it for you.

Here, I will try to catch you up on Christmastime at the Library.

First of all, there are trees EVERYWHERE in here, and they all have interesting things hanging from them, and shining lights, and the fake green stuff is pretty tasty. The Library was a flurry of activity after Thanksgiving when all of the decorations went up.

On December 7 we had a big Christmas Party called A Scenic Christmas at the Library. Jingle John came to the Library and brought a real live Reindeer and other arctic animals! The Reindeer was very small (for a Reindeer, I guess), but I also heard that Jingle John brought a doggie and I was not interested in being in the same room with a doggie. One of my AABs snapped a picture of John and the doggie and the Reindeer for me.


Do you see that vicious doggie on the left?

Here is another picture of the Little Reindeer. It is standing in front of my Most Favorite Tree in the Library--do you know why it is my Favorite?


The party was a Very Big Success and around 350 children and adults came to see the program, make Christmas ornaments and magnets, eat cookies, and have pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. It was a very fun time, but I am glad I was safely tucked away in a staff office where I could view the activity through the windows.

In addition to the usual Christmas decorations, I am excited to report that my Stocking was hung by the chimney with care:


I am sad to report that it appears to be EMPTY.

I suppose it would have things in it if I hadn't opened my first Christmas present early:


I am excited that I have gotten Christmas cards and presents from some very special blogging friends. I have my Christmas card all ready to go, but sometimes it can be hard to get the Staff to help me do things like lick envelopes and apply stamps.

Since I have deprived you of my handsome self for over two weeks, I guess I'd better post another picture. The photographer has been particularly pesky this time of year, especially since now she keeps trying to put me in particular places (in front of trees, on weird chairs, in windowsills) to get a "special" picture. Well, every picture of me is special! Here is one where she finally left me alone. . . and I think it came out pretty well:


Thank you everybody for thinking of me while I was busy managing my sometimes unruly Staff! I will post again soon!

Purrs & headbutts,

Tober

My letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I have been very Good this year. I work very hard at my job and I make my coworkers happy. I always use my box, and I rarely chew on the office plants. I am nice to the Thorntown Public Library customers. I have never hissed at them, even if one unexpectedly wakes me from a nap.

I help my coworkers use their mouses and keyboards, and I keep their chairs at a comfortable temperature when they are away from their desks. I recycle paper, if it is conveniently positioned near the recycle box.

I keep myself clean and well-rested so that I am a valuable PR Cat. I pay attention during staff meetings, and keep myself involved in important discussions. I talk to my coworkers constantly, since communication is the key to a friendly and effective workplace.

Here are my Christmas wishes:

1. A selection of cords for my chewing pleasure
2. More Purina Whisker Lickin's Dreamy Duos Shrimp & Tuna Flavor Treats
3. A personal assistant (must give good massages/belly-rubs)
4. Fingernails
5. A hamster (can be in hamster-ball)

I understand that some of these things may be hard to deliver. A personal assistant, for instance, would be difficult to stuff in a sack. A hamster, though, should not be too hard to deliver, especially if enclosed in a hamster-ball. They also make dwarf hamsters, if a standard-sized hamster is too large.

I also realize that I was in Big Trouble not too long ago; however, I would like to point out that the Trouble could have been avoided if I had already received Christmas Wish #1. If my wishes are met, I can almost promise to be the Best Cat on your Nice list next year!

Thanks in advance,

Tober

PS--I will try to leave milk and cookies for you (and carrots for the reindeer) on Christmas Eve. . . although we are not supposed to leave food out in the Library. Maybe try the fridge when you stop by.

This has been a very unusual day and I have enjoyed it. Assistant Boss Karen apologized to me for the staff’s being too busy to give me the attention my position as Boss deserves. Seems as though many of the staff are out with winter colds, pneumonia, fog and icy roads, vacations, and Christmas preparations.

I sat at the door and howled after hearing the explanation.

For a while today the Assistant Boss was the only one here besides me, and the phone rang three times before she could get her coat off. Fortunately, Bonnie arrived to help, then Von and Helen and Fern. Fern has retired, but Karen drafted her as a sub today, and I really appreciated it. She praised me to some Friday afternoon quilters who have very nice hands. Karen also invited students in to play with me and that was entertaining even if they are not skilled with the red dot business.

Finally, Karen opened the door. I am perfectly happy moving among the four comfortable chairs in my office and I don’t feel a need to go exploring as long as I can see out the open door. I may sit in the doorway and observe, but I only ventured six feet beyond the doorway. If anyone approached, I ducked back into the sanctuary of my office. My readers need to understand that my door is glass, so I can see outside, but it is the PRINCIPLE of the thing—I felt better today to know the door was open. I was a VERY good cat.

I want to mention a book that is a very interesting read. My friend Tim Nash gave it to the “Library Ladies” for Christmas and it is being passed around my staff before being added to the library collection. I hasten to assure you that although Stephen Baker, the author, knows cats reasonably well, he does not have all the answers. First of all, the TITLE is a real insult: How to Live with a Neurotic Cat. He has also written about living with a neurotic dog, but I suppose it is too much to hope that he might write a book from my point of view and call it “How to Live with a Neurotic Human.”

He does have a wonderful chart that shows there is strong evidence that cats are superior to people. For example, humans have only 5 to 20 million olfactory cells and rarely use them for the purposes of survival, while cats have 67 million olfactory cells and can sniff out a tuna fish sandwich several rooms away. A human’s body structure has 204 bones while a cat’s has 244 bones. The human has a life expectancy of one, while a cat has nine lives.

Baker does have one very wise statement: “Cat’s greatest gift to the owner is that he lends you his presence. That should be more than enough.” He also notes that beds designed for pets are all right for dogs or human infants but that cats require REAL beds. Most beds sleep up to six cats, or ten cats without the owner. (I would also like to add the use of the term "owner" is a bit suspicious, since cats actually own the humans. You may substitute "person" in this case.)

He is correct when he writes that, “In trying to look good, a dog ends up making a fool of himself. He does what is expected of him and becomes a yes-dog in the process. There are NO yes-cats.” “Dogs may be bigger than cats, but not between the ears. If your home is not big enough for both your dog and cat, you have two choices. Get rid of the dog. Or move to a bigger home.” Regarding diet, Baker says that, “Cats need those calories. They may not move around as much as you do, but they expend a lot of energy using their minds.”

The book will be on the adult shelves in 636.8 BAK once the library ladies are willing to share it. I’ll be happy to help you find the book for you simply must see the drawings. It is a very quick read and the 9th and last chapter is the shortest. The chapter title is “Can a Neurotic Cat Be Cured?” The chapter says, “No.”

Tober

P.S. Karen finally brought some paperwork into my office this afternoon so that I could sit on it and supervise. I gave her some of my best purrs so that she knew I appreciated it and she assured me my input was very useful. Of course it was. I am CAT.

Big Trouble

Today I got in Big Trouble. I didn't think that the Boss (that's me) could get in Big Trouble, but it seems that I was wrong about that. I was going to ask the Assistant Boss if I would be demoted, but I was afraid of what she would say.

Sometimes I get lonely when my coworkers go home for the night, and I have to find things to do to keep myself occupied. Sometimes I nibble on a plant, or I knock Craig over, or I dump Christine's inbox into the recycling bin. . . but what I like to do the most is chew on cords.
Cords are fun to chew. They feel nice in my teeth, and they wiggle and squirm so I can hunt them. But apparently chewing on the cords is a Very Bad Thing To Do.

When I chew on cords, it causes a flurry of activity around the office. Today was very exciting: Pat took the cord off of her computer and threw it away, Linda rearranged all of her furniture, and Christine crawled around on the floor with lots of black tubes. Assistant Boss Karen was frustrated with me, but I'm very charming, and she couldn't stay mad at me for long.


Because I am in Big Trouble I am not getting any treats and no one will get my dot out for me to hunt. Most of the tasty cords have been hidden from view--at least from human view--or wrapped up in black tubes. My officemates said that I was getting a supply of cords for Christmas, which they would hide in the closet.

Why would they get me a present and then hide it from me?

Besides, I have not presented anyone with my Christmas list yet. I'm still trying to decide whether I want a mouse (small, but has a tail) or a hamster (stubby tail, but bigger).

Here is a picture of me shelving. This is something library employees do.


Until next time!

Tober

I met Santa Claus!

We had a party at the library on Monday night, and I met Santa and Mrs. Claus! Santa picked me up and hugged me, and one of the Assistant Assistant Bosses took a picture of us together.

I am going to be on a Christmas card. I'll be a celebrity after that. This Christmas. . . Thorntown. Next Christmas. . . BOONE COUNTY!!!!

The party began at 6:30. This is when I usually begin my evening romp through the office, but I decided that I would relax and watch the endless flow of little kids and big kids coming upstairs to make crafts and take pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The kids did crafts at two big tables right outside my office:

They also worked in the young adult room right next door, so I had a great view of everything. They had a great view of me, too. I have fingerprints all over my office door, I had so many admirers!

I heard that they even had a reindeer downstairs. Arctic Aaron brought one, and people got to pet it and take pictures with it! I didn't believe them until I saw some pictures.
I wish someone had told me that a reindeer was coming. I bet they didn't want me scaring her too badly. I am a tiger-kitty with very muscular paws and pointy teeth, and my presence might have made the reindeer nervous. I bet that's it. . .

After everyone met the reindeer, they came upstairs again to take more pictures with the Clauses. Even the Assistant Boss (Karen) got in on the fun! I don't know what she told Santa she wanted for Christmas. . . I hope it's a red dot, because I've almost caught it a few times.

It was a long, busy night, but it was also lots of fun. I am still recuperating from all the excitement. I have napped for almost two days straight, and I've hardly had the energy to tip things over in the evenings.

Tober

Intruder alert!

A strange red dot has sneaked into my room. I can't kill it. I've stalked it stealthily, and pounced on it, but when I open my paws, nothing is there.

My coworkers keep saying "Good job, Tober, you got it!" Are they nuts? It keeps coming back! It's the same dot; it smells the same, it looks the same, and it's just as quiet and sneaky every time. I'm a little creeped out, and yet utterly fascinated, with this strange red dot.

See? In the picture at the right, here, I HAD the dot. There is NO WAY I could have lost the dot by clumsiness. I don't have toenails, but I have very strong and muscular paws, and I had that dot firmly in my grip.

I will catch that dot one of these days. I will corner it, and pick it up in my teeth, and carry it proudly to one of my nice officemates to present as a gift. Maybe I can get it before Christmas!

There is dot-hunting to be done.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tober