Happy New Year!

Jacksonville, December 29, 2009

Dear feline friends near and far!

This is Olivia (Miss). How are you? I am fine and like to introduce you to my new friends. Friends, so to speak, because my humans don’t let me play with them. I do not know why; I am allowed to see them only from afar….. that’s not fair!

First up is Ali. Ali likes to sunbathe…. He comes out when it’s sunny and warm. His full name is Ali Gator. He’s cute, isn’t he?

Then there is Arm. Do you see him in the grass? He looks like a tank…. His full name is Arm Adillo. He’s always scurrying around… he’s not too friendly, but I like him anyhow.

That’s Egi you see in the distance. Egi likes to fish. His real name is Egret, but I like to call him Egi, so there!

Here’s a close up of Egi. Isn’t Egi pretty? And Egi flies too! Amazing!

Well, that's all... I have a few other friends, but let's not talk about those critters... when they visit I like to chase them and bite their tails off .... so those Liz (Ards) don't visit very often any more, needless to say.

Tata for now and let me hear from you.

Olivia (Miss)
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Letter to Zorro, a feline and neighbor

Jacksonville, October 29, 2009

Dear Neighbor,

How are you?

I heard through the grapevine that you are a fine black feline who happens to own two humans too.

My name is Olivia (Miss). I moved in above you about five weeks ago. I do like it here. I have my humans almost trained, especially the female human. Some times, as a test, I just mosey leisurely towards the (closed) door, and wouldn’t you know it, before I reach it, she jumps up and opens it for me. Good girl!

I still need to work on the male human though, he is not so gullible ……. yet! The only problem I have with the female human is that she wants to play all the time…. a feathered wand is her favorite toy; she persistently dangles it in front of my face. I humor her and pretend to have fun batting at it. When will she finally grow up! I am just a little cat! Mind you, I have already gained two pounds since I got here. It must be the fresh air.

Anyhow, I wanted to say hi and to let you know that I have arrived.

Take care of your humans.

Tata for now,

Olivia (Miss)

Letter to Poli, a feline from Luxembourg, Europe

Jacksonville, October 6, 2009

Dear Poli,

This little note to let you know that I am still alive and well. I am even gaining weight (need to watch it!). I think I like it here! My humans are OK and we communicate well. In a few weeks I'll have them fully trained.
I am excited to learn a new language (one of my humans is a foreigner!). Here are some of the expressions I already master:
Domm Katz = Pretty Kitty.
Bleiw do ewech! = Continue what you are doing!
Komm hei! = Go away!
Gei mir vum Leiw! = Come here!
Being a native, I am sure you know all those expressions and act accordingly. Anyhow, just wanted to let you know that I am doing just fine!
Take care of your human,

Bye for now,

Olivia (Miss)

(Note: As all cats Olivia developed her own understanding of languages …. A human would equate the spoken words as follows: domm Katz = stupid cat – bleiw do ewech = get away from there – komm hei = come here – gei mir vum Leiw = get away from me …. But that’s not what felines hear!)

Letter from Bogey, a feline from St. Simons Island, Georgia

Dear Miss Olivia,

I, too, own a couple of humans that just happen to be friends of your new “adopted” humans. I am named for a famous movie star: Monsieur Humphrey Bogart, but they just call me Bogey for short. I think I am a little bigger than you and a little older and wiser, but I am a pretty sight (grey and white long hair) for a male. I know we would look good together. I know the man extremely well. I met him the day my humans brought me home. He was so nice and played with me all night. I heard he was instrumental in my getting an interview before I adopted them. He is a foreigner, but a nice one, not one of those terrorist. (But he is a Democrat). She even got used to me and played a bit. Even though they moved to Jacksonville, I still remember them and am always so happy and excited when they come to visit.

Don’t be too distressed over a one-story flat. I also live in a one story domicile. It is easy to run around from place to place. Dressers and beds can be fun to hide under….no one can easily get you out if you are pouting. And I know that you have a screen porch like I do. That can be fun to see what is available in case you can ever get outside to hunt. It might be pretty difficult for you to do. If not, your humans can provide you with some play toys to hunt. They are well-trained and know what to do. Other fine felines have previously adopted them.

I am very happy to hear from you and we will stay in touch and share any “tricks” our humans might not know. I don’t think you have to worry about being a “stir-fry”. They like swimmers, better.

My best regards for now,

Humphrey Bogart, Esq.