I never located that circular saw. But, I griped so much that HeWho unearthed the hidden saw and did the cut for me.
I was all prepared with pictures and I cannot seem to download them. So, I will just have to use my words to tell you about my new project. You will recall that I recently decided to take my sewing room apart.
It all started with those cabinets left over from the kitchen re-do. Four upper cabinets, just waiting to be used. I pondered a bit and decided they should go in the sewing room. On the wall that has a high shelf that spans from wall to wall. That would have to go, along with some other things. One of the things in the way of progress was a big chest of drawers.
When I was very young I thought people were saying "chester drawers". I thought that for the longest time and wondered why it was a chester drawer. At least chest of drawers makes sense. I am rambling. This particular chest of five drawers was given to me by my mother-in-law. When we got it, it was green. We called it the incredible hulk. You know, because it was big and green.
HeWho says it was around as long as he could remember and I am thinking it was around long before HeWho entered the world. HeWho is almost 63. This is a sturdy piece of furniture, but the size made it hard to find a place to put it.
Well, would you look at that, the picture finally downloaded! Here it is without the drawers. I decided to downsize it to fit next to the chair of HeWho empties the contents of his pockets willy nilly. This will provide a nice large surface for him to clutter.
I carefully taped it in preparation for the saw. I cut the top two drawers off. I had planned to carefully remove the top and use it on the new side table. Then I got to thinking ...... what was to become of the two drawers left? Just wouldn't be right to simply discard them.
They don't make them like they used to! Since I had this piece of furniture ready to cut for several days as the war over the use of the saw raged on, I had plenty of time to ponder this situation. It came to me in the wee hours of my non-slumber.
I re-thought my design and decided to eliminate the top drawer of the three drawer chest, leaving an open shelf for the lap top and other electronics. I decided to make a hole in the back to bring the power surge strip onto the shelf. The other two drawers can be used for out of season clothes, or whatever. Extra storage is always good.
This left the top of the dresser and an extra drawer. I am loathe to toss anything that could be useful, so I decided to keep the top intact and add some legs and use it at the end of my bed. I already have a bench there, but this would add storage to that area. I can use those drawers for linen!
But there is still that extra drawer from the other unit going next to his recliner. Another night to ponder and I found the solution! I will use that other drawer to put atop the new linen chest at the end of my bed ...... and make a dog bed!!!!!
Feeling ever so clever, I spent most of Sunday afternoon scraping and sanding the linen chest. I painted it with three layers of red and cream and tan paints. Today I worked on the drawers and the dog bed. The chest now sits happily at the foot of my bed. The dog bed is still drying and will be fitted with padding and blankets tomorrow before I attach it to the top of the chest.
I have visions of a dog or two deciding to sleep in this new dog bed at the foot of my bed. I will post a picture of my new project tomorrow ...
Dear Maya,
So much has happened since we last communicated. Well, I communicated with you.
The giant puppy continues to leave a path of destruction in his wake. He still terrorizes the other dogs. But, now Gramma has taken a sudden liking to the gangly puppy. She let's him come inside! She let's him sit beside her on the couch!
Cujo is quite miffed at this turn of events. He is not a fan of the puppy to begin with, but sharing the affections of his human was definitely not on his list of things to do. So far, Gramma has managed to teach the puppy to sit and shake hands. Sort of, at least. He will sit, but when it comes to the handshake, he falls to one side before offering his paw. He looks really dumb when this happens. But, Gramma says it is endearing.
I am starting to wonder about Gramma's mental health. She has a birthday coming up and I hear she is quite old. Well, you know how old people are, they start to forget things and such. Although ..... she never seems to forget to put me outside every night and to fill my food dish. While it is true that I am an avid hunter, I still prefer my kibble.
Gramma has been known to complain about the cost of my food, saying I should eat what I kill. I have never heard her complain about the cost of dog food! She buys some tasty kibble for me, it is true, and I do enjoy eating while she scratches my head affectionately. But, she buys three kinds of this dog food! And dog treats! Where is my treat, I ask you? Never you mind that I confess to stealing from the dogs bowl. And I have indulged myself with a stolen dog treat or two.
So, have your sisters resigned themselves to a puppy free household? Gramma had very few pets when she was growing up. She told me that her mother would not allow cats! She had a cat from time to time that was given to her, but they were banned to the out of doors, never to know the comforts of indoors. A soft bed to cuddle with your human is quite soothing after a long night of hunting.
Gramma seems to have made up for her lack of pets since she is all grown up and has her own household, if the number of pets now residing here is any indication.
I hope your are enjoying your felines and that all of you will come soon for a visit. I remember you girls from previous visits when I was just a small kitten. Gramma says you girls have grown quite a bit since I last saw you.
Sincerely, Martha, The Boy Cat
Hi, Maya,
Martha, The Boy Cat here. I have not written a post in such a long time, I fear I may have forgotten how. Wall-E is the writer around here. Let me assure you, he never misses a chance to remind us all of the fact that he wrote a book.
I can spin a tale or two myself, though. Last week I heard Gramma telling Miss Martha (whose name I share) about a call from your sisters. As I recall, they wanted Gramma to convince your mom to let them have a puppy. Gramma seemed to think they were adorable, but admitted to Miss Martha that she would never interfere with the decisions of the parents of her grandchildren.
After much thought, I decided to write a letter to you, since you would appear to be the most sensible of the three sisters. After all you did not participate in the shenanigans of your two younger siblings. Gramma tells me that yours is a cat household. This sounds like a very good idea to me. I am the lone feline here. I will admit, though, that being the only one has it's advantages.
So, I decided to present to you an argument for NOT getting the aforementioned puppy. Have you any idea how bothersome they can be? I have heard all about puppy breath and dreamy eyes, but do they bother to tell you how much a puppy can poop? Not to mention the puddles on the floor.
Of course when they are sleeping, everything is great. Their sweet limp bodies draped over whatever they fell asleep on. But, about the time that sweet puppy breath is history, they start jumping on everyone and their claws dig into your skin. If that isn't bad enough, they start to chew on everything. Shoes seem to be the favorite item to destroy.
Are you wondering how I might have acquired all this knowledge? Did I neglect to mention that we have a puppy in residence right this very minute? We do and he is awful, let me tell you! He is already bigger than me and I have heard tell that I am a fine specimen of a large feline. One lady even mentioned that I might be as big as a bobcat. I do not know this cat called Bob, but he must be pretty big.
This puppy called Smoke has huge feet, so that when he jumps up on Gramma he leaves a big muddy stain. This does not bode well for his future. He has already been banned from the inside. He chewed up Gramma's favorite shoes!! Two pair of her comfy Dawgs that she likes to roam around the grounds in. He terrorizes Cujo and Wall-E. They have taken to going out the front door to take care of business. Toni Louise is not likely to give in to him. She has bitten him a couple of times.
Funny thing is, it doesn't seem to bother him. Gramma calls him Goofy and Dumbledorf and all sorts of silly names. His antics have gotten him into lots of trouble and his latest stunt may just get him removed from our lives entirely ....... hope runs deep. He decided that when Gramma hung out laundry to pull things off the line. This did not sit too well with Gramma. I heard her ask him if he thought she was playing tug of war with him. I have no idea what she was thinking. It was like she suggested this to him. I noticed that she used the clothes dryer today. It was sunny. This sounds like surrender to me, unless she is planning a new attack against this puppy monster that involves a fence or maybe chains.
Don't worry about me, Maya, I can take care of myself with the demon dog. Remember, I have all my claws and my teeth! I am not afraid to use them, already have, as a matter of fact. That animal will not get the best of me, no matter how big he gets! I hope you find this information useful and that you share it with your sisters. I hope to communicate with you again soon in the near future --- I will give you updates on this puppy as he grows bigger.
Yours Truly,
Martha, The Boy Cat
Dear Jailynn,
I am Martha, the boy cat. I live here with Gramma and Papa in Missouri. I have yet to make your acquaintance ....... but I am less than a year old, so there are lots of folks that I haven't met.
I have always lived here with Gramma, but to me she is my mommy. She is the only mommy I know. I got lost from my cat mommy when I was very small and Gramma took care of me. Now I kind of rule the kampground. Oscar sneered at me, but he knows it to be true. I am able to roam the grounds freely and he is not. That pretty much means that I am the top dog here ........ so to speak, as I am not really a dog. Although I do like dog food ........
Today, while I was helping Gramma in the store, I saw a big box and I jumped to the table it sat upon and tried to open it. You see, I like to sit in boxes. So I was about the business of ripping the tape with my claws when she caught me. I am not allowed to display my magnificent claws while indoors and I thought Gramma had gone into the house. She began scolding me about the whole claw thing and inquired about my desire to perhaps have mine removed. Of course I don't!!
Then she told me that the box that had caught my attention was about to be shipped to you. She said your name and I was confused, since I have not met you. But, not to worry, Gramma likes to talk. Doesn't matter if you listen, she will just chatter on and on. I feel as if I know you and your mom and your dad now. She told me that your dad once lived with her when he was a baby and then a little boy. She took care of him, like she took care of me.
She even told me what was in the mystery box. There are presents for you, Jailynn, for Christmas! I am not sure what presents are, but I want some, too! Gramma reminded me of all the time we spent sewing in her special sewing room. No dogs allowed in there, but I like to lay on the rug near Gramma while she makes things. So, I know what is in this box that will be headed to your house.
I remember all the things that Gramma made for you, because she showed them all to me while she worked. You must be a very special girl. Gramma says that lots and lots of love goes into all the things she makes for her grandgirls. I think that maybe Gramma has lots of fun thinking about each of you as she sews. I know I enjoy spending my time watching her as I nap on and off. It is what cats do, you know.
So, Gramma says that I should wish you a Merry Christmas and end my letter so that we can go in the house and stoke the fire. I hope to meet you in person very soon!
Your uncle cat, Mr. Martha
I spent the entire night outside last night! It was exhilarating. Gramma has this pile of wood scraps that she refuses to part with. Papa offered to burn it for her, but she would have none of that!
Personally, I like having things to climb around on. Gramma makes things out of the wood pieces and she seems to like to move it around and stack and re-stack it. I like to climb on it and knock pieces down.
It was while I was playing atop Gramma's pile of wood that I spied Tigger, the unfriendly cat walking in MY yard!
There he is slinking around, looking for me!
I am hiding! He will not find me behind the compost bin. I will jump out when he least expects it and scare him. In honor of Halloween. Gramma explained this holiday to all us animals. We don't have trick or treaters out here in the kampground when the holiday is in the middle of the week.
Oscar says this is a good thing. He told me that Gramma has costumes for all us animals. He says that she custom made one for him. It is a bun and ketchup and mustard ...... he is the hot dog. Wall-E says this is a fine example of irony, since Oscar is a dachshund and is commonly referred to as a wiener dog. I don't get it.
All I know is that we will not be wearing these things called costumes. I am sure I could get out of one anyway. I think. I remember when I was a very small kitten and Gramma fed me with that bottle and she wrapped me up in a piece of cloth. She called it swaddling and said she did it so I couldn't scratch her while I ate. I didn't like it too much and no matter how hard I wiggled I couldn't get out. Gramma is very clever. Wall-E told me so. He knows these things, after all, he did write a book.
Wonder what kind of costume Gramma would put on Tigger? Gramma says he should be Winnie The Pooh. She laughed and laughed. Who is Winnie The Pooh?
I will be a cat. Not a wicked cat, or a scaredy cat. I will just be the boy cat called Martha. That's me!
Here I am, walking around our yard. See that yellow thing on the end of the hose? If you ever see one and a person picks it up ........ RUN! Gramma thinks it is fun to squirt me with water. I don't see the humor in it, but she laughs every time she does it!
"Martha, NO!" I hear this a lot. That twig I am playing with, well, Gramma says it is a tree, a baby tree. She was not happy that I removed all the leaves on it. I was having a great time with this twig that was stuck in the ground. When I pulled it over, it would snap back. Gramma didn't like my game. She said that I was about the business of killing trees. Not really, I was just having fun.
Gramma does not allow me to use my claws inside. She says that they are only for outside use. If I stick them out, she puts me in my kennel and calls it solitary confinement. I am supposed to think about what I have done and not do it again. Although I am not fond of this punishment, I must admit that I do think about using my claws before I extend them. And ....... I NEVER use them on Gramma!
When I am outside, it is necessary to use them. For instance, should you want to climb a tree, claws are very handy.
I use them to grab the tree and work my way up into the tree. Look how high I can go!
Wait a minute ........ I can go up and up and up, but, how do you get down out of the tree? I guess I didn't think this through. Gramma says I have giant paws and have not grown into them yet. Maybe that has something to do with it. I am not sure. All I know is that I am up and don't have any idea how to get down.
Papa rescued me. Gramma says that Papa rescues travelers all the time. So, am I a traveler? I thought I was a cat. A boy cat named Martha.
It has been awhile since I have blogged (that is what Gramma calls it and she knows about these things), but here I am.
Gramma says I have grown. I suppose she is right, because I can easily climb those big rocks in front of our store. I can get down by myself, too!
I can also jump from one rock to the other. Gramma says that I am very agile. Agile? Don't know about that, but I can jump really far.
Sometimes I sit very still on a rock and watch Gramma pull weeds. Papa says this is her most favorite pass time. Well, my most favorite pass time is jumping on Gramma hands when she least expects it. Sometimes she will scold me and put me back inside ....... but she always brings me back outside after a few minutes. She says it is my time to think about what I am doing to annoy her.
I think about it ........ I think about better ways to do it!
Papa brought a rug home for me. Oh, wait, Gramma said it was not for me. Whatever, I like my new rug. It is quite comfy. I have taken a few naps on it.
It is a fine place to have a bath, too. Gramma tells me that I am due for a real bath. I have tried to tell her that this is how cats take a bath, but she says my tongue does not do a good enough job.
A man came in our store today and took pictures of me! Gramma let him, she said he was not a 'pet'ophile or anything. Both of them laughed and laughed, but I don't get it. She told the man that I thought I was a dog! I do not. I know quite well that I am a cat, I just act like a dog when I am with the dogs. I thought it would be the right thing to do, since Toni Louise is not all that smart.
I need to go check my food dish. Gramma only fills it three times a day. I could eat more, really I could. Then I could be a fat cat!
