Hey buddy or should I say buddess or buddha,

Great pics of Leo the Savior. Don't worry about being celibate, most long-time married couples I know have reached that state of being. Anything on the job front...responses to your flyers, editing jobs, your "special socks"? I'm finally starting to get over this bronchitis, played a gig on Saturday night, my mom (getting dementia) is coming up to my sister's so I'll have to drive her back to Los Angeles at the end of the week. That alone is a case for self-euthanization. What with all the medications I have been taking for my bronchitis, I stopped taking my Welbutrin, just giving my body a rest. Still haven't had the energy to appeal unemployment's decision to pay them back all their money. But...I got a call today from one of my job searches and have an interview this Wednesday. It's actually back with county mental health where I worked 10 years ago. I'm kind of dreading having to think about working there again but I guess it's a start. I called hospice regarding groups, but never heard back from them. I'll Skype you in the next couple of days. Been thinking of you, and LW and now Leo.

Dennis

Hey Margi, I'm sorry I haven't posted about your new baby. Leo is just beautiful!!! I love the pictures. As you and Blindsided are experiencing, I am also trying to get used to new personalities and feeling frustrated that they don't know me/my routines like "the brothers" did. While the girls are funny, I find myself longing for what I used to have more often than not.
I'm glad you have a distraction (that's how I look at these girl kitties). But I sure wish things would pick up for you on the job front. Your emerald ring sounds beautiful and would be just a shame if you had to sell it. I so hope that doesn't turn out to be the case.
Anyway, I just wanted to send my belated congratulations on your new bundle. Or should I say handful?
-Donna

Just writing in with an update on Leopold the Terrible. He has calmed down a lot, except for the periods of time when he seems to be on meth! He becomes QUITE out of control and literally bounces off the walls, creating a shambles in his wake...sigh...

I think he has finally gotten that I am NOT enthused about the 5 a.m. wake-up calls, in that he generally doesn't bother me much now until around seven.

I am still in shock and wondering what I have done to my quiet little life. I love him, but I am not really bonded to him yet--he still seems kind of like an alien in my environment. This has partly to do with the fact that I haven't had a cat at all for about 20 years now, and my last cat was totally self-contained and required little from me. THIS one is on me all of the time, wanting this or that! These Bengals do require a great deal of attention, and I find myself resenting that sometimes. With my dogs, I could give attention when the time was right for me--but Leo will interrupt anything I am doing to scream, "Me! Pay attention to ME right NOW!"

Given all that, he's cute as a button and very lovable and very strange. I find myself wishing that he was already grown up though--I feel too old and tired sometimes to manage having a kitten! But I may never have this chance again, so I'm trying to enjoy it as best I can.

He's definitely not Ladywolf...

He's...Leopold!!

Big hugs from Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Holy Terror

Hi, Margi, I'm laughing and nodding my head remembering my Eli. Your Leopold sounds so much like my Eli, although my Eli's behavior was caused by a physical problem with his brain that required lifetime medicinal intervention. My little Noah is ready to start the day by 6 a.m. EVERY day, bless his sweet heart. So on weekends our routine is to get him his breakfast at his regular time, give him some fresh water, and then we go back to bed for a little bit.

I'm glad to know you and your boy are "hanging in here" together, though. Cats certainly have their way of getting our attention - - whether we're ready for it or not. These are precious times for you and Leopold - - may each day be a new one of mutual exploration - - you both are in a new world of discovery - - for whatever lifetime you have together.

Aside from Leopold I hope that life in other ways is treating you kindly, Margi. Sometimes a day without any new problems, aggravations, frustrations, etc., is a good day. I hope that cool breezes will come to soothe your tired and weary and very concerned heart and spirit, I pray that GOOD FORTUNE will come your way RAPIDLY, and may you and Leopold be blessed with the presence of your precious Spiritwolf at all time and in all circumstances.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Kittens are a handful! But before you know it, he will be calmed down.
Dare I say it, but, maybe he would like a playmate? Another kitty? Yikes, I know, but it would take the heat off of you.
They could entertain each other.

I thought about it right away, Missy, during the first two days of non-stop screaming and scratching.

But a) I don't want to make that much of a commitment, and I like the idea of this little Bengal becoming totally devoted to ME and me only! He'll be more of a bother that way, but he'll also be more like a dog, which Bengals are famous for.

And lord, I wouldn't have the stamina for TWO kittens, I don't think!

Thanks for the idea, anyway!

Hugs from Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Strange

Hi Margi
I'm glad you have Leopold to keep you company. Sounds like Ladywolf sent him your way to give you something to do! I think he's a beautiful cat. I've never had a cat before - Sammy was my first pet ever --and it's fun to listen to your stories about Leopold the Teriffic! I never knew cats were that active. Maybe Ladywolf decided to come back as a cat this time! Have a great evening!
Sharon

Hi Sharon--Thanks for the words of encouragement. Ladywolf always did have a sense of mischief about her, so I wouldn't be surprised if Leopold WAS her doing...just to keep me on my toes!

I visited Leopold's parents today, and took the following pictures:

Hugs--Margi, Spiritwolf and Leopold the Bold

Hi, Margi, thank you so much for sharing these wonderful pictures. I, for one, am glad you have this bold, courageous, and mischievous light in your life. This is a wonderful new journey the both of you are on. I wish you both a long, happy, and healthy life together.

Hope life is treating you kindly in other respects. I hope you and Leopold will have a very peaceful evening, and please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

One more...

Great pic. Leopold licking his chops (like you), just waiting for the next meal to come along. LOL. Cool looking parents. I read about your idea to have set times in the chat room. I'll check out those times also.

Dennis

An update on Leopold the Terrible, uh...Sir Leopold:

He has really settled in now, and between me being a slob and him being mischievous and careless, this place looks like a cyclone went through it!

He has finally decided to let me sleep in in the mornings, thank God.kjl44nnnnnnnnnnnnj (That was Leopold typing...) I didn't know if this would ever happen! He lies totally silently on the top of my pillow until I start moving and making noises, and only then do the sneak attacks start. He actually let me sleep in 'til 9 today--what a guy!

He's climbed some tall trees, and been taken for two long walks now. (I bought an itty-bitty little halter and a very chic orange Harley-Davidson leash for him a few days ago.) He walked part of the way, was carried part of the way, and was dragged a little bit of the way. I do think he is getting the hang of it, though. He knows how to type, but makes a lot of typos. He is infuriating--and the cutest thing I've seen in a million years.

Already I feel a fierce love for this tiny creature. He is so bold--I hope his boldness never gets him in trouble. I try to be aware of where he is all the time, but it's hard sometimes, since he moves like greased lightning! He's encountered several dogs, and has reached out and batted them on the nose. He is certainly the most intelligent cat I've ever had.

Do I sound like a doting mama? I should...

Big hugs to all from Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Holy Terror

I just have to say Leopold is so handsome. I am so glad that he has found you and you him. Congratulations.

Today's Leopold picture:

Dear Margi
Sir Leopold the Magnificent, as shown by that distinct 'M' on his forehead.
He gets cuter and looks more mischievous ('M' again) every day.
HUGS from Aunty Jan please. xx

I can totaly relate to that with Tucker. It's been a long time since I've had a puppy and had forgotten all the "bad" things about it, chewing everything in site, accidents on the floor etc. I'm happy for you and Leopold. I miss having a kitty around but I'm not ready yet for another cat besides; Tucker is too much of a handful right now. I don't see the stray kittens much lately they are getting bigger all the time and I still can't get near them. I still put food out but I've had a skunk, a possum and a couple of tom cats visiting the bowl the last few nights. Leopold is so beautiful and I'm so glad you are both so happy with each other. I figure when the time is right a kitty will come into my life the way Leopold came into yours.

John

Yes, Margi, you do sound like the doting mama. And, yes, you should Your beautiful bundle of energy is definately something to be proud of. I love the recent picture -- he looks so soft, I just want to reach out and stroke that fur. Please give him a cuddle from me.

Hope you're well.

Hugs, Cheryl x

Hi, Margi, proud mom!! Oh I love your pictures of your brave, courageous, and bold Leopold. It's nice when they do settle down a bit - - with the "alarm clock" in particular. Well, you definitely have a "toddler" in your home - - curious about everything, investigating everything, - - put those breakables up or away - - you'll be able to get them back out in about 10 years when he's more "settled down."

Thank you so much for sharing your precious Leopold with us. Reading about his antics bring a smile to my heart, and I'm so happy that you have each other.

I hope that you and your sweet Leopold will have a peaceful evening, that calm and gentle breezes will come to soothe your tired spirit, that GOOD FORTUNE will come your way IMMEDIATELY, and that you will be blessed with the presence of your precious Spiritwolf at all times and in all circumstances. Please know you both are in my thoughts and prayers frequently every day, and please give your precious Leopold a kiss and hug from "Auntie" moon_beam.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Margi
Love your picture looks like he is going to be to smart. All ready learning to play scrabble.
Give him a kiss from me.
Hugs
Anna and My Angels

Margi

What a handsome boy he is. I think he may know that too-the look on his face in that last picture says to me "another picture-but of course - I will pose for the camera." It is possible to train some cats to walk on a leash. The only thing is they have that "territory thing." But it sounds like he is quite stylish as he goes for his walks with you. It is so nice to hear of his antics and progress and it sounds like he is really starting to settle in.

The Leopold photo de jour:

Marji, I love all the photos! I love the last one you posted! He does resemble a mini-cheatah! I hope you are doing well.

Margi, that last picture made me smile so much. He looks like he's copying the pose. He really is the cutest little thing ever. You are so lucky and blessed to have him - and you deserve him.

Big hugs -- Cheryl x

How's it going Margi? How is Leo doing? Is he letting you sleep. I got back the other day from L.A. That was an adventure in itself. Lots of financial turmoil and collector showing up on the phone and in my mailbox. I may have a job back at where I used to work, believe it or not doing crisis work (which is what my life is about). I'm reading a book called Animal Dreams, by Barbara Kingsolver. I don't know why but the main character reminds me of you. I got a call today from a lady dog intuit whom I had spoke with only once a couple of years ago when I was living in Tahoe. For some reason she felt like she had to call me. She told me that recently she had lost her dog, a white wolf, but she immediately got a couple of more dogs. She had sent me a CD last year, music she wrote for people and animals to listen to. I found the CD and on the cover is her and picture of her white wolf, which looked quite a lot like Ladywolf. Just trippy I thought. Hope you're OK.

Dennis

Hi , Margi, I LOVE your most recent picture of Leopold. What a beautiful handsome little man he is - - and what a back drop - - a Leopard throw. I am so o o o happy for you that you have your precious little fella. I do so enjoy your posts and stories about him and how you're doing.

Please know you and your precious Leopold are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Margi, just popped in to see how you're coping with your "Leopard" baby. Looks like he has given you a piece of your heart back and that makes me happy for you xx

madi xx

Hi Margi, love the pics of Leo. He does look like a handful...lol. I'm so glad he found you.

Hugs,
Sonya

Hi, Margi, I meant to say what a beautiful CHEETAH throw - - not Leopard. There is a big difference between the two big cats.

I hope that you and Leopold are having a good day today. It's still cloudy and cool here today, which is a welcome but short lived respite from the unrelenting heat we've had this summer. Hope life is treating you both kindly today.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

It's a Cheetah pillow, to be totally accurate. Leopold has already torn the face off the cheetah on the other side!!

He continues to entertain. His kitten aggression is beginning to get a little painful and bloody, but the articles you sent to me, Moon Beam, help to understand it better, and also to realize that it is just a phase he is passing through. Sigh. Now that I think about it, I do remember this kind of obnoxious behavior in other kittens who have lived with me.

Last night I was watching Avatar, and in some of the battles between the Avatars and the wild, predatory animals, I was reminded of me and Leopold!

But he CAN be really sweet, especially in the morning before his springs have gotten all wound up.

He's definitely a Wild Thang--but so CUTE!!

Thanks, everyone, for all the compliments. He IS unusually beautiful for a cat.

Hugs from Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Warrior

Margi,

I've mentioned this before in one of my posts, in the movie Avatar when the lady is first beginning to train the guy who is becoming an an Avatar, she says, "All things are made of energy...all energy is borrowed...and at some point we have to give it back."

D

Hi, Margi, I'm glad the article I sent has helped somewhat. Have you attempted to trim his nails yet? You will want to keep his nails trimmed -- that will help keep the blood letting down.

I know Leopold will be a big help to you when you start teaching again - - he's already helping you to become accustomed to all the high energy and ADHD students you'll have again!!!

Hope life is treating you and your precious Leopold kindly. Will look forward to knowing how things are going.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I love seeing pictures of Leo-he is such a cutie. Does he have something to scrach on? Those cheap cardboard ones from the grocery store seemed to work even better for my kitty than the more expensive sisal ones. He is a little young for catnip but when he is a bit older that will entice him even more to use it. Just take him to the scratching thing whenever you see him scratching something else. And yes-keeping the nails clipped-they can actaully get painful if not clipped regularly.

Thanks, Ladies!

I'm reluctant to clip Leo's nails because he is already an outdoor cat, and he has already been "treed" by a couple of dogs. doesn't he need those sharp little talons in order to defend himself? I've never clipped the nails of an indoor/outdoor cat...

Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Bold

Hi, Margi, by all means it's okay - - and very important - - - to trim those nails. If you don't they will get hooked and then he could get stuck somewhere and literally get physically hurt trying to "unhinge" himself from his nails. Trim just past where the nail hooks -- toward the paw. Leopold will still be able to climb those trees if need be but without the potential of hurting himself when he tries to climb down - - he might not be able to get his nails out of the tree bark.

Hope this helps. If you need some pictures to help you I'm sure you can find something on the internet to help. Or let me know and I'll try to find something for you.

Hope life is treating you and your precious Leopold kindly today. Please know you are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thanks, Moon Beam--I have images of myself shredded and bleeding everywhere after I try to clip those nails. Leopold is not what you might call a "willing patient," and now I have to get a cat nail clipper.

I'm having a really funky day, guys. I've broken off another front tooth, which means that I now have one tooth on top, a gap, and then another tooth, and THAT'S ALL. My lower teeth are all rotted out too, but at least they don't show as much. I can't afford dental care, not just yet anyway, and our public health insurance doesn't pay for it. I'd need to have 17 teeth extracted and then pay for dentures myself, and I simply can't afford it. I feel like I look like what I am--really POOR--and I can't stand showing it on my FACE. It's bad enough to BE this poor, without having highly visible signs of it too.

I spent many thousands on my teeth back in the "olden days," but after I lay unconscious for eight days with no food and water about four years ago, my teeth went completely to heck. There's very little left that I can eat, and I just want to crawl away and sleep for days now.

I just needed a place to vent a little, because I really feel wretched...

Margi, Spiritwolf, and Leopold the Bold

Margi, I hate hearing about your teeth! I'm so sorry. Are you sure your county doesn't have a dental care clinic for those with no income? Our office participates in the free clinic we have in our county but the patients must live in the county. Alot of people aren't aware that these clinics exist. We donate used equipment & extra supplies as well as all the dental offices in our area. Dentists from each office work there on a volunteer rotating basis. I would hate if you could get treatment but just didn't know it. I wish I could give you some dental advise but unfortunately, I just schedule hygiene appointments. Dentistry isn't really my "field of love" if you know what I mean!
I'm sorry you're still having a hard time. Even though I've recently struggled with my dad's & my brother's heart attacks & a whole host of other stupid things, my problems seem to pale in comparison to your struggles. I hope something good will come your way soon. I really do.
-Donna

Believe me, Donna, I know about every possible avenue for dental help in this useless state. There just isn't any, not unless you are disabled. Well, I AM disabled, but I'm not on disability for it, because it isn't severe enough for Them.

Don't compare your family's struggles and feel like they come up short of mine. That's simply not true. "Everyone's shoe pinches," said a great old therapist named "Nathaniel Brandon." We ALL have our struggles--mine just happens to involved how I LOOK, which is hard to take when your self-esteem is at an all-time low anyway...

I do have some money coming in in September. Hopefully, it will be enough to pay for some new teeth.

Thanks for listening, everyone.

Margi, Spiritwolf and Leopold the Strange

Dear Margi
I just got back from our country break with Pixie and I see that you are havng a bad time. I looked for you since getting back but the 'chat room ' has always been empty. I thought that something must be wrong and I'm so sorry that you are having to suffer so much. It all seems so unfair. Hope you're feeling better soon and feel like a 'chat'. I'll keep checking the room.
Hugs Jan and Pixie and my Angels xx

Thanks Jan. I'm glad you had a great vacation, and with Pixie, too!

The beat goes on. My next door neighbor attempted suicide again yesterday, for probably the fiftieth time. I don't have word yet on how she is, but I'm assuming that she pulled through...

It's hard to maintain up upbeat attitude in the midst of all this.

Margi

The next day...I still have no news on how Rosie is doing. Her mom, Cathy, must be in Tucson--she left her animals here for us to take care of. I am terribly worried...

Finding Rosie has brought up all kinds of stuff about my mom's suicide in 1982. So long ago, and yet...

Margi and the gang

Well, Rosie is okay, I found out late last night. It was weird, but I found myself becoming sort of suicidal too while I was waiting to hear about her. Now that my front teeth are broken, and I don't feel like I can be seen in public until I can get them fixed, I found myself slipping into a danger zone that is all too common for me.

I'm doing better today, I think, but still feeling pretty shaky.

Thanks for listening.

Hugs--Margi and the gang

Glad to hear Rosie is ok.

Now, for you...... you now have a special kitty who is depending on you so you need to get those thoughts out of your head!!!

Easier said than done I know but he depends on you now and who knows what would become of him? Things look so bleak so many times in life but somehow, sometime things will improve for you, I just know it!

A friend gave me a card once when I was having a rough, rough time but trying very hard to maintain a positive attitude. Told her that somehow I was not given more than someone thought I could handle but it was getting mighty close for me.

The card said "someday your ship will come in" and inside was "and with your luck, you'll be waiting at the airport!" I've never forgotten that card. It still makes me smile and remember those tough times. Makes me appreciate things I now have (not material either..... as I still don't seek material things....)just living a peaceful life enjoying a place to hang my hat, pets who love me unconditionally and enjoying each day doing whatever in the hell I fell like doing (or not doing).

That's a GREAT card, Flossie's mom. Truly great, I love it!

Reminds me of one of my favorite sayings from a card: on the outside: "If it will be funny later...", inside: "It's funny now!" I've tried to live my life by that credo...

I AM doing better today. It's just really hard to be so personally touched by something that has been such a strong thread throughout my family's life and my own life. I am the survivor of numerous suicide attempts myself, though none recently. I AM a survivor, at heart--after all, I survived being unconscious on a bathroom floor for eight days, with no food and water. So I guess I was meant to be here.

Leo belongs to the neighborhood by now, so I'm not worried what would happen to him if something happened to me. But nothing's going to happen to me, don't worry. I just get all riled up whenever something like this happens in my universe, though it is Rosie's cross to bear this time, not mine. She's okay, but that doesn't mean that she is WELL. (She just got out of a psych ward ten days ago, now she's back in, poor thing...)

The beat goes on..................

Hugs from Margi, Spiritwolf and Leopold the Terrible

Hi Margi
So pleased that Rosie is ok.

Happy to hear that your day is better, but not too happy about the shakiness and black cloud feeling. I 'm sure you're beautiful even with the teeth problem. It's whats on the inside that counts and your heart sure is in the right place.
Just think of 'The Whisker' and I'm sure you will know what I mean. None of us are perfect, and if we think we are , then I think we have problems....No seriously I do hope that you are feeling better.
I hope that King Leopold of Bohemia is behaving himself, well as much as any ' Bohemian' can and hasn't caused anymore blood letting, maybe it should be King Leopold of Transylvania ! Please give him a hug, if you can catch him, from Aunty Janika.
Hope to catch you in chat soon.
Hugs Jan and Pixie and my Angels xx

Hi Margi,

I, too, am glad that Rosie is 'okay' -- it gives you one less thing to worry about. I'm sorry that you're still having such a hard time. I hope that September is a better month for you, and brings a little more money in. Hopefully, then, you can get your teeth sorted out. Even better -- I hope you win the lotto -- enough, maybe, to come and live in the UK so you don't have to worry about dental and health care again, and I could invite you over for a british cuppa

Hang in there, Margi. You're in all our thoughts, always.

Much love - Cheryl xx

Hi, Margi, just checking in with you to see how things are going for you today. It's after 8 p.m. here in Virginia, so I guess you may be in live chat now. It's been a long day and I'm looking forward to shutting down this gizmo as soon as I get this note posted to you. I hope that life is treating you and your precious Leopold kindly. I hope that you will have a peaceful evening, and please know that you and Leopold are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Well, after breaking yet ANOTHER front tooth, I decided that the situation had reached critical proportions. So yesterday I had four front teeth ripped out by our local dentist, who trained at the Transylvanian School of Dentistry, and uses automative tools for extractions...(But his "services" are paid for by the state, sigh... I suppose that I shall recover from this too, so that I can go out to get the other eleven teeth ripped out too...)

(I've had really GOOD dentists and GOOD extractions, so I do have a basis for comparison here...)

This is not only physically painful, but psychically very painful too. My TEETH! All of them, need to be gone, so I can finally get dentures. I feel like I'm being...I have to say it...raped.

I know that this too shall pass, but I understand now why so many of my friends who have dentures already have winced horribly when I've mentioned the whole procedure...

But the extractions are underway. I have to move fast before the state stops paying for them, which is going to be very soon. So I'll have a bunch more pulled in two weeks, and then maybe the last of them within the month. Fun month.

Leopold is crazy as ever.

Thanks for listening!

Margi, Spiritwolf and Leopold, King of Hysterica

Oooh, Margi, I'm wincing as I read. I've only ever had one tooth removed - my wisdom tooth, which there was no room for, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through. You poor thing! It will all be worth it in the end though.

Sending you and crazy Leopold hugs - Cheryl xx

Hi, Margi, well, I'm glad there is a dentist who does accept your insurance. However, it is unconscionable to me that he has to be so brutal - - actually sadistic. My dearest friend who died of cancer in January had a sadistic "rapist" for a surgeon when she had a modified matectomy last July. And I've met up with a few "doctors" in my lifetime with the same mentality, so I do completely understand what you're talking about. I do so wish you had the option of going to a compassionate dentist for this major work.

Thank you so much for letting us know what is happening, Margi. Even though we can't physically be with you to help you through this process, we CAN offer you our support and comfort to help you with the post-trauma.

Please know you and your little Leopold are frequently in my thoughts and prayers every day. I hope and pray with all my heart that GOOD FORTUNE will come your way IMMEDIATELY, and I hope you and Leopold will be blessed with the presence of your precious Spiritwolf at all times and in all circumstances. Please let us know how things go, Margi.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Ouch Margi

I am wincing too. It must have been dreadful for you. I hope that you have some Arnica to help with the healing, and also to prepare for the next session.
I've missed you in chat, it's usually just me and 'wall' chatting away Shirley
Valentine like , but I'll keep checking in and hope to catch you soon.
Thinking of you, and HRH King Leopold
Hugs for you both .x