Agnes’ Babies
Sister Mary “Agnes” came to me in the middle of a really cold winter, just waiting to have her babies. (I named her that because she looked about as sad as I figured a pregnant nun would look!) On February 4, 1999, she gave birth to 4 kittens and then sometime through the night she added another orange one! The next morning I thought I was going crazy with the extra orange kitten laying there. All boys! Two of the babies turned out to be absolutely gorgeous Maine Coon mixes and the others are short-haired beauties. I found all of them wonderful homes. They just loved this bird-house themed cat bed and slept together in there quite often.
Very cute.
I think the next cats we get are going to be main coons
Instinct,
I rescued a cat from the local Petco…….He turned out to be a Maine Coon…..Louis. He is a joy and thinks he is a lap cat depite the fact he must be over 16 lb and he is only 7 months LOL
Yea, Main Coons are the giants of the cat world
But I think I will probably hold off on any more cats until we have a larger place
you want to see giant see my rusty on catster.com ,he weighs in at 25 lbs.and as big height wise as a medium sized dog,these babies are the cutest bunch of babies i’ve seen since my cuddles had her last bunch of babies.
What’s the page??
catster .comor http://www.catster.com
Your cat is absolutely beautiful Elaine. A big ball of fluff!
How in the world did these babies stay put for this photo?
Good morning Brandi Lee,
How are you feelling today??
much better thank you so much for asking
OH, I am SO glad!!
I have 8 Maine Coons and I used to be a breeder. They are the gentle giants of the cat world and I (obviously) love the breed!
I still haven’t forgotten about your offer to check out my Tiger to see if she is indeed a Maine Coon. She thinks she’s a lap cat too and it hurts when she just stands on me with two front paws. Oh the weight!!!
You definitely should get maine coons. I have one maine coon/siamese mix - and she is adorable. She has the best personality I have ever seen in a cat.
My vet said that Maine Coons have a higher chance for cardiomyopathy. My tuxedo has it and my vet suspects he has some Maine Coon in him. They’re gorgeous, though. Good luck!
I had a Maine Coon once his name was Siren he was a great cat got the cat from a friend and he had a big meow and when he wanted to eat he let you know we couldnt take him with us to our Job as we manage Mobile Home Parks so we adopted him out to a family We now have a cat named Desi that we rescued from the desert we can have her here. in this place we live now so were happy she will be 2 yeras old in April sometime we found her at a friends hungry and small we figured about 6-8 weeks old so now shes a happy sassy cat and lazy
What a bunch of cute ones we had a maine coon once it was a he named Siren he used to run around our apt building where we used to live a bunch of college girls thought he was a stray took him to the Petco vet to get shots like he didnt need them the vet thought it was a female hed been fixed what a dummy We had to give him up because where we went we couldnt have him but he went to a good home and now we have Desi whom we rescued from the desert 2 years agao
Adorable!
glad to here your feling better ,from my kitty family to yours brandi lee,and a fond welcome to u anon i believe u are new to post here are u not?
Actually, I am a regular. I posted “anon” yesterday during the controversy, and the name stuck today. But I appreciate yo’re warm welcome.
WOW! Amazingly gorgeous bunch. Lovey photo. Sweet story. Happy Monday everybody!
Birds of Paradise
** Sinful FUZZ **
Hey Guys: You are the nicest group of people on the net so when I heard about this I knew I had to share it with.
Probably many of you have read the story.(I think Dee posted it when it happened)
On Feb 6th in San Francisco Michael was dog sitting Bobby a Jack Russel terrier. There was a fire.
Michael got out but returned into the building when he realized Bobby was still inside.
Both of them were severely burned. Bobby, thanks to Michael’s heroic efforts will recover.
Michael will most likely lose his hands and he has burns over 80% of his body.
Michael needs our help,whether you just want to drop him a line or help out with whatever you can
spare………please visit his blog
http://michaeljameskeenan.blogspot.com
The guy is a hero. I do hope he makes it intact.
Thanks for noticing miu. I must admit I was hoping more people would react. I hope they will just not responding to me, which is totally cool. It is not about me after all. I am just touched and overwhelmed by somebody who would risk his life for a little fluffer
Im sorry Evaneline I read this and was still overwhelmed and sad…………..would have said something but was thinking about what I was going to do……….
My response seems pretty lame but I really meant it. This man is a hero. He tried to save someone helpless and got injured because of it. He deserves help and recognition from all of us. It is a small prize for hands possibly amputated.
I will keep this brave man in my thoughts and prayers. I’d like to think I would do exactly the same thing if I was in the same situation. Michael is truly a hero.
Agnes’ babies are quite a bundle of joy. I love the birdhouse theme. Perhaps they are the rarely seen Catbirds.
Thanks for the visual! - Look at the sky! What is that??? Oh, it is the elusive Catbird!!!
Thanks for the update Evangeline! I will donate what I can and keep him and Bobby in my prayers.
I am going to see what I can spare out of my disablity check in March and send it to him. He is a brave soul in the mean time prayers will be going out to him and Bobby. Thank you for reminding us about him.
Susan now you are the one who makes me want to weep.
Why is it almost always people who have the least money that want to help?
Please Susan you sound like a wonderful generous soul. But if you are on disability you probably need every penny yourself.
Please consider yourself hugged
To Brandi Lee no need to apologize geez you are all making me feel awful. I shouldn’t have posted. Did that ever happen to you? Your finger is about to hit cancel and off it flies.
PLEASE SAY YOU ARE STILL MY FRIENDS?
Evangeline, sweethart we are just sad about this brave man and the dog he saved…………We want to help and we appriciate you bringing these things to our attention, It helps to think of others………..I was sobbing reading it but Never Never would I blame you in any way And OF COURSE IM YOUR FRIEND SILLY ONE
Heres a hug back n
Evangeline
Hi, I don’t think bad of you. You just posted something that you thought was of interest to us. I read that story. I felt bad for Michael and Bobby. I just wish him the best. We are still friends, if you want me to be!
How are you and Alfie, Wally and Sydney? Hope you are well. It is beautiful here today, except the wind is blowing about 35 mph! It is already 60 and is supposed to be 65!
Yeah! I’m going out afterwhile and sitting with my kitties.
First, I’ll have to put rocks in my pockets to keep me from blowing away! lol (I’m not very big).
Hey Renee wish I lived near you I could be a great wind break and Lord knows you could hide behind for protection from the sun.
Susan, you always crack me up!
Thanks for the update. Glad to know there’s a way we can help. I knew when we first heard this story it wouldn’t be an easy road for man nor pup.
You too Sharon, you are a peach (my fave fruit)
I just went to his blog and donated a little money to him through Paypal. Its really easy, using the link on the page and I’m sure they can use every dollar at this time. Thank for putting this notice on the site.
Hi,
I actually posted the link to that story back last week. Glad to see they are keeping him in the news. Thanks for the update Evangeline.
awwww what a litter of beautiful kids, so glad you took in the mama and all the kids found good homes
Dang it….thought I would be first….but GOOD MORNING TO ALL! hope you all had a great weekend and for those of you who are off today “Happy President’s Day” the same to those who don’t have the day off, we feel sad for you…..
This bunch of babies are way too precious….I would love to have all of them, although I’m sure W.H. and Lady would be really put out…attitudes all over the place…..
Oh yea, forgive me, I am a Cannuck so what do I know..but yes!
Happy Presidents Day to all my lovely American friends
Ha! You’re going to have to be faster than that Kathy
And yea, I’m at work
but I’ve been thinking of what recipe I should put up today too *evil grin*
shephards pie she wispers
sheppards pie sounds wonderful!!!
Exscuse me, umm but if any of you find a cute shepherd in the meat section of your market, let me know where this store is. As I have been looking around, I can’t find a morsel.
Sounds good, but where am I going to find a shephard for the main ingredient???
If you find a shepherd, ask him if he has a cute brother.
(hey, you can’t blame a girl for trying!)
A cute, cat loving, single brother. He has to have a good job too.
Can you imagine the size of the crust for a full gorwn sheppard!
lol very funny , u guys and gals crack me up.
Shepherd’s Pie it is!!
English Shepherd’s Pie
Serving Size : 6
5 large Potatoes
Salt
2 tablespoons Butter/margarine
1 dash Milk/whipping cream
Pepper
1 pound Lean ground beef
1 large Tomato chopped
6 Sliced mushrooms
2 tablespoons Chopped parsley
1 tablespoon Tomato paste
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 cup Brown gravy made from beef drippings or from jar
1 package (10-oz) frozen peas or 1 lb — peas shelled
Cook potatoes in salted water to cover. Drain, cool and peel. Mash in large bowl with butter, milk and season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Saute beef until browned, stirring to keep meat crumbly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Add tomatoes, mushrooms, parsley, tomato paste, Worcestershire and gravy. Stir to mix.
Add peas and cook about 5 minutes.
Turn mixture into casserole dish
Spread potatoes evenly over meat. Bake at 400 degrees 40 minutes until top is crispy brown.
For those who want to use a home made gravy, a traditional sawmill gravy is good with this and very easy to make.
I’ll post that one later if you would like
I will have to try this version !!
If you dont mind I will add my version
1lb ground beef
brown with Onions and chopped garlic (to your taste)
add 2 cans canned chopped tomatoes
cook down 1/2 hour
add 2 cans canned green beans
top with mashed potatos (fresh mashed tastes best but can subsitute prepackaged mashed)
top with Parmigon sp?
bake at 350 until top is browned (ta da easy shephards)
That does sound good. You can also make it with cubed beef or lamb (lamb is the traditional version)
Even though I am WelshIrish I have never been fond of lamb…….I don’t know why the aversion maybe I thing they are to cute to eat………….I was raised on a farm and my folk would let me name the animals then come spring…………….child abuse i say
This is exactly the recipe I was thinking of. Thank you!!!
I’m here to serve
*takes a bow*
I’ve got one too . . . looks like there are as many versions of this as there are sheep! Here’s mine:
Shepherd’s Pie
1 Tbs unsalted butter
1 cup finely chopped sweet onion
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (could be lamb or 1/2 & 1/2)
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 can diced tomatoes
2 Tbs concentrated tomato paste (the kind in the tube)
1/2 small head roasted garlic, peeled & mashed
4 oz shitake mushrooms, stemmed & thinly sliced
1 small zucchini, cut into 1/4″ dice
1/4 cup finely chopped italian parsley
2 tsp marjoram, crushed
2 tsp greek oregano, crushed
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Topping:
5 medium - large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, sliced & cooked
Enough milk or half and half to mash the potatoes to piping consistancy
1/2 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp each salt & freshly ground pepper
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup grated parmesan or shredded gruyere cheese
Preheat the oven to 375F.
In a large skillet over mediun high heat, melt the butter and add the onion. Cook, stirring frequently, until onion is soft and transparent, but not browned. Add the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook 7 to 9 minutes, stirring often, until meat is just brown. Remove skillet from heat and carefully drain off the fat.
Return the skillet to medium heat and add the wine, tomatoes and tomato paste and stir. Then stir in the garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, parsley and seasonings. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, then reduce heat to very low and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, or until mushrooms and zucchini are tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove the skillet from the heat and drain off and discard any excess liquid. Transfer to a 3 to 4 quart baking dish, spreading evenly.
To make topping, whip potatoes, milk or half & half, nutmeg, salt and pepper together until the potatoes are light, fluffy and pipable. Fill a large pastry bag with a wide star tip and pipe the potatoes over the filling in rosettes (or you can just spoon the potatoes over the filling, swriling it so that the surface has texture). Lightly brush beaten egg over the potatoes and sprinkle the cheese evenly over the dish.
Bake at 375 for 40 to 45 minutes, or until heated through, and the top is crispy and light golden brown. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
That sounds vastly superior to my lunch of peanut butter crackers and a banana! (But I did eat a huge meal in a Chinese restaurant last night to celebrate the Chinese New Year…)
Hey Dee!!!
Didn’t know if you’d be on today! Missed you over the weekend…..
Hi Instinct,
I read your comment to mine about keeping my pancakes warm, in the oven. Mine never got cold!
We would eat them just as quick as they came out of the pan, nearly. When I want to keep something warm, while cooking, like grilling burgers or whatever, I also use a slow cooker or crock pot. I just turn it on low and keep it covered. It is great.
ohhh, good idea. I’ll have to try that
I 2nd, 3rd, 4th this motion!
Hi, Cathi! I’ve missed you!
Oh Dee, I’ve missed you too. Now I feel bad for not checking TDK again until now. I had off today… I actually had a 2 day weekend for a change! Whoo hoo!!! I check everyday, but when I’m at both jobs, I just skim over the comments. I miss posting more often. I miss everyone on TDK.
Thank you for the Cheesecake recipe on Saturday. I just went back and checked and have now copied several wonderful recipes.
I was a banker for 7 years. I got the day off then, but not anymore.
Instinct: Thanks so much for the recipes!
Funny that you should say that MeezerMama. I’m in banking (back office - Risk Management) and that’s exactly why I got off today. Where did you say you live again? I know banks are getting kind of crazy about taking things away from employees, but at least they left Washington’s B’day alone this year.
Cathi in NC,
I believe MeezerMama lives in Edmond, OK or around Oklahoma city. Just on the other side of me. I live near Ft Smith, AR.
you’re absolutely right, Edmond, OK. Sorry, wasn’t very clear. I’m not in banking anymore. I miss the holidays, but that’s all I miss about banking. Now I’m in accounting at a far better company.
Hey Renee, did you get the gorgeous weather yesterday? It got up to 71 here. Could enjoy it as long as you were holding onto something so as not to be blown away.
Happy Presidents Day all!!!
These guys are ABSOLUTE BEAUTIES!!! So cute how they loved that special place and enjoyed snuggling together. Precious!
What a cute puddle of kitties!
***~~~Oops, I Did It Again! fuzZ~~~***
very funny Rosie..:)
No, no, no–didn’t you see Britney DE-fuzzed this weekend? That Cajun has definitely become a couple of crawdads short of a jambalaya!
I would have to agree. She definetly doesn’t have all her oars in the water.
I guess it’s another day without Dee, and I guess Lynn too…
I’m here, good morning all. (Sneaks up to these beautiful kitty’s, kisses and cuddles each one and puts in her backpack!!) I have to work today, but am trying to check in. All the recipes sound wonderful and making me hungry. Hope everyone’s back is feeling better and will try to check in later. Really busy here, so forgive me if I don’t see you til tomorrow.
All I can say is…………………..
aaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!
Happy President’s Day, everyone!!!!!
Good Morning Friends,
Hope you all had a good weekend it got very lively around the site yesterday. I loved the remark someone said it is like a bunch of neighbors talking over the back fence.
These little ones are precious I would have had a hard time letting them go. Even tho I have never had more than two at a time I have makings of being the crazy cat lady.
Well, hang tough is all I can say. I had two, then a colleague called me up with a heart-rending tale of a cat he had rescued, who needed a home. Well, I have a pretty big house and yard so I said sure. I did ask if she was pregnant and he said no– too young. 4 days after I brought her home her kittens were born … it has gone down hill from there.
Beautiful babies, especially the orange creamsicles at the back. What a darling collection of kitties.
Big Pile O’ Fuzz!!
OMG! I think I love them all!
Just a huge bundle of fluff and love. LUCKY YOU!
They’re absolutely adorable, but there’s just one thing I would mention about Maine Coon cats. It’s a specific breed and there are long-haired cats (I have two) that are simply that…long-haired cats. So, if you’re looking for those traits that are common to the Maine Coon, you have to make sure that’s what you’re getting. But, all cats are wonderful, and even if they’re nothing more than “fluffy alley cats” like mine are, they’re great pets. And if you rescue a stray, that’s even better.
The girls I have right now are rescues. Cute as can be, both of them just love curling up in my lap and they are wonderful.
I’ve just always thought Main Coons were really cool. but yes, when I’m ready for another cat, I will be going to the shelters
I checked out your catster site yesterday, they are all beautiful. ;-D
Thank you. The two black ones are mine and Roo came in with my wifes other cat Wicket (still have to get her photo up)
Speaking of which - everyone who sent me emails from my catster site I want to say thank you.
I just haven’t had time to go through them yet because I am finishing the demo reel for my animation. It will be finished by Tuesday night and mailed off on Wednesday - finally
I’m glad both my boys are boys; any kittens born in my house would immediately become permanent members of the family!! I have no will-power when it comes to adorableness—this batch of lovies, for example, would just undo me completely. Aren’t they just precious??? (I love the little orangies hugging in the back…though they’re ALL just as sweet as can be.)
Hey, this is great–there are enough kitties for almost all the backpacks today!!!
Cherry-Streusel Coffee Cake
Makes one 9-inch tube cake
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for pan
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen sour cherries, thawed and drained well
1 cup Streusel
Milk Glaze
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch tube pan; set aside. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the sour cream and beginning and ending with the flour. Beat until just combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Spoon about half the batter into the prepared pan. Arrange the cherries in a single layer on top of the batter; avoid placing any cherries against the pan’s edge, as they may stick or burn if not fully encased in batter. Top with the remaining batter, making sure it is evenly distributed, and smooth with an offset spatula. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top of the batter.
4. Bake until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and let cake cool 10 to 15 minutes. Invert cake onto rack, then re-invert (so streusel side is up), and let cool completely. Spoon glaze over the cake, letting it drip down sides. Let cake sit until glaze is set, about 5 minutes, before serving. Cake can be kept at room temperature, wrapped well in plastic, for up to 4 days.
Note: Recipe from “Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook”
Now that does sound good. I should post my moms Cowboy Coffee Cake - it is great.
We always have it on Christmas morning nice a warm with butter and coffee (hot cocoa for the kids) - perfect way to make a morning special
That sounds really good. Please post……dang it, now I’m hungry ….
Yes! Me too. I may have to go munch on something, then get the ingredients for that cake. Yummy!
Yes, Instinct,
Please share!!!
I have it at home and I’m stuck here at work.
How bout I post it tonight
YES, pleazzzeeee…….
Better yet post it tomorrow morning so the max people will see it.
How many cowboys does it take to make Cowboy Coffee Cake? We could serve it with Indian Pudding for dessert after Shepherds Pie.
Washed down with Irish coffee?
did someone say Irish coffee?….oh yea….now you’re talking!
I’d rather have the cowboys, myself.
“Save a horse,ride a cowboy!”
Oops
Streusel
Makes 4 cups
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light-brown or confectioners’ sugar
2 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, room temperature
1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt; cut in butter using a pastry blender, until large, moist clumps form. Streusel can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Note: Recipe from “Martha Stewart’s Baking Handbook”