I took the unexpected unplanned day to redo my fairy lights and make them more kitten-proof. Some of the lights had been chewed on by Vizzini and a few strings were dead, so it was time for a refresh anyway. I'd picked up some orange and purple lights at London Drugs and am also getting ready for the spooky season.
I had assistance, of course.
"We're ready for our next adventure, right, Barnabas?"
"Whateley, I can jump to the table!"
This is the Before. The curtain lights were simply far too tempting for little kittens.
I'd tied them up out of the way, which resulted in Curtain Attacks, and the crash during yesterday's pictures.
I took two sets of curtain lights down and planned where I could put them out of little paws' reach.
"I like to attack dangling lights! Also, this is my hammer now."
We have vintage 1970s suspended cabinets in our galley kitchen. I have a few things stored up there that I really should move along, but not today.
I used screws on the left to string the top of the curtain. On the right, I hammered small nails and lightly knotted the light strings to a height that won't snare my tallest friend (Randall).
The lights are set on pastel, but also have a red/blue/yellow/green mode, along with clear. These make me very happy.
The boys were very chill for most of my shenanigans, including not being fazed by the clattering of the metal ladder, which Vizzini hated.
We wired the cupboards many years ago, when we installed bar lights to give it a low glow for parties, so all I have to do is tap a switch and they're on.
I tightened up the red lights around the bookcase. The kittens have learned to just ignore these (yay!).
I restrung the white lights up around the butler's mirror and under the curtain valance, making them more snug, and less likely to attract a kitten's attention.
The boys were very chill for most of my shenanigans, including not being fazed by the clattering of the metal ladder, which Vizzini hated.
"It's nap time, silly." "This is the right number of blankets."
Barnabas is such a cuddler, but he cuddles HARD.
"I see you."
He squirms around, rubbing frantically, and trying to get as close to me as possible.
After that, I had lunch before moving onto the next curtain light. Our entryway has always been either way too bright or way too dark.
I liked the swagged lights giving it a nice glow, but NOPE, that plain setting is way too yellow with our already yellow walls.
"You give me happy paws."
I clipped their front needle claws for the first time, as getting them used to having it done is a priority for us.
After that, I had lunch before moving onto the next curtain light. Our entryway has always been either way too bright or way too dark.
Ah, that's better.
Remnants of parties and events on the back of the door: The Supervillain Party (here, June 2018), the Men In Black Adventure (here, April 2020), the VFF Tropical Opening Gala (here, Feb 2024), and last year's Hallowe'en/Birthday party (here, October 2024).
I moved on to the deck doors next, with intense supervision.
"You better not dangle anything." "I think we should go chew on those lights."
After! I added two strings of orange lights under the valance and down the centre column. I like the warm glow.
Gently shooing them out of the way was the order of the day, but I'm really happy at how well-behaved they were. I expected worse!
Whateley's sitting on the CD spinner, licking himself, but he did bat around the spare bulb packet.
Hi, buddy, I'm about to climb up this stepladder, so you should probably move.
"But I want to play."
As I was out on the deck, I noticed deer on the lawn of the apartment next door. 
I really enjoyed having a day at home with them, charging up my batteries after all the social things I've been doing lately. Ahhhh.
I saw five the other day on the way to work, and dodged around one on the sidewalk.
The boys also like watching the deer, plus the squirrels and birds.
Signing off for the weekend now, Gentle Reader - I'll be back on Sunday as usual with tales of adventure!
I hope your Mom follows up Dr. Sheila's advice so that she'll feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteWell done on redoing those fairy lights, but of course you couldn't have done it without some feline help :-)
Have a great weekend! xxx
I always have the best advice!
DeleteAw, thanks, Ann! Yes, the boys were big helps, ha ha! Much cuddling was required once it was done.
Maybe watching you put up the lights will satisfy their curiosity and they'll leave them alone now. Okay, that's optimistic for cats, but fingers crossed. Hope your mom is feeling better soon.
ReplyDelete-Goody
They were pretty good about it - didn't leap up or try to grab the lights...but I'm not going to risk my Christmas stuff (this year). Thanks so much for your kind wishes for Mom, Goody! :)
DeleteAs I've been very behind with blogging this year, this is my first introduction to Barbabas and Whateley. And what beautiful kittens they are! I am glad they were supportive and not destructive to help you with your decorating - your place looks beautiful with the lights up!
ReplyDeleteHope your mum is feeling better soon too.
I went through your archive to find out about Vizzini, I'm so sorry for your loss Sheila, and sorry I've been a bad blog friend. It's been a year for sure.
All good, Mica, no worries. Welcome to our new little boys! They are so darned cute, aren't they? Thank you so much - I love fairy lights, the more the better!
DeleteAppreciate your kind wishes for Mom, thank you!
Thank you, Mica - it was very hard to go through, but not entirely unexpected. He was living on borrowed time.
Sending belated get well wishes to your mum, I hope your suggestions for a cosy day of reading did the trick.
ReplyDeleteThe lights look lovely, twinkly lights are so welcoming when the Winter nights start drawing in although being a lazy girl, mine are up all year round.
The deer photo is magical and I want to steal the kittens! Xxx
Hi Helen, I hope your body is feeling a contented glow after a day or two of resting and recharging. Sheila's prescription sounded heavenly to me, maybe to you, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteSheila, this post is filled with adorableness as your boys become ever more settled into home! When my granddaughter wakes up I am going to show her this post because she loves cats. :-)
The impact of the light string colors in the entry hall was startling to see, and I'm glad you choose the cooler color rather than the yellow, though it never ceases to wow me that the vibe can be so easily altered by simply changing the color or the lights. I quite like the lights in your kitchen! Like you, I need indoor light in late Fall and Winter to help balance the darkness. I'll turn on lights in the morning whereas Fred is quite content to be in relative dark save for the light of his iPad and the LED light sculptures he created many years ago. You would like them!
To my way of doing things, you had a recharge day with the perfect way to hang out at home accompanied by Barnabas the Snuggler and Whateley the 'Who me?' Explorer.
Cheers, Laurie
Oy, too many typos! This is what comes of typing in the dark. ;-) --> I'm glad you CHOSE the cooler color rather…by simple changing the color OF the lights.
DeleteMom's doing good, thank you for asking, Laurie! Doctor Sheila always prescribes chocolate, ha ha. I hope your granddaughter enjoyed the kitten pictures - they are so adorable.
DeleteFairy lights really help me stay positive and cheery when it's gloomy out, and I'll probably have them on almost daily as we head into the holiday season (I thought I was going to decorate this year, but two rambunctious kittens + valuable and valued Xmas decorations = a disaster waiting to happen). I would love to see Fred's LED sculptures!
Yes, I really did need that day off - even Mom admitted that when she saw all the weekend shenanigans! I'm grateful that I was able to get those little things done - they make a big difference to my mental health.