Adventures in the Backyard

We don't usually let Joelle out in the backyard, but today my mom decided to be adventurous.  I followed Joelle around and took photos.  The last one is the craziest.  I had never seen a panting cat before, but there she was, panting away!

Here's a shot of the pool.

What's out there?!

Joelle got brave and approached the neighbor's fence when she heard Zuma (their dog) barking.  After a while, Zuma stopped barking and poked her nose through a hole under the fence.

Way out in the back with all the weeds.

Here she is panting.  Crazy cat!

Silly Sophie

We aren't really sure why, but Sophie loves to sit on people who are sleeping (especially my mom).  It doesn't usually look very comfortable, but she likes it!  Here she is on my mom after Mom fell asleep on the sofa.

Joelle Playing

Here's a shot of Joelle playing with a toy I bought her at the new Tuesday Morning in Avondale.

Catnip Craze

Joelle loves playing with this catnip mat (as you can see).  She runs around with it on top of her and tackles it constantly!

Chasing Bugs

Today's photo sequence is of Joelle in the kitchen chasing after a fly in the window.  The photos are in the order I took them.

Catching Up for February?

Since I didn't take any photos in February, I'm going to post multiple photos (yet again) for today!

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The first one is of my parents' backyard in Bonita, California (with their pool that was recently re-plastered and tiled). Since it was spring break, I was there visiting.

Here are a few of Joelle relaxing on the sofa. Since it was inside, I had to use the flash and the first photo scared her (as you can probably tell!)

Here is Joelle later that night getting into trouble on the bar counter.

Sunrise with my Camera Phone

I rarely see sunrise. I am just not much of a morning person. But today, I was out to get some good deals. I've recently started coupon shopping and saw sunrise this morning when making the rounds. Luckily I had my camera phone with me (though it didn't do the best job with the sunrise).

Pretty Clouds!

It's been a while since I've really felt like taking photos. I was glad (once again) to have a camera phone when these clouds caught my eye and I didn't have either of my cameras with me!

January Sunset

I only had my point and shoot camera with me to capture this sunset. I really don't like using it for sunset photos, but I didn't have my DSLR with me because it has a spot on the lens that's been bugging me. I did the best I could with the point and shoot, but it's a bit blurry since I never feel quite in control with it.

Have an Ass Kickin' Day!

I never noticed this sign until I was down at the CTCA when my parents were here. It caught my eye so I stopped to take a photo.

Dad Outside CTCA

Here are some outdoor photos of the CTCA. We spent some time outside trying to get a little sun and enjoy the nice weather.

Dad, Is That You?

Though you wouldn't know it from looking at him, that's my dad under that blanket in the chair. Between losing weight because of the cancer and the cold temperatures in the rooms at the Cancer Treatment Center, he was a bit chilly. This was the only way for him to keep warm. My mom and I cracked up as we walked by the common area room, especially since he had the TV on!  I got this shot with my camera phone.  I'm really glad I finally upgraded my phone to one with a camera in it.

Completed Yard (Almost)

My parents left to visit the Cancer Treatment Center of America facility in Phoenix before I headed back, but on the day I left, the front yard was pretty much done! All that's missing is lights and some last little touches.

Curious Kitten

I'm really having fun following Joelle around and taking photos. As in the past few days, I'm stretching the rules and posting more than one photo from today.

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Here she is looking out at "her tree." I think she was wondering why we had to go and ruin a good thing since she loved camping out under the Christmas tree.

She also seems to be fascinated with the bathroom. She loves to hide out between the shower curtain and liner and then attack Sophie when Sophie is on her way out of the litter box. Here is Joelle exploring the rest of the treasures of the bathroom.

Looking For Trouble

I'm the night owl in the family, and Joelle really seems to like getting into trouble when everyone else has gone to bed for the night.

Joelle in Action

Today, I've decided to post a progression of photos of Joelle. I'm including the time I took them so you see how quickly she gets into trouble!

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I came upon her on the dining room table (where she isn't supposed to be), and she suddenly hid behind my dad's laptop (photo time stamped 4:55pm).

Then less than a minute later (photo also time stamped 4:55pm) here she is chewing papers left on the table.

Here she is at 5:23pm sleeping (recuperating?) on her condo.

Here she is later that night (9:11pm) back on the table.

Nap Time!

Joelle still doesn't stay in one place for long, so I was lucky to catch her asleep on the couch with my mom and Sophie!

Poinsettia Christmas Tree

I was intrigued by this Christmas Tree made of Poinsettias at Fashion Valley. I was bummed I didn't have my camera until I realized my new cell phone had a camera. Yay!

All Curled Up

Sophie all curled up in her nice warm blanket.

Bad Kitty?

Joelle is so hyper, it's hard to catch her when she's still. I was lucky to catch her at rest here on my bed. We had to lock her in my room for a "time out" because she was getting into trouble.

Joelle Under the Tree

One of Joelle's favorite places is under the tree. We think it is most likely because we can't reach her under it very well so it's a good place to hide after getting in trouble!

Christmas Tree Decorated

I stink at indoor photos, but here is one of the Christmas Tree after we decorated it.

Under Construction

My parents' front yard has been under construction recently. Here's a picture of the yard part way done.

Christmas Tree Memories

When I was growing up, we always picked out and then cut our own Christmas tree from the Pinery Christmas Tree lot near our house. It's been years since there were trees to cut down, but we still get our tree from the same lot. In the last few years, though, my parents usually get the tree on their own because of timing. This year we decided to bring back the tradition and we all went together to get the tree. We ended up with 2 (one for our usual tree and one for on top of the piano). Lots of fun for Joelle (my parents kitten)!

Also, I couldn't resist posting multiple photos today as you may have noticed. This dog is one that lives at the pinery. According to the people who work there, this is one of his favorite spots!

And finally, here is one of Joelle, my parents' new kitten.

Christmas Decorations

With all that was happening with my dad, I wasn't sure I would get any Christmas Decorations up this year, but I did! It's always hard to get decent photos, but I did my best.