Blimey I Was Not Expecting That! - Part 3

Here I was, doing something I'd never done before, in a place I'd never been to before. I was far away from home, originally thinking I was dreaming but now I knew it couldn't be a dream as I was heading towards my man. Troy Lamore!

Down I fell into the rainbow hole. No noise no sound at all, not even the sound of air as I fell. Strangely I wasn't scared at all. Throughout all of this crazy afternoon since the moment I'd closed my eyes in the Doctors I hadn't felt frightened or in pain.

I guess that was some injection I'd received, it had certainly taken away any worry from me and now as I fell knowing that Troy was on the other side of the hole I could feel my heart once again beating.

I turned to look at the sides as I fell, the colours should be blurred the speed I was falling but they weren't. It was like everything was playing in slow motion HD. I looked up I saw a glint of that bluest of blue skies above me, a smile spread across my face.

The sky above started to look smaller and smaller with each second and I knew I must be approaching the end. As I looked down I realised I was already on the ground. How had that happened, I hadn't remembered landing?

Hey .That familiar velvet voice called out and there right next to me, there he was, my Troy Lamore.

What are you doing here and where are we? I smiled walking over to my old friend. We stood and looked at each other, I rubbed my cheek against his and gazed into his eyes, flip flop went my heart, that beating was so strong now.

Something told me you'd drop by.

With that he smiled, returned my cheek rub and we sat down. The light of the rainbow holes warm glow was fading but it was still warm, it felt like a beautiful Summer's evening. I could see him incredibly clearly

I can hardly believe you are here, I said

As ever he stood there beautiful, his fur shinning, his eyes as hypnotic as ever. I just stood and stared, transfixed in no hurry to go anywhere.

It's so lovely to see you, I said

Oh Lil' it's joyous to see you to but a bit sad too. 

Why sad? That's a curious thing to say!

All will be revealed soon my darling Lil' for now you just need to be aware that this is a deeply touching experience for me and this place will make you look at your soul. This world is big and we can, if you want. see it all.

I'd moved closer and sat next to him. It was a conscious decision, this was one man I trusted totally, there was something about him from the very first time that we met that was confirmed by every subsequent meeting. This guy was solid.

Just understand that for now it's a bitter sweet pleasure to see you Lil', 

He leaned in and stroked the side of my face. a tear in his eye.

I enjoyed being with Troy, I always felt slightly flushed but this time I was more confused and intrigued that ever. He must have been able to tell, I saw a little swallow from the back of his throat before his face broke out into that beautiful smile and he winked at me. I smiled back.

Suddenly his face changed and he looked more serious;

How's things going at home?

Pretty good, me and River are getting on very well these days, I've really grown to love her, can you believe it I love a dog?

Looks like you two have really settled into your rhythm.

I've not felt too well today though and Daddy took me to see the Doctor but I'm feeling better than ever now.

He nodded. You must be tired though! Have you travelled far?

No that's the strange thing, one minute I was with Daddy at the Doctor's and then I fell asleep and until I heard your voice I thought I was dreaming. I'm very confused. He smiled gently at me again.

Where have you just come from then? I asked

I've been visiting some monk friends of mine over in China, just hanging out listening to some fantastic chanting. 

He turned and looked at me directly in my eyes, nodding towards the rainbow hole and asked. 

How was that wind in your fur gorgeous? 

It's always amazed me how he asks lots of questions but gives very few answers I should have learnt not to ask by now but he had his ways I suppose, my mysterious man.

I smiled at him 

I'll make a deal with you, I tell you all about it and you tell me where we are, why I'm here, how you got here and who you are Troy, you always turn up when I seem to need you the most.

It would be rude of me to turn down such a deal from such a beautiful lady. I blushed again.

I knew exactly what I was doing, the mystery of Troy's appearances had for so long been an unanswered question in my mind and I felt the time was right for me to get some answers, this seemed to be a place where anything could happen. I was so glad that he was here, a broad smile spread across my face .Even though I wasn't hungry I wished I'd brought a packet of Dreamies with me.

                                                              ...............................

You can catch the warmest glow of the rainbow holes light from here, he said, patting a spot next to him, I knew the signs he was indicating that I should come closer.

Come sit a while, he said confirming my assumption. He turned and looked directly at me, a smile in his eyes and on his lips. Oh those lips, I just wanted to kiss them but didn't I always?

I sat just a little closer to him than his pat had been. I could feel the warmth of his body and the slow rise and fall as he took a breath, the glow of the rainbow hole enveloping us both.

When are you going to tell me what's going on? I asked.

I've grown stronger since meeting Troy for the first time, no longer that shy and timid little cat, confident I wasn't afraid to ask for what I wanted.

He sat there in silence looking back at me to.

How was that wind in your hair Lil'? He asked again.

I put my head down slightly embarrassed, there was a firmness in his voice that said he meant for the question to be answered first.

I couldn't stop myself, I kissed him.

He smiled. Stop avoiding the question.

I didn't know what to say, I felt scolded even though his voice didn't change in tone,  my eyes must having given something away as he smiled sweetly back at my awkwardness.

I felt strangely calm and safe and relaxed, like I didn't have a care in the world even though I was falling. It was an unusual experience, but then again nothing about this afternoon has been usual.

His left eye raised up a little and he smiled again. 

Still got that shyness about you I see Lil' and it's still a very attractive quality, he licked his paw and then mine.

*Blush* I continued, trying not to react to his previous comment, I don't know why he always makes me feel this way but he does. I wasn't flustered although my mind had gone blank, I couldn't speak.

Feeling that wind then Lil', just feeling that wind? Now you've answered my question let me answer one of yours but there's only three questions that I can answer so choose your questions wisely and I promise I shall give you your answers to anything you ask.

Is there nothing that you don't know about?

He laughed back. 

There comes a time to know and there comes a time to know. It's the whisper of that wind. So Lil' are you ready for another adventure? 

I've always jumped at the adventures on offer when Troy's around but something made me pause. My catty powers were beginning to kick in and I sensed that there was something ahead that felt different, not like before when Troy pushed me to my limits, I was nervous about what lay ahead. I still couldn't understand what I was feeling but then again it had been one of those days.

Tonight Lil' I am going to take you on a very different adventure that you can and never will forget. It's somewhere very different than we've ever been to before together and there I'll give you your answers, I promise!
                                                       ...............................

With that up we got. You ready? he asked, Let's go!

But he stayed totally still.

Go on, I said, I can keep up.

I know  he said, but we are already there.

I knew he wouldn't lie to me he'd always pushed me further than I'd ever gone before but he was saying we was already there. I hesitated, with him there were no boundaries.

Being with Troy Lamore had always given me strength to do things I'd never done before but more than ever before I didn't know where we were going or what I was doing. Usually I didn't care but this time he'd gone very mysterious, he wasn't mucking about.

A pathway suddenly appeared in front of us where there hadn't been one before.

In the distance I could see gardens and streams, beautiful tree's and multi-coloured birds and cats, lots and lots of cats.

I thought you said we were there. I turned and looked at him.

He turned to look at me. We are, he replied and I turned forward again.

I followed his gaze. Somehow we were now surrounded by all these beautiful plants and animals, rabbits playing in the fields, laughing and joking, the birds swooped all around us, the flowers perfume near knocked me over.

But we haven't even moved, how did we get here?

Remember just three questions Lil', is that your first?

No, no, hang on, let me think.

Why could he only answer three questions? I dare not ask that in case it used one of them up. I was a little out of breath, Troy just looked around.

Right I had three questions. I knew I must use them wisely. What was the most important things I needed to know? I wanted to know who Troy really was so that was definitely one of them. I wanted to know where we were, yes I wanted to know where we were and I wanted to know why I was here. Right yes, that's it, that's my three questions.

Before I could speak, he did

Do you trust me Lil'?

Always, I smiled.

Ask away? he asked.

I nodded.

Where are we?

Close your eyes Lil'  you must promise me you you'll remain calm.

I closed my eyes and nodded

You know I'd never let anything hurt you, right? 

At that moment a kind of calm came over me. He raised his paw and touched the back of my neck. The light of the rainbow tunnel glowed brighter and warmer, I focused my mind.

We are on the other side.

My mind started to run as fast as it could. The rainbow hole made a strange sound above. I could hear the gentle sound of my feet as I ran and the noise of some birds flapping their wings above, I tried not to think about it and just concentrated on what I thought was ahead.

I instantly knew what he meant, my head was all over the place. No, no, no, no, no. NO!

It's OK Lil'. It's OK he said, trying to calm me.

I opened my eyes and there we were exactly where we had been. I'd been running but I hadn't move a millimetre.

Where are we really? I asked, trying to remain calm but for the first time since I found myself on the other side of the rainbow hole I didn't feel calm, not calm at all.

I looked down and the pathway sparkled like diamonds. I didn't know what was going on, I wanted to turn around and run away as fast as I could but I knew where I was, I knew it was futile.

Troy seemed to know where we were heading with all this but I still had no idea, although maybe I didn't want to. I could sense my pathway was coming to an end and beyond that, I didn't know.

My panic began to slow down a little. I was a very long way from home and I wasn't sure that I could find my way back again on my own but I wanted to go there, really badly.

I knew that Troy would look out and protect me but this being so far from home I began to think of the Daddies and River and Nadia and Aloha. Deep breaths right deep breaths.

We're here together, pretty girl, it's OK .

Are we really here, Troy, are we really on the other side? I asked

He didn't answer but I knew he wasn't lying to me. When I had calmed down I was grateful he'd remained silent, it would have been question number 2.

Want to see some old friends he asked.

Old friends? I thought but said nothing. Sadness have enveloped me I nodded.

Come on then.

With that he took my paw and told me to close my eyes.

When you open them you'll be amongst friends.

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I opened my eyes and could not believe what I was seeing.

In front of me lay an ever ending expanse of yellow grass and green water, a blue sky and a red sun. I turned to Troy my eyes wide open, I just wasn't expecting this, I'd seen this before, the last time we met. Troy looked back me, a soft smile on his face.

I looked around again my eyes lit up, there in front of me in the field was Evie and Smokie cleaning each other like they used to do, Misty was snoozing in the sun she looked up at me and smiled.

Where do you think we are? he asked.

I turned my head around taking the sight before me again those flowers with massive blooms in purples and red and oranges were all around, so many butterflies in beautiful colours flying from bloom to bloom and I understood what they were saying.

The other side. As soon as I said those words I accepted it and became calm once more

There's nothing to be scared of! His voice soft and tender.

I'm not, I replied and I wasn't.

Look again he said the same soft tone in his voice.

In the distance on the other side of the water there was Nanny sitting and knitting, she waved over and smiled at me, two cats by her, one I recognised as Lucy and another even though we'd never met instinctively I knew was Sally, Stay Daddies first ever cat. Next to her was another man, I've never met before but again I knew it was Stay Daddies Daddy, a little white dog at his feet, ah that's the infamous Pennt. He grinned a glint of gold tooth sparkling in the sun.

My pretty little girl, shall we go nearer? It's OK. Nothing will happen to you.

The smoothness of his voice reassured me and I somehow knew I would be OK, we moved a little closer.

You've really shown great courage Lil'. You are strong now and remember I'm here, it will all be OK.

I believed him.

Just keep looking all around you Lil'.

I looked up and above I saw both the stars of the night sky and the rainbow hole yet it was bright like a Summers day. My gaze kept changing from one wondrous thing to another, this was almost unbelievable.

Are you ready for your second question?

Yes, what about my Daddies and River and Nadia and Aloha, can I go back to them again? It's beautiful here but I don't want to be without them either.

A swan silently drifted across the water, as it passed by it turned and smiled at me, it's eyes a twinkling sapphire blue. It was beautiful.

I felt his body gently rocking next to me and I turned to look at him. He gently nodded his head and brushed his cheek against mine.

We must have sat there for an hour in silence, he was deep in thought and I didn't want to disturb him..

Eventually he broke the silence. Your eyes pretty girl they sparkle like diamonds.

I swallowed and smiled.

Listen to yourself Lil' then you'll find the answer and there is an answer of that I do not lie BUT you cannot go back to what once was either. Your heart was so big that it burnt itself out, what's happened has happened and can't be changed, but you can go forward to what can be. That answer I cannot give you, that's your test, if you can remember what that heart of yours was full of you can use it as your key.

I decided to let my questioning go for a while. Daddy always says to listen to yourself you need to get into a relaxed state of mind.

We both turned back towards the water in front of us and remained silent, our shoulders gentle touching the birds singing a lullaby, Nanny blew her nose on a hanky she had hidden up her sleeve and Evie cuddled up to Smokie by her feet.

Holes, holes, nothing but holes have plagued me for such a long time, I didn't know but I had the feeling they were significant in some way, some message that I just couldn't fathom. Daddy always says start at the beginning if you've got a problem to solve. Go right back to the very start and work you're way from there and that's exactly where I was intending to go.

I loved everyone here and I loved everyone there too. Love, Daddy says, is the most powerful thing in the world and can conquer anything. I loved them from the moment we all met so love was the start, everything else if it was meant to be would fall into place.

I turned and looked at Troy, he smiled, he must have known I was already thinking of a way to understand, it's deeply enshrined in my nature.

We both stood as if to walk back towards the rainbow hole hole, neither speaking knowing our time together was shortly to come to an end but the rainbow hole was there already above us both.

It's time to go back through. I said

Do you like that kind of wind in your hair? 

Oh yes I said. I may not be able to go back to as things were but I'm not ready to leave them yet either. I know now, I understand what was happening to the cats and the owl and the rabbit who came back out of the rainbow hole before I leaped in, their souls were returning to their loved ones, to look over them and to protect them and to love them some more. I had a very different adventure ahead of me now. What could happen I knew not but different, oh yes very different it would be from before that much I was sure of. I had the courage now to face that journey. Courage I'd gained from knowing Troy Lamore.

He turned and smiled at me and nodded.

I closed my eyes and started to feel that love. I imagined little River running around causing chaos and mess wherever she went, of Nadia asleep somewhere in the garden, of Aloha swimming around in her Underwater World letting me drink from her land and of all my friends in Catworld, but most of all, most of all of my Daddies. I love them all so much I could almost smell them.

I felt a breeze begin to blow on my neck.

You have one more question Lil' Troy called out above the sound increasing around us.

With everything that had gone on I'd forgotten the question that I'd been wanting to know the answer to for so long but the sound of the breeze had now turned into a wind and I was having difficulty hearing anything but that.

I opened my eyes and looked at him, the sound getting ever louder, I shouted out above it.

Troy Lamore, who are you? 

I pretty Lil.... I'm The First!

What!?!

I could feel myself beginning to move and closed my eyes, my heart pounding.The wind now a hurricane, the noise louder and louder and up I shot like dust up a vacume...

Pop!

In less that a second I flew out the other side and into that bluest of blue skies, my eyes still tightly shut.

I was waiting to feel the sensation of falling back down but nothing, everything was quiet. I waited a moment of two before I opened my eyes.

And I'm back in the room!

There they all were my Daddies and River, they look a bit sad to me watching TV not really speaking not saying anything much, even River's quiet for a change.

Oh what they watching?

What! I've only been gone a couple of hours and yet the date in the calendar by the TV says I've been gone three days. No that can't be right!

Oh I'm so, so glad to be home. I know they can't see me but I can see them, somehow I must let them know I'm here. Um I'll have to think about that one.

I went to the back of the house and lay down amongst all the bric-a-brac. I never thought I'd be so glad to see all this old rubbish on the table. Oh they put a new plant up in the Peace Garden right under the Swinging Heart of Love, I'll have a CLOSER investigation of that tomorrow, for now I just want to sit here and enjoy being home again. Go on River jump up at the Daddies. Go on fight their feet, make them laugh. I've  missed the sound of their laughter.

Blimey I Was Not Expecting That! - Part 2

As I closed my eyes I could feel myself beginning to fall into a deep sleep.

Now it's not a widely known fact but us cats do in fact dream. Sometimes it's about eating fish and chasing flies and laughing at dogs and things like that but sometimes the dreams are a bit out there, a bit trippy!

Today I was having one of those kind of dreams, very different from any sort of dream that I've had before. I guess it's the effect of the injection! I've heard this sort of thing can happen especially if you are unwell. Daddy says sometimes when you are very unwell you can have hallucinations and even be awake and things that seem one way are actually another.

In front of me was a great big hole but it wasn't a normal hole like you find in the ground, this one was made of a rainbow, a rainbow that had been wrapped around and around like a helter-skelter. A warm yellow glow shone out like a beacon straight up into the bluest sky you could possibly imagine.

Now us cat's have a history with holes, some good, some bad. Holes have plagued Catworld this past year with the men constantly coming and digging things up in the road, winding Daddy up, holes also played a big part in the Tale of Two, the real reason why us cats have nine lives, which by the way I haven't forgotten about even though it's been a while. I really must tell you the end of that particular tale, it has a strange twist that no one saw coming but now is not the time, there's more pressing matters.

I felt warm here and moved to peer inside this hole, when I noticing my legs were working fine again. Actually I felt really well. I think it was at that point that I first believed I was having a dream, just a second ago I was in with Daddy and the Doctor and I couldn't move properly and felt really tired and now here I was wide awake and everything was fine.

As good as some injections can be I was sure they couldn't work that quick to get everything back to normal and it wouldn't explain how I got here. Yes it must be a dream!

I steeped back from the hole and sat down perplexed.

Surely if you are having a dream though you don't know it's a dream, while you are having that dream? It felt like one but how can that be? What is going on here, this is weird? But you know what I didn't feel the slightest bit worried either.

That must have been some powerful injection to do this to me and if it is a dream maybe I should stop trying to think about things and just go with it. You can't always direct dreams yourself, things just happen.

All of a sudden I heard a whirling noise coming from inside the rainbow hole, the warm yellow glow pulsed brighter and a rapid breeze started to rise. I sat there totally still just watching as the whirling got louder, the breeze turning into a gale and then a hurricane.

Well OK, I guess this is what's going to happen next then, just go with it, you're always safe in dreams.

Sweesssshhhhhh, the whirling grew to a roar. Then...

Pop!

Out of the hole like a speeding train right into the sky and out of sight flew an owl  with it's wings features of pure rainbow. Wow a Rainbow Owl, it was struggling to gain it's balance, a waste of time by the looks of it.

What!?

I moved closer to the edge, the hurricane still blowing and poked me head over the edge of the rainbow hole.

From the bottom objects were coming at me very fast, I pulled my head back just as quickly.

Pop! Pop!

A cat flew out laughing it's head off , quickly followed by a rabbit  it's big ears flapping around and slapping it's bottom. Each of the three shoot off into a different direction in the sky and out of sight.

As soon as the rabbit flew out of site the hurricane stopped as rapidly as it started.

Blimey, I wasn't expecting that! Although what I was expecting I just don't know.

This is just bizarre. Goodness only knows what this dream is trying to tell me. Sometimes dreams are supposed to be your sub-conscience trying to give you information.

Daddy has a book in the office about dreams and their meanings I could do with having that here with me now but you've just got to work with what you've got, my catty powers seemed to have deserted me.

Out of the corner of my eye, just over to my right right out of thin air a great big dog appeared. This wasn't a dog like River this one was at least four times her size and a gorgeous chocolate colour, just like the big toy doggie that River has.

He looked at me and smiled, nodded towards the hole as if to say you joining me and jumped straight in.

I ran over to the edge and saw the dog, growing smaller and smaller with each second. I stood there just watching him fall, this hole was deep, surely he must reach the bottom soon but it didn't look like it had a bottom, he just kept on going until he was nothing but the size of a pin prick.

Right well that's my mind made up, dream or no dream, able to influence a dream or not there's no way I'm going down there. I know I'm an excellent jumper but that's just too far. I closed my eyes and  pinched myself, Daddy told me that if you are in a dream if you pinch yourself you might be able to wake yourself up.

I closed my eyes, pinched my front leg. I tired to listen to see if I could hear any familiar sounds but nothing, just silence. I opened my eyes hoping, despite the silence, to be back with Daddy but no, there was a pair of eyes millimetres away from mine staring and blinking right back.

I jumped back, as did the Meercat, who then back-flipped right into the rainbow hole.

I shook my head to try and clear it, silly thing to do wake yourself up from a dream by pinching your arm, has it really ever worked? Not for me it hasn't but I tried all the same.

I ran back to the rainbow hole and peered over the side to watch the Meercat, who seconds before was just a touch away, disappear into the distance.

What is down there? I said out loud.

Why don't you jump in and see for yourself my pretty, darling, lady Lil'

I knew that voice and without another seconds hesitation I jumped right in knowing Troy Lamore would be waiting for me on the other side!

Blimey I Was Not Expecting That! - Part 1

Blimey I was not expecting that!

One minute there I was having a fantastic afternoon sleep, the next I felt all funny and called out to Daddy to come and help me. Ever the faithful up he rushed and picking  me up cuddling me in his arms. I really didn't know what was going on and I don't think he did too but he took action. That's one thing about Daddy, he's useless in making day to day decisions but you give him a problem and he takes charge and low behold anyone that gets in his way when he's on a mission.

I felt a bit tired and just laid down, things were going a bit fuzzy, boy I was tired which was strange as I'd just woken up. I could hear Daddy on the phone but I wasn't really listening. He picked me up and wrapped me in my favourite blanket, one that Nanny had made, and brought me downstairs. The wool felt lovely all around me, so soft.

Daddy was saying something to River who was making a mess all over the floor, typical River bless her, but I didn't really listen, I just wanted to lay there and for Daddy to make me feel better.

Somehow I ended up in the car, it's been a long time since I've been in there. I'm not a fan of car journeys, Evie used to love them, me, nah not my thing.

It was raining out, really raining, I could't remember rain like that but it was kind of nice listening to it hitting the window and for a minute or two I lost myself in the sound. Daddy kept on saying it would be alright and reaching back to stroke my face, he knows I love that and it was soothing but I just wanted us to get to wherever we were going.

I was just beginning to fall asleep when the sound of the car door woke me up and I saw Daddy lift River up and try to get her out the car. She was struggling and Daddy nearly dropped her in a puddle. If I was feeling myself I know I would have laughed, what a sight those two make at times. Darling little River, I don't always say or show it but I do love her.

Yes it took some time. I can remember so clearly when she first turned up, hair and paws all over the place and really do you have to chase me SO much? I do have fun winding her up though whenever she was settled, walking right in front of her my tail in her face or getting her to chase me and then staying just out of her reach, so much fun. Actually she is quite nice to cuddle up with too, although I'd never let on to her she'd want it all the time.

Daddy lifted me up and took me into a place with really bright lights and smells. Wow what smells! Rabbits and all kinds of foods and dogs and other people and noise, this must be the place River says she goes to for presents and says loves so much. I don't think it's somewhere I'd put on my list of top ten places to go but it's certainly interesting, but we weren't there for that.

Daddy put me down and stroked my face. I was glad I was feeling sleepy again and I suddenly didn't want to be there, I just wanted to be back asleep in our office like I was earlier, that was lovely, so comfy, so familiar.

I could hear Daddy taking to some lady, still holding my face. I look up at him and he smiled back at me but his face confused me, his mouth was smiling but his eye's weren't. I called to him and tried to move to get settled but he said I should just stay where I was and that everything was be alright I was going to see a Doctor.

Oh so that's where he's brought me, I was glad. I think I needed to see a Doctor, I've never needed to before apart from when I've had injections which Daddy says everyone needs and just after I had Charlie and the girls.

Ah my girls and Charlie I do miss them but Disappears Daddy tells me stories of the girls from time to time so I get to hear what they are up to and Charlie, well he really was a free spirit, no stopping him. I wonder what he's up to these days? I'm sure we'll meet up again someday and he'll tell me all about the trouble he's gotten into.

Daddy then said I'd see the Doctor in a minute and he would make me feel better and that Disappears sends me lots of love and kisses and hugs.

Oh my Disappears Daddy, at the mention of his name I felt a wave of love spread all through me. It was Disappears that rescued me.

I know I spend a lot of time with Stay Daddy, that's because he's around all the time but Disappears, I've got a special kind of love of him. I can remember the day I first saw him. There I was all alone in a cage in a shop and this tall blond god walked in. Stay was with him buzzing around as he does and as soon as they spotted me they both made a beeline to where I was.

Stay being Stay poked his finger straight it and started tickling me, that was lovely I didn't want to be in the cage all on my own and I rubbed my head against his hand. Disappears bent down his shining blue eyes smiled at me. I could feel his breath on my face and instantly I fell in love. I called hello to him, come take me from here and he grinned at Stay and said; This one!

Stay asked if he was sure and he said yes, very firmly, without hesitation. I should have known then he was the more decisive of my Daddies and within minutes I was out of that horrible cage and in his arms. He smelt so warm and clean and I felt so safe in his arms. He carried me tightly to his chest all the back to what was to become my home and put me down on the floor in the living room.

Although I felt safe I was also a bit scared and hid under a shelf in the fireplace. He brought me some milk and tried to feed me some treats but I was having none of it. I could smell another cat and I didn't know what was happening or where I was.

All of a sudden Evie appeared, jet black glossy fur and green eyes, strutting in, sniffing away at me. Stay gave her loads of strokes as Disappears brought me over to meet her. I wasn't ready yet though and as soon as he let me go I ran back to the safety of my hiding place where I stayed for the best part of three days until I got more used to things. They kept on calling out to me Little Cat, which eventually got shortened to Lil'.

Evie gave off an air of aloofness but when you got to know her she was a sweetheart. She'd been with Stay Daddy for years, they were very close and it was hard to get close to him when she was around as she was very territorial. We grew close over time and she even let me sleep on the bed, Evie on Stays legs and me on Disappears.

Ah yes Disappears Daddy it would be lovely if he was here now I could show him how much I loved him and was so glad he was my Daddy.

A lady came out of a room and picked me up and took me back in, away from Stay and River. I didn't want that to happen and started to cry out as I looked back at them, both looking back at me.

No I didn't want this but the lady said she was going to take care of me and that I could see Daddy again in a minute.

OK, if it's just a minute and they can make me feel better that would be OK.

In the room the Doctor was in there waiting for me and the lady put me gently down on a table.

Tthat's OK I'm used to tables, and the lady started talking to him and telling the Doctor man what Daddy had said to her. I knew I was in the best place but I just wanted my Daddies in with me and called out to them.

The Doctor man felt my legs. I could see him doing that but I couldn't feel anything and then he felt my chest and put a little disc thing on my heart that was attached to his ears. He then asked the lady to go and get Daddy.

Daddy came in on his own. I could see River being cuddled by another lady looking our way whingeing at not being allowed in as the door closed. I was so glad Daddy was here and tried to get up but he came down to me and gently cupped my head, stroking my side as the Doctor man said something to him.

I was just so glad he was here with me that I didn't pay any attention to what was being said, I felt really, really tired and just wanted to go home and go to sleep.

The lady came back in and went behind me and started stroking me. That was nice I haven't even met her before and here she was giving me all this attention. Daddy put his head on the table right next to mine and looked right into my eyes and softly stroked my cheek. He knows what I like.

He said what beautiful eyes I have and I sent him an eye sparkle back. His eyes aren't bad either but his contact lenses must have been irritating him as they had gone red and watery but just like his mouth they were smiling at me. Wow warm love sensation, cool.

Daddy said the Doctor man was going to give me an injection.

Well that's OK, injections make you feel better when you're not feeling very well and I have had them before so I didn't struggle I just looked at Daddy who was telling me how much he loved me. Love does make things better.

The past half an hour had been so tiring though, so many things happening that I was feeling very, very tired, and as much as I tried to stay awake I just couldn't keep me eyes open anymore.

You sort me out I'll just have a little sleep.

Daddy said just to keep looking at him and how much everyone loved me. I loved them all to but I just needed to have a little sleep now.

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

http://www.riverssong.net/2014/01/i-love-lil.html

Love - The Meaning

The Meaning

To love is to share life together
to build special plans for two
to work side by side
and then smile with pride
as one by one, dreams all come true.

To love is to help and encourage
with smiles and sincere words of praise
to take time to share
to listen and care
in tender, affectionate ways.

To love is to have someone special
one who you can always depend
to be there through the years
sharing laughter and tears
my dear and trusted friend.

To love is to make special memories
of moments you love to recall
of all the good things
that sharing life brings
love is the greatest of all.

I've learned the full meaning
of sharing and caring
and having dreams come true;
I've learned the full meaning
by being with and loved so much by you.

Kellie Spehn - Adapted

Lil's heart shone so bright it just couldn't be contained any more.

This afternoon at 6.30 Lil' embarked upon a new adventure. 

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

www.riverssong.net/2014/01/i-love-lil.html

Looking Furtive - Naughty Cat

I've just spotted George walking up E's pathway, looking very furtive.

Up he walked towards the back gate and looked around to make sure no one was watching him...

...before going into her garage and disappearing through to the back. Naughty cat he's got no business going in there! Still it does look interesting I wonder what he's after?

Two Centurions

Look at them, they are like two centurions, Mogsie and the lighter Naughty Twin, looking over and protecting Catworld. 

I'm so fond of the lighter Naughty Twin, she has really grown into a very strong and caring individual, just to think only 18 months ago there I was worried sick about her crossing the road and here she in now, day and night out there in all weathers looking out for us.

Mogsie of course has always been our hero but my feelings for him just keep on getting stronger and stronger as time goes by. No matter what has happened between us I always keep on coming back to him even though I'm not sure my love is reciprocated no matter what signs he occasionally gives off.

Oh best go, he's caught me staring at him and I can feel my cheeks reddening.

Australia Day

It's raining again and we are stuck indoors, this is getting very tedious now but there's nothing anyone can do it is what it is and you've just got to make the best of it, especially when you are being chased around the place by an excitable little dog. 

Daddy has been trying to amuse us by telling us all about Australia Day. Way, way ago in 1788 there was a fleet of 11 ships that went all the way from England with people on them to the other side of the world and on this day they landed at a place called Botany Bay, near Sydney.

Daddy said it was all very unfair on lots of people, the people on the ships were sent there never to return for silly reasons such as stealing a loaf of bread because they were hungry. Well that doesn't seem very fair but now on this day all the people of Australia have a great big party and celebration. Daddy said he's been there are it's a marvellous place but it's so hard to listen to his stories when River just won't settle down, she even just tried to get up on the sideboard to get to me. 

Give me a break!

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

www.riverssong.net/2014/01/why-cant-he-understand.html

Calm After The Storm After The Calm

What a storm we had last night, I've not seen anything like it for years which is surprising considering all the rain and flooding that we've had recently. 

We were all settling down to watch on of Daddies favourite films about a man who invents lying, interesting premise, one man who invents lying in a world where everyone tells the truth, the blunt truth. Anyway there we all were just settling down and all of a sudden the dark sky turned white with lightening. Now as pretty as it is I'm not a fan it usually means there's going to be thunder shortly afterwards which I certainly do not enjoy, true to form seconds later the house rattled.

Both the Daddies jumped up and ran to the back window to look out, big gasps coming from them. I quickly followed them to see what was going on. The fence was blowing about, the tree's branches at then end snapping and hail stones started firing their shots at the ground and windows. 

River went to go out and Stay Daddy quickly blocked her exit saying it was too dangerous to go out. I had to wait until this morning when he removed the block to go out and see what had happened. Luckily apart from rubbish blown across the grass we managed to escape serious damage. 

Both the lighter Naughty Twin and George were also out looking around. I asked them if they were all OK and they said that they both were and that they'd also got away from any serious damage but it was a lucky escape for us all!

Calm After The Storm

Well two days and all's been quiet, no signs or movements from either Foxy or any members of the New Cat Crew, it's the calm after the storm and I've been doing a lot of thinking about recent events.

I must admit they were very ingenious making us all think that we were the targets when in reality they had their sights set on our friends all the time. Their plan worked well although I'm still unsure as to why Ginger Cat's Catworld was targeted I've never heard of any beef between them, Ginger Cat generally keeps out of any signs of trouble and what did he get for that, a wrecked garden and rubbish everywhere.

I've been enjoying the sun and was hoping to catch sight of Mogsie, George or either of the Naughty Twins to see if they'd heard anything more but surprisingly no one's out enjoying this rather clement weather. Still no news is good news I suppose.

Ok You Can Stay

Oh what's that behind me?

Ok you can stay there because I'm not going anywhere this is just way too comfortable but if you move you lose River and would you please stop trying to sniff my bottom.

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

www.riverssong.net/2014/01/all-cuddled-up.html

She's Into Everything

It's early and the Wood Pigeons have called a meeting. It's a rarity that they call such a public meeting but they are all up there on the roof chatting away in a right flap. I'm not the only one who's noticed either, the lighter Naughty Twin is on her way to investigate further. Why am I not surprised, she's into everything.

Decathlon

It comes to something when you've got to hide under the table just to get a bit of peace. Still it's better than taking part in a decathlon just to get to the back door and my Dreamies, I can hear River downstairs on one, I'm staying up here!

On One Today. Tut, Tut, Tut

Oh dear she's on one today, out there in the garden barking away and the sun's not really even up yet...

...eating stuff she shouldn't be eating

Trying her best to bug me...

No thanks I don't want to play!

And of course pulling the cushion apart, Daddy will not be happy. Tut, tut, tut!

I guess it's going to be one of those days.

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

www.riverssong.net/2014/01/so-much-fun.html

Next On Their List

I slept most of the day away but when I did come down a little while ago Mogsie was waiting to speak to me.

He said that he'd been over in Ginger Cats land and there was rubbish bags strewn across everywhere and bit of gardens dug up. Ginger Cat was not happy but luckily he wasn't blaming us.

Mogsie said that we should all still be on watch as he didn't feel confident yet that we weren't next on their list. I guess it's going to be another late night then!

You Clever, Clever Fox!

It's been a very late night. VERY LATE!

I haven't been to bed yet, although I'm off to sleep in a minute. Disappears Daddy was out which was good because as least I got some company with Stay sitting up with me. About 9pm a thick fog descended all over Catworld making viewing even under the street lights very hard.

I could just about make out the lighter Naughty Twin running around but nothing that seems out of the usual. Stay went and got Disappears, in they came, had a chat and went to bed and I was left all alone.

Mogsie walked over about midnight, the window was closed but the bin had been moved from the back exit and River was upstairs as I was able to pop out and have a little chat with him. 

I asked if anything had happened yet and he said he's neither seen nor heard anything but Ginger Cat and his friends where waiting around in his back garden, catching some sleep but all was quiet.

2am and I saw the lighter Naughty Twin go by again, I thought here we go but a couple of minutes later I saw her walking across my grass, no panic, no nothing.

By the time that the Daddies got up the fog was even thicker and still nothing, no sign of Foxy, no sign of the New Cat Crew.

The Daddies went out and the sun began to come up, I went upstairs and looked out of the window getting a slightly better view of the back of Catworld and I saw the lighter Naughty Twin again, I do wonder if she ever sleeps.

She came running up to the window.

There's been an attack, he blurted.

What? I'd not seen anything!

Foxy and Flash and everyone has raided Ginger Cats land. They just went back and saw mess everywhere, I'm off to tell Mogsie.

You clever, clever fox! Making everyone think it was us that you were going to attack us, wait until it was too foggy for normal cat night time activity and confusing us all. Foxes really are sly!  

Chanting

I was right, they were waiting until the sun went down.

5 minutes ago the darker Naughty Twin dashed across the road towards Mogsie who was sitting on the top of R's car looking out and very deep in thought. He was quickly followed by George who is looking very tired, I guess on watch he's not really been getting much sleep, it's taking it's toll on his already. 

George jumped up and started speaking to Mogsie and the lighter Naughty Twin who had by that time appeared from around the back. I tired to listen to what was being said but they were just too far away.

Luckily the lighter Naughty Twin then came over and filled me in.

George has been keeping a close eye on the New Cat Crew and Foxy Lectar who had gathered under the tunnel at the end of the road. He said that Flash, Tiger and Chameleon had been joined by two other cats who he'd not seen before and were beginning to get themselves worked up into some sort of a frenzy, chanting and jumping up and down but there was no sign of Silver Eyes as of yet.

George had said that he'd watched for a while and he was sure they were going through some sort of ritual and he thought it best to come back so everyone could get prepared.

She then ran off to let Sarah and Bella know what was happening. I looked over to see Mogsie looking very serious. OK so here we go then.

Nervous Exhaustion

There's a palpable tension in the air and it's rising.

I've moved from front to back and back again all day but so far no signs of any unusual activity. Emma's been keeping watch and a couple of times we've nodded to each other that's all's OK.

Sarah has just popped by to see how I am. I was glad of the company as I'm here all on my own, Daddy's taken River out which I don't know is a good thing or not. Yes she's out of the way if there's any trouble but Daddy isn't here to help either.

Sarah said she was feeling very nervous as well, I guess we all are. There's not much light left I'm guessing that they are waiting for the sun to go down to make their move. I do wish they'd hurry up but maybe that's what their plan is, tire us all out with nervous exhaustion before they attack.

Strength In Numbers

It's a very frosty morning and I wasn't expecting to see much activity until the weather had warmed up a bit but I was wrong. 

Just as the sun came up I heard a call from outside and there on the front doorstep was the lighter Naughty Twin urgently trying to get my attention.

I indicated to her to go around the back, luckily Daddy had the back window open as he'd blocked my usual exit with the bin to stop River from going out and barking into thin air.

I ran up to the table and found her waiting for me. 

I asked her if she was OK, her face said she wasn't.

I must be quick, she said, Mogsie's asked me to spread the word, George has heard they are planning to make their move today or tonight.

What! Although we'd been aware that they were going to be making a move shortly, it's different waiting for news and then getting it.

What's the plan? 

Mogsie is rounding up all the troops but has asked us to keep ourselves from being spotted if possible. As soon as any of them are spotted raise the alarm and we'll all come running. There's strength in numbers.

Yes this is true! At that point River finally burst into the garden, jumping around in circles and attempting to get up onto the table.

Right I'm off!

Cats and Dogs - The Other Side

www.riverssong.net/2014/01/little-legs.html

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

Still no action and still no news. 

This waiting is really beginning to get to me, I wish they'd just get on with it. Mogsie has been walking around keeping a watchful eye over us. I even caught a glimpse of George earlier, he looked tired, I think the strain must be beginning to get to him. It is to all of us.

Even the bouncy Naughty Twin looks tired and she usually spends most of the night and day running around.

Tick tock, tick tock!

For The First Time In Recorded History

I've been waiting on tender hooks for someone to make an appearance and even though it's only been about 10 minutes it's felt like hours. Patience is a cats strong point but sometimes it's like an anchor around your neck to.

The lighter Naughty Twin finally came from around the back and I called out to her.

She came running over and filled me in. 

Mogsie said that George has been tracking Foxy and Silver Eyes for the past couple of days, which explains why I've not seen him around much, and he reported back that they are going to be making their move at some point over this weekend.

Mogsie meanwhile has been in negotiations with Ginger Cat and his friends and for the first time in recorded history two Catworld have come together to form an alliance to deal with the Foxes and the New Cat Crew. It had taken some intense negotiations between the two worlds. Us cat's usually like to keep things local, that way no bad energy spreads from one world to another.

We've had a long standing friendship with Ginger Cat but even with that it took some time to persuade him to join us.

Oh this is big, probably this biggest thing to have ever hit Catworld!

Emergency Cat Council Meeting

I'm  not too sure what's happened but there's been an emergency cat council meeting called. 

The first sign I had that something of an urgent matter was going down was when I saw the darker naughty Twin running across the road with the wind in her hair.

Very quickly followed by Mogsie who did not have a happy look on his face.

Within 30 seconds Sarah in an equal hurry ran over. 

She settled next to the lighter Naughty Twin still on guard under R's car and called across to ask if I was going to be joining them. 

Mogsie she said had called an emergency meeting and wanted as many of us to be there even though it was short notice.

I asked where George was as I hadn't seen him for a while and she said she'd explain later, Bella she said couldn't make it she was standing guard.

I said to Sarah that I would remain over here but could she let me know what was going on, I didn't want to let on that I was too scared to cross the road, but it's pretty common knowledge I don't ever go over that side of the road.

She said she would and then quickly followed Mogsie around the back.

I must admit to being very nervous, it's not often that a meeting is called at such notice and to see so many running to fast it must be something big. 

Even Emma was attending. This must be big!