|
|
|
January 1st, 2008
08:54 am - What January is going to be like
I am up early, darn my body clock, and everyone else is still fast asleep. We went to our neighbours' for New Year which was great fun - my neighbour comes from a huge Irish family, all present, all amiable and friendly. Lovely way to bring in the year.
Today, and this month in general, brings some small challenges. We are getting a new kitchen, starting tomorrow. Ulp. This means we've got to completely clear everything out (actually, I did most of that this weekend). For a month no washing machine, hardly any cooking facilities. At the same time we are getting a new boiler and radiators, so for some of this month no hot water or heating. Do not want.
A big corner of our kitchen is used up by the walls of an outside toilet (the door to get into it is out in our side-alley, and we never use it). So the builders are going to knock this through, remove the old toilet, and incorporate the space into a our new larger kitchen. This is going to make a lot of noise and mess while they do it. They'll have to put in one of those load-bearing joists.
I'm seriously worried that our cats might run away. What do you think? We can't refuse to have the work done, just for worry about the cats. They are pretty well established with us (two years) but they came to us quite old, and they are a bit neurotic. I just hope they cope OK.
|
I reckon Woody will be OK - she's upstairs most of the time anyway. And Milo always seems a bit more chilled out than Woody. Think you'll definitely need a couple of good electric heaters - cats tend not to roam too much if they're a) well fed and b) cosy. Bit like humans I guess. But if you're worried you could consider a good cattery for the worst of it?
And of course you're always welcome at mine for washer/dryer/cooking facilities/slow cooker (actually SC has a very clever gizmo that used for cooking things when you're not supposed to b switching plugs on and off for several days - I'm sure he'd be happy for you to use it)/washing facilities/warming up... I'm worried about them going out to wee, and then being too scared to come back in. Which raises the question - who is more neurotic, the cats or me? :-)
You do realise I'll definitely take you up on that offer to use your washing machine.
BTW - come round whenever you are feeling robust enough and we'll have a cup of tea and then go for that walk. It won't be noisy all the time, although there'll be blokes stomping round in blokey boots a lot.
Can you cope with a litter tray for a while? Then they could just hole up in one room during the worst of it, maybe. I'm also in favour having a strategically placed heater or two, or leaving an electric blanket on all day.
We are embarrassingly neurotic about our cats. We cannot have visitors in the house without checking every hour or so to make sure no one's accidently let InsideCat(TM) out. I try to be discreet about checking but of course if there's people round she tries to be discreet about existing, and hides herself away in odd places. This is good advice. I think I'll set up a little haven with cosy fire and litter tray. Thanks That was going to be my suggestion.
We've had to reintroduce the litter tray because we've had to start locking the cat flap at night in order to keep out a feral cat that appears to be incontinent and was causing us much grief. a feral cat that appears to be incontinent
Oh no. I'm surprised as you are at home such a lot, that usually puts them off. It's been around for years. It lurks and then comes in to eat and/or get warm when we go out and also when we go upstairs. Litter tray? Just in case?
Will have bath and a quick tidy, and then drop you a line. Very misty out... My aunt and uncle's kitchen has been in a demolished state for about three years now (he's a builder, and of course, his own home is the last thing that gets done). Their cat is still there and hasn't taken the chance to run off through the hole in the wall.
I hope yours gets finished a lot more quickly :). It sounds like it'll be a good thing to have done, once it is done. Three years? I couldn't stand it. It will be great when it's done. I can't wait *does the happy dance of anticipating a dishwasher* Dishwasher a very good thing, yes, when it doesn't lead to disputes as to who will unpack it when it's finished a load (not that it does here - that's my job, mostly, along with packing it again after the evening meal). (he's a builder, and of course, his own home is the last thing that gets done)
Oh lordy! Don't I know that one... That sounds like being a difficult time for everybody, I'm sorry. The results will be great, though, and I'm sure you'll be pleased afterwards. I hope that the work goes smoothly.
The others' suggestions with the cats sound sensible. You might even shut them in the room, if you can leave them in there with everything they need. The poor cats, I can't help looking at them, and thinking that they don't know what's coming tomorrow morning. If they seem to be getting into a panic I might give them a room shut off to themselves. Though the men are also coming round putting in all new radiators, so every room will eventually be invaded. Thanks, that's what I have to keep in mind. I'll invite people round once I've got a proper house again. During our building work our cat was sometimes shut in one room with water, food and litter tray (mostly to stop her from jumping into concrete/plaster/paint) and she was fine. It helped that our plasterer was a Proper Cat Person and would pop in to pet her during his tea breaks. I hope yours are okay. Thanks. Our cats are brother and sister, and tend to bop each other if they get too close (in true sibling style) so I'm reluctant to lock 'em in together. Fur may fly. However we are now told a cold snap is on the way so they may forget their differences so they can huddle near to warmth. |
|
