Manly Monday

Tom: As with all of you, we continue to stay riveted to information sources on what is going on in Japan. #1 is trying to establish what the best "people" relief organisations to donate to would be. And we would like to give you once again the website for the Japan Earthquake Animal Relief and Support. This is an excellent organisation that does great work.

We feel it so very odd to be going about our daily lives in the peace, quiet and plenty of our countryside. But the dignity shown by those in Japan who have lost everything is a lesson for all of us. We realise more than ever that each and every day is a gift to enjoy and appreciate.

My manliness is being put to the test by that little pipsqueak Fernant who is running for every naughtiness award in the book. And believe it or not, his worst partner in crime is the cat, Basha. They gang up to implement the most amazing theft and demolition scenarios! Anyway, on the subject of demolition, Fernant's latest idea of a good time is to grab me by the ear...

And NOT LET GO!!!!!!!

I ask you. What is a pup to do???? #1 keeps telling me that I am a saint as I barely even growl at him.

And I also have to somehow keep my Frisbee safe!

Bibi-Chan: I keep waiting for Fernant to come over here so I can play with him too. I could try that ear biting on him!!!!

Anyway, remember when I made by HOUBIBI escapes last week? When I am out and about, I love to play with Tommy and I am clearly the boss. So, I know about "Follow Your Leader" and all that, but don't you think this is slightly ridiculous?

Anyway, I am THE BIBI, King of the French Savannah!!!

As you can imagine, I needed my beauty rest after all that!

Vidock: Neigh, everyone! Guess what? The latest news is that I have perfect ears! Can you imagine that? That particular comment came from one of my fans in Australia! Here is a portrait #1 took on Friday:

And a close-up:

Do you agree?

Wishing you all a good and peaceful week.

Snuggles on Sunday!

Tama-Chan: We would like to start by thanking everyone for the nice comments about our friends in Japan. We found out yesterday that we had one friend who had gone up to Fukushima (where those nuclear reactors are...) on business and was stuck there. Then we found out this morning that she had managed to get back home by commandeering a lost (and non-Japanese speaking) American businessman at her hotel and a taxi to take them across to the city of Niigata on the Japan Sea Coast, from where they were able to get a train back to Tokyo. Creativity wins! Still, we remain very concerned about the nuclear reactors and are staying in close touch with everyone.

Yesterday was a busy day as we had friends to dinner. All of us love it when people come over because we get lots of extra cuddles from everyone! I have developed a big soft spot for Ms. S, Vidock's breeder, so I snuggled up to her...

I have also continued my regular snuggle sessions with my sister Sei-Chan:

And been cuddling with #1 when she watches TV:

Just like Yuu-Chan used to do, Sei-Chan likes to snuggle around #1's hand, although she can get a bit possessive at times...

As for Bibi, he spends so much time with his best buddy Tommy! Here they are exchanging morning greetings:

Very French, don't you think, that kiss on the cheek?

Last but not least, #1 took a friend to visit Vidock on Friday afternoon and he got snuggles from everyone!

Please have a Snuggly Sunday! The world can be a scary place and there is nothing better than a snuggle with those you love!

PS: Here is a link, originally posted by Teri of Furrydance where you can donate to an organisation called Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support. It is a grouping of several rescue organisations in Japan and they do excellent work.

PPS: Also, a wonderful piece here about how the Japanese react to catastrophes by Nick Christoff of the New York Times, a guy who really knows what he's talking about.

Serious SEIturday

Sei-Chan: As we sit here, in our quiet corner of rural France, we contemplate what is being faced by so many of our friends in Japan, and we are grateful to be together and safe, and that so far, all our friends have checked in OK. Ms. S who breeds Abys and whom #1 visited when in Tokyo is fine as are all the kitties. The friend #1 always stays with is fine. Most of the damage she suffered was in her kitchen where her stove/oven door was ripped off by the quake. Right now, everyone is watching the nuclear reactors in Fukushima (200+km north of Tokyo) with growing fears of a meltdown. We are finding FaceBook to be one of the best tools in keeping in touch with as many friends as possible. We are sending purrs and woofs, crossing paws and a huge shout of "GAMBARE!" (hang in there!) to everyone over there.

PS: It has been a while since they last updated their blog but our friend Tekorin posted today to say that he and his family are OK In Tokyo. If you have a minute, please go over and give them some moral support!

Fun on Friday!

Bibi-Chan: YES, it's me again. You could call this BeebsWeek in fact! I have been a good boy (in #1's eyes anyway) and not escaped again since Wednesday. Last night, I was watching TV with #1. Crufts Dog Show in on at the moment and yesterday was "Gundog Day" which we are partial to for some reason. Anyway. I had so much fun watching it and "meeting" some of the participants!

The winner of the Hound Group was a gorgeous 9-year flat-coated retriever. He was really nice-looking and #1 kept saying how great that they picked an older guy!

You noticed that the pup on the TV bore some similarity to our little pal Fernant... whose latest idea of a good time is to grab Tomy by one of his ears and pull.... Tommy is a true saint! Fernant also steals his toys...

Not surprising that Tommy prefers to stick with me!

On the home front, here is an outwardly peaceful scene: Mama Tama and Sei-Chan at the top of the study stairs. In fact, they were waiting for sweet little me, and their intentions were not exactly friendly...

It's a good job I had my laser eyes at the ready...

And further on the topic of fun here is Mama Tama with our favouritest toy, the big ratsie with the huge tail!

We would like to thank all those who have been asking about our friends in Japan. So far everyone seems to be OK. One friend in Tokyo had her bookcases come toppling down and was very relieved the kitties were not under it. Another's kitty hid under the bed for a while but has now been coaxed out again with tuna.

Thankful Thursday

Tama-Chan: I am thankful that we have had some sunshine most days this week so I have been able to bask in sun puddles:

And I am thankful that #1 was able to catch that pest of a Bibi of mine fairly easily both times he escaped on Tuesday AND Wednesday! I know I hiss at him quite a bit but I would also miss him a lot if he wasn't around...

And we are all thankful for the entertainment provided by the chickens who have been wandering into our garden lately!

WhoBibi Wednesday? HOUBIBI Wednesday!

Bibi-Chan: TWICE in two days, my friends! TWICE!!!!

HOUBIBI!!!!!

Tama-Chan's Tails on Tuesday

Tama-Chan: The other day, my Bibi and I were both sitting at the Bird TV display. There he was, in front of me

And then that little devil stuck his tail in my face...

So of course I whapped it!

And he actually had the gall to stick his tongue out at ME, his mother!

One really doesn't get any respect anymore, does one?!