Break Time For The Boys

Bibi and Genji on bathroom break...

Vidock (in the middle), Tom and Viking on munchies break...

And Tommy on breaking the speed record for a Springer!

PS: We were delighted at all the nice comments yesterday on "Misao to Fukumaru". The book is mostly pictures, with very little text, so language is almost irrelevant. For those who would like to order it, please note that there is a little note on the upper right-hand corner of the amazon.co.jp Japanese page that says "Would you like to see this page in English?Click here." It is also possible to order it directly from the publisher through the Little More link to a page in English on yesterday's post.

Wonderful Words and Photos on Wednesday

Of all the gifts that #1 received this Christmas, her absolute favourite is a little book that was sent to her from Tokyo by Ms. D, an Australian friend who has lived in Japan for many years. The book is called "Misao to Fukumaru" (Misao and Fukumaru). It is the story of the writer's grandmother, Misao, and the white cat with one yellow and one blue eye who appeared on her doorstep as a tiny kitten eight years ago. She named him "Fukumaru" (the circle of good fortune). The cat is hard of hearing, as is often the case with cats with different coloured eyes, as is also Misao. Here is the cover of the book:

The photos are absolutely beautiful, showing the love and caring between the two. Fukumaru helps Misao who is still an active market gardener:

He also helps with important tasks such as drying persimmons:

He relaxes with her when she has a well-deserved cup of green tea:

Celebrates important events, such as her 86th birthday, with her:

And is always there to make every day a happy day for both of them...

An utterly beautiful book. The author (and photographer) is Miyoko Ihara and the book was published in October 2011 by Little More. It is also available through amazon in Japan here.

Tama's Thankful Tuesday

Tama-Chan: Christmas is now over but we are all still basking in the warmth and fuzziness of it all. I was most pleased with my Christmas collar this year!

We also wanted to show you the goodies that were in the amazing box we got from our Italian friends Rain.

There was a huge stash of toys and treats for us kitties!

Lots of goodies for Tommy:

There were also some yummy chewy sticks that #1 forgot to include in that picture.

And there were also treats for Vidock!

In fact, everything to make us pleasantly tired and snoozy by evening! Here I am yesterday evening, with the little "Silver Squeaker" (he doesn't meow, he squeaks!) who is enjoying the very nice red bankie from our friend Ms. L.

Manly Monday - The Boxing Day Edition!

Tom: We had a most excellent Christmas here at Poupounette Central and hope it was the same for all our friends.

I got decked out in my Christmas finery...

And got lots of presents!!!

I was one happy boy!

The Beebs was also all dressed up...

He was out scouting for turkey early...

And got lots of attention:

Which left him exhausted at the end of the day!

Genji was sporting avery elegant collar in gold, red and green!

He had a most excellent first Christmas and he too was exhausted by the evening!

#1 and some of her friends went to visit Vidock after lunch, and he got some crunchy apple-flavoured treats.

Who knows? Maybe next Christmas, he will be pulling a one-horse open sleigh?!

But the one who truly passed out on the sofa last night was #1. I suppose she had quite a day of it as we hosted Christmas lunch for a bunch of friends. She of course also had the leftover Champagne...

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ready For Christmas

Tommy: Tonight is Christmas Eve and everything is ready at Poupounette Central!

I have been trying out some of my Christmas finery...

#1 and I went over to Ms. A's to make Christmas cookies yesterday:

Our stockings are filling up!

Gifts are piling up under the tree!

And the Champagne stocks are in!

We are good to go!

Friday Follies!

Bibi-Chan: Meeeeeeeee-OWWWWWW everyone! The Beebs here with a couple of great stories for you.

For a start, I am happy to tell you that HOUBIBI RIDES AGAIN! Yes, thanks to the very kindly postman, I made a successful dash for the great outdoors a couple of days ago, with #1 and her camera in hot (or should I say tepid?) pursuit!

Of course there was no way she could catch up as I am a veritable gazelle!

Here I am as a flash of movement tearing past the hapless #1...

Do I have style or WHAT?!

I eventually took pity on #1, and there was the matter of the GIANT creature who seemed to be heading straight for me on the other side of the hedge. She was about three times bigger than the donkeys. #1 took some extra carrots to the one she calls her "Percheron Filly Friend" to thank her. Pah!

Anyway, I decided that I could also explore inside the house so I headed upwards the next day.

Hi everyone!

I do wish she had ordered some wider ledges...

Better over here...

I had a lot of fun telling Tommy all about my adventures!