what'd ya bring me?

Find more curious cats at the Friday Ark.

Sam goes after a real-life Grinch...

This week, Sam is giving the evil eye to a real-life Christmas Grinch. Please take a few minutes to read and find out why. Some very special people will thank you!

Readers of this blog may remember me writing about my son, J. We two have enjoyed some fun and blog-worthy times together over the years with many more to come, I'm sure. What I may not have shared, is that J. is a young man with special needs. He copes with remarkable grace and humour but I'm sure every parent reading this will understand when I say that his challenges can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially to those who love and support him. That's why we all feel truly blessed and grateful to be part of The Centre for Dreams in Markham — a day program providing education and vocational training to intellectually challenged adults, helping them lead independent, meaningful lives.

Last Sunday, November 25th, Dreams staff, clients, families, and friends got together to host a community event and fund-raiser, the Festival of Trees. It was a fun-filled day of fabulous Christmas trees, magical entertainment, culinary delights and, of course, Santa Claus. Money raised was intended to support the centre's operations and help grow the building fund — a dream that will someday give J. and other group members the chance to live independently in a safe and supportive environment.

The day was a wonderful success. Nearly $8,000 was raised for the Centre. Sadly, that hard-earned and desperately needed money was stolen by a thief or thieves — real-life Grinches — who broke a car window, grabbed the cash box, and ran. Much more than theft of money, this was literally a theft of dreams. Read the CityTV News account here.

So now you know the "why" of Sam's evil eye. He hopes you'll visit The Centre for Dreams web site, find out about the program, get to know the Dreamers, and if you're moved by the spirit of the season, click the "donate" button. Help keep the dream alive!

Join Sam and his Santa hat on board this week's Friday Ark — a guaranteed Grinch-free zone — and at Carnival of the Cats, hosted this week by This, That & The Other Thing

is that turkey I smell?

Mmmmmmmmm...yum!

Join Sam for leftover turkey gibblets on the Friday Ark, and at his other gig as The Bookshelf Cat.

rethinking the whole basket idea...

After three weeks of stubbornly avoiding it, Sam looks pretty relaxed and comfortable in his new basket, doesn't he?

He might climb out long enough to board the Friday Ark and pay a visit to his friends at Carnival of the Cats on Sunday.

you can lead a cat to basket...

This is Sam.

This is Sam's brand new basket.
(Note the cushy-comfy blanket,
thoughtfully scented with catnip, even!)

And this is Sam investigating his lovely new digs.
Mmmm. Nip!

But this old cardboard boxtop is where Sam still prefers to nap.
(Note the abandonned nip-scented basket, sitting empty on the left.)

What is it with cats and cardboard boxes, anyway?!

Sam will be napping aboard the Friday Ark and at Carnival of the Cats, hosted this week by Hot(M)BC. You'll also find him wide awake and helping out at his other gig.

intrepid (sort of) ...

Here's the intrepid Sam, perched on his favourite chair on the balcony. From this vantage point, when sitting tall, he can see through the glass panel at the top of the rail and watch the kids, dogs, and squirrels playing in the park. His expression here might be mistaken for fierce concentration but, in fact, he's watching a flock of these ... and preparing to dive for cover if they come any closer.

Moments later he's belly-flat on the floor, whiskers a-quiver as he peers through the gap at the base of the guard rail. No chance to snap another photo. One gull swoops ever-so-slightly in our direction and the mighty Sam becomes a mighty blur... through the door, down the hall, and under the bed.

Funny how nap-attacks can happen all of a sudden like that.

Find more intrepid cats aboard the Friday Ark.