KARMEL'S STORY

Then one nice day, Mama was lying on the porch, giving me my bath, when she just got up and walked over to Mom. Mom petted her and told her how pretty she was. Mama walked to the end of the porch, jumped down to the grass, and walked over down the bank behind the house. She didn't come back! I waited, and my aunt came and started washing me, but I wanted Mama! I waited and waited, but she didn't come back. I was scared!

Mom got up from her chair, and walked over to the bank and looked down. She said something to Dear about 3-Colors being dead. 3-Colors was Mama's name, but what was "dead"? I didn't understand. Mom picked me up and held me, and said "Well, little boy, I guess I better get some baby-cat food for you." She took me into the house, and gave me a little dish of some kind of stuff all cut up small. It was pretty good, but I missed Mama's warm milk. I didn't know it then, but my life was changed forever.

The next few days were very fearful and exciting for me. I had a cold, and my nose and eyes were all watery, and I kept sneezing. Without my Mama to give me my bath, my fur got dirty, and I got lots of fleas. But Mom took care of me. She and Dear brought me in the house twice a day, and fed me special food. Then they would hold me, and play with me. Mom put a box with a light-bulb over it, out in the garage for me to sleep in at night. It was nice and warm.

A few days after Mama went away, Mom put me in a cloth sack she called a pillow-case, and she and Dear took me in the car. Boy, that was scary. Dear held me on his lap and talked to me, and petted me through the sack. After a while, Mom took me out of the sack, and there was another lady there that stuck me with a sharp thing, and sprayed me with something. I don't know what it was, but my fleas all left! She poked and felt me all over, and cleaned my ears out. She gave Mom a bunch of stuff to give me. Then Mom put me back in the sack, and we went home. I started feeling better after that, and I finally stopped sneezing.

One evening, a bunch of girls came with their Mama and Papa. They were called Grandkids. They held me and petted me, and said I was such a beautiful color, just like caramel candy, so they decided my name should be Karmel! Mom still calls me Baby, though. I soon got used to this new life, and decided I was going to have a happy time after all!

There are lots of other cats here, besides Ms.Gray, and Black Tom.There is a cat named Bob, who came as a stranger one day. He is a really nice fellow, always has a smile for Mom, and she pets him and talks to him, too. Mom and Dear only name the ones that are tame. Of course they are all my friends, and we go exploring, and climbing around. There are lots of places to play out here in the country.

Ms. Gray and I like to sit on the porch rail. We can look in the kitchen window that way, and I can see when my treat is ready for me. I am getting so big now that Mom just gives me a treat in the morning, and I eat with the rest of the cats out in the garage. I think there are ten cats, altogether. They are all old. Old Tom is the oldest. He is about 10, I heard Mom say.

I have had some interesting experiences since I became an "inside-outside watch-cat". That's what Mom calls me. I spend as much time outside as I do inside. When I am in the house, I have toys to play with, and my own litter-box. I really like paper tubes, and paper cups, though. I can run and bat them around. Mom says I'd make a good hockey player, whatever that is! I like to stretch out on Dear's lap and snooze after a morning of chasing around with my tubes and toys.

Mom says I am the only cat on the place that isn't afraid of a dog. The first dog I saw was the neighbor's dog, Pepper. She was real nice, so I wasn't afraid. There are two dogs that come here and stay for visits. They are Scruffy, and Chipper. When they come, they bring Grandkids and Mamas and Papas. It is fun to play with them. I like to hide and jump out at them and bite their legs. They don't come together. That's probably good, because then they might gang up on me!

I am all through going to the doctor place in the pillow-case now. I have had all my "sticks" and I even had an operation, too.! Mom says now I won't get into fights and get all torn up like Black Tom and Old Tom, and some of the others. That's O.K. with me. I don't like to fight, anyhow.

Sometimes I miss my Mama, but I have a wonderful life with Mom and Dear, and the Grandkids, and all the other cats. I guess I'm a pretty lucky fellow. Now I even have a webpage! I will come back here from time to time, and tell you of my adventures as they happen. Thank you for reading my story.

April 2, 1998-Two things have happened today. My cousin Black Tom died, like Mama, but the Marble cat had 4 little tiny babies back in the corner of the workbench. Mom says they're awfully small, but she put a light over them, like she did for me when I was little and Ms.Marble stays with them, and takes care of them. Mom is real careful not to go too near, because the Marble cat is really scared and shy. Mom says if you go too near, she will take them off, and they will die, so I stay away from her. I hope they live, but they are sure little. I don't think I was ever that little!

May 5, 1998-We have been having lots of really wet rain, which I don't like. But right now, the sun is shining, which I DO like. I learned a new trick to do. When Mom and Dear would come out and get in the car, I would run real fast and jump up on the trunk, then run over the roof, and peek at them through the windshield. I thought it was fun, but Mom got really cross with me, and jumped out and clapped her hands and made swoosh sounds. Well, I was scared, and ran up on the porch, and up on the railing by the kitchen window. I guess that wasn't such a good trick after all!

Oh yes, Ms. Marble's kittens all died, and so did Old Tom. Mom looked for him, and finally found him 'way back under the house. She was sure dusty and full of cobwebs when she came out with him. She was sad, too. I seem to be losing most of my family, but I still have my aunt, Ms. Gray.......but for how long?

June 1,1998-A very sad thing happened last Friday night. Dear went away forever! All he wanted to do anymore was sit in his chair and sleep, and Mom said he was very sick. Then he just stayed in his bed. I laid down by him, and tried to play, but he just laid there. Finally, he put his hand on my back, and I felt better, and I took a nap. Then all of a sudden Mom called Neighbor, and he came over, and they rushed around, and some other people came and took Dear away in a big truck thing with lots of lights on it. I just tried to keep out of the way so I didn't get stepped on. Mom's girl came, and she and her Dear and Mom went in the car.

They came back later, and Mom's girl stayed all night. Her Dear went on home to be with Grandkids, but my Dear never came back! Oh,I looked all over, but he was gone! Just like my Mama. I slept with Mom that night. I felt good being with her, and I know she did too, because she scratched my ears like I like her to. We are going to miss Dear, but Mom says he was so sick, and now he is in a lovely place, and isn't sick any more. I wonder if my Mama is there, too? I hope so. Dear could tell her how well I am doing. That would be nice!

July 4,1998...Well, I am almost a year old. I have seen much this past year, and had many changes in my life. But I have tried to handle myself well. I have lost all my close relatives, now. My aunt, Ms. Gray has passed away. I have some cousins, and of course, Bob. He is a good buddy. The Marble cat and I sit on the porch railing, and watch the moles make hills in the lawn. She keeps having little ones, but I don't know why. She always loses them.

I still miss Dear. When I go in the house, I always look for him, but Mom says he's in a happy place where he isn't sick any more. That makes me feel good. I like to sit on Mom's lap, but she never sits still long enough for me to get a really good nap. So I just sit next to her on the couch, or curl up on a chair. Grandkids come up often, and that is nice. They like to hold me and play with me.

I wish it would quit raining. Mom lets me sleep outside most of the nights now. She knows I am responsible, and can take care of myself. She still holds me when there are cars moving around in the driveway, though. She says I might do something foolish. It makes me feel safe when she does that. Mom says that Chipper and maybe Scruffy will be here next month. I am old enough now to take them both on! My teeth are bigger, too. If they get smart with me, I'll really bite their hind legs! We shall see!

July 10, 1998... We have had a visitor! At first I was scared, but Mom said it was all right. It is a Mama Raccoon! I didn't even know what a Raccoon was!

Mom, Mom's Girl, and Grandkids were out in the garage sorting Stuff the other day, and I was watching for things to play with. Mom said "Look", and we all looked, and there she was, standing on her back legs looking at us! She was very scared, but very hungry, and there was a pan of cat-food right there in front of her. She started to eat but she kept her eye on us. Mom said she had babies, and was really hungry. Well, I didn't care. She wasn't hurting me any, but Ms. Marble sure did! She hissed and carried on something awful. Mom tossed an old apple to Mama Raccoon, and she took it in her little hands and smelled it, then put it in her mouth and took off. I s'pose she shared it with her babies.

She comes 'most every day, but Ms. Marble scares her off a lot. She hisses and yowls at her, and poor Mama Raccoon runs away. She's not very brave, because Ms. Marble is only half her size, but she sure is loud!

August 10....Well, Mama Raccoon showed up with 4 youngsters almost as big as she is. Then they all left, and I haven't seen them since. Mom says we are having company the end of this month. The Chipper dog and the Scruffy dog are coming with their families. I wonder if they will remember me. I was really small when they were here last year but I'm sure we will recognise each other. I know how to swell up my tail and hiss really loud now, so I can scare them good! I scared the neighbor's new puppy the other day. He wanted to chase me, so I swelled up my tail and hissed, and he ran home! His name is Reggie. I am looking forward to the visit with all Mom's family.

September 9....Well, I have had an exciting two weeks! Aug. 25, Chipper arrived with his family. They are called Michael and Sharon. I waited for him sitting on the porch rail, and I growled, and made my tail really big. Boy, was he impressed! He just looked at me, and then left me pretty much alone. I felt really big and important! Then two days later the other dog, Scruffy arrived. She is afraid of cats, so I never got a chance to let her know who was boss around here. Every time she saw me, she went the other way. She belongs to Mom's other boy and his family. They are called Pat and Brenda. They have four of Mom's Grandchildren. (Michael and Sharon have six of Mom's grandchildren, but they are all grown up.)

On Sunday afternoon, there were 28 people here! All Kids, Grandkids, and Great-Grandkids. I stayed out of the way! They had lots of fun playing games in the yard, and eating Pork-Fried Rice. That is something Dear used to make, and it is real special. Nobody offered me any, though!

They all left on Tuesday, and Mom went to her Reunion on Thursday afternoon, and LEFT ME ALL ALONE!!! I waited for her to come home that night and she never came, so I slept in the garage with my friends. I sat on the porch rail all the next day, waiting for my treat. No Mom!!! Well, I was worried. What if she had gone away like Mama and Dear!

Saturday, I was beginning to be scared. Neighbor came down to see me, and I hissed at her, before I recognised her. She petted me and talked to me for a while, and I felt a little better. When it got dark, I went into the garage to eat. Mom had left plenty of food and water for us. I heard a car coming down the driveway, and I ran out. It pulled up in the carport. I jumped up on the hood and ran up to the window in the front and looked in, and there was MOM!!! Boy, was I glad. She held me and hugged me, and we went inside the house. She gave me my treat, and told me about her trip. I just laid close to her and purred and purred. I was so glad she came home. Now that I know she will come back, I guess I could take care of myself for a few days. I wouldn't want it to happen too often, though!

October 13- Well, I guess my life is going to be full of ups and downs, and things happening! Last week, Mom caught a terrible cold. I knew how she felt, because I had sneezes and coughs when I was little. She got to where all she did was sit in the chair. When she got up, she gasped and couldn't breathe. The Doctor gave her something for her cold, but it didn't help. I was worried, and I stayed close. Sunday, she called her Girl, and she came and took Mom away. Mom told me she would be back, and I was to watch things while she was gone. Well, I was proud that she left me in charge.

Neighbor came down and put food out for us in the garage, and talked to me. Mom didn't come home that night! I wasn't too worried, though. Girl (she is called Becki) came up and gave me my treat, and petted me and Bob, and told me Mom was in the hospital. I didn't understand what all that meant, but she told me Mom would be home the next day, so I felt better.

Well, all this morning I sat out and watched, then it rained, so I went into the garage. This afternoon, I heard a car, and I heard Becki calling me. I ran out, and she picked me up and took me over to the car-port, and there was MOM!!! Boy was I happy! She told me the Doctor said she had trouble with her heart, but they fixed her up, and she is fine, now. She has to take two pills forever, but that is all right. I am proud of her. She went to the Hospital with Becki, and didn't even have to go in a pillow-case!!!

Dec.21st.....Well, here it is Wintertime. I haven't had much to talk about because nothing much has happened. We had Becki and Brian and Grandkids up for a big meal they call Thanksgiving. I got lots of petting. I like that. I like to grab their hands with my paws and bite them with my big teeth. I don't bite hard, though.

This week, we are getting ready for something called "Christmas". I am not sure what it is. I know there was one last year, but I was too little to pay much attention. Last Saturday morning, Mom and the Grandkid called Mandy hung a big gold star with lights on it on the side of the shop. Then Saturday evening, Mom and the Grandkid called Megan put a tree in the front room, and put shiny balls and lights on it. It was a funny tree...it was all in a box in pieces! When I went over to see what all there was to play with, Mom hollered at me to "Stay away from that tree!" So I didn't get much of a chance to get a good look. If I am real quiet, I can get one of those shiny things off it, and bat it around the room before she catches me. Of course, that isn't being very grown-up and responsible, which is what I've been trying to do. The tree is very shiny and pretty with all these glittering things!

It SNOWED today! It was too cold out to play in it. Bob and Ms. Marble, and the other cats are either under the house sitting on top of the furnace, or are out in the garage, sitting on the top of the clothes dryer, over the pilot-light! I will be glad when spring comes. This is too cold for me!

I guess we were supposed to have some company, or Mom was supposed to go someplace, or something for Christmas, but the weather is so cold, and with the snow and ice, Mom may not get anywhere, and we may not get any company. Maybe she will sit in the chair for a while, and then I will curl up in her lap, and snooze and dream about warm sunshine, and Dear, and my Mama.

January 1st, 1999- We had company for Christmas, after all. Becki and Brian and all their girls came up, and I got lots of petting and being fussed over. I like that!

Today is something called "Happy New Year", I don't know what it means, but everybody who has come here today has said that. The sun has been shining, and it hasn't been so cold and wet.

Mom lets me stay outside more, when she's gone. She makes me stay inside when she knows there might be a big truck or something come in the yard. A big truck came in the other day, and took Mom's car away. It had to go get fixed. She picked me up and put me in the house....just because I wanted to sniff around the wheels, and climb up on the truck. I wasn't going to HURT anything!

Mom said she is going to take the "Decorations" down this weekend. I guess I won't be able to grab those shiny things off that tree any more. I did get to play with a few of them. Some of them are really fun. I can chase them all over the house! But some of them just fall into tiny pieces when they hit the floor, or when I roll them around just a little bit! Then Mom really hollers at me and tells me to "stop it". I run and hide in the back room. Then later, I sneak back, and climb up in Mom's lap (if she's sitting down) and push at her hand with my head. She will rub my ears, and I know she's not mad at me. My life is so peaceful, and Mom and I take good care of each other. We have a good time just being quiet together. I think it is going to be a good "New Year".

April 4th,1999-Well, I have made another trip in a pillowcase. I thought since I am pretty grown-up, that I wouldn't have to do that anymore. But I had to go to the lady with the "stickers" again, and have what Mom called a "Booster". I was real quiet and well-behaved going in there, and I sat quietly on Mom's lap while we waited. There were dogs there, but I couldn't see them. When it came our turn, Mom opened the sack, and I strolled out, being very calm and quiet. Inside, I was really nervous! The lady felt me all over, looked in my ears, and my eyes. She squeezed my tummy. She even looked at my teeth! She gave me 2 sticks, and said I was in real good shape. I felt proud! Mom opened the sack, and pointed me at it, and I went in. All the way home, she told me how proud she was of how I had behaved myself, and for not being scared and trying to run. I would never do that! I know Mom wouldn't take me anyplace bad, or scary for me. She told the lady I had a webpage, and the lady said she would go and read my story. When we got home, Mom gave me a treat because I was so good. Then I was REALLY proud!

April 26, 1999-Well, we have a guest, sort of! Last Friday night, really late, here came Mom's big boy Michael! (The one who belongs to Chipper.) Well, he was all alone. I didn't understand what he was telling Mom, but he had come to fix something someplace, and would have some time to spend with us. I looked his stuff all over, but couldn't find anything to play with. I spent time with him while he played on the computer, and I let him rub my ears. I want him to feel welcome. (Mom says I am very social.) I also let him wrestle with me for a bit, and I didn't bite him real hard. He has to go back to his home on Friday. I hope he tells Chip about how nice I was. While Mom is writing this, I am snoozing in "my" chair, right behind her. Life is good. Mom found some pictures of me when I was little, and she said she was going to make me my own picture page! That will be Neat!!!!

July 13, 1999-My goodness, a lot of time has passed since I have worked in my journal. June just went by in a flurry! I stayed home alone for 2 days when Mom and Melissa, (Becki's girl) went down to California on an airplane to see Pat's girl Jessica marry Jason. Jason came up with them last summer. He was nice to me, so I remember him.
I took good care of the place while they were gone, but it is always nice when Mom comes home and we are together.

I did get in trouble the other evening though. Mom and I were out on the porch. I was sitting by Mom's chair, and here came Bob. Well, I went over and sat so he couldn't get on the porch. I didn't want him bothering Mom. He just looked at me, and came on up anyhow. Mom said "Hi, Bob", and I swatted him. (Mom keeps my claws clipped, so I didn't hurt him.) Mom swatted ME! She said "Shame on you! Bob is your friend, and we don't treat our friends that way!" Well, I ran over and sat on the car. I was ashamed of myself. Bob has always been a good friend to me, especially when I was little, after Mama left.

Mom said I was jealous, whatever that is! But I learned that Responsibility goes farther than hissing at the neighbor's dog when he comes on the porch. It also means being kind and helpful to others, and treating them nice.
I guess, even though I am almost 2, I still have things to learn. Mom petted Bob and talked to him, and he put his face up, closed his eyes and smiled like he does. I felt really bad and after he wandered off, I sneaked up and pushed my face into Mom's hand. She rubbed my ears, so I knew she wasn't mad at me. She called me "Old Jealous-Ellis", whoever that is! Later, Bob and I sat on the railing, and I told him I was sorry. He said that it was Ok, he knew I had a lot to learn, but we would always be friends.

Sept.17-- We have been enjoying summer weather for a while. It has been HOT even. I like to lay out on the picnic table under the Alder trees when it is like this.

Mom went to Dear's WWII Reunion. She left early last Sunday morning, and got back Wednesday evening. She went clear to Arkansas on 4 airplanes, she said. I don't know where Arkansas is, but she said it was pretty. Neighbor Tammy came down and fed us, and let me in the house in the evening, and out in the morning. I am getting used to her doing this, and all I have to do is look at Reggie and Pepper, and they behave while they are down here. So it isn't so bad, but I sure miss Mom, and I am really glad when she gets back. When she came home, I sat on her lap and she told me about her trip, and rubbed my ears. She said she missed me.
I hope she doesn't ever decide to take me with her....I wouldn't like that at all !!! I would walk with her to the top of the driveway, but that's all. (Unless I am going to the "sticker lady" and am in the pillow-case.)

Nov.6-- October flew by us, I guess. At the end of October, Mom took a trip to Texas to visit Michael,Sharon, and Chipper. She was gone from real early Friday morning until real early Tuesday morning. I was glad to see her back safely. She told me she had a wonderful visit, and got to see where they live and work. She said Chipper sniffed her all over real good. I'll bet he smelled me on her. I smelled him on her. She said she waded in the Gulf of Mexico. I don't know what that is, but it must be wet. Michael is an engineer with a chain of Christian radio stations on the USA-Mexican border. They live at the main station, and he runs around fixing stuff, and seeing that they are all on the air. Mom says there are 13 stations that he takes care of. She is pretty proud of him, and his accomplishments.
Mom says Michael and Sharon each have their own desk and computer. Sharon also does a lot of stuff. She deals with keeping meetings straight, and sees that there are refreshments when and where they are supposed to be. She edits a newsletter, and handles other correspondence, too. Lots of things for her to do! I'll bet she works hard. Mom said she really surprised Sharon, and she took a picture of her with her mouth open. I hope she puts it on the page...That will be funny to see. She said Chipper watches things, and barks when strangers come, and takes care of their house when they are working.
I stayed real close to Mom when she came home. I just don't want her to go away again so soon. She said she isn't going anywhere until next year. I like that!

November 25-- Mom went down the road with Becki and her family to eat a "Thanksgiving dinner" with Brian's Mom and her family. I am never quite sure what that is, but I know it involves a whole lot of food. Mom and Becki sort of laid around when they came back here, and talked about "Christmas stuff" and "things-to-do". As long as I don't have to "do" anything, I'll just let them go and "do" it.

November 28-- Here it is almost December already! Mom and Becki took girls and went in to their annual visit to Santa Claus. I remember last year, when I had fun with the shiny things that hung on the tree. I hope she does that same stuff this year! They came up for food today, and Mel came too. She used to be Melissa when she was little, but now she is a big girl, going to College, and she wants to be called "Mel". I am grown, too, but Mom still calls me "Babe". Everybody else calls me Karmel, though, so that is ok for Mom to call me Babe. I don't see Mel much anymore, because she is busy and lives at her school. She held me and petted me, and talked to me today, and I liked that. It is good to have old friends and family come and visit.
I forgot to mention that Mom got me a shelf to go under the bedroom window. It has a fuzzy cover. I like it. I can lay there and look out the window, and see cars going down the road, and coming down the driveway! I can stretch out on it, as there is lots of room.

Go to my new Book 2!

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