Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Previous Cafe is here
Cloudy's Cafe



Come in, be welcome, be comfortable, be yourself

Welcome to Cloudy's Cafe, a place to have a cup of coffee or a good
darjeeling and the finest in conversation and camaraderie.

The proprietor asks that you follow a few simple guidelines:


this is a real conversation zone, not a role-play zone



* no flaming; if you disagree with a viewpoint expressed by any patron, please do so in a civil manner

* any topic is fair game, but keep posts to the standards that Ziroc has set for the entire forum, please (ie: foul language is not appropriate and things should be suitable for all audiences)
-a side note from Cloudy: I see this as a place for those short
conversations about a new baby or the latest soccer fiasco, not for things that are big enough to warrant their own threads, by all means give those things the space they need and post separately!

* Please, no one word or smiley posts (Ziroc has declared them 'real spam' and the proprietor doesn't want the reputuation of "good spam" to suffer!)

* do feel free to be serious or silly and enjoy the company of others while you are here. By all means POST if you have something to say, even to start another topic , we can handle multiple chats, we're a CAFE!!! But be courteous and don't disrupt a conversation just to disrupt it.

Come on in! The bar is stocked with coffees, teas, juices and waters from around the world. And purple napkins, of course!

The lighting is low, the golden oak counters and tables glow with inviting warmth. Near the window, the lighting is brighter, as comfy, plush leather armchairs wait for those who'd like to read a book while relaxing to music or just lazily watch the world go by.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Happy Friday everyone!

Although I'm looking forward to the weekend, it's going to be a working weekend for us. We're painting our living room....have to keep the cats locked up of course.. this could be interesting... we'll see if I'm still coherent by Monday! :D

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Ahoy all.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Well good luck with that, and I hope you've fixed the gravity anomaly since last time I popped in.

Our weekend should be an interesting one; the cat has had her thyroid op (last week) and the stitches were taken out yesterday, so she is allowed into the garden again this weekend - she's been trying to get out any way she can for the last week so expecting her to go slightly mental once we let her out the door. Be a relief too, somewhat of a struggle to get in and out of the front door without her nipping through this week.

She has a big scar on her chest still (obviously) and every time I look at it I think that there is no way I would be up and about as much, and as fast, as she has been if I had an equivalent one.

And only a week and a bit to go before the kids break up for the summer, wonder if I can hang out in the cafe for 6 weeks whilst they do the usual - little bit like "Cry havoc! and let slip the kids once more"...

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

New day, new cafe... ahhh... *there's* the endless M&M jar! Who would have thunk it would have slid behind those old newspapers.

It's a good day... eye doctor says my eyeballs have recovered nicely from several days of intense lubrication (which sounds fun in oh so many ways that are oh so wrong), and I'll be putting in my contacts later on today. :heee: I can hardly wait...

Just lock the kitties in with an open bag of catnip, Cloudy... or is it an open can of paint? No matter... either way, they'll be zoned by the time you're done :P

Glad your cat's back in action, UV. Our dog's getting a replacement hip in a couple of weeks... I can only hope he's back to sorts relatively quickly, 'cause he's 77 pounds. That makes me the only one who can easily lift him up to go outside to go wee... ;)

*sits back in the corner, happily munching from the Endless M&M Jar....*

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Someone just sent me this video link... cube safe, this time...

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

There ya go, Cloudy. Lock the kitties in a room full of catnip for one hour, then take them out, set them down in the paint.....

Then turn on a flashlight and run it back and forth across the walls! You'll have a unique and ultra-contemporary paint job that is sure to increase the value of your home. :D

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

ROTFLMAO! I'm glad no one else was home to hear me laughing at that one!

Thanks, Cerek!

On a more positive note, I happened to see MarioKart for the Wii at Target today. We've got one "arriving", and I've been hoping to play MK on it... my kids got me addicted, honest!

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

That's the great thing about having kids. I can always claim THEY are the ones that got me hooked on the video games. LOL. Of course, the fact that I spent practically every DIME of my college money in the arcade had nothing to do with it at all. :hehe:

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

I didn't spend every dime at the arcade... I could play Double Dragon for a good 40 minutes on one quarter :heee:

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Hullo everyone. How does we all?

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

I have a stray cat in the house atm. He got bitten by something, am assuming a big dog cause there are Tons of them in the neighborhood. His front right let is broken I'm pretty sure, and his left back foot looks crunched.

Poor thing has already been one of those stray cats you just look at and think, "Man if you took that cat to the vet, imagine all the things they would find. He's a literal roadmap of abuse and neglect." Now I've caved and brought him inside. I just couldn't watch him disappear for a few days, only to hobble down the entire sidewalk to get to food on my front porch, hoping he didn't run into any kids, or abusive punks, or dogs (which are everywhere). At least he is safe now inside.

Called the closest vet in the area. They said they didn't do emergency stuff like possible broken bones. Then they said that if we try to take him somewhere else, there is a very high probability they will keep him, and since we don't know what he was bit from, they will kill him and do a rabies test.

So he stays in the house for awhile. I'm 90% sure he was bit by a dog and not something rabid, although we do have racoons around. Only time will tell i guess, I'm watching his behavior like a hawk.

Poor fella. I never thought I'd ever have much to do with Hawg, but here he is, and the longer he's stayed in the house the more I get attached to the old guy.

I hope I can take care of him so he lives. That way, in a month or so, I can maybe take him to a vet and they can rule out the rabies thing because it's been too much time. Hard to say what they will want to do with his legs. I worry the bones are healing crooked, although they don't look too bad.

I dunno, somebody needs to care about this poor cat, as nobody has ever before it is so apparent. I gladly take that responsibility. I think he is a good cat, just defensive because people have messed with him for so many years.

I have high hopes too. Not to just heal his legs, but his earmites as well.

Cat Rescue 911 in Progress! :hehe:

http://img5.ranchoweb.com/images/lad.../couchhawg.jpg

http://img5.ranchoweb.com/images/lad.../hawgdown2.jpg

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

I don't know whether to be glad for the cat or scared for you until that month's over. You just take good care on both issues.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Did you try calling some of the other vets just to see what they would say, LadyZ?

First of all, I find it somewhat disturbing that the closest vet said they don't do emergency stuff like broken bones. Was that because this was a stray or is that just general policy? I know if I owned a cat that got a broken leg and the closest vet said they didn't handle stuff like that, it would be the last time I ever called that vet.

I'm wondering if his/her warning not to call other vets is more to prevent you from discovering his slothful business practice? At the very least, it can't hurt to make a couple of phone calls to other vets to see if you get the same response.

I understand the concern about the rabies, but you seem to feel the chances of it are slim. On the other hand, the chances of his bones healing improperly are very high. So again, it couldn't hurt to at least call a couple of other vets and get their opinions.

Sounds to me like the first vet just doesn't want to be bothered and doesn't want you finding that out by checking with the competition.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Thanks. :) I think the cat, "Hawgs," is rabies free though. Most animals with rabies eventually stop eating and drinking, and so far so good!

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

They just said they didn't have emergency facilities. They usually send emergencies to this other place down the street, which are also consequently the ones who will kill Hawgs to do a rabies test.

Unfortunately rabies is a big issue in our area every single year. Raccoons are always the main culprit too. Knowing if there is a rabid animal in a neighborhood is of high importance, so yes, that takes way more precedent than some stray cat that looks like he's seen better days anyway. And I can understand that, public safety and all. And I'm not hindering that right now because Hawgs is contained inside. If he exhibits rabies-like symptoms, then I'll call animal control. But I, again, do not think he has rabies. I think he wandered into one of many yards that have BIG dogs and did his usual arm swipe and got his arm bit for it.

Cerek, I did call one other vet, even though I hate their location, it is a nightmare getting out of there. They did say the same thing about rabies. But again I'd not want to use them for a vet anyway because of their location. So. When I think of yet another vet that maybe I can take him too, I don't want to ruin it right now. In other words, I don't want to call some vet, and maybe they have caller ID, and they report me or something for having a possible rabid animal, bla bla. One of our neighbors has already called animal control on Hawgs for just hanging out in his yard. This neighbor hates cats, birds, trees, you name it, and calls police on people, and animal control, frequently.

So I'm just gonna keep him for a bit. And you know, he got hurt a few weeks ago. It was only last week we managed to finally see him, and get him to come inside the house. So a lot of the healing process has begun, and thanks to a friend, he's also getting some kitty antibiotics.

Looking a bit better today. Brighter in the eyes. Appetite still very well LOL. Sigh. I did NOT want another cat. Feeding strays outdoors is one thing, but did NOT want another cat inside. Nevertheless some stray who is kind of retarded in the head because of who knows what. But here we are eh? I can just see it now. In the end I'll get him to a vet, and he'll get fixed however. I'll spend lots of money. He'll finally get fixed. And I won't have the heart to let him outside again and risk him wandering away to never be seen again. So...Yep I have a cat again. :P

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Wendy, my friend... they're attracted to your warm heart and caring nature.. they know and it's like a beacon to them all... and God Bless you for being who you are! It'll take a few days for the antibiotics to help him if they're going to, but if he's eating and getting his meds in, with some luck you should see a bit of improvement in the next few days! Hawgs is a lucky kitty!

LOL, I said I wouldn't take any more in after my Shu kitty died... and I have 5 now... LOLOL.. I think we're marked and weak when it comes to taking in the cats, dear sis! But it's a good thing, in my book, hard as it is to lose them, at least I know we're helping a few along the way to have a nicer life. :)

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Theo is barely 8 weeks old and acts like he's been here for years.. the littley fuzzball has the run of the house, is completely litter trained and hasn't had one accident in over a week. Unlike his sibling, Ursula who had to be kept in one room or under surveillance as she had about a dozen accidents over a few weeks. She needed extra little litter boxes in each room but not Theo! He's on the accelerated track for freedom of the house... We didn't let his slightly older siblings have full run of the place for a month or more after they got here.


He meows when he wants something, it's great- he wants to be put down to go use the box, he mews, he wants to go eat, he mews and toddles off to his dry food bowl, he wants to play, he mews and jumps one of his siblings... He wants to see what you're doing at the sink and he mews at your feet... he's so funny! LOL

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

*slithers down the stairs to the back of the room*

Evening, all. What a day... 330 mile trip down past Indianapolis, and halfway through, my phone dies. I learned a new phrase tonight... "Access Powered Logo Screen of Death". It can happen to Palm phones, and it means I need a new phone :(

Unfortunately, I'm down here until Thursday... so I may not be able to call anyone until Friday. Some folks will appreciate that... others may not :)

*grabs the jar of endless M&Ms*

I'll be sitting here for a while... contemplating...

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Poor thing!

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

He's adorable Cloudy, kinda reminds me of my brother's cats when they were younger. His fiance (at the time, now wife) adopted them. Brother and sister, you can tell them appart by their fur patterns, Buttercup looks a lot like your Theo, and George looks like a big furry piece of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Can we get that endless supply of M&M's to spout the mint-chocolate kind, or is it limited to classic milk chocolate?

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

*starts fiddling furiously to find the mint-chocolate setting*

I'll let you know as soon as I find it... :D

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Hehe... it has a dark chocolate, mint and milk chocolate settings!

LOL@ your descriptions of your brother's cats, FS.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Wait, M&Ms come in mint now?

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Wrong thread again DS, you know that's a question thread question, and apparently they come in:
Milk chocolate
Dark chocolate
Peanut
Dark chocolate peanut
Almond
Peanut butter
Premiums*
MINIS**
Wildly cherry
Mint crisp
Baking bits
M&M's brand ice cream
and
Customized***

Looks like the endless M&M's jar needs an upgrade.

And apparently M&M's is apostophed, which surprised me at first since I thought it was a pluralised thingummy but it turns out that's not the case at all. I guess that's what happens when you don't pay attention to the world of sweets.



*whatever that means
**see*
***damn those American spellings

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

LOL UV the full story of M&M's

*takes a handful*

Having to stay in the house all morning because I am awaiting a delivery..... *yawn*

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Waiting for deliveries is boring isn't it. And then when you decide "it is after six, they won't turn up" and go to have a bath, they knock on your door and you have to answer in a towel *grumble*

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

*Makes a note to schedule a delivery at DS's next time he's in London... :heee: *

Evening, all. Well, a 60-mile roundtrip journey proved that my phone was a paperweight and got me a new one in its place... all for a fraction of what I was preparing to spend for a new one. My Treo 755P has been replaced by a Centro, and I discovered (too late!) that it takes a mini SD card instead of a micro SD card... At least I have one of those... now.... :)

And on Friday, when I get back, I get to put it all back together... again...

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Test:Get some paper, pile up (the paper), lay Treo on top of newly constructed pile of paper, open nearby window

Result 1: Paper blows away
Conclusion 1: Treo is not a paperweight

Result 2: Paper does not blow away
Conclusion 2: Treo may have paperweight-like characteristics

Result 3: Dog ran in, grabbed Treo off top, chewed some of the paper, worried your leg, ran away
Conclusion 3: Lab conditions not ideal for test

Methinks you need to reduce your reliance on obsolete technology ;)

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

If the next delivery man shows up grinning, I am glaring at them so so hard... :P

Well, if you try and deliver to me in London, good luck, considering I don't live there. So you'll just get some other random girl in a towel. Is that okay for you? :P

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

*makes note to schedule deliveries to all females in southeast England...*

Some other random lass in a towel? I suppose life could be worse... ;)

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

I'm bored, what's going on in here then?

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Cat talk, M&M's, and apparently Bungeau's trying to expose DS or something like that.

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Excuse me... DS was exposing herself, I'll have you know.

I was just trying to schedule a show... or something... ermmm... I'll be going now... :angel:

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

im up for a show :p lol

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Baaaaaaaaaaaad Bungleau! :D

I've added the rest of the M&M's to the unending dish ....*waits to see if Bungleau ever comes out of the Cafe again* :D

Thursday.. it's Thursday! Almost Friday! Whoohoo! Well, for some of you it is Friday already, but not for me... so I'm getting warmed up for being excited on Friday... I'm looking forward to the end of the week. It's been hot and humid here and my office is stifling half the time and freezing the other half. They haven't discovered modern technology for heating and cooling yet. :P

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Do you mean like opening and closing the window, or something more modern than that even?

*grabs handful of new M&M's, checking for apostrophes*

MMm....new M&M's are good.

Should have posted these http://www.ironworksforum.com/forum/...ad.php?t=99418 in here**. If you haven't had a look you should, especially all those cat owners/pets*. This is, after all, the cat lovers thread.



*delete as applicable, dependent on whether you are cat or human(oid)
** is there a penalty for using the cafe to plug another thread?***
*** Should that have gone into the question thread?**

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Bah!

Told you all that my eldest was moving away to start a new job, right? And that I was pretty much looking forward to having some extra pennies in my pocket, as I wouldn't have to feed the bottomless pit that is his stomach anymore, right?

Well........there's a final (hopefully!!) sting in the tale. The wife and I have been briefing him on all the stuff that he needs to start sorting out himself, instead of waiting for us to remind him as is generally the case. You know, the mundane, life draining crap of everyday life like making sure the oil and water is topped up in your car, your insurance is valid and the MOT is up-to-date.

Spoke to him about the MOT about 2 weeks ago and he assured me it was fine. NOT!! It turns out it ran out 2 months ago. Consequently, he's been un-insured all this time as well as here your insurance is invalid if you don't have a current MOT.

And the icing on the cake you may ask? It's going to cost ME £400 to get the thing back on the road as he's broke!

C'MON AUGUST!!! :-(

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

It'd be interesting if you find an apostrophe on an M&M, considering there's only one "m" on each piece.

And as I recall in NY summer is humid hot, therefore, opening windows doesn't really help matters all that much. And not all the buildings have central air conditioning. Though most have central heating.

Skippy, for the uninformed among us (like myself), what is MOT?

Re: Cloudy's Cafe, a conversation zone, July 11, 2008
 

Sorry, here in england it's a certificate of roadworthyness. Has to be checked every year at a garage.