THIRTY MILES FROM MOBILE, ALABAMA

My blood raced through my veins when I took in the sights at the Slidell Elks campground. It was wild with smells of craw fish and muddy waters.

I ventured close to the banks of the pond until the swamp grass tickled my ears, or was it the mosquitoes? I heard the cranes cry in the distance and the fish jumping in the bayou and maybe even my cougar ancestors screaming over the rustling saw grass.  The Spanish moss teased me as it swung from the limbs of the oak. I believe my roots are here.

I sat by the pond and imagined living the life of the wild creatures of the islands, prowling, parting the grass in search of a morsel for dinner. In my mind I swatted big bugs, leaped up with the fish flying from the ripples of the river and pounced upon the unsuspecting birds tip-toeing among the reeds. And when I finished and my belly full, I stretched out in the warm sunshine and slept.

In deep slumber I heard the dried grass crunch, crunch, crunch. Swish, swish like a tail sliding along behind something big, moving, crawling, creeping, nearer and nearer.  “ALLIGATOR!”

My eyes popped open. Just a dream. Time to move on, leave them behind.   My fantasies stir me until my paws twitch. Sometimes scary,  they fill me with adventurous feelings that make my breath  quicken and  and my tail switch.

 

 

 Tika investigated the area making sure we missed nothing before we moved on. It was time to invent and create new dreams - Alabama dreams.

 

In Alabama the campground was carpeted with oak leaves I loved to chase when they fluttered in the wind. The days were warm with spurts of rain. I watched Judy decorate our home and me for Christmas.

Alabama is great but I worried tonight as I listened to the sky boom and the winds rock our home while Judy fretted in front of the TV.  She played with me but she was not in a playful mood and always kept her eye on the TV screen. She assured me if the storm became too severe we would seek shelter in the brick club house. I was worried because she was, so I played with her to distract her.

 

It is quiet now. No more pounding on the roof.We made it through the storm. Mobile, Alabama did not fare so well.  

 

YOU CAN ALL GO TO HELL AND I'LL GO TO TEXAS

I didn’t say that. It’s a quote from Davy Crockett admonishing his constituents of Tennessee when they didn’t reelect him to congress, but I like Texas, too. I asked Judy to dig my hat out of storage, I want to fit in, tip my hat and say, “Hello, Y’all.”

 

Judy hasn’t expounded about all the sites she’s seen, so I will. We cruised into the town of Fort Stockton to visit the fort and discovered “The Sticker Bus.” There were stickers for everything. I wanted one that said, “Dogs drool, cats rule.” Judy said she’s not sticking that on our bumper.

 

While Judy toured the fort, I pondered about what else I might want to say on a sticker. Never did come up with a comment that would stick to a scratching post.

 

 

 Judy discovered that the Buffalo soldiers had been quartered at Fort Stockton before they transferred to Fort Hauchuca in Sierra Vista, Arizona over five hundred and fifty miles away. I thought that was far in a motor home, let alone on horseback!

Here are some other pics she didn’t share with you.

This is a restored drive in theater but not operating in San Antonio.

 

This picture is hard to make out but it’s Houston Space Center’s Mission Control. Remember some of those famous words spoken from there? “Houston, we have a problem here.”

 

 

The Saturn V. Huge! 

How about Alan B Shephard’s words?

“And when I first looked back at the Earth, standing on the moon, I cried.”

 

 

 

This is a restored Southern Pacific Depot in Hondo, TX.

I wish I’d been invited to lunch yesterday at Manny’s Shrimp Boat in Livingston.

 

 Judy raved about the shrimp and hush puppies. I tried not to think of my mom eating puppies, but as long as it’s not kittens…. She raved about the Cajun potato casserole with Pirogue Sauce.

When I consider all the places I’ve traveled and the people I’ve met. I am truly a lucky cat.

I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you about the Escapee Care Center here in the RV Park we are staying in now. It is the only RV Park in the country with an assisted care center run almost entirely by volunteers. There is not another campground with a care facility that caters only to RVers. If Judy becomes ill and has difficulty taking care of me and herself, we can come here and receive the care at no cost while we live in our motorhome.

 

 

 

 

 

So, as I peer out at the Texas sunset, which is nothing like California sunsets, I think about my life and wonder how I got so lucky.  But I know the answer. I’m a cat. We always land on our feet. With an attitude of gratitude, you can too.

Don't forget to check out Judy's books on Amazon and Kindle.

COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GRE602

GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST

http://www.amazon.com/Going-Home-Ghost-Series-ebook/dp/B00AI2TOB6/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1355799495&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=GOING+HME+WITH+A+CAT+AND+A+GHOST#_

 

 

 

 

 

FROM ARIZONA TO TEXAS

Judy has so much to do sightseeing, driving and all that she assigned the media task to me. If I remember correctly Judy left you in anticipation of visiting, Bisbee, Tombstone and Boothill. If I were to report the days' events from my point of view, it would only be I pondered the universe and its  relationship to me for hours in cat meditation until Judy returned from a full day of sightseeing.

Judy and Vicki arrived at Bisbee early and checked out the town.
 

She marveled at the architecture and visited with shop owners who recommended a great Mexican restaurant called Santiago’s for lunch which had great Chicken Mole.

*

 When she returned home I batted around a catnip toy, the result of her morning shopping. It was a nice bit of recreation to work out the kinks of the day’s heavy meditation.

Judy raved about Tombstone with its friendly residents and shop owners who charmed her with historical stories. Although we’ve toured “the town too tough to die” before, Judy never visited the “World’s Largest Rose Bush Tree,” sent from Scotland and planted in the spring of 1885 by the Macias family. The unbelievable pictures made my paws itch to climb through its myriad of branches.

 The adobe inn encompassing the patio where the Lady Banksia Rose Tree thrives was one of the first structures built in Tombstone. In 1935 the Macias family changed the name of the adobe structure from the Arcade to The Rose Tree Inn and has continually tended the rose bush for four generations. Every author who has visited Tombstone has found his or her way to the inn, not only for the fine accommodations, but to seek out Mrs. Macia’s vast knowledge of the area’s history.

That night we packed up for a day of traveling in the southwestern sunshine. Deming was our next stop at an SKP (Escapee) Park, Rovers Roost in Casa Grande, Arizona. The first night was free if we boondocked so Judy counted on me to keep her warm if the night turned too chilly. Vicki had a friend in the park who took us to dinner and in the morning we headed for Deming, New Mexico.

The Dream Catcher in Deming New Mexico was another SKP campground.

*

Judy related the time she passed through eight years ago on her initial trip to Florida. Recently widowed, she recalled their friendliness with an invitation to the potluck that night. Even though she was not an Escapee member at the time she was touched by their kindness.

Evidently it was just their way, because when she checked in this time, they offered free turkey soup, bread, and carrot cake. She returned to me that night with a contented smile from good food and good folks. She reminded me how traveling always introduced you to the nicest folks. She met a fellow at the dinner whom she met in Yuma in March. He was what we RVers call a snowbird, headed for San Diego to escape Michigan’s winter. The campground hosts talked of the rock hounding and loved the area so much they bought land in Deming. Judy says Rving is a great way to discover where you want to settle down when you retire. As a cat I have been retired all my life, that is why I don’t mind filling in like this for Judy when her schedule is too tight.

*

 

Bidding the friendly folk at the Dream Catcher goodbye we traveled our preferred two hundred miles and then began to search for a place to curl up for the night. After searching for a campground Judy discovered many had gone out of business, like the poor truck stop above, we finally pulled into The Mountain RV Park in Van Horn, Texas. *

 The new owners of the park Sharon, Sue and their timid dog Shila were accommodating and eager to make their new adventure during their retirement years a success.

After another beautiful sunset, morning found Tika and me discussing our route.

Tika informed me that she and Vicki wanted to stop at an SKP park in Pecos which would cause them to veer sixty miles from our planned route. I told her Judy and I decided to stay on schedule and we could meet up in Hondo Texas.

I sat for awhile reviewing our adventures and wondered what was in store next.

Check out our books, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST and our newest, GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST on Amazon. The best gift for the holidays or a birthday http://www.amazon.com/JUDY-HOWARD/e/B005H1KXYU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0is a book.
 

A BEST SELLER IS NOW LIVE ON kINDLE!

I am in Tombstone, Az. I will blog later but just had to all you bloggers that GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST  is now live on Kindle an don it way to the best seller list! Check it out! I'll blog more tonight... gotta visit the "town to tough to die."

CATS ARE BETTER THAN DOGS

Scientific facts that prove Cats are Beter Than Dogs.
http://youtu.be/TyXJ1sAQtaY

MAKING FRIENDS

 

Happy Halloween. I am sporting my new outfit and it’s a hit.

 

 

I don’t do the trick or treating thing but I am always up for attention. In fact I fancy my expertise in training the staff at the grooming shop to   jump to my meow with treats, hugs and kisses. And they do, even though sometimes I scoff at the kibble they sprinkle and always resist the affections they offer. I am proud and confident that they are here to serve me and life is good.

I am always open for learning new things. When I mentioned to Judy that I was anxious to meet my friend Tika’s new companions, Birdy and Tweety Bird,

 

 

she warned me that I couldn’t just pounce on them, that they are quite flighty. So I put out the word to my peeps on how to handle the meeting. And one of my loyal followers sent me these step by step instructions.

Step One: Introduce yourself.

Step Two: Shake hands.

Step Three: Give a hug.

Step Four: Give out compliments and high fives.

Step Five: Enjoy your new friend's company.

Step Six: Rest assured, following these steps, you now have a friend for forever.

 

 

 

           

FREE E-BOOK? WHAT'S THE CATCH?

Wow! You guys gave it your best shot out there in Kindle world. THANKS SO MUCH. Here’s a high five to you all. We made it so close to Number One Ranking that I wanted to tell you all you did it. But Judy says lies can come around and yank you by your tail, so here is how close we got. So close to number one by whiskers twitched. Out of one million books – Got it? – Out of ONE MILLION E BOOKS. Our book, COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST ranked 354. See what I mean? It was like NUMBER ONE! So here’s my High Five to each and every one of you. Purrs and Meows all around.

Of course you know there is no such thing as a FREE E-BOOK. Now that I’ve rubbed up to you and rolled on my back and showed my cute belly to you. Don’t you think you should do something nice for me? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not asking for your pet’s prize toy, or a case of Fancy Feast.  Judy told me to give you my cutest and bestest pose, because now we want you to write a review of COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST.  It is so simple to do if you’ve never done one before. There are over 500 of you out there. That’s right OVER 500 responded to our promotion! So come on! Tell everyone what you think. Even a one line like, “WOW! GREAT BOOK!”

HERE’S THE LINK:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GRE602

1. Find the five golden stars and click on the “customer reviews.

2. Then there will be a button that says “Create your own Review.”

It is as simple as that. Come on! I could do it and I have no thumbs!

HERE'S THE LINK AGAIN.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GRE602

THIS IS A BIG OFFER!

My friend, Stud, agreed to pose for our promotion this week. He is such a jokester!!

Judy and I just want you to be aware and tell everyone of our HUGE OFFER!

COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST  IS FREE!!

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

 

Judy and I want to give you this opportunity to read our first book before GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST  is released.

We know if you read COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST you will be hooked and  will be waiting anxiously like I do for my catnip treat when  GOING HOME WITH A CAT AND A GHOST hits the book stores in 21 days.

 

We are proud to announce that the sales of  COAST TO COAST WITH A CAT AND A GHOST  has maintained its ranking in the Top 10% of e-books in it genre throughout the year.  Please help us to push it the last  lap to # 1. 

This FREE OFFER  is only  for 5 days.

 

 

Rabbit Hash, Casa Grande, and Bisbee

I told Judy I want to visit Rabbit Hash, Kentucky.http://www.rabbithash.com/ A friend of mine claims the town has a general store that has been in operation since 1831 and that a dog is mayor. I don't know what kind of dog it is but I could run against him, hand out catnip  and win with a landslide of litter. The town is on the Ohio River and has been a trading center for the farmers in Kentucky and Indiana.
I  prowl the Internet at night while Judy sleeps but sometimes I get so excited from a discovery my tail twitches and I pounce onto her bed hoping to wake her so she'll come look.

I heard Judy talking to her friend Vickie in Florida today. They chattered on about how it was going to be so nice to see each other again. It worried me because Vickie was telling my mom about someone she knew who was riding her horse across country to raise money for cancer. She said the woman was just taking her time and it had been months since the woman had slept indoors.

http://www.plaintalk.net/cms/news/story-632076.html

 

 

  Judy thought that would really be an adventure. I just don't think I could do that. I still have nightmares from those huge animals in Tombstone, AZ. that pulled the stagecoach past our campsite.

But I don't think I have to worry. Every night in the motor home Judy snuggles  in bed with me and whispers  how great it is.. I don't think she's ready to rough it like the woman Vickie talked about.

I found this place on the Internet  that looks like it's right up my scratching post. It is called Casa Grande near Tucson, AZ.  If it isn't made out of sand I'll eat my cowboy hat. ( You haven't seen my calfskin cowboy hat, no? I'm saving it to wear when we stop in San Antonio, Texas.) 

About ninety miles south of Tucson is an old mining town called Bisbee. I don't know what is there for me to do but Judy will love the history and shopping. I'm sure I'll be tuckered out after digging around Casa Grande.

So I have researched Arizona and realize we could spend months touring  Tombstone, Fort Hauchuca, Kartchner Caverns, and Cochise country. My paws are itching to move on Next week I will concentrate on Las Cruces, New Mexico and begin to explore Texas. Any of you cats out there in cyber land have any suggestions?

CAN YOU GUESS OUR SECRET?

 

Remember last week I was afraid to talk to Judy? Well, I told Judy my secret. She promised not to tell and I swore I would not reveal her reaction. But I am so excited. I saw her looking at the maps yesterday. I pounced on her finger as it traced a line along Interstate 10. I know what that means! But I can’t tell because it’s a secret.

We spent some time in the motor home last night after it cooled off. I jumped up in each cupboard and pointed out the inventory. We need laundry soap and quarters, more chemicals for the holding tanks, and paper goods, like plates, bowls and towels. Judy made a list as I rolled around on the microfiber throw rugs that are so soft. I am purring and pacing. I am not sure when what I can’t talk about will happen, but she promised it will.

It has been so hot this summer all I can think about is last summer in Wyoming, North Dakota, and Colorado. Oh how I miss those cool days. I have been complaining about the heat here in southern California to my friends I’ve met in my travels throughout the south. Maybe I should be more grateful for my air-conditioned crib when I look at the pictures they send.

This is Ricky from Quartsite, Arizona. Boy I know how hot it can get there in the summer.

Chipper begged to come for a visit  because  Lajitas, Texas is unbearable.

I had met Tiger at a campground near Carlsbad, New Mexico. She worked the reception desk of the campground. We shared alot of stories about customers and working with the public.

I met Bucko the Bulldog at a rest stop off I-10 in Mississippi once. I remember how great the weather had been but it was November. He wanted to show me that August was not for sissies.

I am purring a sigh of contentment just knowing what my future has in store. Meanwhile I'll finish out these hot days dreaming of adventures to come. I promised Ricky, Chipper, Tiger and Bucko we will meet again.

A PERMANTENT VACATION?

I haven’t told anyone what’s bothering me, but today I decided to lay it all out in the sand. And then when it’s spread smoothly and exposed, I’ll cover it up. It will be gone - my secret that I have been holding in. I’ve told no one, not even Judy.

I’m afraid to tell, especially her. What if she doesn’t understand? What if she gets mad? What if she throws me out, or even worse, what if she finds me a new home? I'd rather live on the streets, like I did when I was a kitten than pretend to love someone else.

Judy has expectations of me that, up until now I have been happy, no, honored and proud to fulfill. Posing as the receptionist at the grooming shop wasn’t even a job. I reveled in making the customers smile, the golden retriever in the cage bark in excitement, and soothing Judy’s harried nerves when her schedule became hectic. The business has been my life. Summer mornings meant a leisurely ride to work in the golf cart, watching cars roar by as I sniffed the cool California air. And evenings at home we fell asleep together in the chair, exhausted from the day’s work. Judy would say, “Another day another dog,” then we would pad off to bed. I would curl up on the covers at the foot, on top in summer, under in winter.

So my secret? What am I hiding? Life has changed. I have changed. I want more. If Judy isn’t grooming, she is always at her desk. I lie nearby watching the mouse, wishing there was more, - wishing for the desert flora of Arizona, Mississippi mud to roll in, and mice in Maine in the spring.

This is my friend, Snowball, who lives with an author. The author,like most, has a day job too.Snowball warned me that this is what will become of me if I don't confront Judy and insist she slow down the pace and take a long, extended vacation. After seeing my friend, I am worried.

Judy is stressed by the fast pace of our lives. If she isn’t writing her next chapter, she is blogging about her next book signing, planning a new seminar, or researching for her next book. She spends little time in her recliner and less time in bed.

 

 

Yes my life has changed. I have itchy paws. Judy calls  it“itchy wheels” – the urge to travel. Before life became complicated with books and publishing and marketing, I eagerly filled Judy’s expectations of me as navigator on our trips across the country. Packed with adventure, my role challenged my cat tendencies to sleep all day. I became the big Tom, who roamed farther than any of my ancestors ever conceived. The part I played satisfied and nurtured my wild side.



 

I’m telling her my secret desire tomorrow. I want a vacation. No dog grooming. No book writing. Just the two of us. We need those special moments, listening to the crickets chirp and the woodpecker’s tap-tap. We need to hear the Rio Grande’s gurgle and see the full moon’s reflection on its waters. I want to meet the cats that hang out on the pier in Nova Scotia and prowl the Everglades.



I want a permanent vacation.