I’ve had some requests for more sock toads, and I’m working on some of those too. I got a lot done on these, while waiting at the dentist for my mom. I sat in the car stuffing them.

We have lots of cute kitten dolls up over on our Ruffing’s blog. They keep multiplying faster than I get them photographed and posted. I still have lots of photos to edit, and Max Bailey has five new kittens still to photograph.

Our duck friend was all alone for a few months, after a loose dog killed the rest of the flock. She was all by herself on the pond, quacking loudly. We bring her cracked corn and she appears to appreciate the company as well as the corn. A couple of weeks ago, we showed up with our duck snacks, and found two ducks waiting. This handsome mallard must have heard her call. He’s very loyal to her, and they come visit us together. We are so happy she isn’t alone anymore, and hope they’ll be safe.

The rescue also had cat beds and catnip toys there, which are still available from them. Tia uses potent catnip. Our cats love the toys they got. They are all handmade by volunteers. They are a really dedicated group of people.

This little guy is one of the fundraiser Hug Me Slugs I have over in my Etsy toy shop, where I have some more fundraiser toys as well. A portion of each sale of these goes to the rescue to help cats and kittens and their people .

Most of these are from Meet in the Street, in Wake Forest. The one below is from OutRaleigh. The banner says “A cat’s love knows no gender or color.” As most have probably heard, North Carolina has been engaged in a heated debate over Amendment One, which is an embarrassment to a great many of us, including me. I wish people would learn to leave each other alone. Why is that so hard? It’s something I’ve never understood. I find it so upsetting.

I admire people who spend their lives trying to help other people and animals and the world around them. I don’t have tolerance for those who try to inflict harm. Just think how much better everything would be if people spent their time thinking of ways to help, and acting on those ideas, rather than spending their time attacking and hurting each other. I wish there were more kindness being expressed. All the hate and anger sickens me.

I try to surround myself with positive, supportive people. And I try to recognize the negative, poisonous ones and get away from them as fast as possible. A friend gave some valuable advice saying it isn’t worth spending any time thinking about people who treat you in an uncaring way; just get away from them and don’t look back. I think that goes for people who treat others in an uncaring way too.

Thankfully, there are people who do care, and do spend their time doing positive, generous things. I’d rather focus on them.

bright red, burnt orange, mauve, pink with stars,

orchid, honeydew green, and two pretty, soft yellows.

Below are orders waiting for Monday’s trip to the Post Office. Some sock kittens and Hug Me Slugs found homes at the festivals they attended this weekend too. They were at Peak Fest in Apex, Meet in the Street in Wake Forest. and OutRaleigh in Raleigh. Thanks to everyone at Alley Cats and Angels for taking them along and babysitting them. I’ll borrow some photos and post them next time.

This is one of my tabby cat helpers with my fleece remnants. She’s been keeping me company while I watch movies and hand embroider eyes, and hearts, and smiles on my toys.

Bertie also likes to be helpful. She gets as close as possible to projects to make sure she is ready, if needed.

I made the girls some very easy cat toys this week. They have a favorite tattered scrap of fake fur they love to carry around, meowing, and sometimes putting it in the water bowl. I cut 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inch pieces of fake fur, rolled them, and stitched across one end. They happily accepted them.

Below is the old one with Bertie. At least half the fur is gone off of it. They still play with it anyway.

This is Phoebe waiting for her turn. Lately, Phoebe has been chasing the other cats. She thinks this is funny, but at least one older boy doesn’t care for it. I joined in, to see what would happen, and Phoebe seems to like the idea of my chasing her around the house. I make sure not to scare her, and she seems to know it is a game. It’s good to be able to interact with her, since she is too shy to be handled.