Cat Tales with Laura and Inspirations with Laura

Stay Off The Interstate

When traveling, you will see more relaxing scenery than cars and billboards passing you by. I like seeing wildlife and wildflowers, visiting small towns, and eating in restaurants. In some small towns, you will still see remnants of their old small service stations with the gas pumps still standing. Small towns still add to the charm of America and the slower pace of life that we used to live. Now people like to see how fast they can reach their destination, which is fine if you have a business meeting. If you are out for a drive or a vacation and have time to stay off the interstate, then do so. More deadly accidents happen on the interstate roads as most of the cars are exceeding the speed limit. Small towns have many treasures and unique stores you would not see otherwise.

Fast Food Restaurants Seem To Have More Greasy Foods

I avoid fast food chains while traveling unless they offer healthy menu items. Some have organic meats that are not fried, or they serve salads. I cannot stand greasy French Fries or grease running out of a hamburger. Foods high in grease will catch up with your overall health over the years.

Eat At A Restaurant That Has A Good Selection Of Healthy Foods

I enjoy a meal in a sit-down restaurant with a good waiter or waitress. A meal in a restaurant does not cost any more than it would at a fast-food chain. If you hardly see any customers in the restaurant’s parking lot, do not eat there, as there is most likely an issue with the food they serve. Ask the locals in town where they go for lunch.

A Fast-Paced Life Will Catch Up With You

We all must realize that tomorrow is another day, as God Did not create the Universe in one day. Make a realistic list of what you want to accomplish today, and when it is finished, stop and relax and give yourself a pat on the back for what you achieved today. Do not try to keep up with others; you know your limits, so do not exceed them.

Enjoy The Great Outdoors

Going for daily walks outdoors will raise your spirits and help with back and other health problems. Exercise is the lubricant for your body’s joints and overall health. Without exercise, the body deteriorates very quickly. Exercise at your pace, and do not try to win the decathlon. If you overdo it with exercise, you will feel worse than before. Remember everything in moderation.

God Takes His Time With Us

He is patient with us and does not rush us. He knows what we can do in our lifetime and hopes we will be the best stewards of our time on earth. God has shown us direction in life if we follow it. We should leave the World a better place for having been here.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, leisurely, relaxing, take time to stop and smell the roses, Travel

Annoying Cat Behaviors

You Sit In your Chair Talking On The Phone And Your Cat Gets Your Attention With Annoying Behavior

My cats may start knocking things over while I am talking on the phone, and that always gets my attention. Sometimes, I ignore them until I have to tell them to stop. If I am eating, they try to grab something off of my plate when they think I am totally engrossed in conversation. I generally place them on the ground, and they seem to understand that their behavior is unacceptable under any circumstance. Sometimes, Cali will rub her chin back and forth on the door so you can hear the door constantly banging against the wall. I tell her to stop it, and most of the time, she does. Sometimes, my cats start licking my hands or arms at night. I ask them to stop and move them over so they are not beside me. On several occasions, they wave in and out of the pictures placed on a bookcase, and I tell them to get down right now, and they seem to understand. Amazingly, my cats have only broken one of my items throughout the years, as they are very agile. If they have overeaten, they generally seem to get sick while I am talking on the phone, and I have to end the call early and start my cleaning session. God bless our cats, for we could not live without them by our side with their gentle purrs and mannerisms.

Cattitude

Cali seems to have more attitude than my other cats since she is part Siamese. Siamese tend to rule the roost and get their way, but when they do not, their cattitude shines through. I had a purebred Siamese years ago, and she would make life almost unbearable for my outdoor cats since she liked to go outdoors often. She let them know ASAP that she was the top cat on the farm and over any stray cat that may come also. My cats would run from her, and she would chase them and scare them to death if they did not. I loved her even though she had a cattitude to the MAX.

Let Me Show You My Catch Of The Day

If your indoor-outdoor cat happens to catch a mouse while he is out, he will make sure he brings his catch of the day back into your home. You probably will not notice until the rodent is running across your floor at night or if he places it in your bed or you happen to step on it on the floor on your bare feet at night. Some cats will eat the mouse except for the tail, so you know they were on mouse patrol and doing a great job of it. One of my outdoor cats used to lay garter snakes on our front porch that she had killed. Some cats will spend hours catching and eating annoying flies. Some cats love watching a bird in a cage and becoming friends with it; others see it as a gourmet dinner. God bless our cats on their catch of the day.

Tags Cats with Cattitude, Whats Upsetting My Cat ?

Life Review

Was Your Time Well Spent?

If someone wrote about you after you left this world, what would they say about you? We should ask ourselves this question every day. If we think of negative things we do today, we should strive to improve. Be helpful, kind, compassionate, and have empathy toward others. If you cannot be kind to someone, avoid them; if they cannot be kind to you, avoid them. Life is too short to have people in your life who bring you down and never lift you up. Have you been one of God’s good stewards who would help people have a stronger connection to God? I hope you are a person that helps people connect to God with a strong bond forever in their lifetime. If you have an, I don’t care attitude, others will see it, and you did not spend your time wisely and earnestly. How you do your job and conduct yourself around others speaks volumes about you. Your actions are being watched and monitored by many and by God. It would be best to learn something new daily so you do not stagnate and lose ground in your daily living. Education matters greatly as without it, you will not rise high on the totem pole as far as your job and rate of pay. Education opens many more doors for you, and finding what you want behind that door makes all the difference in the world to you and others you will impact.

Did You Help Others?

I hope you helped others when they counted on you for help. If you walk by someone who has dropped their cane, they may fall and break their leg or worse. Always put yourself in the other person’s place, and then you can not go wrong. If someone asks you for directions, tell them how to find their way to their destination. Sometimes, you can lead someone back to God who has lost their direction, which is beautiful. A shepherd who does not herd his sheep at night and leaves them for the wolves to eat is a terrible man and no form of a shepherd whatsoever. If an older adult needs your seat on a bus or train, get up and let them sit down and rest. If you remain sitting, you are a nasty person unless you have medical issues of your own. If someone poorly treated your Mother, I hope you would help defend her and protect her as she did for you as a child and as an adult. Stand up for what you believe is right and just, and never back down. Do not be afraid to tell anyone if they have treated you or a loved one poorly, as we all need a reality check now and then. Volunteer groups are needed everywhere, and if you are in good health, volunteer. Help at a food bank, sing, or play an instrument for people in a care facility, as they will love it. Visit with people as it may be the highlight of their day. Go out into the world and try to help make the world a better place.

Tags Did you help others?, Inspirations with Laura, Was your time well Spent?

Driving In The Country

Relaxing Things You See While Driving On Country Roads

I love driving on country roads, where you can see a wild fox in the field or a Blue Heron fly out of the ditch. I have also seen a golden eagle and several Bald Eagles flying or walking around on farmland. I always see what livestock may be grazing in the farmer’s fields. The different varieties of cattle, sheep, and horses are fun to look at, as they have a variety of color patterns. I love seeing them eating, grazing, and enjoying a sunny day in the country. I love to see Amish gardens as they are weeded to perfection, and the vegetables are large and perfect in shape and form. If I see a sign that says Amish baked goods, I must stop and buy some as they are mouth-watering. Watching children play outdoors in the country is fun as they have the times of their lives playing outdoors. Harvest season in the country is always fun to watch as the farmers reap the rewards of their hard work. Watching the combines take up the grain and then the wagons that pull up to the combine and take the grain to be dried or stored away until sold at a Co-op or ethanol plant is a joy. I count the trucks that drive away when the grain on my farm is harvested.

Take Your Time While You Ride A Bike, ATV, Or Drive Your Tractor Down Country Roads

If you drive your ATV next to a creek, you may see a Blue Heron or duck fly out of the creek. I also noticed a large muskrat running along the edge of the creek. One time, I observed a vast catfish swimming along at a leisurely pace in the creek. I have seen foxes along the side of the road. I once saw three coyotes on my bike, and I turned around and went home since three coyotes can kill a human. I love to ride on a tractor when the wind blows through my hair, and you can smell the fresh-cut alfalfa or hay. Driving and checking on your fields is perfect in an ATV as they get through fields quickly, and most have a 4-wheel drive if needed. It is a good workout for your older tractors to be driven up and down the roads as they get lubricated from use, and seals and gaskets won’t get dried out as quickly. Never store your vehicles as they must be driven, or they will not function correctly sooner than you think.

Country Treasures

You may stumble upon a unique find in the country. If you need a tractor or other farm parts, you may see one in a farmer’s field that they would gladly sell to you if the price works out for both of you. Some people have purchased old gas pumps, gas signs or containers, farm equipment, and more. I hope you will enjoy driving on country roads and taking in the scenery and more as much as I do.

Tags relaxing, sight seeing

Life Is A Never Ending Journey

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date September 6, 2024
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The Journey Life Brings Will Be Full of Surprizes

Life is a continuous journey, even on the day that you die. Being born into the world is a journey we must all take to enter and participate in. Some of us will have an uncomplicated birth without problems for our Mother or us. If your Mother has a prolonged birth, you might have some medical issues down the road. As a baby, you wake up to a new environment with many people checking you over and people oohing and ahhing over you. Your parents nurture and protect you and take care of your every need. At age five, you start school and are introduced to a new environment with many new people, including teachers, other students, cafeteria workers, and many more. As a teenager, you test your boundaries, and it is somewhat of a chore for your parents sometimes. As an adult, you must act your age and have a set of goals for your life. Most people attend college, graduate, and start their career in what they majored in. You now live in your apartment or house and must pay the bills and be accountable for your actions.

Married Life or Living On Your Own

Married life requires a lot of give and take to make it work and live in harmony. Ensure you are both on the same page before walking down the aisle. You already have an issue if you want kids and your fiance wants none. Marriage will have a few hiccups now and then when financial surprises pop up or your mother-in-law interferes with your marriage. In marriage, you should share things equally, such as housework, cooking, cleaning, and much more, since both of you will be working. If you live alone, there will be no one to help you with things sometimes, and you will have to figure them out on your own, which can be challenging at times. I hope your children will protect you and take care of you in your old age, and they should if they genuinely care, respect, and love you.

Your Final Journey Home

All of us will take that final journey home to be with our Lord and Savior. Did you lead a life you think represented God on earth, as in what you did and how you treated others? I hope you can say yes because that should be a top priority in your life. Always treat others as you would want to be treated. If you lose your cool with someone, apologize and explain why you acted as you did. Most of us don’t think much about death and dying until we get older, and then it seems to enter our minds more. If you walked your walk and talked your talk with sincerity and with your heart and soul in it, I say you lead a good life, and you will be with our Lord and Savior in heaven when you die as the last and final step leading to eternity.

Buying Cat Equipment

Cat Beds

Cats love to curl up in cat beds. Some of my cats want to sleep in a giant cat bed, so they have plenty of room to stretch out during the night, and others like to sleep in a small bed curled up in a tight little ball. You can purchase ones that can be washed, or you have to spot-clean. Some cats want to mark their bed beyond washing unless you buy a special order remover. I wrap my cat’s beds in plastic garbage bags and place a towel on top of the bed, and that way, all you have to do is replace the bags and the towel instead of buying new cat beds. This does not seem to happen unless you have more than three cats.

Cat Towers

All of my cats love cat towers or hammocks. They love to sleep up high and watch for birds or keep a bird’ s-eye view of you. The cats that sleep the highest up seem to have a top place in the hierarchy of the cat pecking order. Peter and Winchester seem to hold that position. Once in a while, Faith will be sleeping up high. Cat towers raise your cat so drafts or cold air from the floor will not affect them. Cat towers are pretty easy to vacuum off or clean any stains off. I buy my cat towers from Chewy.com.

Cat Litter Boxes

For an automatic litter box, I prefer Litter Robot 3. It seems to last a long time, and the company will put a new motor in it after three years for a small charge if it stops working. My cats love using them, and they have never had an accident. I also have several old-fashioned litter boxes that my cats can use. Clean your litter boxes with a solution for cleaning at least three times a year for the automatic models and, more often, for the old-style models. Make sure your cat can quickly enter and exit the litter box. If your cat becomes arthritic, you may need a lower litter box and one on the first level of your home.

Grooming Tools

I buy good-quality grooming tools for my cats. I generally buy them from Amazon or Chewy.com. I check their ratings and purchase stainless steel or surgical-grade tools. I buy cat combs, brushes, nail trimmers, detanglers, gloves, and more. Wash your equipment if possible to keep it sanitary.

Cat Toys

Cats love toys they can interact with, including those that make a noise, like a singing bird or a crinkle toy. Catnip toys are a must for all cats, and circle game toys tend to be a hit with all cats. My cats love catnip mice, tiny baby stuffed animals, and toys on the end of a string. The cart treat balls are a fun way for your cat to simultaneously eat treats and lose weight. Your cat can move the treat ball around until a wonderful treat rolls out for them to eat quickly. Buy top-quality cat equipment, which will last longer.

Tags cat beds, cat Toys, Grooming, litter boxes, Outdoor Cat Totally Enclosed Cat Playpen

God Will Intervene

Jesus Always Helps His Followers

If you have a problem, ask Jesus for help. He will intervene on your behalf if you ask for the right thing. The Lord always knows what you need and when to give it. If you pray for those sick or suffering, He will help them immediately. Please do not ask for trivial things; they allow no one, not even you. Thank God every evening for the many blessings he has given you throughout your life. Everyone wants to be thanked if they help you, and you should offer the same to our Lord and Savior. I have prayed for those I love and those I do not know that are suffering, and God has answered my prayers. If your prayers are not sincere, they will not be answered. Your prayers should come from your heart and soul. I have prayed for people, pets, and more over the years, and I am thankful to God for listening to and answering my prayers.

You Are Not Treated Right By Someone

If someone does not feed or care for you in a care facility, God is watching them and will intervene in his time frame. People must never forget that they will be old too someday, and is that the way they want a caretaker to treat them? I am sure they would say not. Bullies are terrible as they lower people’s self-esteem, and they may damage them for life. Most bullies are cowards; they will run like a scared rabbit if you fight back a little. Lift people and build up their self-esteem, as God would want you to do this. If you see someone being bullied, intervene and stop it. Never make fun of anyone. You have no idea of the health issues and other problems they have had to endure. God notices lousy behavior and attitudes, and he will intervene.

Intervention Is Necessary

People need someone to be their advocate when they are old or sick so they will be treated just and fairly. I have read about people in care centers; no one comes to their aid. People have accidents because they must wait too long to be taken to the restroom. One lady had her clean bed sheets thrown at her and was told to make her bed. That behavior is not acceptable in the Bible or in my book. If no one ever intervened and helped people, we would be in a terrible place in our lives as we would feel as if no one loved us or cared about our well-being. Intervention helps keep people from harm. Intervention centers are necessary for those whose husband or wife or any other person is being abused. They need a safe place to call home, as their home is no longer secure. God will always intervene when things go out of control in your life as he will lead you back on the right path again, which will benefit you and others the most.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, Jesus always helps, Spiritual intervention

A Day In The Life Of A House Cat

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 25, 2024
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Cleaning Time

I watched my cat Cali clean herself this afternoon. She cleaned behind one of her ears 28 times before I got tired of counting. Garfunkel cleans his whole face, starting on one side and finishing on the other. If your cat eats one morsel of food, the cleaning ritual begins again. All cats are very fastidious when cleaning themselves. An older cat with arthritis may not be able to clean itself like it did in its younger years. Cats like their litter boxes cleaned regularly. We do not want to go to a filthy restroom, nor do our feline friends. Clean your litter boxes daily, along with fresh water and food. Clean up litter on the floor or cat food, as it will help prevent fleas or other pests that may bother you or your cat.

Picking The Perfect Spot For A Catnap

My housecats love to take turns sitting on my lap while I am in my recliner. They also love to sleep in their cat hammocks or boxes with towels or small cat buildings, old kitchen cupboards that are no longer used except by my cats, and boxes with towels in them. Once in a while, a cat may sleep on the floor or on my couch or recliner. Cats will never sleep in front of a register if the AC is on. In the winter, they want to sleep in a cat bed by the heat register.

Feeding Time

They come running when you feed them dry, wet cat food and treats. Catnip and fresh grass are their favorite snacks. One of my cats loves fresh greens, and when he sees me eating some, he meows and then gets some, too. Some of my cats eat grass the minute they get outdoors, and after eating a little, I put them back in the house. All cats get very excited about cat food. If a cat’s dish is half empty, they think they will stave to death quickly. Putting cats on a diet is a big challenge as some do not eat much and others overeat, so you must reach a happy medium for all concerned.

Bird Watching

My cats love to watch birds eating out of the bird feeders, as it is one of the day’s highlights. They always seem to chatter more at the colorful birds. My cats meow like they are saying, please open the window for just one minute, as I want that delectable, flying, colorful afternoon snack. No matter how old, it is a hobby that no cat ever gets tired of.

Squirrel And Chipmunk Watching

My cats will watch the little chipmunks and squirrels fighting over the spilled bird food. One day, one little chipmunk chased a large squirrel away, and it had lots of seeds to eat that particular afternoon.

Bedtime

My cats love to sleep on my bed at night for at least a while. They pick spots on my bed, and they are content there. In the morning, they are on cat hammocks, a couch, a recliner, or a cat mat. Sweet dreams, kitties, after your long day.

Life Is Like A Roller Coaster

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 22, 2024
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A Smooth Ride When You Are Young

Life is like a fine-tuned roller coaster when you are young and carefree. Most days are filled with joy and laughter as you play with your friends. Spending time with your parents is a joy as they teach you something new daily. A young child will ask their parents question after question as that is their way of learning. I enjoyed it when my Mother read to me before I slept at night. Eating at the dinner table was always fun as we discussed our day’s activities. We ate at about 8 or 9 PM since my Father was a farmer. I used to love to ride my trike and later on my bicycle and walk around the farm. I would be followed by some of my cats, our family dog, and one rooster on occasion. I followed my grandfather and Father around the farm and learned much about repairs over the years. I loved going to college as I took mainly all business courses, which came in handy for my work.

As We Grow Old, We Tend To Feel The Sharp Turns And Speed Of The Roller Coaster

Old age creeps up on a person very slowly at first, as you may have a few more aches and pains than you used to have. We discover as we age that we wear out a lot faster from work activities than we used to be able to sail through. As one’s health begins to deteriorate, the roller coaster speeds out of control until we learn how to live with what we have going on at this particular time. There is an old saying that says old age is not for sissies. Oh, how very true that statement is. Our joints ache, and we have days where we feel like we are 100 years old. Time is going too fast, and our roller coaster might jump off the track if we cannot accept the changes that old age will eventually bring to each of us.

We Must Pray To God To Keep Us Safe On The Roller Coaster Of Life

God knows what we are experiencing every moment of our lives. God has a purpose for our experiences in life that will remain unknown to us until we are reunited with our Lord And Savior. Sometimes, we think maybe we did something to deserve being sick or the plight of our living conditions. I say no to that. Everyone has ups and downs in their life, and all of us will experience pain and the loss of loved ones in our lives. The roller coaster of life has many wonderful and unique rides that we never want to forget, and of course, there are moments we would love to forget. Job was tested by God many times, but he kept his faith. We must keep our faith from all adversity that comes our way in life, for it will surely head our way in our lifetime. Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Sing praisees to God every day.

Tags Inspirations with Laura, Life Stages

Cats Add To The Spice Of Life

Post author By Laura Weers
Post date August 19, 2024
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Cats That Curl Up With You

It is comforting to curl up with your feline friend at night. If you have had an exhausting and stressful day, your cat may gently purr away and calm you down. Cats seem to have a sixth sense of how you feel at a particular moment. If you are in pain, your cat will curl up close to you and may lay in the area causing you the most pain. Just hearing a cat purr is very soothing. When I came home from a hospital stay, my black cat Conrad checked on me every hour to ensure I was still breathing. He would meow mournfully if he were unsure about me until I told him I was OK.

Kittens At Play

Watching kittens at play is so much fun, as everything is new to them, and they must explore everything they encounter. Autumn leaves are fun for your kittens to pounce on and roll around in the big pile you have raked up. Kittens love to play with their Mother’s tail, and the Mother cats put up with it because they love their kittens and are learning some hunting skills by playing with Mom’s tail. Kittens are the most curious of creatures, as they will play with almost anything. Watching your kitten grow into a beautiful cat is so much fun as they go through all the different stages of growth and development.

Housecats

Most people become very attached to their pets and consider them part of the family. Some cats eat off of countertops, tables, and more. I do not allow my cats to do this. We all know that cats use litter boxes, and they are full of germs no matter how often you clean them. I do not want to get sick because my cat was on the table after he visited his litterbox. Housecats love to play with catnip toys, circle toys, and many other types of cat toys. I love to watch my cats throw their toy mice in the air and then pounce on them when they land on the ground. Housecats make your house less lonely and catch and kill insects and mice that may sneak in. All cats have their distinctive qualities and dispositions, which make each one of them unique and special. You can never replace a cat that died with one with the same personality. We love our cats unconditionally, even if they are sometimes moody or uncooperative. We humans also have good and bad days and unique quirks, which probably irritate our feline friends at times.

Life With Cats Is A Blessing

Cats are wonderful friends who listen to you no matter what you tell them. Cats will meow back, gently purr, or touch your face with their paws. Cats will put up with a lot from little children as they seem to realize that they do not know that they should not pull their tails or pick them up in a way that they do not like. My cats followed me everywhere as a child, and I loved every one of them. God bless our feline friends.

Tags Benefits of Having a Cat, Cat Antics, cats bring joy, Kittens