Okay maybe not in the house but close enough – snorts with piggy laughter. My boy Bashful has been hanging out in Florida these past couple of months with Ellis, Allie and Raz having a blast in the sun. Well guess what?
You must jump over and visit Ellis, Allie and Raz and see the birthday party they are throwing Bashful. It’s a hoot!!
Right before mom had surgery, Bashful left the Hotel Thompson again for parts unknown in the world. Where did he go? Well he said this time that he wanted to go somewhere special and he picked the place. Our friend Sharon recently loss her husband Bill. I had mom reach out to Sharon to see if she needed some company because Bashful wanted to come see her to comfort her during this time. Sharon said YES. So we boxed up Bashful and sent him to Florida for a visit with some cute kitties Raz and Allie and their mom Sharon. You may know them as friendsfurevercatblog.
Bashful arrived shortly after mom’s surgery on 11/12/2017.
On 11/21/2017, it seemed Bashful was busy feeding his mouth. Geez, I hope he doesn’t gain weight.
And don’t worry, On 12/13/2017, Bashful seems to be having a great time helping to decorate for Christmas. And Sharon says he is on his best behavior… which is hard to believe.
If you get a chance my friends, be sure to check Bashful out in Florida ❤ And thank you to Sharon for hosting my little tyke.
The Okefenokee Swamp was truly a land of mystery in June 1829, when the Milledgeville Statesman published a bizarre story about it. The tale was related by a John Ostean, “residing on the borders of this swamp in Ware County,” and others who lived on the opposite side in Florida. Locals had long heard from Creek Indians of an enchanted island inhabited by “mortals of super-human dimensions and incomparable beauty.” The story goes that two men and a boy had taken advantage of a long dry spell and pushed deep into the swamp for two weeks to seek this island. However, “their progress suddenly arrested at the appearance of the print of a foot-step so unearthly in its dimensions, so ominous of power, and terrible in form,” that they paused. The print was eighteen inches long and nine inches across, the stride of this giant over six feet. The party hastily returned and spread the tale of the “Man Mountain.”
Hearing the story, nine Florida hunters ventured into the swamp. After several days’ journey, they found a similar print and others. The men followed the tracks for several days and had camped on a ridge when two of their members “simultaneously discharged at an advancing and ferocious wild beast” whose screams made the swamp “reverberate with a deafening roar.” The creature came “full in their view advancing upon them with a terrible look… Our little band instinctively gathered close in a body, and presented their rifles. The huge being, nothing daunted, bounded upon his victims, and in the same instant received the contents of seven rifles. But he did not die alone; nor until he had glutted his wrath with the death of five of them, which he effected by wringing off the head from the body.” The four surviving men examined the prostrate giant as it died, “wallowing and roaring. His length was thirteen feet, and his breadth and volume of just proportions.” Fearing the struggle might have alerted similar beings; the men gathered their comrades’ guns and fled for home.
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Welcome my friends to SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY. This is the time that I will introduce you to one of my fellow anipals so you can get to know them better. Some of them, you may already know. We hope that you enjoy this series!
Name: Harley Quinn
Age: 9 months
Location: Florida
Web/Blog Page: https://www.facebook.com/harleyqbully
What were your first thoughts when you met your new parents? OMG…they’re giants!
What was the defining moment when you knew you were in your forever home? The Mommy and the Daddy came 3,000 miles to get me and took me home with them on an AIRPLANE.
What has been your biggest “Oh no, now I’ve done it” moment so far in your home? I ate mommy’s brand new baseboards right after the condo remodel.
Who do you have wrapped around your paws more – mom or dad – and why? I’m a Daddy’s girl, through and through. We watch TV together in his recliner, and he takes me to breakfast and the dog park every Saturday while Mommy sleeps in. Mommy is the one who takes me to the vet.
What’s the biggest misconception that humans think about you? People see my face and think I’m all “sugar and spice and everything nice”, but I’m a tomboy who’s really more “snips and snails and puppy dog tails”.
♥
Hope you enjoyed meeting my friend – check back next week for another Spotlight edition!
There I was this morning looking at the news on my i-Pad. You know minding my own piggy business in a world all to myself. That’s when a friend of mine on Facebook showed on her page a picture of some wondrous food. I mean BIG time knock you on your piggy tail awesome food. I’m talking my daddy would absolutely LOSE his mind with this hamburger – see below. Was I joking?
So, I did what any decent pigson would do. I finished reading the article and then tapped down the hall to dad’s room. Of course I would say run but then we would all know I was lying. This pig doesn’t run. It’s bad on my knees. Oh my bad – I don’t have knees – snorts with piggy laughter. Trust me, once dad saw the article he quickly forgave me for the slight hoof mark I left on his ankle – only slight.
This monster of a burger is courtesy of a restaurant in Tampa, Florida called Datz and is called the Amazon Warrior Burger. It was created for the new movie Wonder Woman that is now currently showing in theatres. It was only available for one day – bummer. It would have been an awesome trip. So what makes this burger warrior material? You tell me – here are the ingredients:
The bun is sourdough and decorated with white cheddar and American cheese starts. The bun has also been dyed red, gold and blue. There are two beef patties broked up – wait for it – by a slice of pineapple!
So, what do you think my friends. Are you game for a warrior burger? Licks my piggy lips now.
Spotlight Thursday
Welcome my friends to SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY. This is the time that I will introduce you to one of my fellow anipals so you can get to know them better. Some of them, you may already know. We hope that you enjoy this series!
Name: Ms. Zulu aka Zoë.
Age: 11 years and 9 months
Location: Florida
Web/Blog Page: lifeofbenji.com
What were your first 
thoughts when you met your new parents? I had been in the animal shelter for only a couple of days when I was adopted. I had been dropped off there with my 11 siblings because the momma, a purebred border collie, had slept with the wrong papa. I still don’t understand why that meant we had to go to the shelter. I just loved my new parents and licked their faces raw! I still do if I get the chance.
What was the defining moment when you knew you were in your forever home? When we first went on an outing and I could go back to my nice thick comfy bed in my forever home.
What has been your biggest “Oh no, now I’ve done it” moment so far in your home? I asked M because I couldn’t come up with anything and M said that I never get in any real trouble. I sometimes run after deer but I do come back. All I’m trying to do is herd the deer to M so that she can enjoy them too. Oh and I get a funny smelling bath after I have rolled around in something delicious. I never understood why the delicious perfume has to be covered up by something that doesn’t smell so good.
Who do you have wrapped around your paws more – mom or dad – and why? That would be M, see above she thinks I never do anything wrong.
What’s the biggest misconception that humans think about you? Not sure about humans, but I would say that the biggest misconception other canines have about me is about my Border collie stare. The stare often intimidates other canines and they think I’m dominant while I’m not. Fortunately Benji is used to it and he loves to play the herding game.
Hope you enjoyed meeting my friend – check back next week for another Spotlight edition!
Spotlight ThursdayWelcome my friends to SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY. This is the time that I will introduce you to one of my fellow anipals so you can get to know them better. Some of them, you may already know. We hope that you enjoy this series!
Name: 
Benjamin Griz de Tiger aka Benji aka Mr. B aka 0011. And let’s not forget my other important dog title- I’m a therapy dog AKA Dogtor
Age: 1 year and 8 months
Location: Florida
Web/Blog Page: LifeofBenji
What were your first thoughts when you met your new parents? I’ve made it! I got my own bed, a nice home, lots of food, a big furry sister whom I adore, and lots of love.
What was the defining moment when you knew you were in your forever home? I’ve got a big sister with a furry tail to play with all day long!
What has been yo
ur biggest “Oh no, now I’ve done it” moment so far in your home? Hmmmm, I guess that would have to be my “oops” moment a couple of weeks ago. I swallowed a crossbreed that turned out to be inedible. You can read all about it on my blog, see https://lifeofbenji.com/2017/04/03/oops/ M was not mad but she was very concerned about me. And I have to say, I didn’t feel so good either.
Who do you have wrapped around your paws more – mom or dad – and why? That would be M as she gives me more treats. Plus, if I do anything wrong she thinks that she did something wrong. And a negative times a negative is a positive says M. I won’t argue with that. More treats are always helpful too. Did I mention that I like treats? Lots of them and all kinds! I will do practically anything if you give me some!
What’s the biggest misconception that humans think about you? I would like to bring up a misconception about canines in general. Humans often think that we should be punished for something we did wrong. But it is positive reinforcement and redirection what works best for us. What is positive reinforcement? Lots of treats of course! Luckily, a lot of doggie schools are now focusing on positive reinforcement and redirection instead on punishment.
Hope you enjoyed meeting my friend – check back next week for another Spotlight edition!
Spotlight ThursdayWelcome my friends to SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY. This is the time that I will introduce you to one of my fellow anipals so you can get to know them better. Some of them, you may already know. We hope that you enjoy this series!
Name: Raz, Ellie and Allie
Age: Raz 4, Ellie and Allie 14
Location: Satellite Beach, FL
Web/Blog Page: http://www.friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/
What were your first thoughts when you met your new parents? Raz – I knew Mom was special and I was very excited to have a forever home. I took advantage of the fact that my brother pooped in his cage at the adoption event and couldn’t get out until he had a bath. I won my Mom over right away! I am happy to say that my brother DID get adopted at the next event! Mom and Dad both fussed over me in the car on the way home and I knew right away that I was going to be loved and cared for by them. I never even cried the song of my people in the car!
Ellie and Allie – Cool plane ride to Florida and a new Mom and Dad to serve us! We were not sure about the other kitties and woofies but made friends really fast! We never knew woofies before we came to Florida but Cubby and Clifford were very welcoming to us! The other kitties were friendly but a little more aloof. Eventually we all became pals.
What was the defining moment when you knew you were in your forever home? Raz – when I snuggled in bed with Mom the next morning. Since I was a rescue, I lived in a couple of places but nobody ever snuggled and loved me like Mom did!!! She had this goofy smile on her face every time she saw me. Dad was a pushover too. He let me sleep between them and would scratch my head before he fell asleep. Dad even made sure I got some special toys! Yay for Dad!!
Ellie and Allie – The second we got out of the carrier and into our new home. There was another Birman living here (Angel Sniffie) and she told us we would be her new sisfurs. We were loved and fussed over from the moment we arrived.
What has been your biggest “Oh no, now I’ve done it” moment so far in your home? Raz – never! I’m so cute they forgive anything I do. Mom might be unhappy when I do something like “UN make” the bed, but she never scolds me.
Ellie and Allie – we were running and playing smacky paw. We ran over the buffet in the dining room and knocked over and broke a glass oil candle. MESSY! Mom wasn’t happy but she didn’t even scold us!!! After that, Mom put all the breakable things in spots where we can’t get them (she THINKS). She also switched over to battery operated candles because we have floofy tails and she worried we would get hurt.
Who do you have wrapped around your paws more – mom or dad – and why? Raz – both – see above !
Ellie – DADDY! I have Daddy wrapped around my paw! He’s my best buddy. Sometimes at night I get on Daddy’s pillow. He’l either move his head wayyy over so he doesn’t have to disturb me OR go into the guest bedroom so I can have the whole pillow to myself! I sit in the chair with Dad when he eats breakfast and he always calls me his “little girl” in a soft voice. Allie – Mom! I sleep next to her and follow her everywhere. I won’t even let her go to the bathroom without me! If she tries, I will bang on the door until she lets me in.
What’s the biggest misconception that humans think about you? Raz – that I’m shy. I’m really not at all….just throw a mousie and I’m your buddy! Of course, treats are also a good way to make friends!
Ellie – that I’m the Queen and Ruler of the house! Oh wait….that’s not a misconception – I AM! Allie – that I am a diva like Ellie. I’m really a sweetie and I love attention from anyone. I love pets and ear scritches and brushing and….well, you get the picture!
Hope you enjoyed meeting my friend – check back next week for another Spotlight edition!
Shivers – today’s post brings me shivers just thinking about it.
Today, I want to concentrate on something close to our hearts here at the Hotel Thompson – the St. Augustine Lighthouse. We’ve watched television shows highlighting the paranormal activity here – have you seen any?
During the 1870’s construction began on the lighthouse tower. The superintendent, Hezekiah Pittee, had two daughters drown in an accident. The girls liked to get in a work trolley and roll down to the waterfront. One day, the trolley didn’t stop and capsized into the water drowning the two girls. Since then, reports have been made of seeing two little girls standing on the catwalk.
There have also been reports of moving shadows, voices and unexplained sounds. Other people have reported seeing a dark figure on the stairway inside of the lighthouse. On one show of Ghost Hunters, Grant Wilson and Jason Hawes caught a dark figure on the steps moving and a woman’s voice asking for help. It was haunting to say the least.
Reports have also been made of the smell of cigar smoke and a man in the basement area of the keepers house. This man is believed to be a Civil War hero and a former lighthouse keeper, William Ham.
The lighthouse is now open to the public. The St. Augustine lighthouse even offers what they call a Dark of the Moon Tour that allows access into the lighthouse and keepers house at night. During this time, you are given a glow stick to light your way so that you may investigate on your own. Any takers? I’m game.
Spotlight ThursdayWelcome my friends to SPOTLIGHT THURSDAY. This is the time that I will introduce you to one of my fellow anipals so you can get to know them better. Some of them, you may already know. We hope that you enjoy this series!
Name: 
Chris
Age: 7
Location: Clearwater, Florida
Web/Blog Page: http://badcatchris.com/
What were your first thoughts when you met your new parents? My dad was a shelter volunteer and they had me locked up at PetSmart. He came to clean our cages one morning and, to be honest, my first thought was, “Thank you for letting me out of this cage.” I am not the kind of kitty that does well locked up. I was adopted a few weeks earlier and brought back the next day because some humans don’t understand love bites. The next thing I thought was, “This guy might be my ticket out of here,” so I jumped on his shoulders and worked my magic.
What was the defining moment when you knew you were in your forever home? About five minutes after I got to my new home, I realized that none of the four native cats were willing to challenge to my authority. Here is me exploring the house on that first day :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp3pLnjQRCE
What has been yo
ur biggest “Oh no, now I’ve done it” moment so far in your home? When I was young, dad covered our third floor balcony with screening so I, I mean we, could go outside. He didn’t realize that I was small and could squeeze under the railing like a cockroach. I jumped to the ground and after exploring, I cried at the door to come in. A nice lady, who was not my mom, opened the door and I went into a home that was very different than the one I left. It was very disorienting and scary. Fortunately, my dad found me and brought me home. Hey, I was still a kitten. I can’t be expected to understand the difference between first floor and third floor at that age.
Who do you have wrapped around your paws more – mom or dad – and why? Dad is a sucker. I know how he responds to my “cry” when I want to go eat some grass or I give him the “sad eyes” when my food bowl is empty.
What’s the biggest misconception that humans think about you? Dad called the blog “Bad Cat Chris” but I am really not “bad.” Just because I constantly try to escape, scratch the furniture, dominate the other cats, poop on the floor, get into cabinets, bite noses, annoy the parents at night and try to bring lizards in the house, that doesn’t make me bad. I am actually very good with people and all the humans love me.
Hope you enjoyed meeting my friend – check back next week for another Spotlight edition!
Piglove 
