Birds of a feather...

Um, it's quite possible that I might be crazy.

Or, I might be preparing myself for my next job as a zookeeper.

Either way, life at our house has just gotten a little more exciting.

For as long as I can remember, I've wanted birds.

I love watching them - trying to figure out what kind they are - feeding them - seeing the nests they build, etc.

So, on our last and very innocent trip to the pet store, I allowed the girls (yes, I'll blame them) to talk me into a pair of Parakeets, also known as Budgies.

See, I'm crazy.

Anyway...their names are Sweetie and Tweety and so far, they are a nice addition to the Wyatt Herd. I figure with the four of us, the two cats, dog, two birds and two fish, we are more of a herd than a zoo. But just wait, you never know who might find a home here next...

Of course at that point I'll probably need a padded room.

Goodbye, Rio Cat (1991-2010)

I can't believe I'm actually typing these words, but Rio Cat, my companion for more than 18 years, passed away on Monday night.

I knew the day was coming, but I didn't imagine how hard it would be to say goodbye.

I've lost pets throughout my life, but losing Rio feels different. It IS different.

Rio was the first cat I had on my own and he was all mine. We were a tight pair and together way before there was "The Man," or "The Girls."

He was there through every heartbreak -- laying beside me as I cried; and he was there for every joy, like when I brought two baby girls home from the hospital.

Rio was an extraordinary cat. If you knew him, you'll remember that he was always a little mischievous. He'd steal bread from the pantry and open up Hershey Kisses. He'd chew on anything plant-like and run off with green powdered doughnuts. He was certainly an original.

It's funny thinking back to the day I found him. Of the three kittens in the litter, he was my last choice. After his brother and sister were taken, I felt I'd "settled" for Rio. But immediately I found out I was wrong and he ended up being the pick of the litter. He was more loveable and personable than many other cats I've met. And when it comes down to it, I think he's the one who had to "settle" on me.

In many ways, he was my best friend. Like all pets, he was there through thick and thin. He loved me unconditionally -- even on the days when I forgot to put food in his bowl.

For more than 18 years we took care of each other and it will take a long time to get used to him being gone.

Thank you, Rio Cat, for sharing your life and love with me. You will be forever missed, my friend.

The Cat Whisperer turns 65!

So my dad turns 65 this Sunday.

Yup, Valentine's Day!

You couldn't find a man with a better heart if you looked the world over.

Yeah, yeah...I know all of your dads are special. But can you say that in addition to being special, they have the ability to whisper to cats?

If you've heard of the Dog Whisperer, then you know what I'm talking about. But my dad can do it with cats -- and yes, he should have his own show too (see photo -- this was taken in 1979 -- notice the cats have harnesses on?).

It's weird, my dad has been a cat magnet his whole life. They show up at the house and he takes them in -- tames the wildest ones and gets them to do cool things like ride in wagons.

This year, I made a Shutterfly Photo Book for him that highlighted some of the cats he's whispered to over the years. It was a great project and got rave reviews (see photo). Most importantly, it's a little journal that documents this special talent of his and something our family will treasure for years to come (I hope).

I love my dad and I hope he has a great birthday on Sunday. He deserves it.

I love you, Dad. And I love all of the many talents you've shared with me over the years. Happy 65th!

Monday night is pizza night.

In addition to Family Home Evening, every Monday night is pizza night at our house.

When I say "pizza night," it's not pizza from Papa John's, Pizza Hut or even the $5.55 specials from Little Caesar's.

It's homemade pizza, with Martha White pizza crust mix.

I absolutely love my Martha White pizza crust mix and have been using it for years.

However, to my dismay, none of the grocery store chains in my new Maryland town carry this fabulous mix (believe me, I've been to all of them) -- and none of my attempts to replace it have gone very well. I've tried other mixes, frozen dough, refrigerated dough and even dough from scratch!

So, on my last trip to Richmond, Virginia (I just love that town) I went to my favorite Ukrop's grocery store only to be let down once again. Although they carry the mix, they just happened to be out of it... curses!

A few days later I received a surprise box in the mail that contained several packages of my mix! I cannot tell you how much that surprise made my day! While pizza crust mix may seem trivial to some, it's a staple in our house and one meal that my family gobbles up.

So...THANK YOU, Ro, for making sure that pizza night continues at the Wyatt house. We love you and hope to have you over for Monday night dinner sometime soon.

What do husbands really think about Twilight?

I just laughed out loud at this video by Shallow Day.

It's a little long but you HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT -- especially if you love the Twilight series, or are married to a woman who does.

The Man is going to think he could've written this himself! SOOOO funny.

Twilight (what have you done with my wife?)