Ken Ken Puzzles are Frustrating

Dexter told Delilah that Daddy has started doing Ken Ken number puzzles and that Daddy said they were too easy. So Dexter thought he'd give them a go, but he found them so frustrating he just wanted to eat the book instead.

Delilah said she isn't interested in eating books. She prefers magazines. So much tastier.

I'm three years old today! How old are you?

Dexter told Delilah "Today is my birthday!" He is so happy and excited. Mommy gave him his favorite fish dish for breakfast too.
Delilah was delighted for him and spent the whole day sitting with him on the special chair by the window where they did some bird watching. She even gave him some special birthday kisses.

Delilah was also astonished to find out his is only 3 years old - he seems SOOO big for only 3.

It's Mewvie Time

Dexter told Delilah to hurry up because the Mewvie has already started. Today's episode is The Birds and it is his favorite.

Delilah was enthralled. It was the first time she'd seen any Mewvie and it looks so lifelike on the big screen TV.

They both agreed those birds look good enough to eat!

Playtime is exhausting - yawn

Dexter told Delilah that playtime justs exhausts him and before she could reply, his head dropped onto the table and he was fast asleep.

Oh my goodness what are you doing?

Dexter told Delilah he could not believe his eyes when he discovered her in the kitchen sink. He asked her if she knew how angry Mommy will be if she discovers her there? And more importantly, he would also be in deep doo doo because Mommy will know that Delilah didn't get the idea to jump on the counter by herself.

Dexter reprimanded Delilah by telling her not to do as he does, but do do as he says. But before he could finish they were interrupted when Mommy arrived with her camera.

"Scat Delilah" he shouted before leaping to the floor and racing to the other room.

I love my sheep

Dexter told Delilah that his favorite toy is one of Mommy's sheep from her collection. He says he just loved to hug, kick and chew on it. It has a motor so it squirms and Baahs which makes it feel like a real sheep.

I need to lose a few pounds

Dexter told Delilah that the holidays were not good for his waistline and his new year's resolution is to lose a few pounds. Delilah asked how he was doing it because he seems to eat just as much as before.

Dexter told her he has started an exercise program. It is a form of Yoga that involves lots of stretching. Delilah isn't convinced, but agreed to try it with him.

Careful Delilah - you're gonna fall

Dexter told Delilah that her habit of sleeping while dangling off the top of the scratching post is dangerous. He just doesn't understand why with all that room on top, she persists in sleeping on the edge with half of her body hanging off the side.

Delilah just winked at him and said she can sleep any way that she likes!

Want to take a sleigh ride?

Dexter told Delilah that he discovered a sleigh and he wants to go for a ride. It just appeared one day when Mom was decorating for Christmas. He climbed in and invited Delilah to join him, but she said there wasn't enough room. She decided just to watch, but even though she watched for awhile, Dexter never got off the ground.

I love you little sister

Dexter told Delilah that she was the best Christmas gift ever. He's really glad she is his little sister and he has lots of fun playing with her.

Delilah told Dexter she is also so glad that she found this house to live in. Last Christmas she was shivering out in the cold with no home to go to. Now she lives is this wonderful place with a Mom and Dad and Dexter who is the best big brother a girl could ever have.

After that they sat together gazing out the window and contemplating.

I believe - do you?

Dexter told Delilah that he's very excited! Santa Claus is coming next week and he just can't wait.

Delilah says she has never heard of Santa Claus, but if he is coming into the house, she wants nothing to do with him. She plans on hiding in the basement or under the bed.

Play like there is no tomorrow

Dexter told Delilah that she should give it her all when she plays with her toys. She should play like there is no tomorrow. He tries to follow this advice every day. He admits it can be quite exhausting, but that is the whole point. It lets him get so blissed out he just collapses at the end of his playtime.

Delilah watched carefully as Dexter demonstrated, but she just can't seem to let down her fur the way that Dexter does. She knows that camera is always nearby and might catch her in an undignified position.

Santa came early

Dexter told Delilah that he's been in kitty heaven all week with the new toy that Santa brought last weekend. He delivered it a whole month early, but who cares. It is fantastic!

Delilah agreed with Dexter as she reached out a paw and swatted at him from her tubular hiding place. Dexter leapt to the tippy top and defended himself from above until he noticed the feathers dangling in the tube. Distracted he squeezed his big body into the tube forcing Delilah to find an new perch.

She found pleasure wriggling through the small spaces near the bottom like a slithering snake.

Finally after 5 minutes of exhausting fun, they both fell asleep, each one in their favorite spot on the new toy.

Would you like a massage?

Dexter told Delilah to sit in front of the fire and he'd give her a nice head massage. He assured her it would be very relaxing and she would enjoy it.

Delilah was hesitant as she is with every new experience, but she did as he asked and Dexter set to work giving her a vigorous tongue massage. And he had told the truth. After a couple of minutes, Delilah was catatonic and completely blissed out.

I don't care if I don't have a costume; I'm trick or treating!

Dexter told Delilah that he wanted to trick or treat too, but Mommy wouldn't let him go outside. So Dexter decided that he would help himself to some Milk Duds when Mommy wasn't watching.

Delilah asked if they tasted good because they don't look that good.

Dexter told her he never found out because Mommy took them away and ate them. She only gave me the empty box. "I chewed the box and it tasted good" he said.

I can touch my nose with my tongue

Dexter told Delilah that he can touch his nose with his tongue and he doesn't think she can do it
Delilah replied "I can too. See!"
"Copy cat" accused Dexter, flicking his tail

I love my creature comforts

Dexter told Delilah that he is so happy that the colder weather has arrived. This means he can now lounge by the fire and enjoy a lengthy cat nap his bed. He invited Delilah to join him, but she couldn't find room.

Dexter told Delilah that he needs to do lots of sleeping today because tonight is a busy night for him. It's Halloween and he loves running to the front door every time the door bell rings to check out the kids in their costumes. Delilah, shocked, announced that she will be spending tonight hiding in the basement!

I just couldn't resist

Dexter told Delilah that he just couldn't resist jumping onto the countertop to watch an especially interesting bird, but he also cautioned her that she should not do as he does. It was an extremely risky thing to do because he has been told over and over again NOT to climb on the counters. He admits he had a moment of weakness this morning because this amazing bird was flying around teasing and tempting him. What is a cat supposed to do in the face of so much temptation.

Delilah listened and heeded his advice, but to her it is much easier. She isn't big enough to jump on the counters no matter how many tempting treats are on offer - yet!

Keep your tootsies soft and pink

Dexter told Delilah that the bottoms of your paws can get really gnarly if you don't take care of them. He recommends that Delilah take care to keep them soft and shiny pink by using her sandpaper-like tongue to massage her toes every day. Then he had a better idea. He suggested that Delilah take care of his toes and he would take care of hers. That way they both get a bit of pampering.

Delilah agreed even though her feet are so much smaller and less work than Dexter's are. She knows she needs to keep her paws soft because she gives Mommy a massage every morning before breakfast and she knows Mommy likes it best when the paws are soft.

You missed a bit on the right

Dexter told Delilah that she is doing a good job washing his back, but that she missed a bit on the right. He also told her he really appreciates her help because his big belly makes it a big hard to reach back there himself.

Delilah said it was no problem. She actually enjoys doing it and she likes it when he washes her face in return. His sandpaper tongue is better than any exfoliation product in the stores.

My favorite flavor is "feather"

Dexter told Delilah that the dinner they ate tonight was boring. Mom served up Salmon for the second time this week and he just isn't happy about it. Delilah said she didn't mind Salmon, but Dexter told her she hasn't lived any of her 9 lives yet if she hasn't tasted feather. "I could lick it all day" he told her as he closed his eyes and remembered his last encounter with this delectable treat.

I think your nails need trimming

"Yowsa" said Dexter to Delilah while they were wrestling on the floor as she accidentally scratched him with her claws. He told her she needs a trim because her claws are like razors. Delilah was delighted when he offered to bring the nail scissors to her.

Dexter told Delilah that she must remember to look after the small details. It is fine to take several baths a day and have a think and shiny coat, but if she doesn't keep her claws and whiskers under control she will look like a catastrophe in fur.

Leave some for me please

Dexter told Delilah that the feeder opening is just not built for two to eat from at the same time and she must wait for her turn. Delilah had hoped that they could alternate bites, but Dexter impatiently told her that he has seniority and gets to eat first.

Delilah was concerned that Dexter was going to eat the lion's share and not leave any for her, so she stood guard on top of the feeder imploring him to save some for her.

Dexter finally told her that he was full and she could eat now. Delilah was relieved to see there was some left afterall.

I think I want to be a hairdresser

Dexter told Delilah that he loves combing Mommy's hair for her. He sometimes even gives her a scalp massage and she really likes it. He is thinking he might like to be a hairdresser.
The only problem is that giving the shampoo with his tongue is a bit time consuming and it gives him some killer hairballs later.

He told Delilah that she might like to get in on the act too. Since she likes to bite toes, she could do the pedicures.

Keep your mouth clean

Dexter told Delilah that it is very important that she keep her mouth clean. She also needs to take care of her teeth by chewing on things to remove that horrible plaque build-up. He warned her that if she doesn't follow his example, she could end up at the Vet's office for a cleaning.

A dental cleaning is terrible. He hasn't had one himself, but when he was in the pound before he was adopted, one of the other cats gave him this same advice. His experience had been so bad, that when he woke up, one of his fangs was missing.

Then Dexter showed Delilah his sparkling white teeth and his long, healthy-pink tongue. He encouraged her to follow his lead and keep her mouth clean.

Don't bother me - I'm blissed out

Dexter told Delilah that he loves the pillow that Mom's friend Regina sent last year. It is so comfy to sit on that he always get super relaxed and falls asleep. He just can't help it. One minute he is resting demurely, pawed all tucked in and the next minute he is flat on his back and all stretched out and practically "cat-atonic".

Dexter told Delilah that she should remember that this pillow is his. She needs to find her own comfy accessory. Delilah told Dexter not to worry. She already has found her own. In her case it is the small rug by the back door that does it for her.

Want to hear a cat joke?

Dexter told Delilah that he had just heard a good cat joke and asked if she wanted to hear it. She did.

He said: "What is the difference between a cat and a comma?

Delilah didn't know what the difference is.

"One has the paws before the claws and the other has the clause before the pause."

Delilah started laughing hysterically (as you can see in the photo), but Dexter wasn't fooled.

"It wasn't THAT" funny he said looking at her suspiciously.

"Oh" she said. "I didn't know what a comma was so I didn't understand the joke."

"Kittens" said Dexter in disgust as he sauntered out of the room with his tail swishing.

Is that a Cat tale?

Dexter told Delilah he can't believe what she just told him is true. Dexter had asked Delilah to get Mom and Dad to give them some kitty treats. Delilah always does what Dexter asks her to do, so she went work. She had to snuggle up and act cute for a long time. In the end what she discovered and what Dexter cannot believe is that there are NO treats! They have run out.

"Cosmic Catnip" exclaimed Dexter when he heard the news. His eyes turned yellow and glowed. This is terrible. "We must do something about this terrible state of affairs." So he and Delilah are deliberating a solution at this very moment.

Mommy and Daddy are Home! Meow!

Dexter told Delilah that Mommy and Daddy are home! Two weeks seemed like a long time, but wonderful Granny came everyday to play with us and helped the time go by faster.

Dexter told Delilah that it wasn't nice to give Mommy the cold shoulder when she got back. He was just so relieved that they came back, that he showered them with attention right away. Delilah finally took Dexter's advice after 4 hours and she got a bit carried away. She woke Mommy up at 3am giving her kisses and purring.

Dexter told Delilah "Let's just hope they never go away again!" Meow!

Let's take a bath together

Dexter told Delilah that he was feeling a bit dirty and he thought she was too. Perhaps they should take a bath together. Delilah was delighted with the idea.

Dexter forgot to tell Delilah the video camera was running. The nerve of him!

Dance like there's no one watching

Dexter told Delilah to let loose and learn to dance the Funky Chicken. She was shy at first, but Dexter told her to just forget her inhibitions and feel the music. He taught her the moves, she was a quick learner and soon she was dancing around the family room like a mad cat.

Dexter told her she was brilliant, but he still believes she could improve.

Wiggle when you walk

Dexter told Delilah that she should learn to wiggle when she walks. It gives you a certain flair or je ne sais quoi. It makes you look like you have confidence and aren't afraid of anything. He has noticed that Delilah walks sideways like she is trying to walk in two directions at once. This makes her look afraid. He is coaching her on how to change her walk.

Dexter admits that he has to wiggle when he walks because his tummy gets in the way. His Mom and Dad are working on correcting this, but in the meantime, he will use it to his advantage.

Always help to fold the sheets

Dexter told Delilah that she should always help Mom fold the sheets. The king size sheets for the big bed are very difficult for one person to fold alone. So Mom always needs to lay them on the floor. He told Delilah that Mom always appreciates it when he helps her. He is sure that by rolling around and chasing imaginary critters in the fitted corners helps to flatten the sheet so that it can be folded more easily.
Dexter told Delilah that the fun starts even before Mom starts to fold. When she piles the warm sheets from the dryer on the chair, it's really cool to jump onto the chair and burrow under the warm sheets. No one knows that you are under there. It is so private like being in a cave.

Do you know where your tail is?

Dexter told Delilah that she should remember to check her tail when she hides to make sure it isn't exposed and giving away her hiding spot He explained that it is a common mistake that some inexperienced felines make. They dive under furniture or into other tight spaces when they want to hide; however, they forget that just because their heads are out of sight, doesn't mean all of them is out of sight.

Dexter recommends that whenever Delilah is hiding, she take inventory to make sure all 4 paws and her tail are accounted for in the hiding place before relaxing. He even gave her a demonstration to make sure she learned this valuable lesson.

Wake me when it's dinnertime

Dexter told Delilah not to bother him. After entertaining Clemens and Johanna all week, he is absolutely exhausted and just can't keep his eyes open. He will let her know when he is ready to play again. He complained that because she kept hiding while the visitors were here, he had to do all the entertaining and it made him more tired that usual. Dexter told Delilah that next time she has to do her bit and take the pressure off of him. He told her "Wake me when it's dinnertime, please."

Try to avoid the Naughty Chair

Dexter told Delilah that she needs to be careful or she will end up in the naughty chair. He speaks from experience because he gets the naughty chair a lot. The trick is to not get caught doing the things Mom and Dad don't want you to do. It is best to do these things (like jumping on the counter) when they are not at home.

Delilah likes to chew up the newspaper which is a bit harder to get away with. Even though she can restrict her chewing to the times when they are are work, she can't hide the evidence. So for her it is best to be good and avoid the naughty chair altogether.

Don't forget to kiss me goodnight

Dexter told Delilah that he loves it when she gives him kisses and cuddles. It really warms his heart that she loves him as much as he loves her. He likes to give her kitty kisses too after they have had a long day watching rabbits, chasing each other and spider hunting.

Dexter told Delilah that they should always have a kiss and a cuddle before they go to bed each night and Delilah gave him a kiss to show that she agreed.

Clemens is Cool!

Dexter told Delilah not to be so afraid. She has been hiding most of the time since they arrived yesterday and it just isn't necessary. Not only are they safe, but the boy, Clemens, is cool.

Dexter told Delilah that he thinks Clemens is SO cool, that he gave him a welcome by licking his hair. It was painted with a red stripe and a black stripe for the German Football team (for luck).

Get Ready - The Germans are coming.

Dexter told Delilah that he has been studying German all week because the German visitors are coming today, but German is hard and all this studying has exhausted him. He also has been doing some extra grooming so that he will look really good when they come.

Dexter told Delilah that he would help her with her grooming as well. He wants to be sure she looks her best for the visitors. Delilah wasn't too happy with the advice because she doesn't like visitors and plans to stay well hidden while they are here.
Dexter told her she had to be clean anyway and gave her a vigorous bath which she didn't like very much.

Is this seat taken?

Dexter told Delilah that the big chair in the family room is reserved for him. No one else is allowed to sit in this chair. The only exception is that Dad can sit with him if Dexter can sit on his lap and take a nap.

Dexter told Delilah that this chair is perfect for him because he can see the TV and the kitchen at the same time. Plus he can see the front door too in case someone comes to visit. He said he likes to know what is going on at all times and this chair lets him do that while napping.

He did also tell Delilah that if she is really good, he might let her try napping on this chair with him, but not not today.

Study for your C.A.T exams

(Delilah is a quick study in both stretching and cuteness)

Dexter told Delilah that he wants to make sure she is learning her cat skills by giving her some remedial 1-on-1 coaching. He has coached her on the two most important kitten level skills: stretching and cuteness. He said that a hour of coaching every other day should help her perfect these vital basics.

After she passes her C.A.T. (Cat Aptitude Test) exams, she can take some of the more advanced skills classes such as mouse "Hunting 101", "Graceful Leaping for Felines" and and "The Finicky Feline" all day seminar.