Welcome Camille

 A few weeks ago, Camille came to join us on a trial visit.  It worked out so well that now she is a permanent member of the Sites household.  Here are a few pictures of her.

First evening at the house:

Clicker training (the Count is pretty curious about the process):

Camille loves people-watching:

Camille also loves belly rubs:

Camille is a pretty good dog, but she will eat anything (grass, sticks, dirt, other things):

Orlando Vacation

A couple weeks ago, Brian and I went to Orlando to spend some time with his family.  It was a nice break from the chilly spring and the end-of-semester crunch.

Brothers

Playing giant chess

I chose swimming over chess.

Plenty of indoor relaxing time too

Out for dinner

We also played a little shuffleboard.

And of course, we played a round of mini-golf.

March/April Family Time

Brian's parents visited us in Cincinnati on Easter.  We went to Newport, which offers a great view of the Cincinnati skyline.

After greeting these new strangers to her domain...

Stella decided to ignore them.

The Count of course, went to find a familiar lap instead.

The next weekend, I went to Holland briefly to see my mom.  We had a nice visit together.

The Cats

The cats seem to have fully adjusted to living with us.  They have distinct personalities.  The Count is more of a snuggler.  He seems anxious in the mornings and is more hesitant around strangers.  He loves feeding time. Stella likes to sit by herself, but she is a closet snuggler (I often catch her with the Count or crawling up onto the bed).  She monitors everyone in the house, following us from room to room.  She is more confident around strangers and fairly calm.  She is also more intuitive than the Count.  Here are a few pictures of them from the last month.

Hanging out with Brian

Snuggling on my chair (a frequent napping spot)

The Count loves to sit on fresh laundry

The Count is also a devoted sun-bather, sprawling in sun beams daily

Stella is a little more prim and collected, even in casual moments

Update

Not much to report here, but we have been keeping busy.  Every time I think the snow is over for the year, we see some new flakes.  Tonight white powder is blowing all over out there.

We have been volunteering at the shelter Stella and the Count came from on Saturday mornings.  There are a lot of animals out there who need help and want attention.  I for one am happy I can help out at this shelter, which is 100% volunteer-run.

Here are a few more recent pictures of the cats.  

At the window watching for snowflakes and birds:

Stella helping Brian with list-making:

The Count sitting on a chair by himself, as he seems to prefer:

We have also been getting out quite a bit so far this year.  Peter and Anne came over to eat some dinner and meet the cats.  We went to Dayton to see some friends from Florida (and they returned the favor).  We also took a quick trip to Columbus for Rick's birthday.

Father/son photo:

Everyone went to Bob Evans to celebrate:

Brian and Stella

The cats continue to do well here at our place.  They do a lot of napping, mostly it seems to save up energy so they can run about the house at 4:30 a.m.  They do well together, seem to get along, and haven't destroyed anything . . . yet. 

Since I spend more hours with the cats, they got used to having me around faster than they adapted to Brian.  Stella especially needs a period of warming up before she will spend time with someone.  To encourage the relationship, we decided that Brian should feed the cats most of the time, so they will associate him with delicious things.  So far, it seems to be working.  Stella has even decided to snuggle with Brian a couple times.

Here she is even letting him rub her belly!  Amazing progress!

A few more cat pics

We have been spending a lot of time with the cats, getting to know them and helping them become more comfortable in their new home.  They are now allowed to roam the entire house when we are home.  (We still confine them to one room when we are both gone.)  They are doing pretty good, although the Count has taken a liking to scratching at the futon.  

Stella has taken a liking to our cozy comforter (which is really understandable--it is nice and poofy).  She spends some time on it daily.

I have also been able to coax Stella to nap on my lap, something she was hesitant to do at first (unlike the Count, who will cuddle up to anyone at any time).  Here she is sleeping on my lap.

Stella looking out the window:

The Count laying around, hoping someone will come pet him:

The Count looking out the window:

Stella can often be found sleeping on my chair when I come home:

This is the only time I have caught them napping together.

Stella taking my chair again:

Brian with the Count.  Notice hoe the Count is totally relaxed on his back.  He is a real snuggler.

Me and Stella.  She will sit with me for a while, as long as I sit still.