Happy Monday! My mom is on her way to the airport, and a great weekend was had by all. The kitties were happy to see their “grandma” (well, except for Scarlett–who, in fairness, is never happy to see anybody other than me), we ate way more than any three people should eat over the course of a weekend, and I introduced my mother to the wonders of Pinkberry, which is now her new addiction.
Vashti in particular was thrilled to have so much extra attention for a few days. She was bounding around the apartment with more energy than we’ve seen since before she got sick. Sometimes two moms are better than one. 
In other news, I’m going to interview Temple Grandin next week for Laurence’s DVD website (www.discdish.com, for those of you who still haven’t checked it out). We’ll discuss the HBO film based on her life, and–of course–cats! Have a cat-related question you’re dying to ask? Leave it in the comments section and I’ll try to work it in!
First, what is Pinkberry?
Second, lucky you! Temple Grandin is one of my heroes; sadly, I missed her recent talk in Vancouver. I wonder if you could ask her about the sorts of bonds people and cats develop. I am convinced we communicate, even though we don’t speak the same language, and even though our cognitive functions are probably quite different. For example, one detail that stuck with me from reading your book is your description of Homer when you first met him putting his tiny paws between the cables on your sweater. There really did seem to be a genuine imprinting going on, not just a mutual protectiveness/protectedness instinct. I felt, when Roxy first slept on my bed, and when Newt first jumped up for a headrub, what I can only describe as my heart turning over. I’d be so interested in the insight of someone who has worked so extensively with animals into what’s going on in these situations.
In short form, I think we just call it love.
Glad you and all had a lovely food-filled visit! I always love it when I see one of your posts on my RSS reader bar.
First – yeah what IS Pinkberry? Miracle weight loss cure? (Oh please oh please … LOL
Ah–Pinkberry! I guess it’s regional to New York? Anyway, Pinkberry is a frozen yogurt place. But whereas most frozen yogurt basically tastes like soft-serve ice cream, Pinkberry yogurt actually tastes like the plain Greek yogurt you get at the grocery store, except it’s frozen.
I love that about Pinkberry, but what I love most are their toppings. They don’t have traditional toppings like hot fudge, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, etc. They have two types of toppings: healthy and what I would call “whimsical.” The healthy toppings are actual fresh/freshly cut fruit–strawberries instead of strawberry topping; blackberries, bananas, kiwi fruit, watermelon, etc. The whimsical toppings are everything from Cap’n Crunch or Fruity Pebbles cereals to brownie chunks, cheesecake chunks, and a topping that’s basically melted Nestle crunch bars, which…mmmmm…so good!
Depending on the size you buy, you get anywhere from four to eight toppings included in the price. I usually mix it up with the healthy and the whimsical–so last night, for example, I got mine with bananas, strawberries, blackberries, Cap’n Crunch, and the melted Nestle Crunch bar. It’s a good way to feel like you’re splurging a little but still be basically healthy. I’ll admit I’ve become COMPLETELY addicted to it this summer!
I got a big smile on my face reading about Vashti’s happiness during your mom’s visit. I know lots of us look on your cats almost as extended members of our own pet families.
It will be great to read the Temple Grandin interview!
Now I’m off to the kitchen for the fresh fruit that last post made me crave!
I thought a Pinkberry was a new phone, like a Blackberry!!!!! As lovely as your Mummy is, sometimes you need a cuddle with your Nanna to make you feel better! Lucky kitty kids having Grandma to stay for a while, glad to hear you had a great time. Now I’m craving some fresh fruit, its been sooooooo hot in London! xx
Glad that you had a good time with your mother and that Vashti did so well during your mom’s visit! It probably was what Vashti needed.
Good luck with the interview!
Sending you and yours our Clark family regards!
Happy to here you had a good visit with your Mom. When they live far away as mine does it is so important to make every second count.
My question for Temple Grandin: Mr. Freckles was a stray I took in 2 years ago ( he is about 3 1/2 ). Very difficult getting him in but finally did. He is extremely nervous and timid ( except when it comes to food ). Stress causes him to develope crystals so we try to eliminate all stress for him. I would like to introduce another cat but am concerned 1- the new cat would dominate him ( timid ) which would change his lovely personality and 2- it may cause him stress. Is it always the best to have a buddy for your cat or not. I’ve had cats before but he is very different. He seems to like looking at the stray cats I feed from behind the screen door but would having one inside be different? Sorry for going on but I just don’t know what to do?
Thanks so much and have a good interview and a good week.
God, I am a total dimwit. I had to Google “Temple Grandin” and I thought Pinkberry was a new martini. I’m clueless.
“GOOD NIGHT, Mrs. Calabash–wherever you are!”
Of course the kitties were glad to see their bubbe! Did she bring them gefilte fish?
Glad you had a terrif visit with your mother, Gwen! And re Vashti — guess it just shows there’s no such thing as TOO MUCH mothering! Glad the lady V. enjoyed it so much.
No Gwen, I think Pinkberry originated out here in sunny Southern California! Didn’t realize it was on the East Coast too.
To Claudia — some cats really do want to be ‘only’ cats, but if you want to try introducing another one, get a kitten. That way your existing adoptee can be the dominant one, which might mean he wouldn’t experience stress. Also, be sure the kitten is the opposite sex to what your current adoptee is. That’s worked for me….
@ Claudia; go to Pam Johnson-Bennett’s website. She’s a cat behaviorist as has written extensively on corellative subjects.
WOW! Temple Grandin! I really only know of her work from the TV movie, but I have great respect for her accomplishments. I’ll be interested to hear her thoughts, cats and otherwise.
Hugging helps my infant foster; but I can’t imagine hugging one of my adults cats to help them overcome aggitation. Enjoy the interview! Will look forward to seeing it!
Gwen, I love reading your blog as much as I loved reading your book! I’m happy to read you get to meet and interview Temple Gradin, wow! I wonder if you could ask her this:
Do you feel calmer when you are around a cat or cats? If so, do you have some ideas on why…. scientific or otherwise. I like the idea of asking her about communication between humans and cats too. Enjoy!
@Claudia – A great way to discover if your cat wants to be an only cat (my parents cat can not handle any other animals!) or if siblings are a good idea is to foster. Kitty season is in full swing now, and shelters are always looking for foster homes. I personally feel an older cat might be a better option. Kittens are NUTS which might stress your cat out, and will take up a lot of your time, which might create jealousy, which would create stress. If you explain to a shelter your cat’s stress problems I’m sure they could find a calm older cat who is not going to try to be the dominant cat. Good luck!
Catching up on all my reading….enjoyed everyone’s comments and
as always lots of good info and advise. Hope all the kitties are
having a good weekend and staying cool. The Kamerman kitties
enjoy laying on the floor with the hot sun shining on them while
the smarter ones lay near the air conditioning vent.
There is an article about Temple Grandin in the current issue of ‘Cowboys and Indians.’
Temple rocks! Here are two questions for Ms. Grandin:
1) Does she still have the same sensory needs she did as a child and, if so, are there any special equipment/devices she uses to achieve them? (There is a photo in “Thinking In Pictures” showing a young Temple squeezed into a “cattle press”).
2) What are Ms. Grandin’s feelings on companion animals as a therapeutic treatment for autism?