Motion by Maximus

I move we bring back the wrapping paper from all the opened presents. I have never had more fun, and it's recycling, in a sense. I don't see why it had to be thrown away.

Friend of the Postage Stamp crew, JR's puppy Keno, asleep in my car. 

Excuses, excuses Part 2 - Editorial by Luigi

Bianca and Luigi's photo portrait is not ready for viewing, but we hope to post it soon.

The way to the Postage Stamp............. 

........... past the christmas lights reflecting in the pool. 

Home! 

Maximus, closely guarding the front door. 

The lovely Lady Dulce on her magic flying carpet, which she nightly rides across the tile. 

Fritz and Sheldon's Crabby Shack 

Caspian, being a little shy. 

Pet Politics

Maximus has registered to run for office in the 'dubiously elected with the backing of the military after the current ruler mysteriously died' party. Dulce is a registered democrat, and will be the Vice President of the Red Cross again this year. Caspian becomes confused and distracted in voting booths and tends to consult the voters in nearby booths. He tends to ask older people and as a result, votes mostly republican. Adding to the confusion is the fact that he is registered in both the district the Lobby is in and the district the Postage Stamp is in. Caspian has also decided to abstain from voting until he knows more about the issues, but continues to volunteer for the P. Diddy's 'Vote or Die' campaign. Fritz is a libertarian and never votes for the incumbant. Sheldon is a republican and always votes for incumbants. Luigi is a Union leader and votes for whoever is most sympathetic to his cause. Bianca votes on intuitive feelings about the candidates, whoever goes to church or has brown eyes. She tells Luigi that she votes democrat, but in truth she is registered independant.

Lady Dulce Dishes

Cheddar & Scallion Turnovers 1 17-½ oz. package frozen pastry puffs 2 Tbs. Raspberry Mustard 1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated 1/2 cup Scallions or green onions, chopped As needed Shredded coconut Roll 1 puff pastry sheet out on a lightly floured work surface to a 12 inch square. Cut pastry sheet in half (2-6 x 12 inch sheets). Spread one half sheet with 1 tablespoon mustard. Sprinkle with half of the cheese then half the scallions. Place the second half sheet neatly over the filling and lightly roll a rolling pin over the pastry just to press together the dough. Trim edges to keep them even. Cut filled pastry rectangle into 32 squares by cutting the short side of the dough into 4 equal strips 1 ½ inches wide and the long side into 8 equal strips 1 ½ inches wide. Transfer the squares to a lightly greased and foil-lined baking sheet. Repeat the process with a second sheet of puff pastry. Preheat oven to 400°. Bake turnovers until puffed and golden, about 10 minutes. Yields 64 squares.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

A Birthday by Christina Rossetti My heart is like a singing bird Whose nest is in a water'd shoot; My heart is like an apple tree Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit; My heart is like a rainbow shell That paddles in a halcyon sea; My heart is gladder than all these Because my love is come to me. Raise me a dais of silk and dawn; Hang it with vair and purple dyes; Carve it in doves and pomegranates, And peacocks with a hundred eyes; Work it in gold and silver grapes, In leaves and silver fleur-de-lys; Because the birthday of my life Is come, my love is come to me.

Excuses, excuses - Editorial by Luigi

The members of the Postage Stamp would like to apologize for taking such a long break in blogging. We have been very busy grooming to have our portraits taken. We hope to post pictures tomorrow.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

Your Soul Shines
by Alice Walker

Your soul shines
Like the sides of a fish.
My tears are salty
And my grief is deep.
Come live in me again.
Each day I walk along the edges
Of the tall rocks.

Editorial by Luigi

We here at the Postage Stamp would like to proudly announce the completion of the Christmas decorating. Tilly, the little 2 year old red-hair neighbor, has pronounced them, "pwetty".

Lady Dulce Dishes

CREAMY MASHED POTATOES WITH GOAT CHEESE AND FRESH SAGE

2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
5 ounces soft fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup (or more) whole milk
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) butter
4 teaspoons chopped fresh sage
Fresh sage sprigs

Cook potatoes in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender, about 12 minutes; drain well. Return to same pan. Add cheese, 1/4 cup milk, and butter; mash until smooth. Mix in chopped sage; season to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature. Rewarm over low heat, thinning with more milk, if too thick.) Mound potatoes in bowl. Garnish with fresh sage sprigs.

Resident Petition by Sheldon

We have circulated a petition to have all the blinds remain open during the day.

Signed

Sheldon
Fritz
Caspian
Dulce
Bianca
Luigi
Maximus

As you can see, it passed with an overwhelming majority.

Travel Notes with Caspian

Today's reccomended destination is the Basic Brown Factory in San Francisco. Located in the Cannery, near the historic Fisherman's Wharf, the only real working Teddy Bear factory in the US offers custom bear orders, and interactive tours. Drop in and help to stuff your own Koala, Lovie, Scooter, Sparky, Beatrix, Ivy or my all time favorite, Rusty. Dress them in a casual hoodie, sweet tutu, or as an adventurous pilot.

Miss Bianca Advises.

Dear Miss Bianca,
How many times can I knock over the same stack of video tapes on the floor before OFL goes crazy?
Signed, Lap Runner

Dear Lap Runner,
One less times then you have, it would appear.
Signed Miss Bianca.

Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

Be Like the Bird
by Victor Hugo

Be like the bird
Who,
Halting in his flight
On limb too slight
Feels it give way beneath him
Yet sings,
Knowing he hath wings.

Travel Notes with Caspian

Today's reccomended destination - Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Activities and side trips include - Carlsbad Caverns, the Palace of the Governors and of course, lurking outside Julia Roberts ranch with a telephoto lense on your camera hoping to get a shot of little Phinnias and Hazel.

Lady Dulce Dishes

Welcome to the first edition of Lady Dulce Dishes. All recipes featured will be kosher for the sake of OFL and won't feature fish or shelfish out of deferance to our housemates.

Butternut Squash Kugel

16oz bag frozen butternut squash cubes
1 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup coffee rich
3 eggs
1 stick margarine
cinnamon

Place squash in pot of water and cook until soft (when water boils - test with fork against side of pot) Drain squash. Mash in margarine stick. Mix other ingredients together in mixing bowl. Add squash to mixture. Mix all together place in a 9x13 tin (or two 9x9 tins). Sprinkle top with cinnamon. Bake at 350 for ~1 hour (until top turns slightly brown) Serve cold or hot. Enjoy!

Editorial by Luigi

The Postage Stamp is glad to welcome our newest housemate, Lady Audrey Dulcinea Pontenescu. She asks that you all call her Dulce and stop by to say hello. She will be posting recipes on our blog and hosting free musical purring concerts on OFL's bed every night.
Dulce hails from the Santee Petsmart, taken there by Shelter Pet Partners from a dank and scary city pound. Previous to that unfortunate incarceration, she was a debutant and a champion polo player.
We look forward to getting to know her better in the coming weeks.

Lady Audrey Dulcinea Pontenescu

Species -
Cat of unknown regal heritage

Description -
Brown, Medium Haired, with black stripes fading into silky black paws. Green eyes. Smallish.

Activities -
So far, exploring the Postage Stamp, sniffing corners of furniture, and looking ladylike as I nap. "I'm just getting my bearings, but I like to play with feather toys and eat treats."

Favorite Spot -
"I like tucked away little corners, and my soft little cat bed (the exact color green of my eyes)."

"I'm a little shy, but once I decide that you are safe, I can't get enough petting. I would like to start a food drive for needy kittens in the area."

Miss Bianca Advises.

Dear Miss Bianca,
What is the proper wine to serve with Chef's Blend cat food?
Signed, Consumer in the Kitchen

Dear Consumer in the Kitchen,
Your cat food contains both chicken and lamb, so either red or white would be appropiate. I reccomend a good scotch, however, as the most fitting choice.
Signed, Miss Bianca

Concern

OFL, I read today that goldfish grow to be two feet long and that unlike what you often hear about us growing in proportion with the size of our tank, we will grow regardless. I was just looking around at our tank, and thinking, um, this could be a problem. Can we have this?
-Luigi

From Fritz's Animal Poetry Corner

The Owl and the Pussy-Cat
by Edward Lear

The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea,
In a beautiful pea-green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five-pound note.
The Owl looked to the stars above,
And sang to a small guitar,
"Oh lovely Pussy! O Pussy, my love,
What a beautiful Pussy you are,
You are,
You are!
What a beautiful Pussy you are!"

Pussy said to the Owl, "You elegant fowl!
How charmingly sweet you sing!
Oh let us be married! Too long we have tarried:
But what shall we do for a ring?"
They sailed away, for a year and a day,
To the land where the Bong-Tree grows,
And there in a wood a Piggy-wig stood,
With a ring at the end of his nose,
His nose,
His nose,
With a ring at the end of his nose.

"Dear Pig, are willing to sell for one shilling
Your ring?" Said the Piggy, "I will."
So they took it away, and were married next day
By the Turkey who lives on the hill.
They dined on mince, and slices of quince,
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon.

Request from Bianca

OFL, could you put a book or something in front of my tank before you watch 'Deep Blue Sea' again? I had nightmares all night.

Memo from the Safety Committee

Will the owner of the small round cat toy currently in the doorway between the bedroom and living room, please reclaim your property? It's becoming a safety hazzard.

OFL

Henceforth, Valancy Jane will be known in this blogs as OFL, Our Fearless Leader.

Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I am writing on behalf of myself and the members of my household.
Maximus would like six full sized army tanks, four nuclear warheads and a bag of baby carrots. Bianca would like the movie An Affair to Remember and some knitting supplies. Luigi would like the book How to Suceed in Business and a subscription to Time Magazine. Fritz would like a small shower installed in his dry tank and a red bow tie. Sheldon wants a tuxedo shell for formal dinners and a new log to climb. I would like more of those little worm treats and a very low heat lamp. And Dulce isn't here yet, but we talked it over and think she would like a soft pillow, maybe in purple. And Valancy Jane would like a waffle maker and two parakeets.
Thank you for all the lovely gifts last year.

Sincerely,
Caspian Luca Irving on behalf of the members of the Postage Stamp Family.

Quality Control Committee Report

Memo to Residents
It has come to our attention that pet health insurance is only available to dogs and cats. A protest march will be held in the kitchen at five o'clock today. Protest signs are being made by the promotions committee and will be available for us. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

Signed

Sheldon Claude Luxor
QCC President

New Obsession - by Maximus

I have discovered bubbles. I'm not sure how they will help me take over the world, but I'm going to work them in somewhere.

Meet the Cast

Presidente Maximus Lloyd Vincente

Species -
Cat or very small greek man.

Description-
Small-ish black and white domestic shorthair/Mainecoon mix. Green eyes. "Very distinguished looking."

Activities -
"Can't tell you. I would have to kill you and that would get messy blood everywhere and frankly, I can't be bothered."

Favorite Spot -
The loveseat under the front window. "If you sit there, I will cut you."

"I am here because Valancy Jane knows all my scratchy spots, and she's generous with the carrot sticks."


Caspian Luca Irving

Species -
Beta fish

Description -
Dark blue at the nose, fading to a brilliant aqua on body and fins. "I am the color of a tropical ocean bay."

Activities-
Blowing bubbles, swimming in circles. "I blow bubbles at Valancy Jane to cheer her up."

Favorite Spot -
Hiding in the plastic plant in my tank. "I live in a zero gravity enviroment, yet still feel the need to lean on stuff."

"I'm a very emotionally needy fish, I need Valancy Jane to acknowledge my presense often. I get sick a lot, but Valancy Jane takes good care of me and gives me the good food."


Fritz Pierre Quinn

Species -
Hermit Crab

Description -
Red, freshwater crab. "Beedly little eyes that I rub sometimes when I wake up. I change shells occasionally. Currently I reside in a dark blue shell with gold dots on it, decorated just for me by Valancy Jane."

Activities -
Bathing, climbing, digging. "I like to crawl around on your hand or an obstacle course made of all your shoes."

Favorite Spot -
The corner behind the cermic castle.

"I am very outgoing, and sometimes I chirp to Valancy Jane at night. I don't like baths though. Please tell her I said that."

Sheldon Claude Luxor

Species -
Hermit Crab

Description -
Red freshwater crab, slightly lighter than my roommate Fritz. Strong climbing claws. "I feel most comfortable in the shell I was bought in. It's light blue with dark blue and red strips, very classic. And I say, never mess with a classic."

Activities -
Climbing, napping. "I am a great climber, I have scaled everything in my tank, including the pagoda. Sometimes I make Valancy Jane nervous because of how high I climb."

Favorite Spot -
Behind the elephant, next to the pond.

"I am kinda shy when it comes to people, but I love to show off my climbing skills. I like peace and quiet in the day, I take a lot of naps."

Luigi Galileo Lexington

Species -
Goldfish

Description-
Bright happy gold, with black eyes. "I turn very pretty gold when I am given good food to eat."

Activities -
Swimming, reading books, eating and more eating. "What can I say, I'm a growing fish. I like to eat."

Favorite spot -
By the lighthouse, reading a book on the shelf. "I can't wait until we get to the chapter on Buddists."

"I come from humble beginnings at a fair ground, but I am educating myself and growing stronger every day. I am very protective of Bianca."

Bianca Toulouse Del Mar

Species -
Goldfish

Description -
Soft, pure white, little black eyes. Ladylike, but slightly nervous. "Luigi tells me I look like an angel."

Activities -
Swimming, reading, eating and contemplating the world. "I like to look out at the world, although it sometimes frightens me. I do like music and reading the books on the shelf."

Favorite Spot -
Behind the plant, looking out. "I feel safe there."

"Luigi is very ambitious, I just want to potter around my tank and read. I like it when Valancy Jane watches old movies with Cary Grant in them."