NOLL'S NIP

Noll Has His Cake...

2012-01-15T14:46:00.000-05:00

It's Sunday.

A day of rest.

The sun is shining.

We have homemade chocolate cake

with rainbow sprinkles.

Did I mention we have cake?

Noll on Nipping Etiquette

2012-01-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

Apparently, there are conventional rules of social behavior

where nipping is concerned.

Who? Knew?

Purrsonally, I believe this is all disinformation.

However, I have been commissioned to write about nipping etiquette;

to enlighten efurryone

and (hopefully) ameliorate my bad manners.

Right!

My Own says Tiggy always displays absolute decorum and disposition

regarding the proper enjoyment of Noll's Nip.

Here we see Tiggy, gentleman mancat,

poised neatly on the edge of his nip napkin.

"The edge."

Neatly. On.The.Edge!

No fuss, no muss.

Note, how Tiggy fully enjoys his treat without making a mess of things,

or losing his self control.

****Nipping Etiquette****

Rule #1: Keeps your nip napkin neat.

Rule #2: Keeps your feet under control.

Rule#3: Keeps to the edges.

Rule#4: Keeps your nip ON.THE.NAPKIN.

And THIS is what a failure

to abide by the rules of Nipping Etiquette looks like!

Should one forget the four aforementioned rules,

politely & contritely & immediately

exhibit remorse.

THIS is the proper stance to undertake following a

breaching of nipping etiquette:

=^..^=

(Of course, I prefer such an "exhibition" to rules!)

Noll on Charity

2012-01-04T12:09:00.001-05:00

Once a year, the closets are turned inside out;

the wardrobe and stacking trays too.

It is an interesting time.

We hears funny comments like,

"The cleaners shrunk my clothes."

I especially like to climb into the spaces

created by this annual, end-of-the-year ritual.

You can always count on Uncle Keaks

to do quirky things;

Like a square dance

in a rectangular pine wardrobe.

Three times round, and out he goes!

My Own & her family

might make the donation decisions,

however, my role in this endeavor

is the most importantest!

I console the gently-loved clothes.

I snuggle under them, giving comfort.

I rest my Nollie head

upon them one last time.

Before they are packed up and spirited away

to a place known as "Goodwill,"I impart a hair or two for remembrance.

Then, I gently pat each one and whisper:

"There, there, you will find a new home."

Noll's Nip Patch Surprise

2011-12-30T13:00:00.000-05:00

The nip patch by my purple plum

is my favorite of spots.

The nip grows sweet,

the flowers deep,

I hides happy in the lot.

December can bring

warmer days, days of slanting sun,

I ventured out,

I made my run

to the place

I dreams about.

It was verily

a patch of brown,

nothing much to munch.

Then a patch of brown

raised from the ground

and made a mighty SQUAWK!

A bright red crown

raised on high,

it made my tail puff out.

I gave a hiss,

I lunged and missed.

The marauder I rout!

He echoed back

two-syllables

and flapped his mighty wings:

A little closer Sir Gallinaceous,

and your pretty neck I'd 'ring!'

But alas and alack,

She recoiled the slack,

And brought me to her side.

She picked me up,

Her "Nolliness"

like a damsel in distress!

I do not know where

the usurper went

or if he knows his crime:

You venture once upon my patch,

I lets the offense slide.

Twice, you amble in my nip,

Grouse!

You're mine!

Noll on Chickadees

2011-12-21T20:27:00.000-05:00

Of all the little birdies

in all the little trees,

He who sings the cheeriest

is the black-capped chickadee!

Noll Rumbles

2011-12-13T09:51:00.001-05:00

And we aren't talking

"rumble" as in purring either......

Advantage goes to....Noll!

Noll Ponders Spoiling

2011-11-08T20:17:00.000-05:00

The dictionary defines "spoil" (spoiled, spoilt or spoiling) as:

to make or become useless, unsatisfactory, rotten, inedible, overindulgence.....

I am quite confused by this word! Spoil's definition does not compute!!

Case in point, here we have My Own "spoiling" (her word choice) Tiggy

with some delicious tapioca.

Three fingertips covered in milky pudding! (Hence..."the spoiling.")

I ask you.

Does Tiggy look unsatisfactory, rotten or useless?

Does that tapioca look inedible?

And, here I am, standing on the table the humans eat off of,

receiving some pawsome chin skiritches.

I repeat....ON.THE.TABLE.

PAWSOME.CHIN.SKIRITCHES.

"Nollie," My Own says, "You are spoilt."

Dictionary translation: I'm Overindulged??

Huh?

Dona Nobis Pacem 11.4.11

2011-11-02T21:40:00.000-04:00

Peace to one and all.

Noll: LiveStrong

2011-10-01T16:23:00.001-04:00

Purring:

so that one day,

cancer will be defeated.

Our Friends Milo & Alfie created a

beautiful post in honor of

LiveStrong Awareness Day.

Please click on the link below to visit their blog:

http://milocat.wordpress.com/

Noll's Purrfect Advice

2011-09-30T15:47:00.000-04:00

=^..^=

Noll's Daze

2011-09-12T21:53:00.001-04:00

Sometimes,

I likes to sit and ponder,

whilst admiring 'the yonder'

that begins at the stoop

of my front porch.

=^..^=

Noll's Third Annual NIP-a-PO-LOOZA

2011-08-27T19:00:00.001-04:00

Yes my lady cats & genteel mancats,

it's that time again!

Noll's NIP-a-PO-LOOZA

Time to raid my premium gold reserve

=^..^=

The hot summer sun infused this year's nip

with a robust, piquant aroma.

And the flavor?!

Purrrely Divine.

Gaze upon the verdant bounty.

Then dive my fine felines,

dive on into the fresh!

Take your time.

Rock out with the nip!

When you start to feel peckish,

Grab a pawful of Crispies!

And join me inside for some dried nip.

"Nom, Nom, Nom."

It's OK to chew with your mouth open!

It's also purrfectly acceptable

to lick the carpet.

During NIP-a-PO-LOOZA,

I don't stand on formality.

Because I don't STAND.....period!

Noll Remembers Miss Peach

2011-08-22T21:44:00.000-04:00

http://misspeachsmeowz.blogspot.com/

Dearly loved.

She will be dearly missed.

Noll Wishes All A "Happy World Cat Day"

2011-08-08T10:39:00.001-04:00

Happy World Cat Day

Cats Rule!

Noll's Upcoming Event

2011-07-13T21:17:00.000-04:00

To be sure, the blogging on this site has been sporadic at best.

My Own has been preoccupied with various and a sundry matters;
one of which is a new job at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

To my chagrin, my Nip-A-Po-Looza has been delayed.

First the weather affected the growing of my green delight.
Now, a tight work schedule is pushing the extravaganza farther out.

BUT, there WILL be a nip party very soon!

In the meantime, I leave you with a recent photo of Uncle Keaks,
who has been performing quality control on this year's crop.
He's 18 and looking like a million!

Proof positive, that catnip is the fountain of youth

=^..^=

Noll's Burden

2011-06-20T13:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday.

What a burden it is to be so handsome,

so mancatly.

But, I am determined to carry this heavy burden

so long as it is mine to bear!

=^..^=

Noll on Tiggy's Love Offering

2011-06-13T22:37:00.000-04:00

It is said, a cat will bring love offerings to the one he loves.

Some cats eat most of their catch and leave a tail,

or a foot or a feather as token.

Some, like our Tiggy, hurry and forget to deal the final blow

before presenting the love offering to the one he loves.

Tonight, Tiggy caught a vole.

He brought it to her.

More precisely, he RAN it over to her - complete and unexpired.

It was no surprise then that Tiggy's love offering was declined!

Noll's Likeness in the Garden

2011-06-12T20:46:00.000-04:00

My Own spent time deconstructing a garden this morning. (Although, what she calls "weeding,"

I call getting rid of perfectly tasty long grasses.)

I watched her from my place by the garden gate.

She in turn, watched me, from time to time, as she worked in the lily bed.

When it was time for lunch, My Own gathered me up.

She told me I was an inspiration, a poetic presence.

Her pudding pie!

(Because my ears are the color of butterscotch.)

I slept the afternoon away while she mixed colors with water and created my likeness from memory.

Tiggy says she captured my "best side!"

Noll in his Garden

June 12, 2011

Noll's Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

Noll Harvests Some Nip

2011-06-05T11:41:00.000-04:00

My nip stash was getting drastically low,

so I implored My Own

to enter into the nip patch with me.

This way! This way!

Come on, come in!!!

"Fill the arms of the green chair

with my fresh, aromatic nip."

I will stand guard

as my nip dries in the June sunshine.

I will thwart all maraudering catnip bandits!

I will....Zzzzzzzzz.

Noll's Unauthorized Sleepover

2011-05-31T14:45:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, the daughter and her kitten,

Wuschens, made an unexpected visit.

They had to stay the night

and all day Sunday.

Something about their

air not conditioning.

OK, so I was cool with sharing our cool air.

Not OK, with the munch mouth eating from my dishes.....

Hello! That's my Hello Kitty plate & bowl.

I saw him eat his weight in stinky goodness!!

Honest.

Which means Wuschens passes really bad gas!!

Now, our air needs "conditioning".....

Caution: An evil stinkiness lurks within that cute little body!

Pick him up & cuddle him at your own risk.

Is our air clear now?

Is it safe to come out?

Noll on a New Way to Watch Chipie

2011-05-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

We like rodents.

She likes rodents.

Really.

You should have heard her "Squeee"

when she saw the four baby chipmunks last Sunday.

She put out MORE seeds and peanuts.

"Momma has babies to feed!"

Next, she moved an old maple stump

in front of the family room window;

placing a birdfeeder on top.

"If you sit still on the window ledge," she intones,

"It's likely you'll see Chipie vacuum up a meal."

Here's the little Hoover now!

Noll's Lament

2011-05-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful sunny day yesterday.

Even the day's name - Sunday - spoke to the day's perfection.

The air infused with the scent of wild phlox and lily of the valley.

A robin egg blue sky overhead.

Yellow birdies hanging upside down, feeding on the thistle sock.

The leaves of my purple plum tree strumming the breeze.

And the green, green grass in front of my window,

layed out like a welcoming mat.

So, why was I on the inside looking out?

P.S., I did get to go outside shortly after

my theatrical performance =^..^=

Noll Introduces His New Cousin

2011-05-19T21:12:00.001-04:00

Allow me to introduce our new little cousin!

His name is Wuschens. That is a Prussian word for "knitted booties."

Wuschens is two months old. An affectionate tuxie.

Our bean sister, Corrie and her boyfriend, Mike adopted him on Saturday.

He's a bit like velcro.

He loves having his belly tickled!

He sleeps on Corrie's face!

He loves his ball track.

He can put away the stinky goodness like nobody's business!

Wuschens has four little white "wuschens."

He is T.O.T.A.L.L.Y. cute!

And, I want his ball track!

Noll's Hiatus Ends....Perhaps

2011-05-09T21:56:00.000-04:00

There is a saying among friends, "Don't be a stranger."

What began as a brief hiatus, morphed into an impasse;

an impasse that bred neglect.

Regretfully, I became a stranger.

The cats are unchanged. Noll sits under his purple plum tree musing, as often as he is allowed. A few days ago, as I paused to photograph the flowering kaga plum, Noll climbed the old apple tree. (I wished I could have captured that look of utter glee on his face.) Tiggy still takes little catnaps in the catnip and comes running when I say the words "cookie time." Uncle Keaks and Luigi, eat, and sleep at their leisure, and play a slow version of cat-tag only they understand.

I meant to write, I meant to visit. I meant to do a number of things. Instead, while waiting for winter's discontent to end and April's rains to pass, I took up watercoloring to brighten my slough. A new diversion. Much like Noll's Nip once was. I have found much joy writing Noll's Nip, traveling the blogosphere with all of you.

It is now May, the small joys lurking in the yard, are like crumbs guiding me back -a patch of tulips looking like scoops of sherbert, the first migrating humingbird, an evening rainbow, the sound of the starling hatchlings, their cheeps echoing down the chimney- guiding me back to what, I do not know.

As of now, I believe, there is no more to tell. Have I finally succumbed to this melee inside of me? Am I now, finally, as finicky as my cats; and as fickle as the weather. Perhaps I will change my mind tomorrow. Perhaps not.

Noll Springs Eternal

2011-03-25T16:37:00.000-04:00

Like Hope, Noll Springs Eternal =^..^=

Inside, the geraniums overwintering in the kitchen

are awash in color: pink, salmon, white & red.

Outside, the snow has melted.

New grass is growing,

Birds break out into song,

As purple & yellow crocuses wave in the wind,

Beckoning me to to join them.

O'Nollie on St. Paddy's Day

2011-03-17T13:31:00.000-04:00

A yonder is O'Nollie

They be wee & magical creatures,

those little leprechauns.

I woke early to a rainbow

and a stranger in my lawn.

Blink your eye,

and he'll be gone

ere he never happened there!

Yet the luck he dropped

in that tiny spot

is golden & greenly Eire.

Happy St. Paddy's Day

=^..^=

Noll & "The Easy Gang"

2011-03-13T11:06:00.002-04:00

Cue Lionel Richie........

Cuz, we're easy,

And we don't do Daylight Savings Time!!

Ok, well, Uncle Keaks is a

little more upright than easy...but

Luigi is spot(s) on easy!

And Tiggy, is easy prone!

......and Moi??????

I'm more deflated than easy,

but oh-my-cuteness!

Noll Wonders......

2011-03-06T10:50:00.001-05:00

Did My Own spend this much time pouring
over a name for me????

http://gardeninginthezone.blogspot.com/2011/03/on-naming-of-gnomes.html

My Name is Noll. Nip's How I Roll

2011-03-05T14:00:00.000-05:00

I be

one fit & fabulous feline.

No wastline

creep for me!

I watch what I eat

to stay light on my feet

HAIL! Nepeta cataria

my daily hysteria!

You smell like a skunk,

you make me punch-drunk.

A nibble a day,

keeps the vet away!

Hi-diddle-dee-dee

a catnip life's for me!

=^..^=

Noll Goes Out His Door!

2011-02-24T20:10:00.000-05:00

'It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out of your door,' he used to say.

'You step onto the Road, and if you don't keep your feet,

there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.'

Bilbo used to tell me the same thing!

Noll Captures Some Tiggyness

2011-02-19T16:29:00.000-05:00

Tiggy nibbling his hairy toes.

Tiggy balancing a string on his nose!

Tiggy doing exercise...

Tiggy staring with one eye ;)

Noll as Eros

2011-02-13T19:02:00.000-05:00

Be Mine!

Valentine

=^..^=

Noll's Featured on Pet Blogs United

2011-02-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

Check this out.

I am honored!

I am delighted!

I am the featured blogger

@ Pet Blogs United!!!!

http://petblogsunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/nolls-nip-featured-blogger.html

Noll's Weather Update

2011-02-04T15:39:00.000-05:00

Like many of our furfriends, this past week brought us a mixed bag of weather: A quarter inch of ice, followed by wind, rain, refreezing & snow.

Wednesday night, the air was filled with cracking and popping. By morning, many a mighty maple branch had surrendered to the weight of winter. Even my little purple plum had lost a limb.

Yesterday, a red-winged blackbird visited our feeders; always an encouraging sign of Spring. I am hopeful the weather soon will turn to mild but, as I watch the icicles melt, Impatience sits along side me. Impatience is not a welcomed companion!

I wish I might move things along....

I have a little purple tree to console!

But just like Impatience,

the sun moves at it's own pace.

Noll's Caturday Review

2011-01-29T14:19:00.000-05:00

The winter drags on.

It's been month's since I rolled in dirt

or napped under my purple plum tree.

Bears have the right idea.

Next year, I am going to hibernate.

Until things thaw out

we will continue to do

the little things that we do:

Luigi will continue to strike menacing poses

at the bottom of the steps.

I will continue to try not to look so gosh darn cute.

(Failed again!)

Tiggy will continue to look pensive

even when a delightful bit of sunlight

creeps up and warms his tush.

And Uncle Keaks?

Well, it looks like he is already trying out

that hibernation thing!

Happy Caturday

=^..^=

Noll Digs His Greens

2011-01-26T15:19:00.001-05:00

Wowsers!

I digs fresh-green NIP.

It makes me want to sing:

"Greens, Greens,

They make me SMART!

Greens, Greens,

They make me FAR-ouT!"

;)

Noll's Silhouette

2011-01-24T16:49:00.001-05:00

Here we have Noll's "silhouette."

Did you know that "silhouette"

is a French word?

It means "picture showing the outline only,

usually in black & white....

of an outrageously gorgeous mancat named Noll"

Well, now you know ;)

Noll's Easy Sunday

2011-01-23T12:17:00.000-05:00

The dining room table

is the purrfect spot to sunbathe, dream

and be easy like Sunday morning...

Noll Says Tiggy Smells

2011-01-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

My brother Tiggy smells.....

....with his little pink nose! Hee Hee.

(You didn't honestly think I was calling him a stinker did you??)

Noll Sends Best Wishes for the New Year

2010-12-31T15:47:00.000-05:00

Noll's Christmas Recap ......

2010-12-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

I saw old Saint Nick.

He was gone in a wink,

leaving toys in our stockings.

I thought: Think, Think, Think!

And in that very moment,

the jolly old elf

gave me the answer

I'd thought to myself.

(Really! It's as if Santa can read your mind!!)

^^^^^^^^^

NOW STASH AWAY,

STASH AWAY,

(I swear that's what he ordered MOI to do!)

STASH AWAY ALL!

With my booty secure,

and catnip intact,

I can now settle down

for a long winter's nap!

=^..^=

Thanks, Santa!!!

Noll's "Night Before Christmas"

2010-12-24T15:45:00.001-05:00

Twas the night before Christmas,

And all through the house,

Not a creature was stirring,

Not even a mouse.

(That's because we are such excellent mousers!!!!)

Ahem,

The stockings were hung

By the kibble with care,

In hopes that St. Nicholas,

Soon would be there.

(However, the probability of such a visit is

highly unlikely considering our recent naughty behavior!)

.....to be continued

Merry Christmas to all!

Noll Sends Happy Gotcha Day Greetings to Tiggy

2010-12-12T12:35:00.000-05:00

Of course, I WAS gotted before my brother Tiggy (who proved a difficult kitten to catch). You might say I paved the way for the phenomenon that was to become known as "The Babies." Yes, to this day, even though we are senior felines, we are still collectively known as "The Babies" and collectively called - to breakfast or dinner or when we get out of hand- Babies! With an emphasis on the ! mark ;)

Happy Gotcha Day to my Partner in Crime.

Have some of my fresh nip.

(Just don't hog it all!!!!!)

Noll on the Common Place

2010-12-11T11:36:00.000-05:00

"I would rather have a thousand little moments, a thousand little moments harboring some small delight, than one enormous moment to mark my life".....Noll

Behold! Some of life's little moments: fleeting, common place. They exist all around us, waiting to be embraced.

A flying Tiggy!

Upward, he lauched like a spring.

Ginger cat on invisible wings!!!

Sometimes,

the perfect pausing spot

to sneak a peak

is the one you pass by every day.

Whenever the afternoon sun

shines on me,

it is as if it shines on me

for the very first time!

No matter the season,

invite visions of sugar plums

into your dreams

each and every day :)

Noll's Gotcha Day Remembered!

2010-12-07T14:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Remembrance!

Today is the day I was gotted.

Today is a day dedicated to chance:

Happy chance.

Today, I look out on the wild world

a world where I was once a traveler forlorn.

Forlorn no more!

My heart rejoices

in being found

by the one I call My Own.

And it rejoices in the friends I have found

in this blogging world;

where hearts are big and full of love.

=^..^=

Noll Performs "La danse"

2010-11-29T20:49:00.000-05:00

Act I

The coy tail

quietly

peeks out from the silky drapes.

Gently sweeping,

swaying, searching,

sighing:

"Must I forever dance alone?"

Act II

"What happy chance!"

exclaims the tail.

"Come hither, sweetest-little-paw.

For I am loney and needs claim you

as my dancing partner."

Act III

"Alas, and tally ho!"

laments the tail,

"Like snow melting in the warming sun,

my sweetest-little-paw did run!

Vanished into thin air!"

"Alone again,"

Intoned the tail

"Or maybe not!!

For I FEEL a MOST curious stare."

---

The End

---

Noll's Unexpected Thing

2010-11-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

Twas the day after Thanksgiving,

and what should appear

before my wondering eyes

and attentive ears?

A cascade of green leaves

shaped like hearts!

I sniffed & I nibbled.

My nose turned bright pink.

Fresh catnip is best

when it comes unexpected!

That's what I think!

=^..^=

Noll Wishes You a Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T15:30:00.001-05:00

To all our friends,

Near and far....

Happy Thanksgiving &

May God Bless You.

=^..^=

Noll Kind of Quotes Shakespeare...

2010-11-23T15:18:00.000-05:00

Perchance to dream.

Perchance

to find that perfect shrub

upon which

to lavish my attention.

Ah!

Yes!

There's the rub.

=^..^=

Noll Remembers Inigo

2010-11-20T12:28:00.000-05:00

http://rumble-bum.blogspot.com/2010/11/about-boy.html

Noll Rids the World of Danger Once Again!

2010-11-19T12:38:00.000-05:00

A furry-striped snake

undulated under the plate.

I touched it once

to determine its ferocity!

I watched that cunning snake;

And knew

it would create havoc

if left uncontained!

So with precision,

I captured

a most dangerous prey!

-------

All danger is passed...

Enjoy your weekend.

=^..^=

Noll in the Command Chair

2010-11-18T11:35:00.000-05:00

Oh what a rare photo!

Moi sitting on the quartermaster's computer chair....

See that striped blanket?

That was the blanket used by the original Simba

(We are talking over 30 years ago!)

Simba used to sit on it.

Now, My Own sits on it.

She calls it "continuity."

I calls it "scratchy!"

Noll's Thankful Thursday

2010-11-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

I'm thankful for the little things

rustling in the lily leaves.

I'm thankful for the flutterflies

that light upon the nip.

I'm thankful for our VETERANS

who serve on land, and air and ship.

Noll's Marcal Photo Contest Entry

2010-11-09T18:31:00.000-05:00

Hello furfriends.....My Own has entered a photo contest. First prize is a new camera. She would REALLY like to have a new camera ;) Hers is almost 6 years old....Here's the link to vote and the photo. Thanks!

http://apps.facebook.com/marcalwildfire/contests/60535/voteable_entries?page=8

Noll Watches Tiggy Shake Off the Sleepies

2010-11-08T11:33:00.001-05:00

Golden slumber seal your eyes....

Smile, sweet Tiggy.

Make a smile :)

Yawning...

Whiskers reach the sky.

Sleepy head.

Can't seem to rise.

One more YAWN.

And make it W-I-D-E!

Morning sunshine.

Sweet green eyes :)

Noll's November Photo Shoot

2010-11-06T14:40:00.000-04:00

I'm ready for my closeup

=^..^=

Not going to smile......

Still not smiling

Still Life!!!

Nolls Says: "Dona Nobis Pacem"

2010-11-04T08:34:00.000-04:00

Dona Nobis Pacem

Grant Us Peace

The peace I hold in my heart,

I share with you today

and always.....

Noll

Noll Beholds the Power of Mancat!

2010-11-01T09:38:00.000-04:00

"In the land of Mordor,

In the shadow of Mount Doom!"

(Oh wait....wrong story line...)

"In the Land of Mancat,

In the shadow of Mount Zoom!"

'Squeaker,
The White Lord,'
has but to reach out his paw
to make the lady cats swoon!!"

(PSSSST! NOT YOU Squeak! -
The lady cats are supposed to swoon.)

"And into his mancatliness
The White Lord poured out his will
to dominate all others!

For felines are so easily seduced....
BY CATNIP!"
(WAIT, that's not right.....)

"For felines are so easily seduced
by power!!!

BEHOLD...

The Power of Mancat!!!

There is none who can contend with it

Noll's Smilebox

2010-10-30T19:24:00.000-04:00

Collage made with Smilebox

Noll's Trolls

2010-10-29T10:47:00.000-04:00

This dreary morning,

much to my chagrin,

I founded my nip patch

had founded been

by a trio of trolls

on their way to Halloween!

Pumpkin,

Witch,

Frankenstein,

nibbling on the catnip MINE!

Big glassy-eyed they were

with grins from ear to ear.

I bended down my little head

to hear what I might hear:

Said the green one to

his travelers two:

"Tis comfy here,

I likes the smell

the taste is mighty fine.

Let's rest a spell,

takes all we wants

amidst this herb divine."

Said Pumpkin to

his travelers two,

"What's yours is yours,

is MINE!"

To which Witch replied

with a wave of her broom,

"No room. No room.

NO ROOM!"

With their greed apparent,

and my nip at stake

I sprung into action

I launched MY debate!

I pounced on the lot

Giving each a good swat

Howling

"SORRY YOU'RE LEAVING SO SOON!"

(Happy Halloween

from Noll

who trolls for Trolls

wherever he strolls.)

=^..^=

Noll's Random Acts of Color

2010-10-27T18:13:00.000-04:00

In October,

the sky is

an abstract canvas

of color and cloud.

Among the white asters,

golden butterflies
dance a beguine.

And every tree

turns over

a new leaf.

Noll Shows off Lugi's Hat

2010-10-26T16:57:00.000-04:00

Mama Bug did it again!

More fun over at Sammy & Andy's Place.

Luigi got "hatted!"

http://samandy007.blogspot.com/2010/10/mancat-monday-guest.html

Luigi thinks you picked out the

purrfect hat for him :)

I love my topper!

Noll's Fantasy Halloween Contest Entry

2010-10-19T20:46:00.000-04:00

Here's my entry into Hansel's Halloween Contest.

You can check it out and the other spooky & funny entries

by clicking on the link below:

http://halloweenspookee.blogspot.com/2010/10/nolls-fantasy-halloween.html

Noll is trapped inside a crystal ball.

And he isn't alone....

moohahahahah!

Thanks to Hansel for sponsoring this fun contest!

=^..^=

Noll's Breakfast of Champions!

2010-10-19T10:05:00.000-04:00

Hold the wheat flakes!

THIS

is what gets Noll

going in the morning....

Dried catnip!!!

(Napkin optional)

Noll & The Man in the Moon

2010-10-17T16:53:00.001-04:00

Photo taken through a Celestron telescope

before sunset on 10.16.10

The Man in the Moon,

Looked down from the moon,

Looked down from the moon

and said,

"A little more tuna,

catnip and ham

and Nollie is ready

for bed!"

Noll's 2nd Blogoversary! WOOT!!

2010-10-15T08:20:00.000-04:00

Dear friends,

Today marks the second anniversary of Noll's Nip. It doesn't seem like it could be that long, but there it is.

Two years since I started blogging, out of curiosity mostly to see what blogging was all about. Jan's Funny Farm found me and I was embraced by the Cat Blogosphere where I met legions of other cool cats =^..^= and their personal secretaries ;). The rest, as they say, is history.

I am so glad to be here, with you furry and unfurry friends. I have enjoyed meeting you and reading your lovely and cheerful comments, and becoming your FB friends.

I hope to be here for many years to come.....And I hope to go outside today. Why does EVERY door or window have a screen?????

Noll Hopes....

2010-10-14T12:57:00.000-04:00

When you get the chance

to sit out

or dance...

I hope you dance!

=^..^=

Noll Thinks Pink

2010-10-11T12:12:00.000-04:00

Noll's Forecast

2010-10-10T10:10:00.000-04:00

In my corner

of all existing things,

Fall has come.

Time for cool night falls,

For trees morphing

into bouquets

of yellow, orange, crimson.

Birds flocking.

Clacking,

chirping cacophonies,

rising from

the colored canopies.

The hummingbird

has caught

a ride out of town.

Sunlight slants.

Honeysuckle,

bittersweet berries swell.

The locust pods hang low

upon the bough,

desiring the ground.

Fall.

Nature's descent:

Neither containable

or collected in a jar.

All we own

is its changing presence.

My Sunday

will be sunny,

with a slight chance

of starlings.

Noll Shows His Stripes

2010-10-09T15:12:00.000-04:00

Today's Photo Hunters theme is STRIPES.

Someone bust me out of here!

Noll's Hello Neko Plate

2010-10-07T16:48:00.000-04:00

My precious hello neko plate

puts me in a happy MOOD....

But my plate makes me happiest,

When smothered in stinky FOOD!

Noll Celebrates Livestrong Day 10.2.10

2010-10-01T22:12:00.000-04:00

Yellow is the

color of remembrance.

Today, we remember

our friends near & far:

Friends who left us

all too soon &

friends who continue

to battle cancer.

HOPE.

FIGHT.

BELIEVE.

LIVESTRONG!

10.2.10

******

Noll's Cousin Gizmo Gets His SPOOKY On!

2010-10-01T12:51:00.000-04:00

October!

Time to drape the house

in layers of ghosts, pumpkins

and green witches.

The leaves are changing color;

falling as softly

as a cat walking

on a window's ledge.

Field mice

venture near seeking

warmth and haven,

and finding (to their chagrin)

cat and mouse games;

All the while,

Cousin Gizmo fans his inner fire:

Black cats greet

the crisp autumn air

with flicker flame eyes,

and gleaming bravado.

October is their stage

and they, its stars.

=^..^=

Noll's Update on the St. Petersburg Road Trip

2010-09-30T14:47:00.001-04:00

Road trip!

Well, not for Moi

but for the humans....

Here's Corrie on day two of her

3-month rotation at Bay Front Hospital.

Clever girl for choosing a warm

and sunny locale for her OT internship ;)

Before she began her training,

everyone enjoyed a trip to Sawgrass Lake Park.

The sun is mirrored in the water

and the lily pads float like little boats.

So very tranquil.

Listen to the insects chirp a merry tune.

But beware!

Gators lurk in the murk....

BALANCE!

This frisky squirrel

lives in Sawgrass Lake Park

with those hungry alligators.

Enjoy your berries but

Mind your step Mr. Squirrel!

This signs reads:

Do Not Feed or Molest...

the gators might mistake your hand for a handout!

I hope Mr. Squirrel

knows how to read!

Noll Makes an Inquiry.....

2010-09-21T11:08:00.000-04:00

How much is that kitty in the window?

Noll Be Talking Like A Pirate!

2010-09-19T10:21:00.001-04:00

Arrrrg....there be no photos of me as a pirate.

Someone is going to walk the plank for this!

Here be Uncle Keaks,

In honor of the day,

we're talking (meowing) like

pirates on Facebook too.

Noll's "Sepia Scenes" Post

2010-09-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

Noll is posting these two photos

on the "Sepia Scenes" blog today:

http://sepiascenes.blogspot.com/

These photos were taken at this year's Delaware All Horse Parade. Delaware is a city in Central Ohio. The parade heralds in the country fair and the Little Brown Jug and Jugette Pacing Races. There were many beautiful horses and carriages in this year's parade and many riders dressed in costume.

Some shots just scream - "Make me sepia!"

Like these riders in Civil War attire and the horse-drawn hearse.

Noll on Tuesday's "Home Improvement" Happenings....

2010-09-14T19:12:00.000-04:00

Sometimes, cleaning and boredom get together

and a creative spark is ignited.

My Own was cleaning out the kitchen closet.

She vacuumed, dusted; sorted through the closet contents

for something called a "garage sale," patched walls and painted.

Anyway, being easily distracted,

she took a homemade kaleidoscope

that had been in a box of craft items and

began changing up the beads and buttons.

She monkeyed around shooting images

through the length of the tube.

Some 80 photos later, My Own decided she liked how they looked.

Incidentally, the closet did get painted,

and everything not going into the "garage sale" was put back.

(Yep, the kaleidoscope is a keeper.)

All in all, a tidy & good day's work.

The closet looks pretty good too.

My leash and collar are neatly hung from a peg.

I was glad to see that furry important "keeper" item

returned to the kitchen closet!

It was sitting rather close to the "garage sale" pile

and I was getting a little nervous ;)

Noll Explains it All....

2010-09-09T12:12:00.000-04:00

With apologies to REO Speedwagon

It has been well established that,

You CAN TUNA PIANO....

Observe Tiggy!

Here's the piano.

Here's the tuna....

<º))))>< <º))))>< <º))))>< <º))))><

SEE!!!

You CAN TUNA....PIANO!

BUT,

hard as you might try,

You CANNOT TUNA FISH...

-especially if that fish

is a stuffed salmon

hanging on a wall!-

<º))))>< <º))))>< <º))))>< <º))))><

SEE...TUNA....FISH???

It CANnot be done!

But what you might

not have known is.....

You CAN TUNA JUICE!

Nom, nom, nom

=^..^=

Noll Reflects on a Milestone Passed with Random Thoughts

2010-09-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

My 250th post milestone.....

If the milestone were a snake,

it would have bit Moi!

And here am I....

kind of looking like a snake in the grass...

ready to pounce on....a marigold?

I passed the 250th post milestone.

Without notice.

Without fanfare.

Perhaps it was the heat

that addled my brain.

Or maybe too much nip ;)

But, here it is post #253!

A little bit of this & a little bit of that...

My handsome brother Tiggy,

out for an evening constitutional,

a nibble of grass & maybe a plump vole.

A Common Buckeye butterfly

(yep, that's the name of this butterfly

...Common Buckeye)

sipping nectar from a sedum.

Such a pretty little thing....hardly common!

But fun to chase,

though absolutely elusive....

And here is a BIG woofie named Victor.

He is an English Mastiff & a

member of the extended Hillman family.

This gentle giant weighs in at 180 lbs.

Talk about eating you out of house & home....BOL!

Glad I don't have to share my

kibble bowl with those jaws ;)

A tunnel spider web woven into the yew

has nothing but the morning dew

caught in it.

That spider could use a few

hunting lessons from Tiggy & Moi!

And finally, I leave you with some goldenrod

nestled in with the white pine.

We are heading into Autumn.

I love the golds & reds of the season.

The days are warm & the

scents of the season

soothe the senses.

(say that 10 times fast...MOL!)

Noll Wishes All a Safe & Happy Labor Day

2010-09-05T20:50:00.000-04:00

I smell a BBQ!

----

Monday marks

the official end

to Summer.

I Hope your Summer

was fun & full

of special moments.

Happy Labor Day

Efurrybody :)

Noll & The Sabattus Kittehs =^..^=

2010-09-04T20:41:00.000-04:00

While she was in Maine,

My Own visited some friends

who had three grey tabby kittehs.

Tiny mews,

Tiny faces

Tiny Tailsies

One doting mamma,

Tiny toesies

Three little lumps of striped sugar.

Noll's Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T11:28:00.000-04:00

Noll on His (Human) Pet Peeves !!

2010-08-29T19:52:00.000-04:00

Well butter my buns and call me a biscuit....

I gots to thinking.

Humans are always complaining about this,

that and the other.

This bothers them, that makes them go loopy and

something else just bugs the

jumping jeepers out of them.

WELL, I have a few of my own human pet peeves!

Here's a sampling:

Noll's #1 human pet peeve:

Unreliability.

I prefer a reliable, clockwork presentation of stinky goodness every morning!

Go back to bed if you must, just DON'T SLEEP IN.

Noll's #2 human pet peeve:

Unexpected, grating noises.

When you get out that box of foil wrap

and tear off a sheet.

Holy cow that noise goes right through me!

Noll's #3 pet peeve:

Closed doors.

WHAT ever are you hiding at all hours

of the day and night?

Keep the doors open woman,

so I might see

and come and go as I please.

I've got this curiosity thing to satisfy!

And, you dear furfriends,

do you have any human pet peeves?

Noll on Cardboard Magic

2010-08-26T21:58:00.000-04:00

Cardboard box lids are magical.

They can be anything a cat imagines.

Unpacking a box of her daughter's college books,

My Own casually dropped the lid to the floor.

That was three months ago.

The second the lid hit the floor,

brother Tiggy claimed it.

There's a blanket of pink, white and blue knitted squares

folded neatly to the edges of the box to cushion it.

There's also one corner neatly duct taped

because brother Tiggy leans heavy on that edge

and mere box glue could not contend

with Tiggy's ample gingerness.

When the sleepies overcome him, Tiggy imagines the box lid is a bed.

When Chipie the Chipmunk comes for his morning peanuts and seeds,

Tiggy sits tall and imagines the lid is his front row, theatre box seat.

When the day is especially sunny,

the box lid becomes Tiggy's tanning bed.

Sometimes, My Own drops a jingle ball or a toy mouse into the box lid.

It is then that Tiggy imagines it is an air hockey table.

Once upon a time, a cardboard box lid,

fell from out of the blue.

And,

Magic ensued.

Noll is at the End of His Rope

2010-08-25T17:01:00.000-04:00

See........????

There's Noll....

There is his rope.

....and he is at the end of it ;)

Hee hee!

Noll's Friday "Feline Feast for the Eyes"

2010-08-20T08:08:00.000-04:00

From the Manly-Mancat Exhibition

Noll's Nip presents:

A Friday

"Feline Feast for the Eyes"

"Old Blue Eyes" Noll

A "Sepia Striped" Tiggy Tiger

The "Inquisitive" Uncle Keaks

A "Pansy Pot & Pinkie-Nosed" Luigi

(Wait, that doesn't sound very mancatly)

And Finally, the

"What Chu Look'n At?" Noll

Noll's Second Annual NIP-a-PO-LOOZA

2010-08-18T07:42:00.000-04:00

Whew.....we lost track of time!

The summer is coming to an end

and we ALMOST forgot

to have us a NIP-a-PO-LOOZA.

This will be our second annual

NIP

EXTRAVAGANZA!

Same drill as last year with some new twists:

Jump on in.....the NIP IS FINE!

Pick a patch

and make yourself at home :)

Have yourself a NIPtini

or two...or three

There's kitteh milk

and milk candy for

the wee ones ;)

GO BANANAS

with the NIP NANNERS

GIVE IT UP FOR THE NIP!

Then, find a nice clump of nip

& take a NIP NAP!

And when you're ready to leave

(If you can force yourself to go.....)

Please take a commemorative badge.

Noll's Versatile Blogger Award....

2010-08-15T22:00:00.000-04:00

We accepted this award from Nicky of

http://meezertails.blogspot.com/

Over the past few days,

we've seen this on several blogs, so we

are going to do like Nicky &;

invite efurryone to take it. Here are the guidelines ;)

Thank the puppy, kitty or person who gave you the award.

Share 7 things about yourself.

Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who "you have recently discovered and you think are fantastic!"

1.) Luigi acts like a tough guy, but he's the scardiest cat in the nip patch.
2.) About five years ago, Tiggy had to have a Perineal urethrostomy.
3.) Uncle Keaks will go off to find a quite place to chill & then meow loudly like he's lost or lonely. He doesn't stop until someone calls his name. Then he comes running.
4.) We are all formerly feral cats.
5.) Luigi has caught Chipie the Chipmunk twice. And twice, Grandma was there to rescue Chipie.
6.) Noll's favorite way to nap is under a blanket or bedcover.
7.) We all like shredded cheese, especially Colby :)

Now it's your turn =^..^=

Noll Spies with His Little Eye, Another EYE!

2010-08-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

IT'S

SOMETHING FIERCE!

Nah, that's just

Luigi relaxing on the pool deck.

He's easy like Sunday morning.

Happy & Sunny Sunday to all our friends :)

Noll Wishes You a Happy "Friday the 13th!"

2010-08-13T10:33:00.000-04:00

(Noll's cousin Gizzie from

http://rusticranch.blogspot.com/)

Black Cats RULE!!!

Hug a black cat today :)

HAPPY FRIDAY the 13th

=^..^=