THE PLOT THICKENS (Joint Post by Willow21 and Cordelia’s Mom) (Collaborated Post #4)

Posted on December 29, 2022 by cordeliasmom2012

The Blizzard of 2022 is over and we could all use a little humor, at least here in Buffalo, New York.  Please enjoy the fourth collaborated post, which was written from Teddy Rosalie’s viewpoint and which introduced Vlad the Great, coming all the way from Great Britain to join the fray (thank you, Willow!) … and all Vlad asked for as payment was a supply of bananas and peanut butter on toast.

(PS – Be sure to return for the truly awesome FOUR-WAY collaborated post, which I will republish next week.)

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Help is on the way. Should Cody and Mehitabel be worried? (Click here for the back story.)

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADear Vlad,

Enough is enough.  I thought I could handle the situation here at my house, but that silly Cody dog is making my life miserable.  CookieCakes (a/k/a Cordelia’s Mom) has no idea what goes on when she’s not here.  She thinks by putting me on top of the dresser that I’m safe. 

My purpose here on earth is to watch over CookieCakes.  How can I do that if I’m locked in a bedroom all day?  So I find ways to get out and patrol. But I’m way too old to keep dodging that dog, just because I look like all the stuffed toys that Cody has shredded.

I think it’s time to call in reinforcements.  I’m taking you up your offer to come over here and straighten that dog out – maybe you can scare her straight or something.

And as long as you’re here, perhaps you can make a side-trip to Cody’s cat friend, Mehitabel.  God knows she really needs straightening out – and I’m sure the pandas will thank you.

When can I expect your arrival?  Are there any special supplies you’d like me to have on hand?

Looking forward to working with you, Teddy Rosalie

PS:  I’m thinking maybe you could “dog-sit” [snicker] when CookieCakes and I go on photoshoots.  Then you’d have lots of time to “re-train” that beast.  Would that work for you?

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IMG_20150507_161719869Dear Teddy Rosalie, 

I  am ready  to visit  and  assist  immediately!

I  must  apologize –  it  appears  your  last  communication  slip  passed me  .. probably  the  dog  or  her  catty  friend  interfering! I  am sure that  with  my  eons  of  knowledge   and  your  intimate knowledge  of Cody  and  your  dear  human  we  can  sort  things  out.

In anticipation, Vlad  the  Great

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAMy dearest Vlad –

Come right away.  CookieCakes is seriously distracted, what with the construction people coming in soon, and she’s been setting me down in some really unusual places.  I can’t run very fast, and I certainly can’t show any movement when CookieCakes is in the room.  It just a matter of time before that silly dog eats me.

I’m stocking up on peanut butter and bananas.  See you soon.

Waiting with bated breath, Teddy Rosalie.

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Photo0261My  Dearest  Rosalie Bear,

I  am on  my  way  post  hast. I  am  just  throwing  a  few  things into my  valise:

A  spare  cape  of  invisibility (one  size  fits  all) – if  CookieCakes  is distracted   we may  need  to use  the  capes  as   means  of  escape  and for  getting  about  the  house and  neighbourhood  unmolested!!

Some  extra  nice  cookies  and  dog  biscuits  so  we can get  madam Cody  on our  side!

Also  my  special  anti-garlic  bracelet!  

And  some  pepper  spray  in case  that   pesky, sly  cat Mehitabel  comes  around.

Photo0418Did  you  mention  construction  workers? They can  be  an awful distraction  so  I understand  your  worries. I  am leaving  now –  I  can fly  at  the  speed  of  light even faster  if  I  put  my  mind  to  it! 

I have  enclosed   three pictures  of  myself   so  you  will recognize  me. (Note  to  self:  remember  not  to  wear  cape of  invisibility  on  arrival!)

Rest easy,  Lady Rosalie.  I  am on  my  way. By  the  time  you read this, I  shall be  by  your  side  to serve  and protect!

Yours, Vlad  the  speedy!

PS:  Put  that  toast  on – flying  makes  me hungry. xxxx

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A FEW DAYS LATER

Willow21:  How is Vlad behaving?

Cordelia’s Mom:  Vlad is being very helpful, but staying out of sight, as one might expect.  Poor Cody is getting confused.  (PS:  I think I need to go out for some more bananas – Vlad’s a hungry little guy, isn’t he?)

Willow21:  Hungry… Better you feed him banana and peanut butter on toast than he starts on the blood milarkie!!

Cordelia’s Mom:   BTW, the washing machine was making a horrible noise this evening (seriously unbalanced load), and it scared the heck out of Cody.  Cody got tuckered out early because of it and is now sound asleep.  I think Vlad might have had something to do with it, don’t you?

Willow21:  Yes that definitely sounds like Vlad he probably put in a load of invisible capes, they weigh a ton you know. 😉

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Willow (WillowDot21)  and I hope you have enjoyed the above collaborated post, and we both love to hear from our readers.   (For more Vlad stories, click here and here)

You may comment on the post, contact me via Twitter, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com

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Vlad mages by WillowDot; Teddy Rosalie images by Cordelia’s Mom

Posted in collaborated posts, Guest Posters, Pets, Teddy Rosalie, That's Life | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Storm of the Century, December 2022

Posted on December 26, 2022 by cordeliasmom2012

I’ve been getting emails from many of my blogging friends (even from some in countries on the other side of the world!), asking about the historic snowstorm here in Buffalo, New York.

I’m touched by everyone’s concern.  We are fine.  Hubby and I hunkered down on Friday morning, within minutes of the storm hitting, and at this point are just waiting for the driving  bans to end.  We were only without power for 6 or 7 hours on Friday, and didn’t even need the portable generators.  We have plenty of food and the furnace and other vents are open, so we won’t get asphyxiated.  There’s just enough open areas in the back for Puppy Cody to go out and do her business.

Poor Cody did get a bit upset when the wind was howling and the blizzard was in full force, and she saw this window.  She must have thought an alien was trying to get in:

Yes, that’s actually snow up against the screen, which is a good eight feet from the ground.  I can’t really blame Cody; I must admit that sight scared me, too.

Christmas morning was beautiful, though, despite the hugh drifts.  BTW, that’s a 6-foot fence at the back of the yard:

NOTE TO THOSE WHO WISHED FOR A WHITE CHRISTMAS:  You definitely got what you wanted, but next time be a little more careful with your wishes, ok?

It’s been an adventure, for sure.

And so many thanks to our wonderful next-door neighbor who just snowblowed the front of our driveway, as well as the sidewalk.  I wasn’t looking forward to hubby having a heart attack trying to clear that snow and me trying to get him to a hospital or something, and our plow service told us it could be days before they can get here.  We have the best neighbors ever!

Hugs, all.   Stay safe and warm.

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I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Twitter page, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
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Images by Cordelia’s Mom/TeddyRosalieStudio

 

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HOME WRECKER! (Collaborated Post #3)

Posted on December 22, 2022 by cordeliasmom2012

 

Not to worry.  Teddy Rosalie is still alive and well, although she doesn’t go out much these days (much like her elderly owner).  And Puppy Cody will be too busy keeping me warm during the incoming blizzard this weekend to care what Teddy Rosalie is doing.

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(Joint Post by Anne Belov & Cordelia’s Mom)

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It’s so hard to give enough attention to your first charge after the second one arrives.

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERADear Mehitabel [Boss Cat],

Now that I’m big, my mom doesn’t love me any more.  Sure, she still feeds me, gives me water, takes me for walks and plays with me.  But she used to take lots and lots of pictures of me, and now she’s taking pictures of that teddy bear instead.  I don’t even know where she got the stupid thing.  She even gave it a name – “Teddy Rosalie.”

I hear she’s planning to go on someting called “photo shoots” with some of our three girls and the teddy bear – without me!

I’d love to tear the stuffing out of it, but Mom keeps it way up high where I can’t reach it.

What do you think of all this?

Your Faithful Servant, Cody.

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IMGP4855Dear (cough, cough) Cody,

I really hate to say I can identify with a dog, but I must say, I feel your pain. But, I also have to say, that (so far) you only have to share your mom with one stuffed invader. At last count, there were more than 20 &#¥¥#+@&!!! stuffed pandas occupying a corner of mom’s bedroom. 

Where will it all end?

I’m trying to decide if I should give you advice that will get you in trouble, or advice that will help you in your hour of need. Ha ha ha ha ha ha! I’m a cat, how do you THINK I am going to respond to your dilemma?

Stuffed bears are a blight on the face of the earth! We must do our part to rid the world of this plague of pandas, and um… Of Teddy Bears named Rosalie????? 

Be brave, be valient, and, um, if you get in trouble, don’t call me, call a lawyer.

Yours, Mehitabel

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Dear Boss Cat,

What’s a lawyer?  Can a lawyer get rid of Teddy Rosalie?

Hope your cough gets better real soon.

Your friend, Cody.

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Mehitabel Mug

Available at the Pandyland Store

Dear Cody,

Around here, we call them “thieving attornies”. When you hire a lawyer, both parties agree to give all the money to the lawyers. Well, that’s what Mr. Badger says, and he seems to know about these things.

I don’t think a lawyer can get rid of Teddy Rosalie (and what kind of name is THAT for a bear?) you may have to take more “drastic measures” if you know what I mean.

Mehitabel

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Cody122114Thanks, Boss Cat –

I’m not sure, but I guess you mean I should just eat the bear?  Maybe Mom will leave it around somewhere.  I’ve gotten really good at stealing Mom’s socks and shoes when she’s not looking, even when she thinks she’s put them up high.  🙂

Thanks for all your help, Boss Cat.  Pretty soon you’ll be seeing new photos of ME – heck I can sit by a daffodil plant just as well as that stupid stuffed bear.  And I’m cuter!  (That bear doesn’t even have a tail to wag.)

Your friend, Cody

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAI must say I did wonder at the increased traffic on my street recently – could it be all those lawyers looking for a new client?  Or has Cody hired a hit man?  Does Teddy Rosalie need to hire security?  Only time will tell.

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The foregoing post is a collaborated post by Anne Belov (a/k/a Bob T. Panda) and Cordelia’s Mom.  We sincerely hope you enjoyed it.

PS:  Book 5 (Pandapocalypse) of the Panda Chronicles is out!  Be sure to get your copy (click here).  And while you’re surfing the web, check out the new Pandyland Store on CafePress (click here).

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Anne Belov (a/k/a Bob T. Panda) and I both love to hear from our readers.  You may comment on this post, comment on my Twitter page, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com

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Mehitabel images by Anne Belov; Puppy Cody and Teddy Rosalie images by Cordelia’s Mom

Posted in collaborated posts, Guest Posters, Humor, Pets, Teddy Rosalie, That's Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Meet Teddy Rosalie

Posted on December 15, 2022 by cordeliasmom2012

Collaborated Post #3 revolved around Puppy Cody’s interactions with Teddy Rosalie, and it occurred to me that some of my more recent followers may not know who Teddy Rosalie is. So, before publishing the next in the Collaborated Posts series, here is an introduction to the tiniest member of our household.

(To read the Teddy Rosalie posts, click on the drop-down menu [“Categories”] on the right side of this page.)

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My Teddy Rosalie

11:11 ….. 2:22 …. 4:44

For years, I have noticed myself looking at a watch, wall clock, phone, or computer clock at exactly 11:11 a.m. or  11:11 p.m.  At one point, it began freaking me out a bit, and I decided to look up the possible significance.

There are many theories, some more far-fetched than others, but this is my favorite:

“These 11:11 Wake-Up Calls on your digital clocks, mobile phones, VCR’s and microwaves are the ‘trademark’ prompts of a group of just 1,111 fun-loving Spirit Guardians, or Angels, and the 11:11 prompt is their way of using our innate ability for pattern recognition to let us know that they are here. Once they have your attention, they will use other digits, like 12:34, or 2:22 to remind you of their presence.”

[Excerpt courtesy of  11:11 Progress Group]

Keep in mind that I am one of the most non-religious persons you will ever meet.  I’m more likely to believe in Twilight Zone type events than in angels and devils.  But I have lost my dad, my favorite uncle, my favorite aunt, and a very dear friend over the years, and I would like to think there is some kind of connection with those lost souls during certain periods of time.

In April 2013, my mother (Rosalie) was in the final stages of her battle with cancer.  When death became imminent, I received “the” call from my brother and then drove as fast as possible to the nursing home 80-some miles away.

Upon arrival at the nursing home, I found a teddy bear at the foot of my mother’s bed, under the covers.  Everyone I asked claimed to have never seen that teddy bear before, and swore total ignorance as to how that bear came to be in my mother’s bed.  My mother died within a few hours of my arrival.  I took the teddy bear with me as a keepsake.

I had booked a hotel for the night as I knew I would be too upset to drive back home.  Teddy Rosalie (yes, by now I had named her) sat in the passenger seat on the way to the hotel, accepted my tearful hugs that evening, slept in my bed that night, and sat again in the passenger seat on the way back home the next day.  It was silly, I know, but I found comfort in having that stuffed toy so close to me.

11Over the last year, and especially over the last couple of months, I have found myself waking up at odd times in the night – but always at a time that carries triple or quadruple digits:  11:11 p.m., 2:22 a.m., 3:33 a.m., and most often, 4:44 a.m.

I am not going to enter into a long, drawn-out discussion of religion/spirituality.  But I will say that each time I awaken and see those digits on the clock, I then look over at Teddy Rosalie sitting atop my dresser – and I feel peaceful.

And so, as a tribute to my mother and to all other lost souls, I am creating a new, light-hearted feature for this blog.  Every once in awhile, I will publish a photograph of Teddy Rosalie in some unusual place.  These photos will appear sporadically and may or may not have anything to do with the subject of the post on which they are published.  Sometimes the photos will appear in this blog, sometimes they will be on Facebook or Twitter only, maybe even on Flickr.com (so really, you should follow me everywhere!).

I intend to call these photos the “Where Is Teddy Rosalie?” series.  Please join Teddy Rosalie on her travels, and should you ever find yourself in the same (or a similar) location where one of the photos was taken, please take a moment to think with love about your own lost souls.

TeddyRose

I’m ready, CookieCakes – let’s go!

 

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I love to hear from my readers.  You may comment on this post, comment on my Twitter page, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com.

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Clock image by c.e.b., other images by Cordelia’s Mom (with a little spiritual help from Rosalie)

Posted in Photography, Relationships, Road Trips & Cars, Teddy Rosalie, That's Life | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments