FRANCIS'S BLOG 04/19/2026
What happens before “catering” arrives, and kitten news! 😺
Good morning! I hope you’re feeling as well as I look!
The cat-cops were showing me what they saw on the cameras before they headed out to the farm. It’s 7:20 and Patches is on the roof of the duck garage:
In the riding arena, Dot has been repeatedly catching and letting go this mouse:
And Tiger has just discovered he’s being watched:
Of Eva’s latest (and hopefully last) batch of babies, the tabby is the biggest eater:
The gray and the black-and-white (we’ll name him Tux II) are a close second:
But this poor little kitty hasn’t been eating or nursing as well as the cat-cops think she should:
But don’t worry, Ann got some kitten formula and a bottle, and is feeding her. ❤️
Heat and masks are back 🐴
“Good morning! It’s offically been autumn for a week, but it’s still supposed to hit 90℉ today!”
I believe it, RC.
Get your sun now, gray baby, then go back under the coop:
And we’re all back in our masks. . .
The heat has given the flies a new lease on life. 🐴
Sploosh! 😿 (and vintage YouTube)
Good morning! As you know from yesterday, there were a lot of doggies in the farm house overnight. . .
So Tiger, Greg and Tyrus have been spending most of this weekend in their room:
The dogs are all lovey-dovey, of course, but sometimes they can get too bouncy for tiny cat-nerves (except for Dukie ❤️). 😺
Anyway, poor Patches lost his footing while taking a drink. If you look closely, you can see his back half is soaked. 😿
Come sit on me, Patches, so your wet feet don’t pick up mud:
I’m used to having cats on my back. . .
It’s a grand cat tradition, dating back to our sainted Luigi, seen here 11 years ago. ❤️
Lots of visitors, and hungry, hungry baby tabby (2 videos)! 🐴
Good morning! It’s a nice day to be out in the pasture:
Mary and Mara are visiting ❤️, so we have lots of doggies!
And Dukie’s here, too, of course!
Let’s make sure we can account for our kittens. I see the black kitty, the gray kitty, and the tabby. . .
And the one with the cute white nose is here, too:
All juveniles present and accounted for! 😺
Although good-mother Eva is still nursing, Ann is introducing them to solid food. Look closely and you can see the black and white baby eating. . .
And here’s the tabby, really getting down to business:
What a big eater! 😺
It’s “don’t forget the horses” Day (plus our latest YouTube)! 🐎
Good morning! With the kittens hogging all the news (even though, we must admit, they’re adorable). . .
Rose has reason to lick her lips:
We’re all getting refreshing, nutritious peppermint hearts!
Even though “nosey Rosie” looks like she has the advantage, rest assured, Stormy, RC and I all got treats:
❤️
Oh, and here’s our latest YouTube, in case you missed it:
Cats have their “Goo Tubes,” and we have our Peppermint hearts! ❤️
New baby drama 🙀
Good morning! Don’t I look lovely with the sun as my backlighting?
As beautiful as I am, my left front hoof isn’t looking too well. See the missing chunk? It doesn’t hurt, but I will need it trimmed:
It’s good to know “management” always looks out for us hooved citizens. . .
They’ve been occupied with the new arrivals:
Yesterday evening, the tiny tabby got befuddled and tried to follow Momma Eva out into the yard:
Don’t worry, the cat-cops put her back with the others, and Momma soon went back and fed them. 😺
Uh-oh, we are “blessed” again 🙀 (video)
Good morning! First of all, our friend and helper, Jake, went off to school. We will miss him very much! Poor Betty, she won’t be able to sit dangerously close to his truck any more. Good luck, Jake! Come see us when you can. ❤️
What’s that, Eva? You have someone you’d like us to meet?
Who, Eva, who?
Oh my. . .
Time to buy kitten food. 🐴
Splish, splash, purr! (video) 😺
“Good morning! Francis is getting sprayed.”
Thanks, Stormy. As you said, I’m “under the gun.”
I’m not sure why you’re out here, Tails, the other cats are having breakfast.
Finally, let’s watch Greg drink from the faucet. . .
Don’t block the shot, Tyrus! 😺
We always see the bright side 🐴
Good morning! You know from yesterday’s post that I got a new mask. I’m still working out the kinks. I’m not sure how I got it up over my eyes. . .
But it lets me give YOU a big smile! ❤️
Well, the flies aren’t too bad today, so I’ll just have the cat-cops take it off. 🐴
A silent movie, just for you! ❤️
Good morning! My new mask is rubbing my nose a little. “Management” would gladly buy me a new one, but finding one in my size is hard.
Ann tightened it up with some twine:
If she can’t find a better mask, she’ll replace the twine with a pretty bow, to match her pretty donkey. 🐴
Anyway, here’s one of the many raccoons that dirty the cat water overnight (picture after video):
Cat water is for drinking and not washing your paws! 🦝
I’m glad our troughs are so tall:
Did you know, raccoons can climb, but they can not jump! 🐴
Oh no, I’m a cat toy! 🐴 (and a short Rose/Stormy video 🐎)
Good morning!
Buttons, you look bored:
If you want, Buttons, you can try chasing this twine that the “brains” around here tied to my tail:
Don’t worry, they took it off right away. Oh, the indignity! 🐴
Anyway, here’s a video of Stormy and Rose cleaning up RC’s leftovers:
Waste not, want not! 🐎
Caterwauling cat (video)! 😺
Good morning! Give me a moment, and I’ll get up (security camera photo, so it’s fuzzy):
The pumpkin plant has already taken over the driveway, and it's on its way to closing off the gate:
We have lots of kitties in the barn:
But where’s Mini?
Oh, Mini snuck into the tack room and got the door closed behind her. Oh, what a fuss she made, but. . .
But, when the door was open, she wanted to go back in. Make up your mind, Mini—in or out? 🐴
Angry bird 🐔
Good morning! Maybe we’ll get some rain tomorrow. As inconvenient as rain can be, our grass needs a recharge. The hay I’m having right now is tastier: 
Tyrus and Tiger were so happy that “management” opened a window. . .
Because somebody decided that “close” was “good enough.” 🙀
Uh-oh, I’m sorry I made you mad, Martha:
“You did make me angry, Francis, showing that picture of cat poopie spoiled my breakfast.” 🐔
Taco Tuesday, on Wednesday (video)! 🐔
Good morning! This old mask of mine is coming apart:
When my mask was pulled on, my upper lip went through it—how humiliating!
Look at this pretty katydid!
“Breakfast is lip-smacking good today, Francis.”
Glad you like it, Dad. You can show your appreciation by letting the cat-cops take you to the vet.
Anyway, for a change, the hens are having breakfast in a taco bowl:
Yummy-yum!
Remember to eat the bowl, too! 🐔
Trying something new 😺 (and a short Juno video)
Good morning! Oh my goodness! Buttons!—are you alright?
“Don’t worry, Francis. I’m fine. Ask the cat-cops to wake me when breakfast’s ready.”
Nikita has volunteered to be “guinea pig,” and try one of these newfangled squeezy treats:
He approves! 😺
Last night, Juno came home from the vet after getting fixed (and getting all his shots, of course). We thought he might still be sleepy from his operation, and need to spend the night in the tack room. . .
But he was fed up with being caged. . .
And was raring to come out and “snuggle” with Ann. What a nice purr! ❤️
The security camera speaks the truth (2 videos) 🐎
“Good morning! I’d love to look up and give you a cat-smile, but I’m monitoring the refilling of the duck water.”
Thanks, Smudge. “Management” is a little occupied themselves. They think someone tried to break into the feed stall, because it looks like someone (with a big horse nose) tried to pry open the gate, but the chain held.
What do the cameras show?
Oh, we see—no foul play! At the 06:19:47 mark, Stormy gave it two innocent bumps (after a quick snuggle with Rose ❤️).
Anyway, here’s Paschal and Ferdinad, doing what ducks do best:
🦆
Silent movie! 😺
“Good morning! Francis is trying to pull RC and Rose away from the stable fan.”
Come on, you two, it’ll be too hot to graze in a few hours:
And Luna brought a mouse to breakfast:
“It’s actually a vole, Francis.”
I stand corrected, Luna. 🐴
Finally, let’s watch a sped-up movie of the cat-feeding process:
It’s from the security camera, so there’s no sound. Sorry you miss all the crunching and smacking of cat lips. 😺
Oh those kitties play everywhere (video)! 😺
“Good morning! I’m about to have half a can of paté with Meow Mix sprinkles!”
Thanks for greeting our friends, Buttons. I’m not a carnivore, but I’m sure that’s a great cat breakfast. It’s going to be in the 90’s today, so I’m glad we have just-washed masks, also the fan to going in the stable:
It’s also a “Dukie day.” ❤️
She’s waiting patiently to go inside for her cheese stick. 🐴
Finally, the cat-cops were remotely (that’s why it’s choppy) checking in on the goings-on under the stable:
Looks like the kitties have a cool place to play. 😺
Oh those kitties 🙀
Good morning. My regular mask is in the wash:
Basil reports that the monster pumpkin plant is making pumpkins:
I don’t know if they’ll be “monster” or not, but Halloween is coming, and the chickens always find old Jack-O’-lanterns delicious.
Finally, Junior Department of Horsefarm Security Deputy Patches is warning Luna, “Our friend Jake’s wheel well is not a safe place to sit!”
“Neither is being behind the tire, Patches.”
They’re both lucky Jake honks the horn before taking off. 🐴
I’ve been ratted 🐀 out by a cat! 😺 (and a video)
“Good morning! I’m greeting you today because Francis is busy scratching his butt on the gate.”
Oh, Greg, no fair! I forgot you indoor cats watch the security cameras.
Anyway, here’s a picture from yesterday of Nikita with Wednesday’s “haul”—13 eggs!
Today, Patches and Luna were exploring the tack room:
Lucky for the cat-cops, they decided to leave on their own:
As you can see, because the tack rooms a mess, there’s a mess of places to hide and stay out of reach. 😺
Finally, let’s watch Dot get a mouthful of feathers:
Ugh. I'm glad hay and grain don’t have feathers. 🐴
Food for all! 😺
Good morning! Summer’s not done with us yet. We’ll be back in the 80’s this afternoon.
Dukie’s here in the stall with us ❤️:
Onslow, Dot, Dad, Schroeder and Eva are diving in to fresh food from a just-opened bag—yummy!
Hurry up, Dot!
Our friend, Jake, just unloaded 240 pounds of horse food from the truck 🙀:
We haven’t forgotten about you, Dukie. You’ll get your favorite treat inside…
Mild cheddar cheese sticks! 🐴
2 videos! Starring Bart, Luna, Nikita, and a bug! 🙀
First, let’s have Bart wake you up! He’s glad to see you!
Now, Luna has discovered a praying mantis:
Let’s watch Nikita and Luna do battle with the fierce creature!
What brave felines! Lions of the lawn! 🦁
Monday potpourri! 🐴
Good morning! Rose and I are sprayed, masked, and headed to the front pasture (as usual):
Stormy was way ahead of us (no surprise, either):
What’s happening at this dead stump, Chickie? Be careful, you’re only about 8 feet from the highway 🙀:
Oh, I see—you’re digging for termites:
Anyway (from left), Tiger, Tyrus and Greg are about to pounce on the laser beam:
Cat entertainment is going high-tech! 😺
News from Iris! 🐎
“Good morning! I hear a bunch of barking. Maybe I’ll just stay up here and look beautiful.”
We all agree you look beautiful, Buttons.
Remember, Buttons, Mary and Mara are visiting ❤️; and with Mary comes Sophie and Anya; and with Mara comes Nixie and Calla (we all know Dukie comes often with Ann):
Oh! Mara has shared some recent pictures of Iris. Isn’t she looking beautiful!
Wait a minute—oh my goodness! What are those things, Iris, Tribbles?
Oh, I don’t think I’ve ever seen burrs that big:
Don’t worry, Mara got rid of those right away…
And returned Iris to her gorgeous self. 🐎
Not ASMR, but neigh-SMR! 🐎 (video)
“Good morning! Our Mary and Mara are visiting ❤️ with Sophie, Anya, Nixie and Calla, and they fed us early. The gang is already down the hill.”
Thanks for doing the honors this morning, RC:
I’m glad Tails and Patches are keeping you company at that end:
Anyway, let’s close with a peaceful video of Rose and Stormy munching away:
Such soothing sounds! 🐎
Fowl events 🐔
Good morning! I’m about to have a peppermint treat!
Don’t miss out, RC. Ungulates love peppermint!
But I don’t think it would appeal to you, Luna.
Anyway, while our friend Jake is cleaning out the coop, my “coop” is full of chickens:
I’m sure there will be an egg in here by this afternoon:
At least one. . .
Possibly more. 🐔
Kitty capers 😺 and horse happenings 🐎 (and a video) 🐴
“Peek-a-Boo! Good morning! May we have our breakfast, please?”
Thanks for getting things going, Rose. Good morning, everyone!
Of course, I won’t be able to eat until Onslow gets out of my bowl:
“Just keeping it warm for you, Francis.”
And what happened to your tail, Stormy?
Oh, I see. . .
You had an itch. 🐴
Empty sky 🐴 (and a video 🐦)
Good morning. It’s a little rainy today.
“Don’t worry, Francis. I’ll finish your breakfast so it won’t get soggy.”
You’re too kind, Stormy. Anyway, I think this pumpkin plant is going to eat the house:
The sky looks pretty empty, doesn’t it?
The swallows must have headed south. 🐦
Just this past Friday, the sky was full of them:
Fall is coming. 🐴
Mother’s Day 🙀
Good morning! I’m bringing up the rear:
Little Lula is spying an even littler mouse:
Greg is keeping Anya’s bed warm while Tyrus stands guard. Mary will by back, with Anya and Sophie, this weekend ❤️!
About a week ago, Eva was looking a little “rotund.”
But recently she’s become very svelte:
That’s because she just had new kittens under the chicken coop. When we can get pictures of them, we will let you see. 😺
Doggies meet duckies! 🦆
Good morning. We say goodbye to Mary, Sophie and Anya today 😿, but they’ll be back next weekend 😺!
Anya (standing) and Sophie are getting some exercise before they get in the car:
Here they are exploring the duck garage:
The cat-cops are trying to get them used to the ducks:
That’s a nice Anya, give Basil a kiss!
The goal is to think of ducks as friends, and not as chew toys:
Or, they can be like Dukie. . .
If it has feathers, ignore it. If it’s a kitty, the same applies. 😺