15

Cheeseland Holiday Party

Free Cat Pet photo and picture

Thomas Tabby was responsible for this year’s Cheeseland’s holiday party. It’s open to all municipal employees. Sgt Stripes, as his press secretary, has been helping with the preparation. There was only one rule: it had to be inside.

Holly Hedgehog: We cannot have another outdoor party.

Gustav Grizzly: What’s wrong with having it outside?

Carina Calico: Nothing if you’re wearing a huge fur coat.

Gustav: I thought there was a bonfire to keep warm.

Holly: There was. But it was so cold that everyone was crowding around it trying to keep warm.

Eva Squirrel: Some animals got shoved and a couple of beavers got singed.

Gustav: That’s terrible.

Holly: And some folks got a little too much to drink and almost passed out in the snow.

Thomas put Sgt Stripes and Holly Hedgehog in charge of the party. They were holding it at the local high school. They decorated the auditorium for the main event with smaller rooms for some of the activities.

Thomas: Guys, this looks great. I think it’s time to start the festivities.

Thomas gets on the stage and grabs the microphone.

Thomas: Greetings, Cheeselanders. Welcome to the 2025 Cheeseland Holiday party. Just a few things to keep in mind: this room is where we’re going to do the tree lighting in a few minutes. The food is in the cafeteria with the drinks. The adult beverages are in the Art room. You can enjoy carols sung by the high school choir in the Music room. Santa Claus is in the Gymnasium. Let’s turn down the lights and get this party started.

Everyone waited for the lights to go off. Then they waited for the tree to light up. And waited.

Thomas: Holly, what’s taking so long? I thought we could just flip a switch and have it light up. That’s how it works on TV.

Holly: That’s what is supposed to happen. We’re looking into it.

Suddenly there was a loud chittering sound and the tree moved. A very annoyed raccoon jumped out of the tree and ran out of the room.

Thomas: What was that?

Tony (the electrician): That was the reason your tree wasn’t lighting. He chewed through part of the wire and fell asleep. We should have you back in shape in a couple of minutes.

Shortly, Thomas was back on the microphone.

Thomas: Five, four, three, two, one.

Thomas flipped the switch, and the tree lit up. It was beautiful.

Thomas: Okay, everyone. Enjoy the party!

Sgt Stripes went down to the cafeteria. He had been in charge of the food. There were a lot of animals in line for the food. He asked a couple of rabbits what they were going to have.

Roxy: I don’t really know. This seems to be set up for carnivores.

Sgt Stripes: There are things you can eat. There’s a delicious vole stew. And fish sticks. And tuna melts.

Roxy: We’re rabbits. We don’t eat any of those things.

Sgt Stripes: How about a lettuce wrap.

Roxy: That sounds good. What’s it wrapped around?

Sgt Stripes: A cheeseburger.

Roxy: No, that won’t work. Maybe I’ll just have some juice.

Sgt Stripes: I’m sure there’s something here you can eat.

Roxy: What does that reindeer have?

Sgt Stripes: Hmm. I think it’s called lentil stew. It’s rather disgusting.

Roxy: That sounds delicious.

Sgt Stripes: Hmm. Okay, I guess.

Meanwhile, Holly was dealing with a situation in the Music room. A squirrel couple had told her that there wasn’t any music in the Music room.

Holly: What seems to be the problem?

Choir Director: Our lead soprano won’t sing.

Holly: Why not?

Choir Director: Her boyfriend just broke up with her.

Holly: She’s only one singer. Can’t the rest of them cover for her?

Choir Director: It’s not that simple. The boyfriend is also in the choir. Now everyone is taking sides.

Holly: So there’s no music.

Choir Director: There is no music. What is your backup plan?

Holly: There is no backup plan.

Wanda Wolverine: I can play the piano. Maybe folks can sing along?

Holly: Excellent idea. Thank you!

As Holly was leaving the room, she ran into Thomas Tabby.

Thomas: What type of adult beverages are we serving?

Holly: Ale, wine, and catnip tea. Why?

Thomas: A couple of poodles had too much of something and got into a huge fight. I made them go outside. I need to go back and check on them.

Holly: I’ll come with you.

They went outside and looked around. They didn’t see any poodles.

Thomas: Where did they go? I’ve only been gone a few minutes.

Sid Shar Pei: You looking for those poodles? One threw up all over the other. Then they fell asleep over there.

Thomas and Holly went over to look at the poodles.

Thomas: We need to get them inside before they freeze to death.

Holly: I think we should have stuck with the bonfire.

Pictures courtesy of Pixaby. Images generated by ChapGPT and Gemini

20

Letters to the Easter Bunny

The Unusual History of the Easter Bunny | Easter Traditions

A couple of weeks before Easter, Santa Claus stopped by the Easter Bunny’s main burrow on Easter Island. He was amazed to see that it was almost as busy as his workshop at Christmas.

Santa: Goodness. This place is really hopping!

Easter Bunny: If that’s supposed to be a joke, this is not a good time. We are really busy getting ready for the big day.

Santa: What are you talking about? Christmas isn’t for another eight months.

Welcome to Santa Claus Village | Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi Lapland

Easter Bunny: Do you live in a cave the rest of the year? Easter is only fifteen days away!

Santa: Surely it can’t be that hard painting a few eggs to ship around the world.

Easter Bunny: No. Seriously. Do you not pay any attention to anything after Christmas?

Santa: Well, I usually take the whole crew to a small island off Denmark for a few weeks after Christmas. Just to chill out after the rush.

Busy Bunny? 8 Quick Ways to Spruce-up your Website this Spring

Easter Bunny: So you have no idea how crazy things get around here in March and April?

Santa: I try to ignore social media. There’s a lot of negativity out there.,

Easter Bunny: I meant do you pay any attention to current events?

Santa: Not really. Humans depress me.

Easter Bunny: I can understand that. But Easter’s a lot more popular with the animals than Christmas.

Santa: That can’t be right. I’m beloved everywhere.

The Stick Monster (New Bunny Toy Idea)

Easter Bunny: Really? Listen to this.

Pulls out a letter and reads: Dear EB, I am so excited to see you, I can hardly wait. I never knew there was a big bunny who gives out presents. I’ve been a good bunny. Please bring me some new sticks to chew on and some alfalfa. We are leaving a treat for you outside the door.

Santa: Boy, he’s gonna be disappointed when all he gets are eggs.

Easter Bunny: What do you mean? I give out treats too.

Santa: I don’t think grass and sticks are really treats. What about the toys?

How to Play With a Kitten | Small Door Veterinary

Easter Bunny: Here’s another one.

Dear Easter Bunny: Mama says that you bring treats to all of the good girls and boys, not just bunnies. I’m a little kitty. Would you please bring me a toy with a bell in it? Thank you, Maggie

Santa: You don’t really deliver that type of thing do you?

Easter Bunny: Of course I do. I have Easter magic the same as you have Christmas magic.

Medium Oval Easter Basket | Natural Decorative Amish Woven Wicker

Santa is looking over the Easter Bunny’s list of deliveries.

Santa: Why don’t I know most of these names? Who are these children?

Easter Bunny: They’re not children. They’re small animals. I only deliver Easter baskets to the humans. My special orders are all young animals.

Santa: Why don’t they ask me for toys? Most animals like toys.

Easter Bunny: A lot of them are afraid of you.

Laughing santa claus cartoon Royalty Free Vector Image

Santa: How is that possible?

Easter Bunny: You are a very large human with a very loud voice. That’s scary to a lot of small animals.

Santa: Hmm. I never thought about that.

Easter Bunny: And you are on television and in stores. Most animals steer clear of human activities.

Santa: That’s probably smart.

Yak | Wild Ox of Asia, Himalayas & Tibet | Britannica

Easter Bunny: Besides, animals don’t have any use for most of what you bring at Christmas. You’re too human-centric.

Santa: That might be true. How do you get all of this done by Easter?

Easter Bunny: I have rabbits and hares all over the world to help. And if it’s too remote, we use Yak Express.

Santa: I like them. Very dependable.  I guess I’ll leave you to your work. Maybe we can get lunch after Easter.

Easter Bunny: Sounds good to me.

Cute Cats All Dressed Up For Easter (15 Photos)

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

20

Easter Fashion Fails

Greetings. It’s Snoops. You may recall a while back we imagined what would happen if Yule Cat went around judging the Christmas outfits some humans forced their cats to wear.He was pretty lenient unless the cat looked unhappy. Yule Cat isn’t available this time of year, but we found someone to help us out with the Easter outfits some cats are wearing. Sgt Stripes doesn’t want to cover his own beautiful fur, but it turns out that he has quite a good fashion sense.

Although none of us will wear clothes, we do not judge those who like them. We are only opposed to humans who force their obviously unwilling companions into wearing clothes because the humans think it’s “cute”. We feel that anyone should be allowed to dress as they choose.

🐰✨ Cute Cat Helps the Easter Bunny 🐱💖 - Easter Kitty to the Rescue

This little kitty is adorable in their bunny ears. No need to interfere with what’s going on.

Amazon.com : Pet Easter Hat Cute Costume Pet Bunny Rabbit Hat for Cats Small Dogs Easter Party Accessory Headwear for Puppies Blue : Pet Supplies

This cat looks like he’s given up fighting. I would appeal to his humans to let him just be himself. I think he’s sad that they’re trying to make him into a bunny.

Fluffy Easter Bunny Hat for Cats, Cute Easter Bunny Eart Costume for Cats, Easter Rabbit Ears for Cats, Cat Easter Photo Prop Accessory - Etsy

This is not a happy cat. I think the human should be forced into wearing this outfit. Especially the part that ties under the chin. The poor kitty looks like he’s ready to go after whoever put him in a bib. Cats are very clean; the bib is an insult

Cats Coat Jacket | Pet Cat Clothes | Animals Outfit | Pets Clothing | Dog Clothes - Pet - Aliexpress

To me, it looks like they are trying to imagine the bunny suit away. It is possible that they are sleeping and hoping the second fur coat just goes away.

Kitten Outfits for Cats | Cute Pink Bunny Outfit, Clothes for a Sphynx Cat

On the other hand, this fellow looks pretty comfy in his bunny suit. And it fits him beautifully.

Cat Easter Hat, Adorable Costume Bunny Hat, Handmade Knitted Pet Cap Soft Wool, Durable Kitten Headwear Outfit for Easter Party Decoration

If looks could kill, this cat’s humans would be in serious trouble. And the color totally clashes with the beautiful fur coat. This is not a happy cat.

13 Funny cat clothes ideas | cute cats, cats and kittens, cute animals

Do not put your cat in a chicken costume. This cat looks like she has given up all hope of ever looking elegant again. Please do not make your kitty look this sad.

Easter Clothes for Cats - Etsy

I can’t believe I even have to say this. Do not dress your furry friend like a vegetable. No cat is ever going to think that’s a good look. And they’ll be humiliated if the other cats see it.

Easter Costumes For Cats|polyester Cat Costume Hoodie - Christmas & Easter Pet Apparel For Small Breeds

We will leave you with this dapper gentleman. I believe his pajamas are very refined. He wears them well.

So humans – please check with your cat before you start scrolling through the costumes. Some of us are much happier in our own fur and some of us can be very stylish in the right outfit.

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.   

20

New Year’s Resolutions, Cat-Style

Greetings. Snoops here. Apparently humans do something called Making New Year’s Resolutions this time of year. I don’t really understand why Wednesday is going to be a different year from Tuesday. I think it has something to do with using up all the pages on the calendar.

Of course, cats are perfect so we don’t need to make promises about exercising every day or drinking less coffee. And some cats are less perfect than others; they just can’t see where they need to improve. So we decided to help each other identify slight flaws that could be worked on. Each cat came up with one suggestion for every other cat.

Angel

Gypsy: You still need to apologize for all the food you stole from me when we were together in the sunroom. You could offer to share your food with me.

Onyx: You seem to be spending a lot of time on my human’s lap. I think you should resolve to spend more time finding somewhere else to lounge.

Sgt Stripes: You were really nice to me. We even hunted together. I think you should try harder to play with me. I think we could be buddies.

Snoops: I like you best of all the invader cats. But I don’t like to eat all of my food at the same time the way you guys too. You could try not to eat my scraps until you find out if they really are scraps.

Gypsy

Onyx: You should stop sleeping in the plants. You smell like dirt.

Sgt Stripes: You’re my favorite of the invader cats. You should spend more time with the rest of us. We could be best friends and spend lots of time playing.

Snoops: You seem really nervous a lot of the time. You should find something that will help you relax. Maybe some catnip tea.

Angel: You need to get over what happened in the sunroom. And stop trying to steal my breakfast.

Onyx

Sgt Stripes: You kinda seem to have a bad attitude. Like you think you’re better than the rest of us. Maybe you should try meditation or something.

Snoops: You kinda mess up the rhythm of treat time. Maybe you should try flavors other than dairy. Mom always has to get out a separate bag for you.

Angel: You think you’re better than we are because your human came with us. You could willingly share her once in a while.

Gypsy: You seem a little arrogant. You should try hanging out with the cats sometime, not just with your human.

Sgt Stripes

Snoops: I am the empress kitty here. Quit pouncing on me.

Angel: You’re a really nice kitty. I like it when you just hang out with us. You should try to get your exercise somewhere else.

Gypsy: We were buddies when we were both upstairs. You should try to do more shared naptimes. It’s cold now. Work on getting a cuddle buddy.

Onyx: I don’t really know you. Maybe you could stop eating all those revolting flavors of treats so they only buy the good ones.

Snoops

Angel: I think you should resolve to find a new napping buddy now that Kommando is gone. I volunteer to be your new partner.

Gypsy: You seem to be really tense sometimes, just like me. I think you need to find a new napping spot. And maybe take some vitamins.

Onyx: I don’t think you understand my esteemed position in my previous household. I think I am due more respect here.

Sgt Stripes: You need to chill out and relax. Sometimes you look and sound really mean.

Cats On New Years Calendar Art Free Stock Photo - Public Domain Pictures

Free New Year Clipart - New Year Graphics

22

A Very Gator Easter – Part III

alligator with hat | Free Shipping On All Orders |

Where we are: Granny Gator is hosting the family Easter at South Padre Island, Texas. Uncle Stu is being detained at the train station after being accused of catnapping three kittens (Muffin, Zelda, and Dude Cat) on the trip from Florida (stopping in South Carolina to pick up Stan and his family). You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.

Grandpa Cat: I demand that you arrest this filthy reptile. He was going to made a snack out of our kittens.

Dude Cat: Grandpa, Uncle Stu wouldn’t hurt us. He’s a nice gator.

Grandpa Cat: There’s no such thing as a nice gator. He’s a predator, and he needs to be locked up.

Angry cat is angry | SOON. | Chiaki Narusawa | Flickr

Stan: I knew it wasn’t a good idea to get mixed up with a bunch of cats.

Grandpa Cat: What’s wrong with cats?

Stan: You’re being hysterical. Uncle Stu wasn’t hurting the kittens.

Suzy: Yeah. If he wanted to eat them, he could have done that back in Florida.

Uncle Stu: I don’t eat kittens. That’s barbaric.

Wondering How to Talk to Your Cat? 6 Tips - Catster

Dude Cat: He was protecting us, Grandpa. So we’d get here safely.

Grandpa Cat: That’s ridiculous. Alligators are predators. I want him locked up.

The Security Dog came back, talking on his phone.

Dog: Yes, sir. They are safe. They don’t appear to be frightened…All right, I’ll let you talk to him.

Laughter as Golden Retriever Steals Owner's Phone Using the Pop Socket

The dog walked over to the cats.

Dog: I got your son’s phone number from the kittens’ carrier. He says that he asked the alligator to watch the kittens on the trip.

Grandpa Cat: Let me talk to him….Rufus, it’s your father…Yes, they appear to be fine…that’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard…he’s an alligator…yes, I suppose that’s true…all right…Happy Easter to you too…love you.

The cat handed the phone back to the Security Dog. Then he walked over to Uncle Stu.

Grandpa Cat: I guess I owe you an apology. My goofy son says that he did ask you to watch his kittens. Said that he didn’t think anyone would bother them if they were with an alligator. Never dawned on him that you might be dangerous.

The Creature Feature: 10 Fun Facts About the American Alligator | WIRED

Uncle Stu: I’m not dangerous.

Dude Cat: Grandpa, I told you. He’s a good gator. He made sure we were safe.

Muffin and Zelda nodded. The three kittens walked up to Uncle Stu and rubbed against him, purring.

Uncle Stu: Good-bye kitties. Hope you have a good holiday.

The gators walked out of the station and took a shuttle to the resort.

What is a Group of Alligators Called? | Animals Pickings

Granny: I’m so glad to see you. I was getting worried; your train was due hours ago.

Justine: We had a little adventure. Uncle Stu was babysitting some kittens for the trip.

Danny: Kittens? Where did he find kittens?

Justine: They found him. In Miami Beach.

Danny: Didn’t anyone think it was weird that he was travelling with kittens?

Adele: We don’t really think anything Uncle Stu does is weird anymore. But the grandparents were not happy.

Stan: Yeah. I was afraid for a few minutes that we were going to have to leave him locked up.

Robert Irwin Shares Video Of Alligator Enjoying A Car Ride | ETCanada.com

Uncle Stu: I really don’t understand what all the fuss was about. The guy asked me to watch his kittens on the trip, and I watched his kittens on the trip. It’s like no one’s ever seen an alligator babysit kittens before.

Danny: I’m not sure anyone has seen an alligator babysit kittens. I get weird stares for studying birds. There’s an awful lot of folks who are afraid of us.

John: I know. Sometimes I hate to even use public transportation.

Granny: Well, let’s forget about all that and enjoy our holiday. It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend.

Adele: That sounds good to me. I’m looking forward to Easter.

Suzy: I can’t wait to see my basket.

Justine: Remember a couple of years ago when we got chocolate alligators and platypuses? I hope we get those again this year.

The gators headed out to the beach to lay in the sun and relax.

Swampy's Easter Cards: This gator will be hopping down the bunny trail soon! | Gator, Bunny, Florida

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

18

A Very Gator Easter – Part II

Why Are Alligators Showing Up on Beaches? | The Weather Channel

Where we are: Granny Gator has rented space on South Padre Island, Texas, for the family to spend Easter together. Uncle Stu was supposed to go to Stan’s house to ride with them, but thought he was going to South Miami Beach rather than South Carolina where Stan actually lives. The family is waiting for him at the train station. You can read Part I here.

Suzy: I hope Uncle Stu is on the train.

Adele: So do I. Everything’s packed. We just need to pick him up and get on the train to Texas. That way’s there’s no getting lost between the station and our house.

Stan: Stu said some big cats had helped him get the tickets. Hopefully, they were better organized than he is.

Adele: Only Stu would make friends with cats at a train station.

Police wrangle 9-foot alligator outside Florida apartment building – WSVN  7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

Stan: I wonder how he ended up on a train. He said he was going to take a bus to our house.

Justine: That was before he realized he was going to the wrong place.

Stan: Good point, honey. The bus driver probably dropped him off at the train station.

The train pulled in, and it became too loud to talk for a few minutes. The gators scanned the arriving passengers.

Suzy: There he is! Uncle Stu! Uncle Stu!

Royalty-Free photo: Black alligator beside body of water during daytime |  PickPik

Uncle Stu looked a little disheveled, but otherwise fine.

Uncle Stu: Greetings from South Florida! Good to see you Stan! Adele, you and the girls are as beautiful as ever. How are you all?

Justine: We’re great Uncle Stu. Glad you made it.

Uncle Stu: Glad to be here. I had no idea you lived so far away. I feel like I’ve been travelling for days.

Stan: You’re here now. Let’s get your bags and get on the road. We have a long drive ahead of us.

Uncle Stu: All right. They’re over there.

Cute Three Kittens, kittens, cute, cat, animal, HD wallpaper | Peakpx

He pointed to a suitcase and a bag. Stan started to pick up the bag. Then he dropped it and looked inside.

Stan: Uncle Stu, I think we have a problem.

Uncle Stu: What do you mean?

Stan: There are kittens in your bag. I think you have stowaways from the cats you met.

Uncle Stu: No, that’s Muffin, Zelda, and Dude Cat. They’re coming to South Padre Island with us.

Stan: What do you mean, they’re coming to South Padre Island with us?

kitten;s model train. | Cat training, Cats and kittens, Cat aesthetic

Uncle Stu: That’s how I met their parents. I was wandering around the train station, trying to buy a ticket to your place. I got in line behind these very nice cats. They were sending their kittens to stay with their grandparents over spring break. Turns out we were all going to the same place in the end.

Stan: Why did you bring them with you instead of having them go to directly to Texas?

Uncle Stu: I thought they’d be safer with me than taking that long trip by themselves. I didn’t think you’d mind.

Stan: Their parents weren’t concerned about giving their kittens to an alligator?

Uncle Stu: Why should they be? I’m a nice guy.

Alligator attack: Birthday party guest rescues Utah animal trainer | CNN

Adele: We know that, but you’re an alligator. We eat small animals.

Uncle Stu: Adele! I would never eat a kitten! That’s awful!

Justine: They’re so cute! We have to help them get to Texas.

Stan: I don’t like the idea of traveling with kittens. What will the other animals think?

Adele: We can’t just leave them at the station.

Stan: I thought you said you were helped by big cats. These are just regular-sized kittens.

What Are the Largest Cat Breeds? | Litter-Robot

Uncle Stu: Well, they were pretty good-sized cats. At least 10 pounds each. They bought tickets for the kittens. And they bought mine too, for watching the kittens.

Stan looked at the kittens, then at his family.

Stan: Fine. They can come with us. But I am not watching kittens.

Justine and Suzy squealed with delight.

Suzy: Oh, boy! I don’t know anyone who’s been this close to a kitten. They’re so fuzzy. Think I can touch one of them?

Adele: Let’s wait until we’re settled on the train. I don’t want to scare them.

Why This Alligator Lived in a Los Angeles Family's Backyard for 37 Years -  ABC News

Stan had gotten a private compartment for the overnight trip. They settled in and let the kittens out of the bag. Oddly, the kittens didn’t seem to be afraid of the alligators. They drank some milk and curled up in a corner. Soon everyone was asleep.

In the morning, the gators woke up to find the kittens curled up with Uncle Stu. Suzy went up and nudged one of them to wake it up. The kitten arched its back and hissed. Suzy giggled.

Suzy: Aww, look! It’s trying to scare me. It’s adorable!

They got breakfast and packed everything up before the train pulled into the station.

Adele: What do we do with the kittens when we get off?

Gold Nutritionals for Cats - Fromm Family Foods

Uncle Stu: I guess their grandparents will be there to pick them up.

Stan: Do we know what they look like?

Uncle Stu: I guess they’re gonna look like cats.

Stan: That’s not really helpful, Uncle Stu.

Uncle Stu: How many cats will be there looking for three kittens?

Stan: I have a bad feeling about this.

Battle Ground Police Department suspends K-9 program - The Columbian

They got off the train and didn’t see any cats. The kittens were restless after being cooped up for so long and started to cry. Suddenly, the gators were surrounded by police dogs.

Dog #1: Halt! Stop right there and don’t move.

Grandma Cat: Check their bags. They’re trying to steal our kittens.

Uncle Stu: What do you mean? We’re not stealing kittens.

The kittens were crying loudly.

Grandpa Cat: I can hear them. That’s our grandbabies. Those alligators have stolen them.

Grandma Cat: They’re probably going to eat them. Help us!

Uncle Stu: This is a misunderstanding. I was bringing the kittens here for their parents. I wouldn’t hurt them.

Angry Cat: 14 Signs Your Cat Is Mad at You — Fighting Cats

Grandma Cat: He admits he has our kittens. Arrest him!

Stan: Calm down. We’re not stealing your kittens.

Dog #1: What are you doing with the kittens?

Uncle Stu: I told you. I was helping them get here from Florida. Their parents sent them with me.

Grandma Cat: Our son would never trust an alligator with his kittens. Arrest them!

Dog #1: I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to come with us.

The dogs led the alligators off to a side room with the older cats trailing behind.

Next week: Can Uncle Stu talk his way out of being arrested?

Man breaks into crocodile enclosure, gets bitten

16

Behind the Scenes with the Easter Bunny

When does the Easter Bunny come? Story behind the famous rabbit we  celebrate at Easter - and when he delivers chocolate eggs | The Scotsman

Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) and Ash Wednesday are next week, so Easter is just around the corner. We thought we’d check in with the Easter Bunny (EB), see how things look going into his busiest time of the year. Let’s listen in on a meeting at headquarters.

Bunny Bath Mat, Real Life Image of a Group of Rabbits Eating Food in the  Garden Feeding Animalistic, Plush Bathroom Decor Mat with Non Slip Backing,  29.5" X 17.5", Multicolor, by Ambesonne -

EB: Hello, everyone. Thank you for joining me at the kick-off for the busiest time of the year here at EB Enterprises. I’m excited to welcome all of you. Let’s kick things off with a report from Raphael in Marketing.

Raphael: Good Morning. I’m excited to say that we are finally back at full capacity after the events of the past few years. We have a lot planned. First, we have signed an agreement with the folks at Holiday Heroes to schedule a full season of Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.

Thanks I hate this Easter bunny because it is creepy and will give children  nightmares : r/TIHI

Jenny: Aren’t those the humans who dress up like EB at malls and restaurants?

Raphael: Yes, it’s a very popular program.

Jenny: But they’re so creepy. They don’t even look like real rabbits.

Raphael: I’m told they’ve been working on their costumes, and they should be a lot better. Hopefully, fewer screaming children.

Geoffrey: And there were those problems with the way they acted too.

Raphael: Right. Carrot mimosas are definitely off the menu. Humans cannot handle carrots and champagne. That was a disaster that we learned from.

The rabbits in the room nod approvingly.

Rabbit: The Other "Other White Meat" | Arts & Culture| Smithsonian Magazine

Raphael: You should start seeing them in stores and restaurants beginning next weekend.

Paul: Any plans for making EB more like Santa? More presents and more hype throughout the year?

Raphael: EB is not interested in becoming Santa Claus. He wants to stick with the candy and eggs with maybe a few small gifts thrown in. No major changes in direction. He has decided against a phone app to speak with children. Says he’s more a symbol of spring than a gift machine. He’s going to leave the big stuff to Santa.

Paul: Is it true that Santa doesn’t want the competition?

The Sketchpad: Easter Bunny on Santa's Lap

EB: That’s enough, Paul. Don’t start any rumors. Things are fine between Santa and me. I’m just not interested in a year-round operation like he is. Thank you for your report, Paul. Next let’s hear from Marcia in Distribution.

Marcia: Thanks, EB. It looks like it’s going to be a bit of a challenging year. Global distribution channels are still not fully back to normal, and some things are still a little pricey. We’re doing our best, but it looks like eggs may be a little scarce.

Jeff: How are you going to handle the shortages?

Marcia: We have a lot of connections. I think things will be fine. But we will be working hard right up to the very end to make sure we make and deliver only the best products.

Why do we have Easter eggs and the Easter bunny? - CBBC Newsround

Pierre: I’ve heard rumors that the chickens may go on strike before Easter to make eggs more expensive,

Marcia: I hadn’t heard that. Is it a reliable source?

Pierre: Well. My mother said her sister saw it on Rabbit Reddit.

Suzette: I saw it on BunnyBook. My sister’s mother-in-law sent it to me. She heard it from some friends of hers.

Marcia: I’ll look into it, but I’m guessing those are just rumors.

Ted: Do we have a guaranteed supply of eggs?

Where Does the Easter Bunny Live? Here's Where Your Eggs Come From

Marcia: We’ve never had a problem. We have suppliers all over the world.

EB: Stay calm, everyone. We’ll have plenty of eggs. And I don’t want anyone in this room spreading rumors about the scarcity of eggs. We’re in the hope business, not the egg business.

Josie: What about chocolate? Is there a shortage of that too?

EB looked surprised.

The Ancient Origins of the Easter Bunny | History| Smithsonian Magazine

EB: Josie, I’m surprised at you. You’ve been here long enough to know that chocolate is never a problem for the Easter Bunny. We make our own chocolate. We would never run out of that.

Josie: I forgot. After that mess with getting chocolate alligators and platypuses instead of bunnies and chicks two years ago, we moved it back in-house. Never mind.

EB: Finally, I’m going to turn it over to Jack in Rabbit Resources.

Jack: I just want to remind everyone that we have finished our seasonal hiring. I’m excited to say that we are fully staffed for the first time in three years. Apparently, on-site bunny sitting and all the carrots you can eat were the key. We have also added some tuition reimbursement and bonuses for our regular staff. We will be posting the new teams and schedules by the end of the day.

7 Things I Learned About Workplace Culture From Watching Rabbit Videos

Stuart: Who did the hiring? The last bunch of seasonal employees weren’t very good. And they didn’t last.

Jack: We were more careful this year. Almost everyone is a referral from a current employee or a successful former employee.

Stuart: And no dogs?

Jack: Unfortunately, we will not be bringing in any canines. The Easter Bunny needs to be represented by bunnies. There was too much stress having a potential predator in the factory.

Annabelle: He wasn’t a predator. He was just over-enthusiastic.

Stuart: He kept smelling me. It was unnerving.

Jack: It was a distraction. This year, it’s all rabbits.

EB: Thank you everyone. Let’s make this our best year ever!

He walks out to much foot stomping.

Bunnies Have A Happy Dance! And 6 Other Funky Facts About Rabbits - Modern  Farmer

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

 

22

Groundhog Day Kerfluffle – Part II

Cocky Groundhog Steals Farmer's Food and Flaunts It in Front of the Camera  - AZ Animals

Where we are: Gustav Groundhog has gotten up early on February 2 to make sure everything is in order for his big Groundhog Day proclamation. Unfortunately, when he leaves the den, he is greeted by a group of hedgehogs who are intent on celebrating Hedgehog Day in the old Roman tradition. The hedgehogs are led by Nigel and Oliver who want to start their own celebration. You can read Part 1 here.

What is the difference between a groundhog and a hedgehog? - Quora

Gustav: See here. This is my spot. The humans will be coming here to watch the groundhog predict whether or not there’s going to be an early spring.

Nigel: There’s no point in your stupid prediction. We’re out and about. That’s enough to say that spring will be early.

Gustav: Don’t be ridiculous. It depends on whether or not I see my shadow. If it’s sunny and I see my shadow, I’m going back to bed for another six weeks.

Oliver: That’s stupid. If you see your shadow, that means it’s sunny. Why would you go back to bed?

Gustav: That’s just the way it works. If it’s sunny early on the 2nd, winter will be sticking around for a while.

Creature Feature: Groundhog Day - Blue Ridge Country

Nigel: So if you wake up in the middle of a snowstorm, that’s a sign of an early spring?

Gustav: I didn’t say that.

Nigel: No, but you won’t see your shadow.

Oliver: Excellent point.

Gustav: It’s never snowed all day on Groundhog Day. I’ve always been able to tell one way or the other. Besides, how do you know whether or not to come out?

snowmen... | Cute animals, Funny hedgehog, Baby hedgehog

Nigel looked at Oliver.

Nigel: Actually, we saw a posting that you would be holding a celebration. We figured that if the weather is good enough for a celebration, it’s good enough for us to come out.

Gustav: So you’re not out because you’re sensing warm weather.

Nigel: It’s warm enough for us to be out.

Oliver: There’s not a manual for this type of thing. It more a matter of whether we’re comfortable leaving home.

Nigel: And we’re comfortable, so we’re going to declare an early spring.

angry hedgehog :3 | Hedgehog, Funny animals, Animal planet

Gustav: You can’t do that. You’ll ruin my big day.

Nigel: It’s not your big day. It started out as Hedgehog Day and your sort stole the idea.

Gustav: We did not steal your idea. No one over here was celebrating that.

They argued back and forth, neither side willing to give up. They didn’t notice that people had begun to arrive and were watching them. The humans were fascinated. They had never seen a groundhog talking to a hedgehog.

Punxsutawney Phil's Groundhog Day 2012: A Shadowy Science

Human 1: Why is that groundhog yelling at the baby porcupines?

Human 2: Those aren’t porcupines, they’re hedgehogs.

Human 3: Where’d they come from? We don’t have wild hedgehogs around here.

Human 1: I have no idea. They’re pretty cute, though.

Human 2: When is that groundhog going to get up on his stump and look for his shadow? It’s freezing out here.

Gustav heard the people talking and realized it was time. He tried to walk away from the hedgehogs, but they had him surrounded.

10 Interesting Facts About Groundhogs and How to Remove Them

Gustav: Please let me make my prediction. It only happens one time each year.

Nigel: We want to be part of the ceremony.

Gustav: Doing what? All I do is stand there. The humans try to see my shadow and take my picture.

Oliver: We want to be in the picture.

Gustav: Fine. Be in the picture. Let’s just get this over with.

Gustav led the way to the big stump in the clearing. He climbed up and waited for the hedgehogs. When everyone was in place, he stood up. The people gathered around.

What Do Hedgehogs Eat? The Complete Food And Diet List

Human 1: Look! No shadow. It’s going to be an early spring!

There was a round of applause. The hedgehogs weren’t used to humans and curled up into balls.

Human 2: I wonder what that means?

Human 3: No idea. But they’re really cute.

The humans left piles of vegetable. Gustav shared them with the hedgehogs, making sure to keep all of the rutabagas.

Nigel: That was rather unpleasant. Humans are large and loud.

Oliver: I don’t think I want to do this anymore.

Nigel: You can have your holiday back, groundhog.

Gustav wandered off to take a quick nap.

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow - and 3 in 5 Americans  trust his prediction! - Study Finds

Pictures courtesy of Google Images

 

 

20

Groundhog Day Kerfluffle

Fun Facts About Groundhogs. The groundhog is a rodent of the family… | by  U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | Updates from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife  Service | Medium

Note: In the United States and Canada, February 2 is celebrated as Groundhog Day. According to legend, if a groundhog (or woodchuck) comes out of its den on that day and sees its shadow, it will return to the den and winter will last another six weeks. If it is cloudy, and the groundhog cannot see its shadow, it will remain out and spring will arrive early.

It’s mid-fall somewhere in Northern Michigan. Gustav Groundhog and his family are getting ready for hibernation.

Pin on Cuteness

Monique: Has everybody had enough to eat?

Juliette: I’m stuffed, Mom. Couldn’t eat another bite.

Junior: I’ve been filling up on the last of the rutabagas. I love rutabagas.

Gustav: Remember to leave a couple for the end of the season. I’m going to be hungry when I wake up early.

Juliette: Dad, I don’t understand what the big deal is about Groundhog Day. We should all just sleep until we wake up naturally. Who cares how long winter is going to last?

National Groundhog Day 2022 - Fun Facts - Folklore and Weather Prediction

Gustav: It’s a family tradition. We’ve been the “weather hogs” for generations. It’s not so bad now that I finally got the humans to stop trying to pull me out of the den. If I go out on my own, it’s a lot more pleasant.

Monique: It is really nice getting all of those veggies your fans leave.

Junior: I hope they bring rutabagas this year. There was an awful lot of celery last year.

Juliette: Yeah. And it was still wrapped.

Monique: The flowers were pretty tasty too.

Gustav: All I have to do is walk out of the den, stand on my back legs for a few minutes, and come back in. As long as they get their pictures, everyone’s happy.

Tired groundhog | Jonathan D.-Casey | Flickr

Monique: And if you’re quiet, the rest of us don’t even have to wake up.

Juliette: Yeah, Dad. Quiet. Not like last year when you stepped on all of us.

Gustav: It’s dark in the den at the beginning of February. Besides, that wasn’t me. That was the goofy rabbit I paid to wake me up. I thought rabbits had good eyesight. He couldn’t tell which one was me.

Junior: It’s dark in here because we’re supposed to be asleep. How are you going to keep Herkimer quiet?

Gustav: Don’t worry. I’ll sleep closest to the door this year. Besides, I have the Internet now, so I don’t need Herkimer. I have my own alarm.

Junior: Let me make sure you set it right.

Gustav: Thanks, son. Put it at half-past dawn on the the second.

Groundhogs agree spring is early this year -

Gustav and his family settled in for their long winter nap. Before he knew it, Gustav heard the soft buzzing of his alarm. He carefully turned it off. Gustav got up and stretched. He was cold and sleepy. Hopefully this wasn’t going to take very long. He walked over to the edge of the den and looked out.

He saw some snow in the early light. It would be a little while before the humans showed up. He decided to have a snack and got one of the rutabagas. As he munched, he walked outside. He was surprised to see a line of hedgehogs surrounding his den.

A group of hedgehogs is called a prickle : r/aww

Gustav: Hi, guys. What are you doing here? You’re going to have to move. This is my big day to predict the end of winter. The humans should be arriving shortly.

Hedgehog: I’m Nigel and my buddy is Oliver. We brought some of our friends to protest your ceremony.

Gustav: Why are you protesting? My family’s been doing this for generations.

Nigel: We heard. And it’s not right. This is supposed to be Hedgehog Day, not Groundhog Day.

Gustav: That’s silly. Whoever heard of Hedgehog Day?

Join the Hedgehog Friendly Campus working group

Oliver: It’s not silly. You’ve stolen our day. It started with the Romans. If we come out in early February, it means spring is close. If you don’t see us, winter will last several more weeks.

Gustav: There aren’t any Romans around anymore.

Nigel: No. But some people still celebrate in Europe. It’s particularly popular in Ireland.

Gustav: You’re in Michigan, not Ireland. We celebrate Groundhog Day here. Now get out of my space.

Oliver: We’re not going anywhere. We’ve come to reclaim our holiday. And the treats that go with it. We’re not moving.

Next week: Will Gustav get the hedgehogs to move along so he can collect his Groundhog Day goodies?

Groundhog vs Gopher: 5 Key Differences - AZ Animals

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.

39

Happy New Year!

Snoops and Kommando here. Mom’s been really sick and couldn’t put together a post for us this week. Some kind of virus she picked up from the little humans on Christmas. But we still wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year!

And Happy New Year from the the new guy too! (That’s how Mom’s going to spend the holiday.)

Bliadhna Mhath Ùr

Scottish Laddie Cat Costume | Unique DIY Costumes
Bonne année
Complete French Cat Outfit Cat Beret Ascot and Striped Shirt - Etsy | Cat  clothes, French cats, Cat outfits pets

Mutlu yıll
Turkish Angora - Love Meow
Hyvää uutta vuotta
30 Pics Of Finnish Cats Living Their Best Winter Life | Bored Panda
Pictures courtesy of Google Images. (Except us.)
Best Happy New Year Meme | Funny New Year Meme