A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

July 23, 2015

Poor Hammy, Our Beautiful World, and Vacay Collages

Hello!

If you came in shopping for a card today, that section is closed. I didn't want to spoil my last post with my beciting news of meeting Lolly, so I didn't mention it, but we had a unfortunate incident happen while we were away and I came home to find a VERY unhappy Hammy curled up in the corner of his cage. 

You see, I made the mistake of agreeing to let my neighbor take care of Hammy for me. Her daughter, who goes to year-round school, had three days off for teacher work days and she volunteered to bring home the stray cat who hangs around the school. And this happened:
On the one hand, I have to say that if a cat is going to pee on my hamster, I'm glad it was an educated cat who knows how to write because otherwise, I would have come home to this morose hamster and be wondering what the heck happened. No wonderment involved this way.

I must say he sure looks and smells pretty now after fifteen shampoos in Bvlgari with a drop of Anita's honey, but those two cards I posted Tuesday? Yup, all made by me. I think if I just work hard on my own and he sees that I can manage, his ego will have him getting over his snit in no time. Not that I blame him for snitting!

~~~

Just don't even look at him. Let's move on to the serene dippitiness of life. 

I've mentioned before that we still have the Mister's first truck, purchased in 1976. Yesterday he took it in for a smog check and the attendant commented that he might want to remove the nearly 40 years' worth of registration stickers. Our son loves that truck, so I hopped up with the camera to take a photo of the stickers for him before they were removed. No biggie, right?

Well, I came back in the house and the first thing I see is the new challenge at Our Beautiful World. Guess what it is? LAYERS! You gotta love it!
OBW is a fun photo challenge and a nice change of pace, so I hope you check it out if you're interested!

~~~

Speaking of photos, I also wanted to share a few collages of our magnificent Vancouver Island holiday:
Victoria:
Tofino:
Just Us:
 
Alert Bay Whale Tour
Mama and Calf Humpback Whales and White-Sided Dolphins:
 
Artsy-Fartsies: Port McNeill, Victoria, Campbell River, Vancouver
 
~~

Enjoy! Normal programming will resume tomorrow!

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75 comments:

Becca Cruger said...

Oh no - poor Hammy!! Not cat pee! It looks like you had a fab-you-luss time with the Mr. on your vacation. He seems to have the same crazy sense of humor as you do, judging by the duck face picture. ;) Can't wait to see your creations again!

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

I was afraid the cat ate him.....just pee, oh well - it could have had a worse outcome! (Already was plotting a sympathy card...) But I can't see your picture - something went wrong. Now for the layers picture - you should win that challenge! Can't be beat!!!! And your vacation pictures - it looks like you were in heaven with your Mister!

Alanna said...

Thanks for the smile. Cat pee is the worst. :) What a fun picture to see all the layers of the registration stickers on the truck. That is crazy. I'm so glad you had a good time on vacation. Love the pictures.

Kathyk said...

Welcome back mate, gr8 pix .... so sorry to hear about the cat/Hammy incident ... is cat pee a good fur conditioner then?

Kathyk

adele holcomb said...

Poor Hammy! I hope the cat apologized, and that Hammy gets over this unfortunate incident soon.

Love the "layers" photo -- pretty amazing that the whole thing hasn't fallen off before now!

Sarah said...

How on earth did that happen!!? The cat is clearly a contortionist!! I do hope Hammy will recover and will forgive you for leaving him!! Great snaps xx

Ксения Phedra Ли said...

Poor, poor Hammy! But the situation is absolutely ridiculous: I don't know wether I should cry or laugh) hope Hammy will forget this soon! The photos of your vacation is amazing! Glad you came back!

Michelle said...

Aww..Poor Hammy! But I must admit..I laughed. :)

Dotty Jo said...

Poor Hammy... is it ok that I laughed (alot)???? Thanks for a super-fun post, Jo x

Pia S said...

I'll have to show the photo of the truck and stickers to my dad, he'll love to see that. 1976 and still going strong (like me, must be a good year or so I hope)...

Julie B said...

Oh poor hammy, must admit it did make me laugh tough so please don't let on to hammy!
It brings to mind an incident may years ago when my A Doris came round and left her mohair coat over the back of a chair. Far too tempting for Gilbert my hamster who as was his wont, escaped his cage and proceeded to piddle in the center of her coat, it absolutely stank! She was not impressed! x

Cat Craig said...

Poor Hammy...Your vacation pics are wonderful so glad that you shared them, and that pile of registration stickers...completely awesome!

Anita in France said...

So glad there was some honey left, Darnell ... Hammy will be using it forever more now as a fur conditioner ... bit sticky to get out but awfully good ... I'll save a big tub for him! Hope you brought him back a lovely gift from your fabulous vacation ... that'll help him get over the snittiness! Ultra cool layers photo (WWCD) and beautiful pictures from Vancouver Island ... looks wonderful! Hugs & Bisous, Bisous, my friend, Anita :)

Brandi said...

Poor hamster:(

Glad he was able to wash up and feel all fresh and so clean.

Love the vacation pics. Thanks for sharing!

Nessa's Crafty Place said...

Hi Darnell,Poor little Hammy-cat pee is just the
worst!!!
I haven't played over at OBW in ages-must try harder to get over there!!
Loving your layers :)
Gorgeous collages-happy smiling faces-lovely pics Darnell.
Nessa xxx

Mary Anne / MA54K said...

Glad Hammy is all foo fooed up and live can proceed! You are too much! I do so love the scenic view from your trip!

Maria Rodriguez. said...

Oh my gosh!!!!! Darnell, poor, poor little hamster, I can't even imagine how smelly he must have been, So glad he is all better and better smelling too. LOL!!
Now, this pictures you shared are fabulous, love each one but specially the one with the layers of registration stickers, how amazing is that!!!
Thank you for sharing.

Helen F. said...

I have a terrible visual of poor Hammy and the Cat incident in my head now :-( Enuf to put anyone in a snit, let me tell ya!
Love the beautiful photos, Darnell and I see many card inspirations in those gorgeous scenes.
PS: The layers of reg stickers is AWESOME ~ really made me smile :-)

Nora Noll said...

Poor Hammy!! What a traumatic experience that must have been for him. The girl did not realize the cat did that? She should have cleaned him up for you before you came home!!!

Your vacation looks like it was fabulous!! I would love to visit out there some day. A whale watch is also on my bucket list to do. It is weird that I live here in the east, near the Atlantic Ocean and have vacationed in Maine, Massachusetts and have NEVER been on a whale watch. I wonder if we would see any?

I really love that fun sticker photo. That sure was a lot of stickers. Have a great night!! Nora

Lisa said...

Oh, poor Hammy!! I'm glad the assailant is a stand-up cat and took responsibility for his misdeeds!! I bet Hammy loved the attention of all those shampoos :) Wow, that's a lot of stickers!! Too bad you had to take them off...I love the way it looked!! And wow, what beautiful pictures!! It looks like an amazing time!! Seeing a whale is a bucket item list for me!! Have a great day :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

Redanne said...

Oh how awful for Hammy, but if it had to be done, it was a pretty cat that did it!!

LOVE your gorgeous photos Darnell, you got some real beauties there, it is such a beautiful place and I am so pleased you had such a great time too! Thanks so much for sharing... Hugs, Annie xxx

LauraJane:) said...

So it really rained cats while you were gone. Hammy will never be the same I'm sure.
GOT to LOVE the sticker LAYERS:) the colors are delightful!
Super va-ca-tioness photo:)

Leslie Hanna said...

Poor Hammy! The indignity!

As for the stickers, I'm impressed. I only have 25 yrs worth on my Miata.

Verna Angerhofer said...

Poor hammy. So sorry this happened.

TK said...

Gorgeous, Darnell! I have to say I am a bit jealous (you see I live in Washington and I've never done the trip to Victoria)!!! Great photos, it looks like you had a marvelous time! Can't wait to have your programming return, but give my condolences to Hammy.

Sue said...

Thanks for making me smile yet again Darnell and thank you for sharing your beautiful photos.
hugs Sue xx

Kathleen said...

Do you know every time I has seen a photo of your Hubby he has reminded me of someone and tonight it has come to me... James Gardner aka Rockford, I used to love the Rockford Files, did you ever watch it.

Poor Hammy, quite a shock to the system I expect.

Great idea for the challenge, and so amusing.

Kath x

Cheryl W. said...

There should be some kind of award for paying for all those annual license stickers. That's an amazing pile of layers. I feel bad for Hammy - cat pee is awful and the stinkiest pee on earth. He may need a little therapy. Looks like you had a great vacay. Would love to go there myself.

Carol said...

Just catching up after my hollibobs Darnell....looks and sounds like you've had a fab time while I've been away. Sorry to hear you weren't too well but glad it didn't prevent your trip. Hope hammy is recovering! Carol x

OH Babs said...

Well I am going to be perfectly honest - I thought Hammy was a figment of your imagination. So you are so wildly creative, funny and an incredible touch of whimsy, I thought you made him up. Silly me, I am old. Cal has quite a collection on his 30 Ford.

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

The picture is there now - ha ha ha!!! I was looking on a regular computer (don't have and iPad)

Donna said...

Dearest Darnell, you always make me laugh out loud, you really should write a book, you are such a novelist! Have a great weekend and thanks for the smiles.

Sandy said...

What was Hammy doing to the cat? Be sure to tell Hammy that he should be glad he is not a Guinea Pig living in Peru as he would have been someone's dinner! I love cats and that sure is a sweet looking cat. Are you sure that Hammy is not trying to get Kitty into trouble!!!!
Wonderful pictures!!
Sandy xx

conil said...

Hammie is definitely going to be jealous that you made those cards without assistance...sure to be more miffed about the peeing incident. However, don't think I'd used Bulgari to make him feel better. My cat would try to attack Hammie, but to each his own. She's certainly not as smart as this cat...does it keep a diary of it's adventures? Love your pictorial diary. What gorgeous scenery. I'm totally jealous. Always wanted to go to Victoria. The pictures truly are beautiful.

Kim Heggins said...

Oh my...poor Hammy, I had no clue that you had a real hamster! And I do agree that cat pee is the worst. Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous vacation photos, they are amazing. I love Mister stack of car tags, that is just so funny.

Bonnie said...

LOL, Hammie probably needed a good bath! Looks like a beautiful vacation spot! I'm envious! Hope you're feeling great after that nice break!

Pat said...

You are such a great story teller Darnell and I hope Hammy recovers from this dreadful trauma ..lol. What a great holiday you had and I must say that BC is on my wish list of places to go as well as California, if I get the chance, and the photos look fantastic. x

Cazzy said...

Oh dear, at least Hammy didn't suffer a worse fate, I guess the cat couldn't get to him so pee'd on him in disgust lol.

Love those stickers, we don't have them over here but my Father in Law used to keep all his tax disks, they were just paper disks, all in the holder meant for just one.

Jen Mitchell said...

I'm a sucker for nostalgia so I'm not sure I would have been moved to remove all those registration stickers, especially since they are in such good shape! I scraped some off of an old license plate many years ago and now wish I hadn't!

MaryH said...

Tell Hammy I am very sorry for this terrible mishap, and I hope his good mood is restored once more. (If it won't frighten him, remind him, it is much better to be peed upon, than eaten! Which we had happen to DD's hamster long years ago. We found the remains after the hams had initiated a great escape, and we couldn't find one of them...until later. Sob). But you did quite well on your own devices with the 2 graphics card, so Hammy just best watch out. No one - even Hammy - is indispensable. (best not say that just yet. See how the snit goes). Loved seeing the pictures...you were in some fab places, and got some terrific shots. Great to see Mr. K in all his handsomeness. Enjoyed seeing Lolly & Dolly's pretty faces DeJaVu all over again at Loll's post. Thanks for a fun read tonight. Hugs

Leslee said...

Oh, gosh, Darnell! I am so jealous!!! One of my favourite places. I love Vancouver Island. Have spent quite a few summers vacations there.

Geri said...

...hey...a wee bit of pee-pee is a heck of a lot better than kitty chowing down on some Hamster Pie for dinner!

Fabulous pics! We have visited BC several times (tons of relatives there) and when we get back to good old Manitoba we always ask ourselves why we didn't just stay there!

Nice to know you are back home safe & sound! Loved your post XX OO

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

Oh no!! Poor Hammy!!!! LOVING the vacay photos and those layers on the MVD stickers!!!!!!!

Birgit said...

I guess the cat was a bit disgruntled that he could not eat Hammy so he had to pee on him. Now Hammy smells so delightful after all those shampoos. I laughed out loud seeing those stickers because I think your hubby is secretly jealous that he can't use the pop up dots we use for our card making. He had to get in on the fun and this is his artistic expression. I love the pictures!! The one with the island in the fog is striking and love the artsy-fartsy ones too. Now I must see a pic of Hammy:)

Donna Nuce said...

Hi Darnell! I love the cat-shaming! Poor Hammy - glad he is smelling nice again. Looks like you had fun on you vacation! Have a great day Darnell!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

Poor Hammy! Cat piss????? The worst!!!!!
I am so glad the cat did the right thing and admitted he did it!!! Shows some remorse!!!

Beautiful vacay photos! Looks like you had a great time!

Sylvia said...

Darnell, The photo of layers of stickers is terrific!! I love it. Sylvia D.

Lisa Elton said...

Awwww, the poor little fella. I'll be he was traumatized by the event and has developed a severe dislike for cats. I think he need a wee umbral or rain slicker! The cat fessed up, but it could be a cover-up. Looks like you and Mister has a grand time, love the photos!!

Susanne Vargas said...

Poor Hammy! But I'm sure he'll get over it. Hopefully soon!
I'm so glad you were quick enough to take a photo of the layers before Mister took them off! It's the perfect picture for OBW!
Speaking of photos... Thanks for taking us on your trip by sharing your beautiful pictures!

Robyn Oliver said...

ROFL...poor Hammy, what a shock, bet he was sure glad to see you home. And I just love your 'layers' photo Darnell, very clever and all your wonderful holiday pics - we loved the Museum way back in 1975. Have a fabulous weekend Robyn

Sue said...

Poor Hammy. Glad they got him cleaned up and smelling nice.

Loving the photos. How lucky are you to see the whales.

Hope you have a fab Friday. Sue

Debbie said...

OMG - its early in the morning here in Scotland but I did laugh - poor hammy but very impressed you managed to bath him .! keep up the blog/cards/ laughter
I LOVE this blog always makes me smile .Holiday pics are fab too x

Lizzy Hill said...

Ooops! I'm sure Hammy will recuperate given time and distance from said Cat! Wonderful holiday shots....it looks like you were very busy! And those layers of stickers!! WOW!!!

Unknown said...

No wonder Hammy's in a snit Dippy........bad enough having your own moggie peeing on you, but when it's a stranger.....well! Still I had to laugh. Fab collage photos of your trip. Looking forward to normal programming resuming (hopefully with the help of Hammy.....)

Hugs.

Karendipity xxx

Susan said...

So glad you enjoyed your vacation in my part of the world! Tofino is one of my all-time favourite places! Poor Hammy - how dreadful to be peed upon.

mandysea said...

ooooh the poor little fellow!! Whatever would have possessed the cat to do that... I must admit I did have quite a giggle at the photo!!!!
What an amazing vacation you have been on and Thanks for sharing with Our Beautiful World!

Jeanne said...

Oh wow! Poor Hammy! No wonder he got into a bit of a snit. Who wouldn't? So enjoyed your vacation photos. Looks like you had a fabulous time in some beautiful locales. Your mister looks to be a great companion! Amazing photo of those registration stickers. Wow, that is a lot of history! Thanks for sharing Darnell! Hugs.

Marga said...

Oh, sorry about your hamster. But glad that you've had great holidays. Hugs, Marga.

Manuela said...

wow, so many stickers, fantastic shot for our prompt :-))
love the look of the layered stickers!
great photos from your vacation, hope you have had a wonderful time
couldn't belive that something like this can happen, poor hammy, nasty cat!!

Dana M said...

Poor Hammy! I do have to say that this post just tickled me, not at Hammy's expense mind you. 40 years of license tabs stickers - that is awesome!

Diane said...

Wonderful pictures and post Darnell. My mister still have his original 72 Camaro but I am still laughing about all the license tags.

Hugs Diane

kiwimeskreations said...

Awww- poor Hammy - so glad he smells nice now, hope he is over his snit now.
Love the photo of those registration stickers!! and you holiday looks as though it was fabulous.
Blessings
Maxine

Craftychris said...

Poor Hammy! I hope he has got over the trauma! Thank goodness it wasn't a dog! Your photos are lovely - the one of you and Mr is gorgeous! xxxxxx

Brenda said...

Oh my poor Hammy! It's not fun getting peed on!! Even if it was a beautiful cat that did the peeing! lol I'm in awe of all the stickers on Mister's truck tags, but even more in awe that he still has his first truck purchased in 1976! I was sweet 16 that year. lol Nothing sweet about me now though. lol I can't believe all those stickers stayed on the tag, they are curled up on the right side, you think they would fall off. I guess you don't have all the snow sticking to them though, do you? So glad you got a picture of them cause no one would have believed there was 40 years worth of stickers on the tag if you would just tell them. And then to have the challenge be layers, well that is just too funny! Oh my the vacation photo's are just stunning! I love the sights and scene's. I'm so happy that you were well enough to go and enjoy it as well as meeting up with our lovely Loll! I love the one pic of the Mister puckering up to you, I had to laugh as it is so cute. The pic of the waves rolling with what looks like an island with trees in the mist is so pretty too! Makes for a very interesting photo. I'm really in awe of you seeing the dolphins and any whales you may have seen, although I don't want a whale to come up under my boat! I'm not much of a water person-because of all the critters that live in the ocean! But sure love seeing all the photos though! Looks like it was a lovely vacation with beautiful seascapes and landscapes!!! Hugs, Brenda

I Card Everyone said...

Darnell I adore your photos! What a beautiful world we live in, right? Happy you are home safe - and on the road to sound, as well!
=] Michele

Petra Swart said...

Oh, ghee, poor Hammy, Darnell!!!!! But as a cat lover I have to say that is such a lovely little kitty and you can see he feels terrible for doing what he did, hey!!! But I'm sure Hammy is OK by now, hey!!! The trauma the poor thing had to go through!!!!
The photo's of your trip is absolutely stunning!!! TFS!!!

Loll said...

Poor Hammy! 15 washes ... is it enough??!! :) The kitty looks so guilty and obviously feels real bad about the whole thing :)

Your pictures are AWESOME. It's is beautiful here ... I need to get out and about more to enjoy the view myself! So happy that you and Mister took time out from your wonderful vacation to drop in to see us. I'm a little upset with Mister though ... Gord now wants to get a bike and ride at Laguna Seca!! :) xx

Lindsey said...

Vancouver Island is a beautiful corner of the world, isn't it? One of my favourite places. Glad you enjoyed!

Bobby said...

Just another day in the live of Ms. D and the Mister. Animal misadventures, too many layers and a long trip to BC. And the outcome is. . . . A humorous blog post, a winning (IMHO) photo and a terrific vacation as evidenced in the wonderful collages. And a visit with Loll to boot. My mister would be envious of the truck and I'm envious of the fabulous photos. Glad you're home safe and somewhat sound. ;)

LesLee said...

What a fun post.. I love the layers picture and that sweet picture of you and mister DJ is adorable

Taunya Butler said...

Sorry about Hammy and lovely Vacay pictures!!!

JD/ Jill said...

Love your "layers" photo. Just perfect for the theme challenge!

Your vacation pics are great! Looks like a lovely place.

Since Jim and I haven't been on a vacation for a few years...I love to look at other people's vacation pics. I can at least PRETEND I went on the vacation too! Smile.

Greta said...

Now that is a vacation we would love! What fabulous pictures, Darnell! Haven't been up that way since before passports were needed! The Layers photo is absolutely amazing!!

Shona Chambers said...

So sorry this comment comes about 50 years after this post (well, its feels like 50yrs....). I'm trying to catch up after being sick and saved this post because I wanted to send big hugs to Hammy after his 'cat' incident. The poor thing! I actually thought you were going to say that the cat ate him (as my Dad brought home the kindergarten guinea pigs one school holidays and our cat ate the lots....horrific!! Being peed on would be a close second though, he must have wondered what was going on!! Glad he's smelling like roses again. I LOVE that photo of the truck registration, its awesomely full of memories. So glad you kept it. And just love all your holiday photos. I've always wanted to travel to Vancouver Island. My dream ever since my younger days is to see Orca in the wild. One day.....

cm said...

Joining with the others in expressing sympathy for poor peed-upon Hammy! I'm sure his experience is a distant memory by now. The layers of truck registration: only *your* Mister would be so clever as to keep those intact! Brilliant! And your photos...sighhh...totally fabulous! You two are such a sweet couple!
Hugs~c