The kittens will be ready to go to new homes shirtly.  They're all walking and are starting to eat solid foods.  Brad (who turned out to be a girl, incidentally) is the most adventurous, always climbing over and going under things to see what's new and interesting.  Jill and Chester look almost Himalayan in their facial structure and fur length, Rupert is still the biggest, and Tiny Tim and Spot are the daintiest little black kitties I think I've ever seen.  I thought that there was something wrong with Spot - whilst the others were climbing all over, mewing and playing, Spot would just sit in one place, with a vacant look on her face.  She really had me going, I had got up the other morning thinking that I was going to have to call the vet and get her checked out...but when I went into their room to see them, she looked me right in the face, climbed over her brothers and sisters and came to sit on my lap and be petted.  I think she may just be a little behind on the learning curve compared to her siblings.  Tim is a boy, I was correct there, but my initial predication of Spot being masculine was erroneous...she's a girl too!

I'll see if I can get some better photos of them playing over the next couple of days and I'll post them. I think I probably re-herniated a L2 disc over the weekend, so I can't exactly get down on the floor to take pictures right now....actually, I can't really walk stairs, lift anything, stand for too long, sit or do much of anything right now.  Still, it will get better.  it always does.  Just takes time.

Much like the atmosphere here.  Some things have been said, and the whole situation got out of control.  I have a pretty good idea of when it all started....we've been circling each other, knives in hands a la West Side Story ever since then.  It's made for a very nasty atmosphere, and blame has been placed where blame wasn't due.  People's imaginations seem to have run riot, and it's become very personal.  My rants have been seen as direct attacks on people, and I can see why....but at the same time this is MY blog and it's MY outlet to rant and rave and go on if I want to.  What I don't like, and what really upset me (yes, I said upset) was the personal aspect of it.  I may have a tough exterior, and I may talk a great game at times...but I am human, and I hurt and bleed just like everyone else.  I try to remember that when I write - can I and am I prepared to handle the fallout from what I am about to say, and how would I feel if someone said these things about me.  Whilst I am a firm believer in 'if the shoe fits, wear it' I also think that there are some things that should not be aired in public.  That's part of the reason I posted my email address on my blog main page.  So, in the future, I would like to suggest this...if you feel the need to make your beef with me personal, if you see no other way to clear the air,  email it to me and we'll discuss it in private. Let's not do it here. 

So, anyone want a kitten?  They're free!