Technical Issues

Today’s doodle was inspired by a brief message from my vacationing dad yesterday, citing some Gmail issues on his laptop. Looks like Charlotte is having some technical issues of her own. ¡Qué lata!

Technical Support

As much as I look forward to Charlotte’s south of the border updates, I can’t help thinking of that scene in the film Local Hero, where the wristwatch that’s set to beep when it’s meeting time in Houston gets subdued, and ultimately silenced, by the Scottish surf. There’s something to be said for getting a reprieve from dealing with one’s email while on vacation—especially if you’re a cat?

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Puerto Vallarta

This morning’s doodle finds Miss Charlotte easing into her first day of her Mexico vacation by penning a quick note to her loved ones back home. She must know how much we are all missing her!

Puerto Vallarta

It looks like Dad is settling into his new surroundings and routine very nicely as well. He’s even located a Wall Street Journal to enjoy with his breakfast al fresco— “desayuno al aire libre”(?). —In this cartoon version of reality, anyway.

By the way, the little mouse on Charlotte’s left is Daisy, her personal assistant and proofreader. The other mice have already headed out to the beach.

Here’s to a lovely first day in paradise for Miss Charlotte and friends—Have fun, Everyone!

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Mexican Sendoff

Today’s the day: After all the weeks of anticipation, Dad is finally off on his Mexico vacation! Here’s the bon voyage doodle I left out on the kitchen table this morning, showing a fancy purple limo whisking him off to the airport—which it since has. (Hmm…Who ordered that, as opposed to a town car? —Charlotte?)

Mexico Sendoff

Meanwhile, back at the (suburban) ranch, I’m still not sure who all went along. Charlotte and Dad and some mice, for sure. Blackie? No clue. And, despite having tickets, Charlotte’s maid took a pass, as did Max and Miss Flora. So did a lot of their mice friends, apparently. (With Charlotte away, those mice can really play.)

Dad, if you’re reading this, the whole household wishes you smooth and safe travels today, and a happy landing in Puerto Vallarta. And by the way, it’s snowing here. (Thought you’d want to know.)

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Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show

Anyone who knows Charlotte even just a little bit had probably heard that she would be performing at last night’s Super Bowl…and saw this doodle coming.

Charlotte Performs at Super Bowl XLVIWhile not everyone is a fan, I was in the camp that thought she did a great job, especially given what a demanding gig it is. —Not to mention that Charlotte is beginning to get a little long in the whiskers (and just a wee bit plump).

I was sorry however that any of her thunder was stolen by a “flipped bird malfunction.”

And I can’t help wondering, how smart was it for Miss Mia Mouse to upstage a diva? I mean, c’mon! I wouldn’t be surprised if she is being hustled into protective custody by her fellow mice, even as we speak.

Go Giants!

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Sushi Bar

Today’s daily cat doodle was prompted by dinner out at a Japanese restaurant last night.

Sushi Bar for Cats

It was a really pleasant evening, and the food was delicious! It’s just a shame that Max and Miss Flora had to leave so abruptly. (Don’t worry: On the way home, we stopped by the market for a can of tuna and some Emmenthaler Swiss. No one went to bed hungry!)

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Friday Night at the Cineplex

Friday Night at the Cineplex

This morning’s doodle for Dad was inspired by my going to see the film “Hugo” last night—finally! (I’m so happy I went; it exceeded my expectations in so many ways.) The cats and mice all love a night out at the movies, too, though in this case Max had issues with the big, loud Doberman that belonged to the station inspector (played by Sacha Baron Cohen).

Watching the Film Hugo

By the way, did anyone else think the cat who had a brief cameo looked an awful lot like Hermione’s Crookshanks? (Blackie mentioned it, but I wasn’s sure.)

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Learning Spanish “con los gatos”

Dad and crew are heading down to Mexico for a few weeks, so several morning doodles of late have included phrases I thought he might like to take along. —Which I’m really just guessing at, since I don’t know Spanish, myself. (Wish I did!)

Meanwhile, Charlotte is so looking forward to their first south-of-the-border shopping experience to buy her a special gift. (Note to Dad: “Un regalo caro” I think translates into designer shoes and handbags, not a catnip toy or fancy cat leash.)

Spanish Lesson Number 5

Lesson 1: “Where is the Little Mouse?”

Doodling in Spanish (or attempting to) happened by accident, by the way. Dad had been using Rosetta language software on his laptop, and Max overheard the computer asking questions. It freaked him out a bit. But then, he always freaks out when he loses track of Flora Mouse.

Spanish Lesson 1

Lesson 2:  “A Horse Given, Do Not Look Him in the Tooth.”

Go ahead, Charlotte, take that lovely pear—it’s a gift.

Spanish Lesson 2

Lesson 3: “The Customer is Always Right”

—At least I hope that’s what the caption says. This doodle from last week was fueled by a hunch that both Blackie and Dad will want a hamburguesa while they are gone. (Or perhaps an aardvark.)

Spanish Lesson 3

Lesson 4: New Friends

Last one: Really just an excuse to doodle Charlotte as a Spanish senorita.

Spanish Lesson 4

So now, it’s back to murdering my mother tongue for me. Please stay tuned. (And once again, to any Spanish speakers who might be reading this, sincere apologies for any mistakes and my general ignorance regarding your beautiful language.)

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Flora & Max

I feel like the lovely Charlotte’s been in the hot seat for the last few days, so today’s doodle focuses on Flora Mouse and Max, and their swell but unusual friendship.

Max the Cat and Flora Mouse Being WatchedAfter making the above doodle for Dad, I thought I’d flesh out Max and Flora’s backstory with a few looser scribbles, explaining how they met…

Max the Cat and Flora Mouse

For starters, Max is the only one of Flora’s male friends willing to watch Twilight, which is her favorite film. (So, duh, of course she loves him.)

Max and Flora watch the film Twilight

Max and Flora in Biology classInterestingly, Flora and Twilight’s Bella have a few things in common. For starters, they both met their new interspecies pal in Biology class, while teamed up as lab partners.

Soon afterwards, both were dramatically rescued in their schools’ parking lots by their new BFFs, thereby cementing the bond.

Max Saves Flora Mouse

Vegetarians

Max and Flora discussing food

There’ve been a few hurdles to overcome, of course, but nothing Max and Flora couldn’t handle; the cartoon Max, like his real-life counterpart, is simply not a “mouser,” and that’s huge.

So here’s to Max and Flora, and to many happy adventures ahead. Stay tuned…

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Mexico Here We Come

Dad’s doodle this morning references his upcoming trip to Mexico, and the tough packing decisions still ahead. (Good luck, Daddio!)

Cats and Mice Packing for Trip

Inspired here also by Liz Taylor’s luggage set, recently on the auction block…violet-colored ID tags, with just one word on them (“Mine!”). Charlotte prefers pink ones, to match her pretty toes.

“BLppp” is my best guess as to the sound of a mouse blowing a raspberry. Thanks to Charlotte and the 46 outfits she’s packed, there’s no extra room for Junior’s toys. Bummer!

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Our New Blog

Blackie and Max are still a little skeptical re this whole cat doodle blog thing. Not so, our girl Charlotte. She’s been wanting to reach a wider audience for a while now.

Cats Blogging

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