BLOG.MISSMELANIESTEAROOM.COM

Lily Would Be So Proud

2010-02-25T12:20:00Z

Dear Friend,

This is the first entry I have written since Lily's passing, but today I couldn't help but think of her......first because of the beautiful snow falling - she would have loved to have been chasing the snowflakes. Second, because I got some very exciting news. My cozy tea mystery series is going to be published by Little Creek Publishing Company and the release date for the first book in the series is January 2011.

Lily was my constant writing companion. She usually sat in my lap while I was on my favorite wicker love seat with my lap top. Often times she chased the cursor on my screen- we were a content writing team! She was the feline inspiration for "Lily's Blog" and quite honestly, I haven't been able to write on the porch since her passing. I have mentioned her in the first book, so she will be remembered by her tea room fans!

I think she would have been quite pleased to know that our writing hours together were productive! I hope you will be just as excited as we near the January 2011 release date. I will be sure to share with you the book cover artwork as it is finalized and all the exciting details. I hope you will love the book and it's colorful cast of characters in a little sleepy Northeast Tennessee town. Who knows? You might recognize yourself in one of the characters!

Until Our Next Pot of Tea,
Melanie

A Tribute For Lily

2009-08-26T13:13:00Z

My heart is aching right now as I share the sad news with all of our friends that today Lily was tragically killed. I would like to take this opportunity to share with you my fondest "Lily moments" and pay tribute to such a sweet and loving cat who brought joy to our family and to so many of our guests!

Lily "adopted us" two years ago when I heard a horrible ruckus coming from our neighbors next door at about 4am. She was a tiny kitten, puffed up and back arched, taking on the neighbors large dogs. I brought her over to our porch and fed her and loved her from that moment on.

Her favorite perching spot was on the top of "Lady Bug," my red VW convertible with a black rag top. She loved the vantage point from this high spot. If she wasn't there, she could be found sleeping the day away on our tea room porch, occasionally putting on a show for our guests by stretching, posing, and showing off her beautiful caramel, gray, and gold stripped body highlighted with white. She was a beautiful girl!

One of my favorite moments was a snow flurry during one of our afternoon tea services. I heard some of the guests laughing and looked out the window to see Lily chasing snowflakes from one end of the porch to the other, jumping up and trying to catch them with her paws. She patiently allowed the children in our cooking classes to pet her and sometimes pull her tail without so much as an objection- she would just look at me as if I owed her one!

Anytime I baked chicken breasts for our chicken salad, Lily would be meowing at the porch door. It was her favorite treat and one she would roll on her back and pose for on a regular basis. No matter what she was doing, if she heard the blades of my food processor turn on, she would gallop like a "thundering herd" to the back door in hopes of chicken!

Some cats bond with just one person- Lily loved all of us. She had a special bond with my son, Charlie and was a constant friend to my daughter, Olivia. We just couldn't walk in the house without stopping to greet and pet her.

Lily would greet Keith every evening when he came in from work and every morning when he would come downstairs for coffee. They had a special ritual of petting and lap time out on the porch. They say having a cat for a pet can help lower your blood pressure, and she was like a tonic for him. They truly loved each other. She was his "pretty girl."

I loved the way she followed me around the yard whenever I attempted to garden. She had to lay close by and watch everything I did or sit in the rocking chair on the front porch to survey the yard work. Many afternoons I spent with her while I worked on my writing. She would be right next to me chasing the cursor on the computer screen or curled up on my lap.

We couldn't bring her in the house because of the health codes for our restaurant, so she stayed out on our porch. When she first came to us, I used to worry every time I left to go to the grocery store that she wouldn't be there when I got back home. But then, I would pull in the driveway and see her beautiful amber eyes peeking at me over the fence. Her favorite activities were keeping the birds from eating the bread crusts by laying on top of them or running up and down our curly willow tree when the air had a cool hint to it and made her frisky!

I feel as though I have lost my faithful companion and my feline voice who told so many happy tales of life from the porch of our tea room. I will miss her each and every day for the simple joy she brought to me and my family and to many of you!

Good bye, Lily!

I "Tweeted!"

2009-08-07T15:36:00Z

I "Tweeted!" Yes, you read right- I have "Tweeted." And I'm not referring to talking to the birds! I have now joined the ranks of the technologically connected society members and have a twitter account. Why you ask? I ask you, "Why not?"

Twitter is not hard to use. You don't have to have a cell phone, which is a good thing since I do not possess one. You can use your computer to update your daily "tweets."

What is a "Tweet" and why should I "Tweet", you faint of heart. A "Tweet" is a short message of 120 characters or less answering the question, "What are you doing right now." It's a very short conversation you can have with friends who are called "followers." You can decide who can or cannot "follow" you and you can invite your friends to "follow" you on twitter. You can post short messages of what you are up to today, for instance, or search for key words in subjects you are interested in like "Tea" or "antiques." There's even a search bar if you'd like to type in the search word "Cats." Anyone who mentions cats in their "Tweets" will be listed.

Why should you "Tweet?" It doesn't take much time to log in and "Tweet." You can research concerts in your areas, antique festivals, anything that pertains to your hobbies. President OBama announced on Twitter that he had selected Jo Biden as his VP running mate. I figure if the President "Tweets," than so should I!

So, I invite you to join me at Twitter.com/LilyThePorchCat. I will let you know what I am up to and keep you thoroughly entertained.

Until Our Next "Tweet" Session,
Lily The Porch Kitty

Antique Sales Cause Tension!

2009-07-28T17:11:00Z

Mr. K. has a furniture restoration business as well as an antique and salvage business. While that may sound intereting to you, it has become a regular problem for me. You see, he displays his antiques for sale in the tea room and this has caused some tense moments between Mr.K. and Miss M.

On a recent trip to Sam's Wholesale for tea room groceries, Miss M. was told that while she was out, Mr. K. was meeting with an interior decorator to look at the antiques in the tea room. Miss M.'s one request was to not see her heart shaped hall tree and the bufett that matched the mantle in the blue dining room. Mr. K reassured her he would not sell either of her favorite pieces.

Here's where I come into the picture. I was waiting out on the front porch for Miss M. to return. I know that when she comes home from Sam's, she usually shares a tidbit or two from her groceries. Looking sweet and innocent, I usually can count on an extra snack on shopping day. That's when I saw HER walk up the front porch.

She seemed nice, at first. I thought she was friendly enough and didn't stay too long. It was the aftermath of her visit that caused quite a stir. Apparantly, Mr. K. sold quite a few antiques to the interior decorator INCLUDING the hall tree and buffet that Miss M. had specifically labeled OFF LIMITS!

Oh, No! How was she going to take the news? Some anitques could be replaced. This hall tree and buffet were very special to her. They were unique and looked as though they had been original to the 105 year old home. Mr. K. was confident that Miss M. would understand- it was business, afterall. You don't get emotionally attached to furniture. Boy, he thought wrong!

Miss M. came home, smiling and ready to begin cooking the family dinner. She asked Mr. K. how the appointment went and he shared his good news with her that he had sold quite a few pieces. She was pleased and began talking about replacing the sold pieces with another selection of antiques from his shop. He very slyly mentioned what pieces he had sold, hoping she wouldn't hear about the hall tree and buffet.

Even though I was outside taking my 20th fiesta of the day, I was awakened by Miss M.'s response. "What did you sell? Did you not hear me about selling my hall tree and buffet?" Miss M. doesn't get upset very often. I think she was heartbroken more than anything!

To sum it all up, she threatened to throw herself across the buffet when it was wheeled out to the moving truck. I believe her exact words were, "You will have to wheel me down Unaka Avenue on this buffet kicking and screaming!" She didn't quite go that far, but she contemplated that.

The good news is that Mr. K is no longer in the dog house. Miss M. has learned to be flexible about antiques coming and going, and I am back to uninterrupted naps on the porch. If you are interested in Mr. K's antiques, please visit his website at www.oldworldfurniturerestorations.com.

My Work Here is Done!
Lily

Where's The Cat Nip?

2009-07-21T21:39:00Z

Summer is a slower paced time for me. I have to admit, I have been busier than usual chasing the occasional bird or rabbit. Now that Miss M.'s car, "Lady Bug" is back, I have my favorite perch to watch the world go by.

Miss M. has been busy teaching "Kids in the Kitchen" Cooking Camps all summer. I have to say, this has displeased me terribly, because I am often attacked by groups of children while I am napping out the porch. Their constant petting and attention has interrupted my mid morning naps. I do my best, though, to look darling and pretty.

One of the nice perks of summer is that Miss M. has started an herb garden. She has been taking herb classes and spends more time outside with me in the evenings. Rosemary is for remembrance, she tells me and she has enjoyed her large pineapple sage bushes. The lavender has been growing well and has shown up in many dishes including lavender scones. My question I would like to pose to her is "Where's the Cat Nip?" Is it too much to ask to be remembered when selecting herbs? Have I not been a constant companion while she tends her garden? Have I not stayed by her side as she has spent hours weeding?

I have tried to drop the hint- rolling on the walk ways, pulling my body through the herb garden and playing with the herbs. Imagine how much more thrilling it would be if it were cat nip!

I have shown my displeasure in her herb selection by retaliating. She is known to go out on the porch each morning and throw fresh bread crumbs to the Cardinal, so I have decided to lay flattened out and cover the bread crumbs with my body, thus preventing him and his mate from feeding. When I get tired of that, I lay under the BBQ grill and hide, waiting to pounce on the Blue Jay that is so large, he looks as though he could easily carry me off. So far, my plan has been thwarted at every turn.

When I really can't take being overlooked any longer, I run up and down the Curly Willow tree and show Miss M. that I too can look adorable perched high up in a tree.I run back and forth in our little fenced yard, up and down the tree, my hair spiked on my back, my ears flattened to show my disdain. Her fascination with her birds has pushed me over the edge!

So, I appeal to my audience and ask you to add some cat nip to your cat's herb garden. It could make all the difference in whether your feline's summer is just slow or beyond thrilling!

Lily, The Porch Kitty

Where Have All The Good Men Gone?

2009-07-05T12:58:00Z

I am relating this story to you as I overheard Miss M. and Olivia discussing it. Therefore, it's entirely here say, but you can be assured the one thing I am good at doing is reading humans. Miss M. and Olivia were telling the truth.

It why just a few days ago, July 2 and Mr. K, Charlie and Josh were off to Gettysburg for a "boys only" graduation trip for Josh. They had been planning this for months and though the original plan involved all the family going, Miss M. and Olivia decided:

#1- We've already done that
#2- The tea room in Gettysburg is closed
#3- I don't like Port-a-potties
#4- We'll stay home and have a girl's weekend!

Mr. K. and the boys had left not more than thirty minutes ago when Miss M. and Olivia fired up "Lady Bug" for their girl's day out beginning with a quick trip to Blockbuster video for "girlie movies" that didn't include aliens, superheros, or zombies. That's when the problem began- "Lady Bug" wouldn't start!

Miss M. went over two parking lots to an auto center located on Roan Street (we shall keep the name of the business anonymous for its lack of character) and asked if someone would be able to jump her battery and she explained her husband had just left town and they were stranded. Miss M. didn't want to ruin Mr. K's trip by calling him and having him come home.

This anonymous auto center said they would send someone over in a few minutes to jump the battery and then she could drive over and let them check out her car. The gentleman (and I use this term loosely) was in a hurry. After all, it's fourth of July weekend. He wanted to get home. He barely sparked her battery- maybe ten seconds at the most and got in his truck to leave.

Miss M. pulled out onto Roan Street (the main drag in town) and her car died in the turn lane at the busiest intersection in front of the mall. Olivia quickly jumped out of the car to flag down the man who had jumped their battery. He looked at her, turned away and drove off in the opposite direction. As I said before, we use the term gentlemen loosely at times, but we are southern and give everyone the benefit of the doubt that he probably didn't see Olivia standing directly in front of his truck waving her arms wildly and pointing at the car.

Luckily, a man stopped behind Miss M. and he was an off-duty police officer. He got on his cell phone and called for a patrol car who came shortly. Now traffic was backed up with the patrol car blocking the lane, blue lights flashing, 4th of July traffic, and lots of rubber neckers! "Did she crash?" "Is she under arrest?" "Cuff her!" Miss M. and Olivia stood out on the sidewalk for a good 40 minutes until another Police cruiser came and blocked all four lanes of traffic on Roan Street and pushed "Lady Bug" across to a parking lot.

A tow truck was on its way, but was delayed. Now it began to rain and Miss M. and Olivia were in the car with the windows down since the car battery wouldn't operate. She grabbed an umbrella, stuck it out the window to block the rain that was blowing into the car. Olivia and Miss M. kept their sense of humor and sang songs (the radio didn't work) and made jokes of how many people they knew had driven by and didn't offer assistance. She did see her next door neighbor look and keep on going. Chivalry is dead!

ONE AND 1/2 HOURS LATER, the tow truck arrived. He was very nice and considerate. He even cleaned out the cab of the truck so Miss M. and Olivia could ride comfortably. By the time "Lady Bug" was unloaded, the car dealership was closing for THREE DAYS for the 4th of July weekend. They wouldn't get to "Lady Bug" until sometime Monday. By this time, Miss M. was laughing somewhat hysterically. All the girl's weekend plans were up in smoke. But hey, they had Blockbuster movies, popcorn, raisinettes and Diet Coke in their bag. They would make it! Thank fully, the car dealership was nice enough to give them a ride back to the tea room.

On a personal note, I miss "Lady Bug!" Her canvas top is my favorite sleeping spot, high enough to see all enemies approaching and quite comfortable. I also would like to give a big SHOUT OUT to THE JOHNSON CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT for taking care of my human. They were truly wonderful and especially the off-duty officer that took the time to stop and was so polite to Miss M. He went beyond the call of duty. And thank you to Browns Mill Towing for sending such a nice driver. He was a peach.

So, in case you were wondering if you happened to drive by and see Miss M. and Olivia stranded on Roan Street, there was no big accident, she was not arrested and she and Olivia managed to have a wonderful time over the 4th. Girls will be girls!

Lily, The Porch Kitty

Gone to the Birds at Miss Melanie's Tea Room

2009-05-03T11:52:00Z

I don't know what to think of Miss M. these days. I have been her constant companion, being cute and playful at her beck and call! And this is the thanks I get!

Wasn't I the one who braved the scorching sun to sit by her side when she planted the flower bed in front of the sign? (Okay, so technically I was under the porch, in the shade napping but that's beside the fact!) Wasn't I the one who volunteered to sample her chicken when it was done baking? (Taste testing is a full time occupation of mine!) Wasn't I the one who helped proof her latest e-mail? (Yes, sitting in her lap chasing the cursor on the screen is a form of editing!)

She is right now, throwing scraps of bread from her infamous cucumber tea sandwiches to the Cardinal and his bride in the back yard. She spends time on the porch watching them swoop down to get a quick bite, her face covered with a huge grin, delighted by the fact that they showed up in the yard. Well of course they are going to show up for a free hand out! She used to smile at me that way! Doesn't she know how they have tormented me!

I have spent most of the Spring stalking the Cardinal, ever so close to catching him, patiently waiting for him to look the other way. I have run up the curly willow tree dozens of times, so close, so close that feathers were flying! And what does Miss M. do? Tell me to stop scaring the birds!

Well, I showed her! I took my hunting trophy, a squirrel tail that she rejected with disgust on her face, and I kicked that squirrel tail all over the yard, over and over again. Then I glared at her! I was angry and what was she doing? Laughing at me!

The Cardinal has cleverly placed his nest, once again- doesn't he ever do anything original?- in the holly tree which is about 25 feet high and very dense. In the Spring, the bumble bees gather nectar from it's white blossoms, so if I try to disturb the nest, I will end up stung on the nose. Once is all it took for me to learn that lesson!

I have even tried to stealthily scale the car port roof to have a better vantage point of the holly tree to no avail. They have nested deep in the middle. I have fallen off the roof one to many times to know that I am no Maguiver!

Well, aren't they cute! They are back again for another free hand out! Miss M. is delighted, as usual! I will have to think of something clever to get her attention. Hey, it's all in a days work for me around here. I think I will go claw her wicker chair and see if she doesn't yell at me to stop.

And That's My View From The Porch of Miss Melanie's Tea Room,
Lilly, the Official Tea Room Porch Kitty

My Days as Indiana Jones Are Over

2009-02-08T13:36:00Z

I admit it- I am curious about dark places that Miss M. tells me not to explore. During the recent snow days when the temperature plummeted down to zero, we had a plumbing issue. A plumber had to be called to Miss Melanie's Tea Room to fix some pipes that didn't stand the cold temperatures.

Mr. K. removed some skirting from the porch and revealed a wondrous site to me- a cave that went under the house- perfect for feline exploration! Who knows what artifacts I might find, some forgotten morsel or two or maybe a creature of the night to chase. I was up to the task!

Miss M. implored me not to go- but it is my duty as protector of the porch to make sure all are safe! What could I do except leap into the dark, cavernous abyss and begin my search. I pushed through cobwebs that might have held back much bigger and stronger foes than I and found myself in a catacomb of kitty play land. I ran, scampered, and explored to my heart's content and suddenly realized I couldn't hear Mr. K's voice anymore! Where was I? Where had my explorations taken me? When would I ever see my family again or smell the aromas from Miss M.'s kitchen?

I went into my survival mode and did what any brave cat in my place would have done- I began howling, calling out for help over and over again! It was my beacon in the darkness. Let the rescue team be launched!

I could hear Olivia and Charlie calling my name and then joined by Mr. K. and Miss M. Help was on the way. It took a while for them to find me. I had ended up in the root cellar quite a distance from my original entrance to my cave.

Once they opened the doors, I shot out like a bullet. Dirty, covered in cobwebs, but a better cat for the experience. I think after all this, I will stick to my favorite chair on the porch. Time for a snooze!

Lily, The Porch Kitty

Snakes Are Not My Friend

2008-12-18T12:42:00Z

Well, as it turns out, my injuries were not from Earl Grey and No Good Grey, but rather from an unfriendly snake. Miss M. got me to the vet just in time! Once the swelling went down in my left leg, a snake puncture mark was found. I was one lucky feline. But, I did get some extra chicken and lots of extra attention out of the whole experience.

I have learned a few valuable lessons from all of this!
1. Snakes do not make good playmates.
2. Squirrels are far more challenging and a much safer chew toy!
3. Tall grass and weeds contain enemies. I will stick to my yard and avoid late night exploration into abandoned yards.
4. Eating extra treats results in massive weight gain- now I am on a weight loss program, according to Miss M. She has told Mr. K to stop giving me extra "tidbits" every time I meow. Where's the fun in that! He doesn't listen to her, though. Her weigh-ins have become totally humiliating to me and I am thinking of filing a class action law suit for feline self-esteem abuse.

Well, nap time has arrived. It's hard to sleep when your stomach is grumbling, but somehow I will manage.

Where's the Love these days?
Lily

Do You Mind?

2008-10-03T15:47:00Z

I have never been so humiliated in all my life! I have just returned from a trip to Robinson's Animal Hospital. Do you know how they take a cat's temperature? I was poked, prodded, given a large shot, all because of Earl Grey and brother, No Good Grey!

Miss M. noticed I was limping this morning. No big deal, but when I refused food and my eyes may have rolled back in my head a little, I think it really scared her. She called Mr. K. and rushed me right over to that place that has that disinfectant smell and dog odor. No cat in their right mind would think of going there.

Miss M. thought I had been hit by a car, but as luck would have it, I had been in a fight with Earl Grey and No Good Grey and had a pretty nasty bite on my hind leg. It was so swollen, lying down hurt.

I tried to escape several times from the clutches of the vet tech. I jumped down from the table three times and hid behind Miss M.'s chair. They are going to take my temperature by putting what where? Do you mind! Of all the indignities I have ever sufferred, this one takes the Meow Mix!

I cannot wait until I am well enough to enjoy the new landscaping beds Mr. K designed just for me this week! All that mulch is mine, mine, mine! Of course, I was the official overseer of the whole project. I kept a sharp eye on the progress from my perch on the front porch rocking chair. All in all, it was an enjoyable experience for me.

Well, it's time for my nap! I have had quite an ordeal, but I am sure Miss M. will bake some chicken to help speed my recovery!

Lily

I Have A Fan Club!

2008-09-06T12:38:00Z

Today started off as any normal day! I cried at the porch door to be fed precisely at 6:00am. Earl Grey and "No Good Grey" showed up a few minutes later to crowd me and grab my chow! This time Charlie saw them and grabbed the broom. He reminds me a bit of Miss M. when he's swinging that thing!

After a midmorning bird hunt which was hugely unsuccessful, I decided to sleep under "Lady Bug," Miss M.'s car. Did I tell you she loves that car? It's a red VW Bug with a Black convertible top. Anyway, as I was saying.....
I was in the midst of the sweetest dream when I heard Miss M. call for me. At this time of day? It's hours until supper!

She scooped me up and presented me to a group of seven adoring ladies. They "oohed" and "awwhed" over me, scratching me under my chin, petting my fur and telling me how gorgeous I was. I could barely keep my eyes open, after all, I was interrupted during my afternoon siesta!

I guess, you have to give up some of your privacy when you have adoring fans! They had seen my picture online and read my blog! I can now add to my credentials the following:

*Loyal Cat
*Great Hunter of All Things Feathered and Furry
*Kitty Centerfold
*Blogger
*Celebrity Feline

Well.....it's back to my favorite basket out on the porch. Time to reflect and clear my head. Writing is an ongoing process!

Lily, The Porch Kitty

As I See It!

2008-08-29T12:24:00Z

I don't understand what all the fuss is about? It's just a baby bird! Why didn't Miss M. and Mr. K let me eat it? They keep putting out those bird houses and feeding the finches and then wonder why I go after them? So what if one of the babies was learning to fly and happened to end up on the porch right next to my food bowl? I figure that's a lot less work for me!

Earl Grey and his brother, No Good Grey, as Miss M. calls him, were by this morning again. They know exactly what time I am being fed in the morning and the evening. But Miss M. has caught on and sits out on the porch with me while I eat so they can't gang up on me and take all of my dinner! You should see her grab the broom and go after them. If I didn't know her better, I would say she has a somewhat crazy look in her eye!

Did you hear about the 40 pound racoon she caught at 4am in the garbage cans? She thought it was homeless dogs. Didn't she see how my tail was fuffed and my fur was on end? Boy, you should have seen her face when she found that massive beast of a racoon in the garbage eating her scones! Now that was a sight! Miss M. chasing that fat thing all the way down the alley in her pajamas and slippers. And you know what? He never came back! He knows crazy when he sees it!

Well, it's time for me to take my morning siesta! Being a tea room novelty can take alot out of you!

Lily, The Porch Kitty

From The Porch Of Miss Melanie's Tea Room

2008-08-27T10:00:00Z

Today was a good day! I smelled chicken baking for the tea room's famous fruited chicken salad. I have learned that banging the back screen door results in tasty morsels of chicken being placed in my bowl! She's so predictable!

There has been alot of garden work going on the past week. I am a little upset that the Mr. K. cut back all the bamboo I crawled in to stalk the birds. Miss M. calls it "Damnboo!" It sure does make her itch when she's doing yard work. The new flower beds are being laid out and I understand that a Fall display is going in. That will be nice as long as it doesn't interfere with my squirrel chasing.

After this weekend, we will say goodbye to summer! I enjoyed all the extra attention I got from the children that came for cooking class. They all loved coming out to the porch to see me. Mrs. says she discovered some great books this summer she highly recommends:

Mr. Darcy Takes A Wife- A little racey- I give it 3 paws for adult content
Rhett Butler's People- Four Paws! I just love hearing about Scarlett's escapades!
Chamomille Mourning- What a great murder mystery set in a Charleston Tea Room- Four paws!
BloodRoot- Another great tea room book combining mystery and herbs. Loved the cat nip reference! Four & 1/2 paws!

It was nice spending time with her on the porch- she read, I napped. A cat needs their beauty sleep too!

Wait a minute.....do I smell chicken? Got to go!

Lily, The Porch Kitty