The Black Angel

Angel is a very special little black cat.  Angel lives in a 'group home' (where unrelated humans pretend to be a pride) with her human people.

Angel came to the group home with her mommie from their house where they lived together for many years.  They have always been good company for each other and have taken care of each other.

Angel was also a good citizen of the Realm because she would watch her yard and surroundings very well and nip problems in the bud.  She worked very hard as a scout and guard.  She and her mommie retired before moving into the pride.

Angel's mommie is very short and small.  To help her walk, she uses a rollator walker, which has big wheels, a seat and a bar across the back.  When she walks with it, Angel sits on the seat, props her front paws on the bar and makes sure the path is clear for her mommie.

We award Angel the Golden Heart award for her years of faithful service.

A week later

How good it is to have accomplished the adoption!  Princess Coco the Adorable is all I could have wished for in an heir.  She has a special empathy for the rescued and feral, having been rescued herself.  She is well-spoken and courteous.  She presents well with innate modesty and dignity; such admirable traits.

And I think that I could not have done better as matchmaker if I tried.  It appears Spitty and Hestorb are an item and both Simba and Miss Catt found the kiss memorable.

And precious Mario with his wide eyes and cute bowtie!

All in all, a memorable event and one which I am happy to have been a part of.

(from the Princess' diary)

A Dream Accomplished

Tonight's special edition covering The Royal Adoption is sponsored by Claws R Us, your source for expert assistance when your human just won't mind.  Success guaranteed.

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It has been a weekend of historic events in the Realm of Capitol Drive: two rescued princesses of the Sphinx Dynasty form an alliance, The Queen Bea (Emeritus) sends a message, a romance forms between an Admiral and a Knight and a common citizen of the empire wins the grand chipmunk hunt!

But now for the final update on the adoption ceremony and ball:

Both the Queen Bea and the Princess Treasure underwent The Traumatic Event at a tender age.  Both knew the urgency of alliance or adoption to continue the benevolent rule they conducted over the Monarchy of St. Allis and the Realm of Capitol Drive.  Years of watching the royals and speculation regarding the fate of their lands fueled gossip which, on occasion, has caused great distress to the royal households.

Then, tragically, the Queen was forced to retreat to her country dower house in Richlands when she became too disabled to rule.  The Princess, with the generosity and social conscience she is known for, agreed to assume Regency for St. Allis.

There were possibilities; the son of a lady in waiting, a kitten adopted by neighboring humans, but all for naught.

Suddenly, Most Adorable Little Lady Coco appeared on the scene; another rescued member of the Sphinx Dynasty, she assumed governorship of a territory under the rule of Queen Miss Catt.  With grooming, the Princess realized that Lady Coco could become a worthy successor to the throne.

After time to grow into her responsibilities, the adoption was planned for 3-20-11, the spring equinox and a most propitious time for an adoption.

The ceremony was held on the promenade so as to allow a many of the citizenry as possible to participate in this historic event.  First to enter were agents, knight and diplomats in their official uniforms. After a fanfare by The Serenaders, an a cappello chorus, the Queen Miss Catt was ushered in by Simba, whose audacity in stealing a kiss from a queen has captivated the nation.  Next came Prime Minister Neora Warmlapp.

The arrival of the Princesses was delayed several minutes by the arrival of a missive from the Queen Bea welcoming Coco to the throne.  They were honored to be ushered by their jointly chosen escort, Mario.  Mario, selected for his modesty and skill displayed during the grand chipmunk hunt, appeared daunted by the occasion, but performed his duties capably.

As the sunset began, PM administered the oath of office to Princess Coco, who promised to honor the traditions of the Sphinx dynasty, to continue protecting all felinedom from nefarious dogs and to rule over realm and monarchy in a beneficent yet firm manner.  Cheers erupted as she was crowned with the diamond and ruby crown by Princess Treasure, who unbent so much as to nose tap and bonk Little Coco on the promenade.

Ribbons and feathers erupted over the courtyard.  Catnip sachets were the most popular of the keepsake available in the courtyard.

The Royal Ball immediately followed.  During the Grand Parade, the Admiral was escorted by Sir Spitfire (is a wedding too far behind?), the Queen Miss Catt was escorted by Simba, the Prime Minister was escorted by Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo.  Princess Treasure was escorted by Sir Ambassador Agent Blackjack and the Princess Coco, new heir to the throne, was escorted by Mario.  This was a historic precedent as a newly adopted Princess would typically be escorted by a Royal Uncle.

The decorations of catmint, oatgrass and catnip mice were enticing.  The music, provided by the Tin Alley Cats, provided the perfect backdrop for dancing.  A special, encore performance of 'Nip for Two' was provided by The Serenaders. 

A midnight dinner of creamed crab over rice followed by giblet tarts ended the series of events planned for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.  The Royals and all guests will spend Monday and Tuesday recuperating from the festivities and sight-seeing before returning home.

Such Elegance, Such Pizazz

--reported by Fannie Floof

So yesterday saw the work of years of planning come to fruition.

After undergoing The Traumatic Event 12 years go, HRH Princess Treasure has known that she would need to adopt an heir to continue the successful rule of the Sphinx Dynasty over the Realm of Capitol Drive.  She and the Queen Bea Emeritus also needed someone to govern the Monarchy of St. Allis.

Yesterday her dream was fulfilled.  The day began about 10 with the grand chipmunk hunt.  Many common citizens as well as all the personages and royalty participated in this, making it a riotous event.  The first to produce a trophy was Mario, who steadfastly pursued his goal while others contested vigorously against each other.  Was The Spitster just a wee bit jealous of Simba after Simba's performance at the tournament?  Wink Wink...

Mario was awarded all the lizard turnovers and hummingbirds tongues he could eat.  He was also awarded a ribbon to fasten to his bow tie. 

Security does not allow us to report on the finalizing of the adoption papers.

Lunch on the promenade was a quiet affair with a light picnic of snails and crawfish. 

Watch for our special edition regarding the ceremony and ball later this evening.

Recap of last night events on CBN (Cat's Broadcast Network)

"At the end of our coverage of the Royal Adoption yesterday, Simba and Sir Spitfire had tied for first place in the tournament.  Sir Spitfire had admirably traversed a forest of legs and was in the lead when Simba proved his mettle by stealing a kiss from Queen Miss Catt, watching the ceremony from the Royal Balcony.

Our corresponding, Fannie Floof reported this morning that the Queen was much taken with Simba.

Last night a state banquet was held at the castle.  Princess Treasure was cunningly adorned in a harness of malachite and aqua leather while Princess Coco chose tanzenite as her primary accessory for the evening.  Queen Miss Catt was bedecked in garnet while the Admiral was spiffy in a white middy blouse.  Among the men, Sir Admiral Scout Ringo cut an imposing figure in his sash and medals while General Boopsie Bear impressed in his dress uniform.  Diplomat Agent Blackjack, true to his work as a spy, sported ebony.  Sir Spitfire was natty in his red cape and feathered cap.  Simba dressed simply in hunter green.  Mario, braving a doorway to observe the festivities, sported a bright red bowtie.

The repast consisted of an oatgrass salad, a light lemon cold soup, hummingbird tongues lightly braised with catmint and doves breast en cassoulet.  Catnip parfaits completed the menu.

Later that evening, the tour of the archives and treasury impressed all with the recorded history of the Sphinx Dynasty and the effective work of the fundraisers lead by PM Neora Warmlapp.  The most valuable treasure, an original history recounting the Great Dog Revolt of ancient times, left many speechless.

To round out the evening's activities, a midnight serenade sent many of the ladies swooning to bed for sweet dreams.  Performances of 'This Purr's for You', 'Nip for Two' and 'You See this Tom' were among the highlights.

Join us tomorrow for coverage of today's event.

Royal Entertainments

Today marks the last full day of festivities before the adoption of the Most Adorable Princess Coco to succeed Princess Treasure as Ruler of the Realm of Capitol Drive.

This morning, the Princesses breakfasted in Treasure's private suite to discuss matters of state. Lemon yogurt, lizard turnovers and catmint tea were served.  The occasion was marked by the transmission of the Secret History of the Sphinx Dynasty from Treasure to Coco.

At the same time, all other personages woke to a hearty breakfast buffet of sweet peas garnished with mouse toes, swan liver pate on muffins and lemon yogurt.  Catmint tea was also served.  Following this, a casual tour of the grounds was available to those who wished.  Notably conspicuous by their absence were the Admiral and Sir Spitfire.  Conversely, Simba made a good impression with his tact and exquisite manners, seeking introductions with all and chatting politely regarding the mouse and wren populations and upcoming adoption ceremony.  Most impressed was Smog, keeper of the adjacent facilitites.

At noon, the diplomatic and military forces of the realm paraded through the courtyard, passing by the Castle's window for review by the Queen and Princesses.  These heroic minions were quite dashing in royal uniforms of red neckerchiefs and daggers.

During a lull,  mousepops were distributed at the front gates to all those invited to the tournament; a tournament that will be recalled by 17 generations and recorded in the Royal Archives.  General Boopsie Bear demonstrated growls of command while charging with his mace.  Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo performed the gymnastics which originally brought him to the attention of the Prime Minister.  Quartermaster Scruffy was able to pack a soldier's back pack in three minutes; the previous recorded time being 4 and 1/2 minutes.  Sir Spitfire traversed a forest of legs.  Diplomat Agent Blackjack demonstrated the illusion of invisibility.  It was Simba, however, who stole the show by gracefully jumping to the edge of the Royal Balcony, running gracefully along the balustrade and stealing a kiss from the Queen Miss Catt.  His gracefulness, courtliness and sheer audacity were considered quite noble.

Fannie Floof reports The Arrival

Safely arriving at The Landing last night at sunset were the Queen Miss Catt, Admiral Hestorb and Sir Spitfire.  The galleon is a handsome sight of teak wood and multicolored silk pennants flying from all masts and lines.  The crew, commanded by the Admiral, quickly and nimbly tied the boat off and stood back saluting while all Personages disembarked. 

First to disembark was Queen Miss Catt.  The Queen's travelling outfit of soft vole fur was tastefully accessorized with shrew tails at cuffs and collars.  A softly glowing pink pearl choker completed the outfit while she reclined on a citrine pillow.

The Admiral and Sir Spitfire were the next to disembark.  The Admiral was modishly attired in a blue and white sailor's outfit with red ribbons marking her high rank.  With an "Ahoy, Maties", she began to confer with General Boopsie Bear and Sir Ambassador Ringo on issues of security while awaiting her introduction to the Princess Treasure. 

Sir Spitfire, despite his captivation with his red cape, was sensibly attired for travel in high boots and a collar which instantly converts to a nefarious dog trap if needed.  Sir Spitfire reported to Quartermaster Scruffy for instructions on his role in the upcoming ceremonies.

It was clear that a strong alliance has been formed between The Spitster and La Hestorb due to the lingering glances and purrs shared as they went their separate ways.

Princess Treasure arrived accompanied by the Prime Minister.  Elegantly attired in the peridot tiara and bracelet, her eyes glowed with the realization that her dearest plans were nigh completion.  She and the Queen greeted each other with nose taps; the Queen was placed on her pillow next to the Princess in the red wagon which served as their conveyance from the landing to the castle.

Shortly thereafter, Heron Express delivered Most Adorable Princess Coco amid much fanfare from the citizenry who had secured passes to witness this historic event.  Slightly abashed at the crowd's reaction to her arrival, she ducked her head while being carried from Heron Express to the wagon on her periwinkle pillow.  Her youthful beauty was fully enhanced by the opalescent moonstone collar and chipmunk stole she was wearing against late night chills, Capitol Drive being far North of the province she rules as princess and the region she governs for Queen Miss Catt.

After more nosetaps, the Prime Minister pulled all royal personages to The Castle while all dignitaries followed in parade.  The citizenry continued to shout approval of the Princess Coco along the route while also juggling songbirds for additional festivities.

Upon arrival at The Castle, the butler shows everyone to their assigned quarters where all appropriate grooming tools and assistance are provided.  After that and a quick nap,  all travelers are greeted in the Princess Treasure's small dining room where a light refreshment of minnows on toast in a mouse sausage gravy was served.  Also attending were Prime Minister Neora Warmlapp, Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo and General Boopsie Bear.