End of an Era

Gordon left his burdensome body on Wednesday. It presently lies on a fresh bed of wood chip, soon to join that of Tonys and my own, under the acacia tree. Helena shows signs of sadness, for herself, though I suspect she feels relief for Gordon. I'm happy that he's now with me.

Our food dishes sit stacked on the kitchen window sill and our water bottle is drying in the dish rack. Our house is empty and the bags of food, wood chip and bedding stand next to it.

I'm curious as to what will happen to them.

Archangel Gabriel A.K.A. Shy Boy (Deceased), on behalf of Gordon Brown (Deceased) and Tony Blair (Deceased).

Wings of a Dove

Gordon hasn't left his bedroom for two days now, so that's where Helena's been placing his food and he's had a decent appetite. Even polished off a dish of yoghurt and some pine nuts today. However, I do feel that he will be joining me very shortly. He's not moving at all now. Don't worry, I'm keeping an eye on him. I'm looking forward to being in his company again.



Archangel Garbiel A.K.A. Shy Boy (Deceased), on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony

Nothing much to report

Helena collected me from Claudia and Paul's some days ago. Nothing much to report. Back here the same. Business as usual.

Night all. x

Gordon Brown, in memory of Shy Boy and Tony Blair

Helena buried my body today, alongside Tony's, under the Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'. It should feed the tree quite nicely.

Gordon seems fine. Helena's been trying to get him to come out of himself a bit, but as ever, he shows no interest in socialising.

Helena seems fine. Busy, as usual. She's been packing, so I suspect Gordon will soon be taking occupation of our holiday home. I wonder who he'll be staying with...

Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel) on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony.

So I'm back to being alone again. Pity, I'd rather grown to like the young chap. He'd calmed down a lot and had become quite agreeable company. I'd enjoyed snuggling up with him and preening him. Hmmm...

Helena's been giving me more attention than is the norm, but this really isn't necessary. I'm quite content with my own company.

I took a brief wander around the house, but nothing doing.

Hmm. I miss him, Shy Boy. I do.

Pity

Gordon Brown, In memory of Shy Boy and Tony.

I now live with Gordon and Helena in memory alone.

I passed away this morning; Helena was with me, as she had been throughout the night.

It's good to be free of that ailing body.


Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel), on behalf of Gordon, in memory of Tony.

Helena was busy house cleaning, so I thought that I would assist her. Yes, that's what I was doing, by keeping out of her way. Then, when she began to use the big, noisy vessel, which she moved across the floor, I pulled aside some carrier bags, which were in her path (and surrounded myself with them so as to create a sound barrier). I was disappointed to learn that this did not have the desired effect, so I then left the room, feeling I had helped Helena enough.

Shy Boy on behalf of Gordon, in memory of Tony

I admit...

...that I do have something of a passion for handbags. I delight in nibbling on their handles and, more recently, in sleeping on them. Last night I enjoyed snuggling up against a black, leather Furla affair and this morning a Betty Barclay number.

I'm sure this isn't difficult to understand.

Shy Boy, instead of and in memory of Gordon and Tony

This creative stuff isn't really my thing. I know that Tony liked to run through clay, but it's not for me. No. I'm out of here.


Shy Boy, on behalf of Gordon and in memory of Tony.

Why wouldn't I be relaxed? I was submerged in a soft, feather pillow and enjoying the sound of Helena's voice as she talked on the phone. I was stroked without pause and in H-E-A-V-E-N. I sensed a concern for my health, but no, I was just very, very relaxed.


Relaxed boy Shy Boy, on behalf of no-one and in memory of no-one. Sorry Tone.

Yesterday evening I lay in my second most favorite spot, under the sofa.
Helena was working on the floor with some papers and I took time out to go over to her for a cuddle. Jonathan was on the computer and I was tempted to nip his toes, but reconsidered. The thick tennis socks looked inviting, but ....something told me not to do it. I guess I sensed a tension in the air and all eyes on me.

Squeaky Clean

Yesterday I spent a short time sitting in my favorite spot on the landing, overlooking the staircase, and in the evening we had pasta with bacon.

Today Gordon and I were given a wet wash. I don't think that Gordon enjoyed it particularly, but he seemed to take to being towel dried. Personally I enjoyed the massaging motion and my fur seemed much softer after the experience. We were then given a dish of pine nuts. Yummy.

This evening I sat in my favorite spot again and I stayed there for some time. I liked it when Helena stroked me every time she passed.

Tonight we had rice and grapes with our yoghurt. I think I'll save the grapes for later.

Shy Boy (Archangel Gabriel)
In memory of Tony

Home Sweet Home

We seem to have been living in our mobile home for a loooooooooong time now and while it's been an absolute treat to spend time with Auntie Joyce and Claudia and Paul, it's great to return to our house and spread out a bit.

I had some fun with Paul earlier today when he pulled me round the kichen floor on an oven glove.

This evening Helena took us on a tour of the city to see some of the sights. Can't say I was particularly interested, I just wanted to get home to some yoghut and honey. Sorry Helena.

Gordon is chipper and enjoying the bumper bundle of shredded paper in our bed. I've enjoyed the sweetcorn and plan to save the grapes for later.

Thank you Auntie Joyce, Claudia and Paul.
Shy Boy (and Gordon).

Today we returned home after a long time away. The beginning and end of this period was very noisy and there was much rocking.

I'm happy to experience quietness and stability again, however I do have fond memories of resting with Helena, on a large red sofa, in a warm and very light room.

Shy Boy
Because Gordon hasn't and Tony can't.

Thank you Autie Joyce for looking after us

A brief visit to familiar territory was made at the weekend when we traveled in our holiday home to Auntie Joyce's. Sadly, this was the first time Tony was not with us. Helena allowed us to take our cardboard tube and Gordon and I spent most of our time in it, head to head.

The holiday home means that we had one our rare encounters with pine wood cat litter, in addition to what has now become our regular bedding of fine quality, shredded paper, courtesy of the Co-operative Bank.

We've stayed in our holiday home till this afternoon. I was able to watch Helena at work this morning. In fact, I can see her now. I wonder what she's doing?

'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel
On behalf of Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony Blair

Gordon has a new lease of life

Suddenly he's everywhere. He's up and out, first thing in the morning, when Helena delivers our yoghurt. This evening he was over by the window, checking out the cables and curtains.
He later joined me in the bed I'd made under the sofa. He did take time out to rest, but does seem to have had a fuel injection. I'm amazed.

'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel
on behalf of Gordon Brown.

In memory of Tony Blair

So Gordon had a nasty cold and Helena didn't want me bothering him. I do feel that she over reacts at times when she hears him squeak. I was being playful. This is how rats interact. We don't do conversation or massage. We tussle. Anyway, after a 3-day separation we are back together again. Gordon's not snotty anymore so I might practice some of my moves on him.

'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel
on behalf of Gordon Brown

In memory of Tony Blair

Helena had a visitor this weekend. He made curious noises whenever I ran over him.

Gordon's being very private.


'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel
In Memory of Tony Blair

Shy Boy has been good to me while I've been taking things easy. He's created the swankiest bed I've ever slept in. It's made up of bubble wrap, 'Comfybed', a city council direct debit form, a packet of pine nuts and several sheets of layout paper. I think that's everything. I do admire his enthusiasm.

I had a brief wander under the sofa while Helena cleaned the house out. The bubble wrap has gone now. Pity. I wonder whether Shy Boy will find some more. Hmm....

Yoghurt and honey time now me thinks.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony Blair

Shy Boy was seriously excited yesterday when he hurried home with an enormous quantity of folded paper. He was quick to take it up to the loft and create the most delightful bedding.

He can be very thoughtful at times.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Gordon's pretty much slept through the whole of the weekend, so I thought I'd look after the blog on his behalf.

I was given the free run of the room in which we'd been placed, as well as having the opportunity to run around the livingroom, where I got to meet Carrie and Harriet, two guinea pigs. Curious creatures. I also met Paul's brother, who has a useful pair of legs and up which I was able to climb to access the sofa.

I do think I may have upset Claudia, when I took things a bit literally and I feasted on Feast, a book by Nigella Lawson. Hmm.


'Shy Boy' Archangel Gabriel
On behalf of Gordon,
In memory of Tony

We've found ourselves back in our travel home and at Claudia and Paul's. For some reason we are in a different room to the one we normally reside in. It's a lot quieter, so that suits me. I'm resting a lot and for sure Shy Boy finds me a total bore.

The menu this evening looks particularly inviting; avocado, sweetcorn, grapes, broccoli, our usual cereal and, of course, yoghurt and honey.

Shy Boy is restless so I hope he has the chance of a runaround later.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony Blair

NY trip for Tony

Forgot to mention the visitor we had some days ago, no idea who he was, but he seemed attentive and handled both Shy Boy and myself. Curious.

Gordon Brown
In Memory of Tony

Haven't been up to much today. Feeling better, but still taking it easy. Shy Boy went off somewhere for a while, no idea what he got up to.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony Blair

Wasn't feeling at my best yesterday and not up to cleaning myself. 'Shy Boy' often takes care of my hygiene, but for some reason he didn't yesterday and it was Helena who made sure I was 'presentable'.

I'm feeling better this morning and went for a nap behind the curtain - Tony's favorite haunt. I can still capture his scent, just.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

This evening Shy Boy brought back the minutes of the last Designed and Made board meeting, their financial accounts for March and the estimated costings of two exhibitions.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Shy Boy went out this morning and came back with some typed notes, a 'to do' list, an A4 exercise book and a cheque for £196.

Helena must have been looking for them when she found me, in my bed, with a large, torn piece of paper on my back. She took it away the paper, but left the chewed up piece of vinyl floor covering.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Shy Boy scared the life out of Claudia, when he jumped onto the sofa, where she was sitting. I didn't leave the holiday home at all during the weekend, so it was good to stretch my legs yesterday when we returned, with Helena, to our 'house'. Yes, I really did have a good walk about, I even approached the bedroom door. That was a first.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Since Tony became 'out of sorts' our house has been on the table in the quiet room. Today Helena returned us to the floor of the noisy room.

Though it was my sleeping time, I couldn't settle. I could smell Tony. I clattered my yoghurt dish till Helena returned. She opened the front of the house to allow me out. I followed Tony's scent around the 'house', then toward the curtains. In front, under and behind. His scent was strong. I sat among the folds of the fabric, enveloped in it.

I stayed there for a very long time. Comforted. But where was Tony?

Helena then took me from behind the curtain and placed me, with Shy Boy, in our travel home. We're now back with Claudia and Paul. Shy Boy heaven. Heals, toes and shins - watch out.


Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

I'm still behind the bed. Helena brought me a dish of yoghurt and honey in addition to the brazil nut, which she brought earlier. I'm oblivious to Shy Boy's existence, other than Helena speaking to some other being in the room other than myself.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

As soon as Helena realised I wasn't inside the 'house' she called for me. I came out from behind the bed, but then quickly realised that she probably intended to return me to the company of Shy Boy, so I retreated. She respected my wishes and after placing my favorite cardboard tube close to me, left the room. It's quite a drop from the table, but the rug is particularly soft and I so want a break from Archangel.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Helena collected us from Claudia's today. Shy Boy has been an absolute nightmare to be with. Tony had always been the recipient of his playful, but rather painful behaviour and now I'm being subjected to it. He's seriously hard work. Paul suffered a nipped toe, then on putting on slippers, received a nipped shin. I'm just keeping my head down.


Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Claudia came round Sunday afternoon and took us away in our holiday home. The same home in which we'd made our last journey with Tony. It saddened me a little that the bedding was fresh as it meant I couldn't capture his scent.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

In memory of Tony

Tony is now absent from the house. It's strange that I am now left with Shy Boy, I'd never had much to do with him before as Tony had always been the 'middle man'. I've always been withdrawn and unadventurous, so, as well my being a lot older and Shy Boy being such a young rascal, we do make an odd pair.

We spent a lot of time together yesterday evening, exploring many of Tony's old haunts. I even walked as far as the linen press, then we lay together under the throw. I quite enjoyed myself actually. He can be quite an agreeable little thing when he's calmed down.

Gordon Brown
In memory of Tony

Message to Jeanne D

Thank you for your kind words. Please send me your e-mail address again.

May his memory live on...

Following a brief period of illness, Tony Blair, the internationally renowned artist rat, passed away at 8.15 pm Friday 28th March 2008. May his memory live on.

Oblivious?

I've had enough

I feel awful. I'm tired and weak and just want to be on my own. I found myself being handled by that woman again and suffered an indignity at her hands. What's this about? Please leave me be.

Not feeling so good this morning. Given more yuk. Then yoghurt, no honey. Off to rest now.

More yucky flavoured syrup! No Helena, being allowed to snuggle up with you does not make up for having to suffer it. How long is this going to go on for?

Received more of that ghastly flavoured syrup. Yuk!

I've no idea what that woman was trying to do to me, fortunately it didn't last for long. As for that ghastly flavoured syrup, I hope it doesn't replace my yoghurt and honey.

I'm off to rest with the boys now. Catch up with you later.

Unwell

I'm feeling under the weather today. Helena's keeping me snug under her sweater as I fight off whatever it is that making me feel as I do. I look pale and feel lethargic and just want to lie still against her. I have to say though that I haven't lost my appetite for yoghurt and honey.

We returned to our home yesterday, after a long journey in an unfamiliar container. I've no concept of how long we've been away. I recall feeling particularly cold early in the journey and Helena taking me out of the container and under her coat. During our period away we received a lot of good food, most notably delicious, ripe avocados. I didn't get to run around much, but then I can't say that I was in the mood to.

Anyway, I'm feeling very comfortable cradled against Helena so I think I'll take a nap now.

I managed to catch up on my sleep yesterday, following the disruptions of the previous day, when I'd been taken to Helena's studio, during what should have been my resting period.

Between running across clay and around the studio I had the opportunity to rest on Helena's lap, but this also involved being dazzled by a bright light, so I had to tuck my head under her coat.

I later received some attention from people I'd never encountered before, this seemed to encourage much talking.

We returned home just as Gordon and Shy Boy were rising, which meant it was time for yoghurt and honey. Delicious.

Some socks I'd prepared earlier

I had the opportunity to nibble on some new, wool covered, toes yesterday. Though not for long. Maybe they'll come back today.

On Friday I was held, briefly, by an unknown person, who also held a large black object, which she positioned infront of my face. I wasn't sure whether I was expected to interact with it, but it didn't look like anything I would be interested in eating.

The weekend was restful. The house was very quiet. Helena was distracted by the presence of another person. Shy Boy checked him out Saturday evening - his leg was accommodatingly climbable, as was the rest of him.

A new experience

Today there was more goading here and there. I was given my yoghurt on Helena's leg this morning. What was that about? I had to repeatedly run along her shin to get to it. Wierd.

I'm exhausted after yesterday. I left the house, with Helena, early in the morning and didn't return for what seemed like forever. I travelled in the conservatory, which was placed in a bag, for a long time. The swinging meant I couldn't settle and it wasn't until I was still that I got some shut eye. Then more swinging. Next it was bright lights and being directed here and there. The sushi didn't make up for the disruption to my sleeping patterns. Then I was in the biggest space I've ever experience. So many Helenas. Loud noises. S-C-A-R-Y. But I managed to kip on Helena's lap. And then I was back in the bag and swinging again. Happy to be home.

Finished

I've completed the installation and, even if I say so myself, it looks amazing! Threaded from the front door up through the two hatches and collecting in the bed, I've shredded the edges and created the most beautiful bedding for Gordon - who's fast asleep amongst it. Sheer genius.

Photos? Helena wants to Photoshop out the mess first.


Shy Boy is back and he's sourced my dried leaf. Hmm.

Shy Boy has been banished to the landing and Gordon is receiving much attention from Helena. I'm taking a break from another attempt at a bin bag installation, thought I'd lie with Gordon for a while, he's not at his best at the moment. Helena provided us with all our favourite foods this evening and his appetite appears to be as healthy as ever. So that's a comfort.

Not sure I can be bothered to finish the installation now. Maybe I've had too much sweetcorn.
Bit quiet without Shy Boy. I wonder when he'll be allowed back in.

There were so many sheets of paper lying around yesterday, I was in my element. Most of what I was able to collect was confiscated, but with such affection I didn't feel a loss.

Installation

I was in the process of de-constructing a bin liner when Helena arrived and removed my installation, of an unrolled length of bin liners, to which it was attached. I'd threaded them through the door on the ground floor, across the room, up through the hatch to the first floor, then up through the hatch to the loft space, and into my bed. In exchange for my surrendered work I received a bowl of yoghurt and honey - yummy.

Shy Boy is behaving and it looks like he'll be spending the night with Gordon and myself. We did share the cardboard tube earlier today, which seemed to surprise Helena.

Last night was Shy Boy's third in solitary. He's only allowed out under supervision now, even so, he was tiresome. I decided to head downstairs and seek sanctuary in the room with the big red and white dust balls. I lay with them under the slatted wood. It was peaceful and I felt content.

Later in the evening Helena came to collect me. She ignored my protests and took me back to the house. I received some cheese and it did help me to forget the indignity of the situation, a little.

'Shy Boy ' went too far yesterday, he just wouldn't let me be and I was left with an injured eye. Helena contained him in the lower part of the house, leaving Gordon and myself to rest in peace. He was allowed out this evening. Initially he behaved, I could even say he was good company, and then he started playing up again. I don't know.

We've been returned to the floor of the noisy room (the one with all my favourite hideouts) after spending months, on a table, in the quiet room. The first thing I did was to check out my brazil nut stash, but it was gone. The floor smelt of polish and I didn't like that. Tried to play hide and seek with Shy Boy, but he doesn't have a clue about how to conceal himself.

Ran all over Helena when she got home, she was on the phone for ages so an easy target.

I heard her making distress calls this morning - think it was something to do with the leather armchair. Nothing to do with me. I'm more into paper myself. Shy Boy seems to be keeping his head down.