Christmas Presents

My humans didn't take their Christmas presents for each other with them to Andrew's brother - who they spent Christmas day with.  So, they forgot about them completely until last night.  Both presents were Disney memorabilia.  Andrew's for Mikki was a Lennox statue of Mickey Mouse holding a lovely big heart.  Mikki's for Andrew was this statue - of Tinker Bell!!  (Well, they didn't have one of Figaro).

Apparently this was made to commemorate 25 years of the Disney Store.  I must admit it is quite striking.  It has something of the idea of a trophy or award to it. I think Andrew may put it on his desk in his study so he can pretend it was something he was presented with.  Don't worry, Andrew, until they give awards for weirdness, you are quite safe. 

Oh.  I have a few comments of my own before anyone asks.

1.  Tinker Bell is not running away from me.  Nor, sadly, is she turning round to stroke me.  She is an ornament.  It's just how the photographer chose to place her.

2.  Mikki insists Andrrew would get every award for "best husband" she could give.

3.  Did I tell you my humans were nos. 11 and 12 through the door of the first Disney Store to open in London?  Yes, they've been weird for a long time.

Back to business and to wish everyone a happy, lucky and successful 2012. I'm looking forward to a lot of new pictures with characters starting in just a few days time.

Prrrrr.

Merry Christmas: Ho, Ho, Ho.

This is my last post before Christmas and may be my last of the year.  Tomorrow, I am off with my humans to join other members of Andrew's family for the Holidays.  I have to say I'm amazed how much work I have done this month and I won't mind a little time to relax.

So Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays from me and my humans.  I hope Santa brings us all what we have asked for and we all have a happy and prosperous time in 2012.

Figaro the Toy Cat.

Prrrrrrrrrrr.....

We Are Not Alone: and Christmas Wishes

I was planning to put up a photo of Figaro's Christmas stocking just before Christmas - but I had not expected that I would already have received some lovely presents myself.

Warm welcome to Brian who has started following me (and to Ellen and Brian who are following my picture on Andrew's tweets).  Hope they forgive me, however, if I reserve my most special Prrrrrr for Buttons the toy rabbit.  He also has a Blog on Blogger. A Rabbit's Ramblings.  Meet him at:
 http://buttonsbunnyblog.blogspot.com/

Buttons is my first real toy friend in this wonderful world of the internet and social networking.  It is taking my humans (OK, I mean Andrew) quite a lot to get used to and I am way behind the times.

Still, it would be very nice to hear from any other cuddly or chatty toys out there who would like to join us.  Felines of all sorts welcome but so too are all bears, sheep, hamsters, mice, horses, etc - even d*gs.    You don't have to be Disney.  Buttons isn't.

Meanwhile, here is my picture of Figaro's Christmas stocking - which we saw as part of a display of Geppetto's workshop in the Contemporary Resort in 2009.  See that!  The humans have put me where it looks like I'm a puppet and Geppetto is controlling me.  The things we stars have to put up with.  They've also got too much flash in my face.  Sometimes stars even have to work with amateurs - and it does make me look very clean and white.

What would I tell Santa I would like in the stocking?  I was just looking forward to a few more cuddles but a new friend has been a lovely early bonus.  Happy Christmas, Buttons.

Prrrrrr.

Life's Tough When You're a Star

It's one thing that my humans seem to enjoy dressing up and looking silly but when they do it to their toys it needs explanation.

The humans went out last night (Friday) and joined friends and neighbours in a large party for Christmas dinner in our local restaurant.  There was lots of good food and joking  (I am told) - and Christmas crackers to pull.  Well, my Mikki pulled hers and took out the paper party hat - but found it had been glued in the wrong place and was tiny (with a long tail).  She immediatly announced it was my size - and that she would prove it with a photo on the web.  Soon another human found an eye patch as the novelty in their cracker.  Mikki said I would like that too.  So here I am:  on my Blog and another photo on Twitter,  @andrew1987Young.  I think it is the very first picture Andrew has put up there.

It all seems rather humiliating in some ways.  Not only do they dress me up like this but put me up on the mantelpiece next to mere ornaments.  And they're ornamants of mice and a pixie!  There's a nice Armani statue of a really cute kitten on the end of the mantelpiece but they're not showing that.  They've even put a Christmas card in front of it!  Meeeoow.

It's taking a lot of work for me to remain calm and dignified.  After all, Figaro is not just any Disney character:  he is a star.  He has short films of his own - and his own little song to accompany them.  I know people like to see me and, like a true star, I must keep the fans happy.  Besides, the least I can say is that the humans were thinking about me when they were out last night.

And the hat's actually a bit big - but we stars sometimes have to cope with ill-fitting costumes, don't we?

I think I deserve a cuddle now.

Prrrrr.

Preparations Continue

The humans are still busy getting ready both for the Festive Season here and the trip to Walt Disney World.

Mikki has been playing Christmas music in the car for a few days now but she hasn't yet completed one "tradition" of making a fresh compilation.  She has been waiting for the "Military Wives" CD.  It is due to be released on Monday but Amazon have just sent an "e-mail" to say it has been dispatched (so we expect it tomorrow).  That'll be that job done.

For the holiday (by which I mean vacation, not Christsmas!) Mikki is downloading the latest US maps for her SatNav (GPS).  She did a great deal when she bought it in the USA:  free US map upgrades for life.  Now we just have to keep visiting to use them.

For my picture, I've chosen another of those small discreetly decorated trees that you find all over WDW :).  Seriously, they do work hard and do a great job. This one was at the Grand Floridian Resort.  DVC have just sent Andrew an e-mail saying they are going to build villas there. "Knew that" said Mikki.  Perhaps we will have somewhere new to go to in a few years time.

Prrr.

December in Florida

It's cold and miserable outside here in England so I'm cheering myself up with a picture taken on one of our previous December trips to Walt Disney World.  Those in "the north" (UK or USA) just imagine the warmth.

This is at our "Home" DVC resort of Old Key West.  Of course, when my humans joined it was just "The Disney Vacation Club".  And there was a sales centre ("The Commodore House") where the building behind me to the right of the picture is.  My humans remember looking out at that fountain while going through the papers and talking about buying.  They say that in those days it was the softest sell in the world.  All that was a long time ago: 1992!  That's so long ago that it was before I had even gone to live with my humans.

The picture is a lot more recent.  Since then, Disney has carried out a major refurbishment of the interior - which has quite spoilt it for us.  We will not be staying at Old Key West during our January visit.  But outside, it still looks idyllic.

Yes, yes.  It's sunny in the picture but how warm was it really?  I can't remember:  I'm only a toy cat.  So it probably wasn't as warm as in the summer.  It still makes you wish you were there, though.  Doesn't it?

Now I wish for a little cuddle, please.

Prrrrr

Places Friends can Take You

Christmas is a time to remember your friends, and my humans and I have made a lot of friends through our interest in Disney. 

One December visit a friend was able to do something special for us.  He worked for GM, the sponsors of Test Track, and he was able to get a group of us into the VIP lounge there.  You can probably see Mission Space on this picture but the most spectacular thing is the cars wizzing past just below the window.  I was content to have my picture with the Christmas Tree.  Andrew is holding me nicely and Mikki says I look really good (I always do, don't I).

We are looking forward to seeing some friends in January.  Mikki is hoping to see lots more in October.

When I look through my pictures I see lots with friends from Disney.  there are a lot of nice people out there!  I have had lots of nice cuddles.

Prrrr.

Christmas on Main Street, USA

Happy Holidays from the heart of Walt Disney World - Main Street, USA.  Here is my human, Andrew, holding me right in the middle of it.  This picture was taken a few years ago but is the most recent I have of the decorations on Main Street.  Don't you wish you were there (less than 4 weeks to go).

It's also a lovely reminder that even at this time of year it can be nice and warm in Florida - well, warmer than here anyway.  The sun was shining today when my humans went round the village delivering the village newsletter and some Christmas cards.  I went in the car to supervise and keep them company but didn't get out.  It was jolly cold.  There was quite a lot of slippery ice on the paths.  Fortunately, the humans only found this with the soles of their shoes!

Back home now for a nice warming cuddle.

Brrr, Brrr,  Prrrrr.

Snowman

It's back to Disney Christmas with this picture of me with a snowman (not real snow, of course).

At home, the humans have erected our artificial snowman in the living room.  This year, he is on a little table so he can be seen from outside.  We're jolly glad we didn't put him outside, although he is supposed to be for indoor or outdoor use.  The wind yesterday was very strong.  He would have been at serious risk of getting damaged or blown away.  The neighbours had a gate broken and the whole village had the power out for a couple of hours (the power company said it would be 9, so I suppose we should compliment them).

Today, it's calmer but colder.  Toy cats don't need to go outside.

You can see me with our snowman in my first Post of January this year.

The snowman at the top was set up for a "Merry Mixer" party for members of the Disney Vacation Club.  It's only fair that you get to see some of the other "folks" we got to merrily mix with.  Donald and Daisy Duck came along.  Daisy is giving me a nice little tickle.  Yes, that's right.  Now up a bit.  Good.

Prrrr.

Safari

More good days for a toy cat to stay indoors.  It's just started raining (again).  Forecast is of gales today and a warning of severe gales and heavy rain coming to our area tomorrow.  Let's think of somewhere much warmer where we will be in January.

This picture was taken during our last "January" visit to Wald Disney World.  Here I am on the balcony of our room at Kidani.  Just look at the giraffes behind me and imagine the baking African savannah.

OK, central Florida in January is not quite "baking".  My humans were wearing jackets a lot of the time.  I did say, "imagine", and if you're not wiling to free up your imagination you probably won't make the most of Disney World.

I am pretty sure I can look forward to it being warmer than here.  We will be spending part of the time at Kidani again, so I can also look forward to some new pictures of me watching the animals.  And, I am looking forward to lots of cuddles.  Of course, I don't have to go to Florida for them - or wait until January.

That's it.     Prrrrrr.

Internet Serious Stuff

Oh, Dear.  I should have guessed there would be a price to pay for being allowed to get chatty on my Blog.  My human, Andrew, says I should care about the future of the Internet.  Well I'm a toy cat, so that's difficult.  But I trust my human Andrew and I think he has done a little research of his own since he was asked to get involved..   

It seems there is a law being proposed in the US Congress which lots of serious Internet people think would have damaging and unintended consequences.  It goes under acronyms like SOPA or PIPA.  It's supposed to stop piracy.  This piracy is not about "Pirattes of the Caribbean" (which I like) but protecting copyright owners like tv companies and film studios who invest lots of money in creating the content we like.  As so often with laws, "the Devil is in the Detail".  People like Facebook, Google, Twitter and ebay have got together to say it will both fail in what it is trying to do and make life far too difficult for them and their users (like me). 

Anyone in the USA is asked to get involved by doing things like writing to their US senators.  You can find out more from Mozilla:  Look them up or (if you're foolinsh enough to trust a link given to you by a toy cat) go to:   https://donate.mozilla.org/page/s/SOPA?source=sopa_page

Outside the USA?  You can sign an international petition.  Look for AVAAZ or go to:  http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/?mzla

You may like to check out these sites yourself to make sure you want to sign up to their ideas, get on their e-mail lists etc.  Figaro's Diary accepts no responsibility . . . . . . etc.

Is that all the serious stuff I have to do?  I'll just put up this little picture of me in California with the ocean behind me.  Andrew's using this for his avatar on Twitter - @Andrew1987Young.  I think he's still a little scared of putting up his own face.

Cuddle now please.

Christmas Hamper

Now that my humans live in a small village, they do quite a bit of shopping by internet and post - so a parcel delivery is quite common.  Mostly, though, they know what they are expecting.  So it was a delightful surprise when a large box was delivered yesterday.  "What's this", called Andrew to Mikki.  "It's a lovely hamper", replies the delivery man.  Oh wow! The label said it came from Fortnum & Mason.  And here's the contents.

 I'm a toy cat:  I don't eat.  But I think all this looks jolly yummy for humans.  Biscuits, two types of tea and one of coffee; wine mulling spices and lots more.  It's a super Christmas gift from Mikki's sister, Julie, and her family in Bermuda.  Thank you, lovely people.  I think my humans plan to keep some of the items for themselves at home and to take some to share with Andrew's family who we are joining for Christmas.

Less than a day later (and it's raining outside again) but the humans are already planning what they will do with the empty basket - which has "F & M" clearly printed on the lid.  If the UK gets any summer next year, there could be picnics on their own decking by the river.

Come along now.  If you are going to spoil yourselves with all these treats, the least you can do is give me a little cuddle.

Prrrrr.

Christmas Warmth

Here is another Christmas picture from our trip to WDW in 2009.  This is my human Andrew holding me in front of a display at the Walt Disney World Dolphin suggesting a lovely warm Christmas on the beach (make your snowman a sandman).

Outside here, now, it is raining.  Higher ground in England - including Andrew's brother's house - have had snow overnight.  Crisp fresh snow can look very pretty but driving through snow isn't part of the fun of being with family (my driver, Mikki, says).

I quite like the idea of a nice warm Christmas.  I think we might have to go even further south than central Florida to guarantee Christmas on a real, outdoor, beach (and I don't really like real sand in my fur).  Truth is that it doesn't matter that much as long as we're all together, and I'm getting lots of cuddles.

Prrr

One Month to Go

A month from now, we will be on our way to Walt Disney World.  My human Mikki is planning how to ride Big Thunder Mountain Railroad as much as possible while it is open.  I am just thinking about a nice relaxing time and a few more pictures with characters.

The picture was taken on our last trip out in October 2010.  We were Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic.  Sadly, this is not how we will be travelling this time - but a toy can reminisce and dream can't he?

We all loved it.  We started with breakfast, massage and mimosas in the Upper Class lounge at Gatwick.  Onboard, the food was lovely and the humans could lie down and sleep while we toys could chat with the friendly cabin crew at the bar.

The flight was the result of the humans using a Virgin credit card and accumulating quite a large number of reward points.  I don't think it will be happening again soon (and Virgin are cutting back on Upper Class anyway).

On another subject, thank you, Ellen, for thinking of me and sending my Mikki the cartoon of the Dalek with a cat.  My humans have two radio controlled toy Daleks they were given one Christmas.  All they seem to want to do is exterminate each other.  Petting is OK but I prefer proper cuddles - and from proper humans.  Yes, you two, that means you.

Prrrr.

Christmas Preparations Continue

Preparations for Christmas continue in our house.  Andrew has been up in the attic getting down boxes of decorations and Mikki is sorting out what she wants to put up first.

There are some nice soft toys/beanies that are all dressed up in Christmas costumes and have to spend most of the year in st***ge.  It's nice to see them out, even if they are all mice (and one d*g).

Andrew has now set up the snowman (see "Snow has Gone" in January).  He is staying indoors this year.  Too warm outside!

Meanwhile I have been comforting the humans with cuddles as they both started crying.  They were watching the new video of the Military Wives Choir.  Look at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hR6O7VxKaQ

My humans have already ordered the official song and are sending some money to military charities.  I'm not sure I understand, but it seems this is the world's chance to show we want to help our heroes more than we want to support someone called Simon Cowell.

For my picture, I am still in Walt Disney World.  This tree was in the foyer of the Beach Club Resort.  I think whichever of my humans was taking the picture was trying to be artistic by framing me with two of the big chairs.  Don't worry.  The picture'll be fine.  It's got me in it. 

Later today, the humans will help erect the tree in our village.  The official lighting ceremony is this evening.

There, there. Calm down.  Let me give you another cuddle.

Prrrr.

Lights of Winter

According to the UK Met. Office, "winter" starts officially today for weather purposes.  We're looking forward to better weather in Florida in January but meanwhile here is another picture of Christmas at Walt Disney World.

It's of the "Lights of Winter" the lovely light and music show at Epcot that has now been retired.  It is quite difficult to get a good picture of the show so my human Mikki was very happy to find a good one in the middle of her new book from "Celebrations" magazine.  This picture was taken a few years ago.  It's the best of my humans' I could find, but I can't help thinking there's something missing.

Meanwhile, preparations for trips to WDW continue.  Mikki is now looking at a second visit - in October.  That is so she can be there for the 15th anniversary celebratons of "Intercot", the web discussion board where she is a moderator.  It's about 11 months away so Mikki has started thinking about things like flights and booking DVC accommodation.

Yes, there is something missing from the picture.  But it is quite difficult to get a good close up of a toy kitten and have the light display in focus too.  I'll forgive them for now - provided I get a cuddle.

Prrr.

Christmas Memories

My title is the title of a book Mikki got in the post (mail) yesterday.  It is a special hard back collectors' edition of the "Celebrations" magazine Mikki gets.  It is just full of wonderful pictures of Walt Disney World at Christmas.  I haven't found any of a black and white kitten but Mikki is really enjoying it.

There are lots of large model displays among Disney's Christmas decorations.  This one, of a funfair, was in the Boardwalk Villas:  incidentally, just about the only DVC location on property where we have not stayed.

And talking of things coming in the mail, Andrew's temporary disabled person's parking permit also arrived yesterday.  That's just a week since Mikki spoke to the Osceola County office about it.  She was impressed that they could immediately call up all Andrew's details from our visit in 2010 and sent it off as soon as they had the credit card payment.  I am told this may not be typical of every US local government office but it is certanly not typical of the UK public serrvice (who are mostly on strike today).

I think I'd like a cuddle for Christmas.  How about a practice?

Prrrrr.

Christmas Past

Today's Christmas picture is from one of our previous trips to Walt Disney World.  It wasn't the humans' first trip during December but it may have been the first one where they understood I am the star of the pictures (training them properly takes time).  It was 1999.  I don't know what camera they were using either (I'm cast, not crew!) but I'm pleased to know things have improved over the years.

I'm not quite sure where the picture was taken but the boat on the tree makes me think it is likely to be the lobby area of the Yacht Club.

Yes, this is from the time when I had lots more fur round my head and on my chest.  I really think it's much better to be distinctive, individual, not just any Figaro, me, No.1.

But if you must feel sorry for me, you can always comfort me with a cuddle.

Prrrr.

Nearly 19

Christmas is also my birthday.   I suppose it's a sort of "official" birthday.  It's the day when my "life" with my humans started: when Mikki gave me to Andrew.  That was in 1992.  I will be 19 this year.  They keep teasing me that I'm getting old and losing my fur.  19 may be old for a real cat but surely it's nothing for a well cared for and loved toy (isn't it?).

My first picture was taken on December 26, 1992 and the second one in August this year. 

The way I see it, this just shows that I am a well loved Figaro.  It also means I am a one and only.  It's like Woody having a stitched shirt and Andy's name on the sole of his boot.  I am me.  I am unique.  Everyone knows it is me they meet in Walt Disney World.  Accept No Imitations.

And not having lots of hair makes one look so distinguished - don't you think, Andrew?

It also means nobody need feel any hesitation in picking me up and cuddling me. .

Prrrr.

Oh Chdristmas Tree

Here I am in the Villas (the DVC bit) at Wilderness Lodge.  We like Wilderness Lodge any time (I think Andrew just likes places that are a bit darker) but the theming really fits with Christmas.  When we have been there, it has almost always been very quiet and peaceful in these lounge areas downstairs at the Villas.

Today, it's beautifully sunny here in Lincolnshire:  dry but windy and cold.  I went out in the car with the humans while they were delivering something round the village for a friend.  I like car rides so I can get cuddles from Andrew (Mikki is driving!).  We came home and Mikki put on "Disney Cinemagique":  Toy Story 3.  I think it was towards the end but I don't know because Andrew turned my face away from the TV, covered my ears and gave me a lot of nice strokes.  Later, it's "Tangled".  

Oh, I found the recipe for the gingerbread house in my last post:  820 lbs of sugar; 135 lbs of butter; 1040 eggs; 150 lbs of chocolate chips; 470 lbs of flour; 2 lbs of baking soda.  Bake in a very large oven (I could have guessed that bit).

I still think it's just as well toys don't eat.  We don't need to go out and get exercise either.

Prrr.

Christmas Coming: The American Adventure

Thanksgiving is over so I can think about the next holiday: Christmas.  I've had lots of nice pctures taken with Christmas decorations in Walt Disney World so now I can share some of them with you.

Here I am in front of the gingerbread house in "The American Adventure" in Epcot.  Its so big I guess you could really live in it (or, as happened, sell cakes and gingerbread from it). It did look rather edible but I suspect it wasn't really.  And how would I know: I'm a toy cat.  They have several sort of edible creations around WDW at Christmas time and these houses are about the simplest. I look good in pictures with all of them.

Prrrrr.



 

Happy Thanksgiving, U.S.A.

My humans and I have been in the USA twice over Thanksgiving.  It was quite good fun although, of course, it doesn't have the same meaning for toy kittens or British people.  Anyway, I hope everyone in the US is enjoying the time with their families.  I really don't mind if you haven't read this until a few days later!

The best picture I could think of for Thanksgiving is this one of me with Pocahontas.  I hope nobody thinks this shows disrespect for - or even total ignorance of - American traditions.  Disney are hardly famous for slavishly following facts or an original story but I don't think even they claimed Pocahontas was part of the first Thanksgiving.  That owes more to my humans' love of the film "Addams Family Values" and the wonderful performance of Christina Ricci as Wednesday.

My humans learned more of the real traditions of Thanksgiving the year they decided to visit Wal-Mart the next day.  Gosh, that was an experience!

Meanwhile, Mikki has continued preparations for our trip to WDW.  Yesterday, she filled in the ESTA forms and got approval for the humans to enter the USA.  Lucky for her they didn't ask difficult questions - like "Do you like Pumpkin Pie?".

Happy Thanksgiving.

Prrrr.

Duffy

Christmas is coming (yes yes, US followers have to get Thanksgiving over first) and after Christmas I have got the humans to bring me back to Walt Disney World.  So I thought it was high time to get myself in the mood by sharing a few more pictures of me with other Disney characters.  Here is Duffy, The Disney Bear.

Duffy had a little pavilion of his own near the entrance to World Showcase.  I think the idea was that he could tour the whole world without leaving Epcot!

Duffy was very nice and held me just right for the photo.  The other great thing about Duffy (if I have got things right) is that he started off as a toy before he was a park character.  That gave me an idea.  If the Disney guys are still feeling reluctant about making a park character of Figaro the cat in Pinocchio (aka Minnie Mouse's cat), they can again model their character on a toy.  I am ready and willing - and will be over there in January.

Prrrrrr.

Lake District Party

We are just back home from the annual party in the English Lake District we have gone to for the last three years.  The party itself ended on Monday but we went to visit Andrew's brother and mother before coming home.

The party is good fun with a lot of nice people (even if one or two of them made jokes about someone called "Postman Pat" when they saw me!).  There are two big fancy dress evening parties and this year one of them was to the theme, "Toy Shop".  Disney characters were allowed so a lot of people thought they could guess who Mikki would come as.  She didn't because she had been Mickey Mouse last year for a "Hollywood" theme.  She was a "Spacehopper".

As you can see, I was much more interested in who Andrew came as.  He cleverly combined Disney Character with Toy by going not just as Figaro but as Toy Figaro: i.e. me.  I went with him.

Doesn't he look cute?  Come on give us both a cuddle.

Prrrrr.

Party Pictures

 I didn't go to my humans' Hallowe'en party but I did have a look round the house after they had got it decorated for the night.  Here are a few pictures.

The tape was on the staircase and faced visitors as they came in the door.  There was other tape - with a variety of messages - outside, wrapped round the gates and railings (yes, our house has some nice tall iron gates - just right for spooky).

Inside, two rooms were converted into "dungeons" by covering the walls to look like a dark stone chamber.  They various skulls, chains and body parts were scattered about.  Mikki decided not to bother showing you a picture in either of them.

Over the years they have been holding this party, the humans have collected quite a few items that not only look creepy but "do something".  One is a cauldron that bubbles over with white mist.  Another is this crystal ball.  Make a noise near it and the head of an old crone lights up and cackles to you. The new one this year was a gargoyle.  When you made a noise near him, "blood" spouted from his mouth.  Meeowww.

Never forget my humans are Disney fans and they were in Walt Disney World about this time last year, so some of Mickey Mouse's "not so scary" items get in too.

 

Now it's November and all the decorations are down (until they get out the Christmas ones). 

Next big event is our weekend in the English Lake District.  One night there will be a fancy dress party with a theme of "Toys".  I have decided to let Andrew go as me!

Prrrrr.



Hallowe'en on the Way

Since we moved to this village, we have held a party at Hallowe'en three times.  We missed last year (we were in Florida) so lots of friends have really been looking forward to this year's.  Mikki has been adding to a collection that already includes skulls, spiders, broomsticks, a bubbling cauldron and a "crystal" ball with a a cackling crone's head inside.

Here I am being introduced to something made of black tinsel with lights in it that they are trying to tell me is cat!  In fact, since taking the picture, they have bought another one that is even sillier:  It has long teeth and makes nasty noises (like the cat Goofy steps on in the "Philharmagic" pre-show).  At least it means they won't expect any of the Figaros to stand in as a black cat.

The party's on Saturday - a couple of days before the actual night - so we have two more days of decorating to go.  I think I'll just relax on the bed until they have time to come and cuddle me.

Prrrrr.

Treasures from Warwick Event

As you probably guessed, we did not come back from Disney Dave's event in Warwick empty handed.  Here I am being expected to admire some pewter figures of Mickey Mouse.

The humans were pleased to have them.  Mikki has some others but Disney do not seem to make or licence them these days.  The particular ones came from Conventions in the late 1990s.

I really don't know why they get so excited.  These are only ornaments - not toys.  And there is not even a cat of any sort in any of them.  Well, if it keeps the humans happy . ..

Prrrr

Disney Dave's Fall Event

We have just come back from a fun weekend with our friends Dave and Carol at his fall (autumn) event in Warwick.

Dave and Carol used to run the shop, "Castle China" in Warwick.  They had to give up the premises when the landlord got greedy but they still run the business over the internet and visit shows or hold special events of their own.

During the day, they had a few presentations and films as well as a raffle, auction and lots of time to drool over (or buy) the latest pieces.  No Figaros, though.  They had artwork of Pinocchio, Geppetto, and even the insect - but no Figaro (Meow)!

In the eveing the humans all went off to a restaurant to eat and enjoy themselves.

Here I am playing on an inflatable Mickey Mouse outside the meeting room.  It's a good picture of my human, Andrew too, don't you think?

Prrrrrr.

Golden Dumbo

Here's another of the pictures Andrew has put on the desktop of his new computer.

The picture was taken during our visit to California in 2005 - the golden anniversary of Disneyland park.  For that year, they put gold coloured ride vehicles next to each of the attractions that was there on opening day.  Here we are on Dumbo.

 Neither Andrew nor I are too sure about the picture and it may not stay.  Andrew fusses about it having a complicated background (the Dumbo ride).  He prefers pictures with plain backgrounds so that the icons on his desktop show up well.  I am more concerned at all the other cats in the picture.  Sometimes, I like having little Travelling Beanie with us because he does the dangerous stunt pictures.  If we had used the moving ride to do the picture on Dumbo's ear, then I might have offered it to  him.  Well, at least we all look like we're enjoying ourselves.

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Hard At Work

Yes, my human Andrew has a new computer and has decided it is time to take a picture of me at work at it.  It's really quite silly.  Apart from showing me in a very undignified position, it doesn't even show the new computer.  He kept the old keyboard.

Well, for those people who want to know how I do all the typing, here it is.  Sometimes I also dictate to one of the humans.  When I do that, I always get the other one (Mikki) to check for spelling and other typing mistakes.

Back to more interesting subjects soon (I hope).

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Warning: Human has New Computer

Andrew has a new computer.  He is very pleased with the box and associated hardware.  He boutght it from a company called PC Specialist.  Mikki got her present one from the same company so was able to recommend them.

One of the good points is that this company does not load up lots of software you don't want - so the processor works on things you want and the desktop is not cluttered with lots of silly icons.  That leaves plenty of room for a nice background picture (or twenty) - which will lead me eventually to explaining today's photo.

The problem - as you probably guessed - is that a new PC means getting to grips with Windows 7.  Andrew has poor eyesight and remembers how much time and effort it took him to get XP to produce a screen he could use.  At least that experience prepared him to find the Windows 7 high contrast colour schemes approved by Microsoft would not suit him.  He had not been prepared for Microsoft changing the features of the "Magnifier" so that it will no longer work the way he liked.  Mikki even went onto a Microsoft help forum to ask a question.  Eventually, someone from Microsoft replied acknowledging Windows 7 can't do what Andrew was used to, suggested we buy third party software, and helpfully added a total disclaimer of liability!

Meanwhile, Andrew has had some fun with setting up pictures to run in sequence on his Desktop.  I am pleased that I was able to help with some suggestions.  Here is one of the pictures he put up.

We were visiting Andrew's family in Yorkshire when this was taken.  We had a trip out to a place called Fountains Abbey.  These are the largest abbey ruins in England and a World Heritage Site.  This shot was taken in the associated water gardens known as Studley Royal.  They were built in the georgian period and include lots of lovely statues, mock classical temples and so on.

Yes, you can see the Humans made me stand in the dirt for this picture.  This was a few years ago.  I don't think I would allow that now.

I can think of other nice pictures Andrew could put on his computer.  Perhaps I will share them with you too.

Meanwhile Andrew, take it steady and we will work things out for you.  Calm down.  Relax. Give your toy kitten a cuddle.  Prrrrrr

Bye Bye Magic

It's time to say goodbye to our latest cruise on Disney Magic - and what better image that one of me with Mickey and Minnie Mouse latken on the last day!

They were, of course, both delighted to see me.  I am sure Minnie recognised me immediately.  She gave me a nice cuddle.

We spent one more day in Barcelona before flying home.  England in September is rather cooler than the Mediterranean in August but I don't mind really (I stay on the bed most of the time).  Mikki is already looking forward to her next trip to Walt Disney World - in January.  She has been making dining reservations.

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Still At Sea

We are getting close to the end of our cruise and I thought I should mention our cabin - where we did spend a lot of our time.  Here I am with Mikki on the balcony.
We had a very nice lady looking after our cabin.  She was very helpful with things like getting the humans glasses for their wine.  She was eagle-eyed to see us leave and tidy up the room as soon as she could.  She also left lots of lovely animals made out of the towels.  The humans took some photos of some of them but I'm not in them.

At the end of the cruise, my humans were happy to give our "stateroom host" more than the recommended gratuity.  They also did this for the hard working assistant server in the restaurants.  The same could not be said of the server himself, and especially of the Head Server.  I don't think they wee too happy about paying him at all but I can't say much because I didn't go into the restaurants for the evening meals.

Since we are coming towards the end, I thought I would make my other picture one of Walt Disney himself outside the Walt Disney Theatre.

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At Sea with the Pirates

The pictures were taken during our "day at sea" after Disney Magic left Italy. The first one is when I got Captain Jack Sparrow to hold me. He has never been willing to do this in Walt Disney World. When we have met him there, he has had some of his pirate crew with him and ordered one of them to perform this task. I think my Mikki persuaded him this time by claiming that she had stolen me from Minnie Mouse - so I qualified as a pirate cat!
The other picture was taken the same day near the shops.

I will soon have reported most of the highlights of the cruise and get back to what has happened since. Sadly, I may be unable to post for a few days because Andrew is getting a new computer and it is his I use for the Blog. This means that both he and I are going to have to learn how to set up and use the new one. I expect quite a few days of frustration and upset before Andrew gets things as he would like them. Only then will he let me near the new machine. Meanwhile, I will have to let him give me cuddles to calm him down. How fortunate for him he has such a delightful little toy cat.

By the way, Mikki didn't steal me from Minnie Mouse: she bought me from the Disney Store in Liverpool. I am a Toy!!

Somewhere in Italy

Here is a picture of my humans, Mikki and Andrew, taken during their big day out from our cruise.

The picture was taken by a friend during their trip to Sorento and Pompeii. I don't really know where they were exactly - because I wasn't there! I was a little disappointed. After all, "Figaro" is an italian name and my feature film was set in Italy even if it was entirely made in a studio in southern California (also, Figaro, it was set in northern Italy and we were near Naples, southern Italy).

The humans went on to walk round the ruins of the Roman town of Pompeii. Some other friends have sent messages saying they hoped I hadn't been taken there because I might have got dusty and had to have another bath!! Meeoww! So perhaps all was well in the end.

The humans said they enjoyed Pompeii a lot.

After that, it was back on the Disney Magic for a day at sea before stopping at Palma and then returning to Barcelona.

Food on the Cruise

Here I am in Lumiere's, which was probably my humans' favourite restaurant (of the main three - Palo is in a class of its own). This had nothing to do with the dinner service but it was the one they went to most for breakfast or lunch.

For dinners, my humans shared a table with three nice couples from the USA. Over the week, they all learned the trick of taking a glass of wine in with you to avoid paying Disney prices. One even managed to fit a whole bottle of wine into two glasses!

The humans had a man as their server and a nice hard working lady assistant with a cute french sounding name. The server took the orders each evening. At the end of the cruise, my humans adjusted the recommended gratuities to reflect who they thought had done the work. The assistant got more than the server. Andrew wondered how many of the serving teams had the man as the "boss" and a woman assistant. Mikki looked around and thought there were quite a lot. I wonder how many people have been on cruises where they had females in charge and male assistants.

Getting a good cup of coffee was difficult. The first day, the humans got room service to deliver early morning coffee and orange juice. The coffee tasted like it had been on the stove all night! The orange juice was poorly mixed concentrate. For the rest of the cruise, the coffee was just very weak. The orange stayed the same.

Here I am outside Cove Cafe. Andrew had one cup of coffee he liked here but somehow it was never the same when he asked again. Wasn't he glad to get ashore in Italy! I was happy relaxing with him anywhere.

Seriously, all this didn't matter much. I can survive on cuddles alone.

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Cruising with Character

We were on a Disney cruise so naturally there were often Disney characters about. I got to play with some and I also had some pictures. The first to play with me was Pluto. My humans and I had recently boarded and he was waving down to other arrivals from the deck above the entrance. He broke off to play with me a little. I am always a little careful with Pluto. He is a d*g; he has a history of chasing my character and he has put me in his mouth before now. This time, he was very good and gentle.

We didn't get a picture of Pluto but here are a couple of those we did. These two pictures were both taken in the Atrium and on the same day.

The first picture is from my own feature film and I am with the little wooden boy and the insect. Pinnocchio recognised me at once and was very happy to see me. He gave me a nice cuddle. Prr. Prr. The ship's newsletter for the day said it was quite rare for Jiminy to make an appearance so I suppose it was nice to have a picture of them together.

In my other picture, I am with Lilo and Stitch. Stitch was also very good and gentle but I was glad Lilo didn't let go of me. I had seen Stitch playing around with some of his other visitors.

The atrium was a nice place to have pictures taken but it wasn't the only spot on the ship. I had some taken on the next deck up in various locations and one even up by the family pool - I was very brave to go near the water even if it was to see Chip and Dale!

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DVC Gift

The Disney Vacation Club had a strong pressence on our cruise. Lots of the passengers were members - including several on my humans' dinner table. There was also a prominent sales desk (Where in Disney isn't there?).

DVC sent its members a gift. In the picture, I'm looking at the one sent to humans. It was a rather nice, solidly made box full of goodies. There were lanyards (again, what aren't there lanyards for in Disney?), there were pens and there was lots of sales literature.

The box was solidly made. My humans were not the only couple at their table who were upset at the idea of what to do with it. They didn't want it; they hadn't asked for it; and they had no reason to take it home. But they didn't want to waste it by throwing it away. After a few days thought, they did the obvious thing. They gave it back.

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Different Things

There are lots of things for the humans to do on a ship like "Disney Magic" - even when they are not looking for characters for me to have a picture with! And the great thing is that the two of them can do different things.

On our first day out of Barcelona, Andrew and I relaxed on comfy deck chairs (Andrew reading) while Mikki went ashore to see Monte Carlo. Here are some pictures. Andrew took the one of me but I don't know who took the one of Mikki.

Andrew liked relaxing and reading on the quiet shaded deck (Deck 4). The chairs were quite comfortable. It was also a good job so few of them were being used because lots and lots of them were broken. They were alright for lying on but if you tried to adjust them to a more upright position (as for reading), most of them collapsed on you without warning. Fortunately, of course, this didn't worry me.

Mikki saw a motor car museum and the "changing of the guard" at the prince's palace. I don't think that was up to Buckingham Palace standards and I am not sure my humans want to admit they lived over 20 years in London and never saw that. In the picture, she's standing above the yacht harbour. Monte Carlo is a place where you really need your yacht to be very expensive! Toy cats are a lot more ecomonic - and in my view much more rewarding.

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All Aboard

Here are my first pictures from the Disney Magic. Anyone who's been aboard will recognise the statue as the one in the main atrium (where you come aboard) outside "Lumiere's" restaurant. For anyone who only knows "Disney Wonder", it is where that ship has Ariel's statue.

I'm not sure I liked the statue that much. Mickey's costume reminded me (and my humans) of the "SS Totally Sinkable" on the effects tour there used to be in the Studios. That's hardly the image you want for a cruise.

Towards the end of the cruise, we met three captains in one day: Mckey Mouse, Jack Sparrow and a human called Marco. I think he's the one who really commands the ship but I didn't go with the humans to meet him. My second picture is with captain Mickey. Look, he's giving me a nice little stroke.

Yes, I got one with Jack Sparrow too - but you'll have to wait for that.

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