“Top Cat Club”
Recounting an old story I concocted many Moon’s ago which has resided in this noggin. I thought maybe I better get it out before the “Mad Cow Disease” destroys it.
The Top Cat Club
One day I found myself in Philadelphia around 10 am with 2 hours to waste before my next selling appointment. I was to be exact, right in Center City just south of City Hall, on Broad street. To give a visual, those of you who watch “Cold Case” on TV, City Hall is the main shot opening the show which shows the Statue of Billy Penn on top of City Hall. On with the story. I was walking south on Broad Street one block from City Hall and approaching the Bellevue Stratford Hotel. As I got nearer the Hotel I noticed up on the Marquee in front of the Hotel the announcement “Top Cat Club” Convention.
Well having two free hours in my pocket, I thought “what the Hay” let’s go in and see what the “Top Cat Club” was all about. So though the front doors and into the Lobby I go. Didn’t get very far before the Concierge confronted me with a haughty British accent, “May I be of Assistance Sir“. Fortunately, as an Insurance Salesman of that day, I was wearing my custom tailored three piece power suit. For those who are wondering what the blazes is a Power Suit? It is a dark blue suit with thin off white pin stripes with vest worn over a white shirt with Collar pin with French Cuff Links and a yellow and blue Paisley pattern tie in a Single Windsor Knot. Power man Power. I could sell Ice to Eskimos in that outfit. Back to the narrative. I just as haughty answered back, “I’m here for the Top Cat Club” sir. The Concierge directed me to Ball Room A across the Lobby. I did my Power Stroll in my Power Suit across the lobby and entered Ballroom A.
Honestly you can not imagine in you wildest dreams the shock that registered on my face as I took in the scene in Ballroom A. Cats, Cats, Cats. Cats of every description, Tall Cats, Short Cats, Skinny Cats, Fat Cats. Cats with long hair and Cats with no hair. You name it and there was a Cat fitting the description. As I walked around these amazing animals just gasping with wonder at how unique this event was, a thought entered my sometimes lame brain.
I left the Ballroom and rushed across the lobby and though the Front entrance while announcing to the Concierge “I’ll be right back”. Back on the street I turned back towards City Hall and walked to the edge of the Hotel and entered the Alley that runs between the Hotel and the next building. Gingerly I walked back to the Service Entrance. When I say gingerly walked, those who have been in an Alley of any large City know why I mentioned that. An Alley will contain the most disgusting Refuse mankind will abandon and leave for Society to clean up. Anyway as I neared the Service Entrance I saw just what I wanted. My Cat! He was a wonder. Laying prostate on the ground with cigarette butts and bottles. Looking a little hungover even. His left ear has seen a few too many fights. Torn and ragged it was. He needed a bath, but that could wait. His tail, must had been broken because it was shaped like the letter Z. Probably got caught in a door sometime. My Cat was quite a sight.
I snapped a picture of him for you to see this mess of a Cat.
I carefully pickup up my prize and shook him a little to knock off the loose debris. Having carefully secured him as not to dirty my Power Suit, I hurried back to the Hotel and entered with MY TOP CAT. Without stopping for Mr Concierge I headed to Ballroom A and entered.
Now the fun began. I started around to each of the Top Cat entries and let my “Gem” just gaze at these wonderful Cats. It wasn’t long before some Mucky Muck head of the Top Cat Club cornered me. “What are you doing here with that… that… that Horrible thing. This is the Top Cat Club, and that Sir is no Top Cat.” he bellowed. “Oh I know that”, I said. “But imagine, with his background and life, as he see these wonderful Cats, just think how Inspired he will become being able to be around all these TOP CATS“
Well friends, like my mythical Top Cat in my story, that is how I feel somedays when reading and interacting with these wonderful Blogs and Bloggers on TSA. We have gathered on one site, TSA, an amazing group of people. Glyna Humm, who will research and do videos of current things we need to know. Steve Vernon will write with style and grace that inspires you to write better. Mary Lou Kayser and Beth Nelson Allen leave no excuse not to better your health. Kary Rogney who may have been the instigator of this Tribal phenomenon gives help and content value to any who ask. There are so many that if I mentioned them here this would look more like a Dex white page and not a Blog. However there is one that has to be singled out as our TSA TOP CAT. That is our own Dave and Dawn Cook. So the picture and Video below is for them. The Best of the Best, The topest of the TOP CATS. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you…….
David and Dawn Cook
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykRZbOb1c5c[/youtube]
I'm a 74 year old man who loves this new medium of Blogging. I am also an Senior Manager in Send Out Cards which gives me a superior method of relating to the world through Greeting Cards. I have met and enjoyed wonderful friends who support me and actually LIKE me which is very rewarding. My online presence is growing and if I can hang on to life I will reap the benefits of establishing a business that will comfort me when I get old. Mostly however I Blog about my life which for some strange reason is well received. Like most of us the future is scary and the remembrance of older days give a measure of comfort. So I continue to reveal the past with optimism that the future will some day be the comfort of somebody else.
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Nelson – First of all – thank you for the shout out and considering me a Top Cat! This story is hilarious and you had me hook, line and sinker! I was reading so intently and really believing “this concoction” until I saw your cat. hahaha! I do believe as you that anyone can become a “Top Cat” if they have the right inspiration:) Love It!
.-= Glyna Humm´s last blog ..Blog in a Box? – Almost! =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 7:21 am
Here Kitty, Kitty. Ooops I mean Glyna. Yep along with many others you are a Top Cat. Thanks so much for being my faithful Cheer Leader.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Nelson,
What a fun way to spin a story! You have such a sense of humor. You are definitely one of the “Top Cats” in my book. Hey, life experience counts for something, doesn’t it!?
Keep rockin’ the stories. Great way to start my day!
Val
.-= Val Wilcox´s last blog ..What You Think of Me is None of My Business =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 7:57 am
Thanks Val. Just a Nelson’s version of an old old old story heard one or two hundred years ago. All of us are Top Cats or Kittens depending on your admitted age. Hehehe.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Great story to make your point Nelson! I love learning from other people and I am excited about learning lots through the TSA group!
.-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..Don’t ignore slow leaks! =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 10:52 am
Hi Kevin, isn’t it fun to learn from others. Not a day goes by the somebody doesn’t give me something to add to my life. Thanks for dropping by.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Nelson,
Boy what a great story writer you are! Believe it or not, I haven’t heard that one before, but I love it and the very truthful moral of the story.
You are correct that we have a house full of Top Cats in TSA and we all inspire each other to do and to be better. You are certainly one of the best Top Cats we have!
We thank you sincerely for the honor you have bestowed on us! We are only as successful as everyone here in TSA so let’s continue to inspire each other so we can maintain and expand our Top Cat Club!
Dave and Dawn
.-= Dave and Dawn Cook´s last blog ..Are You Selling Bologna Juice? =-.
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Dave, it is kind of you to grace my post after I compared you to a Cartoon Cat. You and Dawn are in the spot light and need our prayers and support for your decisions will effect dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs. No Pressure. Hehehe. Wouldn’t want you to lose your hair. Oh, forgot no chance there.. Hey thanks a bunch for stepping up to the plate.
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Dave and Dawn Cook Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Nelson, It is our honor and pleasure! And I’m just going to let that hair thing slide
P.S. I LOVE the iPhone Widget. It looks great on your site. Thanks a lot Friend!
.-= Dave and Dawn Cook´s last blog ..Are You Selling Bologna Juice? =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Yea bought that iPhone widget from some odd couple in Fla for $10 bucks.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
Nelson,
I LOVED this post and your “power suit”! What a fun, powerful story I am having the best time as a new TSA member and having the opportunity to meet such talented, interesting peole. You write so well and with such a nice touch of humor! You are an inspiration. Can you take a picture of you in your “power suit” ? Everyone should have one of those!! Wonderful … thank you …
.-= lesly federici´s last blog ..“Birthing” a Day =-.
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Power Suit. those were the days. Sorry to disappoint Lesly, Power Suit has gone Kaput! Probably four sizes too small now anyway. You are welcome anytime and I treasure your gracious comments.
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Hi Nelson
What a vivid and descriptive writer you are! I almost felt like I was prancing around amongst those kitties myself! I love cats, and think they are the meow! Don’t have one right now though…long story. TSA is going to be a great thing. I am brand new to it, and thankful to have it! What a brilliant tool for everyone to share in the wealth. I look forward to reading more of your wonderful writing.
I’m in the Top Cat Club Now
Laura Morris
.-= Laura Morris´s last blog ..Are You An Original ? =-.
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Welcome to my Blog and a special welcome to the Best of the Best TSA—TSA. The group with the most talented and fun people on the NET. Stop by anytime, the coffee is always on and the Door always open to friends.
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Wow Nelson, What a tribute to TSA and the value that it offers to us all. You not only have a way with story telling, but you are a videographer, comedian, motivator and a top cat example for all of us to follow. It is a privilege for me to be in your smaller tribe this week.
Warmly, Erica
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I think most of us are high on TSA. It is the coming thing for us to get our word out. I always appreciate friends like you Erica. You make it work and work well.
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Hi Nelson,
What an awesome story to make such a good point. I love it!
Melodie
.-= Melodie Kantner´s last blog ..Quick Tip To Make Approaching Your Warm Market Easier =-.
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 5:14 pm
Glad you enjoyed my little spoof. I enjoy life and life enjoys me. There are things happening around us that need to be put into words. Stop in again any time, coffee is always on.
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What an entertaining story! I had no idea where it was going or why it was here, but you tied it up beautifully, ribbon, bow and all! Hilarious and to the point.
“On the whole, I’d rather be in Philadelphia …”
Alan
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 6:27 pm
“On the whole I’d rather be in Philadelphia” was rumored to be on W.C.Fields tomb stone. Thanks for stopping by and taking a chance on a possible trip to now where. See you around the Tribal Pow Wow.
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Hey Nelson,
Love it my friend. You are a gifted story teller. Amazing!
Thanks so much for all that you share.
I could totally picture in my mind the story as I read it in full techno-color.
I agree we have so many Top Cats in the TSA.
Glad to have you as a Top Cat.
Make it a great day!
God Bless,
-ed
.-= Edward´s last blog ..The DREAM Project Begins =-.
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washouse Reply:
May 31st, 2010 at 6:30 pm
I knew it Edward. Your a Egg Head. Only the smartest of the smarts can visualize in Techno-color. Your comments are a welcome breeze with warmth and friendship. You are appreciated.
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Nelson, it is very impressive what you are capable of when wearing your power suit! lol. Awesome story with a great ending. I could not agree more with you that there are many extremely talented people within TSA. Great way to point that out and give some a nice backlinks at the same time. That is the ultimate way to syndicate. Congrats on your way to make it happen.
.-= social bookmarking´s last blog ..How to create unlimited traffic to your website using profit pulling keywords =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 1st, 2010 at 10:16 am
Yep, I was dashing in those days. Now I’m all for Stretchy Pants. Thanks so much for stopping by with your kind comments. And yes there is no shortage of Talent in TSA.
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Nelson,
This story was so funny and I was really into it, you had me all the way. I really like how you transitioned it into the TSA and naming the Top Cats. I have not seen that cartoon in years brings back memories. Thanks for the laugh and for recognizing the top leaders in our group!
Lori
.-= Lori Robertson´s last blog ..Ask And It Is Given – There Is No Such Thing As NO! =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 1st, 2010 at 10:22 am
Funny you should mention watching Top Cat. I never watched it but my kids certainly did. I was into Howdy Doody and Buffalo Bob. Thanks Lori for commenting and by the way you are one of the TSA Top Cats.
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I was wondering where the story was going as well. You tied it up nicely. You are a “TOP CAT ”
Nelson…Just the title of this Blog makes you want to read more. Keep ‘em coming
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 1st, 2010 at 10:31 am
I appreciate you kind comments Nick. But most of all you and your Tribe are responsible for most of this we are seeing today. You have every right to be proud. We TOP KITTENS applaud you, Ken, Jon, Kary, Eric, and Michael.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Nelson, what a delightful way to tell a story! I’ll admit, for the first few paragraphs, I wasn’t sure I was able to figure out where you were headed, and then when I got to the paragraph where you’d made your point…I was like WOW! A very creative and enjoyable way to describe the TSA group ~ thanks for sharing
Christine
.-= Christine Casey´s last blog ..Consistency is Key =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 1st, 2010 at 11:53 am
Oh no telling where I’m headed when I start these post. Actually I was going a different way on that one when I forgot where I was. So I just reworked it to an old old story I had buried in my moldy brain. I enjoy life and life has been good for me. Christine I’m glad to make the connection with you and look forward to many exchanges of content in the future. GO TSA.
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Hey there Nelson,
Great post my friend you have an awesome ability to captivate the eye through story telling. You literally had me glued to the edge of my seat with this post. I would imagine that you would make an EXCELLENT copywriter for a sales page or something like that, ever done one before?
.-= Matthew Neer´s last blog ..Network Marketing Lead Generation =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 1st, 2010 at 12:50 pm
Thanks Matthew for too gracious of comment. No I never have been a copywriter, but probably in 73 years I might have, accidentally mind you, stolen some Copywrite. Delete that, delete that. Oh the heck with it I’m too old to put in jail anyway.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Nelson,
You my friend have done a superb job in attracting attention on this post. I could see you strutting your stuff as you walked across the lobby floor. Love the picture of the cat and the 3 piece suit just topped it off.
Great Job!
Bill
.-= Bill Hartman´s last blog ..Will the IPad Help You With Social Media =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 6:58 am
Hey Bill, I thought you as an Insurance man would get a kick out of the 3 piece suit. I don’t suppose those are in style today. Back then it was a must. Thanks for dropping by and remember next Monday our hook-up with Glyna and the tribe on Skype.
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Hey Nelson, this is a really great post! Dave and Dawn are fantastic people and I’m very glad I know them!
It’s also great to have someone like you apart of the TSA also! This is one fantastic story you have told here and given credit to a lot of great people in your life!
Thanks again and see you in the TSA
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washouse Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:37 am
Thanks Gavin for the kind remarks. Yes Dave and Dawn along with you are making it happen. TSA in the place to be.
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I love it Nelson! I love your writing style, you had me very intrigued. The TSA really is a wonderful place with all kinds of great blogs. I feel honored to be around so many great people too. Thanks for making me smile with this great post.
.-= Angela Paige´s last blog ..How to See Challenges As Opportunities =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 2nd, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Angela, the pleasure is our to have you in the TSA tribe. Isn’t it fun to see so many willing to share and help others. Thanks for coming by and gracing us with you presents.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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I love it. I loved every second of this story, thank you for entertaining and inspiring me. My top cat is sitting beside me now and her name is Zteve, and we are both very very pleased. Thanks!
.-= Katana Barnett´s last blog ..Comment on Drawings From a Little Artist by Katana Barnett =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Well thank you Katana. Zteve, Hmm reminds me of a old joke. “My name ain’t Steve” I am so glad you stopped in and be sure to tell your “Human” friends to also come by.
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Nelson,
You have a wicked sense of humor, but there was a great twist to your story. You made it fun! As an avid lover of animals, I can relate. I’ll check out your Top Cats—there are several I’ve not connected with.
.-= Darlene Davis´s last blog ..Art of Office Organization =-.
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 6:04 pm
Darlene, your very perceptive, I am wicked. The humor sometimes goes a stray. Thanks so much for dropping by and I hope to strengthen our connection in the future.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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Hi Nelson! I’m sure we’ve all felt like the Alley Cat at some time in our lives:) This wonderful tribe, though, makes us all feel like Top Cats
Thanks so much for your wonderfully entertaining post! A reminder to me to try and get a little bit of my sense of humor worked in to my normally “techy” posts 
Gotta make it more fun 
Lori
.-= Lori Tisot´s last blog ..How to Implement “Do Follow” on Your Blog – Get Your Links Noticed =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Welcome Lori. Yes if we are honest we all have at one time been an Alley Cat. But we all can be the Top Cat if we only believe and act. Thanks for stopping in and come back often. Coffee is always on and the door is open to all who enter in.
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Nelson, this story was amazing. As I was reading it, I imagined it in a black and white movie (I only watch those) Your writing lures me in and then …Pow…it transitions to TSA. You are awesome. When does your book come out.
You have so many great stories to tell.
Writing this way gets people’s attention and You my friend are the Best Blogger in town.
Donna Merrill
.-= Donna Merrill´s last blog ..Why Do You Need A Tribe? =-.
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washouse Reply:
June 3rd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Checks in the Mail.
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Imagine my total shock and thrill when, after reading a good portion of this incredibly fun and creative post, I came across my own name being mentioned. You are the best, Nelson! Thanks! I am humbled!
Ironically, Top Cat was one of my favorite cartoons growing up. I’d forgotten how corny it was, LOL! There’s nothing corny about what we’re doing in TSA and what Dave, Dawn, Gavin and the others have worked so hard to begin building on our behalf. Here’s to all of us becoming top cats!
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washouse Reply:
June 4th, 2010 at 10:25 am
Steve, I mentioned you because I appreciate your writing style. You are one of our Top Cats and others need to see you in action. Blog on Brother.
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Outside the naked man scratching his butt, this was a great post…
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washouse Reply:
June 4th, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Oh I try not to scratch it in Public, after all it was Casual Friday. Thanks for dropping by.
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Hi Nelson,
This is the purrrfect story! When we work with “top cats”, we can go one of two ways. . . . we can feel “less than” or we can learn and grow. It would appear that you are “feline” like learning from the fabulous people in TSA! And I am always “fur” personal growth.
Love how you see the positive!
Mentor Mama
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 5th, 2010 at 6:36 am
Clever, clever. I love those who get it. Thanks Nancy (mentor mama) for a funny comment. Stop in any time the coffee is always on. You’ll find it in the Bowl on the floor next to the “Litter” box.
.-= Nelson Schroeder´s last blog ..“Top Cat Club” =-.
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What a great little story (mythical as it may be) that you shared Nelson. It’s so true though…we get inspired by the “Top Cats” around us.
I had to chuckle with the cat example, as it reminded me of the stray that showed up to our home last year where we already have 4 other cats. It didn’t take long for us to clean him up and take him in. He soon became a Top Cat too.
Mandee Widrick´s last [type] ..Do ya know how to NETWORK??
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washouse Reply:
June 8th, 2010 at 5:34 am
Mandee, It pleases me to have you identify with my spoof. Cats are certainly different creatures. I suppose (not a cat lover myself) they bring much happiness to their owner and that is a good thing. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you often.
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Hey Nelson:
Love your great story telling and the point it makes. Wonderful way to write. Look for more of your stories. Appreciate you Mr. Top Cat.
arlan murata´s last [type] ..Are You Really Your Wellness Enemy?
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 11th, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Arlan how goes it? I do so appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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Not only is your story inspirational…it is entertaining as well…Thanks for a fantastic read.
~Clint White
Clint White´s last [type] ..What It Means To Work From Home
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Nelson Schroeder Reply:
June 13th, 2010 at 5:23 am
And my thanks to you Clint for dropping in. Your comments are most appreciated.
Nelson Schroeder´s last [type] ..“The Prisoner Exchange”
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