Conference misery::feline_v1

    I'm Steve Kallis, and although I grew up with dogs, I've always
    been attracted to cats.  I was a service child (survived the Pearl
    Harbor bombing at the tender age of four), so traveled extensively.
    My first cat, Morgan, I got almost by accident when working in the
    Apollo Project at Huntsville, Ala.  I've beren in every state but
    Alaska, am currently working in West Concord.  My wife and I once
    had a total of five cats, but now we're down to two, Karamaneh (whose
    personality is simpatico with her "mother"'s), and Merlin (who is
    embarrassingly devoted to me).
    
    I cannot imagine a catless life.
    
    Steve Kallis, Jr.

    Hi, my name is Linda Bassett.  I have been a noter for about a year
    and 1/2.  Cats file is the best.  I live in Leominster with my 4
    month old girl, Asia.  Just me and her...that's all it takes for
    the world to go around...well, money helps a little too.  I have
    been with the Design group for 2 1/2 years and the company 3 1/2.
    Is there life after DEC?  NO.  Is there life without kitties? NO.NO.NO.
    I am single and LOVE IT!
    
    Linda

    ...tho I'm "read only" more often than not, I'll take a minute to
    introduce myself.
    
    I'm Edd Cote and I'm a business analyst for Channels Marketing
    at Mt. Royal, Marlboro. I've been with DEC for 3 years, having
    started in in Field Circus before joining this group a year and
    a half ago. Prior to DEC, I spent 10 years in banking.
    
    33, single and own my own home. Hobbies include music, synthesizers
    (I have 5!) skiing, photography and humor.
    
    Must have learned to like cats from my Dad, who'd often bring home
    a stray. ("I didn't know it jumped in the car, really!!"). Only
    have 1 cat at the moment, a pure white fur-ball named Aja. Her mother
    was a pure-bred Persian and her father was a salesman.
    
    Edd

    Below is my standard intro.  My babies are described in 2.129.

    Karen Kolling

      occupation: Principal Software Engineer, at the Systems Research Center.
          into: databases, file systems, operating systems, whatever.
      education: MIT (physics)
      kids: two furries (Sweetie and Holly)
      status: foot-loose and fancy-free.
      origin: native New Englander.
      interests: cats, Arabic, North Africa, Israel/Palestine, cooking,
          video equipment, gardening, getting mighty tired of restoring
          old house.
      primary other Notes files: ARABIC, BAGELS, SCANDIA.

    

    Hi fellow kittie lovers...
    
    I'm Kathy and I work on Forest St. in Marlboro (MRO1) in the HPS
    CAD group.  I'm a senior secretary, married and own a condo in
    Marlboro.  My baby is Snuggles.
    
    I've always loved animals.  Though, my mother was not to appreciative
    about my love of animals when I'd bring home strays and hurt animals.
    Of course, when I was younger I always wanted a kittie but my mom
    said my father and sister were allergic.  Well, after I graduated
    from high school mom decided she wanted a kittie.  So guess who
    got a kittie!  Since I had moved out I've wanted a kittie of my
    own and know that I'm living in a place I can have one my dream
    has come true and beautiful dream he is.
    
    Kathy  

My name is Marleen Grant. I work as a Software Writer in PKO2, 
Maynard, MA. I've worked at Digital for almost six years now.

I live with my husband (second marriage), my eighteen-year-old son 
(from my first marriage), and five of the most wonderful kitties in
the world -- Sly, Adrienne, Paws, Springer, and Midway. 

I grew up in a household that did not allow pets. I always promised
myself that, when I was out on my own, I would have as many pets as I
wanted. My husband grew up with hordes of cats, and one large dog. To
him, it was natural to have cats and kittens in every room of the
house. One (among many!) of the reasons that I originally fell in love
with him was his love for animals and children. 

Although all three of us love our cats very much, I think I may go
just a bit more overboard about it than either my husband or my son.
Fortunately, they are very understanding about this. They don't even
mind when I come home from work and say hi to the kitties before I say
hi to them! 

Marleen

                                                                

    Hi I am Kate , I work in mko.. I live in nashua.. have been with
    dec 7 years..I am  Pookie the Persian-MCgrath's mother... my
    S/O is her daddy.. hence the MCgrath.. my first kitty ever
    was  Sam... I had him for sveral years.. and then he passed away..
    anyway.. I also could not imagine life without kitties.. .. 
    Regards
    Kate

    Hi,
    
    I'm Ande Burlew.  I'm a Senior Software Writer in MKO2 working on
    the VAX Image Services project.  I've been with DIGITAL for over
    six years; started life here as a Software Engineer but didn't like
    it.  I have two Bachelor of Science degrees from Franklin Pierce
    College:  one in Business Management and one in Accounting.
    
    I live in Newbury, NH on 10 1/2 acres with my husband, Tom, and
    our two cats, Serena (14 years old), and Sherlock (will be 1 year
    on 2 January).  We have also been adopted by several raccoons, skunks,
    squirrels (gray and red), fox, deer, and a variety of birds.  Did
    you know that raccoons like Steak Diane and Pepperoni Pizza?
    
    We have one son who is 19 and lives in Connecticut where he is working
    and going to college.  His major is Law Enforcement.
    
    I grew up in farm country in Connecticut, and spent many happy hours
    baling hay, stacking the bales, milking cows and goats, feeding
    them and the chickens, and collecting eggs.  I've owned cats, dogs,
    gerbils, parakeets, canaries, and horses.
    
    And, I love this notes file!
    
    Ande, Serena, and Sherlock

    Hi...I'm Mary Tamir.  I'm a senior consultant with the TP Systems
    Engineering group at Spit Brook (Nashua, NH).  I've been with Digital
    for 19 years (I started when I was 12).  My previous life found me
    dabbling in pediatrics.  I have two boys of my own, Honey and Chauncey
    (both Himalayans) and  I'm foster Mom to 4 others.  I also have numerous
    feral cats I provide food and shelter for.  Honey is my first cat;
    there really couldn't have been a life before him.
                                    
    I'm single, live in Nashua (when I'm not on the road), and I enjoy
    knitting when the boys permit me to play with the yarn.  This is
    the only non-work notesfile I read and it brings me much enjoyment
    (and an occasional tear or two).  You're all like an extended
    cat-family to me!
    
    Mary

    Beth "Gory Details" Ravan
    Sr. S/E with the BOSE group in MKO1
        
    I'm an avid noter, book-aholic, and cat lover. (See note 2.1 for
    an introduction to Chiun and Abigail - they're still with me.) I'm
    35, married, no kids; I've been a DECcie for eight years and a noter
    since well before VAXnotes; and I can't imagine life without cats!
    
    -b

    Hi!
    
    My name is Suzanne Poirier.  I just started at DEC about a month
    ago.  I knew about this notes file before I even started working
    here... It was the first one I opened.  
    
    The past few years have been hectic ones for me.  I graduated from
    UNH in May of 1986 with a bachelor's in Math and Computer science.
    Right after school I started working at Northern Telecom in Concord
    as a software engineer.  As soon as I got my own apartment my husband
    Dave (then fiance) gave me a little kitten... Mandy.
    
    In December of 1986 Dave graduated from UNH
    with a bachelor's in Math and Computer Science (sound familiar).
    He now works for Computervision in Bedford MA.  In June of 1987
    we were married.  In July of 1987 we bought our first house (condo).
    We celebrated my parents 25th wedding anniversary with a big bash
    in October.  I started my new job here at DEC in November.  December
    5th we had another big bash for my fathers 50th birthday. It has
    been quite a year... and I look forward to life settling down a
    bit.
    
    My interests are cats, music ( I tinkle on the piano occaisionally),
    Boston Celtics, skiing, and aerobics.  I look forward to getting to know
    all of you better through our kitties!
    
           
    Suzanne

    Hi, I'm Holly.  I am 21 years old and I work at VRO in Concord as
    a Secretary for DIS training.  I have only been with DEC for about
    9 months now.  My babies are Tabbatha and Sterling Silver.  
                                                      
    I am single, but not for long.  I am getting married on October
    15, 1988.  My SO just loves my babies and we are planning on taking
    Sterling Silver with us after we are married.  Silver is a purebred
    Korat and Tabbatha is a Completely Blackhousehold pet we get at an 
    animal shelter.                                             
                                                         
    My past cats are a sealpoint siamese named Jingles, a Black and
    White cat named Bandit, a calico named Button, and two of Button's
    kittens named Frisky and Little Devil.
    
    I enjoy this conference very much.  I read it quite frequently and
    love to hear all of the stories.  
    
    Holly, Silver, and Tabbatha
          
           

    My name is Elaine - I will answer to E.T., ZhivagoCat Lady, Cat Lady,
    crazy lady with all the cats (the previous two names are from folks
    at the complex where we live) - I'm a Princ. Software Editor working
    in MK-1, a DIGIT for almost 7 years.  I bought a house this
    weekend, so our ordeal in small temporary quarters will be
    over in 5 weeks!!!!!  I have described my beautiful babies
    in various notes, so I won't repeat the descriptions except
    to say that I think that I'm the luckiest person in the
    whole world to have the privilege of being owned by 12
    wonderful furballs!  It should be interesting to see how
    the kids handle the metal spiral staircase in the new house.
    hee hee!!  I'll have to make sure they have their sneakers on.
    
    BTW, please don't edit my notes (I don't) - that's for worktime!
    
    E.T.
      

    My name is Anna Landry.  I have been with DEC for 8 years, started
    at Merrimack and currently work at NMO (old TPL bldg) in the RA 
    Admin Group.
    
    I have owned cats all my life.  My parents loved animals and it
    was easier to have cats than dogs.  Some of my cats names were Watkins
    (named after Watkins Glenn, ny), Smokey, Whiskers, a persian named
    Martha, Tiger, Midnight and many others I can't remember.  My current
    babies names are Zildjian (alias wits-a-wits) and Paradiddle (alias
    Spunky).  I love them as I would my own children.  They are beauties.
    
    I log into this file at least twice a day.  I look forward to reading
    the notes and must admit I have shed a few tears.  This is my favorite
    notes file because everyone is so friendly and cordial to each other
    (unlike some other notes files).
    
    From myself and my two babies:  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY NEW
    YEARS!!!!!!!!!!
    
    

    I am Annie [d.b.a. Ann Johnston].  I work in MKO as Finance support
    for Market Information Services.  I have been married for 13 years
    to Rick and we have no children [human children, I mean].
                                                     
    I grew up travelling about as my father was an Air Force chaplain.
    My family always had very large black poodles, my mother's dogs
    for the most part.  Occasional cats and other dogs cycled in an out of
    our lives -- and once there was a pair of ducks.  As for myself,
    I studied dance, voice, theatre and folk arts as an avocation. 
    My formal education was in engineering and statistics with a minor
    in anthropology and Medieval history.
    
    I inherited from my father the gene which emits "sucker pheremones"
    causing cats, dogs, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits and children under
    the age of five to become attached to me on brief acquaintance.
    Rick has a less severe case of the same affliction -- just dogs,
    male cats, and little girls under the age of ten.
    
    As you may have gathered from other notes I have entered, Rick &
    I spent three years finding homes for lost, abandoned, and otherwise
    abused animals just before moving to New Hampshire from Little Elm,
    TX [north of Dallas].  This was entirely unplanned -- it must have
    been the pheremones.
    
    At present Rick & I are owned by 12-year-old Maggie and 3-month-old
    Milo [a.k.a. the Grand Duchess Anastasia & Mr.Macho].
    
    Other than my furry children my interests include x-country skiing,
    needle-arts and weaving, theatre, dance, environmental issues, ...
    
      Annie

    Hi.  My name is Mary and although I read this notes file all the time, 
    this is my first time replying.
    
    I am the proud mom of three boys, Barney, Gonezo, and Benjamin all
    of whom are about 5 1/2 years old.  Barney and Gonezo are BIG, about
    18-19 lbs, and Ben seems a midget at 10 lbs.  Ben and Barney are
    Tigers, and Gonezo is white with some black on his head, back, and
    his tail.  They're all beautiful.  Gonezo was my first and came
    from Dr. Pet.  I got Barney 5 days later from someone I was working
    with and he's the son of a barn cat.  Ben, well, I never really wanted
    a third cat but I couldn't resist.  The woman I was working for
    at the time was getting married and her fiance was allergic to cats.
    Ben is VERY affectionate and this guy didn't like Ben sleeping at
    his head every night.  So, she gave the order to someone to have
    Ben put to sleep while she was on her honeymoon.  Not bearing to
    see this done, and seeing the great potential Ben had, I took him
    home.  Since I couldn't find a home for him (I didn't look very
    hard), I kept him.  
    
    My first cat, Sam, lives with my mom in New Jersey.  Sam will be 
    16 this March and is still going strong.  I hope I'm as lucky with
    my guys.
    
    Anyway, I've been at DEC just over 4 years now and am presently
    working in LKG engineering.  My S/O works in MKO and is allergic
    to my boys, complains all the time about them, but I can tell he
    loves them too because he's always giving them "tummy time."  Besides
    my cats, my interests are baseball (basically all sports), windsurfing,
    tv, and being an all around couch potato with the cats snuggling
    all around me. 
    
    
    

    Hi all, my name is Erin.  I've been with DEC 7 years and I am currently
    working in MRO2.  I've just recently found this notes file and really
    enjoy reading the stories and also have shed some tears over the
    sad ones.
    
    I'm engaged and live in Fitchburg with my fiance who also works for
    DEC.  When we first met, Bob didn't care too much for cats; he had
    2 dogs and was content.  He knew that I loved cats, so when a friend
    was giving kittens away, I got one (McCafferty).  We felt bad leaving
    her alone all day, so we got RumTum to keep her company.  Bob has
    really changed his opinion about cats..... he really loves these
    two!
    
    I grew up with all types of animals.... mainly dogs (german shepards)
    and cats.  My mother is a soft-touch when it comes to animals and
    I've definately inherited this from her!  I can't imagine a home
    without an animal in it.
    
    I enjoy aerobics, reading, skiing, going to the beach and of course 
    playing w/RumTumTugger and McCafferty! 

    My name is Helen Gough.  I run the UK Consultant Programme, based
    in Sales Programmes, and work in Reading.  I have been with DEC
    three and a half years.
    
    I live in Goring, a village about 12 miles from Reading, with my
    husband Keith, and three cats.  Oliver is a big, fat, tabby, seven
    years old, who's main interests are eating, sleeping in warm places,
    and being made a fuss of.  Pandora is a black half-Persian, five
    years old; she loves Keith, and allows me to live with them (I feed
    her).  Hector is black and white, about three years old (he was
    a stray).  He likes hunting, and purrs a lot.
    
    We also have a pony called Robbie, who lives at a stables ten minutes
    drive away.
    
    

Hello to fellow cat/animal lovers!  I'm Joan Hoffman and currently work in
OGO in Corporate SWS.  Since I just received by degree from Lesley College
in September (returning to college after an absence of many, many years), I
am presently looking for a career change.  I have been married for almost
13 years, no children, and my husband is a manager in a home health care
company.  We live in Ashland, MA, and are *owned* by two 15-year-old
Siamese "furs"--Munchkin and Kali Mutu.

My hobbies include art, music, all sports (especially Celtics and Bruins--
can't go to the games any more 'cause I embarrass my husband too much!),
travel, and I used to be a semi-professional belly-dancer until a car
accident curtailed my dancing due to a knee injury.

I've been with DEC for almost 4 years, and spent my previous working years
in medicine.

I agree, this is one of the most enjoyable note files--not only because
we all love cats (and animals in general), but because we support each
other.  How I wish the people of the world would be towards each other
the way they are towards their beloved pets!

Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year to all of you, your 
families and your "furs".  May 1988 bring you continued happiness, health
and love.

    
    Hi Everyone!
        
    My name is Donna Reske and I'm a Senior Software Specialist supporting
    volume customers in Orange County California.  I've been in CA and
    with DEC almost a year now (hard to believe).  I found this notes
    file soon after my little guy T.C. adopted me in July.  I *really*
    enjoy all the stories and have also gotten some great advice from
    all of you.
    
    Anyway, I'm a native Detroit-er who gave up the snow and cold weather
    for the sunshine and endless traffic jams of southern California.
    I'm single and live with my favorite guy (feline of course) in Garden Grove.
    Right now Christmas is taking up most of my time.  Actually, keeping
    the x-mas tree up after T.C. ransacks it takes up most of my time. :-)
    
    I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
    For all of you on the east coast .... keep warm and remember to
    take advantage of the *Cuddle Alerts*! 
    
    Donna
    
    
    P.S.  Cuddle Alerts were announced regularly during the weather
    reports in MI on those cold winter nights.  I always enjoyed that.
    

    Hi,
    I'm Cheri and I work in Westboro, MA. as an Administrative 
    Secretary. I've been with DEC for 8 years now, although I just 
    discovered 'notes' this past summer.  I'm mostly a 'reader', 
    but sometimes voice my opinion in a reply!  I read cats daily
    just to see if there's any new news to catch up on.
    
    Jasper is my baby, I found her in May as a kitten, but we live at
    home with Mom (also a Deccie - HI MOM!) and her 9 babies,  Sam-II, 
    Tigar, Flower, Boots, Pretty Boy, Mirra, Mousha, Moe, and Tiffany!  
    Home is in Stow, MA, where I've lived for all but 4 years of my life.
                         
    Cheri

My name is Lori Heron.  I work in Littleton as a competitive analyst 
for small systems.  I've cumulatively been at DEC for 4 years.  
I say cumulatively because:

	I started at DEC as an Electrical Engineer, worked for 3 1/2 
	years, left to finish an MBA (that I worked on part-time, 
	but that's grueling), worked for a couple years with a 
	large DEC end-user, and recently returned to DEC (6 months ago).

I've always had cats in my life.  Although I wish I had more, my husband
can only "put up" with one.  Simba (named after a former favorite  
childhood cat) is a Ballenise(sp).  She is 5 years old and sort of 
looks like a long-haired (persian style) simese cat.  

    I am Shayne Parkinson. I am an interloper... (shock, horror); i.e.
    I do not work for Digital, but my husband does. He is a cat lover
    too (at least, he loves our two boys) but not an active FELINE noter.
    
    I am a self-employed computer consultant; currently 90% of my work
    time is spent working for an OEM of Digital New Zealand. The rest
    is spent doing PC consulting to the local academic (University)
    community. My self-employed status is relatively recent, but is
    a complete success.
    
    I have a BA in English and a teaching certificate; I drifted into
    computers while living in England (1979-1981) and have never looked
    back.
    
    We live in a seaside suburb about 25 miles from work. My other
    interests include genealogy, drama and watersports.

    
    Hello Feline Noters, I am Suzanne Breen. I am a Maintainability
    Engineer loacted at LKG. I have been working for DEC for 14 months
    worked at GenRad for 8 years. Married for the second time around
    this past May and I'm really happy. I live with my husband Larry,
    my 2 children Chris (17 years old), April (12 years old), the
    DOG Killian (Larry's before we were married) and our newest additions
    the KITTIES, Sage (male 5 months old) Sable (female 5 months old).
    
    The kitties are litter mates and we saved them from the pound 
    even though I wanted a Main Coon Cat. Larry has said enough is
    enough. I guess is tough going from living alone as a single
    guy to a family with 2 cats, 2 kids (teenagers) and a dog.
    
    Next month the kitties go to the Vet to be neutered. I hope all
    goes well.
    
    I grew up with about 20 cats, though they were barn cats, I
    loved them all. I have always had a cat. The new kittens 
    were to replace my Zen. Zen was a female money cat who 
    lived to be 10 years old as a indoor/outdoor kitty. She
    was given to me when she was 2 and loved the outdoors.
    She was killed by the electric garage door. It was horrible.
    
    Well, onward and upward our new kitties are indoor so far
    and I can't decide if I'll let them out this spring.
    
    This is enough from me I am happy to be a part of this notes
    file.
    
    Suzanne
    

    
    year and it's great. I live with my husband Larr

Bob Alpert, Sofware Services ("Senior Software Specialist," whatever
that means).  I've been with DEC for about 3 years or so, formerly
in New Hampshire but moved to New Jersey a couple of years ago (home state).

I have two kitties, both about 3 years old, one female and one male,
both neutered.  I bought the female (Boson) at a pet store in Medford, MA
when I lived in that area.  I've had Tiger -- pronounced "Tigger" -- for
a little over a year now and inherited him from some people who were 
moving and could not take him along. Both are very friendly and affectionate,
especially Tiger who demands constant attention and loves to hear himself
"talk" sometimes to the point of annoyance! 

Personal data:  34 years old, single, homeowner.  Into folk music (I
play hammered and mountain dulcimer), Ramblers (own a '61 American and
'64 Ambassador), and weird cars in general.  I'm also an ardent 
Constitutionalist, member of the Libertarian Party, fan of Ayn Rand.

			Bob A.

    HI....

    My name is Janet Bobb and I am a Senior Software Specialist doing
    sales support for the MAA Volume District. I've been with DEC for
    almost 6 years, most of that time in the Washington DC area, (first
    year in the CHO office in N.J.).
    
    My family always had a cat or two when I was growing up (Mom hated
    mice) and I was responsible for introducing dogs into the household.

    I have already introduced  Merlin and Rascal in this file many times
    (just can't resist talking about "the kids" :-) ).

    I just love this notes file. I don't know how many times I've sat at
    the terminal and either been giggling or sniffling, but I certainly
    feel like I have an extended family! I often share the stories with
    other cat people here in the office and at home and all love it.

    janet b.  (who has a whole photo album of just kitty pictures -
	       and I only got the camera last year!)

    
    
    Another westerner here!  In fact both my husband (Karl Barth) and
    I are DECies.  We are both Pricipal Software specialists.  I work
    for a delivery unit in the southern cal commercial district and
    Karl works for South West Area.  We both do ALL-IN-1 for a living.
    We are owned by 9 persians, a couple of which we take to shows on
    a regular basis.  The "balloons", as we call them, are a continual
    source of love and amusement for us.  I can't imagine life without
    them.
    
    Regards to all from Molly, Karl, Baby Dee, Dubbo, Tiny, Annie,
    Adelaide, Matilda, Lina, Echo, and O'Reilly!
                                                

    
    Hello, I'm Shelly Goncalves.  My husband and I are "owned" by
    a 2 year old Seal Point Siamese named Selina (she came with the
    name).
    
    I work in the Westfield Digital facility (manufacturing) WFO
    in the Human Resource Planning & Development group as a Dept. 
    Coordinator.  I transferred to this plant from Marlboro (MR01)
    just over a year ago.  I went from being in an engineering group
    to working in a manufacturing plant (YIKES!).
    
    BTW,  hello Kathy Newton and Snuggles..........
    
    I enjoy this note file so much.  I have learned valuable information about
    our precious kitties by reading through the files.  If it weren't
    for the different topics of interest, my poor vet would have been
    hearing from me with each and every little problem.
    
    As I have noted in other topics, Selina was bred just over a week
    and a half ago.  Hopefully, we should be hearing the pitter-patter
    of little paws at the end of March.  My husband and I decided to
    have her bred so that we could enjoy the company of some of her
    offspring.  
    
    Anyways, I figured it was time that I came out of the woodwork and
    say that I do enjoy this notefile = IT'S THE GREATEST!!! And thanks
    everyone for your questions and comments........ 
                                                                      
    
                  Shelly and Selina
    
    P.S.  If Selina does have a male in her litter we've already named
    it....  It will be called   Mijo  (pronounced mee-hoe).  It's a
    combination of 2 spanish words "mi hijo" which translates into
    my son. Mmmmmmm  Selina and Mijo..... I love it!!!!!!!!