First Christmas in our new home !

What a week……..On Monday, my big sis Zara and I were finally allowed to go outside.  Beh, for me it was quite an adventure !  I met lots of mates around here. Most of them are very nice to me, but a couple of them were quite mean to me.   So, I came back to our new home, late morning and stayed on mummy and daddy’s bed for the rest of the day.   Even Zara came back early and we stayed together !

A few days later, I succeed to go on the roof…..hehehehehe….Zara was jealous J because she didn’t know how I did it !  I am the son of DR TOOT and I don’t miss the chance JJJ  A window in the  bathroom upstairs was open a little bit wider than as usual.  So, I escaped from there and ran on the roof J  I jumped on the fence and ran to the backyard !  Mummy and daddy were in the living room and they saw me I was running like a bullet ….I heard mummy was saying “What was that ?”  and daddy said “That was Rico !!!”  Both of them thought that I was sleeping upstairs and saw me on the ground…I .gave them a surprise !

DR TOOT had lots of visitors  this week.  I saw a lot of familiar faces – customers and friends.  I guess lots of people were curious about our new house ! Daddy was very happy to show them around the house.  One of visitors was a customer who drove down to Auckland from Whangarei.  He visited DR TOOT to purchase a Yamaha Trumpet J  Some customers came in to drop off their instruments for servicing.  More instruments have arrived from schools in Auckland for DR TOOT’s treatments.  Daddy, mummy and Kiyo have been working very hard. 

Then, it’s Christmas Day today.  Buona Natale a tutti - Merry Christmas to everyone !  In the morning, mummy, daddy and Kiyo did some gardening up the driveway and in the backyard.  It looks much better than before !  Good for us too J 

Beh, it is a kind of tradition of DR TOOT.  As you know, it’s Christmas….which means we have to wear a Santa hat !  Zara hates it….I don’t mind…I mean I quite like this J  I think it suits me JJJ  Here is a photo with a tree this year at our new home !    

On the move…

Rico:  It’s supposed to be my turn, but my big sis Zara, has other plans…She thinks I’m not big enough to share such important things.

Zara:  That’s true !  You are not big enough and this news is bigger than two of us. 

Rico:  It’s been a hard week for me.  On Monday, I was rushed to the vet with a life and death situation….but it is OK, I am alright.  Some medicine and TLC and I am back to my health. 

Zara:  Life and death !???  I don’t think so.  I wasn’t there but I heard that you had a fight with another cat and you won !  I find this hard to believe, but that’s what I heard. 

Rico:  Yep, I won !!!  But I had go to hospital, so I am the man J

Zara: Well, the man wasn’t here when a young boy and his mum came by and bought a beautiful Yamaha wooden clarinet and a shiny Yamaha flute.  Such a lucky boy and I was there !!!

Rico:  Beh, I was busy saying :”arvederci” to Fluffy and friends on Uxbridge Rd.  The week has gone so quickly…I just cannot believe it.  

Zara: That’s true, and now our house looks like a castle made of boxes and things.  You and I are having so much fun running around exploring open boxes. 

Rico:  Yeahhhh, that’s sooooo fun J  But did you hear that mummy and daddy were talking about sending us to a cattery ???

Zara:  Yes, I did hear that.  We are going after your last visit to the vet tomorrow early morning.  We are gone for just a few days while mummy and daddy set up our new home.

Rico:  I don’t wanna go…I don’t wanna leave here…but I guess no choice and that’s life ! 

Zara:  Get over it !  Mummy and daddy always do what’s best for all of us.  Bye for now and I look forward to seeing all of you in our new home still in Howick !

Rico:  New home…158A Ridge Rd….remember !?? R for Rico and Ridge Rd JJJ

Where's the point ???

The week started as my birthday !  Hehehehehe, I am now three years old JJJ  I am big and handsome boy…that was mummy said J  For my birthday,  I had requested to have a meal “Flaked tuna & shredded crab” to mummy in advance, so I could have it.  It was sooooooYuuuuuummmmy and I was a happy boy J  Thanks, mummy…and daddy !

DR TOOT’s busiest time of the year seems to have already started.  Lots of instruments have arrived for repairs and services.  And, this week was “clarinet’s week”…three clarinets have found their new homes in Auckland.  Everyone seemed to be very happy with their clarinets, so that’s gooooood. 

Also, lots of instruments have arrived from Japan - two Yamaha tenor saxophones, a Yamaha trombone, two Yamaha flutes and a Yamaha French Horn.   They are looking for a new home…anyone !??? 

Speaking of a new home, mummy seems to be busy organizing the shift to our new house..  Daddy has told me that our new house is bigger but there are no trees !!!  Then, I realize that I am loosing my kingdom…I cannot climb up trees or catch birds…beh, too bad….so, I am enjoying my kingdom as much as I can everyday.  No more “Rico Point”….mmmmmm,  I’m sure I will find a new Rico Point that is better than ever….even if there is no point…. J

Next week it’s Zara’s turn. The final blog from 95 Uxbridge Rd., will come from me. I think that’s the right thing…hehehehehe JJJ

So Roman…So Rico !!!

I must say loudly…I DO NOT HAVE ISSUE !!!!  I am not like Rico, who stops and clean himself the middle of the road.  I do not have any issue in my life, but I have say that I am not happy…because daddy has changed his teaching room to the repair shop, and does not let me in !!!  I’ve heard that he was telling all students “Zara is not welcome to the room !”  I doubted my ear…meeeeoooowww, I must do something, about that mmmmm J

It’s been nice weather here Auckland.  You can see now lots of flowers everywhere and you can feel it getting warmer.  Yes, the spring is just around the corner ! I see Rico is running around the backyard like A dog…I must admit that I’ve never seen any other cats run like Rico does.  He must have the blood of cheetah…he is just like one of them, anyway.  Well, of course, his nose is pointy, he is little and skinny, just like his brain.

Daddy has been practicing his tuba a lot this week because he had a concert today with AWO. Long boring notes that sound like a hound dog have been coming out of his work shop….the No Zara Zone Workshop!!!  I have a plan…I will share this with you later.  I don’t want to say here because Daddy might see.  The concert went well and daddy is very very happy.

This week more tools arrived in from the USA. One of the tools is a set of many leak lights. They make the inside of any instrument look as bright as a Christmas Tree and helps daddy (DR.TOOT) check out any leaks from pads.  My daddy is so cleaver. There were also tools for straightening sax, flute and clarinet keys.  My daddy shares all his trade secrets with me…..I may be the next Toot…you never know J

More sales this week including a Yamaha alto sax YAS32, and many accessories.  This keeps mummy busy invoicing and packing all the good to their new homes all around NZ. More instruments should be arriving later this week including 3 tenor saxophone….more work for mummy and daddy.

Time for me to tell Rico where to go and relax. It’s Sunday night. Time to chill out and prepare myself for the new week. Lets see what we can do to get back into the workshop….

Tanti auguri, DR TOOT !

Well, another birthday is coming to DR TOOT.  Daddy will be one year older tomorrow.  He thinks he is getting younger and younger…beh, he is a happy man J  Anyway, “Happy Birthday to you, tanti tanti auguri a te, daddy !!!” from me, big sis Zara and mummy.  We send you big hugs and lots of kisses, meow meow moew J

Yesterday, I heard mummy and daddy were talking about me.  Mummy said, “Rico really loves a dark and wet place.”  Then daddy said, “Yep, he is just like a mushroom.  We should call him “mushroom” !”.  Whatttaaaaa !????  I’m not a mushroom.  My name is RICO !

This week, a few instruments have found new homes.  A flute has gone to Tokoroa, a saxophone has gone to Christchurch, a clarinet has gone to North Shore and a trumpet has found a new home in Wattle Downs.  Mummy and daddy are happy to see their instruments find new owners and been played.  I am happy to see more biscuits comes to my dish, hehehehehe J

More instruments from Japan are arriving very soon.  Yanagisawa soprano sax 902, Yanagisawa tenor sax (silver colour) and Yamaha tenor sax YTS24.  And some more saxophone mutes too.  At DR TOOT, we have now lots of saxophones….taking my space !  I hope that they will find new homes soooooooooon J

On Thursday, daddy played a tuba in a Manukau Concert Band at All Saint Church in Howick.  Sorry, daddy….we had to stay at home, but there were lots of people turned up and I’ve heard that it was a really good concert.  Daddy did enjoy playing a tuba the front of lots of audiences - his students were there, his customers were there, his friends were there.  Daddy appreciate your support !

I think the days are getting longer in Auckland.  It is still cold though…it’s good to have the fire on.  Zara and I love fire…but maybe I luuuuvvv water more…beh, I am RICO ;-)

Back to normal

Without mummy, my life was miserable…especially with this cold and rainy weather.  Without daddy, my life at DR TOOT was soooo quiet J  Anyway, they are back from Japan safely and my life is back to normal J  Lots of mummy’s hugs and kisses…and lots of fresh biscuits, yeahhhhhhhh !!! 

Thank you, Uncle Bruce – looking after us.  Big sis Zara seems to be very happy now as her life is back to as usual…but I must say that Zara was Zara as usual J

DR TOOT is back in business – mummy and daddy have been very very busy !  They even sold a Yamaha tenor sax YTS34 while they were in Japan.  Mummy was busy packing the saxophone once she has got home.  The lucky saxophone has gone to a new home in Paraparaumu.  The next day, the customer emailed mummy and daddy to say that he had already received the saxophone and how happy he was with the saxophone.  Well done, mummy and daddy J

They have brought a few instruments back from Japan.  Daddy has been busy servicing them and mummy was busy taking photos.  She has listed them on our website and TradeMe.  Good news, one of them has already found a new home in Auckland.

Some of our customers have visited DR TOOT since they have come back – we’ve seen some flutes, clarinets and a cornet.  On Saturday, a family came over and they left DR TOOT with a very nice Yamaha alto saxophone YAS62II.  A little boy has got a new friend ! 

Mummy and daddy have told me and Zara that they had a great time in Japan.  They said that they learnt lots of things – hospitality, excellent customer services, respect and history.  They even saw a few cats in Osaka, and a shop in Kyoto which carries products with only cats on.  But they said that nothing beats the real thing…that’s me, Rico J

The fire is on, my belly is full…Believer it or not, Zara is with me by the fire like good friends J  The family is together again JJJ    

Zara & Rico’s World…with Effie !???

Happy Mummy’s Day !!!  Rico and I have been gathering gold coins from our fellow furballs in the area. We collected enough gold coins to give to daddy to buy a nice card and massage oil for mummy….I think daddy will like it too…

I suppose you are wondering what an Effie is.  Effie is big, shinny, loud, and very attached to daddy. Effie is a large CC, five valve, brand new tuba.  Mummy got this for daddy to stop him complaining and to annoy Rico and I.  Daddy has stopped complaining, but Rico and I are not happy L  All we hear everyday is long low notes.  It sounds like Effie has tummy problems, if you know what I mean J 

If you want to see daddy and Effie together, they will be performing with the AWO on 21 May at 2.00pm, more details from Rico next week !

Mummy and daddy have started importing something that daddy’s Effie needs, and that’s a mute.  DR TOOT proudly presents saxophone mute for both alto and tenor.  You can look and listen to this mute on our Facebook and web.

The instruments keep coming in and going out.  Our door never seems to be shut.  I wonder sometimes if they are coming to see DR TOOT…or me J This is the price you pay for being so famous J

I read about what Rico said last week about the wedding.  It should have been me.  I am a Queen, beautiful and of excellent breeding.  Yes, I watched part of the wedding and for me, I was a little bored.  All that fuss about the dress, when I look fantastic in my natural…again you know what I mean. 

Well, it’s time for me to help daddy in the kitchen.  We are doing a roast for mummy and later Rico and I will massage mummy’s feet.  Lucky mummy !!!  

Wild Weather….Cool, Calm Cats !

This week started with Easter Monday, and it was a nice and quite relaxing day at DR TOOT.  Mummy and daddy had been very busy, so I guess they needed a kind of lazy day J

They moved the furniture in the living room !  Ummmm, my big sis Zara and I don’t like changes much…but we think it looks much better and spacious.  So, I guess everyone is happy in the end.

Tuesday, a gentleman came to see daddy.  He left DR TOOT with three instruments – cornet, euphonium and a baritone.  They arrived at DR TOOT the previous week and have found a new home….Goody goody gum drops gum drops ♪♪♪

Zara told me that a family came to see daddy yesterday….Sorry, whenever a customer comes in, I am always somewhere else J  A pretty girl was looking for a Yamaha alto saxophone…she really liked DR TOOT’s best seller saxophone YAS32.  She tried it, played well and has gone home with it.  Goody goody gum drops gum drops ♪♪♪

Daddy has been very busy with repairs and didn’t have much time to practice tuba.  Poor daddy L  But we heard that he was playing yesterday and today.  The sound was goooooooood, daddy !

Beh, it was awful weather here Auckland…strong wind outside like a storm.  Zara and I stayed inside all day.  Yes, we were together on mummy and daddy’s bed aaaaaaaall day !!!  We just didn’t want to go out…it’s good to be home JJJ

PS:  As far as the wedding news goes…self acclaimed Queen Zara will talk about this next week …she insists J

Happy Two Years Anniversary…still together !

Rico: It’s my turn to write a blog this week, but we have just realized that it’s my two year anniversary for my blog……sorry, I have to say “our blog” !  So, like last year, my big sis Zara insists that we do a blog together.

Zara: Yep, that’s right J  I must join you, Rico.  Once a year, we do a blog together…only for the anniversary. Otherwise, No Way Jose !  Anyway, our week started with daddy’s tuba, didn’t it ?

Rico: Oh mio dio…DR TOOT toots tuba…that Eb note really scared us !!!

Zara: I saw that you jumped up at Rico Point and dashed outside through the cat door, hahahahaha.

Rico: You ran to mummy and daddy’s bed room too !

Zara: I know…that was scary.  Well, we have asked daddy to not to start playing from the Eb note. Anyway, I am happy because daddy seems very happy with playing tuba J  He is also working very hard with repairing.

Rico: True…he worked the weekend too.  Lots of instruments have come in to our house. Mummy has been busy making new DR TOOT’s brochures.  She showed me the design and it mentions our blog with our photo too…we are famous J

Zara: Yesterday (Saturday), our house was full of people here.  A clarinet and flute arrived first thing in the morning, then a Trumpet Diva brought her very nice trumpet in for daddy to repair.  A saxophone needed urgent attention.  Another beautiful trumpet came in for TLC. Our very nice custom clarinet has found a new home in Auckland.  I heard the sound of the clarinet…that was verrrrryyyyy goooooood J

Rico: Si’, si’….honestly I normally don’t care much about who comes to DR TOOT, but I saw yesterday lots of people came in and out, meow meow meow.  Then daddy left for a charity fundraising concert playing tuba for Eastern Stars Band.  I stayed home, watched TV and looked after mummy J

Zara: You are always with mummy at night time, just like a puppy !  I am happy to be left alone on mummy & daddy’s bed.  Some of us don’t need constant attention like…you !  Well, we have had our differences (and you are very different !), but we agree that it’s been a great two years at DR TOOT sharing our blog J

Rico: Yes, Zara.  It’s been a great two years and there is something very special about being different.  Get over it JJJ

Runaway Rico

Been a very sad week this week.  As many of you know, on Tuesday we had a major earthquake in Christchurch.  Many people and pets have lost their lives.  Mummy and daddy, Rico and I pass on our love, prayers and best wishes to you all. 

This week has been a disturbing week at DR TOOT as well.  Last weekend our DR TOOT website crashed, leaving mummy left with so much work in rebuilding a new and better site.  The new site is up and running with new and funny pictures of my daddy.  He is so handsome !  Please take a look at and join our DR TOOT’s Facebook too J

Not only did the website crash, but our printer decided that enough was enough and died…mummy and daddy early in the morning went off to buy a new one.  It’s black like me but makes more noise than I do, and is more functional than Rico J

Speaking of Rico, I am not very happy…again !!!  Mummy and daddy went out for dinner leaving me in charge of the house while Rico was outside chasing butterflies.  When mummy and daddy came back (late), Rico still wasn’t here.  Rico didn’t come back till 3.00am !!!  And woke me up from my beauty sleep and took over my bed…not the first time, eh !?  So, today he sleeps and eats and sleeps and sleeps…and didn’t go out all day.  I think a full poo poo box tonight ;-)  Rico has major issues and later on tonight I will have to sit down with him and sort him out. 

It’s been busy for DR TOOT in the workshop.  Many instruments from private and schools have come in for their TLC and have gone out to their loving owners.  Later this week, we are expecting another shipment from Japan.  This includes many trumpets and two alto saxophones.  Some of these have homes to go to and some will be available soon for new homes.  

Again all our love and thoughts go out to our friends and customers in Christchurch.

Boxing Day Special...That's Me !

It was Boxing Day here in New Zealand. Mummy and daddy told me that many people were crazy about lots of bargains in the shops…I wonder if there was any cats food on special, hehehehehe :-) Anyway, this evening, we had a very special meal of turkey (big bird !) from mummy and daddy – it was yummy !!!

On Christmas day, it was very relaxing in the morning. Zara and I went about our own private business, sleeping and eating. At lunch time, mummy and daddy and an assistant, Reiko (it sounds like my name ;-) went out for lunch leaving big sis Zara and I alone. When they finally came back, they were so full, they just relaxed…such a quiet ending to a special day.

Today, yet again, mummy and daddy left Zara and I alone while they went off to daddy’s brother and family’s home. There they saw again my birth mother. Mummy tells me that I am more handsome and graceful than my birth mother. Daddy says that she is ugly and that I got my issues in life from her…of course, I don’t believe that.

On Christmas Eve, one lucky boy got a beautiful Yamaha tenor sax for Christmas from DR TOOT. He looked at the sax and fell in love with it a couple of months ago and now it is his baby - Jolly Goooooood !

Santa’s workshop, I mean daddy’s, has been very very busy with flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets repairs. So many instruments, that we hardly see daddy…which really isn’t so bad. I, of course, assist mummy with all her invoicing and management…I am a good boy and special :-)))

This year like last year, it is my privilege to write the last blog of the year. It’s been a good year for me and DR TOOT…I believe for my big sis Zara too ! I think I am catching up to her age now. Grazie tanto, for all your support and best wishes for me ;-) Happy New Year…meowwwwwwwwwww !!!

Twas five nights before Christmas…

I sometimes really don’t know what Rico really is thinking…we had lots of rain here in Auckland this week, so I stayed at home most of the time. I think it is very sensible and I just simply did not want to get wet ! But, Rico was out most of the time as usual. If he is hungry, he comes back to eat and then goes out again. Mummy was wondering where Rico was when it was raining heavily. Well, all I can say…Rico is Rico and just very young !!!

Only five more sleeps till to Christmas. Rico and I are hanging out our stockings on Friday night. I am wanting simple things like a toy mouse and maybe a ball. Rico’s wish is for heaps of foooooooood and a visit from Fluffy…like that’s going to happen ! As long as I am in control of my estate, this will be a no Fluffy zone. That cat has issues !!!

This week was the last week that my daddy was to teach at Kohi school. I know that daddy will really miss his students there, but for me it means that I will see more of my daddy in the mornings.

It is impossible to get into Santa’s, I mean daddy’s workshop. With over 100 instruments there to have a new kiss of life, it is very crowded :-) There is now no room for me or Rico. Most of these instruments are for schools, so there is still time and space to bring in your own personal instruments to be Tooted ;-)

Today, another lady from mummy’s country is here to work with mummy and daddy. She will be cleaning the instruments and taking care of me ! I am special…..in a very different way that Rico is special…know what I mean !?:-)

Here you go…another embarrassing, humiliating photo of Rico and I. The funny thing is, Rico looks better with it…ummmmmm :-)))

PS: Mummy and daddy had guests for dinner…late night. I will got to bed now...need a beauty sleep !!!

Your turn, Rico - Happy Birthday !!!

A week of many people. This is my house that I share with daddy, mummy and um, Rico. Yesterday, we had an invasion. Daddy’s step mum, step dad, two nephews, brother in law and step sister…it’s complicated, arrived on our door steps. There were big people and little people and lots of noise ! Rico and I had to in the end lock ourselves in mummy & daddy’s bed room. It was tough being with Rico but somebody had to be there.

As you gather, it’s Rico’s birthday, in cat’s years he is 14…going on 2 ! I do love him but he gets up my whiskers too much. Always the cute one, always the pretty one and always mummy’s boy. In mummy’s eyes, he can do no wrong, but I know things about him that would make your tail curl. He has been hanging around that fur ball of a cat called Fluffy ! I see them playing outside, running around and getting up to no good. I guess it’s just an age thing – he is so young.

On Monday, one of DR TOOT’s beautiful Yamaha tenor saxes found a new home. I heard him play it and it sounded amazing…almost as nice as my purrrrrrrrr :-))) He was a customer of daddy’s when daddy had a shop in Takapuna. It’s nice seeing daddy with old friends again.

On Thursday, I brought a special treat for mummy and daddy. It was a very large black bird ;-) And yes, he was still alive ! Daddy was teaching at time and mummy was as always at computer…always. My friend, the bird, flapped around the office made such a noise. Daddy came to mummy’s rescue, caught and freed the bird. So much for the gift !!!

You might have recently seen on TV a commercial with people playing musical fruits and veggies. Some of the tools made to make the vegetables sound lovely were made at DR TOOT ! I personally feel proud that I, I mean we contributed to this work of art. Good girl, Good girl :-)

Well, it’s time to go and endure the rest of the day with Rico. I know we all wish him well and hopes that one day he will grow up….yeah, right !

Is summer here…yet !???

It’s been beautiful weather in Auckland, just like summer here already ! My big sis Zara and I are enjoying the nice weather very much.

Monday was a quiet public holiday at DR TOOT. Mummy and daddy started major gardening at my estate :-) Zara and I were watching them together, mummy and daddy were tiding up. Lucky daddy found a few dead birds, hehehehehe....:-) Now my estate looks like a national park again…very happy !!! I run and run and chase some big birds...but never catch... :-)

The busiest time of year seems to be already here at DR TOOT. One day, daddy came back home with lots of instruments. Ummmm, I remember now last summer, there was like a jungle of instruments at DR TOOT...Is summer here already !??? Looks like it ;-)

Also, some pre-loved instruments arrived from Japan on Friday. A beautiful Yamaha euphonium (Zara and I call it “Ufo”) and three Yamaha clarinets. Daddy has been busy servicing, then one of clarinets was sold yesterday before mummy took photos of it ! Well done, DR TOOT :-) Mummy has told me that some more instruments will arrive this week, wowowowow !!!

It’s already the end of October…eight weeks to go to Christmas, meowww ;-) Mind you, we have our birthdays coming up before that :-))) Looking forward to a birthday present and a Christmas present from mummy and daddy !!! Maybe Zara being away on both times, would be a nice present…hehehehehe ;-)

My bed, My house, My rules !

Last week, I noticed that Rico has yet again not told the whole truth. As you see in the photo last week, Rico is sleeping on a bed with a red blanket underneath. That’s MY BED !!! Red for royalty, his is beige for…Please Rico, remember who I am and my status. Stay in your own bed !

This week, because daddy and mummy have been working so hard, I have given them tomorrow off. It’s Labour Day in New Zealand, and mummy and daddy treat Rico and I with a labour of love. I in return give them the day off. It’s in my nature.

Yeah, Fluffy is back but I don’t think it’s for Rico. Fluffy has always been around and gets around if you know what I mean. Rico is nothing special, just another cat.

Mummy and daddy are again shopping for many pre-loved instruments for Christmas. Later this week, we should receive a few clarinets and our first Euphonium. This instrument is a baby tuba….daddy of course, played a big big tuba. Soon to arrive are an assortment of clarinets, saxophones and our first French Horn and Tenor Horn. Both of these instruments are Yamaha and made in Japan……I don’t know where the French bit comes from.

Our mornings are not quite the same anymore. You see…daddy needs to loose weight and mummy joins him for moral support, for long walks. We want to see less of daddy if you get my drift:-)

Once upon a time…

My big sis Zara was a very lonely girl…then I came into her life :-) In the beginning, there was daddy and Zara. Zara needed more. Then mummy came. Zara needed more…then I came…Zara didn’t need anymore ! I have made Zara’s life complete :-)

I say this for the following reasons. When I’m not around, she sits on the dining table looking out and waiting to play with me. In the afternoon, we play outside and later cuddle on mummy’s and daddy’s bed. In the evening, we play, we eat and we share a basket by the TV together. Oh, yes, she needs me and I make her life complete.

Last night mummy and daddy went out dinner with one of daddy’s students and parents. Again they left Zara and I alone, but as you know, Zara is never alone. I stayed behind, held her paw and was there for her. She may seem big and strong, but underneath that thick black fur, she really is a baby - A big and hairy baby !

Yesterday morning, when daddy was teaching, I wondered into the room and daddy’s student said how big and handsome I looked. Zara was sitting on the chair near daddy’s student. She was really upset and left the room. She has issues !!! It seems it’s always about her…I am important too, and it’s about time I made stand. No more little nice guy…It’s my turn to purrrrrr. Talk to the paw, Zara !

Monday and Tuesday this week, my daddy played a tuba and tutored the low brass and trombones at The Kings Honour Band Festival. There were many primary school bands represented and by the end of Tuesday they all sounded like one magnificent band. It was so funny to see daddy blowing this tuba thing :-)

Today it’s Father’s Day in New Zealand. Because Zara is old, I mean older than me, I let her shop for daddy’s card. Will she ever get Billy out her mind ??? You guess it, the front of the card had a picture of a dog ! As you know, Zara and I are cats. What’s with this dog business !?? Get over it, Zara…Billy’s gone and Rico is here to stay ! This will be the last time I let Zara buy the card ;-) I’ve said enough....anyway, "Happy Father's Day, daddy !"  We love you forever...You are very SPECIAL :-)))

Back to the old times…

This has been a wonderful week for bonding with daddy and I. In the old days, in the little cottage where was DR TOOT born, there was just daddy and I. In the early days, I used to keep daddy company and watch over him as he worked so hard on his repairs. I would lay on his shoulders and comfort him. He was never alone when I was with him. The workshop was never out of bounds for me. Then mummy came and lay down the rules. She said that the workshop was for working and not baby sitting place for me. I was here first !!!

This week daddy has been as usual very busy in his workshop/cave. When he was in there, I know he is working very hard and missing me a lot. He doesn’t say so but I know it. Every opportunity I see the door open, I come in and hide from mummy’s sharp eyes, but mummy gets me every time. I won’t stop trying :-)

On Wednesday, we received two more saxophones. Rico and I called it the house of sax. There are big ones and little ones, and they all make lovely sounds after mummy and daddy give them the kiss of life. I wonder I could play one…maybe not ;-)

Tomorrow my daddy, DR TOOT has been asked to take low brass and trombones workshop at Kings School. Kings School has a band festival every year and this is daddy’s second time to participate. Last year daddy by accident with called “DR TOOL” instead of DR TOOT !!! Everybody laughed…hahahaha. Daddy felt funny, but he laughed too :-)

What is it with Christchurch !? Yet another clarinet has found a new home in that beautiful city in South Island. There must be many fine musicians in Christchurch that know good instruments when they see them, and at DR TOOT we only sell good instruments :-)

Speaking of good instruments, have you checked out DR TOOT’s new site ? They have listed with pictures (for those of us that can’t read) a complete list of all their pre-loved instruments. They all look ppppuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrfect !

Time to go…the days are getting longer and sleep time shorter, thanks to Rico. The sooner he and I have separate rooms, the better. He snores and hogs my bed – Stay in your own bed, Rico !

When you’re hot, you are hot !

I was brought up with the sound of saxophones, but Rico was brought up with FOOD. If a student or customer comes to DR TOOT and start playing saxophones, he runs away like a lost rabbit….Me ? I stay in the room and enjoy listening to it :-)

Rico and I argue all the time like mummy and daddy…I think it is a good thing because if we stop arguing, it means end of story ! It’s all about listening to the other side…even if you don’t agree ;-)

The heat of the evening fire has melted Rico’s brains a bit. Often in the evenings, you can see him lying on the stack of logs in the basket. One day, daddy might put Rico in the fire instead of a log. There is one thing the log and Rico have in common. Very dense and no brains. Sorry, Rico, but you know it’s true !!!

Rico and I do love the fire, and often can be found resting our little head on the bricks. Rico’s head and the brick have something in common…..think about it. All jokes aside, we both love the heat and the company we share together by the fire.

Mummy and daddy went to the Food Show this week. The first thing they bought was food for Rico and I. They really look after us ;-) I think they got things for themselves as well, so it wasn’t all about just Rico and I.

It’s been a very saxy week this week at DR TOOT. Saxophones coming, saxophones going. Saxophones coming in for mummy and daddy’s famous touch and saxophones going out to new happy owners. As well as saxes, two clarinets also found happy homes and owners. I wish Rico could find a happy new home…..;-)

Last night one of daddy’s students (Uncle Bruce) came over for one of daddy’s famous roast chicken meals, and some late night rugby watching. This was fine but it meant that Rico and I could not get to bed at our usual time. You see our beds are in the main entrance to my castle. Uncle Bruce would have to wake us up when he left and that simply wouldn’t be good enough. So, Rico and I stayed up and watched the All Blacks BEAT the Wallabies and later after Uncle Bruce left we were able to rest in our own beds. I needed my beauty sleep and Rico…who knows what he needed…more food !???

Time for me to go and rest my sleepy head. Late nights take a lot of energy from a young girl like me. Sleep well, be good and stay cool till after school, meowwwww.

I am NOT for SALE !!!

Mummy & daddy have been busy and working very hard. At DR TOOT, you can see lots of people come and go…sometimes it just like Grand Central Station. Zara normally greets you at the front of house as she is nosey and checking who is coming to our house. If you are lucky, you can see me ;-) As I am special, I don’t normally greet customers or students. Even though some people ask “Where is Rico ???” You have to be very lucky to see me, hehehehehe…. :-)))

Everyone, what my big sis Zara wrote last week was not true…I must say that Zara is the one who comes to my basket and take up all the room – Not me! She places her fatty body next to me and curls up in my basket…unbelievable ! I cannot move at all - So pushy !!!

Anyway Zara has been in a good mood this week. Because…Early this week, customers, a couple, came to see one of saxophones at DR TOOT. The gentleman saw Zara and said to daddy “Wohhh, what a beautiful cat you have !” “She has got a gorgeous face !” or “She has got lovely white socks !”…etc. Zara heard this, and I saw her walking like a Queen. I also saw the couple walk away with a pre-loved alto sax…Zara thought that the customer bought it because of her….ummmmm, scary :-)

The other day, another gentleman came to DR TOOT. He has never ever played a saxophone before, but he wanted to play. He had fallen in love with one of the saxophones. After 15 minutes, he came back with plenty of cash and left with the love of his life. Mummy and daddy are happy to see that our saxophones find good new homes. For me, of course, more food for my chubby belly…goody goody gumdrops, gumdrops :-)))

In the middle of the week, Mr Cooper (Ex-mayor of Howick), came in to pick up his mellophone. He blew it and waohhhh, what a noise !!! He seemed very happy and laughed a lot. I think at daddy :-)

Tonight my mummy will be listing three clarinets on TradeMe. Zara asked daddy to list me on TradeMe. I wasn’t very happy about that....Zara said that daddy would have to pay someone to take me. I’m insulted - Talk to the paw, Zara !

A Queen…but not for just a day…forever !!!

Good evening, my fellow subjects. It’s been a wild wild week as far as the weather goes. There was so much rain on my estate. We have a small stream at the back of my yard, which after a few hours of heavy rain looked like a river ! Rico was very scared that sea monsters might come out of the stream, but I reassured him that there were none. I am so brave…one of us has to be.

I am getting a bit worried for daddy. You see I have a lovely soft fur coat that is long and shinny. Daddy has old hair that was short and very grey, but now it’s longer but still grey and messy like Rico. He (Rico) maybe cute, but hasn’t got my beautiful smooth shinny fur.

The past few nights have been wonderful to be inside. Daddy has put on a fire so that I would not catch a cold and be warm. He is so thoughtful. The fire was made for me and the others can share in it. Winter has come and mummy prepares for Rico and I our own pussy cat hot water bottles. Even though they are lovely and warm, I still let Rico cuddle up to me. I am so unselfish.

Today mummy and daddy went to all Italian. They went to an Italian restaurant in Grey Lynn to cerebrate Italian Republic Day which was on the 2nd of June. They ate, drank, and mummy talked in Italian. I understand that daddy smiled a lot and nodded, but understood nothing…oh dear…sounds like home :-) Rico is a bit like that too. Lights on, but nobody at home.

This evening a friend of daddy’s from the music trade popped in for a visit. Daddy first met him over thirty years ago. Daddy talked and talked and talked about old days and a little about the present….oh boy, he can talk !!! Rico and I just listened and got really board. Who cares about the past ? Life started for daddy when I came on the scene. Too much information ;-)

Tomorrow is a big day in New Zealand. We cerebrate the Queen’s and my (unauthorized) Birthday. It is a time of reflection and gratitude for all that we have. Mummy and daddy and Rico have me. I have me too. The world is a better place with me in it. I am Zara…long live Queen Zara !