Welcome to OnMeowaukee Cat Week, a meowsome bunch of articles, photos, videos and an Instagram contest celebrating all aspects of Milwaukee cats. Sponsored by Bark N' Scratch Outpost, these seven days are dedicated to those creatures with nine lives who make our lives more paw-sitive.
In this series, we peep into the private life of Elmo, a long-haired orange tabby cat who has a penchant for journaling.
Dear Diary,
I apologize that it's taken me so long to submit this entry. It's been quite a challenge to get sufficient laptop time to actually compose anything of substance. But, after weeks of covering my tracks by "napping" on top of the keyboard, I've finally finished my composition.
In the time that has passed, I regret to report that not much has changed. The kittens that my owners brought home appear to be here to stay. Zoe is not particularly happy, but I have learned to find some joy in their company. I have employed Yoyo, the silly one, as my personal assistant. She keeps me warm during my naps, and keeps my head well-groomed.
Izzie is another story. She stalks me at every opportunity, and hovers around me when I eat. She is a smelly, danderish beast and I would prefer not to have to keep her acquaintance. But, she is generous with giving me bits of her breakfast every now and again, so I can't complain too loudly.
I am still plotting my escape to the Holy Land. And today I hope to put my latest plan into action.
I've been feigning an ear infection for almost a month in the hopes of getting my masters to take me to the vet. I am not a big fan of the vet, but it does give me the opportunity to get outside, smell the fresh spring air, and get a good look at the terrain. If I'm very lucky, I'll be able to don a disguise and make my escape sooner than later.
I overheard that we have an appointment today at 10:45 a.m. Maybe that will be the time to take action.
Wish me luck.
If you do not hear from me again, you can assume that my escape was successful.
ELMO
As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
