close at hand

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

13 Feb 2026 - The shorter peep's and my collaboration goes back almost to the beginning, and we quickly found a wavelength over which to communicate.  Alas, my walking across the keyboard turns out gibberish, so I must rely on her fine-motor skills to record my pithy thoughts.  It surprises me that the observations of a basically taciturn cat would be of any interest, let alone application, to a peep.  However my two examples seem to suggest otherwise, so I continue to share my life experiences.  By now, the readership should be quite adept at rousting interlopers.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Given any topic, somewhere

there is an expert.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - ameownuensis, a cat's secretary (if you are so lucky)

are you paying attention?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

12 Feb 2026 - That slight lump in the pillow would be me, taking a work break.  I am not sure why this particular spot is favored:  perhaps it is the elevation (cats have a weakness for being above it all).  If necessary I can keep an eye on the area where meals happen (don't want to be late for my treats) and have a view of the taller peep's side of the office.  As for interloper activity, only beeps flying past that large portal would catch my eye.  However, my ears don't miss a thing.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

There is more than one

way to get a job done.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - Argato-eyed, very obspurrvant

share the rogue

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

11 Feb 2026 - Thank you, Bastet, for another warmish day.  Alas, I am certain the interlopers appreciated it as well.  From this portal I can observe the beeps visiting the feeder, and the numbers have increased... but who doesn't like tasty snacks?  And after a long journey who isn't hungry??  I don't begrudge them the treats (as long as they're not mine).  The uptick in the temperatures has also encouraged the leeps to emerge from hiding... I think they despise the cold more than I do (if that is possible).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be greedy.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - eudaimeownic, realizing one's potential through excellence and meaning (a cat's happy spot)

in focus

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

10 Feb 2026 - I don't need to check the weather:  I am as dressed as I'm going to get, and everyday's a work day.  But I'm not complaining because I enjoy rousting those pesky interlopers.  How lucky I am to have a job that makes me happy AND that I'm good at.   My side hustle is to keep an eye on the office staff... which is harder than it sounds.  I have found that my glare isn't as effective with peeps:  either it gets misinterpreted (no, I am not having digestion issues) or, even worse, doesn't even register... not everyone can read the room.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Even if there won't be

a test, pay attention.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - on the lookmeowt, watching for trouble (it's not hard to find)

get real

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

9 Feb 2026 - It's a pretty good hiding place, don't you think?  The shorter peep didn't discover me until she was a paw's length away.  With decent sight lines onto our southern flank (and offering comfort as well), this spot is a keeper.  I don't want my secret passed among the interlopers, so let's agree to keep this our little secret.  Just imagine the disappearing act if I were solid black! ... but I'm not willing to give up my bicolors for utilitarian reasons

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Another world lives

beneath that rock.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - suited to the purrpose, designed to be useful (Bastet knew what she was doing)

act your age

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

8 Feb 2026 - Sometimes the shorter peep gets preoccupied with whatever she's doing and forgets the time... as in, it's time we ate.  Nagging is never appreciated, so I try to subtly, quietly, prod her mind to the present and what is next on the agenda (at least on mine).  And sure enough, after spotting my pleading look, she brought over both of our meals.  Techniques that prove effective are tucked away in my gray cells (or maybe they're black and white) for another day when we need to communicate.  With almost six years of improvising, I should be good at charades.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Watch the eyes.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrtomime, feline gestures meant to convey meaning

no sweat

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

7 Feb 2026 - If the interlopers are stirring, then so must I.  Honestly after a few hours Mr. Sol has improved conditions enough that I'm not risking frostbite to be out there... briefly.  And it isn't so bad when I remember that I can rush back inside for a peep's lap or a heated towel or the oracle's breath.  I almost feel sorry for those ne'er-do-wells who must remain (yes, you heard me) beyond our domicile walls.  Maybe they possess a higher internal temperature than I... although the leeps are looking pretty frozen.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

No pain, no-brainer.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - a purreeze, presenting few difficulties (after a bit of grousing)