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)

ready or not

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

6 Feb 2026 - My peeps are rearranging the furniture again (have they nothing better to do??).  I am giving it my first-impression approval, solely because there is now a comfy spot directly in front of the oracle's breath.  Yet again the temperatures have dropped to unacceptable levels, and I must seek ways to compensate.  As you can see, the portal to my personal screened porch has yet to be opened... not that I'm in a rush to get out there, but I would like to get that part of my patrol quickly completed, emphasis on quickly.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is all about the ability,

and willingness, to adapt.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - dispurrsition, feline inclination (usually "nope")

glad tidings

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

5 Feb 2026 - What a delightful surprise (and very over-due)!  My portal onto the screened porch reappeared, and this southerly portal was opened.  I got my exercise trotting between these two flanks of our domicile.  My inability to properly patrol for interlopers during the past few days meant that I had to assert my presence anew.  I would grouse but how lovely to have temperatures return to nearly acceptable... I so appreciate Mr. Sol's efforts (more, please).  It is hard to be gloomy when he is beaming down upon me.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Put on your happy face.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - cattentment, a feline state of satisfaction

take five

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

4 Feb 2026 - Every office should have a quiet spot where staff can think deep thoughts.  I avail myself of this nook's comfortable offering every now and then... just as a reminder to my employees that it is here for their use (I have seen the taller peep sprawled out full-length).  It would be even more perfect if Mr. Sol's light extended this far, then I could add "warmth" to its amenities.  But just a paw's stretch away, a pool of sunshine beckons, should I get chilly.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be greedy

with your wants.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowral, holding high principles for feline conduct