can you keep a secret?

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 June 2016 - We cats are viewed by peeps as mysterious creatures... probably one of the many sources of our appeal.  This characteristic undoubtedly stems from our very different nature (our detractors would say "indifferent"):  we are independent and certainly not ingratiating animals.  If we were human (perish the thought), we would be classified as introverts and deemed aloof.  Well, if you want a companion that is thrilled when you enter the room and kisses your hand obsequiously, don't cozy up to a cat.  We have too much self-respect for that.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

If you can't beat 'em, baffle 'em.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrculiar, puzzling, enigmatic, odd in a four-legged way

search warranted

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 June 2016  - Calvin the explorer!  That moniker may conflict with your internal image of me:  cautious, introverted, passive.  But sometimes curiosity wins out, especially when an area has been thoroughly vetted as "safe".  Two weeks without rain has pulled the lake level down, enabling me to skirt its edge without fear of wet feet.  I can investigate the newly exposed shore, while scampering among the rocks.  It is an enjoyable top-of-the-day outing:  a bit of exercise, a bit of fresh air, a bit of sleuthing.  Now I can justify my morning nap...not that it requires justification.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Get out there.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - PI, purrivate investigator, in feline parlance

suffer the little things

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 June 2016 - The placemat is out, as is her bottle of water:  the shorter peep's lunch must be soon.  I don't receive a summons, so my internal clock and my radar ears must make me aware that the time for treats is nigh.  I have found that arriving early is preferable to showing up late; I really don't want to be around when the table is being cleared.  The number of head pats drops right off when my peeps have risen from their seats.  The problem with being early to the table is what to do with myself... it isn't as if I can fill the minutes by reading a book or working a crossword puzzle.  Basically I have two choices:  peep-watch or nap (and sometimes the former transforms seamlessly into the latter).

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Eating shouldn't be done alone.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purroblem, a troublesome matter often caused by the inattention of peeps

yankee chipper

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 June 2016 - As you can see, I have an extensive playground.  This spot extends from the back of the "barn", as my peeps call it, and is ten feet off the ground.  Anything that gives a cat elevation is preferred, so you can see why I hang out here when one of the peeps is in the vicinity.  I even have an exterior access ramp, not pictured, which allows me to come and go as I wish.  Yes, life is good here when the sun is shining.  And I don't miss my Florida interloper at all.  I am not the only cat in this neighborhood, but the others have the good manners not to beg at the door.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

When you tire of the view,
turn around.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrky, lively, cheerful, frisky (no wonder it is a popular cat name)

if the clue fits

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 June 2016 - Stairway to heaven?  Only if you like wet feet, which I don't.  So I am doing recon from a high and dry spot.  If I sit still long enough, I become one with the steps, at least as far as the beeps and squeeps are concerned.  They forage about on the ground and among the rocks, oblivious to my presence... well, probably not totally unaware since if I flex a muscle, they amscray.  I confess to doing that very thing, just to watch them scatter.  Does that make me a bad cat?  Don't answer that.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Looking and sampling
are two different activities.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - impurrvious, untouched by, resistant to, indifferent to - Cat Philosophy 101

freed spirit

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 June 2016 - The sun is washing out my view (but that is alright, having abundant sunshine is a good thing), however beyond this wall is my kingdom and my throne.  The itsy rectangle in the lower right of the window is my own personal exit... and yes, I can squeeze through the opening.  What I would register a complaint about is accessing this door.  If the chair is unoccupied and a limb's length away, I approach in the manner pictured.  Otherwise I have to negotiate the taller peep's desk (which is almost as hazardous as a mine field), and bridge the gap between it and the ledge.  Fortunately I am sure-footed and can execute a u-ey on a dime... alright, a quarter.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

The straight and narrow path
can be a bore.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - enterpurrising, creative and resourceful, especially if it is something you want

lionized

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 June 2016 - I am sovereign of my northern jungle.  It even comes with a rocky throne, lifting me above the tangle and mob.  Now that the possibility of frost has largely passed, I spend considerable of my waking moments out here, surveying my domain.  I particularly like the fact that 99% of my subjects are smaller than I.  It adds weight to my rule, and minimizes challenge.  A benign leader is a beloved leader.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

A bit of power can be dangerous.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - celepurrated, distinguished and greatly admired by my peeps

bony, fie!

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 June 2016 - With my active lifestyle and busy schedule, I have to remind myself to get proper and sufficient nourishment.  The shorter peep is good about keeping food in my bowl, and I can recognize from many rooms away the sound of kibble being stirred.  She must know that that stimulates my salivary glands, and I am compelled to check out the situation... even though the menu is reassuringly the same.  If you like a thing, then change is unnecessary.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

It is rude to arrive late to dinner.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrhaps, a cat's instinctive response to any request except "time to eat"

put out

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 June 2016 - If I were being honest, I would admit that this place by the lake offers lots of pluses (although weather isn't one of them).  There are numerous spots to hang out, many featuring elevated views of the water and local wildlife.  Florida doesn't offer piles of rocks over which to scamper and prowl, and how very neat it is to be able to drink, whenever I wish, from this oversized sink.  Of course now that the feeder is hanging from the tree, the annoying squeep is back.  He and I have a love/hate relationship that keeps my lifestyle from being completely sedentary... which on balance is a good thing, although he is giving me scowl lines.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Turning lemons into lemonade
assumes you like lemonade.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrsist, to badger, hound (ha!), and otherwise cajole the peeps to do your bidding

Paw Kettle

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 June 2016 - I have a new responsibility here by the lake:  guarding these green things.  They don't smell interesting, so I suspect they are the equivalent of peepnip.  The pots are located in my favorite room, i.e., the one with maximum southern exposure, behind glass and locked door...but a wily thief could still abscond with the goods.  So I have added this area to my perimeter patrol, and who can fault me for also taking my breaks here?  Don't try to be cute:  "scarecrow" is not on my resume.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

To earn a living could also
be considered "going green".

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - campurrsino, a cat that harvests grass, purrly for medicinal purrposes

zzz as in zeal

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 June 2016 - It is my belief (and I have few) that whatever you elect to do on the first day of summer sets a precedent for the remaining months.  So, as you can see, I thoughtfully chose to nap in a brilliant patch of warmth.  I mentioned this fact yesterday, but it can't be said enough:  I am so happy when the sun is out.  Fortunately, my mania doesn't interfere with my all-important sleep.  From me to you, enjoy the official opener of my favorite season.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Don't overlook the simple pleasures.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purroccupied, focused on the important things, with one ear cocked...just in case

who goes there?

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 June 2016 - We cats don't hear voices (well, we hear the chatter of peeps non-stop, but we mostly choose to ignore the noise), so when I draw attention to some activity on the roof (as heard from inside the house) my peeps know that something is literally up.  They did not have enough curiosity (i.e., they aren't cats) to investigate what was walking about on the roof, but I felt that I had done my duty in reporting it.  Maybe there was no sense of urgency on their part because I will be expected to "deal" with the thing should it make its way to this side of the ceiling.  Ok, I can handle that assignment, but I am not responsible for any clean-up.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

There will always be a reason,
but the explanation may elude us.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrson, not human (and never want to be one) but treated as if

...therefore I am

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 June 2016 - It takes very little to make me happy:  a warm spot that is quiet...and an occasional head pat from the peeps.  Now that I have seen the sun for several consecutive days, I might even admit to being truly happy.  Evidently there was a time, not that long ago in the big picture, when happiness was not even a negotiating point on the table.  If one had shelter and sufficient food (starvation no longer a concern), then you had the good life.  At some point, the individual became distinct from the crowd, and then one might come to the conclusion that mere existence was not enough.  That eventually led to such quandaries as "why am I here?"  Personal realization has been a mixed blessing.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

   

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Finding purpose presumes
needing purpose.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purractical, suitable and effective at getting what I want...why look any further?