get off my lawn

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 July 2016 - Action shots of me are rare, and typically feature stretching.  But in this picture I have been sufficiently aggravated by a squeep to rise from my nap.  Perhaps to disturb my slumber was the creature's intention all along, but at least I sent him scurrying up the tree and bought a bit of undisturbed time.  Why my inert and prostrate body should have driven him into a noisy frenzy can only be guessed.  It isn't as if I was harassing him.  No doubt he believes that I had invaded his territory... he is sadly mistaken:  it is MY territory.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Be in that place where
passive meets principled.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrtition, a claim of something considered one's due (like the shorter peep's lap)

table reserved for one

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 July 2016 - One should never get too puffed up with himself.  Such arrogance simply indicates ignorance of the bigger picture.  I don't find my small place in the world depressing in the least... rather it is comforting to be part of something larger.  That is an amusing statement, coming from a species that prefers its own company, yet both are true.  Who wouldn't want to be part of a huge far-flung family that has no interest in descending upon you for emotional assurance and entertainment?  My preferred type of kin is one that has no interest in a reunion.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Tread softly.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - impurrsonal, detached, not involving feelings (which doesn't mean we cats don't have them)

stairway to haven

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 July 2016 - A well-chosen vantage point allows approach as well as retreat.  Both options are important if you are not situated at the top of the food chain.  Even peeps should heed this advice.  But besides being a well-thought-out resting spot, it also offers a soothing view.  In wetter summers the lake would meet the bottom step, so it is quite obvious that we are having a dry spell.  I do like the ability to walk along the exposed shoreline without having to push through underbrush... and without wet feet.  My head understands that we need rain, but I am certainly not unhappy with all this sunshine.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

When possible, be part
of your window view.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrity, the state of being clean and fresh... rather like after a thorough grooming

what ya starin' at?

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 July 2016 - Everyone trapped at a desk job should have a window view.  Its presence rests the eyes and lifts the spirits and even, I would posit, improves work performance.  Being able to project beyond one's person gives one an exit, if only temporary, from pressures and worries.  Thankfully I don't have any of those negative concerns, but I still find it relaxing to gaze upon the deep woods... so relaxing that it is fortunate that I am already lying down.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

We are each a grain of sand.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrfound, clever and discerning (especially if there is something in it for me)

booster club

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 July 2016 - The shorter peep spends time in the kitchen, as a show of support so do I.  The highest perchable thing in this area is the refrigerator... no surprise that that is my choice seat.  Reaching its height is possible via a nearby cabinet and alcove ledge (at my age and weight no one should expect a crouched leap).  I don't like to complain but its design did not have us cats in mind.  Just a bit of padding on the top would have made a major difference in the quality of my nap.  Oh, well, I can put up with a hard bed for a little while... at least it isn't lumpy.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

One's presence is
an appreciated gift.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - sympurrthetic, purrviding encouragement and support (shed hairs are an added touch)

laughing at clouds?

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 July 2016 - After yesterday's pep talk to get out there and enjoy the natural beauty of our planet, I feel some guilt at my hesitation today.  Well, you know I don't like wet feet.  I am weighing the pros and cons of remaining inside this morning, but as you can see in this photograph I am torn.  Why can't we live in Camelot, where "the rain may not fall 'til after sundown.  By eight the morning fog must disappear."  Yeah, I know, the stuff of legend...but wouldn't that be such a reasonable arrangement.  But then if one turns on the television or reads the newspaper, one quickly realizes that we don't live in reasonable times.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Make a wish
(but be prepared for disappointment).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purractical, sensible (from the viewpoint of a cat)

"leave me the birds and the bees"

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 July 2016 - I don't have much use for concrete.  It does make an adequate nail file for my claws, but otherwise it is a blight to the eyes.  Give me the randomness of a rocky shore, with every size from flinty grain to boulder.  For those who think that nature should be tidied up, corners squared and swept, I firmly suggest that they remain indoors where there is a possibility to achieve superficial perfection.  The great singer/songwriter Joni Mitchell captured my fears precisely:  "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."  I just hope it isn't in my lifetime.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Don't sleepwalk through your life.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrtest, to point out short-sightedness and purrblems to those in charge 

don't mind me

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 July 2016 - We cats are private individuals, so I appreciate that my peeps respect my space.  That doesn't mean that we don't have together time, but we also celebrate our separate time.  I am aware of one of my kind who insists on a curtain for his "cat box"... to each his own.  And there is plenty of evidence that my sort doesn't mind personal grooming at the center of a party, but that is of our own choosing.  So approach us quietly, and take cues from our body English.  After rethinking that thought, it is good advice for peep-to-peep encounters as well.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Be gracious in your dealings.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catsiderate, careful not to cause hurt (unless provoked)

shore leave

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 July 2016 - I, who was never exposed to a formal education, still think of summer as vacation time.  When school buses stop rolling and classrooms are empty, families across the land plan their get-aways, whether to Grandma's house or to the ocean or to the mountains.  My peeps are of that mindset, despite their absence from campus, and so the rhythm of the household is set.  I can't help view my porch-lolling as a mini-break from work, snatched R&R time.  I could even invent a snarly boss if that would increase your sympathy.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Find a way to embrace Monday.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrlough, appurroved absence from one's job, featuring naps and grooming

tightening Orion's belt

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 July 2016 - Sometimes I pretend that I am fierce.  I don't deny possessing a quartet of sharp incisors and claws.  But these can be used as much for defense as for aggression.  The shorter peep would be happy if I gave up my pursuit of the local mouse population, but I figure that I am doing an under-appreciated service for our domicile.  Deep down I realize that I should be more subtle with my hunting trophies, i.e., stop displaying the carcasses in the office... although it is very hard not to be proud of my handiwork.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

  

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Public recognition should
not be the motivation.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - trappurr, one who hunts rodents (in my case purrly for population control)

all bluster

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 July 2016 - When we first arrived at the lake, almost two months ago (!), I would not have thought that I might have to retreat inside because of the outside heat.  I use that word cautiously since so much of the United States is literally baking this summer.  We are definitely not in the oven here, but... what can I say, one does adjust to what one is exposed to.  And now in late July, we are entrenched in the season:  little rainfall, cool nights, sunny days.  What keeps us moderated here is the almost-ever breeze (sometimes "gale" would be more accurate).  It makes me glad that I have a low-to-the-ground profile... better aerodynamics.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

If you don't want to get ruffled,
face into the wind.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purroper, suitable in the circumstances (and what could you do otherwise?)

muddled waters

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 July 2016 - I definitely prefer sunshine, but I will admit to admiring fog.  The effect it has on sight and sound is a perfect way to wake to the day.  To stroll about through white wisps of air, to hear disembodied voices... it is all very magical and suggests one could be walking about in a dream.  Nature's palette is muted into softness, my black coat struggling to keep its sharp edge.  But then the sun wins the battle, and dispels the mist and the pastel view... and I can continue my nap in a pool of bright yellow.  All is good.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

The world comes in many colors.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

bluegrass music of the day - "Foggy Mountain Breakdown", written by Earl Scruggs, recorded in 1949, and now a standard in the repertoire

a stroke of luck

Add caption

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 July 2016 - Only a silly kit would think the grass is tastier at the neighbor’s.  The peeps and I have a special relationship.  At its core is a deep respect for the other’s space and need for quiet and solitude.  Only a yappy extrovert might think us loners… which just shows that he can’t appreciate difference.  My litany of choices several blogs ago didn’t stress togetherness time.  It is a fact that one can overlook the small things that make us comfortable and happy.  So in this moment of lucidity I want, for the record, to state that I have it good.  And it would take a big stick to drive me away.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Focus on the pluses.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - appurroval, the throaty recognition that life is to your liking