hostile makeover

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 October 2018 - Even a tuxedo cat can hid if there are shadows.  The past few days have offered abundant sunshine, so I have not dragged my paws in making my exterior rounds.  My peeps appear to appreciate this weather as well, as they have been outdoors hacking back the jungle.  I am hard-wired to like dense foliage, the better to stealthily hunt.  Of course, now I just voice my hunger and kibble appears in the bowl... not all progress is bad!  I am still adjusting to the old stomping ground:  we seem to have acquired a dim-deep next door, with a bark that warrants caution as I approach the shared boundary.  Fortunately there is a fence separating us, but I still creep past.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Never totally let down

your guard.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - adpurrsary, the disagreeable who live near by

berth day

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 October 2018 - I do appreciate that my peeps had this wall of bed choices built for me.  A younger version of myself used to enjoy clambering to the top and nestling up there above the fray.  Now I realize that the elevation from the second tier is quite sufficient for my needs.  This space is a dead-end, so I can go undisturbed for long stretches of time.  There is no phone or television or any other noise-maker here... other than that loud thing that the shorter peep occasionally uses to blow hot air.  I quickly evacuate when I hear its racket, so I don't really know its purpose other than moving me to another part of the house.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

One should have an opinion,

but not be overly picky.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrostrate, lying on one's belly (I do some of my best work thus)

the claims department

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 October 2018 - Today the air is juicy and seemingly tinged with green:  should I be concerned about growing mildew?  Well, that is what cat tongues are for (and I assure you I have licked worse things).  Loud thunder is unnerving, but I have no problems with a gentle rain as my preferred spot here on the porch is under roof.  Sometimes my peeps join me, bringing their plates of food out to enjoy the scenery.  Unfortunately the taller peep and I are at differences as to whom this particular chair belongs:  let me just observe that most of the time it is mine.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

First dibs requires all

parties to be civil.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrfess, to assert that something is the case (although good luck in changing a peep's mind)

crank and wile

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 October 2018 - I am willing to bet that I am warm in this photograph:  1)  I am not in a lap or on a heated towel, and 2) that dangling paw doesn't need to be tucked beneath my body.  It is possible that five minutes prior to this shot, I was sucking up heat from a handy peep.  Now I am able to pull some time as office manager.  One doesn't necessarily need to keep a constant eye on my two, especially if the ears are on duty.  As you know, a cat's hearing is first-rate, so nothing louder than a pin drop slips past me.  Meanwhile I exude only kindly positive vibes for the workers... I want them to labor along in happy spirits (they are after all the ones who feed me).

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Always thank the one

who holds the door.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

acknowledgment of the day - purroles, the wage earners who keep kibble in my (and my kind's) bowl

the serf is up

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 October 2018 - One's co-workers can make employment something that you look forward to or something that you dread.  I will never be enthusiastic about reporting to our office, but having a peep lap at my disposal certainly warms me to the idea.  And since our returning to the deep south I have noticed, regrettably, that the temperatures are no longer as hot as I would prefer... which makes having a lap all the more desirable.  If in order to be acceptably toasty I must report to the job, then that is how it must be... but I don't have to be happy (or work any faster).

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

That labor ennobles

is an ad campaign.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrnurious, in dire need (true for many of my less-fortunate kind)

doubting tomcat

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 October 2018 - My peeps call this perch a game table, so naturally I was game to try it out.  Placed in a corner, it affords protection from a rear assault.  Its elevated surface gives a good view of the living rom and front entry.  So you can see why I spend time here each day.  My only complaint is that it is hard on my bones.  I have been messaging the shorter peep, suggesting that she top the table with a cushion, even a thick doily.  Do you think that she could be blocking my calls?

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Think the best of.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrlead, to politely ask for (but determined to get)

get with the purr-ogram

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 October 2018 - I love routine, but to truly appreciate the usual one must veer from the path.  So I strayed into new territory this morning, and tested the dining room chairs.  They were adequately comfortable, definitely spacious, but marked highest in offering an inconspicuous place to "disappear".  I haven't decided if they will become part of my routine... time will tell (and I admit the shorter peep's opinion on this matter will come into play).  Meanwhile I will remain here until today's quotient of different is filled, and then happily return to my same-old-same-old.  That is comfortable as well.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

One can accomplish

much with a system.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purractice, the customary and habitual ways of a cat

skinny mini-me

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 October 2018 - You might wonder why I am in the office on a Sunday morning:  because that is where my peeps are (and at this time of the day, chances are good that I can cadge what remains of their breakfasts).  Any calories consumed on this highest level of our domicile can theoretically be burned when scaling the stairs.  But I am not one to worry about weight, as I always fit into my clothes.  However, judging by the shorter peep's attempts to stuff food into me, she thinks that I could use a few more ounces on my frame.  But winter, if it ever arrives (and I am not hurrying it), will be the season to enjoy extra insulation.  Meanwhile I am shedding my Canada coat.

methodology of the meow-stro

   

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Friends don't let

friends shrink.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

acronym of the day - TLC, tender loving cat (a tad redundant, don't you think)

predatory fending

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 October 2018 - See!  If you were thinking that all I do with my day is laze about, I do occasionally stretch my legs.  But walking around the property now requires hyper-vigilance, as the neighborhood has a new dim-deep.  From its gravelly basso voice I estimate its size to be gee-normous.  I have yet to spot the creature, which is fine by me, but its conspicuous absence suggests that someone is keeping a bull in his china shop.  So I tiptoe about, and hope that the beast is well secured.  I would hate to discover that my speed out of the blocks has diminished (but probably has) or that I no longer can haul my butt up a tree trunk.  Okay, maybe I should stretch my legs more often.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

"Why me?" has no

satisfactory answer.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catversary, one's dreaded opponent (and its table manners are dreadful as well)

peek at those knees

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 October 2018 - I don't normally think of the shorter peep as sneaky, but empowered by that silver cube in her hand she can be.  How can a fella drift into satisfying REM sleep with the possibility of a Polaroid moment?  And there is no opportunity for explanation (I was on my back so as to peer between the porch floorboards), leaving my public to interpolate the worst (and I should feel guilty about sleeping??).  Did she not keep my food and water bowls filled, I would hold a grudge.  But life is too brief for rancor:  I choose to be indifferent to the occasional junior-high behavior of my peeps.  At least she is quiet in her sneakiness.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

It's impossible to know

what they were thinking.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - pussyfoot, to move stealthily (it's art when I do it)

whittle while you work

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 October 2018 - I am feeling sufficiently recovered from our recent travels to report to work (and it was a calculated move to show up on a Thursday).  One shouldn't attempt a full restart after being out for a week, as it could prompt a relapse, so I am easing back into the job.  The taller peep and I understand these things, and cover, er...., offer support for the other.  As chief morale officer, I can only help my peeps if I myself am feeling chipper.  Taking my work breaks on the screened porch, where I can recharge my sense of calm, is necessary if I am to instill in the office place an atmosphere of cooperation.  It is difficult, and tiring, to maintain the same wavelength as a peep, but when all else fails I purr... loudly.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Don't growl at your friends.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

mantra of the day - "Cal can", the unofficial office slogan that credits moi with holding things together

shrink nap

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

17 October 2018 - I do love a screened porch, preferably one elevated above the terrain.  Since our return to heaven, I have spent most of my daylight hours here.  In addition to a relaxing view, it offers surveillance of all but the south side (and any invader from that direction would be sun-parched and pose little threat).  There is virtually no foot traffic in this space, so I can drift into a reverie.  But it is hardly quiet:  nature is quite conversant.  Although I don't speak the language, I can tell by the lilting cadence that things are as they should be.  "No worries...."

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

To retreat is not weakness.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrivacy, free from disturbance (left alone until peeps are needed)

the shy's calling

Me-ow-my-oh!

Me-usings and Me-emories

16 October 2018 - The night shift can be interminable and lonely... which means I am well-suited to the task.  I like being the only one strolling the house, with no peeps underfoot to distract my focus.  When our domicile settles into quiet, its personality emerges:  the pops and creaks of a cooling metal roof, kerpows as acorns fall from overhanging branches, the shushing of peep-needed air-conditioning.  My responsibility is to sort out the normal from the alarming, and experience is critical in differentiating.  Obviously it was Chicken Little's first day on the job.

methodology of the meow-stro

 

 

 

Today's Catechism 

(for the self-taught)

Dawn is a lovely time of day.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - nightcat, sustenance taken before the graveyard shift