lofty goal

Shamus ov view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 March 2021 - Acrophobia is not a concern of us felines, mainly because we don't think about the consequences, unlikely as they are.  Walking a plank doesn't make us anxious, although being forced into the sea (or lake or puddle) would not be my first choice.  I might very well, in a flash of necessity, learn to walk on water.  But there are no water hazards in our abode, so I am quite comfortable looking down upon the world.  There doesn't seem to be a quick way to descend that wouldn't cause panic in the shorter peep, which means that I had to trot down the stairs to join her for our morning meal.  Camaraderie and treats are a great way to start the day.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Fears shrink under direct viewing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meow-tlesome, full of pluck (synonymous with lion-hearted)

don't lose it

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 March 2021 - We all must accept that life has its ups and downs.  But our abode has five sets of stairs and a barn ladder:  here running (and that is my preferred gait) up and down is a given.  Sometimes there is a "discussion" as to who should do the moving, and the recommended approach of meeting someone halfway puts both of us on a narrow tread.  Rather than cause a dither by engaging in a back-and-forth of "please, after you; I'll stay right here; your turn", I settle on my haunches and make the unilateral decision:  "you may approach now."  And surprisingly, most of the time, it works!  Occasionally I have pangs (was it something I ate?) because I clearly am the youngster on the premises, but then I recall that a sedentary life is unhealthy for peeps.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

"Though they're disapprovin',

keep them dogies movin'."

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purractice, honing skills through repetition (and cats are great trainers)

balancing act

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 March 2021 - What have my peeps been up to?  It isn't news that I am a cautious cat, so naturally I am aware of any day-to-day differences.  And something new has appeared on the periphery of my beloved screened enclosure, right where I am accustomed to entering and exiting.  It has been given a safely-distant sniff, and with the assurance of my peeps I have actually crossed its threshold four times... but my breath was held the entire transit time.  Truthfully it has done nothing threatening, but it possesses a looming aura.  It also contains a moving part that has a disconcerting click:  is it trying to communicate, is it a warning ("Keep back or else")?  Much is still unknown, and that is my problem.  

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Equilibrium would be

a nice change.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - counterpurrs, a factor that balances another, like the yin and yang of a black-and-white cat

in the quiet zone

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 March 2021 - I admit that a toasty afternoon brings out the slug in me... and not just me.  During prolonged periods of stress, such as this thing we are currently subjected to, it is especially important to be kind to yourself.  And putting down the to-do list and taking a nap is certainly an act of personal kindness.  Fifteen minutes (or seventy-five minutes) later, you see the world with refreshed eyes and a rested mind... and are in a far better position to spread the joy.  Joy is one of those emotions that shouldn't be contained, because, rather like the loaves-and-fishes parable, it multiples when shared.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Go with the glow.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - ameowability, being purrfectly pleasant

where no meow has gone before

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 March 2021 - It is hard to leave the screened enclosure, but periodically I must tend to our southern exposure.  Beep activity has intensified around our house, much flitting from tree to bush to tree, much vocalizations.  With only now-and-then rain showers, the backyard fish pond is a popular watering hole, for beeps and larger creatures.  The traipsing through of my-kinds has not been undetected <grouse grouse>, and something twice as large as I (with three times as much fur) is becoming a regular interloper.  I doubt it would be intimidated by little ol' me, but it does retreat into the underbrush, when my peeps are "out there".  They can be my purr-oxy.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

There is always something

that needs our attention.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrnal, appropriate to a cat in springtime

boy oh buoyant

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 March 2021 - Perhaps my imagination is limited, but I can't conjure up a "too hot" Mother-Nature scenario.  Even wearing my black fur coat, I love the heat.  I have had to settle for days with just sunshine (and the less said about those gray eternities the better), but when both heat and a bright Sol are available, I am a happy cat... the added bonus is that happiness is contagious.  And you know what they say (or perhaps you don't):  the purring family is the alluring family.  It would please me greatly to be the reason my peeps are smiling.  Meanwhile I'll keep ears cocked and one eye on the perimeter.  Not complaining really, but my cabana staff is ignoring me... is there any way that I could get a meow-jito out here?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Life is short,

live big.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - exupurrant, filled with excitement and energy (thanks to my nap schedule)

make it so

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 March 2021 - Energized by my first-of-the-day meal, I wish to get on with my perimeter patrol.  But the portal onto the screened porch opens on a schedule that eludes me, and occasionally remains closed for entire days... which is a personal bummer.  I have watched the shorter peep perform the ritual that swings it ajar, and I know it involves that shiny protuberance halfway up its side.  Even at my longest stretch my paw can't reach it, and there isn't a handy nearby perch that would aid in my ascent.  If the task is to be done, I must employ mental telepathy.  Whether my thoughts prompt the shorter peep or manipulate the mysterious mechanism, I am goal-driven and not picky about the means.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Let's just get it done.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - aspurration, the hope of accomplishing something before the last meow is uttered

whoa mewl

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 March 2021 - Sometimes we cats do take a peep suggestion... but first it must be pondered for a minimum of three minutes... just in case there is sinister intent (my two are very kindly but one should still be careful).  The context for this photograph is that the shorter peep has warmed my bed, even found my favorite toy.  Now she expects me to stroll over and curl up... which I do eventually (I know a good thing when I see it).  My hesitation seems to exasperate her, which is not at all the reason I remain seated on my haunches (although she really must work on stretching her patience).  On the other paw I occasionally should remind them that I am not a mindless dependent, here to do their bidding.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Differences in opinion should

not surprise anyone.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - skepticat, having doubts or reservations (like our cousin, oceloting)

sponge bath

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 March 2021 - "Up periscope":  I'm always on recon duty, underpinned by my natural curiosity.  My two peeps conduct a daily ritual here, just before twilight... so naturally I am nearby, watching, formulating ideas.  A few treats are offered, which ensures my presence... am I being bribed?  Initially I was certain that there were tasty edibles prime for cadging, but after numerous close inspections I can state that my peeps consume some very uninteresting stuff.  This discovery gives me assurance that my own bowl of kibble will be left unmolested, but I am denied the pleasure of table scrounging.  At least there are sympathetic head pats and ear scratches dispensed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The reason for another's choices

can be unfathomable.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - mewcher, a cat that renders cuteness and antics for room and board

grunt of the litter

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 March 2021 - In case you have lost track of time, it is a Monday, the official start of the work week (and I am imagining the chorus of peep groans).  I love my job, but its open-schedule is the most appealing.  The unvarying 9-to-5 employment can feel like a straitjacket in its rigidity, and sets the tone of priority.  Doing the math one still has 50-56 hours for sleep, with the remaining time (72-78 hours) for other tasks.  Admittedly some of those tasks would not be considered "fun and games", and "taking home work" further erodes one's leisure time.  Balance and moderation and doing what you love are key:  we cats would make good role models.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It's true:  no one can take advantage

of you without your permission.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - on the meow, busy with activities (which of course includes a nap or two)

playing the dragon

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 March 2021 - How to resolve hiding with keeping an eye on things?  Perhaps my solution isn't the best, but then the stakes aren't particularly high:  it isn't an endangered Florida panther on the opposite side of the room.  Besides, if I am undetected, then the shorter peep can't get in on my game... because ultimately my being kittenish is about the discovery and then the chase... because I do love to gallop through our house.  The taller peep likens me to a little peep who repeatedly provokes, "walk, don't run."  Well, what else are we to do with all this energy?  Maybe my two have forgotten what it feels like to be powered by audacious youth.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

To paraphrase J.T., you can hurt your

motor by going too slow.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - whimsicat, being the mischief-maker (with waggish tail)

what a brag

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 March 2021 - Two steps forward and one back... not the way I'd like to see spring arrive.  If it can't be hot, the very least I need is sunshine.  There is no point (except work) in rising when gray and chill are promised.  Peeps are born believing they are the brightest bulb in the box, but my question for the geniuses is "who's sitting in the warm corner?"  You might not be aware (as it is quite hush-hush) that we cats have our own me-ow-nsa club, but naturally none of us would attend a meeting of such swankpurrts.  I for one prefer my own company and my own thoughts... with a few peeps in attendance, should I require anything.  

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The ideal life is

illusory.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catankerous, feline a bit grumpy when things aren't as wished

goodnight moon

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 March 2021 - It would appear that my household responsibilities also include bedtime alarm.  Being a cat, I won't claim that it is purely altruism that prompts my reminding the shorter peep it's time to call it a night.  Over the months (now more than eight) we have polished this nocturnal routine to its essence:  I wait for her to settle (while trying not to think unkind thoughts) and then I arrive.  She calls it pitty-pat, my rhythmic fluffing of the bed before curling up.  I suppose she works her nightly puzzle for its enjoyment, and the same can be said for my purr-inducing behavior.  We each have our way of shedding the day's demands, so there is no need to compete for best strategy or to name a winner.  I just wish that she'd lie still longer.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Symbiosis is a

beautiful thing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purr diem, purrduced daily (and mewtually beneficial)