do not disturb

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 May 2021 - The shorter peep tells me that this weekend is the official start of my favorite season.  Truthfully, and from the mouth of one who loves the heat, we jumped the gun.  But who wants to attend a cookout or pool party in a cold rain?  Not that I would show myself at either such function.  A horde of strange peeps stormed our abode yesterday, and after warning my two of their ominous approach I withdrew to conduct my own investigation.  It was a long afternoon of noise and commotion, but eventually I was able to return to headquarters with my report, to wit, three (or more) is a crowd.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Ruckus and celebration

are not synonyms.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowlstrom, turmoil (and feline torment)

aah-chew

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 May 2021 - The shorter peep and I begin our day together, with a breakfast of chompions.  I've found it best to eat along with my buddy, since listening to her slurp and munch can churn my stomach first thing in the morning.  But when we are both noisily masticating, the other's eating isn't so obvious.  Today, mid-mouthful she got very animated - I recognize this signal to precede her sharing of an interesting thought.  She confided that my entry today will be number two-thousand-and-one.  Even I know that is a big number, greater even than my sojourn here... so it does make me wonder... but then the thought is lost among the kibble.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

A long journey is

just a series of steps.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrvender, food, water, and attention, that which nourishes a cat

one of those days

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 May 2021 - Have I mentioned (recently) that my beat has an indoor dimension?  I wasn't here when it happened, but it appears that our house grew around a bit of the woods, our very own slice of the outdoors inside.  There probably are peep reasons for rejoicing over this arrangement, but it just makes more work for me.  Granted the interlopers that frequent this patch of green are inconsequential, however I still have to keep an eye on the space... because things can quickly change.  At least, so far, it is a beep-free area.  It would be utterly maddening to have a simultaneous assault on two fronts.  With so much responsibility who can afford to take a personal day?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Break the big job

into manageable pieces.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - hystericat, either purrserk or extremely amusing (which shall I choose?)

attention to de-tail

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 May 2021 - Perhaps subconsciously I make up for having straight hair by curling my tail?  A cat's fifth appendage is far more expressive than his face.  Years of maintaining a poker mug (to keep up our aloof image, to seriously impress the interloper) has resulted in our Cheshire countenance, but the tail tells the tale.  It will, unbidden, wrap itself around a befriended peep's arm, it impersonates sass (and nicely complements an occasional strut), it warns of a line not to be crossed.  True, it isn't prehensile... but I am quite capable of eating kibble without its assistance.  And as far as enabling me to swing from a tree branch, let's just say that that is unnecessary.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Take stock of your assets.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - appurrtenance, an item associated with a purrticular lifestyle

what an irk

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 May 2021 - Just back from my early-morning porch patrol, I am pleased with the lack of activity on the northern flank.  Our western front continues to be assailed by a deranged beep, the assault only abating when darkness shrouds the yard.  Without the light the enemy in the glass vanishes, and without an opponent the fight is postponed until another day.  The energy expended in this battle of testosterone requires frequent stoking... which gives us in the assaulted fortress momentary breaks during the day.  Speaking for myself, I do hope the creature outgrows this phase soon, as the welcome mat has been pulled in.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is a fact that some individuals

are simply annoying.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - exaspurrated, irritated, put in a fowl mood

adjust kidding

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 May 2021 - When I have sprawled out, in the shade of my bungalow, you may correctly infer that it is warm... not that I'm complaining.  I can still recall those days when I curled upon a heated towel, appendages tucked beneath me, cursing Mother Nature.  I begged her to turn up the thermostat, so I can't take exception when she does precisely that.  I'm trying not to be obvious, but every few hours I come inside and lie on the cool tile floor... not for very long, but sufficient that I can appreciate the outside heat once again.  The shorter peep didn't join me for a porch lunch today... summer may indeed be here.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Adaptability is key

(but aggravating).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - Sha-muss, no fuss, accomplished without much difficulty (or so it appurrs)

slap (then) dash

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 May 2021 - Since its installation, my personal portal has gone through a series of changes... which is never a good thing to us cats.  First there was a clear pane blocking my way, then nothing (I liked that phase), then a cloth screen (OK, I know how to manage curtains), and now back to the clear pane.  The difference is that it no longer blocks my in-and-out.  Perhaps it never did, but now I know that it can be manipulated by a series of none-too-gentle swats... actually those wallops are quite satisfying, after all the aggravation it has caused.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Diplomacy may not

open every door.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - force meowjeure, the feline combo of smarts and daring and fast-twitch muscle

past sheesh

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 May 2021 - Our dining room window is a magnet for beeps.  After a respite of several weeks, it is now being assaulted by a tiny grey guy.  Despite his size, he is ferocious, although no match for me if the separating glass were to suddenly disappear.  And there is no attempt at stealth... I can hear the thuds and pecks from rooms away.  Of course I must check out the disturbance, for the integrity of home and safety of inhabitants.  But the silly antics also provide a sizable portion of entertainment.  Evidently the creature can't see me as clearly as I see him, for I am able to confront him nose-to-beak without prompting his flight... that's not normal (but definitely exciting).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Life is a situation comedy.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrlesque, an absurd, exaggerated presentation, a cariCATure

soldier eclipse

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 May 2021 - Nothing ratchets up the heart rate like rustling leaves.  Anything louder than a pin drop is noted by my ears, and I must investigate the source... it is my job after all.  My species' quiet movement allows me to creep up on the interloper, and assess the alert level.  Keeping a watchful eye is typically the only action required... unless the culprit arrived in a get-away car.  Then I can back away from the scene, exit stage right, and allow my peeps to handle their peeps.  It is the agreed-upon protocol... and really, who expects an eight-pounder to evict a noisy one-hundred-eighty pounder?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Everything is

not your problem.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - supurrior, of high feline quality, if not tall standing

past tense

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 May 2021 - I am ambidextrous... which for a cat means that we can contort ourselves clockwise or counter.  It is important to stretch in both directions if a supple spine is desired... plus it just feels wonderful.  And when my thoughts are so totally self-absorbed, one can assume that I am feeling safe and unworried.  My time in the screened enclosure certainly encourages me to relax, even act goofy.  But there is still a small part of my brain listening for that suspicious snap of a twig, and then I am instantly back on the job, all senses focused on the cause, assessing the seriousness of the threat.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

You do your best thinking

while calm.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - felinitous, favorable and pleasing to a cat

necessary & sufficient

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 May 2021 - I suppose if you compare our home's square footage to the vastness of "out there", my life with the peeps is very hemmed in... perhaps even claustrophobic occurs to those so afflicted.  But "big enough" is quite ample in my opinion (and it is the one that counts), especially when you throw in all the perks that come with being a house cat.  As the past eleven months (can you believe it?) of photographs document, I have a huge space to wander and patrol.  It is true that my first few weeks were largely spent under the bed, but those scary days are behind me and fading from memory.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Recognize enough

(don't be a hoarder).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - adecatcy, the state where all needs are met (and wants are given consideration)

walks of life

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 May 2021 - A sentry must stay on the move, which makes this line of work a lonely occupation.  But I like my own company, and when I'm not napping I prefer to be ambling through our house.  I should tally the inside perimeters of the rooms that constitute my watch, but such large numbers tax a cat's brain... so you must believe me when I answer "a lot".  I am not complaining... the exercise is good for me and works up an appetite and an appreciation for the occasional snooze.  Besides I need to keep a watchful eye on my peeps:  they disappeared for a full day, making me debate the need of a search-and-rescue effort.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Chaos creeps in

when your guard is down.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purromenade, to take a stroll so as to see and be seen

mi placer

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 May 2021 - I hope I'm not boring you with same-old-same-old, but when you've found a good thing, why change?  I find my annoyance rising in the morning, as I wait for my screened enclosure to reach an acceptable temperature.  I know, I know, being antsy is as productive as waiting for the oven to heat up... and definitely slower.  Once I am curled in my currently-favorite spot, my irritation evaporates, so at least I'm not bottling up those negative emotions.  The shorter peep typically joins me for her noon-time meal, and offers me treats (perhaps she doesn't like to eat alone).  Sometimes I am so enraptured with my space that I can't be bothered to come get the treats... crazy, huh?  It circles back to that first thought:  "when you've found a good thing...."

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Everyone should

experience happiness.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrilliant, simply couldn't be better, meow-velous