treats without tricks

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 Oct 2021 - My peeps frequently loiter in this room, so naturally I have to check on them.  The space has good interior overlooks, and offers the best view of our front perimeter.  From its window ledge I have spotted all sorts of interlopers, including an orange-striped version of myself.  It is fortunate that there is a thick sheet of glass separating me from that cheeky fellow... although he does have a weight advantage.  Despite my two promising "unlikely", I do wonder if this evening there will be oddly-garbed strangers that wander to our front door... I really don't need more work. 

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is smart to have

an exit plan.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - sepurrchral, said of a cat with gloomy purrospects

what could it mean?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 Oct 2021 - Two bodies are better than one when it comes to generating heat.  Remember what I said about luring the shorter peep to join me?  It was a lovely lie-in until "duty" called her elsewhere.  Part of me wonders what could be more important than time spent with me, but the other part keeps the thought to myself.  One should not be ungrateful for tasty crumbs, lest even these meager offerings go away.  So I stay in the present moment, warm and cozy... because both of us know the inevitable will happen.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Despite our wishes and plans,

now is all we're guaranteed.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purreidolia, the tendency to find meaning where there isn't (random bugs cats)

odds are

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Oct 2021 - I wouldn't be a cat if I weren't curious about peep food.  Impatience is another factor undoubtedly, as I am quite ready for my first meal of the day.  Although I am very satisfied with my kibble and treats, my most favorite could still be undiscovered.  However what the shorter peep ate this morning is not in the running:  looks wrong, smells wrong.  Even so she lapped it up.  And who am I to question her tastes?  I am just delighted that she shows no interest in what I eat, as competition could spoil our relationship.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

To each should be

his own bowl.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - apurrant, different from the rest (is that a purroblem?)

home along with me

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Oct 2021 - Little cat feet are quiet, but they still leave depressions in soft surfaces.  Yes, there I am, obviously not plunked on the bed by angelic hands.  But when the ambient temperature is less than desirable, I seek out a spot that will enwrap me... and sometimes the shorter peep joins me, making an even cozier arrangement.  The deficits of that "other" place are still foremost in my thoughts, but it did amazingly offer a hearth... and cats' fondness for a spot near the miniature sun in a box has gotten the attention of writers and artists.  Alas, here there is no such thing... evidently one can't have it all.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Wants and needs

are not synonyms.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrlenty, a contented (just listen) life

friendly shire

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Oct 2021 - Advancement is facile in our office.  In fact the chief executive officer also answers the company phone, so I don't quibble when asked to do something that technically doesn't feel managerial in nature.  For example I am obviously the best at dealing with pests (not the peep sort... that is left to the taller one), and really consider the task just a subset of overseeing staff... not that I even subconsciously think of our employees as nuisances, please do not start that rumor.  Here we look at one another as family, the sort that isn't dysfunctional and still manages to speak kindly to one another.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Sometimes kin

are not very kith-able.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - sympurrthetic, attracting the favor of peeps (it's a gift)

I got you

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Oct 2021 - Sadly cats are not able to hang on with their tails, although we do gracefully drape the appendage over something that we like, i.e., claim... rather like a feline hug (as close as many of us come to demonstrating affection).  With or without the tail, I am attached to my shorter peep.  It is she who provides treats and fresh water, who sifts through my waste box, who combs my coat... my purrsonal Jeeves.  I am grateful for all her care.  In return I provide entertainment as well as a safe house, the former is not taxing since my two easily laugh and the latter I actually enjoy... it's a great gig.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't toss the

important stuff.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - pussessed, under the influence of a cat

to a (green) tea

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Oct 2021 - I hope that all these green backdrops aren't boring you... not that "green" is ever just one hue.  Even in this narrow field there are darks and lights, some hinting of yellow, others of blue, enough to keep the eye interested.  But if you follow my line of sight, none of the flora seems to be my focus.  Although I occasionally nibble on green shoots, my brain is processing fauna:  anything that moves has my attention.  It is, after all, my job to "handle" interlopers on the property, to ensure that nothing takes up permanent residency.  Our prolonged absence unfortunately gave opportunists an open sign-up period (and the wrong impression).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Never arrive

empty-handed.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrdant, lush and flourishing (like my life as a cared-for cat)

maybe

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Oct 2021 - I like being in a green world... the one I inhabited not that long ago was shifting toward warmer colors, while dipping into cooler temperatures... did Mother Nature think that I wouldn't notice the old switcheroo? And the number of interlopers is triple what I saw "up there"... but that just means more work for me so I really can't put that observation in the plus column.  However the shorter peep gets very animated by new beep arrivals, and I'll confess that I enjoy lunging at the portal glass... I suppose I should include, for accuracy, a "depends" column (and there are many days when that best describes me).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Black and white isn't

a good fit for many things.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrchance, for all I know

dear me

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Oct 2021 - I am probably not spilling a secret to mention that everyone should cultivate an irresistible look.  The task is much simpler if you are blessed with cuteness, but even the oafish can turn comical into charm.  And, surely it isn't necessary to say, one shouldn't overuse this ticket, lest it become commonplace.  We cats have few needs, so I reserve mine for hurrying the shorter peep to hand over my morning treats.  And there is a fine line, on one side "aaah" and the other "watch it", one must acknowledge and toe.  Some of us come to this skill more naturally than others... but practice perfects (and the rewards are sufficient motivation).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Soften up your audience

before proceeding with business.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purretty, physically endearing (the target being peeps, since they hold the keys to the larder)

da feet is imminent

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Oct 2021 - At first glance there aren't great similarities between peep feet and my feet.  We both have those fleshy pads for cushioning steps and a similar number of toes on each appendage ending with a bit of hard keratin (yes, there are those distinct individuals with six) ... although it is doubtful that a peep could scale a tree with theirs.  While hobbit feet among peeps is rare, feline fur replaces the need for socks (a good thing since we dislike clothes).  Bald is a personal preference, so I'll let you decide which set of limbs is more aesthetically pleasing.  Although I think that we can agree that swapping her feet with mine would result in an unworkable situation.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The goal is to make

your attributes assets.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - idiosyncatic, distinct to the individual (even cats have quirks)

agree to disagree

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Oct 2021 - "Have you seen Shamus?"  Of course I am on my screened porch.  Although the afternoon temperatures are not as toasty as I would like, my two peeps are exclaiming about the downturn.  As long as I am able to spend time out there, we are all three happy.  Our situation is what is known as a compromise, and it appears to be necessary if one is something other than a hermit.  And what is life but a series of adaptations to circumstances.  Although I'd like to think that there are limits to being a chameleon... otherwise who would opinionated I be?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't keep score.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

adage of the day - even a tuxedo cat can recognize shades of gray

the supreme purrer

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Oct 2021 - I am back upon my throne... it is good to be the recognized sovereign.  Had my life taken another trajectory, e.g., I not befriended a friend of my two peeps, who knows where I would be, if I would be.  But one can't dwell on "what if?" because that in fact is not what occurred.  I like to stress the positives (and encourage you to do likewise) in my life, and I have much to itemize.  There is that explanation of karma to justify when one is on top of the heap or when one is scrounging at the bottom, but I know that luck is what made the difference... and for that I am very thankful.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Do your best (and

keep the grousing to yourself).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

cat of the day - Madame Meow, the dragon lady of my first home, a beautiful despot who willed me gone

asocial graces

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Oct 2021 - I actually had to share my screened porch with the two peeps yesterday.  It is large enough for our small crowd, but I am still a tad nervous since this spot was where the abduction occurred.  But nothing sinister happened, and there were treats as well while their conversation went back and forth.  Rather than decipher the words I mainly tune into sounds:  is there anger being conveyed, the peep equivalent of hisses and caterwauls.  Thankfully my two are examples of calm and quiet, although the shorter peep does try to speak cat (it is exceedingly amusing).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The solitary life doesn't

include head pats.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catchorite, a member of a meownastic community