without fail

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

31 Dec 2022 - The shorter peep tells me that we get a new year tomorrow.  The current one seems perfectly good, certainly not worn out... but that is typical of the peep culture:  toss something just so it can be replaced.  And we cats are faulted for our seeming lack of loyalty?!  I definitely would prefer to keep the known quantity, to be assured that X still causes Y, as it did yesterday and the day before.  In truth I enjoy a boring situation, because it demands nothing of my gray matter:  I can entertain myself by replaying a satisfactory interloper encounter, recalling a particularly comfortable lap, or dozing with my eyes open.  "In with the new" is just asking for trouble.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

And how's it going with

those old resolutions?

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - dedicatted, showing unswerving suppurrt

don't bother

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 Dec 2022 - Are there interlopers on our roof?  My ears are keen, and I definitely heard an unusual noise above our office.  It didn't repeat... just that once... which is particularly irritating, as a repetition might pinpoint the cause and take me off red alert.  But no, I have to assume a worst-case scenario, which means I must remain vigilant until the answer is known.  The good news is that after a lengthy time of tensed muscles and straining senses, I decided that there was no threat... and I could return to my cushy job of business manager.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

What you don't know

is equally worrisome.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purroblematic, causing anxiety (and disrupting my nap)

that'll work

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Dec 2022 - I am auditioning a new nap spot.  As is typical of my choices, it is on the periphery of foot traffic, with good sight lines.  But it also has in its favor the close proximity of my personal portal onto my screened porch... very handy for grabbing a snooze between north-flank patrols.  However the number-one asset offered is a comfy place bathed in warm air.  This time of year, when Mr. Sol is his most challenged, I need supplemental heat.  Once I can depend upon healthy beams of sunshine, you probably won't see me here... but on a chilly morning, its appealing practicality can't be denied.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Different seasons warrant

different considerations.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - realhisstic, likely to be effective (dare I say "sensible"?)

a bit of that

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Dec 2022 - My job is demanding enough, without the work space being turned into an obstacle course... but nonetheless I manage to keep the interlopers outside our walls.  The cold temperatures, as much as I loathe them, do discourage loiterers.  This morning I couldn't not notice the crazed beep that has chosen this portal as its personal battleground.  Either the outside chill is easing or it is desperately trying to pump blood into its extremities... whatever the reason, it is quite animated, as well as entertaining.  If I am in need of a Cheshire grin, I just plop down and observe its antics.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Some loopy behavior can't

be explained by the moon's phase.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - random sampurrl, choices lacking a discernible meowthod ("keep'em guessing")

X and why variables

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Dec 2022 - When Mr. Sol fails to deliver, I seek out one of the domicile's heat portals.  It is not always functioning, but I've learned to associate a certain low-level drone with the issue of its warm breeze.  And unlike many things in our domicile that are explicitly designed to accommodate peeps, these vents are down at my level.  What a treat to sit, with my nose into the wind, and have the balmy air wash over me.  Once again I am allowed to patrol my screened porch, but then I hustle back to this front-row seat to recover.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Adapting is not an option.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowdify, to make reluctant changes (but only when cat-deemed necessary)

reciprocating paw

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Dec 2022 - Domiciles, I have discovered, pop and creak, and after sufficient follow-up I have learned to largely filter them from my concerns.  However, with this sharp and unappreciated downturn in our temperatures I am hearing much more structural noise, as if our house is complaining.  That probably isn't what is actually happening, but I like to imagine that the peeps and I are not alone in our weather grievances, a solidarity firmly requesting better working conditions.

.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Treat others as you yourself

would like to be treated.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - give kit for cat, respond kindly in kind (you're meowst welcome)

oh, the weather outside is frightful

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Dec 2022 - I have discovered that heat rises, so sitting on this ledge is indeed good for my health... and I also engage in a bit of exercise traversing the distance between my nap site and here.  However is it wise to expose my undersides to this frigid air?  I wish to file a grievance with Mr. Sol's public-relations department:  "your sunlight is inadequately heating this part of the world, the part that counts since it is where I reside."  I would switch energy carriers if there was some other choice... but Mr. Sol has a monopoly on large-scale nuclear fusion, leaving his disgruntled customers with no recourse (except grousing).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Shared warmth is a great

reason to have friends.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowlancholy, in the cold-drums (lumps of coal would be appreciated)

heedless of the wind and weather

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Dec 2022 - What happened to my personal portal?  It was right here yesterday, and this morning not.  The shorter peep tried to explain that I won't like it out on my personal screened porch... I can't imagine why not, and shouldn't I be the one making that decision?!  Mr. Sol is beaming brightly, and I need to make my rounds.  Alas, the shorter peep has so far been impervious to my pleas.  But she has nicely given me some breakfast treats, so I don't think that her refusal is some sort of punishment for transgressions (of which I am unaware).  I'll just keep meowing, with my best pitiful face... I may wear down her resistance.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Why can't things stay the same?

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrsuasive, effective at convincing a peep through unflagging cuteness

good cheer

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Dec 2022 - Well, I am now a believer:  we have sunshine!  The shorter peep has tried to provide bright spots inside our domicile (and the extra illumination has, I think, helped keep them from succumbing to grayness), but the fake stuff doesn't warm the body like Mr. Sol.  This morning I gladly trotted around my screened porch, even though the temperatures were below my liking... but there was color once again in our surroundings, and for that I am most grateful.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Getting everything on your

wish list is unlikely.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - appurreciative, thankful Mr. Sol has returned

gladdening tidings

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Dec 2022 - The shorter peep informed me that Mr. Sol, as of today, will be increasing his time with us.  I asked her to put it in writing, since that is not my gloomy impression.  It has been days since I've had a spot of sunshine in which to sprawl.  Rather, during my nap sessions, I am tucked into a ball, trying to keep my core warm.  Then again, she has no reason to say such a hopeful thing, unless she thinks it is true.  I don't peg her as an optimist, so I am counting on her promise.  Time will tell... and I will be keeping a sharp eye for a sharp beam of sunlight.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Sometimes things do improve.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - favpurrable, suggesting a good outcome for someone (hopefully me-ow)

the great dismal harrumph

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Dec 2022 - This ledge, before the shorter peep commandeered it, provided a great view of our front flank.  I could spot interlopers advancing up the drive, long before the peeps discovered (and often they remained blissfully unaware of) their presence.  Now I must do sentry work from my screened porch... which is outside, subject to the elements.  And the elements have been very challenging of late:  drizzly, gray... just not the sort of weather one wishes to work in.  Hopefully the ne'er-do-wells feel similarly, so that we will not face off until the battlefield is bathed in sunshine.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It's not your imagination

that things are darkest on

winter solstice.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - purr rum pum humdrum, lacking excitement or variety to a cat

all I want...

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Dec 2022 - Once upon a time, says my nose, this thing was among the living... but now it is a mute sentry at the head of the stairs.  Its inability to move makes it a very ineffective guard, and I parade back and forth, just to signal who is boss in this domicile.  He appeared several weeks ago, when the shorter peep was rearranging our interior... I'm not certain why he is given space.  If he were not so large, I would bury him in my litter box.  He is stationed next to the spot where the shorter one often sits... otherwise I would use him as my scratching post.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Try to ignore the things

you can't change.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrposeful, showing determeownation

psst, over here

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Dec 2022 - Sometimes you shouldn't overthink it:  I'm not sure why I wanted to dive behind these large pillows.  But the outcome was discovering another candidate for a hiding spot... so I'm glad I didn't rein in my inquisitiveness.  I often nap nearby, and having a handy nook into which I can duck is very convenient.  Plus, surrounded by fluffy layers the created chamber is quite snug... and, with this pattern of chilly mornings, snug is very appealing.  The only negative is that I must wait, once again, for the shorter peep to assemble the bed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Curiosity is only

occasionally terminal.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - inpurresting, eliciting a strong desire to learn meow-ore