in Shamus we trust

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

30 Nov 2022 - If you're in my business, even acquaintances can't be given a pass.  Although I have, in the past, taken my favorite stuffed meep for an outing, when there are three of them the dynamic can veer toward the dark side.  So I give the trio a hard stare... I'm fairly certain that motion was detected, but of course while being watched the event isn't repeated.  Perhaps solely because of my keen observation nothing happened... which is additional encouragement for me to keep doing what I'm doing.  Until the taller peep returns to one-hundred percent, I must draw a straight and deep line in the home front's sand.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

You only think that

you know someone.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - single-meownded, concentrating on one purrpose

one of the faithful

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Nov 2022 - Yesterday's sighting was in fact the taller peep, looking a bit tuckered out... rather like I would feel after chasing my tail 'round and 'round and 'round.  I checked on him throughout the night, and was thanked with a few head pats.  Now that he has returned to the domicile, I am hopeful that I'll be seeing more of the shorter peep as well.  Today's (and tomorrow's) surveillance will be extra-thorough, since both of their thoughts seem elsewhere, their time otherwise occupied.  It is the nature of my job to be unseen, doing things that are only noticed if they are not done satisfactorily... so I will carry on.

  

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Many acts deserve a thank-you,

not all receive it.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - sempurr, at all times (at least for my chosen few)

take care

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Nov 2022 - There is a strange peep in our house, strange yet smells vaguely familiar... however there is an antiseptic odor that bristles my fur.  I've conducted recon from afar, so I'm not one-hundred percent certain... but it could be the taller peep!  The shorter peep isn't acting odd, so I'm certain that the intruder is known to her (but she knows all sorts of peeps, judging by the number of "visitors" that we have).  Due to the unfamiliar smells I am exercising caution (that should not surprise you).  If there are no loud thumps or startling observations, I will creep closer, ready to skedaddle if warranted.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Fools rush in.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - circumscat unwilling to take risks (despite having spare lives)

gift of grab

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Nov 2022 - All clear on our eastern flank!  What I'd really enjoy is announcing that the taller peep has been spotted sauntering up the driveway.  So far that is not the case, but I shall continue to keep watch.  Meanwhile my job is not dull:  the beeps continue to flit in and out of the surrounding bushes, and recently I gifted the shorter peep with a leep.  She might have been more pleased if it had still been moving.  However she disappeared for several hours that afternoon, and my find really didn't want to wait for her return... granted, it would have made a nicer, at least fresher, present.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is the thought

that is meaningful.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrboire, a cat's largesse (often still warm)

a-dapper-ta-ble

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Nov 2022 - Almost a selfie, this photo was taken by my purrsonal (and all-round good peep) assistant.  Being predictable isn't a good cat trait, so although the day could have been spent entirely on my personal porch, I elected to curl up in this quiet corner.  When the shorter peep returned from her taller-peep hunt, I was here, waiting for a head pat (and my dinner).  From a certain angle I blend right into my surroundings, a fact that I was well aware of when choosing my nap spot.  And not wishing to be second-guessed, I have since moved on, making my interloper rounds and planning my next snooze location.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Change-up is great

for the gray cells.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - vacicatting, up and down, back and forth (a cat's idea of exercise)

stylin'

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Nov 2022 - I lick, I scratch, I rearrange with my teeth, but combing my coat is beyond these paws.  However the shorter peep is quite adept at tidying my fur, even if she sometimes needs a reminder.  The first time she attempted the maneuver, years ago, I thought it was more punishment than reward (and I made sure the session didn't last very long).  I definitely didn't like the sensation of being raked with pointy things, but after surviving that initial encounter, I was more amenable to subsequent efforts at my beautification.  Now I patiently, ahem, wait for my post-breakfast grooming, before heading out to fight the interlopers (and looking sharp for my job).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Initial impressions can be

off the mark.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - ele-gato, cattily natty

stew hard

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Nov 2022 - Contrary to what you might think, we cats are an optimistic lot.  If we are hungry and a strange peep passes the vetting, we might try befriending him/her.  If the aperture appears small but we really wish to be on the other side, we might try squeezing through.  And, in my case, if a peep happens nearby and I need a favor, I will see if my charm works (yes, the portal was opened).  With my poker-face, it is hard to guess what I have in mind (and there often is miscommunication).  However I will admit to being very thankful that there are two peeps in my life (even if one is still hiding).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't bottle up gratitude.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - major-domeow, the indispensable member of the household (often it is me)

in the lead

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Nov 2022 - May I come in?  If you're reading these jottings, you have already invited me into your space... and for that I am most thankful (that we don't have to meet face-to-face).  The shorter peep and I are keeping house, and if time spent in the domicile counts, it is mostly me... but that is OK.  I prefer my own company, although head pats and treats do require another breathing being.  The taller peep still hasn't found his way home... perhaps the shorter one leaves me to search out his whereabouts?  I'm interpreting her composure to mean that she isn't worried, so I won't be either.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

That we are in control

is a comforting illusion.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purreminent, first and foremost (that I'm the only cat isn't relevant)

shake a leg

Shamus on view?

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Nov 2022 - Do we have a shadowy intruder?  Nah, that's just harmless me.  Back and forth, back and forth, so my day ticks away.  I am still missing Mr. Sol, but some of his warmth is reaching us... and I am most grateful.  It is a test of character to complete the necessary screened-porch surveillance when I am freezing.  The shorter peep claims that I have a thicker coat of fur than when I arrived... I shudder to think of my shuddering in those early days, because "thicker" is a comparison and definitely shouldn't be interpreted as "thick"... at least I have no bald patches.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is amazing what we

can do when we must.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - tencatcious, purrsistent (just don't say, shudder, dogged)

that awkward stage

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Nov 2022 - No, I'm not chewing with my mouth open, Bastet forbid,.  The shorter peep caught me in a socially-problematic moment, and didn't listen to better judgment.  You might gather that I'm quite comfy, perched atop this giant pillow, and you would be correct.  A cat's motto is "the higher, the better", so despite the fact that a heated towel was just a few steps away, I chose this spot for my nap.  And I had no regrets... other than the shorter peep's disturbing my rest, when she came to bed and wanted my cushion.  (But then I could lie on top of her, i.e., everything worked out.)

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Only you have to understand

your reasoning.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - empurrassing, cringe-worthy (at least by cat standards)

outlier

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Nov 2022 - This side of the bed has been empty for a while... where has the taller peep gotten himself to?  Now that I think about it, the shorter peep's daily schedule has altered noticeably as well.  Large parts of the day I am the sole inhabitant of our domicile, which doesn't by itself drive a cat to despair... I have my job responsibilities, and there is always napping.  But the expected household to-and-fro is very different, and I don't know the root cause (which is worrisome), only the symptoms.  However kibble is still put in my bowl, my towel is still heated first thing in the morning (much appreciated in this present nastiness)... but what is going on?

 

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Some things bear constant watching.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - anomeowly, something that deviates from a cat's expectations

rock-it science

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Nov 2022 - Brrrr, the weather isn't fitting for interlopers or sentry.  I've declared a meow-ratorium, at least until the temperatures cooperate.  I am compensated adequately, but not enough to freeze over.  Besides, every business plan needs to be revisited periodically, to ensure that the provisions accurately describe work responsibilities, expectations, etc.  So it only appears that I'm idle... the stuff between my ears is weighing impact, considering alternatives... brainy stuff that is quite exhausting.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Thinking is actually

harder than it looks.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catlever, talented in the feline arts

idling threat

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 Nov 2022 - I don't exaggerate:  there are interlopers out there, and one of them is a paw's stretch away... if it weren't for this pesky glass.  But the barrier also keeps these trespassers out of our domicile, so it is a frustrating necessity.  This particular beep isn't as persistent as I've seen, but even so I can't give it an inch lest word of my easing-up spreads through the neighborhood.  So I glower and prepare to launch my body, knowing full well that I can't reach it.  My hope is that it doesn't realize my limitation, and obligingly moves along.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

A fearsome exterior

might be enough.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowderous, displaying an intense demeanor by bristling the fur and standing sideways