behind the scenes

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Dec 2025 - It is hard to be hidden AND keep an eye on things.  I am not too stressed about it, as the onlooker is just the shorter peep.  Were I hunkered down on my personal screened porch, I would take more care.  But here I'm hoping for a bit of skedaddling activity, where she says something resembling "boo" and I bolt for the next secret spot.  I find exercise boring if there isn't some fun mixed in... not that my line of work is sedentary.  The number of steps I take in a day's time (and do I double it because I have two sets of limbs?) is beyond a cat's ability to count.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Keep moving (and

see the world).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - unpurrcover, involved in covert work (no trench coat needed)

hot shot

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Dec 2025 - What could be better than a pool of sunshine?  And how fortunate to be the wearer of a black coat to soak up all that warmth!  I do occasionally denigrate Mr. Sol's inadequate attention to his job, but today his efforts are much appreciated.  I have never observed either of my two peeps sun-basking... and I am not sure why, as they often grouse about the chill (while donning another layer of clothing).  Clearly there is sufficient room for at least one of them to stretch out alongside me.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

You can learn a thing

or two from the experts.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catliber, the level of feline ability (higher than I can jump)

leisure suits me

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

29 Dec 2025 - The shorter peep has asked me to guard these boxes, and I can't refuse her request (she does feed me)... and what is one more responsibility to the fella that keeps the domicile safe from interlopers?  At least they are not ambulatory and are tucked beneath a favorite resting spot, so I can't reasonably deem the task a burden.  Besides my two appear unusually busy (just not in the office) of late, which makes my help needed and appreciated... maybe I'll get a few extra treats.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be the idler

in your group.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrpid, physically inactive (I call it a work break)

selective service

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Dec 2025 - I really have to work to get my paws dirty as there are very few places in our domicile where the earth can be touched.  I see lots of ground from the many portals, but access is limited to this potted plant.  Sometimes, not often, I get the urge to chew something green (who knows what that's about?   and a peep shirt most certainly doesn't satisfy the yen).  Any salad bar would offer more variety, but here the pickings are restricted to two items... at least they are fresh and available (and not crowded).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

A choice is having more

than one to pick from.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - dispurrning, discrimeownating (what else can you expect from a cat?)

enlightened

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 Dec 2025 - The view around our domicile isn't as vibrant as in early spring, but green still dominates the woods.  Of course the leaves provide camouflage to interlopers trying to hide from my glare (which makes my job more of a challenge), but Bastet hasn't time for such mundane complaints.  My eyesight is sufficiently keen that the slightest movement, even if caused by a breeze, registers.  Friend-or-foe identification is then quickly made, and my next step is determined.  You might say that I have a trusty system.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be caught unaware.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - igpurrant, having no knowledge of a situation (not good)

dogged?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

17 Dec 2025 - Although nowhere close to balmy, our recent weather has been tolerable... I suppose Mr. Sol is doing his best.  I am all too aware that conditions could change in a tail-switch, so I've been in and out on my personal screened porch, enjoying the view and another opportunity to turn back the interlopers.  That front has been relatively quiet lately... maybe benefits of my diligent efforts are finally materializing?  That isn't to say that my job is done!  My work won't end until I've used up that ninth life.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Results aren't always

immediate.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrsistence, firm continuation in a course of action despite ne'er-do-well opposition

say again

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

16 Dec 2025 - After breakfast on a chilly morning, I take myself to the oracle.  Despite domicile changes, it continues to susurrate, its warm breath welcomed even though its message can be difficult to decipher.  I don't dare approach too closely... I prefer keeping distance between myself and greater powers.  My relationship with interlopers is somewhat similar to mine and the oracle's, although I have no interest in comforting my flock.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Respect differences.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowmur, to speak softly (so pay attention)

if you don't mind

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

15 Dec 2025 - The attention of my peeps seems to be elsewhere:  they are busy with errands and chores, all manner of activities that keep them from the office.  What is a manager to do when there is no one to manage?  I stop in periodically to see if something productive is happening, perhaps straighten the stray paper, align the odd pencil, but these days my job mostly involves the herding of interlopers... which is enough.  Maybe I should follow their lead, slow my pace, and enjoy the view?

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Not everything must be done today.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - bemeowficial, resulting in good (I suppose it's your point of view)

what next

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

14 Dec 2025 - I'm not exactly being stalked by the shorter peep with her black cube, but very often I catch her pointing that thing in my direction.  I don't understand the odd compulsion, and so far I haven't suffered any ill effects from all the "attention".  But obviously I worry... it is my nature.  This peep is the same one who prepares my meals and combs my fur, and I try to remember these good points when I find myself in her focus.  Perhaps she just needs fewer idle moments: maybe I should scatter more cat litter on the floor and shed more hair on the furniture??

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Staying busy is a good plan.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - lollygato, to spend time in repose (the rest of my day is hard work)

bully for you

not Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

13 Dec 2025 - Interlopers get under my skin, but none more so than a visiting one of my kind.  This big brute is trying to claim the surrounding area, and has been seen lounging, bathing, etc., in general making himself at home.  My glare doesn't appear to be working, in fact it may be fueling his determination to be the resident cat.  It is most fortunate that thick walls separate us, or fur would be torn out.  He does appear to outweigh me, but an irate feline can be formidable.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't outstay your welcome.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purruffian, a feline troublemaker

funny business

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

12 Dec 2025 - A cat in the bush?  Hardly... I've investigated this bit of greenery and it doesn't smell of the wild outdoors, although its looks are trying to convince otherwise.  I have limited experience "out there", and mostly the events were scary and I was very relieved when they were over.  But even while frightened, my senses continued to perceive my surroundings, so I can say with confidence that the interlopers have not dragged their environment into our domicile... 'cause I would know the real thing.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

There are many reasons

why others would want to 

deceive you.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - subpurrfuge, to (try to) hoodwink a cat

win-some

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

11 Dec 2025 - Can you abide another picture of me resting?  When the air is nippy, you can expect to find my limbs tucked beneath my body in an attempt to stay warm.  Once that has been realized, I will quickly make my rounds (and then return for a recharge of heat).  Since I refuse to wear booties and a sweater, this regimen is necessary... and is one of the reasons why I prefer the freedom of hot weather, when I can romp and stay on my personal screened porch forever if I so wish.  Alas, without Mr. Sol's help my personal screened porch is not very inviting.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Make no apologies for

what must be done.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - appurrling, offering the promise of an enjoyable experience (clearly some things don't qualify)

faint of heart

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

10 Dec 2025 - With all the changes to our domicile and then my peeps' multi-day disappearance, I have been much in need of personal time.  Anxiety keeps me ramped up and the result is an exhausted body.  But this cold weather has discouraged interloper activity, so I can actually take a nap without risking an invasion.  I snooze for a bit, check with one eye my surroundings, and then drift back to sleep.  Another day or so of this relaxed schedule, and I should be back to my old self, the one who doesn't skedaddle when he sees his shadow.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Friends make the

world less scary.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - cat lag, weariness felt when one's peeps are traveling