a bit of pluck

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

28 Feb 2025 - This item wasn't here on my earlier patrol... so of course I must check it out.  It smells mostly of the shorter peep, plus an organic mustiness that I've learned to just ignore.  When I'm not making my rounds, this spacious ledge will make a nice resting spot, especially if some comfy cushions are added.  It isn't mine to know why it has suddenly appeared.  These things occasionally happen when living with my peeps, and now vetted it will cease to raise any internal alarms.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Concurrence doesn't imply

causal.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrtuity, a chance occurrence in the life of a cat

singular

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

27 Feb 2025 - Size-wise I am overwhelmed by my territory. The only way to do a thorough patrol, to visit all the out-of-the-way spots, is to keep moving.  But I am on the young-side of feline middle-age, so I have the stamina to keep at it, and energy reserves to sprint when necessary.  Plus there is the unspoken incentive to do an exemplary job just so my peeps won't consider finding me a sidekick to share the responsibilities.  I am totally sold on being the one and only kit of the hill.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Be your own boss

(it helps with job satisfaction).

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - tremeowndous, all-round impurressive

undertaking

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

26 Feb 2025 - I am a much sunnier fellow when Mr. Sol is around.   Lately we have had lots of blah days (although today holds promise), and like the cold the dispirited mood has seeped into my bones.  I still carry out my patrol, always on the watch for ne'er-do-wells (and a warm lap), but there is no spring in my step.  It appears that I'm withholding exuberance until the actual spring arrives and unpacks its bags... but a look out any of the many portals shows bright splashes of color so I shouldn't have much longer to wait.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

If you make a promise,

keep it.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrledge, a guarantee (and I'm expecting delivery)

putter around

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 Feb 2025 - Captured on my lower-level patrol, I keep a brisk pace in order to complete my rounds handily.  If the interlopers discern that a lengthy interval is guaranteed before my reappearance, then they have opportunity (and always motive) to act in my absence.  But if I can minimize the total elapsed time, then there is less chance they'll get very far in their plans to infiltrate.  My main focus are those areas with maximum entry possibilities, those spaces with lots of portals.  I don't mind favoring these rooms as they also have great views, where I can pause, even take my break.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Lollygaggers are easy targets.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrcrastinate, postpone undesirable tasks until tomorrow (I say "not guilty") 

tuxedo suited

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 Feb 2025 - I won't deny that I seek out comfy cushions.  However, if the shorter peep's lap is available, without deliberation, I am there.  How can one top comfy AND heated?  Besides she will pat my head and stroke my fur, while her full attention is engaged otherwise.  In other circumstances I might take offense at the second billing... doesn't the loyal servant deserve due recognition?  But my focus is admittedly hazy when both eyes are closed and my purr box is humming.  

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

If life is good, don't

complain that it could be better.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - accatlades, a feline award granted in acknowledgment of meowrit

Mr. Big

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 Feb 2025 - The territory I patrol is vast, even larger if/when I have access to my personal screened porch.  But to focus on the enormity of my job is to become overwhelmed, so instead I scan the immediate area and do what is necessary at that time in that place.  By tackling a smaller problem, I not only can make measurable progress but I can ride on the euphoria of success (best done lying on a comfy cushion).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

An effective strategy

is one that works.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - humeowngous, massive (especially from a cat's purrspective)

recurring theme

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 Feb 2025 - How many times have you seen a version of this picture?  (don't answer)  But as long as the ambient temperature in our domicile is lacking, I will be forced to supplement with sunshine, wherever I might find it.  Besides, I am beside a portal, allowing me to keep an eye on southerly activity.  The beep feeder can be seen from this vantage, so there is a constant flutter on view... always entertaining.  Yesterday also on view were several alien peeps.  I was a little worried, as the shorter peep was out there as well... but she dealt with it (aided by my I've-got-your-back glare).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't apologize for doing

what you have to do.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - automeowtic, done without conscious intention (it works for us cats)

pay heed

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 Feb 2025 - You might think that my job could grow boring.  After all I patrol a domicile interior, a bounded area of large but definitely finite space.  And I do visit the same nooks and corners, if not daily certainly frequently.  Yet these very familiar places are never the same:  I might find that a peep has removed or introduced an object, or perhaps just rearranged (I don't ask why).  And then there is the things-happen category, where I'll discover a desiccated who-knows that fell from above (it's my only explanation) or a definitely-not -desiccated creature that has wandered in.  I never know what my day will hold... and that keeps it interesting.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The details are worth noticing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - feline the room, sensing the overall mood so as to best respond (we cats excel)

adjustments

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 Feb 2025 - All these sharp shadow lines are not the work of Mr. Sol, but supposedly he will put in an appearance later today, claws crossed.  My and the shorter peep's breakfast needed artificial lighting this morning... although truthfully I could see perfectly well.  In route to my saucer of delicious kibble I paused to flex the spine... I recommend the stretch as a good way to prepare your body for the day ahead.  Creaks and pops can be heard when my peeps do this move, but my joints make no audible protest... the better to sneak up on those interlopers.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

We don't always speak in words.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - articmeowlate, having the ability to make oneself understood across species boundaries (plus having a springy body)

constructive zone

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 Feb 2025 - Since I have no opposable thumbs to twiddle, I find other, more productive things to do when I have time on my paws.  There are always interlopers to watch, of course, but personal care can be attended to as well... such as a quick nap, claw maintenance, or some bathing.  None of these activities require much in the way of preparation or accompanying gear, so can be engaged in whenever, wherever there are some spare minutes.... which is just perfect as I never know how long my peeps will keep me waiting.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

An effective individual has a plan.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - enpurrgetic, showing great activity (how else does one get things done?)

at a loss

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

18 Feb 2025 - It is very frustrating to see something but be unable to reach it.  You'd think, after months of this annoyance, I could ignore the situation, at the least accept the new boundaries.  But my personal screened porch was a favorite spot, not one that I'm willing to forget.  Besides there are far too many interlopers just beyond these sheets of glass, keeping my adrenaline surging and my imagination engaged.  The shorter peep said that I could go out there if I'd consent to wear a leash... I don't like the sound of that.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Which is worse:  never having it

or losing it?

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - forfeipurr, deprived of something (I deny wrong-doing)

going my way?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

17 Feb 2025 - What is that in the picture?  My favorite meep facsimile, of course.  I'm not sure why it is the one I seek out, as there are others to choose from.  I'm not going to look too deeply into my motives... it is sufficient that, in the right mood, I enjoy taking it on walk-abouts.  Although it has a cute little tail, it has no feet, so if it is to see the world (or at least our domicile) I must be its mode of transportation.  The shorter peep has stated that, when so engaged, I utter a distinctive me-ow sound that tells her what I'm up to... maybe so, I can't say that I've noticed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Make it a point to

help others.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - upurr, denoting an outstanding example of a cat (or a feline taxi)

fur bears

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

16 Feb 2025 - I suppose I'm a practical cat:  why leap when one can take advantage of a nearby chair?  I don't recall how I cobbled this route together, but it certainly wasn't a thought-out process... possibly the remnants of an ancient calculating brain that needed to sneak up on prey.  Although I don't have to hunt for my supper (just "patiently" wait for its presentation), I still appreciate the skill set.  It gives me an advantage over the interlopers, and a jump (more like a skedaddle) on peep invaders.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

We carry bits of our ancestors.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purredecessor, early members in the feline tree