one for you and one for me

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

15 Feb 2026 - My peeps and I have very different tastes when it comes to food (and possibly to other things as well).  I have sniffed some of the things that they appear to enjoy, and I am, if not repulsed, than uninterested.  And in turnabout, they wrinkle their noses at my vittles... which is perfect.  Who wants to guard the plate while chowing down?  And hurriedly gulping one's food, lest it be scarfed by another, isn't good for digestion (or one's stress levels).  We could not have happened upon a better arrangement.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It's okay to like

what you like.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - meowtually exclusive, unable to be the case at the same time (catsider the alternative)

game plan

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

14 Feb 2026 - Life is seldom perfect (I am tempted to say never), but we've had several afternoons that were approaching a cat's definition of warm.  I am encouraged that Mr. Sol will get his act together soon, and shall be pouring down his brilliance throughout the day... not for just a few hours.  That is my wish, and it never hurts to be hopeful.  Certainly the interlopers, despite being constantly pushed back, continue to show up with confidence restored, that today will be the day they breach my defenses.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't give up:

try a new tactic.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - bluepurrint, a cat's over-all plan

close at hand

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

13 Feb 2026 - The shorter peep's and my collaboration goes back almost to the beginning, and we quickly found a wavelength over which to communicate.  Alas, my walking across the keyboard turns out gibberish, so I must rely on her fine-motor skills to record my pithy thoughts.  It surprises me that the observations of a basically taciturn cat would be of any interest, let alone application, to a peep.  However my two examples seem to suggest otherwise, so I continue to share my life experiences.  By now, the readership should be quite adept at rousting interlopers.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Given any topic, somewhere

there is an expert.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - ameownuensis, a cat's secretary (if you are so lucky)

are you paying attention?

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

12 Feb 2026 - That slight lump in the pillow would be me, taking a work break.  I am not sure why this particular spot is favored:  perhaps it is the elevation (cats have a weakness for being above it all).  If necessary I can keep an eye on the area where meals happen (don't want to be late for my treats) and have a view of the taller peep's side of the office.  As for interloper activity, only beeps flying past that large portal would catch my eye.  However, my ears don't miss a thing.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

There is more than one

way to get a job done.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - Argato-eyed, very obspurrvant

share the rogue

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

11 Feb 2026 - Thank you, Bastet, for another warmish day.  Alas, I am certain the interlopers appreciated it as well.  From this portal I can observe the beeps visiting the feeder, and the numbers have increased... but who doesn't like tasty snacks?  And after a long journey who isn't hungry??  I don't begrudge them the treats (as long as they're not mine).  The uptick in the temperatures has also encouraged the leeps to emerge from hiding... I think they despise the cold more than I do (if that is possible).

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be greedy.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - eudaimeownic, realizing one's potential through excellence and meaning (a cat's happy spot)

in focus

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

10 Feb 2026 - I don't need to check the weather:  I am as dressed as I'm going to get, and everyday's a work day.  But I'm not complaining because I enjoy rousting those pesky interlopers.  How lucky I am to have a job that makes me happy AND that I'm good at.   My side hustle is to keep an eye on the office staff... which is harder than it sounds.  I have found that my glare isn't as effective with peeps:  either it gets misinterpreted (no, I am not having digestion issues) or, even worse, doesn't even register... not everyone can read the room.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Even if there won't be

a test, pay attention.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - on the lookmeowt, watching for trouble (it's not hard to find)

get real

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

9 Feb 2026 - It's a pretty good hiding place, don't you think?  The shorter peep didn't discover me until she was a paw's length away.  With decent sight lines onto our southern flank (and offering comfort as well), this spot is a keeper.  I don't want my secret passed among the interlopers, so let's agree to keep this our little secret.  Just imagine the disappearing act if I were solid black! ... but I'm not willing to give up my bicolors for utilitarian reasons

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Another world lives

beneath that rock.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - suited to the purrpose, designed to be useful (Bastet knew what she was doing)

act your age

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

8 Feb 2026 - Sometimes the shorter peep gets preoccupied with whatever she's doing and forgets the time... as in, it's time we ate.  Nagging is never appreciated, so I try to subtly, quietly, prod her mind to the present and what is next on the agenda (at least on mine).  And sure enough, after spotting my pleading look, she brought over both of our meals.  Techniques that prove effective are tucked away in my gray cells (or maybe they're black and white) for another day when we need to communicate.  With almost six years of improvising, I should be good at charades.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Watch the eyes.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrtomime, feline gestures meant to convey meaning

no sweat

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

7 Feb 2026 - If the interlopers are stirring, then so must I.  Honestly after a few hours Mr. Sol has improved conditions enough that I'm not risking frostbite to be out there... briefly.  And it isn't so bad when I remember that I can rush back inside for a peep's lap or a heated towel or the oracle's breath.  I almost feel sorry for those ne'er-do-wells who must remain (yes, you heard me) beyond our domicile walls.  Maybe they possess a higher internal temperature than I... although the leeps are looking pretty frozen.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

No pain, no-brainer.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - a purreeze, presenting few difficulties (after a bit of grousing)

ready or not

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

6 Feb 2026 - My peeps are rearranging the furniture again (have they nothing better to do??).  I am giving it my first-impression approval, solely because there is now a comfy spot directly in front of the oracle's breath.  Yet again the temperatures have dropped to unacceptable levels, and I must seek ways to compensate.  As you can see, the portal to my personal screened porch has yet to be opened... not that I'm in a rush to get out there, but I would like to get that part of my patrol quickly completed, emphasis on quickly.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It is all about the ability,

and willingness, to adapt.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - dispurrsition, feline inclination (usually "nope")

glad tidings

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

5 Feb 2026 - What a delightful surprise (and very over-due)!  My portal onto the screened porch reappeared, and this southerly portal was opened.  I got my exercise trotting between these two flanks of our domicile.  My inability to properly patrol for interlopers during the past few days meant that I had to assert my presence anew.  I would grouse but how lovely to have temperatures return to nearly acceptable... I so appreciate Mr. Sol's efforts (more, please).  It is hard to be gloomy when he is beaming down upon me.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Put on your happy face.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - cattentment, a feline state of satisfaction

take five

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

4 Feb 2026 - Every office should have a quiet spot where staff can think deep thoughts.  I avail myself of this nook's comfortable offering every now and then... just as a reminder to my employees that it is here for their use (I have seen the taller peep sprawled out full-length).  It would be even more perfect if Mr. Sol's light extended this far, then I could add "warmth" to its amenities.  But just a paw's stretch away, a pool of sunshine beckons, should I get chilly.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be greedy

with your wants.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowral, holding high principles for feline conduct

warmed-over

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

3 Feb 2026 - I had almost forgotten this tucked-away spot that offers a comfy view out this southerly portal, at least during the daylight hours.  But if the view is removed, I am still left with comfy.  Hunkered down, I can't easily be spied my two peeps... which comes in handy sometimes (besides, hiding is always fun).  Having multiple spots to nap is a true asset:  I never know what will suit until the last moment, and as you know I like to mix things up.  An unpredictable routine is what I'm aiming for.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Just a pinch of variety

can spice things up.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - uninspurred, no longer new and interesting (beware that last word)