make it so

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

25 March 2021 - Energized by my first-of-the-day meal, I wish to get on with my perimeter patrol.  But the portal onto the screened porch opens on a schedule that eludes me, and occasionally remains closed for entire days... which is a personal bummer.  I have watched the shorter peep perform the ritual that swings it ajar, and I know it involves that shiny protuberance halfway up its side.  Even at my longest stretch my paw can't reach it, and there isn't a handy nearby perch that would aid in my ascent.  If the task is to be done, I must employ mental telepathy.  Whether my thoughts prompt the shorter peep or manipulate the mysterious mechanism, I am goal-driven and not picky about the means.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Let's just get it done.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - aspurration, the hope of accomplishing something before the last meow is uttered

whoa mewl

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

24 March 2021 - Sometimes we cats do take a peep suggestion... but first it must be pondered for a minimum of three minutes... just in case there is sinister intent (my two are very kindly but one should still be careful).  The context for this photograph is that the shorter peep has warmed my bed, even found my favorite toy.  Now she expects me to stroll over and curl up... which I do eventually (I know a good thing when I see it).  My hesitation seems to exasperate her, which is not at all the reason I remain seated on my haunches (although she really must work on stretching her patience).  On the other paw I occasionally should remind them that I am not a mindless dependent, here to do their bidding.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Differences in opinion should

not surprise anyone.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - skepticat, having doubts or reservations (like our cousin, oceloting)

sponge bath

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

23 March 2021 - "Up periscope":  I'm always on recon duty, underpinned by my natural curiosity.  My two peeps conduct a daily ritual here, just before twilight... so naturally I am nearby, watching, formulating ideas.  A few treats are offered, which ensures my presence... am I being bribed?  Initially I was certain that there were tasty edibles prime for cadging, but after numerous close inspections I can state that my peeps consume some very uninteresting stuff.  This discovery gives me assurance that my own bowl of kibble will be left unmolested, but I am denied the pleasure of table scrounging.  At least there are sympathetic head pats and ear scratches dispensed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The reason for another's choices

can be unfathomable.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - mewcher, a cat that renders cuteness and antics for room and board

grunt of the litter

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

22 March 2021 - In case you have lost track of time, it is a Monday, the official start of the work week (and I am imagining the chorus of peep groans).  I love my job, but its open-schedule is the most appealing.  The unvarying 9-to-5 employment can feel like a straitjacket in its rigidity, and sets the tone of priority.  Doing the math one still has 50-56 hours for sleep, with the remaining time (72-78 hours) for other tasks.  Admittedly some of those tasks would not be considered "fun and games", and "taking home work" further erodes one's leisure time.  Balance and moderation and doing what you love are key:  we cats would make good role models.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

It's true:  no one can take advantage

of you without your permission.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - on the meow, busy with activities (which of course includes a nap or two)

playing the dragon

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

21 March 2021 - How to resolve hiding with keeping an eye on things?  Perhaps my solution isn't the best, but then the stakes aren't particularly high:  it isn't an endangered Florida panther on the opposite side of the room.  Besides, if I am undetected, then the shorter peep can't get in on my game... because ultimately my being kittenish is about the discovery and then the chase... because I do love to gallop through our house.  The taller peep likens me to a little peep who repeatedly provokes, "walk, don't run."  Well, what else are we to do with all this energy?  Maybe my two have forgotten what it feels like to be powered by audacious youth.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

To paraphrase J.T., you can hurt your

motor by going too slow.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - whimsicat, being the mischief-maker (with waggish tail)

what a brag

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

20 March 2021 - Two steps forward and one back... not the way I'd like to see spring arrive.  If it can't be hot, the very least I need is sunshine.  There is no point (except work) in rising when gray and chill are promised.  Peeps are born believing they are the brightest bulb in the box, but my question for the geniuses is "who's sitting in the warm corner?"  You might not be aware (as it is quite hush-hush) that we cats have our own me-ow-nsa club, but naturally none of us would attend a meeting of such swankpurrts.  I for one prefer my own company and my own thoughts... with a few peeps in attendance, should I require anything.  

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

The ideal life is

illusory.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catankerous, feline a bit grumpy when things aren't as wished

goodnight moon

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

19 March 2021 - It would appear that my household responsibilities also include bedtime alarm.  Being a cat, I won't claim that it is purely altruism that prompts my reminding the shorter peep it's time to call it a night.  Over the months (now more than eight) we have polished this nocturnal routine to its essence:  I wait for her to settle (while trying not to think unkind thoughts) and then I arrive.  She calls it pitty-pat, my rhythmic fluffing of the bed before curling up.  I suppose she works her nightly puzzle for its enjoyment, and the same can be said for my purr-inducing behavior.  We each have our way of shedding the day's demands, so there is no need to compete for best strategy or to name a winner.  I just wish that she'd lie still longer.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Symbiosis is a

beautiful thing.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purr diem, purrduced daily (and mewtually beneficial)