the twisty road

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

7 May 2023 - We cats can quite easily tie, and untie, ourselves in knots... which comes in very handy when washing the lower back.  But despite our innate flexibility, I don't like cold starts:  several times daily, when a handy ledge presents itself, I practice my down-dim-deep pose.  Even with its health benefits, I would do this stretch just because it feels so good.  And it is one of those exercises that crosses species boundaries:  I have observed my two peeps doing backward bends, sorta, kinda... I must say that both of them are very challenged by the movement.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Don't be a sitting duck.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purretzel, to form into a curled shape (such as for napping)

it happens

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

6 May 2023 - Cinco de Mayo evidently is not an interloper holiday, as I detected no increase in activity, revelry or not.  But a good sentry doesn't assume he knows the answer, and checks nonetheless.  A few days ago I spotted a newcomer:  a very large beep cautiously strutting down the back walkway, and in its wake three tiny (I could have held them between my paws) spanking-new beeps.  It will be impressive if those unremarkable little ones turn into that regal adult... I'm fairly certain that I have always resembled myself, just scaled down.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Amazing things happen

between birth and adulthood.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

phrase of the day - in one's purrime, fully developed and at the top of one's game (watch out)

furty winks

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

5 May 2023 - I don't like to waste sunshine, since there are miserable days when we don't have any.  To show my appreciation I greet its presence and often nap in its golden pool.  Unlike mine, the taller peep's sleep pattern is not impacted by the morning's up-tick in light.  He seemingly could snooze until high noon, but mid-morning the shorter one and I make sufficient noise to waken him from his deep slumber.  Enough is enough... although if my down hours were tallied, I would certain qualify as the domicile's sleepy head.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Every body needs its rest.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

celebrity of the day - Choupette, millionaire cat whose name means "sweetie"

past tense

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

4 May 2023 - After a taxing patrol, I feel perfectly justified in resting my paws and gray matter.  The one who takes care of domicile security must also take care of himself.  Grooming is a fairly mindless but necessary process, so I often make it fur-play, if you will, for a subsequent nap.  By focusing on my coat, I push to the background other niggling matters, such as a possible assembly of interlopers on the north flank.  Sometimes my indulgence looks so inviting that the shorter peep joins me... she is a quiet cushion companion and is most welcome.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Most things can wait.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - meowderate, to make something (or someone) less anxious, to relax (I second that motion)

oops

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

3 May 2023 - I may have been a bit impatient this morning, but who can't relate to that confession?  The shorter peep had placed my treats at her morning spot, and then walked back into the kitchen.  There is no doubt that the kibble was for me, but normally they would be served at a lower elevation.  There they were, indicated my nose, and unguarded prodded my gray cells (but that is probably a poor choice of words).  I think this photograph documents my good form, touching only the cushion and the table mat... certainly not gobbling like a dim deep.  And then I relinquished the chair and went about my morning patrol.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Learn from your mistakes,

if only to refine them.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - faux paw, a gaffe, a misstep (says the peep)

all ears

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

2 May 2023 - Can one ever spend too much time on one's personal screened porch?  Even the shorter peep can't resist joining me, and I appreciate the company:  she's quiet and brings treats!  With sufficient hours I have learned to recognize the various beep vocalizations, or at least be able to associate song with singer.  And over the course of time the songs change, certain voices exit the stage and new ones enter the chorus, while a handful of tunes remain throughout the season.  I don't really have a favorite, but the sharp, complaining notes wouldn't be missed.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

If you want to stay informed,

pay attention.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - purrcipient, astute, on the ball (or purrhaps under it)

ascent-trick

Shamus on view

Me-usings and Me-emories

1 May 2023 - My head goes foggy when presented with a geometry problem.  I know how I got on this ledge (and more importantly how to exit), but I can see the shorter peep through this portal... and just a minute ago she was behind me.  How this arrangement translates into a house plan is beyond me.  However my job requirements are quite clear, and I am more than able to carry them out.  So I won't let this conundrum spoil my day, or distract me from the necessary interloper patrol.

clipped notes

                             Today's Catechism 

                            (for the autodidcat)

Specialist or jack-of-all-trades...

both are needed skill sets.

Bring back Bastet

Bastet beckons

Catty Corner

word of the day - catcentration, feline expurrtise