Pay no attention to the lump under the area rug. Scout thinks he’s the best at finding hiding places. So just keep moving. There’s nothing to see here, folks.
Truth is, he’s so sleek and dark that he’s nearly invisible sitting in plain sight. Unless he’s in a patch of sunlight, that is.
I like how the light reflects off his coat and makes him look so dapper. He’s a handsome boy and he knows it. Just like he knows he’s the best at hiding.
Happy Monday, friends. Go forth and do all the things you do well!
Around here, it has been cold and snowy. I have been enjoying hibernation, trying to balance relaxation with tending to my own health and wellness.
I have been taking the easy way out where dinner is concerned. This bag of stir fry is a step up from the egg sandwich and fistful of chocolate I would rather be eating when I’m cold and tired.
This book has been keeping my mind engaged.
As always, Scout keeps me on my toes.
I joined in a free art history webinar the other day and got a nice overview of the progression of early art through the Impressionists who happen to be my favorite artists.
This is a famous Claude Monet painting that I was lucky to see in Washington DC last year.
The webinar instructor had a down to earth approach to art and a wonderful ability to simplify big topics. If I had hundreds of extra dollars I would sign up for a paying course she offers on the Impressionists. She gave voice to what I have long felt but didn’t understand about these lovely works of art. I’ll talk about that another day.
For now, I’m trying to find a balance between work and home, self care and doing as I please, healthy skepticism and unhealthy mental ruts.
Winter is a time of hibernation. We recede into our homes as animals take to their dens. Even the hardiest of plants conserve their energy and rest in anticipation of brighter days ahead. Aside from a few walks, I have been happily hibernating and wondering what kind of rebirth might accompany the arrival of spring.
Like an idiot, I dared to put up a Christmas tree last week. If you’re a cat owner, you will understand my mistake.
Scout doesn’t really try to climb the tree so much as he eats it. Although when he does go for a climb I’m pretty sure it is moments away from landing on the floor. Consequently, there a lot of conversations in my house that start with phrases like “WHAT did I just say” and “you better leave that alone….”
Any attempts to keep him away go ignored in the face of his determination. Everyone has a recommendation – orange peels, whole oranges and tin foil are the most popular. He just thumbs that cute little heart shaped nose in my direction and resumes his activities.
I bought a spray deterrent and doused the tree, skirt and floor around it all. That held him at bay for less than two days.
I forgot to share Scout’s Halloween picture. He hated the hat but was surprisingly cool with the cape. He knows how to rock a great costume with the confidence of a model on a catwalk.
Here’s his other costume. He liked this one better because it didn’t require a hat that covered up his nice ears. He really does make a nice Batcat!
Happy Saturday, friends. Go forth and enjoy this day.
See it, smell it, taste it, and forget the time of day or year. Autumn needs no clock or calendar. Hal Borland
I took this quote seriously this weekend and gleefully abandoned the clock to enjoy a quiet weekend mostly at home. I have been tired lately and I believe in listening to my body when it asks me to slow down. Not to mention, it has been gloomy, cool and rainy for a few days – ideal conditions to stay inside where it’s cozy.
To quote the frightfully wise six-year-old Wednesday Addams in the original 1964 television classic The Addams Family – “It’s so nice and gloomy.”
So I lit some candles, did a few small chores and slept in two days in a row. Well, I slept in as much as Scout would allow. Mostly, I read. My goal to read 100 books in 2021 seems well beyond reach as I am a daunting seven books behind schedule.
And, of course, Scout was thrilled to have me here and a happy cat makes for a happier life. The paper sack picture was made this weekend. All of the fall pictures came from early last week.
This was just before dusk and the light was lovely in places. Here’s one more for good measure.
So, here we are back at Monday. That means different things to everyone but whatever you do today, I hope you’re kind to yourself.
Yesterday was soggy and I happily grabbed the excuse to stay inside. Sunday is usually a weekly meal prep day so I made a few things including tuna noodle casserole. I hadn’t tasted the stuff in years but it was great comfort food on a rainy day.
Scout evidently agreed. He isn’t allowed a lot of people food but he loves people tuna so I gave him a nibble. Never in his young life had he tasted such a delectable treat and he was pretty persistent in his demands for more. I didn’t want to give him too much but eventually lost track of how much he had gobbled up.
This is the face I got when I cut him off.
Never underestimate the emotions and the ire of a cat. He basically spent the entire rest of the day staring at me with those eyes.
