I’m from Cleveland. Yeah, we lost LeBron but the Cavs won their first pre-season game last night. There are still some folks some wondering whether it was a bad move or a good move. Will LeBron (literally and figuratively) miss the ball?? King James, as he was known, has moved on. His decision still a question mark, even according to news reports for himself. I think what makes one true royalty, a person of real value to the world , is the ability to know one’s self. I watched today as Jean Claude regal and royal stood at the back porch door watching as my neighbor Bonnie’s dog “Six” carried on. JC, who has been known to meow like a dog himself at times of crisis, was nonplussed. He knows himself. His kingdom is where he chooses.
Author Archives: Azeena
I Know What You Should Do
Oh no you didn’t. Yes there are a lot of people who want to be all up in your Koolaid. They know exactly how you should live. Give them the license – confess a problem, make a suggestion or ask for help on a small matter — and honey it’s like having a vampire come into your house. They are harder to get out than roaches. Some of these folks are relatives and yes even with them I have found I have to “put the brakes on the bus” and as Reverend Lance Watson said, tell them “this is your stop- get off.” Self-esteem, at least in humans, is made not born. Lucky for me I have role models in Roxie and Jean Claude who know their place in the world and love me unconditionally.
Orange Bud- Mystery Solved
Shortly after my daughter, CCL, moved in a house , located not far from mine , an orange cat began to visit Jean Claude in the alley behind my house when I let JC outdoors. The cat was presumed to be female, as Jean Claude likes the ladies (human and animal as witnessed by his affection for my neighbor’s dog.) The same orange cat , hither to be known as “Orange Bud” also made appearances at CCL’s house when Jean Claude was there. Orange Bud sat below the window where Jean Claude would view the world – the two of them engaging in conversation. According to my cousin’s husband Eric, Orange Bud also made an appearance outside my house the night JC and Roxie terrorized Eric while he and his wife paid a visit (see Scare-D Cat July 30/2010). Well folks, the mystery of who is Orange Bud and who HE belongs to has been resolved. Last night I stopped by CCL’s house, Jean Claude poised by the front door ran out and stayed out for a good while. After about an hour I went to look for him and asked my daughter’s neighbor had he seen JC. “The black cat,” the neighbor replied “Oh, he’s probably around here with our orange cat – they run together.” When I informed the neighbor the orange cat often travels the few blocks to my house to visit, he laughed. Shortly after that conversation Jean Claude returned to CCL’s porch. After a little porch fun on Jean Claude’s part, he kept running away from the door as I opened it just to let me know who is boss I suppose, I let him in the house.
The LookOut
Roxie and Jean Claude are on an extended stay at their other residence, CCL’s house. This afternoon I paid them a visit and my daughter made brunch. I water her plants . Yes, I provide landscape services for two residences. Lately Roxie has seen fit to leave CCL’s house unexpectedly and stay out for hours at a time – rumor is she has a man. So as not to worry about her tarting out, I lured the cats to the basement before going outside to water my daughter’s flowers. Finished with the task and ready to enjoy sausage, eggs and pancakes I entered the house , let the cats out of the basement and sat down. Oops !! CCL(my daughter) reminded me I forgot to get fresh thyme from the garden for the eggs. That meant going outside again. Roxie and Jean Claude were already waiting by the back door poised to escape. The basement trick would not work a second time in a row. What to do?? CCL quickly grabbed a spray bottle filled with water and stood guard in front of me as I carefully opened the door, went outside grabbed the thyme and came back in the house . Teamwork.
Soft Scrambled Eggs(I recommend finding more recipes at Cook’s CountyKitchen.com )
To scramble soft fluffy eggs, heat the pan or skillet, add butter, then eggs and chopped herbs, turn off heat and scramble. To prep the eggs I just beat eggs slightly and add a little water or cream and then pour into the pan before cutting off the heat. A friend also pours a lot of “Dash” straight into the heated butter and then adds the eggs – also tasty.
Re-Invention
Roxie Tuckered Out
Last month I wrote about how the giant plant in my mother’s living room collapsed in an apparent suicide – now it appears the plant, after some repotting and some tender loving care has found new life. We all need that from time to time to get back in the groove. Multiple resources work best, sleep, exercise, food – of course and gardening. Jean Claude and Roxie also have sources of spiritual renewal (including gardening). I noticed Roxie who does not appear to sleep at all while at my house sleeps quite a bit while at CCL’s house. Rest is a key source of renewal for people and animals.
Cats & All That ™ 