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.
What Cats Teach Us
Cats teach us a lot. People who don’t like cats tend to say that they don’t like them because they are sneaky or aloof when nothing could be further from the truth. Cats are loving creatures who love those who have shown that they deserve love. Cats are also loyal, knowing who are the people who mean them good. Dogs will cuddle up to anyone who walks in the house. Just like in life, we should be open to allowing new people in our lives, but we shouldn’t let every person who crosses our path into our lives.
For the last three weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of having the cats at my house. It’s been a good journey, complete with Roxie running away, Jean-Claude demanding to go outside and me running out of wet food (a big no no).
I’ve also played with them, combed them and watched them fight and this morning saw the evidence of a pretty big fight downstairs.
Gotta love those cats.
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.
Sanctuary
Sanctuary for Roxie and Jean Claude
Roxie and Jean Claude have spent the past several days at their other residence – CCL’s house. For those of you who don’t know that’s my daughter known as Crazy Cat Lady. Roxie and Jean Claude enjoy their multiple residences and have had several adventures while staying at CCL’s house. Definitely a lot more going on – busy streets, noisy neighbors up all night and a second floor back deck for a better view of birds and other UFOs – which also works for bungy jumping(Roxie) . But I feel the cats like my daughter’s company as much as I do. There is a certain peace in being with those you love …and like.
Cats & All That ™ 