Cold and Dark

Two buildings over and down the street
I can hear the sound of swift-running feet
Across the quad there's a light in the dome
But over here all's cold and dark - no one's home
The sound of music throbs through the wall
But of humans there's no sign at all
The food dishes are empty, the water's almost all gone
Will this be another long night without dawn?
Promises were made and kisses given out
Assurances there'd be dinner, without a doubt
But the kitchen is dark and the house feels empty
How I miss the days of plenty
I'll vote for anyone promising change
Then pray I don't end up with mange

JJ's Visit

JJ’s Visit
15 November 2006

JJ went to a new vet today
Mom’s trying to chase his blues away
She thinks he’s losing too much weight
He’s just not eating as much as he once ate
The Gurlz gang up and fence him in
Blocking him off when it’s time for din-din
They think they’re playing and love to tease
Buzzing around him like so many bees
But he’s not used to not having first plate
So he’s having trouble adjusting to his new fate
I must admit I’m not too keen either
On having to deal with every eager beaver
That wants my time and attention and space
Every little chica who doesn’t know her place

No, I’m not
A snot.

Growth Spurts

Those squirts have both had growth spurts
Oh my poor head
I'm constantly nudged and bumped and budged
JJ's corraled every day
All because
Those squirts have both had growth spurts

Female upstarts everywhere
In politics and at home
They're really getting under my hair
I wish I had a comb
They challenge everything with a dare
I wish I could get out and roam
Then I could evade each and every stare
And not have to write this poem

Kitty Zillas

The holiday season is upon us once again, and thoughts turn naturally to decorations, mostly because neighbors and store windows don't let us keep such thoughts from our otherwise engaged minds. Still...

There's a lovely collection of victorian model houses that had been growing prior to the advent of Cats-R-Us here, and now that JJ and I are mature, sedate Big Boyz, there was talk of reviving the tradition. There is, however, obviously a new threat(s) in town: Ajaxzilla and Commazilla. These clearly radiated kitties have been growing at astronomical rates and are now monstrous creatures who have outgrown JJ, though they don't seem to have adjusted to their exponentially increasing sizes yet. They are now tall enough to leap up onto the lower bookcases, but they lack the agility or grace to tippaw through the paraphernalia there; consequently, the i-pod speakers are fallen soldiers even as these fingers tap. What will happen if a miniature town is erected? Will it even get that far?

On a side note, Ajax's tail has achieved a decidedly phallic appearance, if anyone's looking. This is in marked contrast to her otherwise gracefully feminine feline nack. Comet, on the other hand, has a more blockish upper torso but slimmer hips and an unremarkable tail. Naturally, she is the more girly of the two. Funny how such things play out...

Play on!

Fog Blanket Returns

Oh bliss! The fog blanket is back
Encouraging all to spend the morning in the sack
There's an aura of mystic fantasy just across the Bay
Where happy memories of my kittenhood still hold sway

Today's an appropriate day for the fog, too
As politics erupt across this state zoo
Television ads blare and the phone keeps on ringing
Bombarding the innocent and the unsuspecting

PU has spent the morning poring over mail old and new
Trying to get a clearer view
Of issues and facts amongst the plethora of words
Finally concluding that the whole mess is for the birds

Voting's a privilege and a responsibility
Though sometimes the reason's hard to see
People play all sorts of curious games
To solicit advantage behind famous names

When all has been said and done at the end of the day
It's still the next generations that will have to pay

We live in a fog, that's clear to see
Letting things go on as though they were meant to be

Stability

Stability
5 November 2006

P.U.’s home, this time to stay
The Gurlz have grown so
But still like to play

JJ is shrinking, just wasting away
He’s lost his youngest status
And with it his final say

Ajax thinks AJ = JJ, you see
So she bounds in and takes
Whatever offerings there be

Together Ajax and Comet
Have taken over the house
There’s precious little yet
That they don’t successfully pounce

Political solicitations that arrive in the mail
Are fair game; each piece they equally assail
Though they’re past teething, their claws are still sharp
Even though each week to trim them I carp

Still, the treetop is mine by right and possession
And all little kitties come to me for confession ;->

Odd Thoughts

My human is gone again, where I'm not sure. I keep getting these random nuzzling thoughts in the wee hours of the night. They wake me for my evening prowls, leaving me restless... and so lonely. Besides, the bed is too crowded with all the new kids.

What the

What the . . . ?
25 August 2006

So I was hanging out in the laundry room, minding my own business, when suddenly my olfactory system was brutally assaulted. I looked around, but there was no one in the nearby litter box, nor evidently had been recently. JJ, who’d been hanging out nearby in the hall, also looked startled. We looked at each other questioningly, then over to the New Kid, that seemingly innocent little mischief maker calmly sitting in the middle of the hallway with her legs widespread, licking away what was left of what had to have been the most amazing fut, especially for such a little girl. No fem, that one, that’s for sure!

Phew!

Its Raining Cats

It’s Raining Cats
24 August 2006

My apologies to those of you who have faithfully popped in of occasion, only to find me absent. My only explanation, and it’s not intended as an excuse by any means, is that it’s raining cats here, one of whom is convinced she’s a he, and a dog to boot. ‘S wonderful!

After some initial hissing and growling that really scared oh, Everyone, things have settled down to the occasional territorial nose swipe. The daily wrestling matches obviate the need for television, as do the daily feather and ribbon games. There’s a whole lot of mousing around going on, thankfully all imitation.

Unfortunately, the fecal count is quite authentic, as is someone’s bad aim. Now, that last, I really don’t understand, P.U. having made sure to purchase the jumbo size litter trays. Ah well… Personally, whenever I find what looks like a soggy “roach”, sans clip, I take it as a very pointed statement. All I have to do is figure out what the protest is, then deal with it. Again unfortunately, I think there may be some definitively stances being taken about courtyard privileges. Clearly, it’s too soon for the Gurlz, who are still subliminally recalibrating their internal compasses. So I guess I’ll just keep sidestepping those little treasures and cherishing the memories…

At least my muscle tone seems to be returning. I’m certainly getting a whole lot less sleep than of yore.

Cat Fishing

Cat Fishing
11 August 2006

I love fish. I love fishing. Lately P.U. has taken to cat fishing again. Two Gurlz and a Boy, to be exact. Oh how the feather does fly, though fortunately not the fur, hissing and staring notwithstanding. Was I ever that energetic? I think so, before JJ came, though that was so long ago now, I have only my memory for proof, and I, of course, am in a clearly foggy place.

Tita

Fur like an angel, face like a demon, sweet little lady with a growl like a tita, she sleeps beneath my bed and shares my window view. Her offspring infuriate her, unwilling as they are to leave her weary teats, yet she never lets go of her dignity, spitfire though she be.

Her children irritate and entertain me by turns, taking after their father, I presume. I must get to know her better: Nouna - person, place, thing of all things.

Breakthrough

How time flies! I could have sworn I'd only missed one day of blogging, but then again, there was the whole disconnected mess yesterday. P.U. spent most of the day trying to reestablish Internet connection after discovering that someone, naming no names, had unplugged a couple of things, besides shutting down a few others. But I tell no tales...

I think I'm starting to get used to the new kids, hyperactive though they can sometimes be. More important, they have a very lovely mother . . . But really, it's too soon to speak of such things.

JJ still hisses when the girls enter his space, but I've been doing a little investigating, and they seem to be all right. In fact, that Ajax reminds me a lot of JJ when he first came. She never seems to tire, is always ready for a game, and has to sample everything, from water dishes and food to litter boxes. That child knows no boundaries. It'll be interesting to see how she progresses in the family, especially after last night.

Last night - Last night Nouna, the Lovely Lady, finally deigned to emerge from hiding. She even actually joined us for a time on the bed. What I particularly appreciated, however, was her hissing Ajax away when she tried to join us. That child never seems to want to let anyone ... simply be. We'll see...

The other youngster, Comet, is a leaper. Yesterday she challenged me by repeatedly climbing to the top of the new cat tree. This morning I showed her real climbing: I mounted the bedroom wardrobe. Of course, I had to call P.U. twice to help me down, but still... we left Comet puzzling over how she could get up there. She can't, of course; at least, not until she gets a bit older and longer. By then it won't matter.

Still, we've progressed to touching noses, the kittens and I. Soon, soon, I hope to share sniffs with Nouna. What a Lady!

Day 3

They're still in there. Last night they started playing around 2 a.m. For that they got an early feeding. It doesn't matter that we did, too; it's not right, messing with the daily schedule that way.

P.U. was out all morning, as often happens. You'd think those Gurlz would take the opportunity to catch up on some sleep, but not those hyperactive gits! By the time P.U. returned, there'd been plenty of banging on both sides of that door.

Fortunately, they have to stay inside when P.U. comes home, while we get to meet and greet our human. Today a five-tiered skyscraper was wrestled into the living room. Naturally I exerted all caution, carefully sniffing it from every angle before proceeding. Then I scratched it; JJ helped. Soon, however, we realized that scratching would not suffice, so up we went. I made it to the second tier from the top, a tubular setup. P.U. put JJ on the top tier, but at least I got up on my own merits. (Much to my chagrin, Comet later scampered right up the tree to that top tier all by herself.)

P.U. finally opened the door, and I was immediately assailed by the odors. Naturally I took my time examining them. I do watch CSI, after all.

There have been three door openings today, each involving lengthier and lengthier explorations by the Gurlz. Only I have reciprocated thus far, but JJ is giving it some thought...

Once, the most recent time, Ajax made a successful break for the door as Nouna, that strikingly beautiful grey, was being taken back in. Unfortunately, Comet didn't quite make it; her paw must have gotten caught in the hinge area. You could hear her all over the neighborhood. She seems to be okay now, but her yowling has had a startling effect on me. It has served as a wakeup call to me that these are really children. Since then I've been keeping an eye on that Ajax. What an idiotic rascal she is! What a shame my human thinks she's so cute.

To be continued...

Confusion in the Face of Invasion

Where did it all begin? P.U. had finally returned from an extended stay and life was settling back to normal when the dreaded black suitcase descended from the closet shelf again. In vain I tried to stop the packing, only to find myself stymied at every turn. Sure enough, on Wednesday afternoon, the house emptied out and stayed that way. JJ and I waited all that night and the next day, but no one came through any doors.

Then Thursday evening Aunty L came and stayed for awhile. She always tries to pet me, but I'm too fast for her. JJ's a better host than I am; he just sits out there in the living room, politely chasing whatever toy she deigns to offer him. It's nice of him to give her something for her time and effort in keeping us company and feeding us.

Friday was more of the same. Fortunately, the weather finally started to cool off, so the house wasn't such a sweat box. Ever seen those WWII movies? I haven't...

By Saturday JJ and I were both feeling pretty lethargic when suddenly we heard a familiar sound: the car! Sure enough, we soon heard the outer garage door opening. Like a flash we charged the courtyard, arriving simultaneously outside the courtyard door. Oh, the joy! P.U. had returned.

I couldn't believe it when P.U. headed out again Sunday afternoon. Usually, there's at least a 48-hour stay before any motion is made to head back out. I admit I was worried, but I had no idea how worried I should have been.

Several hours later P.U. arrived bearing two carriers. Inside the carriers I smelled - something strange - females! I'd almost forgotten the smell. Sometimes I can almost remember my mother and my litter mates. I had five sisters and two brothers, I think. This, however, was different. I hissed, just to let the strangers know whose house they were entering.

Today has been more of the same. P.U. opened the closed door for awhile this morning, and I put in an obligatory appearance to hiss, just to let the newcomers know that this is my house. I think they got the message. Time will tell.

I had to hiss JJ, too, so that he would know where he stands in all this. Since then, however, I've also let him know he's still #2, well ahead of the strangers.

Two of the strangers are very little. I'll have to think about that. There's a female, though. I can sense her, and I've got her scent. I know she senses me, too. We'll see about that one in due time. Oh yes...

Still Hot

The outdoor thermometer read 93, so I looked around to report this. When I looked back, it had dropped to 92. I don't feel the difference. I wanna go back to my nice, cool fog blanket!

No, that's not true. Here where it's warm, I can sleep all day. The view is greatly green. My joints, though beginning to creak, ache less often they used to do. Of course, Pudee still puts slanderous words on my blog, to which I do most heartily protest, but the air is fresh, and heavy with summer scents. Car exhaust, which I used to think was fresh air, is much fainter now, usually only noticeable around the crack beneath the impenetrable door in the garage.

Too bad the world news is also too hot, and no tsunami is gonna cool that off.

Word.

Smoking Hot

I want my blanket of fog back
So I can sleep like a log - fuzzily slack
Mornings are gently soft and grey
Why can't the weather just stay that way?
When we were ensconced on the peninsula
I could spend the day in bed hurrah
Now that we're here in this hot land to stay
I wish that bright sun would just go away
That black-and-white cat outside my window
Struts her stuff while I just take things slow
She boasts of her freedom but I think she's lonely
Visiting everyone but wishing I were hers only
Now, she's pretty hot, you bet
Someday maybe she'll be mine yet
We'll prowl around all those cool green bushes
Just need to give this window a feel more firm pushes
But no, I'd miss my human too much
Guess I'll stay in for nuzzlings and such

Sun Bum

JJ is a little sun bum
He makes my heart hum
His fur is sleek and warm
A perfect reflection of his form
Full of energy and zest
As a playmate he's the best
Whether laid out on a car hood
Looking fine and feeling good
Or basking in the summer sun
JJ is surely number one
How can anyone doubt this little guy
Is the apple of this eye?

P.U.'s Home

Pudee's home and here to stay
Now I can snuggle the night away
Daylight hours are filled with fresh air
And as much courtyard time as we can bear
So though I've been coughed and been kind of sick
Pudee's been here to wipe it all up real quick
JJ has his game back on
He's full of energy and eager to be gone
The toys in the closet are all dusted off
Now he must prove he hasn't gone soft
Pudee's back and we're really glad
Cuz when Pudee's gone, everyone's sad

(Hey, don't make me sound so much like a sap, writing such drivel, so much pap!)

Night Lights

Night Lights
2 July 2006

Pudee’s returned in dark of night
From distant lands on a long flight
Bringing unfamiliar scents
Filled with emotions oh so tense
Strange at first yet familiar too
Pudee’s warm if slightly blue

JJ’s got his game back on
Thinks the struggle he has won
But just wait till Pudee’s free
Then he’ll see it’s still about me

Pudee’s arms clearly need filling
Not just lashing tails and milling
Mine are the paws that’ll knead Pudee
And help to let those worries be.

Lonely Is the Name

3 June 2006

PU's gone away after a lot of hustle and bustle. Now there's no one to play with JJ, so he's using me as he was meant to be: an available Boy Toy. Oh, the humiliation! That's all right, though, for though no one would accuse me of being a "sturdy fellow", (as JJ has been known to be characterized,) I am considered spry and fly. Agility is the key to getting the best of that Little Boy.

Alas, but that too easily must pass. Then the house settles down again to its same stuffy, empty self...

Yesterday P.U. called on the telephone, just for us. I heard the answering machine, but I was busy fending off JJ at the time. Then last night P.U. called again, though not for me. I heard my name, though. Oh, where oh where has my P.U. gone, and when will P.U. return?

Where is that JJ Boy? I need someone to pound...