Author: Belinda O

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June is for Cats

Well, I was taking a look at the holiday calendar for June and came across a few celebrations that involved (you guessed it) cats. June 4 was National Hug Your Cat Day (like I’m going to limit that to one day a year), June 19 is National Garfield the Cat Day, and my favorite, June 16 is National Take Your Cat to Work Day.

I’d love to take Walter and Mimi to work and let them explore my office habitat. I picture my co-workers bending down to pet them while I smile and look on. The reality, however, would be quite different and I know it. My kitties would run and look for a place to hide while those around me, dog lovers all, would mutter, “what’s the big deal about cats?” Someone would try to pick up Mimi and she’d squirm to get away, clawing them as she did so.

This is not how most cats would behave in the office.

I don’t know who thought of National Take Your Cat to Work Day, but I think they had a romanticized idea of how cats would behave in the workplace. I have a hard enough time with them when I’m on my computer while working from home. It’s difficult to train cats, so how many of us do, although my kitties do respond to a firm “down!” when I’m trying to get them away from my computer.

But the overall feeling I get from this holiday is one of love. We love our cats and want to show them off, but there isn’t a whole lot of opportunity to do. So even though I won’t be bringing my cats to work next Monday (much to the relief of my manager), I want to share how sweet and loving they are. Walter and Mimi, you’re the best!

Image Credits: Header © Thiago–stock.adobe.com; Cat at work (“photo”) © kegfire–stock.adobe.com; Photos of Walter and Mimi © Belinda O

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Walter Doesn’t Want Me To Knit

I’ve been working on a sweater for my cousin’s new son, Arnie, and Walter has had enough of the knitting being in my lap instead of him. “Think you’re going to get any further, Mama? I’m hiding the instructions!”

Oh, but I finished the sweater. Can’t wait to send it.

I finished the sweater–despite the furry interruptions!
You wouldn’t take yarn from a cat, would you?

Image Credits: Cesar Cat © Belinda O; Paws in Heart © Bigstock Photos; Yarn and Cat © Morris–stock.adobe.com

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Thoughts on the Holiday Weekend

I had such high hopes for this holiday weekend. There was so much I thought I could get done. Instead, I spent most of the time knitting and watching TV. I did get to church, which given the weather was iffy, and I did get a few things done around the apartment, like vacuuming and laundry.

Now, part of the reason I couldn’t get everything done was so much was closed due to the holiday. The recycling center and the thrift shop were both closed on Monday, and that was really the far better day to drop stuff off. Not because Saturday morning wasn’t an option, but it’s usually so busy at both places. Plus, I did get my grocery shopping done on Saturday, and doing all three things just isn’t going to happen.

Because my car is so small, I only have room for groceries, recycling, or donated items, not all three or even two at once. The grocery store is close, but the other two are a bit of a distance, and in opposite directions from each other. So you can that logistically, it takes some strong motivation to get it all done. And I don’t have that kind of motivation.

Besides, the weather was not cooperating. There were thunderstorms off and on, and I avoid going outside when lightning is striking. We had a strike hit the building across the parking lot from me last year, and that was enough to keep me inside whenever I hear a crack and a rumble.

I am, however, grateful this Memorial Day weekend was not like last year’s. On Sunday morning of the holiday weekend last year (and by morning, I mean 1 a.m.) seven tornadoes hit our county, four F3s and three F2s. That’s a lot of terrible damage, and I know of several people still cleaning up after it a year later.

I’m grateful for so much this Memorial Day. Grateful the weather wasn’t too bad, grateful no one I knew was killed or seriously hurt last year, grateful I can rest and relax and know the tasks will get done in good time.

But most of all I’m grateful to the men and women who died fighting for freedom and liberty. Their sacrifices enable so much in my life. As I was writing this, some Mormon missionaries came to my door. While I don’t share all that they believe, we each have the freedom to express our faith without fear of retribution.

I pray those freedoms never go away.

Image Credits: Header (Memorial Day) © Ilja–stock.adobe.com; Small Car © Diclonius–stock.adobe.com; Lightning Bolt © Andi–stock.adobe.com; Grateful © Handini_Atmodiwiryo–stock.adobe.com; Remember and Honor © Stafeeva–stock.adobe.com

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Walter’s Pondering…

I just told him it’s another hour until suppertime, and he’s not sure how to respond. History has shown I might change my mind with a lot of pressure, but I probably won’t. But maybe another tactic would work…hmmm…the wheels are churning…

Worth waiting for! Thank you, Mama!

Image Credits: Cesar Cat © Belinda O; Paws in Heart © Bigstock Photos; Hungry Kitten illustration © serkan–stock.adobe.com

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It’s World Book Day!

Okay, I’m posting this a little late, so some of you may not see this on World Book Day, but that doesn’t matter. Read a good book lately? Share the news and let others in on it.

Recently I read a book that’s been out for three years and has been on the best seller list for I don’t know how much of that time, so some of you may have read it already. It’s called “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt and it’s about a woman who befriends an octopus. Sounds a little strange, right? But it’s an endearing story–about more than just the woman and her octopus friend– with a happy ending.

I just started “The Queens of Crime” by Marie Benedict, an author I’ve enjoyed before. It’s historical fiction about five woman mystery writers who decide to solve a real-life crime in order to gain credibility with their male peers. These writers include Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers, and the story is based on real-life events. So far, so good.

I hope all of you find books you enjoy. Share some here if you’d like!!

Image Credits: World Book Day © CYBERUSS–stock.adobe.com; Stack of Books © Soho A studio–stock.adobe.com