Oxbow's World

And my advice doesn’t even cost 5 cents! It’s entirely free, as a public service.

So here’s today’s tip. When life has you feeling overwhelmed, remember to take things one step at a time.

And who couldn’t use a little of that on a Monday, right? You might remember that each spring a pair of Eastern Phoebes returns to nest under our deck. Last year I prematurely announced the news that we were going to be parents, of sorts. Sadly, last year’s attempts at starting a new family did not end well for the Phoebes, with the parents abandoning the nest for reasons unknown to us, a couple of tiny eggs left behind.

But this spring they returned undeterred, built a nice nest in just a matter of days, and soon we were treated to the persistent little chirps of hungry baby birds! I was most privy to all this, because Those Two were off vacationing somewhere when the babies were actually born, but they returned in time to see a good deal of the action shortly afterward.

Then, last week, we knew something was up. There was a lot of noise coming from the nest, a songbird crescendo of excitement. My mamas were sure it was going to be the day that the babies took flight, and they sat outside at a respectful distance, waiting for the big moment. But eventually they had to give up their vigil. The next morning, the little Phoebes were still there, but by afternoon, Mama G (and I, too, of course) noticed that the nest was empty.

For several days we could still hear and see various members of the Phoebe family, but by now they were exploring the nearby woods, snapping insects out of midair in the backyard, and occasionally perching near their old nest, ever so briefly. One morning I watched as one of the youngsters perched atop the hummingbird feeder, its head cocked as if trying to make sense of its new world.

I have to admit, 12 years after I was “hatched,” I’m still trying to make sense of it all.

After yesterday’s post, I considered just posting a bunch of puns day after day, because I really haven’t had much of significance to write about, and that kind of humor is so quick and easy.

But then cooler heads prevailed …

I know I haven’t been writing much lately, so to dispel any notions that I am not well, or have used up all nine of my lives, I thought I’d post this “screenshot” from Mama G’s phone.

If there’s one thing we cats strive to be, it’s mysterious. Let’s face it, dogs — as well as birds, fish, guinea pigs, or just about any other popular pet — are pretty predictable. They live to eat, and will convince their humans that they love them in order to be fed. I’m not saying I’m not capable of playing on the affections of Those Two in order to get my bowl refilled, but in general I like to do my own thing, if for no other reason than to keep them guessing. They might not know where I’m sleeping on any given afternoon, for instance, and sometimes I’ve camouflaged myself so well that they panic and think I might have escaped. I’ll sleep with them in their bed for months, then suddenly decide I’m a nocturnal loner. Oh, and this classic one drives them CRAZY: I’ll absolutely love one kind of expensive wet cat food that they’ve carefully picked out for me, only to decide three days later that it’s the most disgusting stuff ever!

Anyway, I really had them scratching their heads recently when they came out into the kitchen and wondered how my water bowl got “way out there.”

It used to be tucked right into that empty spot to the left of my food dish, but in a moment of boredom I decided to rearrange the furniture, so to speak. I tugged and tugged at the towel underneath it until the bowl was just in the right place — right in my mamas’ way as they try to navigate through the kitchen! Sometimes the water splashes out when I move the bowl, creating the potential for a spill of another sort.

I know, you’re probably thinking by now that I’m an awful creature. What can I say? Sometimes our behavior is just hard-wired. It adds to the mystery.

My mamas finally gave up moving my water bowl back to where it was originally, and dodging it has become second nature … at least until I decide to rearrange my furniture again.

Sometimes in an effort to satisfy my taste buds, which is nearly impossible these days, Those Two will bring home a certain kind of cat food that’s billed as a “lickable treat.” I generally enjoy them, but like most foods, natural is so much better than processed. And so this morning I happily cleaned up the treat created by last night’s subzero temperatures.

What kind of guy doesn’t enjoy a cold one every now and then?

I know I have it made, but sometimes being an indoor cat just gets boring, especially during these dreary winter months, when I can’t even find a splash of sunlight in which to bathe the afternoon hours away. So my mind wanders, and I find myself thinking strange thoughts. For instance, if I were a boat, what kind of boat would I be?

Why a catamaran, of course!

My favorite part of Christmas this year was the bedtime story hour. I hope you made some nice memories, too!

I hope you all made it through yesterday’s storm unscathed. Those Two were in full preparation mode the day before, putting away lawn furniture, making sure all electronic devices were fully charged, and stocking up on food, gas for the generator, and of course alcohol. For the final step early yesterday morning, Mama C filled up the bathtub with water, apparently having something to do with humans’ aversion to digging cat holes to dispose of their waste, and Mama G furiously ground several days’ worth of coffee beans as the lights flickered, in case it was too windy and rainy to run the generator. She was ready to go into camping mode if need be.

Once the tub was filled, I decided to take a look. I took a few licks, too. Mama G was disgusted, because the water contained some soap and shampoo residue from Mama C’s shower. “He’s a cat — he doesn’t care,” Mama C said, as if she were an expert on cat behavior.

Mama G, being the overprotective type, also expressed concern that I would fall in. “Don’t worry,” Mama C reassured her with a continued air of authority, “cats are very sure-footed!”

Well of course I am! So don’t worry Mama G, I got this!

Next thing you know, Mama G was wondering aloud why she she had suddenly stepped into a pool of water in the hallway, and then she saw me out in the kitchen, shaking my paws and feet in horror, the lower half of my body soaking wet. The two of them had a good laugh over my accident, and kept saying they wished they had seen it. They can be cruel that way sometimes.

Mama G grabbed a towel to dry me off, and I tried to regain my dignity. I was thoroughly embarrassed by the whole episode. So several hours later, there was only one thing for me to do. I had to get back on the horse!

Well it was quite an exciting weekend for me. Not only did my Detroit Lions win again, but I got snatched up from a nap and taken to the veterinarian on Saturday morning! Yes, it was that time of year again. Seems like just yesterday that I was getting poked and palpated as the ladies in the office at Companion Veterinary Health Center flattered me with comments about how handsome and soft I am. I’ll take compliments any way I can get them!

The trip was a little upsetting at first, and I didn’t want to come out of my carrier, but it didn’t take long for me to warm up to the place, especially that jar of cat treats on the table! I noticed a new sign on the wall, too, which overall was nice, except for the one item that I didn’t find the least bit amusing.

After being carried away to get some blood drawn, I was soon back in the exam room with my mamas and ready to be seen by Dr. Gluck. It was so refreshing to hear a man’s voice for a change, instead of that high-pitched pet gibberish that Those Two like to speak to me. He’s very gentle and calming, too.

In no time I was back in the car and on my way home, happily blinking in the sunshine streaming into my carrier, listening to Those Two talk about what a good patient I am and how proud they are of me.