Are We There Yet?

A long time

It's been a long time now since our humans changed their behavior to reduce coronavirus transmission. Their persistent staying at home has allowed me to observe a large range of new behaviors, the latest of which was a conference. The conference was interesting, but unfortunately it involved a lot of computer time for my human at unusual hours, so my access to this blog has been limited lately.

Meanwhile, I hear reports that things are returning to normal for some of us. Some of our humans have gone back to work, allowing us to settle back into our old routines. Others are still sitting in our favorite chairs, staring at screens, "working." And some have developed very confusing, frequently changing schedules. In other words, human routines are all over the place just now. If you know what to expect from one day to the next, consider yourself lucky. For now.

Stress-reducing behavior

Those of you who have settled into a routine with your humans may be wondering if the pandemic is over. No. It is not over. It is still important to tolerate any excessive staying at home they may be indulging in. This keeps them safe. It is also still important to exhibit stress-reducing behavior. Although the pandemic is old news to your humans by now, overall stress--be it from financial concerns or rising case rates--is liable to spike at any time.

And, of course, it is important not to get the virus yourself! Even though covid-19 only weakly infects us cats, no one can maintain proper feline dignity with a cough. 

Close Encounters

It's amazing the things you can see out the window if you just keep watching long enough. 

Constant Vigilance!

American Goldfinches (Spinus trisis)

Some of them are deeply tantalizing, while others are downright terrifying; but either way, many of them are fascinating. And there's a certain thrill that comes from seeing scary creatures from behind the safety of a good window.  

I'm thinking of starting a life list of sightings. Here are some of my recent sightings that I would put on it, ordered from least to most terrifying.

If you have interesting sightings to share, please leave me a comment!

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

Chevy Volt (Chevrolet volt)

Poetry for the Pandemic: The Haven

[With apologies to Edgar Allan Poe.]

Now my human, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
In the comfy brown recliner just inside my chamber door;
Though his eyes are tired from reading all the news he has been streaming,
And the screen-light o'er him beaming casts his shadow on the floor,
Yet my spot on that recliner, which was always mine before,

             Shall be vacant -- nevermore!

It was always mine before...