Happy Third Gotcha Day to Me

Well surprise surprise, my 3rd Gotcha Day came and went without mention.  Yep, dad forgot, and the only reason it's brought up now is because mom had to remind him.  Like I said, surprise surprise.  Anyway, somewhere around February 20th or so marks three years since I took over this household. Well, not this particular household exactly since we've moved several times, but you know what I mean. This is me waaaay back then, a 13 year old, 15-ish pound youngster.And here I am today, a 16 year old- 13 or so pounds- oldster.  Amazing how much I've changed over three years, isn't it?

 Yeah, I know.  The diet thing hasn't gone as well as they'd like. Oh, they try, they really do.  Anyway, It's been 3 years with these two, and I've grown into a part of the family.  I often hear one or the other of them say I'm like a little person.  Like a child to them.
When we're both home Cleo doesn't like- unless she's asleep, of course- to be left out.  She always wants to be where we are, like she's missing out on something.  The other night we were in the bathroom, her mom dressing a wound on my leg as I sat on the tub's edge.  I smiled and nudged mom, pointing toward the mostly-closed bathroom door where a little paw was reaching around the corner, trying to nudge the door open.  If we're in another room, talking, she often comes in, announces her presence and looks at us as if to say "So what are you guys talking about?"
What can I say?  As much as we have our little, umm, disagreements now and then, I don't like being left out.  Is that a crime?  Didn't think so.  Just love me, dammit.
For all her attitude Cleo's mom and I can't even imagine our life without her.  This couple has formed a threesome with a furry being who's by turns an annoying, needy child and a crotchety old spinster who must always be the center of attention.
Show of hands, please: who thinks this is a problem?  I don't see anything wrong with it, so we're good.

Dinner's on Me

Every once in a while mom and dad eat their dinner in the living room so they can watch a movie or something while eating.  As you are no doubt well aware, I get first dibs on the laps around here, and often I have to fight for lap space.  In the morning it's no problem as I'm used to sharing dad with only a book or the laptop, and his coffee.  This outrage, however, I should not have to tolerate.  I love mom and all, but I WAS HERE FIRST!

I swear, the way I'm treated around here sometimes...

Early Morning Chin Scritches

I love chin scritches (most of the time), and here I'm enjoying some, squeezed in next to dad, my right ear against his, umm, convex breadbasket, shall we say?  Now and then I get annoyed with dad's various pawing, patting and petting and, well, this happens:

Bad girl, I know.  You humans know how, when you get annoyed or reach your limit with something, you act out.  Well this is how I acted out one morning recently.  Dad is making me say that he was only patting my head and back, and the wrist of his other hand just happened to be right under my chin.  Most of the time I'll gently do the bitey thing, with my teeth just touching his skin.  He goes all "Cleo, no!", which usually makes me pull away and bow my head in shame.  Well, this time, for whatever reason, my ears heard him but my mouth didn't obey my ears.  My top fangs gouged his wrist at the top, and my bottom ones dug in a little at the bottom.  I'd apologize, but I don't feel like it.

Blue Jean Baby

Can you see the theme?  Dad says I'm far from tiny, and he most certainly is no dancer, but these show three of his favorite things (mom being #1 of course): comfy blue jeans, pre-80's Elton John and Yours Truly.  He's been on an Elton John thing since this past weekend when he and mom watched Rocket Man, a movie he'd been looking forward to but in which he was somewhat disappointed. Dad had the first 12 or so Elton John albums, from 1969's Empty Sky to A Single Man, released the year before dad graduated from high school.  After that and up until 1992's The One dad feels things went off in a different direction.  Anyway, I'm not sure how this got off track and away from being about me, but he's the one who controls the laptop, so I'll just let him do his thing and get it out of his system.

Big Girl Kitty, Round Like Scones

As usual, dad thought he was being funny, comparing me to a food item.  Sure, their fresh apple scones may be delicious, but come on, this crap is getting old.  Well you know what I say?  Two can play at this game, old man.  'nuff said.

I think you know what I'm saying big guy.  Who says cats can't use Clipart?

Dark and Peaceful

As we've no doubt shown you ad nauseam, dad and I are morning people.  Dad usually slips out of bed without waking mom, the hissing and sputtering of his coffee maker rousing him only minutes before his alarm chimes.  Though I occasionally decide to stay all nice and cozy snuggled up with mom, I typically follow dad right out.  Once he pours his first mug of lifeblood, clicks on the solar light and settles his old-ish bones into the rocker it's usually only minutes before I'm right there with him.  

Two of dad's favorite things right here