Over the Threshold

As you saw in my previous post I'm loving the outdoors on these nice warm days.  I do love the fresh air and all, but most often I find I prefer a little of both; the comfort and safety of being indoors and the fresh air and sun.  Here's one way I can be assured that I can, in fact have it both ways.   

Of course it's only a matter of time before we're overrun with bugs, so dad's gonna have to do something about screening in my little porch area.  Mom says knowing dad, the bugs will take over in here before that happens.

Simply Sunshine

 No clever wording or witty banter today.  Just me, soaking up some sun on the stone steps.

Y'all have yourselves a splendiferous weekend.  After last night's heavy downpours I sure hope we'll dry out some around here.

Getting Some Much Needed Exercise

 Last Sunday dad took me out for a walk.  We were gone longer than I've ever been out, and it was exhilarating.  What greater joy than being outdoors, sniffing the fresh early spring air, pouncing through the thick grass, trotting alongside and slightly ahead of dad as he struggled to keep up, his breathing labored as all get out.  My word it felt so good to be out there, working out the wintertime kinks in my joints and pushing myself to the limit.  If this isn't a strenuous workout I don't know what is.

As you can see, we're drenched with sweat and panting profusely from our vigorous walk...

Limber Old Gal

Well, thanks for that humdrum dump that had nothing to do with me.  So getting back to yours truly-

I have no shortage of places to sit around here, and I certainly have my favorites, but now and then I like hopping up on a bench mom and dad got not too long ago. 

They bought it mostly because dad's getting old and it helps him to sit and put his shoes on, but every once in a while I'll jump up and just sit there, surveying my kingdom from about a foot and a half on high.  The bench used to sit in a spot not far from our kitchen island, where there are taller chairs where mom and dad occasionally eat, and one day they caught me showing just how agile I can still be for an older gal.  

Truthfully, there was food involved.  I was home for lunch. We tell ourselves that she loves us and just wants to be near us.

Liar.  So where was I?  Oh yeah-

Of course, I need their help getting down from the chair once I'm up there since I haven't yet mastered going from the chair back to the bench for some reason. 

Let's be honest, we're worried about her landing what with her weight and age and all.

Okay Mr. I-need-to-sit-to-put-on-my-shoes.  Whatever you say.  Anyway-

As has happened before, the focus is sh*t in this last one, but I'm too tired to come up with a clever dig at dad since I lost an hour of beauty sleep.

Umm-

Can it, mister.

Yeah, Another Totally Random Cleo-free Post

 As much as the old girl dislikes it I have another post that has nothing to do with her.  This one's kind of a hodgepodge of topics, and I promise to keep it short(ish).

Cleo's mom and I explored nearby Black Mountain a couple of weekends ago.  It's a laid back town with a wonderfully quaint little downtown filled with shops & restaurants, and we had a perfect- though a little chilly- day for some relaxed wandering.  This giant red rocker was sitting in front of the visitor center and, ever the dorks, we couldn't help ourselves.

These are intriguing ice formations I found in the mud next door one recent frigid morning and I thought they looked pretty cool up close.

Every now and then we strike it rich and find some fantastic bargains in the produce seconds rack at the local Harris Teeter.  Being avocado addicts we picked up a few bags of deep-discounted ones not long ago. 

Overripe avocados are perfect for Cleo's mom's mouth watering sauce that I can't get enough of, and they made for a ginormous batch of sauce for many meals to come.

This final shot includes a batch of Cleo's mom's delicious thick and hearty homemade veggie chili, something I never in a million years thought I'd ever enjoy.

So there you have it.  Now we'll get back to She Who Rules the Roost...

It's Not Always a Dad Lapfest

This post is dedicated to mom's lap.  Dad's always gets the spotlight, but I wanted to make sure y'all know I'm an equal opportunity lapcat.

 

Okay, so technically it's not mom's lap.  Still adorable though, right?  Once in a blue moon mom will sit in dad's chair.

The Girl, Her Mom, the Former Christmas Shrub (yep, still alive) and the Take-out Diet Coke

And I'll end it with what dad calls a dreamy, hazy (translated- poor dad focus) close-up of the first photo.

I'm telling you, if these aren't sleep inducing I don't know what is!

Ahh, Sunshine and Fresh Air

 We don't get quite the amount of sun puddles in this house as we did back in Wilmington, so when the sun does make its way in through the windows I have to grab some rays while I can.  At a certain time later in the afternoon we get this one spot between the living room chairs, and you can bet that's where I'll be found.  Gotta get it while it lasts, you know?

Since it's started to warm up some I've been slowly getting used to sitting outside on the front steps with mom and dad.  I'm very cautious since the whole outdoor thing is still pretty new to me, and never go much further than the bottom step.  Mostly I sit and sniff sniff sniff the air.  And then I'm ready to go back in.  As you'll see in the last photo I like the best of both worlds- my mat just inside the door AND the fresh air and sunshine.

The Cardigan and the Cat Who Doesn't Like Being Held

 Dad's never been one for wearing sweaters.  It's all in his big ol' dumbell head, but he's always seemed to think only older folks wear them.  Now, you don't know him, and I myself know for a fact that many people of varying ages wear sweaters so we mean no offense here. 

Well, recently dad took possession of  a red cardigan, and with the cold snap these past weeks he's come to relish its warmth, especially on these chilly mornings.  Y'all know how much he likes to tease me about my age and whatnot, but I'm turning the tables here.

So, dad, I guess it's safe to say that based on your view, you're officially older folk, right?   

 My word, if looks could kill, right?  The things I tolerate...