Cats R Us

If you've been reading my blog lately (yes, all one or two of you), then you'll know that I am currently, as they say, "between residences". I'll be moving in to my own place at the end of this month, but meanwhile, I'm back at the ranch.

One of the other residents here--an orange and white, fluffy cat--is named Oscar. One of his favorite activities is running in front of you while you go up and down stairs (he obviously takes delight in seeing your bulging eyeballs, mouth agape, and hair standing on end [or three hairs in my case]). He sometimes does this little maneuver in dark hallways or rooms, but prefers testing your reactions where the danger quotient is highest. My reaction is nuclear and I play kick the cat. So far, I've made three goals--JB 3 and Oscar 0--and haven't found myself doing a carpet inspection...yet. Oscar also loves to walk on your head and face while you sleep. If you're wearing any kind of face cream or lip balm when you retire, you will wake up resembling the abominable snowperson. I believe this is Oscar's method for removing any loose fur he might have. It works...very well. I just wish I could figure out a way to keep the hair he deposits so generously on my head, on my head. I'm willing to look like an escapee from the musical, "Cats", just to catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror with a full head of hair (or fur). Finally, Mr. O likes to sleep under the bed (when he's not in a face-walking or stair-tripping mood). The first time I spotted him doing this, he was head under and body out. He never places himself completely under the bed when he naps there. There are always random body parts exposed to foot traffic, but he appears oblivious to the fact that, if he's trying to find a safe, snug, hidden place to sleep, he is only partly there. He's a little like the ostrich who places his head in the sand and assumes that he is now hidden from view. I like to be helpful. Always have. So when I see Oscaritch's bottom half sticking out, I help him out by side kicking him under the bed. Score! Fortunately for me, I don't think Oscar understands the concept of vengeful unless you count the fact that he ramps up the stair assaults the same day I play furry soccer with him.