I suppose it is part of conventional and polite society to comment upon the weather...and I have found myself upon many past occasions a willing participant. But what I would like to share is my recent shock with the storm that besieged the Manor. I was quite beside myself this past week when the skies darkened and the rain and wind swept thru the estate. My heart almost exploded when I heard the crash from the master bedroom....Busybody that I am, I darted down the hall to see Lady Ginty jumping from her afternoon slumber and exclaiming something I dare not repeat, gentleman that I am. Apparently, all turned out well and the sunroom ( a place I frequent when I want an alternate litter box and a tranquil private space) was not damaged. But an alarmingly large branch rested uncomfortably close to my sunroom view. I must confess that I am somewhat skittish about this extreme summer weather ...the thundering and darkness is not in keeping with my sunny disposition. Well, let us be frank ... I have a party cloudy disposition.
Mr. Kitty,
ReplyDeleteI too find the extreme summer storms quite distressing. I find nothing romantic in large claps of thunder awaking me in the night. You have no reason to fret, however, for your loyal servants will keep you quite safe, I'm sure.
Carly
Mistress C.,
ReplyDeleteThank you for those comforting words. I hear you are frightfully busy this month, but I would love to commission another portrait (of me, of course)when you have any free moments.
I must go and check the weather prognostications.
Yours,
Mr. Kitty
Oh Brimley, how scary that must have been for you. I am relieved to know that there was no damage to your beloved sun room or to yourself. Please stay safe and you may send the thunderstorms to El Paso, we have very few trees that would fall and the lightening provides a spectacular backdrop for the desert
ReplyDeleteFondest regards,
Aunt Trish
I am relieved to hear that neither you nor your kind benefactors were harmed by the falling tree. Since you have the advantage of living in a veritable forest, this sort of thing is bound to happen on occasion. I have been lucky; tall, old oak trees are in my yard and throughout my neighborhood, and -- other than the occasional twig or even slightly large branch -- not one of my trees was affected negatively by the recent spate of thunderstorms.
ReplyDeleteMy former feline wards (alas, both have passed on) were also frightened by the storms I always enjoyed. My husband and I were aware of their fine sensibilities, along with their need for serenity and treats, so, in an effort to alleviate their fears, we would calmly say, "Oh, Oscar, Leo: dundees!" and then give them one of their favorite and well-deserved treats, while he and I enjoyed a cup of tea on our screened-in porch, where we watched the falling rain and enjoyed the thunder and lightning.
Perhaps such a childish mutation of the word "thunder" is beneath your dignity (you obviously have a great appreciation for language), but you might, when the next storms come through -- and they will, Brimley; yes, they are inevitable -- want to tuck that word into the back of your mind (along with the possibility of a reward, in the form of some treat, which might be granted for your courage. After all, you're so like Winston Churchill in appearance, the lesser felines of the home might take comfort from your fearless stance as you evince some of the same stalwart courage of that great man -- while, of course, remaining cautious, Brimley: caution is always to be advised.
The coming week may have another storm (according to my phone, which, I admit, has often been wrong in the past), but I warn you just the same so that you can be at alert and prepare to put on your best "Battle of Britain" face. Sipping my tea on the front porch (unless the lightning is too close), I'll be thinking of you and hoping, as always, for the best.
Thinking of fair weather,
Claire
Dearest followers,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your words of encouragement. I will look into the mechanism of sending storms to Texas .... I am most intrigued with the ideas of courage and treats,linguistic alternatives to the word "thunder" and more treats, and being praised and admired for my grace under pressure and even more treats. Let the "dundees" commence.
Brimley, my thoughts naturally turned your way as today's dundee-storms moved through Anderson. The foul weather (which I actually enjoy) passed through quickly, a speed at which I hope they moved through your area (if indeed they even stopped by), causing you the least amount of stress but perhaps granting you a tiny bit of time in which to practice your "courage and treats" self-soothing behavioral therapy. I hope your benefactors were good to you during any weather activity that might have come your way. They may need to practice some soothing behavioral practices: perhaps a little (or huge) reminder from you could start to train them to reach for the treats.
ReplyDeleteFondly,
Claire
Alas, no storms and no thunder have passed through. I was very eager to try out the new behavioral practices you had shared with me. The manor has been rather busy since Wednesday with guests... the Juneaus and now the lovely couple from Lexington. I did manage to get Joy to groom me with my favorite brush, but so far no one has offered me treats, and I am, indeed, just a tad pouty about that.
ReplyDelete