Monday, October 17, 2011

BLOGGING -- FINANCIAL INEQUITY NOT FORGOTTEN

Blogging has not been forgotten at "Along The Way," but I have been a bit pre-occupied with family -- all in a most pleasant way I hasten to add. During this time I've taken a month or so away from my part time work, but have agreed to assume some extra assignments when I resume work as a courtesy to those seeing my patients while I'm taking this break. I'll confess that I haven't been visiting any other blogs during this time so will be doing some catch up later. I'll soon return to expounding on a variety of topics I've been intending to write about including a mix of music and whatever else strikes my fancy.

I have had a serious unexpected accident tonight for which I have had heavy guilt feelings the past couple of hours. First, I must give you some background. Present in my household are two personable lively cats with whom I've been discussing their forming Felines Anonymous -- an organization for those cats who jealously guard their privacy but need the support of others to aid in weight loss. We are having a bit of spirited disagreement determining exactly how many steps will be in this program, whether or not we want to insist on weigh-ins and I've insisted small outdoor creatures are not acceptable dues payment.

Morgan is more disciplined, likes to eat small amounts, returning many times to his twice daily meal he parcels independently throughout the day. However, his food must now be provided in a location that Randall cannot access. Randall's problem is that regardless of how little or how much food is presented to him, he will eat it all at one sitting, along with any food Morgan may have foolishly trusted he could leave for later snacking. Furthermore, later in the day, Randall will use his wiles to con more food as many times as is possible.

I guess it's a philosophical difference -- sort of like the petrified politics of the U.S. Congress.

Randall obviously is a 'fat cat' but he wants to greedily take in even more -- no concern for those with whom he should rightfully share. Morgan, more trim but not without excess fat cells, is actually the dominant 'top cat.' He will generously share, but chooses a more equitable distribution of food stuffs. If word gets around about Randall, I wouldn't be surprised at all to awaken one morning to a peaceful gathering of protestors against him -- much like the Occupy Wall Street movement mushrooming across the U. S. and the world.

Both cats spend most daylight hours outdoors enjoying watching winged adventurers in the surrounding woodsy environs that house numerous even more intriguing creeping, crawling and climbing creatures. I suspect Morgan and Randall are mostly observers of the life around them though they often disappear from my sight, but haven't gone far since they respond fairly quickly to calls. They do spend the hours from dusk to dawn indoors which pleases me. Years past I've been awakened too many times to neighbors cats courting under my bedroom window -- making sounds like a baby squalling. Such cat behavior in recent years has ceased. Unfortunately small pets of all kinds -- even those in fenced backyards -- have become victims of a few coyote packs who've moved into our city since our infringement into their wilderness territory.

About the accident, I mentioned -- I was walking down a darkened hallway and suddenly heard a squall that triggered shivers down my spine and sent me leaping -- pretty good jumping for this gal. Rushing into the lighted room was furry black Randall who I had unwittingly stepped on. I felt sick in the pit of my stomach wondering which of his body parts or how seriously he had been harmed. Randall made a hasty retreat to the top carpeted tree perch from which he looks down on all of us. His master quickly moved to comfort him as I soon followed, cautiously, slowly, extending my open hand. Randall's piercing dark eyes looked into mine as I offered soft soothing apologies. I was allowed to slightly caress a leg but faint signs of hair rising on his back admonished me to not persist.

The next two hours Randall let me ponder over the error of my ways and to soak in my guilt. Absent his forgiveness I thought I might absolve myself by writing this. During my writing, I think he may have been reading over my shoulder, because amazingly to me, Randall suddenly deliberately left his perch, resolutely crossed the room, jumped up on the footstool at my feet, stretched out facing me and fixed his gaze on mine. I slowly reached out my hand wondering if I would receive a claw-extended paw in return, or maybe a quick head lunge forward with teeth biting enough to hurt but probably not break the skin. Instead I was allowed to gradually stroke Randall's body, as he eventually purred his forgiveness.

All is right with the world. I can sleep peacefully tonight. We can all hope tomorrow will be a better day.

13 comments:

  1. I missed you. I am happy to hear you were not ill. Lovely blog. I can see you talk cattalk. Dianne

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  2. Awww, see Randall still loves you. I hope you are guilt-free now JoAnn...these little accidents happen to all pet owners sometime or another. ~Joy

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  3. schmidley: I've had numerous pets throughout my life -- both cats and dogs. Considering these two cats are not mine, they've most generously accepted me. We did have a cat from birth we dearly loved who lived well into his teens. He moved with us to every place we ever lived. My first love as a child was a dog -- the type pet to which I'm still most partial. I choose to believe I speak the lingo of numerous creatures -- or, at least some seem to respond.

    Joy: Yes, I guess those accidents happen with all pets, but I always feel so badly. Interestingly to me was that has been the only time Randall has jumped up on the footstool as he did that night. I remain convinced he was letting me know he understood my misstep had not been intentional.

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  4. Joared--I swear that my heart skipped a beat (from Joy!) when I saw a new posting up on your blog. I, too, have missed you.
    Thanks for filling us in on happenings and, I'm sure that Randall has forgiven you - even if it cost him one life. *chuckling*
    Cop Car

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  5. Cop Car: I chuckling over your comment!

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  6. I, too, am taking a breather from blogging and I am popping in when time allows. I'm glad I stopped by today because I love this post.

    I am a dog person and have never owned a cat, but my daughter's cats have owned me when I had to be pet sitter for them. I, too, have accidentally stepped on the paw of a pet. The good news is that the pet learned to keep out from under my feet. Maybe Randall will not be as trusting now.

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  7. Darlene: Yes, Randall makes a point of moving away whenever I'm walking around and I make certain to have a light if I'm moving about a darkened area. We've both learned the hard way and adapted.

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  8. Welcome back





    Welcome back! It's a relief to know no bad things happened. We all can profit from a little break now and then.

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  9. Well, it wasn't so awful to say it twice. After all, I meant it.

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  10. As a cat with some fat cells, I, like Morgan, am willing to share.
    This was so much fun to read, and I'm glad Randall has forgiven you. Just be careful not to fall over him, a common accident that has broken many an elderbone.

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  11. I am always concerned if I don't see a post for a while. I just took a few days off myself so I can well relate!!! I am keeping up with our Buckeyes -- as always -- and will cover THE GAME!!

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  12. Dick: "Welcomes" no matter how many are always welcome.

    Hattie: Glad you enjoyed my bit. Yes! Will watch to prevent falls. Randall beats a hasty retreat when he sees me coming now.

    Kay: I, too, always wonder when bloggers don't post for a while but trust all is well. Glad you're keeping up with the Buckeyes -- think they're doing better than some people may have expected. We'll see what happens with THE GAME!

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