Tortoise Cat Tales

Maybe "Cat-Grass Season" really will come early this year!

The Tortoise Cat perks up at the odors and rustlings of bugs, birds and squirrels in the autumn garden, savoring the final, warmer, partly-sunny days of her cherished, long, but (ALAS!) not everlasting Cat-Grass season.

Offering no explanation whatsoever, Tortoise Cat has, so far, ranked ALL of her weird cat poses #1.

In our favorite "courtyard garden" down the block, diverse bugs jumped and flew past the Tortoise Cat as she peered into their bird-bath pond.

Tortoise Cat inspects the church garden at the end of our block every day, usually twice, or even thrice. She pounces and pronounces: Any season that edible grass grows is Cat-Grass Season.

Next, Tortoise Cat hightailed it back inside to cat-nap and dream up an early Spring.

"Don't let it get away again!"

I still don't know what Tortoise Cat was chasing. But I suppose "it" got way from her determined action-blur.

Often, I slow the Tortoise Cat down--considerably.

Maybe the Tortoise Cat is complaining about the sudden chill in the air!

Whatever that was, it was even faster than this (speed-blurred) Tortoise Cat! Maybe it was an early lightning bug...or a late dragonfly. Maybe it was just a dusky shadow.

"...Now YOU can duct tape it up for me...and drape that extra towel you've been keeping (just in case) over it...transforming it into a purrfect Tortoise Cat shaped back porch sunning seat!"

So I accomplished what the Tortoise Cat asked of me, of course. And I am SO glad I did!

Tortoise Cat: "MeeeYOW! I'm not as behind as YOU...and I would rather stroll the neighborhood than blog about it!"

AWWWW...What a beautiful cat! That's exactly what this Tortoise Cat wants to hear.

Here is the Tortoise Cat on one of her favorite lookouts, a red sandstone ledge next to the front steps at the E. Knapp Street entrance of Saint Paul's Episcopal Church at the end of our block on the east side of Milwaukee, WI. Passers by notice The Tortoise Cat there and gush out "Awws"and "OOOHs of admiration over her extreme wondrous cuteness.

All the while The Tortoise Cat keeps a wary eye and an attentive ear on the neighborhood squirrels and sparrows. Soon she will be ready to mosey on an nibble a little more of what is left of the lawn and wheat grasses before the snows start blowing.

The Tortoise Cat has decided to wait for Spring to go for a stroll. In the meanwhile she helps the Big One put seeds and nuts out for critter neighbors. The critters visit at night and make a big mess while the Tortoise Cat watches the comings and goings from the window and back doorway.

MeOWWW, sticky snow is here already! The Tortoise Cat found her favorite grasses and flowers asleep for the cold season. Tiptoeing back home without touching snow or ice is today's challenge.

"Meow, let us go inside now, then turn and go back out again!"