Thursday, January 4, 2024

Thomas has adapted well after being adopted last month. Because he is two, he is filled with curiosity and energy, while at the same time being very personable and sweet.

That said, he is a jumper, especially in the kitchen. And how, exactly, did I learn this?

Turns out, he’s also a food hound. Whenever I step into the kitchen area, he is there. Once he sees me prepping food or just getting something to eat, he nags–loudly. If I take a bowl of soup or a sandwich to the couch, there he is, insisting he needs to have some, too. So I bought an automatic feeder which takes his 2/3 cup a day of food and disperses it into four feedings. As soon as he hears the kibble drop into the bowl, he flies to the food and eats quickly. Eventually, I’m told, he’ll come to expect those feeding times and bug me less. Wrong. He is curious about anything I am eating, especially things that smell good. Pears? No. Carrot sticks? No. Cold chicken thigh? Yep. 

When he nags, I just remind him of how much time he has until his next feeding and do my best to ignore him. 

The following phone photos were taken recently:

Chillin’ in the kitchen:

Lap time:

Sharing the grow light:

My new kitchen decor:

Supervising the making of muffins:

Watching a BBC Nature Program:

Claimed the couch pillow:

Where is Thomas? (ignore the baseboard dust)

Thomas is a very gentle and affectionate fellow. He speaks in a soft voice except for two situations: 1) when I am eating or prepping human food, and 2) when I return from being away for a few hours. He is always up for pets and even belly rubs, and he follows me everywhere, curious about what I’m doing. I am very fortunate to have him in my life.

Some Flower Close-ups:

Recently I purchased a “used like new” Fuji 30mm f2.8 macro lens from mpb.com. They buy and sell used camera equipment and accessories. I’ve done business with them a few times. Two thumbs up. This lens is known as a very good walk-around lens, and when one wants to get in close, its macro capabilities are good. Curious to try it out, I went to a grocery store and bought a bouquet of flowers. Using the dining table, I put down a black drop cloth, attached a flash, and experimented with hand holding the camera and getting close to the flowers.

Grocery Store Flower Close-ups:

Wishing all a sane 2024. Despite the chaos and tragedies of world events and our upcoming 2024 presidential election, I hope you find a bit of joy and comfort each and every day.