Wednesday, May 22, 2024

I have been out a lot on camera walks lately. We’ve had plenty of rain off and on, so nature isn’t suffering the lack of water here in Mid-Missouri so far this year. As a result, spring blooms have been lush. I’ve also been to the dog park again, one of my favorite places to hang out with a camera.

What follows are the results of these May outings.

(all photos copyright JJ Mummert 2024)

And Then There’s Thomas…

I have never had a cat who is such a companion. He’s in the bathroom when I shower, and when I’m brushing my teeth and washing my face before bedtime. If I’m baking or heating something up in the oven, he sits on top and enjoys the warmth. He greets me every time I walk in the door, and if I’m gone too long, I get a bit of a meow scolding. It’s cute. He watches me do laundry, vacuum, and is always under foot when I’m doing food prep in the kitchen. A true roommate. I adore him.

Thomas spends A LOT of time looking outside. He has wonderful views of the woods behind us from three different rooms of the condo. When he looks outside, he speaks to whatever he sees or thinks he sees: the wandering black cat, the neighbor’s dark tortoiseshell cat, the chunky rabbit that shows up outside to nibble on grass in the evenings, robins, cardinals, and lately, some cicadas that are now surfacing and starting their choral mating concerts.

I believe Thomas would love to roam outside also, so to give him some fresh air experience I purchased a pet pen which I can open and place on the patio or on the grass. I had him out in it twice, and he seemed to enjoy it, but with the hot and humid weather ahead, I put the pen away and purchased a pet stroller. That way I can take him for walks in the early mornings and in the evenings. He’ll get some fresh air and I’ll get a bit of exercise.

After the pet stroller arrived, I brought it into the bedroom to assemble it. Thomas sat on the bed and watched every move. I let him smell different parts. He didn’t look too impressed. Then I put him in the stroller just to see what his reaction would be.

First Outing

Thomas did just fine. No screaming, and just a few commentary meows. I spoke to him frequently and assured him that he was fine… that it was a beautiful day…and didn’t the breeze feel nice. We even rested at the park bench which is in the common greens area of the condo property. The first outing was a success.