Night and day

Lily's most active around 10 p.m., or so we've decided after observing her over the last few weeks. While the sun's up, she's usually curled into a tiny ball, happily sleeping away the hours in whatever corner suits her around the house.

In the evening, though, right around the same hour, we usually find her prowling the living room, making her rounds to the catnip -- we leave a generous sprinkling around the scratching post, which she likes to rub her head on -- and meowing for attention.

We are, of course, delighted to oblige her, especially now that she makes it so easy. Yep, she comes to us regularly now when she wants petting:



(Forgive the dim lighting; Lily's not a fan of the flash.)

Turning a corner

In anticipation of a week's worth of visitors (two different sets, back to back!), Dieter moved the couches in our living room so that they'd be more conversation friendly -- face to face, rather than at right angles.

What does this have anything to do with Lily? Well, note her position:


Suddenly, the high-traffic walkway from the kitchen to the stairs and the garage is visible along its entire length from the safety of one spot on the floor (before, the couch was aligned parallel to the corridor, offering a more limited view). For Lily, this means more hanging out rather than having to change to "safer" observation points every time someone moves. Our guests arrived Sunday, and not only has Lily stayed close by, but she's also adjusted to these new presences very quickly. (Oh yes, she's even asked for kitty love from these total strangers.)

Amazing what a little change can do.

A few more anniversaries

We're home and so are the kitties! Both are glad to be back in our house. Lily's soaking up the sun from the big window in her room and Meow Meow is in her usual place -- waiting by my chair at the kitchen table as soon as she smells coffee.

Thursday was Meow Meow's one-year adoption anniversary, so in honor of her, we're devoting this post to some videos I've been saving for a while. There are innumerable reasons we love her; these are just a few:

Her daily greetings ...



Our morning routine ...



And, of course, the irresistible tap-tap-tap she offers when she wants love. It's the move that stole my heart and I've never regretted it.



The other special somebody who has a certain claim on my affections married me five years ago today, so we'll be celebrating that anniversary this weekend as well. Without further ado, then, we're off! Till next week, friends :)