random thoughts – Day 1,447 – (Sunday) – skritches

The day began extra-special-early, though not by choice. The nuisance neighbors have resumed their late night/early morning parties which always feature the most kind and considerate arriving and departing guests. It seems they are the top after-hours spot, with guests who begin to filter in around 1:00 am or later, and start to filter back out around 4:00 or 5:00. The arrivals are not that noticeable, but the departures almost always are heralded with loud talking/arguing/yelling in the street. Unfortunately for me, sound from the street carries right up to my bedroom with amplification like the finest ancient Roman theater. Yay!

The 5:00 am performance stage.

This morning, a couple that seemed rather intoxicated was arguing/talking outside a car parked two houses away. It woke me up at 4:05 and continued for another 10-15 minutes before they finally got into the car and drove away. That’s about when Kiki chimed in with her early morning meowing performance and bingo, I was wide awake. When still awake at 5:00, I conceded defeat and got up.

Keeks had chosen under the dining room chairs for the stage from which to deliver her performance. She let me approach and stroke her face and head and stopped meowing during the ceremony of adoration. It continued for several minutes, with me practically laying under the table to reach her. Quality time with Kiki made being up so early worthwhile.

By 6:00, the coffee was brewed and consumption was well underway in the living room when Kiki sauntered into the kitchen and began meowing loudly under that table. When I entered to investigate, she sprinted from the kitchen to the living room and hid behind the couch I had just vacated. Such a clever ruse from a clever girl, and not the first time I have fallen for this stunt from her. Clearly, I am not as clever as Kiki/ Keeks/ Sweet Girl/ Baby Boo.

By 9:00, awake for five hours, I was quite thoroughly exhausted, despite having done nothing but drink coffee, adore Miss Kiki, shop online for art supplies, and watch two movies starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. The volume of caffeine consumption ensured there would be no napping and the underlying tiredness ensured there would be a need for one. Errrr.

Dance class had been cancelled for today, but the freed up morning was not reallocated to domestic accomplishments. A load of laundry was done. It was 10:30 before I even got dressed. The highlight of the morning was definitely delivering kitty skritches. Kiki was very receptive to affection this morning, again in the afternoon, and again after supper. It felt like we were both winners for the day.