Well the spring is really (almost!) upon us and even I am venturing out to see what needs to be done by Sandra and Gill in the garden. I much appreciate having estate managers outside as well as in the house – except when they trim off branches that stick out and serve for ‘message boards’. I can’t see myself the need for this obsessive ‘neatness’ when humans miss so much richness of communication from the less tidy bits of life. Beginnings of a philosophical treatise there so I’d better lighten up!
Yes, I’ve been in the garden, back and front, putting my mark on top of Ruari’s and keeping him on his toes to override me again. We have even been marking (only with our neck glands) carnations on the dining room table. I found a wonderful ploy to defeat Ruari – chewing off the buds he had marked. How about that for genius?! He was so upset he almost tapped me on the back while I was curled up on ‘my ‘chair. He just refrained, because he is at heart a softee and chivalrous. That’s how I survived so long – appealing to other’s better natures (and better than mine!).
I have been, a few times, performing outside but it has been either wet or cold and the tray is more comfortable still. I’m not any more reliable at thinking ‘inside the box’ but I am neat in my own way and economical on litter and we do recycle papers anyway. There are lots of meaningful conversations with Gill and Sandra, and positive reinforcement but we have more mutual learning to do. Meanwhile we are working together to minimise my fur balls as I change into my spring fur coat. I enjoy the massages as the hair comes off and I finish off.
I have a splendid new collar in red velvet with a diamante heart on the side and a designer label on the catch. It feels lovely and complements my colouring very well.I feel even more confident in asserting myself in front of Saffi and Oscar when they come in to seek a snack. When I’m feeding, even the largest lion would turn tail if he even strayed within 100 metres. I have a deep growl as well as a howl in my repertoire. Scary stuff!I do try to be more generous with Ruari (especially if he leaves me some of his food to vacuum up) but I don’t really like sharing space too closely with him. He has an incriminating picture he insists on showing you, so let’s get it over with...
RUARI WRITES: Yes, here is the picture Suzie did not want you to see – us sharing the rug beside the Aga. I’m getting as close as I dare to her and the really warmest place. She is trying to dissuade the photographer from capturing the happy scene. I said you would all be charmed by her generous side that she tries to keep so well hidden.
I’m really enjoying the longer light days and starry nights. I’m exploring further afield, into the ‘Badlands’ across the road , showing Oscar what I’m made of. I followed Sandra 3 times half way to the newsagent and had the shame of being brought back under her arm. In truth, it was getting a bit scary but I let her know that I was not happy to be carted back unceremoniously. I just go there now when she’s not looking – or asleep. I also like to scare her, and Gill, by leaping into skips and work vans next door. Everyone has to be warned to look out for me, the great explorer.
I thought you’d like to know that I have a new collar too – tan leather with diamond studs and the same designer label. I’m very proud of it; it tones perfectly with my fur. Even better for posing in the sun.
