Our Own Bed

We got home yesterday, and a two-cat nap just felt right. Both cats snuggled up to me, and my arm somehow laid over Cicero, who was blissed out during a grooming by Phidian (here a bit blurry from his grooming duties).

Home Is Good!

One Bro PerchUP

Phidian has solved the problem of where to perch when Cicero is sprawled out on my lap, taking

All. Available. Space. 

Yes. He uses my shoulder for a foot rest.

One Bro Pop Up

I usually knit while providing the evening kitty lap. The latest project is a scarf on circular needles, knit in the round. Last night Cicero decided it was time he got some of the attention I was lavishing on knitting.

 

He popped up right in the middle of the knitting, paw outstretched.

He's My Brother

Even as I type, Cicero & Phidian are roughousing and fur is flying, literally.

But what peaceful moments they share at rest!

Cicero (Lil Big Brother) and Phidian (Big Lil Bro) are not related, except for the fact they were adopted separately at ASAP and live with me. They have become inseparable, much to my pleasure -- and theirs.

New Year's Day

My furnace has been on its last legs, leaving the Boys to save my day on New Year's.

Imagine me watching the Rose Bowl parade in my easy chair, wearing long johns, fleece pajama bottoms, nightgown, wool socks, fuzzy slippers, and fleece robe.

Space heater was on, TV was on, but what really kept me warm and cozy was the judicious application and constant presence of the Purring Lap Robe shown below.

Long may they wave!

The Smell of Home

After our Thanksgiving trip, Phidian luxuriates in the smell of home. I've changed my ASAP (cat shelter) volunteer schedule to allow me to do more of the same. Happy New Year!

Heavenly Peace

If this works right. . .

The boys are sleeping so peacefully on my lap. Utter relaxation. Enjoy.

This Year, I was Thankful For. . .

My boys.

I think they are thankful for each other, too.

Phierce Phidian

I posted this shot to Warts and All quite a while ago. But it's perfect for Halloween. Phidian in all his glory. You'll definitely want to biggify.

I just love the maniacal look on his face. This is kill-the-toy mode. The Boys love their feather toy, but when Phidian catches it, it's game over! He's good for about 5 minutes of clamped teeth and growling. It's gonna be good and dead when he's done.

The funniest part is that Phidian is a total marshmallow: soft, sweet, and utterly mild-mannered.

One, two, three, A-a-a-a-a-a-l-l-l Stretch!

Snooze With Yarn = Still Life

Sometimes Phidian gets pushed aside by Lil Big Bro, Cicero. Result is his backstroke attitude wedged between the chair and me. This is one laid-back boy, determined to stay asleep.

Solitary Splendor

Cicero eats very slowly, and Big Lil Bro Phidian wolfs his food and tries to see if any of Cicero's is left. So I feed Cicero in another room. This leaves Phidian free to join me watching the news. He's grown to enjoy having an entire lap for himself. Well, almost for himself. He has to leave room for the knitting and the iPad.

The Spa for the Evening

Phidian knows how to groom his Lil Big Bro. Note the pure enjoyment on Cicero's face.

And Just What do YOU think You're Doing?

Honest, I was only sorting laundry! But somehow the Boys took it for another activity whose initials are P - A - C - K - I - N - G, and decided a Serious Inquiry was in order. Hence the pose here.

I showed them the items being sorted, allowing them to sniff the pieces. Once they were satisfied I had no intent of packing myself and them up to go somewhere, they relaxed!

 

Another nice leisurely day at home

Embrace

Seems like every time they share my lap the Boys do something camera-worthy. I try not to use flash so I don't disturb them. My reward is blissful sleepers.

Possessive

That would be my Cicero. He's the most consistent of my laptops. He thinks he owns my lap. The other night I was working on a new technique, entrelac, which requires lots of color changes. I parked the yarn bag on the chair next to me.

Cicero, who already had possession of my lap, likewise took possession of my yarn. All projects around here are his projects. Obviously.

Phidian Returns the Favor

Cicero is usually the one I see washing his Lil Bro. But sometimes Phidian returns the favor. This time, I got lucky. I have tried and tried to capture the moment when a Serious Ear Wash is going on. Both boys do earwashes, and they get so intent when they do. Looks almost like a "french kiss" if you know what I mean.

Finally, caught in the act -- twice. Lil Bro doing a really, really good job on Cicero's ears.

And again:

Enrichment

I have been trying to give the boys toys that make them think. This one worked!

Phidian is a clever boy. The other day I removed the last tissue from the box, and happened to remember a new cat toy. Placed it in the box, rattled it around a little, and Phidian got the idea immediately. If anything, this puzzle is too easy.

Cicero, however, would rather watch his Lil Bro fish out the toy and then grab it and run off. His premeditated guilty look is priceless. Who, me, Mom?

Great games!

Home From the Weekend

All is well

All is well indeed.