The Continuing Cat Chronicles

It takes a lot for the Summer Girl to cry "uncle " about things heat related , but last week was a doozey ! The sudden blast of 88 degree weather might have been borne with more grace ( and less complaining ) had not the humidity kept pace with percentages in the high 80's as well ! The performance of the in-the-wall air conditioning unit is spotty at best . It seemed the better part of wisdom not to turn it on and incur high electric bills and still be hot .
The windows were open to breezes of any temperature . A frantic search ensued for summer clothes that still fit and would be decent enough to answer the door , should some poor soul be silly enough to venture outside . Strategically placed fans moved the heavy air , a comfy seat chosen (feet up ! ) and HGTV pressed into service for amusement . The comforting klink of ice cubes in a tall glass of tea mixed well with house hunters in paradise , choosing their vacation homes amid turquoise waters and swaying palm trees .
Reality intruded ( doesn't it always ) in the form of the Ever Expanding Cat . She was lonely...on a loud , mewing quest for company and spying my unprotected lap with glee , launched herself directly onto her intended target . Laps change , you know , with the seasons . The Winter Lap is covered with the largest number of layers possible and warm kitties are welcome . The Summer Lap is covered with the least number of layers possible and warm kitties are best viewed from a distance . The EEC sees no value in such conventional wisdom . Her needs are , of course , paramount and firmly believes we poor humans are but to obey .
Recipe for Summer "Fun" :
* take one large , very warm black cat in a constant stage of profuse shedding
* apply firmly to the bare-legged , over-heated , perspiring lap of said cat's owner
* stand back while said owner tries desperately to remember she's responding to the
elderly clueless cat's emotional needs and wondering how long she can stand the torture
of the good deed . Finally ...
* watch the cat kindly , but firmly shifted to a position next to muttering owner , now
trying to pick all the cat hair off sweaty skin and failing...
Ah , the things you do for love...