IT'S AN ILLUSION

Nice photo but it's wishful thinking.

I found this picture of the sky over a neighbor's roof on my camera and vaguely remembered taking it.

But it was a few days ago and if those clouds produced any rain they didn't drop it on me.

We are in the midst of a hot dry period that looks like it's going to last for awhile with the mercury touching and sometimes exceeding the 100 degree mark.

By the latter part of this coming week that's supposed to be down to the low to mid 90's.

Still too hot for the "so-called" Monsoon Season and no real rain in sight.

I know.

Gripe, gripe, gripe.

Actually it doesn't bother me but I seem to have a higher tolerance factor for heat than SWMBO, who is growing more and more testy about my referring to the weather as "balmy".

I made one of my rare visits to a grocery store early this morning and found everyone . . customers and employees . . wearing masks, which pleased me.

Judy doesn't like it when I enter a store so my visits are few and far between.

I can understand people's irritation at the many safeguards but I can't imagine why some take the pandemic so lightly and complain loudly about the removal of "their rights" when they're told they must wear a mask.

So.

Life goes on with tribulations for all of us.

Stay safe, friends.

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

My latest baking effort:

An Apple Pecan Crumble.

SWMBO says it's too sweet but I noticed she scarfed down a hunk of it last night.

(As did I.)

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Just thinking . . . if yesterday was Taco Thursday (and it was at our house) this must be the day for The Friday Funnies.

Crank up the laugh machine, Gentle Readers.

Owwwww, that last one makes my teeth hurt.

Well, punsters and others, please treat yourselves and others properly on this scorching (at least here) weekend and enjoy it to the fullest.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .

CATMAN

Earlier this week I made the point that my avatar, Catalyst, had nothing to do with cats.

But, I wrote, it is true that I do love cats.

Going way back.

That's a two-year-old Bruce with a cat on his lap.

I have no idea what its name was or even if it belonged to my family.

But that smug grin tells a story.

A few years, well, decades later found me in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a new friend.

Chulapay (Spanglish for Cutie Pie) liked the warmth from my desk lamp.

Or my velour shirt.

Or maybe he just liked me in those days.

A few years later he had grown up and come back to "the States" with us, where he was joined by a young tabby we named Muggles.

Muggles grew up too . . .

. . . and was joined by a prankster named Jazz.

We enjoyed each other's company, if there was enough room.

Along the way some strays came along.

Smoke, who gave up his acrobatic ways to move in.

And Goldie, who only enjoyed our outdoor chairs.

And there was little, feisty Blacky Detroit.

Once he joined the family and quit fighting the neighborhood cats, he morphed into a more refined name, Blackwell.

Muggles ended up being our last "house cat".

For now we have to be comfortable with occasional visits by our neighbors' cat, Matty, who I refer to as our rent-a-cat.

He bears a resemblance to Muggles and he likes to stop in for snacks and a nap on our couch.

He keeps us in touch with our feelings for felines.

WOKE WEDNESDAY

JUST SAYIN'

BOW-WOW!

It has been pointed out to me over the years that I, posting on this blog as Catalyst, favor cats over dogs.

First of all the word catalyst has nothing to do with cats.

I chose it for my avatar because of its definition: a person, place or thing that acts as an impetus.

In other words, a burr under your saddle . . an encouragement to provoke action, or debate.

But it is true that I love cats more than I do dogs.

That's just me.

However, in spite of that, I devote today's post to what is referred to by dog-lovers as Man's Best Friend.

So there.

Meeee-ooowwww.

HARBOR ARBOR UPDATE

The backyard Harbor Arbor now has some "real" foliage around it.

On the left a Wisteria vine, on the right a Honeysuckle.

The honeysuckle is wearing what I call it's long underwear.

Not to keep it warm but to protect the tender shoots from the heat.

At least that's what SWMBO claims and I do not argue with her.

That stuff up on top is still artificial but the birds don't seem to mind.

There's another healthier Honeysuckle over against the wall.

When it has blossoms we've seen the occasional hummingbird hovering around it.

We've added some stepping stones and more bark to beautify the area somewhat.

I was worried that all that foliage and ironware might confuse the birds seeking a drink or a bath.

But they've shown their innate ability to weave under and around and prove me wrong.

( Did I just hear him say "Who's the birdbrain around here?" )

CAT HUMOR

THE FRIDAY FUNNIES

Gentle Readers you may wonder, if this is the day for The Friday Funnies, what I can offer up to top yesterday's post.

Wonder away cuz I have contributors who keep me well stocked.

As in . . .

See, I told you there was some more humor in this silly old thing we call existence.

Now elect excellence, eminence and ebullience in your ever elated eloquence and endeavours this end of the week.

In short, have a great weekend.

And always remember to keep laughing!

Here, kitty-kitty . . .