Tuesday 9 December 2008

A long winter's nap

Cats sleep anywhere,
any table, any chair.
Top of piano, window-ledge,
In the middle, on the edge.
Open draw, empty shoe,
Anybody's lap will do.
Fitted in a cardboard box,
In the cupboard with your frocks.
Anywhere! They don't care!
Cats sleep anywhere.
By Eleanor Farjeon (1881-1965)

Thanks to A Woman of Heart & Mind for the poem and the inspiration

Sigmund and I are both night-owls, which would be fine if he didn't have to get up at 6 am. Every morning is the same: I have to be dragged into consciousness most unwillingly. This morning I was particularly loath to greet the day. My bed was so warm and cozy! It was so dark and cold outside!

Even after the hurry-scurry of the school runs and a bracing walk in near-freezing temperatures, I just want to make out like Minstrel . . . and snuggle up betwixt radiator and Christmas tree. If I get peckish, I can nibble on the popcorn garlands that little daughter patiently strung together the other night.

A bout of baking also sounds rather nice. If you think I'm rushing the Christmas preparations a bit, I assure you I'm not. Little daughter finishes up school tomorrow night, and Sigmund's family arrive on Saturday for a Christmas warm-up. We will be having presents, crackers, games -- and, of course, some roast beast.

I'm thinking gingerbread men. Sugar cookies. Peanut Brittle. Homemade toffee.
Maybe the sugar rush will keep me awake . . .

22 comments:

Audrey said...

Ah...the roast beast. You are truly a "who down in who-ville."

Pappy said...

Thanks for coming by for a little bit of Pappy's Balderdash. I'm directing activities of daily life here in the lower Rio Grande Valley. I enjoyed your imaginative wit as I read a small portion of your blog. We'll keep the latch string out and the dogs tied up until you can get back to Texas. Have a great week. Pappy

Brave Sir Robin said...

Ahh, what a wonderful shot. This time of year, that is where Cappuccino loves to sleep as well.

I wish I could stay home and bake today.

:)

Cindy said...

I dread the early morning wake ups now as well. Not only is it so cold but the darkness! Now it's after seven and still just barely light outside.
Happy baking to you. It all sounds yummy!

Alyson | New England Living said...

I know the feeling well, though I love how you craved to be the curled up cat.

My goodness, Bee! You went from weeks of never hearing from you to writing nearly everyday. I love it! Don't know how I missed out until now.

Bee said...

Audrey - I wondered if anyone would catch the "Grinch" reference. Do they ever show it here? As children, my brother and I always looked forward to our annual viewing.

Pappy, or should I call you Texican? Goodness, you get up early! (Did the dogs wake you up, or are you an insomniac? Maybe it's the weather, because my Texas mama said that she awoke at 3:15 am and never went back to sleep.)

BSR - I don't think anyone has ever accused cats of being stupid!

Does candy-making count as baking? I just made a batch of HT's Dr. Pepper peanut brittle. I'll let you know how it is when it cools off.

Cindy - Mornings are never a good time for me, but darkness makes it worse!

Alyson - I know! It's quite a change of pace for me. I think that it's partly the new camera novelty; partly because I'm enjoying being at home after the last couple of weeks; partly just that urge to write . . . which can come and go, and who knows why?

Alyson | New England Living said...

By the way, thanks for pointing out the typo! Quite humorous!

emily.browning said...

bee-thanks for the encouragement! i was drawn to your blog the instant i happened upon a furry little face peeping out from amongst the boughs of your tree! cat lily has been being just as terrible. she's eaten the wrapping paper off most of the gifts...

Elizabeth said...

I think hibernation might be the order of the day...after I make brownies with walnuts.
What a lovely tribute to you father below.
Sounds like a keeper.....

Kathryn said...

Your cat looks so warm and comfy there. Thanks for stopping by.

TBM said...

Oh my, I can't believe your youngest starts Christmas break tomorrow. But hurray! That means help baking. I need to get more organized. My father just reminded me we'll be in Texas in less than two weeks. Gulp.

Tess Kincaid said...

We alwasy called it "roast beast" at the Manor, too! Oh, I have a ton of baking to do. And in previous years, my industrious self would have it all finished and neatly packaged in the freezer. Sigh.

Bee said...

Emily - Last year, when Minstrel was still kittenish, he ate some chocolate off our small "sugarplum" tree. It wasn't pretty! Good luck with your new blogging venture! I will visit again soon.

Elizabeth - Brownies (always) sound good. I got really lucky with my father.

Kathryn - Doesn't he look exquisitely relaxed? Thanks for visiting me, too.

JAPRA - I keep thinking that I should make a list! Today was so relaxing . . . my last day to be alone for about six weeks now.

Willow - Well, now you are a blog-star and you have a hungry audience . . . so you can hardly be expected to keep up with all of the baking! But if you do bake, let us know what!

Brave Sir Robin said...

You can buy Dr. Pepper over there?

Nimble said...

Yay Grinchy references! "Welcome Christmas" already had me singing the Who Anthem. You've got quite a blogging roll going this Yule. It's wonderful to hear about the happenings in your well spiced writing voice.

emily.browning said...

bee-i'm impressed by your dedication to the masses who comment-you respond to everyone! how wonderful! i agree with your comment to willow...i too would love to know what delightful smells are coming from her kitchen!

♥ Braja said...

I love your cat poem. I love your profile rant. I may very well come to love you. That's the kinda girl I am. Wanna play? :)

Bee said...

BSR - Believe it or not, yes!

Nimble - Yes, I've been feeling bloggy lately. (Well spiced writing voice; that's nice! I wish we could drink some mulled wine together.)

Emily - You're sweet; well, they aren't exactly masses . . . more like a circle of friends. (And yes, I hope Willow lets us in on some kitchen action.)

Braja - You give out good karma, and that's why I'm going to boomerang that love right back to you!

Anonymous said...

Bee,

I love your pussy cat picture, I miss mine so very much, I have become known as foster mother to all in my little neighbourhood, I take care of all when their 'parents' are travelling or over nighting .

Also having been on a bake-a-thon, I have baked buttermilk rolls, banana bread and coconut bake. For some unearthly reason I boned an entire oxtail, left whole for the purpose and stuffed it with spinach etc and braised, the Bearded One loved it.

Bee, on the home made Xmas gift front, the sloe gin and raspberry vodkas are now bottled and labeled along with herb oils and numerous jams jellies and chutneys, my dining room table looks like a WI meeting :)

The Bearded One is off to play golf today in 4 deg C which is interesting as he always complains about cold weather .... 4 deg Bee .... nuts !

The Grinch is on every Christmas here and you can also get it in DVD. Sadly I never see It's A Wonderful Life.

Right .... off to bake more things, off into the land of Xmas Compulsive Behaviour.

Lucy said...

Bee, you're like Scrooge's nephew in making the case for Christmas! I really don't know how you do it all, and blog too.

A lovely set of posts, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday. Minstrel looks very cosy, and I loved the one of him peeping out of the tree too!

I go to bed early but could still sleep and sleep at this time...

Bee said...

Debski - I am having present envy at the thought of your jams and vinegars -- not to mention the Xmas red sloe gin. We're looking a little WI here, too, with the chutneys, the pickled onions, the candy tins, and the rummy fruit taking up my (limited) counter space.

How did the Bearded One enjoy his golf in the frosty air? Does the post-sporting bevy change when the temperature drops?

(I think that you need It's a Wonderful Life on DVD. I will look for it.)

Lucy - Well, I'm not wrapping up Xmas yet! Please check in soon for my virtual candy exchange . . . will you join us?

Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to wedge oneself under the radiator as Minstrel does?

Cipriano said...

That kitty cat is making me wicked tired right now!