We get a lot of rain here in our part of Texas. On average we get 36 inches a year just like Seattle. Mom said that when she and Dad lived there, it drizzled all winter long. Like the Pacific Northwest, we also get most of our rain in the winter, but we tend to get downpours rather than drizzle days. Drizzle or downpour – either way, I just don’t like it. We have black clay soil that quickly get saturated. The excess water doesn’t get absorbed very fast. Our outside play area gets big mud puddles. They are tiny compared to the one that forms in the back yard. Missy doesn’t seem to mind getting her feet wet, and Mom wears boots; neither of those options work for me. I may be a dog-cat but having water to my elbows turns me into a fair weather cat.

I can’t believe this is the same backyard where I walked as a small kitten.

As you may recall, after that throat tumor was removed, I was diagnosed with cancer. I cooperated for about six months as Mom fed me wet cat food with medicine stirred in it. I really like my dry food rather than all of the wet types Mom tried. After the six months, I refused to eat the wet stuff. I left it for Sophia. She loved it. Mom watched as Sophia gained the weight that Mom hoped I would gain. I tried to tell her that I liked my new svelte shape. There is nothing wrong with a 15 pound cat who transforms as an 11 pound powerful one. She still worried.

This last week Dad was holding me when he said, “I think Murphy has gained weight.” Mom decided to check. She brought out the electronic scale and stepped on it. She then picked me up and stepped on the scale again. She is able to do the math in her head quickly. I can now announce to my followers that I’m a 12 pound cat! I feel great. I am sure that extra pound is all muscle.

Today is March 28th and not my normal posting day. Mom just learned from Facebook that today is National Respect Your Cat Day. She insisted that she needed to verify that information before she would let me post it. I don’t know why she questioned it. As anyone with a cat will tell you – everyday should be Respect Your Cat Day. In turn we cats know that the 32nd of February is Cat Respect Your Human Day. Enough said.