Winter WATCHING...But NO Cat- Grass...ALAS!

Naturally, I'm noticing the bright, bleak, biting absence of Cat-Grass!

Chameleon and Big One, stop laughing NOW...Let's RUN back in...NOW.

Again, this Tortoise Cat and her Invisible Chameleon pal fail to explain why blogging falls behind!

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, where ARE you? Cat-Grass Season is fading fast! 

Chameleon: Remember, I'm ALWAYS in shadows during photo-ops!

Tortoise Cat: This Cat-Grass Season flourished succulently--what luscious FUN!

Chameleon: So next have fun snapping silly 'selfies'-- but I'll NEVER show off! 

Cat-Grass with raindrops

Tortoise Cat: Fresh early Cat-Grass shoots taste better with warm raindrops!

Chameleon: Enjoy nibbling in a hurry, before new rain and thunder!

Plump leaf-buds will grow shade soon...!

Better strolling and skulking weather over yonder...!?

Cat-Grass Season where are you?

Tortoise Cat: I'm mew-zing Cat-Grass Season will spring in a shorter while! The Chameleon dreams deeper all winter and when I join in we fly through muscle-twitching, startle-full adventure after adventure. Yes, I fly on griffin dream-wings and Chameleon shape-shifts into a dragon (or whatever)! But awakening every day, I long to prowl our grounds around here! During this saddening, maddening shivery season I oversee much from the window. Then, the Big One and I begin strolling outside anyway. But back down to earth my paws usually pause at ice and snow barriers.

Look here -- I helped the Big One snap pictures showing me in my favorite territory-watching window:

The "critter-tree" behind me is still leafless and birdless, but squirrels play in it daily.

Turn your back and a bunny bounds by!

EYOW...Let me snap-play too, OK?

Can I sit still for a moment? OK.

There's my favorite scene -- evergreens cheer me, while I await fresh Cat-Grasses.

Chameleon: I stirred from my dreams long enough to compose those "cat-capture" captions, I'll have you know.

Tortoiseshell garden blending demonstrated

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, what FUN we had blending into the sunny garden!

Chameleon: But I blended in so well, few eyes could pinpoint me, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: But why did the Big One snap so many pictures of our play today?

Chameleon: Bright colors in warm sun rays boost human moods, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat discovers Cat-Grass with drizzle is tasty too

Tortoise Cat: Strolling in the drizzle I gnash ever-tasty cat-grass before this long, favorite season suddenly freezes over -- yummy tastes glaze the blades -- worth wetting my paws.

Chameleon: Oh, many bright days are still ahead before the real chill-shift to Nap-and-Dream Season overtakes our world, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: OK. So...Why did the Big One travel and return recently Chameleon?

Chameleon: Territory checking...!  

Tortoise Cat: OK. But did the Big One find a territory where Cat-Grass Season grows all-year?

Blurring improves the taste of Cat-Grasses, too!

Drizzle blurs our world while adding flavors!

Tortoise Cat complains blogging is less fun than most catty activities

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, isn't it easier to live than blog about life? When the Big One is away, though, I feel like complaining.

Chameleon: Yes, big ones often blog to complain, but that's optional. Short stories and impressions are more fun to commemorate, I opine.

Tortoise Cat: Well, Chameleon, my impression is that the ground is icy and frigid while the air is warmer, but Cat-Grass Season is still days of whiles away from NOW.

Chameleon: We didn't see any shadows on Groundhog Day, but the day after was brightly sunny, I recall, so maybe the grasses will sprout early for you around here, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: The biggest Raccoon snuffled the window last night and we agreed warmer days cannot arrive too soon.

Chameleon: Another story is how you watch from inside the big, tall window how the critters and birds keep gobbling the nuts and seeds the Big One replenishes every day, but when you creep onto the steps, they all scurry and flap away -- wary neighbors they all are around here, still.

Tortoise Cat: But those stories are putting me to sleep already, Chameleon. Dreams -- already beginning to dazzle and blur life -- seem much more fun and exciting suddenly.

Chameleon:OK then, let us cat-nap until the Big One returns.
Tortoise Cat: ZZZZZZZ!

Tortoise Cat remains wary amid cushions

Tortoise Cat: Picture windows, window ledges, cushions with blankets...this new, bigger place seems purrfect...almost. But I'm wary...wary of the extra big ones roaming here, Chameleon.

Chameleon: Yes...The troubled energy eddies of disturbed souls lurking and looming does stir up red flags amid this otherwise harmonizing calm zone. But the outdoorsy critters are stellar neighbors, do you not agree Tortoise Cat?

Tortoise Cat: Again, we do agree. So I will keep on critter-communing on the steps and through the windows, cozy up on the plush cushions and remain one-eyed-wary while acting aloof.

Chameleon: OK, Tortoise Cat. And let us meet up in deepening dreams of happy circumstances and playful situations.

Tortoise Cat: OK, I will soon dream deeply...with one eye wary.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW -- Cat-Grass Season is over!

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, Cat-Grass Season is over. This new home territory is some colder than wherever that was we lived before, isn't it?

Chameleon: Yes, Tortoise Cat, there are more critters and trees here, but fewer degrees. The Deeper-Dreaming Season -- my favorite -- has begun.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW, I dread the frosty, icy stones stinging my toes!

Chameleon: But, remember, you have some more cushions here, too.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW, I meant to learn hibernation. Maybe during the next Cat-Grass Season I shall succeed.

Chameleon: Dream on it, Tortoise Cat!

Tortoise Cat: Now Chameleon, can you blow some of your hot air on my paws while I tiptoe-rumpus a while in these amazing, smelly grayish-purple leaves (that the Big One insists "glow golden, orange and yellow")?

Tortoise Cat blogs reluctantly with cold paws -- about moving on

Tortoise Cat: The garden is still wet, the chilly wind is blurring my eyes and now my paws are cold...! The final days of this Cat-Grass Season are upon us, Chameleon!

Chameleon: We'll be inhabiting a new territory before it ends, Tortoise Cat, in a place your favorite season lasts a few whiles longer.

Tortoise Cat: Oh, and then that big house and outside we visited will be MINE?

Chameleon: I will help you establish your rights-of-way at OUR new place, Tortoise Cat. Most of the many critters in residence for many seasons there will welcome us...after I explain the situation diplomatically. Now, the other cats...

Tortoise Cat: Other cats live there already, Chameleon? Unacceptable!

Chameleon: Tortoise Cat, it won't take long for those other neighborhood cats to accept you, and skulk AROUND your territory, instead of through it (as a general rule...) so stay playful!

Tortoise Cat: Will Skunk be visiting us at our new home, Chameleon?

Chameleon: Skunk has family nearby...Our new home is a lively place in a woods, so there will always be wild company creeping, crawling and swooping in, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: I shall miss this big favorite garden...but the Big One promised there are more gardens around those mysterious new blocks without sidewalks...How many whiles must pass before we depart?

Tortoise Cat shows bright furs amid lush ferns

Tortoise Cat: I could elude the Big One by creeping deeper into the lush ferns, shrubs and hedges of this garden territory, Chameleon.

Chameleon: Tortoise Cat, I would tattle-tale your location, for your own good!

Tortoise Cat: But I would only disappear for a while...or two...or some...just for fun.

Chameleon: The Big One is too busy to wander around looking for you...while worrying.

Tortoise Cat: So, what does worrying mean, Chameleon?

Chameleon: It's like fright, without flight, happening and happening, again and again and again, before any scary happenings actually happen.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW! Beyond comprehension! I shall play on.

Tortoise Cat: Early cat-grass gnashing is a YUM-rush!

Tortoise Cat: Gnash...YUM...This is the best new cat-grass patch, Chameleon!

Chameleon: I must take your word for it, Tortoise Cat. Maybe, later in the season, we can discuss chomping and gulping fresh, plump, tasty bugs.

Tortoise Cat: In a while, there will be more and more cat-grass, but these early stalks blur and ruffle me through and through!

Chameleon: And I'm glowing greener as my tongue dreams of the first, juicy fly-ZAP!

Tortoise Cat helps arrange the outdoor rock garden

Tortoise Cat: Here I am on the rocks, showing the Big One where to put another tile where a pot of selected cat-grasses can grow, right on our territory.

Chameleon: Rock garden clean-up begins tomorrow!

Tortoise-Cat: EYOW...Chameleon...I might wander next door and visit Tiny Terrier after the Big One gets busy. Were you watching when I leaped into the yew-bush after a sparrow?

Chameleon: I saw the sparrow zoom-fly away, Tortoise Cat. So...I am gathering clean-up isn't your favorite activity.

Tortoise Cat: OK, Chameleon. I'll stretch out and supervise a while...until the Big One becomes preoccupied.

Tortoise Cat did not see her shadow!

Tortoise Cat: I braved the giant snow drifts to seek my frozen shadow!

Chameleon: Tortoise Cat, it's the Groundhog who seeks his shadow today.

Tortoise Cat: Well, two years ago, when I heard the Big One tell about Groundhog Day, I started searching for my shadow, too. Now I hope Cat-Grass season begins a while sooner this year, since I could catch NO glimpse of any shadows.

Chameleon: That might happen, Tortoise Cat, if there is anything to this tradition, because when Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his den during today's dawn, he didn't see his shadow either.

Tortoise Cat: While I was out I heard Tiniest Terrier bark "No shadows!" so that makes three who agree Cat-Grass Season probably will come early.

Chameleon: Tortoise Cat, your're telling tall tales!

Tortoise Cat: No, my tail is on the short end of the scale -- the Big One says.

How many whiles until Cat-Grass Season?

Tortoise Cat: How many whiles must I wait before the next Cat-Grass Season?

Chameleon: Well, how high can you count, Tortoise Cat?

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, I count to One, Two, Some and More.

Chameleon: OK then, I can tell you there are -- most likely -- More whiles to go yet.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW...Let us hurry back inside and crunch some treats!

Tortoise Cat says EYOW-NO to stepping on snow

Tortoise Cat: After my first horrible chilly-dim-season, long whiles ago, I have steadfastly refused to step on snow. Do you remember those experiences?

Chameleon: No, but an angel told me horses let you ride over the snow back then, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: Yes, my second Big One was a horse. Then, when cat-grass season sprouted up suddenly I wandered off.

Chameleon: And you met me, next.

Tortoise Cat: Yes...And many others...Before you arranged for me me to meet the Big One of this home.

Chameleon: Tortoise Cat, I do not know why snow blows in with so many sad and scary reminiscences...though brighter blessings have always sparkled though.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW-YES...that is true!

Tortoise Cat ruffles her nose to smell flower flavors

Tortoise Cat Sniffing Dry Asters

Tortoise Cat: Whew. I forgot how delicious those dry flower buds smell!

Chameleon: Those are Asters, Tortoise Cat. Pink and purple Star Flowers. Can you smell the different flavors like the bees, butterflies and moths do?

Tortoise Cat: When I bury my whole head in the plant, curl my tail and ruffle up my nose, I imagine I can. But, this means Cat-Grass Season is waning, again!

Chameleon: There are a few whiles of your long favorite season left, Tortoise Cat. Now, tell me, is nose-ruffling anything like nose-blurring?

Tortoise Cat: Nose-blurring just happens when a strong odor whiff suddenly swirls out of a flower. Nose-ruffling is reaching way into the plant to catch the smell-swirl after it's gone hiding.

Chameleon: Wow.

Tortoise Cat dreads the end of Cat Grass Season

Tortoise Cat and the Next Generation of Thistles

Tortoise Cat: Chameleon, I smell hints of colder days blowing in soon. My paws and whiskers can feel the dark, snowy, icy season that I refuse to acknowledge by granting it a nick-name stealthily, steadily creeping up on us!

Chameleon: Oh, play on, Tortoise Cat. This year's Cat Grass Season will last some fun whiles longer. Weeds and grasses are renewing and thriving in our home territory, though our tree neighbors are shedding their leaves early.

Tortoise Cat: Does Cat-Grass Season last longer in the Central Valley of California, where the Big One wants to go and mark new territory?

Chameleon: Grasses grow through the darker, rainy days there, but need extra water during stretches of longer, hotter days.

Tortoise Cat Hastening Home in the Wind

Tortoise Cat: You know how much I dislike wind gusts and rain storms, Chameleon, but let us pack and go anyhow—before the first snow falls and all the puddles freeze over.

Moving to another territory far way, some day

Tortoise Cat rests in a favorite territorial garden nook.

Tortoise Cat: The Big One mentioned moving to another territory! Why?

Chameleon: The rumpus of city life...? Winter snow impeding progress...? I don't know, Tortoise Cat. It must be an old longing for the first home territory.

Tortoise Cat: What do you mean, first home territory?

Chameleon: It's wherever one is when exploring and marking beings, like your first place with the Big One, two blocks westward.

Tortoise Cat: Where is the Big One's first home territory, Chameleon?

Chameleon: It's in a land called Central Valley, where summers are hot but dry with cool night ocean breezes. The way big ones reckon distances, it's much closer to my own home territory called Point Reyes Seashore.

Tortoise Cat: How?

Chameleon: I will shape-shift into a dragon and fly, Tortoise Cat. But you and the Big One will pack a van and roll along.

Tortoise Cat: A van? What is that? Must we roll dangerously fast like we did to and from the Big One's folk's territory during snow-season, way too far westward, but wonderful when we arrived?

Chameleon: A van is much bigger than the car you rode to the folk's place in and it will roll slightly slower. But, you will roll much farther westward and arriving will be...wondrously amazing. The ride to the Central Valley will take about five days.

Tortoise Cat: EYOW! What is "five"...?

Chameleon: Five is just one of the many, many words the big ones use to say "some"...but as cats count, the ride will take some days and nights.

Tortoise Cat: More than one and more than two, is too, too long a ride, Chameleon. When?

Chameleon: Next year, probably. And that's too long from now to keep on conversing about today, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: Is next year after cat-grass season? Because this cat-grass season might never end.

Chameleon: It won't happen before the next cat-grass season, Tortoise Cat.

Tortoise Cat: OK, Chameleon.  Let us play, nap and dream through every day of this perfect cat-grass season that might last forever.