It’s in the 20s and 30s in Austin. Just a few days ago, it was in the 80s. I’m lounging on the sofa covered in a faux fur throw, a pot of Bolognese simmering on the stove. (Less than 2 hours to go!) Sadie is napping on the green silk chair.
Sally is doing the rolly pollies on the dining rug.
Sophie is upstairs in her room snoozing on the hand-crocheted blanket on her sofa.
Or at least she was until I attempted to photograph her, at which point she got up, went for a quick scratch, and refused to pose further.
This time last year, Sophia hadn’t yet appeared on my doorstep. This time last year, the temperatures hadn’t yet reached freezing. Thank goodness she was lost last year.
Later, I’ll lie on her sofa, and she’ll jump up immediately, meowing and trilling repeatedly, until she settles herself on my belly. She’ll lie there, purring and drooling, as I tell her what a lucky little cat she is. No hiding from storms or the cold. Or dogs. No scrounging in the trash for food. No matted fur. No protruding bones. No resorting to rubbing against bushes for petting.
This holiday season, she lives in a warm house with all the tuna she can eat (Whole Foods pole caught albacore, no salt added). She has her own room with a sofa, sheepskin, blanket, and jungle gym. She has two not-so-wicked-after-all stepsisters who’ve all but stopped hissing at her. They’ve even allowed her onto the two-legged mama cat’s bed. She’s got a clean litter box all to herself that is scooped twice daily. And she gets to lie on her mama’s tummy every night, purring and drooling to her heart’s content.
I can’t help but think in these freezing temperatures what Sophie would have done had I not found her. How she would have fared on her own. But I did find her. Or rather, she found me. She gave me something good to focus on in the midst of all my grief. She warmed my heart. And I warmed her paws.
unConfirmed Bachelorette 
I would enjoy 30 degree temps….yesterday when I went out it was a chilly minus 22…right now it’s minus 9…..
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You went out? You need to stay indoors under a faux fur blankie. That is cold!
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Oh this made me cry! Especially the part about resorting to rub in against bushes for pets 😦 I am so glad she found you and have really enjoyed following her story. Much love for the kitties!
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Thank you, Christine! When she’d rub up against the bushes, I’d say, ‘”Why are you rubbing against that prickly bush? Come here and let me pet you.” She’d look at me and meow, but still rub against the bush. It took her months to work up the courage to allow me to pet her. Now. she can’t get enough.
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Men never feel the cold …
But we do – and reading about you four warms my heart.
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Thank you! I might bundle up and go for a walk today. But kitties will stay inside where paws stay warm. If I were up in the great northwest, I’d stay under my blanket.
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Hope you reconsidered getting out in the storm! I saw it on the news – it’s not just cold – it is dangerous in Texas!
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It’s not icy in Austin so I’ve no excuse for not getting some exercise. Now Dallas is another story!
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This post gave me the warm and fuzzes. I’m glad the two of you found each other. It feels so good to love and care for another “being.” It’s what being alive is all about.
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Warm fuzzes from the fuzzy kitties. You’re right: it is the meaning of it all. Thank you for stopping by for a warm-up.
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Wishing you a magical Christmas season and all the good things in 2014! 🙂
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Thank you so much, Geraldine. All the best to you and yours!
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