8 a.m. on Monday morning, 30 F.
When I last checked the outside temp at 10:30 Sunday night, the reading was 66 F. After a week of mild and rather humid weather there were multiple warnings of changes to come. Had we not had access to various methods of forecasting I could have predicted a violent weather change by observing the behavior of the resident cats.
All four indoor felines spent Sunday skittering and starting at invisible [to us] threats, ears laid back, eyes wary. Robert-cat who has indoor/outdoor status begged to go out, then decided we should open the door for him to come back in. Thimble-cat was more than usually aggressive, launching herself at the others [all larger than she] stalking, pouncing, hurtling over furniture, zooming up the cat tower to roll and thrash wide-eyed at the edge of the top-most platform.
I was braced for a restless night to follow an evening of Rosie-cat snarling and screeching as Thimble pursued her with gleeful menace, but a bit after midnight Thimble stretched herself alongside me on the bed; she was tidily curled in a slumbering ball when I awoke shortly after 7.
I walked twice along the meadow loop Sunday mid-afternoon, dead leaves whirling around my feet, hair blown loose and in my face; overhead bare branches soughed and creaked in the wind, slatey clouds streamed across the sky.
Rain struck around 11 p.m. hurled against the west windows, sounding as though handfuls of small pebbles were striking the glass. The rain passed after an hour leaving us with quickly falling temps and blustering wind.
[My simple camera resists correct date and time although I've made several adjustments.]
This morning's skyscape morphed rapidly from light to dark, sun breaking through in brief streams that splayed across the floor in a dazzle before succumbing to swiftly moving clouds.
I've darted out with litter boxes, shivered while feeding the outdoor cats their 'tea' on the porch.
I have no inclination to walk today in the wind.
While it is possible to layer on more clothes to thwart cold temps [still hovering a few degrees below freezing] being battered by the searingly bitter wind isn't necessary to my sense of discipline!
Yes, very wild and windy here too. We trekked over to Logan Ohio today and the wind was wicked. Plenty of blowing snow too. Brrr.
ReplyDeleteLoved the description of your cats' behavior!
G. Sue; Winter in Kentucky presents endless variables--I should know that after 16 years.
DeleteAs to the cats, they surely have some sensitivities that humans don't have, or have lost living in our domesticated realms.
I tell little Thimble-cat its a good thing I love her dearly as she is most disruptive.
Very Indy here also. Half the state is without power, but we are fortunate that the wires have held up this time, although the lights have flickered off and on several times. Cats just seem to know. Stay warm and be careful when you are out and about.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jane
Jane; Just dark here and down to 24 F, but the wind has dropped, at least for the moment. Jim worked in his heated shop for part of the day and I've puttered inside. I wasn't brave enough to walk in the wind.
DeleteBrrrrr! I can feel the cold just reading your description! I read once that the ancient Egyptians revered cats and watched their behavior carefully to warn them of danger.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably wise to stay inside on days like this. We, in Washington state, are having calm, clear and cold temps. after our wild, destructive floods before Christmas. Sadly, winter has just begun. Stay safe, warm and dry, my friend.
Karen; Winter weather has different aspects in different parts of the country, but much of the season is distinctly challenging. Having spent much of my life in New England and then 12 years in Wyoming, I shouldn't complain about such cold as Kentucky has to offer!
DeleteAnimals so often seem to sense change or danger before we humans do--I wonder if the uncanny 'knowingness' of cats is what gained them the reputation of being the 'familiars' of witches!