It’s nice sometimes when guests drop in unexpectedly and stay to grab a bite to eat while visiting. I am always interested to see who stops by, along with my roommates who at times are non plussed about visitors, especially when out of reach, which I believe is a good thing. Bon appetit.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Some days should be set aside for a quiet time of reflection, enjoying the moment before the day’s activities begin.
Even for intrepid explorers and hunters, sometimes it’s best to watch and appreciate rather than jumping into action. There are enough days when the world is nonstop. Relish those that are.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
As summer approaches and hopefully warmer weather, as spring time has been a bit wacky, I know two little guys who will spend their days relaxing outdoors, enjoying the sunshine, or shade by product, as they refine the art of “cat napping’. Something not to be taken lightly.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Temperatures in the Siouxland recently have reached into the 50’s and some places even 60’s. It’s a nice relief to feel the warm sunshine and see snow melt and brown grass once again reappear. Eventually that grass will turn green weather forecasters are predicting an unusual spring with roller coaster weather patterns involving severe storms and yet more cold temperatures.
When summer arrives with the heat and humidity, I am sure the thoughts of cold mornings may not surface as one might complain about the heat and humidity. But for now, living in the moment and enjoying sitting outside and reading is something to relish and enjoy, until one can’t.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Cold days are a good time for a little nap, Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Sometimes in this hectic world one should take the time to notice “others” around them, including our four-legged friends. On a cold, grey day, slow down, and enjoy a little downtown time if possible, and take a nap. Places to be and people to see, well, maybe.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Don’t bother me now son, I’m busy.
Cold days are a good time for a little nap, Wednesday, February 27, 2019 in Sioux City, Iowa (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
Recent winter weather in Siouxland has again been very cold and then gave way to snow. But at least the temperature warmed up a bit and rather than hover in the single digits or below zero, the temperature hit the 20’s. And some creatures were taking part. Young animals experiencing their first winter seem to enjoy many aspects which includes falling snow and seeing who else is around.
Enjoying some freshly falling snow a young cat watches in a backyard as other critters stir during a fresh winter’s snow in Sioux City, Iowa, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga ©)
And with a few inches of snow, many sane creatures were huddled in their warm confines except for curious felines and a few avian friends who were looking for a meal and watching for uninvited guests at the bird feeder. This particular kitten seems to marvel at the other creatures also inhabiting his backyard, although I doubt that some would become fast friends.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
A cardinal sits on a fence eyeing a bird feeder during a fresh winter’s snow in Sioux City, Iowa, Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga ©)
Sometimes one just needs to get away from it all in Siouxland, looking for a place to crash and enjoy a little peace and along time. And some times one doesn’t have to travel very far to find that peace and alone time. It just depends on where one looks for it.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Finding an out of the way place for a nap, a kitten decides no one would find him here, Sioux City, Iowa Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018. (Photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)
One recent warm day in February a stray cat found a perch on a stone wall and just enjoyed himself sunbathing. However I take it one of the locals was not happy and was keeping a wary eye. The squirrels have grown used to my own cats who don’t bother them as they go about frolicking in the neighborhood, but once a distant cousin moves through the area or stops to sunbathe, the chatty refrain begins and the alerts are sounded.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
Every year when winter descends on Siouxland like it does every other temperate zoned place, my two little friends, Poof and Small Fry become a little sullen and “patiently” wait for the return of Spring. On those days when the temps are in the high 30’s, or like recently, 40’s, and the sun is shining, they will venture for a while outside. But most days find them contemplating their anticipated Spring antics from their nap posts, enjoying what sunshine there is and waiting for warmer days.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
It’s true that as one journeys through life one makes friends, changes friends and loses friends. Life just works that way. And the same is true of our four-legged friends as well. I have a couple pet cats currently, and previously have had a number of pets that have called my place home. And then there are the visitors.
Recently a neighbor moved to another part of town and the family’s cat made the trip with them. When I first met Clyde, I thought he was a neighborhood stray. A little cautious but friendly always roaming about at night. The was during the winter months and some nights it was extremely cold. Then about 6 months later I learned he belonged to a family that had moved into the neighborhood. The family seemed to have a hard time getting Clyde to come home. He would always come visit my house, especially if he thought he could get a meal, which he always did. He would sit by the door and meow. When he wanted out, he would wander about the house, making certain I saw him and then head for a door. My cue to get my butt over their and act like the butler.
The family moved last December, and I must say I miss Clyde’s visits. Not the most affectionate cat, but he would let me pick him up and pet him and rub his tummy when he was laying about and napping.
But since that time, and somewhat overlapping, another cat has shown up and been getting a meal every now and again, Pumpkin the stray cat. I saw Pumpkin maybe a year or so ago during warmer weather. He came around a few months, I would feed him outside and then content with something in his tummy, he would find a spot nearby and take a nap. This fall and continuing into winter Pumpkin would show up around 6 a.m. and meow outside a back door. I would open it and he would stick his head in then slowly make certain all is right and then come in to find his bowl, much like Clyde did when visiting. Not quite a docile, Pumpkin allows me to pet him, scratch his head and ears and meow at me when he wants to exit.
It’s a tough life, but butlers are hard to come by and they have to be trained just right. I think I am learning. Meantime my own two feline friends watch from a safe distance as I befriend these freeloaders and the younger one sometimes hisses. But neither Clyde nor Pumpkin has shown any indication they really want to fight. They just want to eat and find a safe place to take a nap. When I hear the winding of a cat turbine engine, I get up, find the offending culprit and start saying no. And so far, detente has been very pleasant. But I am cautious. I don’t allow the stranger cats into my house until some time has passed and I feel they are safe and not going to cause mischief or other issues.
So to Clyde I bid adieu and to Pumpkin I say bonjour.
Jerry Mennenga
Sioux City, Iowa
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