A2Z Challenge - Day 3 - Cats

On top of the refrigerator

Back in my school and college days, at my home in Kerala, we had at one time as many as 12 cats spanning four generations. They were in a sense my childhood companions, I had so much fun playing with them. 

While I was at my desk studying or doing my homework, one of them would climb on to my lap. On seeing that, another one follow. And then, a third one. If there wasn't enough room for comfort, s/he would reluctantly decide to settle on my desk.

Some others chose to be circumspect. They would stand up on their hind legs with their forelimbs resting on my chair. They would survey the scene for availability of space before taking the trouble of jumping on to my lap.

Right now we don't have cats at home. The last time we had was between 2015 and 2017. 

Cats have a great liking for boxes, in fact any enclosure. That's because they give them a sense of security and protection. Inside the boxes, the temperature is slightly higher than the room temperature. And, that's what cats like.

Besides boxes and bags, cats are fascinated by umbrellas. Open one them and it keep it on the floor. The cat will go around it examining it from all sides. If there are more cats, then they start playing a version of hide-and-seek, or catch-me, as they run around it. When one of them climbs over it, because of the weight, the umbrella begins to roll, making the cats all the more excited. It's great fun!

On the clothesline!

Anything that is moving attracts the attention of cats, and they like to play with it. Here is a short video:

(There are more cat videos on my YouTube channel).

There are admirers of cats and admirers of dogs. The diehard fans claim that their pet is more superior than the other, But, I think both are loving, friendly and comforting in their own way. 

I like dogs too, though I have never had one as a pet at home.

There is a common assumption that cats aren't loyal to the pet owner. But I don't think so, going by my experience. They were so attached to me. I have seen that they are very perceptive too. When one of our family members hasn't been at home for a few days, cats realise that. And they seem to ask: 'where has he gone?' 'When will he be back'? 

When we talk to them, they meow back -- only that they aren't able to talk to us in a language that we know.

Do you like cats, or dogs, or both?

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This post is part of the blogging challenge in April every year, wherein bloggers put up one post a day, from A to Z, every day except Sundays. 

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.

A2Z Challenge - Day 2 - Butter

It's so difficult to think of bread without it, is it not? During my school days, I used to literally feast on butter! 

It is a good source of Vitamin A, D, E and Calcium. There is zero carbohydrates, sugar or protein, and it reduces the chances of obesity. 

However, it's so high in calories, and also in saturated fat that increases the bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, which in turn can lead to cardiac issues. So, on the advice of many nutritionists, I have now reduced its intake.

IN FRIDGE OR IN CUPBOARD?

There is this good old argument about whether butter should be kept in refrigerator or outside it in the cupboard. 

Back then in my younger days, we didn't have a fridge at home. So, we kept it in the cupboard even though Kerala has a hot climate almost through the year. 

Now, we keep it outside when we have bread at home, and that's not every day. 

You can't keep butter unrefrigerated for many days. It could turn rancid and get spoiled.

I am told salted butter stays longer outside the fridge.

The problem with keeping it in fridge is that you can't take it out and immediately spread it on a loaf of bread. Besides that, some people feel refrigeration alters the original taste.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Are you someone who loves a lot of butter?

Do you keep the packet of butter in fridge always, or outside?

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This post is part of the blogging challenge in April every year, wherein bloggers put up one post a day, from A to Z, every day except Sundays. 

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.

Image credit: Pixabay

A2Z Challenge - Day 1 - Affable

If I were to ask you: "Whom do you tend to get along well with?", what would be your answer?

For me, it's being affable that matters the most. Someone who is friendly, not intimidating, easy to talk to. They are generally in a good mood most of the time, and they effuse positive vibes.

When you meet such people, they have a smile on their face and are welcoming, which in turn encourages us to speak to them. They are accessible.

They are quite likely to be accommodating as well. That makes such people amazing and awesome!

When people who matter to us, who are important in our lives, are affable, life is easy.

I am not sure how much one can train oneself to be affable. Maybe to a certain extent. 

I guess it's largely a characteristic that one is born with. Probably, certain situations in life might make a person to become affable in order to adjust to those situations.

Be that as may, there is no doubt that affability is a very positive trait that is always facilitating, encouraging and energising. 

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Is affability an important trait for you? 

Can you get along well with people even if they aren't affable but they have some other traits that compensates for their lack of friendliness?

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This post is part of the blogging challenge in April every year, wherein bloggers put up one post a day, from A to Z, every day except Sundays. 

I'm participating in #BlogchatterA2Z. I am also on A2Z April Challenge.

Image credit: Pixabay