We reach from the heart of Texas to the splendidly winterized environs of our Eastern Seaboard Bureau -- on the beautiful shores of Indian Lake in Denville, N.J. -- to combine two lovely elements: Cats & Christmas.
Thus we have a seasonal edition of Let Sleeping Dogs Lie & Napping Cats Nap, our long-running weekend presentation that celebrates critters and their people.
And there is this merry presentation of a wonderful cat named Chloe taking part in the household Christmas decorating efforts by demonstrating yet another way to participate The Night Before Christmas's suggest that not a creature is stirring, not even a mouse. Though, of course, our photographer stirred to snap the photo.
Yes, this edition could not happen without the help of our photo-snapping Eastern Seaboard Bureau Chief Andy Fisher, the veteran print and broadcast journalist.
And we needed a cat willing to join the effort: The bureau's Executive Office Cat Chloe was purrfect and worked for the Cat Union Base Wage. That's Andy and Chloe in the second photo. [LARRY FYI: We have learned through the years from Andy that Chloe has the feline ability to "crawl up some place and go to sleep. Oh, my, how deeply as an insomniac do I envy sweet Chloe's slumbertalent!]
While that opening photo, snapped by Andy, is the key element in this edition, there is a guiding light named Annie -- she's the CEO of the Eastern Seaboard Bureau. It was Annie Fisher, who introduced hubby Andy to the joy of rescued animals and giving 'em a home.
Turns out Chloe the Cat is the perfect match for the ol' newshound. She was a formerly down-on-her-luck kitten when Annie discovered her waiting for a good home at 911 Dog & Cat Rescue in Morristown, N.J.
Chloe was just under six months old when she was adopted in October 2016 and took over the Bureau and its humans.
So, you may ask, "How did this cat wind up sacked out inside a newly arrived element of the Christmas season?
Andy has the answer: "Annie found this little tree-shaped 'nest' at that renowned pet-goods emporium, Walmart. Something like $17. Chloe was a little reluctant to take up residence until it was moved to the center of the room. The label says it can accommodate cats up to 20 pounds; Chloe is 'Little Miss 10-point-2,' but it seems just perfect for her. My eyelids get heavy just looking at her." [That's Chloe enjoying a nap at the sunny window earlier this year.]
What does a cat do after posing for photos? [LARRY ASIDE: We have, in the past, published summertime photos of Chloe lounging on the deck at the Eastern Seaboard Bureau. This is not summer in New Jersey -- temp was 31 and dropping as of this Friday writing.]
On Friday morning, Andy reported, "Chloe isn't demanding to be taken out on the deck, which is an indication of how cold it is. What heat there is from the sun is being swept away by the wind. Chloe is settled on the rug at the top of the stairs, one of the warmest spots in the
house." [That's Chloe in a warmer pose on the deck only a few months ago!]
We know where she'll be cat-napping Christmas Eve to meet with her ol' pal Santa.
Oh, and that final photo? That's Chloe and Annie -- there is a theory that they both know their ways around a kitchen.
[DEAR READERS:Send photos and bios of your slumbering critters to [email protected] and we'll spotlight them in our long-running weekend feature. Your pay will be exactly the same as received by veteran newsman and broadcaster Andy Fisher for his story of Chloe. We're working on a consistently tight budget here at readlarrypowell.com, chuckled Larry With a Holiday Chortle.]
