I was kidnapped by a renegade duo of lawless egg poachers. It was only by feline cunning and irrepressible strength of will that I am here to tell you this tail.
Greetings to my 23,417 feline followers. Mr. Monte here, resident supervisor of Serendipity Farmhouse, fearless feline, and unwilling participant in this latest RV cooking adventure. Against my will and better judgment, Chef Blondie and Old Fuzz Face physically abducted me, forcing me to join them on their first RV camping trip of the year. Let me just say—their deluded and ill-conceived antics did not bolster my faith in the ultimate survival of humanity.
Genesis of the Egg Poaching Plot
As is typical with these two elderly desperados, this episode of disorganized RV cooking began with no intention of filming. But once they pulled out their Dash Rapid Egg Cooker—a contraption they had previously tested at home—Fuzz Face got that peculiar glint in his eye, and suddenly, the camera was rolling.
I observed from my plush perch as Chef Blondie orchestrated the poaching of eggs in our cramped RV kitchen. One can only marvel at how humans struggle to function in small spaces, yet persist with enthusiasm. The morning was filled with spilled yolks, misplaced utensils, and questionable decision-making. All the while they laughed through the chaos of RV life.
The Egg Poachers Bungle their Way to Success
Despite their usual bumbling, I must admit, the final result was surprising. They produced what appeared to be mouthwatering: perfectly poached eggs, toasted English muffins, and fresh orange slices. Even I, a sophisticated predator, could appreciate their teamwork and problem-solving skills. (Though next time, I expect a plate of my own).
So, dear readers, if you revel in camping misadventures, RV cooking trials, and lighthearted camaraderie, this video is one to watch. Stay tuned—Old Fuzz Face already has ideas for a new video, which promises even more RV revelations.
Until next time, I remain your ever-observant overlord,
Hi everyone, Old Fuzz Face here! This Christmas, I received the perfect gift from my beautiful Miss Blondie—a Tayama thermal cooker. As a practical man, I couldn’t wait to unbox it and share it with you.
In our video, I unboxed my new Tayama TXM-70CFZ thermal cooker. That video and this post will answer most of your questions about the thermal cooker and its uses. Later this week, Chef Blondie and I plan on preparing a test meal with it. So, make sure you come back to see how Chef Blondie and the SFH Test Kitchen staff evaluate this thermal cooker’s performance.
Remember to subscribe to the Serendipity Farmhouse blog and to our YouTube channel.
Thermal Cooker Unboxing
Let’s dive into the unboxing! I won’t describe every single detail, but I’ll give you an overview of what I found inside. Opening the box felt like Christmas morning all over again. – As usual, my cat, Mr. Monte, was there, ready to steal any stray pieces of styrofoam or plastic wrapping. Here are the main items I found inside.
The first item I found was the Insulated Carry Pot. This is the unique component of a thermal cooker. It provides the insulation needed to ensure continuous cooking over an extended period of time.
The primary component of this thermal cooker is the Large Inner Cooking pot. It is similar to the inner cooking vessel on an Instant Pot. But, unlike that pot, you can use it on a stovetop for bringing food items to a boil or to to brown meats and saute vegetables.
The Small Inner Cooking Pot serves two purposes. You can use it to prepare a second course to accompany the food cooked in the large inner cooking pot. It can also be filled with boiling water to increase the amount of heated mass in the insulated carry pot. This ensures that the inner temperature is maintained over an extended period.
Product Overview
Now, let’s take a closer look at the Tayama Thermal Cooker. This model has a 7-quart capacity. It’s stainless steel construction ensures it can withstand regular use. One standout feature is the energy-saving design.
Unlike traditional cooking methods, this cooker uses heat retention to cook food without continuous energy, similar to a slow cooker but more energy efficient. This design is ideal for use in an RV and perfect for families, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Originating in medieval Europe with the concept of a “haybox,” modern thermal cookers have evolved, using advanced technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness. With rising energy costs, this thermal cooker is a fantastic way to save on your gas or electric bill.
Stay tuned for our next video, where we’ll test this cooker with a simple beef stew recipe. As always, our reviews are completely unbiased as we have no sponsors or affiliates.
Our 25-pound Maine Coon cat gave us the best RV trip we never had. He did it through a premeditated act of sabotage.
Every year in October, Miss Blondie and I take our Class C RV to Shenandoah River State Park to bask in the colors of Autumn. First we pick up our reservation pass at the Contact Station. With our pass in hand, we head directly to our RV site, hook up our utilities, and set up camp. Then we just sit back and take in all the wonders of the park in this most beautiful time of year. – And that, dear friends, was the plan for this last October 24th.
Malicious Maine Coon Sabotage
If you follow our YouTube channel, and we hope that you do, you know that Mr. Monte sabotaged our hot water system and we had to cancel our reservation. – Little did he know, that in performing his evil prank, our cat gave us … the best RV trip we never had. (To see how he performed his malicious act of sabotage, click here.)
Our Backup Plan – Let’s Have a Day Trip
Yes, Mr. Monte forced us to cancel our trip scheduled for the peak Autumn foliage. Yes, that dang cat thought he had won this round. But Miss Blondie and I resolved that we would not miss the splendors of Autumn. We would see the Shenandoah Valley at its best. – We had devised a backup plan.
A quick telephone call is all it took. Our cancelled RV trip morphed into a magnificent day of exploring and picnicking in the park. It was an unbelievably pleasant day with three of the most charming ladies I know – Miss Blondie, Daughter #1, and Granddaughter #1.
I won’t burden you with a lengthy description of all we did on our day trip. Words would only get in the way. Instead, let’s just look at some of what we saw. Perhaps someday you will be able to visit Shenandoah River State Park in October and see it all for yourself.
Join Chef Blondie as she shows you how to prepare an elegant yet easy RV meal by Jacques Pépin. In her latest YouTube video, “Dining by Candlelight,” she takes you on a culinary adventure inside the cramped kitchen of our cozy 24-foot motorhome. You will be amazed by the simplicity and style of this most appetizing dish!
When we arrived at our campsite, the outside temperature was 101°F. Nevertheless, my dear, fearless Chef Blondie demonstrated that she can handle the heat in the kitchen. She also made it clear that anyone can make a tasty dish, even on a getaway trip in a small, hot RV.
Reprise of an Easy RV Meal
On this RV trip, Chef Blondie decided to prepare a delightfully easy RV meal inspired by the legendary Jacques Pépin: Rice with Mushrooms and Steamed Asparagus. This is not the first time the soon-to-be-world-famous SFH Mobile Test Kitchen staff has made this dish. No, almost exactly one year ago, our intrepid crew made their very first YouTube video featuring this same recipe. (See Simple Rice with Mushrooms & Asparagus – Jacques’s Way for the original story and the printable recipe.)
Now one year and over 500 new subscribers later, Chef Blondie confidently steps out in front of the camera, without a script. She’s justly proud of her media ventures highlighting her culinary achievements and her useful cooking tips.
Easy RV Meals Come with Challenges & Rewards
To many, cooking in a motorhome might seem challenging, and it definitely is. Yet, with the right recipe and preparation RV Cooking brings great rewards. In this video, Chef Blondie demonstrates how simplicity and creativity can lead to gourmet meals, no matter where you are. This Jacques Pépin recipe showcases the fresh flavors of mushrooms and asparagus, making it a perfect choice for a romantic candlelight dinner in the camp setting of your choice.
In the video, Chef Blondie provides step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the rice and sauté the mushrooms to perfection. She also shares her tips for proper cooking of the asparagus and ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. The warm, earthy tones of the mushrooms combined with the vibrant green asparagus create a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress.
Set the Scene for Elegant Dining
As we set the scene for our candlelight dinner, Chef Blondie emphasizes the importance of ambiance in dining. With soft lighting and a beautifully set table, she transforms our motorhome into a charming dining space, proving that you don’t need a fancy restaurant to enjoy a special meal.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is accessible and delicious. Perfect for camping trips or a cozy night at home, it’s a meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. So, grab your ingredients and join us on this culinary journey!
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more delicious recipes and cooking tips from Chef Blondie. Let’s make dining memorable, no matter where the road takes us!
I prefer camping. She prefers glamping. But it really doesn’t matter. Autumn saw to it that we were both surrounded by the vibrant colors of serendipity. And it wasn’t just in our RV.
If you’ve visited our About Serendipity Farmhouse page, you know Blondie and I have a special definition for the word ‘serendipity’. – Serendipity is the answer to a prayer you never prayed but should have.
For us ‘serendipity’ is not mere chance. It’s something you must seek. It’s like the trail marker hidden in the shadows. You must look for it and recognize it for what it is. It’s far more common than you think. You can find it everywhere. – Even on an RV trip or in your own backyard.
Serendipity is not just good luck. It is a gift freely given by a firm Guiding Hand. And accepting that gift is an act of faith.
Vibrant Colors – First Reflections
October 24th was the first day of the last RV trip for the year. There was no special purpose for the trip. It was just an opportunity for us to break from routine farmhouse chores and be together. Little did we know that during this trip we would see some of the most spectacular Autumn views ever.
Despite Monte’s criticism and complaints, we arrived at Site #1 with no undue problems. Setup was quick and easy. Sweet Miss Blondie and I took a short rest and then headed down to the river. We decided to walk along River Trail. And that’s where the surprisingly vibrant colors of our serendipitous trip came into full view. They reflected off the still water and made fast a pleasant memory in my mind. – Here’s just a bit of what we saw.
Views along River Trail
As afternoon turned into evening, Chef Blondie performed her kitchen magic in our somewhat less than commodious RV kitchen. She decided that her ever-popular Indian Chicken Curry – The ECDM Way would suit the weather and the season.
I assisted with the menial tasks of making rice and general cleanup. My great diligence and effort were rewarded by one of my favorite camper meals.
Indian Chicken Curry for Dinner
Upon Further Reflection
This wasn’t the trip of a lifetime. This trip was but another treasured part of a lifetime with the one I love. It was a moment in time. Serendipity is knowing that those special moments are always there.
Those moments can be as simple as waking up in our RV and doing the morning chores surrounded by magnificent Autumn colors. Should you want more than that, you can have a brunch cooked outside. Perhaps you would start with sizzling, fried bacon. If you’ve planned ahead, you just might have a fresh loaf of homemade sourdough bread. – Could anything be better for brunch than French toast on sourdough bread with crispy bacon and hot coffee?
Brunch on an Autumn Day
After brunch, we set out to do just exactly what we had planned to – that would be not much of anything. Basking amidst the vibrant colors, it was so pleasant to simply take another walk, play a few hands of Rummy, and spend time relaxing in the shade of the RV awning. After all, this trip was just an opportunity for us to break from routine farmhouse chores and be together.
The afternoon silently slipped away, and the shadows began to lengthen. Soon, the setting sun intensified the hues and vibrance of the Autumn colors. We took it all in for one final moment and then closed the RV door. There would be no supper this evening. Brunch was more than enough for the day.
Mr. Monte requested Blondie and me to join him in watching Jacques Pépin. He did his best to persuade Blondie to have the soon-to-be-world famous Test Kitchen try more of Jacques’s recipes.
With all the fresh air and beautiful views this day, though, Mr. Monte soon joined us in closing our eyes. We all slipped off to the Land of Nod. – The day was beautiful, but even the most beautiful days must come to an end.
Mr. Monte Watches Jacques Pépin
Vibrant Colors – A Final Reflection
Yes, it was a wonderful and relaxing RV trip in the Shenandoah Valley. But when your farmhouse is at nestled in the Blue Ridge, within sight of Skyline Drive, the vibrant colors of serendipity are present right there on your doorstep.
Whether you go to the Rappahannock County Court House to vote or walk to the mailbox or pray for the Poor Souls, the Autumn colors are there to remind you of how that firm Guiding Hand brought you here.
Vibrant Autumn Colors of Serendipity on our Doorstep
Upon final reflection, the vibrant colors of serendipity are one more answer to a prayer we should have prayed but didn’t. – We are thankful for trail markers and the firm Guiding Hand that brought us here.
There’s more to see in the video of the Vibrant Colors. Check it out and subscribe to our YouTube Channel
The Serendipity Farmhouse Test Kitchen staff never takes a vacation. Nope, we just take to our Mobile Test Kitchen and do our cooking on the Shenandoah. Even in August, when the Blue Ridge can be most uncomfortable, we work to master, adapt, and enjoy recipes by Julia Child and Jacques Pépin. – Come along with me and let this awesome 24-pound Main Coon cat show you what goes on behind the scenes.
Hi! Mr. Monte here!
You, my faithful 23,417 feline followers are probably not much into human gourmet cooking. But you do know that a day of hard work must begin with the very best breakfast. And that’s just the way it is here in the Mobile Test Kitchen. Chef Blondie always ensures that I’m properly fed and ready to do my assigned duties.
Because the amazing Pierre LeChat could not join us on this trip, it fell on me to observe the Test Kitchen staff in action, record video, and take copious notes. – A hardy breakfast made by Chef Blondie guaranteed that I would be up to the task.
And that’s the way a day of deployment in the Mobile Test Kitchen always begins. Then comes housecleaning chores, menu and recipe review, food inventory, and preparation of mise en place. Every member of the Test Kitchen staff has assigned duties, and they perform them with deft precision. – – Of course, there is always one member of the staff who’s a bit out of synch with the real world and Test Kitchen work.
Ol’ Fuzz Face is celebrating one year of full retirement. And to prove that he hasn’t lost his touch, he decided to take a selfie while standing precariously on top of the Mobile Test Kitchen roof. Fortunately, he survived this foolish stunt.
Once we coaxed Fuzzy down from the roof, we forced him back into the kitchen to do his job. Eventually, he put on his apron, and joined us preparing for the big test of Jacques Pépin’s recipe for Rice with Mushrooms and Steamed Asparagus.
In the Shenandoah Valley, weather makes a difference.
In August, temperatures climb into the 90’s in the Shenandoah Valley. Although the Mobile Test Kitchen is air conditioned, the high humidity can be stifling. But, as you see here, the humidity was unusually low on recipe testing day. – That made for a kitchen staff in very high spirits.
Mobile Test Kitchen – Testing Underway
Yes, under the expert guidance from Executive Chef Blondie, things were coming together. I busied myself by determining proper camera angles and lighting requirements. That required me to jump from tabletop to the over cab loft and various other select positions. Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway, I performed video and photo tasks flawlessly.
As the test was nearing completion, Chef Blondie invited me over to taste test Jacques’s recipe. I think the pictures below adequately show my anticipation and my reaction.
Yes, the staff members of the Serendipity Farmhouse Mobile Test Kitchen had outdone themselves. – I could now hand over my notes, videos, and still pictures to Pierre LeChat for his evaluation.
Like you, I will be waiting for his post which will be published early next week. – Until then: Happy Cooking!
I used to hate RV trips and I deplored RV living. But that’s all changed. As a highly intelligent and manipulative Maine Coon cat, I’ve learned how to turn RV trips into great adventures. Of course, Ol’ Fuzz Face and Blondie might have to sacrifice some of their vacation pleasures. Yet, as everyone at Serendipity Farmhouse knows, if Mr. Monte ain’t happy, there ain’t nobody happy.
Getting there is half the fun.
So, with that thought in mind, I sent Fuzzy a Father’s Day email. It stated my plan for El Camino Del Monte’s next adventure.
Then, I conducted a thorough examination of Commonwealth of Virginia law. I found nothing specifying that a Maine Coon cat was required to have a license to pilot an RV. – Therefore, I advised Fuzzy that, “I’m doing the driving!”
Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway. My RV driving was flawless. Even though my Class-C has six wheels, I found that we really only needed two for sharp curves. – Fuzzy and Blondie remained speechless for several hours.
Menu making – An RV living ‘must-do.’
I also advised Fuzzy that I would take care of menu planning. – I figured a pound of my favorite blue cheese would suffice! Of course, large quantities of Gruyère and Jarlsberg would be nice too.
Once they regained their composure, Fuzzy and Blondie made a gourmet dinner for me. They also threw together some odds and ends for themselves. Fuzzy grilled lamb chops. Blondie sauteed asparagus and prepared wild rice as sides. – This was my view of their meal from my overcab perch.
Settling in – Ship’s routine
After the exhilaration of the drive to Shenandoah River State Park, and a fine meal, I decided to let my two big cats get some rest the first night. I only woke them up three times.
When they prepared breakfast the next morning, they made sure I was provided sufficient quantities of melted butter and peanut butter fingers. – They had suitably met my minimum expectations regarding care and feeding, so I granted them time for liberty ashore.
You might expect that this would be the perfect time for a feline to take a nap. But you see, I am no common feline. As the Serendipity Farmhouse Chief of Security, it was time for me to make my rounds. – You can be sure every square inch of my RV was inspected to ensure there were no security threats.
When the two aging romantics returned from their liberty time, they appeared somewhat refreshed. Fuzzy, as usual, bored me with excessive detail about the beauty and enchantment of the Shenandoah Valley.
Time for Jacques and Feline Pranks
That evening, we settled in to view our favorite cooking shows. As you can see, I positioned myself in the first row of the balcony. After all, what feline gourmand can resist watching Jacques turn common ingredients into a joyous feast. The feature attraction for the evening was Jacques Pepin: The Essential Pepin.
Ol’ Fuzz Face has a habit of falling asleep while watching videos. I’ve found that’s when he is most vulnerable to feline practical jokes. Recently, I’ve been working on developing a new Maine Coon superpower. It’s my Xray-brain-scan vision. Fuzzy happened to wake up just as I was scanning the 2 or 3 grey cells remaining in his cranium. – It’s quite likely that he’ll never fully recover from the fear and panic that arose in him when he saw my eyes.
Is it really time to go?
I’m not quite sure why Fuzzy and Blondie insisted that I take a rest and let Fuzzy drive home. Driving to the park had been such fun.
Blondie had me jump into my carrier, But I jumped right back out. I’d had such a good time and so much good food on this trip.
Eventually, they coaxed me back into my carrier. I settled in and crossed my paws. The return trip would be slow. For some reason, Fuzzy goes no faster than what the numbers on those white road signs say. – As for me, I was already thinking about when we would come back this way.
If you’re thinking that RVing with cats is a great idea, let me relate to you a real-life example to illustrate that it’s not so easy as you might think. Your sweet, cuddly feline comes with eons of instinctual behaviors and just barely 9,500 years of semi-domestication. It doesn’t take much for an RV cat to lose its peaceful demeanor. For no apparent reason, it will suddenly revert to its African Wildcat instincts. This is especially true of a particular 24-pound Maine Coon with whom you should be well familiar – Mr. Monte.
Early Morning Chat with a Misguided Cat
Dawn finally arrived on the morning of April 17th. It had been a long night. Mr. Monte held wake-up calls for Blondie and me at 12:45AM and every hour thereafter. One of those wake-ups was particularly annoying. – Two cups of strong coffee would not be enough to keep us awake until noon.
Although nothing Mr. Monte ever does can be considered normal, the chat I had with him that morning convinced me I was dealing with a truly alien mind. It was like forcing the truth out of the lips of a deranged politician. – He actually believed what he was saying and he expected me to believe it too.
Q – What made you think there was a coal skink in the RV?
A – We have seen coal skinks in this RV park and my superior feline instincts told me so.
Q – What made you think a coal skink was going to attack me?
A – I was certain he was heading towards you and my superior feline instincts told me so.
Q – Why did you need to jump on me from the upper bunk?
A – There was an urgent need based on my superior feline instincts.
Q – What made you think you had a coal skink tail between your jaws?
A – It was black, the right size, and my superior feline instincts told me so.
Q – What makes you think you broke off the skinks tail and he got away?
A – Skinks shed their tails when attacked and my superior feline instincts told me so.
Q – How did the weather station electric cord get severed?
A – It was in the way and had to go based on my superior feline instincts.
There Might Be Something to His Story
After some research, I’m having a tough time disputing Mr. Monte’s story. The only weakness in his account is his inability two produce any evidence that a coal skink was actually in the RV. However, when I checked out his statement that “Skinks shed their tails when attacked,” I found the article Lizard Tail Loss and Regeneration. That article lends credence to Monte’s assertion. But, there was still one problem with his explanation of events. So, I confronted him.
Q. If the coal skink’s tail was broken off, and it got away, where is his tail now?
A. Based on my superior feline instincts, that’s obvious. He took it with him.
RVing Lessons Learned
It’s an axiom of RV living: Be prepared to make field repairs. That axiom takes on even greater importance if you are RVing with cats.
Under normal circumstances, you won’t encounter many severed electric wires on an RV trip. If you are RVing with cats, however, it can be a real problem.
Every RV should be equipped with a tool kit. If you don’t have the space for wire strippers, at least pack needle nose pliers that come with a wire cutter/wire stripper section.
Likewise, make sure you pack electricians tape and duct tape in your RV tool kit. There are a myriad of uses for repair tape. Caution: We recommend that you don’t give in to the temptation to use it on your cat.
Well, I made the needed repairs. The weather station is up and running again. Mr. Monte is back making his appointed rounds as our Chief of Security – we are under his protection. With regard to the wild tale/tail told by Mr. Monte:
Sunday night, while camping in our RV, I saved Ol’ Fuzz Face from the attack of the electric coal skink. I knew his life was surely in mortal danger, especially when I accidentally discovered this skink’s secret power. And though this incident didn’t turn out quite as I expected, it was one of the most courageous acts I ever performed.
That’s my story, and I’m Sticking to it!
Hi! Mr. Monte here.
To my 23,417 feline followers, especially my many cat cousins residing in Virginia and Ohio, today I will tell you a tale of great courage. You must understand that I relate this story with the deepest humility. I’m certain that it will edify you and aid you in your never-ending quest to protect your humans from great harm.
Coal Skinks Are Not Our Friends
Many think coal skinks (Plestiodon anthracinus) are merely harmless creatures. Although they may bite, they are not venomous. That said, we felines know that small creatures that trespass in our humans’ habitat are not to be tolerated. Indeed, we take no prisoners – they must be exterminated!
History of the Coal Skink Menace
My first recollection of the menace coal skinks posed to my humans goes back to our post Oh, Shenandoah, we came to see you. When you read the section labeled Mr. Monte’s Log, you will note how seriously I take my job as Serendipity Farmhouse Chief of Security. In that particular log entry, I stated the following:
“Observe the picture of the lizard that menaced our RV. I suspect it was a Northern Coal Skink. As soon as he approached our camp site, I alerted and went into stealth predator mode. Fortunately for him, he sensed my presence and was urged by his instinct of self preservation to avoid conflict with a superior force.”
There have been many other encounters with coal skinks menacing my two human’s loved ones. For example, in the post SFH Critter Control, Grandsons #2 and #4 were unfortunate enough to encounter one hidden in the stack of wood they were moving.
I had briefed them earlier to be cautious. So when Grandson #4 found the creature, he immediately nullified the threat by scaring off the skink and forcing it to climb a tree. – Grandson #4 is a lad with great courage.
How I Ended the Coal Skink Threat
Fuzzy was snoring loudly. Nothing new here. He was sleeping like a log on the dinette bed. The only usable light came from the weather station view screen just above Fuzzy’s feet. I watched over him from the over-cab bed. – My instinct told me something was wrong.
At about 0145 hours (military time, of course), I saw a thin, black shape move near Fuzzy’s feet. Like a flash, I CATapulted from my observation post and pounced on the shape which could only be a coal skink’s long, black tail.
Even my keen, feline night vision could not reveal much useful information concerning the presumed coal skink intruder. I shoved my massive, polydactyl paw between the cushions and searched out the body of the beast. I was only able to nab a portion of its slithering tail. Immediately, I pulled it into my waiting jaws and bit down with all my might.
Two things happened simultaneously. I felt the snap of the bones in the tail, and most unexpectedly felt a sudden numbing electric shock. Like an electric eel, that lizard-like beast had used a heretofore unknown electric shocking power to stymie my attack.
Despite the unpleasant sensation, which rapidly approached a level of intense pain, I held onto that tail until it snapped and the electric charge had died.
I was a bit surprised that the entire area was now in complete darkness. I noticed that the weather station panel was no longer illuminated. But, that was of no concern to me. After all, Fuzzy was safe and I had defeated the beast!
The Menace has Ended
Ol’ Fuzz Face woke up just as the battle ended. He looked to find out what had happened. But, because of the weather station malfunction, Fuzzy had no light by which he could see. So, he had no understanding of my struggle with the electric coal skink and my battle to protect his life.
While still groggy, after being wrenched from his deep sleep, Fuzzy seemed to be somewhat annoyed with me. I don’t know why. – Then, he pulled me close to his side, gave me a pat on the head, and said that tomorrow morning we needed to have a long chat. I was sure that he wanted to thank me for my act of great courage and perhaps give me one of my favorite treats.
And though our chat didn’t turn out quite as I expected, I maintain that my effort to thwart the attack of the electric coal skink was one of the most courageous acts I ever performed.
That’s my story, and I’m Sticking to it!
Note: After reading my story you might be interested in the amazing powers we felines possess and how we have used them during 9,500 years in service to our humans. If so, read the article The cat’s meow: Genome reveals clues to domestication.
To my 23,417 feline followers, especially my many cat cousins residing in Virginia and Ohio, in my last post, 50th – The Celebration, I said: “In conjunction with our innate cognitive superiority, our instincts have enabled us to interpret human behavior and fashion it to our personal designs. If there is any doubt that my statements are not correct, I offer you my total and uncontested control over Blondie, Ol’ Fuzz Face, and the entire Serendipity Farmhouse establishment as supporting evidence.” (Emphasis added) – – As you will see later in this post, I sometimes employ my power of ‘control’ with humorous results.
But before I engage in lighthearted tales, I must first give you a quick description of how I so flawlessly carried out my duties as Chief of Security during our most recent trip in El Camino Del Monte (ECDM) – RV Trip 2022-02.
The primary purpose of this trip was to determine if Fuzzy and Blondie could endure the joy and shear excitement of spending three whole nights with me in ECDM. To do so they would have to modify their sleeping and waking times to my schedule. They would also have to reconcile themselves to the reality that if I wanted to be fed at 2:18 AM, then they would have to depart their restful dreamlands and join me, pet me, speak with me, and play with me as I take part in my early morning snack. – – Mostly because of my lovable demeanor and appreciative purring, my two ‘big cats’ outdid themselves and met all my outrageous demands. In that respect, RV Trip 2022-02 was a resounding success.
Mr. Monte – Ever Alert
As you can see in this picture, I am ever on the alert. In this particular case, I pointed out to Blondie that there was a pair of cardinals nearby. She was quite happy that I called them to her attention because she could view them more closely than we do at Serendipity Farmhouse. I humbly accepted her praise. – – After all, it’s just part of the job.
Jacques-rabbit
Over the course of our three-day trip, I spent the majority of my time checking out what might best be called a ‘claim jumper’ or a ‘squatter’. Our camp site was clearly marked with our name and the dates for our stay were posted. This guy, whom I later named ‘Jacques’ as in ‘Jacques-rabbit’, however, paid no attention to our rightful residence. For three days, this guy just hung around. I tried getting his attention through the screen door, but he seldom even looked my way.
I must admit that he was a somewhat cute, though he would not have been allowed to roam freely near our vast gardens on the SFH estate. Yes, I’ll give him cute, but I don’t think I’ll concede that he was very smart. How smart could any creature be if they don’t respond to my calling and immediately tremble in terror. – – So, it remains to be seen whether I will include Jacques on my list of friends or on my list of recipes.
Now, Blondie and Fuzzy have some mystifying behaviors. For example, they often play cards, Rummy to be precise. After years of watching them, it has become abundantly clear that Blondie is the superior player by far. Fuzzy is slow and dull and quite capable of making moves that are extraordinarily foolish. On the first full day of our trip, Blondie once again exhibited her prowess and crushed Fuzzy four hands to one. – – It was brutal!
As I mentioned earlier, I exercise total control over all that happens within the SFH family. All it takes from me is a turning of the ears, a flip of the tail, or a purring sound. Having seen the humbled mess of a man that was all that remained of Fuzzy after his loss to Blondie, I decided that it was time to have some fun.
The next day, I put my plan into action. In an earlier picture, you can see how easy it is for me to sit behind Blondie. That is where she normally sits in the dinette when playing cards. So, there it was that I sat during the Rummy rematch on the second full day. From there, I could see Blondie’s hand. From there, Fuzzy could see me. From there, I ‘the feline in command’ could change the outcome of the game. – – No, Fuzzy didn’t consciously cheat. He wasn’t even aware of what was happening. When he looked at me, he could see me twist my ears. He could see me flip my tail. Subconsciously, he was being controlled by my entirely innocent looking movements.
Only I knew what the result would be. – – On this day, it was Blondie who was crushed four hands to one. I allowed her one win to spare her pride. – – There it was. Blondie won the first day and Fuzzy won the second day. The score was even and – absolutely no card games – were played on the third day. My two big cats remain happy and loving with each other.
And with that righteous good work concluded, I deserve a long nap.
