Shoup Airlines

Why I prefer dogs to cats

Having a rather large backyard for the neighborhood with a lot of shrubbery installed, the local cat population likes to dwell within. When I first moved in a cat decided to have her kittens in a shaded corner of the lot. The mother was of the typical mackerel tabby mutt-ish ilk and passed on those genes to three of her litter. The other three were of Siamese descent which I found interesting. Being the pushover that I am, I cracked a can of tuna and gave them a feast one day. Never were they grateful though as they always scattered any time I stepped out back.

Time passed, the kittens grew and I never saw any of them again. Except for the runt of the litter, a Siamese whose left paw is completely white. He has since returned in the last couple of months and hangs out, unless I step out, then he resumes the ol’ cut and run.

He’s definitely an alley cat though, all skin and bones, so recently I popped a can of chunk chicken left over from an MRE and set it down in his vicinity. I walked back inside and he promptly investigated. About 15 minutes later, I noticed he was gone so I went to toss the empty can. Less than five feet away, the cat had brought down a mocking bird and pretty much eaten it in the time since I had set the can out. He hadn’t touched the chicken.

Even the alley cats are picky!

And so it begins

Another chapter nears its rightful end as the quaint little house on Diablo Circle goes up for sale. I can’t begin to describe how much fun it is having agents and interested buyers arrive at all hours of the day wanting to walk through. It cracks me up how each little tour feels more and more like they are judging my lifestyle within the house as opposed to just looking at the house.

This also signifies the end of entrenchments between myself and the never ending ant army. I believe they realized sometime ago that they met an admirable foe and are just standing by until the changing of the guard. They have show of force marches from time to time but dare go no further than the driveway or patio. As for the earwig faction, I’m of the opinion that their numbers were decimated and moved on. I find the occasional wig but it has never been enough to warrant a report to command. I can only hope the new owners have an appreciation for seven legged spiders and a healthy fear of the other bug.

More importantly this also means that sweltering and sticky corner of Alabama is nearing the horizon. Rumors of what to expect are flying at Mach 4. I’ve received more advice from people that have never been through the WOC program and even some that have never been to Rucker! You know how hard it is to keep a straight face through that? One would think my body is wrought with excitement, but pain is the better descriptor here. I’ve begun a workout culled from Basic and AIT exercises learned last year and hurt does not begin to describe what I feel. My triceps are screaming bloody murder, my abs revolt every time I blink and my lungs incinerate with each intake of air. God, I love that ache-filled feeling of a new workout!

So as this chapter plays out its final pages, the questions and heady anticipation of what to expect in the next chapter begin to play hide and seek not only with me but all of you as well. Care to join me?

H-A-T-E

Sung to the tune of Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E and aimed right between the eyes of the USPS.

H is for the way you handled me
A is for your awful delivery
T, you truly truly move so obsoletely
E is even more than I could ever express to you and

Hate is all that I will give to you
Hate is more than just my bad mood on cue
You will never make it
My parcel, you probably broke it
Hate was made for me toward you

H is for the horrible tracking story
A is for the asinine obstinacy
T, you truly truly will always forever tarry
E, you even SUCK in rain and snow and hail and sleet and

Hate is all that I will give to you
Hate is more than just my bad mood on cue
You will never make it
My parcel, you probably broke it
Hate was made for me toward you
Hate was made for me toward you
Hate was made for me toward you