confession...

i have had a really hard time with our newish cat Hobbes. he's not the cuddly, lap-warming delight i've imagined in my head for the last 10 years (to which Jake loves to say, "i told you so"). in fact he doesn't really like to be touched at all, and he doesn't hesitate to bite your hand to let you know it. the only time he comes near us is first thing in the morning and at night when we're in the kitchen, to lay in the middle of the floor and yell non-stop like he's starving until he gets fed (even though i'm already feeding him twice the amount the vet recommended). he then goes outside and spends most of the day making a mess of his paws and long long fur, and after i've cleaned up dinner and closed down the kitchen for the night he likes to come inside and get his poopy paws all over the counter and sink. then each and every night, without fail, he jumps up on the couch (preferrably in front of an audience), and with impressive flexibility he kicks his leg high in the air and cleans himself, making sure to drop all the leaves and burrs he's pulled out of his fur all over my couch and blankets.

i know most of this isn't his fault. he is pooping outside, which i'm very thankful for, and that's bound to make his paws muddy. his fur is really long and naturally picks up lots of debris. and he was a starved barn kitty when we found him, so it's only exprected that he would have issues with food. i'm trying really hard to feel warm, cuddly feelings for him. but he's just cold, and needy, and dirty, and he makes it really hard most of the time!

but the other day Calvin and Hobbes were snuggling really cute, and he looked a bit like that cat i had imagined for so many years, so i quickly grabbed my camera and took a picture.

aaaaand then he gave me this delightful shot, and i remembered all over again how i really feel about him.

this is actually a yawn, but not too far from the look he makes while he's howling for his food. you see what i mean?