Dear Friends of Tux,

The seasons are changing all around us. Red, orange, and yellow hues commingle with seventy degree days, but with a mighty gust or two, those leaves fall and a winter chill fills the air (and fogs the glasses if wearing a mask). The indoor temperature also fluctuates at this time of year. Some days are chilly and brisk, some days are warm and humid, and some are just right. It’s a bit like Goldilocks.

Tux seems to be the master of the “just right.” And, like Goldilocks, when he finds that just right place to take a nap, there is absolutely no reason why he shouldn’t nap, and nap, and nap. This month I got to be the rude bear who kept waking Tux from his peaceful slumber to try and take his photograph.

Do not think for a moment that Tux’s napping has anything to do with poor health. His health this month has also been “just right.” Tux probably has one up on the humans that surround him, as he is oblivious to the fact that this year has been anything different from the last. He doesn’t know that the annual Tabby’s Place “Thanksgiving with the Cats” can’t happen as it has in previous years. He’s heard rumors about turkey but has never been a huge fan. He’s more of a sweet potato kind of guy.

Between attempts to photograph Tux in various states of blissful rest, I did get to witness a quirky little antic of his…twice. Both times I tried to shuffle my phone to video mode to capture the cuteness, and both times I was too slow. What I witnessed was Tux pawing at the water bowl before settling into a long drink. This was the sort of splashing that was loud enough to catch my attention. At first, I thought he was just playing with something, but both times he pawed just long enough to decide that the water was “just right” for drinking. For as much as this made me smile, I hoped to capture it to share with you. Alas, all the camera caught was Tux (or Tux’s hind end) at the water bowl. He seems to be just as talented at turning away from my camera when drinking as he is upon waking.

Thanksgiving is likely not going to be the same for you this year either, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give thanks. Tux, Tabby’s Place, and I are so incredibly thankful that you have stayed by us throughout this challenging year. Tux’s days have been “just right” only because of your love and continued support. So even if you cannot be surrounded by loved ones as in other years, know that you are loved.

With love and thanks,
Your correspondent,
Lisa