Fatt Cat Cafe

09/02/2026

Craving a veggie fix?

09/01/2026

A cautionary tale. For ladies, perhaps long married, perhaps longing to dip one toe into the sweeet simplicity of the single life.
Awaiting the arrival of Tom’s Blacktop, the driveway and parking lot are long overdue for a facelift. The old house, buoyant with great expectations, anxious for a refresher. Suddenly struck by a disconcerting fact, I will soon be imprisoned by liquid asphalt, by substances hot and sticky; I searched for a project to busy myself.
Two damaged tiles on the kitchen floor, their replacement too long delayed, eyesores grown increasingly ugly; grown to resemble hairy moles perched on the tip of a bulbous nose. For two years, ignored and postponed, while I busied myself with tasks more to my liking. Without permission, before I could stop it, my mind, unfettered. seeded a possibility that within mere seconds took root.
First the bulky chest freezer, the dead weight on the flimsy tiles the actual culprit, would need to be moved. Stubborn to a fault, despite full body pushes, muttered profanities, the timeworn appliance remained awkwardly placed. The base continued to overlap the very edge of the tiles. It was hot, it was humid. I had worked up a sweat. Was this even a suitable day for such an overwhelming task? Had the possibility of a restorative nap even been considered? A mug of water in the microwave…three minutes as it turned, three minutes to weigh the limited options, to come to a firm decision. Already regretting the start of what, at first glance. seemed so simple…I knew, with no small hesitation, I could only continue.
Using a strength, previously gone without notice, perhaps stored in the nether regions of ancient DNA, I shoved the six foot long work table and shelf unit back just an inch or two.
Rummaging in the utility closet…it seemed the floor tiles had been inadvertently stored on their side instead of laying flat. There was now a good warp down the middle of each and every one. I quickly grabbed two, ones, that in the dimly lit space, seemed the least bowed…promptly weighted them down with stored paint cans.
With the help of a rusted putty knife and a screwdriver the damaged tiles were easily removed. Ready now for wood filler, the flawed subfloor, sporting fresh grooves and gouges from a heavy hand and makeshift tools. After jabbbing myself three times with the multipurpose screwdriver I managed to pry off the lid only to find the contents solidified, hard as a desert rock. Dismayed I surveyed the kitchen. For mere seconds considered retreat. The freezer and worktable now out of place, the crumbled tiles a small mound in the corner. Forward appeared the only exit.
Returning to rummage the closet, surveying crowded dusty shelves. by coincidence, perhaps random good luck a white plastic container of small size appeared, conveniently, at eye level. The lid hot pink, JOINT COMPOUND lettered in blue. Unsure why or how such an uncommon substance came to be in my possession…opened it appeared good as new. Bending to retrieve the bucket of vinyl floor adhesive I found it alarmingly light. Had someone stored an empty container in lieu of walking it out to the dumpster.
Armed with culled supplies I dropped to my knees beside the freezer and set straight to the task. The joint compound, a perfect substitute, left the surface fairly smooth and sticky. Using a plastic knife I smeared on an ample layer of gooey adhesive, plopped the first tile in place. Perhaps due to the bowing the edges. the corners, refused to stay secured. With amazing ingenuity I weighed them down with whatever was close at hand; random
jugs of liquid cleaners, canned goods scoured from the cupboard. To endure a good seal on the spaces between, I stood, the heaviest item in the room, both feet firmly planted. Of course, though it hadn’t crossed my mind, adhesive seeped up through the fine cracks between smearing goo across the bottom of both shoes. Not to be deterred I stepped to one side, admiring, swelled satisfaction like a good meal in my belly.
Barefoot on the couch, smug as the Cheshire Cat, I basked in the afterglow of a task well completed. Swabbing the soles of my shoes with nail polish remover I reflected, perhaps acetone vapors colored my point of view, all in all today was perfect.

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

Camping themed shower this past Saturday. Those amazing balloon towers certainly set the mood.
Best wishes to the little family….now three, soon to be four.

08/30/2026

The aged clock, plastic, discolored from kitchen heat and vapors, hung high on the wall, silent, dispassionate, an observer; displaying a temperature of 85…10:30…two hands, small and large, pointing, marking minutes and seconds. Could five hours have passed as I perched, uncomfortable, on a hard wooden stool; hunched, hands clenched, surrounded by discarded piping bags, small tubs of tinted buttercream, naked marble cupcakes. Flexing fingers cramped tight, my mind, distracted, increasingly turned from the task at hand.
Craving provolone and cheddar layered with marinated artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and sliced tomato…grilled…slowly, until meltingly delicious on hearty, well buttered multi grain bread. Mouth watering I took stock of my resources…Alas, the cupboard, my barren fridge, was disappointingly bare; contained little more than the aforementioned bread, whole milk, assorted condiments and, hidden in the back, an almost empty jar of peach jam.
Settled comfortably on the couch, one pillow at my back, feet propped high on another, greedily gobbling the reward of the full morning’s labor. ..wiping buttered crumbs from greased lips, slurping lukewarm instant coffee, all the while keeping company with a well manicured national newscaster droning on about the sad state of the world.
My concoction, I reflected, an acceptable substitute, though in the future perhaps a good smear of grainy mustard
Perspective colors, defines, transforms. Immersed in an uncommon sense of contentment I marveled at the found pleasure of this ordinary day.
The previous morning, stepping out, rushed, slightly frazzled, then suddenly slowed…a side-glanced glimpse, my brow quickly furrowed. What appeared as crumpled clumps, strewn paper, discarded, marring the green expanse of my lawn. At first, considering it expedient. I would, I decided, follow my initial plan; run my errand…deal with the intrusive eyesore immediately upon my return.
Pausing too long to consider, curiosity, first minute, insignificant, soon filled every pore of my being. Footsteps, grown mindless in mere seconds moved at great speed to inspect the intruder. Bending in close I grew heady, my breath a ragged gasp. All around sounds, familiar and not, lilting songs, ancient, calling me to The Dance. To move joyous, unfettered, shoes kicked from my feet,bent knee raised to the full height of my elbow.
Miniature domes, cream colored, tiny predictors of good fortune, appearing smooth as the finest panne velvet, barely breaking the ground. A good part of my childhood was spent in the English countryside. Immersed in mesmerizing tales of pixies, fairies and benevolent spells… unseen magic, passed down
myths, common as family folklore.
Admittedly, a formed circle was the shape most desired, instead, they stood, lined long, barely curved. Not to be discouraged by their chosen, uncommon alignment my middle finger reached to touch pursed lips, to claim this unexpected good circumstance. A photo quickly snapped…perhaps two. When the hot sun of late summer days leaves them dry as parchment; when the wind takes the remnants to distant places I will still remember.

08/29/2026

Shower in progress. Anxious to share the camping themed cupcakes.
My photographic skills are lacking. In person they are some of my best ever.
The red mushrooms are self explanatory. Easiest to do.
The small tents were a challenge. I needed two sets of hands. One small tent appears to be tipping forward. ???
The fish cupcakes were fun. Three coats of food color and luster dust.
The tan mushrooms are fondant with chocolate rocks.
The campfires are awesome but lost detail
in the photo shoot.
It was a great week in the kitchen. ❤️