WORDLESS WEDNESDAY WITH DYLAN: ON THE PROWL

TUXY TUESDAY WITH DOMINO: BLACK & WHITE AND GRAY ALL OVER

Domino's world is generally black and white, like she is.  However, today there is no escaping all of the shades of gray inbetween.

 Domino's tuxy coat is a crisp counterpoint to the gray all around her.

 "I'm all fur gray rites, but dis is ridickulus", says she.

 "Da skies is gray, da snows is gettin' gray an' dirteh ...

 ... an' since I'mma concrete thinkah, even da pavements is gray.

 "But it'll be a gray day in hell before I lets dat get me down."

"If yoo cant beat 'em, join 'em", says Domino as her black and white slowly starts to fade.

"Dere's nuttin wrong wif blendin' in", she says, "as long as yoo dont put yoor blendah on puree!"

(Or in Domino's case, PURRee)

Luckily, there's more than just one way ...

... of blending in!

THE 3-DS ARE FELINE FINE IN FEBRUARY

Now that it's February, the 3-Ds are checking out the condition of their proPURRty.  Each one has found a dry patch from which to conduct their surveillance.

 Dante is on the almost snow-free patch of concrete in front of the garage.  His senses are finely honed and his ears are like antennae.  They'll pick up even the faintest whisPURR.

For complete surround sound, all he has to do is shake his head!

Dylan's on the walkway.  He is always on the alert for anything untoward in his general vicinity, and this is no exception.  Those eyes of his are very keen detectors.  He's like a regular motion sensor!

He's also the most likely to go Rambo on someone at the drop of a cat, so it's best to call ahead and let him know you're coming!

Domino, as usual, takes the very straightforward approach.  "Here's me lookin' at yoo, lookin' at me", she says.

She takes everything in her stride -- even when sitting down.  Domino is the essence of calm PURRusal.

So far February is checking out just fine!

SOCHI FASHION IN 3-D!

The Russians are coming!  The Russians are coming!  February 7th is the start of the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia.

Here are just three of the Russian Olympic mascots.  These ones are actually three-dimensional because they are stuffed toys.  From left to right, we have a snow hare, a leopard and a polar bear.

My 3-Ds have taken inspiration from these mascots and dressed up in Russian fashion, too.

 Here is Dylan in his Russian "Ushanka" hat, which he has coordinated with a gray microfleece scarf with bold stripes, red thermal mitts and gray fleece-lined boots.  The Sochi Polar Bear is giving his wave of approval.

This is a definition of the 'Ushanka' hat:

"An Ushanka (also known as Trapper hat, Aviator hat, Shapka, Chapka etc.) is a traditional, yet stylish, Russian winter hat with ear flaps, which is extremely warm to handle the frigid Russian winters. It has ear flaps, which can be folded up and tied at the top of the hat, or tied at the chin. Wearing ear flaps down protects ears, bottom of the chin, nape and top of the back of the neck from the cold. The word ushanka translates from Russian as "with ears". Ushi means ears in Russian language."

Domino doesn't have a 'hare' out of place in her bright pink Ushanka hat!  And it's very apparent that the Sochi Rabbit is tickled pink with her authentic Russian look, as well.

Dante is all business in his 'Budenovka' hat with coordinating scarf and boots.  His cousin, the Sochi leopard, is proud to present this PURRticularly Russian style which is deeply rooted in history.

"The Budenovka hat is an essential part of the communist uniform of the Russian Civil War and later. Its official name was the "broadcloth helmet" and was typically worn under a sturdier helmet.  It is made of wool and has a peak and ear flaps which can be worn up or down."

"Budenovka Hat"

So farewell, for now, from the Sochi mascots.  I'm sure we'll be seeing lots more of them on TV very, very soon.

DOMINO & DANTE: EACH TO THEIR OWN

In stark contrast to Domino's relationship with Dylan, Dante is a reFUReshing change.

 "I kin relax wen my big brofur Dante is around", says Domino.

"Becuz he's so busy mindin' his OWN bizness!"

Snow business, that is!

DOMINO & DYLAN IN "THE LADYCAT VANISHES"

Somewhat like "The Lady Vanishes", a film about a young lady who disappears on a train, Domino is plotting her own vanishing act.

Dylan is always hovering about, and sooner or later you know he's gonna do something stupid!

 Domino doesn't even have to look to know that Dylan is behind her.  She can hear his heavy breathing.

"Dat darn brofur of mine is verreh nosy!", says she.   "O well, at leest he's not a mouf breathah."

 Domino knows she can't completely ignore him, so she keeps watch with the eyes in the back of her head.

"Cats has 20/100 vishun, yoo know", says Domino.  "We kin even see around cornahs."

 "We kin see fings wifout even lookin' at 'em."

"Our PURRiFURal vishun is outstanding!"

 "Butt when yoo starts ta ackshully smell 'em, it's time to evaPURRate."

"Duh!  Which way did she go????"

It's all a matter of Miss Direction!

RISKY BUSINESS WITH DYLAN!

Dylan is outside and is seriously considering leaving the safety of the front porch.

 "Hmmm", he says.  "I hasta considah da risk-ta-reward ratio."

 Obviously the risk couldn't have been too great because Dylan has taken a leap of faith over to the bench.

 "Dey says yoo shud nevah look back, but how else are yoo gonna see wot's behine yoo?"

Dylan is clearly 'on the edge'.

 "Wen yoo walks da plank ...

 ... yoo hasta be reddy ...

 ... reddy, set ...

... ta dive rite in ... GO!

"Next time I'm gonna use a calculatah before I takes a risk", says Dylan.  "Uddahwise I is my own wurst enemeh."

"I'mma regulah weapon of math destruckshun!"