I was on a mission to the South Campus just now and found Maynooth University Library Cat behind bars. He’s actually just resting in the semi-shade behind the gate to conserve energy before the exams start on Friday morning, at which time he will need to make himself available for last-minute consultations and therapeutic petting.
I’ve never thought before that a cat could be used as a sundial…
I forgot to mention that last week I had to run the first Computational Physics laboratory session of the year. When I was setting things up before the session I saw that we had a different version of the operating system on our cluster from what we had two years ago when I last taught this module. More importantly, all the student accounts had been provided with this desktop background image…
This afternoon, for the first time in a while, I encountered Maynooth University Library Cat at his customary position. Unfortunately he didn’t seem favourably disposed and when I tried to take his picture he turned his back on me. Luckily I was with a colleague who was strategically positioned to take the snap above.
It has been an unusually mild November until today, when it has suddenly turned colder and wetter. This alteration does not seem to have pleased Maynooth University Library Cat.
Maynooth University Library Cat was on post again today, staring at empty dishes to indicate that it was feeding time.
It is rather cold this morning…
…he is in there!
I ventured onto Maynooth University Campus today and guess who I found there? He seems fine although he wasn’t exactly a busy bee when I paid him a visit. No doubt he’s taking it easy ahead of the new academic year.
At least he’s keeping himself clean!
I thought I’d share this image of Maynooth University Library Cat, complete with daisy bonnet. He doesn’t look entirely gruntled with his new headgear, and I’m not sure how long it stayed on his bonce, but it’s nice to see him in fine fettle, though he’s getting a few more grey hairs. Aren’t we all?
For those of you who can’t get enough Maynooth University Library Cat action, I thought I’d share this instagram post that features a short documentary film made by some students about said feline:
The video is also available on Youtube:
Incidentally, Fiona Morley (who you see interviewed in the video) is Head of Digital Programmes and Information Systems at Maynooth University and, with her team, has given huge support to the Open Journal of Astrophysics.
This reminds me that today is the last day of teaching at Maynooth. There will be a short break until examinations begin a week today. This means that, although my sabbatical continues until the end of August, I won’t be missing any more lectures from today. I won’t be marking examinations either, but it is a reminder that it’s not that long until I have to resume such duties.
In the Dark 