The Cats of University Heights: Smokey

Seven minutes after sunset, 6:32 p.m. PDT, on Oct. 7, 2017, I encountered yet another feline on Alabama, close to Meade. The kitty isn’t the first smokey grey in the series, but he is distinguished by having the color as name.

Mystery: The increasing number of cats recently seen on or around that street. Why here? Also from Alabama: Goldie, Itchy Valentino (yes, real name), and Anthony. In the alley behind: Spry. On Meade or Monroe, respectively, close to the cross-street: Amanda and Bruce.

The venerable Leica Q  boasts best benefits when manual controls are used to shoot in low light. Deep dusk had already settled as I walked down Alabama and adjusted the camera dials. Vitals: f/1.7, ISO 500, 1/250 sec, 28mm. I manually chose wider aperture and faster shutter to capture more light and to diminish motion blur; ISO was on auto. The Featured Image is the keeper because it gives great bokeh; his head and face solely are in the field of focus.

Update Nov. 15, 2017: I met the lady (Linda) who cares for Smokey (her husband’s name for the cat). A neighbor who also feeds the long-time stray calls him Gordo (as does Linda, but I prefer Smokey). In her presence, the kitty was friendly with my wife and I. Linda says that except for a recent two-month disappearance, Smokey is a fixture—and she is looking for a permanent home for him. (Hehe, good luck with that; he has chosen his territory.)

Addendum: I encountered Smokey/Gordo minutes after seeing the rental sign for the apartment that we would lease the next day.

Not to be missed: ScruffyRoly PolyWooSkullBiscuitThe ColonelWhite,  Chipper, Frisky, Stretch, Needy, Farfisa, Mates, Hunter, Pee-PeeBlue, Blue Too, Bonded PairPatience, Fess, Jumper, Frenemy, Looker, Cozy, Scout, Lurks, Skit, Mini, Betty, Black and White, Stalker, Bell, Chill, Sammy, Scratch, Poser, Star, Grey and White, Watcher, Herman, Comet, RomanWillow, Chub, Nimbus, Watson, Lilo, Kit, Pepe, Twilight, Sebastian, Spot, Booger, Ash, Veruca, Riley, Mellow, Bonde, Flower, Glass, Black, BeBe, Fang, Bruce, Siamese, Pounce,  Tortie, HaikuFraidy,  PesoDaniel TigerDuskStrideDaintySpry,  Tabby, Betty Too, Still, LeviShadow,  Sophie, WinkFerals, MommaCharlie, Tux, Cool, Benny, Jellicle, Itchy Valentino, Goldie, Nine, Amanda, Siesta, ChaCho, Charlie, Too, Mika, Crystal, Seeker, Mittens, and Dancer.