Gino Tales: Lounge Lizard

By Gino Resident Cat and Groundskeeper, Volcano Village Lodge Noise is something I can zero in on better than you humans. It is a gift I’m proud of and one I assure you I enjoy. This morning I’m relaxing outside on top of the water containment area. I have my front legs stretched out reaching toward the front of the chair I call my outside home. My back is curled in a way that would be uncomfortable if I were a human. And my back legs almost circle back around. I love lounging. My ears hear a guest walking across the lava stone. Once by the main lodge I see him grab a handful of cookies as he acts as if mom will stop him. ”Go ahead and enjoy” I want to purr their direction, “Ain’t no moms around here to stop you. It’s vacation time. Enjoy.” The female guest whispers to her companion, “I don’t want to leave this magical place.” The guy ceremoniously wipes their name off the white board our innkeepers use to welcome guests. ”I’m sad to leave.” She says as she buries her head into his shoulder.” I hear birds making noise in the trees and the sun feels warm on my fur. It is a purr-fect morning and I hope all of our guests are having purr-fect days touring the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or one of the nice black sand beaches.

They tell me there are huge turtles a few miles up route 11. I’m not sure if they would scare me or if I would scare them. I want to see them one of these days. I’m listening to our innkeeper prepare tomorrow’s breakfast. I can hear water boiling and a pan frying something delicious. I can hear sounds with my eyes closed that tell me everything is okay and that the Lodge is in good hands. The organic sheets are being ironed while the luscious robes are being washed and dried. I’m able to relax because the sounds tell me that everyone is doing their job. The phone rings and a guest has a question. Our innkeeper sadly informs them that we are booked for those dates. A large pickup truck drives down the road and the noise of loud obnoxious dogs barking make me take note. Ah, I hope I don’t have to run down there and give those dogs a piece of my mind. The noise stops. The dogs quiet down. The world is peaceful again. I pull my paws in closer to my body and my cat claws are hidden. My head relaxes and my eyes are closed. The lodge is moving as planned. I’m happy. I’m ready to nap.