Watchcats on break XLVI

An '80s memory: I remember being startled the first time I saw Watchcat Rusty walking around on top of the wardrobe in the room where I practiced the bass.  I thought, "Even for a cat, that's an awfully high perch."  I was even more surprised the first time I saw Rusty start prancing around on the wardrobe in a routine unique to him.  I thought, "I never expected to see that, but that's a well-done impression of a horse."

Just when I thought I'd seen everything, a watchcat reminded he that he had layers.

Watchcats on break XLV

On my other blog today, I recommended William Bolcom's piano piece, "Tabby Cat Walk."  I wrote that I could imagine Watchcat Collette washing her fur in time to it.  I doubt, however, that she would walk in time to it.  The rhythm doesn't lend itself to her natural walking pace, and even if it did, I think she'd still refrain from walking to it, just to be contrarian.

As you might expect, watchcats are often impervious to the power of suggestion.

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXIV

On June 22, 2026, Watchcat Collette stood on her pulpit and decreed, "Hear ye!  Hear ye!  All marauders must disperse now:"

Impressively, her strategy worked.  Who knew that a watchcat's proclamation could be so successful? 

Watchcat protocol MMDCXXXIII

When you have to spend hours on end at your guard post, why shouldn't it be a comfy blanket?

 That was Watchcat Lily's reasoning on June 21, 2026.

Watchcats on break XLIV

In his later years, Watchcat Sammy would let out a loud, "Meowwwwwwwww!" before ascending the small staircase to the sofa.  I'd ask, "What's it all about, Sammy?"  He'd sometimes respond with a loud meow, although not as often when I was recording video of him.

"Well, here we are," I'd tell Sammy.  "We're two old men grousing about the state of the world."

In retrospect, I'd like to think we were mostly commenting on things instead of complaining about them.

Watchcats on break XLIII

Now that I think of it, rests during pieces I played on the bass weren't the only times I heard Watchcat Rusty sing.  There was at least one other occasion.  When I played Herb Ellis and Duke Robillard's version of "Avalon" on the stereo, Rusty started tapping his tail and let out a sung "Meowwwwwwwww!" in conjunction with the guitars.

How can you not respect a watchcat who has the good taste to appreciate a well-played swing guitar cover?

Watchcats on break XLII

I've learned to be careful about putting books and CDs on the floor where Watchcat Collette can scratch them.  One day, she shredded the cover of a paperback.

The book's title, Never A Dull Moment, hit close to home, admittedly.