Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXXV

During slow times, it's permissible for one watchcat in a pair to take a short nap break:

When activity starts to heat up, however, both watchcats must be alert:

July 2008: Watchcats Sammy and Rosie made sure that no newsstand customer traipsed off without paying for a newspaper or magazine.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXXIV

Watchcat Sylvia was sweet and gentle, but she had the wild-eyed look down.  That crazed expression, coupled with a weapon she could throw, helped deter intruders in Summer 2008:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXXIII

While on guard duty, it's possible to be cozy while looking stern:

June 2017: Watchcat Sylvia gets comfortable while keeping an eye on suspicious visitors.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXXII

No intruder absconded with luggage in July 2007 under Watchcat Rosie's watch:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXXI

Even ecologically-minded intruders don't usually make off with anyone's recycling bag.  In case the urge struck them, however, in April 2006, Watchcat Rosie was ready for them:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXX

In June 2016, Watchcat Sylvia picked up some sensitive intelligence.  Her backup watchdragonfly informed her of something I can't reveal because it's still classified.  Watchcat Sylvia took in the news, pondered her next move, and then consulted Watchcat Headquarters:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXIX

A good watchcat takes all of her assignments seriously.  Admittedly, it was very unlikely that any intruder would make off with the clothes in the washing machine.  That didn't stop Watchcat Collette from guarding the machine yesterday, though:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXVIII

Some watchcats have it--that gleam in the eye that says, "Don't mess with me."  Watchcat Collette exhibited that gleam this afternoon:

She also assured me that she isn't afraid to use karate moves:

Who wouldn't feel secure with that kind of protection from a rough-and-tumble watchcat?

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXVII

It's helpful to have a backup watchcat nearby when you develop poltergeist eyes.  Watchcat Sammy took command of the assigned sector when Watchcat Rosie's eyes went wonky:

Watchcat Rosie returned the favor when Watchcat Sammy's eyes went haywire in June 2013:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXVI

One hallmark of a confident watchcat is her ability to look up as if to ask, "Yes?  You have a question?"  Watchcat Rosie had this attitude down in November 2003:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXV

In 1991, Watchcat Rusty mastered an impressive form of agility training--ping pong.  Naturally, he wasn't expected to serve the ball, but his paw-eye coordination made him a whiz at returning serves:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXIV

"Bring on the shoes," said Watchcat Sammy in February 2008.  "I'll guard them--and possibly wear them, if no one has any objections:"

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXIII

Watchcat Sammy and his reinforcements were a formidable security force in October 2016:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXII

Watchcat Rosie's face said it all in September 2013.  While Watchcat Sammy sat passively in the background, Watchcat Rosie's expression indicated, "Think you can get past this fortress of security?  If so, you're wrong.  I know your plans and how to thwart them.  Don't ask me how I know; I just do:"

Context? IV

Given how common rounding up at the register has become, this exchange I had Sunday with a grocery store clerk was probably inevitable:

Clerk: Would you like to round up?

Me: Round up for what?

Clerk: I could round the total up and take two dollars off for the reward points you've earned.

Me: But why would the total be rounded up?  What cause is this for?

The clerk then told me the name and nature of the cause.  I agreed to forfeit the 28 cents I would have gotten in change otherwise.  It's perplexing, though, that a customer is almost expected to round up-- without knowing why.  I'm waiting for the day when a clerk asks, "Would you like to pay more than you owe for no apparent reason?"

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXXI

In June 2014, Watchcat Nemo tried an unusual technique for deterring intruders--hypnosis.  Once unauthorized visitors stared into the deep blue portions of Nemo's eyes, they were subject to his commands:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXX

As Watchcat Rusty demonstrated in the late '90s, you don't have to be a watchgoat to take a grazing break:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXIX (In memory of Simon the cat)

Even when your guardians are about to move and your guard post is surrounded by odds and ends, a good watchcat perseveres and keeps guarding his assigned sector:

1989: Watchcat Simon makes a place for himself on the mat.

Sadly, an era of my family's cats ended on this day 20 years ago.  June 13, 2001 was Watchcat Simon's last day on Earth.  We'd lost his brother, Watchcat Rusty, six months earlier and were unprepared for Simon's health to deteriorate so quickly.

Often, it's not easy being second.  Rusty, who joined the family in August 1983, was generally outgoing, talkative, and playful, while Simon, who joined us in June 1987, was typically quiet, shy, and serious.  I've always thought of Simon as the most introverted of all the cats we've had and the one whom life intimidated most.  I often thought, not unkindly, that the "Schoolhouse Rock" song, "The Tale Of Mr. Morton," could have applied, with altered lyrics, to him.  (i.e.  "Mr. Simon is the subject of the sentence, and when the predicate's said, he runs.")

As a fellow introvert, however, I got along well with him.  I felt honored to be one of the very few people he trusted.  He enjoyed it when I carried him around the house, much like my longtime cat, Sylvia.  In his early years, he alerted us eagerly with a quick "Meow, meow" before jumping in our laps.

Despite his mostly reserved ways, Watchcat Simon summoned the fortitude to assume guard duty.  Once he got his bearings, he kept watch over three houses where we lived over the years and particularly over one former neighbor, whose lawn mowing fascinated him.

Simon's cat brother, Rusty, and he were a study in contrasts, but they coexisted and carried out their watchcat duties well.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVIII

Although it was unlikely that anyone would have made off with her guardians' to-be-recycled items, Watchcat Rosie guarded them nevertheless in June 2006:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVII

On June 9, 2021, there was no doubt that Watchcat Lily was alert.  While Proxy Nemo took a break, Lily kept her focus on everyone within her assigned sector:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXVI

Watchcats don't have to maintain a constant foreboding presence.  Sometimes, it's appropriate to be more relaxed--more zen, if you will:

When there's a suspicious noise, however, at least one watchcat needs to snap to attention:

Proxy Nemo and Watchcat Lily had this routine down yesterday.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXV

Thought you'd slip on these shoes, didn't you?  Well, think again:

July 2006: No one wore this pair of shoes, except for one of Watchcat Rosie's guardians--and Watchcat Rosie, of course.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXIV

It's always comforting when the watchcat gives you a look that says, "No one will mess with you, as long as I'm here."  Watchcat Rosie provided this reassurance in Spring 2009:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXIII

If you're an unauthorized visitor, especially one as small as a bug, you might think your actions off to the side will go unnoticed.  You'll have no such luck when a watchcat is on duty:

Summer 2009: Watchcat Sylvia focused on a suspicious creature.

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXII

If you're an unauthorized visitor to a watchcat's assigned sector, expect the watchcat to show you a countenance that says, "Prove your case for being here."  Watchcat Nemo had this expression down in Spring 2009:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLXI

Watchcat Rosie's expression didn't startle Watchcat Sammy in Spring 2013.  He figured she was just trying to intimidate unauthorized visitors by looking menacing:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLX

The electronic devices were safe when Watchcat Rosie guarded them.  In August 2004, she was so confident they were protected, she took a moment to wash her paw:

A linguistic compliment II

When used the right way, "Call it a hunch...," is a good way to preface a sarcastic remark.

One recent example: I kept an eye on my cat, Collette, while she sat on the table as I ate.  When I looked away, however, she bit me on the arm.  While I exclaimed, "Ouch!," Collette scampered into the living room and hid under the end table.

"Call it a hunch," I told her, "but I think you know you've done something wrong."

Watchcat protocol DCCCLIX

No one walked off with the suitcase in July 2007.  Watchcat Sammy sat on it, and that made all the difference:

Watchcat protocol DCCCLVIII

Watchcats are busy cats, at least part of the time.  When duty calls, they don't have time to stop and pose for pictures:

November 2005: Watchcat Sammy walks hurriedly, focused on something known only to him--and possibly Watchcat Headquarters.