Watchcat protocol LXI

As long as they're alert and ready to move, it's permissible for watchcats to survey their territory from a shoe box:

July 2005: Watchcat Sammy in his shoe box.

Watchcat protocol LX

A watchcat doesn't always choose the most obvious monitoring station.  Sometimes, the element of surprise is necessary:

2011: Watchcat Sylvia monitors her surroundings from a grocery bag.

Watchcat protocol LIX

Inspecting toy mice for explosives is one of the more dangerous watchcat duties:

Fortunately, Sammy remained unscathed after carrying out this task in October 2006.

A post I never want to write

How do you write an annual blog post about September 11, 2001, one of the worst days in American history?  I remember the incongruity of watching TV news coverage while young watchcats Rosie and Sammy chased each other.  (As I'm sure you've guessed, this was part of their watchcat agility training.)  I remember the general daze I felt, driving to work that afternoon for a staff meeting and waiting in the car, listening to KMOX and KWMU news coverage before I got out.  At work that night, my thoughts kept alternating between "How insignificant all of this is, compiling sports box scores and stats," and "How lucky I am to be here, compiling sports box scores and stats."  While driving to work for several weeks after that, I made sure to give the American flag on the St. Louis Science Center overpass a quick salute. 

Craig Ferguson was right when he said, "America felt like a very small town that day."  I wish my memories of that day weren't so sharp, but it's appropriate that they are.

Witch cat watchcat protocol II

Per Watchcat Headquarters, it's permissible for witch cats to station themselves on small shelves.  Their ability to fly means they can react quickly when intruders invade:

2010: Two witch cats on shelves.

Witch cat watchcat protocol

Sometimes, Watchcat Headquarters sends one or more witch cats to check on watchcats.  Sammy kept watch over things while Rosie took a break to play, so Watchcat Headquarters considered this permissible:

2010: Sammy, Rosie, and a witch cat.

Watchcat protocol LVIII

A watchcat can never be too careful.  Even when the person you see at the top of the stairs looks familiar, it's still best to investigate:

Fall 2010: Watchcat Sammy climbs to the top of the stairs to verify that it's really me.