Five = a number we can count on just one hand.
...and...
Five = the number of "people" the boys are pushing to have in our family. (?!)
Um, we're in a danger zone, Jesse.
A small kitty that was wandering the street darted through the door into our courtyard today when we were returning from school. She's between a kitten and an adult (and I say "she" but have no idea whether it's a girl or a boy). The boys were beyond enchanted; they've lobbied hard for a cat for years. Fortunately she was pretty standoffish, though, and kept to the shrubbery. We stayed outdoors and watched her for a while, but I figured it wouldn't be too hard to shoo her out in an hour or two.
But...when we went indoors for our snack, this little face wouldn't stop peering in the windows at us.
We went back out and standoffishness became all cuddles and sweetness. Uh-oh.
I sat down to take a couple of pictures of her with the boys, and next thing I knew she was purring like a champ on my own lap, cuddling in, and closing her eyes. Oh dear. After a few minutes I handed the camera to Josiah.
Five? Could be nice...
Post-script: Don't worry. After giving her some water and some more cuddles in the courtyard (no food), we're about to send her out into the evening. The heartfelt imploring on the part of the children is substantial though, from Josiah especially. I've softened enough to say that IF she reappears for another day or two, and IF we can't locate an owner, and IF the landlord is open to it, and IF you and I have a big big big BIG discussion, Jesse, then perhaps there's a ray of possibility. I fear he's interpreting it in the "so you're telling me there's a chance" style of Dumb and Dumber.
6 comments:
Oh my. Well, she IS very cute...
Don't do it. That voice was a refrain in our house for YEARS. and now, for the umpteenth time, Tim had to go out last night to buy "just one more thing" for his fishtank. It will never end. There will be cat climbing houses and play tunnels. There will be a cat hammock. There will be curtains made of fabric especially safe for cat climbing. There will be special cat food of hearty varieties because s/he should have flavorful offerings too...(P.S. I do like cats, but have clearly been scarred by the "but it will be AWESOME" refrain)
Totally hear you, Holly. This is why we've never even half countenanced the idea. We're way too cheap, we travel too much, and besides all that, we prefer any generosity go toward humans who need it before animals! BUT with all that said...we've talked several times about a pet just for the year here in France: it would have a defined duration, and it definitely would be a comfort to boys who sometimes are stressed and/or lonesome here... We'll see.
Have I mentioned that I really, really like your hair!
You could just tell the boys it's an "outdoor" cat. Put a little food and water out and leave it to its own devices. Still "their" cat, but no fuss for you. (Normally I would never advocate leaving a cat outside to fend for itself, but in this situation it could be an easy compromise).
Do it. That kitty is ridiculously cute, and, as you said, there'd be a defined duration. Our old cat, Owen, brings out a side of Ben which would otherwise never have surfaced. Ben's unwavering loyalty towards, vocal adoration and defense of Owen is a hoot.
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