Travels with Forty Roses: March 2019

I overheard today my people are looking for a life jacket for me. As if I would need one. I’m sure I can accomplish this water thing. After all, I watch the ducks out there on the canal every day and they manage. They also have a green mesh harness which is rather tight going on over my head and I think I succeeded in scaring them when I walked wearing it. Or rather waddled. Now there is a red harness and a leash that came in the mail. I humour them by wearing it and running around in the boat with it on, dragging the leash. But the best equipment is the carrier. We took the train to The Netherlands and I was placed in the carrier. How surprised were they when I was sitting beside the cage, not in it. There was a huge fuss about that and now I find myself with zippers tied in some funny way. But do you really think cats have not heard of Houdini? Look, my ancestors came by boat from Syria centuries ago. Some of us took up with the Carthusians monks who don’t talk, just like us. I suppose they like us because we were silent. Anyhow, that’s what Mama told us and we believe her because she is a wise cat. Actually, I was born last September in St. Maur, a long way from Paris. But my new owners came to see me, then pick me up and naturally I showed them what a cute and smart cat the Chartreux breed really is. My 4 sisters were leaving too, but I was the only one going to Paris. It’s a big change, but I love it. I’ve learned English but will never lose my French roots. I’m still loving any fromage or croissant that happens to be in my way and wine corks…well they are just plain entertaining. We live on a boat. That was a shock, but nothing I couldn’t handle. Frankly, the view is great, ducks, pigeons, seagulls, crows and a few songbirds surround this place. I can watch Michelle and Alain’s TV at night …they live next door. Michelle likes cooking shows so that is good for me. We are known here in France as having “big forks”. I can see 360 degrees and I sit in the windows and watch the people on the pontoons walk by. They all point and smile at me as I do know I’m handsome. There are cats too, mostly like me the indoor variety but a few come and look in at me at night and I think they envy my soft bed. Of course there are dogs ( they say it's a Dogs World, but I don't agree) and I have two dog friends , Monty and Dr. Watson. One is big and black and the other is small and shaggy. Monty stays overnight sometimes as his owner goes on trips and my people say I can handle a dog: which I can. We seem to have a lot of people around. Everyone is impressed that I can fetch toys and drop them at their feet. They ohhh and ahhh and throw the toy so many times I think they will never stop. But I have to show them cats are smart , so keep it up. There is always a lot going on around here so I just follow and put my nose into everything. All is really interesting; engine rooms, cooking, ovens, laundry machines, computer and especially printers. At first they tried pennies in a jar to keep me off the counter, but noise does not scare me. Even the Metro or the TGV or the car. Now they are trying a water spray bottle but I can be really fast and it misses me or I can back off and let them think it is working. When they leave I sometimes lie on the table just for fun. The games are good here and so is the food. When people come to see me they often bring a new toy so I have lots to choose from. I do have my favourites for different games. I know we are leaving Paris soon and heading to Metz and then on to Canada. I’m excited to see all those trees and lakes. I also hear talk of chipmunks and squirrels but I’m not sure what they are. I’ll find out. But I suppose that’s only if I can escape outside?