I spend far too much time in the local Barnes & Nobles (plural). As I have a fondness for programming reference books, I have accumulated quite a few, which are often in small to middling sized stacks throughout the house. At least until Senyah stubs her toes on them.

So yesterday I bought a new six-shelf bookcase, and left it in the hallway until I could clear the small cinder block and plank eyesore of books and such.

In the meantime, Presto and Little Feet are investigating the bookcase. Both of them are looking furtively in my direction, since it's my toy. But being the good cat person that I am, I decide to help them.

Both cats scatter, but I catch Little Feet, and lift him to the top of the bookshelf. Presto refuses to come closer, and just knows he'll get in trouble if I can reach him. So he runs when I try to catch him.

Finally, I catch Presto, and put him on the top shelf, from where he can play slap-paw with Little Feet on the top of the bookshelf. I keep a close eye on them, in case the bookshelf topples - it is empty at the time.

I manage to clear away the blocks and such, and move the bookshelf into the bedroom next to my computer desk, and gather up all my books from around the house (except the astrology books, which have their own, smaller bookshelf in the living room).

Presto and Little Feet take turns climbing up on the desk, and leaping into and onto the still-empty bookshelf. I can see this has to be discouraged. So I start filling and arranging the bookshelf.

Presto and Little Feet are demanding that I empty *their* new toy immediately. And at least one cat has decided that my monitor is high enough to give him a little extra advantage *trying* to get to the top of the bookshelf.

Senyah says they were both very good cats all day long [smirk] . I know my boys. There are paw prints all over my desk.

Copyright © Mark Edwards
February 2, 2000