First, concerning cats…You’re probably more aware than I am that a tsunami can hit Japan and an eyewitness’ video from an smartphone can appear on Youtube and there will be thousands of viewers in the first minute. On the other hand, someone can post on Youtube yet another video of a cat snoring or playing with a ball of yarn and there will be two-million viewers in the first three seconds. Why are we so taken by cats? The ancient Egyptians thought cats were deities and cats have never doubted it since (though their mummies–and there are cat mummies–look more than a little ridiculous). I think cats have exerted some kind of mind control over us and even I’ll admit to watching a cat’s interpretation of the blockbuster, Titanic, and I have to say that it’s a superior to the original with human actors.
So I just want to let our readers know that through the generous efforts of two volunteers, the cats that once dwelt at the Gift Shop have been rounded up (evidently a cat whisperer can herd cats), inoculated, neutered and placed in loving homes. If any of you fear that there are now no cats on the property of Holy Cross Abbey, be at peace. Feral cats are never gone from anywhere. In fact small cat houses have been placed strategically under bushes and hedgerows away from the gift shop to encourage their continued employment as mouse-catchers. It’s so good foe anyone, felines included, to have a purpose and mission in life.
I have to confess that I really have nothing to report about cabbages, though when it comes to vegetation, the tall, decorative grasses around the gift shop have been trimmed back and the earth has been tilled. The shop’s stock has been packed up and is presently stored at the abbey, the refrigerator and desks thoroughly cleaned, the shelving removed and the book cases shifted to the center, the walls washed and await the painters. Then a new rug will be installed and everything moved back in. That’s a lot of progress for one month and the Abbey thanks the volunteers, employees and monks who have made this happen.
As to kings, well, that would only return our attention to cats and of them, enough has been said.
Future posts will keep you informed of the state of the Gift Shop and when it will re-open.