Recently, I published an entry that featured Imogen lying on the ancient micro-wave oven that I own, one dating back to about 1980. In that year, we probably would have been surprised to learn that forty years thence, people would be thinking of goods manufactured in the last quarter of the twentieth century as of durable quality. But everything is relative and compared to now, craftsmanship of the 1980s was like Geppetto’s skill and care in carving Pinocchio.
The point is that some things last. And others would last but for cats. I write now of
my bedspread. I bought it in the summer of 2020. It is still serviceable, but
it is showing both wear and tear. At one time, the tufted, narrow ridges running
its length were strong and marked. Now, in patches, they have disappeared; too
many furred bodies lying, rolling, turning and grooming upon them.
And then there are the holes. It takes only a tiny puncture to
begin, like a black hole that will eventually swallow the universe. (I would
not be surprised to discover that black holes are caused by the untrimmed claws
of a great cosmic cat.) I don’t know who caused the large wound, but of course,
once started, such apertures grow. There are a number of them now, weakening
the structure of the bedspread and allowing for still more and wider holes.
As well, the bedspread, once a perfect rectangle, has been pulled and stretched, and no longer retains its pure shape.
Some day, I will have to buy another, and another after that. But at some point in the future, I will be too old for cats, and I will look at a bedspread, still pristine after years of use, and wish for a tiny puncture to begin.
I know what you mean. When you have cats they consider everything a toy or a scratching post. Consequently things do show wear and tear. I think every one of my knickknacks is held together with Super Glue. But that's OK - I'd rather have the cats than a home that looks like an add for "House Beautiful". After all, Martha Stewart doesn't live here.
ReplyDeleteI think everyone who lives with felines eventually has a house that screams "Cats Are Here!" I have a beautiful little carved wooden box that my grandmother took with her when our family left Latvia, so it's at least about 80 years old. It survived in pristine shape through many decades, years in refugee camps, and a trip to America. Then, one day, a cat leaped on the dresser where it's kept, decided it was a fun new toy, and whack! Off goes the lid!
DeleteI still chuckle whenever I look at that box.
Dearest John,
ReplyDeleteWell, we do have some beautiful Matelassé bedspreads that I found at the Yves Delorme outlet—French quality cotton.
BUT when our family started containing kitties we never laid them out again...
But we LOVE our fur babies!
Hugs,
Mariette
You just bought that, or so it seems! I remember you posted about your new bedspread. I guess three years, give or take, is a long time in a household with multiple cats. My suggestion is to throw a blanket or afghan over it, be it one you have or a thrift store find. It'll save the bedspread from further wear and tear....though it won't save the blanket. 😁
ReplyDeleteThe things we hold onto even though someone we love have been at them causing damage
ReplyDeleteWe'd rather have the holes than NOT have the holes.
ReplyDeleteIn complete agreement.
Last night as I lay in bed, I was thinking about how for 16 years I have slept with two covers on my bed. Miss Pops ritual was to come up at night, and want to get between the quilts and have a 10 minute snuggles. I truly miss it.
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt you miss it. I miss certain rituals myself. Whatever damage might result from them is immaterial, really. We rarely miss a quilt or two; we miss who used to be between them.
DeleteNo bedding seems to wear out now. I wish it did!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this entry as I do all of them. As with you and every else..I would rather have the puncture makers, the shredders...the precious souls who warm our heads and chests and ourside at night
ReplyDeleteA sign of loving home for cats. No matter the cost of their needle sharp claws, we give them all they want and need. Now on to knead a new bedspread.
ReplyDeleteThe coverlet shows that the cats are welcome to spend their time in comfort. I've a quilt that my mom made years ago that is damaged just from regular wear and tear. I haven't dared to bring it out with the cats (and now just cat). I'll likely get it repaired at some point and use it, but I know I'll miss the company.
ReplyDeleteIncidentally, your comment about eventually being "too old" for cats really hit home. I myself am not in the first blush of youth, and of late it's occurred to me that I can never get a very young cat again, because there is a decent chance the cat would outlive me, and then what would become of him or her?
ReplyDeleteThe thought left me incredibly sad.
Yes, the thought bothers me because firstly, I will not be able to provide a cat with a nice home - and there are so many who need one - and secondly, I will not have that feline companion and friend for my last years. It’s not something I look forward to.
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