Of Those Who Have Fallen

As regular readers may know, I don’t usually publish anything on this blog that isn’t cat-related. The big holidays – Christmas and Easter – are exceptions, as is New Year’s, as that is a significant change chronologically, if in no other way. But I feel I should acknowledge Remembrance Day, as well.

As a reader of military history, especially those histories that are very detailed or which are memoirs, I tend to think a great deal about the efforts and sacrifices of those who went to war. Those who do so, go for a great many reasons, of course; not all of them are, it must be admitted, altruistic. Indeed, many regulars join up to learn a trade or simply to have a good job; this was often the case in the old days, when poverty was the only other option. No doubt they, like every other sane person, hoped that they would never have to put their training to practical use.

There were as many motives for going into combat, of course, as there were men in uniform. I recently watched a film called Appointment in London, in which the principal character, when asked why he wanted to fulfill a 90-mission ambition with Bomber Command, stated that he was afraid others would think him fearful if he didn’t. Then he added that that was ‘the usual’ thing that is said. It was probably true in many cases. He then stated that he was doing it because he’d told so many people he would that he couldn’t back out. That was probably true in many cases, as well.

From what I’ve read, soldiers, sailors and airmen go into battle for their beliefs, their regiments, their comrades, their countries, their families, and every other reason under the sun and stars. Some go because it’s easier than not going.

Yet what I find astounding, what I find moving, is that when it came down to it, almost every one of them went forward into mortal danger of their own accord. If the majority had decided not to, there would have been little those in authority could have done about it, as has been shown at some points in history. But these men made a conscious decision to put one foot in front of another and step into what may have been their final minutes.

Was it bravery, was it foolishness, was it vainglory? It doesn’t matter. They did it, and for many it was the last thing they did. And because they did it, I can agree or disagree with anyone or everyone without fear of reprisal. I can worship as I like or not at all. I can protest peacefully and I can tell those in power I dislike them and their ways. I can read what I want, go where I want. Whether or not I manifest my conscience is a matter of my own trepidation or concern, not of the dictates of arbitrary authority.

For this freedom, I thank all of them, the brave and the frightened, the lazy and the dutiful, the honest men and the connivers, the family men and the loners, those with everything ahead of them and those with nothing to lose. Because of them, I sleep in peace.

The Tail of an Older Brother

I am surprised at how tolerant Brazil is with the younger cats. He will play with them and, when I use a string-toy on them, Shimmer patiently waits for it to come to him, while Aurora, Theodore and Chiff (especially the last) barge into each other trying to wrest control of the toy from rivals. He will lie still while Chiff stumps and pushes her way into a comfortable position next to him - or on top of him - in the cylinder-house cat-tree. And he will allow them to play with his tail.

That long, slender tail of his is the object of three active kittens, almost always at meal-times, when it waves about as Brazil eagerly awaits his food. Chiff often grasps my lower legs as I am preparing the cats’ fare - a startling action before I cut her claws - and I thought previously that it was due to her impatience. She was, in fact, trying to seize her foster-brother’s tail, which is more easily done against a solid background (eg. my legs) than against the air. Aurora will try to pull the tail as it passes by a chair she is on. Theodore likes to pounce on it.

Through all the shenanigans, Brazil maintains his equanimity. He seems to have an affinity for the youngsters, and certainly indulges in fun with them himself. If he is fulfilling the rôle of older brother, then he is the sort who doesn’t mind babysitting his siblings, even if they are of the annoying sort.

Her Chin-rest

Some beasts are becoming restless at the attention some other beasts are receiving on this blog, so I’ve promised that this will be the last of the cute kitten pictures for a while. But I felt this one had to be given attention. The rescue-group (and I) think it would be rather wonderful if Brazil and Chiff were adopted together. They needn’t, of course, but in any new home, Shimmer would benefit much more from Chiff’s company than would, say, Aurora or Theodore, each of whom would make friends quickly with whomever was already resident and willing to have a new pal. We would love for any of the four to go with any of the other four but particularly Brazil and Chiff. They are, of course, available separately. Even so, have you ever seen anything like a kitten resting her chin on a big brother’s foot?

Our Programme Will Return After This Brief Message

Theodore would like those interested in adopting a kitten to peruse his profile on the Lethbridge PAW Society website (http://www.pawsociety.com/Theodore1.html). He’s quite proud of it, though he looks a little anxious here; he’s probably worried that there is a spelling error. He would also like everyone to know that he would love to be adopted with another cat, or go to a home with another cat; preferably an active and playful youngster, because that’s what he is. Theodore is enjoying his time in the Cosy Apartment, but there is no substitute for a permanent home of one’s own.

Watching Ahab

Magpies frequent the vicinity of the Cosy Apartment. They are a common bird, and many people dislike them for their noise and voracious ways. They will eat the eggs and the young of other birds. But magpies have their place in the scheme of things, and, like other animals, are welcome at Café Cosy. I scatter cat-food for them and they come, usually in a flock, to partake of the buffet. It keeps them from attacking other birds as both competitors and prey, and it provides entertainment for the cats.

One magpie comes sometimes alone. He has but one leg. I call him Ahab. To balance while feeding, he seems to roll and hop a great deal. But he looks fat and, except for his missing limb, appears in good shape. Yesterday morning, Ahab came to eat breakfast, and to provide the beasts with something to watch.

And In This Corner...

Theodore the Adorable comes out strong, putting the bitey on his opponent, Miss Chiff. He is confident of victory and gives a knowing look to the audience, showing his disdain for his adversary.

Miss Chiff appears nonplussed, at a loss at how to counter Theodore’s tactics.

But wait! The match isn’t over, as Miss Chiff strikes back. Theodore’s over-confidence may have been his undoing. He’s not preprared for this powerful assault.

With a quick, knockout left to the chin, the battle is ended, and Miss Chiff is the winner!

Note: no cats were harmed in this session. They were chasing each other a moment later, then grooming each other, then trying to pull off each other’s head. The joys of a sibling playmate…

It's Good to Have Friends

While Brazil still isn’t getting along with Imogen - and vice versa - he has no problem with any of the other cats in the Cosy Apartment. He plays with the siblings, Miss Chiff and Theodore, as much as he does with Aurora. The four will arrange various permutations of pursuer and pursued in their games of chase.

And it’s nice to have a choice of cuddle-pals, as Chiff is demonstrating with her foster-brother, Brazil.