Cats New Years Eve

Well, it's pretty quiet downstairs at Phoenix Towers, Mr P & I doing our usual NYE thing of "slam them in the oven" type nibbles to be produced at regular intervals until we either explode or wave the white flag of surrender, drinking Asda Cava (£3.78 a bottle, and not bad at all).

We suddenly noticed that there was not a cat to be seen. Earlier on they seemed to be everywhere, well, to be honest Maurcie and Digby were, Lily is still going through her Marlene Deitrich phase, which seems to have lasted for, oooh, around 7 or so years now. Both of the chaps seemed hell bent on stopping me from reading the paper, mainly by lying on it as it was spread across the table. I came up with a cunning plan!

I put the sport section (opened to the racing pages) on the worktop, and the main paper (by now on the crossword page) on the kitchen table. As one became covered by a furry body, I moved to the other. Result! One day they will mount a concerted attack, with one on each section, but so far this hasn't happpened. I do still wonder, however if Maurice (who has always been very bright and rather erudite for a cat,) is sort of tackling the cryptic crossword by some form of osmosis through his bottom, one of the answers to Saturdays one was "vole", need I say any more?)

Anyway, back to this evening. Just after we had commented that not one of them had condescended to join us in the sitting room, in strolled Maurice, looking very dapper but rather too studidly (sp?) casual for my liking. He settled on the sofa for a while, but subjected me to some rather intense stares. After about 20 minutes he left. I had the feeling that he had been on a sort of reconnaisance mission.

I left it a while, then went upstairs and sure enough, there they all were, in our bedroom, looking as if butter wouldn't melt on their paws. (Better not,as I think grease stains would be a bugger to get out of the duvet cover.)

I think they may be planning their own party. Mr P and I have always felt that Maurice may be a Jack Daniels and Coke sort of chap, but I think that as he has matured he may be moving towards favouring a good claret. Lily, I'm afraid will be the sort that goes for the Blue WKD type of alco pop, whilst dancing round a white plastic fake Dior handbag.The late lamented Clucky was most definitely a small sherry or a port and lemon type. (Well, what would you expect from a lady who took her turn in the church flower rota and had a fine collection of brooches for all occasions?)

This has been Digby's first festive season with us, so we can only guess at his predelictions. At the moment the smart monet seems to be going on Vimto.

I'm still not sure about their planned nibbles, Maurice of course will always plump for what we have to refer to as "solid dairy product" with Stilton being his particular favourite. (He is also rather fond of smoked salmon) Lily and Digby, however will not touch anything that hasn't come out of a tin or packet clearly labelled "cat food". Perhaps they are considering branching out and having a barbeque of mouse kebabs, with a side order of shrew. As long as they don't leave a mess, I don't mind.The litter trays have been emptied and replenished, Digby has already tested one of them (AFTER going out and coming back in ) the water bowl is refreshed. I just hope they don't disturb the neighbours with their music.

Any ideas as to what they might be playing?