You have no doubt heard of Batman, Ironman, Superman, Bananaman and plenty of other superheroes - including Catwoman. But have you heard of Catman? No? Well, I can reveal that I am he! Or I will be from February 1st to the 11th.
I shall be heading to my brother's remote property in southern France to save the day with my super powers. Not really. I am going there to look after his cats. He will be heading to Morocco with his longtime girlfriend Susy for ten days and their usual cat feeders and cat sitters are unavailable. In desperation he asked me if I would step in and I agreed.
Shirley is unable to accompany me because of work commitments so I shall be there on my lonesome with a herd of cats.
The property is situated on a ridge, a couple of miles from the nearest village. You get there along a narrow lane called Chemin du Picou. It is virtually traffic-free but the postman drives along it every day in his little yellow van with "La Poste" emblazoned on the side in navy blue.
The closest villages are like little ghost towns. There are no bars or even boulangeries. However, just a short drive away are three pleasant little towns - Mirepoix, Foix and Pamiers. Toulouse is forty minutes away. Within an hour you can be in The Pyrenees.
I don't mind solitude and I hope to make good use of my 240 hours in France. A few years back I was in the middle of writing a novel but progress ceased when I took up my second short teaching contract in Thailand. This will be a good opportunity to reconsider the 50,000 words I had completed. Or maybe I will write a different novel about a cat sitter who ended up as cat food!
Just don't get lost in the mountains, there are bears out there.
ReplyDeleteI shall take a compass and some bear repellent.
DeleteWish I lived closer - I would love to take over those responsibilities! But then I'm a cat lover and we no longer have any of our own.
ReplyDeleteShHh! Don't tell anybody Sillygirl. I'll meet you at Carcassonne Airport
DeleteYou're a good man, Mr. P.
ReplyDeletePaying penance for all my wrongdoings Madam Moon.
DeleteEnjoy and make the most of the solitude. Knowing you, you'll be out walking in the surrounding area, sharing some lovely photos later. You can even take some of the cats with you on leads!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of turning one of those cats into a Davy Crockett hat.
DeleteThat is very kind of you YP...enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteThanks Libby. I will try.
DeleteWhat a lovely break for you, YP. Please give our regards to Robin and Susie and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteYes I will Jenny.
DeleteMay you can find a catwoman there :)
ReplyDeletehttps://en.rehitu.com
I already have a catwoman at home.
DeleteWow, I'd love to housesit for someone in the south of France. Lucky you! It sounds like a nice getaway.
ReplyDeleteNext time they need someone I will suggest you Jennifer!
DeleteYAY!!! A new book from you would be great. You know I'd read it (and even pay money for it!).
ReplyDeleteCatsitting in a remote place all on your own - it truly sounds like the beginning of a story.
...he could hear them coming up the lane. They were carrying burning torches and some were brandishing pitchforks or hunting rifles. Then a spine-chilling chant rose into the cloud-free February evening. It echoed across the wooded valley "Congé anglais! Congé anglais!"
DeleteHe recognised that it meant "English out!" and he felt fear surging through his veins like a tsunami of untethered terror.
Good luck with the cats , Catman!
ReplyDeleteI like cats but at the last count he had nine of them!
DeleteHow many cats? Ten days might not end up being much free time if they have a dozen! Good luck, and kudos to you for giving your brother and his partner a chance to get away.
ReplyDeleteNine! They have nine! I will not be letting any of them in my bedroom.
DeleteHow wonderful! You can write a book about the clowder of cats you are caring for while there. As far as not letting them in your bedroom, well you do know that cats will not stand for a closed door and they love a warm bed!
ReplyDeleteClowder? What a great word! You have taught me something today Bonnie.
DeleteWow! Nine cats!!
ReplyDeleteThere's barely enough room on MY king-size bed now as it is with my two furry rascals confiscating most of the space of THEIR bed. I've asked them time and time again to come to a compromise and make it OUR bed, but they ignore my pleas!
I'd have no chance at all trying to fight for room if I had nine cats!!!
Enjoy your time and don't be a pussy alone there in the wilderness. Alone, that is, not taking into account the nine other pussies. Take a carton or two of beer with you to keep you hydrated! And get cracking on finishing your book! Take care. :)
I hope I will be able to blog from there Lee... if the cats will let me!
DeleteYou might have to get into line, Yorkie. Wait your turn in the queue! :)
DeleteLOL -- maybe a screen script for the Horror Channel? I can't wait to hear how this little adventure unfolds. Are you a cat person, YP?
ReplyDelete