Ginger the catVyna has a crazy pet. (No! not me) It’s a small blue budgiegard. She said it has personality, I think he has a big attitude problem. This is one bird with ambition beyond its station! I will write about him another time. The bird did remind me of a friend who had a cat named Ginger.
Ginger had attitude and he also had this powerful mystical air about him. What I remembered mostly about him is that he did not like me; come to think of it, he did not like anyone! But once in a lifetime we do see/meet an animal that looks you right in the eye and you can feel it thinking – “I’m the BOSS! I own YOU! Understand this and we’ll get along just fine.” Ginger was full of confidence and attitude, like I said. Thinking back I ask myself was it a good or bad attitude? You decide.
Ginger made the house rules. If I got too close he would leap for my leg and sink his fangs and claws into my leg, and with his red eyes (they looked red to me!) looking deep into my mine, he only let go when he saw the tears. It’s funny how a family can go about its business within an invisible corridor because of a cat.
My friend’s mum (mom) had worked out a truce with Ginger and the only rule she had was - no sitting, nor sleeping on the kitchen table. Oh! What an experience it was to watch this battle of wills! (A private cold war, in fact).
For instance, whenever we went out and returned home, we always found Ginger sleeping on the kitchen floor. If we felt the tabletop, we would soon find the hot spot where Ginger had been sleeping. Once I swear I saw him peeking at me and daring me to tell.
In our neighborhood there was this man who had an Alsatian dog. He and the dog both had the same irritating ‘get out of our way’ attitude, with aspirations of toughness. You know the type.
One day, I was at my friend’s house and from their kitchen, I could see Ginger in the garden sunning himself. Through the window, we could see this man walking his dog, and before you know it, we heard this loud bark, growl, and hissing noise. In a matter of seconds, we saw the dog charging full pelt (speed) up the street with Ginger on its back with all his fangs and claws sunk into the dog’s neck and back. Ginger was riding like a jockey in a horse race, while the dog's owner chased after them both. With all of our sides bursting, we were laughing with tears down our faces!
Later that day, Ginger was nonchalant about the whole thing, cleaning and licking himself. It was then that I had renewed respect for Ginger.
Ginger, I believed sensed my respect and I was allowed to stroke his head (only once) if I tried twice!
Sinatra once sang about “New York, New York – it’s a helluva town!”
Would Ginger like New York? Yes! Ginger would equate with Sinatra about New York.
Ginger would have LOVED it! The whole in your face, up and go New York attitude. On the subway? No problem. He’d get a seat every time, jumping queue (line) in front of him, let them try it! I would have loved to seen the cops try to cuff him, like Kermit he would be saying, “You hear me New York? We’re gonna be on Broadway, because we’re not giving up. I’m still here and I’m staying. You hear that New York? This cat (frog) is staying!” Yes, Ginger and Kermit the Frog would have been great buddies.
Sadly Ginger is no longer with us, never before or since has a cat left an impression on me like Ginger. I still conjure up memories of him. Thank you my friend.
So did he have a good or bad attitude? As bosses go, I think you know my answer!
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Out on the town in New YorkVyna and I decided to go for an evening drink in Manhattan; she saved my life that night. She chose the Soho Grand Hotel on West Broadway, so my coat was on before she could blink. Boy the wind was cold, where did it come from? I certainly knew were it was going!
The Subway journey was crazy as usual, but I loved it. I’ve now started taking a reporter’s notebook wherever I go. It makes great variety of material while traveling on the Subway.
Ok, ok, back to our evening out! Arriving at the hotel Vyna went straight into the Grand Bar & Lounge, and I later learned it was an old favorite hunting ground of hers. Yes I said hunting ground although she accused me of deliberately misheard her! Who do you believe?
We met Kelly, the General Manager; I thought she was very friendly and extremely professional, as well as astute. She greeted Vyna like an old friend, plus watched over us all evening like we knew each other for years. Upon leaving, we exchanged business cards. Thank you Kelly. I’ll be Back!
On with the evening, entering the Bar Lounge, the atmosphere is enchanting, lights dimmed and music soft, food and drinks, all 5 Stars (credit to Kelly). All the tables have up to six seats, so sharing is customary.
That evening, we shared our table with an out of town business guy named Mike. Soon afterwards, we were starting chatting about our lines of business etc. His food looked good! I nearly pinched his crab cake (pinch = steal, for my American cousins). Mike soon went back to his hotel room.
Imagine this, if you can. From my seat, I was facing the entrance to the Lounge so I can see the new comers shown to their seats. By now, the Lounge is getting full! Here was the rub. Our table was pointed out to four different couples, and they all refused to seat next to us. We were beginning to have a complex. This particular woman walked over to our table, looked down her nose with that patronizing, sneering look and said ‘no’ in front of me!! (sorrrrry! I thought). Trust me, Vyna quickly assessed, they’re all tourists! Real New Yorkers don’t mind sharing seats in a hotel like this.
Saved by ChicagoSoon though my self-esteem was restored. At the entrance two young beautiful women appeared and low and behold they are shown to our table and sat down. I let my breath out slowly (these two are not picky). We introduced ourselves. Brandi and Katie, Chicago natives, both in Public Relations visiting New York on business. Let me tell you, dear readers, we had a great evening!!
The ‘girls’ had me cracking up, all that chatting and exchanging of views on fashion, films etc, all over my head but I do know when to nod in the right places! Brandi and Katie had great (engaging) personalities and we could see why they were in Public Relations; they gave Vyna some hot tips on how to expand her business, which I am eternally grateful.
Thank you, you were wonderful and remember next time you visit New York e-mail us!
The lesson to all those visiting New York is - never turn down the opportunity to share a table with someone. It’s a great way of making new friends, plus adding to a wonderful time. This is one of the things that makes New York great.
Sadly the time came for us to leave, we did though enjoyed our couple of hours in the bar/lounge. Thanks to all those who shared in our time together!
