Prelude: You may remember that the last we saw Satchel; he had promoted himself from Colonel to his Highness by staking out the baby grand piano.

Deposed from the piano with the completion of the wood floors, Satchel is no longer a defrocked ruler. 775 N Ashtree Way has acquired a native Alaskan baby basket covered with ceremonial rabbit fur and Eagle wings. The basket is strategically placed by the gas fireplace.

With the advent of colder weather, the basket and warming fire provide a comfy hiding place for His Highness.  Unnoticed, unless he sticks his head up, Satchel continues to control his surroundings from his new weaved throne.

Meanwhile, Captain Violet and Sergeant Angel have defied the cooling weather by joining their sick mistress on  a heated blanket, serving as stomach warmers.

Hours of unstructured time can be spent curled in  two furry balls without any movement.

When not masquerading as a blanket, Sergeant Angel has established a perch over the mistress’s desk where she pretends to be a porcelain kitty.

Captain Violet remains in charge of the inside barking and whining at any perceived noise (real or imagined).

Not to be outdone, Private Shani has promoted herself to Corporal. Still assigned to outside duty because of her heavy coat, she has taken over the patio chairs.

She suns herself while watching for squirrels and horses to chase.

In the last few months, the Brigade has developed a new hobby, rug surfing. Satch runs at top speed towards the bathroom mats and when he hits them correctly, he rides the tile wave across the floor.  He has become so accomplished at this trick he can move the rugs all over the bathroom (see examples below).