Domesti-cats

Ever since the "Buffy in the dryer episode" we have been very careful to be sure that the washer and dryer doors are always kept shut. Actually, we were careful about the washer door even before that, since I discovered Buffy and Cleo (our youngest) chasing each other over the top once and one of them did go in. They'd have to work pretty hard to get the lid closed but one never knows.... It's funny, our cats have never wanted to go anywhere near any of these noisy appliances before--maybe they get more courage in numbers.

A few minutes ago I hear Cleo "mow"-ing, that "come look" sort of mow, and I answered back as I worked away on my computer. She mowed again and I heard a clicking noise coming from the laundry room. I lept up and made a dash for the laundry room and as I rounded the corner in the back hall, Cleo came slinking out and the washer started filling. ??!!

I have no idea how she managed it--this is an old washer with a big dial that has to be pulled out to turn the washer on--but somehow she had managed to start it. I mean, this is NOT EASY.

It is apparent that Buffy and Cleo are just dying to help me out with the housework so I'm going to put them to work this afternoon. Just as soon as I do an inspection on the house to see if there's anything else Cleo might be able to "start up" while we're not looking.