Random reminder

Press, 22 May 1986, Page 21

Random reminder

PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GLASSHOUSES .

We are all familiar with the pillow cases, towels, and what-have-you labelled "His” and “Hers,” but an elderly Christchurch couple have gone one better, with each having a glasshouse similarly tagged. His, of course, is a well-constructed building, sited to catch every minute of sunshine, while hers is a small leanto, built of second-hand materials, and crouched against a fence with a southerly aspect. However, both enjoy pottering in their own domains, and friendly rivalry has developed as to who can grow the biggest and best tomatoes and cucumbers. Also considered to be a family member is their gentle affectionate cat (also aged) whose pleasant life of daily cosseting and petting is being destroyed by the district’s newest resident, a large aggressive black and white, beaten-up tom cat. Fighting is his bread and butter, and to protect his beloved moggy, our “William Tell” has small piles of various missiles placed in strategic positions about his section. These he uses with considerable accuracv

whenever the intruder appears. "Good shot” he now boasts. During the week-end, he caught a glimpse of the interloper stealthily sneaking through his garden, and quickly snatching a hard green windfall apple from his nearest little heap, he took aim. There was a resounding crash, followed by the noise of a cat trying to scrabble to the top of a six-foot iron fence, from where he fell to the security of his own territory. Our "good shot” came inside laughing heartily, and explained to his wife that he had missed the cat and had accidentally hit the glasshouse, breaking a window. His wife gave him suitable commiseration, then went to inspect the damage. It was then she discovered the reason for the previous hilarity ... it was not his glasshouse he had damaged, but hers, and there was not only one pane of glass shattered, but two. Now, she is left wondering, was it really an accident, or just an act of subtle sabotage? After all, she did grow the best tomatoes this season.