2020 Recap: An Interview with Clover the Cat
[Editor’s Note. In the final week of 2020, we’re featuring an interview with Clover the Cat, St. Paul’s full time resident, about the past year, where we’ve been, and where we are going in the coming year.]
Editor: So, Clover, what is your official title in St. Paul’s parish?
Clover: Well, the reality is, like most cats, I basically run the place. But I think my official title is something like “Mouser, Strategic Planner and Celebrity Spokesperson”.
Editor: OK. Well, I understand that you live on the property full time, right?
Clover: Of course. What you guys pay me in cat food wouldn’t get me anywhere, but a couple of nice living spaces in the heart of old town…. now that’s some compensation.
Editor: A couple of places?
Clover: Well, yes, my official residence is that little urban two story apartment next to Holy Innocents Hall. But all the cool cats in town know about my man cave under that place you guys call the Historic Rectory.
Editor: Wow, who knew? So, you’ve made that space your own?
Clover: Yeah, but keep it quiet. Our little secret, OK?
Editor: Sure, Clover
Clover: I have to tell you, though, that part under the kitchen needs some work. When they did the main house a few years ago it was incredible. You guys will be holding onto that house for another hundred years after that work. I remember the day they pulled out the old stump holding up part of the joists. Nothing against stumps, but you guys could do better than that. Unfortunately, they stopped at the kitchen. I’m not one to complain, but it’s hard to have a proper man cave when the weight of history might take you out at any moment….if you get my drift.
Editor: Definitely, we’re working on raising money for that now.
Clover: Good thing. It’s not like I still have all nine lives in reserve anymore.
Editor: So, it’s been a year of change at St. Paul’s. How has this affected you?
Clover: Well, I’ve really enjoyed the way Dean and Tim come out on the side porch to serenade me on Sundays. Not sure why nobody thought of that before.
Editor: Clover, I’m not sure that is about you.
Clover: Well, of course it is.
Editor: OK,
Clover: Of course, there was the period when the priest came also came out to preach. But I’m OK with that going back inside. Not much use in preaching to a cat, you know. Although it was nice to hear my name mentioned once in a while.
Editor: True enough. What other changes have you noted?
Clover: Well, the physical changes are amazing. Not that I don’t deserve it, but I’m impressed. Between Ken Bagge and Greta [Junior Warden Greta Phillips-Ford], the Memorial Garden is looking amazing, the rails out front were painted, walkways are being repaired, baseboards are being replaced and people are out here almost every Saturday morning cleaning, scraping and fixing. It’s sort of hard on me after my usual Friday nights, but I have to say their dedication to fixing up my space is inspiring.
Editor: Umm. Your space. Yes, of course.
Clover: Yes, of course. I just hope you guys are at least offering all those volunteers their own cat house.
Editor: Alas, no. Budgetary constraints.
Clover: Bummer.
Editor: But glad you are seeing a lot of progress on campus.
Clover: Sure, dude. It’s a lot of hard work. But you know, you can’t keep up a 100 year old property without a lot of commitment. Like those plaster pieces falling off the south tower. You know, nine lives is useful in a town like this. But I don’t want to waste one of them because of a falling bit of masonry.
Editor: Makes sense. We’re working on it. People have been very generous, and if others step up I think we’ll be able to tackle the tower, the leaks in the sacristy and nave and even the Historic Rectory kitchen foundation…. I mean the rear part of your bachelor pad…. In the coming year.
Clover: Good thing. I’ve been waiting…..
Editor: So, what would you like to see change in 2021?
Clover: Well, to tell you the truth, I miss the people. I mean, let’s face it, felines don’t really like to let on about it, but sometimes we do miss the human factor. Don’t print that! But it’s a fact. I appreciate seeing the small group that comes on Sunday and I understand why more don’t come. I mean, it’s not like you guys also have nine opportunities at life. But when you sort out this Covid mess, I will enjoy seeing you hanging out with each other. You’re a good group and I can tell that you thrive on each other’s company.