AN ODE TO BASKETBALL CAT
When magic and love intertwine there is potential for the making of special memories.
Where do we begin when discussing the feline known as Basketball Cat?
BBC was born to an exemplary litter of kittens. We were fortunate to intimately know two of her sisters. BBC long outlived them both, as well as all of her barn mates at her previous home with Buster.
The journey to our farm in Hart from Kalamazoo was an immediate education in her strength of personality. We thought we knew, but realized quickly that there was still much to learn. How does such a big character fit inside such a small package?
Not content in her pet carrier, BBC meowed incessantly until released to sit on Mimmo’s lap for the remainder of the ride. Silent, bright eyed, curiously gazing at every passing vehicle, and softly purring along the way. She was the first animal who relocated to the farm.
After seventeen years as a barn cat, BBC was ready for retirement from mousing by the time she came home with us. Thankfully, she was enthusiastic about assisting with other activities.
BBC was there, step by step and vine by vine, as we planted the DIANA vineyard. She joined us when planting the ZORZO vineyard as well. The number of farm projects BBC oversaw are far too numerous to recall in their entirety. The work could not have been completed without her participation. The time together would not have been as enjoyable without her presence.
Her magic was potent and venerable.
How does she do it!? Disappearing without notice or the suggestion of a trail. Where did she go? She was JUST here. Reappearing instantaneously and unannounced, even a master wizard would be impressed. Where did she come from? How long has seen been here staring at me?
What did BBC love?
Gentle attention, of course.
But also a flake of Pecorino Romano cheese.
A nibble of prosciutto.
She was enchanted BY grissini!
BBC also enjoyed a comfortable, shady spot under a hydrangea or ninebark on a warm spring day. She could be found laying on the back porch, belly up, basking in the late afternoon summer sun.
The humans that were fortunate enough to have met BBC instantly fell in love (how could you not?). That personality of hers far outweighed her size.
People who had never met BBC somehow heard about her legendary existence. How? We may never know why stories of BBC traveled so far and wide.
When pouring wine tastings across the state, we often heard the question, ‘and how is Basketball Cat?’! When people you have never met before talk about you when you’re not around, what does that make you?
Famous!
We knew this day would come. BBC was elderly when she arrived. Six years together on the farm was a blessing beyond measure. She was almost twenty three years old - maybe older! Bright eyed and softly purring until the end.
Time, however, is undefeated. Memories, thankfully, cheat time.
