Now it was time to clean the house, the big, annual deep cleaning: walls, woodwork, floors, rugs. It had to be now; during the school year I did not have the time or energy. So in spite of the kittens and their problems, we would clean. And everyone would help. Everyone.
The kittens had been with us now for three weeks. In spite of their illnesses, they were curious and into everything. We had never laughed so much. But cleaning and kittens? Most of the house was out of their jurisdiction since they were still confined to uncarpeted areas. But because of the kittens, those areas needed cleaning most of all.
It was a bright sunny morning when we began cleaning the family rooms. Each teenager had a bucket and a sponge. Each had a designated area to scrub. I was cleaning the adjacent kitchen.
As always the kittens were curious. They climbed onto the back of the sofa to watch this fascinating activity.
But one kitten got carried away. Suddenly I heard an anguished cry, “No, Archie!” followed by a loud splash.
As I turned to see what was going on, what looked like a drowned rat shot past me into the kitchen and cowered under the table. Carrying curiosity to the nth degree, Archie had intentionally jumped into the bucket. Now he was sorry.
All cleaning activity came to a screeching halt as we ran for towels and the blow-dryer. Missy, coming to see what was going on, fled from the noise. Archie just endured.
Soon all was back to normal and we were back to work. But one kitten at least was no longer interested. Archie spent the rest of the day grooming his fur and resting from his adventures.
Lord, do I get in water hot
When I do what I should not?
And does my curiosity
Take me where I shouldn’t be?
Guide me, Lord, throughout my day,
To dodge the pitfalls on the way.
Give me the sense I need to keep
Me looking first before I leap.