Sunday …

Ann Schwartz

May 7

Woke up at the usual time, just before 6. Feeling spaced out, disoriented and uneasy … oh wait, that's my usual condition first thing!

We are so very fortunate. Neither Gary nor I are histrionic, but the last couple of days tested our mettle.

We know we're lucky. Most of the community is. The order is not to go back to our property yet, but Gary wants to keep an eye on things.

I don't object because Mica is not used to being at this other house, and managing her with six cats and two other boarders would be a headache. I miss them both.

Zeus went home at least for a day … his owner might need to drive all the way back to Alberta to fetch her husband who is unwell. Not my story to tell, but instances keep us mindful and grateful.

There is often an aspect of humour in even a challenging situation. As I went in and out of our house in town yesterday, I was always aware of the cats, and I posted a sign on the outside of the door, "CATS AT LARGE". I did not lock the door because someone without the code might need inside; yes, we're a trusting bunch.

So, later, I invited my ~~boyfriend~~ Gary to join me for dinner here. It's often better, when we're tired, to dine at home.

When I was trying to corral and confine the six cats before Mica arrived, I came up one short.

I called and could not find Sam. I was irritable, because he worried me and kept me searching when evacuation time came the day before.

Finally, after searching under every bed and calling, I heard a faint meow. Sam is like a Toyota … big sturdy entity with a little tinny beep.

I found my hefty hunter-warrior behind the hot water tank in the utility/laundry room. The only way he could have got into the tight space is to fall down there. Only the tiniest spaces existed between the tank and walls.

Omg … surely we don't have to remove the hot water tank! It would have taken a plumber and/or other contractor.

I crawled onto the washing machine to look down with my iPhone flashlight, hoping not to drop it. Long story short, I found a soft, round leash (as opposed to a stiff flat one) and lassoed the damn Sam. I only had to lift him (all sixteen pounds) a foot that way, by the neck, before I could grasp the scruff and hoist him out. Never a dull moment; it sure didn't do my sore right shoulder any good, but I'm still smiling at my own antics. You may be sure I'm keeping that door closed now.