Is that on Atkins?

Country life is always an adventure. Take for instance the next door neighbor's cat Sage.

Now I've had cats all my life and have endured all sorts of —uh— gifts. The odd field mouse, butterfly parts, crickets legs, moths here and there and of course the infamous 15-inch raccoon in extremely late stages of rigor mortis (but that's another story). They've all been left for my bedazzlement which I should get a BAFTA for each performance. This cat though was on a mission. And it wasn't ta bring mama a gift.

Country folk, and maybe this a universal thing, tend to think that cats— if left a bit hungry— will own up to their own devices — eventually taking care of the inconvenience caused by pilfering rats, mice etc that keep eating the feed or seed. Personally, mine never did. To this day, Molly (my common but well traveled American shorthair and 15 years old next week) will stand near the feeding birds and everyone will remain calm as English pitless cucumbers. No feathers flying. No dismembered remains to pick up.

(Sage on the other hand was doing her country duty— that or she was hungry.... which I doubt. That cat looks more than well fed.... hmmmm.... two and two equals— )

As I glanced up from the computer, what lovely vision do I see? Sage and a well fed 6-inch RAT in her mouth. She was determined to cross over our garden lickity split and into the sanctuary of hers for no doubt a gastronomic feast. I should know. That rat's been knicking the bird food in the shed and building a condo to boot.

Now I will admit that I am squeamish about some living necessities. Looking at carcasses on a plate is not my idea of a tasty meal which is probably why I became veggie *mumble mumble* years ago. Certainly seeing Sage carry one very much alive and humongo rat in her mouth wasn't a pretty sight. I just hope she was a bit humane before taking her first morsel. (LA LA LA disregard the thought.)

Then of course there's me thinking of possible babies left behind blah blah blah.... Yes, yes I know its a right of nature to do its thing, but yowza honey... can I be spared the details?