See JavaChick Freak Out...

The first thing we do when we get home from work every day is open the window for the cats. They have a cat door that leads to an enclosed area where they can enjoy the great outdoors, safe and sound.

Today was no different. We opened the window and went about our business - which in my case was changing into workout clothes and doing my Boot Camp workout. Then I went up to the kitchen to get supper going. Once things were in the oven, I decided to go out and check on things in the yard. I always try to remember to grab my camera when I am heading out because I never know what I might see.

Today I saw this:



This would be an open gate. The gate leading into the safe, secure cat enclosure...

And no, I did not have the presence of mind to snap a photo of the open gate at that point, I took the picture later.

I immediately went to check things out. I found George relaxing amongst the tulips, but no Fred.





I was really not sure what to do, and I stood there for a few minutes in the yard pondering the situation. I was pretty sure Fred would have headed up the hill, and that he would come back. If I left the gate open, he would eventually come back and come in the house. But if I left the gate open, George might decide to go for a wander and then I'd have to worry about two missing cats.

I decided to close the gate and walk up the hill. I was on the lookout, but saw no sign of Fred as I was walking up. I stood there a while, turning in a circle, hoping Fred would come running out of the woods...









I was thinking I was going to have to go back to the house and deal with supper, which was cooking in the oven, and then come back out. I knew that if I hung around outside long enough Fred would show up.

And then I spy...



It's my baby!



When he saw me coming he ran down to this spot of asphalt on the hill (leftover from construction I assume, as there is no other reason for it to be there) and had a nice roll in the dirt with some belly scratches from yours truly. Happy kitty...The little rascal!







As for the open gate, the landscapers had been by during the day to mow the lawn, which I had not realized. But even if I had known that, they are usually very good about closing the gate behind them so I probably would not have thought to check. I guess they forgot today - could easily happen - but it gave me more excitement than I wanted today.

I know it may not seem like a big deal to some people. Plenty of cats roam free, and my two have pulled the Houdini trick a few times and they always come home...But every time it happens I can't help but worry that this will be the time that they don't...

So after Fred had his roll in the dirt, I carried his 17-pound-self home and brought him in the house. And shared my chicken with him. Because that's what I do.