Zip had a wild day of adventure on Monday; the sun came out in the afternoon, and I sat outside in a chair resting as I was ordered. My bandaged foot was up on a footstell as I was instructed to put it, and Zip came out to play. I rubbed his head, and he then began a careful and calculated pursuit of the chipmunk holes, tunnels, and smells.

He got close a few times.

For the first time, he hopped into Maria’s lap and then into mine.

He loves my head rubs. He tormented Zinnia and Fate and chased one of the hens around. Mostly, he found chipmunk holes and tunnels, stuck his head in, and then vanished into the Dahlia garden to hopefully pounce. We heard some chipmunks squealing, but Zip is still kitten-like, impulsive, and not quite patient enough for a kill.

I’ve got a week of restricted movement – no shower, no normal shoe, no brace, no long walks or activity. I’m determined to get to the Mansion and Bishop Gibbons.

Zip jumped onto Maria’s lap and mine for the first time.

We were told he didn’t like to be in people’s laps, so this was a breakthrough. Zip is a kitten-like creature; he loves to play with falling leaves and keeps Zinnia trying to play with him. He and Fate harassed and chased each other, but Zip usually got Fate to blink and run.

Zip seems fearless; Fate is easily rattled. Zip is not.

Fate stalked and glowered at Zip, but he didn’t seem rattled and didn’t give any ground. The two will not be friends, but they will work things out.

Zip is continuing to investigate the farm and get used to it. He loves the barn, full of junk and boxes and places to hide.  He is cautious and fearless at the same time. I think he will make a remarkable hunter.

Zip found three chipmunk holes, one by the apple tree, one in the Dahlia garden, and another leading under our composting container. I think he came close to catching one at the apple tree hole; he stuck his head in and then his paws but came up empty-handed. We heard some chipmunks squealing, we know they have a lot of tunnels all over the farm, many which connect with one another.

Bud has caught one or two, but mostly, they evade him.

He’s having a lot of fun in the backyard and bushes. Wait until he spots a mouse. I’m not sure what he does at night; I suspect he does a lot of patrolling.

Red loves to rub his head; we are having a good time together. I’m loving this cat. He hopped up on the footstool so I could reach his head despite my foot being wrapped in a huge bandage. He sits and purrs for a long time that way; Maria took the photos above and below.

 

I call it the head rub. Zip loves it and sits still for as long as I will do it. I scratch alongside his neck and under his chin.

But has located several chipmunk holes and likes to sit above them. He is testing his hunting methods; he has a lot to learn.

 

He loves to walk the brush around the flowers and lilac trees. He pops us here and there. He seems to be having a blast. We feed him twice daily and give him bedtime treats when we close the chicken roost.

Zip is spending much more time outside his safe place, the barn. He sleeps in different areas, but when the sun is out, he loves to sit by the apple tree and stare at the pasture or the march beyond. He is like the Bedlam Farm barn; he gets more confident and adventurous daily.