Zip is clearly King of all of his new kingdoms. I see that he has occupied a new space as his headquarters, the floor at the top of the woodshed. Years ago, Maria put up some blankets and soft towels for Flo, who slept up there before she introduced herself and was hired as a barn cat.

Zip has found the space, which I’m told is cozy and warm. And very safe.

We will clean it up later in the week and move a different cat bed up there. It is safe from the wind and the rain or snow, and I think that’s where Zip sleeps most nights and naps. I’ve always called our chickens Imperious, but Zip is showing me the word’s true meaning. He loves to sit up top safely and look out over his kingdom.

Flo has lived up in the shed for a couple of years. We saw her tracks, but she never showed herself until a blizzard hit, and she gave in and begged for food. Flo was a great mouse and rat hunger. She had a good, long and busy life, but she was always quiet and reserved. She always loved the woodshed.

Zip is neither polite nor shy. It is hard to remember the farm without him. Zip is a lot more outgoing and confident. Nothing really seems to faze him.