I’ve discovered the one thing that slows Zip down—heat. Today, the temperatures went up into the 80s, and Zip hung out for a while at the bottom of the barn door, where he could doze and spot anything moving, which caused him to shoot out in a hurry.

When I came out to take some flower photos and look at the colors of the flowers growing in my bed, Zip appeared and hopped onto the table next to me. Like my dogs, he learned quickly to stay away from me while I was working.

When it’s hot, Zip loves to sleep at the base of the barn door, where he can get some shade and also keep an eye on things. If anything anywhere moves, he’s out like a shot. He’s a hunter, for sure.

But Zip is a great company; he sat beside me for more than an hour while I worked in the heat. He never bothered me, but I reached over and scratched or stroked him now and then.

We are very companionable now. I am one of those people you read about who are supposed to stay indoors in very hot or humid weather. I try, but it doesn’t fit my lifestyle or work ethic.

This is a new and maturing Zip. He can sit still and gaze out at the world alongside me. I like his company. He always appears when I am out working. or taking pictures.