When the Sun Shines in January

The birds sing and the dandelions bloom.

And, Trick, the Barn Cat, forgets about his usual January activities -- eating and sleeping.

The temperatures reached into the 40s this afternoon, and he wanted to play.

The hen was his first victim.

He stalked and pounced her, then fell over and gave her his best come-hither look.

She was not amused.

Puffing out her feathers, she came at him with talons outstretched.

He rolled on his back to show her he meant no harm.

She didn't believe him. For in her chicken world, hens do not play with cats.

Undeterred, Trick selected his next victim: Mickey, the Border collie who was herding sheep.

He stalked and pounced the dog. She stepped to the left and continued working the sheep.

His third victim was Leslie the Cat, who, when pounced, gave a half-hearted chase.

That was the best he could do on a sunny day in January.