Herding cats

When I got home, I first shut the front door so mippies couldn't get out until I've had a chance to have a serious word with them. I gave mini some food, which kept her busy and then grabbed Ziva, pushed her into the cuddle cave and had a serious talk with her. She got the message, but was really eager to get out - and since I don't want her to fear imprisonment, I let them out.

In the kitchen, I found my frying pan on the floor ... dented. Thank you, mippies!

They stayed nearby at first, except Ziva. Mewthos and Janey stayed nearby, almost under my feet. I went inside and continued to feed mini - who can really pack it away! She finished an entire tin tonight! Then I sat and played with her, until Mewthos and Janey came inside ... looked ... stayed a bit ... strolled outside. I went and joined them outside, then back inside to play with mini ... 

I felt it would be okay to leave the door open, while I keep mini pre-occupied with mousey - but then Janey distracted me and mini made a dash for freedom! She ran out, then strolled under the car and wouldn't come out. When she finally did come out, it was to dash through the gate and out into the open ... I had to go get the keys so I could follow her. When I came outside with the keys, I couldn't see her anywhere - and my heart sank! Last I saw she was walking off towards the veld ...

I went past the hedge and called mini ... I was happy to hear a mip ... only, it turned out to be Ziva! No way am I neglecting her, so I did the roly poly tummy tickle with her - and was happy to see mini strolling by the house. I could come back into my garden and lock the gate!

Mini gave me quite a run for my money - she strolled everywhere but to me! She went next door, then outside again, investigating, sniffing, happily exploring ... until finally she came back inside! This time I shut the door on her!

As I was inside with her, Mewthos and Ziva strolled off ... and Janey had gone off while I was busy trying to catch mini. And then Mewthos came to the window, so I let him in and shut him in. As I was about to go outside to get the ladies, Ziva came strolling in - this is still very early, mind. It wasn't even dark, yet! But I took no chance and shut her in as well. Then I went outside to get Janey. No luck. I called and called - no Janey. But, as I said, it was still early, so I wasn't too worried.

I went inside and fed my mippies ... as I did so, I heard a mip and saw Janey outside the kitchen window. I took a chance and opened to let her in - when Ziva dashed past and out! NOW I really, really worried, because after their meal, they all want to go back outside. I didn't think I'd be able to get her back ... but I followed her to the bench, then sat down on it and when she came to get her ears scratched, I picked her up and carried her back inside.

Back outside, I followed Janey - who also seemed somewhat in fear of punishment (where the heck is that coming from?) but I also had no trouble picking her up and getting her inside. Then I locked the front gate and door and went inside to feed the lot of them.

Sheez, did they just give me a run for my money tonight! It was a real 'herding cats' mission tonight! Right now, Ziva is 'hiding' in the cat carrier, mini is on the bed, Mewthos is mewling at my feet and Janey is curled up on the sleeper couch.

Thanks to Ziva's episode last night, I didn't get much dinner nor did I manage to pack myself lunch - I took the two Kaesegriller and the last two muffins to work, but didn't get a lunch time, though I did eat the sausages and one muffin. I also forgot to take something out of the freezer for tonight ... so ... I have only one muffin for my supper tonight. Thank you, Ziva! Ha ha! You'd make an excellent diet coach!

Anyway, I had better go and open the cuddle cave now - it's only quarter to seven, so I'll be spending lots and lots of time with Ziva and whoever is willing to join us.