On Guard . . .

Until recently, we lived in a huge pile in the country and had regular visits from a family of raccoons that used the steps to our library as a lavatory, cautious skunks, playful squirrels, a skulking fox, and the occasional wild deer . . .

We don't get such a variety of four-legged guests in our new place in the middle of town, but this year we've had rabbits, mice a chipmunk or two and other oddities. Today, Jools opened the door and found a new friend . . . a fat cat splayed across a chair wearing an expression that said, "Small animal problems? No problem . . . just bring me a bowl of milk and I'll keep them all at bay . . . Now!"

Jools gulped, slowly closed the door and went to the fridge . . .