TAKING THE PROVERBIAL

Our first humane mousetrap was successful and we released the mouse over in the old cemetery where he could take his chances with the owls - well, that's Nature! The second time we used it the mouse escaped, but there had obviously been a terribly traumatic sequence of events, as the trap was upside down, several feet from where it had been set and the rigid plastic door had been eaten through from both sides. Mortified at the distress and anguish we had caused some little mousey family, we got another trap which was transparent and could accommodate up to four mice, so they could all be deported together and see what was going on. However, they got into that, took the bait and got out again without leaving any trace. Not long ago, B cleared out the shed and discovered a high-rise complex they'd created in a pile of old cardboard boxes. They're obviously doing extremely well for themselves judging by the condition of this one, and they laugh in the face of our softie attempts to get rid of them. I expect to find them cooking in the kitchen any morning soon.