Saturday encore ~ Smooch aspires to be a barn cat

The post below from last June is a classic, and I'm excited to share it again. 

This corner of the back porch continues to be a hotbed of activity. You'll see what I mean in tomorrow's post. 

***

Maybe it's the season, or the drought, or the lack of a barn cat. Whatever the reason, 

the population of varmints and vermin here is totally out of control. 

No unwanted creatures are getting in the house or the garage, so I'm going about my business trying to peacefully coexist. 

But they've got Smooch climbing the walls.

It was 5:00 Tuesday evening as I walked out the back door to start my feeding rounds. 

I saw Smooch climbing the wall, assessed the situation, told her not to move, and went to get my camera.

Had Smooch chased the mouse up the wall or was he already up there snacking on swallows? Hard to say.

What do you think, Smooch? Will he come down and tangle with you 

or stay up there and confront Mama Swallow when she flies back to feed her babies?

Apparently he'd rather take his chances with you. Little does he know he faces a formidable opponent.

Here's your big chance, Smooch. Focus! 

One of us has to and I'm not doing a very good job at it.

You've certainly got the moves of a barn cat...

... and you're faster than a speeding bullet and this shutter speed...

...but not fast enough to catch the mouse.

Me: Are you sure he went in there?

Smooch: Of course I'm sure! Would I risk getting my paw stuck in the snake pole if there were any doubt?

Me: Don't worry. The WD-40 is just inside the garage.

Smooch: Please come out, Mouse. My reputation is at stake here.

Me: I suppose I could try to shake him out. 
But if he comes crawling out the top of the pole and runs down my arm, there will be hell to pay!

*shake*shake*shake*shake*shake*

Mouse: Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Me: He's under you, Smooch!

Me: To your right! To your right!

Mouse: And you all thought this stuff only happened in cartoons...