Ratsy

The rat (the one Fade twice refused to eat, earning it a lifetime reprieve from being python fodder) has carved out a nice little burrow beneath the Rubbermaid lid in my backyard, although it seems also to have found quarters elsewhere. During rainstorms, however, it faithfully scurries back under the overturned Rubbermaid to take shelter. Sometimes when I fill the bird feeder, I leave a handful of birdseed for the rat, to whom I variously refer (not being certain of its gender) as Rattila, Cleoratra, Ratricia, Ratsy, or Ratatouille. I'm getting a kick out of having a semi-pet rat in the backyard, although that will quickly end should it 1) try to get into the house, in which case I expect its life will quickly be terminated by the feline posse, or 2) have babies, in which case I am not sure what I'll do (maybe bring them back to the pet store?). Given the nature of rats, I realize one or both of these is likely, of course.

Azrael and Nightshade are being less entertaining. They have become more adept at hunting and usually can be found curled up together under one of the miniature tombstones in their tank.