Feral Kitten Update: As I

Feral Kitten Update:

As I previously mentioned ... we have a new litter of kittens in the back hedge. This past week, they started to venture out. Mom is taking very good care of them. There are three kittens: a gray and tan motley looking fella, an all gray, and an all black (who we've named "Skippy" in homage to his only having 3 1/2 legs - a product of inbreeding I am sure -still, he gets around surprisingly well.)

This morning I awoke to the high pitched cries of one of the kittens IN OUR BEDROOM. Apparently, he'd wandered in though the door reserved for our house cats and was unclear on the whole glass door concept and could not find his way out. Standing over him in only my boxers and undershirt, I was thinking this was my big chance to snag one of them and begin the domestication process in hopes of adopting them out. I foolishly attempted to pick him up with my bare hands. Mistake #1. I now have severe lacerations on my right arm that resemble some maniacal attempt at suicide. I let him go and he ran under the TV stand. I foolishly attempted to pick him up again. Mistake #2 (some of us just don't learn.) Then he bit me. Not a nip, he fucking bit me HARD. (I am typing this missive without the use of my right index finger - not an easy task) With blood spurting from my finger and dripping from my arm, the missus came to her bleeding butch's rescue with a hand towel. Not for me, for the kitten. She calmly wrapped him up and took him into the bathroom. Since they are not weaned yet, we decided to just calm him down, allow him to get to know us a little and release him to his mother, who despite her child being kidnapped by the giant naked cats, was quite calm throughout the whole ordeal. They are all now nursing and playing in that adorable kitten manner in the yard. All is well, except for my arm, and finger, and adrenaline overdosed brain. (note to self: put a pair of work gloves in the nightstand)

In other news, I spent last evening enjoying "Manual" a collection of essays by some amazing web writers. Some of you have probably heard of or read this already, I highly recommend it. A GREAT collection. Here's some background. The only caveat is that you MUST print this out and read it offline, preferably in your most comfortable chair with your favorite beverage. RTFM. Enjoy.