First, thank you everyone who sent me birthday wishes. They were much appreciated. And no, I don’t feel 90. I’ll have to get used to it. More about that when I do.
One day last week when I sat down at my computer, which is in my bedroom, I heard a commotion behind the window curtain.
It was a terrified wee bird trying to get out through the glass. I managed to catch it and set it free.
I wondered how it got there. Couldn’t be Jack, the big fat male cat I live with. He’s a wimp, afraid of everything, including birds. The only thing he ever caught was a white moth.
He won’t stay outside unless the door is open so he can dash inside to safety.
That evening I was in the living room watching TV when Jack snuck in the open door.
To my surprise he had a wee live bird fluttering in his mouth.
He hightailed it down the hall and by the time I caught up with him he was in the bedroom.
I searched everywhere but couldn’t find the bird. Jack didn’t help.
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After the unsuccessful search, I went back to watching TV, and was startled, to say the least, when a crow flew in through the open door.
It swooped silently around the room, then left.
I’m told if a crow caws or lingers when it enters a house, it brings bad news. If it flies right in and out, good news. So far so good.
When I went to bed there were feathers all over the place, but no other sign of the bird anywhere.
I am not happy with Jack’s new skill. And from now on if the door is open, the screen door will be shut. Firmly.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian and book author.
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