Mystery Solved

I have often wondered how this often slow and rarely stealth cat could kill birds. My mother explained that birds are very stupid and that they will forget a cat, even if they see him or sort of see him, if he keeps perfectly still. That seemed to possibly explain it but then yesterday I learned his real trick.

Tchoup lives in the mud room, which has one wall of glass. This is, of course, the wall with the door in it. Yesterday he and I were napping on the couch when I heard a small, clumsy noise, much like I hear when he's decided to climb on top of the cabinets and throw the baskets on the floor so he can play with them. But he was laying on top of me. Then I heard it again. I really didn't want to investigate it. Then again. And then again. He was not moving, deep in cat lethargy. I got up and found, to my surprise, a small sun bird had flown into the mud room and gotten himself stuck there. It kept beating against the glass but couldn't find the open door. So I shut the door, which got Tchoup's attention finally, and set the bird free. He flew away and Tchoup mewled from inside the house with a sad, deep mewl that was reminiscent of when he woke up from anesthesia very ill.

But so that's how he gets them - the cat lives in one big bird trap.

Tasty Data

Tasty Data
Originally uploaded by l'exterieur

He sat on my data, licking his chops for quite some time.

Bird Flu has arrived in Rwanda...and the embassy can't help me

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Kigali
October 14, 2009

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens residing in Rwanda to the
latest information regarding human cases of 2009-H1N1 influenza,
sometimes referred to as novel H1N1 or swine flu. The Rwandan Ministry
of Health confirmed 14 cases on October 12, 2009 after initially
confirming the first 4 cases in Rwanda on October 9, 2009. Rwandan
authorities have activated their response group, are closely monitoring
the situation, and are preparing for emergencies.

Although we do not anticipate such measures in Rwanda, if you are
quarantined or placed in isolation due to 2009-H1N1 influenza, please
contact the Embassy at the number below and let us know, so we can
monitor your situation. However, please be aware that the Embassy
cannot facilitate your immediate release if you have been detained or
quarantined in accordance with local public health and legal
authorities.

The Embassy is not in a position to provide private citizens with
pandemic-related supplies, medications or medical treatment, including
vaccines, and we cannot provide specific medical advice due to legal
restrictions. Questions and concerns about influenza or other illnesses
should be directed to a medical professional. A list of local hospitals
and doctors can be found on our website at
http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html. Toll-free
hotlines are also available within Rwanda by calling 3334 and 3335.

What did you bring me

What did you bring me
Originally uploaded by l'exterieur

Turns out he quickly found the catnip mice. And then got stoned.

Nom

IMG_1611
Originally uploaded by l'exterieur