What I Want for Christmas

Luna asked Me what I wish for Christmas. I have thought a long time about this, because no one has ever asked Me that before.

If I'm being perfectly honest, then I'd have to say that what I really want for Christmas is to be able to go outside again. Until we moved here, we've always lived in rural areas and had a large yard with woods in back, a garden, trees, rabbits, and outdoors fun.

I had a lot of important responsibilities then. I guarded the garden from other Cats, I always helped Mom feed the bunnies, I helped hoe and mulch the garden, rake the autumn leaves, and I was an excellent hunter, helping to keep the snake, mole and mouse population under control.

Our first move was from North Carolina to Florida. I didn't like the long ride nor having to be kept indoors for a month (at the V-E-T's suggestion), but I loved having a barn and pastures. In fact, these are pictures of me on our farm in Florida....

I loved being on the screened porch with Mom and Dad. It was a perfect place to bird watch. We had tons of birds and the humans would open the door for Me anytime I asked.

I miss trees. The trees in Florida were straighter than the ones in North Carolina, but they were still wonderful for sharpening claws. I loved tearing around the yard, racing up the trees for about 4 feet, and then bouncing off.

I loved making my rounds several times a day. Here I am on post inspection duty, checking fence posts for new and strange smells.

And here's Me supervising the making of a new compost heap. I am inspecting the black plastic which covered the pile. As you can see, no V-E-T would ever accuse Me of being "overweight" back then!

My House Panther picture was taken in Florida too.

But since we moved here I've had to stay inside. We're not in the country anymore and Mom says it isn't safe for Me to go outside here. Mom and Dad have worried about Me since we moved here because they say my personality changed somewhat since then; they say I've been a lot grumpier than I used to be. I admit I'm bored and eat and sleep more than ever before. This is one of the reasons Catzee came into our lives.......... for Me. True I should probably appreciate her more, but good grief she can be a pest. Even so, I wouldn't trade her away for anything in the world.

Ordinarily I'm purrfectly content with the boxes and ribbons and Catnip mice for Christmas. But, since Luna asked, I thought I tell you what was on my mind.