Freckles Bides Her Time

Freckles:

As much as I believed that there was nothing hiding in the small cave, I was too smart a bunny to leap in carelessly. I would bide my time, keeping surveilence on the cave to see if anything emerged. I had my concerns about a cave that was not there one day and suddenly appeared the next.

I knew there was magic in this land, but wasn’t sure how much I could trust that magic. I took a watchful position next to the cave opening and stared at it intently.

Deb Hopes for the Best

Deb:

Freckles isn’t a rabbit who jumps into things without thinking. She cautiously examines all her options (looks before she leaps). She was taking no chances with the kitty condo. I was sure she would love it if she just gave it a chance. I crossed my fingers and watched.

Freckles Weighs Her Options

Freckles:

I'd thumped and nobody had thumped back. That meant there couldn’t be any rabbits inside. No bunny can ignore the challenge of a thump. But, there could be other animals hiding within the cave. Bad animals. Animals who could hurt a bunny, even if the bunny was the Queen of the Other World.

I'd stretched as far as I could go to try to see into and around the cave, but nothing showed itself. I took a deep sniff of the air surrounding the cave. It had a weird odor -- like no other dirt I had ever smelled. The combination of human and something else caught my senses. Should I take a chance and enter the cave? My heart bumped against my chest as I made my decision.

Freckles Thumps at the Condo

Deb:

From my perch on the couch, I saw Freckles stop and search the room. She must have detected the newness of the condo in the corner. I smiled as I saw her ears shift forward while she puzzled out the strange object. Would she like it? Would she go inside? Was it large enough for her to fit? Then, in a startling move, she thumped at it! Every muscle in her body alert, she inched forward as she awaited a reply.

Cautious Exploration

Freckles:

I approached the cave with caution. Who knew what lurked inside this new opening. I thumped my foot to let any creatures know I was there. Sometimes, a warning can take care of any disagreements that arise from surprise! When nobody arrived at the door of the cave, I hopped closer and listened. No sounds.

I leaned forward and searched beside the cave in case something hid behind it. When I found nothing to frighten me away, I poked my nose into the opening of the cave.

Location, Location, Location

Deb:

I had searched the living room for the right location to set the cat condo, finally deciding to place it against the wall beside my husband’s chair. Freckles loved to spread out and relax next to his feet, so I believed that would be the perfect location to set up her new hiding space.

Happy Holidays!

And a very Merry Christmas to all our friends

from

Freckles & Deb!

Discovery

Freckles:

I hopped down the long tunnel to the clearing in the Other World. Immediately, my senses were alerted to a change. I couldn’t quite place my paw on what was different, but I knew that there was something out of place, not quite right. My superior eyes examined the clearing, searching the trees and bushes for a danger. I listened for any strange sounds. Suddenly, the realization hit me. There was a small cave beside Big Guy’s bush – a cave that hadn’t been there before. Now, how did that get there?

Bunny Condo

Deb:

While Freckles napped, I traveled to the pet store and purchased the item I’d seen in their advertisement. I loaded it into my car, brought it home, and proudly carried it into the living room. It was perfect! It looked just like a little hidey hole. With its carpeted exterior and interior, the little cave-like object would be I great place for Freckles to relax. Although the pet people called it a "Cat Condo" I knew that Freckles would never guess it was built for a cat! It would be her private little bunny condo.

Return to the Other World

Freckles:

After I awoke from my nap, I munched some of my delicious Timothy hay, drank from my water fountain, and nibbled on a selection of green pebbles. Refreshed and ready to face whatever the high-voiced one had planned for me this time, I jumped a mighty jump into the air and plunged through the portal into the Other World.

The Advertisement

Deb:

When Freckles finished her salad, she glanced around the room (probably seeking other mischief she could get herself into) and finding nothing of interest, she hopped down the hallway to her room.

I picked up the pet store advertisement from the Sunday newspaper and paged through it searching for new treats I could buy for Freckles. When I reached page 3, I stared at what I found pictured there -- the perfect item to make my Freckles happy.

Awaiting a Future Opportunity

Freckles:

While I enjoyed the pointy leaves and orange stick pieces, I saw the high-voiced one pick up the shiny treat and depart through the unexplored portal. I knew it would never let me have it back and felt a deep-down sadness that the delicious treat was gone. But, if I found it once, I might be able to find another one. I’d just have to keep my eyes open for another opportunity.

When I finished my leaves, my eyes felt droopy and tired. It was exhausting using my superior brain to outwit the high-voiced one. I hopped back down the tunnel to the Home Place and took a nap.

Disposal of the Evidence

Deb:

While Freckles focused on her salad, I grabbed the magazine and examined it. She'd eaten all around the top and bottom edges and a good portion of the side. I sure hoped she wouldn't get sick -- I’d never forgive myself. I carried the destroyed magazine into the kitchen and dumped it into the trash.

The Bigger Bunny

Freckles:

I couldn’t take it anymore. I was starving! I needed nourishment! I jumped from the shiny treat to the delightful meal and began munching. Afterall, I told myself, I had already won the battle. Who cares if the high-voiced one gets the shiny treat. It was currently feeling the bitter despair of defeat. I could be the bigger bunny and allow it to have the remnants of the chewed up shiny treat. What did I have to lose?

We've Been Tagged!

We're taking a break in our story because we've been tagged by two different blogger friends and thought we'd better respond before we get hit again! Because Rachel tagged us on Thursday before Rabbits' Guy tagged us yesterday, we'll go by Rachel's rules (besides, she only asked for five random things, Rabbits' Guy's tag asked for seven. Freckles did the math and five is less than seven =:-)

Here are our 5 random things (which really makes 10 things because we each have one for each category)...

1. Freckles hates cucumbers. Deb likes cucumbers but prefers the English variety best.


2. Deb works at a school for the arts where six different art forms are integrated with academic classes. Freckles stays home all day thinking of ways to integrate her wishes into Deb's activities.


3. Freckles grunts and attacks the Swiffer duster if it gets too close when dusting her rocking chair legs. Deb attacks the furniture with the Swiffer duster, usually without grunting, (and then only when the dust is thick enough to write on.)


4. Deb has three sons: Nice Guy, Nice Guy 2, and Nice Guy 3. They are all grown up. Deb isn't sure if she's grown up 'cuz she still loves children's books. We don't know if Freckles has any children (and she's not saying), but we know she does love to chew on children's books.


5. Deb went to Europe when she graduated from high school and visited eight countries in 45 days! Freckles was found wandering the streets of downtown Camas, Washington. She's been quiet about whether she's been to Europe or not. (We're guessing the answer is no.)
   

If you don't know how to play the tag game, here are the rules: List 5 random things about yourself on your blog. Then, tag 5 friends at the end of your post with a link to their blogs. Don’t forget to let your blogger friends know they've been tagged. Then, it's their turn. They will list 5 random things on their blog and tag 5 more people and so on and so on. Make sure to go back to their blog so you can read their 5 random things.

I am going to tag Hopscotch, The Furry Kids, Mrs. Sniffles, Deb (she's a different Deb!), and Meezer Tails. You're it!

Freckles (Finally) Takes Action

Deb:

I watched Freckles trying to make up her mind between the magazine she was sitting on and the salad of dandelions and carrots. It seemed like a long time, but was probably only a matter of minutes before she seemed to arrive at a decision. She stood, hopped the few hops to the plate, and enthusiasticly attacked the salad.

What is a Rabbit to Do?

Freckles:

I didn’t know how long I could hold out! My stomach growled in reaction to the delightful aromas that assailed me from the pointy leaves. If I left my position on the shiny treat, the high-voiced one was sure to pounce on it. Yet, How much longer could I stay there without a meal? What is a rabbit to do?

Freckles' Nose

Deb:

As I thought about my problem, I noticed Freckles’ nose wiggled rapidly back and forth from time to time. I watched her glance wander in the direction of the dandelion-carrot salad I’d made for her. Hmmm. Maybe I wouldn’t have to do anything after all. Maybe her nose would move her from the magazine. How long could she hold out on temptation?

Temptation Takes Root

Freckles:

The high-voiced one sat quietly in the bush plotting its next move. I remained firmly on top of the shiny treat. Every so often I’d lean over and nibble at the edges. It still tasted good, however some of the deliciousness had worn off and the aroma of the pointy leaves, yellow flowers, and orange sticks on the plate near me wafted past my nose. From what I could see, the orange sticks had been broken into tiny shreds just like the ones I’d made from the thin material earlier. Hmmmm. The delicate little pieces would be tender and yummy. I could almost taste the delectable yellow flowers that garnished the top. I must remain strong.

The Sit Off

Deb:

I sat in my chair and thought about my situation for a long time. Freckles stayed plopped on the magazine, leaning over every so often to nibble on its edges. Didn’t she understand that I was just thinking of what was best for her? I didn’t want her to get sick for Pete’s sake. I decided that I would have to lure her away from the magazine. But, the dandelion-carrot salad hadn’t done the trick. I was going to have to bring out the really tempting stuff.

Long Live the Queen!

Freckles:

I won! I won! The high-voiced one gave up when I sat on the shiny treat. It positioned itself in the bush and contemplated my superior strategy skills. Long live the Queen!

How Do You Move a Rabbit?

Deb:

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Freckles really didn’t want me to have that Consumer Reports magazine. She plopped her plump little bottom right down on top of the cover. Now what was I going to do? I didn’t want her eating that shiny ink-filled paper, but I also couldn’t stand the thought that she might be mad at me again. The only way for me to get that magazine was to lift Freckles and snatch it out from underneath her. Freckles didn't like to be held. This was going to require some finesse. I sat down in my chair to think about my problem.

A Holiday Greeting from Freckles and Deb!

We're taking a break in our story to wish you a very happy holiday season. Freckles and I have been working on something a little special for your enjoyment. You'll have to click on the following link and it may take a minute to load, but believe me, it will be worth it! If this doesn't get you into the holiday spirit, nothing will.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1231992601

Freckles Uses Her ... um ... Brain

Freckles:

I could see that trying to pull the shiny object away from the high-voiced one was not going to work. It was too heavy and the high-voiced one was too fast. I had to think quickly. And, think is exactly what I did. With split second speed, I took action to protect my new treat. I did the only thing I could under the circumstances -- I sat on it.

Freckles' Surprise Move

Deb:

As I reached for the magazine, Freckles grabbed hold of one corner of it and yanked it with her teeth. She shifted it a good foot from it’s original location. I lunged forward to try again, and she did something that made my jaw drop open in surprise!

Freckles Takes Action

Freckles:

Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the high-voiced one leaning over and extending its paw towards my new treat. I couldn’t believe the nerve of it! After all it had done to me, it planned to try to take back this new object I had claimed as my own. Well, I thought, that’s not going to happen while I’m Queen of the Other World.

It was time for action. I grabbed hold of one corner of my shiny object with my teeth and tugged hard.

Sometimes You Just Have to be the Adult

Deb:

Freckles stayed with the Consumer Reports Magazine rather than take the special treats salad I had made for her. I might have taken it personally if I had believed that she really meant to snub my salad. I figured she was just enjoying the newness of eating magazines.

Worried that the ink would be bad for her, I decided I should take the magazine away before she got sick. I hated the idea that she would be mad at me again, especially after all of the progress that we’d made in our relationship lately. But, sometimes you just have to be the adult and face the tough decisions. I leaned over to take the magazine.

Decision Made -- or is it?

Freckles:

The decision was a difficult one, but I took a gamble and stayed with the shiny object. It was delicious and food on plates usually remained available for a length of time. I assumed that the pointy leaves and orange sticks would wait for me. If I left the shiny item, the high-voiced one would probably reclaim it.

Magazine or Salad -- Which Would You Chose?

Deb:

As I set the plate containing Freckles’ favorite salad on the floor, I saw her look up from her chewing of the magazine and glance at the treat. I wondered how the magazine I had been reading in the chair had ended up on the floor. I guessed that it must have slid from the end table to the floor and Freckles’ curiosity got the better of her. I was fairly sure she could never have jumped onto the chair.
The question that hung in the air now was -- would Freckles stay with the magazine or would she go for the special salad I’d made for her?

Fie on Decisions!

Freckles:

I looked up from my chewing when the high-voiced entered the room. As it approached me I noticed a distinct aroma of my favorite pointy leaves and yellow flowers. The pleasant fragrance of orange sticks intermingled with the pointy leaves smell.

It placed the display of treats on the floor near me. I was forced to make an important decision -- continue my revenge on the high-voiced one by chewing its yummy shiny treat or leave the treat and attack the delicious plate of my favorites which the high-voiced one had brought into the room. Oh, fie on decisions. This one was too hard!