Dante is in the front garden this week. Mama finally got around to planting some flowers in pots and Dante is guarding them, making sure that they are not disturbed by introoders of any sort.
There are little bits of green growing up through the cracks in the brickwork. Daddy's whippurrsnippurr is busted and he needs to get a new one, but in the meantime Dante enjoys noshing on these shoots. He doesn't know what they are, but they sure taste good!
Mama planted a bunch of different stuff in the pots on the front steps. Dante doesn't know what it is yet, but he's sure it will be pretty when it blooms.
In the garden bed in the background, there are three bushes; two weigelas on the right hand side. The first one already has bright red buds which should soon open up fully. The second one has pale pink flowers which aren't open yet, and the third one is a spirea which will have clusters of tiny bright pink flowers about a month from now.
So, Dante takes up his vigil next to the garden bed.
And none too soon. His ears prick back at the sound of a possible introoder.
And there he is, in black and black!
This is no evil squirrel! It's something much more sinister.
It's Figaro! Stealer of treats, and thief of mama's heart.
Dante doesn't delay in letting Figaro know he isn't welcome.
At first, Dante just stares him down.
Then, emboldened by the power of the flowers, Dante approaches this stubborn invader. He has a lot at stake to protect in his garden (not least of which his treats).
When Dante finally says "Hit the road, buddy!", Figaro endeavours to do just that.
As Figaro lopes off towards his home, Dante keeps watch to make sure he's not being faked out.
And he's not disappointed.
This time, strengthened by the vibes of the newly planted flowers, Dante was once again able to vanquish evil where evil belongs. (In this case, across the street.)
No time to rest, though. A garden cat's work is never done.
