9/15/2011 Post Note!!! Mr. Bradshaw returned to the barnyard after 6 weeks. Where was he? He was fit, happy and unharmed. He was happy to see me, and I him. So next time he disappears, we won't give up hope for at least 6 weeks!
It's been three weeks and Mr. Bradshaw has not returned to Apifera. The last time he left us, he returned and and we were very glad to see him come back.
But he is older now, probably at least eight or more, not bad for a semi feral barn cat. He started out as quite the bully when he first arrived way back in '04 having wandered over to Apifera from one of the many nearby cat colonies. Within time, he warmed and mellowed and I could even pick him up, although not for long. One day I arrived in the barn and he had a gaping wound to the bone and muscle and I never thought I'd safe him from infection, but I did, and the hole closed in time. That was years ago.
Perhaps by writing this it will shake the currents in the air where ever he is, and like Dorothy looking into the Wicked Witch's crystal ball, he'll see me calling for him,
"Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Bradshaw! Come home, it's late, Where are you?"
Where ever he is, in whatever form, I hope it has the feel of our barn, light coming in from a distant door lighting a chicken companion, and a horse to provide equine aroma.
