Old timer in a Tree

Scooter may be getting on in years, but his determination has not diminished.

We have a friendly Mockingbird that enjoys sitting on a low branch in the Mimosa tree, which shades our backyard just beyond the open air porch we use for afternoon tea break.

Over the course of the previous spring and summer, the Mockingbird appeared frequently to pose for photos, sing, and eat whatever it might catch or find.

Scooter and the Mockingbird have this game they play. I call it catch me if you can you stupid cat. Scooter, who is around eight plus years old, either falls for it and chases the bird, or ignores him completely.

Of course, Scooter never succeeds, but he does try when in the mood. You've gotta give him credit for that.

One afternoon, about two weeks ago, the Mockingbird landed on a branch about eight feet in the air and stared at Scooter. An obvious dare.

Scooter, lying in the sun, feeling groggy and relaxed, suddenly sprang into action. He went up the tree and was moving fast -- for an old man -- along the branch where, a moment earlier, the Mockingbird sat taunting him. Too late!

Foiled again, I thought, and decided I would need to help him down. But no, the overweight old timer proved me wrong, turned around on two tiny branches and climbed to the ground without breaking a sweat.

The Mockingbird?