STORIES FROM THE BARN - A NIGHT OUT - Part 1

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on February 2014

The trees on the mountain were shivering from the cool wind coming out of the north. TC was standing in the window looking out and remembered when weather like this didn’t bother her.
“Looks like and feels like another Nor’ Easter coming throughâ€
“Oh! Havier, I didn’t see you there. I was just thinking how pleased I will be when winter is finished.â€
“Well, I can’t blame you TC, we have had a lot of snow. One way to look at it - there wasn’t a lot of ice to keep us inside like other years.â€
“I guess looking at it that way makes a difference. I wish my joints could see it that way. I was also thinking Havier that it might not be a bad idea to gather up the Little Ones and go over a few things they should know for weather like this.â€
“I think they know what to do, but then on the other hand, we have Annie.â€
“What about Annie?â€
“Oh! Annie. Where did you come from?â€
“Oh TC I was just checking out the grass in the field.â€
“That’s funny. I have been standing here for a while and didn’t notice you.â€
“That’s because I was on the other side.â€
TC looked at Havier
“I think you were right and there is no better time.â€
“Annie, can you go and get Baby and Joseph. I think we need to have a refresher course on what we should know about staying safe.†Meet us in the big barn by the water tub.â€
“Ok TC, but have we done something wrong?â€
“No, and in fact, it is to make sure you know what to do if you do something wrong.â€
Annie ran off to gather Baby and Joseph while TC and Havier walked over to the big side. Just as they were passing the kittens’ room they could hear Mother Kitty talking harshly to Sook.
“Anything wrong Mother Kitty?†asked TC.
“Well, not really, but Sook sometimes likes to do things his way.â€
“Well, we are having a meeting on staying safe if the Little Ones get into trouble. You are more than welcome to join us with Springer and Sook.â€
“TC, I think I might. It may be good for them.â€
It didn’t take long for everyone to join TC and Havier.
“ I know you have heard this before but it doesn’t hurt to refresh your memory. I feel, by the way, that the wind blowing like that could be a Nor’ Easter coming through tonight and we want to make sure you know what to do to stay safe if, by chance, you were outside. I asked Mother kitty and her kittens to join us. Now, does anyone have any questions before I start?â€
“I got one.â€
“Do kittens have to know the same things that we do TC?â€
“Somewhat Annie, and then Mother Kitty will teach them the things that apply to cats only. Being able to get home the safe way, if you get lost, is something that everyone should know.â€
“If there aren’t any more questions, then TC is going to start.†said Havier.
An hour later TC was finished.
“Do you think Springer and Sook learned something Mother Kitty?â€
“TC, as you saw, there were times that I know they weren’t paying attention. I guess time will tell.â€
“Well, it is like that with the Little Ones. All we can do is plant the seed and hope it starts to grow.â€
“Did I hear my name†asked Sook as he rubbed against his mother.
“I was speaking with TC. That is all Sook.â€
“Oh! I hope it was good.â€
“Mother Kitty, I think you have an Annie like we do.â€
“Did I hear my name?†Annie shouted as she came running back into the barn
TC and Mother Kitty exchanged looks as they walked.
“Wow! I didn’t think I had forgotten as much as I did.†Joseph told Baby
“That is why we need to have our minds updated once in a while Joseph.â€
“After all that, I think I need some hay. What about you Baby?â€
“Not right now. I think I am going to check and see where Annie and the Kittens are.â€
It didn’t take long for Baby to find them.
“What’s everyone doing?†asked Baby.
“I was seeing if they wanted to come and play.â€
“Yes, Annie. We do!†shouted Sook.
“Let’s go then.â€
“ANNIE!!!!!.â€
“What??? Why are you yelling at me Baby!?â€
“Because the kittens can’t go off with you before they ask permission from Mother Kitty. The same as we have to do with TC.â€
“Yeah Annie, that would get the kids in trouble.†Joseph answered as he walked by.
“What is this I hear?†asked Mother Kitty
“Oh, I was just asking Springer and Snook if they wanted to come and play and Baby said they should ask you first.â€
“Baby is right. Springer and Sook aren’t allowed outside without me.â€
“Gee! I never thought that. Sorry Springer and Sook. Maybe next time.†Annie whispered as she left the barn.
“I don’t understand. We ran around here in the barn but we can’t go outside without you mother.â€
“Sook, you are too young to be on your own. Do you both understand?â€
“Yes mother.â€
“If you want to come with me I am going to get a drink.â€
“OK.â€
“What did you have to do first?†Baby asked as he gave both of them a stern look.
“We aren’t going outside Baby.â€
“Sook, you need to practice.â€
“Ok. Mother can be going with Baby to the other side of the barn.â€
“Yes it is alright.â€
The kittens ran ahead of Baby and mother looked at Baby…
“Thanks Baby. They can be a handful.â€
“Mother Kitty, I know because when I was young I was a handful too.â€
The rest of the day seemed to fly by and before anyone realized it, it was time for sleep.
“Can we have a sleep over tonight TC?†asked Annie.
“I think that would be nice. We haven’t had one for awhile. Come, Little Ones, let’s all gather in the big barn.
Everyone curled up in their favourite spot and were almost asleep when……………..
“Mother Kitty what is wrong?â€
I can’t find Sook!!!!!â€â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦â€¦...................

It’s important to always let your parents, or the adult in charge, know where you are going and who you are going with. It gives everyone peace of mind and helps to keep everyone safe.

Next month we will find out where Sook went and what he was doing. Can you guess?

Baby, Joseph, TC: Havier,
Little Annie, Springer and Sook