• Shortly after Thanksgiving, the old man worked to finish off his work-week. It seemed that Monday was only yesterday, yet it was Friday morning! Wow, how time can fly!

As he left the yard, all of the animals began to accompany him. He had quite the team, composed of Moonpie, Smokey, Bonnie Blue, Thunder, CoCo, Sandy, Little Buster, and Red. It was not just a simple walk. 

The animals began to compete for the old man's attention. It came very sparingly, as sparks were engaged and fires were being set. There were a few,  very persistent team members, that would stop at nothing to get the attention they were demanding. Thunder, Moonpie, and Smokey went so far as to step directly into very small fires, as the old man set them. He gave them a little love, and then spoke very sternly to them. It was enough to satisfy their needs. All of the cats and dogs began to range out

It proved to be a very active day, but we will skip ahead - into later the same day. Bonnie Blue picked up a scent trail, that was very interesting to her. She began to dig. In fact, it became a very involved excavation! She was even successful in gaining one of her pack members' cooperation. All together, the dug for multiple hours! 

Smokey had ranged off into the woods, while the old man thought Smokey had returned to the safe yard. In the meantime, Moonpie had discovered the dog's and their extensive dig. Moonpie watched with intense interest! In his youthful arrogance, he appeared to be saying "Yall dig it up, and I will catch it!"

(continued)

Moonpie continued to watch the digging team, as the old man walked off to continue his work. After some time passed, the cat became bored watching the snorting dogs, and dirt flying.

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He went in search of the old man, who had not gone very far. He walked up to the old man, and sat down for a minute as he waited for the old mans attention. When Moonpie's patience quickly faded, with no obvious results, he got up and began to rub against the old man's legs. 

There was no immediate demand on the old man's attention, so he came quickly came to a stopping point - picked Moonpie up for some loving affection. 

Right about that time, was when all the commotion started. Something rusty red and gold appearing, in the dapple sunlight, shot straight up in the air - Very close to the dogs! Both Bonnie Blue and CoCo went into an excited frenzy! 

When the little rocket hit the ground running, Bonnie Blue began her pursuit! At first there was nothing to be seen, except a flurry of leaves racing downhill. As Bonnie became fully committed, the old man watched as the rocket turned land speeder - reversed it's course and shot uphill past Bonnie.

Everything was happening very quickly, at this point. As Moonpie finally realized that there was something to be chased, he tensed in the old mans arms - ready to spring into a run. By the time Moonpie realized that he needed to direct his chase uphill, instead of downhill - it was all over! Bonnie made her catch, and Moonpie settled back into relaxed mode.

Bonnie Blue played hard to get, as the old man attempted to take a photo of her prize. She ran the old man back and forth, as she teased him with glee. She finally led him to the yard, where she allowed him to photo her catch.

At one point, you could tell what she was thinking - Moonpie still has much to learn. That kitten puppy was delusional, if he thought she would work for hours digging, and then allow the cat to take her hard-earned mouse. ( To Bonnie - squirrels, rats, mice, chipmunks, etc... were all mouses. )

Please stay tuned for part III, the finale. LOL