It’s no way to begin a Saturday, not when you’re sipping from a hot mug of Cuban coffee, reading a newspaper and contemplating an early morning run before the sun peeks out. A phone rings. It’s 6 a.m. And it’s my mother. I’ve learned there are two reasons behind calls at this hour: emergencies or absurdities. As I rushed to the phone and answered it, I wondered which way this one would go. “Brian! You have to come over … RIGHT NOW!” said the exasperated voice on the other end of the line. Long pause. Deep inhale, then … “Missy Daisy just brought a rat in the house … and she let it LOOSE!” Emergency AND absurdity. That’s a new one. Missy Daisy is my mother’s cat. She has been possessed by demons. Not all the time. Sometimes she is mild-mannered, even cute. Other times she summons dark forces and wreaks havoc. Who knows what goes through the mind of a cat. Why they would bring home a live rodent and let it free. A practical joke on a wheelchair-bound owner? A thoughtful gift? (If you’re a cat, that’s like giving someone a new car.) A feline mafia message? (Improve the vittles or else.) Suffice it to say the rat scurried away. A phone call was made. It was now on me. I like to think that I’m mentally prepared for a lot crisis situations. If a hurricane comes, I have a plan. If someone invades my house, I will … Continue reading The early morning rat catch