Our intrepid Norwegian forest cat is holed up in Toronto for a few weeks, helping with the federal election and its aftermath. Tulip’s absence has caused much consternation back here at the cabin on Manitoulin Island. This squirrel peering from the woodshed would never admit it, but he misses scolding Tulip nonstop and daring her to chase him. Other local fauna feel a similar gap in their lives, even the chipmunks. To quote one of the snakes: “You don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’sssssssss gone.” Luckily, Tulip will soon be back on the island, seeking further adventures. Vikings do like their adventures.