There are actually two Hili dialogues today, an unprecedented event. In the first, Hili demonstrates her ability to climb trees. Can you see her in the leaves? (Hili actually fell from the tree and had to be caught by Andrzej. She hasn’t yet learned how to climb down backwards, as did her predecessor Pia.)
Hili: I’m here, if you are looking for me.A: You will fall down, those twigs cannot support you.
Hili: I know. You have to catch me in midair, because otherwise I could harm myself and you wouldn’t like it at all.
In Polish:
Hili: Tu jestem, gdybyś mnie szukał?
Ja: Spadniesz, te gałązki cię nie utrzymają.
Hili: Wiem, musisz mnie złapać, bo mogę sobie zrobić krzywdę i bardzo byś tego nie lubił.
****
There were no other cats on Hili’s turf when I was there save Fitness, a black cat (owned by Andrzej’s and Malgorzata’s lodger) who despises Hili and chases her. They are not allowed to be in the yard together. This orange cat is an interloper.
Hili: Hi, stranger. New in town?
Orange cats tend to be lovable snuggly cats, so maybe Hili has made an exception for this cat
It looks like Hili has scaled a European redbud (Cercis siliquastrum). North Americans might be familiar with its usually larger, less shrubby cousin, Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis).
European redbud is commonly called the Judas Tree based on the myth that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from one. I’m also guessing your hosts planted this tree for its ornamental qualities. I don’t think it’s native to Poland.
The bush is Syringa (lilac) very common in Poland, planted 15 years ago and grown to the hight well over 3 meters. Hili was at the top. She did fall down and was caught in midair.
Thanks for the correction. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Hili’s adventures and dialogues!
The orange cat is unsure. Orange cats seem to be sneaky like that. 🙂 The neighbour has an orange cat I *think* was under the tarp on my trailer hiding from the rain. Someone was under there (as evidenced by the lump) but I wasn’t going to go look because it could also have been a skunk or racoon.