Midnight Madness

**I was going in to edit a different post and found this one that's been saved as a draft since December. Thankfully, the weather has decided to finally turn warmer, and the buns did get their very own heat lamp to see them through the winter. I decided to go ahead and post it because someone might get a little laugh out of it.**

It's cold here in Texas. I don't like it. I dislike it almost as much as I dislike any temperatures over 90 degrees. Knock things down under 40 and I'm looking for a warm place to hibernate until Spring, or at least for a few days (it's predicted to be almost 60 this weekend.)

I've spent most of the last week huddled under a blanket on the couch, trying to stay warm and not give in to the temptation of turning up the thermostat. Have to consider the electric bill, after all!

I worry about the boys being outside in the cold. I worry about the bunnies being out there in their pen, huddled together to stay warm.

Which is why, at midnight last night, in the face of an approaching cold front, I went out and kidnapped them.

I bundled up in my coat, grabbed my flashlight and a box, and went out to gather them up and drag them inside where it's warm. They weren't too into it. Had to grab every one of them and stuff them in the box. Then I had to carry a big box full of squirming bunnies back to the house. (Remember the scene from Christmas Vacation with the cat wrapped up in the box? It was a lot like that, but without the hissing.)

Anyway, I'm trying to keep hold of this box and walk across the yard. In the dark. While dodging a certain little black kitty who must follow me everywhere.

Suddenly, my foot catches on something (it was solid, so no, it wasn't Izzy trying to kill me. Again.) Before I could even form a thought, I faceplanted on the ground. Did I mention it was wet? I had dirt all over my face, had bitten my lip, and wrenched my back. But as usual, I started laughing at the inanity of it all. I mean, really, who does this stuff other than me??

I finished the body check--no other injuries than the ones already listed. Then I remembered the bunnies. Thankfully when I fell I managed to turn just enough so I didn't crush them beneath me. I turned my face to find the box lying on its side next to me and Robbie already trying to make a break for it. Ever tried to nab a rabbit while lying on the ground? It ain't easy.

I managed to grab him and stuff him back in the box before any of the others got out. Then I dragged myself up off the ground, picked up the box, and began my journey again. My back was screaming by the time I got to the back door, and the buns still weren't making it easy with all their squirming.

Got them inside and into the guest bathroom that was already lined with flattened boxes and newspaper. Then I got a good look at myself in the mirror. Dirt on my face and a fat lip. Great! My coat was covered in grass and mud, as were my jeans. Oh joy! So glad I didn't manage to knock myself unconcious during all of that.

Next time the temps drop below freezing, the buns might get to stay in their pen. They are wearing fur coats, after all! I just need to find a way to keep them warmer out there, and I think a heat lamp just might do the trick.