Unpacking Feelings

Kitten, Clucky, the dogs, the hens and the hamsters have all survived the big move across the country from Florida to their new home in Washington.  Do you think they get to rest and relax?  Ha!  Nope, now comes the unpacking.  Not just boxes but all the feelings that go along with it.  

We are so excited that you have joined us for Season 3 of the Kitten & Clucky podcast.  All your favorite characters are back as well as some new friends this season.  

Not sure how we got here?  Go back anytime and start from the beginning.  Learn about all the ups and downs our cast of characters have faced.  

Also be sure to let us give us your feedback or ask us your questions on our new segment.  "What you Bauking about?" 

Transcript

Unpacking Feelings

MADDOX: (Snapping shut noise) And done!  Ok Rubix your new habitat is complete.  Are you ready to check it out!  I’m sure you will like how much more space you have.  Your little travel cage must be feeling a bit tight. 

RUBIX: A bit tight?! Are you kidding me?  I am so squeezed it's like being in a straight jacket!  I can barely breathe!  (Squeak Squeak Squeak) 

MADDOX:  (delighted) Oh listen to you!  You are so chatty! You must be excited! 

RUBIX: Oh you delusional human!  I wish I could give you a piece of my mind! Someday you will know my wrath!  Ha Ha Ha! We will see how you like your new habitat!  

MADDOX: Do you want me to pick you up to put you in or would you prefer I just open your door and let you walk in yourself?  

RUBIX: (Snap) Get your grubby mitts away from me.  

MADDOX:  Whew!  Ok, Rubix I can take a hint.  No need to snap at me.  I’ll hold your cage up and let you walk in.  

RUBIX: (scrabbling) Oh, Oh my,  this is very spacious. (Noise)  Oh, do I smell my favorite treats?  Oh a bowl of seeds.  That is a nice touch.  Look at the size of that wheel!  Wow, it is much bigger than my last wheel… I should take it for a spin… huh!  It barely makes any noise… I’m not sure that is a good thing… How will I annoy Maddox while she sleeps?... Well I guess, it did not annoy her too much she is a very sound sleeper… What else do we have over here? 

MADDOX:  What do you think Rubix?  Have you seen the center tube?  It goes down to the bottom level which is filled with fluff and has your house.  

RUBIX: I’m getting there stop rushing me. (Squeak) 

MADDOX:  Was that a thank you?

RUBIX: I’ll thank you to mind your business!  Don’t you have other things to do but stare at me? (Squeak Squeak) 

MADDOX:  I am so glad you are pleased!  Well as much as I’d love to hang out, I still have loads of unpacking to do.  (Foot steps away) 

RUBIX:  Finally a moment of peace.  Now I can get to plotting my escape from this palace prison. I must grudgingly admit this is a pretty nice habitat.  I may have to take my time in coming up with the perfect takeover plan now that my accommodations have improved so much.  What is down this tube?  Oh, Whoa oh no!  I am slipping.. This is a lot steeper than I was expecting.  Oh no! I am sliding! Oof!  Well that was a surprise!  Thank goodness there was all this fluff to soften my landing.  There is so much fluff down here.  Oh Wow, I can burrow all over.  I can burrow to my house!  Hello, little house.  I’m glad to see you survived the move!  I have scratched so many plans on your inner walls, I would hate to have to start over.  (Gurgle) Oh Stomach, what do you want?  (gurgle)  More seeds?  But they are up the tube, I just got down here.  I am still exploring.  There are more places to burrow.  I need to set up a lair and review my H.A.P.P.Y plan Hamsters Annihilating Pathetic People Yes! Squeak Squeak Squeak!!! It is a stroke of brilliance…. (gurgle) Fine, I will take a short break and get you a few seeds.  Afterall, even all powerful rulers need to eat… ( Scrabble, munch) 

KITTEN: Meow, checking out your new habitat Rubix?  How do you like it?

RUBIX: Go away! Take your murder mittens and terrorize someone else.  

KITTEN: Someday Rubix, I will be your friend.  

RUBIX: Not likely (squeak) 

KITTEN: Meow!

MADDOX: Oh, Hi Kitten, How are you?

KITTEN: meow, 

MADDOX: I just put Rubix in her new habitat. She seems to really like it. 

RUBIX: It will do for now. (squeak) 

MADDOX: See, have you ever heard her squeak so much? 

KITTEN: Meow, if only you knew what she was saying... meow. 

MADDOX: There is so much to do, Kitten! So many boxes to unpack? Mom is going to help me with that stack of boxes over there. That is my new bed. We need to build it. I can’t wait because she is going to show me how to use the electric screwdriver! Then I can finally stop sleeping on this air mattress. I keep worrying you might accidently put a hole in It. 

KITTEN: Meow. I would do no such thing. It will be nice to have a real bed. I don't like how squishy this one gets. Meow, What are in these boxes? 

MADDOX: Kitten do you want to know what is in the boxes you are rubbing against? 

KITTEN: Meow. 

MADDOX: You are such a smart Kitty. Those have your toys and your bed. I wonder if you can smell that. 

KITTEN: OH could you please unpack those. I want to play with my little sparkle balls and fish toy now, purr.

MADDOX: Don't worry Kitten. I will unbox those as soon as I finish unpacking my clothes. Oh did you see over there? We got you a new scratching post. 

KITTEN. Meow, oh my! 

XANDER: Take cover! Pew Pew Pew. Monsters lurk in every box! 

KITTEN: meow! Row! 

XANDER: OH I'm so sorry kitten. Did I get your tail? 

MADDOX: Xander! How dare you! 

XANDER: I'm sorry Maddox, it was an accident. I did not see her there. 

KITTEN: meow. 

XANDER: I'm sorry kitten. I would never step on your tail on purpose.

KITTEN: Meow purr. OH you give such nice ear scratches all is forgiven ....

MADDOX: What are you doing in here any­way? Aren't you supposed to be unpacking your room. 

XANDER: Yeah, the first box I opened had my nerf blaster and pack of bullets so I unpacked that and now it is time for an adventure. Come on Maddox, don't you want to go play in the woods? This place has so many cool places we have not explored. Did you see the epic spot we found for the chickens? There are two different paths you can take through the woods to find it.

MADDOX: Yes, Xander I know. The little trail that goes to the bottom of the yard and the path that used to be a gravel road that has been reclaimed by nature. I just love how wild this place is: 

XANDER: Me too! So come on! Lets go on an adventure down to the coop. How cool is it that on the lower property there is a big open field surrounded by big pine trees? I hope the chickens are loving it down there. 

MADDOX: Xander, I'm in the middle of unpacking and you should be too! 

KITTEN: meow! 

MADDOX: Oh Kitten I'm so sorry, I did not mean to set that pile of clothes on you. Here, why don't I open the window. Would you like to hop out and explore a bit. Maybe you want to go down and see Clucky while I rearrange things. 

KITTEN: Meow, it might be safer for me. Meow. 

MADDOX:  Have fun sweet kitten. Hopefully I can join you in a little while. Be sure to stay away from the fenced dog yard. You know how Jack can be. 

XANDER: What?! You’re not going to go? 

MADDOX: No, I'm not and you shouldn’t either. Mom said we need to unpack. I think she meant more than just your nerf guns.(Sigh) 

XANDER: Fine. You used to be more fun. This place has changed you already. 

MADDOX: That's not true. I'll be lots of fun once my room is unpacked and not full of boxes! 

KITTEN: Meow, Maddox is right I need to get out of here. I can 't really help and I'm just in the way... hop hop) 

XADNER: What if I unpack my clothes boxes and then we take an adventure break. Mom made me a checklist for the day. She said I needed to get these things done but could take breaks between. 

MADDOX: That's a great idea. Can I see it? 

XANDER: Sure (paper rattling) 

MADDOX: Unpack clothes, set up Brownies habitat, move Brownie to new habitat. Clean up travel cage. Unpack toys. Work with mom to build bed.

XANDER: I've already got Brownie settled in his new place.

MADDOX: Did you clean his travel cage? 

XANDER: No. 

MADDOX: Mom gave me a similar list. I have Rubix setup and have cleaned her cage. How about I unpack my clothes and then we go? Actually, while I’m doing that, you can clean Brownie’s cage and unpack your clothes. I would love to go on an adventure after.

XANDER: Ok but please hurry. The outside is calling. 

KITTEN: meow 

MADDOX: Nope, that's just kitten (giggle) 

XANDER: Lucky kitten does not have to unpack. 

MADDOX: True but I'm sure she will be glad when all these boxes are gone and she has her toys and cat tree back. 

KITTEN: meow. 

MADDOX: Are you nervous about going out on your own. You hopped on the window ledge easy enough. 

KITTEN: Meow 

MADDOX: You remember where the Coop is don't you? We were down there yesterday.

KITTEN: Meow. 

XANDER: Maybe we should break now and show her the way. 

MADDOX: No Xander. We need to get our things done. Look she’s going.

XANDER: Fine. 

KITTEN: Meow, (hop) ok off to find Clucky. I think I can do this on my own. It sure is a lot farther than when we were in Florida. OH! This grass is so lush. I wish it was the whole way down. (hop hop) However there are a few of these boulders across the waterfall to jump across. (water gurgle) Whew! Almost slipped on that one. The green moss can be a little slick at times.(branch snap)

JACK: Rutt Ruff Ruff. Who goes there? Show yourself.

KITTEN: Meow! OH Jack it’s just me! 

JACK: Alert Ruff! Alert Ruff! Intruder Intruder. Come closer so I can get a good look at ya! 

ROSIE: Bark Bark! What do you see Jack? 

JACK: Huh? Nothing, I heard a sound. There is something over in the yard. 

ROSIE: OH Jack it's just Kitten. It looks like she is headed down the little trail to see Clucky. 

JACK: Who? Ruff Ruff Ruff. Get off my land you mangy cat! 

ROSIE: Bark! Jack don't talk like that! Kitten belongs to Maddox. She is part of the family. 

JACK: What? A cat in the family? Since when?

ROSIE: Maddox adopted her from the pound 2 years ago. 

JACK: Why am I just hearing about this? 

ROSIE: Oh Jack we've told you many times. It seems like you keep forgetting... 

JACK: Me forget? Ruff. Why I remember when I was a young Pup in Ohio running in our big yard with the soft grass. As clear as if it were yesterday.

ROSIE: Ok, Come on Jack. Do you want to go back inside and rest? Kitten is gone. 

JACK: Huh? Kitten Who? 

ROSIE: Nevermind. Come on in. Seems like a good time for a rest. 

JACK: Yeah, you’re right. All this guarding is sure tiring. 

KITTEN: Meow, poor Captain Jack. He seems to be having a harder time keeping track of things as he gets older. Ok, now to work my way down to the coop.  Oh there is the trail!  So many tall trees.  (Breath)  The air here is so fresh. (Walking noise) Ouch! Something just tugged my tail.  Ugh, its just a prickly vine on the ground.  I think Maddox called it a blackberry.  Meow!  What are these little prickly things around my paws? (sigh) I’ll worry about that later.  Maybe Clucky will know what they are.  (more crunching)  Almost there.  I’m not sure about this nature… it seems to be clinging to me everywhere.  This trip down to see Clucky is going to result in at least an hour long tongue bath… (sigh)  (twig Snap)

CLUCKY: Bauk! What's that? Who goes there? Show yourself! 

KITTEN: Hi Clucky. It's just me. meow! OH something else is now stuck in my fur. 

CLUCKY: Bauk Bauk Bauk! (laughing) oh my plumage! What on earth happened to you? Did you collect half the woods on your way down the trail?

Hens: Bauk! Hi' kitten ( 'all greet). 

BELLA: I can count at least 3 twigs sticking out of your fur. 

BRIGIT: Did you take a tumble? It appears that you have rolled in those little needle-like leaves. 

BRIGITA: You mean pine needles. Yes, kitten you are covered in those and the little green prickle balls, I think Xander called them hitch-hikers

KITTEN: Thanks, I was wondering what these little things were called. They seem to just attach themselves to me. It is going to take me forever to get my fur back to normal. 

CLUCKY: Why bother? Just embrace the nature.

KITTEN: Ha! That's easy for you to say! You are not covered in it. 

CLUCKY: True, most of that stuff seems to just roll off our feathers. 

BRIGITA: Maybe you should trade your fur in for feathers. 

BELLA: Can she do that? 

CLUCKY: Wow, that would be awesome! I've never seen a feathered cat.

BRIGIT: Is that what Brittens are? A bird kitten? a feathered cat? 

CLUCKY: OH hey I've heard of Brittens! 

KITTEN: What? Meow no! A Briton is a person from the British isles or England, Not a bird/kitten combo. That is not a thing. 

BRIGITA: Too bad, you would look fabulous in feathers.. 

BELLA: And it sounds like it would be much less hassle than all that fur. 

KITTEN: meow (sigh) 

CLUCKY: What’s wrong kitten? You seem upset. Are you missing Florida? 

KITTEN: meow, no, yes. I don't know.

CLUCKY: Tell me about it. 

KITTEN: It's everything Clucky. My toys are all in boxes, there is stuff all over Maddox’s room. Rubix got her new habitat but is still mean... 

CLUCKY: Rubix is always mean. HOD, Hamster of Doom, remember?

KITTEN: I know but at least she has her own space.  

BELLA: I'm sure Maddox will get your spot setup soon.

CLUCKY: These things take time. 

KITTEN: I know, but you are all settled in your nice new Coop and enclosure. 

BRIGIT: Did you see our multi-level perch! 

BRIGITA: There are rungs for each of us. 

KITTEN: That's great (sigh). . 

CLUCKY: I don't like that we can 't roam free like in Florida, but the enclosure is so big we have plenty of space. However, it means, you've got to come down to visit us because I can't get out unless Xander opens the doors. 

KITTEN: I can't get in either. (sigh) meow. 

CLUCKY. Nothing can get in and thank goodness! 

BELLA: We have heard lots of strange noises at night! 

BRIGIT: And sometimes during the day! 

CLUCKY: Yeah, see that big green track around the bottom of the enclosure? 

KITTEN: Yes, it looks like a race track of five lanes that encircles the Coop and enclosure. 

CLUCKY: Yep? Xander said it’s a predator guard (Sfx). It keeps predators like coyotes and bobcats from digging under the enclosure and getting us. 

BRIGITA: The top is covered too because Xander said there are hawks and bald eagles that could swoop in and snatch us if it was open. 

CLUCKY: Our Xander has thought of everything! 

KITTEN: He didn't think to watch where he was going when he stepped on my tail this morning. 

BELLA: Brauk! What?

B2. I'm sure it was an accident. 

KITTEN: It was, he didn't see me between all the boxes (sigh) There is just so much to do! It's so overwhelming! 

CLUCKY: I know what you need? You need a checklist. 

KITTEN: What? 

BRIGITA: OH Yes, Xander told us about them! They are magical! 

BELLA: The mom person uses them all the time. 

KITTEN: She is very organized. Tell me more.

checklist song

CLUCKY:(Singing) When you're feeling like you can't get it all done. 

There is just not enough hours of sun

KITTEN: Yes! there is so much to get done!

CLUCKY: Make a little checklist 

KITTEN: huh?

CLUCKY: Make a little checklist. 

KITTEN: ok? 

{Spoken but with underlying music) 

KITTEN: But that seems like it will take even longer. (sigh)

CLUCKY:That's the magic of a checklist... let me show you how it works. Tell me what's got you so stressed. 

(singing) 

KITTEN: OH it's everything! 

The room is a mess which makes me stress 

My claws are cracked and need a good scratch. 

My furs all matted with twigs and branches.

I need a tongue bath before it advances. 

My toys are in boxes and not out for me. 

CLUCKY: That's great we'll make a little Check list. 

KITTEN:Really? 

(Spoken)

CLUCKY: Yep, make a little checklist. you'll see.

1. sharpen claws
2. Tongue  bath 
3. Find toys (box) 
4. Clean room 

I've got it. 

KITTEN: Already? 

CLUCKY:Sure! (Singing)  it's quick to make a little checklist 

KITTEN: (Speaking)  Meow, It was... 

CLUCKY:(Singing) I just made a little checklist.

KITTEN: (Speaking) Ok so how does it work?

CLUCKY:So, somethings need to wait on others, like clean the room but other things you can do 

right now. No need to wait. 

KITTEN: I see, I need Maddox's help to get my toys and clean the room but I can take  care of sharpening my nails either on a tree or my scratching post which is already out!  I can give myself a tongue bath anytime. OH Wow! I see what you mean. (Singing)  Just make a little Checklist 

CLUCKY:Yeah make a little checklist It's true!

KITTEN: OH thanks Clucky I feel so much better. I am going to get started on these things now! 

CLUCKY: No problem. All in a day's work. (Humming)  Oh yeah, make a checklist.  Making a checklist getting things done... (music fades out)

spooky music I wind Stx) 

KITTEN: Oh what now. Is it getting darker? 

BELLA: Bauk! The cloud is coming. 

KITTEN: The Cloud? Is that what this white mist is floating in the air? 

CLUCKY: Yeah, its happened a couple times now. We are so high up, sometimes a cloud will drift in for a bit and make it all misty and dim the sunshine. 

KITTEN: I guess I have seen this from the house but this is the first time I've been outside for it. (spooky music) wind sfx)

BRIGITA: The first time it happened we were all very nervous. 

BRIGIT: Nervous? Brigita you fainted.

BRIGITA: We could barely see and then we heard strange noises. 

KITTEN: This is almost creepy... I can't see the path any more. I can only see to the end of the coop. 

CLUCKY: Yeah, it's like a cloud opened its mouth and swallowed us up. Don't worry it usually does not last long. (Crunching noises) 

KITTEN: What's that?

BRIGIT: I don't know.  

CLUCKY: We've not heard that noise before.

BRIGITA: It sounds like something is coming this way. 

CLUCKY: Ladies, maybe you should retreat into the Coop... (flapping and scrabbling noises) 

BRIGITA: What about Kitten? She is outside the Coop and enclosure. 

BELLA: There is no way for her to get in! 

BRIGIT: What if it is a wild animal? Xander said there were coyotes and bobcats and bears. Brauk Bauk (oh my) 

BRIGITA: What can we do? (lots of panic bauking) 

CLUCKY: Calm down ladies and head into the coop. You'll be safe there.. 

BELLA: We are not going to go hide in there. We will stand by Kitten and do what we can. 

BRIGITA: We will stand together! 

BRIGIT: Kitten the top of the coop is shorter than the enclosure extension. Do you think you could jump up on it? 

CLUCKY: Oh that's a great idea Bridgit! 

BELLA: Exactly, you need us ladies out here to help. 

KITTEN: I will try. meow (Hop.) (scrabble) oof! OH the outside of the coop is slick and there is nothing for me to grab on to. 

BELLA: The rustling is getting louder...

KITTEN: meow.... 

BRIGITA: Quick try and jump up on the wire part. You can probably crawl up from there. 

CLUCKY: Another good idea! 

KITTEN: Meow, (hop) oh ugh! Climb. I made it. 

CLUCKY: Great, now get to the center. Don't be too close to the edge. We don't know what's coming. (louder rumble) 

BELLA: Yes, everyone get to the center and away from the edges of the Coop. 

BRIGIT: This cloud is so dense. I wish it would move on so we could see? 

CLUCKY: I don't think you should call the cloud stupid. It may have feelings.

KITTEN: meow Clucky, Bridgit meant the cloud was thick and hard to see through not that it was stupid. 

CLUCKY: OH right. I knew that. (crunch) 

BRIGITA: Braak! It is super close now? 

Bl: Where is it?

TATUM: Greetings my little creatures. (screaming) 

TATUM: calm down. I am not here to hurt you. 

KITTEN: You are so tall. 

CLUCKY: And so brown. 

TATUM: My name is Tatum. I am a white tailed deer. I have roamed this mountain for many years. 

CLUCKY: You look pretty brown to me. 

BRIGIT: Clucky! 

CLUCKY: What? Her whole body is brown from her very large ears to her long legs and black hooves. 

TATUM: (deer noise) You are correct. My body is brown. It is part of my camouflage to help me blend in with the trees and ground in the forest. 

KITTEN: That makes sense but why is your tail white?

TATUM: It is only the underside of my tail that is white. 

BRIGITA: White does not blend in with anything in the forest. How is that camouflage? 

TATUM: You are correct. My tail is how I communicate with other deer or my fawn. 

CLUCKY: What do you mean? 

TATUM: well, when I feel safe then I lower my tail or swish it slowly back and forth. This signals to my fawn that it is safe to come out. 

BRIGITA: You control the rising of the sun?! I had no idea that's what made the sun go up and down in the sky.

KITTEN: meow, she said fawn not dawn. 

BRIGITA: OH What's a fawn? 

NEIL: I'm a fawn? 

BRIGITA: Bauk! It's a mini speckled version of you Tatum! 

TATUM: Yes this is Neil. He is my son. 

CLUCKY: Oh Hey there Neil, I’m Clucky,

BELLA: Bella

BRIGIT: Brigit

BRIGITA: Brigita

KITTEN: Kitten

NEIL:  It is very nice to meet all of you! 

BRIGITA:  He is so polite!

CLUCKY: OH when you swished your tail Tatum, he saw he could come out! 

TATUM: Exactly 

BRIGIT: Why does he have white spots? That does not seem like very good camouflage.

NEIL: That is where you’re wrong.  When I lay down in the bushes or under trees, my spots make it look like little spots of sunlight hitting the ground.  Let me show you. 

BRIGITA:  Oh My!  

CLUCKY: Where did he go? 

BELLA: He is invisible!

BRIGIT:  If I did not see him lay down there, I would have no idea he was there!  

KITTEN: Very well done! Meow

NEIL:  The hardest part is staying still.  

CLUCKY: I can understand that! 

KITTEN: What other signals do you use your tail to make Tatum?  

TATUM:  If I put it up, it's like an alert.  As you mentioned before Clucky, I do have very large ears and those help me have Ultrasonic hearing.  

CLUCKY:  What is that?  It must be good!

TATUM: Well I heard some humans discussing research done by Dr. Henry Heffner at the University of Toledo shows that deer can hear upwards of 54,000 hertz (humans hear up to 20,000 hertz, if lucky). Translation: You make noises you may not even know you're making, but we deer can hear them clear as a bell.

CLUCKY: Oh Wow! I wonder what noises I make that I don’t know I’m making.  

TATUM: With my ultrasonic hearing, I can detect danger and alert others around me by putting up my tail.  As a deer, we don’t have many defenses but our best is running.  Because we can usually hear predators coming from a long way off, we have a better chance of getting away.  

NEIL:  If we need to run, I also use Mama’s tail as a beacon so I know where to run and follow her.  It’s easy to get lost in the woods.  

KITTEN:  What happens if you do get lost?  

NEIL:  Well if that happens, I just find a nice little patch of shrubs to lay down and wait.  She always comes back for me.  

TATUM: Yes, Neil is still growing and can not always keep up if we have to run.  

(Wind sfx)  

BRIGITA: Finally, it looks like the cloud is starting to break up and clear away.  

TATUM: We should be going as well.  

NEIL: Already? 

TATUM: Yes, I hear the humans are headed down this way. 

KITTEN:  It was so nice meeting you! 

CLUCKY: I hope you come back and visit soon!

BELLA: Stay safe out there

BRIGIT: Bye

BRIGITA:  Cheerio!

End credits

What are you Bauking about? 

CALLER: Hi my name is Corwin and I live in Washington.  My question is will we ever discover where Clucky and the hens are from?  Do they know where they are from? 

CLUCKY: See Kitten, I told you people had burning questions!

BRIGITA: And they want to know about us!

KITTEN: You were right.  Meow.

CLUCKY: Let me tell ya Corwin it’s a fascinating story and I’d love to tell you all about it.

BRIGIT: Unfortunately, we don't have that much time.  

BRIGITA: Maybe we could do it in an upcoming episode.

BELLA: That’s a great idea! 

CLUCKY: Coming soon…Clucky and the hens: The untold story.

BELLA: An epic tail from fluff to feathers.

BRIGITA: You certainly won’t want to miss that! 

KITTEN: I believe Corbin also had a fun fact for us.

CALLER: Also, I have an interesting fact.  Did you know that fog is a cloud that is touching the ground?  If it is not touching the ground it is not fog, just a very low cloud.  

CLUCKY: Wow! I had no idea that was the difference between a cloud and fog.  

KITTEN: Thank you for that fun fact!