The Great Hamster Hunt

Well, I've spent most of my day on my knees, searching through anything that a hamster could fit in or under and even sniffing to see if I can smell the tell tale signs of an expired hamster. But no luck. The craft room and landing are remarkably clean as a result, so I guess it was productive in that respect. Poor Ella woke up this morning with puffy eyes from crying herself to sleep and the boys and I have been very sad too. I miss Winter climbing her cage as soon as she heard my voice (her telling me she wanted to come out and play). Kit doesn't want to tidy his room now as he is scared of finding her. So we went to the pet shop and got another little winter white hamster...her name is Cardamom. But she's not Winter. Ella is happy to have the hamster cage filled again, although we have to let her settle for 4 days before picking her up. She'll let us stroke her, but she makes this weird screeching/buzzing sound sometimes. Winter never made a peep...sometimes a tiny chuck chuck, but never a real noise. Cardi is very vocal. That will take some getting used to. It's funny how such small creatures have such distinct "personalities". So, I will spend the next week or so tidying every inch of this house trying to find little Winter even though I, like Kit, am filled with dread at the prospect of finding her little body.