Life with cats, and other things…
Pigeons practicing their circuits on 5th September. A flock of pigeons has been around for most of the summer. Since things quieted down after the departure of the rowdy gang (starlings, grackles and red-winged blackbirds), they drop in periodically to peck at the seed tray and hoover up whatever is left of the peanuts, though … Continue reading Sorting
08:02 13th September 2026 Saturday was quite the greyest, wettest day in many weeks. But I have a backlog of skies that I've been meaning to share. Sky-gazing is one of life's great pleasures, in my view. By sheer good luck, 8 years ago, I acquired a property that offers a wide open view and … Continue reading In the moment
07:11, 12th September 2026 The flock of turkeys drifted up the driveway out of morning mist but efforts to photograph them were somewhat frustrated by the presence in the window of yucca seed pods. The birds, however, seemed to be progressing toward the house, so I'd get a better chance as they got closer, but … Continue reading Remembering to notice
19:06 2nd September 2026 Many of the wild animals we so enjoy failed to show this summer, but in their absence deer returned, temporarily. For the past few years we'd only caught sight of the group down in the field. Rarely, one came near the house and we had never seen bucks up here. . … Continue reading A thought for next year
9th September 2026 Some days simply refuse to come together to produce a single accomplishment. Although I am in the fortunate position where this matters not, it is never-the-less irritating when the disruption is due to power outages followed by internet failures. Those came mid-morning and lasted some five hours. Earlier, my time had been … Continue reading A little white chicken
"Salute to the Queen" from an original by John Young 1987 The above print of a painting hangs where I pass by it several times a day, but I hardly need it to remind me of that awful day 25 years ago. September 11th is one of those anniversaries that cannot pass unnoticed. Hiroshima was … Continue reading The towers
4th September 2026 Here and there we see splashes of red and I wonder what causes a mere portion of a particular tree to turn red? No doubt there is a scientific reason, but does it really matter? The countryside changes every day, throughout the year in subtle ways, but at this time of year, … Continue reading The upper hand
17:46, 31st August 2026 There is no bad time of year to take a drive in the country, but there is a time of day when bad things can happen. Deer may burst from the undergrowth at any time, but at dusk it is more likely and in fading light, especially along shady lanes, the … Continue reading Dusk
30th August 2026 It's funny how context can totally change your perception of things. Children's playgrounds, which are always in garish colours, get my back up. They are hideous and often ruin a perfectly good view. Kids deserve to have them, but must they be so loud? The swings and slides of my childhood were … Continue reading Sacrifices
August drew to a close quietly, under a benign sky. Traditionally, it is a hot month in which we endure the "dog days" of summer, but not this year. As reports came from around the Northern Hemisphere of oppressive heat and drought, our temperatures remained well within the comfort zone with just enough periodic rain … Continue reading Summer of ’62