Life with cats, and other things…
17th April 2026. The large building on the right is an abandoned chicken battery. Pothole repair was going on in the village the other day, so we came home a different way, ending up on the route we take to and from the vet. It is now gaining its summer appearance, which is entirely different … Continue reading The way of things
"It's for all the digging we have to do missus." Who knew groundhogs had such long fingers and toes? And such sharp nails! Despite all that digging, they are remarkably clean. . And so very cute. The above individual is likely one of last year's babies. As they age their fur doesn't look quite as … Continue reading Another friend returns
0555/15th April 2026 Following the misty sunset came a rosy dawn, worth rising early for. . Not that getting up early is unusual these days. First light tends to wake me if Lily's wails haven't already got me going. Sometimes she serenades us for much of the night, which is something many aging cats do, … Continue reading Visual challenges
Dead Lake, 14th April, 2026 Leaving Dead Lake, we went for a short inspection of other osprey nests which were all occupied though only the tops of resident’s heads were visible, so I got no photographs. It was enough to know they are back and busy. . As much as I love Winter, a pretty … Continue reading Contrasts
Little Man likes jigsaw puzzles. Cats really know how to get your day started. Mopping up vomit and having a dead mouse cast at your feet first thing is such a joy. Little Man was the mouser but not the vomiter. He has taken over the job of Chief Mouser which was previously one of … Continue reading Friends new and old
14th April 2026 Pennies are no longer being minted and you would need an awful lot of them to pay for even the humblest item these days, so why do the suppliers of gasoline/petrol not get real with pricing? How exactly is one to pay 9/10 of a penny? Why not call it $4.10? Is … Continue reading Teachers
1857/9th April 2026 One recent afternoon, I looked up from my computer and was surprised to see two strangers at the front door. The house is on a private road and I could count on one hand the number of unknown people who have come here in the past seven years. As I got up … Continue reading Intruders
9th April 2026 2026 is the Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the American Revolution and in places like Fort Ticonderoga, there will be re-enactments and other celebrations, though given the mood currently and the lack of tourists, I don't know how much enthusiasm it will muster. How different to the Bicentennial. How sad. As we walked in … Continue reading For the birds
10th April 2026 Thursday was far too good to waste, given the promise of more wet weather ahead. But where should we go? I tossed out a couple of suggestions and we stared at the map of Vermont but it did not seem to take Grant's fancy that day and well, he is the driver. … Continue reading Ticonderoga
7th April 2026 "Iced carrots, missus? Really?" Why Groundhog Day is at the beginning of February, I don't know, since they remain in their burrows until March. I suppose it was invented by people living further south where Spring comes sooner. This groundhog seemed most unimpressed. . Whereas a late frost often kills off the … Continue reading A blooming aspen