Life with cats, and other things…
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
30th August 2026 . Life is full of disturbances. Out here in the country fortunately, they usually involve dropping everything to look at some form of wildlife, which is a welcome interruption. But I can't say I ever expected to find my endeavours disrupted by a peacock. His first visit was a surprise. We figured … Continue reading The pattern
30th August 2026 When we re-establish connection with a previously well-travelled, subsequently abandoned route, we appear to become drawn back in by it. Thus, he we were again on Wright's Road recently. . There are several kinds of sumac, including one that is poisonous. It has white berries. Sumac is a deciduous shrub in the … Continue reading Naughty children
06:12 30th August 2026 Yesterday had me believing I'd stepped through a portal into an alternate reality, something I've been asking myself anyway, ever since our current government was installed. A couple of days ago, I finally received the quote for installation of a generator which would offer peace of mind going into another New … Continue reading Door mats