Life with cats, and other things…
26th July 2026 It is comforting to know that some things don't change. The Allen tree still stands. How different it looks, fully in leaf and offset by fields of tall corn. . We heard a cry and in the distance two Red-tailed hawks perched in a dead tree. A hawk we'd never seen before … Continue reading Summer in full bloom
Amigos in summer pasture Travelling about the countryside which has become a great pastime, we have become acquainted with a considerable number of animals. Not actually acquainted, unfortunately. Even if our approach was welcome, stopping to say hello to them all, we'd never get anywhere. But we always look out for them and worry when … Continue reading What one’s got
1949/22nd July 2026 It was a relief this morning to be spared Lily's 0430 wake-up call, although a loud altercation had got me out of bed at 0350. Usually, such things turn out to be a pair of raccoons fighting on the porch or patio and there is nothing to be done, but in a … Continue reading Trespassing?
Hearing Grant's distressed "Oh no!", I thought one of his sunflowers had been brought down. Sadly, it was something far worse. He'd caught sight of a young skunk rushing by, covered in blood and when he looked in the direction from which it appeared to have come, he saw another, also bloodied, clearly rabid. The … Continue reading Happenings
With a changed perspective, everything looks different. . The wild carrots made interesting outlines against an early sky. . On Thursday, the first of a series of appointments after a blessedly long period with none. A steroid injection in the hip was a very minor thing, but lying prone on a hard, flat surface is … Continue reading Unasked
1959/21st July 2026 Further south, around New York City and New Jersey, I read reports of tornadoes and storm damage, while up here all we got was dark clouds. On occasion we have had some fairly noisy and damaging storms, but as often as not, we have found ourselves just at the edge of serious … Continue reading A handsome bird
22nd July 2026 Hearing the familiar clucking of turkeys, I assumed it was the pair that has been visiting lately and at a quick glance, I believed this was the one that always cranes its neck to look in at us. . Rearranging the feathers "'Bye Willow! We're off now!" But then the companion strutted … Continue reading The downside
1829/20th July 2026 When feeling sleepy and/or uninspired, unless inhibited by pouring rain, snow or smoke, I grab the camera and head outdoors. At almost any time of year I can find something of interest. With a better pair of eyes, I know I would find much more, the microscopic world being such a fascinating … Continue reading Generally…or not
20th July 2026 There is a lot to be said for a simple life. With low expectations, the smallest thing can bring you joy. . A couple of days ago, it was the blooming of a first sunflower. This one had not been deliberately planted or carefully nursed. It grew in front of the porch … Continue reading Sunflowers
0542/19th July 2026 Any day that includes animal encounters is ranked a success - as I believe I've said before. Even better when it's a creature I had no previous awareness of. When fix-it chaps come to attend our latest equipment failure which happens all too often, Grant enjoys having the chance to talk with … Continue reading You never know