The Battle of the Open Doors.
It seemed I had no hope of winning as the reason they are open twice a day for 15 minutes is to allow the cats access/egress.
Apparently some dreadful thing might befall us if the little dears had to wait a nano-second to be let in.
.
This only became an issue recently when I gave in to pressure and allowed Willow to join the walkers. Until then, the inner door was closed and the walkers could wait in the “air lock”, the space between.
No doubt Willow would too, but I am neurotic. So the doors are both open.
(Because if the door she comes to is closed she may run away forever…)
.
Since the day of my great fright, when Willow took a prolonged walk, I have been going out to potter in the garden in order to keep an eye on her. I think I may just make a case for keeping the doors closed.
After all it will be cold soon and heating is far too expensive to be wasted.
.
“Should I go this way? Or that way?”
Willow had actually not gone for a long walk that day. She was having a lengthy meditation under a hedge.
Apparently she had headphones on and didn’t hear us calling.
But she “gets my vibes” and when I freaked out she came running.
It’s not the doors being open as such that troubles me, but other things that come through them besides cats.
One sad day this included a chipmunk that one of the girls had dragged in. Luckily it was Grant who found it.
.
Later, Dee Dee came looking for her toy so we suspect she was the guilty party.
This little chap stayed safe on top of the hedge. There are chipmunks everywhere this year and some may have found their way into the house siding which is worrying, considering what mice did to my car last year.
.
“What’s up, Willow?”
“I’m doing rodent patrol.”
They are both efficient mousers.
Mouse, chipmunk, any small creature that moves fast.
Often not fast enough 🙁
.
Lily still moves like a young cat.
.
For Grant she comes running.
Dee Dee has to be rounded up.
Maybe she has a secret boyfriend, or perhaps she goes off to visit the ever elusive Mr Nibbs.
.
Lily had to stop for a drink, because of course we don’t offer water indoors.
“Rainwater is good for cats!”
.
“Right. I’ve decided.”
“I’ll go this way.”
.
Patches considers decisions carefully.
.
While the cats do rodent watch, I do sky-watch. Clouds always, but at this time of year I am listening for geese.
Just as I always ran to a window to see Concorde, I go outside to watch geese.
.
It will never get old for me.
.
What is it about a formation of birds that brings a lump to my throat?
Many such birds fly thousands of miles at great altitudes, braving many challenges, each doing its part. I suppose I see in them something heroic.
Also, those formations represent many farewells.
Farewells are hard for me.
.
Meanwhile the day was drawing in.
Autumn evenings.
Magic
The way you catch the magic of the sky and clouds, is beyond wonderful, Carolyn!
And I also love the formation of gees seen across the sky, and that call of the leader:
“Follow me!”
Joanna
You have such magnificent skies. Thanks for sharing them!
The white and black cat is thinking about the meaning of the universe and it knows it’s secrets 🙀💭💕💞
Not autumn yet. But it’s on the way. For me this evening it was the patience of the fishing egret. And the honking of a small skein of geese. Earlier it was gulls doing their proper job – cleaning the ocean sea shore (not stealing chips from unsuspecting visitors on the quayside at the British seaside.)
I am always amazed how pets will look for the smallest puddle of water to drink (like you say: as if there are no bowls full of fresh water in the house) 😉. When I look at the formations of birds, I always long for ‘my’ people who are no longer here … why would it bring such an emotion? I’m a big fan of autumn evenings – those are great to make a fire outside and just enjoy the loveliness of nature.
It was dark at 7:15pm here last night. By the end of the month it will be dark before 7. Then I start to dread the long, dark evenings that make me want to go to bed by 9pm.
Ollie will drink water in the house, but prefers any pool of rainwater, or his favourite fast-flowing river water. I was told it is because they can smell the chemicals added to domestic tap water, and also sense ‘hard water’, which we have here in Norfolk.
Best wishes, Pete.