.
Evening clouds lured me out and I forgot in that instant to check first that I would not be disturbing wildlife.
Consequently I frightened two young deer that were pulling apples from the trees. They come back eventually of course, but I don’t like scaring them
.
One of our frequent visitors is suffering from a type of mange which is clearly very itchy.
.
The deer we see most often is Uni. She is the one that no longer runs away from us.
She appears to be getting thinner despite the availability of food. We believe she gave birth some weeks ago, but have never seen a fawn with her.
When you have the time to observe wildlife, all too often you notice problems and there is seldom anything you can do to help.
It certainly does no good to be sad, but I always am.
.
As far back as I can remember, I have been crying over animals. As I child I was deemed sentimental. I think I was expected to grow out of it.
I never did and although at times it was inconvenient, I never wanted to.
Inconvenient? Bursting into tears suddenly, in a busy shopping aisle gets you funny looks.
But that was only times when one of my cats was very ill or had died.
.
You don’t get compassionate leave when your animal companion dies.
The first one I lost was Mohammed but he didn’t die, he disappeared, so the loss was prolonged. A torment of diminishing of hope and eventual acceptance.
When Yeti died I was fortunate to be working for a very compassionate and understanding man. On my way to the airport a few days after her demise, I was suddenly sobbing and knowing I would be useless, I turned around and went home. It was nice to know I could call the office and not get blasted.
Subsequent losses all came after I retired.
.
Lately I’ve found my thoughts often wandering to all those lost animals. Is it attributable to the reduced dosage of anti-depressants? I don’t think so. It’s not that sort of feeling.
It’s nostalgia. It just happens at times.
.
My intention, before those thoughts hijacked it, was to post pictures I took the other day after we saw those beautiful ospreys.
It was an overcast day but the fields looked lovely.
.
Willows
.
Summer on the cusp.
.
While I’m not fond of summer, I do like the look.
But mostly I love that the look changes constantly as different plants have their short seasons.
The weather of the day always has its affect as too, does the time of day.
.
Talk about mixed fortunes.
We had just passed several beautiful, well-maintained properties when we came upon…
What exactly is that?
I snapped the picture but we didn’t loiter.
.
Lake Cossayuna
.
Now it appear that the internet is preparing for its afternoon siesta, a recent development.
So I had better launch this while I still can…
Wahtever that ramshackle structure is, it doesn’t look very safe to me! There is no more reason why we should forget the loss of our beloved pets than the loss of any human relative or loved one. They hold the same place in the hearts of those of us who love animals.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the wonderful pictures of the countryside! All that greenery in various shades, and this odd building you left quickly as it looked unsafe. I used to cry silently after Gaby’s death. the tears just were going down my face and I couldn’t stop it. Pete is right and I am grateful that there are people who understand our feelings of loss.
Joanna xx
I don’t think I would venture out on to the top balcony of that de luxe property!
I can certainly understand your sad nostalgic feelings about furry friends long gone. I also think about mine and wish they were still here with me…
I appreciate the reflective nature of your writing and how it encourages readers to embrace transitions with a positive mindset.
When we lost our two spaniels (six months apart), my boss immediately let me know not to come to work the next day – something I will always remember. Maybe it’s because she and her husband didn’t have any children either and that their dogs and cats were like their children — she completely understood. The different colours of green in your photos … wow, it’s beautiful.