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First light comes early these days.
It’s a special time of day that I enjoy despite the struggle of rising after increasingly shortened nights.
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Even if I really wanted to, I couldn’t lie in bed once the first rays of light filter in, because they raise Muffin from her slumber and she awakens to serious hunger pangs.
Her very loud breakfast demands could not be ignored by the coldest heart.
Famished she may be, but it’s not as simple as offering her a handful of kibble. She is fussy and because her tastes are ever-changing, you can never be sure what she will accept.
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This tends to lead to the opening of several cans of food which draws the attention of others.
You can’t very well feed one and not the others, but hopefully they will condescend to accept one of Muffin’s rejects.
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Blackie is only a little bit choosy, in her tastes at least.
But her food must be served in a particular location which varies from meal to meal.
Willow also has this stipulation.
So by the time you’ve chosen the right food and chased everyone around, you are well and truly awake and ready for another joyous day.
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Just occasionally, the little dears are obliged to wait a few seconds while I pop outside with my camera because after all, dawn does not wait, even for hungry pussycats.
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The image of dawn is not always worthy of capture.
Often the spectacle lasts mere seconds, easily missed while chasing cats.
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But sometimes we are treated to a picture that morphs constantly for many minutes.
Such as on this occasion…
(21st November 2021)
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This morning’s sky was not so grand, but I never tire of watching the trees light up.
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Watching the field come alive.
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In moments, the lilac changed.
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Early rays caught budding leaves, a simple but delightful image.
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With the return of moderate temperatures, the dear darlings like to walk. I am not overjoyed by this because I worry and occasionally they collect passengers which get brought indoors, which I could do without.
However…
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Risks here are few and they do so love going out. I had to admit that I wouldn’t care to be locked in all the time, so I relented, as if I was given a choice!
Once in a while, Lily and Dee Dee go on unauthorised walk-a-bouts causing brief anxiety.
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But only Little Man has turned anxiety into major freak-out, by going off on an epic three-day adventure.
Attempts to introduce him to a harness have so far been unsuccessful, so after breakfast he is contained behind a closed door while the others come and go because for the duration of their outing, we must have open doors, something I do not approve of, mainly because insects come in and I cannot abide flies!
Additionally, I rather like to keep track of who is in and who is out, which is hard to do when they can come in one door only to go back out another, but who listens to me?
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In any event, I’ve stopped protesting because of Sophia who has found enjoyment in advanced old age.
Whereas the others take a 15-minute walk, Sophia saunters, meandering here and there or sitting on the porch.
It is obvious that she loves simply lazing in the sun, watching the birds and chipmunks. We cannot deprive her of this late-found pleasure, so we leave her to it and not knowing when she may want to come in, the door must be left open.
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After all the years this sweet cat spent hiding, we rejoice at the sight of her finding so much pleasure in her new found world.
Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful photos of sunrise and the flowers in your garden. The story of your devotion to your cats is heartwarming! I especially love the beautiful landscapes that lift my spirit with their beauty! Thank you again, Carolyn, for the New World!
Joanna
I love the early day – beautiful pics
Yea for Sophia’s new pleasures!
You have an adorable furry family 😍
Lilac is beautiful too. I can’t wait when my lilac will bloom 🙂
Oh yes, there is no way you can get back into bed after going through that exhausting routine of the cats’ breakfast! I’m glad you let the cats go for a walk – I understand it is difficult for you – but reading how much they enjoy it (especially Sophia), makes one think it is the right decision. I wish Little Man would agree to the harness … but after his last adventure, there’s no way he can be outside without you keeping an eye on him every second! What a beautiful quote from Tagore – I will definitely save it and remember to read it from time to time!
Oh, hang on! I got so wrapped up in your story that I completely forgot to mention how beautiful your early morning photos are – love it!
The photo of the cat on the wheelbarrow would make a great framed wall poster, or a page on a calendar of cats. We have a drop of 7C today, from 18 to 11. Yesterday was sunny and breezy, today feels like early March.
Best wishes, Pete.