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Predictions of rain were not entirely wrong but neither have they been very productive.
The ten sunny days promised are more likely to happen and while they will be very nice for sightseeing, that will not help our parched fields and dried out water courses.
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Even the mighty Hudson seemed lethargic the other day.
This has been the driest Summer, to follow the wettest Spring.
Next up the coldest Winter?
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This morning I refreshed the hummingbird feeder, wondering if it might be the last time before our tiny friends leave. Every day I watch out for them and send a mental message to wish them well in case I don’t see them again before they go.
We always miss the migrating birds in Winter but this year the thought of them going is making me unaccountably sad. Perhaps it’s because it marks the increasingly rapid passage of time and the fact that two of our cats are now quite elderly.
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Sweet Sophia spends much of her day lately sleeping on my pillow. Until recently she still ran away from me. Now she lies there happily as I climb into bed beside her.
At her last check-up, Sophia was found to have both thyroid and kidney issues. Treating either was likely to adversely affect the other, so we opted for doing our best to keep her as comfortable and happy as possible. She is painfully thin but seems very content at present. She doesn’t go out anymore because she is stone deaf and she was inclined to wander too far. Not being able to find her a couple of times made Grant very anxious and Sophia hasn’t seemed distressed at being kept in, fortunately.
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It became obvious recently that Lily is also profoundly deaf and she does still insist on going out. She no longer takes the prolonged walks that often had me beside myself with worry, but an animal without hearing makes easy prey. When we are outside, predators are unlikely to approach, so I am assured, but I am never happy when our girl is out.
Lily has been with me as long as any other companion I have ever had and while she has never stuck close as some of my cats have, she comes by to sit periodically, as if to check on me and she has a special place in my heart. She could still outlive me, but it is unlikely.
The thought of losing Lily is painful, yet I wouldn’t want it to be the other way around.
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At 10-11, Blackie is comparatively young, but as an Felv+ cat, she has already outlived her life expectancy, so I have been told. Her feline leukemia test came back mild positive which means that she has been exposed rather than infected, according to the vet and she has always been healthy, so we keep a close eye and hope for the best.
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Willow regards herself as my Number 1, but still holds herself aloof, like any self-respecting cat.
Blackie, on the other hand attaches to me like velcro, gazing into my face as if in adoration. It is very endearing and quite humbling.
As if she knew I was writing about her, Blackie just jumped onto my desk, something she rarely does.
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Dee Dee and Willow are about a year older than Blackie, so they are slightly more than middle-aged.
Dee Dee is very much Grant’s girl but she tolerates me, even stooping to ingratiate herself if she thinks it will win her an extra treat.
Both are healthy but we know better than to take anything for granted, only praying they remain so.
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Responsible aging people do not take in young animals that are likely to outlive them and it had never been our intention to do so, but Little Man arrived on the doorstep and invited himself to stay, quickly inserting himself deeply in our hearts.
Through the loss of Tinkerbelle last year and Muffin back in June, having this incredibly loving boy to hold was a great comfort. He is the constant cause of smiles and laughter.
In fact, I’m off to find him right now. I need a cuddle.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the moving tribute to your companions and the excellent photos. I could do with a hug too, but I don’t have anyone suitable. Instead, I will watch the total lunar eclipse.
Joanna
Tell them they can have an extra treat and cuddle from me!
Thanks for the cat family roll-call and individual updates, Carolyn. Everyone is talking about a severe winter to come, and I’m really hoping they are wrong.
Best wishes, Pete.
My mother-in-law died last year and her beloved dog went to her best friend and is very happy. She is also very old for her breed and still vibrant. I have come to believe that adopting animals as we age helps both them and us, as long as there is a web of love, support, and safety to hold the animal if we can’t continue to.
Yes, animals are wonderful support for the elderly and I am much in favour, as long as there is a contingency plan established.
I enjoy your photos of the wildlife in your garden, but the most beautiful photos are always of your cats. And it’s good to be reminded sometimes of how old they are and to learn more about their personalities. Here on the farm where we now live, is a cat that belongs to the farmer’s mother. Felix is definitely the most loving cat I have ever encountered – he usually can’t wait for me to bend down to pet him (I think Felix and Little Man might be distant relatives).
I like the sound of Felix!