Life with cats, and other things…
Animals of the northeastern USA
1835/30th April 2026 Like "love", I think the word "hate" is used far too freely. I may sometimes describe something or someone as hateful, but I avoid saying that I hate. It was never possible for me to hate even people who caused me pain, because hatred is something that gets inside you and eats … Continue reading Patches of blue
Cambridge, NY. 2nd May 2026 In the village this morning, two women exchanged moans: "I am so over this weather!" "I can't believe I'm still using a heater at night!" Which shows how different we can be, because I enjoyed a private chuckle thinking that despite gloomy predictions, I have been quite pleased with Spring … Continue reading Traveller
0550/23rd April 2026 The large great Dane - or whatever it was, since it did not stop for introductions, disappeared up the hill and was seen no more. Next day, when we met up with a queue of dogs waiting to see the vet at Tractor Supply, I noticed a great Dane that might just … Continue reading Put down
"It's for all the digging we have to do missus." Who knew groundhogs had such long fingers and toes? And such sharp nails! Despite all that digging, they are remarkably clean. . And so very cute. The above individual is likely one of last year's babies. As they age their fur doesn't look quite as … Continue reading Another friend returns
Little Man likes jigsaw puzzles. Cats really know how to get your day started. Mopping up vomit and having a dead mouse cast at your feet first thing is such a joy. Little Man was the mouser but not the vomiter. He has taken over the job of Chief Mouser which was previously one of … Continue reading Friends new and old
7th April 2026 "Iced carrots, missus? Really?" Why Groundhog Day is at the beginning of February, I don't know, since they remain in their burrows until March. I suppose it was invented by people living further south where Spring comes sooner. This groundhog seemed most unimpressed. . Whereas a late frost often kills off the … Continue reading A blooming aspen
1806/6th April 2026 The forecast was accurate for once and the world turned white again on Tuesday, prompting us to go in search of photographs because we didn't get enough of snow this past Winter! Some of them may be worth sharing, though I haven't examined them properly yet and in the meantime I have … Continue reading On the way to Greenwich
1818/3rd April 2026, The Sun appeared just in time to set. Back in the Fall, Grant collected a large bag of acorns on one of our drives and planted a few, hoping to get some to grow. A previous attempt produced two tiny oaks that are now struggling to survive out of the hill. This … Continue reading “More please?”
0633/25th march 2026 The gloom of early March was predicted to continue, but happily this has proved to be at least partly inaccurate. Sombre at times, certainly, cold and windy, but with cheerful sun breaks. . Rosy skies were decorated by impressive contrails. . Wednesday evening, more contrails painted patterns across the sky. . Without … Continue reading Thursday thrill
1851/24th March 2026 A lovely ending to a fine Tuesday. The sunshine that day was so brilliant, it encouraged the groundhogs from their burrow. Since their first appearance early in the month, they had been rarely seen. . Tuesday afternoon they burst out of their freshly excavated entrance. . "Give that back! It's mine!" A … Continue reading Country living