Life with cats, and other things…
1941/6th June 2026 Returning to 21st Century New York, a brightening of the light caught my attention. As expected, Saturday's balloon festival attracted inclement weather. Although rain did not arrive till late in the day, conditions seemed unfavourable for such activity. Early evening brought a very modest thunderstorm. . From my desk I can see … Continue reading Light and colour
Kep, Cambodia 1961 It may have been my Christmas present in 1956, or perhaps a 9th birthday gift the following February. At any rate, it was thereabouts that I was given the Kodak Brownie with which I took a few photographs when I went back to boarding school in Kep. . My first camera was … Continue reading Escape
A very wet field, 15th May 2026 There is a saying: "If life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Applying that logic, when the weather brings rain - celebrate wetness! In the same way that I am captivated by snow and ice, I am drawn to water drops. . How can you be expected to celebrate … Continue reading Grace
Checking back, it appears I've often mentioned dandelions. I had been thinking that this year's crop was particularly impressive, but in retrospect perhaps it is only average. Maybe it is only that I notice their jolly faces more these days. . There is beauty to be found wherever you look in Nature, in one form … Continue reading Noticing
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
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
1533/24th December 2025 Christmas Day passed very quietly, marked by a slight eyebrow raiser at breakfast and a minor worry that fortunately resolved before transitioning to panic... The past couple of days have been beautifully decorated with anew application of light snow and changing light. . Breakfast time is when I do my daily brain … Continue reading Thoughts
0842/17th November 2025 Most of the leaves are gone but how beautiful is the autumn sky? . And its muted light? Not everyone will agree, I know. . Even I would prefer it didn't get dark quite so early. And these days I am more bothered than usual by the cold, though not nearly as … Continue reading Shedding the armor
1706/1st November 2025 The year leading up to the 2024 election was tense and stressful. Then after that appalling day, we were left sick with apprehension. In the months since the inauguration, I've asked myself whether my dread was justified. Or should I have been even more afraid? Being afraid is not helpful and worrying … Continue reading Differences
1806/18th October 2025 2025 was always going to be chaotic, even if last year's election had gone differently, though that would have led to other sorts of chaos. Humanity has got itself into a fever pitch of angst that it desperately wants to express. Individuals discharge their fury in a whole variety of ways. I … Continue reading The Common Good