Life with cats, and other things…
1801/27th May 2026 It is hard to believe that the Solstice is a little over three weeks away. Too soon for these lovely long, warm evenings to begin to wane. Yesterday's was a cracker. . Wednesday, that is. I am currently writing a day ahead. Scattered cloud had me monitoring shifting light. . "What have … Continue reading The daily surprise
0602/8th May 2026 Failing to check for wildlife, I went charging out to get the above photograph and scared off a fox that was tucking into the peanuts I'd put out earlier. So, when Grant went out I made him take a special offering to be delivered by the old wall where we believe their … Continue reading Happy Friday
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
"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
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
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?”
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
4th March 2026 . "I feel like Sisyphus!" said Grant, going out to shovel the latest snowfall. Temperatures were just cold enough yesterday for precipitation to arrive in frozen form. Wet and heavy. Hungry pussycats had persuaded us to rise early, in time to view the dawn... . The forecast was wrong again? . 0614/3rd … Continue reading Sisyphus
One should always remember to look up. If my frequent use of the word simple says something about me, perhaps all those references to the contrast between light and dark do too. Personal preferences are part of our character. Many are a matter of familiarity, of what we experienced growing up. The rest, - who … Continue reading Preferences
1810/4th September 2025 Could the weather finally be on the change? According to the weather forecast, there's an 80% chance of rain, to continue through Sunday, but the weather map suggests that the front will stop just short of our location. It would be nice to see the flora refreshed. . "My grass is getting … Continue reading March past