Life with cats, and other things…
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
Returning from Dead Creek on 18th April 2026 Spring offers a whole new range of subject matter as the flora changes by the moment. Our sky seldom disappoints, no matter the time of year. Not that there is a shortage of subjects that appeal to me: . Stripes. I do believe I may have mentioned … Continue reading Simplicity
"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
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
18th March 2026. Fine days in March have been rationed. Are we heading for another wet Spring like last year? That turned out to be a blessing, considering the drought that followed. In our recent travels around the now snow-free countryside we noticed quite a few fields of crops that were never harvested, presumably because … Continue reading Not so odd
14th March 2026 March has turned into a murky month, however we would not think to complain considering the storms that rage elsewhere. The first two months of 2026 were not entirely sunlit either, but with snow constantly on the ground, the house was always bright, which gave the illusion of fine days. Until the … Continue reading Who shows up
21st February 2026 Climate deniers point to this very cold winter we are having as proof that there is no such thing as global warming. All it proves is that scientists should choose their words more carefully. And that you cannot force people to confront inconvenient facts they refuse to acknowledge. Future generations will curse … Continue reading Target
7th February 2026 After many days of clear weather, Saturday brought snow. A flock of starlings came to perch in the bushes, staring at us as we breakfasted. . "Missus! Are you going to come out here and deal with this?" Some dropped onto the snow to dig frantically for seed buried beneath. Most inconsiderate … Continue reading What we miss
0744/27th January 2026 A tiny red head suddenly popped up from under the snow this morning. It confirmed our assumption that Little Red had taken refuge from the elements in the groundhog burrow which was buried beneath some 8 inches of the powdery stuff. . "Wow. Wa' happened out here?" . "You got nuts, missus?" … Continue reading The daily dig