Little cats and BIG cats

Went over and sloshed back a few beers at Kathy's home the other night. She's a friend and a neighbor. Her cat Mitzi wanted a photo shoot done so I obliged. Isn't she just beautiful! I love grey cats. Or Tabby. Or black. I like 'em all!






Have you heard of Kevin Richardson? He owns and runs a type of large cat sanctuary in South Africa. He befriended 2 orphaned cubs years ago and it continued from there with more unwanted cats. Check out the video below and then go see his site.

Bellissimo

Lion Whisperer

And of course a photo of one of my guys! Ticket, curled up almost as tightly as she can!

You're living where???

And the second question is "and you're living in what???"

I cringe when I hear those questions, because I know that when I tell them they are going to take a step back and have to think about it for a bit.

I'm living in the driveway of a home I used to own in a 5th wheel, the home is now owned by an ex. Dontcha' just love the ex's that you can still be friends with!

I was living on site at my last employment and when that went sour, it went putrid very very quickly. Arrangements had to be made swiftly. Like Zoom!!

A 31 foot 5th wheel trailer was purchased, towed to here, leveled, and me and my dogs plunked down and started our lives over again.

And I LOVE this new home!!! It has a big ass slide out in the living room/kitchen so that adds another 8 feet to the width. My bedroom has a queen sized bed ( and Watcher gives thanks daily for it because he's my bed hog ) I have a full bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, a dining area and a small living room. I do need to put up shelves for my favorite books and trinkets but other than that it is perfection. Hey, it beats living where we were by a million miles. This home has windows that stretch the whole way through, the last place had zero!

Think about that for a second. NO windows.

I had a nightlight at the last place, in this home I have no need because light from the moon and stars shines bright enough to show me the way. Very cool!

Good points:

• It's 2.5 times the amount of space
• WINDOWS
• The dogs only need to step down 3 steps and they are in their own backyard AND can come in or out at their own leisure
  
• We are close to any walking/hiking/swimming spots we'll ever need
• WINDOWS
• Fresh air....because of my windows!!!!
• I really truly love living in Hope
• Behind our home is a massive CPR railyard. 90% of which is un-used. An occasional train yep, but other than that the railyard also is used for walking the dogs. Or rather, they walk me!
• WIIIIIINDOWS!!!!!
  
• I can look out a window and see the Jays and other birds picking in the trees for bugs.
• I can watch raccoons quickly trot by at night from my steps.
  
• I can wake up and actually see real light from the sky
• My plants thank me for serious light
• My dogs are gloriously happy!!!!!!!!!!
  

I'm still settling in and am trying to figure out where to place things, as you would in any other home, and for the most part have it down. But once I do I will post some photos.

My main man Jack and I many years ago. ( miss you daily babe )

Blistery Blustery Day!

The sound of rain drops against the window is what woke me this morning. Not a dog, not an alarm clock, but the sound of rain drops. I was in heaven. It sounded so....alive. I tried to be still so as not to wake the dogs. I needed wanted a couple of quiet minutes listening to the outdoors. But the dogs instinctively knew I was awake. How do they do that??

I hadn't moved a muscle, and I only for a brief second opened my eyes! Ticket came and jumped on the bed and smooched me and Watcher rolled over from the side of the bed he'd been sleeping on and watched us. Then Henry realized we were all awake and needed to say good morning! as loudly as any pup does. He yipped and yapped and moaned from inside his crate. I quickly got up, shoved my feet into runners and let Henry out of his crate. As always, he came flying out like a he'd been shot out of a cannon. ( Henry sleeps in a crate at night because he still hasn't mastered the art of *holding it*. ) I opened the door and whoosh! whoosh! whoosh! all 3 went down the 3 steps, ripped around the back and straight into the dog run. They had a few seconds of sniffing and then happily peed. I left them there, walked inside and began my morning. Tea and toast, and plotting our day. On my list of to do things, right at the very top, is clearing scrub bushes from my yard.

A new fence is going to be installed in a couple of weeks. My ex, who works at a sawmill has the luck of being able to pass on to me, free of charge, some kick ass cedar boards. We reckon within a week I should have enough for a new fence. * WAIT! Did I just say reckon?? What am I...living in the 1800's out on the range??*

I was hoping for a 6 foot fence, but since beggars ( and poor people like me ) can't afford to be choosers, it will likely be 5.5 feet. So be it! All I have to pay for are a few bags of cement, screws and oil to preserve it. Sweet deal!

The elderly gentleman across the road from us has me baffled. He leaves his driveway in his monster truck at least 10 times a day. ( no exaggeration ) Easy to tell because he drives a diesel and holy crap is that beast loud. The thing is, he only goes out for 10 minutes max and comes back. And he can't back in his driveway. He pulls in and makes a huge circle on his field and them parks so the beast is facing the road. Nosy people...okay, me! am wondering these things.

I need to find a job. My incoming should be well over and above of what my outgoing is. But that ain't happening just yet. I need my resume vamped up! I used to be Kennel Manager at Woodside Shepherds in Abbotsford years ago and she and I have always kept in touch. She will gladly extol my virtues as an employee. She offered me a position back there, and I would MORE than happily go back, except it is a 3 hour round trip. If it was full time ( she can only offer pt right now ) I would jump at it. Damn it. Oh well, something will come up that is right for me! I have confidence!

Henry and Sumeet becoming friends.

Peaches, Pooh and Lucky Bamboo

Cawston peaches are world famous.

Okay, maybe not world famous, but people all over Canada have heard of them.

Okay, maybe just us B.C. people.

But only a very few lucky ones get to devour taste them.

Hello Lover....


Now get in my belly!







Everyone knows Pooh.

This particular Pooh, who was rescued from a box he'd been packed in for far too long, has been with me since May 29, 1977.




My father bought it for my son Kelly 2 days after he was born. But as happens, boys grow into men and no longer need a Pooh around. So Pooh has found sanctuary with me until the day comes when he may needed by his boy again one day. You are loved Pooh, have no fear.

One of my "Lucky Bamboo" is becoming not so lucky. Not sure what is happening but a few of the leaves are turning brown. I've been tending to it properly, it sits where there is no direct light, water is changed weekly, the pebbles it sits in are washed when the water is changed. What the heck am I doing wrong?

Hi!

Family Conference

My sister and Mother came to visit and help me sort out my new home. Very cool. Got a lot of things figured out to make living here enjoyable. Thanks very much Jamie and Mom!

Also a friend whom Jamie and I have known for over 30 years came by for a few hours. Cyndy's someone I consider a sister so she's family too! We took the dogs and ourselves for a walk. The weather was wonderfully cooperative. Not so hot it makes you search for the water jug...we were pretty close to the Fraser River so a very slight breeze made it even more enjoyable.

Cyndy and I


Henry


Ticket and Watcher

Today it has been raining off and on and Watcher says blech! to the wet stuff!

With all the forest fires around here and other parts of B.C. I was actually looking forward to it pissing down all day. We need wet here!


It seems Hummingbirds also detest the rain. Not a one spotted today.

Oh well, the rain makes me stay indoors too...and that's good because I have plenty of work that needs to get done!

Hope you are enjoying your Sunday!

What I See

When I look behind me....

Fresh heavenly smelling Oregano

Chokecherries

Henry sleeping as only Henry does...the bed is a spot for his butt.....

Or his head

Blackberries....gloriously delicious Blackberries

A Daylily

Special Things

Watcher is hooked on Blueberries. What he will do in protest, after the season ends, only he knows. I've been giving him a handful with every meal these past few days.

Henry's off the Blueberry kick and moved on to a liking for peaches. He likes them cubed and cold please and thanks. If they are room temperature he walks away.

Ticket, to my utter astonishment is favoring Watermelon. I am astonished because that chick is so freaking picky when it comes to any food.

And I am in heaven with the Blackberries. Juicy, sweet and tart at the same time Blackberries. *snarf snarf snarf*

I wonder also about other animals I have tended to. Learning their intrinsic likes and dis-likes was a journey that I hope others continue, but will probably not. Even after continuous conversations about it to others, they still did not grasp that each and every one is an individual. Easier and faster to put them all in the same boat was their moronic thinking.

For example...Czar prefers carrots. He will eat an apple, but truly prefers carrots. Gideon prefers his apples cooked, warmed and smashed because he has but a few teeth left. Lahanie will accept almost anything but really really likes a sauce of apples as well.

Speaking of Lahanie....I was reading a sentence that a blog had spoke of him. ( the blog I am speaking of is Saints...sometimes you find a jewel of a canine health link or tried and true information that can be helpful ) They said, and I'm paraphrasing here, that he was getting shiny, soft and round. ( those adjectives are correct though ) He's shiny and soft with a wonderful coat because of the ground flax he and the other equines were receiving daily while I was employed there. Sadly, the flax has been removed from his and the other's diet. As for him getting *round*....I want to say that is disgusting. But not surprising as where he is, the caregiver there has a penchant for fat animals. If they are fat, they are well fed and we must be doing a good job is their thinking I guess. No one can accuse them of starving them! So sad and pitiful.

Lahanie...saw us and came down for a visit. As he rounded the last corner the batteries crapped out on my camera. Shit! He wandered up to Ticket first. They touched noses ever so slightly. She knows this horse well! Then he came over and snorted a greeting onto my left shoulder. Warm horse breath is a glorious smell and feel.



Petunia a pot bellied pig, who has now passed, always liked Spinach the very best. And Gideon dropping some morsels of grain her way!



Herman, another pot belly, goes bananas over bananas. I swear he could hear me peeling a banana from 100 yards away! Ohhhh, I miss Herman! It took me near a month to entice him out of his pen and into the wondrous outdoors. My last 2 weeks there he was confident enough to wander over to the feeding shed to see what I was making everyone for dinner. And to snag an extra slice of apple/piece of banana/leaf of spinach or whatever.



I've left that employment but my heart still, and always will, wonder and worry about them.

Back to my guys....Henry, who is normally quite seriously shy, took an instant liking to my friend Maria who came by this past weekend. He did his normal backing up at the sound/smell of someone new, but within a few moments he went to her. She did not utter one word, make one sound but let him come to her. He went to her slowly, sat down at her feet and looked quizzically around her scent. She touched his muzzle and he melted. Maria!!! You are a dog god! Not surprising....even Watcher with his spookiness adores Maria. Some folks are true canine *people*, others just think they are. Or they believe it when told often enough.

For supper this evening we are having a crock pot roast with all the trimmings. Yes, I'm back on the beef after 4 + years without! And loving it!! It did, however, cost me me a wee fortune for a few cuts from a free range rancher near here. But I saw his ranch, toured every corner and am pleased with his place.

K, 4 hours in and 4 more to go! C.mon pot roast!

Thisa and Thata

When Henry knows he's gotten away with a lot of foolishness with the other dogs he swaggers. And has a shit eatin' grin on his face.

Ticket is the absolute best alarm clock in the world! She gently licks my face while ever so slightly while tapping my arm with a foot. ( and always between 6:45 and 7:00 am. )

Watcher....I am soooo proud of him. He's come a loooong way. From a genetically programmed spook to a full fledged full of confidence German Shepherd Dog. And his focus on myself has never swayed. Good boy my Watcher man!

The different species of trees that cover our yard area are wondrous. I look forward to Autumn and Winter. The colors will be spectacular!

My copper and purple tea light lanterns are hanging from branches where my wee table and 2 chairs are. Photos to follow.

Henry is a digging fool. Now, dogs are natural diggers....so I left alone a 8' X 10' area for him to dig to his hearts content. When he started digging in other areas I redirected him to *his* area. He gets it and digs it. Everyone wins.

To order crushed rock is simple and it's actually inexpensive. To have it delivered is whacked out highly expensive. My brain can NOT wrap around paying near 85% MORE for delivery. I understand the concept of a large truck ( fuel service charges, gst and now the fucking hst ) but nuh uh man. Not gonna' do it. I will find a cheaper way.

Air conditioning is vital.

Don't ya' wanna' slap yourself when you drive many miles away to specifically grab one thing, amongst others, and then you forget the one important thing? Sorry Henry, I will go back to Chilliwack to get you your wading pool Monday.

Did I mention that air conditioning is vital?

Of Bears and Blueberries

Bears...are very very scary, most especially when they are literally 2 feet away. And face to face. That's what happened to me last night.

But wait, I left something out! I was in my home, peeking out through one slat in the blinds.

I heard the gravel crunching under a fair amount of weight and knew it was a bear that busted through the fence. It stood looking in the window while I looked out at it. Though I don't think that it could actually see me as much as smell me through the open window. My looking out the window intently brought the dogs to see what the heck I was eyeballing out there.

And that's when all hell broke loose.


The above is what Watcher and Ticket looked like. Henry, being blind, just stood and stared into space barking... caught up in the excitement of his sis and bro raising hell.

The bear vamoosed out the way it got in. Today I will be spending a couple hours repairing and thinking about how to reinforce the fence.

Blueberries...the fruits are ripe!! Lawdy lawdy lawdy, I dream the winters away waiting for the fresh fruits of summer. I bought some Blueberries, Peaches and Cherries. So far. Today I will go to our Farmer's Market and see what other delectable beauties are available.

I offered the dogs a handful each of Blueberries last evening. Ticket took one wee Blueberry ever so gently between her teeth and went to a corner to try this weird thing. She rolled it around in her mouth, spit it out and looked at me with disgust. Clearly she was saying " Wench, you have yet again disappointed me with your food choices". Ticket is my prissy princess.

Watcher sniffed at them but didn't seem impressed either. Henry on the other hand was thrilled with the new taste sensation!


When Watcher saw how Henry wolfed them down, he then wolfed his down and then the party started! They both absolutely loved them.

A couple of videos!

Henry and Ticket

Lahanie and Ticket ( her first up close and personal meeting with him )

Laughing with a blind dog

Sometimes they all run together....sorta.

But a good half the time Henry loses *sight* of them and there is a LOT of this:

Random Photo Day

I had written a post about an afternoon Watcher, Ticket, Henry and I had spent, went to upload the much needed video to go along with it and youtube kept freezing up on me. Shoot! Ah well, I will try again tomorrow on Vimeo or some other site.

So for now, here are some random photos I have taken over time.

Al in a sunbeam hunting frogs

Ticket in what some may call a pond, but which is actually a big puddle of fluid manure. ( The rain run off from the compost pile at Saints ) Ewwww Ticket!!! Get outta' there!!

Watcher

Pooped out puppies on moving day