This describes our 13 years together!
Taken at the lodge near my old cabin!
slide show of pictures i've taken
Friday, February 29, 2008
Mupp's Frisbee!
She loved it in the water, and she loved to shake it and tear it up - we went through dozens of her frisbees! I could get them at a "designer" pet store for an outrageous price, or get them at Trader Joes for nine bucks! We never left home without it! It's hanging on my wall now.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Honoring Dogs
During the Christmas rush in Ventura, I hurriedly squeezed my car into the last parking spot here, and as I worked my way out of the door, this chorus of 5 greeted me with a raukus rendition of Deck The Halls! Very funny!Saturday, February 23, 2008
Each Day A new Beginning
Lastnight was a sad "Missing Muppet" night. This morning, with weery eyes, I automatically say to her, as I always did, " I'll bet there's snow out there", as I open the curtains in my bedroom. Low and behold, there's magic out there. Ice, snow, many wild birds, and dozens of hummers! And about a half hour of mystical light peeking out from the gray skies. Everything was sparkling, and the hummers were flitting all over in a frenzy, sucking nectar from the now defrosting feeders. I stepped out on the deck in stocking feet to check the nectar, and it was fine. In moments I had camera in hand, and enjoyed the magical moments before the skies clouded over again, and of course, it's always so fun to come in and play with the pictures on the computer. The blog is already developing in my mind as I work with my favorites, and I'm thinking that Muppet's Spirit afforded me that perfect Muppet Moment.
The spring migration has started with the Anna's, so I have 6 feeders out there for now. My neighbors also have them, and the poor "guard" birds just don't what to do. I had 1 Rufous drop by earlier this week, but it's moved on to Betty's house in Blodgett, Oregon!
It's dark and cold now, and there's another big storm coming in. Tonight I will bring all the hummer feeders in so they won't freeze, and put them out early tomorrow morning - very early. If I don't get out there in a timely manner, they peck at the window!
Can't wait to see what the new day will bring!
The spring migration has started with the Anna's, so I have 6 feeders out there for now. My neighbors also have them, and the poor "guard" birds just don't what to do. I had 1 Rufous drop by earlier this week, but it's moved on to Betty's house in Blodgett, Oregon!
It's dark and cold now, and there's another big storm coming in. Tonight I will bring all the hummer feeders in so they won't freeze, and put them out early tomorrow morning - very early. If I don't get out there in a timely manner, they peck at the window!
Can't wait to see what the new day will bring!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
She's Flying With The Angels Now
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the bridge there is a land of meadows, lakes, birds, woodland animals, cats, dogs, trees, and valleys with tall granite mountains, rivers, and lush green grass.
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again, and they play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when One suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up, and the eyes are staring! This One suddenly runs from the group.
YOU have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take it in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. You then cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Author Unknown, sent to me by Jerri of the Sisterhood -
When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again, and they play all day with each other.
There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when One suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up, and the eyes are staring! This One suddenly runs from the group.
YOU have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take it in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet. You then cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
Author Unknown, sent to me by Jerri of the Sisterhood -
Monday, February 18, 2008
I made this Christmas wreath many years ago. Since I made so many of my 3 daughter's clothes in those days, this wreath was made from scraps of their dresses or tops. I used to tie a big red & white gingham bow on top of it, and it charmed us for many years. I also saved a lot of the clothes I made for them. They were like works of art to me. It always took such a painstakingly long time to pick out just the right colors, and I haunted the yardage shops. I loved kettle cloth, and when we lived in the south, there were always discount stores that had bolt ends of it, from the mills, for reasonable prices. Often times, I hand- embroidered flowers, hearts, birds, etc., on their clothes in matching colors, which made them even more charming. One year I made matching Christmas stockings for all of us with our names embroidered on them.
When the girls grew up, I gave them their dresses from childhood. They still have them. And my grand-daughter, Erika, wore her Mom's alphabet dress last year to school. Does my heart good!
I also saved all their store-bought dresses and good clothes in boxes, but one year I was told I couldn't be hauling "all that stuff" around for yet another move (we were Navy), so regretably, I gave it all away, only to be so sorry over and over again throughout the following years.
Getting back to the wreath, it finally beat around in my Christmas stuff forever, and somewhere along the road of life, I stopped using it. I comtemplated giving it to a thrift shop more than once, but I guess my Spirits held me back.
So yesterday, I deshedded my shed (as Kecia called it) and went through all my Christmas stuff, tossing, sorting, rewrapping and reorganizing. Low and behold there was the wreath which I hadn't paid any attention to forever. It spoke to me, as I carried it in the house. "Look", it said. "I'm so beautiful, with all my colors and hews, and guess what, I was made from all your daughter's dresses, even some of the cute store-bought ones."
I was astonished. It took all of my 68 years to realize what a precious treasure I had right there in my hands. I'm still staring at all the lovely colors, and am able to remember the different dresses I made from the many yardages. A few of the circles are a little worse for wear, but it's not badly damaged for being over 30 years old.
(To make the wreath, the separate pieces were cut out in 5"circles, then I hemmed the edges with a loose running stitch, then pulled the thread tight to make the finished circle. Many many circles need to be made for the wreath. Then they are "threaded" through a small hole that you make in the middle of each piece, on to a coat hangar that is bent in a circle. When the hangar is filled, remember to leave about 2" at the end to bend into a hangar for the wreath, after you have secured the 2 ends. Tie a ribbon on top, and now you have a cute, old fashioned, hand-made keepsake!)
To get on with the story, I feel pretty lucky to have 2 astonishments within 24 hours, because when I got on-line today to check out kecia's hair day on her blog at Lemoncholys', she had posted a picture of herself as a child wearing the alphabet dress! (and not knowing about my wreath experience) Great minds run together, especially mother's and daughter's! Such a god gift!
When the girls grew up, I gave them their dresses from childhood. They still have them. And my grand-daughter, Erika, wore her Mom's alphabet dress last year to school. Does my heart good!
I also saved all their store-bought dresses and good clothes in boxes, but one year I was told I couldn't be hauling "all that stuff" around for yet another move (we were Navy), so regretably, I gave it all away, only to be so sorry over and over again throughout the following years.
Getting back to the wreath, it finally beat around in my Christmas stuff forever, and somewhere along the road of life, I stopped using it. I comtemplated giving it to a thrift shop more than once, but I guess my Spirits held me back.
So yesterday, I deshedded my shed (as Kecia called it) and went through all my Christmas stuff, tossing, sorting, rewrapping and reorganizing. Low and behold there was the wreath which I hadn't paid any attention to forever. It spoke to me, as I carried it in the house. "Look", it said. "I'm so beautiful, with all my colors and hews, and guess what, I was made from all your daughter's dresses, even some of the cute store-bought ones."
I was astonished. It took all of my 68 years to realize what a precious treasure I had right there in my hands. I'm still staring at all the lovely colors, and am able to remember the different dresses I made from the many yardages. A few of the circles are a little worse for wear, but it's not badly damaged for being over 30 years old.
(To make the wreath, the separate pieces were cut out in 5"circles, then I hemmed the edges with a loose running stitch, then pulled the thread tight to make the finished circle. Many many circles need to be made for the wreath. Then they are "threaded" through a small hole that you make in the middle of each piece, on to a coat hangar that is bent in a circle. When the hangar is filled, remember to leave about 2" at the end to bend into a hangar for the wreath, after you have secured the 2 ends. Tie a ribbon on top, and now you have a cute, old fashioned, hand-made keepsake!)
To get on with the story, I feel pretty lucky to have 2 astonishments within 24 hours, because when I got on-line today to check out kecia's hair day on her blog at Lemoncholys', she had posted a picture of herself as a child wearing the alphabet dress! (and not knowing about my wreath experience) Great minds run together, especially mother's and daughter's! Such a god gift!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
With all our recent wet and heavy snows, my birch tree really took a hit. (see picture) So when the tree trimmers' came to trim it, I asked them to cut a branch up high that had an oriole's nest on it. This is my 3rd oriole nest, and I've only gotten them from tree trimmers', because the birds build them very very high.
I'm always amazed at what goes into their nests. This one looks like it has "blue plastic tarp, ugh, stuff" in it, along with various strings, leaves, and even some spanish moss that I brought back from Georgia last year. They build a bag which they connect to 3 or 4 nearby branches, and the new hatchlings live in the bag, swinging in the breeze, just like rock-a-bye babies! Quite unique.
I always spread tags of my handspun wools around the area this time each year, and have often found nests with my wool in them. Keeps the birds warm. Last year I saw the blue jays pulling the peeling birch bark off the tree to take to their nests.
I'm including a picture that I took of an oriole last year. They are so elusive. I love it, blurry or not! Blurry can be good.
So, starts the season of bird observing. We love them. What a god treat!
I'm always amazed at what goes into their nests. This one looks like it has "blue plastic tarp, ugh, stuff" in it, along with various strings, leaves, and even some spanish moss that I brought back from Georgia last year. They build a bag which they connect to 3 or 4 nearby branches, and the new hatchlings live in the bag, swinging in the breeze, just like rock-a-bye babies! Quite unique.
I always spread tags of my handspun wools around the area this time each year, and have often found nests with my wool in them. Keeps the birds warm. Last year I saw the blue jays pulling the peeling birch bark off the tree to take to their nests.
I'm including a picture that I took of an oriole last year. They are so elusive. I love it, blurry or not! Blurry can be good.
So, starts the season of bird observing. We love them. What a god treat!
Tilly
This is Tilly, from New Jersey. He lives at kecia's and her family's house. He is a New jersey icon! He's cute as a snowman.
Monday, February 11, 2008
During our lifetimes', my kids and I have rescued many many animals, so this one particular night, it seemed like old hat. It was a frosty, early December night in '07, and I was going to and from my work place. It is a resort about an eighth of a mile from here. During my dinner break, I drive home (up and down the mountain roads) to let my dog out, then I return to work. For 2 nights I kept seeing this fluffy white cat on the side of the road, but he wouldn't come to me. At first it startled me as I thought it was China, but immediately knew it wasn't, as she never goes out. I spread the word about this cat I saw, and the next night, which was my night off, my friend, Dixie, stopped by and said that the cat was sitting in the middle of the gas station at the resort, on the cement, not moving. I raced down, and sure enough, there it was.
It slowly moved off into the bushes when I got close, so I ran over to the little market, and got some canned cat food. It took about an hour of coaxing and working with it, but it finally ate. It was starving, shivering, and growled when I tried to pet it. Sitting under the lights, I could see that it was beautiful, however, when it looked at me with its gorgeous blue eyes, it looked like it had the wild, ferel-cat eyes. Not thinking that I would have even a slight chance of picking it up, I eventually reached out , ever so gently, and in doing so, it settled into my hands and let me put it in my car. Thus starts my story of Jingle Bell.
He was unusual from the beginning. He definately is a grateful cat. Perhaps he heard me say "foster home" on the phone, because he has been such a good sport about having to adjust to the 3 other kitties and dog. He got his own cat house in the 2nd bathroom, (see picture) and stayed in there for a couple of weeks, before I tested him in the house for short periods of time. There was lots of hissing, marking, and a bit of flying fur, but if we were to fast forward the next 2 and a half months, we would now see him sleeping right here next to me without a problem in the world. Edith Ann gets a little bent out of shape, but she gets over it.
Knowing that I was going to the Cook's house for Christmas, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with him, but Kim said to bring him. He was a gentleman there the whole time, and Erika loved being around him, along with her own cat, Nolly. Erika also named him Jingle Bell.
While I was there, I took him to a vet. who told me that he was a "ragdoll" cat, which I had never heard of, and what I had mistakened for "ferel-like eyes" were crossed-eyes from the siamese/himalayan in him, not to mention that he's also part persian. Wow! Somewhere along the line though, his nose was white washed!
In January, I started to talk with my friend, Sharon, at The Cat's Meow, who is, among other things, President of the local SPCA. I inquired about how I could find a home for him, and she said she would run a picture in the paper for me. So I went home and emailed a picture to her. (So far, it hasn't been in the paper) At about the same time, I read an article in the Fresno Bee about a place called "Hope" which neuters and spays animals for a very reasonable price, and that's where I got it done. The $40. price tag included shots. Unbelievable! (and I won't get on my tirade about how vets can rip you off!)
He's like having another dog around, and is such an in-the-face companion. He follows me everywhere, and "chortles" under his breath constantly, like he's talking to us. He's very comical and playful, and makes me laugh, he's such a character. Today was another big test, letting him outside for the first time. He passed with high ratings. After about an hour of working in the yard, I looked nearby , and he was just sitting there watching me, so he will soon join the ranks of "GARDEN KITTY"!
In retrospect, I first wondered what it would be like for me to winter-over here this year, and I can clearly see where I was meant to enjoy my job (that would turn into a promotion as concierge) take care of my old and not feeling so well dog, and meet this charming new creature. Jingle Bell will remain here with us for, well, probably forever!
It slowly moved off into the bushes when I got close, so I ran over to the little market, and got some canned cat food. It took about an hour of coaxing and working with it, but it finally ate. It was starving, shivering, and growled when I tried to pet it. Sitting under the lights, I could see that it was beautiful, however, when it looked at me with its gorgeous blue eyes, it looked like it had the wild, ferel-cat eyes. Not thinking that I would have even a slight chance of picking it up, I eventually reached out , ever so gently, and in doing so, it settled into my hands and let me put it in my car. Thus starts my story of Jingle Bell.
He was unusual from the beginning. He definately is a grateful cat. Perhaps he heard me say "foster home" on the phone, because he has been such a good sport about having to adjust to the 3 other kitties and dog. He got his own cat house in the 2nd bathroom, (see picture) and stayed in there for a couple of weeks, before I tested him in the house for short periods of time. There was lots of hissing, marking, and a bit of flying fur, but if we were to fast forward the next 2 and a half months, we would now see him sleeping right here next to me without a problem in the world. Edith Ann gets a little bent out of shape, but she gets over it.
Knowing that I was going to the Cook's house for Christmas, I wasn't sure what I was going to do with him, but Kim said to bring him. He was a gentleman there the whole time, and Erika loved being around him, along with her own cat, Nolly. Erika also named him Jingle Bell.
While I was there, I took him to a vet. who told me that he was a "ragdoll" cat, which I had never heard of, and what I had mistakened for "ferel-like eyes" were crossed-eyes from the siamese/himalayan in him, not to mention that he's also part persian. Wow! Somewhere along the line though, his nose was white washed!
In January, I started to talk with my friend, Sharon, at The Cat's Meow, who is, among other things, President of the local SPCA. I inquired about how I could find a home for him, and she said she would run a picture in the paper for me. So I went home and emailed a picture to her. (So far, it hasn't been in the paper) At about the same time, I read an article in the Fresno Bee about a place called "Hope" which neuters and spays animals for a very reasonable price, and that's where I got it done. The $40. price tag included shots. Unbelievable! (and I won't get on my tirade about how vets can rip you off!)
He's like having another dog around, and is such an in-the-face companion. He follows me everywhere, and "chortles" under his breath constantly, like he's talking to us. He's very comical and playful, and makes me laugh, he's such a character. Today was another big test, letting him outside for the first time. He passed with high ratings. After about an hour of working in the yard, I looked nearby , and he was just sitting there watching me, so he will soon join the ranks of "GARDEN KITTY"!
In retrospect, I first wondered what it would be like for me to winter-over here this year, and I can clearly see where I was meant to enjoy my job (that would turn into a promotion as concierge) take care of my old and not feeling so well dog, and meet this charming new creature. Jingle Bell will remain here with us for, well, probably forever!
These 3 pictures are considered a "test" by my Person. She let me outside for the first time! I got to check the yard out, and hung out with her while she did some garden cleaning. When it was time, I went back inside, and decided that it will be great fun to be a garden kitty here amongst hollyhocks, wisteria, roses, that she says will appear soon - or not soon enough! I did good again!
China shared her bed with me the day I came home from "surgery". I went to a neat place in Fresno called Hope. (The bill came to $40. for surgery and shots, which is such a reasonable price in comparison to what the vets charge! But then they cater to the rich! This should be the universal price to "fix" a cat or dog when there are so many millions running around starving, or put down, in this day and age. Shame on the vets who are too greedy to drop their prices for this kind of service! Boo hiss!)
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