As a lover of cats, Shakespeare, and ballet, this news story from Turkey is a winner for me. It was definitely a needed counterpoint to most of the news of the world of the day. And perhaps it was a reminder that if all the world is a stage then cats are going to play their part regardless of who is watching. For that their many fans are grateful. And may their non-fans be tolerant of it all!
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cats. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Cats
Cats have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Indeed my very earliest memories involve my interactions with members of the family Felis catus. My most recent memories do as well. Even as I sit at my desk, there are reminders.
On the wall by my desk hangs this picture. This is Nicholas. Nicky. My late and much loved companion for many - but far too few - years. He's been gone now for more years than he lived, but he's still with me. As long as my heart beats he will be a part of it.
And this is Beau, seen here dozing on the windowsill in my office. It was a favorite spot of his. We lost him last year to cancer. I grieve still.
We got Beau and his sister Bella some months after Nicky's death. I wasn't sure I was ready for another cat when our younger daughter and her friend found them, abandoned, on a country road. They needed a home so how could I say no?
They are a bit more defined here - Bella on the left, Beau on the right.
And now only Bella remains. Here she is, in her younger days, atop the bookcases in the library. It was her favorite spot back then. I think she just loved looking down on us. She's fifteen years old now and doesn't aspire to such heights anymore. These days she enjoys sleeping in the sun from that same window where her brother used to doze.
Before Beau and Bella, there were Oscar and Zelda - Oscar named for Oscar Wilde and Zelda for Zelda Fitzgerald. Wonderful animals!
These cats and so many others before (not to mention various dogs, birds, rabbits, chickens, fish, and even one rat!) have been an integral part of my life and have taught me to appreciate all the many ways that Nature has of expressing consciousness and that all those ways have value and things to teach us. Inasmuch as I have a philosophy of life, it is just that. It is not a bad guiding philosophy I think. And it is all thanks to Nicky and all those other cats and various animals.
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Wednesday in the garden: Before the rains came
I was doing some tidy-up pruning in the garden today before an afternoon shower drove me inside. But before the pruning, I documented with my camera some of the things I saw around the garden.
There was a bit of activity at the bird feeders. These Blue Jays were checking out what was on offer at the table. They look a little disheveled because they are beginning their molt. They'll be losing all their old worn feathers and growing bright new ones.
This juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker hasn't got his distinctive red head and belly feathers yet, but he's learned where he can find a tasty meal.
In the goldfish pond, the water lilies are flourishing.
This Giant Swallowtail butterfly was very busy on the blooms of the 'Pride of Barbados'.
These flowers are favorites of many butterflies.
The Sulphurs seem to prefer the flame acanthus (Anisacanthus wrightii) blossoms.
Sulphurs are numerous in my garden in late summer and fall.
And the Gulf Fritillaries are numerous throughout the year.
They like the flame acanthus blooms as well.
A red skimmer dragonfly came calling.
And in the pond, the newest resident decided to show himself. I think I'll call him Jeremiah.
I've been trying to get a decent picture of this bullfrog for several days, but he's never bothered to cooperate. At least today he showed me his back, and I was surprised to see the colorful pattern that the camera revealed. From a distance of ten to fifteen feet and with my naked eye, the frog just looked gray-brown.
He decided to take a stroll into the variegated lirope that borders the pond.
But he no sooner made it into the grass when his visit was cut short by Rudy, the Mighty Hunter, and he had to jump back into the pond.
And then the rains came and Rudy and I had to take cover, too.
There was a bit of activity at the bird feeders. These Blue Jays were checking out what was on offer at the table. They look a little disheveled because they are beginning their molt. They'll be losing all their old worn feathers and growing bright new ones.
This juvenile Red-bellied Woodpecker hasn't got his distinctive red head and belly feathers yet, but he's learned where he can find a tasty meal.
In the goldfish pond, the water lilies are flourishing.
This Giant Swallowtail butterfly was very busy on the blooms of the 'Pride of Barbados'.
These flowers are favorites of many butterflies.
The Sulphurs seem to prefer the flame acanthus (Anisacanthus wrightii) blossoms.
Sulphurs are numerous in my garden in late summer and fall.
And the Gulf Fritillaries are numerous throughout the year.
They like the flame acanthus blooms as well.
A red skimmer dragonfly came calling.
And in the pond, the newest resident decided to show himself. I think I'll call him Jeremiah.
I've been trying to get a decent picture of this bullfrog for several days, but he's never bothered to cooperate. At least today he showed me his back, and I was surprised to see the colorful pattern that the camera revealed. From a distance of ten to fifteen feet and with my naked eye, the frog just looked gray-brown.
He decided to take a stroll into the variegated lirope that borders the pond.
But he no sooner made it into the grass when his visit was cut short by Rudy, the Mighty Hunter, and he had to jump back into the pond.
And then the rains came and Rudy and I had to take cover, too.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
The throwaway kitten
We have lived in this neighborhood for 27 years. During those years, especially the early years, there have been a number of animals, mostly cats or kittens, that have been abandoned here or have found their way here after being abandoned. I came to think of them as throwaway kittens, a prime example of humanity's inhumanity. They were animals that had been betrayed and abandoned by the humans who should have cared for them.
We did our best to care for them and adopted many of them. When our children were growing up, hardly a spring or summer went by without them bringing another throwaway kitten home. The last of those adoptees finally died last year at the age of 16.
Four years ago, we adopted Beau and Bella who had been rescued by our younger daughter along with one of her friends when they turned up, abandoned, near that friend's house. Since then, we have not had the occasion - or the necessity - of adopting another animal. Until last week.
Last Tuesday, as I was getting ready to go to an appointment, my husband told me he had seen a kitten in our driveway earlier. As I pulled out of the driveway, I noticed that there was a kitten-shaped lump lying under the front end of his pickup. When I came back, more than an hour later, the lump was still there, so I went to investigate.
The lump was a tiny gray tabby kitten. It looked to be not more than five or six weeks old. There were no siblings, no mother anywhere in sight. It appeared to be all on its on. I'm sure it didn't get there by itself. No doubt it had had human help.
When I picked it up, I could feel that it was just skin and bones and very limp. I brought it inside and opened a can of cat food, unsure of whether or not it would be able to eat. I needn't have worried. The kitten fell on the food and, small as it was, devoured a good portion of it. Over the next couple of days, eating, drinking, and sleeping comprised its major activities.
After spending some time with him, my husband announced that the kitten had told him his name was Bertie. That made it official: He's been named, so that means he's been adopted. Beau and Bella are not amused.
By the weekend, Bertie was taking more of an interest in his surroundings, and my daughters, who were both excited at having a new "brother," came to meet him. My younger daughter weighed him on the food scale and found that he weighed 12.03 ounces. My older daughter took several pictures with her phone to record the event of their meeting.
This should never happen, of course. Please, if you have cats - or dogs - have them spayed or neutered. And if you have cats, in particular, keep them indoors. Cats who are allowed to roam can do inestimable damage to wildlife and they themselves are vulnerable to attack by dogs, other cats, coyotes (in some areas) or humans and their automobiles. The safest place for a cat is inside where he can entertain his humans and be cherished by them. The world does not need any more throwaway kittens.
We did our best to care for them and adopted many of them. When our children were growing up, hardly a spring or summer went by without them bringing another throwaway kitten home. The last of those adoptees finally died last year at the age of 16.
Four years ago, we adopted Beau and Bella who had been rescued by our younger daughter along with one of her friends when they turned up, abandoned, near that friend's house. Since then, we have not had the occasion - or the necessity - of adopting another animal. Until last week.
Last Tuesday, as I was getting ready to go to an appointment, my husband told me he had seen a kitten in our driveway earlier. As I pulled out of the driveway, I noticed that there was a kitten-shaped lump lying under the front end of his pickup. When I came back, more than an hour later, the lump was still there, so I went to investigate.
The lump was a tiny gray tabby kitten. It looked to be not more than five or six weeks old. There were no siblings, no mother anywhere in sight. It appeared to be all on its on. I'm sure it didn't get there by itself. No doubt it had had human help.
When I picked it up, I could feel that it was just skin and bones and very limp. I brought it inside and opened a can of cat food, unsure of whether or not it would be able to eat. I needn't have worried. The kitten fell on the food and, small as it was, devoured a good portion of it. Over the next couple of days, eating, drinking, and sleeping comprised its major activities.
After spending some time with him, my husband announced that the kitten had told him his name was Bertie. That made it official: He's been named, so that means he's been adopted. Beau and Bella are not amused.
By the weekend, Bertie was taking more of an interest in his surroundings, and my daughters, who were both excited at having a new "brother," came to meet him. My younger daughter weighed him on the food scale and found that he weighed 12.03 ounces. My older daughter took several pictures with her phone to record the event of their meeting.
 |
| And here's Bertie, sitting on the coffee table in our den on Sunday and wondering what all the fuss is about. Another throwaway kitten who has found a home with us. |
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Caturday: Enjoy!
Putting funny captions on pictures of cats and posting those pictures on internet sites is a hobby with a certain type of person, and the rest of us owe them thanks because their hobby brings smiles and sometimes chuckles. For your Caturday enjoyment, here is a baker's dozen of such pictures that I have come across this week.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Caturday: Adam and Eve's pets
The Story of Adam and Eve's Pets
(No, you won't find it in the Bible.)
Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you anymore. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."
And God said, "I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal and God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, "I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, and his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."
And God said, "I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat...
Didn't give a shit one way or the other!
(No, you won't find it in the Bible.)
Adam and Eve said, "Lord, when we were in the garden, you walked with us every day. Now we do not see you anymore. We are lonesome here, and it is difficult for us to remember how much you love us."
And God said, "I will create a companion for you that will be with you and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourselves."
And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam and Eve.
And it was a good animal and God was pleased.
And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and Eve and he wagged his tail.
And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal."
And God said, "I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, and his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."
And Dog lived with Adam and Eve and was a companion to them and loved them.
And they were comforted.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was content and wagged his tail.
After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam and Eve have become filled with pride. They strut and preen like peacocks and they believe they are worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught them that they are loved, but perhaps too well."
And God said, "I will create for them a companion who will be with them and who will see them as they are. The companion will remind them of their limitations, so they will know that they are not always worthy of adoration."
And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam and Eve.
And Cat would not obey them. And when Adam and Eve gazed into Cat's eyes, they were reminded that they were not the supreme beings.
And Adam and Eve learned humility.
And they were greatly improved.
And God was pleased.
And Dog was happy.
And Cat...
Didn't give a shit one way or the other!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Caturday: The Morris Project
Here's something different for Caturday - an opportunity to actually help cats.
The ASPCA has a grant program through which they provide food and aid to cats in shelters and in need and they have established a unique way that the public can help with that program. All you have to do is...watch cat videos! Well, we do that anyway, don't we, so why not do it in such a way as to help cats?
This project is called the Morris Rescue Watch, named for the rescue cat who became a television star back in the 1970s through commercials for 9 Lives cat food. Here's one of those famous commercials.
All you have to do to help is go to the Morris Rescue Watch site (click on the link above) and watch the cat videos there. The ASPCA says:
So, what are you waiting for? Go watch some cat videos and feed a hungry cat! The more you watch, the more cats get fed.
(A hat tip to bookworm at Ramblin' with AM for bringing this project to my attention.)
The ASPCA has a grant program through which they provide food and aid to cats in shelters and in need and they have established a unique way that the public can help with that program. All you have to do is...watch cat videos! Well, we do that anyway, don't we, so why not do it in such a way as to help cats?
This project is called the Morris Rescue Watch, named for the rescue cat who became a television star back in the 1970s through commercials for 9 Lives cat food. Here's one of those famous commercials.
All you have to do to help is go to the Morris Rescue Watch site (click on the link above) and watch the cat videos there. The ASPCA says:
"The more you watch, the more hungry kitty bellies will be filled! Through our grants program, the ASPCA will be distributing the entire amount of food as in-kind donations nationwide to shelters, rescues, and other animal welfare groups that help feed cats in-need and at-risk."The ASPCA website lists the organizations that will be benefiting from the project.
So, what are you waiting for? Go watch some cat videos and feed a hungry cat! The more you watch, the more cats get fed.
(A hat tip to bookworm at Ramblin' with AM for bringing this project to my attention.)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Caturday: Kitty porn
The name of the person who discovered that human beings can be endlessly amused by videos and pictures posted on the Internet of cats being cats will probably never be revealed and never make it into the history books. But what a service that person has provided for his/her fellow humans! How many millions of hours each week are spent viewing those videos and pictures? How many millions of smiles, chuckles, and laughs are generated by such viewing? Yes, Anonymous, you have made the world a better, happier place. What a humanitarian!
Here are some favorite pictures from icanhas.cheezburger.com and other sites around the Web this week.
The most wonderful thing about animals in general and cats in particular is that they are always themselves. It would never occur to them to try to be something they are not. That's why we love them, I think.
Happy weekend to you and your animals.
Here are some favorite pictures from icanhas.cheezburger.com and other sites around the Web this week.
The most wonderful thing about animals in general and cats in particular is that they are always themselves. It would never occur to them to try to be something they are not. That's why we love them, I think.
Happy weekend to you and your animals.
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Cats in hats?
The latest internet kitty sensation seems to be hats for cats. That's right - a chapeau for your favorite furry purry.
Meredith Yarborough, a South Carolina woman, started knitting kitty hats and taking pictures of cats modeling them in order to sell them on Etsy. Once she was discovered by the internet, the whole thing went viral.
Here are a few examples of her creations.
You could make your cat feel like King of the Beasts with a lion's mane hat.
What could be more fun than a cupcake hat?
Every little kitty wants to grow up to be a fireman, right?
He can celebrate his birthday with his very own birthday hat.
And he'll be all set for Halloween Trick or Treat with a witch's hat.
Yarborough's cat Bullwinkle is her model. He must be an exceptionally docile and sweet-tempered cat.
She claims that she makes these hats because she loves cats and wants to share that love with the world. I don't know. Look at the expression on that cat's face. Does he look happy to you?
I know two cats who are not ten feet from me now who would rip those hats to shreds if I tried to put one on them. They might rip me to shreds, too! I wouldn't even try. No cat in the hat for me.
Meredith Yarborough, a South Carolina woman, started knitting kitty hats and taking pictures of cats modeling them in order to sell them on Etsy. Once she was discovered by the internet, the whole thing went viral.
Here are a few examples of her creations.
Yarborough's cat Bullwinkle is her model. He must be an exceptionally docile and sweet-tempered cat.
She claims that she makes these hats because she loves cats and wants to share that love with the world. I don't know. Look at the expression on that cat's face. Does he look happy to you?
I know two cats who are not ten feet from me now who would rip those hats to shreds if I tried to put one on them. They might rip me to shreds, too! I wouldn't even try. No cat in the hat for me.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Caturday
It's been a while since we checked in with Maru, the famous Japanese cat who is an Internet sensation, so let's see what he's up to.
Maru has a new toy. It is a pink cardboard car. To Maru, it probably just looks like another cardboard box and we know how he feels about boxes. Boxes are meant to be gotten inside of one way or another, no matter how long it takes!
Cats and boxes - some things never change.
Maru has a new toy. It is a pink cardboard car. To Maru, it probably just looks like another cardboard box and we know how he feels about boxes. Boxes are meant to be gotten inside of one way or another, no matter how long it takes!
Cats and boxes - some things never change.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Caturday
A couple of weeks ago, we met Henri the bored French cat. This week, he's back for an encore and his ennui-inducing circumstances have not improved!
What a life he leads. Quelle tragique!
What a life he leads. Quelle tragique!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
...Because, you know, it's all about the cats!
How are your single cats spending Valentine's Day?
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your cats. Oh, what the heck, dogs, too!
Happy Valentine's Day to you and your cats. Oh, what the heck, dogs, too!
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Happy holidays
It's going to be a busy week with not much time for blogging but here's something from Simon's Cat to wish you happy holidays and maybe give you a chuckle.
As for my own little angelic kittens, they would never climb the Christmas tree and send ornaments and needles crashing to the floor or play soccer up and down the hall with said ornaments or knock the shepherd in the Nativity scene to the floor, smashing him into a hundred pieces. Oh, no, they'd never do anything like that!
As for my own little angelic kittens, they would never climb the Christmas tree and send ornaments and needles crashing to the floor or play soccer up and down the hall with said ornaments or knock the shepherd in the Nativity scene to the floor, smashing him into a hundred pieces. Oh, no, they'd never do anything like that!
In fact, butter wouldn't melt in their little mouths as they wait for their visit from Santa Claws.
Happy holidays to all.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Meet the kitties
Regular readers of this blog may remember that back in August I told you about the death of my beloved cat, Nicholas. It was a devastating loss for me and I wasn't at all sure that I ever wanted another cat in my life. But, of course, my children, who have lived with cats their entire lives, had no such doubts and soon started lobbying me to add another cat to the household. My younger daughter even had the potential candidates all lined up for me.
While visiting friends earlier this year YD had discovered two kittens in their neighborhood. The kittens had apparently been abandoned. She and her friends asked the neighbors but no one claimed the little kittens and so YD's friend and her husband took the babies in and took care of them. They raised them for the past several months, but they are dog people, plus they are getting ready to make a long-distance move so it wasn't feasible for them to keep the kittens.
When we returned from our Colorado vacation last week, I gave the okay for them to bring the kittens over so we could give them a trial. They arrived just a week ago today. It seems like they have been here forever. They have completely taken over the house and completely captivated my husband and me. Meet our new overlords.
Beau, the boy kitten, is long and lean, has the body of a Siamese. He's extremely rambunctious and curious and into everything. This is a rare quiet moment.
His sister, Bella, as you can see is a tortoiseshell. She has a somewhat chunkier body-shape. She is very sweet and loving and has the purr of a cat of about twice her size.
Beau looks down on his sister from the top of the cat tower.
The guest room bed is one of Bella's favorite spots for a nap.
Beau "investigates" the cat toy basket.
A house without a cat is not really a home, at least for those of us who love cats. As Jean Cocteau wrote, "I love cats because I enjoy my home, and, little by little, they become its visible soul." On the other hand, sometimes it happens very quickly.
While visiting friends earlier this year YD had discovered two kittens in their neighborhood. The kittens had apparently been abandoned. She and her friends asked the neighbors but no one claimed the little kittens and so YD's friend and her husband took the babies in and took care of them. They raised them for the past several months, but they are dog people, plus they are getting ready to make a long-distance move so it wasn't feasible for them to keep the kittens.
When we returned from our Colorado vacation last week, I gave the okay for them to bring the kittens over so we could give them a trial. They arrived just a week ago today. It seems like they have been here forever. They have completely taken over the house and completely captivated my husband and me. Meet our new overlords.
A house without a cat is not really a home, at least for those of us who love cats. As Jean Cocteau wrote, "I love cats because I enjoy my home, and, little by little, they become its visible soul." On the other hand, sometimes it happens very quickly.
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