There's something interesting going on out there

Something definitely had their attention. They didn't even notice me sneaking up for a quick photo. When I went to the window to see what was so interesting, there was a rabbit sitting quite oblivious on our front lawn.

I didn't manage to get a shot of it because it dashed off, but I'm surprised neither of the cats were bothered enough to jump down to the front steps and chase it. I guess it's been so warm they were content to perch and spectate.

This is what happens when a husky decides summer has arrived

After the sunshine last week, Gypsy finally decided to start shedding her winter coat. Yes, that is a full carrier bag of fluff I combed out in a couple of ten-minute sittings, and there's more to come out yet!

Ch-ch-changes

After a flurry of rain and wind at the end of August coinciding with our last camp of the season, summer is making a brief rally, but it’s noticeably surrendering to the darker mornings and cool evenings. Not long now before we’re back to lighting the wood stove, I think.

In readiness, we’ve just moved our deck furniture off the deck and to its winter home in our bedroom - a cozy seating area near the stove. This is a sure sign, and always brings a tinge of sadness after months of practically living out on the deck.

Back to school - a few groans but also anticipation. Big change for Matthew, now starting high school. Megan is excited to be starting field hockey, and puppy-training. No, nothing to do with school. She’s training our new arrival to the family. Meet Ellie, an Australian shepherd.

Now that Tiamat’s Nest is out in the wild, and my talk at the library is out of the way, I’m taking a breather before picking up my next writing project. Time to have some fun with iDraw...

Lost and found - part deux

A few days ago I posted about the missing paperback. What I didn't mention then was all the other stuff going on as well. Do you get those overwhelming spells in life when everything seems to go wrong at once? Yeah, that sucks, but I often find those spells are compensated by things resolving themselves all at once, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

So...

Lost

Our two old cats, the last two survivors of our move to Canada ten years ago, both went within weeks of each other and in much the same way. First Susie went blind and deaf overnight, then half paralyzed a couple of days later. Old age - they were both approaching nineteen years! Mere weeks after we laid Susie to rest, Willow, her litter-mate, went blind and deaf too. She pottered around the house for a couple more weeks, not in any distress and still with a good appetite, but when that went we knew it was time.

And found

Two more rescue cats to add to the family. At first we were planning to get kittens after the summer, but backtracked and went for adult rescues instead, and now, to get them used to their new surroundings while the rest of the family is off for the summer.

So meet Callie

And Cleo

Lost

Just as we brought these two into the house last week, our previous newbie, Lucy, got very ill. Off to the vet, held overnight - she was so pissed she had to be sedated before he could even examine her - and dosed with painkillers and antibiotics. Clearly not an injury (which we'd feared) but a nasty infection. Returned home but no improvement the next day, so back the vet where they found her temperature was dangerously high.

And found

It was touch and go for a couple of days, but she rallied and is making a good recovery. Back home and more-or-less her usual self.

Lost

A major section of indoor plumbing!

The basin in our master ensuite has always drained slowly, but now stopped draining altogether. Worse, the blockage must have shifted because draining the kitchen sink now backed up to the bathroom below (our house is upside down) - as we discovered the hard way - so sink and dishwasher both off limits.

We unleashed enough Draino to breach several international arms limitation treaties, to no avail.

And found

Ali phoned around and found a friend with a snake. A spell of DIY plumbing later and we are back in action.

Have you ever suddenly realized how much your everyday actions depend on these little things that you take so much for granted?

One contented pooch

When a dog lies on its back, it's a submissive pose. A dog is highly vulnerable in that position.

So for a dog to sleep on its back, it must be supremely comfortable with its surroundings.

Say "Hello" to Gypsy, the most relaxed pooch on the block...

But, Shhhhh! Don't wake her...