Heres The Outdoor Crew!

This is Mr. Maynard B. Mouth. Grouchy, grumpy and growls a lot. Talks quite a bit, but seems like most of the time hes swearing under his breath. What an attitude. I just adore him!!! I bring him in at night to keep him from fighting with EVERYTHING. So he has his own crate in my living room. He just loves to sleep late in there.

This is Wilburr. Kind of jumpy and nervous..... but what a lover!!! Just wants to be held in my arms and spoken to. Even likes it when I sing to him. ha ha His crate is next to Maynard's. I'm sure he likes being safe and secure at night.

And here is Agatha. She has been coming and going for about six or seven years now. Seems to have settled in this time. High strung and has a very loud voice for a small cat! But she loves human companionship. She has a crate in the studio for nights so she feels safe.

And beautiful Bella is still with us. Very confident with a lady-like air about her. Until another cat irritates her.... then WATCH OUT! This girl can throw down a whuppin'! But she regains her composure quickly.

This is Mama Kitty. As near as I can figure she is approximately seventeen years old! Absurdly independent. I'll actually say semi-feral. Her health has been failing the last year or so. She has had a rough life, no doubt about it. But in her day, she was the best ratter I've ever seen!!! And her hey-day continued for a good eleven years. What a cat!!

This is Buckshot Charlie the Broom Cat. Hes not the most photogenic guy, but his life story would make for a good childrens book. It would be a little sad at the beginning though. Hes also getting up there in years. If I remember correctly, hes thirteen now. Maybe fourteen! Time passes so quickly. Anyway, he LOVES when you sweep him with the broom. Or even gently with a leaf rake! Take a brush outside and he is your best friend!! For as long as your arm will hold out.... he never tires of it! He has the most patient and gentle personality.

And this is Sibyl. I love posting pictures of her! Those eyes get me every time. Her and Maynard always argue and spat, but they usually seem to be in close proximity to each other. So I'm thinking its one of those "love-hate" relationships.
Didn't get a picture of Trashbag Travis or Cowardly Cletus or any of the night time bunch that comes around. The large grey tabby thats all torn up I've decided to call him "Mangle". Suits him. Still can't get near him! But hes able to walk a little better now. Saw him up on the next street the other morning. So he can cover territory if he wants. I just want to get him checked and fixed. Oh well, all in due time.

I Still Miss Malcolm.

 

Haven't updated on the yard cats lately. It just seems so empty out there without Malcolm the Malcontent strolling regally across the grass and through the flower beds! Settling Himself under the rose bush or up on one of his hay bales.

I have yet to move this one. I go out and look at the depression near the middle of the bale that was his all-time favorite sleeping spot.... and I just can't bear to disturb it. Sibyl is the only cat who will lay up there now.  Sometimes I go out there and just sit. Its comforting, yet I always wind up shedding lots of tears. He was definitely a very special guy. And he knew it!

Oh, how I miss that cat!

    

Beautiful End To The Day.

Sunset was the first sunlight we've had all day. I was busy taking some photos.

Then I turned around!!! This was the Northeast view.

This was the Southeast! The double rainbow was so big I couldn't fit it into the picture. The photos don't do it justice! Its been quite a while since I saw one this big and bright. Just had to share it with everyone.

Whats Up?

Things were odd enough leading up to the full moon, but they've stayed that way!!! And I'm beginning to think its more than those sun spots!  I've found Rory sniffing at the back fence a lot more than she usually does.

And I've caught the hens wandering around the yard late in the evening. They're usually up on their roosts by the time it gets this dark!
Not to mention that someone has been tampering with my computer!
I wonder whats up?!

Things Are Moving Right Along.



Well, things are moving right along in the garden! The tomatoes are starting to ripen good. The cucumbers have about had it all ready. Both types of squash have been overcome by borers and mildew (that makes me sad!). Eggplants are doing ok, think they're a bit stunted in the containers though. So next season they go back in the ground. As will the peppers.... I'm NOT happy with their production. All the herbs are doing well too. Considering I only planned to plant four tomato plants in pots, I guess all went well enough! Between the lack of rain and unseasonable HEAT, its been a good experiment.



Ahulee has gotten a good laugh out of folks trying to blame the chickens for his mischief! Boy, he can sure look innocent!



And Blossom is trying to figure out how we're going to get this mess straightened up before the Summer heat hits us any harder!
Shes such a conscientious young dog! I couldn't ask for a nicer friend.

Are They Hatching A Plot?

Oh my, I've had a couple of unidentified sources that are suggesting the chickens have framed Ahulee! Other folks have also expressed similar opinions in regard to the damage to my coneflowers. I find it hard to believe my "girls" would scratch so low! And besides, what would be their motive? Sure he likes to sneak into the pen and munch down some of their cracked corn. But thats hardly a reason to turn on him. I have to admit in the photo above they are quite nefarious looking! But surely they wouldn't hatch a plot to discredit him. The ladies are more honorable than that.

Ahulee is such a good egg!  But I'm still blaming him for the "burnt" looking flowers. Not that I could be angry at a  face like this!

Good And Not So Good.



These are my chocolate cherry tomatoes. They are growing well and they're absolutely delicious!!  Thats the "good" part.

These "were" my coneflowers. Beautiful aren't they? Unfortunately they didn't stay that way...... Ahulee decided they were his favorite thing to pee on! No amount of washing them off with water helped. So thats the "not so good" part. Big male dogs and flowers don't always go well together.