Dotti-My Wild Life

Purgatory of the Mind

2014-04-19T08:01:00.004-07:00

My maternal grandfather used to say, "Hell is on earth", according to my Mother. I never got to know him, so I don't know exactly WHY he used that phrase. Of late however, I have been giving things far more thought than those cursory blips of youth. I've come to the conclusion that whether we live a "hell on earth" is a matter of choice, trust and faith.

In a lifetime, we all make decisions that we would like to revisit. We may, inadvertently or intentionally, hurt others. Due to lack of understanding, we may say things that we would wish to take back. We may make behavioral choices that are misguided or ill-advised. That is the nature of the human experiment, in my opinion. I have often said, "Earth is a controlled experiment, and we are NOT the control group". Maybe in a future life, I will find out if that thought is correct!

I think that, if we allow ourselves to dwell on those things that we believe were 'wrongs' - either committed by us or aimed at us, we are subjecting ourselves to a purgatory of the mind. I've heard it said, "Let go, let God". While my personal definition of the Almighty Spirit may be different than yours, "Let Go" is critical to ones' personal health and happiness.

Each and every moment, there is potential to sense something spectacular ~~ even spiritual. To allow yourself the freedom to experience those moments, is to have "let go". It's a choice, to accept what has been - and your responsibility in it - and then move forward into the next moment without the mental and spiritual baggage.

Each sunrise brings healing light. Trust in Mother Earth, and pay attention. She controls the environment in which we live, and she is challenging us greatly these days. Technology, in all it's awesome power to predict and educate, does not control the forces of the Universe. Each of us is a tiny fraction of that life-force. How we nurture and protect our own fraction impacts other fractions.

That I exist in this realm is a gift, and my intent is to be grateful and enjoy it to the best of my ability. In failure, I have learned my greatest lessons. In sorrow, I have found joyous laughter. From heartbreak, love has emerged.

Have Faith in yourself, in the Creator, in the Universe. Trust that the forces beyond your comprehension, understand. Choose to let go of the past hurts and negativity, and give yourself over to the moments that reward you with sunlight, laughter, scents and senses. Live each moment with positive intent, and the Universe will reward you beyond your imagination.

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"The man who sat on the ground in his tipi

meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures

and acknowledging unity with the universe of things

was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization.

And when native man left off this form of development,

his humanization was retarded in growth."

Chief Luther Standing Bear, Ota Kte (Dec. 1868 - Feb 20, 1939)

Betrayal

2013-09-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm having a rough day. I know it's to be expected, and is allowed ... hell, even encouraged! On the outside, it's a beautiful day. The sunshine through autumn's leaf mosaic is enchanted. Cool, crisp, clear skies and a breeze make the colors pop and dance in mid-air. And yet I sit inside.

I got a new TV for my office/craft room. We cleaned the closet and the room in preparation ~ with a cable (yet to be purchased), I can connect my computer to the 23" TV and have a more awesome internet experience (so the ads say) ... hubby says I won't ever want to leave the room! Yeah, just what I want to do ... stay inside and watch the world turn.

In the cleaning and de-cluttering, I found a sampler I had made when I was 10 years old. The cross-stitch is okay - the straight stitch sucks. I made it, and it took me a while to read what it said! (I did improve with age ♥). But it got me to thinking back .... when I was 10 years old and so very naive, when vicarious adventures of pioneer women were a favorite pastime; when the world was an open book; when "old" was 40.

Fast forward 50+ years, and I am still mostly seeing the world through the eyes of the open book called Internet. I am grateful to be able to share the adventures of my friends and many strangers, but there are places I want to go, things I want to see. Goodness knows, I'd be happy on a mushroom hunt in the woods! But my aging body parts and pieces tell my brain of its limitations so I sit inside, forays delayed because I am being betrayed by myself. How did all this time pass so quickly? Why now, when I need so much to feel inspired by something, ANYTHING, are my eyes, lungs, knees, & hips conspiring against me?

Maybe it's that winter is just around the corner. Maybe it's just the circumstances of my life right now that are genuinely beyond my control. Whatever the reason, I am coming to realize that I need to do some of what I WANT to do, and soon, before more circumstances make it even more difficult. I'm so happy to see that my children and the younger generations are learning that lesson earlier in life than I did. And eternally grateful for what I can see from inside my Windows overlooking the world.

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"I think over again my small adventures

My fears, those small ones that seemed so big

For all the vital things I had to get and reach

And yet there is only one great thing

The only thing

To live to see the great day that dawns

And the light that fills the world."

- Unknown Inuit

To Be or not To Be...

2013-08-02T08:44:00.000-07:00

In the wake of the passing of my Dad (as with any life-altering event), there was much to do. Arrangements to be made, bills to be paid, finances to get in order, paperwork, paperwork, paperwork … breakfasts, lunches & dinners; appointments, schedules, the “getting to” and “getting back” ~ people coming and going like an undercurrent in a river of emotion. I’ve decided, in such situations, that the “TO DO” list takes priority, the “TO BE” waits its turn.

I’ve been waiting for a chance for solitude with Mother Earth. In recent tiny moments of that, I see the depth of my own sadness that has had to wait its turn. The sadness is simply for me and my family, not for my Dad. He is finally free from the confines of his failing mortal body and soaring with his family, friends and beloved pets who have gone before. Yet, I “BE” sad…

I have a few recent video clips to look back on to hear his voice and see his smiling face. I know I’ll feel and sense his presence often. So, I am also grateful.

I went to the National Cemetery where Daddy’s body was interred yesterday, to his gravesite. On the forest edge in a treetop overlooking the Cemetery, a bald eagle watched over the resting places of our National heroes including my Dad. He was mine and my only regret is that I didn’t write down some of the stories he told about his own life experiences ~ he rarely spoke about his service in World War 2 and since it was always a shock when he related something, I was never prepared with a notepad or video camera! But I have a brain full of memories and a ton of photographs, as did he.

I AM my father’s daughter. I am proud. And today, I am profoundly sad…..

Tomorrow, I’ll get back to “TO DO”-ing

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"So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart.
Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and
Demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life,
Beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and
Its purpose in the service of your people.

Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,
Even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and
Bow to none. When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and
For the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks,
The fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and nothing,
For abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.

When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts
Are filled with fear of death, so that when their time comes
They weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again
In a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home."
~CHIEF TECUMSEH~

Mourning, Dove

2013-02-19T07:51:00.002-08:00

There’s much to be said

For the roof o’er my head,

For the groceries, the skillets, the dishes

It’s not always fun

But when day is done

It’s a good life, being the Mrs.

No longer with rocks,

I’m washing his socks

And the rest of the laundry in style

While capturing frames

And looking up names

Some visit only once in a while.

They’re gold, shades of gray,

Red, brown and blue jay,

They soar on the winds with abandon.

Unconfined, in their space

Wings that beat, hearts that race

With a joy I can only imagine.

Signs of the Times

2013-02-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

I wonder if things that are meaningful to us – signs, if you will – change with time. I can’t recall any recurring “things” in my early life but maybe I was too busy running and BEING, to have noticed them. Maybe I just wasn’t in the right place.

When contemplating chucking our life on Long Island and starting over at age 40 I was uncertain, thus vulnerable. And, open. Standing at the screen door of our 20’ X 24’ cabin in the Pennsylvania woods, I considered the right ‘move’; my heart was at home in the woods but my brain questioned leaving what we had achieved and become in New York. A strange buzzing noise greeted me from the other side of the screen. In the darkness of a wooded twilight, the green thing that flew towards me seemed like a crazy-big locust. I came to learn, it was my first experience with a hummingbird.

Two years later in Pennsylvania, after job hunting without success for weeks, alone and wondering if our choice had been the right one, I set out to put in a garden. With a shovel and pick-ax, I tried to dig out a row. The boulder-rich, glacial terra firma was impossible. My harvest of rocks would far exceed any vegetable harvest, I lamented. The more I used that pick and shovel, the more my back hurt, the more I struggled with my choice.

After two weeks at hard labor, I was gutted. Physically and emotionally spent, dirt and tears streaming down my face, I caved in to the doubt and fear. Nothing was going right. I shouldn’t have made this move. And then, without having made a sound, a ruby-throated jade gem hovered at my side. Just hovered … looking at me.

My heart soared at the realization that it was a hummingbird, and only the second one I had ever seen. That initial sighting was my first such ‘sign’ I was on the right path. I was supposed to be here!! And so, I ordered a truckload of dirt for the garden area. Yeah, I was supposed to be here, but I didn’t have to do battle with rocks (aside from those in my head) to get on with my new life.

It’s been over 20 years since then. I have embraced raised-bed gardening – increasing my yields, growing new things and learning new techniques with each season. The hummingbirds are a constant in my life, from April into September. I never grow tired of them and spend hours watching, feeding, photographing and talking to them. I know their ‘voice’ now, and the sound of the beating wings so that I often hear their presence before I see them. I’ve only seen the ruby-throated hummers so it is on my bucket list, to travel enough to see other varieties. But I am grateful that I have these jewels in my life – I had spent over a score of years in Florida and another dozen+ in New York without ever having seen one. Their appearance signals Spring in full bloom in my neck of the woods.

January in Florida happened quite by accident this year. My Dad took ill and I was compelled to go down to be with him and my Mother. It wasn’t an easy decision in the dead of winter, to leave my life in Pennsylvania. It isn’t easy being with my Dad as his health fails, or intruding in the routine of my Mother’s everyday life. I wondered if I had made a wise choice although I knew I was needed there. Sitting on the porch outside their home, I heard the familiar chirp and the humming of the wings. In 17 years living at that house, my folks had never seen a hummingbird. In fact, they’d never seen one at all except on my own front porch in Pennsylvania some 10 years ago.

Not wanting to move, I wished my Dad could see this little blessing. The door of the house opened, and Dad with his walker, pushed himself out to join me on the porch. I told him about the hummingbird, he was incredulous. And then, she appeared again, visiting the hibiscus flowers.

Dad saw and heard that second visit; he spent another ½ hour outside with me talking and laughing with a vitality I hadn’t seen in months. I told him it was a sign. Two weeks later, sitting alone back at home in the woods, I’ve had a chance to relive that moment. I have pictures to go with the memories … not the best photographs I’ve ever taken but some of the finest I will ever possess. And in retrospect, I realize I was right, that hummer was a sign. To me. I was right where I was supposed to be.

The Cat's Whisker

2013-02-02T11:01:00.001-08:00

It's that time in my own life, when things are happening that are far beyond my capabilities to control. Not that I really am able to control anything except the choices I make, but I think we all hope to be able to exercise SOME control in situations that affect our hearts, our families, our own sense of what is right and wrong. I have been turning to my crystals quite often, to help me steady my emotions, gain some strength and clarity, and channel my own energies towards the positive when so much around me is negative.

I made my Dad a string of healing and energy stones, and an amulet bag for Christmas. He asked my sister, if she believed in that stuff. I think, he thinks I'm a little "out there"; his leather pouch and string of crystals and stones remains in the tin on the table by his recliner. I wish he would get it out and just hold it, I think he would feel the vibrations and know the energies that are contained in that string of beads. In my heart, I KNOW he understands there is a power to the crystals, because he told me about his early use of crystals to receive radio waves and listen to the Grand Ole Opry!

Daddy was always a 'mechanical engineer'. He told stories of his early life in Bedford, Pennsylvania. A child of the 1920's, growing up in the Great Depression and in a family of little means, using one's intelligence and mechanical abilities helped make life a little better. They had no money for things like radios, but Daddy was always, it seemed, influenced by music. So he fabricated a receiver from crystals and wire, to pick up radio frequencies without benefit of a radio. This early form of receiver, was called the "Cat's Whisker". So, Dad ... this 'thing' I have about crystals, energy & life forces --- it's really all your fault ♥

from Wikipedia, "From the earliest wireless telegraphy days of radio, well into the age of commercial AM broadcasting, unamplified radio receivers were powered only by the radio energy they picked up through their antennas. The crystal radio was the most widely used of these. Manufactured and homemade by the millions, it helped introduce radio to the public, contributing to the development of radio from an experimental hobby to an entertainment medium around 1920. After about 1920, receivers using crystal detectors were largely superseded by the first amplifying receivers, which used vacuum tubes. These did not require the fussy adjustments that crystals required, were more sensitive, and also were powerful enough to drive loudspeakers. Nevertheless, the expense of the early vacuum tubes and the batteries needed to run them meant that the crystal detector remained in commercial and military use for almost a decade more. However, by the late 1920s, radios using crystal detectors were relegated to use by hobbyists and youth groups and have been used by them as educational devices to the present day.

The point-contact semiconductor detector was subsequently resurrected around World War II because of the military requirement for microwaveradar detectors. Vacuum-tube detectors do not work at microwave frequencies. The small area of the point contact minimized minority carrierstorage and capacitance, making these diodes fast enough to function at radar frequencies. Silicon and germanium point-contact diodes were developed. Wartime research on p-n junctions in crystals paved the way for the invention of the point-contact transistor in 1947.

The germanium diodes that became widely available after the war proved to be as sensitive as galena and did not require any adjustment, so they replaced cat's whisker detectors in the few crystal radios still being made, largely putting an end to the manufacture of this antique radio component. Although cat's whisker detectors are obsolete, modern point-contact silicon detectors are still commercially produced.^[ Thus, the point-contact method used to make these first semiconductor diodes 100 years ago is still being used today."

By leaps & boundaries

2012-05-24T17:29:00.000-07:00

It seems like I've been waiting forever, like back when I was a kid and Christmas was "coming soon". Every day ... is it Christmas yet?? "No, it's coming soon". At least we always KNEW when Christmas would actually be here ~ Dec, 25th. The arrival of the bears is always an unknown. Until
yesterday♥ I can't yet determine just who Mama is, but if you recall, a pair mated in the yard last fall. I wouldn't be surprised to learn this is the same female, with two (or three) cubs in tow. They skirted the edges of the woods near the HRD, and I know at least one took refuge in the maple to the right rear of the trail cam range. Was the second pair of eyes Mama, or another cub? Time will tell!!
Meanwhile, as the local bears return where they are welcome, in Northern Minnesota someone shot one of the WRI collared research bears because it meandered into 'their' yard, presumably foraging on grass, and thistle seed from a bird feeder. I don't understand, if one doesn't want wildlife in the yard, why would they attract it by placing feeders out, in one of the worst springs ever for supply of natural foods? Jo the Bear has passed on, but her Spirit remains making ours all the more strong. Until bears learn to read, it is the people who need to be aware of the signs Mother Earth provides and modify THEIR behavior accordingly. Bears know no boundaries ~ they are driven by fear and food. Food, in short supply,is the overwhelming urge in Minnesota, I don't know if that's the case in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Here, I am finding wild strawberries much earlier than usual, and much larger than usual. I picked and ate a few as I strolled around the pond, tossing stale bread to the fish. Smokey and Bear The Kitty accompanied me ... well, they languished on the picnic table as I walked, barefoot, on the berm. I became engrossed in the berries, paying no attention to the kitties back behind. I chose my steps carefully so as not to disturb the delicate morsels; the wildlife will be enjoying them tonight. As I slowly walked back towards the table, I was surprised to see

Smokey... but wait, that's not Smokey, that's one of the raccoon family!!! We shocked one another, being about 10' away when we saw each other. I said hello, he ran off into the woods... keeping the burn barrel between us. By the way, we have the most amazing group of co*existing critters I've ever seen, or maybe not all animals are the sworn enemies we've been led to believe. Now, Bear The Kitty, in particular, does NOT like the fox, but he has no problems hanging out with a raccoon, turkey, or deer. However,
hanging out with Smokey ... well, that's a horse ...errrr... cat of a different color. They do get along much, much better, but Bear never passes up an opportunity to stalk his only-slightly-larger roommate ~ leading to some spectacular aerial feats and amazingly blood-curdling screams of surprise. And a really cool photograph once in a while... :-)
Well, it's about time to bring in the bird feeders and the suet for the night. It would be irresponsible of me to leave them outdoors, possibly attracting the bears and raccoon up here nearer the house where they could get into trouble. But, there's an extra ration of corn out for the deer and other takers at the hard Rock Diner tonight. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Is it Christmas yet?♥

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"No human older than an adolescent would wantonly murder any creature which reveres its own life as much as the killer."

Henry David Thoreau

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The squirt bottle

2012-03-11T05:30:00.001-07:00

I laid awake in bed for a while this morning, reflecting on the past couple of months. It's amazing what one might learn from a 'quadre' of cats, if you allow yourself to see, and comprehend.....
Smokey had been the undisputed King of the feline family, Shadow is his underling. But with Shadow, Smokey is a compassionate and sharing boy. More often than not, he will 'allow' Shadow to eat his portion of canned food. I suspect, in all honesty, Smokey doesn't really care so much about the canned food as he prefers dry kibble (and won't go near the canned food anyway unless it's accompanied by a few catnip treats, which he devours while Shadow eats from his own bowl!). But Smokey is large; quiet and regal, and his stature seems to designate his place in the hierarchy.

Enter Bear and Tiki.

Bear is nearly as large as Smokey, and even more quiet. Well, he doesn't make his intentions public, let's say. With me, he's a 'talker' ~ someday I'll capture a little of the adorable sounds he makes when he's communicating with me. As to the other boys, though, he doesn't growl or grumble; he doesn't initiate any pushing or shoving, no confrontations to claim the King's spot, or Shadow's favorite place on the afghan. But if the King isn't on the thrown, it's just another perch, right??

If Shadow isn't sleeping on the afghan on the couch, it's open space. Free for the taking... and once there, Bear will not relinquish his position. No fighting, no nastiness. Just a calm stare that says "hey, I'm here now... wait your turn". Three boys, all asserting themselves in their own ways. As they relate to me, if they do something they really shouldn't, all I have to do is pick up the green squirt bottle, and they cease the unwelcome behavior often without so much as a mini-misting. The King and his Princes, in control. Until the Queen says otherwise.

Tiki has hardly ever endured the wrath of the squirt bottle. I think I allow her to get away with a bit more because, up until she arrived, I was the only female in this family. She doesn't jump on the counter and head butt her way into the can of food I'm trying to serve up like Shadow does; she calmly watches me from a few feet away purring so loudly that I can hardly take offensive action. More and more, lately, she is playing with the squeeky and catnip toys; she also loves the fresh growing catnip in the garden window but will patiently wait her turn if someone else is nibbling there. Just don't enter 'her' realm, or try to move in on her position... that girl is so quick and nimble, she has the boys on their heels running for dear life in an instant, far too quickly for me to invoke the squirter to dissuade her. In the middle of the day, she has no issues with sharing my bed with Bear, but if I'm in the bed, beware! I'm hers and hers alone, and any cat who tries to enter our domain is quickly chased ...down the stairs, under the table, out the door ~ wherever they 'chose' to go, as long as it is NOT in "our" room. Funny thing is, on those few occasions that I have chastised her, all I have to say is "go to your room", and she heads down the hallway into the bedroom. For a few minutes anyway. In short order, she is at my heels, looking up at me with those adoring eyes and I melt. We girls have to stick together. :-) And though the the males with whom we co-exist may think THEY are the alphas, we know better . Our strength and leadership positions are not necessarily boisterous, but we set the tone and cadence for this pack.

So, what's the lesson I've realized today? When hubby starts barking, whining, growling or behaving badly, I think I'll keep my mouth shut from now on.

And pick up the squirt bottle.....

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Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them. - Jim Davis

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Weighed, Spayed, and Playing♥

2012-03-03T06:05:00.000-08:00

Shadow in the Tupperware

All four cats are doing okay; getting along a bit better (at least, there is no fur flying of late). Last night, they teamed up to open the have-a-heart trap that apparently had captured a mouse we knew was in the house, although we still haven't found any signs of it!! The trap was sprung, but turned on its side and empty by the time we realized what all the commotion was about!! Springtime is gonna be fun around here, when all of them are on the prowl outside as well as inside!

Smokey and Tiki sharing the tower

Tiki was inside the house for almost three weeks before we finally got her to the vet. This past Tuesday night, she went for her first vehicle ride (with us, anyway), and whined most of the 35 mile trip. Bear accompanied her (in his own crate) for his second round of shots ... he was very quiet, and was 'kind' enough to provide a stool sample on the way!! Weighing in at 14 1/2 pounds, Bear is healthy and doing quite well. Even the vet likes him, telling us what a nice, handsome cat he is!! And that is saying something; our vet specialized in farm animals so domesticated pets are not his thing.....

Bear likes the top platform, if Smokey isn't there!!

Tiki weighs 7 1/2 pounds, all spunk. Dr. Joe figures her to be about 3 years old, and she has already been spayed. Her feline leukemia and aids tests were negative, thankfully; so she got 2 vaccinations and a rabies shot. She did have roundworms - typical with cats who have been living in the wild feeding on mice, etc., so she also got a topical worm medication. Wednesday, the effects of all that stuff caught up with her, and she spent the day under the bed, uninterested in food or me! By Thursday, however, a 'new' Tiki was emerging♥

I've said it in relation to Bear, but now it was Tiki's turn to relax. It's been over a week since she went outside, and she shows no inclination to go now either. The pet door is there and she has used it before, but I think, after spending 8 months or more living outside, she is happy to be indoors for the time being. And she has begun to play in earnest. She sat at the window sill swatting at the birds outside on the feeder as I watched, camera in hand. A short time later as I was doing some housework, I heard the chirping of a bird in the hallway. Oh no.... had someone brought one inside??? Dropping the mop, I ran to the sound of the chirps hoping to save the bird from my pack of kitties (although Tiki was the only one inside as far as I knew). Imagine my surprise, when I saw Tiki had found the chirping toy, and was happily batting it all around the living room. Naturally, by the time I got the camera ready, she had had nearly enough of that 'fun', but I did manage to grab a bit of video. This was the most play I've seen from her; apparently she, too, is now out of 'survival' mode and understands that she has a forever home here, with lots of toys and new places to explore.....

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"You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." - Colonial proverb

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My kitties favorite water bowl♥

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Cuatro Gatos

2012-02-19T10:24:00.000-08:00

How many cats do I need to be, officially, a crazy cat lady? My granddaughter suggested I was turning into one; I think the cats are finding me so the word must have been out already! I had 5 full grown dogs at one time, so four cats is not as bad, right?? RIGHT??? They are certainly far less work, or at least, will be once the integration process finds its balance.

Cat #1 ~ Smokey: the King of the House. He is giving me the most trouble of the four because he is the largest and up until now, the undisputed King. The top perch on the Kitty Tower belongs to him, and he will share with Shadow for a little ... then pushes him off. He and Shadow have been here together for 4 1/2 years now, so they are best buddies notwithstanding the 'pecking order'. Smokey is also the most finicky of eaters, preferring Goodlife catnip treats to anything else, except maybe filet mignon. But dry kibble is the mainstay of his diet, and at 18+ pounds, he has a hearty appetite.

Cat #2 - Shadow: When I first saw him as a kitten in the Shelter, he was already adopted and waiting to be picked up by his new owners. Two weeks later when I went back to the shelter, he was in the same crate, still waiting. That was totally unacceptable to me, and he came home with me that day. He is long and lean; at nearly 5 years of age, he has now matured to about 13 pounds of hunting stealth. Shadow can jump 5' into the air and snag a hummingbird in flight. Not that it's encouraged, but he is, after all, the mighty hunter. He does NOT like beef, and since the arrival of the two newcomers, he has been eating some of the canned foods that previously he'd snubbed his nose at. It seems, he wants whatever someone else is having, especially if that someone is me...

Cat # 3 - BK, "Bear Kitty": On December 27, 2011, a lone panther-like cat was caught on trail cam, eating corn that had been put out for the deer and birds. Every night thereafter, we saw him via camera so of course, I put a bit of kibble out with the corn. Within a week or so, the location of the kibble became the front porch where he began to feel more comfortable, allowing me to sit with him as he ate and shortly thereafter, pet and hold him. He stole my heart in no time flat and came inside after about 2 weeks. A full tomcat, his trip to the vet for neutering revealed his age to be about 2, his weight almost 14 pounds. He seems to be warming up to Shadow, or should I say, Shadow is warming up to him although neither particularly likes to be surprised by the other ~ some hissing and swatting results. He's been inside for about a month now, and is just a sweetheart of a cat. His demeanor is calm and laid back, although when Smokey hisses, growls and swats at him, Bear not only faces off with him but has been observed chasing Smokey down the stairs once or twice. When he arrived, he was bitten, bruised and hungry. Now, he is healthy, happy, loving and loved. Oh, and he's my protector and the warmer of my covers every night (and most of the day). He has a preference for down comforters and anything with gravy.

Cat #4 - Tiki: Back when Bear was being fed on the front porch, another cat appeared almost nightly. Were they friends? Lovers?? All I could tell at first, was that this cat was smaller, wore a flea collar, and was multi-colored, at first I thought Tortoise but it turns out, Tabby... To differentiate between the two strays, we called the black one BK (Black kitty), and the other TK (Tabby Kitty). Those initials have morphed into Bear and Tiki. Tiki had been coming to the Hard Rock Diner for months.

The fact that she had a flea collar made me presume she was a neighborhood cat coming to visit Smokey & Shadow. She ALWAYS ran from me, so I never got a close look... not until Bear came inside, did she warm up to me at all. As she kept coming around, I still put food out for her and began the neighborhood search for her owner, to no avail. One night as I opened the window for Bear to go out, she stretched up and allowed me to pet her head. I was hooked...again. But did I want 4 cats?? Did I even want 3?? I resisted the temptation to invite her in, but her purrs and sweet face (and forecast for nasty weather), made me bring her in one night. She's ours, without question. The night I removed that old flea collar and realized her fur was far shorter there than the rest of her neck, I could have cried. But her purrs were so loud and her head-bumps so gentle, I laughed instead,and buried my face into her neck. I got a love-bite in return. She's a feisty feline! At less than 8 pounds, she's demure but her size belies her personality. She will not back down from any of the other three

Tiki & Shadow

and as a matter of fact, they all back away from her when she arches her back and hisses at them. She and Bear have been rather quarantined together and have been observed sniffing one another from time to time. She has also touched noses with Shadow and stared Smokey down a time or two. Her favorite canned foods are of the fish variety ~ I think 9 lives tuna & egg is the favorite thus far. Not having had her to the vet yet, I don't know her age or if she's spayed, but I suspect she's at least a year old. We'll find out more in the next couple weeks.

Tiki backs Smokey down... 8 pounds vs. 18; she IS feisty!!

Today, for the very first time, all four cats are roaming the entire house. Nothing if off-limits; the next phase of their assimilation has begun. There have been no angry exchanges and at the moment, each is sleeping in different areas of the house. Tiki seems incredulous... is she really allowed to come and go as she pleases? Is that never-ending bowl of kibble for her? And the water bowls...several; different styles and sizes, she can access any one she wants? At first, she didn't seem like she wanted to 'jump'; the first night it seemed difficult for her to jump 2 feet up onto the window sill. Now, she leaps four feet onto the dresser like it was a foot stool. I turned around, and she was at eye level on the stove!! I guess she'll have to learn what NOT to do, but not today. Today, all four cats can be themselves: free to explore, eat, drink, sleep, snuggle, come and go at will.

Today is Sunday, a laid-back day of rest for us all. We wish the same for you♥

**********

Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.

William Shakespeare

Photos from the Cat House♥

2012-02-13T10:55:00.000-08:00

Bear's favorite means of egress♥

I would NOT say he was happy, but.....

He did allow me to put the little hat on him!

No cat I've ever had, has allowed this kind of Tom-Foolery!

This is how we got started, I was shocked he let me put the mini-medicine bag on him!

3 boys, getting to tolerate one another???? Well, not quite♥

And Queen Tiki, lounging on the down comforter

Shadow and Bear ... well at least they weren't hissing at each other

She's only 7 pounds; a little lover but spunky too!

I wonder how Smokey will react when he smells that Bear has been on HIS perch? This was the first time Bear went up there...

Watching over the Waif

2012-02-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

I relented. I know it's going to cause complications, maybe more than I really need. But when TK literally begged to come inside last night, I couldn't refuse. While I wouldn't say Michael gave his "blessing", he did say he couldn't stand to see her outside and alone, so through the bedroom window she came. At first, she didn't seem able to jump up 2 feet to make it through the window but the second time I opened it and called her, she figured it out. Once inside, she showed she certainly did know how to jump ... right

up onto my down comforter-covered bed. And there she slept most of the night, purring away. I was going to crop this picture, but when I looked at it and the others (total of 8) I took last night and early this morning, I noticed the orbs visible against the purple shirt hanging on the top right. Is it just dust on the camera lens? I don't know... but I prefer to think of it as Spirits watching over us all!

After breakfast (before 5AM, PULEESEEEEE, I need my beauty sleep, hahahahaaa), she and BK went out the window and I've not seen her since. Michael says she went 'home'. I still don't know if she's someone's kitty who is visiting us, or one that has been abandoned here. Whatever, I have to believe this will work out as it should and I'm going to do what my heart says is right. But I can tell you this, if any more kitties show up outside my home, I am not going to feed them....

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"We need another and a wiser and perhaps a more mystical concept of animals... In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth." Henry Beston

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The Protector

2012-02-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

Hmmm, where to start this post??? As I type, Shadow is sitting on my desk looking out the window on a bright and sunny morning. Smokey is sleeping in on the bed in the Master bedroom, and Bear is ... well... just where is Bear?? I'm not sure, since he has the complete run of the house now and is making himself right at home. Usually, he is wherever I am, so he must be outside :-). I named Shadow because he was always underfoot as a kitten, thus, my Shadow. Maybe BK should have been named, "Protector". Anyway..... Shadow and Bear continue to touch noses in greeting from time to time, and Shadow is experiencing new and different foods thanks to Bear. If there is an open can of cat food, Shadow wants to know what it is! I've only bought the Fancy Feast for the past several years, because that is all Smokey and Shadow would eat in terms of canned food. I had tried others in the early years (they've been here over 4 1/2 years now, how time flies...) but threw it out so often that I gave up. BK's appetite is HUGE; thankfully, he likes Friskies and 9 Lives canned food. So, to facilitate "brotherhood", I feed all of the cats at the same time and Shadow gets a bit of whatever Bear is having! Bear has sampled the Fancy Feast, but

thankfully, he prefers the less expensive stuff, because he eats way more of it. Smokey remains aloof, eating every morsel of HIS Fancy Feast so no one else has any leftovers to clean up! Smokey and Bear continue their tap-dance and have provided some real entertaining moments. Last night, Bear was on one side of the large ottoman, Smokey on the other and each was looking around the corners to see where the other one was when suddenly, Bear jumped up ONTO the ottoman and scared the dickens out of Smokey, then jumped off, right over him!! Later, well actually about 3AM, I think Smokey decided to come jump up on MY bed. Well, Bear was at his post on the tartan at the foot of the bed, and although I can't attest to exactly what happened, the howls had me bolt upright, and the aftermath was a bit hairy... literally. Smokey has a dense,

longish fur that certainly served him well in this fray. No blood was drawn, and I think I see a small patch of missing fur on his left rear flank but he's none the worse for wear. I wonder if those two will always have this love/hate relationship?? Well, only time will tell ... Bear has only been a member of the inside family with full run for less than a week. I buried my face in Smokey's fur this morning and he purred so he and I are okay... but it appears that Bear has elected himself my security guard in the overnight hours (which is totally awesome, BTW!!). He is either on the bed, staked out at the window,or lying in the doorway ~ he has all access points covered and does NOT seem willing to let another critter into 'our' space. Shadow and Smokey rarely used to visit my room overnight anyway; I wonder if they ever will again???

During the day however, they get a lot of my attention so I don't feel I'm slighting them in favor of the new addition. And I think, in time, they will all learn to peacefully co-exist, just maybe not in the same room, while I'm sleeping♥

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"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." ~ Franklin P James

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Catnip for Us All

2012-01-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

The three boys continue their journey ~ This morning, BearKat and Shadow touched noses in greeting as we walked out of the bedroom. I have pretty much given up keeping Bear confined to the bedroom, although he IS territorial about that room and backed Smokey off when he began walking in this afternoon! At the moment, I'm still feeding him in there, so I think it was more the food, than any other reason. He is un-phased by Smokey's howls and growls and today, when Smoke was up in the garden window, Bear just walked right over and jumped up too!! That did not go over very well with Smokey, but no swats landed and no blood was drawn!

Bear "found" the window earlier today, complete with it's pot of catnip, which is like a salad bar for all three of them!! I can see, I'm going to have to grow more inside in winter!
I've all but given up trying to keep Bear from going into the basement. He had been looking in that window for two weeks prior to coming into the house, so I think he 'knows' it fairly well. It's where the litter boxes are kept (other than his, at the moment), and I've watched him sniff around them a bit, but not try to use them. Heck, he doesn't want to use his own if he can help it! Twice, when I didn't know where he was,he was downstairs; tonight I found his own little hiding spot under my craft table on a storage bench.

Earlier, I told him not to go down, so he laid on one of the uppermost steps.... until I turned my back anyhow! As I type this, he is lying outside the office door, Shadow is on the bed in the office
("I'm soooooo happy you cleaned this off for me Mommy"), and Smokey is on his perch in the living room. Each day is a new adventure; catnip for us all :-)

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"When a man does a piece of work which is admired by all we say that it is wonderful; but when we see the changes of day and night, the sun, the moon, and the stars in the sky, and the changing seasons upon the earth, with their ripening fruits, anyone must realize that it is the work of someone more powerful than man.” -

Chased-by-Bears, Santee-Yanktonai Sioux

Dee Bear Sunday

2012-01-29T15:45:00.000-08:00

Smokey & Bear

Well, it seems that BearKat is rapidly becoming a "resident cat" with near-full run of the house. Last night, he came out into the living room and, seeing an empty perch on the tower, decided to test it out. Smokey was right above him and leaned down once to swipe a paw in Bear's general direction, and BK didn't STAY on that perch all to long; I think he just wanted to show Smokey he wasn't afraid to be in close proximity. Bear and Shadow spent quite a bit of time outside together and I think they're becoming buddies already. It was hysterical last night after Bear went into his room and I

Shadow outside, Bear inside; door securely shut!!

Shadow and Bear

bungee'd the door shut, Shadow was trying to push it open from the outside! (Please disregard stack of stuff that is waiting removal to the attic, LOL!!)

After he & I got up this
morning, I didn't even bother closing his door tightly let alone using the bungee cord! Hubby & I were both home and inside all day, so we just kept an eye and ear out and the basement door closed. Well, that's what we were supposed to do anyway.... At one point, Bear came into the living room, and just plopped himself down within 2 feet of Smokey. Those two are just too funny... Smokey hisses and growls ~ Bear pushes his buttons. I think they'll end up grudging friends too. Shortly afterwards, Bear went outside and was basking in the sunshine on the porch, as reported by hubby. An hour later, I went looking for him and of course, he wasn't there, or anywhere else I could find! I went outside each door and called for him, to no avail. Trying not to cluck too much, I went back inside, in time to watch him push the basement door open and walk into the kitchen. Somehow, he had sneaked past the cats-and-hubby-sentinel-team, and made his way to the (off-limits) basement.

Thankfully, it does not seem like he scent-marked anything down there, or anywhere else in the house for that matter! We're still being watchful but it seems to me, he feels no need to mark any territory. He's a part of the family now, we all know it. So does he.

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"Being Indian is an attitude, a state of mind, a way of being in harmony with all things and all beings. It is allowing the heart to be the distributor of energy on this planet; to allow feelings and sensitivities to determine where energy goes; bringing aliveness up from the Earth and from the Sky, putting it in and giving it out from the heart." - Brooke Medicine Eagle

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Testosterone Lost

2012-01-26T17:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning, I took BearKat in to the vet for his big event. I have to say, BK was the best cat I've ever taken "over the river and through the woods", 35 miles to Dr. Joe. His check-up revealed him to be 2 years old. The wound on his rear leg that I thought was a bad scrape, was actually an animal bite. He also has evidence of a bite wound on the underside of his tail, both of which are healed or healing well. I always worry about the feline leukemia possibility with a 'stray' cat, so until that test is run and the verdict is in, my heart is in my mouth. Thankfully, BK was negative, so he got his vaccination, a topical worming medication (round worms, I had a feeling he'd have them from his pot belly and eating habits...common in kittens and feral cats that eat rodents to survive~ my poor baby....) and, according to the bill, was castrated. Oh my....

I was surprised to realize how little there was to the snipping! No stitches, tiny incision... no recuperation time to speak of except for the after-effects of anesthesia. He was walking a little like he'd just stepped off a boat, but ravenously hungry when we picked him up last night. I hoped he'd sleep after filling up his belly, and he did. For a while. I was not about to allow him to go outside last night, so

instead, he complained at me most of the night! When we leave the bedroom (always together, I have to watch that he doesn't spray anywhere for about a month :-( ), he walks by my side. Typically, he heads for one door or another, but today he went to the end of the hallway, and laid down. Yep, just surveying the situation, being one with the house. And with an escape route back to his safe haven. Smokey had been on the top tower across the room, but decided to stroll over and give a quick snarl,then walk around through the kitchen and have a staring contest as he protected the access route to the pet door! BK decided to stroll towards the front door, so I opened it for

him and let him outside. A few minutes later, he was waiting at the front door to come back in, with Smokey growling at him from inside. Rather than risk confrontation, and not wanting BK outside anyway, I went into the bedroom and opened the window. BK quietly jumped in and then just walked with me back down the hallway towards his original position, only now, he was BEHIND Smokey, who was still on guard at the front door! You should have seen the look on Smokey's face (and the snarl and evil hiss) ... sadly, the moment was just that and no photograph was possible! Bear decided it was supper time, he had won a round, so he sauntered back into "his" room, where he is now sleeping. Wanna make book on how much sleep I get tonight??

PS: BK just strolled in to the kitchen; oops, I forgot to bungee cord the bedroom door shut, LOL!! He's now outside, probably using Mother Nature's litter box.....

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"Remember that I am just a woman who is living a very abundant life. Every step I take forward is on a path paved by strong Indian women before me." Wilma Mankiller, Cherokee

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The Great Escape

2012-01-19T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have arthritis. In my hips, knees, jaw, fingers, who knows where else! Knowing that the aging process will make some things more difficult, we designed this house so that it could easily adapt to whatever the years and maladies will require. The hallways are wide enough for a wheel chair; the entrances could easily accommodate ramps, the open floor plan is flowing and spacious, the bedroom doors are wide and the closets are walk-in, if not large. One bathroom has a pocket door, and a walk in shower. The doors are all fitted with lever-style hardware rather than doorknobs. I hope to live here forever.

Enter Houdini, the door-opening cat.

I fell asleep with BK on the bed and my bedroom door closed. Tight. I woke around midnight, and for a minute, it didn't register...what was that light coming in from the left? I quickly realized, it was the nightlight from out in the hallway. The door was ajar! Smokey and Shadow were asleep in their respective spots (Smokey on the top perch of the kitty tower, Shadow on the couch) and I'd heard no arguments; I suspected I knew where BearKat had gone, so I switched on the light and went downstairs. There he was in the basement, peacefully sleeping on the bed. When he saw me, he did that languid stand-up-arch-and-stretch ~ I picked him up and carried him back into the bedroom. This time, I double checked that the door was securely closed.

Sometime around 4AM, BK started meowing and cooing at me. I told him to behave and go back to sleep, and I rolled over to do the same. Click.... and light pouring in through the open door; he did it again!!!! I brought him back into the bedroom, but not before he marked a little new turf on a closet door in another room. Stinker. I'm beginning to know his behavior, and so I gave him a can of food. He ate it all, and settled down to sleep. Then, I hooked up the trail cam☺
Around 6AM, I allowed him to go outside through the bedroom window. He must have been out all of 3 minutes, when he sauntered back in through the pet door. It was cold out there! If he opens the bedroom door again (which, naturally, he has not done since the camera installation), I hope to capture the great escape. Meantime, we have a plan to deal with his obvious desire for more room to roam in the house. I still need to keep him apart from the other boys.

When they do see one another, there's hissing and growling from both parties, and I understand it will take about a month after his neutering for the 'spraying' hormones to exit his system. So he may take up residence in the basement for a while. I just have to re-arrange some kitty "facilities", and Shadow & Smokey will have to stay on the main floor. I don't think they'll mind, since they'll have another available bedroom!

His leg looks much better...

Meantime, BK's wounds are healing and he's making himself right at home. I guess he plans on staying here forever, too.

**********

"You might as well expect the rivers to run backward as that any man who was born free should be contented to be penned up and denied liberty to go where he pleases."

Chief Joseph, Nez Perce (Nimiputimt)

I think that goes for my cats, too!

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Recovering

2012-01-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

I know he'd been living in the great outdoors since at least December 27th ~ that was when I first saw him on trail cam. He's an ankle-rubber, loves my feet and doesn't seem to be a big 'jumper', although he's sure getting accustomed to jumping up onto the bed! That's about all I do know about BearKat's life and times.

Broken claw on front paw

My gut tells me he was someone's cat, but why was he abandoned? Or did he run away? I've not seen or heard any reports of a lost cat, but I can't imagine anyone not wanting this loving boy. Anyway, after living outside for a bit more than 2 weeks, I rather think BK had something akin to PTSD. He must have had traumatic experiences , judging by the number of scars, scabs and wounds on his body.

rear leg wound, healing well

Eating outside at first, he wolfed down every morsel of food at breakneck speed, as if it might be his last or he was going to have to do battle for it. He was never around during daylight, his black fur blending in with the cover of darkness. Two weeks, some of it sub-zero wind chills, through rain, wind and brutal cold, this beautiful cat fended off the elements. He's got some constitution!

I'm hiding here!!

And now, for about 36 hours, he's been in my bedroom. I think he's beginning to finally feel safe. I gave him the opportunity to go outside this morning, he elected to stay in. He's been under the bed in a nice cave-like atmosphere most of the daytime hours. Last night, however, he was snuggled with me most of the night. Up on top of the bed, on top of the down comforter, on top of the bear fleece blanket. At one point, on top of the laptop keyboard that was parked next to me, waiting and watching for the birth of a new bear family.

Jewel Bear's den cam, live

BK is using his litter box, and has begun to pick and choose what he wants to eat, when he wants to eat. No longer starving for food or affection, today he ate more slowly, and elected to eat only the canned food. The dry kibble remains in his bowl ~ he'll probably eat that later tonight. If it's still there in the morning, he won't be getting as much canned tomorrow. We're finding our balance♥ Today's breakthrough was a biggy, in my opinion, and gave me such pleasure! I actually got him to engage in a little play. Not that he's jumping for joy or expending excessive amounts of energy at it... but at least he grabbed for the catnip-stuffed mouse with the purple tail which he'd been rubbing against since I set it by him on the bed, when I playfully pulled it away from him. A bit later, I took him a sprig of fresh catnip, which he devoured leaf by leaf and then licked the fingers which had held it. Happy kitty, happy human☺

I think he's in recovery phase. He doesn't HAVE TO hide, although he still likes his cave under the bed. He doesn't HAVE TO go outside, although he may if he wants. He doesn't HAVE TO do anything, except be a cat... and be loved♥

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"There is something about the presence of a cat... that seems to take the bite out of being alone"

Louis J. Camuti

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And BK makes Three

2012-01-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

I hadn't expected to have cats. When my dogs passed on, I thought I would be pet-less.... able to travel, no responsibility in that area. I guess the Spirits knew better. Smokey and Shadow are both approaching 5 years of age; the vet shows Smokey' date of birth as 4/8/2007. Shadow came in to the shelter on 7/5/2007 and was listed as about 2 months old. Smokey was a flea-bitten, scrawny kitten when he came to us, and Shadow was all head, with a skinny little body & long thin tail. Both are full grown I'd say, Smokey comes in at about 20 pounds and Shadow is finally gaining weight though he is still long and lanky at 12 pounds. So, here's 32 pounds of kitty on the top tier of their tower, on the lookout...

For what you ask??? Well, undoubtedly...BK! They still haven't decided how they feel about his presence, and they keep a few feet between them at all times. Low growls, a bit of hissing and some dirty looks in my direction are the order of the day when he shows up on the porch. When there is a glass door between them, their low growls become a bit louder. I think BK tried to follow Smokey through the pet door one early morning a couple days ago; the howl had me sitting bolt upright from a dead sleep, and tripping over myself as I ran to the kitchen. Smokey was just sitting there on the inside, BK was like a mirror image on the outside. I think, once BK gets 'snipped', they should all learn to get along pretty quickly. I think BK is a youngster, less than a year old is my guess. But the vet should be able to tell me more, once I get there!

I've been able to wash and apply antibacterial ointment to BK's leg twice but it's still a bit bloody. He doesn't particularly like me to touch it and squealed his displeasure today when I held tightly onto him in the process, but did not show any signs of aggression...no claws, no nips at me. My boys would have behaved worse. So, a bit at a time, I push the envelope of his tolerance. A bit later, I picked him up to weigh him, and he was just a sweetheart. A 14 pound sweetheart♥

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"Tell me and I'll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I'll understand. ” Native American Proverb

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A Tale of Two Kitties

2012-01-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

It seems the word is out; the Hard Rock Diner (Front Porch Annex) B&B is open for business!! The Tortoise-shell (kinda Calico-looking??) cat has been around for over a year that I'm aware of, and wears a flea collar. I think she belongs to someone, but who knows? I suppose she & BK know one another. Both of them decided to come over for supper last night, and apparently spent a good part of the night on the front porch!
Tonight, I saw BK outside near the driveway, so I went out with an opened can of cat food and started calling him. I guess, as with the bears, it's food or fear that motivates. The smell of the food was too much for him, and he came running up onto the porch. He paused and looked at me, but when I began to fill the bowl, his fear evaporated. He jumped onto the love-seat and began eating voraciously, as I continued to put the can's contents into the bowl. Then I started to pet him. The response was immediate, and nearly overwhelming. Of course, I had forgotten to turn the trail cam on, so that part of the meeting was not captured for posterity. I don't know who was happier, BK or me!! He began to purr as I groomed him with my fingers; I felt two ticks that I removed, and numerous scabs. I think BK could well stand for Battered Kitty :-( . He's definitely a boy, and not neutered. There are many, many obvious indicators of previous fights; his ears are tattered and his right hind leg has a wound that I will attempt to better inspect and treat tomorrow. I'm hopeful I can get him to come up in the daytime when it's warmer, but I'll be prepared with a warm washcloth and some antiseptic soap whenever I see him. I need to gain his trust, but I think I made real progress today....

By the way, he "met" both of my (neutered) boys and although they hissed at him, he just stood there saying, and doing,nothing. I can tell, there are some interesting times ahead ♥

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Eagle Chief (Letakos-Lesa) Pawnee
In the beginning of all things, wisdom and knowledge were with the animals, for Tirawa, the One Above, did not speak directly to man. He sent certain animals to tell men that he showed himself through the beast, and that from them, and from the stars and the sun and moon should man learn.. all things tell of Tirawa.

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Black Kitty

2012-01-02T12:06:00.000-08:00

Folks seem to love to drop their unwanted pets near our home; the two mile long dirt road through acres of untamed woods lends itself to that kind of abandonment. And since there are only 350 or so permanent residences in our township, and 1,000 seasonal ones... some "summer" folks get pets and then leave for the entire winter, with no intention of taking the summer pets along. So having a cat appear on our property and stay is not unusual. Only once before, have I felt so compelled to take care of a stray. BK is the second.
Black Kitty (BK) first showed up on the trail cam during the overnight hours about 2 weeks ago. He (she??) was eating the deer corn, so of course I knew the cat was hungry. Some meat scraps and uneaten food from my two cats went outside almost immediately after I saw the photos. Later that evening, I saw the kitty come and eat what I had thrown out among the corn, and a bit later that night I saw it up on the deck sleeping on the wicker love-seat. As soon as he saw me peering through the window, he ran away. Our first real cold snap of the season was about to move through, so I brought up a kitty bed and an old wool lap blanket, and set it on the love-seat. I also put a plastic bowl of kibble with it. Later that night, I turned on the porch light to see two golden eyes peering out of the kitty bed at me. I guess BK knew it was meant for him.

I've seen the cat several times... actually every night since 12/27 with the exception of New Year's Eve. I've tried to coax him up on the deck while I stood outside, but he will not get close. A couple times, he has meowed to me in response to my speaking to him, but every time I try to get onto the same level as BK, he runs away. But it seems he is here every night, sleeping under the front porch. And eating kibble on the love-seat.

As much as I wish he'd stay on the deck, he apparently prefers the cave-like atmosphere under the deck, where a piece of plywood has become his bed. Tonight, it's going to get really cold again, even worse that before. So, I put a plan into action to keep him more protected, and me less concerned. I lined a large old wicker laundry basket with a waterproof flannel-backed table cloth that has elastic around the edges, so it should stay put inside the basket. Next came an old but warm afghan. Then... an old but clean, warm & beautiful sheep skin.

The bed is placed under the deck, near the plywood, and right outside the basement window. My craft room is down in the basement as are my kitties' litter boxes and some of their favorite hangouts including the two deep windowsills. I've had hubby remove the exterior-mounted screen, so I can open the window from inside and put food and water outside, no matter what the weather. BK is gonna have a safe place to be, for as long as he wants to be here. By the way, I suspect Shadow knew about BK before I figured it out, as usual. He's been downstairs in that windowsill quite a lot over the past few weeks, now that I look back. He checked out the placement of the bed, and seems to approve...

And if it's meant to be, I'll have the stamina and spirit of the black kitty swirling around me as I make my dream-catchers and medicine bags ~ and maybe one day I'll open that window and BK will come in and join us♥

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...... everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease an herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.

Mourning Dove Salish 1888-1936

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This lovely flute lullaby "Tucked in for the Night"
appears to be a free download from Amazon....
is this meant to be, or what????? ♥

Peg's Tale

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-08:00

It began last winter. A pretty little white tail deer, with a horrible, bloody leg injury. We didn't think she'd survive the wounding she suffered during hunting season; wounding loss is one of the greatest travesties of hunting. Her left front leg nearly severed and dangling from a through and through gunshot that severed the muscle, we dubbed the lame girl "Peg".

We always feed our little deer herd during the winter. Last year, we watched as poor Peg struggled to lower her head enough, balanced on that one good front leg, to eat corn from the ground. But at least, she had a protector. The 5 point buck who retained his antlers deep into winter, seemed to always show up with Peg, and shoo away the other deer who tried to push their way in for the corn. We called him Cinco. Before long, we began to put corn in two areas, so Peg would have some for herself, and the rest of the yard herd would not argue with her for it. Cinco stood vigil, and ate only after Peg hobbled away.

I've read that deer do not mate for life. I've read that they have family units, but that the males show little interest in the females except for their very brief encounters during the rut. I am beginning to wonder if that is truth.

Surprisingly, Peg indeed survived winter, and by early summer, she was putting a bit of weight on the injured leg. We continued to supplement our herd with corn all year, just to be sure Peg found enough nutrition. Low and behold, in early October, we watched as a beautiful buck mated with Peg, who by then was stronger and able to run with barely a limp. I wondered if the buck was Cinco, and I am confident now that it certainly was. Cinco has matured into a beautiful 8 point buck. And his devotion to Peg is amazing. Last night, on trail cam, the two were photographed near one another throughout the night.

Just a few minutes ago, I watched as Peg was nibbling some corn, and a spike buck came her way. He jumped the stream and headed towards Peg on a trot. Seemingly from nowhere, Cinco came running from the woods at break neck speed and chased the spike off. I then saw him headed in the direction of Peg. I'm guessing he stays close by her, still her protector as well as her suitor. The rut is over, there is no reason for him to accompany this pretty little girl. And yet, he is always there... just in the shadows. Do deer mate for life? I guess not... but ask me in a few years and I'll have a better answer for you. For now; I'll just amaze at the sights I am so blessed to observe in my little corner of the world.

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Conversation was never begun at once, nor in a hurried manner. No one was quick with a question, no matter how important, and no one was pressed for an answer. A pause giving time for thought was the truly courteous way of beginning and conducting a conversation. Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence to the speech-maker and his own moment of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regard for the rule that, "thought comes before speech." ---Luther Standing Bear (1868?-1939) Oglala Sioux Chief

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A Chip off the HRD

2011-11-11T12:30:00.001-08:00

It was a cold and damp morning. As usual, the cats went outside at dawn. Shadow loves to hide in the thicket near the HRD and scare off the birds, turkeys and assorted other critters that come by. As you know, occasionally he or Smokey has a 'successful' hunt ~ sometimes bringing the catch inside, dead or alive.

This morning, hubby had a day off work, and since I was up quite late last night, I slept in a bit. Half-awake, walking into the kitchen to get my cup of coffee, I noticed a cardboard box on the counter. "There's a half-dead chipmunk in there", hubby said. "Smokey brought it in, and it looked drowned but was breathing so I put it in the box". I didn't even pour my coffee, but went right to the task at hand.

My experience reviving chipmunks goes back over 20 years and two states. The first successful rescue was on Long Island, and there have been quite a few since. But this poor little guy was making a raspy noise when he breathed, was totally wet, cold and not moving. Hubs had put a clean white towel in the box, and I wrapped the baby up in it more thoroughly, after checking him over to look for blood, cuts, etc. There were none, thankfully. Wrapped up in his towel, I carried Chippy into the bathroom where I held him to my chest, and turned the blow dryer onto the towel wrapped bundle. It seemed to me he needed warmth, and quickly. Just a few minutes on low, and I unwrapped the towel to check on the little guy. His breathing still seemed labored, but his tail was fluffy and he was less damp. I bundled him back up, put him back into the box and set it in a nice warm spot in my room. Man, now I really needed that coffee!!

A short while later, I checked on the little bundle. He laid in the box in the same position where I'd left him; quite still, but his breathing seemed less labored. I tucked him back in, put my healing rock in with him, and left the room.

When I returned again, I saw he had pooped!!!! Wow, things were looking up. Moving the towel to locate him, I saw he was resting with his head on the rock!

We had to go out and he wasn't up to par yet, so I put a few hulled sunflower seeds in the box, and a plastic cover overtop weighted down with an antique peanut butter mug that held my sweet grass and white sage. Hey, can't hurt to call in all positive energies in these situations!

When we returned a few hours later, Chippy had made several poops! YAYYYYY, it looked like this would be another successful rescue. He still allowed me to pick him up but seemed in much better condition, so I took him, in his box, out to the HRD for release. It didn't take him long to realize he was free to go, and out over the top of the box he jumped, toddling off into the woods. I followed him and saw where his hole was, in a thicket of small tree trunks. He got a handful of sunflower seeds left on his doorstep, just so he can have an easy time of it to fully recuperate from his ordeal. Oh yeah ... the cats are in for the rest of the day. Give a Chippy a break♥

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When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.
~ Arapaho Proverb

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Feeling Kuralt

2011-10-27T19:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am 'finally' home from the 3,990 mile road trip ~ if it was up to me, I'd grab my sister and spend as much of the the rest of my life as I could, on the road! Starting with meeting new friends for breakfast, and ending with a trip to the Reynolds Pumpkin Patch with my 5 year old nephew, the trip was chock full of adventures, family, friends, and fun. Don't get me wrong, there was work involved from the moment I arrived at our get-away place near Crystal River, Florida. But it was "different" ... not the same-old-same-old cooking, cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.

First off, I arrived only to find I couldn't even get up the driveway for the overgrowth of weeds. With the car fully laden, that was an obstacle requiring immediate resolution. So, off I went to meet some new neighbors and check in with one I'd known for a few years. An hour and a backhoe later, I was unpacking. Four hours later, it started to rain. The Spirits were with me every step of the way!

The "wild life" I get to see down south is quite different. Neighbors on two sides of me have horses, and there are lots more in the neighborhood. My nephew and his family have horses in Christmas, Florida; I also got to see the "Arabian Nights" show while in Orlando.

Then, a gathering of Lily the Black Bear fans and family at Highlands Hammock State Park provided great fun, and opportunities to observe some of Florida's signature wildlife...gators, turtles and tourists!

Heading back home towards Pennsylvania, my last stop was to catch up with my brother and his family, and spend the day with my nephew enjoying wildlife Halloween style, at the Pumpkin Patch.

Back home now, I've downloaded over 1700 photos taken by the trail cam while I was away. Of course, I took more than that myself in the four weeks I spent traveling all over. So I've got a lot of work to do, to review, edit, compile and share memories of the escapades with all of my family and friends. In the meantime, life goes on and I'm thrilled to see critters frequenting the Hard Rock Diner. The trail cam has observed deer including a massive 10 point buck and a few smaller ones, our "usual" does and their babies, the raccoon family, tons of turkey and other birds, but today was the first day since my return, that I actually SAW a bear outside. Our hunting season doesn't start until November, so I'm hopeful I will have some more sightings before they all go to den for the winter. Of course, it snowed here today, so winter isn't far away regardless of what the calendar may indicate!

Diner Guests, Oct. 27, 2011

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"The love of family and the admiration of friends

is much more important than wealth and privilege".
Charles Kuralt

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Of Hope and Faith

2011-09-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Since I will be doing my own "drive-about", I may not be doing much blogging for a while. I would typically tell you a story of my life and surroundings, followed by a quote from my Native American roots. But having read something very recently which brought some clarity to my own beliefs, I thought I would take leave, with this excerpt from "The Wisdom of Native Americans". It deals with religion, something which I rarely speak of, although I do embrace the concepts of prayer and have been known to give a hearty "Amen" from time to time! So long, friends..."til we meet again"♥

"Solitary Worship"

THE original attitude of the American Indian toward the Eternal, the "Great Mystery" that surrounds and embraces us, was as simple as it was exalted. To him it was the supreme conception, bringing with it the fullest measure of joy and satisfaction possible in this life.

The worship of the "Great Mystery" was silent, solitary, free from all self-seeking. It was silent, because all speech is of necessity feeble and imperfect; therefore the souls of my ancestors ascended to God in wordless adoration. It was solitary, because they believed that He is nearer to us in solitude, and there were no priests authorized to come between a man and his Maker. None might exhort or confess or in any way meddle with the religious experience of another. Among us all men were created sons of God and stood erect, as conscious of their divinity. Our faith might not be formulated in creeds, nor forced upon any who were unwilling to receive it; hence there was no preaching, proselyting, nor persecution, neither were there any scoffers or atheists.

There were no temples or shrines among us save those of nature. Being a natural man, the Indian was intensely poetical. He would deem it sacrilege to build a house for Him who may be met face to face in the mysterious, shadowy aisles of the primeval forest, or on the sunlit bosom of virgin prairies, upon dizzy spires and pinnacles of naked rock, and yonder in the jeweled vault of the night sky! He who enrobes Himself in filmy veils of cloud, there on the rim of the visible world where our Great-Grandfather Sun kindles his evening camp-fire, He who rides upon the rigorous wind of the north, or breathes forth His spirit upon aromatic southern airs, whose war-canoe is launched upon majestic rivers and inland seas -- He needs no lesser cathedral!

That solitary communion with the Unseen which was the highest expression of our religious life is partly described in the word bambeday , literally "mysterious feeling," which has been variously translated "fasting" and "dreaming." It may better be interpreted as "consciousness of the divine." Dr Charles Alexander Eastman, born Ohiyesa of the Santee Sioux, in 1858

Bye Bye, For Now!!!!