While the Mice Have Their Backs Turned...

The cats are settling in very well. They appear to sleep most of the day but as I move from room to room, so do they; I just don't see it happen. Perhaps they sleep walk.


What is clear is that they do move about during the day. Harry’s collar went missing and I tore the place apart looking for it. He seemed interested in the search and when I'd given up, it appeared smack in the middle of the kitchen floor.
I swear Harry smirked.

The freshly cut roses were arranged in a bowl on the coffee table. I scarcely had time to leave the room before the vase was empty and the roses were strewn everywhere.

In the bathroom some unidentified culprit yanked on the toilet paper until it was off the roll and neatly piled on the floor.

It’s only a matter of time before they learn to write blogs.

Progress

The work continues to give this "new" house my imprint. I can't do much about that army barracks look until the shutters are in place and the Boston ivy begins to climb up the bare walls.

The roses are gorgeous work horses. I gave them probably their first pruning ever in the spring and there is a long way to go but they are beautiful, blowzy and their scent is wonderful.


The pond is a joy. The fish are growing although it's hard to spot them in that dark, mysterious water. No matter--it's a lovely surprise when they do appear. The embankment is planted and I try to stifle my unreal desire for instant lush growth despite the heat and watering restrictions.


We can walk out to the deck from the kitchen without facing the neighbors doing the same thing. Steve the writer/carpenter devised this barrier and we're all happier.


Summer--long may she reign.

Sunday Morning

I took my walk shortly after six this morning and the town was mine. Even the dog walkers were still in bed.

I heard that delightful whooshing sound that announced hot air balloons and sure enough, three of them floated overhead. I like this shot of one playing footsies with the streetlight.


The swamp looked particularly friendly; deep inside are the footprints of a long-gone homestead and after that mysterious owner departed, the local kids used to make beautiful, private forts to do their daydreaming. Eventually the builders took over the land all around the swamp and now the Canada Geese and four-legged critters are in possession.


One thing I know, the skunks remain. That unmistakeable scent wafts in the air and contributes to my quickened walking pace.

This road is a hazard for pedestrians five days a week but on weekends it could be inhabited by ghosts.


Here is some pond progress. There is a tiny waterfall trickling down to the right of Steve. He was a little testy yesterday when I picked out lovely big rocks for him to haul to the car. I think he objected to the mud sucking in his feet while he tried to maneuver his way to the road. He soldiered on, bless him. Just one or two more scavenging trips and we'll be done with rocks. For now.