Greetings. Apologies for absence.
Last Friday we went out to a local venue to hear the “Brass Monkeys” in action – a while since we’d had the pleasure, and a great pleasure it was too. Brass instruments played with great aplomb, enthusiasm and expertise. A very good evening out. (Apart from not eating before we got there, and discovering that they don’t do food of an evening.........)
Saturday was “Chooks Re-location Day” – for the summer they move away from the shelter of the house and conservatory, down to the bottom of the garden (ie. a total travelling distance of about 20 feet !) – affording the hens more scope for sunbathing, a much more interesting outlook over the garden to view visiting cats/foxes/etc, better circulation of air currents, and much easier exit from the run when opportunities arise. The hens had a fine time, and Eena, who had been looking decidedly ‘out of sorts’ most of the week, and had a few nights in the house along the way, was back to digging about with the best of them. As for the peoples – well, we get chance to use the paved area next to the house again. Maybe the BBQ will get dusted off this year.........
Sunday started at 5am, with the chooks shouting their heads off......VERY loudly (had they forgotten they’d re-located on Saturday ?). Then was the usual programme of rehearsal, Sung Sunday Services, and a fine sermon from the Provost (was it a good holiday then ?). Tea and cake with friends in the afternoon. A little light refreshment at the end of the evening. (Why else would you sing ?)
After this weekend excitement, 9 month old Master Bart Catlet got hisself stuck up a tree on Monday night..........all we knew was that he took hisself out in the early evening, full of the joys and Master of the Universe. He then didn’t come home before darkness crept in, and no sight nor sound was evident as we examined every area within reach. Well, you can guess how the night went on....... late to bed in case he showed up...... TH was out looking for him at 3am......... Chickpea was checking around at 5am......... then out at 6am to check for RoadKill before the clearer-uppers would have been out.......... No Sign. Mr Mutt got longer walks both evening and morning than usual, covering the likely area of disappearance. Time to head out to work....... Then, a wee small cry. Both consistent in response to encouragement, and verified by TH. ......... Finally traced to Up A Tree. Not a particularly LARGE tree. But in Someone Else’s Garden, and high enough to be out of reach. But – Pathetic. Yup. “Heeeeeeellllllppppp ! I can’t get down ! Saaaaaaaaaaaaaave me !” (Honest – you could hear him – thinking out loud, he was !)
Eventually separated from high perch, returned to terra firma, food, and sleeeeeeeeeeeeepppppppp............
The other end of the day brought us a house guest. TH had become aware of a fine long-furred grey tabby stray from a local housing scheme, thin, bedraggled, matted coat, bad breath, unkempt and uncared for............ One vet visit and several pounds’ transaction later, with an anaesthetic booking arranged for ‘grooming’ and teeth review, flea and worm treatments......... and the menagerie had increased ....... temporarily ? Time would tell. TH having a certain tendency to cat allergy would be a factor........
Cat smiled......... and scoffed anything that came his way......... and purred...... and purred.........
Meantime, Bart scowled, cursed and swore. Mr Mutt retreated to his bed and hoped none would bother him....... TH succumbed to the viral infection which had probably been out enjoying the Brass Monkeys’ gig at The Ferry last Friday.......
And so to today - Ascension Day. Next step along the way thru the Liturgical Year. TH somehow managed to shake off his virus enough to sing, (Miracles certainly DO still happen), but has set off away to The Land of Nod. Now nearing Midnight, Guest Cat has washed his feet for the night and is hoping to be allowed to stay, please........ Bolshy Bart is at the lounge door feeling unloved and abandoned (and probably hoping for some more supper)......... Mr Mutt has his head down, hoping someone will put the light out......... Domestic bliss. ChickPea has bored you silly – Thank You for calling by. Have a Great Friday and a Fab Weekend !
