My Sister Was A St. Bernard

Kitchen Window Scene, Blizzard #1

2012-01-20T11:45:00.000-08:00

Well, she waited until Jan. 19th and then she hit: a nice lttle snowstorm that slammed into the Northwest much more strongly than us. Supposed to keep up for a week! Time for a pot of beans and retreat to a warm spot--woodstove's working well! Hope it's cozy where you are!

Moon over Mt. Shasta

2012-01-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

I took this picture with a Japanese alumni friend Jan. 7th. It was an eerie twilight moment, cold with a touch of fog. Come back, Fuji, and we'll take one with the new fallen snow!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2012-01-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

We are having one of the dryest and warmest winters on record, which is great for a snow-hater like me, but bad for the spring waters needed. No doubt we'll be seeing snow before long, but meanwhile, we're all enjoying temperatures in the 50's during the day.

Life's busy, with occasional guests coming through and a tasty crab feed this Saturday that Michael's band will play for. Hope the new year is good to you, too!!

Santa's Best Friend

2011-12-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

Santa and Boris see eye to eye during our recent Santa Paws event. Boris Osborn has his own Facebook page and is about a year old. I just love both their expressions!

Merry Thanksgiving to All!

2011-11-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

This is actually from last year when we were hiking to a high mountain lake with our new Belgian friends. Some of us take our fiddle everywhere! We are grateful for all the old and new friends we have, and hope they'll come to Mt. Shasta befoe long. Happy Turkey/Tofu Day!!

And the band played on...from benefits to the holiday season

2011-11-15T17:56:00.000-08:00

Evelyn Horner and the Front Porch Swing band get ready for the season! Thanks for being the headliner of our recent benefit for the animal shelter!

Winter Comes Around Again

2011-11-15T15:47:00.001-08:00

November 12 we had a great fundraising event for the Siskiyou Humane Society. Everyone pitched in with desserts to auction, drawing prizes, and a fun warm evening with singalongs and laughter. Can hardly wait for next year!

Here's a few shots (after a few tries--the new blog in-structions/formats aren't easy...)

Where do the months go when you're.....

2011-11-15T14:37:00.001-08:00

...summer and autumn 2011 went peacefully around here, although we were deeply struck by the loss of three people very dear to us. Dad was buried and we learned that Kaimi and Leticia passed on as well. Sadness all around. Yet the summertime was glorious and extended way past Indian Summer days.

Kitten season hit early and hasn't let up yet. Dapple here is a character cat. They're all amazing. I help mainly in the infirmary with the babies and the sick ones. Someday we'll have more room!

Summer Sights

2011-09-05T14:58:00.000-07:00

Here we have the baby boy Ambrose, guest kitty from the shelter, and some shots up the north fork of the Sacramento River, above our Lake Siskiyou. The prickly red berries were teensy little things, too, and I'd never seen them before--almost like mini-rambutans!

Summer 2011

2011-09-05T14:09:00.000-07:00

More fiddle camping & visitors to Mt. Shasta, some climbing up up up!

Diamond Lake fiddle camp

2011-09-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

What you can't see are the ten billion mosquitos there, but we made the best of it...

2011-07-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

This unusual orange female tabby is up for adoption--isn't she lovely? She's at the Siskiyou Humane Society Adoption Center in Mt. Shasta, CA.

Can you hear the loud roaring of the creek in Lithia Park, Ashland, OR?

And here's one of my yellow squash blossoms (which was supposed to print large in the middle of the page....sigh)...

Goodbye, July!!

2011-07-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here's Heidi and sister Kathi, circa 1954-55, on our front yard in Camas, WA, right near the Columbia River. Numerous cats shared the household as well. About six years later, only my St. Bernard and I were left to migrate to California...

It's KITTEN SEASON!

2011-07-07T18:19:00.001-07:00

Kate and Alyssa took these pictures--aren't they cute? We have many more!

HAPPY SUMMERTIME!

2011-07-06T09:27:00.000-07:00

About the only excuse I have for not posting here is the many more comments I receive for my Facebook page! Maybe the commenting part of this blog deters folks, but I'd sure like to hear a bit from all those red dots all over the globe that show quite a few people have dropped by!?

Meanwhile, our winter has slowly turned to summer (no spring to speak of, ever, around the Mt. Shasta, CA region) and we've finally moved outdoors. So here is a potpourri of pictures from April, 2011 to now, just after the 4th. Enjoy, and drop a note, por favor!

Have Vehicle, Will Travel

2011-03-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've mentioned that we have a 1966 Gillig school bus, 35 feet. We've partially converted her, but now we need something much smaller that I can also drive when we escape the snow for a few months each winter. Maybe a trade out there!? It's been a grand old bus which has been great to take to some of our high mountain lakes around Siskiyou county. Bus camping is inexpensive, and fun!

Winter Friends

2011-03-19T15:43:00.000-07:00

Animals are amazing!

Siskiyou County Times

2011-03-19T14:33:00.000-07:00

Autumn and early winter have been kind to us overall, this cycle. And predictably, we get smacked with snow mid-March. Here are a few scenes from our fun swim class, and the amazing life at the shelter. Black and white Nellie wants so much to be adopted, she asked that her picture be included twice... ;)

Hello Again--Winter's Here!

2011-03-19T14:14:00.000-07:00

As you'll see, we had a long slow autumn with many bright spots. Then winter came in with St. Paddy's nite. Here's some shots to share it all with you. Wish I had better skills to post pix. Please comment/give us a poke!

Pretty Stuff & My (blind) cat Jack

2011-01-10T18:05:00.000-08:00

Jack enjoys wheat grass when snow and ice block his backyard playpen. We're all going to be stir crazy by May....

Romping Around the Region

2011-01-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

The far northern end of Siskiyou County is a land of volcanoes, cattle ranches, small communities and sparkling rivers and lakes. We're mostly in the woods. It's fun to try to look at the familiar landscape, and catch something new. The smaller blue bridge is new, and goes over an inlet at Lake Siskiyou. The larger is the Sundial Bridge near Redding, CA. Is it easy to get into the outdoors where you are? Comments most welcome...

Buddies Get Together Over the End o' Year

2011-01-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

We've been friends for decades. Retirement takes everyone in new directions, but now and then we meet for lunch in Mt. Shasta. A good thing to cherish, old friends!

The holidays come...and go

2011-01-04T13:23:00.000-08:00

Our holidays were busy but fun. Michael's groups played a number of different venues. There were potlucks and music jams, New Year's Day dinner at the ranch. The little packages I made up were appreciated, and the bank account's not totally low...while the winter so far has been quite mild, snowwise, but quite cold, weatherwise.

Gathered round the campfire

2010-11-07T17:01:00.000-08:00

I like this shot from the door of our 1966 Gillig bus, because it pretty much symbolizes our outlook: be open to meeting new people and enjoying mobile spaces! Even if we're beginning our rainy season, followed by the (crappy) snow season, we're enjoying the home region area despite the recession. Helps to be retired and conserving as much as possible. Hope you are coping well, too.

I like sharing pictures of the places I've been because those experiences shape me and are usually positive. My St. Bernard pet, Heidi, was like a sister to me. Scroll back to some of the earliest blog entries and see some pix from the Fifties. Having Heidi no doubt shaped my love of animals and directed one of my post-retirement activities. What are some of the symbolic shapers of your adventures?
I'd love to hear from you, however you landed on this site.

Welcome to my world, circa Nov.

2010-11-07T16:03:00.000-08:00

This month I turn 62. That's proposterous! :=
Life is pulsing...be as happy as you can and do as much good as you can!

What's it like where you are?

Miscellaneous fall scenes and folks

2010-11-07T15:18:00.000-08:00

The staff at the Siskiyou Humane Society are a wonderful collection of big-hearted folks who carry their high stress jobs with grace and humor. I like to add scenes from that amazing circus which places lots of pets with love.

Our regional scenery rivals New England's. Right now it's been unseasonably warm, so folks are out walking among the leaves and pumpkin patches. The mountain's got a touch of white lace. Rains this week.

Autumn Falls

2010-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

Fiddle camp in Oregon, an eclectic potluck party at home with musicians, Jack the Wonder cat, and a lovely valley near the Oregon border: nice times as autumn brings cool nights and split cherry tomatoes to the woods.

Some of these are in southern Oregon

2010-08-29T13:51:00.000-07:00

Some shots are from N&R's nice little ranch in the sunshine.

Summer, Lovely Summer

2010-08-29T12:32:00.000-07:00

Our summer 2010 has been a series of lovely excursions, mostly around here and mostly camping near water. Wish you'd been with us. We're not done 'til the first frost; then we just head south! Next big trip is a fiddle camp near Merrill, OR.

Summer Lakes and Summer Times

2010-07-22T11:04:00.000-07:00

We camped at Juanita Lake with the fiddle camp for a few fun nites, as well as at the park in Etna for the Bluegrass Festival. Home to do laundry, thank the catsitter, and head out again for a high mountain lake. Ah, the precious days and nights of summer in the mountains! Hope your summer (northern hemisphere) is going wonderfully as well....or winter below the equator!

Fourth of July in Mt. Shasta

2010-07-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Some various shots of our activities in small town Mt. Shasta, circa 2010.

More Pictures of the Pets at Our Shelter

2010-06-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Time at the Siskiyou Humane Society

2010-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

For the last six months, I've been volunteering most afternoons at the Siskiyou Humane Society, a wonderful, caring place where cats and dogs are sheltered and socialized as we prepare them for adoption. Come visit!

The staff and the animals are a delight. You can visit all the possible pets at http://www.siskiyouhumane.org. Here are some recent shots from the north Mt. Shasta location and some from the recent Paws in the Park fun fundraiser.

Spring Rolls into Summer Slowly

2010-06-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Events roll along here in the mountains. Jack enjoys a fiddle serenade while meals move outdoors to the deck. Frank and Adeline's garden flourishes just before hay season.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...

2010-05-08T16:00:00.000-07:00

Frank starts the first plantings of 2010 while Michael fiddles...

Beachy Times

2010-05-08T15:41:00.001-07:00

Two days of sunshine coincided with two breezy days at the beach. Hooray! Michael's fiddle chased the seagulls...and all too soon, we're back in chilly Mt. Shasta.

Spring Trip to Portland and Bandon

2010-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

While the last snow has probably STILL not fallen around here, we did get away for ten days to Portland and Bandon. Halleluja. Portland was rainy but wonderful with blossoms. Tulips, daffodils and rhodies everywhere. NE Portland is my favorite place 'cause Kathryn lives there, and because there's so much to do on foot. If I won the lottery, the first thing I'd do would be to get a little place there.

Here are a couple of my favorite people in Portland & we had a nice brunch at the Cadillac Cafe, once again!

There's A Deck Under Here Somewhere....

2010-03-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

You get the picture. And we have a small hill behind us and trees all around, which equals planting June 1st.... being near 4,000 feet, the palm trees don't sway in this part of California!

Jack and Family Wait for Spring

2010-03-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Mr. Jack begs your pardon for being gone from the blog so long, but it's been a hard winter! The worst storm in thirty years came after the holidays. Six days without power, and tons of trees crashing into homes, fences, yards, etc.

Jack's best sanity saver from cabin fever comes from fetching Netflix wrappers, faithfully depositing the crinkly paper at our feet almost every time. Otherwise he loves picking his way among the slowly dwindling drifts while on his blue harness. Happy almost spring from the mountains of far northern California!

Holidays Fast Approaching

2009-12-11T15:04:00.000-08:00

All over the world, folks are celebrating holidays. Here on Deetz Rd, we're gearing up for Christmas and New Years. We've had a very cold spell for a week, with zero for an outdoor temperature, but now we've warmed up to a bit of snow. Here's to everyone with deep wishes for peace and being with those you love at this end of the year time. Here's a picture of our favorite hostess and her generous holiday table. Cheers!

Michael's Making a Violin

2009-11-24T17:12:00.000-08:00

With the professional help of Dr. Dick next door, Michael's creating an exciting new fiddle!

What's New

2009-11-24T16:43:00.000-08:00

Our visiting friends from Louisiana enjoyed the cool woods recently. Go Che Che and Tibby! And your New Orleans Saints!

Michael and Kathi

2009-10-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the way to Cliff Lake. Paul Goethal of Belgium took this picture of the fiddler and wife, who's bringing furniture for their picnic.

Little yellow leaves

2009-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Folks, I've had some great technical help (thanks, Jeremy!) and we think we've discovered why some pictures haven't been showing up for you (since Oct. 10th).

This is a test picture, loaded through Blogger. Apparently those loaded through Picasa2 are now staying on the local host and not being transfered to Blogger. Cyberbummer. Apologies, and I'll fix pix asap...(done) ~Kathi

Fall brushes the landscape with new patterns of color

2009-10-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

And uh-oh, winter can't be too far behind. Any catlovers out there who love snow sports and would like to exchange a WARM place for a month or so here in the frozen, but beautiful woods?! Howzabout Florida? Texas? Mexico?!

Part of the Shasta River near the ranch

2009-10-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

You can almost see the many big spawning fish in the reedy shallows!

The lone apricot on our friends' ranch

2009-10-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Autumn brings gorgeous contrasts here in the far north state.

The trail beside Lake Siskiyou

2009-10-20T13:27:00.000-07:00

This long trail goes almost all around the lake, and is lovely all year long.

A Few More Tennis Lovers

2009-10-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Our Two Hannahs!
OLE Amigos!

Michele double dips.

Tennis Collage?

2009-10-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Let's see if this works...hmmmm, no. It only published a few of the collage items. This Blogger is hit and miss...but here are a few folks from our class, including a nice smile from our fearless teacher Rod.

Rod's Well-Behaved Tennis Class

2009-10-10T16:06:00.000-07:00

Part of the gang from Rod K's fall '09 tennis class, known to hit the brewery after class on Thursdays. Love those creative drills!

Visiting Cliff Lake

2009-10-10T16:02:00.001-07:00

Marleen and Paul enjoy another adventure in Siskiyou County, USA with new friends. Thanks for the (real!) Belgian waffles and all the fun. Come back soon!

Meanwhile, back at home...

2009-09-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

Jack keeps an eye on his garden's production, featuring endless cherry tomatoes...

Summer in September

2009-09-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

The fields face Mt. Shasta...this week, heading south, thousands and thousands of geese are noisily flying over, seemingly early!

More Scenes for You

2009-09-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

The merry fiddler fiddles for the cows and the rest of us...

More Scenes from The Ranch We Love to Visit

2009-09-21T16:14:00.000-07:00

Someone's always busy in the kitchen, especially with a grand garden!

One of our Favorite Places is The Ranch

2009-09-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

Just twenty minutes from our place, but in a very different micro-climate, the Cardoza ranch is a favorite destination all year long. Now at harvest time, fruit and flowers and veggies abound. Here are some pix from a recent visit.

Summer is waning...

2009-09-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

...but you can't tell by the weather, only through a very few little leaves and ferns which have already turned yellow and red. Yesterday we hiked from a McCloud, CA campground up to the gorgeous Middle Falls, a two-pronged waterfall with lovely clear pools and rushing crystal waters. Here's a short video of the falls I found on YouTube.

The area around Mt. Shasta is rich with forested sites, mountain lakes and streams. Come enjoy them!

BACK IN ACTION

2009-06-20T15:59:00.000-07:00

Nothing to say? So wait six months, Kathi!...apologies for the hiatus during a wicked upswing of a chronic condition I battle, and howdy to all those fathers and fathers-in-spirit out there who'll be honored tomorrow!

I'll be updating photos as soon as possible, and meanwhile, the best shot of my turning sixty on Kauai with our good friends last November...

Meanwhile, Jacky Surveys Sunday

2008-11-02T11:11:00.003-08:00

Whatever the morning holds, sunshine or showers, Mr. Jack is ready to add his perspective. Today, some in the household are practicing the fiddle, while others are trying to make a recalcitrant bloggie behave. Jack takes it all in stride--maybe these rains-every-other-hour will chase a mousie into the garage!

If you're dropping by now and then, why not leave a comment for Jack and me? Let us know what you'd like to see or hear about as the seasons change. What are the season's surefire changers in your area?

This Sketch?

2008-11-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

One of these Sketches Matches the Picture Below

2008-11-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

Even the Leaves Are Singing

2008-10-30T09:58:00.000-07:00

As the last of autumn's sunshine dances through the leaves, we're all sad to see the winter coming on. But without winter, spring won't be far behind....Lord let us all survive this election, too.....GO OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

Nearby Hammond Pond, empty now for the season

2008-10-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous colors everywhere! And we of the north know every sunny day is a borrowed one from (dreaded) wintertime!

Some Classmates' Efforts

2008-10-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

My Tiger Makes An Appearance

2008-10-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

This is my second watercolor and it's lots of fun, especially with an eager set of classmates and a good teacher. Between playing with watercolors indoors and out, and a nice Sony digital camera, I'm having a wonderful autumn. Hope you and your pets are, too! And yes, that's an OBAMA button!

Awash in Tomatoes

2008-10-14T16:33:00.000-07:00

The green fruit is turning red in the baskets as fast as we can eat them! The last of the garden except for parsley and some hardy hang-on basil. Harvesting anything where you are?
Meanwhile, Jack shows off his working on the carbureator face. Dirty boy who wants out in his Jackyard.

Colors Galore

2008-10-11T23:44:00.000-07:00

St. Francis Blesses the Animals in the Mt. Shasta Community Garden

2008-10-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday sights

2008-10-11T23:22:00.000-07:00

More of Fall's Potpourri

2008-10-11T23:05:00.001-07:00

Some more scenes from our fall escapades. Come join the fun!

Autumn's Artistic Adventures

2008-10-11T21:53:00.000-07:00

The gorgeous and inspiring autumn weather has been accompanied by a number of artistic events which I wish you could all have attended. First, my art class went up to nearby Ashland, Oregon to see the Florence Schneider Museum of Art where our instructor Dennis Weathers has a show entitled "Influences" which is sparky and imaginative.

In the Schneider Museum, which abuts the SOU Art Department, another exciting show captured the attention of many locals as well as us Northern Californians. Many of the exhibits are of almost full-scale animals which are covered with intricate bead patterns, creative headpieces and compelling creature heads which have patrons walking underneath the animals and marveling at the artist's ingenuity.

Additionally, I've made the acquaintance of potter Frank Philipps whose luminous works are just marvelous. His shimmering turquoise glazes and aesthetic creations are just delightful. I hope I can purchase a few sometime in the future! Look at that color!

Then back at home, this weekend is graced with the Mt. Shasta International Film Festival, with many amazing shorts, documentaries and longer films such as "Under the Same Moon" which I just thrilled to, and "Amal" ;"Oil and Water" ;"Saving Angelo" and others.

The turnout's been great, and participants enter the theatres with red cheeks from the crisp cold air. All this in the last cold sunny days of autumn, making for a bountiful blessing of beautiful sights! Hope you enjoy the colors, too. What's up artistically where you live?

Yard Sale Daze...

2008-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

Into each life fall a few yard or garage or junque sales...we hope this is our last, but four families joined in and at the end of the first twelve-hour day, we devolved into apple cake, white wine, and an impromptu fiddle and flute concert. Not a bad way to celebrate the end of summer. Especially when I can feel my feet again... =)

Meanwhile, the main reasons I went to Ashland...

2008-09-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

...to catsit for my friend.
Hey Greta you sweet ancient Siamese lady! Wake up that big lummox of a brother on his perch! Mr. Tux rolls over nicely for tummy pats and thunders through the house when someone rattles the kibble. You can see he doesn't miss many such rattles.

Thistle Dreams....lotsa color for painters & other folk

2008-09-22T14:58:00.000-07:00

Taking a painting class makes you see everything as a captivating canvas to color. To me, it deepens the appreciation of the lovely natural world in our region. Where do you go for natural inspiration? I'll try to link to a picture of yours, or put a link in your response!

Bridging Back to Order Here....

2008-09-22T13:34:00.000-07:00

This is a side entrance bridge to lovely Lithia Park below the Shakeaspeare Festival grounds in Ashland. It's delightful as some other photos reveal (hopefully).

OOOPPSSS....

2008-09-19T11:09:00.000-07:00

Well, when your computer runs out of electric oomph, it's just the wrong time for your pictures to mess up, too. Apologies, folks.

My next teensy cybertale was unfortunately abbreviated temporarily by the lack of my computer charging device, but I'd like to report it's very nice up here in Ashland this weekend. Magnificent Indian summer day brewing up, too, though some high chouds are rolling in on the suddenly autumnal breezes.

I'm in the library trying to look up pottery glaze recipes at the moment, and to inform you I didn't have too much to drink, but my Fixit capabilities are halted on the old bloggie a este momento. Lo siento. (I'm sorry.)

Think I'll stroll over to the Ceramics Department, though school doesn't open their fall quarter until Monday, and see what inspiration I can scare up! Southern Oregon University is a great little school in a magical Shakespearian festival town, all about an hour north from our woodsy home in far northern CA.

Will fix this discombobulation when I'm home in a few days. Wait'll you see the field of thistles pix! Putting pictures side by side or staggered in a post is a challenge with Blogger.com--anyone out there a wizard who can help?

Sigh...meanwhile, do you know where your stocks are!?!?! Your money (haha) market? ~KWW

Watercolor buddies and north to Oregon via Yreka, CA

2008-09-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

And now, we're going back to Ashland to catsit for my friend. Here's some shots from the short ride up to that pleasant little city:

Ceramics Buddies

2008-09-19T01:13:00.000-07:00

My friend's beautiful grandaughter is doing well in ceramics class. Hey, Cathryn--you're a bright energetic spot in the lab!

Now to fill in that background with complementary colors

2008-09-16T21:22:00.001-07:00

My watercolor class is easier than my ceramics class, but the folks are fun in the clay room, and time will tell! One class follows and one leads into a pe class, which are also important shapers...(next lifetime, I'll order size svelte...)

Meanwhile, inside at the art table

2008-09-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Momcat works on her first watercolor for class.

Thanks Jack for your little story!

2008-09-16T19:07:00.000-07:00

Even if he's blind, Jack sees with his big heart. What a character. Share about one of your favorite pets in the comment section, if you like.

Jack's Tale End 5

2008-09-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

When I, the royal Jack, sit on the backdoor steps, this is the view towards the garden. Note the beans are trying to escape, just like I do! But in Indian summer, who wants to go far when it's so lovely here??

Thanks for listening to my meandering tale from a cat's eye...

Jack, tale 4

2008-09-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Auntie Wilma is looking across toward the garden. Just behind her in the background is my escape route when I get outside on the back deck without my harness. I can get quite aways into the orchard before one of my people catches me! What fun to explore everywhere!

Jack Tales, 3

2008-09-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

My folks brought back this nice shot of Obama llama and friend. I support most wholeheartedly the Progresive Democratic ticket, for people and the animal world!
Go out there and make it happen with peace and love in all our hearts. (Jack can even be romantic after 18+ hours of active play all day, when he runs down a bit.)

Heidi, the St. Bernard sister of this blogger, was a hellraiser, too, in her younger years. She'd tear aroung the circle that bisected our living room, sliding like crazy on the kitchen floor while her nails rat-a-tatted a scratchy hope for grip...yarping all the way.

What do your pets do that's hysterical?

2008-09-16T12:56:00.000-07:00

My Auntie Wilma thinks mid-September is a good time for a purr-giggle...before the cold sets in again and ruffles her soft fur. Helpful, empathetic thoughts to the people challenged by Ike, and the other hurricanes. Easier to take, though, than the political storms of late, I'd say. (Jack is a very hep cat.)

Jack's Tale, 2

2008-09-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Wilma's feeling frisky around my home this fine Indian summer day, where the mornings are cool, but the afternoons get comfortably hot by 5:00 pm, my dinnertime. Actually, I eat whenever I come in from my Jackyard, to grab a snack and see what's up. The weird trick that most perplexes them is when I deposit my soggy toys into my food dish, for my own secret cat reasons--Aunt Wilma is slightly intrigued, too--(food dish viewing spared for delicacy's sake...)

Jack's Going to Tell You a Story....

2008-09-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Jack wants to tell you his latest tale. Let's have him meow it in the first person, though Jack actually ch-ch-chirps to communicate. (Bear with our silliness, por favor.)

Meanwhile, back at home

2008-09-04T23:27:00.001-07:00

Jack the (blind) Man enjoys another exploratory leashwalk on the deck. This boy is really an extraordinary pet, and I'm so glad I rescued him on the Oregon coast two summers ago. He navigates by some sort of radar/sonar, and rarely runs into something unless it's in the direct path of one of his innumerable routes around the house.

Whether having a huge St. Bernard canine for a sister, back in the Fifties, prepared me to love animals so much, or whether it's the specialness and delight of the animals I meet, I love 'em. What was your favorite pet, and how did it shape your life?

More Portland Area Pix

2008-09-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Some of our favorite Grant's Pass Motel Views

2008-09-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

These are some shots from the Motel Del Rogue, where we always try to stop headed north or south. Right on the Rogue River, this small friendly spot belonging to Kevin and Constance and Sylvia Marr is peaceful, gorgeous and a springboard to exploring the area's many fun activities. We love it there in all four seasons; you will, too if you're ever near Grant's Pass OR!

Portland Pussies

2008-09-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

These two are related and rule the roost in NE Portland.

Camas Cat

2008-08-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Becky is my sort-of-Gramma's cat, a solid gal with a little tiny voice and a definite proprietary air around the house. Isn't she a feline jewel?

My recent trip north seemed to feature lots of friendly cats while I enjoyed the many delicious kinds of food available and the marvelous scenery around Portland as well. Just heavenly!! Portland is where I was born, and Camas where I grew up until age thirteen, so it's my favorite region on the planet. Where's yours?

Where O Where...?

2008-08-16T11:08:00.000-07:00

I went up to Portland and my hometown of Camas, WA for a few delightful weeks. I brought my camera but not the cable to connect camera with computer...soon...hope all is well with you; I'm having a wonderul, peaceful summer-time....Cheers, ~Kathi

Meanwhile, Back to Our Theme...

2008-07-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

DID YOU KNOW if you Google "St. Bernard dogs" in under a second you'll have hours of viewing ahead of you?! In case you weren't sure what they look like, here's ample evidence of how noble, silly and wonderful these canine companions can be. Famous for rescuing lost travelers in the Alps, these dogs make loving, protective and often hilarious pets.

My sister Heidi was a cross between a long-and short-haired version of the breed. She loved to romp with children, play in the snow, and sleep draped on top of her favorite humans. She could tell from the smallest morsel if a piece of bread was buttered or not, and splat!--out it came if no butter was included. Heidi was loving to the many cats in our small family, and guarded the homefront from deliverymen, but she would hop into a car with anyone who'd offer her a ride, (like the dogcatcher).

I think my love of dogs and cats no doubt came from having this huge slobbery sister and friend from about the time I was five until I was fifteen or so. I wish I had more pictures of us together, but the memories are there, and come alive when I Google through some of the pages a click offers.

What was your significant pet as a child? What happened in your adventures together? Do you have a sense that they helped shape your outlook or experiences? Please comment if you like!

Down the coast to Port Orford and, sigh, home....

2008-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry the one's so dark; I lightened it in the photo tray...hmmmm....when were YOU last at the wonderful, magnificent ocean? Not long ago, I hope!

I'm on duty in the bottom pix ; )

2008-07-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

Seagulls' Seaside Sanctuary

2008-07-26T15:10:00.000-07:00

A Little River Joins the Ocean

2008-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

The Sea, the Shining Sea...near Bandon, OR

2008-07-26T15:05:00.000-07:00