Well…..it would seem that Curly cat has decided to lose her freedom and become a house cat.
The other night, I heard a mewling outside the kitchen door, and was astonished to see Curly cat sitting there, bold as brass giving Sam the eye!
This is a rather unnerving development, as Curly usually sticks to her shed in the back garden, where she sleeps, or the front garden, where she hangs out all day. For her to show up in the courtyard like this is worrying, as the dogs are always out there.
Anyway, as Curly was determined to get in, I let her sit in the lounge with daughter and her partner, away from the dogs, an arrangement she seemed to approve of, then I let her out for the night. The next morning, once again, Curly was crying outside the kitchen door, and once again came in. The problem is though, I now have no idea where Curly is likely to be….and I don’t want her getting hurt or tumbled by the dogs.
I suspect the three of them had a run in recently as the dogs were sporting scratched faces and Curly had a bite on her head. Fortunately, these injuries were all superficial.
I don’t know where this is all going, but it seems to be moving in the right direction.
Sam, on the other hand, has FINALLY gained his freedom. Each time we’ve let him off his lead in the past, he’s galloped off into the distance, totally refusing to come back, with Annie after him, herding him in ever wider circles.
So we’ve been training Annie off the lead while keeping Sam on an extending one. Finally, on the last two beach runs, we’ve let His Lordship off with Annie.
And guess what….he runs off, we call him……and he COMES back, even when there’s a gull to chase or a jelly fish to sniff. Wonders never cease eh?
So far we’ve only let him off on a deserted beach……and always had a pocketfull of his favourite biscuits….
It’s been an amazing year for herring gulls at the rescue, as 99% of all the tiny chicks that have come in have flourished and been released.
Yesterday, seven more were rounded up for release. Now….catching herring gulls flying free in an aviary is NOT easy and blood is often spilt! Not the gull’s you understand, just the staff’s. This time around I was only required to be ready with the carry cases, opening and closing them after each bird was popped in, so I came out of the fiasco unscathed. I was on hand with plasters and a sympathetic smile for the injured though.
And, on the same day, I had the pleasure of releasing four pigeons in my garden. This is such a joy, let me tell you. I can’t describe how it feels to see the birds finally free and flying. Some don’t seem to want to go straightaway though, and often linger for a while, which is lovely for me.
It’s great to see them familiarizing themselves with their new world. These two have come back to my feeders today. Wouldn’t it be marvelous if they chose to stay in my garden.
In other news, daughter is now the new guide for the Liverpool ghost walks, and I am the new marshal. My job is to herd the people and keep them altogether, which is just as hard as trying to herd cats. The ghost walks raise funds for the rescue and are very popular.
Well, while daughter was in the Cathedral cemetery, strutting her stuff, I noticed HUNDREDS of bats….and a large foxhole…..so I shall no doubt be boring you all with bat posts soon…..
And I must say it’s been a FANTASTIC year for the veg. I’ve never had so many tomatoes, cucumbers and courgettes, along with fresh salad, spring onions, spinach and rocket.
I’m also beginning to enjoy my potatoes, which I think I’m going to have by the sack load, and I have a great crop of carrots and onions waiting to be picked.
And finally……I had a good hard think about my back garden, and have decided to completely re-design it next spring. It will be a huge project but by hook or by crook, I will have GRASS…..lovely natural green grass!!! Yes!!!!
I did enjoy seeing those big beaches,,fab.A great blog here
Thanks Kath, nice to hear from you. xxxx
Thanks Keggy….yes, it gets very old hearing about animal cruelty doesn’t it, and now we have the badger cull….sighs….
Good to hear you grew lettuce, space is always a problem, I tend to grow lots of food in baskets and tubs.
Oh….looking forward to seeing garden pics…I find cottage garden plants so easy to care for….they seem indestructible and love to self seed.
Foxgloves, hollyhocks and delphiniums are really easy, and apart from needing a little support, give a lovely show……my hollyhocks topped six foot this year and the bees love them.
I think having a greenhouse is great in our climate as you can hang out in it during winter, I have had great value out of mine.xxxx
Awhh. I love that photo of Curly peering into the window and the dog looking out at her. Good to hear that more rescued creatures are recovering under you care and being released again. I do like to hear about humans looking after animals instead of killing them.
And those veggies ! What a lot you got ! I only managed lettuce this year, mainly due to space considerations but I have spent more time on the flowers in my front garden this year. I am redesigning it but still haven’t fixed on a final look. I like cottage gardens but I think they might be a lot of work.
Anyway, there’s always next year for the veggies. I do need a greenhouse if I’m to get results like you. Another delightful post xxx
Lovely pics of the dogs on the beach, the sunshine looked beautiful! Glad to hear about all the veg, I’m having a similar influx of marrows a.k.a courgettes who like to hide!
Thanks Hannah, it’s been a beautiful week here, I’m getting used to it and won’t know what to do when the bad weather comes.
Lol….they do hide well don’t they…xxxx
I am so glad to hear that Curly has come in and am sure we’ll soon find her cuddling up with the dogs on the settee and all best of mates!
Must be so lovely to hold the pigeons in your hand all nestled down and blinking before they decide to take the plunge and flap off…. magic!
What fun to do the ghost tour thing – great that your daughter has the confidence to speak in front of strangers etc – wonderful1
The photos of the vegetables get better and better – you’ll be a professional photographer before too long – another string to your bow! I remember your early posts this year I think when you were planting stuff out and the weather looking so unhopeful and it seeming like nothing was happening… and now all is burgeoning!
Round here gulls are seen as absolute pests ripping open bin bags and making a right old mess not to mention screeching all night and waking us up pecking the skylight… but I like them – they are creatures and anyway I find them very amusing. xxxx
Curly really is a mystery, I think she was testing the ground for winter, now she’s back in the front!!!
Having the pigeons rest a moment is LOVELY, just like your little robin, and yes….that wonderful slow blink!
Lol….I don’t think anyone will be wanting my pics, you should see how many blurry ones I take, thank God for the old digital camera eh….
Gulls do seem to be a menace in certain areas, ours don’t bother people and still seem pretty wild. I think the problems start when people feed them. Thanks Arose.xxxx
It would take some doing to get my boys used to a cat- not that I think they would seriously hurt it, but they would chase the poor thing should it happen to run!
I wonder if Curly must have had a bad experience that made her want to come indoors? I hope she ( ?) and the dogs learn to get along.
It must be rewarding to let recovered birds go and know they will make there way in the world. Bet the ghost walks must be fun!
Can’t wait to hear the redesign plans!
My dogs sound the same as yours Jennifer, they wouldn’t hurt Curly but would chase her if she ran as they’re still so young and she is getting older so can do without the hastle, I have no clue what Curly is up too, but I’m nervy now every time I let the dogs out.
It’s always so lovely to see the birds go, three of the four are still here so that’s nice as I can monitor them.
I may have bitten off more than I can chew with the garden, but, onwards and upwards. Thanks Jennifer.xxxx
Really enjoyed reading about Curly Cat and her indoor adventure.. your first photo is so sweet 🙂 Sounds like you are all keeping happily occupied and as usual, your post is a joy to read. Always brings a smile, too. and…. guess where I went to today! Were your ears burning?
Awwwww, thanks SO much Glo. Likewise, I love your blog.xxxx
I wonder what brought about Curlys’ change of heart and made her/him decided to come indoors – old age and comfort maybe? Lovely photos of the seashore – the dogs seem to be enjoying themselves. Great that so many birds are being released and that one or two are hanging around – I suppose it’s where they feel safe.
I think Curly is getting on a bit and maybe beginning to long for her creature comforts, but most of all I think she wants more affection and attention.
I still ahve three pigeons hanging around Elaine, which is lovely. Thanks.xxxx
Love the releasing of the collared doves! I’m so glad the ghost walk is over, it can only get better from here x
You were great from the start and you know it!!! xxxx
Curly cat thinks your house looks so homey that she decided to move in. Hopefully she’ll get along with your dogs though 🙂
Whoa, a ghost tour! It’s been ages I really want to do that but haven’t got the chance yet. I’d love to join your daughter’s group 😀
Thanks Debb….here’s to peace!!!
I hope your pack are doing well. You would love the ghost walks as all the stories are based on fact and we go around all the old areas.xxxx
An uplifting post and glad to hear your news about developments with Curly Cat, Sam and Annie, the gulls and the pigeons not to mention the story of the lady and the squirrel in the churchyard together with the great photos! Glad you’re enjoying all your garden produce and have made a decision about the grass!
Thanks Linda, now wouldn’t it be great if all the animals just got along, how simple life would be!
It has been a great week one way or another, and lots to look forward to re the back garden….especially the thought of having grass again!!! xxxx
It looks like Curly is getting sorted before the cooler nights arrive. I’m sure that all will be fine after any initial upsets.
Herring gull beaks are fearsome looking so it’s little wonder they inflict damage if unprotected.
Good looking vegetables, and I’m envious that you’ve had lots of tomatoes!
I’m glad that you’ve decided to sort out the lawn without resorting to artificial grass.
A most enjoyable post and terrific photos, especially the first seashore one. xx
Curly is intent on getting in Flighty, and she’s more than welcome…..lets hope the dogs behave…..slowly slowly catch your monkey eh….
Yes…those gulls certainly have sharp beaks, we are very careful about our eyes!!!
Here’s to you getting a great late harvest of tome….it’s amazing how we all have such different harvests isn’t it?
Thanks Flighty.xxxx
Wonderful post about freedom for different creatures – except Curly who is giving domestic life a try. Good to hear that the dogs and Curly look as though they’ll soon be getting along. I do love the photo of Sam and Curly watching each other through the door.
I’ve been learning that Seagull chicks often have a tough start to life, so it’s fantastic that you’re helping them out.
The ghost walks sound exciting – and what an opportunity to discover nocturnal wildlife, like your Bats. Do you expect to see Owls, too?
And your veg looks delicious – so pleased you’re having such a good year with everything.
Thanks Wendy. I was really surprised to see Curly outside the door, Sam was just wagging his tail at her, Annie was not too impressed though. I really hope they get along eventually as Curly isn’t getting any younger and winter will be coming around again….
Yes, the gulls are moving into urban areas now and often their chicks fall from buildings and the parents can’t reach them. We’ve never had so many chicks before, and it’s a real problem finding space for them as they are such big stressy birds who loath handling.
Oh…owls….I hadn’t thought of that, but I’m sure to see some…fingers crossed.xxxx
You won’t bore me with bats – love them.
I have (legally- it was being looked after by a vet) had one resting on my hand – a pipistrelle and it was just so tiny and light
How delightful to hear that you have held a bat, They are so tiny, the pipistrelle’s aren’t they. I’ve only ever handled one that I found in the street. I was amazed at it’s tiny teeth, and incredible wings, such an amazing creature.
All the bats we get at the rescue are immediately sent to a guy we call the batman, he’s an expert and always cares for them and gets them back to the wild.
Glad to hear you won’t be bored! Thanks Sue. xxxx
What a performance getting into the website all because I’m sorting out a tablet. Hopefully you have my email comment.
Lots going on including planning your lawn for 2014
Xxx
Sorry to hear you are having problems Menhir, I heard others say the same thing re the tablet, apparently an app needs downloading. I rarely use my tablet, every time I touch it the blooming screen spins off in all directions….sighs…as you know, I’m a total technophobe! xxxx
Fighting like cats and dogs.Do believe have heard something about that before.
God bless you with your efforts on rescuing the gulls. Makes me feel guilty about my latest post. Big tease… (Was an ad man for 15 years before being paralyzed.)
Lol….yes….cats and dogs….sighs….
It’s fantastic seeing the gulls go back to the wild Patrick, something I never tire off. It makes it all so worthwhile.xxxx
Mandarijn stays in all night ans sleeps in the shed all day in the summer but in the winter she hardly ventures out. She’s taken to laying on the outside doormat (yes, we’re posh) when the door is open. She can nip in then at any sign of trouble.
Nice to release the pigeons, must be a great feeling.
Astrid is ghost person and would love to dpo the liverpool ghost tour but we’ve got the Sheffield tour first then the Edinburgh, then York and there’s one in Hull (ghost town anyway) as well.
How odd Mandarijn stays in at night, Curly wants out then. Cats do love sheds don’t they, Curly has lived in ours for five years, it must have ten duvets in it, especially with the rotten winter we had.
You can’t beat releasing birds Mick, I hate to see them injured in cages, so it’s great to get them better and see them go.
Oh…Astrids more than welcome to come on our ghostwalk….my treat!!! xxxx
Very good to hear about the herring gulls. The local birds may also be glad to hear that Curly is deciding to stay inside. Your back garden project sounds exciting, have fun with it!
Lol….cats and birds don’t mix do they.
Now I’ve decided to re-vamp the back, I’m quite excited, it will be a huge project though. Thanks Jason.xxxx
Glad you opted for natural grass… I really hope it works out. Lovely to see the gulls thriving too!
Thanks Rusty duck….Hopefully the dogs will be a little calmer then. Gulls are certainly an interesting bird to rear. Full of surprises they are.xxxx
Another ‘great’ post! So rich in care and concern…..Hopefully, Curly and the dogs will settle down…;) Hugs! xxx
Thanks Bushka, I would love the three of them to live harmoniously…..I’ll keep my fingers crossed.xxxx
Gosh .( Am I the only one who says this anymore?!) What a host of lovely and positive events taking place in your life currently. Such a joy to read things like this as it presents a balance to so much that is negative in the world . This is the first thing to make me smile today! Exciting news about the Ghost Walks and bats ect~ Looking forward to hearing all about ALL these ,as they unfold. Lovely news for both the human and animal family. So pleased I found your blog. Thank you for the uplifting post.
Lol….no Val, gosh is a favourite word of mine too!
Awwww….thanks for your comment. The world can seem so dark at times and the media seem to thrive on misery, yet every day, somewhere, something wonderful and positive is happening. The rescue is full to overflowing with stories with happy endings which by far outweighs the negatives.
I have to say I can’t wait for the next ghostwalk, the cemetery is teeming with wildlife and something funny always happens there. Once we found a body lying in the grass, we all thought it was a plant, turns out it was a drunk who’d passed out. Another time there was an awful screaming, and again, everyone thought it was a ploy, until a woman screamed as something ran up her leg. That time it was a young squirrel that had fallen out of a tree and broke it’s leg. It was taken to the rescue and released back into the cemetery once the leg had healed.Thanks Val.xxxx
I have a distinct feeling that you are a veritable mine of tales and stories! You did make me laugh aloud reading about the drunk and the poor squirrel of course, not funny apart from the initial reaction from the lady whose leg was involved. I can just imagine what she must have thought before it was made clear what it actually was. A timely thing (the squirrel appearing) really since you were able to then help it. Great stories and am sure you will have many more to come.
Lol, thanks Val. I do have a lot of stories, and do waffle on incessantly! I’m happy to know I made you laugh though.
How lucky for that young squirrel to injure itself when there were a bunch of people from the rescue to care for it. The woman whose leg it ran up nearly had a heart attack, she was getting on a bit….totally petrified she was, given it happened in total darkness, in a cemetery, with 58k graves, whilst chilling tales were being told!xxxx
Another wonderful post, with so much to think about. I loved the way Curly moved in, despite the dogs. I have had cat friends like that. They are especially stubborn and brave. It is a problem though, when they hide somewhere that you don’t know. I like to know where cats are in the house… for their own good. But since they are creatures of habit, I imagine you will soon discover his many haunts.
Thanks Shimon. Curly really surprised me, crying to come in like that. And to think I could have opened the door and let the dogs out without even knowing she was there. Now, I’m assuming she’s out there, and I check before I let the dogs out.. Never a dull moment eh…..xxxx
Sounds like a very hopeful week for all your companions (yay, Sam!), and your Rescue sweeties, too! Hope peace reigns in the household–mine go on wrestling jags, then everyone gets along for a time. We are currently in a peaceful phase.
Your daughter’s work sounds like such fun…looking forward to bat tales. We love our neighborhood bats. 🙂
The garden harvests look great, Dina…next year’s undertaking sounds like a big job, but you’re the woman to get it done…glad, though, that you’ll have the winter to tend those dreams and plans. Thanks for another lovely post!
Thanks Kitty, it is beginning to look a little more promising. Curly is being well behaved around the dogs, but she’s clearly wary of them. Fingers crossed eh?
Lol, so glad to hear your four leggeds are in a peaceful phase, long may it reign!
Oh…you have bats? how lovely. They are almost impossible to photograph aren’t they. I love the silence of them, fascinating creatures.
The ghost walks are a good laugh and people seem to enjoy them, so I should have fun whilst herding.
Lol….I glad you have faith in me Kitty…I shall plough on and start drawing up plans…yes, lots to think about over winter.xxxx
Another lovely, joyous, life-affirming post – thanks again! The dogs are just having a whale of a time on that beach. And Curly – what about her! Maybe they will all settle down together in the end. Your veg look amazing – red and white spuds! What a clever girl you are – I’m full of admiration.
Awwww….thanks so much Gilly. Tell you what….I really got a shock seeing Curly sitting there….cats and dogs eh….
Yes, I grew two varieties of spuds this year and both are lovely. The early ones are fab with a dab of butter. The warm weather has been smashin’ for the veg and fruit.xxxx
Yippee!!! I’m so pleased for Curly Cat. She’s probably getting herself settled in ready for winter. I’m sure they’ll all learn to live with each other eventually, even if that means each of them giving the other a wide berth. It’s nerve wracking letting a dog off the lead for the first time, especially when you know they’ve run off previously, but there’s no feeling like giving a dog it’s freedom, watching it explore and then come back when called. You just have to be in a safe place and put some trust in it, and have some tasty morsels ready for bribes. I know someone who got a dog at the same time as we got Archie and that poor dog has never been off it’s lead. She just doesn’t trust it to come back so it’s never been given the chance. Fair enough, keep a dog on an extended lead if you know it’s that way inclined, but she’s never given it a chance, poor thing. The ghost walk sounds fab, something I’d definitely go on if I were in the area, well done to your daughter on being the new guide, she must know all the hauntings of the area now. Lovely to hear about all the birdies being released, isn’t it great when you see how the rescue have helped. This time of year is great for the gardener. Makes all the hard work at the start of the year worthwhile when everything’s ready to eat.
Thanks Jo, I do have my fingers crossed that eventually, all will work out between the cat and the dogs.
I couldn’t agree more re dogs being kept on leads, they really do need to have a decent run and a chance to explore the big wide world, and as you say, it’s a great feeling when they finally come back to a call.
Awww….that’s so sad to hear that a dog has to live it’s life on a lead, I can’t understand how someone could do that, as you say, you have to give them a chance and persevere. It’s taken ages to get Sam to come back, but now he simply loves being off and running.
Now if you’re ever up this way the tour is on me!!!
It is so rewarding seeing animals being released, the rescue does do a grand job.
Oh my….yes, eating your own veggies certainly makes it all worth it, and it really has been a good year.xxxx
Will wonders never cease! I hope Curly Cat and the dogs learn to get along. They are rather a rambunctious pair. The photos you took of them on the beach are just gorgeous. And they look ecstatic to be running free.
Your garden’s at the peak of production, I see. Well done! I’m sure you are enjoying all the fruits of your labor 🙂 I’ve been thinking of a zucchini frittata lately…..
Can’t wait to hear about your redesign plans. Wish I could see an aerial view of how your gardens are laid out.
I do think there may yet be hope with Curly and the dogs, especially as she’s instigating the situation.
Oh Sam was deliriously happy to finally be able to gallop off…..
I await your zucchini recipe with bated breath,….I do have a surplus of them…..
Basically, the back garden is a big square, with five sixty foot beech trees at the back so there is no light under the trees for about ten foot. There is a elevated pond at the back right, but the dogs have run a trench around it and the pond sits in a island now.
Running down the left side are trees, mainly a sixty foot leylandi which has to come down as it’s dying now, which is a shame as so many birds live in it. I’ll wait until late autumn, to make sure no nests are disturbed. On the right side are two willow trees which have half blown down. The front of the garden is paved, with a small pond in front of the paving. So, it’s a blank canvas apart from the beech trees.
I’m going to have a veggie patch running along the left of the garden, but that’s all I have in terms of a plan…..lol…Thanks Nikki xxxx
Thanks for the description. It helps me visualize a bit. Those are some big undertakings you’re talking about — like that leylandi — sixty foot!
As for the zucchini frittata, I just sauteed thinly sliced zucchinis until they are nearly done to my liking, throw in some thinly sliced mushrooms and slivers of cherry tomatoes. The idea is to have the veggies cook and give up their moisture before adding the beaten eggs. Cover pan and cook until eggs are no longer jiggly. A sprinkle of parmesan is nice, too.
Oh my…..that’s lunch tomorrow sorted. Shame it’s nearly midnight or I’d cook it now. Thanks Nikki.xxxx
Just realized what you meant…..sorry for the waffle about the back garden, yeah….thinking about it, it must be really confusing….a front garden, back garden and courtyard….I’ll draw a map on my next post….or get hubs too, he has more idea of scale than me.xxxx