Joys of Winter

bagitha Rory is sitting on the other side of the fence. He must be hungry. He knows that something is not quite right. I feel absolutely AWFUL.

But, super, you're being kind to him!

Isn't it amazing how animals can sense things being out of the ordinary? Our cockerel is quite bloshy most of the time and we have to be bloshy back to keep him in order, but if we ever try to catch him, all the bluster and chest-puffing and showing of vicious spurs comes to nothing and he's away out of reach!

supernana You really ARE being kind! Sometimes we have to be cruel to be kind as the saying goes. I do hope Rory takes the bait. What do you mean, you'll be in charge of the situation? Surely the nice man will try again?

baggy Nice man came back. Still no cat. If he makes his way into trap by 4 o'clock at the latest, we'll transport him to the vet in Campbeltown. The nice man will ring the vet, and if he's there, will collect and take good care of him overnight. He really is a great chap. Spends much of his free time trying to do the right thing by feral felines. We have three traps. Mother and kits call around at five-ish. We shall have to try to capture them Sunday and get to the vet first thing Monday morning.
As for bloshy cockerels, we used to feed chickens and a very cocky cock when friends were away. Cock used to attack J. On one occasion, J turned awkwardly to fend attacker off, slipped and badly sprained his ankle. By gum...it didn't 'arf 'urt...J let rip with some very colourful expletives

Seventimesfive The nice man lives near the Mull of Kintyre - some distance from here. We have the traps and J knows how to operate and transfer the cats into a travelling basket. Mother and kits are wild. Rory is as good as wild...which means they are all going to make a hell of a fuss. Rory is a canny cat, bless him. If only he knew that we were not going to rob him of his freedom.

I think he has been reading GN and knows what's up!

Very funny, jeni He's now outside the front door. Husband is trying a new tactic...put his fleece into carrying basket, and entice him to go inside for a wee bite. Then we'll wizz down to Campbeltown. Simples!

What is that saying ' many a plan of mice and men gang oft agley?'

They can tell you know. The difference between going in the car because we're going for a walk in Salcey Forest and going in the car because we're off to the vet's - Grace knows EXACTLY what's what.
Can fool her about the k****l place though as that's in Salcey Forest !
Good luck - can you actually blame the cat???

jeni that made me

"The best laid plans o' mice and men
Gang aft agley."

That's what I meant to type. Back to humpy dumpy again.

gracesmum It is for the good of the tribe of feral cats that live deep in the forest. Since we've been feeding Mother cat, she's had two sets of kits. At the going rate, it won't be too long before we'll be overwhelmed by Rory's progeny. After all, he's an exceedingly fine fella

Sitting here and looking out
The snow washed apricot glow
Brings relief to the monochrome landscape
Of a cruel, bleak dusk-sky
That calls of another hard, deep cold night
With silence.

Rest
And dreams of hopes will come
Soon.

(Sorry to be glum, facial x-rays and further excision required - a bit tired.)

Lovely though. Hope you feel better soon.

Oh poor you butternut what a pain. And it is all frozen and grey, doesn't help.
When are you back with the docs?

I will, jeni - thanks. I shall just have to accept an even more characterful
face.
Hoping scars and things will heal well before big family wedding in June! Thank goodness for sunglasses.

Next week Jess - probably losing half an eyebrow. Plastics are good these days I believe. Ever hopeful . Eye is fine thankfully.

Hugs, butty. I had missed you this weekend. Thank goodness for modern surgery. xx

butty xxxx

Butty, I feel for you. Good luck with the next round of treatment. (((hug)))

Plastics are indeed fantastic, but eyebrows might be a challenge. It is very strange isn't it how hair grows differently in different parts of the body.
Did you ever see that Billy Connolly pube sketch? Imagine his accent inside your head:
"Wouldn't it be strange if you pubes just kept on growing? You could comb them (actions at this point) and use johoba sham*poo*"
Planning to cultivate a fringe by wedding?

Jess.
Fortunately, I have very blond (grey?) eyebrows, so they have never figured so to speak. I also wear glasses, so when I buy some new ones (soon!) I'll certainly be looking at coverage.
There's always an upside....

Thanks bagitha Annobel and Ariande - really appreciate your concerns. x

Dearest Butter lovely warm hugs coming your way. Take extra special care of yourself. xxx