I recently came across this little gem at home - you know, the way things seem to randomly "surface" in the routine activities of cleaning, sorting, tidying. Like an archaeological dig. It is a little booklet, around 2 x 3 inches, obviously meant for a toddler. Small book for small hands.  My mother gave it to me when we were still in England in 1965, two years before we crossed the ocean to Canada. I was 6 years old. I wish I had taken better care of it, and certainly a scan was in order for preservation's sake.  This wee little jewel no doubt "germinated" my love of plants and f ..read more

  Ginja wonders why he's getting sleepy!? Tristan supervising the lighting of the candles. Elvie illuminated by candlelight. My last desk top at work? Perhaps... Lily and company! She just loves the new basket, prime real estate these days. Must get another ..read more

Our dear Zena rallied for almost a whole year after her stroke last November. Alas, she never showed an interest to go outside again, and yet her quality of life was not so bad. But, in recent weeks, she was showing the signs we all know, when this decision is coming near. RIP sweet Zena ..read more

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 Dear Friends, A long absence, since April. I am sad for the old days, gone, and fear the new looming days, worry about what's coming round the bend ahead. Sad for the state of the world. But cats and flowers are always a good respite - for sanity - for hope. So - what follows is an overview from now back to May - it was not all bad:   ..read more

So I told him that he'd better shut his mouth And do his job like a man. And he answered "Listen, Father, I will never kill another." He thinks he's better than his brother that died What the hell does he think he's doing To his father who brought him up right? Take your place on The Great Mandala As it moves through your brief moment of time. Win or lose now you must choose now And if you lose you're only losing your life. Tell the jailer not to bother With his meal of bread and water today. He is fasting 'til the killing's over He's a martyr, he thinks he's a prophet. But he's a coward ..read more

 Meanwhile,  Beautiful Amaryllis Festive and lightly fragrant Paperwhites Narcissus "Inbal" are a great alternative to those who find "Ziva" overpowering in fragrance. So happy t have found them, as Cat Wrangler  was finding Ziva nauseating, threatening to banish them to the basement LOL! Winter blossoms to feed the gardener's soul. Happy New Year, with Good Health above all ..read more

  And so, another year was brought to a sudden halt at work, sent home early due to rising COVID. Again, no tree at work - and just a small one at home. Hard to muster up that "feeling", but today, Christmas Day, I am here with my blessings, the Cat Wrangler and kitties, and perfect softly falling snow, whilst listening to the Salvation Army show from England.  Then Mr. Bean later on! Oh, and still later maybe I'll see what the Pope has to say as well. ;) Merry Christmas ..read more

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  As the world is remembering 9/11 20 years later, let me share a story that to this day seems rather amazing. This happened several years ago. I think it was 2003. It was a snowy late night, close to midnight. Snow was falling lightly, slowly but persistently, covering all surfaces with a magical, sparkling white coating, obliterating all traces of footprints and paw prints. As we are shutting off the lights for the night, we notice a dog on our neighbor's porch - just sitting there, as though admiring the view. Sitting very still, as though waiting for a command or for his owner ..read more